Ten West Living November/December 2013 by Dante Klar Media Group

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245 E. Commerce, San Antonio, Texas 78205 (210) 293-6113 â&#x20AC;˘ www.rioplaza.net Photos courtesy of Limelight Photography and Images and Memories Photography

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CONTENTS

2013 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

EVERYBODY’S A ROCK STAR

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS

LET IT GLOW

CHAMPAGNE NOT JUST FOR NEW YEARS

ORGANIZING FOR THE HOLIDAYS

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10/15/13 4:28 PM

CHRISTMAS IN SAN ANTONIO

ELF LOUISE

STOP YOUR SLIDE

COLORADO’S COWBOY SKI TOWNS

CEDAR FEVER

ELECTRIFY YOUR STRINGS

DATE BOOK

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tockings have always been a favorite part of Christmas morning, even more than presents. I love seeing the goodies peek out over the stocking’s brim and watching my girls have fun pulling out each item one by one. They are simple little tokens really; candy, lipstick, earrings or a necklace and an occasional music CD. But to them, they are little bits of Christmas joy.

As a child, I was always amazed at how well Santa knew me, always picking out the coolest things to put in my stocking. My parents loved their stockings, too. We would each take turns digging for our buried treasure. And then it happened. At the bottom of the stocking was always an orange and apple. This was the sign that the stocking fun was over. I always wondered why Santa put the unwanted, healthy fruit in my stocking instead of more candy. I remember asking my grandmother why there was always an orange and apple in the toe of my Christmas stocking? She said it was a family tradition and she had always had an orange in her stocking. Many of my friends say the orange stocking stuffer is part of their family tradition, too. Curious, I did a bit of research and found several explanations about the origin of oranges in stockings. Here’s my favorite.

September/October 2013

Volume 2 • Issue 6

PUBLISHERS Patrick Klar patrick@tenwestliving.com Bill Dante bill@tenwestliving.com

EDITOR Patrick Klar patrick@tenwestliving.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Erich Lynch erich@tenwestliving.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Vernelle Lynch vernelle@tenwestliving.com

ADVERTISING Bill Dante bill@tenwestliving.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS John Griffin, Jennifer Broome, Bjorn Dybdahl, Basil Morris, Joe Baker, Lisa Dante, Cathy Cardenas, Rob Myers, Vernelle Lynch, Steve A. Martinez Jr.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Al Rendon

In the 4th century, Bishop Nicholas learned of a poor man with three daughters who had no dowries and hence, could not marry. The next night, Nicholas returned and tossed three bags of gold for the daughters’ dowries through the chimney which happened to land in the stockings of the three maidens which they had hung to dry in front of the fireplace. The bags of gold turned into balls of gold which are now symbolized by oranges. Bishop Nicholas is often portrayed in pictures wearing long red ceremonial robes and holding three gold balls, gold coins, or pieces of fruit. Nicholas lived a long life and was eventually made a saint. Most of us know that Saint Nicholas became our good friend Santa Claus. And we know it’s Santa who puts the orange in your stocking, right? Happy Holidays!

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Advertising, Editorial and General Inquiries 110 Broadway, Suite 530 San Antonio, Texas 78205 210.807.3860 info@tenwestliving.com To Subscribe www.tenwestliving.com/subscribe.html Ten West Living is published bi-monthly by Dante Klar Media Group. All Rights Reserved. Copyright ©2012. Reproduction of Ten West Living is prohibited without the expressed, written consent of Dante Klar Media Group. Unsolicited material cannot be returned. Ten West Living reserves the right to refuse to publish any advertisement deemed detrimental to the best interests of the community or that is in questionable taste. Ten West Living is mailed bi-monthly to homes along the IH 10 corridor.

Ten West Living sets high standards to ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable way. This issue was printed on recycled paper using inks containing a blend of soy bases. When you are finished with this issue, please pass it on to a friend or recycle it. We can have a better world if we choose it together.

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by John Griffin • photographs by Al Rendon

ou probably don’t need an introduction to the Hard Rock Café. The chain restaurant, known for its beer, burgers and rock ’n’ roll, has grown to all corners of the globe. Its memorable logo, with the yellow circle in the center of a white background, has adorned countless Tshirts, each bearing the name of the city in which it originated. And its reputation for partying hardy stands strong after more than 40 years. In many ways, Hard Rock Café San Antonio is the outpost of music, memorabilia and good times that you’ve come to expect. Yet there are also welcome touches that make the local restaurant unique in its own right. For one, each piece of memorabilia adorning the restaurant walls is one of a kind, from the pair of chaps that Elvis Presley owned to the flashy shirt that Michael Jackson once wore. It should come as no surprise to those with a history of the area to discover that local celebrity George Strait has donated a guitar that can be seen near the street entrance on Crockett Street. There are also a couple of local items on the menu that reflect the city’s heritage and love of spicy things. Perhaps the single characteristic that makes this site so uniquely San Antonio is the setting itself. This Hard Rock Café is situated on the River Walk, so diners can enjoy the tranquil view of barges sailing down the San Antonio River while tourists stroll by in the shade of the tree-lined walkway. That sight is what makes Keith Airington so happy to be general manager of the local restaurant. “It’s just beautiful here in the heart of Texas,” he says. “This spot on the river, the atmosphere – you can’t beat it.” Airington knows that first-hand. In his 24 years of working with the company, he has worked at several different locations, including Orlando and New York. But he’s been happiest in San Antonio, which is one of the busiest restaurants in the chain.

