DOMINION Magazine December 2014

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE DOMINION HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

DECEMBER 2014

A WALK IN THE PARK FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, MARY BOMAR

A PET RESORT FOR YOUR FURRY FRIEND

The Dominion Women’s Forum

CHRISTMAS TREE INSPIRED HOME

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

DECEMBER 2014

Mary Bomar answers the ever-present question of how this little girl from England became responsible for some of America’s most sacred sites.

WELCOME 14

GOLF 42

THE CLUB

Tennis 46

CALENDAR 17 HAPPENINGS 18

26

HOA INFORMATION 22 Sonia Matthews brings her talents and bright smile to The Dominion HOA.

Scott Clark and his team at Wagmore Pet Resort are giving furry friends the warm welcome they deserve.

STAR STUDENT 52 HOME TOUR 56 Marilyn Farello makes her home a holiday festival with her tradition of themed trees.

STAFF PROFILE 24

BUSINESS PROFILE 26

COVER 34

CHARITY 62 Giving out $338,000 in awards, Grant Award Night is Impact San Antonio’s most exciting night of the year.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 64

SOCIAL GROUP 30

From home decor to DIY computers, we share with you a few cool gifts to put under the tree.

The Dominion Women’s Forum

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

13

Welcome TO

the Dominion Magazine Dear Reader, What a wonderful month November was for Dominion residents. The turnout was great for the Trunk or Treat party, the Turkey Chase, and the Annual Dominion Bonfire.

It is fun to see so many residents involved in the community events. Thanks to the Neighborhood Outreach Committee and the HOA staff for all of their hard work putting these events together. Also thanks to The Dominion Country Club for their support of the bonfire.

The comments on the first two issues of The Dominion Magazine continue to be very favorable. It seems that we have hit on a good mix of stories about the HOA, the Country Club, the neighborhood, and the residents.

This month, among many great articles, is a feature on the Bomars, a profile you will find very interesting; also featured is the home of Marilyn and Tom Farello resplendent with 24 themed Christmas trees.

On behalf of the HOA Board, I wish you all the happiest of holidays and a wonderful 2015.

THE DOMINION | OCTOBER 2014

THE EXCLUSIVE PUBLICATION O F THE DOMINIO N HOMEOWNER S

ASSOCIATION

INAUGURAL ISSUE | THE EXCLUSIVE PUBLICATION

THE BECKERS AND THE JOURNEY THAT LED THEM TO WINEMAKING

OF THE DOMINION HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

COOKING FOR A BETTER

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Jeff Lewis Chairman, Dominion Homeowners Association

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Benjamin Weber ben.weber@smvtexas.com ASSISTANT CREATIVE DIRECTOR Michael Mancha michael@smvtexas.com

FOr Advertising opportunities call 210-507-5250

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

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Magazine and Schooley Media Ventures are 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.

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D e c e m b e r 2014

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

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D e c e m b e r 2014

1

Closed Monday

2

Ladies Bridge 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Keep your skills sharp and join a bridge group at the Club!

3

Elf Louise Luncheon 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

This wonderful holiday tradition of Tennis and Giving continues!

Please call the Tennis Center for more details. 210-698-2288 Member Holiday Social 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

The Club’s gift to our Members as a thank you for your Membership! The hors d’oeuvres are lavish, the Club decorations are beautiful, the drinks are flowing...don’t miss this great holiday event!

5

Women’s Forum Annual Holiday Bazaar 9:00 a.m.

Scratch off everything on your Christmas list after attending this shopping extravaganza!

Pancho Gomez Event 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

8

Closed Monday

9

Supper Club Holiday Party 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Mingle and Jingle with the Supper Club group at their annual holiday party. The buffet will be lavish and everyone will be in their holiday best!

11

History Club 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Keep your mind sharp and engaged and join History Club!

Photo SA Camera Club 5:00 p.m.

Learn a new aspect of photography each month! $10 per class

13

The Big Chill - Last Golf Event of the Year 8:00 a.m.

Experience the course at its hardest.

15

Closed Monday

22

Closed Monday

24

CLUB CLOSED TODAY - HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 11:00 p.m.

Club open Friday, December 26th all day, all services

29

Closed Monday

31

14

10

Santa Sunday Brunch 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

This annual event is a delight for parents and children alike! Visit with Santa and don’t forget your list! $39.95 Adults, $15.95 Children 4-11

New Year’s Eve Celebration 6:30 p.m.

Countdown to 2015 with friends and family at your Club!

Every Tuesday

Every Wednesday

Every Thursday

Every Friday

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

This international service group meets at The Dominion every Tuesday

Women’s Bible Study 12:00 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!

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

Pasta Night in the Grille 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Gourmet and cooked to order!

Enjoy with salad and bread for only $14.95 per person, 12 and over.

KIDS 4-11 EAT FREE! | RSVP to 210-698-3364

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!

Women’s Forum Holiday Luncheon 10:30 a.m. $19.50 per person RSVP to 210-698-3364

Prime Rib Night in the Grille 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Bountiful and delicious! $21.95 per person | RSVP to 210-698-3364 T h e D o m i n i o n -M a g a z i n e . c o m

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BOOFEST

The Annual Halloween Boofest was a great success with all kiddos enjoying the haunted hayride, cookie and pumpkin decorating, the trick or treat trail and the fun, family buffet!

THE

DOMINION CountryClub Happenings

GUEST SPEAKER

TA N J I PAT TO N

THE DOMINION WOMEN’S FORUM

K ids ’ N ight L ittle M iss M anners C harm & E ti q uette C lass

The Dominion Women’s Forum always has a great time at all of their events!

Our young Dominion Ladies and Gentlemen were eager students of Charm and Etiquette class! They learned the art of introduction, small talk, the importance of posture and please and thank you, how to set the proper place setting, napkin folding, silent signals to waitstaff and much, much more! Thank you Heather Magarian of Little Miss Manners for a wonderful class for the kiddos!

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D e c e m b e r 2014

HOA Happenings D O G G I E H A L LO W E E N PA RT Y

T R U N K o r T R E AT

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 ARE NOT JUST YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT, WE ARE YOUR NEIGHBOR.

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HOA

YOU Are the Most Important Asset In Our Community!

THE

FROM

By Rob McDaniel

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D e c e m b e r 2014

Although we often mention that the most important duty of our association is to protect the value of our property, the most important asset within our community is not the property itself, but the members who make up the association.

Without you, the homeowner/ resident, our community is nothing more than a collection of buildings, landscape and asphalt. As members of the community, homeowners bring their own individual tastes, likes, dislikes and preferences into the community. It is that diversity that makes our community interesting and full of life.

