The Dominion Magazine by Schooley Media Ventures, LLC

MARCH 2015

ALL ROADS LEAD TO

San Antonio

There’s never a dull moment when you have a career in broadcast journalism

TOP GOLF OPENS Lavish sophistication A PUBLICATION OF:

THE DOMINION HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

the hill country WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY

SAVOR YOUR PRI VAT E PARADISE let me help you find yours MICHAEL SCHULTZ 210.268.8510 michael.schultz@sothebysrealty.com

FEATURED PROPERTY: 7 VENICE COURT | THE DOMINION CALL FOR PRICE

THE DOMINION M A R K E T U P DAT E JA N 1 3 - F E B 1 8

CONTENTS THE DOMINION MAGAZINE | THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE DOMINION HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

MARCH 2015

There is never a dull moment when you have a career in broadcast journalism.

WELCOME 14

COVER 36

DINING 44

Easter Brunch Favorites.

THE CLUB

CALENDAR 16 CLUB HAPPENINGS 18

LEXUS EVENT 20 FROM THE HOA 26

Community Interest 48 TopGolf opens at the RIM

TENNIS 54 HOME TOUR 58 Lavish Sophistication

STAFF PROFILE 28

GOLF 66

This issue we talk with HOA Assistant Manager, Julianna Rincon.

Student spotlight 30 SOCIAL GROUP 32

Wine Dinner Event 70 REALTOR PROFILE 72 FINANCIAL 76

Hill Country Women’s Bible Study

The biggest threats to your retirement.

48 T h e D o m i n i o n -M a g a z i n e . c o m

Providing Real Estate Service from

MIGUEL HERRERA

REALTOR®, ABR, ALHS, MEXICAN NATIONAL SPECIALIST

Office| 210.253.3138 Cell | 210.563.3660 miguel@mhrealtygroup.com | www.miguelsellshomes.com Monthly Seminars to Mexican National Business Owners about investing in San Antonio Rated Top 7% 5-Star REALTOR® by Texas Monthly Magazine Access to special financing to Foreign Nationals

“My monthly seminars attract wealthy business owners

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- Miguel Herrera

2 BISHOPS GREEN

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WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE HAVE JOINED THE #1 LUXURY REAL ESTATE OFFICE IN SAN ANTONIO!

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6 HIGHGATE

Gorgeous Mediterranean house with amazing views from every room. Each room has its own private balcony. This Spectacular house was previously owned by a famous Spurs player. One of a kind architectural details with hard wood floors, 4 fireplaces and much more! Full outdoor kitchen with fireplace under a large cover patio and a resort style pool. $985,000

8 WHITECHURCH

Traditional Renaissance Style Stucco home on a corner lot in the Dominion! Luxurious open floor plan with elegant crown molding! Brilliant Refinished Hardwood Floors. Spacious gourmet island kitchen complete with solid countertops and stainless steel appliances. Expansive living spaces and secondary bedrooms enhanced with relaxing fireplaces located throughout the home! Extended Gameroom with access to private balcony perfect to enjoy coffee or glass of wine! Backyard highlighted by absolute privacy, covered patio, mature trees and a sparking pool/spa perfect for outdoor entertainment. $850,000

14 KINGS HEATH

Exquisite Mediterranean Beauty located in the Renaissance at the Dominion. This fabulous 2 story home boasts elegance and luxury.Open floor plan with lots of natural light and High Ceilings.Grand Entry with soaring 20 ft. high ceilings,crown molding & columns!Gourmet Island Kitchen with Solid Counter tops,cheery breakfast bar & eat-in kitchen.Luxurious living areas offer entertainment and living. Master Retreat has private 2nd Floor Sitting area.Master Bath complete with stunning garden tub & double vanity. $750,000

MARCH 2015 | VOLUME 2 ISSUE 3

PUBLISHED By SMV Texas Design Group, LLC 930 E. Blanco, Ste. 200, Boerne, TX 78006 210-507-5250

Welcome TO

the Dominion Magazine

Dear Reader,

This is our sixth issue of The Dominion Magazine. To date, we have celebrated a series of great stories about some of our residents, employees, students, charities, homes and much more. We hope you are enjoying these stories, but also hope you find our magazine the resource for information about your community and the Dominion Country Club. Looking back at the stories in the first few issues, I think you can appreciate the diversity of the residents in The Dominion. I have been a resident of The Dominion for close to twenty years. There have been so many changes during that time in the community as well as the area. Our area is growing along with our neighborhood and there is change all around. Twenty years ago we had very limited access to shopping and restaurants and now we have endless choices. Our community now has close to 4,000 people; we are almost a large as Terrell Hills! One of the wonderful changes is that we have so many more community activities. Keep an eye on the HOA and Dominion Country Club calendars in our magazine for a series of exciting events coming up this spring. I have been reflecting on my own history here as The Dominion will be marking our 30th Anniversary this year. We are planning several fun events to celebrate this milestone this year. Plus, we know you will enjoy upcoming articles about the history of The Dominion community as well as The Dominion Country Club. If you have any information or old photos that you would like to share, please contact Sonia Matthews at the HOA office. In this issue, we get some insight into the exciting off-camera lives of WOAI’s Michael and Claudia Garofalo. Tony Re gives us details on the impending golf Demo Day, and Chef Jay Nash gives us a sweet insight to Easter dining at The Club.

SMV TEXAS DESIGN GROUP, LLC CEO/PRESIDENT Benjamin D. Schooley ben@smvtexas.com OPERATIONS MANAGER Kristine Duran kristine@smvtexas.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Benjamin Weber ben.weber@smvtexas.com ASSISTANT CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kayla Davisson kayla@smvtexas.com

THE DOMINION HOA OFFICE 20 Dominion Drive San Antonio, Texas 78257 (210) 698-1232 | www.dominionhoa.com

The Dominion Magazine is published by Schooley Media Ventures in Boerne, TX. The Dominion Magazine and Schooley Media Ventures are not responsible for any inaccuracies, erroneous

Jeff Lewis, Chairman Dominion Homeowners Association

information, or typographical errors contained in this publication submitted by advertisers. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of

FOr Advertising opportunities call 210-507-5250 14

M a r c h 2015

MARCH 5

Supper Club 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Cocktail Hour 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Program and Dining 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. An elegant buffet, happy hour priced drinks and a fun program await you! Join us this month! Supper Club is a great way for the Club’s newest members to meet existing Club members! Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Supper Club! Wear green or get pinched! Enjoy food, drink and recite your favorite Irish ditty for the crowd! $25.95 per person RSVP to 210-698-3364

Women’s Forum Luncheon 11:30 a.m. How to be a Tourist in Your Own Back Yard, featuring John Bloodsworth. Learn about unknown gems in the city: restaurants, hidewaways, shopping secrets and more! Join the Forum and join the Fun! The ladies get together monthly for a fun program and lunch. The Women’s Forum is a great avenue for meeting the ladies of your Club!

