HOME RIGHT AT
APRIL 2017
FAMILY BUSINESS
Shaw Company Remodeling Page 4 (L-R) The Shaw family, daughter Lexie, Eric and Carolyn and daughter Brittany Trevino with her son, Cooper.
Photo by: Greg Harrison
Fiesta Wildflower Ride – Sunday, April 23, 8 a.m. Departing from Rolling Oaks Mall, the 12th annual ride is Fiesta’s only cycling event. Post ride festivities include athlete replenishment zone and familyfriendly fun. Rolling Oaks Mall, 6909 N. Loop 1604 E. 78247; www.fiesta-sa.org. Casino Night Benefitting Reagan H.S. Band – Tuesday, April 25, 4:30-8:30 p.m. Casino night with dinner, auction and ensemble performances from Reagan, Lopez and Bush band students. Funds sponsor Reagan band’s trip to the 2018 Rose Parade. Ronald Reagan High School, 19000 Ronald Reagan Drive 78258; Reaganband.com.
4/26 5/29
Fiesta Mission 5 and 10K Runs – Saturday, April 22, 8 a.m. The San Antonio Roadrunners host the 43rd annual run, an official Fiesta event, with music, food, beer and fun – rain or shine. Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 200 Noblewood Dr. 78220; www.fiesta-sa.org.
5/3,5,6
Dave Ramsey’s Smart Conference – Saturday, April 22, 8:30 a.m. Dave Ramsey, national best-selling author and radio host, will hold a life-changing conference featuring experts in marriage, parenting, finances, retirement and personal development. Register in advance at daveramsey.com/live, promo code SACORNERSTONE. Cornerstone Church, 18755 Stone Oak Parkway 78258; www.sacornerstone.org.
5/5
Fiesta! San Antonio – Wednesday, April 20 – Sunday, April 30. More than 100 unique events – more than half free - satisfy every taste and interest. Various locations; Visitsanantonio.com.
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The Valero Texas Open – Monday, April 17Sunday, April 23. The Valero Texas Open, first played in 1922, is the third oldest PGA TOUR tournament. TPC San Antonio, 23808 Resort Parkway 78261; Valerotexasopen.com.
4/23 4/22
4/15
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny and Easter egg hunt at The Club at Sonterra - Saturday, April 15. Breakfast and pictures with the Easter Bunny, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. Easter egg hunts starting at 11:30 a.m., divided by age group. Crafts and petting zoo included with brunch. The Club at Sonterra, 901 E. Sonterra Blvd. 78258. Reservations required, call 496-1560.
3/25
sat/sun
4/8
A Night With My Knight – Saturday, April 8, 4:30 p.m. An evening of dinner, entertainment and ministry for mothers and sons K4 through 5th grade. Cornerstone Church, Bythel Hagee Life Center Gym, 18755 Stone Oak Parkway 78258; www.sacornerstone.org.
4/20-30
Legacy Farmers’ Market - Saturdays/Sundays, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Local market features produce and handcrafted wares from area farmers, artisans and cottage industries. Legacy Shopping Center, 18402 U.S. Highway 281 North 78259; legacyfarmersmarket.com.
4/17-23
Upcoming Events Taste of the Northside – Wednesday, April 26, 5:30 10:30 p.m. Benefiting the Brighton Center, the 18th annual Taste of the Northside offers a unique, country club setting, all-inclusive ticket pricing, four live bands, food from more than 50 restaurants around the city, upscale wines and beers. The Club at Sonterra, 901 E Sonterra Blvd. 78258; Tasteofthenorthside.org. Parade Watching Event - Saturday, April 29 from 6 p.m. -11 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and watch the Fiesta Flambeau® Parade at Village at Stone Oak on a live stream from downtown San Antonio. Enjoy food, beverages and free children’s activities. Located north of Alamo Drafthouse on the upper deck. 22806 U.S. Highway 281 North 78258; www.facebook.com/VillageatStoneOak Love’s Labour’s Lost – Wednesday, May 3, Friday, May 5, and Saturday, May 6, at 7:00 p.m. Reagan High School Theater presents William Shakespeare’s romantic comedy involving misunderstandings and misfortunes among lords, ladies, a king and a princess. Ronald Reagan High School Black Box Theater, 19000 Ronald Reagan Drive 78258; reaganstage.org. Cinco de Mayo – Friday, May 5. Times vary. Celebrations mark the Mexican Army’s defeat of the invading French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Festival events include music and food at historic Market Square, concerts and other commemorations. Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St. 78252; visitsanantonio.com.