It is also that diversity that creates the need for commonly accepted guidelines in order to help everyone get along and pursue a collective goal: peaceful and harmonious community living that benefits the investment we have in the community.

By recognizing the diverse makeup of our most valuable assets, the homeowner members, each of us can begin to understand the need for commonly accepted rules and regulations, architectural guidelines and the need for a Board of Directors made up of a cross-section of homeowners, in order to represent the full spectrum of individual tastes and concerns. Without that understanding, it is easy to become distracted and concern ourselves with the loss of individual freedoms and distaste of conformity that some associate with association living.

In order for our community to develop to its fullest potential, each and every one of us must develop an appreciation of the others who make up our community. And with that appreciation will come a desire

to contribute to each other’s wellbeing within the community. We can choose to embrace the potential of our association and work within its framework to create an atmosphere of peaceful, harmonious living, or we can choose to ignore that potential and view our association as a hindrance in our own pursuit of unbridled happiness.

Either way, we alone have the power to create the perceptions that we embrace. If you don’t appreciate the benefits created by our community guidelines, then those guidelines will never be respected.

The key to successful association living is to recognize the benefits provided by living within an association, and accept that certain behaviors and actions detract from those benefits. By doing so, we are able to contribute to the success of our association, our community and ultimately our own investment we have made in our property.

Likewise, successful association living also relies heavily upon recognizing those behaviors and actions that enhance the benefits of living within an association.

Conforming to community guidelines, active participation in association activities such as committees and the Board of Directors, and choosing to attend Board meetings in order to understand the issues that face our association are perfect examples of how each and every one of us can contribute to the betterment of our community.

Our association may be legally obligated to preserve, protect and enhance the common assets of the association, but in order for our association to do that, we must also recognize the value of its

most important asset: you, the homeowner. Without your cooperation, support and involvement, our association cannot succeed. The investment each of us have in our property demands that cooperation, support and involvement. To neglect that responsibility is to neglect our investment, and few of us can afford to do that!

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

Community Shred Event Saturday, December 6 at 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Landscape Committee The Landscape Committee was established for the purpose of administering, with HOA management, the Landscape Committee policies and initiatives of the HOA. The Committee currently has nine members who meet monthly with backgrounds that include a realtor, builder, accountant, attorney, corporate executives, and members with extensive knowledge of landscaping.

The Landscape Committee oversees all landscape, irrigation, lighting and pond vendors or contractors that are engaged by the HOA. The Landscape Committee is responsible for periodic evaluations of the Landscape vendors and contracts. Over the years the Landscape Committee has improved many areas of The Dominion. Some of the recent enhancements include IH-10 to The Dominion Guard gate, Legends monument to Duxbury Park, Arnold Palmer islands, Waterford Glen entrance island, Westcourt Lane entrance islands and many islands along Dominion Drive.

The Landscape Committee has also improved the irrigation system with an internet-based central control system that uses various Signature/EZ Pro controllers. It communicates with irrigation field controllers using wireless connectivity, and allows management of each controller from anywhere in the world via the Internet.

Along with all the advantages of internet-based access to remote irrigation field controllers, the SCS Share Network provides a weather-based irrigation scheduling option.

Location-specific weather data (ET) is delivered daily to irrigation controllers enables the HOA to more efficiently utilize our water resources.

The committee is always looking for residents who might be interested in filling positions of retiring members. Since the committee addresses budgeting, planning, contracts, etc., along with landscaping design and installation, we look for interested residents with many types of background and knowledge. Please contact the HOA if you would like to get involved with the Landscape Committee.

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

Development Committee Meeting Wednesday, December 10 at 7:30 a.m.

Finance Committee Meeting Thursday, December 11 at 1:00 p.m.

Security Committee Meeting Tuesday, December 16 at 1:00 p.m.

Board of Directors Meeting Wednesday, December 17 at 4:00 p.m.

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

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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How did you get into your field?

By accident, actually. I went in to interview for a job thinking it was an opening in Lifestyle/Event Programming, and I had no idea that it was actually an opening for an Administrative position with a Community Management firm contracted to manage Del Webb and Alamo Ranch. My only prior experience with an HOA was sending a check every year to an office across town and getting a pool pass in return. I quickly learned that there was a whole different world in Association management that many people never see. I fell in love with the Communities and the kindness of the people I worked with every day and I've been hooked ever since.

How long have you been with The Dominion?

I started with The Dominion in June of this year.

What is your favorite aspect about working at The Dominion?

I like the fact that the HOA employees are employed by the Association and not a third party contractor, but my favorite thing is the pleasant residents. The residents make the daily grind manageable. Being able to work with and help the many nice and appreciative residents of The Dominion makes the job not feel like work.

SONIA MATTHEWS STAFF PROFILE

TITLE: Neighborhood Outreach Coordinator Hometown: I grew up in Palmdale, California but have lived in San Antonio for the last 20 years, so I think I can call Texas home now.

Education: I graduated from William H. Taft High School and attended Our Lady of the Lake University. I currently hold two designations with the Community Association Institute (CAI), the Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA) and the Association Management Specialist (AMS).

Family: I’m married with two children. My son, Benicio, is 8 years old and my daughter, Sofia, is 3 going on 13. My husband, Ryan and I are expecting baby #3, due in early May.

24

D e c e m b e r 2014

What has been your greatest challenge in your business?

The greatest challenge has been not getting burned out.

Staying positive and remembering that the majority of residents appreciate what we do make it less challenging.

What has been your most rewarding experience in your business? My most rewarding experience has been the relationships I've gained over the years with residents. I still keep in touch with a lot of my "old" residents and we get together for lunch every now and then.

What are your hobbies and interests? - I enjoy many outdoor activites like, hiking, fishing, camping, swimming, and especially including spending time with my husband and kids. We're a pretty active family between my husband's CrossFit business and my kids' Cub Scouts, soccer games and swimming lessons. Most weekends you'll find me in one of those places with my family. But, with nothing to do, I LOVE to take naps. A nice long nap is time well spent in my book!

Favorite quote and why? - "Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." -James Dean I've pretty much lived my life thus far with no regrets. Life is too short to sit on the sidelines.

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C A L L T O DAY F O R A C O M P L I M E N TA R Y P L A N O R L A N D C O N S U LTAT I O N

Scott Clark and his team at Wagmore pet resort are giving our furry friends the care they deserve.

BY Kristine duran

26

D e c e m b e r 2014

T

he holidays are a joyous time to gather around family and friends.

