NOVEMBER 2015
A PUBLICATION OF:
THE DOMINION HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
Elegant Ranch Designs at Affordable Prices
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830.755.6355 • 210.535.3070
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CONTENTS THE DOMINION MAGAZINE | THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE DOMINION HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
NOVEMBER 2015
The Dominion boasts an extraordinary number of Military Veterans, and with Veteran’s Day this month, we wanted to take the opportunity to honor them.
WELCOME 14
student 52 Get to know David Scott
THE CLUB
CALENDAR 16 CLUB HAPPENINGS 18 HOA HAPPENINGS 24
FROM THE HOA 28
history 54
The Dominion Bonfire
48
dominion dines 58 home tour 60
STAFF PROFILE 30
The Parade of Homes award for...
This issue we talk with Catering Director, Sophie Liebeskind
social group 66
The Ugly Shirt Golf Group
club dining 32
54 58
Thanksgiving take-out
golf 46
good reads 72 community 76
San Antonio Food Bank
The new courts
daag 68 Jan Jarboe Russell’s The Train to Crystal City
charity 48 tennis 50
COVER 34
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NOVEMBER 2015 | VOLUME 2 ISSUE 11
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,
We are so honored to publish our Veteran’s Day magazine, honoring those in our community who served in the military and helped keep our country safe. We are very proud of our military residents and club members! We wish we could profile every single one of them this time, but we are starting with some of the many special stories and careers, as well as sharing photos and excerpts of many others. We thank everyone who was able to participate this time. October was an exciting month with National Night Out, the New Resident Party, the Halloween activities, the Howl-o-ween pet party, and the children’s Trunk or Treat event. Nevertheless, November promises to be just as much fun. Start training now for the very popular Turkey Chase on Thanksgiving morning - bring your whole family and get a good start to the day by running or walking with your neighbors! Remember, if cooking on Thanksgiving is not your thing, the country club has one of the best Thanksgiving buffets anywhere (and even takes orders for take-out). Also in November is one of our signature events, the Bonfire. This event has quite a history in The Dominion, as you will read in another wonderful Dominion history article by Janet Key. Club members and residents join in on a wonderful, fun fall evening organized by the Neighborhood Outreach Committee of the HOA, which does the planning and provides fun activities for the children. As always, we appreciate our Dominion Country Club for providing us with great food to enjoy. This year our publishers, SMV Texas Design Group, will provide a terrific band for good music and dancing led by Dominion resident, Bret Mullins. Thanks to all of them for pitching in to make our most well-attended event terrific! See you at the Bonfire and Happy Thanksgiving!
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
2015
BER 2015
THE DOMINION | OCTOBER
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OF THE DOMINION HOMEOWNERS
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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION
THE OFFICIAL
Jeff Lewis, Chairman Dominion Homeowners Association
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The Dominion Magazine is published by Schooley ATION OF:
A PUBLIC
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2 ISSUE 9
VOLUME 2 ISSUE 10
VOLUME
DINES out DOMINION we check & bar n this month cake kitche whiskey
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Benjamin Weber ben.weber@smvtexas.com
BER 2015
Ty MODERNI MExICANthe home of NEW THE RIM’S HOT SPOT barrel
OPERATIONS MANAGER Michelle Hans michelle@smvtexas.com
SEPTEM
OCTOBER 2015
a look into alvarez Patricia
SMV TEXAS DESIGN GROUP, LLC CEO/PRESIDENT Benjamin D. Schooley ben@smvtexas.com
A PUBLICATION OF:
THE DOMINION HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
FOr Advertising opportunities call 210-507-5250
Media Ventures in Boerne, TX. The Dominion Magazine and Schooley Media Ventures are not responsible for any inaccuracies, erroneous information, or typographical errors contained in this publication submitted by advertisers. Opinions
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NOVEM BER 2015
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
november
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Supper Club Military Appreciation Event 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Don’t miss this very special Supper Club! The TMI Color Guard opens the event and a wonderful Guest Speaker is always included. All past and present military personnel are encouraged to wear their uniform, commendation pins, etc. Please RSVP to 210-698-3364
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Women’s Forum Luncheon - Donna Fuller Comedian & Author 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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Kids Night Etiquette Class 6:00 p.m. The kiddos will learn charm, manners, etiquette and all the important things that will empower them to successfully navigate through any social occasion! This will be a fun, interactive class - everyone will have a great time and learn a lot! $15 per child Please RSVP to 210-698-3364
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Women’s Forum Fall Happy Hour - “Vintage Night” 4:30 p.m. Ladies of the Forum, don’t miss a fun happy hour with the gals. If you would like, show up in some vintage clothing and enjoy fabulous appetizers and cocktails. Maybe meet your family for dinner at the club afterward. $25. per person. Please RSVP to 210-698-3364 16
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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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Photo SA Camera Club 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Learn a new aspect of photography each month! Cost is $10 per class, charged to your Member account. Please RSVP to www.meetup.com/PhotoSA/
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wine tasting-Travel South of the Equator 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Enjoy another fun and informal tasting as we travel south of the equator for lively wines and delicious hors d’oeuvres pairings. $25 per person Please RSVP to 210-698-3364
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HOA-Country Club Bonfire 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Food, live music, an amazing bonfire and lots of fun for the entire Dominion Community!
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Thanksgiving Day Buffet 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Traditional, elegant Thanksgiving buffet with all the expected sides and trimmings, and many more culinary treats to delight your entire family! $39.95 Adults $15.95 Children 4-11
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Monthly Sunday Brunch 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Traditional, elegant & definitely a culinary treat for the entire family! Standout Selections include: Omelet Station, Prime Rib Carving Station, Shrimp Cocktail, Fresh Fruit Display, Blintz with Berry Sauce, Roasted Red Potatoes, Smoked Salmon Display, Chef selection of breakfast and entrée items, and Pastry Chef Judy’s fabulous dessert extravaganza! $27.95 Adults $10.95 Children 6-11 Children 5 & Under Complimentary RSVP to 210-698-3364
women’s forum bazaar December 5th at 10:00 a.m. The Annual Bazaar is the answer to all your holiday shopping needs! Gather your friends and family and invite them to this holiday treasure! The culinary delights will surely be divine and the shopping will be spectacular! Open to both club members and residents. If anyone is or knows a vendor who would like to participate, to please contact Lori Harper at loribharper@ hotmail.com
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 WOMEN’S FORUM H A L LO W E E N PA RT Y The Women’s Forum hosted a spooktacular Halloween party at The Dominion and everyone had a frightfully good time! The food was fittingly creepy and oh so delicious, and so many wonderful costumes kept our head spinning – or was that due to the eerie libations? Thank you Barb Burger, Activities Chair, for planning a fabulous event!
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septem b er b i rth d ay happy hour Thank you September Birthday Babies, and all who celebrated with them, for spending your Friday night with us at the Club! We love celebrating the special occasions of our Members!
septem b er k i d s ’ n i g ht Yee-haw! Junior Dominion cowboys and cowgirls enjoyed pony rides, a petting zoo and potato sack races at the September Kids’ Night. The Dominion is so honored to have shown your sweet kiddos a great time, and we look forward to many more fun times!
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women ’ s forum fash i on show The annual Julian Gold Style Show was a huge success with over 155 ladies attending! As is the practice every year, lovely Women’s Forum members modeled alongside the Julian Gold models. A big Dominion thank you to Julian Gold, Rena Baisden and the entire Women’s Forum Board for making this wonderful event a huge success!
Colleen Dietz Jean Rose
Janet Key
Ana Holbrook
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Victoria Johnson
Cheryl Ernst
Darleen McAlister
Joyce Brown
Rob McDaniel General Manager, The Dominion HOA
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HOA Happenings N E W R E S ID E N T PA RT Y There was a wonderful turnout at the semiannual New Resident Party where all enjoyed a lovely fall evening on the terrace of the Dominion Country Club. The club provided fabulous food, the children had fun, and lots of new friends were made.
