HOME RIGHT AT
JANUARY 2018
KEEP BURNING Orangetheory Fitness Page 4
Orangetheory Fitness owners, Terry Blachek and Manuel Torres are revolutionizing the exercise workout in Stone Oak.
Photo by: Greg Harrison
2/7-10
Watoto Children’s Choir - Wednesday, Feb. 7, 7 p.m. Children’s choir from Africa presents their Signs and Wonders Tour. Summit Christian Center main auditorium, 2575 Marshall Road 78259; 210-402-0565.
2/11
Story Time at Whole Foods – Tuesday, Feb. 6, 10 a.m. Bring the little ones in for a healthy snack and a good story while you enjoy a cup of coffee on the front courtyard. 18403 Blanco Road 78258; 210-408-3110.
Oklahoma! presented by´ the Ronald Reagan High School Theatre – Wednesday, Feb. 7 – Saturday, Feb. 10, 7 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 11, 3 p.m. Gloria Jennings Robinson Auditorium at Reagan High School, 19000 Ronald Reagan Drive 78258; www.reaganstage.org. Cocoa Run - Sunday, Feb. 11, 8:00 a.m. Run a half marathon, 5K, 10K or girls’ 1-mile fun run. The Cocoa Women’s Half Marathon has quickly become a cult favorite for its cool race swag, quaint, urban San Antonio course and amazing post-race chocolate goodies. This year, men are invited to participate. Providence, 1215 N. St. Mary’s St. 78215; runguides.com/san-antonio/event/cocoa-half.
2/8-25
Parents’ Night Out – Friday, Jan. 26, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Leave the kids with the staff of the Mays Family YMCA for a parents’ night out. Games and activities for kids 6 months to 13 years. Mays Family YMCA of Stone Oak, 21654 Blanco Road 78258; 210-497-7088.
1/27
1/25
Worship Music Concert – Thursday, Jan. 25, 7 p.m. Cornerstone Youth and Young Adult Ministries present a Night of Worship and Hope with performers from Bethel Music. Cornerstone Church, Praise Center, Cornerstone Church 18755 Stone Oak Parkway 78258; sacornerstone.org.
1/27
THURS
Stone Oak Rotary Club – Thursdays, noon – 1 p.m. Guest speakers weekly. The Club at Sonterra, 901 E. Sonterra Blvd. 78258; www.stoneoaksarotary.org.
Snowball Run 5K/1K – Saturday, Jan. 27, 9:00 a.m., 5K Run/Walk; 9:30 a.m., accessible 1K. Get out on a brisk winter morning in South Texas and burn those holiday calories while fundraising for adaptive P.E. equipment and supporting The Academy at Morgan’s Wonderland. Snow and snowballs, tasty treats. Morgan’s Wonderland, 5223 David Edwards Drive 78233; morganswonderland.academy/events/snowball-run.
2/6
TUES
Stone Oak Toastmasters – Tuesdays, noon-1 p.m. Come for lunch to learn about Toastmasters, a group that nurtures public speaking and leadership skills. There’s no obligation to join, and you won’t have to make a speech! Just pay for your lunch. Pericos, 1439 E. Sonterra Blvd. 78258; stoneoaktoastmasters.org.
SA Symphony - Jaws in Concert – Friday, Jan. 26, and Saturday, Jan. 27, 7:30 p.m. Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the concert hall… The original summer movie blockbuster, with an Academy Award-winning score that made John Williams a household name, Jaws is the ultimate film-with-liveorchestra experience! Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St. 78205; www.majesticempire.com.
2/7
SAT/SUN
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. Hwy 281 North 78259; legacyfarmersmarket.com.
1/26
Upcoming Events
2018 San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo - Feb. 8-25. Established in 1949, the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo has grown to one of the largest, most prestigious events in the city, with over two million visitors entering the grounds each year. AT&T Center, 1 AT&T Center Parkway 78219; sarodeo.com.
Send your upcoming events to StoneOakInfo@gmail.com.