Tourists love that setting as well, especially when it’s combined with the comfort and consistency that the Hard Rock Café provides. They know going in the door that the Legendary, a seasoned 10-ounce burger, has long set the standard for being a juicy delight, and it will satisfy their hunger after a day of sightseeing. In San Antonio, they can get that beauty of a burger topped with fried jalapeño slices and jalapeño cream cheese, if they want. Hard Rock is now offering their entire series of burgers, from the S.O.B. to the Red, White & Blue, with a half-pound grilled chicken breast patty.

FIRST PAGE: Local Legendary Burger with fried jalapeño slices and jalapeño cream cheese; THIS PAGE: Haystack Chicken Salad, fresh mixed greens, carrots, corn, diced tomatoes, pico de gallo and shredded cheese topped with Tupelo fried chicken, spiced pecans and crisp tortilla straws.

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THIS PAGE: Waiter serving food on the River Walk patio; Hickory-Smoked Bar-B-Que Combo with Bar-B-Que Ribs and Bar-B-Que Chicken with seasoned fries, ranch beans and fresh cole slaw.

Another local specialty item is the Haystack Salad, a combination of mixed greens, corn, pico de gallo and shredded cheese tossed with ranch dressing and served with either the house favorite, Tupelo fried chicken, or a grilled chicken breast. Spiced pecans and crisp tortilla straws crown the whole dish. There’s also a smokehouse sandwich called the Texan, which offers you your choice of pulled pork or chicken with a mouthwatering combination of chipotle and hickory barbecue sauce, cheddar cheese, crispy jalapeños and crispy onions. Of course, you get it in a Texassized 10-ounce portion, if you’ve got an appetite as big as the state. If you’re looking for an appetizer plate to share with the whole table, the Jumbo Combo lives up to its name with a generous sampling of Santa Fe spring rolls, hickory-smoked chicken wings, onion rings, potato skins and four of those Tupelo chicken tenders. Fajitas, Shock Top-battered fish and chips, grilled salmon, Twisted Mac ’n’ Cheese, ribs, and salads make up a few of the other entrees. You can finish off with a series of desserts that will tempt any taste, including a Sinful Hot Fudge Sundae, a Hot Fudge Brownie and a fresh apple cobbler. Or you could have something a little lighter with

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seasonal fresh fruit topped with mojito yogurt. If you just want a taste of something sweet, there’s also a selection of bite-sized treats, including chocolate peanut butter pie, strawberry cheesecake and crème brûlée.

A few of these dishes are new to the Hard Rock Café lineup. Also new is the décor of the San Antonio store, which underwent a major renovation in recent months, something that happens every seven years, Airington says. The old bar, for example, was moved from one side to center stage with the tables situated all around it. Also new are glass cases that surround the rock memorabilia on both stories. Some of the pieces had been getting a little wear from people wanting to touch, say, the Bentley Les Paul six-string guitar signed by Aerosmith. But all are situated at eye level, so people can appreciate the rare pieces in the collection, from a star-spangled shirt of Jimi Hendrix’s to lyrics penned by Johnny Cash. The River Walk level is filled with Texana music memorabilia, featuring items from Willie Nelson, Buddy Holly or Bobby Keys. There are guitars from Stevie Ray Vaughan and Waylon Jennings as well as a shirt and a letter from Janis Joplin. One of the more popular pieces is the outfit

THIS PAGE: A view looking down on the bar; Jumbo Combo, includes Santa Fe Spring Rolls, Hickory-Smoked Chicken Wings, Onion Rings, Potato Skins and Tupelo Chicken Tenders, served with four different sauces for mixing and matching; Merchandise in Rock Shop.

Selena wore when she performed at the restaurant only a few weeks before her untimely death. On the staircase to the upper level, there’s a display honoring Ozzy Osbourne, who was banned from performing in San Antonio for 10 years after he was arrested for reliving himself a little too close to the Alamo for anyone’s comfort but his own. The upper level has a piece of graffiti in the shape of a wolf that Steven Tyler of Aerosmith spray painted on when he was in town in honor of local political figure Nelson Wolff. It’s adorned with plenty of lipstick marks from women wanting to kiss Tyler’s cartoonish creation.

Business at the San Antonio location is so brisk that the corporation uses it to train staffs for many of the locations opening worldwide. The Latin heritage of the city makes it ideal for those with restaurants in Spanish-speaking countries. Service is a key ingredient in the Hard Rock success story, and the service you’ll encounter is rock ’n’ roll to the core. That means it’s more about treating you well than it is about following some unwritten set of rules about appearance or demeanor. So, you could see a bartender with a three-foot blue Mohawk or a waiter with sleeves of

tattoos, but the image isn’t what is important; it’s how you’re made to feel, Airington says. He extends that courtesy to a willingness to work with people, if they’re interested in arranging a barge dinner, so they can enjoy Hard Rock’s delectable fare with a tour of the San Antonio River. The party could be large or it could be for a couple. The size doesn’t matter. And reservations don’t need to be made weeks in advance, though that can be helpful. “Call us that same day, and we’ll work to set it up for you,” Airington says. So, whether you’re dining on the Hard Rock Café’s patio or you’re seated at the bar, just kick back and relax over a pint of your favorite beer and a thick, juicy burger. And remember, you’re the rock star at Hard Rock Café. Hard Rock Café 111 W. Crockett St. San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 224-7625 www.hardrock.com

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CELEBRATE THE SEASON

Join us at The Westin La Cantera Hill Country Resort November 28 - January 1 for Hill Country Holidays

Frost

Glide into the holiday spirit with a spin on our synthetic outdoor ice skating rink. You’ll enjoy quality time with friends and family in Plaza San Saba while the sights and sounds of the season ﬁll your senses.