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nat i onal n i g ht out at the d om i n i on The Dominion residents enjoyed an evening of beautiful weather with 9 neighborhoods hosting 7 NNO events throughout the community. Neighbors brought food and beverages out to meet new friends and some began making plans for another fabulous event next year!
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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 world-class 18-hole Bill Johnston designed 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
committee update
By rob mcdaniel, general manager of the dhoa
The Neighborhood Outreach Committee (NOC) is excited for this month’s Annual Bonfire event and the Turkey Chase! October was a great month and we were so pleased to see so many residents at the Howl O’Ween and Trunk-or-Treat events. We look forward to finishing the year with more fun in The Dominion!
The Holiday season is quickly approaching with Thanksgiving only weeks away and Christmas and New Years shortly thereafter. During the holidays, residents often travel and are away from home for extended periods. Unfortunately, the holidays are also historically a time when there is an increase in criminal activity. During these next few months, the HOA would like to remind residents to lock their doors when not at home, close garage doors when not in use, and not leave valuables in your vehicles. Also set alarms if you have them, and turn on exterior lights at night. We also suggest that you be watchful of your neighbors’ homes and report any suspicious behavior to Security.
rob mcdaniel General Manager of the HOA
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The Landscape Committee October was a great month for landscaping and we hope that the residents are seeing wonderful changes throughout the neighborhood. The Landscape committee approved plans to enhance several small islands, some along Dominion Drive, several in the Estates, and also in the Renaissance, Cottages, and the New Estates. Also, there were large installations done at Prior’s Way, Cotswold, and Crescent Circle. The front of the new SAWS pump station on Dominion Drive has now been landscaped with turf and new trees. The Landscape Committee also has approval to begin a large project along Dominion Drive on the north side from the north gate to the pump station; there we will reduce the amount of turf, do some planting and hardscape, and generally improve the look of the entire area. The Finance Committee meets monthly to review the financial statements prepared by the HOA staff. Their role is to dig into any budget variances and ask is it a timing variance, inadequate budget assumptions or any other reason. They take an analytical approach to financials to better understand the operations of the Association, so they can make informed recommendations to the Board of Directors. The Dominion HOA is a financially healthy association which increases residents’ property values for future resale. If you would like to become a member of the Finance Committee, we meet the 3rd Thursday of each month at 1:00 pm. Please send an email to lisafratangelo@sbcglobal.net.
the annual dominion bonfire It’s that time of year again! The annual Dominion Bonfire is scheduled (weather permitting) for Sunday, November 22nd from 5:00pm-8:00pm at the Pecan Grove. This event is a great opportunity to see old friends and meet new neighbors. This year the Neighborhood Outreach Committee has much in store for you with delicious food provided by The Dominion Country Club, music by our very own Dominion resident Bret Mullins and his fantastic band (brought to you by The Dominion Magazine), inflatable slides and face painting for the kids, cotton candy, popcorn, and much more! The Dominion Bonfire has proven to be a neighborhood success, as every year our attendance grows. We’re hoping you’ll join us for this wonderful Dominion tradition!
UPCOMING HOA EVENTS Landscape Committee Meeting Thursday, November 5 at 8:00 a.m.
neighborhood outreach Committee Meeting Tuesday, November 10 at 8:30 a.m.
security committee meeting Tuesday, November 10 at 1:00 p.m.
development committee meeting Wednesday, November 11 at 7:30 a.m.
Finance Committee Meeting Thursday, November 12 at 1:00 p.m.
board of directors meeting Wednesday, November 18 at 4:00 p.m.
Architectural Control Committee Meetings
smv texas design group (publishers of the dominion magazine) are proud sponors of this year’s bonfire entertainment, bret mullins band.
Thursday, November 5, 12, 19 at 4:30 p.m.
Bonfire Pecan Grove Sunday, November 22 from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Turkey Chase The Dominion Commons Thursday, November 26 at 8:00 a.m. Join us Thanksgiving morning for our annual kids’ fun run, 5k, and 10k run/walk races through the streets of The Dominion. We encourage you to come out and cheer the runners on even if you’re not participating! Contact the HOA for registration information. Dominion Residents race for FREE!
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TITLE: Catering Director Hometown: Dripping Springs, Texas EDUCATION BS in Food Service Management and Minor in Business from Sam Houston State University how did you get into your field? I worked in restaurant and event positions throughout high school and college and always enjoyed the planning and event coordinating side of the industry. After I graduated college I started working at Miramont Country Club in Bryan, Texas and really began my hospitality and club career at that time. What has been your most rewarding experience in your business? The most rewarding experience is seeing all of the details, planning and time that goes into an event/wedding come to life and making the members and guests happy at the end of it all. How long have you been with The Dominion? I started in September 2015. What is your favorite aspect about working at The Dominion? My favorite aspect has been the warm welcome from all of the employees and members of The Dominion Country Club. They definitely make my job enjoyable every day!
Sophie Liebeskind STAFF PROFILE
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Favorite feature at The Dominion? My favorite feature is the floor to ceiling windows throughout the clubhouse. What do you like to do in your free time? In my free time I like to spend time with my family and friends, doing anything outdoors, being active and exploring San Antonio!
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When we think of a traditional Thanksgiving meal, most of us think of a table packed with homemade roasted turkey and tons of sides and desserts. But if you are hosting, the thought of putting together a huge holiday dinner for a house full of guests can be exhausting. The Thanksgiving holiday is all about spending time with family and eating entirely too much food, but how do you maximize both of those goals? With take out, of course! The Dominion Country Club is offering full Thanksgiving feasts to-go, so you won’t need to lift a finger (except maybe to do the dishes), and you still get to enjoy all of your favorite holiday foods in the comfort of your home. Our hearty turkey feast will be enough to generously feed up to 10 people. For $250.00, it comes with all of your traditional dishes, including:
BY Franck Mannechez, Operations Manager, Dominion Country Club
• •
•
Your choice of a juicy, boned or whole turkey (average size of 22lbs.), Eight scrumptious sides, such as mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, glazed sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, traditional sage dressing, cranberry relish, cranberry sauce, and an assortment of hearth rolls. Your choice of three, delectable pies (pecan, pumpkin, apple or sweet potato).
The deadline to place your order is Friday, November 20th at 2:00pm. Note: When you place your order, be sure to state whether you’d prefer to pick your meal up hot or cold. Meals can be made ready for pick-up on Wednesday, November 25th between 2:00pm and 6:00pm, or Thursday, November 26th between 8:00am and 10:00am. To place your order please call 210-698-3364.
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Photography by Ben Weber
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The Dominion community salutes our military men and women with gratitude for all who have honorably served. We are free, because of the brave. We asked our active and retired military members in The Dominion community and Country Club to gather together for a photograph in celebration of Veterans Day, November 11, and to reflect on their military experiences. We share some of these remembrances and stories here. Others will appear in future issues.
A special thank you to the following veterans and Dominion residents who participated in this feature and group photo.
J.P. Acuri US Navy, Petty Officer, First Class
Eugene Harrison Farrell US Navy, Rear Admiral
Robert W Parker Major General, USAF
Jane Anderholt Col., US Army
Melinda (Mindy) Haynes Farrell CDR, NC, USNR
Hu Rhodes CSM, U.S. Army
Melvin Baden, MD Colonel (Ret.)
Michael L. Faust Colonel, USAF, (Ret.)
Marianne R. Rogers (Faust) Colonel, USAF (Ret.)
Dr. Maggie Beato USAF Col. (Ret.)
Henry C. Johnson USN, Lt.
Thomas Sawyer USAF, Master Sergeant
Dr. U.P. Beato USAF (Ret.)
Robert P. Johnson Colonel, USAF
James S. Scott, Sr. USAR, 2nd Lt.
Harold G. Brauner USAR, Capt.
Dan Johnston Army Colonel
John (Jack) Senneff Lt. Colonel (Ret.), US Army
Norman A. Carpenter, Major USAFR (Ret.)
Donald (Don) Jordan Sgt. Army Artillery (Ret.), US Army
Rosanne Turner Shaker, PhD. Specialist 5, Medical Corpsman
Gil Coronado USAF, Colonel
Kenneth Kolb USAF, Lt. Colonel
Wm. Shannon USAF, Captain
Andrew (Andy) J. Cottingham Jr. Colonel, Army Medical Corps
Lt. Col. W. Cannon Lewis USAF
Lt. General Stephen Speakes US Army (Ret.)
