JANUARY 2016
Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation
the story behind the organization
dominion dines
perry’s steakhouse & Grille
art of the dominion
see the amazing, artistic talents of residents in our community
A PUBLICATION OF:
THE DOMINION HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
CONTENTS THE DOMINION MAGAZINE | THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE DOMINION HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
JANUARY 2016
A chance encounter one sunny day on a beautful Spanish island lead to an unshakeable love for family and community.
WELCOME 14
country club 54 Preview the reinvention
THE CLUB
CALENDAR 16 CLUB HAPPENINGS 18 HOA HAPPENINGS 24
FROM THE HOA 32
COVER 38
board of director 58 Meet Sandy Souchon
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home tour 60
Impressions of Grandeur
STAFF PROFILE 34
social group 66
This issue we talk with Assistant Golf Course Superintendent, Andrew Uviedo
See some of our members’ art work
daag 68
Dominion Dines 36
54 48
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
golf 46
business profile 72
Ted Resnick of Resnikov’s Fine Jewlery
charity 48
Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation
tennis 50
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JANUARY 2016 | VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1
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,
Happy New Year to all! We trust that you had a wonderful holiday season, as we did, and now we are looking forward to the year ahead. I am very proud of the work our Board of Directors did in 2015. We had a very successful year at the Homeowners Association: managing the security of our community, improving our infrastructure and landscaping, managing the overall look of the neighborhoods, providing opportunities for fun and camaraderie with our neighbors, and managing the budget. The Board of Directors has been able to accomplish many goals with no dues increase this year. Many, many thanks go out to all of those who serve on the Board as well as all of the individual HOA committees. Of course, we are also very proud of our hardworking HOA staff members. With that in mind, please give special attention to the article written this month by our General Manager, Rob McDaniel. We are able to successfully achieve these results by the participation of members of the HOA and the residents of The Dominion. We have been very lucky to have interested and talented residents volunteer for our committee and board positions. I sincerely hope many of you will read the article and consider finding a place for yourself, offering to volunteer your talents in our community. The Board of Directors election will come up this spring, and each committee is interested in more volunteers. If you have any questions about serving, please feel free to call or email me or any of the committee chairmen to discuss your thoughts. We are also excited to share with you some information about the renovations that should soon begin at The Dominion Country Club. The Club has provided some “mood boards” as well as the proposed new floor plan. It looks like an exciting time ahead for The Club, and we will all look forward to watching the transformation. Best wishes for 2016 - hoping to see some of you at the HOA office soon!
SMV TEXAS DESIGN GROUP, LLC CEO/PRESIDENT Benjamin D. Schooley ben@smvtexas.com OPERATIONS MANAGER Michelle Hans michelle@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 THE DOMINION | DECEMBER 2015
DECEMBER 2015
Jeff Lewis, Chairman Dominion Homeowners Association
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE DOMINION HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
FOr Advertising opportunities call 210-507-5250
MAjESTIC COMFORTS
take a look at the lamberts home
IMPACT SAN ANTONIO
Women making a Difference
RESIDENT PROFILE
meet brian kenneth sWain
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A PUBLICATION OF:
THE DOMINION HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
not responsible for any inaccuracies, erroneous information, or typographical errors contained in this publication submitted by advertisers. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Dominion and/or Schooley Media Ventures. Copyright 2014 Schooley Media Ventures, 930 E. Blanco, Ste. 200, Boerne, TX 78006
January
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Women’s Forum Luncheon - Magician Mark Travis 11:30 a.m. Join the Forum and join the Fun! The ladies get together monthly at 11:30am for a fun program and lunch. The Women’s Forum is a great avenue for meeting the ladies of your Club! $19.50 per person Please RSVP to 210-698-3364
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History Club 4:30 p.m. -5:30 p.m. Keep your mind sharp and engaged and join History Club! Every month, Dan Johnston introduces a new, exciting topic or continues from the previous month. This club attendance has grown to well over 75, so get your RSVP in early! Please RSVP to 210-698-3364
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Dominion Comedy Club 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Get ready - Alan Schubowsky will provide many laughs tonight! His national television appearances include: Evening at the Improv, Comic Strip Live on Fox, Showtime, America’s Funniest People, Caroline’s Comedy Hour on A&E, Comedy on the Road on A&E, Winds of Whoppee, and the Steve Martin Special Comedy. Alan has performed at several high end country clubs as well. Don’t miss this fun night! Please RSVP to 210-698-3364
Every Tuesday
Every Wednesday
Every Thursday
Every Friday
Every saturday
The Dominion Rotary Club 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. This international service group meets at The Dominion every Tuesday
Ladies Bible Study 12:30 p.m.– 2:00 p.m. The ladies get together every Wednesday in the Wine Room. Stop by this week!
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!
Women’s FUN Tennis Friday! 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Women’s FUN Tennis Friday!
Tennis- Saturday Morning Workout 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. All levels, men & women. Guaranteed to hit a thousand balls. Loud music, lots of fun!
Pasta Night in the Grille 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Enjoy delicious Italian favorites, gourmet and cooked to order. Children 11 and under dine complimentary from the pasta bar. $14.95 Adults Please RSVP to 210698-3364
Tennis - Thursday Men’s Workout 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
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
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. Delicious and bountiful - includes baked potato, hearth rolls and a crisp garden salad. $23.95 per person RSVP to 210-698-3364
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THE
DOMINION CountryClub Happenings member holiday c h r i s t m a s pa rt y The Annual Member Holiday Party is the Club’s gift to the Membership – the food was lavish, the cocktails were flowing, the atmosphere was festive, but seeing old and new friends was the best part of the evening!
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women’s forum holiday bazaar Clothing, baubles, and wares, oh my! The Women’s Forum Holiday Bazaar was a shopping delight as members enjoyed lunch, libations, and lots of holiday shopping for their loved ones.
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HOA Happenings Dominion bonfire Bonfire 2015 proved to be another huge, community success. Neighbors gathered together to relish in good conversation over food and drinks, graciously provided by The Club. The kiddos had fun with a variety of activities, including face painting, inflatable slides, and even a petting zoo. Musical entertainment of the evening, provided by The Dominion Magazine, was the always enjoyable Bret Mullins Band.
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turkey chase The 5k/10k run/walk was held Thanksgiving morning and racers from across San Antonio endured a challenging course through Dominion streets. Dominion Residents brought visiting family members out for a morning filled with fitness, food, and fun.
