12/4 12/4
Ford Holiday Boat Caroling – Thursday, Dec. 2Thursday, Dec. 23, Monday -Thursday, 6-8:15 p.m.; Friday- Sunday, 6 – 9:30 p.m. Sing in the holidays with family and friends from a boat on the Riverwalk. International Center Building, 203 S. St. Mary’s St. 78205; www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com.
WinterFest San Antonio - Saturday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Stone Oak festival with Santa Claus, elves, rocking Christmas music, carnival, food, and 50,000 pounds of snow. North Central Baptist Hospital, 502 Madison Oak 78258; https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winterfest-sanantonio-2021-tickets-173923769677.
12/4-5
40th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony – Friday, Nov. 26, 6 p.m. Onehour parade featuring illuminated floats and costumed parade participants along the San Antonio Riverwalk. 849 E. Commerce St. 78205; www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com.
Holiday Hunger Run – Saturday, Dec. 4, 9 a.m. ‘Tis the season to help others. Run a 5K to benefit Provisions Outreach. Prizes awarded for best Holiday costume. Bulverde City Park, 29815 Bulverde Lane, Bulverde 78163; www.provisionsoutreach.org.
Concordia's Annual Drive-Thru Nativity - Saturday, Dec. 4, Sunday, Dec. 5, 5-9 p.m. Travel with the wise men though Bethlehem and enjoy the story of Christmas from the comfort of your vehicle. Seven decorated sets, more than 60 actors, angelic choirs and live animals. Concordia Lutheran Church, 16801 Huebner Road 78258; 210-479-1477.
12/4-5
Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival – Saturday, Nov. 13, 6 p.m.-midnight. Artists from across Texas transform Hemisfair and the Convention Center with music, lasers, fine arts, fashion. Downtown locations 78205; www.luminariasa.org.
11/25
11/9-1/17
Rotary Ice Rink at Travis Park – Tuesday, Nov. 9Monday, Jan. 17, holiday weekends, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; evenings beginning at 5 p.m. other dates. Fun and festive recreational activity for the family throughout the holiday season. 301 E. Travis St. 78205; www.visitsanantonio.com.
11/25
11/9-1/2
Lightscape – Tuesday, Nov. 9- Sunday, Jan. 2. 5:459:15 p.m. Memorable, family friendly walking event of magical light displays set along a one-mile path through San Antonio’s Botanical Gardens. 555 Funston Place 78209; www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com.
San Antonio Food Bank Turkey Trot 5K – Thursday, Nov. 25, 8:30 a.m. The San Antonio Food Bank’s chiptimed, pet friendly, 5K run/walk in King William will help fight hunger in our community. Funds provide a turkey dinner to a family in need. 622 S. Flores 78204; www.safoodbank.org.
11/26
11/8
Prime Time Game Day – Monday, Nov. 8, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Join a community of fun-loving seniors to play board games, Dominos, cards and more. The Fellowship of San Antonio, 23755 Canyon Golf Road 78258; www.thefellowshipofsa.org.
46th annual SARR Turkey Trot and Li’l Pumpkin Dash - Thursday, Nov. 25, 9 a.m. Celebrate Thanksgiving with the San Antonio Road Runners Turkey Trot fun run and kid’s pumpkin dash. Beautiful paved 4-mile course, costume contest, pumpkin pies and drawings. La Panadería 17030 Fiesta Texas Drive 78256; www.runsignup.com/Race/TX/SanAntonio/ SARR4MileTurkeyTrotLilPumpkinDash.
12/2-23
11/7
Veteran’s Day Fun Run – Sunday, Nov. 7, 1 p.m. Honor our military veterans with a fun run for all. Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling, 4834 Whirlwind Drive 78217; www.scallywompus.com.