Send your upcoming events to StoneOakInfo@gmail.com.
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Family Business Transforming Homes and Changing Lives
By Amy Morgan
B
usiness is all about the family at Shaw Company Remodeling, the top-rated, full-service residential construction and remodeling company owned by Eric and Carolyn Shaw. Not only have they run the business together for several decades, their eldest daughter, Brittany Trevino, plays an integral role in the office, and each of their other three children has contributed –the youngest, Lexie, at 14 delights in answering the phones. Brittany even brings in her 10-monthold son, just as her mother did when raising Lexie.
soon outgrew its name. (Although its phone number is still active due to repeat business from satisfied customers.)
“We’re as family as a family business can get” He renamed the company 15 years ago to more accurately describe the umbrella of services they provide for their customers.
“We’re as family as a family business can get,” Carolyn said.
“Most of the company’s projects involve kitchens or bathrooms, two upgrades customers enjoy and that provide the best return on investment,” Eric said.
And it’s not just the Shaws who are family. Many of the business’ construction crews have been working with them for more than 15 years, a track record unheard of in the industry. As Carolyn says, “They have become a part of the family.”
When choosing to do a project with Shaw Company Remodeling, customers will visit a beautifully appointed showroom where Brittany can assist them in selecting grout to granite and everything in between to complete their remodel.
“We have crews who have been with us since before we had our youngest child,” Carolyn said. “They’ve watched our kids grow up.” Eric credits some of their success in maintaining such close relationships with the Shaw’s willingness to cover their workers with both liability and worker’s comp insurance – well above industry standards. Well-insured employees benefit Shaw’s clients, too, he said, because no homeowner need worry about being sued for an accident that occurs on their property. Eric realized in his prior corporate management career that he most enjoyed overseeing construction-related projects. He founded a handyman company, Honey-do Husbands, which
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This recently remodeled master bath is an inviting space that adds tremendous value to this home.
The company handles complete additions; interior or exterior painting; Hardie siding; tile; flooring; outdoor living; roofing; and more.
FAMILY ROOM AFTER
“Our most common request is to take out the tub/shower combo and replace it with a large walk-in shower,” Eric said. “There’s nothing like walking into a master bathroom that has a gorgeous, roomy shower. That changes your first stop every morning.” Unlike companies that just cosmetically spruce up existing structures, Shaw Company Remodeling is capable of designing and executing a complete change. “We can go down to the studs. You are not limited to the footprint you have to start with,” Brittany said. “We can move plumbing, change the shower pan, bring in new tile. It is a completely different process than just placing a liner over. It is much more than aesthetics - and more reasonable, too.” “Plastic walls don’t add value,” Eric added. Shaw Company Remodeling also custom-creates all their cabinetry to fit any size and kitchen design out of 100 percent wood, a difference KITCHEN BEFORE
FAMILY ROOM BEFORE
“We truly enjoy changing people’s lives,” Eric added. To that end, Shaw Company Remodeling believes in giving back to the community – supporting many charities, their favorite being Kidd’s Kids, founded by Kidd Kraddick, with whom they had a personal connection. Lexie was able to meet him in studio when she won a national contest convincing him to buy $1000 worth of Girl Scout cookies from her troop. Fittingly, she made her winning call from one of the office phones, helped by big-sister Brittany – typical for the Shaws - keeping it all in the family.
KITCHEN AFTER
quite striking from standard production cabinets. The customer may choose every single cabinet feature – down to adding a spice rack, custom height or shelving. Because they are made in house, cabinet completion time is much quicker. The company is certified and has A ratings from the Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List, to name a few. A high percentage of their customers comes from repeat and referral business. “I love referral business because it is so personal,” Carolyn said. She also enjoys when prior customers tell her how much they enjoy their work. “A lady stopped by our booth at a home show and said, ‘You did my kitchen five years ago, and I still love it!’” Brittany said. “She was so excited.” And that’s the kind of relationship the Shaws continue to have with their clients. “We genuinely care,” Carolyn said.
