The Dominion Magazine June 2015

JUNE 2015

Some experiences just can’t be explained. The most paramount of these experiences can be positively life-altering. Debbie and Pete LeDoux are proof.

A PUBLICATION OF:

THE DOMINION HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

history of the dominion

the dominion country club prepares to open

contemporary comfort

a look into the home of the Bhakta family

magazine committee

meet the people behind your magazine

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

JUNE 2015

Some experiences just can’t be explained. The most paramount of these experiences can be positively life-altering. Debbie and Pete LeDoux are proof.

COVER 36

WELCOME 14

social 48

THE CLUB

magazine comittee 54

CALENDAR 16 CLUB HAPPENINGS 18

FROM THE HOA 28

44

HOME TOUR 58 Contemporary Comfort

GOLF 64

STAFF PROFILE 30

business 66

This issue we talk with Architectural Control Comittee Admin., Kellye J Fralinger

pet adoptions 68

Student spotlight 32

54 54

Dominion’s history 44

realtor 72

quotes 46 SUMMER EVENTS 47

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Live in this luxurious two-story hilltop estate that sits on lushly landscaped 1.1 acres! Large & open living & formal dining graced by stunning multi-layer crown molding & exquisite columns! Spectacular staircases & imported chandeliers! Backyard features a marvelous oasis with sparkling pool with slide, waterfall, gazebo, cabana, and over-sized covered patio surrounded by flagstone decking! Privacy & amazing views! $1,595,000

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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. $799,000

702 Contadora ( LOCATED IN SONTERRA )

Unique Tuscan Inspired Design Magically Transports you to the Vineyards in Florence, Italy. Entertainers Delight features a 2 story Casita, Workout Room, Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, Large Bar, Storybook Courtyard, Covered Patio, Wine Cellar & Office all separate from the main home. Main house features 4 bedrooms & 5.5 Baths. Exquisite Library with added media room feature. This one of a kind home is a gem surrounded by a country club and golf course. If you are looking for a home that resembles a resort you have found it! $985,000

740 Tuxedo ( LOCATED IN ALAMO HEIGHTS )

Traditional Alamo Heights Estate. An elegant 4 Bedroom with 3 Full Bath &2 Half Baths. Brilliant marble floored entryway leads into formal dining and study.1st Floor Guest Suite. Grand Staircase leading to 2nd Floor Gameroom overlooking formal living area complete with bar perfect for entertaining. Upstairs Master Retreat features an in-home gym with built in cabinetry. Extravagant Master Bath overlooking pool with private balcony. Gorgeous private yard with mature trees,deck,pool & Life Size Custom Dollhouse! $2,495,000

JUNE 2015 | VOLUME 2 ISSUE 6

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

SMV TEXAS DESIGN GROUP, LLC CEO/PRESIDENT Benjamin D. Schooley ben@smvtexas.com

Welcome TO

the Dominion Magazine Dear Reader,

Summer is here! The HOA will kick the summer off with an End of School Family Party on June 5 at Duxbury Park. All residents are invited and it should be a lot of fun. It’s an evening to celebrate and especially enjoy all our wonderful kids in The Dominion.

And, speaking of our younger crowd, Barry Mills at the Club’s Tennis Center puts on the most fun and wonderful children’s camps anywhere. They are open to young people in and out of The Dominion. If you missed his profile of them in last month’s issue, check out the Club’s website, www.the-dominion.com, or stop by the Tennis Center.

Last month, many residents and Club members were lucky to enjoy two fabulous galas - the Women’s Forum Gala and the Renaissance Member/Guest Tournament Gala. Both featured wonderful food and exciting bands and were great fun. Again, The Dominion Country Club showed us what great parties they can offer members!

We are very fortunate to have wonderful vendors helping us in our neighborhood. Last year, the Neighborhood Outreach Committee of the HOA decided to set aside a day to show the vendors our appreciation and began the Vendor Appreciation Day. Committee members and residents welcomed the vendors as they stopped by the HOA for breakfast and drinks, conversation and gratitude. The breakfast will be held on the HOA lawn on June 19 from 7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m., so feel free to come by and join in thanking any workers who have stopped in. But also, remember to continue thanking them anytime you see them with a special wave, a smile and a thanks for jobs well done.

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 THE DOMINION | MAY

Jeff Lewis, Chairman Dominion Homeowners Association

APRIL 2015

2015 MAY 2015

DOMINION

OF THE DOMINION HOMEOWNERS

ION OF THE

PUBLICAT ION

ASSOCIATION

ERS ASSOCIAT

HOMEOWN

A PUBLIC

INION ON THE DOM ERS ASSOCIATI HOMEOWN

after leading career-driven lives in healthcare, Jimmy and louan ledoux settled in the dominion and began making a difference in the community they love.

A PUBLICATION OF:

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 5

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THE DOMINION HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

next for the dominion hills

operations have started at the private sub division

JU NE 2015

alfresco ambience

a look into the home of the rose family

history of the dominion the tent days

this publication submitted by advertisers. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION

THE OFFICIAL

ATION OF:

information, or typographical errors contained in

FOr Advertising opportunities call 210-507-5250

The Dominion and/or Schooley Media Ventures.

Copyright 2014 Schooley Media Ventures, 930 E. Blanco, Ste. 200, Boerne, TX 78006

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Every Tuesday

Every Wednesday

Every Thursday

Every Friday

The Dominion Rotary Club 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

This international service group meets at The Dominion every Tuesday

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

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!

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!

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 http://www.meetup.com/ PhotoSA.

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

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Country Music Concert John Reeves and the Brew 7:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.

Members, invite neighbors, family, friends and co-workers to enjoy an epic concert and party at your Club!

This event includes a 4-hour concert, Texas BBQ and all the fixin’s, a cash bar and $3 drafts - get your tickets NOW! Call 210-698-1146.

birthday happy hour 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.