History Club 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Keep your mind sharp and engaged and join History Club! Photo SA Camera Club 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Learn a new aspect of photography each month! Cost is $10 per class, charged to your Member account. Please RSVP to www.meetup.com/PhotoSA

Birthday Happy Hour 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Celebrate the March babies with complimentary hors d’oeuvres, 1/2 priced cocktails and a cake large enough to share!

Monthly Sunday Brunch 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Traditional, elegant & definitely a culinary treat for the entire family! Standout selections include: Omelet Station, Prime Rib Carving Station, Shrimp Cocktail, Fresh Fruit Display, Blintz with Berry Sauce, Roasted Red Potatoes, Smoked Salmon Display, Chef selection of breakfast and entrée items and Pastry Chef Judy’s fabulous dessert extravaganza! $26.95 Adults $12.95 Children 4-11 RSVP to 210-698-3364

Alexander Valley Wine Dinner 7:00 p.m. Five exquisite wines and a lovely dinner are planned for this evening! $85 per person Please RSVP to 210-698-3364

Kids Easter Egg Hunt & March Sunday Brunch 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Your children will hunt for 3000 eggs in age categories of 1-4, 5-7 and 8+. Five prize eggs given out per age group for finding the golden egg! THE HUNT BEGINS PROMPTLY AT NOON! The Brunch is extravagant and we are bringing back the cookie decorating station again this year! The Easter Bunny will be here for photographs, which can be charged to your Member account. $26.95 Adults, $12.95 Children 4-11 Please RSVP to 210-698-3364

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Every Tuesday

Every Wednesday

Every Thursday

Every Friday

Yoga for Every Body at the Cabana 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Yoga for Every Body: This gentle yoga series is designed for beginning students, those familiar with yoga and moderately active seniors. Standing, sitting and lying down postures. $15 per class RSVP to 210-698-2288

Morning Flow Yoga at the Cabana 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Morning Flow Yoga: Energize your morning with Yoga. The invigorating flow of breath and movement will rejuvenate your whole body and send you into your day feeling strong and balanced. All levels welcome. $15 per class RSVP to 210-698-2288

Men’s Bible Study 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. This group meets every Thursday in the Piano Lounge. Stop by this week!

Athletic Yoga at the Cabana 9:00 p.m. – 10:00 a.m. Athletic Yoga: Designed for the athlete in all of us, this series will improve balance, injury reduction and faster recovery for all regardless of skill, level or sport. Moderately active. $15 per class RSVP to 210-698-2288

The Dominion Rotary Club 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. This international service group meets at The Dominion every Tuesday

Women’s Bible Study 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. The ladies get together every Wednesday in the Board Room. Stop by this week!

Burger Night in the Grille 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Delicious, cooked to order and just $5! Treat the family, invite friends! RSVP to 210-698-3364

Stretch & Lengthen Yoga at the Cabana 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Stretch and Lengthen: A nonphysical and non-strenuous practice designed specifically for healing, decompression and mental relaxation. Athletes and those who carry any kind of stress within the body, and are tight and tense as a result, will benefit tremendously by attending this class. All levels welcome. $15 per class RSVP to 210-698-2288

Vinyasa Flow Yoga at the Cabana 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Vinyasa Flow: Active, flowing style yoga class proven to improve strength, cardiovascular health and flexibility. Moderately active. $15 per class RSVP to 210-698-2288

Friday Night Happy Hour 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Kick off the weekend with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and 1/2 priced cocktails with your fellow Dominion Members and Guests! Prime Rib Night in the Grille 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Bountiful and delicious! $21.95 per person RSVP to 210-698-3364

Yoga Basics Class at the Cabana 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Yoga Basics: Offered at a slower pace, this class focuses on the basics of yoga, breathwork and movement. Great for beginners. $15 per class RSVP to 210-698-2288 Pasta Night in the Grille 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Gourmet and cooked to order! Enjoy with salad and bread for only $14.95 per person, 12 and over. KIDS 4-11 EAT FREE! RSVP to 210-698-3364

T h e D o m i n i o n -M a g a z i n e . c o m

THE

DOMINION CountryClub Happenings NEW MEMBER MIXER A great time was had by all who attended Januaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Member Mixer! Appreciation goes out to The Dominion Country Club Board Members and long-time Members who so warmly & graciously welcomed our newest Members.

M a r c h 2015

womEn’s forum c o u p l e s v a l en t ine Love is in the air! The Women’s Forum Couples Valentine Happy Hour was a lovely affair of classical guitar music, delicious hors d’oeuvres, sweet treats, gorgeous jewels for purchase and even a caricature artist!

T h e D o m i n i o n -M a g a z i n e . c o m

thank you to north park lexus

M a r c h 2015

Thank you to North Park Lexus! On behalf of The Dominion residents, the HOA would like to thank Merle Gothard and North Park Lexus at Dominion for hosting a wonderful Grand Opening event for the community. Over 700 attendees were treated to fantastic food catered by Don Strange, had their thirst quenched with a variety of beverages, and were even given an opportunity to view the new, immaculate Lexus dealership. We are pleased to have North Park Lexus as a neighbor and wish them the best of luck

T h e D o m i n i o n -M a g a z i n e . c o m

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We have chosen to specialize in the Dominion because this is where we call home. Our strong sense of community drives our commitment to you as your Realtor. Our success is built upon the dedication we show and the trust we earn with each of our clients. As your real estate agent, you can count on us for our honesty, integrity, and expertise, not only in our neighborhood, but in all aspects of the home buying and selling experience. We bring a passion and joy for great design, great homes, and great people into the highly competitive world of ultra luxury real estate. See how a commitment to excellence can make a difference. RANDON HAYES, CELESTE HAYES & DIANE GONZALEZ Top Producing Realtors速 & Luxury Home Specialists Over $36,000,000 in sales since 2011 | 2012 Keller Williams Top Producing Newcomer Team Nationwide & Canada | Winner of Double Gold Production award in 2011 & 2012 | Winner of Triple Gold Production award in 2013 | 2011, 2012, 2013 Platinum Top 50 Finalist

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neighborhood wildlife By Louan ledoux