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SENIOR MOMENT
Family Ties
Husband Reunites Wife with Birth Mother and Siblings – after 55 Years By Amy Morgan
E
llen and Jim Steck moved into Independence Hill in February, just in time to enjoy San Antonio’s beautiful spring weather. Originally from St. Louis, they decided to make San Antonio their home after six visits to to their daughter, Mary Ellen Steck Jablonski, who runs a successful State Farm Insurance agency nearby. Family connections are paramount to the Stecks, and especially because of Ellen’s background. She had been placed for adoption as an infant and was raised an only child of older parents in St. Louis. 55 years later, her husband, Jim, decided to make it his mission to find Ellen’s parents of origin. He had been an investigator with State Farm for many years and put his skills into use. “I told her, ‘we’re going to find out where you came from,’” Jim said. The trail started in Chicago. Jim had noticed the state of Illinois had opened its adoption records to affected parties. Ellen’s birth certificate with her adopted name listed her birth in a Chicago hospital. Through those records, the help of a friendly circuit court judge and the Mormon-run History Center in St. Louis, the Stecks were able to track down Ellen’s family roots in Wisconsin. Ellen’s real birth certificate showed her name as Beverly Clements. Ellen called her birth mother, Julia, and said, “Julia, this is Ellen Steck of St. Louis, Mo. Do you remember December 9, 1937, in the Jefferson Park Hospital?” Julia then said, “Beverly?” Ellen replied, “Yes mom, this is Beverly.” In just a few short weeks, Ellen travelled to Waunekee, Wisconsin, not only to reunite with her birth mother, Julia Clements, but also to meet her three younger brothers and four younger sisters, who embraced the surprise of a new oldest sister wholeheartedly. In one fell swoop, only-child Ellen had inherited a large family. She heard the story of her mother’s difficult situation, when at 22, unmarried and with no support, she felt the best option for her daughter was to place her for adoption. She visited the grave of her birthfather, she learned about the Clements family, her grandparents, and she heard the name her mother had given her before letting her go: Beverly Clements. “It was quite a strange feeling to realize I’d had another birth name,” Ellen said. Later that year, on Dec. 9, 1992, her youngest birth sister, her family, and their mother travelled to St. Louis to celebrate Ellen’s 55th birthday together with the Stecks. (Ellen’s adoptive parents had passed by that time.)
Jim and Ellen Steck, originally from St. Louis, joined the Independence Hill family, making San Antonio their home after visits to their daughter, Mary Ellen Steck Jablonski.
“Many happy tears were shed as Mom met all her grandchildren for the first time,” Ellen said. “What a warm and wonderful family I’ve had the opportunity of meeting in Wisconsin, and what a warm and wonderful family that Mom had the opportunity of meeting. This is the best gift I could ever receive,” she added. The family stays close: pictures of large family gatherings grace the walls and shelves of the Stecks’ apartment in Independence Hill. Ellen sang in one of her birth nieces’ weddings. In addition to Ellen’s large birth family, the Stecks have three children in addition to Jablonski: Jim Jr., Cathy and David. Ellen laughs remembering her children were each born a year apart. They all have thriving families with children and grandchildren, and when the family suffered the tragedy of losing Cathy to cancer, four of Ellen’s siblings attended the funeral. Jim retired as a senior claims specialist, investigating injury, death and fraud claims. He met Ellen in 1957 on a blind date after serving in Korea with the U.S. Army. He was smitten, he said, when he first heard her sing Ave Maria. He was elected to the board of trustees and served as town marshall of Pasedena Hills, a suburb of in St. Louis. After his retirement from State Farm, the couple travelled the United States in a motor home, visiting their many friends and relatives.
A close family - pictures of large gatherings grace the walls and shelves of the Stecks’ apartment in Independence Hill.
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®
Bring your lawn chairs and watch the Fiesta Flambeau® Parade at Village at Stone Oak on a live stream from downtown San Antonio on Saturday, April 29, from 6PM-11PM. Enjoy food, beverages and free children's activities. Located north of Alamo Drafthouse on the upper deck.