Celebrate the May Birthday Babies with complimentary hors d’oeuvres, 1/2 priced cocktails and a large cake to share!

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father’s day sunday brunch 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Treat Dad and Grandpa to a fabulous brunch at The Dominion for Father’s Day! $39.95 Adults, $15.95 Children 4-11 Please RSVP to 210-698-3364.

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

THE

DOMINION CountryClub Happenings

The Dominion Women’sForum spring gala The Dominion Women’s Forum Spring Gala, An Enchanted Evening in the Tropics, was a fabulous event! Catrina Kendrick, this year’s Gala Director and a sponsor, designed an incredible evening for all of the ladies of the Forum.

easter egg hunt

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Taste of The Dominion The 20th Annual Taste of The Dominion enjoyed record crowds and beautiful weather, while raising money for the very worthy San Antonio Food Bank. Everyone enjoyed the very talented Mark Ledesma Band, but the star attractions were the participating restaurants: Fralo’s Art of Pizza, Bob’s Steak and Chop House, Jason’s Deli, BJ’s at the Rim, Scuzzi’s Italian Grill, Spice of Life Catering, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Picante Grill, Sushi Zushi, Maggiano’s, Matamoros, Canyon Café, Kirby’s Steakhouse and La Hacienda de Los Barrios! All restaurants offered fabulous signature dishes and beautiful setups. They are definitely the reason for the high attendance and we appreciate them all greatly!

We encourage our members to support this great group throughout the year!

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FATHERS. SONS. WE ARE ALL GENT.

Dr. Ben Stahl, MD and his son Charlie Owner, Boerne Family Medicine

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We are not just your real estate agent, we are your neighbor.

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.

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landscape projects

By THE LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE

This spring, over thirty areas within our gates were re landscaped or refurbished. Although newly planted so not yet to their full potential, they already are starting to look great! The Landscape Committee of the HOA plans throughout the year to enhance our common areas, doing most installations in the spring and fall. Here are some before and after photos of some of the work done this spring.

before: brenthurst

before: bishops green

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Several small entry islands along Dominion Drive received additional planting or refurbishing. The island pictured at Bishops Green is an example of an island that was in poor shape but, with new plantings and a renewed design, this island will soon look as full and tended as most of the others along that drive.

after: brenthurst

after: bishops green

Two of the islands at Crescent Circle and the mailbox area on Brenthurst were reimagined, taking into account the rocky, natural look of the surrounding areas. Using such drought-resistant plants as various yuccas, autumn sage, native grasses, rosemary, society garlic, scullcap and lantana, the design created beautiful areas while minimizing the use of turf and judiciously using river rock and mulch beds. Not only are the newly installed areas great looking, but they also reduce our use of water and cut down on maintenance.

before: crescent circle

UPCOMING HOA EVENTS Landscape Committee Meeting Thursday, June 4 at 8:00 a.m.

Neighborhood Outreach Committee Meeting Tuesday, June 9 at 8:30 a.m.

security committee meeting Tuesday, June 16 at 9:00 a.m.

after: crescent circle

development committee meeting Wednesday, June 17 at 7:30 a.m.

Finance Committee Meeting Thursday, June 18 at 1:00 p.m.

board of directors meeting Wednesday, June 24 at 4 p.m.

Architectural Control Committee Meetings Thursday, June 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th at 4:30 p.m.

The Neighborhood Outreach Committee (NOC) had a great month in April with all of the social events well attended. The Fiesta party and Mariachi Dash were very fun and hopefully you all attended!

The Development Committee continues to work with the developer of Dominion Hills on this project. The Committee is also working on updating the capital asset repair and replacement plan, which includes the roads, bridges, walls, and other common elements. They are also working with SAWS on completing the new pump station and reviewing plans to extend Via Aragon and Avila.

The Security Committee approved the new video systems at the gate and their focus is currently on traffic violations.

The Landscape Committee As always, we try to concentrate on drought-tolerant and deerresistant plants, taking into account how the site will look in all seasons.

We continue to work constantly on fine-tuning the new irrigation systems to keep our watering as efficient as possible. In the next few months we will be planning our projects for the remainder of the year as well as 2016.

End of School Family Party Duxbury Park Friday, June 5 Starts at 5:30 p.m.

Join us as we celebrate the end of the school year and start of summer!

Potluck dinners and BYOB. Music and entertainment for the kids.

Vendor Appreciation Breakfast HOA Parking Lot Friday, June 19 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

HOA vendors work hard every day to keep your community looking great. We like to show our appreciation once a year with a light breakfast to start their day.

July 4th Celebration and Fireworks The Dominion Country Club Grounds Saturday, July 4 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Charges apply – Open to all Dominion residents RSVP required to 210-698-3364

The Finance Committee Did you know there is a convenient and secure drive-up payment drop box? Save stamps and time. It is located on the main guard house as you exit the community.

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how long have you been with the dominion?

I’ve been here a little over two years.

What is your favorite aspect of working at The Dominion?

The most exciting part of my position is watching the construction progress of a proposed million dollar estate, starting from review by the Architectural Control Committee, to the end when I walk through for inspection. It is amazing to see the designs on a sheet of paper become a standing structure.

What are your hobbies/interests?

Music, almost any kind of music. You’re always welcome to come to my office, and usually I’ll have something playing and we can discuss favorite tunes. what’s your favorite sport?

College Football and Hockey. Football, because I was raised to be a good Southern Girl and cheer for my alma maters. Hockey, because I recently have fallen in love with the San Antonio Rampage. favorite quote?

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” -Unknown Happiness and peace come from within. Only when you’re happy with yourself, will everything else work out.

Favorite movie and why?

Again, I can’t answer with just one. For the light-hearted romantic side, I love Amélie and The Princess Bride, and for the funny side, Saving Grace.