We are lucky in The Dominion to share our area with many types of wildlife. With so much undeveloped land within and around our community, we have a lot of deer. Many fawns are born in the spring. Since the babies are unable to follow their mothers for the first few weeks of life, the mother often hides her fawn in vegetation to protect them from predators, only coming back a few times a day to nurse. Often those safe places are close to homeowners’ property and when the homeowner discovers the fawn they might fear that it is abandoned or orphaned. Last year, our resident animal advocates group, DAAG, as well as Security, received many calls about fawns at Dominion residents’ homes, and many more were not reported. Although well intentioned, people trying to “rescue” the fawns can do them more harm than good. Generally, the babies are curled up and don’t move, which is what they are supposed to do. Unless the baby is in a dangerous situation, like being too close to traffic, too close to ants, threatened by pets, or looks to be hurt or in distress, it is best to leave them alone and let the mother care for it. If they need to be moved, it is best to get advice as they need to stay close to their original spot to be located by their mother. If they get spooked and try to run, it could be difficult to get them to a safe place again. Here are some suggestions taken from an article by the British Columbia SPCA that can help Dominion residents understand the situation and respond in the most helpful way. What to do if you find an orphaned or injured baby fawn: •If the fawn is lying quietly and appears uninjured, leave it alone. It is normal for a mother deer to leave her baby alone for periods of time. 26

M a r c h 2015

Remember that the mother deer will be wary of you, so your presence in the area could discourage her from returning. Leave the area. •Keep pets away from the area. • If you think the fawn is not being cared for by its mother, return the next day to check on it. If it is in the exact same spot and bleating (crying out), it may be orphaned. What not to do when you find a baby fawn: •Don’t touch the fawn. If you have already handled it, find a towel, rub it in the grass, and wipe the fawn down to remove your scent. •Don’t move the fawn. If you have moved it, return it to its original location unless the area is unsafe. If the fawn is dangerously close to a road, move it to the side. •Don’t attempt to capture and care for the fawn yourself. If it is orphaned or injured, contact a wildlife rehabilitator for assistance. It is important to handle deer orphans carefully and minimize human contact to give them the best chance of returning to the wild. Signs a baby fawn may need help: •The deer is obviously injured (bleeding, broken limb) •You know the fawn is an orphan (you see evidence that the parent is dead) •The fawn is lying on its side, wandering, or crying. If you find a fawn and are concerned that it might need help, please call WRR (Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation) at 830-336-2725 or Security, who will put you in touch with one of our DAAG (Dominion Animal Advocates Group) representatives.

Architectural Control Committee (acc) Do I need to request approval for interior home changes? No, only modifications to the exterior of the home require prior approval from the ACC. Does a formal application need to be completed? Yes, the application is available on The Dominion HOA website as well as a hardcopy available in the HOA office. If I’m painting my house a new color, do I need to submit paint samples? Yes, paint samples of the requested color should be submitted as well as a photo of the current color of the exterior of the home.

UPCOMING HOA EVENTS Landscape Committee Meeting Thursday, March 5 at 8:00 a.m..

Neighborhood Outreach Committee Meeting Monday, March 16 at 8:30 a.m.

Development Committee Meeting Wednesday, March 11 at 7:30 a.m.

If I just want to set up a playground or activity equipment for my children, including trampolines or basketball courts, do I need approval? All activity equipment must be submitted for ACC review. The Dominion Rules and Regulations state that activity equipment is to be screened from the road and adjacent properties. ACC requests use of certain colors for the playscape and basketball goals to blend easier in the existing vegetation.

Security Committee Meeting Tuesday, March 17 at 9:00 a.m.

Finance Committee Meeting Thursday, March 19 at 1:00 p.m.

Board of Directors Meeting Wednesday, March 25 at 4:00 p.m.

I want to plant a couple trees in my backyard, do I need approval to do this? Yes, as for any exterior modification, it must be reviewed. For the trees, please submit a survey plot of your property with the location of the proposed trees, information on the trees including species and sizing, along with information on irrigation for the new plantings. Are there any fees associated with submitting an application? Yes, there are various review fees for the different projects. Plus, there are construction deposit and permit fees associated for larger projects that utilize heavy machinery. The fee schedule is available on The Dominion HOA website as well as a hardcopy available in the HOA office. When does the ACC meet? The ACC meets every Thursday at 4:30pm. When do I have to turn in the request to be reviewed at the meeting? The complete application will need to be submitted to the HOA office by close of business Monday to be reviewed at that Thursday’s meeting. Can my contractor submit the request on my behalf? Yes, your contractor is welcome to contact the HOA on your behalf.

Architectural Control Committee Meetings Thursday, March 5, 12, 19, 26 at 4:30 p.m.

New Resident Patio Party Thursday, April 9 from 5:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. The Dominion Country Club Food, drinks and fun for the kids! Residents who have moved in over the last 6 months are invited to attend.

Mariachi Dash 5k/10k Walk/Run Saturday, April 11 Starting at 8:00 a.m. with the Kids’ ½ Mile Fun Run Register at www.mariachidash.com Kick off Fiesta at The Dominion with our 5k/10k Walk/Run. Residents race free and T-shirts will be on sale. Join us for a morning of zesty Mariachi fun!

Fiesta Party Sunday, April 12 from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. The Pecan Grove Fiesta fun with a little flair celebrating The Dominion’s 30th Anniversary!

Annual Meeting Wednesday, April 15 at 7:00 p.m. at The Dominion Country Club

Are there certain hours when construction is permitted? Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Sunday NO WORK PERMITTED No work on Holidays. T h e D o m i n i o n -M a g a z i n e . c o m

Family: I am married with two children, a daughter named Jadeyn who is 5 years old and a son named Justice who is 9 months old. I have two younger sisters and was raised by my mom and my grandmother. How did you get into your field? I went for an interview at The Dominion for a temporary receptionist position sent by Express Personnel Services and never left. I was hired as a full-time employee and worked my way from Receptionist to Assistant Manager. How long have you been with The Dominion? 15 Years What is your favorite aspect about working at The Dominion? I like the fact that the HOA employees are employed by the Association, not a Management company. Also the residents are genuinely very nice and pleasant and make The Dominion an enjoyable place to work.

What has been your most rewarding experience in your business? The relationships that I have gained over the years with so many wonderful individuals. What has been your greatest challenge in your business? The different personalities and trying not to take things personally. I was hired to do a job and that is to maintain the community while enforcing the covenants.

Julianna Rincon

STAFF PROFILE

TITLE: Assistant Manager, HOA Hometown: Kosciusko, Texas professional credentials: I currently hold one Community Association Institute (CAI) designation of a Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA).