3
KEEP BURNING Orangetheory Fitness Revolutionizes the Exercise Workout
Pictured above, the Orangetheory Fitness Team, (L-R), Will Thompson, Erick Weik, Shayla Loker, owners Terry Blachek and Manuel Torres and Morph Man, (Andy Perez). By Amy Morgan
erhaps you noticed the former wings restaurant at 281 and Evans Road is now painted an energetic orange? Or P observed the Orangetheory Fitness logo by Trader Joe’s
on the 1604 access road? Orangetheory – an international franchise of boutique fitness studios – debuted in San Antonio a year ago. The Sonterra Village location was the first of seven opened in San Antonio last year, while the Stone Oak studio opened this summer. They are owned and operated by business partners Terry Blachek and Manuel Torres, with more locations to launch soon. The Orangetheory experience has been taking the exercise community by storm since Ellen Latham, M.S., created it in Florida in 2007. Blachek was one of her original partners. She drew upon her four decades of fitness training experience to design an optimal workout plan built on science. Group personal training workouts combine rowing, treadmill intervals and resistance to build endurance, strength and power. The workout has been performed 14 million times since Orangetheory was created and was called “The best one-hour workout in the country” by the New York Times. “Orangetheory is an international fitness concept with 1,000 studios in 17 different countries,” Blachek said. “Inc. Magazine named it the fastest growing fitness franchise in America.”
4
The premise of an Orangetheory workout includes coaching participants to reach 84% of their maximum heart rate for 12-20 one-minute intervals. Clients use a specially calibrated heart rate monitor to track their effort. Results are projected on a video monitor, providing real-time feedback. Reaching the threshold revs the metabolism so high during the workout that calories continue to burn for 24-36 hours afterward. A metabolically charged body is leaner, stronger, and burns fat more efficiently.
Each workout will be consistent at locations worldwide, explained Erick Weik, regional sales and operations manager. An Orangetheory design team of fitness experts create workouts, which are taught by nationally certified personal coaches. Workout movements are functional – with appropriate levels of weights. Orangetheory coaches never single out a participant for ridicule or “shame” someone into overtraining. Orangetheory offers options rather than modifications, so everyone can be successful, and group sessions are kept small to facilitate community.
The premise of an Orangetheory workout includes coaching participants to reach 84% of their maximum heart rate for 12-20 one-minute intervals.
“I am excited to bring to this community something that combines the science behind fitness with technology, and most importantly, guarantees results,” Torres said. Orangetheory offers clients a 30-day risk-free guarantee. If not completely satisfied, money will be refunded. From forward of Ellen Latham’s book, Push,
“A fitness concept that is not only challenging, but also fun and engaging... a group mentality so that even the weakest in the pack are able to succeed and exceed their own expectations without slowing down the leaders of the pack”
Brendon Ayanbadejo NFL player, Miami Dolphins, Chicago Bears, Baltimore Ravens.
Clients use a specially calibrated heart rate monitor to track their effort.
According to Orangetheory’s founders, the vast majority of everyday exercisers don’t get the results they want – their workouts don’t work – due to lack of intensity. The science behind Orangetheory means clients of all abilities – whether world-class athlete or beginner – can achieve an optimal workout tailored to the intensity level they need to reach their goals. Because they are training in their individual target zone, the workout applies to everyone, regardless of gender, age or fitness level. To find an Orangetheory studio, go to orangetheoryfitness.com, and select the location nearest you. Sessions can be conveniently scheduled online, and the app tracks fitness goals and progress. Classes begin at 5 a.m. and run through 8 p.m. to fit anyone’s schedule. The first visit is always free.
5
“People are attracted to boutique fitness studios,” Weik said. “You’ll be greeted when you arrive, and staff and coaches know your name. People quit the gym – it’s tough to quit a relationship.”
“The goal is to be the best version of ourselves we can be”
Ellen Latham
Blachek mentioned the affordability of Orangetheory compared to the cost of personal training. Clients have unlimited access to a coach to accelerate their results at a fraction of the cost. “Clients get what they have been looking for,” Torres said. “A science-based, optimal, full-body workout surrounded by likeminded folks from within their community.”
Orangetheory Fitness owners, Terry Blachek and Manuel Torres are bringing a revolutionary exercise workout to the Stone Oak and San Antonio area.
KEEP BURNING CALORIES UP TO 36 HOURS AFTER EVERY WORKOUT!
Start Burning for FREE! Receive your first week at Orangetheory Fitness for FREE. $100 value. Good at either location.