Magik Theatre

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring - except Maddy Mouse! Join us and The Magik Theatre for Merry Christmas, Mouse, a show suitable for all ages. November 30, December 7, 14, 15, 21 & 22. Showtimes start at 4:00 pm.

December 14, 15, 20, 21 & 22. Showtimes start at 7:30 pm.

Legendary Holidays

Our 14th annual holiday walking tour, led by Bandera native cowboy ‘Makin’ Dust, ﬁlled with tales of Texas legends, songs of the season and a magical snowfall in Plaza San Saba. After the tour visit with Santa to share your wish list, decorate holiday treats in Mrs. C’s Bakery, or roll up your sleeves in Santa’s workshop.

Holiday Rates

Starting at $159 per night

To view package rates that include resort credit visit our website.

DISCOVER MORE AT WWW.WESTINLACANTERA.COM/HOLIDAYS

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I t ’ s n o R e d R i d e r B B G u n b u t i t w o n ’ t p u t y o u r e y e o u t e i t h e r.

by Bjorn... Just Bjorn

ith the holidays just around the corner a list of the latest in electronic goodies just might help with your shopping list. We have something for everyone and it is sure to put a smile on the face of the lucky recipient. So skip the big pink bunny pajamas and go for the electronics. At the top of our list is the new Play:1 by Sonos. Once again Sonos proves great big wonderful sound doesn’t need to come in a great big box. With two custom-designed drivers with dedicated amplifiers you can stream your entire music library, popular music services, and internet radio. It’s simple to set-up and control from anywhere with your Smartphone, tablet or Mac/PC. Add to the ease of use a sleek design and really great sound and you’ve got a winner for any music lover on your list.

Sony S990 Curved LED HDTV

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Next up is the master of sound, Bose with its new SoundLink Mini Bluetooth speaker. The SoundLink® Mini Bluetooth speaker delivers full, natural sound from an ultra-compact speaker that fits in the palm of your hand. It connects wirelessly to your Smartphone, tablet or other Bluetooth device, so you can listen to your music, videos or

THIS PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Bose SoundLink Mini Bluetooth Speaker; Sonos Play:1; Monster DNA Headphones; Definitive SoloCinema XTR

games anytime, anywhere. Like everything Bose this little box rocks. Just grab it and go, it only weighs 1.5 pounds. Enjoy your music on the go, everywhere you go.

less subwoofer and ergonomic remote offer an immersive 5.1 channel sound experience with contemporary aesthetic beauty…minus the clutter of component systems.

If it’s headphones you’re looking for we’ve got two suggestions, you can’t go wrong with either one of them. First, is the ever-popular Beats Solo by Dr. Dre. These headphones are made to be a lighter, on-ear version of Studios. Second, DNA by Monster is a great headphone. With DNA, you don’t have to choose between deep bass or crystal details. These headphones are tuned for a live music experience. Just like being there.

Last but certainly not least is the world’s first curved LED Television from Sony. The Sony S990 Curved LED HDTV brings the cinema into your home with the immersive experience of the world’s first curved LED HDTV. This all-in-one cinema experience for your home combines a slight curve similar to movie theaters with more brilliant colors than ever before with a powerful angled speaker surround experience for a complete home theater like never before.

There may not be anything hotter than sound bars and we’ve got one of the hottest. The SoloCinema XTR by Definitive Technology brings cutting edge industrial design, operational simplicity and outstanding sound. This ultra-slim amplified sound bar, with its powerful wire-

So make your pick, and remember to pick one for yourself too. But most of all, enjoy the holidays.

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GRAND OPENING Now, the story of the West comes alive at the new Briscoe Western Art Museum on the iconic River Walk in downtown San Antonio. Paintings, sculptures, artifacts and more highlight the art, history and culture of this vast region, the American Westâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; where the resilient Cowboy, Vaquero and Native American traditions live on today. The contemporary campus features the historic three-floor Museum building filled with exquisite art including works by Frederic Remington, John Coleman, T.D. Kelsey, Z.S. Liang, and highlights of the Spanish and Mexican Colonial era.

Visit us! Tuesday-Thursday, 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Friday-Sunday, 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Closed Monday Open until 9:00 p.m. every first Tuesday of the month Admission: $5 Adults l $4 Seniors, Students & Military Free for children 12 and under

The West is Here BriscoeMuseum.org

210 W. Market Street l San Antonio, TX 78205 l 210.299.4499 l Ten West Living

by Lisa Dante Old school glamour, simple classics and vintage beauty is coming back in a big way, just in time for the holiday season.

Summer is not the only season reserved for dewy, glowing makeup. Fall is a good time to bring back bold and dramatic sparkle and intensity. I like rich plums classic reds, and cognac lipsticks for fall. Another trend, metallic smoky eyes, create class and sophistication, with a little bit of mystery. Whether you are a make-up maverick, or a seasoned cosmetics pro, creating the “smoky eye” is relatively easy to do. The look is best worn past dusk because it’s bold and striking while creating a glamorous look for all of your holiday parties. Do not simply cover your lid in one dark hue. Focus your brush strokes on placing the eyeshadow on the outer half of the eye, and blend to soften any hard edges. Add a dose of sparkle on the inner portion of your lid towards the bridge of your nose and voila, instant holiday glam! Finish with a cat-eye liner on the upper lid and smudge the darker color a bit on the lower lash line too.

THIS PAGE: Makeup available at Saks Fifth Avenue located inside North Star Mall. NEXT PAGE: All clothing available at Belk.com.