M a r c h 2015

Favorite sporting event you’ve attended? The Spurs game where I had court side tickets. The Spurs played the New York Knicks and won. It was an intense, but great game. What are your hobbies and interests? I enjoy spending time with my children and husband, taking the kids to the park and going to the movies. I also enjoy spending time with my mom and grandmother, who I don’t get to see that often. We often go out for lunch or a day of shopping. Favorite quote and why? “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” Mahatma Gandhi Favorite movie and why? When I was younger, I watched the movie “Steel Magnolias” and fell in love with it. It was just one of those movies that made you laugh and cry.

student spotlight

M a r c h 2015

Name: Diandra Buckley

Name: Ireland Buckley

Age: 20 years old

Age: 16 years old

School: University of Texas at San Antonio

School: I attend Antonian College Preparatory High School.

Major: Nursing

How long have you been dancing? I have been dancing since I was three years old with Dance Dominion and I have been on the Antonian Dance Team since freshman year. I am very excited about this year because I have become an officer and we are getting prepared for our national championship where we are hoping to keep our title for the fifth year in a row.

How did you first get into dance? I started dance at the age of three at Dance Dominion and continued to dance there until I was eighteen years old. Awards and accolades related to dance? I was a member of the Antonian Silver Dancers throughout my four years of high school. I was an officer my senior year and for the last three years of high school, my team and I won the National Grand Champion title. I am now dancing with the UTSA Pom Squad. After high school, I decided to tryout ballroom dancing and I started competing in my free time. I won Best Newcomer at my last three competitions. I love to dance any style of dance. This school year, I was lucky enough to be asked to be the assistant coach for the Antonian Silver Dancers. It has been a wonderful experience. Where is the most exciting place you have performed? I have been lucky enough to perform in many exciting places. I have danced at Spurs games, National Championships in Galveston and UTSA games As part of a family of dancers, is there some healthy competition within the household? I wouldn’t call it a competition, but I would say as a family of dancers it is never a dull moment in our household. Someone is always dancing around the house. We help each other achieve our goals in dancing. It is nice to always have someone to practice with and to share my passion for dance. What are some of your other activities and interests? Throughout my life, I have been involved in other activities and sports. I learned how to play the piano from my amazing teacher and fellow Dominion neighbor, Virginia Kane. I rode horses for six years and was part of The Dominion Swim Team from the ages of 6 to 17. In 2013, I was named the Queen of the San Antonio Gardenia and Musical Club. It is a Women’s organization that raises scholarship money for Fine Arts students. What has been your favorite part of growing up in The Dominion? Growing up in The Dominion has been an amazing part of my life. I have been blessed to live in such a beautiful and family-oriented neighborhood. I have met some of my closest friends here in The Dominion. We spent many summers at the tennis and sports camps in the neighborhood. I also loved being so close to my grandparents. They lived three houses away from us, so I was able to visit them whenever I wanted. I have so many memories in the neighborhood that I will never forget.

What types of dance do you practice? I do many different types of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical and many more. I think it’s really fun to get to experience all different types of dance. Awards and accolades related to dance? This past October, my dance team became the overall 1st place winners in the state of Texas and we are also the reigning overall first place national champions for five years. We are being honored at a dance competition in April for our great success in winning 1st in the state. We also have the academic award at nationals which is recognition of excellence in grade point averages of our team members. Where is the most exciting place you have performed? One of the most exciting places I have performed is in the Fiesta Flambeau Night Parade. Every year our dance team gets to dance throughout downtown to celebrate Fiesta. What it is like to be a part of a family of dancers? Considering that everyone in my household likes to dance, we are always ready for new dance classes at Lifetime or just dancing around the house before dinner. It really helps that we all enjoy dancing and that it also keeps us in shape. What other activities are you interested in? Well like I told you I have been dancing since I was three but I also have been playing the piano since I was five and I take part in many things at my school. I am a part of the Executive Student Council, NHS, ACTS team and many clubs. I really enjoy being involved in many different associations in my school. What do you plan to major in when you graduate? I plan on possibly studying premed in the future and becoming a pediatrician. What has been your favorite part of growing up in The Dominion? My favorite part of growing up in The Dominion is getting to have really close friends that I live next door to, being in the kids’ camps and on swim team when I was little. I went to the summer camps for over ten years and would invite all of my friends from school to come with me so they could have fun too. But I especially love getting to live in such a beautiful neighborhood with many friendly people that I’ve grown up with. T h e D o m i n i o n -M a g a z i n e . c o m

The Hill Country Women’s Bible Study

Joyful Women By Beth Senneff, Leslie Shultz, Ginny Glass and Kathlin Jauregui

n 1985, The Dominion developers wanted to do something special by placing a few things in the cornerstone of The Dominion Country Club. The first residents, Beth and Jack Senneff were asked to contribute a small item. They chose a special and appropriate Scripture and placed it in a sealed envelope: “For Dominion belongs to the Lord and He rules over the nations.” Psalm 22:28 (RSV). As new families began to move into The Dominion, the words in the cornerstone were always a reminder to Beth and she felt strongly that the Lord wanted a Bible Study group started. There was a wonderful response! Women from all Christian denominations have been joyfully gathering together every Wednesday since the fall of 1986 to study the bible, pray, and receive spiritual support from one another. As the word spread about this inspired and friendly group to other neighborhoods, it was named Hill Country Women’s Bible Study, attracting women with varying degrees of Bible knowledge. Biblically based books, videos, and especially our Bibles, place the focus on God

M a r c h 2015

rather than denominational differences, leading to lively discussion on how to live out one’s faith in today’s world. Sessions begin and end in confidential prayer for personal and family needs. The group has gathered together in one another’s homes in previous years, but currently meets at The Dominion Country Club in the Board Room. No membership or regular attendance is required. Women of all ages are welcome to join and/or visit the group when their schedule allows at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. We end at 2:00 p.m. with prayer. The study commences in mid-September with a potluck fellowship, breaks for Holidays with a Christmas luncheon and concludes in April with a final potluck fellowship. Come experience the joy and love that the Lord can put into your heart as you learn and grow in God’s word and share with fellow neighbors and sisters Please contact Beth Senneff at (210)378-1738, Kathlin Jauregui at (210) 872-3014 or Ginny Glass at (210) 394-5590 for more information.