Kellye J Fralinger

STAFF PROFILE

TITLE: Architectural Control Committee Administrator Hometown: I usually will say both Houston, TX (born there) and Hampton Roads, VA (Dad was in the Navy so I lived most of my life there). education Bachelors of Arts, Urban Planning – Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA (GO HOKIES!) Masters in Landscape Architecture – Texas A&M University, College Station, TX (GIG EM’ AGGIES!) 30

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What has been your greatest challenge in your business?

Establishing a working rapport between homeowners, developers and builders in The Dominion. I’m usually the first point of contact if there are issues between any parties, and have to initiate resolution with each group since all have vested interests in the community.

What has been your most rewarding experience in your business?

I personally help residents with their application for architectural projects from time to time, and when I get to let them know it has been approved, their gratitude and open excitement fills me with happiness.

student spotlight

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Name: Tabitha Lewis Age: 12 years old School: Rawlinson Middle School How did you get involved in competitive gymnastics?

I started taking gymnastics classes when I was about 5. I also tried ballet, tap dance, jazz dance, hip-hop, soccer and taekwondo. When I was 6, my family moved to Italy for 3 years with the Air Force. Our extracurricular activities were limited to what was offered on a small base. At the Air Force base in Italy, I was involved in gymnastics, dance, theatre, and soccer. It turns out no matter what activity I was supposed to be doing, I could be found in the back of the class, stage or field doing handstands and cartwheels.

I guess nothing else captured my attention quite like gymnastics, so as soon as we returned to the States I turned all my attention to being in the gym and learning new skills.

Once we finally landed back in San Antonio 3 years ago, I was placed on a gymnastics team. I decided I wanted to be a competitive gymnast so I could test myself against others.

How many hours a week do you train?

I am in the gym 20.5 hours a week during the school year.

The hours go up over the summer since we don’t have school.

I get excused from PE, so I get to leave at the beginning of last period for “off campus PE”. I get PE credit because I train more than 15 hours a week in a Junior Olympic sport.

What United States Association of Gymnastics (USAG) level are you training?

I just finished competing level 6, which is the beginning level for Optionals. This year I qualified to compete at State Championships. I placed 4th on bars, 7th on floor exercise and 12th all around. The Junior Olympic program goes through level 10. The higher the level, the further you can go in championships. I’m training my level 7 skills now.

Competition season starts again in January.

class with 8th graders. I generally love learning, so it makes school really easy. I also love to read, so you can almost always find me with a book.

Also, I started taking private violin lessons in 4th grade because it just seemed really interesting. That has turned into another passion of mine. I am first chair violin for my orchestra group and love being a leader there.

I was recently inducted in the National Junior Honor Society and feel proud to be recognized for my academic achievements and challenged to be a leader in my school and community. I’ve recently had the opportunity to volunteer in the community and had so much fun doing it.

My gym has a program called “Handstand Together” which gives us a chance to do community service. We made cardboard kids for the program that brings awareness about child abuse and neglect. We took time out of our workout to design posters to be displayed around town. Also, I helped hand out free bicycle helmets at the recent Siclovia while participating in Bexar County Medical Society Alliance’s Junior Volunteer Council. I loved seeing all the little kids out there being active and happy.

What do you want to do when you grow up and why?

When I grow up, I want to be a family doctor because I want to be able to help a lot of different kinds of people. I also am interested in being free to travel and even pursue owning a farm where I can grow an orchard and raise many animals.

What has been your favorite part of growing up in the Dominion?

I have always loved walking and playing around the ponds by my house, but it’s especially great now that we have our dog, Scout. She loves to go “see the fish” and smell the flowers. I always meet neighbors walking their dogs. I also like how easily I can walk to the Club pool from my house in the summer. I always feel safe and happy walking around in my neighborhood.

Outside of sports, what other activities are you interested in?

Anyone who knows me knows I really care about school. I love math and it turns out I’m naturally good at it. I tested out of 7th and 8th grade math last summer and have loved being in Algebra 1 this year as a 7th grader. I like being in a

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Hard surface and carpet restoration and cleaning.

Commercial and residential properties.

Specializing in luxury homes and businesses.

BEFORE

AFTER

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BY Kristine duran & PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN WEBER Many people will experience an event that is utterly unexplainable in their lifetime. Whether it is of paranormal, extraterrestrial or religious forces, it is a “you just had to be there� moment. The most paramount of these experiences can be life-altering, if you are so lucky to come across one. Debbie and Pete LeDoux are some of the fortunate few that have.

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Raised in Houston, Debbie had dreams of becoming a lawyer since the tender age of 12.

Coming from a family of little means, she kept her eye on her goal and was rewarded with a full ride scholarship to pursue her career in law.

After graduating from Law School, Debbie began practicing criminal prosecution for Harris County in Houston. It was in this part of her career, Debbie met her future husband, Pete, who was training in the Space City at the time.

Born in Massachusetts and raised in Michigan, Pete was also very determined in his youth. He attended college in Ohio and headed to Baltimore for a year of research before going to medical school for four years. Seven years later, Pete found himself training in plastic surgery in Houston, when he came across Debbie.

The couple became serious fairly quickly. Pete had made a previous agreement with a friend to move to San Antonio after his training to start their practice, so the two knew long-distance was inevitable. After a year of long-distance, Debbie transferred cities.

“She moved here and we lived happily ever after. But that’s not the real story,” Pete says.

Hard Times Their first few years proved to be rough. “I was kind of a chauvinist and I wasn’t treating Debbie well – never treated girls well in general,” Pete begins. “I was drinking and still living a heathen lifestyle. There were days when we were going to break up and she would say, ‘You just can’t do this to people’. We had talked about splitting up a couple of times and I knew that my life was on the wrong path.” Pete grew up in a tough environment where his father was an alcoholic and he started to realize his similarities once Debbie held his feet to the fire.