11/13
Community Calendar
San Antonio Rock ‘n’ Roll Races: marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K – Saturday, Dec. 4, Sunday, Dec. 5, times and courses vary. Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio has become the famous historical landmark-lined course that tours the Tower of the Americas, The Alamo, Mission Concepcion, San Fernando Cathedral and more. Enjoy a finish line concert and live bands. Start on East Commerce St. 78205; www.runrocknroll.com/san-antonio
Send your upcoming events to StoneOakInfo@gmail.com.
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Christmas in Community Annual Pageant Shares the Joyous Sights and Sounds of the Season
By Amy Morgan
A
re you longing for the Christmas season? Eager to recapture hope and joy diminished over the past 18 months? Look no farther than The Fellowship of San Antonio in your Stone Oak community, where the show will go on – the Christmas pageant show that is. 2021 marks the 15th year the church has offered the seasonal celebration. Even the pandemic last year did not keep The Fellowship from safely sharing the gift of the musical message with those who attended or watched via livestream. “For some people, watching the show is their Christmas,” said Music Director Michael Sanford, who’s served at The Fellowship since it opened 19 years ago. “Many had been so isolated and were hungry for the message and hope Christmas music brings. We were grateful we were able to bring it safely to the community.” This year, A San Antonio Christmas will be performed live three times the weekend of December 11-12. Michael expects audience size will reflect the hundreds that have begun attending The Fellowship in person since the sanctuary reopened in the summer of 2020.
dancers —all the fun and wonder of a traditional Christmas extravaganza. Sometimes even a cast member’s pet makes a cameo appearance. The second act pivots to retell the Bethlehem story of Jesus’ birth, complete with a heavenly host of angels played by The Fellowship’s Children’s Choir. A live donkey named Oreo has carried Mary and the baby Jesus to the manger for the past seven years. The musicians who perform during weekly church services will be joined by others, including professionals from the Heart of Texas Concert Band, Michael said. “It’s a cast of volunteers giving their best, with what I think are very impressive results,” he said. “People are so gracious and grateful.” The Fellowship’s leadership team recognizes the impact music can make to uplift and encourage.
Like The Fellowship’s weekly services, under the helm of Lead Pastor Royce Smith, the church does plan to livestream the production so those who aren’t able to attend in person won’t miss out completely. Another benefit of livestream – out of town friends and relatives, and especially those with restricted mobility, can also join in. The Fellowship’s Christmas pageant format is modeled after the famed Radio City Music Hall production. The first half entertains, with numbers featuring Santa, snowflakes, carolers,
The angel’s wings are just one of the many designer costume items donated by those devoted to The Fellowship’s annual Christmas pageant.
“People are“People so interested want to and be part of to ourbeprogram,” are soand interested want part of our program,” Michael added. “We couldn’t do it without the volunteers Renee added. “We couldn’t do it without all the volunteersallbuilding ready, or working the stage, building getting thethe setstage, ready,getting workingthe onset costumes lightingon — costumes or lighting — the whole church pitches in. They even the whole church pitches in. They even feed us while we’re working! feed us while we’re working!
“We are making a huge investment in people having a good experience. We err on the side of safety,” she continued.
Check the website at www.thefellowshipofsa.org to determine seating and availability. The Fellowship is working out a strategy to This is the 15th year the Fellowship of San Antonio will offer their keep patrons appropriately distanced, yet have space and time to annual Christmas pageant. accommodate all. Currently, performances are slated for December some people, this show is their Christmas,” he continued. “We “We are interested in telling the story of how a God who loves 12 at 6:30 p.m.; and 2:30 and 6:30 p.m., Sunday, December 13, nterested in telling the story of how a God who loves us came us came to the world… to bring something joyous, something although additional times may be added to meet demand. e world… to bring something joyous, something spiritual.” spiritual,” Michael said. He designs the program to inspire ael designs the program to inspire reconnection with cherished reconnection with cherished memories of past holidays. ories of past holidays. “I’m a traditionalist – I love pulling in Christmas carols people
musicknow of Christmas nearthen and dear to almost everyone,” he said. and loveis and mixing in newer music,” he Santa Claus is Coming to Town , or O Holy Night “Whether it’s “Whether it’s Santa Claus is Coming to Town or Silent, Night, c touches yourtouches heart and music yoursoul.” heart and soul.”