Jeffrey Cushing Colonel, US Army
Rob McDaniel US Marine Corps. Reserve
Kraig Vandewalle Colonel (Ret.), USAF
Dr. Alex DePeralta Colonel, USAF (Ret.)
Ralph Minton Sergeant, USAF
Dr. Efren G. Vega Captain, US Army
Robert L Elizondo United States Army, Field Artillery, 1st Lt.
Brigadier General Gary Murray USAF (Ret.)
Admiral Kent Williams US Coast Guard (Ret.)
Joe M. Ernst US Army Quartermaster Corp, MG. (Ret.)
Bob Noack, Colonel, USAF (Ret.)
Richard Woodburn Commander, Medical Corps, USN
LTC Eduardo Escobar, MD US Army, Medical Corps
Dr. Mark Paine Major, US Army
In Memoriam
Byron Pearman Howlett, Jr. July 1, 1929 – September 18, 2015 Ret. Colonel, United States Army, and Dominion Resident with his wife of 63 years, Billie-Kite Mr. Howlett served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, flying medical evacuation missions with the men of DUSTOFF (U.S. Air Army Air Ambulance units). His career and dedication in the Armey earned him several medals, including the Silver Star. In addition to his devoted military career, he was a founding member of The Dominion Country Club. Source: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sanantonio/obituary.aspx?pid=175895502
Ret. Rear Admiral Eugene Farrell, Us Navy, 38 years of service Why did you choose to serve in the Navy?
To explain my motivation for service in the Navy, I have to look back 85 years in time to 1930 when the Great Depression dominated American life, especially the lives of Texas farmers dependent upon cotton as a cash crop. The knee-jerk reaction of the U.S. Congress was to levy a 50% tariff on all cotton imports...the Smoot-Hawley Tariff…which stifled free trade. Texas was then the world’s greatest producer of cotton and cotton-manufactured products. The price of ginned cotton plummeted from $0.35 per lb. to $0.15. Banks failed, erasing the meager savings of the Farrell farm near Meridian in Bosque County. Thus, my most pressing motivation for enlisting in the U.S. Navy as an Apprentice Seaman, earning a salary of $21/month, was economic. The second motivation was a family history of patriotic service. Both my paternal and maternal ancestors were natives of Tennessee, renowned as the Volunteer State. Seventeen of them were volunteer veterans of one or another of the eight wars waged by America, from the colonial days to Vietnam.
How many years did you serve in the Navy and what was the most memorable moment during that time?
My Navy service spanned 38 years. The most memorable years were the WW II Campaigns in which my ship, USS IDAHO (BB-42), served: Battle of Midway, and the seven major campaigns that followed 1943-45, assault and occupation of the Aleutians, the Gilbert Islands, the Marshalls, the Marianas, the Western Carolines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Of those, the most memorable was Iwo Jima, conquered by three Marine Divisions beginning February 19-March 15, 1945. Iwo Jima is a barren, volcanic, pear-shaped, eight-square mile island. From the narrow, southwest stem of the pear, Suribachi Yama rises vertically like a sheer column to a height of some 500 feet, obliging the Marines to scale it like seasoned mountaineers. At about 0900 in the morning of February 23, 1945, from my battle station as Main Battery Fire Direction Officer, I heard a mighty
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cheer from the anti-aircraft gun crews on the weather decks. Since the IDAHO was not firing her big guns at the moment, I turned over my duties to my assistant and went topside to see what the cheering was about. There at the peak of Suribachi was a small American Flag flying defiantly over the southwest end of the island. At that moment, a communications messenger showed me a dispatch from the Landing Force Commander, LTGEN Holland M. Smith, USMC which read as follows: THE AMERICAN FLAG IS NOW FLYING IN AREA 132 PETER. A glance at my shore bombardment chart showed 132 P (for Peter) to be the peak of Suribachi. Then I looked back at the peak to see nothing, nada! What a shock! But almost immediately, I saw a huge Flag hoisted by four Marines and one Sailor. That was the Flag immortalized by photographer Joe Rosenthal and the Iwo Jima Monument in Arlington National Cemetery.
Which decorations did you receive during your time of service in the Navy?
Decorations and medals awarded to me include the following, in order of seniority: Four Legions of Merit presented by Presidents of the U.S.; Meritorious Service Medal; Navy Commendation Medal; USAF Commendation Medal; Pacific Campaign Medal with 7 stars; American Campaign Medal; W W II Occupation Service Medal; China Service Medal; and the Republic of Vietnam Distinguished Service Medal.
How many tours/deployments were you assigned to and which region impacted you the most?
Peacetime service took me, as a young Lieutenant Commander, to Madrid with the U.S. diplomatic mission to establish diplomatic relations with Spain, and negotiate a military agreement with that poor country for Strategic Bomber Air Bases and a Nuclear Submarine Naval Base. My fluency in Castilian enabled me to serve as interpreter and recorder for the agreement. To this day I am proud that my country seized the initiative to bring Spain, then isolated by the
UN, back into the family of nations. After the State Department released me back to the Navy, the Service rewarded me with four sea commands, the most important being Captain of the President’s Command Ship, USS NORTHAMPTON. Important because it and its sister ship, USS WRIGHT, alternated biweekly alerts at sea, equipped with supplicated communications and target data base so that the President and Joint Chiefs of Staff could destroy the Soviet Union, should it launch intercontinental ballistic missiles on Washington or anywhere in the U.S. Those were tense times, of which most Americans were unaware, and I am glad they are now ancient history.
How long have you lived in The Dominion?
My ever-loving wife, Mindy, and I have resided in The Dominion since March 17, 2013. The security and warm friendliness of our good neighbors in The Sanctuary is our most valued aspect of living in The Dominion.
Any other memory/topic of interest you would like to share regarding your service and/or living in The Dominion?
After retiring from active duty in 1974, I sailed my Alberg 37 yacht from Annapolis to San Diego and bought a home in nearby La Jolla, CA. In civilian life, I shunned offers of employment from corporations when I realized they wanted me to use my influence with active duty officers to promote their products. So, besides sailing my yawl in the Atlantic, Caribbean and the Pacific, I turned to volunteer work in my church, community, and Eagle Scout Review Board for the Desert-Pacific Region of the BSA. As an Eagle Scout myself, I enjoyed that service for 30 years. I shall terminate this long message with a short tribute to my alma mater, The USNA…I have often declared that the best thing that ever happened to me in this life, besides being born, was to be admitted to, and have graduated from, the United States Naval Academy.
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Ret. Vice Admiral Kent H. Williams, US US Coast Guard, 32 years of service Why did you choose to serve in the Coast Guard?
Born in Northeastern Pennsylvania in the hard coal country, I was supposed to get out of the coal mines and go to college. It was a wonderful concept, but we didn’t have any money to send me to college. I took tests for various military academies, elected to go to the USCG Academy, because it was ‘free’. I could get a college education, and all I had to give them back, after I graduated, was four years of my life. So off I went to New London, CT to get my ‘free’ education.
How many “tours of duty” were you assigned to and which region impacted you the most?