That’s when Pete met a patient that would continuously invite the two to church. “We finally said yes and we went to hear Max Lucado.

Something happened that day. He gave me his book on grace and I read it. I got saved at that church. Our whole lives transformed at that point,” Pete says. “I want to break those generational cycles in my family of infidelity and alcoholism; all of those things that really hurt me and my brothers and sisters. The Lord has answered that prayer in a big way.”

Faith had been very important in Debbie’s live since she was a child. Once Pete began life pursuing his relationship with God, he would reveal stories of these encounters that he had with the Lord.

These moments included actually being in the Lord’s presence or audible encounters, where the Lord would speak to him. Debbie didn’t discount her husband’s stories, but she thought if this is true, why hasn’t she experienced a similar encounter?

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An Answered Prayer Last summer, the family went on vacation to Mexico. Two days into the trip, Debbie woke up groggier than usual. “I just couldn’t think right. I couldn’t think of the date and I couldn’t even think of the month,” Debbie says. In a panic, she jumped out of the bed where her husband still lay asleep. “I look down and I see this arm against my body. I’m looking at it for a second and it’s a woman’s arm.” Slightly frightened and confused, Debbie’s mind slowly processes whose arm is against her body. “It was my arm but I had no association. It truly was like there was this body part against me and I had no connection between my arm and my brain. I knew at that point that something was horribly wrong.”

Debbie thought to call out to her husband, but was completely deficient in speech. “It was like I had all of the words in my head and I just couldn’t get them out of my mouth. I couldn’t get the word, but yet I had a sense that there was supposed to be a word. It was the strangest feeling! Fear just completely overtook me.” In an effort to wake Pete up, she moaned as loud as she could, repeatedly. Pete instantly jumped to her aid. “I think he knew pretty immediately that I was having a stroke because he’s a physician.” Instead of dialing 911, Pete laid her down on the bed, palm against her head, and began to pray. “I remember wanting to break away. Inside, my mind was saying, ‘I have to get free, I have to push!’ But I felt something even deeper

inside of me though, trying to communicate to me to cooperate and lay down.”

As Pete continued to pray, Debbie left the room. “Not my body, of course, but somehow my consciousness, the person within.” A warm light begins to encompass her. “It’s not the bright light people see when they’re dying. I think that’s because I wasn’t dying. It was like a sunrise; a feeling of complete and utter perfection, of goodness. It

blew me away because it was just so much bigger and so much more overwhelming than anything I had imagined God to be. And I thought I knew God,” Debbie says, voice trembling.

Suddenly, she came back into her body, regaining feeling in her arm and processing thoughts in her mind. “The first thing that I said, all slurred, was, ‘Jesus, you’re good.’ I was just so affected and responding, still, to this encounter that I had. Then I began to realize that he was healing me.” Tears poured down Debbie’s cheeks

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as the realization of the encounter registered. “I’m so grateful that my husband listened to God prompting him and let God do something amazing. It’s crazy! I wouldn’t believe it in a million years if I hadn’t personally experienced it! I’m cynical by nature. I mean, I used to be a criminal prosecutor!”

Debbie was back to normal within a few minutes and the family flew back to the States to run some tests and figure out why, at such a young age, this had occurred. Doctors found a hole in Debbie’s heart, which made the stroke possible. A blood clot traveled to the side of her heart that feeds the brain, keeping her from thinking. Doctors couldn’t explain how Debbie was able to rehabilitate from the full stroke she experienced so quickly, as that is not a common occurrence.

Life Changing Debbie says her life has been impacted in countless ways since the encounter. “I maintained a feeling of awe for almost a week. It started with that then it turned into some anxiety. Part of that anxiety was that I have no control; things can happen at any moment and that’s scary. Then I went through this whole thing with God, saying, “God, why did you let that happen to me?”

Finally, for the past couple of months, I have reached a level of basic peace, realizing that there are not any guarantees, but we have a good God.” Aside from her faith being impacted, she made some major changes in her everyday life. “Within a few days of coming back from Mexico, I quit both boards that I was on, I quit work and I realized that it was time that I focused on my family, who are truly the most precious people in the world.”

Pete was ecstatic. “I’ve had a couple encounters like that and we had been praying for that for her. It changes your whole perspective, it changes your life, it changes your faith. It changed her awareness and how she sees the world. The things that we think are important, like money, are really not that important.”

Although their encounters are hard to imagine, they have given

Pete and Debbie a stronger desire for the Lord and to continue to share His word.

New Missions It was thirteen years ago that the couple drove through The Dominion’s gates for the first time and they haven’t regretted it a day since. The family enjoys going to the driving range and playing tennis together among the neighborhood’s scenic landscape. It has been quite a ride for Pete and Debbie, but they think they have finally found their peace at The Dominion.

Debbie started a giving ministry called The Sister Project which gets 100 women who each give $1000, equaling $100,000. They use the money toward grants for ministries that are serving the Lord in some form, helping women and/or children.

Pete and Debbie have become prayer ministers, sharing their stories with others and leading them toward their own close encounter with the Lord. “We think we’re going to have some kind of ministry to couples. Just being involved in and seeing people’s lives transformed through the love of Jesus. That’s my whole new mission now,” Pete says.

Their five children are at the top of their list, though. With the oldest in college and the youngest being 10 years old, the couple has their hands full. Debbie says, “My biggest desire is to successfully launch the four lives that we have under our care right now so that they are acting in their areas of giftedness, pursuing careers and families, and most importantly that they know God in that way. Whatever we can do that can further people in that direction of peacefulness and satisfaction would be very rewarding.”

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By Janet Key, dominion resident

w

hen we ended last month’s article about the tent days at The Dominion, the developers and members were frantically trying to get ready for the Senior PGA Tournament to be held in May, 1985. The Club was in the finish-out stages and members were heading up committees for the huge job of getting the tournament put together.