President Renee Ives Johnson, Michael’s right hand for the decade, oversees production details. On November 15, a team egin building the backdrop that is 50 feet across and stands et high from the floor, graced by more than 10,000 twinkling tmas lights. The scene is set with snow and Christmas trees and s to life when the characters don the stage.
The children from The Fellowship's Children’s Choir always steal the show. “We are making a huge investment in people having a good experience,” he continued. Check the website at thefellowshipofsa.org to determine seating and availability. The Fellowship’s sanctuary is large enough to keep patrons appropriately distanced. There will be space and time to accommodate all. Performances are slated for December 11 at 7 p.m., and 2:30 and 6:30 p.m., Sunday, December 12.
The Fellowship’s pageant is styled after the famed Radio City Musical Hall Performance, combining the fun and festivity of the This is one of the most joyful and uplifting things I have ever done,” Christmas season with the Nativity story. “This is one theprogram most joyful uplifting things I have ever Michael said. “When theoflast is over,and everyone wishes there Choir President Renee Ives Johnson, Michael’s right hand for done,” Michael said. “When the last program is over, everyone was one more.” the past decade, oversees production details. On November 15, wishes there was one more.” a team will begin building the backdrop that is 50 feet across more meaningful will the program be of after this and stands 20 feet high from the floor, graced by more than How muchCome and recapture the 2020 joy and wonder Christmas. Bring year of social draught. 10,000 twinkling Christmas lights. The scene is set with snow a friend and share the online link with a loved one who might and Christmas trees and comes to life when the characters don otherwise miss out. the stage.
Somebody Build a Manger A San Antonio Christmas
Presented by the members and volunteers at The Fellowship of San Antonio Presented by the members and volunteers at The Fellowship of San Antonio
Saturday December 12 @ 6:30 p.m. 11 @&7:00 SundaySaturday DecemberDecember 13 @ 2:30 p.m. 6:30p.m. p.m. Sunday December 12 @ 2:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Worship Service Times: The Fellowship Fellowship of of San San Antonio Antonio Worship@Service The Saturday 5 p.m Times: 23755 Canyon Golf Road Saturday @ 5 p.m. 23755 Canyon Golf Road Contemporary Worship SanAntonio, Antonio,TX TX 78258 Contemporary Worship San Sunday @ 9:30 a.m. www.thefellowshipofsa.org Sunday @ 10:00 a.m. www.thefellowshipofsa.org Traditional/Blended Worship 210-402-3672 Classic Blended Worship 210-402-3672 Sunday @ 11:00 a.m. Sunday @ 11:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship Acoustic Contemporary Worship
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Helping the Hungry Reagan Senior Student Serves Meals, Raises Awareness
By Amy Morgan
F
ood insecurity doesn’t know a zip code. That’s the message Ronald Reagan high school senior Giselle Kaderabek wants to communicate to her Stone Oak community, so much so that she founded the school’s Hunger Awareness Club two years ago. Giselle’s eyes were opened when she volunteered at the Children’s Hunger Fund her freshman year and learned onequarter of kids in Bexar County suffer from food insecurity. Giselle felt compelled to raise awareness of the problem. She invited fellow Rattlers to join her to collect goods and serve at food relief organizations across town. She remained undeterred by the logistics of distance learning last year. Giselle reached out to the club’s more than 120 members by text, Snapchat, phone, social media, and finally created a Google Classroom to share volunteer opportunities and encourage the Stone Oak community to donate to the collection bins she installed at Reagan. Last summer Giselle realized her alma mater, Tuscany Heights Elementary School, was designated as a district-wide pick-up spot for curbside meals. She recruited the Hunger Awareness Club officers, contacted her former principal, and together, the five teens spent their lunch hours weekdays in June packaging and serving an average of 75 meals a day. “We always assumed, ‘This is NEISD, nothing ever happens to us,’” she said. “This was eye opening to see how COVID affected the families.” She built relationships with the regulars, remembering in particular a single father with two little girls whose mother had passed away. “He worked right near Tuscany Heights,” Giselle said, “but he didn’t have time to make meals.” The curbside pickup allowed him to spend the little time he had with his girls. Giselle decided to forgo playing on Reagan’s varsity volleyball team this year to focus on Hunger Awareness and the marketing organization DECA, with which she competed on the state level last year.