EXPERIENCE
MATTERS We Need Experienced Leadership to Keep Our Neighborhoods Safe
Marco’s solutions include: •
Marco has lived in District 9 for 30 years. He is actively involved in District 9 neighborhood, community and non-profit endeavors. Political Ad Paid for by Marco Barros Campaign, Reagan Greer Treasurer
• •
Increase the number of patrol officers and firefighters. Fill the 220 open Police Officer positions. Redirect budget dollars to improve emergency response time
• •
Ensure new Police Substations and Fire Stations are built to keep up with the growth. Provide technologically advanced equipment to increase efficiency.
As a retired SAPD Detective, I know firsthand that
Marco will focus on your safety and security. Marco and I worked for many years on protecting the citizens of District 9 inside and outside his HOA. If you want a Law and Order Councilman, you will have that in Marco Barros.
Phil Franzone
Retired SAPD Detective and District 9 Resident
MARCOFO RCI T YCO U NC I L .CO M 8
Service Directory
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PET TIP
Introducing Baby By Tamara Wetegrove common concern for expecting parents with pets is how to properly introduce their dog(s) to the new human baby. For many young couples, their pet is their “first baby,” which creates a dilemma when bringing home the non-furry sibling. By planning ahead and taking steps before and after baby arrives, you can help create a smooth transition among the members of your furry and non-furry pack.
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Invest in a basic obedience class. It is especially important your dog is trained not to jump and can sit and stay. Teach your dog to “go to place,” which might be his mat or bed. Use treats and rewards to encourage his obedience to go to where his owner points on command. Make gradual changes to the dog’s routine before baby comes home. Likewise, decrease attention and play with the dog in the last few weeks before arrival. You want change to be gradual and less of a shock to the dog when your routines necessarily change. Start to acclimate your dog to baby weeks before. Carry a doll around dressed in diapers and clothing your new child may wear. Carry the doll in a carrier; put it in the crib. A pretend baby ahead of time will help fido adjust. As soon as the baby is born, have dad bring home a piece of clothing baby has worn and let the pet sniff and sleep with the clothing. This will make baby’s scent familiar. When you arrive home with the newborn, greet your dog before bringing in the baby. The dog will be excited, and you want to prevent jumping. Allow your dog to adjust to the smell, sight and sound of the baby before
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letting them get too close together. Set boundaries for your dog. Set up an area in your home where your dog can rest. You can restrict access to the baby’s room with a gate. When you do introduce them, allow the dog to choose to interact with you, and arrange the seating so an adult is holding the baby in an elevated position and remains between the baby and the dog. Praise and pet your dog as he sniffs the baby and give your dog plenty of attention when the baby is around. Always remember, even the nicest dog can accidentally make a mistake and hurt an infant. But with some forethought and caution, your pooch and baby should develop an affection to last a lifetime.
Royalty at Reagan
Student Earns Title of Fiesta Especial Royal Court Princess Student Spotlight
By Amy Morgan
R
ebekah Rosenheim has a heart to help. That desire led her to raise $2,140 for Kinetic Kids, an organization that provides unique physical and creative activities in a supportive environment for children with special needs. She was formally crowned Fiesta Especial Royal Court Princess at a ceremony Feb. 15, at The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center. “Rebekah is very caring and enjoys helping others. She is always looking for ways to cheer up her fellow students and to make the world a better place,” said teacher Julia Stotts. Asked why she wanted to join the Fiesta Especial Royal Court program, Rebekah replied, “I would like to learn more about how to give back to the community, and I enjoy taking a leadership role to help people.” To raise the impressive sum, Rebekah started a Go Fund Me page and organized a bowl-a-thon, inviting and inspiring friends, administrators and faculty members to join her in bowling for a cause. Her mother suggested she get involved with the Fiesta Especial program, which is “an official Fiesta experience created for children and adults with disabilities,” according to sponsoring organization Reaching Maximum Independence, Inc., a nonprofit organization that assists adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the San Antonio area live and work as independently as possible. Rebekah has a busy schedule of royal court duties this month, including a family Fiestaval; a run, walk and street parade in Windcrest; and a day at the Fiesta Carnival. A complete schedule of Fiesta Especial sponsored court appearances and events may be found at www.fiestaespecial.com. It was her experience as a participant with Kinetic Kids that motivated Rebekah to designate it the beneficiary of her fundraising endeavors. Through the organization, she enjoyed learning softball, soccer, gymnastics, diving and basketball, starting at age 10.