Many times this calls for traveling to faroff places, leaving a precious piece of your immediate family behind – your pet. Sure, a friend will volunteer to care for your furry friend, but you’ll still be guilt-ridden and worried that your pet isn’t getting the care that they deserve. This is where the reliable professionals and The Wagmore Pet Resort step in to relieve loving pet parents of some of their holiday stress.

This state-of-the-art pet care facility provides anything from pet boarding to grooming and dog training. A business started by Scott Clark and his parents in 2010, The Wagmore Pet Resort was what the residents of the greater northwest area had been missing all along. “We just noticed that it was a business that there was a hole in this area for. I grew up here; we’ve lived in The Dominion since the late ‘80s. We saw the growth of San Antonio going out this way and decided to start the business,” Scott explains.

“We take care of people’s pets, primarily while they’re on vacation. We do offer, as well, daycare drop-off services, much like a children’s daycare, where we have them exercise and have the dogs running around together. We also do grooming, standard boarding, and training as well.”

Coming from an entrepreneurial bloodline, it’s no surprise that Scott’s new business is off to a promising start.

“We have been entrepreneurs in the San Antonio area for 50 plus years. My grandfather has started businesses, my father has started businesses, so this is just our newest one that we’re doing.”

Although pet boarding is a new area of business for the family, it was a natural transition. “We’ve been animal lovers. I grew up on a ranch and had 20 plus dogs as a kid. We’ve always been dog and cat

people and thought it was a good fit as far as starting a business.”

And here it is, one of the most unique pet boarding facilities for miles. The 12,000 sq. ft. Wagmore thrives off of many “green” technologies as one of the most eco-friendly facilities in the area.

“We have solar hot water throughout the whole building. Rainwater catchment, that’s all we use for our water. We don’t have a well or public water source, we work on rainwater catchment. We did a lot of neat reuse of building materials. We try to be as environmentally friendly as possible and that’s one thing that sets us apart from some of our competitors.”

Scott admits that there are challenges

I grew up here; we’ve lived in The Dominion since the late ‘80s. We saw the growth of San Antonio going out this way and decided to start the business. to overcome in a business that requires genuinely good people on its staff. “The biggest challenge is proper staffing; making sure that we have the best crew

that’s available. We’re looking for really good people because we’re caring for animals. We want to make sure that we have people that are dedicated and caring because we think of [pets] as being very much like children. So we have to find the right mix of a hard worker with somebody that’s compassionate and truly is going above and beyond for the care of the animals.”

Scott’s family may make starting a business seem effortless, but he advises up-and-coming moguls to do their research before taking their idea to the bank. “You need to do a lot of the legwork because you can’t just go into a bank and say, ‘Hey, I want to start a business.’ They have a lot of questions and they want to see the numbers and they want to make sure it’s going to make sense to do. Doing your homework is a big part of it; making sure your demographics are there, that all of your numbers are going to line up so you can get your financing

started.” With a background in finance and banking, we’ll take his word for it.

Currently, the holiday season is keeping the staff at The Wagmore on their toes. While Scott is mainly focused on making sure each and every one of his customers gets the proper care at this busy time, he also has more ambitious goals for the future of his business. “We’ve had a lot of growth in the past and we want to continue that, so expansion is not out of the question. Another location maybe a few years down the line would be nice, but we don’t have anything planned for it right now. We’re just making sure that we service our customers and give them the best care that’s possible.”

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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Patti Nelson

The Dominion Women's Forum

By Ana Holbrook

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D e c e m b e r 2014

The Dominion Women’s Forum (DWF) is a social organization established in 1986 now with 28 years of tradition supporting the Dominion Country Club, fostering friendship, and providing interaction among our members. Hosting approximately 15 events each year, scheduled between September and May, the Women’s Forum provides multiple opportunities to meet new members and socialize with valued friends and neighbors. Last year the DWF had almost 230 members and continues to grow each year. New members are always welcome, and all members are encouraged to attend and participate in as many events as possible.

The Dominion Women’s Forum is led by a Board of Directors, comprised of thirteen volunteer positions, appointed each year by a committee of active members in good standing. The ladies on the Board have a big responsibility for putting together events, programs, and fun activities for the year – each with their own unique spin and spirit. Others keep track of the money, recruit new members, ensure the members know about coming events and take photos at the events. Board members invest a lot of time, effort, energy and hard work to make the Women’s Forum happen but they enjoy the challenge and reward of seeing all members sharing happy and unforgettable memories.

Fabulous Holiday Bazaar December 5, 9:00 a.m.

Photo Credit: Landers Photography President: Lyn Hicks; First Vice President/Program Director: Traci Lewis; Second Vice President/Membership Director: Ana Holbrook; Recording Secretary: Beth Becka; Corresponding Secretary: Jean Rose; Treasurer: Kathy Hairston; Activities Director: Lori Harper; Bazaar Director: Kelley McNamara; Communications Director: Patricia Mitchell; Publicity Director: Helene DePeralta; Historian: Robin Landers; Gala Director: Catrina Kendrick; Past President/ Ex-Officio: Janet Key

The DWF luncheons are held at the Dominion Country Club the first Friday of every month from September through May. The Club’s chef creates wonderful menus that he and his staff artfully execute. These luncheons offer an extensive variety of interesting programs including fashion events, shopping experiences and interesting guest speakers. The attendees may browse the selected vendors’ wares, enjoy a glass of wine and visit with friends and also meet new women who will become friends. While we shop and have fun, we get to know each other. Each luncheon concludes with drawings for door prizes. The DWF members are always welcome to bring guests.

Members and their guests look forward each year to the December Holiday Bazaar at The Club which includes a wonderful variety of vendors offering many kinds of products as well as a few services. Lots of ladies come to celebrate the season and do their holiday shopping saving a long drive to shop, shop, shop.

Another big event is the gala held each year in the spring. The Club is decorated and transformed into the

The Dominion Families and Friends Cookbook

gala’s theme of the year. This event provides all the members a glamorous and exciting night.

Additional events include parties held at a Forum member’s home, unforgettable happy hours and other fun events held at The Club and other locations.

Whether the ladies are working outside the home or not, there is something special for all at the Women’s Forum!

Membership forms are available at the Dominion Country Club. So don’t wait - join the Forum now! We invite you and guarantee that you will feel welcome and enjoy the camaraderie with others.

The only requirement to join the Dominion Women’s Forum is you must be a member of The Dominion Country Club.