T H E E XC L U S I V E P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E D O M I N I O N H O M E OW N E R S A S S O C I AT I O N

MAKE A LASTING IMPRESSION Advertise with The Dominion Magazine 21 0. 50 7. 52 50 â&#x20AC;˘ ben@smvtexas.com

T h e D o m i n i o n -M a g a z i n e . c o m

ALL ROADS LEAD TO

San Antonio By kristine duran :: photography by west vita

There is never a dull moment when you have a career in broadcast journalism. Your job can take you across state lines, through risky state of affairs, and even lead you to the love your life. At least that was the case with stunning TV news and radio personalities Michael and Claudia Garofalo. The couple have both seen their fair share of ups and downs in the business, but persevered by the power of their passion.

As a boy in Glenrock, New Jersey, Michael was a regular athlete. TV news had never even been on his radar until the First Gulf War. “I watched all of the news coverage like a hawk,” Michael remembers. His interest only grew when his then roommate blew out his knee and needed a ride to school in New York City. “I was standing in the registrar’s office looking through a catalogue and I saw this course called OnCamera Broadcast News. I thought that looked like a great class. Then I saw another class called Broadcast News Writing, so I got in line and signed up for both of them and that was the beginning.” Soon after, Michael quit his sales job to get his master’s in journalism. As a news producer on Capitol Hill, Michael was immediately thrust into the top news story of the time: the Monica Lewinsky scandal. Although he had the opportunity to interview a number of congressman and senators, in addition to chasing Lewinksy down to her lawyer’s office, it wasn’t his dream job. After six months in DC, Michael started looking for something new. “I wanted to be on TV so I sent a couple of resumes out and I got a main anchor job offer in Twin Falls, Idaho – essentially the middle of nowhere,” Michael says. The start-up independent TV station coaxed him to make the big move, but with little to no reward. “After six months, the guy ran out of money because he spent a lot more than he expected.” Fortunately for Michael, the Radio Television News Directors Association (RTNDA) conference was taking place in San 36

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Antonio just one week later; an occasion where he could network with some of the major players in TV news. Without hesitation, he hopped on the first flight out of Idaho. Michael remembers it fondly, “I saw the River Walk for the first time, interviewed with four news directors and got a new job offer in Idaho. That was my first visit to San Antonio.” After years of working in other cities around the country, Michael would eventually make this city his home. His affable on-air personality and gift for storytelling took him all over the world before grounding him in the Countdown City. The day Michael signed a contract in Orlando, a News Director in Salt Lake City called to offer him a main anchor job. “I told him to remember my name,” Michael says. And three years later, Michael received a call from the same man who was now working in San Antonio. “His morning anchor job came open at WOAI. He talked to me and I flew out.” Michael had interviewed for main anchor gigs all over the country before his WOAI interview, but something about the city made him want it more. “I just felt good about Texas; I felt good about San Antonio,” Michael begins. “To me, the River Walk feels like a little slice of heaven. I know that people that are from here take it for granted, but I don’t. I love the River Walk. So when I came to interview, I actually delayed my flight back to Florida because I felt like I really might take this job. I drove around town and looked at places to live, and got a job offer a couple of days later and took it.”

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IN PURSUIT OF A DREAM “I used to play in my bedroom with cleaning products and do my own commercials, it was pretty funny,” Claudia says. She is the quintessential small town girl with big city dreams. Contrary to Michael’s youth, she knew she wanted to pursue radio and television from a very young age in Del Rio, Texas. As an all-state choir singer in high school, is was evident that she was on the brink of stardom. Claudia moved to Mexico right after graduation, where she went to school for broadcast journalism and was discovered by the Universal Mexico record label. Claudia began living a life fit for a pop star, complete with recording two albums and touring for four years. “I mean, I sang for a very long time before I got into radio and television,” Claudia explains. “Then I eventually decided that that wasn’t going to be a good industry for me because it was just very tough.” In an attempt to get into TV and radio, she moved to San Antonio to continue her education and began working with Univision radio and television. For four years, Claudia was on-air with 98.5 The Beat and KXTN 107.5, as well as on TV. That was until her past came knocking on the door with an offer she couldn’t refuse. Music mogul, Emilio Estefan was producing a show called Nuevas Voces de America in Miami and wanted Claudia’s talent to be a part of it. She moved back and worked for Estefan productions for a while after the show wrapped and continued singing until she became pregnant with her daughter Avah. Claudia took this time to reevaluate her career, bringing things back to her hometown of Del Rio. There, she became a journalist for the local newspaper as one of their strongest writers. “Believe it or not, in Del Rio I had to pull two stories every day,” Claudia says of the seemingly sleepy town. After three years, she knew that she had to pursue journalism full force. Motivated to get back into the game, Claudia moved to New York City in 2012 for a one-year conservatory program. “I had gone to school already, I had done radio, I had done television, but I felt like I had been out of the industry for

so long. I felt old and outdated,” she explains. “I was on my own with my daughter, so I knew I was going to have to get back into the industry.” As soon as she completed the program, Claudia brought her revitalized spark to San Antonio for an internship with WOAI.

CONFLICT OF INTERESTS While interning, Claudia was given the task to help out the new morning news anchor, Michael. “I gave her a list of a whole bunch of people I wanted her to call and set up meetings with because I was brand new to town,” he recollects. “She ended up setting up one meeting for me – that’s it.” Her small flub led to the two becoming friends. “I did that for about three months and then I fell in love with Michael,” Claudia says. “It’s funny because it was like our paths crossed at the right time. For me, the fact that I met him in that particular time of my life, I just knew. I knew from the moment I met him. It was kind of awkward but it ended up working out. I never went back to intern because there was another interest if you know what I mean,” she jokes. While Claudia was searching for work, a friend advised her to apply at Y100 radio for an on-air position. “They said that their morning show was in need of new personalities, so I went to interview and by the end of that week, I was hired.” Claudia now co-hosts the morning show, Miles in the Morning with the energetic Jeff Miles. “If you’ve been in radio, you know that if you’re on the morning show, you’ve made it,”

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Claudia says. Since she joined, the show has gone from number eight to number one in San Antonio. “We are super proud of that! It’s taken a lot of work but that show is my pride and joy.” In 2013, they tied the knot. Soon after, the crew at WOAI noticed Claudia’s knack for entertainment and asked her to co-host their lifestyle show, SA Living. “I do the morning show on Y100 and then I pretty much race over to WOAI to co-host SA Living,” Claudia says. “I’m busy but I’m very lucky to be in the position that I am in because there are just so many people that would love to be in my shoes.”