SONTERRA VILLAGE 427 North Loop 1604 West Suite 106 San Antonio, TX 78232 (210) 802-4348
STONE RIDGE PLAZA 20811 U.S. HWY 281 San Antonio, TX 78258 (210) 899-0098
ORANGETHEORYFITNESS.COM
6
Message from Councilman John Courage New Horizons in District 9 Though I haven’t been your councilmember for a full year, I certainly feel like there is a year’s worth of initiatives and material to discuss! It has truly been an honor and a privilege to serve the Stone Oak area over the last six months. You might have read in the news recently that Council approved a SAWS rate adjustment. I spent months poring over the details and could not support the increase in good faith. I joined two of my colleagues in voting ‘no.’ If you called or emailed my office to make your voice heard on this issue, thank you. I understand that mail theft is a serious issue in the Stone Oak area. A few weeks ago I met with the office of the USPS Postal Inspector to learn how my office and SAPD can become better partners in combating the issue, which affects so many of our neighbors. I’m looking forward to new tactics in the coming year.
Heading into 2018, my office is moving forward at full speed with our Participatory Budgeting efforts. If there’s a municipal project you’d like to see funded in your neighborhood, head on over to tiny.cc/d9pb to let us know about it. There you will also find a map of District 9 with the current project proposals. We look forward to hearing from you! Should you ever need anything from our office, do not hesitate to call us at 210.207.0955. Yours in service,
John Courage Councilman, District 9
12/1
A Renewed Dedication to Comfortable & Affordable Dental Care! ew State-of-the-Art to Our BeautJiafnuularN Office! y 2018 Welcome
7to7Dental.com
Above offers are for insured patients. The configuration shown above, including the use of “FREE Brighter, Whiter Cleaning” is reserved & strictly copyrighted for chrisad clients in good standing. © chrisad, Marin Co., CA all rights reserved.
high illustration fpo
Sto
ne
arkway kP Oa
y kwa ar
DENTAL & ORTHODONTICS 210-495-2000
New Location
20122 Stone Oak Parkway
CP TP 281
Current Office
2339 East Evans Road
Ev
an s
Ro
We Love Your Insurance! FREE Brighter, Whiter Cleaning FREE Cleaning & Exam for Children FREE Exam for Adults
ad
Appointments & To on Make Saturdays Sundays! Going The7am–8pm Extra Mile You&Smile!
TACLB#17590E M-41057
7
Tell Your Story
Right At Home magazine is not just a print and digital destination for advertising. It is a platform to have your story told, your business featured, and to tell the Stone Oak San Antonio area what makes your offering exceptional. Our readers don’t just want to know who is in business but why they are in business. What motivates your drive everyday? What are you passionate about? We want to know! Tell us your story.
E M O H HOME HO MM HO E E
RIGHT ATRIGHT AT RIG
NOVEMBER
2017
HT AT RIGH
Show our 50,000 readers your best side on our cover!
DECEMBER 2017
T AT
OCTOBER 201 7
SEPTEM
BER 20 17
31st A HOM NNUAL E AN S D GA AN ANT O RDE ROC N SH NIO FAL K YO OW L Cycl UR R eBar Pag I e5 Ston DE e Oak PAIN Pag T TH e8 E PA CLASSIC RKW COMFORT AY P CUISINE Scuzzi’s It INK alian Res E Pag C N ta A ur N ant Page e 14 TE IN A -M 4 LOW D SE N A N SA Y TION 4 FRUITFUL e AL ag LOVEL P GROWING CHILDREN SH s OPPING eck SW D A d H on ol idayPage , za Diam on Ba The Pineapple School 4ar ie Fergus Page 10 -R), Donn e Brooks Team, (L TE Kyl d Decks roe andNANT ADVOCA Un ey Diamon TE , Kas on Bo rt tt om Ba Line Rea Tyler lty Adviso rs Page 14 Photo by: Greg Harrison
Home Improvement and How To’s
Mazi Enti, owner of Scuzzi’s Ita lian Restau ran
t
Bring out your green thumb at the San Antonio Fall Home and Garden Show’s biggest, most packed garden stage. By Amy Morgan re you building a new home or dreaming of adding an outdoor kitchen or man cave? Get your projects solved at the 31st Annual San Antonio Fall Home and Garden Show, where you can talk face-to-face with the pros and get inspired by thousands of square feet of exhibits. The home improvement event opens at the Alamodome Friday afternoon Sept. 29, at 2 p.m., and runs throughout the weekend.