Available Now The Dominion Families and Friends Cookbook is here! This exciting book contains over 260 recipes with everything from Sangria to Custom Dog Biscuits. It is a great gift for Christmas, Birthdays, Anniversaries and any occasion & is available at the Women’s Forum Holiday Bazaar on December 5. The cookbook costs $20 which includes taxes and a CD to use on your computer. The Bazaar is open to the general public and takes place at The Dominion Country Club at 11:30 a.m. If you can’t make it to the Bazaar, check out the cookbooks at Catrina’s Ranch Interiors in Boerne. For more information, just call Kelly or email her at kelly@the-dominion.com.

Thank you and enjoy!

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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A walk IN The

BY Kristine duran | Photos by Ben Weber

Growing up in England, it never occurred to Mary Bomar that she would be living in America, let alone responsible for its 400 national parks as the 17th Director of the National Park Service.

She went from a devoted military wife in England, to working her way up the ranks of the U.S. National Park Service, eventually reaching the pinnacle. Diligence rather than luck has brought Mary across the parks’ 80 million acres that hold some of the nation’s most sacred sites. It’s a notion that, many times, has caused Mary to look around and ask herself, “How on Earth did I get here?”

With a mother from Wales and a father from Ireland, Mary was born in Birmingham, England as one of six children. Her father was an engineer by trade, but a businessman by nature, owning many different companies throughout the course of Mary’s upbringing. “We all worked in a family business and it was something that I was brought up with; understanding the bottom line, cash flow, and how to treat people fairly.”

Whether it was for business or pleasure, her parents loved to travel. It was when her father accepted a job with Ford Motor Company that the family traveled more so than ever before, and Mary was elated. “We actually moved to Illinois and we were there for two or three years. I was probably about eight or nine during my time in Illinois. During that time, I visited the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, Golden Gate, Mount Rushmore and many other national parks. My dad loved the parks and he loved the outdoors and instilled that in me. He took us to many places.

We traveled to many states and even to the Empire State Building in New York. This was such an exciting time in my life as a young girl.” Mary experienced more of our country’s awe-inspiring places at an early age than many Americans get to in a lifetime. As an outsider looking in, these

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experiences were especially significant to her. “When our family sailed from Southampton, England into New York Harbor on the ship Ile de France, I saw the lady rise from the water…the Statue of Liberty. My first glimpse of America was of a national park site – how ironic – I was gobsmacked! Never did I think that I would have a role in the care of that Statue of Liberty, which I did.”

After five years in America, Mary went back to England with her mother and siblings while her father went to work for an oil company in Persia. She was completing her education with some business courses at a local college when she met her future husband, Milton, through some friends in 1960. Milton had been stationed there with the U.S. Air Force. Mary was completely smitten with his charming manners. Her family instantly loved Milton. “I call Milton my very own ‘Man from Missouri.’ He comes from the old school; he has the qualities of being a southern gentleman. Milton is a man who loves his family, country and his religion. The icing on the cake is that

Y

ou almost have to earn your stripes in the park service. I was the first superintendent to go into Oklahoma City and that’s really where I earned my stripes.

he is also a good cook!” Not even a year later, Milton proposed with a beautiful sapphire and diamond ring; a ring that is still resting on her finger 52 years later.

“We enjoyed the early years of marriage raising three lovely children, traveling and working with the Air Force, living in countries all over the world.”

By 1977 she was ready to receive her citizenship from America in Spokane, Washington. “It was a proud moment in my life, and on that day I was given a letter by President Jimmy Carter. It said that you had a right and a responsibility to get involved in your government. I never thought that I would take that so far and go through a Senate confirmation hearing years later. I fell in love with America when I was here as a child and that letter was important to me. I am proud to call myself an American by choice,” Mary says sentimentally.

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As a new American, Mary delighted in motherhood and being a wife, while working part time. Years later, after all of the children went to school, Mary felt the urge to join the workplace and find fulltime work. “During Milton’s military life, I worked with the United Sates Air Force for twelve years as Senior Manager with Morale Welfare and Recreation. As Milton received new base reassignments, I too would seek new positions after relocations with the USAF.” Then in 1989, Milton had accepted an assignment as Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas managing Air Force Officers’ and NCO Clubs. Mary was motivated to secure a position where she could use her accounting and business background, so she submitted her resume for an administrative position at Amistad National Recreation Area in Del Rio as a start. It was the year 1990 and the year that Mary’s career had officially begun.

During her time at Amistad, Mary exceled and became an administrative officer very quickly. “I was also assigned the role of what the parks call a circuit rider. I would travel to other national

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parks to give staff assistance with park management issues that covered administrative, financial issues, personnel or park management. Being a circuit rider my first four years in the National Park Service, gave me a much bigger picture of the whole parks’ system and the various types and designation of parks.” After four years, Mary was offered a management position at the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. With this new opportunity in sight, Milton retired and they packed their things, headed for the Alamo city.

After advancing to a deputy superintendent at the Missions, Mary gained a greater understanding of the crucial inner workings of the National Park Service system. “I worked with great staff members and superintendents during those first couple of assignments that taught me so much about the

operations and management of parks. Those years were just so vital to me. I always had a passion for preservation of the landscapes and historical buildings wherever we lived. I’m passionate about preservation and making sure that the parks are well taken care of for the next generations, it’s not just about us. Especially coming from small villages in England, conservation was high on the agenda.” At this time, Milton had started a successful construction business in town and the two came to love San Antonio as their new home. Her knowledge of the National Park Service was growing every day, but there was still so much to learn.

After a stint at Rocky Mountain National Park as a superintendent, Mary accepted an assignment in Oklahoma City after the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. Milton had long since closed up shop in San Antonio and became a construction contractor, while Mary was serving as a superintendent of Oklahoma City National Memorial and State Coordinator for Oklahoma.

She was challenged as she worked with a taskforce of family members, survivors and rescue workers in helping to build a new national memorial in tribute to those that lost their lives in the bombing. “I was the first superintendent to go into Oklahoma City. Usually, a National Park is not created until 50 years after such a historic event has happened. This was a new experience for me and the National Park Service. To start off a new operation like that, and one with a very sad story, it was a very difficult time, but I was honored to serve at this very special site.” Those three years were a struggle for Mary and Milton, but it paid off when all of the family members and survivors were able to view the completed symbolic site. At the tail end of the memorial’s completion, she had been offered a new position. “She had a chance to go to Philadelphia, so as Willy Nelson often sings, ‘on the road again…’ we would travel to Philadelphia and I went out of business again,” Milton laughs.

Once Mary had officially been hired as a senior superintendent at Independence Historical National Park, she worried about how she would be accepted as a Brit. Her worries were put to rest at her welcoming party. “I began my remarks with, ‘The British are back!’