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Movies like â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Great Gatsby,â&#x20AC;? are influencing holiday fashion with soft neutral colors and flowing fabrics. The look is very feminine and easy to wear.

Ornate beading, jewels and glitz are always associated with the holidays. This year is no exception. Also, the color red remains a holiday favorite, and the addition of jewels and beads creates a timeless, classic. Tis the season to bring on the bling! Cheers!

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THIS PAGE: All clothing available at Belk.com.

Tunic length sweaters and blouses over a pair of fitted pants or leggings are sure to get you through the busy holiday season.

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CHAMPAGNE NOT JUST FOR NEW YEARS by Joe Baker

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ost wine drinkers appreciate a nice bottle of Champagne to ring it the New Year. Many enjoy a glass or two at parties throughout the holiday season. Very few, though, would think of drinking bubbly with their meal, as the perfect complement to the cornucopia of flavors of a classic holiday spread.

Many a killer Cab and monster Chard has fallen prey to the sweet notes in so many holiday dishes (think sweet potatoes, cranberries, apples). These dishes tend to eviscerate most good dry whites & reds, making them taste less rich and feel lighter-bodied than they really are. Those fruit bombs that do stand up to these dishes (jammy CA Pinot Noirs, southern Rhones, Aussie Shirazes, internationallystyled Spanish Garnacha) tend to be quite high in alcohol and also quite filling, which can take the fun out of seconds (not to mention the pie taste-off that inevitably follows). A perfect answer to this problem is to bring your sparkling wine from the parlor into your dining room for the holidays. True, bubblies may start a party with a bang, but their moderate alcohol--usually about 12%-- ultimately allows it to taper down gracefully, and the smaller stemware used for sparklers helps to deter overindulgence as well. Their effervescence and higher acidity are also aides in digesting large meals. But most importantly, the unique sugar/acid balance and fruit/yeast tension of Champagne Method sparklers pairs well with virtually every dish, a real necessity for the polyglot feasts many of us enjoy this time of year. For drinking without food or at a cocktail party, I like a softer, loweracid style. The basic French cuvee Veuve Elise (a.k.a. the “poor man’s Veuve,” retails around $12) offers delicious appley fruit with just a hint of toast to keep things interesting. More biscuity but a remarkably good value is the Spanish Cava Cristalino (by Jaume Serra, $10 retail). For a slightly fancier fete, Roederer Estate from California’s Anderson Valley offers tremendous values in both its toasty, full-bodied basic Brut Cuvee ($25) and its show-stopping, equally dry but more fruit-driven Brut Rose ($33). Most true Champagne at double these prices is not as good. But step up to three times the price for vintage-dated Champagne (with its longer aging requirements and generally stricter selection of grapes) when only the best will do. Duval-Leroy’s 2006 “Paris” Cuvee at $60 actually offers good value at this level. Creamy-soft from the extended aging on the lees (aka yeast), it shows more than a hint of the marzipan that has made Veuve Clicquot’s “Yellow Label” so powerfully addictive for so many. With a meal in mind, however, I look for different things. As an aperitif or with an appetizer course, racy, mouthwatering acidity in a wine makes all the subsequent foods taste even better. Pol Roger’s “White Foil” non-vintage Brut ($65) is a classic starter, its brioche-wrapped

green fruits & minerality nonpareil with shellfish, fried foods & many goat cheeses. Domestically, Scharffenberger Brut from Anderson Valley, while much softer than a decade ago (when the former owners must have been looking for something to offset their fabulously unctuous white chocolate), is still a delicious, lip-smacking way to start, and a value too at less than $20. In pink, Pol Roger’s vintage bottling from the terrific, long-lived 2002 vintage ($110), is as precise, articulate and fine as Champagne can be. Just beginning its peak of quality now, it will provide great pleasure for at least another decade. Moving on to the heavier courses, a rich, fat, toasty Champagne like the legendary Krug will surprise you with the foods it can complement. Duck, veal, ham, wild boar are all good partners to Krug. Of course, at $175 per bottle, everything should taste better with it! In its well-priced ($75) Vintage Brut, Louis Roederer offers a similar experience at a more reasonable price. Slightly drier than Krug, and a touch less creamy, Roederer’s Vintage Brut fully delivers that plush ‘73 Cadillac Eldorado ride we expect from top quality Champagne. In both wines, the slight bit of tannin from fermenting the base wines in oak helps them to pair beautifully with meat courses. Roses, of course, have tannin from skin contact with black grapes. Veuve Clicquot’s Vintage Rose ($95, not to be confused with their overpriced, vacuous nonvintage cuvee!) is a reliably husky, generously flavored and amply mature choice. Offbeat but terrific values in this full-bodied, earthier style are the Cremant de Loire Brut ($22) and Brut Rose ($27) from Domaine de Baumard. Noted Champagne authority Tom Stevenson ranks them higher than most of the famous Champagne houses for quality. Beautifully textured, they are uniquely flavored due to their Chenin and Cabernet Franc base wines. Worth checking out if you can find them! For dessert especially, your wine must be sweeter than your food, which can be difficult if pecan turtle pie is on the menu. Inniskillin’s sparkling ice wine from Canada ($90 for 375ml) may be the only bubbly rich enough for that! For fruit desserts, a top quality Moscato d’Asti such as Marcarini’s ($20) is perfect, especially with is very low alcohol content. For pumpkin pie, try Schramsberg’s Cremant ($35), a wonderfully fruity and musky bottling from California. While most people will continue drinking bottles of their favorite Chards & Cabs, suffering through the sips that clash with their holiday meals but enjoying those sips that are unsullied by food, perhaps a few of you will invite some sparklers to table this season. Like dinner rolls fresh from the oven, their biscuity, doughy goodness will not disappoint and may possibly become a year-round guilty pleasure. . . Cheers!