I started off spending a year and a half in Wilmington, NC on a High Endurance Cutter. Typically, we spent about half of the year sitting on a station in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, between the US and Europe, serving as a radio beacon and navigational aid for planes flying over and a possible rescue ship if they had to ditch. Next, I commanded my own 95-ft patrol boat in Cape May, NJ and did search and rescue work with 14 crewmembers. I was in charge but learned a lot from the enlisted men that served with me. They taught me the skills that I needed to be a successful Captain. From there, I went to Da Nang, Vietnam as skipper on another patrol boat, where I spent a year in a combat zone in the Vietnam War. After Vietnam, I went to graduate school in Monterey, CA and then on to San Francisco for three years in the finance business as a supply officer. From there I went to Long Beach, CA for three years and was a comptroller, and then went back out to sea in Key West as the XO on a major cutter, performing counter narcotics and other law enforcement missions. I went to the Naval War College for a year, and came right back as Commanding Officer of my own ship, the Cutter DURABLE out of Brownsville, TX, and did the same missions to counter drug and human smuggling. It was hard duty. During my last two sea duty tours, I spent roughly 225 nights, or an average of 8 months each year, away from homeport! From there, I went back to a Finance job at Coast Guard Headquarters in DC. Then I was selected as an MIT Sloan Fellow for another Master’s degree, before going right back to the Coast Guard HQ, where I spent two tours in the Budget area, allocating Service resources. From there, I spent two years in New Orleans, one as Chief of Operations and one as Chief of Staff overseeing operations in the largest river District. I was selected for Flag Officer, promoted to one-star Admiral, and went back to Coast
Guard HQ, and became Chief of Acquisition. I went on to Boston as a two-star and served as District Commander for all operations in the Northeast. I was promoted to three-star rank of Vice Admiral and returned to CGHQ as Chief of Staff of the USCG, essentially its Chief Operating Officer. For my last assignment, I went to Norfolk and was Commander, Atlantic Area, the Coast Guard’s largest operational command with 18,000 people, which is roughly 40 percent of the Coast Guard. Everything that happened from the Mississippi River to Europe was within my command. The question that I would ask every day, ‘Did we make a difference?” Because if we made a difference, then we were successful. People are alive today because Coast Guard men and women in my commands were on watch, “always ready,” which is the Coast Guard’s motto. That’s a pretty good measure of success for anyone.
from the Coast Guard. I go on board, and he’s the guest of honor. There’s a receiving line, and I go up there, I get introduced, and he said ‘Admiral! I know you!’ Meanwhile the whole line is backing up, but I’m not walking away from the President of the United States. I’m sorry, but as long as he wants to talk, I’ll talk!
Share the most memorable moment during your time in the Coast Guard.
We have traveled a lot over the years, so we like the idea of a secure community…plus it’s nice and well-maintained. It’s all the things that say ‘This is a good place to live’. It provides a lifestyle that matches up with our stage of life… and it’s just three minutes to the first tee box… that’s very important! Again, when we travel, we feel very comfortable that our home is safe and secure. We find that we can share our experiences that are often different from the experiences of friends and neighbors. In that exchange, there is a lot of learning. We’ve found the variety of people (in terms of backgrounds) that live in The Dominion very interesting and stimulating, too. I think we are geographically well-centered here in The Dominion. We’re easily able to access things we want to get to, and that in itself is a big plus. It’s quite pastoral, almost, when you drive in here. We are blessed to be able to live here, not everybody can…we feel far, far from the coal fields of NE Pennsylvania.
On DURABLE we rescued 300 Haitians off their rickety boats that were close to drowning, and ferried them to Miami Beach. That was a powerful sight, because as we pulled in, coming in overnight off the Bahaman banks, the sun’s popping up, reflecting off the big buildings in Miami and Miami Beach. Suddenly I had 300 Haitians on one side of my ship and we were heeling over because of their weight. They were all seeing the USA, the “promised land”, for the first time and I thought ‘I bet my grandparents felt the same way as they sailed into New York Harbor 100 years before that.’ In the early 1990s, when I was Chief of Acquisition, we were about to build another ice breaker. I was sent to Antarctica to sail on ‘Polar Star’ as she broke out the channel into McMurdo Sound. Later, I had the opportunity to ride along in a plane taking fuel to the South Pole and to see Byrd Station. While there, I got to run around the world in three seconds! Once, as I was leaving the grounds of Kennebunkport, ME former President George H.W. Bush pulled in, and introduces himself. He’s very nice, and asks ‘Have you seen the house?’... ‘Well come on, let me show ya!’, and he actually gave us a guided tour of his home there in Kennebunkport. He personally was the tour guide, and then when we get done he says, ‘We need to get a picture’… so he has one of his grandsons go get a camera and snapped a bunch of pictures, and then he sends some autograph copies of those to me and the staff afterwards. Ten years later, I’m down in Corpus Christi. There’s an event on the USS Lexington. I’m down there representing USAA, which was where I was working after I retired
How long have you lived in The Dominion?
My wife and I moved to the Dominion in 1998. I retired from the Coast Guard and went to work for USAA. We built a home here and moved in on Valentine’s Day, 1998.
What is a favorite aspect of being a resident in a prominent community such as The Dominion?
Any other memory/topic of interest you would like to share regarding your service and/or living in The Dominion?
My career in the Coast Guard would’ve never been successful without the support of my wife, Gerry. I spent 10 years at sea, and she spent 10 years raising a family, pretty much without me, and seeing 24 moves in 32 years. She was the Chief Logistician. She’s the one that got things ready to go and got them unpacked…and without her support and partnership, I’m not sure I would have ever enjoyed the success that I did. We were high school sweethearts, and we’ve been married 50 years now.
Ret. Brigadier general (dr.) Gary murray, Us air force, 30 years of service Why did you choose to serve in the United States Air Force?
I was raised in a military family, and I learned that service to country was very important. We moved about every 3-4 years when I was growing up. I was born in San Francisco, CA and lived in Japan, France, England, and several different places in Texas. When I graduated from High School in 1966, the war in Vietnam was going strong and my classmates were either going into the military or going to college. My plan was to become a dentist, and I had a military deferment to go to college. When I started dental school I signed up for Early Commissioning which ensured I would enter the Air Force as a captain upon graduation from dental school. My wife Jeannie and I were married in June, 1973 and took off on our first air force adventure in July…the rest just followed.
How many tours/deployments were you assigned to and which region impacted you the most?
I married Jeannie Walker in Monticello, Illinois in June, 1973 just before entering active duty. The USAF moved us 13 times during that time. Our first assignment was Barksdale AFB in Shreveport, LA. We were there for two and a half years when I was sent on a remote assignment to a small island in the northern Pacific called Shemya. It is part of the Aleutian Island Chain that stretches westward from Alaska toward Russia, 1400 miles from Anchorage, Alaska. We fought part of the Cold War from there, and it was quite cold. I was proud that I was going to be in charge of a dental clinic on just my second assignment. I was the only dentist there, of course. During that time, Jeannie moved back in with her parents in Monticello. We were then assigned to Sembach AFB, Germany for 3 years. Our first child, Margaret Claire (Meg) was born at the Landstuhl Army Medical Center while we were in Germany. We then moved to San Antonio for the first time, assigned to Lackland AFB. I completed a General Dentistry Residency, and then we headed for Charleston AFB in Charleston, SC. We were there when I found out I was promoted to Colonel, and we were soon moved to Little Rock AFB in Little Rock, Arkansas. By this time, we had two wonderful children, Meg and Todd. After 4 years, I was reassigned to the Medical Inspector General Team at Norton AFB, close to Redlands, CA. After 2 years there, it was back to Germany. This time at Ramstein AFB. We were fortunate to be there 4 years when we were reassigned to San Antonio for our second time, Lackland AFB again. We were here for less than a year when we were sent to Hickham AFB, HI. We were there for 18 wonderful months when we were sent to Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, OH. Imagine moving from Honolulu, Hawaii to Dayton, Ohio in January!! I just about had a mutiny in my
house, but we made it fun. We were at WrightPatterson for 2 years and I was promoted to Brigadier General while there. We then headed for Bolling AFB in Washington DC. We lived on Andrews AFB and my office was on Bolling, AFB where I served as the Chief of the Air Force Dental Service. After 3 and a half years in Washington DC, I retired in July 2003. I was hired as a Staff Dentist at the Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center, so in August 2003 we headed back to San Antonio for the third time. We have lived here now for over 12 years; way longer than I have lived anywhere for my entire life.
Share the most memorable moment during your time in the USAF.