Yes, lots of laughs! I have to tell you that the folks in Philly were the best. They are exciting, fun and dedicated patriotic people to their state and country.” Again, this was another great but challenging opportunity for Mary to earn her stripes. “It was a hectic time; now in charge of one of the largest urban redevelopments in America on Independence Mall in front of Independence Hall. Also, 9/11 hit and security had become a very big issue, but I had great park staff and Washington support to work through these issues. I loved working for the National Park Service and felt absolutely ready and prepared to take on any issues. I thought being a superintendent in a national park was the best job in America.” Her following assignment was as Regional Director for the Northeast region of America, where she was responsible

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for over a hundred parks in the thirteen northeastern states, including The Statue of Liberty. “Now, that really was the best job because you could affect change on a much larger scale.” Then Mary got a call from the White House regarding a position as the Director of the National Park Service.

This was the call that changed Mary’s life. “I loved my time in Philadelphia and really debated about leaving to go to Washington. I would be the first naturalized citizen to hold this very prestigious directorship. But I was honored and I was ready.” In 2006, Mary was nominated by President George W. Bush and U.S. Senate confirmed as the 17th Director of the National Park Service.

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The park service people were pleased to see one of their own in that leadership position; someone that understood what the issues were in the parks, and Mary did with twenty years of experience and in depth knowledge of the NPS mission.

Her three goals were to re-engage the American people with their parks, increase the capacity of the system, and prepare the next generation of leaders for our parks. “If national parks are places of beauty and history, they are also places that inspire. Being good stewards and caring for them, preserving and protecting these great treasures, that’s what inspired me each day as the 17th Director.” During her three years as Director, Mary made significant progress with those three goals

in mind. “It really comes back to just loving what you’re doing; being passionate about what you’re doing, and treating people the way you want to be treated yourself.

I think one of the most important skills for a leader today is being civil to each other and showing a bit of kindness.”

In 2009, Mary retired her ranger hat for good with a letter of resignation to President Bush. “I believe that I did hand over the parks better than I found them.

I always say that there are special places that unite us all as Americans, and national parks are those places.”

Mary stepped down from her most prestigious rank to date with Milton by her side, naturally. “He’s always been really supportive. He used to say, ‘You did it for me for years.’ He’s very humble and I couldn’t have done any of it without him,” Mary says as her eyes swell with tears.

They headed straight to the city they had fallen in love with. “When we were here before, we loved it. We are proud to live in The Dominion, San Antonio and the great state of Texas. So we said if we ever retire completely, this is where we’re going to go,” Milton says. And The Dominion just so happened to be the perfect location.

With all three of their grown children, Donna, John, and David, and 7 grandchildren living in proximity to the neighborhood, it was an easy decision.

“The Dominion offers several things. It offers the security for Mary, and for me as far as that goes. We also love the camaraderie that you get here. You’ve got a great bunch of people living in The Dominion and we just flat enjoy them all,” Milton says. Mary and Milton appreciate all of the recreational opportunities in the community as well. He can be found on the golf course with a group of guys at least two or three times a week.

Milton continues, “The Dominion has one of the best golf courses in Texas. I mean, what else can you ask for in life? To me, it comes second place to the friendship.”

Mary values the women’s organizations that bring caring and fun to the community, like the Women’s Forum and Apron Society which she takes part in regularly.

Outside of the community, Mary is still keeping busy as a consultant and National Advisor to the American Village Citizenship Trust in Alabama, on the Advisory Council of Texas A&M Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences, and a member of the National Advisory Council for the Trust for the National Mall in Washington D.C. They will likely continue to travel with Mary’s close-knit family still residing in England.

Although she is semi-retired, Mary continues to make strides in our parks and aims to inspire the next generation to do the same. Mary ends our conversation by stating, “I don’t think people realize there are over 400 different parks. Many visitors and dignitaries are from countries all over the world, who really want to learn about the history of America. You can do that through books, but to come to these actual places is truly a special experience. I think the parks are the largest university in America! I wholeheartedly believe that they are America’s treasures.”

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BY Anthony Re, V.P. of Golf Operations

F

all is here, which means this is the time of the year we ask players to focus on keeping golf course conditions prime. As we approach our dormant grass growing season, it is essential: use sand to fill in your divots, fix ball marks on greens, stay away from greens and tees with carts, and drive only in designated areas. These simple requests will assist in maintaining a healthy root system and create a good grass growing season in the spring.

This month make sure you read the “tip of the month” for it provides a key element in lowering your score!

Our December featured golf event is our season finale – “The Big Chill”. The course is set up to make play as difficult as possible by challenging pin placements. This tournament is open to guests - invite as many as you want. Please call the Golf Center for more details.

You may have seen a golf cart in the pro shop and have been wondering. “what’s up with that?” The pro shop is raffling off three

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prizes: first place is “pimp your own golf cart” (a $10,500 value), second place is a set of clubs, including woods and irons, and golf bag ($2750 value). Third place is 20 dozen of your choice golf balls with your name and company logo ($1250). Only 150 tickets will be sold at $100 each. Currently we have 34 tickets to go. The drawing will be held during The Dominion Holiday Open House on December 3rd.

As you prepare for the holiday season, remember The Dominion Pro Shop offers a wide variety of clothing, clubs, fashion pieces, custom golf carts and other great items, big or small, for your holiday purchases. Stop in and shop hassle free, no crowds, just a warm smile and free gift wrapping. As an extra service you can ship your boxes via UPS through the golf center, paying a small service fee above the normal shipping charges.

Wishing you great golf!

Tip of the Month The Mental Edge: Course Management

BY Anthony Re, V.P. of Golf Operations

P

rior to stepping on the first tee and playing your first shot, you need a game plan not only for the first shot but every shot throughout your round! This is where “Course Management” comes into play and requires planning ahead from start to finish.

What do you see from tee to green? Do you have a presupposition about the toughness of the golf course you are going to play? Are you visually intimidated by water, bunkers, tree-lined fairways, tiered or severely undulating greens?

Intimidation can lead to indecision, which will most likely result in a missed shot.

Most golfers think that course management is what you do to get out of deep trouble. It is more than that. Course management comes into play on every shot with some shots being more important than others.

A good mental game includes good course management. Efficient course management is your ability to play around the golf course the way it was designed by the architect, avoiding the trouble and placing each shot in the best position to hit the next shot. It requires you to plan and concentrate before

every shot.

The golf course is set up so you will make hundreds of decisions. Course management is smart golf; thinking positively to avoid mistakes. The game of golf is about managing imperfection. Golf itself is about managing yourself around the golf course without letting your ego take over; we all are familiar with the “Tin Cup experience”.

When you change the way you see the golf course you can see opportunities. You see the obstacles and make plans to avoid them.