Giselle felt the opportunity to win the state semi-final volleyball trophy alongside the senior players she admired was a suitable end to her volleyball career. “It had been my dream to play varsity volleyball at Reagan, and that dream came true,” she said. She plans to study marketing and hopes to someday use her business degree to work for a non-profit. She credits her parents with inspiring her philanthropic spirit. She models her business practices after her entrepreneur father and finds inspiration from her mother’s reminder that “If you truly believe in something, there’s no one who can stop you.”
Cardiac Concerns Holiday Stress Can Cause Heartburn
By Amy Morgan
I
n the words of country music legend George Strait, “There may not be snow in San Antonio, but it’s a Texas Christmas to me.” We’re not expecting another snow-apocalypse to affect the holidays, but that does not mean the season will be worry free. Decisions about whether to gather or travel, arrangements for the pandemic pup you adopted, and anxiety over potentially divisive family conversations can add stress to the season. Craving for comfort food and a more sedentary lifestyle due to shutdowns caused many of us to pack on pounds around the waistline. Tempting holiday foods only exacerbate that problem. We all remember feeling our pants grow a bit tighter between Halloween and the New Year. Unfortunately, the extra baggage places higher demand on the heart and other organs and decreases overall health. Stressful situations coupled with excess body mass can elevate blood pressure, increasing risk for heart attack and stroke, says Dr. Zack Baum, Medical Director of Physicians Premier free-standing emergency room. In 2017, Dr. Baum, along with colleagues including founder Lonnie Schwirtlich, M.D., opened Physicians Premier near the HEB Plus, just west of Highway 281 on Highway 46. Physicians Premier offers all the capabilities of a hospital emergency room without the wait or the crowd. Seconds count when treating a heart attack or stroke, Dr. Baum said. Trained emergency room personnel including a boardcertified physician are on premises at Physicians Premier to provide the care you need in a timely manner. Don’t be caught unaware. Heart attacks affect both men and women. Know the signs so you can act quickly to alleviate organ damage and prevent death. Symptoms vary greatly, even between men and women, Dr. Baum said. Chest pain described as pressure, heaviness, “somebody sitting on their chest,” is a hallmark. Women may experience pain that radiates to their shoulder or jaw or gastrointestinal pain. Dr. Baum worries that if a person’s usual medicine does not alleviate a bout of indigestion, especially if accompanied by sweating, nausea and/or vomiting, there could be another problem going on.
If someone experiences these symptoms, Dr. Baum advises they take an aspirin, which has been clinically proven effective in reducing tissue damage in case of heart attack or stroke and seek medical attention immediately. Call 911 or drive the patient to the nearest emergency room, he said. Dr. Baum uses tests including X-Ray, EKG and bloodwork to determine the nature of the problem. Timing is vital not only to prevent death, but also to allow for the best chance of recovery. Tissue deprived of oxygen dies, he said. The faster the diagnosis and treatment in the ER begins, the better the outcome to avoid serious disability. Other problems around the holidays, people stop taking medicines consistently and delay medical treatment. Both don’ts, according to Dr. Baum. He recommends exercise to help reduce stress (take a walk now that our weather has turned cooler) and that people try to eat a healthier diet, including cutting down on salt. For more information, go to MDpremier.com.