As I look back over my 30 years of active duty, I am humbled to have been a part of a fabulous team providing some of the best dental health care in the world to the most deserving patients. No other moment comes close to that, but for a specific memory, that would have to be the renaming of the Medical Clinic at Hickam AFB, HI as the William R. Schick Clinic. I was serving as the Commander of the Medical Group at Hickam when I became aware of the story of a young Air Force Flight Surgeon who was flying on one of the B-17s flying into Hickam on December 7, 1941. Their defenseless plane was on approach to Hickam when attacked by Japanese Zeroes. They were hit in the air and there was a fire onboard, but they managed to land and most of them climbed out of the burning plane. If you look at pictures of B-17s on the runway that day, theirs was the one broken in the middle, melted by burning flares they were carrying. Doctor Schick managed to get out and cross the runway but was struck in the head by ricocheting bullets. He was still able to make his way over to the Hickam Hospital where the Hospital Commander was attempting to get him to come inside to be cared for. Dr. Schick brushed him off and said, “there are much worse injuries here, tend to them first”, and he proceeded to help out in the treatment of the injured although he had a head injury himself. They eventually got Dr. Schick into the hospital and then quickly moved him up to Tripler Army Medical Center for more intensive care, and he died later that day from his wounds. After researching the story much more I decided to try to have our clinic (the same hospital he originally walked to) renamed in his honor. We were granted permission from the family and then from the Department of Defense to make the formal change. We had a very memorable ceremony on December 7th, 1997. The ceremony was attended by many military personnel and civilians including then Pacific Air Forces Commander General Richard B. Myers who later became the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Becoming acquainted with the relatives and our interaction with them is a wonderful story in
itself, but suffice it to say that it was a true honor to be a part of that piece of history. No discussion of memorable moments of my career could be complete without mention of 9-11. I was TDY in Izmir, Turkey where we have an air force base in the heart of the city. I was in a van on the way back to the military airport when we received a radio call that something had happened in Washington DC. When we arrived at the airport, some Turkish men were watching TV and we could see the planes flying into the World Trade Center. As everyone knows, that was a turning point in our history that has resulted in incredible changes to our way of life in America and throughout the world. I am afraid that this International War on Terrorism will continue to color our lives for many years to come.
How long have you lived in The Dominion?
We have lived in the Dominion for 12 years, and we do not plan to move any time soon.
What is a favorite aspect of being a resident in a prominent community such as The Dominion?
We have found this community to be very much like the military, starting with the Dominion Club. The officers club was always a place to get together with a spirit of community in entertainment, dining, learning and just getting together with people. The Dominion community is made up of mostly people from other places with many diverse occupations, races, background, religions and heritage. We have found the environment very conducive to meeting others and getting to know your neighbors. In fact, I know most of the people that live in my neighborhood by name. I think that is a rare thing in most places in the US today. Jeannie and I treasure that.
Any other memory/topic of interest you would like to share regarding your service and/or living in The Dominion?
Our son, Todd, is a captain in the Air Force, assigned to Scott AFB. He and his family live in the St Louis area. They have also been stationed in New Jersey and Germany…carrying on our tradition. Our daughter, Meg, is a Vice Principal and head of the English Department at Eastside High School, an inner-city high school in Newark, New Jersey. We couldn’t be more proud of our children and we believe that their time growing up in a military family has made them strong and widened their horizons in preparation for their lives.
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Ret. Lt. General Stephen speakEs US Army, 35 years of service Why did you choose to serve in the Army?
I loved the Movie “Patton” about the famous World War II general! The idea of being a tanker and saving the world appealed to me.
How many years did you serve in the Army?
I served 35 years, as long as they would allow me to stay. In my final years I thought about my position in the Army like being an NFL kicker. I have been around forever, but I still get to wear a uniform, go to the game on Sunday and people ask me for my autograph. Then suddenly its all over, and nobody asks you for anything and you have to get a real job.
How many tours/deployments were you assigned to and which region impacted you the most?
My time in Iraq in 2003 was the most amazing. We were in Tikrit, Saddam’s home town. Seeing how he treated his own people was the ultimate experience, realizing that he terrorized them and not even they got any benefit from his position.
Which decorations did you receive during your time of service in the Army?
women who truly have endured combat in our wars with total admiration.
Share the most memorable moment during your time in the Army. My most powerful memories are when I was able to share the joy and camaraderie of the military experience with a young soldier. So often, as you get older, you come into contact with somebody who has joined the Army in search of a family. Being able to welcome them to a new family was an awesome experience!
What was one lesson you could take away from being in the military?
What is a favorite aspect of being a resident in a prominent community such as The Dominion?
The Dominion is full of people who have done so much with their lives and are now in a position to share it with others, their family, their friends and their neighbors. Every day when I drive in after work I say a world of thanks for the privilege of living in such a gorgeous community. In a way, living in The Dominion fulfilled the sense of camaraderie that I experienced as a soldier in the Army. I feel blessed to live among people that have experienced and accomplished many amazing things over the past several decades.
Our Army is a reflection of society in a very wonderful way. It’s made up of all kinds of people from all over the country (and the world) who learn to work together and learn to appreciate the fact that all great accomplishments are about team and not about self.
How long have you lived in The Dominion?
I have lived 5 wonderful years in the Dominion and going on four with the lovely lady I share my life with. I have been so proud to share our incredible lifestyle with her.
All my decorations were for working hard and just “being there”. I look at the young men and
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Dominion community and Club members who have served, we thank you for your service. Melvin Baden, M.D., US Army, Colonel What experience in your military career was the most impactful? Training residents and interns to care for patients and families. Henry C. Johnson, US Navy, Lieutenant What experience in your military career was the most impactful? Flight operations on the aircraft carrier USS Essex (CVA-9).
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Harold G. Brauner, US Army Reserve, Captain What factors most influenced your decision to join the military? The Korean war was in full bloom when I graduated from Fordham University, with an ROTC Commission into the Army Reserve. Jeffery Cushing, US Army, Colonel What factors most influenced your decision to join the military? A deep desire to serve my country and start a lasting career.
Jane Anderholt, US Army, Colonel What factors most influenced your decision to join the military? I visited East Berlin & Czechoslovakia in 1977 as a high school student. I knew then, first hand, how precious our freedom is and believed then and now that we must fight to defend our freedoms. Gil Coronado, US Air Force, Colonel What experience in your military career was the most impactful? Command Experience which later led to my Presidential appointment as the Director of the US Selective Service System.
JP Arcuri, US Navy, Petty Officer - First Class What factors most influenced your decision to join the military? The opportunity for education, travel, and service to my country.
W. Cannon Lewis, US Air Force, Lt. Colonel What factors most influenced your decision to join the military? The Air Force scholarship program for medical training.
Eduardo Escobar, M.D., US Army, Lt. Colonel What experience in your military career was the most impactful? My deployment to Afghanistan and the opportunity to take care of the troops. Also, the privilege to train future leaders and healthcare providers in garrison.
Hu Rhodes, US Army, Command Sergeant Major What factors most influenced your decision to join the military? Joined in 1975 - my father was killed in Vietnam. He flew for LBJ before he went to Vietnam in 1967.
Thomas F. Sanger, US Air Force, Master Sergent What experience in your military career was the most impactful? Being part of the Camp David Accords and being one of 12 Air Force personnel to go to Egypt in an advisory capacity to the Egyptian Air Force. Dr. Efren G. Vega, US Army, Captain What factors most influenced your decision to join the military? It was the time of the Vietnam War and I was drafted into the Army Medical Corp. where I served as a surgeon.
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by Kyle O’Brien, pga director of golf at the dominion country club
You don’t want to miss this Dominion tradition, so call the Golf Shop NOW to get your team signed up! We have a great day in store that starts with breakfast, followed by golf, then a great lunch, and an awards ceremony. Players can put together their own 4-person team for this scramble event. We will have Gross and Net divisions. Net divisions will get 10% of their total team handicap for final scoring.
2 0 1 5 S en i or M en ’ s C lu b C hamp i onsh i p R esults
2 0 1 5 L a d i es C lu b C hamp i onsh i p R esults
Thanks to all who participated and a special congratulations to all of our winners!!
Thank you to all of the ladies that played in the 2015 Ladies Club Competition.