Your course management depends upon a myriad of things including your skill level, your personality, course conditions and the pressure of the situation. It is important to have a strategy for playing each hole so you will be prepared ahead of time to handle the situations and your feelings that might arise to deter you from executing your game plan.

Take a look at your home course: how have you managed your round on a daily basis?

How many strokes did you lose because of poor decision making? Remember, Golf is a game of maneuvering the ball around the course in the fewest strokes possible and sometimes making a decision to give up one stroke to play the course condition is far better than running up the stroke count because of poor decision making.

COURSE MANAGEMENT TIPS Have a game plan.

• Before your first tee shot and throughout the round, have a goal to where you want to place your shot so it sets you up for your next shot.

• Look where the pin is located, this can assist you as to where to position your shot into the green.

• Stick with your plan on each shot and each hole; confidence is a key factor in playing your shot.

Manage your mental game.

• Use the same pre-shot routine on every shot. You will have more consistent results if your routine is consistent. Then your brain will know exactly what you want to do.

• Be positive. Be decisive. Indecision is the enemy of golfers. There are many ways to be indecisive, not just in club selection.

Make a mental blueprint of your path to the hole. Decide on a specific target area for each shot and aim at it. Believe in your ability to hit it there!

• Manage your misses. If you hit five to seven shots per round just the way you want, that is a great achievement. The rest of your shots should be playable, or 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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•

•

•

•

good misses. Don’t dwell on a bad shot; concentrate on the shot at hand and stay focused. Then you can turn it around quickly.

Eliminate tension. If too many thoughts

are going on in your mind, you become tense. Make up your mind where and how you are going to hit the shot and just do it! When you get over the ball, all of your thoughts and emotions should be on the ball and where you are going to hit it.

Manage your time in-between shots.

Since playing the ball only takes about 10 minutes in a four-hour round, decide how you will spend the time between shots to keep yourself in a positive frame of mind, loose and relaxed.

Stick to your game plan. If you are behind, don’t press and try harder. Be patient.

Make up your mind that everything happened to help you.

Plan to finish well. Most tournaments are won or lost on the last three holes.

Play your game. Let your opponents match your performance.

Position your long shots.

• Aim for the side of the fairway that opens up the approach to the green.

• Carefully balance what you are risking against the reward. When you plan your shot, allow for a margin of error. Play the percentages.

• Know your best lay-up distance. Know when, and how, to lay up. Don’t try to hit it as close to the green as possible leaving a three-quarter wedge shot. Leave 80 to 100 yards to make a full swing.

• On long approach shots, aim for the center of the green.

• Short par fours usually have subtle trouble.

Use less than a driver for position play. Hit your tee shot to a full shot distance into the green.

Plan your shots to the green.

• Check the pin placement. There are usually six “sucker” pins, six easy pins and 44

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six medium pin placements. Hit to the pin when it is in the middle of the green. When there are “sucker” pin placements tucked behind the bunker or on a shallow part of the green, hit to the middle. Take enough club to hit over the greenside bunkers.

• Put approach shots below the hole on a course with fast, undulating greens. It is almost always better to leave yourself below the hole when possible.

On short approach shots go for the flag.

• Divide the green into thirds or quarters and get the ball into the right segment for the best chance at a one-putt.

• If your shot is half way between clubs, use the longer club and choke down an inch or so.

• Master one approach shot so you can play it under pressure. Choose one approach shot you are comfortable with: pitch and run, chip shot, lob shot, etc. Don’t try and execute a shot you don’t know how to hit or in which you have no confidence.

Use the putter from off the green for highest percentage shot.

• Most people think their worst putt is as good as their best chip shot. If you putt to four feet you think you have hit a poor putt, but if you chip to four feet, it feels good. Play every shot you can with the

putter just to get it close enough for a one-putt.

Think carefully to get out of trouble.

• Be prepared for bad shots and bad breaks.

Let go of bad shots and bad breaks as they are over and done. Stay confident and focused to hit the next shot.

When in trouble, maintain your equilibrium.

• Take your time to figure out all your options, what the percentage shot is, what you have confidence doing and carefully exercise your pre-shot routine.

• Take the shortest route out of trouble.

Look to see where the trouble is.

• Then turn your attention to where you want the ball to go. If your last look or thought is the trouble, there’s a good chance that is where your ball will end up.

Make sure you get the ball out of a fairway bunker.

• Look at the lip of the bunker and make sure you have a club with enough loft to get over the lip.

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THe Tennis CLUB

BY Barry Mills, Director of Tennis

tHE Dominion’S adult tennis program Last month I introduced you to Joe Rother and our Junior Program. This issue I want to focus on the “Big Kids” and all the different programs we offer to our adults. Our Head Professional, Daniel Cantu, has been teaching at the Dominion for 15 years and has been an integral part in the development of the finest program in the city. He is high energy with great insight into the great sport of tennis. We have something for everyone and Daniel will detail all the lessons, clinics and tournaments that our Dominion members enjoy.

7:00 p.m.

Men’s Tennis League, 8 week sessions: pizza and cold beverages after matches.

Wednesdays: 9:00 a.m.- 10:30 a.m.

3.5 NTRP rated players. Biggest level represented at the club. These ladies can play.

10:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

Singles clinic for all levels.

11:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

40 and over, 4.0 NTRP rated players.

BY Daniel Cantu

Lessons/Clinics for Adults Tennis is a deceptive and demanding sport. It is not just “See ball, hit ball!”

There are the biomechanics: unit turn, low to high, top spin, rotate and finish, and the physical demands of the movement including agility and endurance. There are the psychological: mental toughness, tactics and strategy which can make a difference in a close match. Enough said. Consider taking a lesson for immediate improvement. We have four full time professionals and four assistant pros available throughout the week to help you in reaching any personal tennis goals.

Our weekly clinics are high energy and well attended. Clinics are a great way to pick up quick tips and expand your social tennis circle. We offer three styles of clinic listed below: Cardio Clinic: High energy group workout using tennis fitness activities with fast-pace games, drills, and 46

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conditioning for players of all ability and fitness levels. It is a calorie burning clinic.

Team Clinic: A team clinic is for those individuals who are rated at a similar level and are currently playing on a Dominion Team. Strategic and tactical drills are consistently reinforced for future competitive play.

Open Clinic: Any player can attend these clinics. They allow for our men and women of all levels to participate at the same time. All drills are between the pro and the player so there is always a perfect workout for whoever joins.

Current clinic schedules Tuesdays: 9:00 a.m.- 10:30 a.m.

4.0 NTRP rated players. This clinic is for serious and competitive players.

9:00 a.m.- 10:30 a.m.