Tell us your story and watch it come to life on the page!
A
Author and expert gardener Judy Barrett will help bring out your green thumb at the biggest, most packed garden stage yet, San Martin said. Barrett was founding editor and publisher of HOMEGROWN: Good Sense Organic Gardening and a host of The New Garden TV series. Master gardeners will discuss container gardening, irrigation, heirloom plants, cacti and succulents as well.
You will find the latest home products and services from builders, remodelers and landscapers featuring built-in grills, decks, pools, spas, entertainment systems, storage solutions, plants, outdoor furniture, lighting, flooring, cabinets, countertops and more. While you browse and gather décor ideas, have a glass of wine or beer and get a taste of San Antonio with the many eats and treats vendors.
And it’s more than just a home show; it’s fun for the whole family: your family can adopt a four-legged friend and shop the Pet Zone for treats, daycare, obedience training, grooming and toys. Watch a Birds of Prey Show by Last Chance Forever and enjoy the Kids’ Zone with a Home Depot kids workshop, art classes, gardening activities and more.
San Antonio boasts the largest Home and Garden Show in Texas, said Lauren San Martin, marketing director for Show Technology, with upwards of 20,000 people passing through the gates over the event’s three days. Each year the company adds new seminars and vendors to showcase industry trends, she added. For the first time, a panel of local interior design experts will offer their expertise onstage, in conjunction with featured celebrity guest HGTV’s Alison Victoria, San Martin said. Victoria will share secrets from her high-end, interior design and luxury furniture businesses and recount experiences from her time on Kitchen Crashers. Three students from the University of the Incarnate Word Design Challenge will decorate a 10’ x 20’ area to showcase their winning interior spaces and compete for scholarship money.
Many groups from the San Antonio community participate, including vendors from the Legacy Farmer’s Market on the pavilion upstairs. Find Texas-made gourmet food and gifts like jewelry, candles, yard art, leather goods, salsas, smoked meats, cakes, and nuts. Other locals include: • Palo Alto College Plant Sale • Warren High School Construction Careers Tiny House • Wreath Making by Pretty Petals and Succulent Globe Classes by Whimsical Gardens • Tejas Art Club Art Demos and Displays Hours run 2 -7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 29, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 30, and 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 1. Visit www.SanAntonioHomeShows.com for information or to buy tickets.
“The students are really excited because it is typically their first opportunity to design hands on like this,” San Martin said. “A standout last year was a participant who created a ‘She Shed’ that was ahead of the trend.” New-product specialist Boyce Thompson will make his inaugural San Antonio appearance, curating his interactive, Life-Changing Products exhibit. Thompson has made a career of scouring industry trade shows and media to identify cutting edge products – many still in prototype stage. “Boyce finds the next newest, coolest products, which our techy showgoers love,” San Martin said. “Smart home products - being able to control many aspects of your home from your phone – are a useful, innovative trend right now.” He’ll showcase his top 10 finds, including smarter baby monitors, doorbells and deadbolts that help reduce package theft. San Martin said Thompson’s advice is invaluable to those building or remodeling, as being aware of new technology could preclude costly mistakes.
5
8
(210) 325-1333 kent@stoneoakinfo.com www.stoneoakinfo.com
SERVICE DIRECTORY
6
9
PET TIP
By Courtney Crowley
Enjoying the Great Outdoors
A
s the weather begins to cool off in Texas, now is the perfect time to go and enjoy the great outdoors with your furry best friend. San Antonio is surrounded by many state parks, and most are very dog friendly. Still, it’s important to prepare in advance, whether you’re planning a day hike or a weekend trip. Call the state park before you go to make sure weather conditions are good and dogs are still welcome. It’s important to follow state park leash and waste disposal ordinances. And prepare and train your dog so encounters with others – human or furry - on narrow trails are happy ones. Here are just a few parks to check out with your favorite furry companion. Garner State Park, located in Concan, offers beautiful views of the Frio River and surrounding hill country. Some of the trails are rocky, with steep inclines, so make sure you and your dog are up for the exercise. Because this is a very busy state park, you will encounter many other people and canines, so it is important to keep your pet on his best behavior. Enchanted Rock is located north of Fredericksburg. The park has changed its rules recently about allowing dogs on its trails. They are no longer allowed to climb up the main rock, but they are still invited in the park and can hike on the surrounding trails and campgrounds at the base. Huntsville State Park, in Huntsville, boasts more than 2,000 miles of Texas pines surrounding Lake Raven. Multiple trails are available to allow hikers of all ability to participate. Keep a watchful eye on your pup around the lake, as alligators are commonly sighted in the park. Bastrop State Park in Bastrop has been rebuilding the past few years due to the extensive wildfire damage. However, some trails have reopened. The sand terrain is easy to hike, and observing the forest regenerate is amazing and inspiring.