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42 GALLERIA | DOMINION Located at the end of a winding street in The Dominion, this private European-inspired estate offers a masterful blend of modern amenities and elegantly appointed spaces for luxurious living and entertaining. The property`s spacious interior imbues feelings of classic Mediterranean-revival styling, evident through its neutral, airy color palette, graceful columns, mouldings and intricate motif carvings. Multiple living and dining areas comfortably accommodate guests for intimate gatherings or divine sit-down dinners. State-of-the-art amenities make the kitchen a dream for the keen chef, featuring stainless steel appliances, gas cook top and custom antiqued cabinets. Suited for the discerning owner, the master suite is elegantly appointed with a sitting area, exercise room, spa bath and exquisite closet. Additionally, all secondary bedrooms are generously sized, while a game/media room could serve as a second master suite. A covered patio and expansive deck offers the ideal backdrop for both relaxation and gatherings alike, showcasing spectacular views of rolling terrain.
Denise Graves
CertifieD Luxury Home marketinG speCiaList
www.thegravesgroup.com | dgraves@phyllisbrowning.com | 210-408-4053 | 210-260-2176
There has never been a better time to join The Dominion Country Club!
The Dominion Country Club is your oasis and home away from home. The Club offers a worldclass 18-hole Bill Johnston signature golf course with full practice facilities, an incredible tennis program, swim center, fitness and spa in the locker-rooms, and Clubhouse dining with fun filled social activities. There is something for everyone here at The Dominion Country Club! Please contact Aleya Davis in the Membership Office for more information at 210.698.4820 or Membership@The-Dominion.com
Volunteering in The Dominion By rob mcdaniel, general manager of the dhoa
The Dominion is a beautiful, secure and vibrant neighborhood. The Dominion Homeowners Association (DHOA) provides many of the services in The Dominion. The DHOA, through its’ services, maintains the appearance of the community through architectural controls and landscape maintenance, keeps the community safe through its’ security efforts and provides residents social opportunities. All of these services help maintain and enhance property values. An essential element of any successful Homeowners Association (HOA) is the participation of the homeowners. Every property owner in The Dominion is a member of The Dominion Homeowners Association. The Board of Directors is made up of homeowners and makes major decisions regarding the community. There are also several HOA committees that advise the Board. Serving on a committee or the Board of Directors is a good way to participate in the Homeowners Association, give back to your neighborhood, use your talents for the good of the community and meet people. Below are some opportunities for you to help your association; The Board of Directors is made up of nine members, each serving a three (3) year term. Board elections are held at the Annual Meeting in April. The officers include Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer. Several Board members chair HOA committees and/or serve as liaisons to committees. The Board meets the third Wednesday of each month, beginning at 4PM. Although homeowners interested in serving on the Board often serve on committees first, any homeowner can run for the board. The current Board of Directors are Jeff Lewis, 32
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Chairman, Glen Glass, Vice Chairman, Carole Minton, Secretary, Sandy Souchon, Treasurer and Chairman of the Finance Committee, Jim Berg, liaison to the Landscape Committee, Colleen Dietz, member at large, Glenn Grossenbacher, member at large and Chairman of the Security Committee, Lyn Hicks, member at large and liaison to the ACC committee, and Carla Ruiz, member at large and Chairman of the Neighborhood Outreach Committee. Architectural Control Committee (ACC) is tasked with reviewing plans for all new construction and exterior modifications within The Dominion. The ACC encourages construction and improvements that represent good architectural design and are consistent with the restrictions and guidelines of the HOA. More specifically, the ACC reviews the design and appearance of exteriors and materials in an effort to maintain harmony with existing architecture and natural surroundings. The committee meets every Thursday at 4:30 p.m., with members rotating meetings. The committee includes Rob McDaniel, Chairman, Lyn Hicks, board liaison, Guillermo Aguayo, Bob Barnes, Jim Boles, Art Burdick, John Chamberlain, Cindy Ferris, Marc Forston, Theresa Hines, Ann Jones, Roberto Kenigstein, and Carole Minton. The Development Committee advises and assists the Board in overseeing and approving development in The Dominion. More specifically, the committee helps ensure new developments are compliant within our covenants, reviews requests for zoning changes, and oversees common infrastructure projects. This includes reviewing and approving infrastructure, such as roads, fences and entry
monuments. The committee also reviews and negotiates associated agreements, covenants and restrictions within The Dominion Planned Unit Development (PUD). The committee also oversees and advises the Board on maintenance for all HOA infrastructure. Last but not least, the committee works with city government, other neighborhood associations, developers, and planners to influence development outside the PUD. The Committee meets at 7:30 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month. Committee members include Rich Dietz, Chairman, Jeff Lewis, board liaison, Art Burdick, Ed Kelley, Barry Rupert, Jon Trautman, Valerie Katz and Ken Vickery.
UPCOMING HOA EVENTS Landscape Committee Meeting Thursday, January 7 at 8:00 a.m.
The Finance Committee reviews the monthly financial statements and monitors expenditures to ensure expenses are within budget. They also review operating and capital expense budgets prepared by HOA staff and review recommended funding for future infrastructure replacement and repair. The meetings are the fourth Thursday of each month at 1:00 p.m. Finance committee members are Sandy Souchon, Chairman, Kenneth Kolb, David Ray, David Meads, and Mike McCray.
neighborhood outreach Committee Meeting
The Landscape Committee oversees the landscaping and irrigation of the common property of the HOA, including turf, shrubs, lights, lakes, and trees. They also originate and monitor contracts with many vendors, review plans for landscape projects, review landscape plans for new neighborhoods, and monitor a computerized irrigation system. The committee’s goal is to make The Dominion a beautifully landscaped community, in all seasons, while keeping in mind water conservation and wildlife issues. The committee meets the first Thursday of each month at 8:00 a.m.. Members include Sandy Marquez, Chairman, Jim Berg, board liaison, Jim Boles, Rich Dietz, Debbie Dietzman, Ann Jones, Bob Koltz, Anna Moretto, and Debbie Stewart.
Tuesday, January 19 at 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday, January 12 at 8:30 a.m.
development committee meeting Wednesday, January 13 at 7:30 a.m.
security committee meeting Finance Committee Meeting Thursday, January 21 at 1:00 p.m.
board of directors meeting Wednesday, January 27 at 4:00 p.m.
Architectural Control Committee Meetings Thursday, January 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th at 4:30 p.m.