2.5 NTRP rated players. For the novice and social player. Fundamentals and fun!

Thursdays: 9 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.

4.0 NTRP rated players. Open clinic, get ready to work.

Saturdays: 9:30 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.

All players are welcomed. This clinic is offered and taught by all of our senior professionals and is the most attended clinic of the week. Our members and their guests are taken through some very physical drills. Do not be afraid but come ready to work!

Sundays: 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Similar clinic to Saturday’ morning workout, but in the afternoon.

leagues for Adults Do city champs, state champs, or national champs interest you? Fun, social, or competitive leagues are great ways to meet players of your age and level.

We currently have teams playing in various leagues throughout the spring and fall seasons. Men and

women compete in the USTA & USPTA leagues and Inter-club leagues. Teams and matches are arranged so you will compete at your skill level. Teams are made up of a minimum of eight to twenty players depending upon Division and Age group.

USTA League: This league is the country’s largest recreational tennis league. Monday, Thursday and Saturday are the consistent play days all over the city. Join at your skill level and just maybe your team will be the next State or National team champions.

USPTA League: Competitive league without singles. Played on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Four lines of doubles format that does not affect your USTA rating.

Inter Club Leagues: Fun and Social leveled leagues. Travel to other local clubs and play against players at your level.

Men’s League: This is a fun and competitive tennis league for men only.

Tuesday evenings with food and cold beverages.

Member events The Tennis Center is host to a wide range of seasonal Member events. Here are just a few of the events we offer our Members and their Guests.

The Dominion is fortunate to have such a high level professional as Daniel. He is one of the best. As you can see there is non-stop action 24-7 on our courts.

Any homeowners who play tennis or would like to

• • • • • • • • •

January: Parent/Child Event.

February: Valentines Event.

March: March Madness Event.

April: Club Singles Championships.

May: Cinco de Mayo Doubles and Memorial Day Event.

September: Labor Day workout and our Ladies Member/Guest Event.

October: Halloween Tennis Smash.

November: Themed Doubles Clinic.

December: Elf Louise Charitable Event.

begin and haven’t experienced the Tennis program, please call me directly at the Tennis shop at 210698-2288. I would be happy to give you a tour and describe further how you could become part of the action and fun. Or just come down to the courts and see for yourself.

I look forward to meeting you all.

Remember, all of your holiday tennis needs are close by at the Pro Shop. No holiday crowds!

Dominion Men’s League Players Party

Enjoying a day of Tennis

Ladies Traveling Team in Austin

Last Year's Elf Louise Charity Tournament

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Jeffrey Reeh Age: 17 Years Old School: Senior, Tom C. Clark High School What sports are you currently participating in?

Football and Martial Arts Awards and accolades related to those activities?

I have earned my first-degree black-belt after being committed to martial arts for 6 years.

How did you get started in these sports?

I got started in football in 7th grade. I also began my journey in martial arts in the 7th grade, after my brother decided to give it a try and then insisted that I needed to try it, too. After that, I immediately found a natural passion for martial arts and have continued to improve my skills and gain knowledge of the arts.

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

Outside of sports, I enjoy volunteering with Young Men’s Service League around San Antonio in order to better the community. I also enjoy hunting with my family and friends on the weekends.

What do you plan to major in?

I plan to major in biomedical sciences at Texas A&M University and then go to dentistry school at the UT Health Science Center here in San Antonio and become an orthodontist.

In fifteen years, where do you see yourself?

In 15 years, I see myself owning successful orthodontic practices around San Antonio and having a wonderful family.

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

My favorite part about growing up in The Dominion has been the friendly environment at The Club and the pool that make for great fun during the summer.

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Holiday Inspired

BY Kristine duran | Photos by Ben Weber

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Originally from Boston, Marilyn met Tom Farello while attending college in Ohio. The Farellos moved into The Dominion when Tom’s career landed them in San Antonio in 2012, where they were charmed by an Adam Wilson home that was still in the process of being built. Now complete, the Farellos enjoy entertaining their new friends in their contemporary abode fit for a socialite, with an upstairs patio and bar, two kitchens, and an allaround openness that creates a welcoming aura.

Gearing up for a busy holiday season, Marilyn decorates her

home

with

many

themed

Christmas

trees,

guaranteeing holiday cheer at every party. What started out as an idea of having two or three trees is now growing each Christmas. This year, 24 is the magic number; the most trees Marilyn has ever tackled. In the midst of tree themes like the San Antonio Spurs, movies, and cheese, her absolute favorite is the tree in the living room. This magnificent tree stands out amongst the other 23 as all of its decorations are German hand blown ornaments, straight from Germany.

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Bottom row - Lynda Strieby, Pam Burdick, Sue Horn, Jan JOACHIM, Liz Conklyn (ISA Board member), Lori Wesolowski, Cynthia Schluter (ISA Board member) Top row - Janet Key, Rena Baisden, Katie Lenss, Linda Koetting

Impact San Antonio Grant Award Night, Impact San Antonio’s most exciting night of the year!

By Cynthia Schluter, Board Member, Impact San Antonio

I

could hardly wait for October 29 because that was the night of Impact San Antonio’s most exciting night of the year! It was our Grant Award Night, where we announced the three agencies that each received a $100,000 grant as well as two other finalists, each receiving $19,000. I felt like I was personally giving $338,000 in awards, something I could not do on my own. That night, it was my gift, coming from my heart.

Our mission is simple: We combine 100% of our individual $1,000

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donations to award one or more $100,000 grants to non-profits serving those in need. Since we were founded in 2004, we have awarded $1,398,000. And yes, every penny of our members’ $1,000 donations goes to grants for agencies serving Bexar and its surrounding counties.

That’s the only requirement for membership. You are never pressured into doing more than that unless you would like to.

I became a member of Impact San Antonio within an hour of attending my first event. Not only was I joining a group of incredible women, many of whom I would never have met otherwise, but I was

Our mission is simple: We combine 100% of our individual $1,000 donations to award one or more $100,000 grants to non-profits serving those in need. positively impacting my community in a way that I could not do on an individual basis. The concept behind Impact is brilliant: it empowers and unites women who, together, help those in our city who need it most. I am now beginning my second year on the ISA Board, as Co-Chair of Agency & Applications, and it has been incredible.

As a member, you not only have a part—and a say—in where the $100,000 grants go, but you can attend our incredible ISA social and educational events that occur throughout the year. Our first one in 2015 is scheduled for Tuesday, January 20 with guest speaker Molly Cox, Chief of Engagement for SA2020. She is an amazing speaker who will give updates about this important initiative for San Antonio.