10
Faith, an Australian Shepherd, enjoys a hike and swim at Pedernales State Park Pedernales State Park is located just east of Johnson City. You can explore the riverbed trails while your furry friend takes a dip in the water. Some trails lead to rock climbs in the riverbed, so again, match the trail to your and Fido’s energy levels and ability. It’s important to check the river’s water level with this state park, because it is a known flood area and can also hold stagnant water during the dry season. Be prepared to see multiple people, dogs and even horses on this hike. Consult with your veterinarian to make sure your dog is in shape to hit the trails with you. Regular exercise, doggy daycare, and swimming are great ways to keep your pet active between hikes and during the off season. Pack some water and get started today on enjoying the great outdoors with your furry best friend.
SENIOR MOMENT
The Birdys Property Managers Enjoy Lifetime Legacy By Amy Morgan
and Nancy Birdy, vigorous in their 70s and involved in the business they B arry founded, made Independence Hill Retirement Community their home a year
ago. They had considered downsizing and jumped when an apartment became available that accommodated their specific needs: a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit on the ground floor, with enough grassy space for their beloved Yorkshire terriers, Stanlee, Maggi and Maxx. Since that time, they have enjoyed a whirlwind of social activities – from Barry’s daily card game, to Nancy’s second place finish in the masquerade mash. “We have done more in six months than we’d done in our previous six years!” Barry said, quite a feat, considering he is a Spurs season ticket holder and Nancy enjoys several cruise vacations a year with friends and family. Barry can walk to the office, located just a mile down the street at 18830 Stone Oak Parkway. The couple started Birdy Properties, a real estate and property management company they grew from the ground up while Barry was finishing his last few years of service in the U.S. Air Force at Randolph Air Force Base. As chief master sergeant, colleagues would “throw their keys on his desk” and ask him to take care of their houses as they were transferred. Those favors led to a side business managing property out of a bedroom in the Fox Run home they purchased in 1979. They officially incorporated the company in 1995. Birdy Properties has been rated the number one property management firm in South and Central Texas. Best of all, the company now employs most of their family. “Birdy Properties is a family-run company, where nepotism is very much alive,” Barry joked. “My sons work there, as well as many of their spouses, grandchildren and their college and high school friends.” (Daughter Karen recently retired from a successful medical practice and lives in Florida.) Brian bought the company from his parents on a handshake deal in 2003, and he is the current broker/owner. David is director of business development and runs the weekly radio program, The List, which can be heard on 930AM The Answer Saturdays at 11 a.m. Brian’s wife, Karen Ann and their son, Gregg, are vice presidents. Gregg’s wife, Lorena, is in business development. Their daughter, Jessica Case, is CFO, and her husband, Blais Case, is a director. Another Birdy grandson, Russell, manages HOAs. And Barry’s sister, Lorraine Bird (no y), is in leasing. In one of Barry’s proudest moments, he traveled to Orlando this fall to swear Brian in as president of NARPM – the National Association of Residential Property Managers. Barry said the high point was hearing from many people how Brian had helped others succeed. He remembers the early days of property management with “no computers and no mobile phones. I had to know where every pay phone was, and I kept a jug of nickels in my car,” he said. Barry credits the secret of their success to their ability to fill a niche in a market – to do what others don’t want to, and do it well. The couple grew up together in Hollywood, Florida, married in 1959 at 18, and immediately began their military career. They spent 14 of their 26 years overseas in England, Germany or Italy with their growing family of children and Yorkies. Nancy remembers Germany as the place with the best food and the best shopping, and they still meet friends from Italy to play Pinochle. Despite their travels, the Birdys have planted deep roots in the Stone Oak community that continue to flourish in subsequent generations as they enjoy living at Independence Hill Retirement Community.