MAKING A HOME Since Claudia and Avah had walked into Michael’s life, everything seemed to be coming together seamlessly. All that was left was a home of their own. Claudia and Michael had always been attracted to The Dominion, but walking into their current home was like meeting each

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other for the first time: love at first sight. “We love how safe we feel here; it’s pretty neat. I don’t take that for granted one bit because I couldn’t feel like that anywhere else,” Claudia says. You might see the family jogging around the neighborhood or biking with Avah, as they like to stay active. The Garofalos might not be from San Antonio, but they have definitely adopted the city with open arms. Michael, who’s hometown is nearly 2,000 miles away, has fallen in love with Texas

and all of its traditions. “He’s a cowboy now,” Claudia laughs, pointing out his boots and big truck. Michael notes, “I can’t believe it took me so long to get to Texas.” But there is still so much ahead for the newlyweds. “We want to build a family of our own,” Claudia says. “Obviously in our careers, sometimes we have to move. But in the big picture, I’m excited about raising a family and this is our home. And I’m excited that he feels the same way.”

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BY chef jay nash

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Spring time brings another holiday season celebrated at The Dominion Country Club with a variety of events. Easter is one of the highlights you should not miss. We will be celebrating this year with two brunch events featuring a variety of foods to please everyone. One of our most popular member favorites, Crème Brulee French Toast will be featured on two consecutive Sundays on our brunch menu. Come in and try it if you haven’t before, and with the following recipe you can make it at home. As with any recipe, don’t forget to follow the directions!

Simple Crème Brulee Filling •6 Egg Yolks •2 ½ cups heavy cream •4 Tblsp. White sugar • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract Preheat your oven to 300 degrees. Beat egg yolks, sugar and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until thick and creamy. Pour cream into a sauce pan and stir over low heat until it almost comes to a boil. Stir cream into the egg yolks and beat until combined to temper the eggs. Pour into a double boiler and heat over simmering water while stirring frequently until it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Should be about 3-4 minutes. Pour into a shallow baking dish and bake for 30 minutes, let cool to room temperature and refrigerate overnight.

French Toast After chilling, spread the custard between two pieces of your favorite thick sliced bread such as Texas toast or brioche. I like to place them on a sheet pan and refrigerate before cooking. To cook, dip in egg wash mixture and place on hot buttered griddle, browning on both sides. Keep your egg wash simple: • 6 eggs • ½ teaspoon sugar •¼ cup half and half • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract •¼ teaspoon almond extract Mix well before dipping and you may want to mix again if it sits for a while as it may separate a little bit. After cooking, you may top with your favorite syrup, jam, preserves, or my personal favorite, caramel sauce.

EASTER EVENT Crème Brulee French toast will be just one of the many tasty items at our Easter brunch. This year, we will celebrate the Kids Easter Egg Hunt and brunch on Sunday March 29, 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. We will feature a cookie decorating station for kids as well as an egg hunt for 3000 eggs! Age categories for the hunt are 1-4, 5-7, and 8+, beginning promptly at 12:00 p.m. The Easter Bunny will be here for photographs, which may be charged to your member account. We encourage you to please RSVP to 210-698-3364. On Sunday, April 5th will be our traditional Easter brunch. Please RSVP for both as these are very popular Club events! Come out and enjoy the Easter holiday with friends and family at The Dominion Country Club, featuring great food and the Easter Bunny. Take time to remember the meaning of Easter and I’ll see you at The Club!

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• Residential and Commercial Painting • Interior and Exterior Painting • Eco-Friendly Paints • Drywall Repair • Wallpaper Removal • Multi-Year Warranty • Carpentry Services • Furniture Quality Cabinet Refinishing • Locally Owned & Operated

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Topgolf san antonio

f you are a Dominion resident and haven’t heard of TopGolf or even seen it on your daily commute, you must not get out much. It’s hard to miss from miles away! The towering mega driving range opened at the tail end of January and has been thriving, as predicted, since day one. Construction on the multimillion dollar project across from La Cantera began last year, sparking speculation as to what this sprawling site could possibly encompass. It wasn’t until the brilliant TopGolf logo appeared on the 65,000 square foot complex that it all came together in late 2014. The brainchild of the Jolliffe brothers, TopGolf came as a result of boredom on the driving range. Searching for ways to make time honing their golf skills more enjoyable, the two took their ideas to the drawing board and out from under emerged an entertainment facility that was beyond their wildest dreams. Though home base is in Dallas, they now have locations spanning the United States as well as the UK, serving over 2.7 million customers a year.

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TopGolf takes getting together with your golf buddies to a whole new level with microchipped golf balls equipped with GPS technology. Players take a swing at these babies aiming for targets on an outfield where they are tracked, keeping scores for every player. And you do not have to be an avid golfer to enjoy this three-level golf entertainment driving range. It’s really all about the friendly competition amongst pals and family, in between trips to the bar for refreshing cocktails and beer on tap. TopGolf is prepared to keep the good times rolling with full-service bars (yes, plural), outstanding food and blaring dance music. This unique experience, like other entertainment spots, comes with a price tag varying by allotted time. It pays to be early at TopGolf, as those who plan to make a day of it between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. get to putt for only $20 an hour (up to six players). Night owls will get to experience TopGolf’s neon lit targets and cocktail lounge environment at $40 an hour. And your best bet would be to reserve your spot ahead of time as the wait can become extremely long the later it gets.

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Enhance Your Life at the Lodge INDEPENDANT LIVING COTTAGES AMENITIES: • One or two bedrooms, kitchen, living room, bathroom, laundry room & screened in porch overlooking beautiful woodland grounds and pond • 3 Meals a day delivered to cottage • Housekeeping and laundry service • Medication reminders • Activities, socialization and entertainment • Senior Buddies personal assistance available as needed. • Pets Allowed

ASSISTED LIVING AMENITIES: • Private and Semi private rooms and suites • Assistance with bathing, dressing & grooming • Medication assistance and healthcare management • Assistance with ambulation to meals and activities • Excellent home cooked meals and special diets • Activities, exercise and entertainment • 24 hour staff • Housekeeping and laundry service • Beauty and barber shop services • Senior Buddies personal assistance service is available for one on one care. • Walking paths in a beautiful woodland setting • Respite Care

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... where their heart is. SENIOR BUDDIES was founded to provide a loving, caring way to assist the elderly and their families. We specialize in enhancing the lives of seniors limited by Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and strokes. We also provide respite care, surgery recovery and service for other seniorrelated needs. WE meet with clients and their families in their own home-setting to effectively facilitate a match between our caregiver and the client. OUR personal assistance services may be just what is needed to safely maintain our client’s independence in their own home.