The Neighborhood Outreach Committee (NOC), consists of representatives from almost every neighborhood in The Dominion and has many functions. First and foremost, the committee welcomes all new residents into The Dominion. NOC Members also represent the residents in their respective neighborhoods by bringing their interests and concerns to the committee, as well as being a source of information about the community for their neighborhoods. The committee communicates with residents through various means, such as the HOA website, email blasts, electronic signs and the community magazine, “The Dominion”. The committee also organizes neighborhood events to encourage camaraderie and create a “sense of community”. These events include the New Resident parties, Vendor Appreciation Days, pet events, children’s events, 5k/10k Walk/Run events, the Fiesta Party and the Bonfire. Members include Carla Ruiz, Chairman, Stephanie Leavelle, Vasu Radia, and Louis Rimpel (Estates), Sandy Marquez, Sandy Paine, and Tamara Vandewalle (Cottage Estates & Adagio), Angie Brown (New Estates), Louan LeDoux and Rosemary Terpolilli (Cloisters), Barbara Neisendorf (Sanctuary), and Diane Salek (Renaissance), Paul Daniec and Reddy Yeluru (Reserve), Lyn Hicks and Carole Minton (Gardens I), Anna Moretto and Dona Whitener (Gardens II), Doug McCall, Kathy Reis, and Judy Speakes (Golf Course Estates & Pavilions), Charles Martens (Legends & Enclave), Marilyn Farello (Aragon), Said Motawea and Sam Cortella (Andalucia), and Guillermo Aguayo (Dominion Hills). If you would like more information or would like to volunteer, please contact The Dominion Homeowners Association at (210) 698-1232. Thank you!
rob mcdaniel General Manager of the HOA
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Andrew Uviedo STAFF PROFILE
TITLE: Assistant Golf Course Superintendent Hometown: San Antonio, TX how did you get into your field? I began my career with the City of San Antonio as the Assistant Golf Course Superintendent and worked in that capacity for 17 years. Next, I started with The Dominion as a crew member and worked my way to Foreman and then Assistant. What has been your most rewarding experience in your business? Seeing the many, many crew members I have trained become successful in this business, and another huge reward is hearing from the Membership that they appreciate the conditions we produce. How long have you been with The Dominion? My first day was in 1988, but it still feels like yesterday! What is your favorite aspect about working at The Dominion? The crew, many of whom I have worked with for almost two decades. I also have built great relationships with many Members who are the best in town! Favorite feature at The Dominion? The golf course! It doesn’t get any better! What a view I have to work with daily! What do you like to do in your free time? I enjoy spending time with my wife and grandkids, and enjoy watching all sports on TV – especially golf – I like to compare conditions at other courses! 34
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perry’s steakhouse & grille By Lisa Arcuri, dominion resident
When you walk into a steakhouse, you anticipate a very masculine environment. You envision “old school” leather upholstered booths, deep wood tones, cigar smoke wafting through the air. Perry’s Steakhouse defies these expectations, and re-invents what it means to be a purveyor of high quality meat and seafood in a sophisticated modern environment with a nod to the “old school” way of doing things that can sometimes get lost these days. The moment you walk in and hear the piano and the sultry voice of the singer, you are transported to a scene in a Bogart film. It’s “old school” alright, but in all the right ways…in the way you expect the bartender to be able to mix any drink you can imagine. (Every time I go, I insist that mixologist Sheila Stone make me a Cosmopolitan. She keeps it simple, but it’s always perfect). Or in the way you’re shown exceptional service from the moment you walk through the door. Or perhaps it’s in the way you observe the meticulous attention to detail, as members of the wait staff stand polishing glasses at surrounding tables to perfection. Ever since Bob Perry started his prime butcher shop in Houston in 36
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1979, the Perry name has become synonymous with only the best prime beef, as well as an obsession with customer service. Perry’s incidentally has developed 48 steps to service which everyone that works for them must learn. Usually the restaurant industry adheres to a 10-step process for service, but not Perry’s. They take it much further. In 1986, Bob’s son Chris Perry expanded on the prime butcher shop concept by adding dining tables, and Perry’s Steakhouse was born. Now with 10 locations throughout Texas, as well as locations in Colorado, Alabama, and Chicago, Illinois, Perry’s continues their success. Perry’s Steakhouse at La Cantera has Executive Chef Arthur Lyras treating us to the best of the best steaks and seafood here in San Antonio. From the wide array of appetizers, to an amazing selection of steaks and chops, to delectable desserts, Perry’s is a major treat! Start your extravagant evening with Perry’s Signature Fried Asparagus. This gem is topped with jumbo lump crab meat of course. Add the Cherry Pepper Calamari to that, and pair them both with a lovely Zonin Prosecco. The crispness and tiny bubbles of a Prosecco
are a perfect pairing with seafood as well as a palate cleanser… BONUS! Main course offerings like the Prime Bone-In Cowboy Ribeye are a feast for the senses. You’ll definitely want to snap a picture of it when it comes. Their signature pork chop, Perry’s Famous Pork Chop, is famously seven fingers wide and something you can’t leave the restaurant without trying. It’s prepared with a multi-step process of dry curing, roasting, and caramelizing which produces a magnificent creation that will leave you both slavering and speechless. The most amazing thing of all, is that it is offered on Fridays for lunch at an astounding $13.95. Side dishes abound. The rich, and ooey- gooey lobster Macaroni & Cheese is outstanding. The Au Gratin Potatoes are amazing, and the Roasted Sherried Mushrooms are a welcome respite from all of the richness. All of these main course selections pair beautifully with Perry’s Private Label Cabernet Sauvignon. And speaking of wines… The wine selection at our La Cantera location has won them the prestigious Wine Spectator Magazine Award of Excellence for 2015. This prestigious award puts them in the category of the top 1% fine dining restaurants in the country. And it’s no wonder…with floor managers, like Kevin Krebs, whose passion and knowledge of wine is evident as soon as he joins the conversation. In addition to dedicated and knowledgeable management, the wait staff is top notch as well. Waiters like Mark De la Fuente are a true credit to their profession. His understanding of the menu is such an asset when navigating all the fabulous selections, and makes the dining experience even more enjoyable. Finish the evening with two of their over-the-top desserts: the Warm Chocolate Cake, and the Nutty D’Angelo, which is flambéed table side and served over homemade vanilla ice cream. I promise you will leave happy, especially if you pair these sweet treats with Madeira and Port wines. Perry’s is an outstanding example of “Old School” done right. The great atmosphere with live music, an incredible menu, and an outstanding selection of wine guarantees an evening to remember.