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ORGANIZING FOR THE

HOLIDAYS one step at a time

by Esmi Gonzalez, Certified Professional Organizer he holidays are in full swing and by now, everyone is in the throes of shopping, sending cards and either attending to party planning or planning to attend parties. It is no surprise that the season creates additional stress. While some of that is unavoidable, much of it can be reduced by simply planning ahead. Enter Esmi Gonzalez, founder and owner of Sort It Out Professional Organizing Solutions, whose specialized knowledge can turn the holidays from hectic to happy. As a professional organizer, Gonzalez is adept at making seemingly overwhelming tasks less so by breaking them down and offering common sense tips. According to Gonzalez, the most difficult step is often the first one. “Many people are paralyzed by their holiday to-do lists. Sometimes, it just takes an objective outsider, like myself, to help them get started.” One tip is to start holiday planning as early as possible. October is preferable, but don’t panic if you missed that deadline. The key is to determine which tasks are absolutely necessary to complete. By way of example, Gonzalez offers, “You may have no choice but to host your in-laws for dinner but maybe you can re-evaluate whether you absolutely must host the cookie exchange for your book club this year.” According to Gonzalez, the very first step in gaining control of a holiday to-do list is to actually make one. She suggests creating lists that are accessible to your lifestyle. In other words, if your smart phone goes everywhere you do, create the lists on it. “The gift list should be the first one you make. You want to be sure to incorporate every single gift you’ll have to purchase, including hostess and teacher gifts,” Gonzalez says. “Then, make an effort to purchase a couple every few days rather than trying to conquer the entire list in one outing.” As for the requisite holiday cards, they are easier now than ever to create and send. No longer does everyone dress in holiday finery for the card photo. Instead, most families use a good photo from their last summer vacation or just a favorite one from the past year. With kids, the key is to get a good, clear photo of their faces. Most holiday card recipients are more interested in how the children have changed rather than where the photo was taken. If you use traditional cards, once they have been printed, Gonzalez advises addressing a few at a time. “If you’re sitting down to watch TV, pull out 10-15 envelopes and address them then. Again, the key is to break down what seems like an insurmountable task into

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smaller, more doable jobs,” she adds. Sending cards by email is acceptable too as long as you are confident the intended recipients have email and check it frequently. Again, send a few at a time if that works for your schedule. Holidays or not, one rule Gonzalez says all families should live by is to remove one item for every item brought into the home. With respect to kids, that means when a new toy enters the house, another one gets donated, recycled or thrown out. That applies to holiday decorating, too. Gonzalez suggests de-cluttering your home before decorating. So, store knick knacks and non-holiday themed decorations before setting out your holiday treasures. “The entire family can and should get involved in the holiday decorating,” says Gonzalez, “Everyone can be assigned a different role. A child can be responsible for setting up the train around the tree, for example.” If you’re dead set on hosting a holiday party, Gonzalez recommends creating entertainment zones. For a cocktail party, that means providing snacks and appetizers in every room you expect your guests to mingle. Include a trashcan in every space as well so you’re not left with a mess after your guests leave. If children will be attending, child proof the house. In addition to keeping them safe, that means keeping your fragile items safe as well by moving them out of reach. It doesn’t hurt to schedule cleaning services before and after the party either, Gonzalez adds. The overall idea with reducing holiday stress is to keep it simple by dividing large tasks into several small ones that can be completed over several days or weeks. Doing so will help keep your holidays happy. “Of course, the new year and all of its resolutions are right around the corner,” reminds Gonzalez. “Organizing your home should be on the top of your list so that next year’s holidays can be handled with grace and ease,” she says with a smile, adding that she is available for consultations.

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by Steve A. Martinez Jr.

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THIS PAGE LEFT TO RIGHT: The University of the Incarnate Word cloacked in over one million lights; Santa and Mrs. Claus floating down the San Antonio River Walk.

hristmas season is a joyous time filled with laughter, family, and tradition. Although our Christmas most likely won’t be white, the lack of snow doesn’t damper the holiday spirit. Christmas is a strong tradition in San Antonio with many events running for many consecutive years, and a multitude of things to do for the whole family. Throughout the holiday season there is something for all tastes; lights, carolling, cowboy-style Christmas, traditional plays, and of course Sea World have events planned for the duration of the season. LIGHT THE WAY 2013 If lights are what you are looking for, the University of the Incarnate Word is celebrating the 27th annual Light The Way celebration on Saturday, November 23rd at 7:30pm in Benson Stadium. Sponsored by the University of Incarnate Word and HEB, this is one of San Antonio’s favorite holiday kickoff events. You will be mesmerized by the beauty and enamoured by the holiday spirit as the official switch is flipped to illuminate 1 million lights! Enjoy a candlelit procession, led by Mariachis Las Coronelas and an exciting line up of musical

entertainment. As always, they will be collecting new and unwrapped toys for the Elf Louise Project, so if you have an extra hand, bring one! Every inch of the UIW campus will be draped for the holiday season, and the campus will be open for self-guided tours through January. HOLIDAY RIVER PARADE & LIGHTING CEREMONY If you want to really experience a Christmas tradition unique to San Antonio, head downtown to the River Walk. Step below street level and surround yourself with a canopy of lights illuminating and dancing off the gently flowing river. One can’t help but be taken by the more than 1.8 million LED lights stretching 13.5 miles. The Paseo del Rio Association’s 32nd Annual Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony takes place on Friday, November 29th at 7pm. Watch as floating floats covered in over 85,000 lights are uniquely and professionally decorated featuring celebrities, bands and lavishly-costumed participants. The sights will surely entertain and delight. Reserved seats cost $15 to $30. You