Barry and Nancy Birdy love living at Independence Hill Retirement Community with their three Yorkshire terriers, (l-r) Maggi, Stanlee and Maxx.
New Lifestyle in the New Year
Open House Breakfast and Tour of Homes
Meet our friendly residents and see why they Love the Independence hill Life! We look forward to seeing you on
thursday, January 25, 2018 9:00 aM Kindly RSVP by January 22nd
(210) 764-5260 20450 huebner road san antonio, texas 78258 www.independencehill.com Lic #100102
Full Service Apartments, Assisted Living and Neighborhood of Homes
11
Compassionate Colonel Student Spotlight By Amy Morgan t is typical for Emma Wood, senior at Ronald Reagan High School, that she would use her experiences to help others. She has drawn from the tragic loss of her father to leukemia when she was 10 years old to inspire others at the Children’s Bereavement Center.
I
“In my role as a young adult, I can really connect with the younger kids,” she said. “They found it hard to come to an adult with their problems, but it was easier for them to come talk to me and open up. It was really cool to see them heal through that.” Wood has volunteered at the center’s grief camp, held at Hermann Sons, as well as at the Children’s Bereavement Center itself, where he mother, Leslie, is a licensed clinical social worker. She was able to take part in healing circles and help others work through grief. Her mother’s work has inspired her to decide to pursue a career as a clinical neuropsychologist. She is particularly intrigued by personality disorders and how a chemical imbalance can change a person’s thought process and actions. “I’ve read her (mom’s) diagnostic manual of mental disorders, and I find it fascinating,” Wood said. “I love the idea of being able to work with people in a clinical setting and see how their brain structure and function affect cognition. Clinically talking to someone and helping them through problems is so cool to me.” Wood says her mother likes the path her daughter has chosen. “She finds it really important we are involved there (at the Children’s Bereavement Center) because it is the place that helped us when we lost our dad,” she said. Wood has two younger sisters. Allie, a sophomore, runs track, plays basketball and serves as the Reagan mascot. Meredith is a 5th grader at Stone Oak Elementary, Wood’s own alma mater. At Reagan, Wood utilizes her leadership and service skills as colonel of the Reagan’s Silver Stars Drill Team, her second year as a captain. She is responsible for communicating with the team, choreographing, tweaking routines to make every movement precise and helping the director. “We are extensions of her, keeping things in order for all 70 of us,” Wood said. (With 53 Silver Stars and 20 Diamond Dancers – that’s a lot of moving parts.) “Emma is an incredible person, student and dancer! There are students who cross your path once in a while that you find teach you more than you can teach them, and Emma is one of these students,” said Valeria Sisson, Reagan dance/drill director. “She is a strong person with impeccable character. She works hard every day for all the right reasons and never gives up on her dreams and goals. She makes a positive impact on every life she touches, and it is a true gift to have had her in my program for 4 years.” Wood says she’s a big fan of South Texas traditions. Case in point, she was covered in mums during homecoming week and enjoys football season. “I love games, performing under those lights, the noise and cheering, the fun and excitement,” she said. “It is so awesome to create a piece of art out of movement.” In her spare time, Wood teaches classical tap and ballet at Heather Stolle’s School of Dance – substituting for preschool classes. She worships at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church and maintains a weighted GPA of 114/100. She looks forward to attending Texas Tech University next fall.
Emma Wood, colonel, enjoys leading Reagan’s Silver Stars Drill Team.
12
Emma Wood looks forward to attending Texas Tech University next fall.
Holiday Festivities at The Club at Sonterra!
The Club at Sonterra celebrated the holidays with two very successful events. Families enjoyed building and decorating gingerbread houses and meeting Santa for breakfast. The Club at Sonterra is looking forward to more family fun events in 2018.
Located in Stone Oak
NOW ENROLLING CHILDREN 6 WEEKS - 5 YEARS Located in North Central San Antonio.