Lisa Arcuri is a native of Long Island New York, and most recently moved to Texas in July of 2014 from the Boston Massachusetts area. Lisa has been cooking her whole life with her mother and grandmothers. Lisa has over twenty years’ experience in food service, catering and as a personal chef. Lisa, her husband John, and their sons, John Philip II and Gregory, live in The Dominion.
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BY Peggy Schooley
Sometimes it seems that romance, true romance, happens only in faraway places under moonlit skies, where your eyes are filled with the image of only one very special person. We can imagine that happening in 1969 on the Spanish island of Mallorca, where two beautiful young college students serendipitously plan on a summer abroad to become fluent in Spanish. That describes exactly how Art Burdick, a handsome young man from Marquette University, met Pam Hardee, a co-ed from the University of Texas at Austin. As they tell the story, that first love they found on that island shines brightly through their words in 2015. You are probably not surprised that neither of them spent much time learning Spanish.
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Pam was raised in Athens, Texas; a daughter of an attorney, who was a former State Legislator while in Law School at the University of Texas. Upon returning to Athens, her father was elected District Attorney, and then District Judge. As Pam saw it, “Having a District Judge as a dad was pretty intimidating to my high school boyfriends!” She was raised in a Democratic, Methodist family of people centered and focused on helping their communities. Her great-uncle was US Senator Ralph Yarborough, and the Democratic perspective was her family’s philosophy. Uncle Ralph was extremely influential as a US Senator, and instrumental in the legislation to create the National Cancer Institute. Pam also states with a laugh “Being the daughter of a Judge in a small Texas town wasn’t always easy! I had to be on my best behavior all the time!” At this same time, Art Burdick was growing up in a suburb of Chicago. The eldest of five children, he had chosen to attend Marquette University. In the summer of 1969, he traveled to Europe with a group of fraternity brothers, on the pretext of earning six hours of language credit, thinking Mallorca would be a wonderful place to learn Spanish. However, as 40
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they explained, “We met at the snack bar in the basement of the school on July 4th.” The following day, Art asked Pam to go out, and the first date was on Pam’s 20th birthday. Pam recalls how Art impressed her and her eight roommates when he arrived with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Art’s response? “I knew from the very start that she was the girl for me!” Pam continues “Art asked me to marry him seven days after we met” to which she replied “No way! I’m young and free, and plan to enjoy that for a long while!” Even with that refusal, Art and Pam exclaim they had a wonderful summer on that idyllic island and spent much time at the beach. Pam’s relief was that “Thankfully, we both received six hours college credit!” At summer’s end, Art returned to Marquette, and Pam to Austin. Even that didn’t last long. Art quickly came to Athens and met with the Hardee family who were concerned that
Art was Catholic, a Yankee, and worst of all, a REPUBLICAN! Yet Art’s charm - and Pam’s obvious love - eventually overcame most objections they may have had. Art relays that his family - especially his younger brother and sister - thought Pam’s “Hi y’all!” was hysterically funny, and they loved her from the very first meeting. Art transferred from Marquette to the University of Texas, where they graduated in 1971. While at UT Austin, Art said “I realized I wanted to become a developer. I searched for opportunities in Austin, but couldn’t find any.” He expanded his search into the San Antonio area, with the rationale that it’s close to Austin. “We’ll get some experience, make some contacts, and return to Austin in a couple of years!” Instead, they fell in love with the city of San Antonio and never considered relocating. Art was also blessed with a development job with Schaefer Homes. Soon after, John Schaefer commenced efforts to relocate The Dallas Chaparrals to San Antonio. Schaefer, along with Red McCombs and Angelo Drossos, succeeded in relocating the Dallas Chaparrals to San Antonio, and renamed the team the San Antonio Spurs. Art invested in the new team and was placed on the Board and Executive Committee due to the fact that “coming from Chicago & Milwaukee, I had attended more professional basketball games than all the San Antonio Spurs’ owners combined!” It also helped that John Schaefer was the Chairman. “John placed me there”, Art explained, “I was like a kid in a candy store. Well, this was a long time ago and the Spurs weren’t what they are today.” Originally, Art was focused on the development side of the Schaefer business, but in 1973, he was asked to join into the building enterprise as well. The Schaefer-Burdick partnership was formed and later became the 3rd largest home builder in San Antonio. “At our peak in 1982, we became the 130th largest builder in the U.S., building 250 homes annually in San Antonio and 100 in El Paso. The late 1980s were extremely difficult in the building business. John Schaefer wanted to focus on tract building while Art saw more opportunity building homes for affluent buyers, and they ended their 17 year relationship in 1988. While Art was busy with his development business, Pam developed her own career. She completed her BA at the University of Texas, and continued through her MA in Educational Psychology from UTSA. Pam, a Licensed Professional Counselor, was the college prep counselor at Antonian High School for three years. In 1984, Pam became a real estate broker, and managed upwards of 150 residential properties
in the San Antonio area. Pam also spent three years as an agent in The Dominion Sales Pavilion. Once Art began Burdick Custom Homes, Pam became the listing broker for their homes. Art stated “What really helped was that Pam already had established an amazing reputation in the marketplace, great contacts, and the ability to get our fledgling company quickly off the starting line.” Using their separate skills, Art handled the land acquisitions, administrative duties, and financial details. Pam handled the marketing aspects of the firm, realtor relations, and design coordination. Pam stated “I remain the Burdick Custom Homes listing broker, but I am otherwise retired from the business.” She is not, however, retired from making a difference in her community. In these same years, Pam has been in the forefront of helping women in their careers. She was a member of the San Antonio Board of Realtors, as well as the Women’s Council of Realtors, in which she was ultimately elected as their President. She was a member, and later President of The Dominion Women’s Forum. In 2013, she was the President of the Cancer Therapy Research Center Council. Interestingly enough, Pam mentioned “the CTRC is one of only four National Cancer Institute designated centers in Texas – the very bill introduced by my Great-Uncle Ralph Yarborough!” Her CTRC commitment has been for three years, but Pam says it has brought her immense pleasure to be able to help eradicate cancer in any way she can. She stated that after her mother’s death from complications of bladder cancer she hoped to “live long enough to make a significant contribution to the fight against cancer.” Pam says with great pride “I have, I did, and I’m blessed.” The passion started by Senator Yarborough, fortified by the loss of her mom to this terrible disease, led Pam to be able to make a difference with her own passion. The CTRC Council has just named Pam its Volunteer of the Year for 2015. Continuing on with a more personal insight to their relationship, Art and Pam explain “Our passions diverge.” Art loves to sail, scuba dive, and snow ski; and Pam really doesn’t. Art states “Pam is a gourmet cook, and I like to eat!” She is also a voracious reader, belonging to three book clubs. All things work together for good. “We both love to travel, and in the last 12 months we have been to Europe twice, Argentina, and Asia.” They also enjoy numerous trips to Seattle to visit their son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren. Art and Pam also recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. Just as proud as Pam is of her work with charitable and civic organizations, Art is equally proud that he was Chairman of the Building Committee for