Rebekah Rosenheim at her coronation as Fiesta Especial Royal Court Princess
“I liked meeting new people and spending time with my friends who have disabilities,” she said. Kinetic Kids cultivated her love of all things basketball. Rebekah’s eyes light up when she talks about the game. She plays on the Special Olympics team at Reagan and can’t wait for this month’s sixth annual Hoops Classic, Reagan’s faculty vs. student contest. Her greatest dilemma is remembering not to pass the ball to her favorite administrator, Mr. Hill, whom she calls Buddy. Her coach, teacher David Jabilee, and her friends, especially best friend, Joshua, help her concentrate on putting competition first – at least during the game. “I get so excited whenever it comes to basketball,” she said. Additionally, Rebekah may be the San Antonio Spurs’ most enthusiastic supporter. She particularly idolizes Tim Duncan and his fellow Big Three players: Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. She went through a period of mourning when Duncan left the team, although she was cheered by the opportunity to witness his jersey retirement ceremony in person at the game this fall. Rebekah plans to work with people at a job in the Stone Oak area. She volunteers with the Stone Oak Care Center and at Marshall’s. She has also been employed by Wendy’s. Her younger sister is a student at Reagan.
Rebekah Rosenheim plays on Reagan’s Special Olympics basketball team and can’t wait for April’s Hoops Classic, the faculty vs. student contest.
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Summer Swim By Amy Morgan
Aquatics and Fitness at The Club at Sonterra
Texas heat is just around the corner, and that means the coolest place to be is in the pool. The pool at The Club at Sonterra will soon Sbe upouth and running, opening for members Memorial Day Weekend,
according to Tim Roberts, who has been with the club as Aquatics/Fitness Director for 26 years. As the director of aquatics, Tim makes sure the pool and decking stay in top shape. He also facilitates swim team registration, meet scheduling, swim lessons, and hiring of lifeguards. Certified instructors teach private swim lessons starting at age three. Lessons are for members and swim team participants. “Our goal is to help novice swimmers develop skills to allow them to move into swim team and competitive swimming,” he said. Swim team registration is Sunday, April 23, from 3 to 5 p.m. Check the website for pricing, as well as discounts for additional family swimmers. Registration is open to members and member-sponsored guests. For younger children to qualify, they must be able to swim the length of the 25-meter pool. The Sonterra Sting Rays’ 80-100 swimmers compete in the Maverick Summer Swim League, which pairs teams of comparable strengths and proximity. They are coached by the Trinity University Tigers’ coach John Ryan, who’s coached at Sonterra for more than 20 years. “Coach Ryan is an incredible coach. We are really very proud and happy to have him here as head of our coaching staff,” Tim said. . “Part of the benefits of being on a swim team are meeting individual and team goals, as well as a lifetime confidence in the water,” Tim added. “A lot of our former swim members lifeguard or continue to participate in swimming beyond the summer league. “My own daughter went through the swim program,” he added, “and she still loves swimming. Another former Sting Ray ran a swim school and still teaches private lessons.” One of Sonterra’s most famous alumni, Scott Trompeter, swam for the University of Texas and made it to the U.S. Olympic trials. Now he works with Coach Ryan as assistant swim coach at Trinity University. Tim maintains relationships to this day with Sonterra friends from his “swim parent days.”
Tim Roberts is the Director of Aquatics and Fitness at The Club at Sonterra.
Tim is also the fitness center director, is certified as a personal trainer and is a registered massage therapist. Members of The Club at Sonterra can enjoy massage, fitness training, cardio machines, weights and several classes daily, including Pilates and core classes. In his spare time, Tim plays the guitar, mandolin and bass professionally in a bluegrass band called The Native Texans. The band, whose core group includes close friends and family members, can be found entertaining the crowd at the Pearl Farmers Market in the spring and summer, among other venues.
Join the Club at Sonterra as a NEW Member and Receive Two Complimentary General Admission Tickets to the Taste of the Northside, hosted at The Club at Sonterra, April 26th. Mention this Ad for Details.