MERSION ISH IM N A SP ER SUMMP! CAM
FRUITFUL CHILDR G N I W O EN GR
www.
or contact us by phone at 210.694.0740
or contact us by phone at 210.967.3432 13
Family friendly By Amy Morgan
“C
ome hang out with the Tobins!” sums up the attitude of Stephanie and John Tobin, ambassadors of the Club at Sonterra. The Gen X couple enjoys spending time at their club and enthusiastically engage everyone they meet. They are not afraid to dive in headfirst and want others to join the fun. Although they have only been members for little over a year, the Tobins golf; play league tennis (John is a 3.0 player, Stephanie is a 2.5 player); frequently attend club events; and spend summer Fridays at the pool. They are excited to move within the gates this month. In short, they’re all in! Their adventurous spirit is contagious as they encourage prospective members to join them at an event and see if they and their kids love it. As parents of two young boys, William, 4, and Colin, 2, the Tobins cultivate opportunities to include their children in their leisure activities. Stephanie was involved in a moms’ group at their previous country club in Houston. She noticed an opportunity at the Club at Sonterra, and she and another mom decided to start a moms’ group at Sonterra. They started gathering moms and kids, hosting a Zumba party in July, a dress-up Halloween gathering, and numerous informal get-togethers. Sometimes the group piggybacks on events planned by Sonterra – such as a pumpkin carving – other times they tailor things to their own interests. The moms’ group is actively planning events for 2018. John noticed the first time they ate at the club’s weekly Wednesday Family Fortune dinner they were the only ones to bring their preschoolers. “We heard there were hundreds of members with young families,” he said. “We felt a need to put something out there to get them to come out. It’s the law of attraction.” The Sonterra Moms’ Group now reserves a dining room once each month just for families at the Family Fortune dinner. They organize crafts and activities to make the event more inviting to those with young children. The kids have room to roam while parents eat and fellowship together.
John and Stephanie Tobin, their children, William, 4, and Colin, 2, enjoy Breakfast with Santa – an annual favorite at the Club at Sonterra.
“We wanted to create events for families,” Stephanie said. “We enjoy spending time with our kids, but we also want them to meet other children to play with, and for us to meet other parents.” And their efforts have been successful. The Sonterra Moms’ Club Facebook page and email list include dozens of members and continue to increase. Feedback has been so positive other moms are coming alongside Stephanie to support the Moms’ Group. “I tell everybody about the moms’ group here – how the Club at Sonterra is a great place for families – including great opportunities to get your kids involved in tennis or golf,” Stephanie said. “Breakfast with Santa is amazing, and the Halloween event is tons of fun,” she added. She mentioned her joy at seeing William hit the ball in the bounce house and watching her kids play with the friends with whom they’ll grow up. “We love the club – it feels like home here,” she added. “We recently relocated from Houston, and the club members have been so welcoming that we settled in quickly.” Both John and Stephanie appreciate the personal attention club staff pays to their children, caring for them like family during tennis lessons, at activities or the Kids Club (onsite childcare). They are eager for the debut of the renovated fitness center and Kids Club this month. John works as senior legal counsel at Andeavor (formerly Tesoro) just down Sonterra Parkway from the club. He looks forward to cutting his commute to minutes from home and spending more time at the club. Stephanie enjoys her role as a stay-at-home mom and planning upcoming Sonterra Moms’ Group events.
Call Julie Golla today for the New Year, New Member club incentive offers to get started on your 2018 membership at the club! Active
Military Discounts
~ Our Amenities ~
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
14
IS HAVING A WINTER WARM-UP SALE! www.texpertsac.com Se Habla Espanol
Our Special Includes: Basic Install Outdoor Slab Electrical Disconnect Electrical Whips Programmable Thermostat Sealing of duct work at the plenum Drain Pan with float switch
210-599-1200 14 Seer System
16 Seer System Only
Only
$6,250
All Sizes!
All Sizes! Also receive a rebate of $125 Per Ton from
Expires 1/31/2018
Expires 1/31/2018
$5,350
A+ Rating/Financing Available…Call for details/ TACLB# 17590E Local Veteran Owned and Operated
AND www.texpertsac.com Se Habla Espanol
210-599-1200 Water Heater Sale!
Only $1250!
all sizes and Includes basic Install! Expires 1/31/2018
Maintenance Plans New Customer Special Join our Tex-Perts Comfort Club
$120
or
per year
$830 per month
Includes: •1 Cooling Inspection •1 Heating Inspection •1 Plumbing Inspection •10% OFF of Plumbing Repairs •15% OFF of AC Repairs •Priority Service Expires 12/31/2017
$59 WINTER tune up Expires 1/31/2018
$25 off
Any Plumbing or AC Repairs over $150 Expires 1/31/2018
Financing Available for Equipment and Repairs Call for Details. 15