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PROFESSIONAL the Casa de Padres, a retirement home for priests, built under the auspices of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. The Casa de Padres recently celebrated its 25th anniversary since the home opened, and Art is as proud of that today as he was then. The opportunity to make a difference for these priests has meant a lot to him. Art’s lengthy resume (see sidebar) demonstrates that he has never slowed his focus on his industry, his community, and the organizations in our area that make real differences. Most recently, Art oversaw the building of the Burdick Community Center for Roy Maas’ Youth Alternatives in Boerne. “I am very grateful for the numerous contributions made by our friends in The Dominion to help make this facility a reality.” When asked to describe how they selected The Dominion as home, Art relays “We planned to build a home in Oakwell Farms near Alamo Heights, until our friend Gene Canavan invited us to come to The Dominion ‘just to look around.’” Art recalls the presentations and lot sales were occurring in an air conditioned tent, and there wasn’t much to see other than beautiful grounds. He and Pam thought that while it “was a long way out of town and inconvenient, we really liked all of the people that we met who were purchasing lots and would become our neighbors.” They selected a lot on the golf course and began building. The Burdick’s stated “We are in our sixth home in The Dominion, and we plan to never leave our friends or our Dominion community.” “Our son, Brian, grew up here. He and his buddies attended the golf and tennis summer camps at The Club, and utilized the fairways as their playground.” Brian attended Hobby and Clark prior to heading to UT Austin, and then joined Microsoft after college. He left Microsoft after 12 years, yet still resides in Seattle where he has his own “startup” company. Art reflects that he was on the original Board of Directors for the Country Club, and that only he and John Peveto remain in The Dominion from that group. Art has also served on the Dominion Homeowners Association Board, and is currently on the Architectural Control Committee and the Development Committee. Pam served on the Board of Governors at The Country Club in the early 2000s. Pam concluded with the perfect statement: “We’ve built more than 185 Burdick Custom Homes in our own Dominion neighborhood. We’ve done right by them, they are all our friends… we are TRULY blessed.”
• • • • • • • • •
Began Real Estate/Building career in San Antonio in 1972 Recognized nationally in 1980 as one of the “Outstanding Young Builders” Elected President of Greater San Antonio Builders Association - 1981 Started Burdick Custom Homes in 1989 Nominated for “America’s Best Builders” Award - 1996 Nominated for “The Lee Evans National Award for Management Excellence” - 1996 Named “Builder of the Year” in 2011 by Greater S A Builders Association Has built over 2,200 new homes in 40 plus years of homebuilding Has developed over 1,250 residential lots
CURRENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS • • • •
Greater San Antonio Builders Association Roy Maas’ Youth Alternatives Foundation Dominion Development Committee San Antonio Blood & Tissue Foundation
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Chairman of Board of Dominion Country Club Prudential Grand Champions Tennis Tournament Casa de Padres (Chairman of Building Committee) Northeast YMCA Texas Association of Builders National Association of Home Builders San Antonio Board of Realtors Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce San Antonio Spurs Community Title Company San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department San Antonio Economic Development Foundation Incarnate Word College Roy Maas Youth Alternatives UTSA Athletic Advisory Board
• • • • •
Greater San Antonio Builders Association San Antonio Board of Realtors National Association of Home Builders Texas Association of Builders The Dominion Architectural Control Committee
FORMER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CURRENT MEMBERSHIPS
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NO SCREAMING ATTORNEYS ON TV. NO RIDICULOUS CLAIMS. JUST HONEST, PROFESSIONAL LEGAL HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST.
L AW F I R M
507 E. Blanco Rd.
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Boerne, TX
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830-331-2772
WOMEN’S STABLEFORD TOURNAMENT Seventy-two ladies, from various area courses, participated in this year’s Stableford Tournament. The visiting ladies reported being blown away by The Dominion hospitality and course conditions! Team Dominion played like champions and everyone had a great time!
by Kyle O’Brien, pga director of golf at the dominion country club
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by Lynn Cuny, Founder/President
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n 1977, at what now seems like the tender age of 26, I started Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation (WRR). A deep affinity for the plight of wild animals combined with the belief that something could be done to help them motivated me. Perhaps lacking “good sense,” as some said, I printed business cards and began to distribute them. I knew that more than one person thought it crazy to do such a thing in Texas back then. Having been born and raised in San Antonio, I was the youngest of six children and had the good fortune of loving parents with a deep appreciation of nature. Their support was crucial to my ability to weather the up’s and down’s of getting started. My dear Mother was even one of my first animal care volunteers, even though one might have thought that raising six children would have exhausted her nurturing capacities. In the Cuny home every stray dog or cat found love and a meal or two, and any neighbor who found an injured bird, lizard, turtle or opossum knew just where to take them. I do not recall ever turning away any animal in need, but we were always taught three things: wild animals are to remain wild, no animal is more important than another, and dogs and cats are part of the family; they live inside and share our life. These principles have been among the core convictions of Wildlife Rescue ever since. WRR had humble beginnings based in my small home and backyard. 48
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Not being a very patient person, I chose not to wait until donations came available to support the work; instead I simply took on a morning paper route to support WRR and myself. The early morning schedule, though it was seven days a week, freed me to conduct rescues and to feed the animals throughout the day and usually far into the evening. After printing those business cards and distributing them to local fire and police departments, “pet” shops, chimney sweeps, “pest” control companies and veterinarians, it was only a matter of days before my phone began ringing. A neighborhood skunk with a mayonnaise jar stuck on her head was my first rescue, and soon after came a bobcat kitten who had been declawed with a pair of pliers and sold to a “pet” shop. Fortunately she was discovered and rescued by a family going in to purchase dog food. “We got her out of there; she was badly injured, but now what do we do?” was their plea to me. That traumatized bobcat and one other I would rescue from Animal Control became WRR’s first two permanent residents. They lived at Wildlife Rescue for 18 years, formed a close bond, and died within days of each other. It was for animals like those two bobcats that I built the original plan for WRR in my mind. It was to be a 200 acre sanctuary in the Texas Hill Country for animals who could never again be set free but who deserved the best we could give them, and a rehabilitation facility for those who were injured, ill, or orphaned but could be set free after a little help. Today the Wildlife