can also book a package deal at a River Walk restaurant to make it extra special. HOLIDAY BOAT CAROLING That is not all the River Walk has to offer… Starting December 4th at 6:30pm the atmosphere will be enhanced by the sounds of Christmas songs as joyous carolling fills the evening air. The Paseo del Rio Association’s Holiday Boat Caroling will take place every night from 6:30-9:30pm through December 23rd as more than 185 schools, churches, companies and civic choral groups ring in the holidays by singing on cruising boats. The eclectic mix of participants includes bell choirs, folk groups, Latino ensembles and hearing impaired performers. Join in on impromptu sing-a-longs and enjoy the holidays. FIESTA DE LAS LUMINARIAS No, that is still not all downtown San Antonio has to offer! Another tradition is the Fiesta de las Luminarias. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at dusk from December 6th-22nd you can experience the holiday serenity of the River Walk as you stroll along the lush banks

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of the San Antonio River, guided by more than 6,000 Luminarias. These warmly glowing candles in sand-filled bags symbolically mark the “lighting of the way” for the Holy Family. With the reflection of thousands of Christmas lights and luminarias dancing off the river and the sounds of caroling filling the air, it would be hard not to be enamored by the ambience of the Alamo City Christmas spirit. SEAWORLD’S CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION Fortunately for us, SeaWorld knows how celebrate the season! The wreaths are hung and the lights are glowing as SeaWorld San Antonio wraps up the 2013 season with their Christmas Celebraion, a magical Winter Wonderland with everything from Santa to Shamu. The park has various Christmas themed shows that help guests celebrate the holiday season as a time filled with hope and peace and miracles. Stroll through the park, sip on some hot cocoa in a sea of sparkling lights and share in the joy of the Holiday season. Join SeaWorld for the Christmas Celebration from 12pm9pm on select open days. Visit them online for details. COWBOY CHRISTMAS If you are looking for something a little differ-

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ent this year head out to Enchanted Springs Ranch in Boerne and experience the Christmas season “old west” style at their 8th Annual Cowboy Christmas December 21st and 22nd. This 86 acre working ranch excites everyone with its rugged, natural beauty, a collection of exotic animals and an authentic time warp – a Western town right out of the 1800’s with real live cowboys and cowgirls! The Cowboy Christmas includes tractor rides through the wild animal park, gunfights, cowboy Santa and a demonstration by western performer Pistol Packin’ Paula, “the best lady gun spinner in the U.S.” This year they are even going to feature a live interactive nativity scene that will include animals from the “Far East”. To experience the Christmas season “Old West” style, visit them online at www.enchantedspringsranch.com. HILL COUNTRY HOLIDAYS The Westin La Cantera Hill Country Resort will continue the tradition of its Hill Country Holidays program with a unique winter wonderland from November 28th through January 1st. Hill Country Holidays will feature Frost, a synthetic outdoor ice skating rink open daily from 11am-8pm. Take the kids to An Elves Playland, where they will learn how

the elves unwind after a day of toy making and get to partake in fun activities including arts and crafts, movies and games. The little ones can also enjoy special performances by the Magik Theatre. This year’s play, titled “Merry Christmas Mouse” is a holiday comedy that everyone will enjoy. Legendary Holidays is celebrating its 14th year of bringing Texas legends to life with a host of carolers, an authentic Texas storyteller and a magical snowfall (possibly the only snow we will see!). Legendary Holidays runs nightly from December 13-24 at 5pm, it is free and open to the public. Don’t forget Santa, he is coming to town! Start your day with breakfast with Santa in Francestca’s at Sunset December 8, 14, 15, 21 & 22 from 8am-11am. Be sure to visit with Santa and help the elves prepare for Christmas or decorate a Christmas treat with Mrs. Claus every night after Legendary Holidays December 13th through the 24th. Plus there is even more, bring the kids to the Winter Wonderland, where they can create seasonal arts and crafts, write Santa a letter and enjoy holiday story time in the Westin Kids Club. LA GRAN POSADA If culture and history are what you are seeking this year, you might want to check out

PREVIOUS PAGE LEFT TO RIGHT: Luminarias along the San Antonio River Walk; The Vine Queens Court waving to the crowd at the Weihnacht’s Parade in Boerne, Texas; Snowfall at The Westin La Cantera Resort. THIS PAGE CLOCKWISE: Beautiful Christmas Tree at the SeaWorld San Antonio entrance; The Holiday River Parade on the San Antonio River Walk; La Gran Posada at San Fernando Cathedral; Frost, enjoying the 1,200 square-foot rink at The Westin La Cantera Resort’s Hill Country Christmas.