That spring, Susan and Wayne Wright flew to Europe to order China and silver flatware and art pieces to use throughout the Club. In London, they ordered 500 place settings of Royal Doulton China and in France, 500 place settings of sterling flatware from Christofle. The chandelier that hangs in the front foyer is the sister to the one that hangs in the British House of Commons. The wine room chandelier was purchased from an antique shop in Paris.

Also purchased was the stained glass surrounding the Wine Room, etched with Chaucer characters.

The stained glass panels and the huge mirror in the Piano Lounge were made here in San Antonio by the Cavallini Company, in business since 1953. Like Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel, Mexico City artist Pe-Tee, lying on his back, worked day and night for six months to paint the marvelous dome in the Wine Room.

Unnoticed by many, but some of the Club’s treasures, are the bar and light fixtures in the Mixed Grille and the enormous fixture in the Sales Pavilion (now the Keller Williams Portfolio office). They were designed and constructed by the well-known architect and artisan Isaac Maxwell. Although deceased, his studio is still open for business and run by his wife, Judy. Maxwell’s works can be found in the Tower of the Americas, Frost Bank Building, the University of Texas, and throughout public buildings in the southwest.

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The cantera stone used on our bridge and throughout The Dominion was hand carved by artisan Jose Luis de la Garza from Mexico City. The Dominion Group Limited developers had to buy their own cantera stone mine in Mexico to secure enough stone for this project.

We should all be proud of our Club facility and the artisans involved in its construction. Our one-of-a-kind clubhouse has always been known as one to the best Club facilities in the country!

The Board of Governors for the Club read like the “Who’s Who” of San Antonio and included such well-known people as Ernesto Ancira, Art Burdick, Michael Howard, Marty Wender, John Peveto, Lewis Moorman, Brig. General Robert McDermott, Dr. Duncan Wimpress, Frank Manupelli, Graig Crane, James Zachary, Robert

West, Chett Todd, Harold O’Kelley, Richard Lane, Judge Soloman Casseb, Lutz Isslieb, Kathleen King, Walt Myers, James Wagner, Mike Hogan and Todd Beebe. (I hope I didn’t forget anyone!)

As the tournament day approached, the entry bridge was opened, traffic increased, and the assembly-line of landscaping down the median began. Top soil arrived, trenching was done for the irrigation and planting began. I have been told that in the spring of 1985 you could not buy a petunia or marigold in San Antonio as they were all in The Dominion! With uncooperative spring weather, the grass on the golf course needed tweaking also. To look great on ESPN, green spray paint was utilized, with Buddy Cook, the Club pro, supervising.

Everything needed to be perfect. Janelle Mac Arthur even remembers Rich Luders asking her to call the airport and ask that no planes fly over The Dominion during the tournament.

Now let’s talk golf! If you were lucky enough to be a member you were either playing the the Pro-Am, heading up a committee or volunteering. The tournament was comprised of a number of events starting with the amateur practice round on May 6. The cost to play as an amateur was $1200, and they did not have any problem filling the 208 spots available. May 7 was the qualifying round for the pros with 52 spots available.

May 8 was a busy day with the practice round for the Senior Professionals and the Texas shootout sponsored

by Pearl Beer, which was a skins game featuring four former Texas Open champions, including Arnold Palmer, competing for $10,000.

The evening of May 8 was the Pro-Am pairings party.

It was held in our now famous tent. It was decked out Texas-style, featuring mounds of smoked ribs, sausage, chicken, and all of the trimmings. The pros were all there wearing bandanas around their necks and posing for photos with the members. Famous pro golfers like Miller Barber, Don January, Billy Casper, Arnold Palmer, Peter Thomson (the favorite), Orville Moody, Gene Littler, Lee Elder, Gay Brewer, and, of course, Bill Johnston, our golf course designer, were all very excited about being at The Dominion and loving all the attention.

The next day, the first round of the Pro-Am, an army of volunteers wearing hot pink golf shirts and navy pants, flooded the course. You could hardly see all of the flowers that had been planted. Larry Rosow headed up the Pro-Am, Cookie Belinsky was in charge of the scorers, and Mike Howard made sure everyone had the proper playing credentials. John Peveto had been in charge of advertising and Nancy Smith and Joy Chase made sure that all of the golfer’s wives were well entertained. Parking and logistics were handled by Dale Chase and Paul Weppner, while Charlie Amis handled the security.

Tickets for the general public to watch the tournament varied from seven-day passes for $75 to Saturday and Sunday passes for $10. Of course, entrance for all members and residents was complimentary and we all sported badges that said, “Ask me about The Dominion, I live here!” (How cool is that?) The Clubhouse was only open to the pros, their wives, media, committee heads and tournament personnel.

We were all dying to see the inside but had to wait until the tournament was over.

At the end of the second day of the Pro-Am, the awards party was held at the Wyndham Hotel. The winners of the Pro-Am were all given a set of Waterford crystal glasses and decanters.

The purse for the Seniors tournament was $200,000. The lead changed several times and was contested until the end; Don January walked away with a $30,000 paycheck with scores of 69, 70 and 67. He was presented his check by the developers on the 18th green.

Many people, including myself, thought that the tournament signaled the opening of The Dominion Country Club. In a way, it was just the “soft opening” – the official Grand Opening of The Dominion Club for members and guests was July 4-7, 1985.

Next month continues on the opening of the clubhouse.

More about The Dominion history next month…

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Residents Reminisce There’s something about The Dominion that keeps residents behind its gates for decades at a time.

Some of the neighborhood’s long-time residents shared some early memories and a glimpse of what keeps them around this beautiful master-planned community.