Active Military Discounts ~ Our Amenities ~
Registration for Summer Kids Camp is open now. Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 5 – Aug. 11. Complimentary before and after care is available for participants beginning at 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Sign up before April 14 for a discount. Kids Club also is available to members; reservations are required. Contact Debbie Gonzaba at 496-1560 to register or for information.
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Two 18-hole Championship Golf Courses Men’s & Women’s Golf Associations Jr. Golf Programs 25 Tennis Courts Tennis Leagues & Junior Clinics Jr. Olympic Swimming Pool Fitness Center Kids Club
~ Social Activities ~ New Year’s Eve Gala Quarterly Member Mixers Valentine’s Dinner Breakfast with the Easter Bunny Brunch every Sunday Wine & Liquor Tastings Summer Music Series Kids Club with Mini Camps Clubs within a Club
Julie Golla | Director of Membership | jgolla@ClubAtSonterra.com
901 Sonterra Boulevard • 78258 • 210.483.4292
www.ClubAtSonterra.com • Facebook .com/ ClubatSonterra
Care with Heart By Amy Morgan
egistered nurse Shannon Friesenhahn has a heart for her patients. For nearly 19 years, she’s cared for those who are R seriously ill, many of whom are just hours old. As a nationally
certified neonatal intensive care nurse, her love for pediatric cardiac care began when she took a position that involved caring for babies with serious heart conditions as they were moved from small rural hospitals to the specialists in San Antonio. She transported the babies by ambulance, helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. “I realized just how critical cardiac patients can be, and that’s where I developed this passion,” she said. Friesenhahn has been with University Health System for four years and is now Director of the Pediatric and Congenital Cardiac Unit at University Children’s Health, part of the brand new University Children’s Health Heart Center at University Hospital. She was an integral part of the unit’s creation. “We have created a place that is unlike any other in Texas and one of only a handful in the nation,” she said with pride. “On April 20, we will open this innovative space that will enhance our ability to achieve outcomes that exceed national benchmarks and offer unparalleled support, comfort and educational resources for families going through the most challenging time of their lives.” One hallmark of the unit is its focus on family support. There are four apartment-type rooms designed for families of critical patients who have extended lengths of stay. All families have access to kitchen and laundry facilities as well as a family lounge. “It’s an incredibly stressful time when your child is having heart surgery. We have families who come from all over South Texas including Laredo, El Paso, and the Rio Grande Valley,” she said. “This space allows them a respite from the critical care area, just steps down the hall from their child.” Parents or a designated family member can stay with a patient in the ICU room. Patients can also graduate from an ICU room to a room on the same unit built for their parents to join them and prepare for discharge, helping families stay connected. “Babies recognize the presence of their parents, which we feel is very important to the baby’s recovery. One of the things I think is special about this concept is that mom can stay with her baby 24/7 if she’d like to,” Friesenhahn added. Also available 24/7 - access to critical care providers including pediatric intensivists, cardiologists, nurse practitioners, dedicated respiratory therapists and specially trained congenital cardiac care nurses.
Art wall design by Virginia Fleck Shannon Friesenhahn, BSN, RNC-NIC, is the Director of the Pediatric and Congenital Cardiac Unit at University Children’s Health. “There are so many components to this team,” Friesenhahn said, adding that provider consistency is especially important for pediatric cardiac patients. They know their patients and notice subtle changes that could signal progress or distress - changes very young patients are unable to communicate. That’s why the Heart Center also includes clinic space so patients come to the same floor for all cardiac needs including outpatient visits. She cites two favorite parts of her job. Professionally, she enjoys mentoring nurses and watching them grow into nurse leaders. (And Friesenhahn models continuing education – she’ll finish her Master of Science degree in Nursing Administration in December). Personally, it’s the bond developed with patients and families that provides her the greatest satisfaction. “So many families have touched me in so many ways,” she added. The public is invited to tour the PCCU April 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its grand opening event celebrating the contributions and commitment that have made this extraordinary place a reality.
The public is invited to tour the PCCU April 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at its grand opening event celebrating the contributions and commitment that have made this extraordinary place a reality.
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