Rescue sanctuary and base of operations is 212 acres outside of Kendalia along with the WRR Sherman Animal Care Complex in San Antonio. Seven thousand native wild animals are brought to us every year for care and eventual release, and some 500 native and nonnative animals (including 160 primates representing a dozen species) along with farmed animals and feral cats call the sanctuary home for life. We even have a small rescue and adoption program for other cats who usually come to us because they have no other resource and often face death row at the pound. We are often asked why we spend so much time and expense to rescue common native species such as raccoons and opossums, animals who are more often seen dead on the side of the road than living quietly in neighborhoods. The simple answer goes back to what I was taught—all animals, nonhuman as well as human, are important and compassion is vital in all our lives. It is the same with whitetail deer, who are commonly hunted and killed. We take in hundreds of fawns every year who have lost their mothers and dozens of injured adult deer All these species may be common but they feel pain and need help and Wildlife Rescue is there to care for them. The animals who have spent time receiving care at WRR and are ready to be released are set free on privately owned lands with appropriate habitat in relatively isolated regions of Texas. Some of our supporters offer their property for this purpose. Some individual animals are returned to where they came from if these are safe places where they can go and carry on their lives. Although most of our work involves rescuing and caring for animals in a hands-on way, we also take every opportunity we can to go into schools and other venues where children and interested adults invite us. We talk about what is involved in rehabilitating wild animals and getting them ready for return to their natural habitats, as well as how important it is for those animals whose injuries preclude autonomous survival or, in the case of nonnatives, whose experience as “pets,� or in roadside zoos or as laboratory research subjects leave them unable to survive on their own, to have large, spacious and natural living spaces. Every animal who comes to Wildlife Rescue has a story, and we want to tell those stories to others in the hope that greater respect for nature and wildlife will grow as people learn more about the lives of our fellow creatures along with empathy for the suffering that humans so often cause. I will conclude by mentioning that on several occasions Wildlife Rescue staff and volunteers have come to The Dominion to assist with problems that concerned residents have with wildlife who also consider The Dominion home or to rescue animals who are in peril. For example, we have assisted in the rescue of injured raccoons and fawns as well as migratory birds who have been found by caring residents of this community. Like all neighborhoods, The Dominion was once a wild space and the wildlife who inhabited this area continue to see it as their home. The fact that so much green space remains as habitat makes it possible for native wildlife species to continue to reside there and it enriches the lives of the human residents to have these unique beings as neighbors. Animals are part of the world and a critically important part; they have a long and rich history on this earth and if we take the time to notice and respect them, our lives will be enriched by their beauty, grace and profound presence.
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dominion tennis
happy new year By Barry Mills, Dominion Tennis Director, with additional contribution from Missy Peoples and Lisa Kingdon of The Dominion 3.0 Ladies Tennis team One of the most important features of any tennis program is the variation of teams that form, play, and represent a club. That is especially true at The Dominion. We currently have 12 teams playing their specific leagues on various days throughout the week. Each team is comprised of 16-20 players, of which eight compete every week. Some of our teams play in the United States Tennis Association. This particular league is the most competitive; as season winners go on to represent San Antonio in a sectional tournament. If the team wins Sectionals, they advance to Nationals representing Texas. Many other leagues are offered throughout the week and
these are “generally” less competitive. However, if you are like me, any game is competitive. When was the last time you played “Pictionary”? Dominion teams practice together, as well as take clinics and private lessons from the great staff here. It is one of the greatest ways to get involved in The Club. All the teams are leveled, and The Dominion has options at all levels – from the beginner to the very accomplished. Missy Peoples and Lisa Kingdon play on a USTA 3.0 and have kindly offered to share their experience with us…
PICTURED LEFT From left to right (back row) Betty Hennessy, Ann Sharp, Lora Watts, Kristin Jackson From Left to right (middle row) Missy Peoples, Carol Rupert, Jeanette Derrett, Suzette Sullivan, Judy Mulgrew, Carol Holmes, Kellee Lipscomb, Beth Guard, Louceyette New, Denise Sagray, Kathlin Jauregui From left to right (front row) Tammy McCloud, Dorene Gordon, Gina DeVane, Lisa Garza
PICTURED RIGHT From left to right (back row) Kristin Jackson, Kellee Lipscomb, Ann Sharp, Louceyette New, Tammy McCloud, Erica Mcloud, Dan Cantu (coach) Julie Plunkett, Denise Sagray From left to right (front row) Gina DeVane, Carol Holmes and Dorene Gordon
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As they lace up their tennis shoes and re-grip their rackets, The Dominion 3.0 ladies tennis team head to the Fire and Ice Tournament taking place in San Antonio. After several months of match play and only one upset this season, The Dominion ladies tennis team advanced to the top of their bracket securing their placement in the tournament. The 2015 team members are Lisa Kingdon, Missy Peoples, Sonia Daniels, Lora Watts, Barbie Moroney, Seleste Crescenzo, Sara White, Christy Lloyd, Cynthia Exton, Katie Vincent, Nancy Wood, Melinda MacKinnon, and Stephanie Leavelle. “I am truly blessed to be able to Captain for such a passionate group of ladies. Their commitment to the game and the teams’ success is immeasurable,” said Lisa Kingdon, Team Captain. The Fire and Ice Tournament is an invitational tournament that takes place at the McFarlin Tennis Center in San Antonio, Texas. The winner of the three-day tennis tournament will be determined via the best of five match plays. A veteran tennis instructor, and a new addition to the tennis staff at The Dominion, is the teams’ coach Dave Knaszak. “The ladies worked tirelessly on refining their skill sets and augmenting their game each week to get them to the tournament. I am very proud of them.” With only a few weeks before the tournament takes place, the ladies will train with Coach Knaszak. In true Dominion spirit, the ladies from the 3.5 tennis team, The Dominion Net, would like to say “Ladies, we wish you much success at Fire and Ice, and as John McEnroe would say, ‘Let the racket do the talking!’”