OUR KIND AND THOUGHTFUL CAREGIVERS PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING: • Joyful Positive Companionship • Bathing • Hygiene Assistance • Alzheimer’s Care • Meal Preparation • Light Housekeeping • Errands & Shopping • Medication Reminders • Incontinence Assistance

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Our chauffeurs are not just ordinary drivers but they are drivers with confidence. We will transport you to business meetings, wedding events, the airport and wherever else you might want to go. Our passion is the service we provide for you. We will drive you in your car or our car. Our priority is for you to be on time for your appointments, flights, wedding day, etc.

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tennis ABROAD By kristin fay

On Saturday, January 17th, 6 of the club’s tennis members visited our sister club Onion Creek in Austin, TX for a fun filled day of tennis. Our club pro, Barry Mills, paired us up as partners and the team consisted of Audra Worrich and Suzette Sullivan at the 4.0 level, Kristin Fay and Beth Guard at the 3.5 level and Missy Peoples and Lisa Kingdon at the 3.0 level. The team played against 3 other clubs from the Austin area. Each round was a total of 16 No-Ad games and each game won was a point for the overall team. At the end of the day, the team with the most games won was declared the 2015 Ladies Cup Champion. Dominion took the prize for the second year in a row! A great time was had by all. The next step of the tournament takes place at River Place Country Club in early April.

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The Dominion Home Tour

Lavish

SOPHISTICATION

From El Paso, Hector Samaniego moved to New York where he met a girl from the Dominican Republic named Gladys. After getting married, the couple made the trek south to Texas to be close to family. After living in San Antonio for 15 years, the Samaniegos sought greater security for their 3 daughters and found the friendly and welcoming community of The Dominion to be the perfect fit. The family enjoys the convenience that living in The Dominion provides, but most of all they are grateful for the friends they have made in the community.

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LIVING AREA/KITCHEN

The 4-bedroom home, inside and out, is ideal for entertaining. The Samaniegos have hosted a number of dinners and events in their home, including a TMI reunion. Coming from a family of 8, Gladys naturally enjoys company and showers them with the utmost hospitality.

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MASTER BEDROOM

Although the closet is not as spacious as the one in Gladys’ dreams, it’s all about the details in the Samaniego’s master bedroom. The colorful detailed ceiling and grand chandeliers are Gladys’ favorite part of the house. The view of the tranquil backyard doesn’t hurt either.

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PATIO

Gladys spends most of her time in her office, doing administration for Samaniego Health Clinics or working on La Reina Linda efforts. But when she needs a break from the weekly grind, the breezy tropical patio is where you will find her.

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BY Anthony Re, V.P. of Golf Operations The Couples Nine and Dine held January 7th was won by the team of Ed and Ashley Devane with partners Daryl and Yvette Haby. This event combines 9 holes of couples golf with dinner and wine and is a Club favorite, as well as a great way to meet new friends, play some friendly golf and enjoy a great dinner. The month of March introduces two great events! March 7th is the Spring Demo Day featuring the latest in equipment from TaylorMade, Adams, Nike, Titleist, Callaway, Mizuno, Cleveland and Cobra. This is a great opportunity to try out the latest and greatest equipment from the industry’s leaders in clubs and equipment. March 14th and 15th features The Dominion Cup, a Ryder Cup style competition where two-man teams compete to see who gets to hold the Cup! Sign-ups are individual so don’t delay, this is a truly fun and slightly competitive event that is open to all Golf Members. Events like The Dominion Cup are another great way to make some new friends and expand your list of golfing buddies.

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By the Rules:

Situation: While playing with my good buddy and high handicap golfer, Seymore Course, I hit my ball into a green side bunker. While stepping into the bunker, I accidently kicked a pine cone in there with me. As the pine cone did not interfere with my area of intended swing or my stance, I felt it was okay for me to pick it up and throw it back out of the bunker. Seymore, not missing a thing and willing to do anything to win our $2 bet, informed me that I had incurred a penalty. Could Seymore possibly be correct? Ruling: According to Rule 13-4/14, I owe Seymore $2. A pine cone is a loose impediment and may not be removed when both the pine cone and ball lie in the hazard. By removing the pine cone from the bunker, the player incurred a penalty of loss of hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play for a breach of rule 13-4c.

Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley Wine Dinner Thursday, March 26th at the dominion country club, 7:00 p.m. $85 per person Please RSVP to 210-698-3364 The Dominion Country Club is pleased to present an evening of exquisite Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley wines, paired with equally elegant dining. Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley was mostly prune orchards and pastures when, in 1962, Maggie and Harry Wetzel purchased a large portion of a homestead built by Cyrus Alexander, the valley’s nineteenth century namesake. Here, in a rural community of family farms and ranches, the Wetzel family settled. They raised livestock, cultivated bountiful gardens and restored Alexander’s original home, making it the center of family life. In 1963 the Wetzels boldly planted premium grape varieties, among the first in the area. They sold the grapes for a number of years to other wineries and often produced a little homemade wine in the adobe as a family project. They bottled their first vintage of Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon in 1968, but this wine was only given to friends and family. In 1975 the family built a small winery and Hank Wetzel, oldest son of Maggie and Harry, produced Alexander Valley Vineyard’s first wine in 1975. His wife Linda set up the books and managed the winery office. Alexander Valley Vineyards quickly established a reputation for estate grown wines with distinctive varietal character. Acclaimed for crisp Chardonnay and luscious Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley Vineyards brought recognition to the appellation and became a leading winery in Sonoma County. The 3rd generation of the Wetzel Family is now active in the winery and continues the family tradition at AVV. Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot constitute over one-half of total production. Other varietals include Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. Proprietary wines include CYRUS, their limited production Bordeaux style blend, Gewurz, and their trio of Zins: Temptation Zinfandel, Redemption Zinfandel and Sin Zin, the voluptuous Alexander Valley Zinfandel.