After enjoying a reception and hearing presentations from the five finalists, our 335+ members voted to award a $100,000 grant to each of these three agencies: Blueprint Ministries – Their grant will be used to provide 50 inner city homeowners a restored house that offers them safer, warmer living conditions.

Restorative work will be done by volunteer teenagers and adults and may include replacing or repairing the roof, interior walls, ceilings, floors, siding, porches, bathroom and kitchen renovations.

Boys and Girls Clubs of San Antonio - The proposed project will move the teens they serve from an unattractive, cramped and debilitated leased space to a new building on its Calderón Branch campus. The funding will construct a building specifically designed and equipped for teens, to include a Learning Center/ Tech Lab, lounge and open space for programs, games and group activities. The move will allow teens access to Calderón’s gym, pool, and outdoor courts, an important teen draw.

Roy Maas’ Youth Alternatives - Their grant will purchase desperately needed heating and air conditioning units at the San Antonio campus. Without these additions and repairs, the Emergency Shelter and Counseling Center are unbearably hot in the summer and very cold on winter days. The contribution will provide a more comfortable environment for children struggling to heal from the trauma of abuse and neglect.

The other two finalists—Friends of Government Canyon and Playhouse San Antonio—received $19,000 each.

You can read about all past projects funded by ISA grants on our website, www.impactsanantonio.org, under the “Grants Awarded” tab. Previous recipients of ISA $100,000 grants include Boys Town Texas Inc.,

Children’s Association for Maximum Potential (CAMP), Christian Senior Services - Grace Place, San Antonio AIDS Foundation, SAY Sí, Christian Assistance Ministry (CAM), Daily Bread Ministries, Youth Orchestras of San Antonio (YOSA) and St. Jude’s Ranch.

All of the projects we have funded have made a real difference for San Antonio and surrounding communities. The fact that we have funded these fantastic projects shows the power of women, combining our donations to have a real impact. As you can see in the photo, so many wonderful Dominion women have already experienced the joy of being a part of Impact, and that’s not even all of us!

Would you like to give hundreds of thousands of dollars to make a difference in people’s lives? Do you have a passion for helping people in need, and want a way to do it graciously and effectively? If yes, join Impact San Antonio (ISA) at www. impactsanantonio.org. We are accepting memberships now for 2015.

Anyone interested in finding out more about Impact San Antonio and its ten-year legacy of benevolence can visit the ISA website or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ impactsanantonio. You are also welcome to email me personally at cynthia.schluter@ sbcglobal.net; I am always happy to talk about Impact San Antonio!

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nfortunately, there is no omniscient man from the North Pole who delivers gifts to your friends and family based on how naughty or nice they’ve been all year. It is your sole responsibility to wrestle those discount-hungry shoppers on Black Friday, or surf the web until your eyes feel like boulders for gifts that’ll make them swoon. Let us take some of the pressure off of you this holiday season with charming gift suggestions that won’t require you stepping foot in a mall.

Kano

For the baby Einsteins of the family, this DIY educational kit will prepare them for a bright future as they design games and learn code with the Linux-based Kano OS. Stating it is as “simple as Lego,” Kano makes learning about computer hardware and software fun for all ages (but mainly 6-14 year olds) with bright colors, easy start guides and fun games. www.kano.me $149.99.

J.R. Mooney Gallery

Catrina’s Ranch Interiors

Roll in the cheer! This round mini bar would be great for the man in your life’s office or in anyone’s home, even as an end table. This exquisite table is made of solid antiqued pecan and conveniently has wheels so that it can be moved easily. If this doesn’t fit your list, Catrina’s is bound to entice you with other gorgeous furniture, oriental rugs and fine art paintings. www.catrinasranchinteriors.com 31300 IH-10 West, Boerne, TX (830) 755-6355 $1299.00.

If your loved one has an affinity for art, but you don’t know the difference between a Monet and a Matisse, the experts at J.R. Mooney Gallery can help you. To stray from the typical painting this evident art lover usually receives, this art glass by Timothy Lotton would be a magnificent addition to any art collection. The Small Pink Bleeding Hearts Bowl is only one of many of Lotton’s striking Impressionist pieces at the gallery, which are currently on sale through December. www.jrmooneygalleries.com 305 S. Main Street, Suite 400, Boerne, TX (830) 816-5106 ; 8302 Broadway Street, San Antonio, TX (210) 828-8214 $500.00.

Leighelena Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but that’s so cliché! Surprise the woman in your life with a statement piece like the Jigsaw Bracelet from Leighelena. Designed and handmade by Austinite, Leigh Elena Navarro, these cuffs come in a variety of Italian leathers, as well as exotic skins including stingray, anaconda, and crocodile. These leather cuffs add a bit of edge to any outfit but Leighelena is stocked with an array of other earthy accessories for her and him. www. leighelena.com 303 Pearl Parkway, Suite 101, San Antonio, TX (210) 224-6666 $78-$168.

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The DOMINION Magazine is the OFFICIAL publication of The Dominion Homeowners Association

There are other publications that might deliver to The Dominion, but only one is exclusively endorsed by The Dominion HOA and The Dominion Country Club.

MAGAZINE 210-507-5250 | THEDOMINION-MAGAZINE.COM

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6 823 RA N G E R C R EE K R D BOERNE, TX 78006 106± WIL DL IF E EXEM PT AC RES 5,100± SQ F T M AI N HOUSE D ETAC HED GARAGE GUEST HOME BARN/WORKSHO P WI T H LOF T APARTMENT

103 3 0 H U N T R ESS L N SAN AN TO N I O, TX 78 255 4 2± ACR ES 2 , 3 8 2± SQ FT BA RN A N D TACK RO OM 3 OU T D O OR H O RSE STA LLS 2 FOA L I N G A R E AS H OT WA LK E R

K EVIN MA NNER & JOHN BRIG GS 210.722.5822 • 210.488.4943 ke vin @manner pr o per tygr o up.co m john .b r ig gs@so thebysr ealty.co m

318 Hoskins Trail • River Mountain $549,000 | MLS #1077562 Waterfront property in River Mountain Ranch with private river access! Custom 3/3.5 home built with views of the Guadalupe from the master bedroom, family room, and balcony. Outdoor balcony has surround sound speakers runs the length of the home with fireplace and surround sound speakers.

Private road on the property going down to the river. 3.57 ACRES

Angela Schooley

Bluebonnet Realty 72

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C 210.912.8221 | P 830.816.2288 | F 830.816.5903

a n g e l a @ s m v t e x a s . c o m | w w w. b o e r n e t e x a s h o m e s . c o m

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

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