From left to right (back row) Cindy Exton, Mindy MacKinnon, David Knaszak (coach), Barbie Moroney, Lisa Kingdon (captain), Christy Lloyd From left to right (front row) Nancy Wood, Stephanie Leavelle, Sara White, Missy Peoples & Sonia Daniels
From left to right (back Row) Mindy MacKinnon, Marrin Moran, Nancy Wood, Katie Vincent, Seleste Crescenzo, Missy Peoples, Cindy Exton, Lora Watts & Christy Lloyd From left to right (front row) Anne Sheehan, Sonia Daniels, Sara White & Stephanie Leavelle
ELF LOUISE TENNIS The Dominion Tennis Ladies, and invited guests from area San Antonio country clubs, came out in full force for some tennis fun and to support the very worthy Elf Louise children’s charity. Thanks to their generosity, many toys will be delivered to San Antonio’s needy children this Christmas!
a message from steven c. held, President/ ceo, the dominion golf group to jeff lewis, Chairman, Dominion Homeowners Association Attached are two mood boards for the “reinvention” / renovation of The Dominion. Stephen and I want to meet with you and the Board of Governors and get more input, and then Thiel & Thiel will finalize. We want to get everything started in January. In the meantime, you are welcome to share these boards via the magazine, and you can certainly share that we are very excited to be moving forward with this long overdue project. The Dominion represents the best of San Antonio and it is our goal to ensure that the Club reflects this. We are committed to the continued improvement of the country club, and the “Member Experience”. With $2,000,000 earmarked for this project, it is designed to not only provide a clubhouse that all of our Members are proud of, but the casual new dining area includes both a separate bar and lounge area, as well as an outside seating venue with firepits, all designed to showcase our improved food and service. We’re also expanding our offering of amenities by including a state-of-the-art fitness center as part of this project. Our commitment with this renovation is to the “Member Experience” that the entire Dominion Community deserve and are looking for! Again, welcome home, and please don’t hesitate to call me with any questions. Steven C. Held President / CEO The Dominion Golf Group 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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SIMPLY DIVINE Jewelry with a Texas attitude
325 South Main Street, Boerne, TX 78006 • 830-249-7393 www.thegreenbull.com
Sandy Souchon Occupation: I am a retired CPA with prior experience in banking, commercial real estate, and ownership of business for 18 years. Duties on the Board: Treasurer and Chair of Finance Committee. Our Finance committee is responsible for reviewing and approving monthly financial statements, annual budgets, annual operating income and capital reserve projections. Most enjoyable part of being a Board Member: Working with an outstanding HOA staff.  I also enjoy getting to know and work with other board and committee members, and gaining an appreciation for all of the work that these volunteers do. Most challenging part of being a Board Member: As Treasurer, it is a challenge to balance the desires of the HOA staff and various committees, while staying within budgetary and capital reserves constraints. How long have you lived in The Dominion? We bought our first property in 1992, and moved into our current home in 1996.
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What are your favorite parts of The Dominion? I love the feeling of community, and the many friends that we have made over the years.
Hard surface and carpet restoration and cleaning. Commercial and residential properties. Specializing in luxury homes and businesses.
BEFORE
AFTER
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by michelle hans | Photography by Ben Weber Welcome to the beautiful and multi-purposeful home of Art and Pam Burdick, two of The Dominion’s original residents and subject of our featured cover story this month. The Burdick’s are well-known for their love of each other, their family, and their community. This powerhouse couple is also known for, and respected as, masters of their craft…building beautiful homes. Their own abode is not to be outdone, however, by the over 180+ homes they’ve so expertly and beautifully crafted. Let’s take a peek inside their own current masterpiece…
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KITCHEN / LIVING “I love to cook, so I like the kitchen, which is not big but is very functional. It is open to both the breakfast room and family room. The home entertains well with this open area, the separate dining room, the Indoor/Outdoor Room, and the pool patio courtyard.” - Pam Burdick 62
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MASTER BEDROOM SUITE “I love the deep blue painted Master Bedroom suite, which is very spacious and comfortable, and is segregated from the rest of the home. The Master Bath plan is also well segregated…with his and her toilets, closets, and vanities…and is very functional.” - Pam Burdick
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INDOOR/OUTDOOR ROOM “The Indoor/Outdoor room is my favorite. It has 12-foot doors on each side of the fireplace, sliding into the wall behind the fireplace. This enables me to open up the room to be outdoors just like a covered patio. There are electronic screens that raise and lower to prevent bugs and critters from getting into the home.” - Art Burdick
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Tom Turner
Colin Turner This past fall, many residents were given a chance to see the amazing, artistic talents of residents in our community and members of The Club. The Dominion Supper Club sponsors art shows every year or two. This most recent show highlighted a wide range of creative skills for the guests’ enjoyment. Included in the show were oils, watercolors, acrylics, textiles, jewelry, photography, sculpture, drawing, stained glass, poetry, and multi-media. With over twenty artists showcased, there was plenty of art to peruse and appreciate while enjoying refreshments and fellowship. It was a delightful experience, as guests admired the variety of skills and gifts of our neighbors and fellow Club members.
Treva Lovingfloss
Nancy Scantland
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Ernesto Ibanez
Barbie Maroney
Andrea Raetzer
Jeannie Murray
Pat Huelsman
Brigitte Saidi
Janet Key
Christy Kelley
Shelby Vandewalle
Ana Holbrook
Cindy Schneid
Bettina Holbrook
Robin and Jim Landers
Carole Minton
Moyra Jardon 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 must take responsibility for the homeless pets in our neighborhood, and greatly need the support of our community to get these sweet souls adopted into their secure, forever homes.
Jessie and Jane - a 'tail' of two sisters
To inquire about adopting Jessie or Jane, contact Dominion Animal Advocates Group (DAAG) at (210) 854-8055 or ledouxlou@aol.com.
These clever sisters had no intention of being homeless. When they found themselves alone on the streets, they followed a nice guy to his truck and asked to be rescued. It worked and they are now safe in a DAAG foster home. Jessie is white with charcoal markings. Jane is white with tan markings and Siamese points. Both are beautiful, six month old kittens who will be great companion cats. They are affectionate and easy-going. The girls’ favorite activity is snuggling on the sofa, whether in a lap or beside their person. Jessie and Jane are spayed, vaccinated, negative for FIV and FeLV, and microchipped.