Pam and Art Burdick: Gene Canavan, one of the Founders, and Gene Dawson, the project engineer, were describing this new development to me prior to any public announcements. After listening incredulously to them, I then summed up what I understood them to say. I said, “You expect people to go outside 1604, past the Quarry, the mobile home park, the county park and the cemetery, then drive over the railroad tracks and a creek to enter this upscale neighborhood with a golf course? It’ll never work!” Pam and I purchased our golf course lot about 4 months later and have lived here for nearly 30 years. So much for my prognostication.

Donna and Bob Lee: Our earliest memory was, of course, when we first became interested in The Dominion in the early 1980’s. The clubhouse was a large tent in the Pecan Grove. Our first event was a Halloween party in the “tent” with all of the pampering that we have come to enjoy at The Dominion. From there, we looked at lots with Gene and Roslyn Canavan and enjoyed liver pate in the backseat of their car while driving dirt roads that were to become the Estates. We count our blessings that thirty years later we are still able to drive into this beautiful neighborhood and appreciate all that it has to offer.

Carolyn and Chuck Ruble: When the Dominion Country Club first opened its doors, it was one of the most beautiful and opulent structures in San Antonio.

As you approached the entrance, it had such an aura about it that you immediately had the feeling that “it can’t get any better that this!” My first and lasting fond memory was when the receptionist answered the phone with “IT’S A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE DOMINION,” and that holds true even through today.

Carole and Bill Bradley: We will always be appreciative of Wayne Wright, Rich Luders, and Gene Canavan for their vision in developing our neighborhood and the Club. We also remember Jerry Arteburn who managed the development of the property. We have many fond memories of the thirty years we have lived here; such as our daughter’s wedding reception at the Club and our son learning to swim at the Club and enjoying the summer swim team. From The Dominion, he went on to swim competitively for Clark High School and played water polo at Pepperdine University. We still enjoy those memories while dining by the pool on summer evenings. Now in our 70’s, we know it is about the friendships and relationships we have developed here over the years.

Gloria and Fully Clingman: In 1984, as HEB was relocating its headquarters to San Antonio, Fully and I came to The Dominion to look at housing. Gene and Roslyn Canavan met us and we jumped into his Suburban and our journey began. No roads, no anything! We rode over every bump as Gene was giving his spiel on The Dominion and all of the grandiose things which were about to happen. Literally, there was not one paved street, just staked out lots, bumpy terrain and a few curbs. We had lunch at the Country Club which was a glorified tent. Fully and I were tired at the end of the day, looked at each other and said “Forget it, that man is a big salesman with a lot to say,” yet we actually loved Gene and Roslyn immediately.

By 1985, we made the move to San Antonio with HEB and came back to The Dominion for another look. The Club was now built and we could envision our son, Chad riding his bike to the Club to play tennis, golf or have a burger at the Club or pool Cabana. We bought a lot in 1985 and moved into our home in 1987. We are still in the same house. The Dominion has gone through many changes over three decades. We survived with smiling faces and proved that life can be wonderful on “this side of town.”

Ron and Katie Lenss: When the first land sale occurred, which turned out to be the Cottages, Dominion did not have a real estate sales team yet and Ron served as the real estate broker representing the Dominion since he had a brokerage license at that time. When we joined the golf club in 1984, one of the key sales points was that “you will never hit a shot into the rising or setting sun at Dominion”. I guess the path of the sun has changed over those 31 years?

Our kids (8 and 4 at the time) thought it was so cool that you didn’t need any money to buy things - just your club#! We had an incredible lineup of professionals - Butch Newman, Director of Tennis, Buddy Cook, Director of Golf and Maurice, Executive Chef. No other club in town compared....

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Summer is right around the corner, and that means it’s time for pool parties, cookouts and fun in the sun. With The Dominion’s Swim Center opening on Sunday, May 31, you don’t have to go far to find something fun to do with the kiddos!

By: Ivy Garza, Director Private Events/Catering

4th of july Among the many summer events hosted around the neighborhood, one of the most popular every year is the Annual 4th of July Celebration at the Clubhouse. Each year this event draws upwards of 500 attendees, and we welcome you to bring your friends and family for this year’s party!

There are activities for children of all ages, including inflatable games, face painting, music and dancing, even a petting zoo and horse ride! We are bringing back the skydivers this year and, of course, the out-of-this world fireworks display shot right off of the Back 9. Join us from 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, for the outdoor celebration, and don’t forget to come hungry! An American inspired buffet, complete with Chef Judy’s patriotic pastries, taste bud tantalizing entrees and delectable sides are sure to please the whole family.

the Dominion Swim Center Looking for a place to relax this summer, soak up some rays and enjoy a margarita poolside? Come by The Dominion Swim Center pool and kick back, worry-free, while our lifeguards supervise the swimmers and our Cabana staff brings your order right to your chair – luxury at its finest!

The Cabana has a variety of items on the menu, including grilled favorites like cheeseburgers and hot dogs, plus fresh salads, sandwiches and wraps. Looking for something more? You can also order any of your favorites from The Clubhouse to be brought out to you at the pool.

Don’t forget, you can always host a birthday party, company cocktail reception, or summer soiree at the pool as well. You set the date, we’ll do the rest! Call Ivy, Director of Private Events, for more information today at (210) 698-4816.

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ladies bridge groups

by Darla Barger and Billie-Kite Howlett

I

f you walk through The Club and notice a large group of ladies at bridge tables that are quietly and intently studying a handful of cards, you are observing members of The Dominion Bridge Club playing duplicate bridge. They may seem very serious, but wait awhile, and you are guaranteed to hear a burst of laughter. A key element of Dominion Bridge is fun among friends.

From the earliest days in The Dominion, friends would ask friends to play bridge and they would ask other friends and then put together two or three tables of bridge and then go play at The Club on regular days each month. Frances Lance and Helen James often did this.