one of the traditional Christmas plays put on throughout the city. One of these locations is the San Fernando Cathedral. San Fernando Cathedral has always been at the center of San Antonio. It is a special place that occupies a unique position in this city and for the many visitors who come by the thousands every year. From its founding on March 9, 1731 by a group of 15 families who came from the Canary Islands at the invitation of King Phillip V of Spain, this church was planned to be at the center of the life of this city. San Fernando Cathedral functions not exclusively as a Catholic Cathedral, but as a center of unity and harmony for all the God-loving people of San Antonio and beyond. On Sunday, December 15th at 6pm the San Fernando Cathedral will conduct La Gran Posada. It will begin at Milam Park and concludes at San Fernando Cathedral. La Gran Posada is one of the oldest Christmas traditions dating back to colonial times. La Gran Posada is a theatrical procession and celebration in the Latin American tradition of reenacting Joseph and Mary’s search for shelter just prior to the birth of Jesus. LOS PASTORES Another traditional play, Los Pastores, will be held at Mission San Jose on December 21st

at 7pm. This traditional Hispanic folk play, presented each year at Mission San José since 1947, depicts the shepherds’ journey to worship the Christ Child and the obstacles the devil puts before them, uplifting the Christmas spirits. Los Pastores is very popular as thousands of people come to see this wonderful event. It is believed that it has been in practice for more than 250 years as it was the part of oldest traditions of Spain. The Franciscans brought this play from Spain, and is believed that it originated in the 1500s. This play is a must for everyone who wants to see the victory of God over evil. Los Pastores is definitely a part of the tradition of Texas. For the artistically inclined, keep an eye out for the famous Rose Window, which is located on one of the church walls, it is considered to be one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in North America. DICKENS ON MAIN Boerne’s 14th annual Dickens on Main is yet another holiday tradition we all hold dear. This year’s Dickens on Main will be a twoweekend celebration, each with its own theme and unique events. Fire & Ice Weekend will be November 29th-30th from 6pm-10pm and will feature a Holiday Lighting Ceremony, the

BBA Stocking Stroll, Ice Sculptures and more. The O Tannenbaum Weekend will continue the festivities December 6th-7th, also from 6pm-10pm, where you can enjoy the Boerne Village Band, the BBA Pet Parade as well as the Weihnachts Parade. Both weekends will be filled with snow (yes you read it right I said SNOW!), live entertainment, artisans, a petting zoo, horse-drawn carriages and of course Mr. Santa Claus himself. And of course, beautiful downtown Boerne will be cloaked in Christmas lights galore. This family friendly event will take you back to days of old. While we may be thousands of miles away from the North Pole, the spirit of the holidays and holiday tradition runs deep in our souls. The rich history and diverse culture contribute to make this a special place to spend your Christmas holiday. There is something for everyone on nearly every day of November and December to enjoy. So, join us this season while we make some Christmas traditions of our own.

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Elf Louise SHARING THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT by Vernelle Lynch

he year was 1969 and Louise Locker was a student at Trinity University. The then 19 year old, blue-eyed, strawberry blonde decided that there was something missing from Christmas, and she was going to do something about it. She had seen Johnny Carson (oh the good ol’ days) reading letters kids had sent to Santa and was inspired to go see if the San Antonio Post Office had any Santa Claus letters of its own. After several attempts to gain access to the letters to Santa, the Post Office finally gave in. What Louise found inside those letters moved her soul. The sincerity and honesty of the kid’s letters to Santa was so touching. “My hope was to find a letter from someone wishing for something they might never get and somehow anonymously leave it on their door step,” remembers Louise. “I found the most beautiful letters from trusting children who couldn’t understand why Santa had let them down.” One letter in particular touched Louise’s heart. It read: “Dear Santa, I know the only reason you’ve never visited me before is because we’ve never written. Won’t you please visit us? We’ve never had a Christmas tree. Please bring us a tree, a doll, some toy cars for my brothers, and bring Mom a bible. Anna”

tears streaming down her face, she said “I can’t believe you are here. I kept trying to tell them that there’s no such thing as Santa Claus. But they were positive that you’d come if they wrote you. All night long they looked in the sky to see if Santa’s sleigh was coming. This is just a miracle.” and she repeated, “I can’t believe you are here.” That was 44 years ago, and every Yuletide since word has spread and Louise has continued sharing the Christmas spirit. What started with one Santa, Louise’s mother and herself has literally snowballed. Today the Elf Louise Christmas Project has evolved into a citywide effort, a local holiday tradition of sorts, in which 60,000 toys are delivered to nearly 35,000 children by 4,500 volunteers. The Elf Louise Christmas Project receives names from area social service agencies as well as from the post office and word-of-mouth referrals. “Absolutely no one is turned away,” says Louise. The volunteers are the ones who provide the magic each year, teaming up to get the job done and make sure every child gets to the feel the holiday spirit. From data entry to

Her heart was so touched that she began asking friends for toys and donations. The next thing she knew, she and her very own Santa were hand delivering presents to 13 unsuspecting and very surprised underprivileged families. Armed with flashlights and a city map (remember this was all before the internet), they began their journey at 6pm and ended at 3am. When Anna’s family answered the door that night the nine-year old Anna and her five brothers and sisters jumped up and down, and with excitement screamed “I knew you’d come, I knew you’d come!” As the mother watched, with

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gift wrapping, stocking to delivering, there are so many jobs to do. Together, the volunteers wrap, tag, label and bag 60,000 gifts with the names and addresses for the children who will receive them. The stockers organize the warehouse of gifts by age. Others help organize the volunteers, making sure everyone is prepared with everything that they need to do their jobs. Not to mention the delivery teams of Santa’s and elves that make sure each family is reached. HEB lets them purchase gifts using HEB’s volume discounts. Hallmark Cards donates wrapping paper and ribbon. Some companies donate storage and drop-off locations for the new, unwrapped toys. Other companies generously donate auction items to help raise funds during the annual WOAI Elf Louise Radiothon & Silent Auction. It truly takes a village to create the Christmas spirit. Impressively, 98 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to the toys and the children. The Elf Louise Christmas Project’s annual budget is $316,000. A great portion of the funds raised comes from the WOAI Elf Louise Radioathon & Silent Auction, which has raised over $2,946,976 in the past 18 years. This year the WOAI Radiothon & Silent Auction will be held at North Star Mall in the Food Court December 6th-