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 • ben@smvtexas.com
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January’s Business Profile spotlights the background of resident gemologist Theodore Resnick, known more affectionately as Ted. Here you will learn more about how the proprietor of Reznikov’s Fine Jewelry came to be an expert in the field of finery. Hometown: Englishtown, New Jersey: At the time, it was a very small town (pop: 1,015) in an area of a very small, but populated state. I then moved when married (1966) to the township of Freehold (pop: 75K), where I attended high school. From which college/colleges did you receive your degree(s)? I attended Monmouth College in Long Branch, NJ, which is now Monmouth University. I graduated from the Gemological Institute of Gemology in Santa Monica, CA (now located in Carlsbad) in 1983, with a Certificate of Graduation as a Graduate Gemologist (GG).. How long have you been in the business of making fine jewelry? Since 1979 (36 years) starting in Kerrville, TX. Tell us how you first became involved in the jewelry industry . . . My start began in Kerrville, TX when employed by an auction company. They hired me on as a clerk of recording, and I soon found that my interest in jewelry was far greater than being a clerk. They encouraged me to join in studying a gemological course that one of the employees was taking, via correspondence. I soon discovered that I had a talent for jewelry design and sales. I left the auction business to open a small appraisal shop in Kerrville while I finished my part of the correspondence course. Fast forward to San Antonio, TX and I was now working for a jewelry store in North Star Mall. They sent me to Santa Monica, CA to finish my studies at the Gemological Institute of America. In 1986, I opened up Jewelry Services of America, a trade services to the industry, and many jewelry stores in San Antonio as well as parts of the US, selling jewelry and gemstones, repair of watches and jewelry and jewelry appraisals. My key customers were Kay Jewelry Stores, Zales, Dillards Fine Jewelry Departments, and several more. After the fall of Zales in bankruptcy, and the selling of Kay Jewelers to the Ratner Group of Great Britain, I went full retail in 1992 opening my first store in the Elms Shopping Center off Wurzbach Road, which was in the patio area and out of public view, but at least it was a 72
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start. Two years later, we moved to a nextdoor location, which gave us the visibility we needed. With larger premises, business increased and we expanded merchandise and our manufacturing facilities. Graduating from the G.I.A. and obtaining appraisal qualifications, I am certified to do jewelry insurance appraisals. I have worked for law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, DEA, US Marshals Office, the court systems, major chain and department stores, jewelry firms, lawyers, banks and estate, insurance companies, and probates accountants. What do you find most challenging owning your own fine jewelry business? The most challenging thing about my business is the days are not long enough; you just can’t seem to get everything done. The changing technology of our industry is rapidly increasing and in some cases, out of control. One must keep themself apprised of all the new technologies and discoveries that our industry has been involved in. The enhancing of colored gemstones, the manufacturing of *laboratory (genuine) diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and just about any other gemstone that is valuable. (*They possess the same physical, optical and chemical properties of natural mined diamonds.) What’s the best/worst thing to have happened since you started working as a jeweler? The best thing that has ever happened to me in our business is creating magic moments for our clients. We create memories that will last a lifetime and maybe into generations of lifetimes. This is a true story: one of my clients that purchased their wedding set from us told this story to me: A Justice of the Peace in the backyard of their friend’s house married them. When the judge asked for the rings the best man open the box and the JP said, “Oh my God what a beautiful ring. Where did you get it”? Almost like a TV commercial the best man replied, “At Reznikov’s Fine Jewelry”. What a wonderful testimony for our work. The worst thing that happened was on a Christmas Eve several years ago, after a last minute rushed sale, my daughter Valerie, who is the best gift-wrapping person in the world, wrapped this beautiful diamond ring. The small ring box was to be wrapped then placed into a larger wrapped box, and another and so on. The client picked up the large box of many boxes with the beautiful ring and left for a wonderful Christmas day. On Christmas Day, I received a telephone call at my residence
(my customers are my friends and they had my number) claiming that they love the beautiful wrappings of a box after box, but when they got to the ring box there was no ring in the box. We found later that it was still in the ultra-sonic cleaner at the store. In all the rush, we forgot to put it in the box. This was very embarrassing, but not as much as this next one. Next story, believe it or not, is true. I telephoned a client to thank them for the sale, which we do for our clients, and in talking to the wife of the person who purchased this beautiful ring she, did not know anything about the purchase. Needless to say, her now ex-husband, bought the ring for his girlfriend (or whatever) and did not tell us. Or should I say we forgot to ask. We immediately dispensed with the telephone thank you calls, unless we cleared it first with the purchasing client. What do you like about being a resident of The Dominion? The best part about The Dominion is living here. When I first started in the jewelry business I had Dominion clients’ and when delivering merchandise I marveled at the residence and only dreamed that I could live here someday. It was like a Shangri-La, that I never believed I would be part of. I love our country club, the surroundings, the landscaping, and best of all the people that live here. Also, the Rotary club, which I helped charter that meets for lunch every Tuesday here at the Country Club.
served as an active member on the Security Committee, where I am proud to say our work implemented the neighborhood’s most advanced state of the art security system with a no out of pocket expense. I was elected to chair the Security Committee, reorganizing and implementing many new programs and innovations. It has always been a priority of mine to give back and support my community. I have served on The Board of the Texas Jewelers Association, The American Heart Association, Father Flanagan Boys Town, two-term president of the Knife & Fork Club of San Antonio, President of the GIA Alumni Association, Board member of the Alamo Heights Rotary Club, and President of the Rotary Club at The Dominion. Helped charter two Rotary Clubs: Stone Oak at The Club at Sonterra and at The Dominion Country Club. Currently, I served 5 years as a Rotary Assistant District Governor, District #5840 composed of 57 clubs with approximately 2,900 members in total. An active member of Jewelers of America, Jewelers Board of Appraisal Review, Jewelers Vigilance Council and a charter member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers.
Is there anything else you would like to mention regarding your business and/or living in The Dominion? Since closing the retail store in 2009 (after over 3 decades) we now share space with Dean Cook, stockbroker financier in 1100 square feet upscale office at “The Commons at The Dominion” located on The Dominion grounds. I currently operate as an “appointment only” private jeweler of diamonds and gemstones, precious metals broker and jewelry appraising along with numismatics. I appraise and liquidate estates. We are open for anyone who wishes to use us. Please call for an appointment anytime. As for The Dominion, from August 2011 - 2013, I was an active member of the Board of Directors, for the DHOA. I was a member of the Neighborhood Outreach Committee, where I worked on organizing (with the help of my son, Matthew) the first community-wide Ice Cream Social event and introduced the first monthly community flyer, “The Outlook”. Also 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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The Dominion Homeowners Association 20 Dominion Drive San Antonio, TX 78257
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