Anne Veitch also hosted several games. Many have continued to do this through the years. By 2000, these groups were many and thriving, and Helen James, assisted by Nancy Mann and Louree Greehey, put together the first large six-table group.

Then in 2001, Helen James and others coordinated with The Club to sponsor the six-table game as an American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) sanctioned game with a paid Director on Third Wednesdays.

The following year, Billie-Kite Howlett started the second play day for ACBL sanctioned duplicate with another six-table group on Second Fridays. By then duplicate bridge was a cherished tradition of The Dominion Country Club and the neighborhood.

Duplicate bridge is defined as a form of contract bridge in which each pair plays identical deals in order to compare results. Duplicate provides a format where you can have bad cards and still win because you played the hand better than your opponents. Such a deal! You can fail to make your bid, and still win—even better! Bridge players love the game because the mind is always challenged, and each hand that is played is always different. Good thinking and great teamwork are rewarded.

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When a group of new players began lessons at The Dominion, they were asked why they wanted to play bridge. Most answered that they wanted to challenge their minds, and considered bridge to be more fun than crossword puzzles or Sudoku. However, sharp thinking and friendly competition are only part of what has makes Dominion bridge so popular. It is the friendships that have been formed and enjoyed throughout the years that make the game so satisfying.

The Club still sponsors these two games, which are open exclusively to members of The Club. Play is on the second Friday and the third Wednesday of every month. Since a professional bridge director conducts the games, winning can earn Master Points toward ACBL Designations such as Life Master. Many of our players travel the world competing for ACBL points, but mostly just having fun.

Betty Lou Woody and Davelyn Robbins have both chaired the large duplicate groups. Darla Barger and Niki Cascio have recently taken that responsibility while Anne Vietch, Sharon Koenig, Diane Fisher and Billie-Kite Howlett are coordinating smaller groups.

These games, by The Dominion Women’s Bridge Club, are not exclusively for Club members, and anyone that wishes to be added to a substitute list is welcome. They meet on the first and third Tuesday of each month, with a director present each day.

Several excellent bridge instructors come to The Dominion to teach both beginners and advanced players, and new members are always welcome! Hopefully more women will be interested in learning a new game, which can provide a lifetime of entertainment, mind challenges and good friendships. Along with golf and tennis, bridge has clearly been a stimulator of friendship in The Dominion community. Want to play? Call Darla Barger, our current bridge coordinator, for more information on bridge groups, lessons, or participating as a substitute at 210-862-1015.

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by sandra marquez For several years, The Dominion HOA utilized a small newsletter as a way to disseminate information to our residents. While it was certainly effective at letting you know what was going on, we as a committee always felt that we could raise the bar with both the quality and scope of how we communicated with our residents.

In the summer of 2014, we reached out to local publisher, SMV Texas Design Group based in Boerne, and began the initial planning sessions for what would ultimately become the magazine that you hold in your hands. Owner Ben Schooley says, “We were so excited with that The Dominion HOA reached out to us. We had worked with similar developments in the past to produce a publication more on par with the stature of their communities, and we knew that working with the The Dominion would be another wonderful opportunity to produce a product that really showed the character, the beauty, and the people that who make The Dominion so unique.” HOA Board President Jeff Lewis agreed. “We were a little overwhelmed at first with how to take our newsletter from where it was and then turn it into a luxury publication, but we’ve been very pleased with the end 54

JUNE 2015

result. The Neighborhood Outreach Committee, (NOC), headed by Carla Ruiz, has worked so hard on this project, and I feel like each issue improves on the last. We look forward to continuing to improve the publication to best reflect the community, and just want everyone to know that our goal has always been to positively reflect the many facets of The Dominion that make it so special.”

Each issue, NOC members and residents come together to work hand in hand with the publishing company to select stories, articles, photos, and to further enhance the end result. That said, The NOC is always looking for input. If you have any ideas, feedback, or would like to participate, we want to hear from you. Please send us an email at dominionccrs@sbcglobal.net and we’d love to discuss how you could become involved. We hope that you are enjoying the magazine, and look forward to continually improving!

Summer is right around the corner, and that means it’s time for pool parties, cookouts and fun in the sun. With The Dominion’s Swim Center opening on Sunday, May 31, you don’t have to go far to find something fun to do with the kiddos!

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by KRISTINE DURAN & PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN WEBER Having only lived in the neighborhood for six months, Avinash and Smita Bhakta are your new neighbors. Smita grew up in London, but quickly adopted Avinash’s home city of San Antonio since moving here twelve years ago. After having two children and taking in their parents, the Bhaktas were on the hunt for a larger home that suited their taste for the contemporary.

Without much luck, the couple took matters into their own hands and had their dream home built in their dream neighborhood. With the help of Oscar Flores Design Studio, the Bhaktas created a visually stunning home that effortlessly juxtaposes high-end and comfort.

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living room

As avid entertainers, the Bhaktas are fond of wide open spaces.

The living room is an extension of the dining room, which an extension of the kitchen, and so on. No room is private from another and is always inviting the outside in with large and plentiful windows. Pops of red complement the textures of the wood ceiling and stone panel wall. While sleek, the room remains comfortable and hardwearing for their children, ages 2 and 7.

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kitchen

The Bhaktas wanted each room to feel fresh and full of natural light. The kitchen is definitely not lacking either of those. Large windows filter sunlight onto the metal backsplash and cracked-glass bar, adding another layer of dimension to the minimal dĂŠcor.

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outside

The Bhaktas added a number of bells and whistles to their home, including Smita’s favorite: the waterfall feature. This feature allows water to beautifully cascade off of the home and into the backyard pool. A scenic backdrop for the family’s most utilized part of the home.

big xii

By Bryan Ledesma, Head Golf Professional, Dominion Country Club

It has been an exciting start to the golf season here at The Dominion Country Club.

The Dominion Country Club was honored to be the host course of the Big XII 2015 Women’s Golf Championship.