2015 Senior Club Champion Larry Miller
2015 Ladies Club Champion Sunny Won
18 Hole Division Champion- Sunny Won 1st Net- Claire Poutra 2nd Net- Linda Mayfield
Championship Flight Top Finishers
2nd Flight Top Finishers Champion- Jeff Lewis
Champion- Larry Miller
2nd Net- Jon Yedore
2nd Gross- Thomas Schluter
1st Gross- Jaime Goodwin
9 Hole Division
1st Net- Pat McMahan
Co-Champion- Dana Norman
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1st Flight Top Finishers
3rd Flight Top Finishers
Champion- Mike Schroeder
Champion- Bob Lee
2nd Net- Col. Dan Johnston
2nd Net- J.M. Paine
1st Gross- Ed DeVane
1st Gross- Mike Faust
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Co-Chammpion- Laura Flores
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san antonio food bank by katie lenss, dominion resident
Ranked as a Top-10 best performing non-profit in the nation by Charity Navigator, the San Antonio Food Bank serves 16 counties in South Texas and supports 530 non-profit organizations. The passion for their mission of “Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope” is prevalent throughout the staff and volunteers who answer the call to serve. There is always significant need for food during the holidays, and November and December are filled with events to help meet this need. Some of them include Runway - November 5th, Harvest of Hope Brunch November 22nd, and The Great Turkey Challenge 5K race/ walk on Thanksgiving morning, November 26th. Details on how to participate in these and other events can be found on the website at www.safoodbank.org. Food4SA kicks off November 1st with a goal of raising 1 million pounds of food through local food drives! Drop off non-perishable food items throughout the month at any of the 26 Security Service Federal Credit Union locations, or at your local H-E-B. The Holiday Box with Fox is a San Antonio Food Bank campaign in December. Steve and Sharon Koenig introduced Dominion residents to this effort a few years ago and participation has continued to build. Last year we had tremendous community support and filled 110 boxes. We also collected cash donations. The combination of actual boxes 48
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and cash collected helped provide 6300 meals! This year, the effort will continue and we hope to surpass our 2014 record.
how can you help? Boxes will be on the front porch of 3 locations. Steve and Sharon Koenig at 45 Arnold Palmer and Ron and Katie Lenss’ residence at 3 Sedgewick Court or 3 Chipping Glen in the Gardens starting November 14th. They can be picked up at any time and returned to the same location by December 15th. If you have any questions, you can contact Katie Lenss, SA Food Bank Board Member, at 210-288-0570 or Steve Koenig, SA Food Bank Board Member, at 210-844-9931.
By barry mills, director of golf
A little game…The first person to email me at barry@the-dominion. com will win a double super-secret prize! What are the geometric pictures surrounding this article, and what is their speed when compared to the US Open? Remember a “Double Super-Secret Prize.” They are the most beautiful tennis courts in the state, if not the country! The Dominion Country Club can now boast the resurfacing of all 13 of our terraced courts. The bounce is so pure, the colour is so striking, and the joy of playing on a brand new surface is here for all our members to enjoy. There might be a few of you out there who may be interested in the process, so I will detail it for you. The rest who simply love the idea of a true and new surface may want to skip this paragraph. A 7-step process begins with a severe power washing to remove dirt and algae. While the court is still flooded, “pooling” or “birdbaths” are noted and circled. The USTA specifications are that “pooling” that would cover a nickel and to achieve this spec for the proper slope of 1” fall for every 10’. These pools and any other cracks in the court are then filled. All repairs are then ground down to match the levelled surface. Now the four surfaces are applied. First, two coats of a black acrylic are applied; this hides the repairs and plays a role in the “speed” of the playing surface. Next, two more coats of textured-colored
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paint are applied, adding more or less silica sand to create the desired speed of play. Lastly, the striping, or lines, are painted for play. The Dominion now has 13 courts that have the exact same specifications of speed and look as the US Open. Have I mentioned how beautiful they look? We have an active Men’s program at The Dominion. There are two nights that we play, the Tuesday League and the Thursday 105 workout, during the week dedicated to our men. There are three other Mixed League or clinic opportunities for our men and women: Wednesday evening clinics, Friday evening Mixed League practices, and our famous Saturday and Sunday workouts. Like us at The Dominion’s Facebook page or log on to our website, www. the-dominion.com, to keep up with all of the latest tennis news for all of our programs. Ladies and Gents, please call me if you have any questions regarding any of our programs, or just walk into the shop and say hello. I’d love to show you our new courts.
student
spotlight DAVID SCOTT, 11
I became interested in the ROTC Corp of Cadets program when I was just applying to TMI. I’m a little guy, so I liked that when you are in the Corps, people treat you with more respect. Also, my Dad was in the Army and he instilled in us a strong sense of patriotism. In addition to all the JROTC activities, I am a huge gamer. I love playing computer games and posting YouTube videos. We moved to The Dominion from New York four years ago, when I was seven. I’m still growing up!! But this year, what I really like about being in The Dominion is that it’s so close to my school and I don’t have to wake up too early! I also love the special events that The Dominion has, especially the annual bonfire. Also, I like that there are always people walking and exercising in the neighborhood and everybody waves hello. It’s very friendly. I don’t have to think about colleges for a while yet, but I do have a fascination with Vancouver. I think I would like to spend some time visiting there after graduation and before college.
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By Janet Key, dominion resident
I ran outside to pick up the San Antonio Morning Express-News the other day and felt a distinct coolness in the air. Ahhhh…fall is here. It’s time to think about Christmas shopping, getting out the winter clothes, and of course, The Dominion Bonfire. The Dominion Bonfire is the party of the year, and has been since 1989. The date for the Bonfire has always been the same. The Sunday afternoon before Thanksgiving can always be written on your calendar as The Dominion Bonfire date. To my knowledge, only one time has it been cancelled because of rainy weather, and that was just a few years ago. It was then held the following week. The weather has always been unreliable, but it seems like the ‘weather gods’ have always smiled upon us; it’s usually just sweater weather. In 1989 however, it was cold…and I mean fur-coat-cold. We all wore our fur coats, gloves, hats, ear muffs, and stood as close to the fire as we could. Of course the next day the coats were all hanging outside to try to get the smoky smell out of the fur. A few of us were trying to get the mustard off our coats. The Bonfire, for the past 21 years, has been held in the Pecan Grove location. The four years prior to that, it was held on the corner of Brenthurst Drive and Dominion Drive. Most of the residents lived in The Estates, so that was a more convenient spot. There was no parking because at the time Brenthurst Drive wasn’t even there. The 50 or so of us that attended either rode up in golf carts, walked, or waited on our street corners for the hay wagon to come by and pick us up. We only tried it that one year as it proved to be very slow, and some people didn’t get there until the party was over. The early bonfires were totally group efforts. We marked the area for the fire with a ring of rocks, and anyone with a truck picked up wood scraps for our fire from the lots where houses were being built. The HOA furnished the hot dogs, mustard, catsup, and buns. We all brought chips, dips, cookies, brownies (they were homemade because the local HEB was 13 miles away), and cold drinks. We always 54
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had hot water to make instant hot chocolate, carried in a thermos because there was no electricity at the bonfire site. We truly did everything by firelight. The kids ran around, and we stood around the bonfire visiting, and sometimes singing camp-type songs. The Bonfire ended with a visit from Santa Claus (like the Macy’s parade), arriving in a golf cart, and distributing left over Halloween candy to all the kids. We ended the night by singing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”, put out the fire, got out our flashlights, and went home. The following year someone came up with the bright idea to plant a Christmas tree on the lot, and bring a generator so that we could put light on it. It was not an extremely successful idea as no one watered the Christmas tree, and it didn’t survive for the next year. One of the most memorable Bonfires was in 1991. Phil and Libby Romano were in charge of the affair. Phil brought a large barbeque grill for the hot dogs, and he decided to make a huge wash tub full of fruit punch. He did mention that it had alcohol in it, but it just tasted like fruit juice to most of us. It was hotter than usual that year, so we drank a lot of punch, as did some of the high school kids. Wayne Wright had brought his horse to give the kids and anyone else rides. The singing got louder and after a few folks fell off the horse, Phil fessed up that he had put several bottles of Everclear in the punch. The next day, the HOA office had reports that four people didn’t get home that night, someone had slept in their front yard, and we think there might be someone still wandering in the hills. Some of the kids couldn’t even get up to go to school the next day. It was definitely a memorable Bonfire for sure. We moved to the Pecan Grove location in 1993. The HOA was now buying not only the hot dogs, buns, and condiments, but the chips, beer, and sodas as well. The Club furnished the chocolate chip cookies and plastic ware. We put the candy into a piñata which we hung from one of the pecan trees for the kids to do battle with. We rented tables and chairs, and our local landscape company furnished wood pallets