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Stone Oak Church - Your Neighborhood Church
Stone Oak Church Sunday Service @ 10:30 a.m. Children’s Sunday School @ 10:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study Sunday @ 9:00 a.m. Youth Group Meetings Tuesday @ 7:00 p.m. 20024 Crescent Oaks San Antonio, TX 78258 (across from Stone Oak Elementary School) 210-497-7974
www.stoneoakchurch.org
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Tempting Treats
By Camp Bow Wow
T
he holidays are just around the corner. We’re looking forward to celebrating and eating traditional dishes together this year. Can’t you almost taste that pumpkin pie, turkey or glazed ham? As much as you relish your holiday favorites, keep a lookout for Fido, who may be waiting in the wings with his eye also on the prize. It is so tempting to want to share your goodies with your furry family members. Remember, though, many people foods can make your pup sick – or even gravely ill. And no one enjoys cleaning up after a pet’s tummy troubles. Here are some table foods that are safe to share in small quantities. • • • • • • • •
turkey (with skin and bones removed) mashed potatoes macaroni and cheese cranberry sauce green beans pumpkin sweet potato broccoli
Eight Holiday Favorites You Can Share With Your Pup: Three to Avoid
It’s important to remember ingredients. That turkey stuffing or green bean casserole that seem so innocent may include things like onions, which can cause potentially dangerous anemia leading to organ damage or even death. Other foods to avoid: • chocolate • poultry bones • anything sweetened with Xylitol It’s always wise to remember that less is more, whether in portion size or number of ingredients. With a little consideration, you can safely include Fido in the mealtime fun without worrying about a dining disaster.
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DENTAL DIGEST
Potential Pitfalls Avoid Holiday-Treat-Induced Tooth Decay By Amy Morgan
H
oliday treats are so tempting. It seems each new season is heralded by themed candy and sugary baked goods. Those comforting cookies are not just a menace to your waistline, they can wreak havoc with your oral health as well. Registered Dental Hygienist Katie Zahn offers professional advice about how to prevent tooth decay without missing out on Aunt Theresa’s pumpkin pie or peanut brittle. Katie’s worked as a dental hygienist for the past five years. She said the one change that would most greatly impact oral health would be to reduce the amount of snacking. Continually grazing on holiday treats and drinks creates an environment ripe for plaque biofilm to form — the perfect food source and hiding place for microorganisms present in the mouth. The microorganisms (bacteria) create acid that attacks the teeth, seeking to exploit any damage or weak spot to begin a cavity. Did you know it takes 20 minutes after the LAST bite for the pH level in the mouth to return to normal?
Registered Dental Hygienist Katie Zahn offers professional advice about how to prevent tooth decay without missing out on Aunt Theresa’s pumpkin pie or peanut brittle.
Carbohydrates and items with sucrose sugars — like holiday favorite pecan pie or Christmas cookies, even the starch in mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole — while tasty, also provide a feast for the microorganisms, Katie said. Even worse are sticky and/or sour candies made of pectin or gelatin that adhere to the teeth. Surprisingly, chocolate is a better choice, as its chemistry is less acidic. Katie suggests cutting sucrose in baked goods by incorporating a plant-based sugar substitute like Xylitol. This ingredient helps reduce plaque biofilm because Xylitol is an “unpreferred sugar source that cavity-causing bacteria cannot digest,” Katie said. A few caveats – Xylitol is toxic to pets, and too much of it can cause digestive issues in humans, she cautioned. Katie recommends limiting snacks and sugary drinks as well as brushing and flossing after every meal to avoid plaque buildup between teeth or along the gumline. Timing and duration are the watchwords – stop grazing and brush for at least two minutes after each meal. The professionals at 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics care about your oral health and are available 7 a.m.- 7 p.m., seven days a week, for emergencies and dentistry for the whole family. 7to7 Dental is a local business grown in 13 years from the practice of one dentist and six staff, which now employs 240 San Antonio community members. Co-Owners Tiffany Winburn, D.M.D., and Justin Coke live in Stone Oak with their families and are part of the community.
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