Schools from the Big XII Conference went head to head in a three-day event to see who would come out on top. Congratulations to the Lady Baylor Bears for such an outstanding performance and taking the Big XII Championship Trophy to Waco, Texas.

The Dominion Country Club recently hosted its 30th Annual Renaissance Men’s Member/Guest. This event is a wonderful time for our Members to showcase their Beautiful Club with four days of entertainment. We started the event off with a Patio Party to welcome all the guests after a practice round, followed by two days of a Head to Head Team Match Play in ten separate flights to crown the winners of each flight. Each flight winner advanced

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into a four-hole shootout to battle it out for the overall 2015 Renaissance Champion. Congratulations to our 2015 Renaissance Champions Eddie DeVane & Connor Anderson. We capped off the week with an extravagant Gala with food, drinks and dancing to the music from the band, The Klocks.

On June 13, The Dominion Country Club would love for you to join us for our Concert on the Green. John Reeves and The Brew Band will be belting out Country Classics and Some great old time rock songs. Join us for a fourhour concert, awesome country BBQ dinner, dancing and some good fun! Tickets are available only through The Dominion Country Club Pro Shop. Please call 210-6981146 to purchase your ticket or stop by The Dominion Golf Pro Shop.

renaissance men's member/guest tournament

EDDIE DEVANE & CONNOR ANDERSON

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The Dominion’s new radio station

The Dominion now has its very own radio station: 105.9 MHz on the FM dial!

The service is not new to the San Antonio area, but it’s the fifth area outlet for Radio Station KAHL. However, 105.9 is the first station to be officially licensed by the FCC to The Dominion.

The proprietors of KAHL Radio are Dominion property owners and Club members, Darla and John Barger. Darla Barger’s connection with the development dates back to 1984, when she came abroad as the development’s real estate broker working with the late Gene Canavan, Rich Luders and Wayne Wright.

John Barger came to town in 1975 as COO and co-founder of Clear Channel Communications (now: I-Heart Media), and became a Club member in 1986 when he married Darla. His history in broadcast dates back to 1958 when he was a DJ in College Station. After landing a gig producing NFL broadcasts for the Dallas Cowboys, Barger cofounded Clear Channel Communications, and subsequently served as the Chairman of the Texas Association of Broadcasters (TAB). Among his many achievements, John became the recipient of TAB’s Broadcaster of the Year award in 2012.

Over the years, the Bargers have been investors and owners of 12 different San Antonio radio facilities including WOAI, KAJA, KONO, and currently KAHL. The Dominion 105.9 covers a population of over 400,000 listeners in Northwest Bexar County. It is simulcast with 103.7 which serves central San Antonio and with 1310-AM. KAHL (which is identified phonetically on air as “Call”) has an adult standards music format, which most people from The Dominion generation would simply refer to as “easy listening”. With fewer commercials than even a satellite stream, it offers a wide variety of music from legendary performers such as Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett to Spanish favorites from Julio Iglesias and Gloria Estefan.

Nashville and Southwestern appetites are also satisfied with ballads by George Strait, Willie Nelson, and Christopher Cross.

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Brenthurst • Handsome, 3 year old Tuxedo cat • Lovable, easy-going, great companion • Neutered, current on vaccinations, negative for feline leukemia and FIV, and microchipped

To inquire about adding Brenthurst to your family or to learn more about his story, contact Dominion Animal Advocates Group (DAAG) at (210) 854-8055 or sadagg14@gmail.com

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$3,850,000 | 35 Old San Antonio Rd | Boerne | 78006 14 acre Retreat in Boerne. 8,000 + living sq. feet. 2 main houses (one is a 1890 renovated stone paradise), 2 guest cottages, pool, out door entertaining, century-old oaks, and a workshop with RV storage. Commercial Potential. Do not miss out on this masterpiece.

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FEATURED PROPERTY 72

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PRICE UPON REQUEST

Realtor Hometown: I grew up in the San Antonio area so I have watched it grow and change. I understand the cultural diversity and the casual, relaxed atmosphere that our city encompasses. We have all of the big city amenities but our approach is so different.

Describe your background: Prior to becoming a licensed realtor, I was employed as a flight attendant for Southwest Airlines back in the “hot pants and go-go boots” days! I retired to raise my two children but my passion for people prompted me to return to a service oriented occupation when my children got older. I model much of my business style after my mentors, Herb Kelleher and Colleen Barrett. They taught me to ALWAYS think and market outside of the box and to truly listen and care about your customers.

What are your biggest challenges in this business?

The biggest challenge is overcoming the reputation that Realtors are lazy and only work when there is a deal in the making. Patti Nelson Luxury is a successful business and I run it accordingly.

I am extremely competitive and work hard to make sure my marketing both locally and nationally is on the cutting edge. I am at the office by 9 and many times I don’t leave until 7. I have a marketing budget that allows me to market homes aggressively always...I don’t have to wait for a house to sell!

What are the greatest rewards in this business?

My answer will seem so cliché, but it truly is knowing that my clients are satisfied. Many of my clients become lifelong friends and referral sources. The majority of my clients are referrals, which means that I am doing a good job and I have exceeded my clients’ expectations. At the end of the day...that is all that matters!

How many years have you been in the business?

I have been a realtor for 11 years. I was chosen “Rookie of the Year” my first year and have not looked back or slowed down since.

What sets you apart from the others?

I feel my ability to connect and communicate with a wide range of clientele. My keen understanding and knowledge of property combined with my deep San Antonio and Hill Country roots assure my clients they will receive the information necessary to make the correct decisions whether buying or selling a home. From marketing research to booking hotel stays for out of town clients my passion for excellent custom service never waivers.

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The Dominion Homeowners Association 20 Dominion Drive San Antonio, TX 78257

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID FULTON, MO PERMIT #38