for our firewood. We still had hay wagon rides, and the Leon Springs Volunteer Fire Department brought a fire truck to the site, giving the kids rides. It was decided to give it more of a party atmosphere, so we planned decorations. Fall colored plastic table clothes with candles, candy, and fruit adorned the tables. We formed committees to purchase the food, set up the tables, clean up and do the decorating. Of course, in true Dominion-style, the committee heads got their committees together to plan several weeks ahead at a “Bonfire Committee Party”. (To be in charge of the Bonfire was now a very sought after position.) One year I was chosen to be in charge of the decorations. No budget, of course. My committee consisted of Annie Simenuk and Irene Mery. Irene had some huge copper tubs that we decided to put on the buffet tables, where we served the hot dogs. We decided to make floral arrangements using the flora and fauna of the undeveloped areas of The Dominion. We set out, clippers in hand, and searched for colored leaves, berries, etc. When we got home with our car full of bounty, I discovered that I’d left my cell phone in the woods somewhere, and Annie discovered that she had chiggers. It was hard to get volunteers for the next year. The highlight of the evening, at every Bonfire, is the lighting of the fire. At the 1998 Bonfire, Lynn Merritt (a former Aggie) and his helper, Glen Glass, were in charge of building and lighting the fire. In true Aggie fashion, bigger is better. The stack of wooden pallets was 15 feet high, and much wider than normal. The normal ring of rented plastic folding chairs circled the fire. No one noticed that just 20 feet above the stack of pallets were The Dominion overhead telephone lines. As the fire was lit, it soared into the air…very spectacular, very bright, and very hot. People moved out of their chairs because of the heat, and as we all stepped back we looked up and noticed that the telephone lines were burning. The next day, when we went to fold up all the chairs and tables, there was a mass of melted plastic with metal legs where the bonfire chairs had sat. You can definitely
say those former Aggies still know how to build a bonfire! As The Dominion grew, so did the Bonfire party…well, at least everything, but the fire. When we were annexed into the city of San Antonio, we had to get a permit for the fire and the fire had to be monitored by a fire department. It was also limited in size. Good ol’ Leon Springs Volunteer Fire Department came to do the monitoring, and still let the kids climb all over the fire truck. By now, we had added moon bounces, face painting, and clowns making balloon hats for the kids. They love it, and nobody much cares about the piñata anymore. During the years of 1996 through 2005, Joey Groff brought his antique flatbed truck with a calliope on it playing “Jingle Bells”, and he dressed as Santa with elves throwing candy to the kids. We added chili, cheese, and onions for the hot dogs, and hired someone to cook them. Boxed wine was added to the drink menu of beer and soft drinks. The Club started furnishing more of the food and helpers to serve it. In the past few years, we have continued to explore more fun and convenient things. We have added bands, dancing, beans with the chili, and bottled wine. The Club has taken over all of the food items, preparation, and serving. We added to our guest list by including the members of The Dominion Country Club. The best thing about the party is that we all get to have a wonderful time, meeting and visiting with our neighbors. The Dominion Country Club graciously provides all of the food and drinks. Let’s all hope for nice weather, just cool enough to enjoy the warmth of your friendly neighbors and the Bonfire. Tell everyone that the entree for the biggest party in The Dominion hasn’t changed. It’s still HOT DOGS. Don’t miss this year’s Bonfire event on November 22 at 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
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Russo’s coal fired italian kitchen By Lisa Arcuri, dominion resident
Ok, here’s the plan: Go to the airport, hop on a plane to NY, grab a taxi, head to Little Italy in Manhattan, look for a quaint little place, sit down, and enjoy a delicious Italian meal. Wait a minute. Here’s a better idea… head over to Russo’s Coal Fired Italian Kitchen now open at the Rim! As a New Yorker myself, I struggle with trying to find food that reminds me of home: food that is made just the way my family taught me. I’ve found it here at Russo’s. Chef Anthony Russo, a first generation Italian-American from New York, spent most of his youth in the kitchen with his family making their traditional family recipes. When the family moved to Texas, they brought their passion for cooking with them and opened their first restaurant. Anthony continues this tradition with his Russo’s Coal Fired Italian Kitchen concept, and his latest location, here in San Antonio. Chef Russo’s love for good Italian food, his commitment to the freshest and finest ingredients, and the idea that you can still do it by hand, pays off in a big way! 58
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With locations throughout Texas, across the United States, and now internationally, Chef Russo is taking his family’s recipes to millions! The team here in San Antonio brings that commitment and passion to us and we’re so lucky. General Manager Paula Matthews believes whole heartedly in the values of Russo’s; that excellent food starts with homemade. Kitchen Manager James Cochran is on board as well, with daily instruction in the art of making a meatball. These guys are learning how to make the food delicious every time. Speaking of delicious, the Cucumber Feta Salad is cold, crisp, salty, spicy, and above all fresh! It has a very Mediterranean flair and invokes the regions of Sicily and Calabria with its feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and fragrance of oregano. What a colorful and light way to begin your meal. Next, enjoy a yummy bowl of Mussels Fra Diavolo. This is traditionally made with a Pinot Grigio infused spicy marinara sauce, seasoned with crushed red pepper flakes. But you can’t have something spicy in
Texas without jalapenos! Russo’s updates this classic recipe with the addition of this spicy pepper family member, making it unique to Texas. For an extra special treat, dip the crusty bread, made from their pizza dough, into the lovely broth gathered at the bottom of the bowl! Speaking of their pizza, the crust is tender yet crispy, having just the right bite that is so unique to New York-style pizza. Russo’s signature dish is their 28” pizza which you can customize to your liking with any of their 35 toppings. Two of the most amazing specialty pizzas on the menu are The New York Village and The Heart Healthy Veggie. Next, to the main event…Russo’s Eggplant Parmesan is made just the way my grandma taught me. I can hear her voice in my head. “Don’t cut the eggplant too thin”, “Slice it on the bias”, “Leave the skin on”, and most important, “Season every layer”. Made with a simple egg wash and seasoned flour, then pan fried and layered with good imported cheeses, this little savory beauty truly is “just like grandma used to make”. Finally, and unfortunately, you will have to end the meal at Russo’s. Here’s a tip: They make an extra special Tiramisu in house, adding Kahlua to kick the coffee flavor up a notch. The rest of the decadent dessert selections come straight from a New York bakery, and are irresistible! The atmosphere at Russo’s is meant to inspire anything from a romantic date night, to a relaxing family night out. Above all, the staff at Russo’s wants you to have beautiful conversations with the people you love. You won’t find any televisions at Russo’s and that’s significant. They want you to disconnect from the outside world when you step through their doors. Sip on a glass of wine, listen to soothing music, look into the eyes across from you, and breathe. For me, it was the first time here in Texas when I enjoyed dishes that reminded me of home. I look forward to taking that trip over and over again. -Extensive Wine List -Lunch menu began on September 28th and features items such as: Build Your Own Giant Slice with Side Salad, Pasta Bowl, and custom lunch specials all ranging from $5.95 to $9.95.
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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This airy four bedroom home, designed by Braswell Architecture and built by Image Homes, was meticulously crafted, implying philosophies of contemporary architecture, to exemplify informal elegance. Situated on a summit overlooking a lush bluff, the home unties interior and exterior spaces to create the quintessential model of hill country luxury living. It’s no wonder this home won the President’s Award, People’s Choice, Realtors’ Choice, Best Front Elevation, Best Site Design, Best Interior Design, Best Kitchen and Best Water Feature/Pool.