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American Artist Seth Camm Your legacy - Strong and proud as a hill country oak, it is your familys history and a testimony to your accomplishments. Isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it time to document your legacy? Master oil painter Seth Camm will preserve your story for the ages. He will create a portrait of yourself, your family, your home, or even your pet to capture this moment in your family history- Give a gift to the future by documenting your legacy today

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Hometown: San Antonio, Texas Describe your education and background: I attended UTSA where I studied Architecture and Construction Management. During and after that I worked for my parents’ construction company where I learned all aspects of construction, both commercial and residential. I started out on the bottom and worked my way to supervisor over 5 years. I was in charge of all maintenance and job setup as well as scheduling jobs and customer service. How many years have you been in this business? I have been a Realtor for 4 years now and I absolutely love what I do. Every day is something new and exciting. It has been a very interesting 4 years and I have worked with and met some amazing people. My clients make it enjoyable and to do this, you really must love it. I was always interested in architecture, the home building process and ranches so it was only a matter of time before I started selling homes and ranches. Looking back now, I wish I would have went for it sooner! How did you get started? When I made the decision to get my license I was determined to get started. After several years of running the family business with my parents I was more than ready to get out on my own and make my own way. I had always had an interest in real estate and knew that my knowledge of construction and ranching would help me to make the leap into real estate. I went into Champions School of Real Estate and spoke with the counselors to get started. The rest is history and I have never been happier! What sets you apart from the others? I would have to say that would be my determination and my personality. I eat, sleep and breathe real estate. I am always looking, researching and learning new things

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every day. I would also have to say my marketing. Being a part of the Kuper Sotheby’s family, I am able to do more things with marketing than most realtors and brokers in the area. When you combine someone who has the drive and the determination like me and the marketing power house of both Kuper and Sotheby’s, then it is an unstoppable force. I offer all of my clients million dollar service in all price ranges! What are your biggest challenges in this business? This question is not such an easy one to answer. If we are all honest with ourselves, don’t we challenge ourselves every day? I know I do! I am always challenging myself to go further than I did the day before. In every business you are always going to have obstacles that come up but to me what separates the good from the great is how we handle those obstacles. Technology is always changing, contracts are always being updated and changed, company policies and procedure have to change to adjust to the industry and every day is a new day full of challenges and obstacles. But what separates me from other agents is how I handle those challenges. What are the greatest rewards in this business? The greatest reward has been helping people find their first home, helping families move into larger homes to accommodate their family and finding people the perfect properties for recreation and investment purposes. This business has never been about the money for me instead I focus on my clients. If I focus and put their best interests first I have found out that the money follows and I end up making my clients happy. Making my clients happy is my goal and real estate is my true passion. It sounds cliché, but I was always told that if I found something I loved to do then I would never work a day in my life. I don’t see my clients as just another sale or transaction; they end up becoming my friends. From CEOs to first-time homebuyers, everyone wants respect and I make sure they get it!

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How Can You Avoid One of the Biggest Threats to Having a Secure Retirement? BY Kam Smeby

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any people may have the savings to achieve a comfortable retirement, but don’t know how to protect themselves from one of the biggest threats once they’ve retired: underestimating how much money they need to live on, particularly in the early years. Identifying if you’re at risk for a retirement income gap is the first step in making sure your retirement savings will be there for you down the road.

WHAT IS A RETIREMENT INCOME GAP? It is the financial gap between your expected income sources, such as a company pension or Social Security, and your actual retirement expenses. Not too long ago, these two sources of guaranteed income could take care of most retirement needs. But today, with escalating healthcare costs and other unexpected expenses, these traditional forms of retirement income may no longer be enough — creating the potential for a significant income gap.

What factors cause an income gap? You may begin retirement with enough savings, but several factors could cause you to have an income gap during your retirement years: Living longer. Many people underestimate how long they will live — and need their retirement money to last. Did you know there is a onein-three chance that a woman retiring today at age 65 will live beyond age 90?* That means having savings large enough to fund at least 25 years of retirement expenses. Rising cost of living. Have you factored in the erosion of your buying power due to inflation? Even the basics — the price of a loaf of bread, a tank of gas and other essentials can rise over time. Your retirement income needs to be able to adjust for those increased costs. Unexpected expenses. No one plans to be sick or need expensive medical care, but that is the top worry of most retirees — being wiped out by the unexpected costs of healthcare. Poorly performing investments. The challenging investment environment of the last several years has upset the retirement plans of millions of Americans. Fixed income investors, for instance, have suffered a significant drop in interest rates, which can create an income gap between their retirement expenses and their ability to cover those expenses.

Even those who thought they would be comfortable in retirement are realizing that they need new solutions to close the gap in their income — and in their expectations.

How can I reduce a retirement income gap? One of the other important steps you can take is to get a clear picture of your retirement expenses, which fall into two categories: essential and discretionary. - Essential expenses include expenses such as food, housing and healthcare. - Discretionary expenses include “extras” such as non-essential travel, leisure activities and hobbies.

How should I be allocating my money to secure enough income to meet both types of expenses? Financial professionals often suggest a flexible approach to securing enough income to meet expenses — one that allows you to match your income sources with the type of expenses they are meant to cover. Typically, they recommend that you consider the following: Annuities for essentials. Invest a portion of your retirement savings in annuities which can provide a guaranteed income for life, much like Social Security or a pension. This can provide peace of mind that your basic living expenses are covered. Investments for discretionary expenses. Invest another portion of your savings in investments with market exposure for growth potential — such as stocks, exchange traded funds, mutual funds and growthoriented annuities. That will allow you to keep up with rising costs or handle unexpected expenses. Please note that mutual funds, stocks and exchange traded funds, may carry fees, expenses and risk, including the possible loss of principal amount invested. Some investments, such as mutual funds and exchange traded funds, are generally sold by prospectus. Investors should carefully read the prospectus before investing. Avoid the trap of a retirement income gap — talk to an Allstate financial professional today. Make sure your retirement savings will be there for you to meet the essentials, as well as the unexpected expenses in retirement. We can help match your savings and risk tolerance to the right mix of annuities and other investments for a more secure retirement.

*Mark Hulbert, “Beyond the Longevity Tables,” The New York Times, October 11, 2009 Please note that Allstate or Lincoln Benefit Life does not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax advisor or attorney prior to making any tax-related decisions. AFS, LLC Broker-Dealer disclosure: Securities offered by Personal Financial Representatives through Allstate Financial Services, LLC (LSA Securities in LA and PA). Registered Broker-Dealer. Member FINRA, SIPC. Main Office: 2920 South 84th Street, Lincoln, NE 68506. (877) 525-5727) Please note that mutual funds, stocks and exchange traded funds, may carry fees, expenses and risk, including the possible loss of principal amount invested. Some investments, such as mutual funds and exchange traded funds, are generally sold by prospectus. Investors should carefully read the prospectus before investing. Distributions taken prior to annuitization are generally considered to come from the gain in the contract first. If the contract is tax-qualified, generally all withdrawals are treated as distributions of gain. Withdrawals of gain are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken prior to age 59 ½, may be subject to an additional 10% federal tax penalty. Allstate Life Insurance Company, as a parent company, bears no direct responsibility for the obligations of its subsidiaries. Riders may not be available in all states. Guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. T h e D o m i n i o n -M a g a z i n e . c o m

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