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The central courtyard invites fresh breezes and pours daylight throughout the living spaces, which are framed in a premium line of energy efficient steel doors and windows. 62
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A reflecting pool guides the path toward the entry, which immediately leads to an expansive outdoor living space, flanked in the canopies of mature oak trees
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Ugly shirt Golf Group By Ralph Minton, Dominion Resident
Golf is a sport that you can play from youth until you can no longer walk; you can play with your wife, friends, neighbors and club members. It is not only competitive, but is great for walking and for staying in shape. At The Dominion Country Club there is a group called the Ugly Shirt Group, formed in 1998, for friends to play golf together on Fridays. It became a way for the players to improve their game more than they might have without playing in the group. Since they were friends, they decided to offer a prize at the end of each round. The prize would go to the person who played the worst game of the day. The original prize/reward was an ugly belt. The belt belonged to one of the original group of friends. He had personally made the belt, but after a period of time he wanted it back, so the belt was changed to an ugly shirt. There have been a number of ugly shirts over the years so that when the shirt is given to the player on Friday, he has the opportunity to select the shirt he prefers to wear the next week. There are about twelve shirts in the inventory. The inventory has grown over the years as members add to the collection when they find a really ugly shirt during travels or shopping. And the shirts in the collection are really ugly! The group consists of about 12 to 19 players on any given Friday, depending on who is not on the injured list or on vacation. Handicaps vary, but the current maximum allowable to play is 20. That allows for fair competition among the group. Over 15 members have moved to other areas and are no longer available to play. Once a year the USG holds a Ryder Cup type tournament where the young-uns play the old-uns. The wives are invited to the dinner afterward where stories abound. Occasionally, a two-day tournament is held. These tournaments are very professional and give bragging rights to the winners for a full year. 66
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It is a very diversified group where egos are left behind, time together is enjoyed, and friends start the weekend with a fun Friday of golf. Current members include Larry Anderson, Mel Baden, Ivan Becka, Barry Bellingham, Mike Burke, Michael Himoff, Sid Hodges, Dan Johnston, Glen McClaugherty, Ralph Minton, Tom O’Brien, Homer Olsen, Greg Oveland, Jim Robbins, Bill Shannon and Frank Wheeler. Former members include Ron Acuna, David Adams, Doug Binford, Jerry Brown, Wilbur Crossley, Jean Gaulin, Noll Haffner, Wally Huelsman, Jack Jenkins, Lynn Merritt, Merriman Morton, Mason Neely, Rusty Olsen, Brent Parke, Dan Parker, Mo Saidi, Pete Smith, Dick Warren and Don Woody. In memoriam: Brent Hughes, Tom Williams
To inquire about adding Rider to your family or to learn more about his story, contact Dominion Animal Advocates Group (DAAG) at (210) 854-8055 or ledouxlou@aol.com or for photos of more pets available for adoption, please visit the DAAG page on the HOA website: www.dominionhoa.com
rider • • •
10-week-old grey and white kitten Gentle and affectionate He is neutered, negative for feline leukemia and FIV, and has had his first vaccinations
D A A G S i p an d S ee The DAAG ladies and their husbands and friends enjoyed a fun evening, great refreshments, and an informative program on pet nutrition at the home of Lisa Arcuri on September 30.
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by Marlene Neslund, Dominion Resident, Book Club Member
Did you know that the only family internment camp established after Pearl Harbor existed just a few hours south of San Antonio? I didn’t, and I was amazed at how much of our national and state history I learned reading Jan Jarboe Russell’s The Train to Crystal City. Russell’s bibliography consists not only of books, but includes articles, essays, theses and dissertations along with government documents and archival materials. Her four years of research and interviews result in a factual book that reads like a novel. She brings to life and follows two American-born teenage girls. Ingrid Eiserloh and Sumi Utsushigawa, born respectively of German and Japanese immigrant parents. Russell gives the reader a detailed and vivid picture of life at the Crystal City camp which was run by Texas Rangers. Life imprisonment was only part of the hardship suffered by these German, Japanese and Italian families. Many were part of a secret prisoner exchange program. American-born children were forced to return with their parents to war torn countries where they had no language skills and had to face hunger and poverty for the first time in their young lives. Jan Jarboe Russell presents a well balanced presentation of this little known period of American history. It is small wonder that The Train to Crystal City was picked as an Amazon Best Book of the Month, January 2015. Pick it up, read, learn and enjoy!
more about the author
Jan Jarboe Russell was born in Beaumont, Texas, and graduated from The University of Texas in Austin. In 1973, she became a political reporter at the San Antonio Light. After studying at Harvard College as a Nieman Fellow, Russell joined Texas Monthly as a senior editor. She has written many articles on Texas politics and social issues. In the late nineties, her popular biography of Lady Bird Johnson, Lady Bird: A Biography was published. For four years this author wrote a column for The San Antonio ExpressNews. Ms. Russell recently spoke at the November 5th San Antonio Express-News Book and Author Luncheon at Rivercenter Mall, benefiting the Cancer Therapy & Research Center (CTRC). Jan Jarboe Russell is not only a prolific writer, but is also a certified black belt in Nia, a practice that combines modern dance, martial arts, and yoga. This is a fun and beneficial exercise for total fitness; I’ve tried it and loved it!
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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
Fashion Week San Antonio
ZOOZOO
Diwali San Antonio Festival of Lights
November 1-8 Centro de Artes Fashionsa.org for details
November 8 at 7:30 p.m. Presented by ARTS San Antonio Imago Theatre, Aztec Theatre
November 14 from 5:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m. La Villita, Indian festival with music, dance, food, and more
Wurstfest
Red Riding Hood
November 6-15 Wurstfest Grounds, Landa Park
November 9 Magik Theatre, Multi media production
River Relay
Charles Young
November 7 at 7:30 a.m. San Antonio River Timed relay including 3 mil paddling, 5K run, music and food festival
November 9 Presented by ARTS San Antonio Ruth Taylor Recital Hall, Trinity University
The Great Amazing Race Adventure November 14 at 3:00 p.m. Funniest Family Race Series on the Planet, Olmos Basin Park Supporting Pediatric Cancer
Mozart Requiem November 15 at 6:00 p.m. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
Veteran’s Day Parade
San Antonio Symphony: Veterean’s Day Salute to Service
Mariachi Varga Extravaganza
November 7 at 10:00 a.m. Universal City
November 11 at 7:00 p.m. Tobin Center of the Performing Arts
November 15-21 Lila Cockrell Theatre
Robert Cray
San Antonio Symphony: Daphnis and Chloe
San Antonio Emperor
November 13-14 at 8:00 p.m. Magik Theatre, Multi media production
November 20-22 at 8:00 p.m. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
November 7 at 8:00 p.m. Carver Community Cultural Center
Boerne Handmade Market Days November 7 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The Pavillon, Boerne
Symphony:
Beethoven’s
A Charlie Brown Christmas November 20 Magik Theatre
Light the Way November 21 The University of the Incarnate Word Walking and driving experience with over 1 million lights
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ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony November 27 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Arneson River Theatre and 4 mile route on the Riverwalk
Peter Pan November 27 - December 27 Woodlawn Theatre
Dicken’s on Main November 27 from 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Kickoff, Downtown Boerne
Boerne YMCA 4th Annual Turkey Trot November 28 at 8:00 a.m. Main Plaza, Boerne
peter pan
phantom of the opera
Handel’s Messiah November 29 San Antonio Symphony, Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
Tamales! Holiday Festival December 5 from 12:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. At The Pearl
Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon December 5-6 And 1/2 Marathon, Starting at the Alamodome
“Phantom of the Opera”
JoJo Jorge Falcon
America’s Got Talent Live
Don Williams
November 5-15
November 20
November 9
November 15
Debra Krall
Tommy Emmanuel Antsy McClain
Forever Tango
Last Comic Standing
November 10
November 19
Pinocchio
Veggietales Live!
November 11-22
November 27
Nacho Libre
Liza Minnelli
November 13
November 28
November 17 Wildflower World Tour
with
November 27
Cheap Trick November 27
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