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7th from 6am-8pm. This year they will also be featuring an online auction that will begin at 8pm on November 30th and runs through December 1st. There are so many children that don’t understand why they have never received presents for Christmas. They don’t realize that their families simply can’t afford the gifts, that it is not Santa who has forgotten them yet again. Year after year, they write to Santa, their ability to believe never faltering, which is why it is so important to make the effort to spread the Christmas spirit. Seeing the magic of Christmas in the children’s eyes is what it is all about. Bid on a silent auction item or make a pledge. Encourage your company to get involved. It is not just money that is needed. “The community may assume that since we’ve been around for so long that we have all the money, toys and help we need.” mentions Louise, “That isn’t true. We count on all of these from businesses, families and individuals every year.” You can visit elflouise.org or call 210-224-1843 for complete details on how to get involved, whether it be to donate a new, unwrapped gift or money, or an item for the silent auction, or your time, it is all needed and appreciated.

accentricDecor.com

305 South Main Street, Boerne, Texas 78006

HAPPY

HOLIDAYS

A WORLD OF DELIGHTFUL CHOICES

210 SOUTH MAIN STREET • BOERNE, TEXAS 78006 (830) 331-9355 • BOERNEEPICURE.COM Ten West Living 41

by Rob Myers

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“Stop swaying your hips!” “Don’t slide your lower body!” You’ve heard this from people on TV, on the driving range, and in magazines, but what does it really mean? Why is it important to rotate instead of slide or sway? How do you determine the difference between sliding your hips and rotating them properly? Once you find the answers to these questions, then you can figure out how to fix the problem. I will spend the next few minutes helping you to answer many of these questions and be on your way to playing more balanced consistent golf. A hip slide or sway can best be defined as a lateral movement with your hips in either direction that is so severe it causes weight to get on the outsides of your feet. Any time you have transferred weight to the outsides of your feet it becomes very difficult to remain balanced, regardless of what you are doing. Loss of balance in the golf swing can cause a number of different problems all of which result in a great deal of inconsistency. I often refer to a hip slide as wasted movement or wasted energy. Sliding your hips from side to side, while it may look and feel powerful, accomplishes just the opposite. This motion creates little to no rotation in your lower body where so much of your power is created. I have a simple drill that will help teach you how to properly rotate your lower body throughout the golf swing. It’s best to start the drill with a mid or low iron (7 iron), and maybe even start by using a tee. Take your normal setup to the golf ball and then use a large rubber ball, (foursquare ball, basketball, soccer ball, etc.) and place it between your knees. As you swing the golf club you will be making an effort to hold the ball in between your knees throughout the entire swing. If the ball slides out, that is an indication that you have not correctly rotated your hips, but swayed instead. Keeping the ball securely between your knees during the entire swing will ensure that weight is being kept on the insteps of your feet, which will encourage the proper hip turn. Much like other sports or athletic activities, it is important to remain properly balanced throughout the motion. Picture a basketball player at the free throw line, a linebacker just before the ball is snapped, or even a tennis player while they are waiting to receive a serve. They are all in balanced, athletic positions with weight favoring the insteps of their feet. Golf is no different than any of these sports in regards to balance and weight transfer.

the driving range, but it could get a little awkward on the course with your regular foursome of golfing partners. I will now explain how you can take the technique you have learned with the training aid to the golf course. Holding the rubber ball between your knees for the duration of the golf swing requires you making an effort to pinch or squeeze your knees and the upper part of your legs together. This squeezing sensation encourages you to use muscles in the upper part of your legs that you are most certainly not using if you are swaying. Following your practice with the ball between your knees, you begin developing a feel for rotating your hips instead of sliding, and then you are now ready to get rid of the training aid. The transition should be fairly simple. Once you remove the ball from between your knees you will set up to the golf ball like you normally would. Just prior to starting your swing you will gently pinch your knees inward until you feel a similar pressure to the one you had while you were using the training aid. Now you just have to maintain the feel you have established at address throughout the entire swing and you will have eliminated your unwanted hip slide. The balance that this adjustment will provide you will not only have you looking like a pro, but feeling like one as well. The best part is your playing partners will never be able to figure out what you have done. As you become more comfortable with the inward pinch of your knees you will find that it is actually a very subtle adjustment that is not easily detected by an untrained eye. In a short period of time you will most certainly find yourself with a more powerful and better yet more consistent golf swing. Consistency is a necessity if you get the opportunity to play at SilverHorn Golf Club. SilverHorn is a well maintained par 72 golf course that measures just a little under 7,000 yards from the championship tees. Aside from the challenging tree lined golf course, SilverHorn also offers a first class practice facility. The practice area includes a large green for short game practice (chipping, pitching, and putting) and a driving range with both natural grass and a state of the art artificial surface for use during inclement weather times. In addition to an unforgettable experience on the golf course, we also have a full service restaurant. For more information regarding tee times, lessons, memberships, or tournaments contact the pro-shop at (210) 545-5300 or visit us on the web at www.silverhorngolfclub.com.

Now holding a ball between your legs will work great on

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Your San Antonio Zoo is excited to announce the arrival of two tiger cubs! Come see them soon!

$2limit off4.zoo admission Not valid with any other offers, special events, or train ride. must show coupon at gate. Expires 12/31/13 tenw13

www.sazoo.org

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COLORADO’S COWBOY

SKI

TOWNS

by Jennifer Broome

Just like Texas, Colorado’s roots in the cowboy way of life run deep. This winter wrangle up some fun in two of Colorado’s cowboy ski towns. Time to trade in your spurs for skis or a snowboard in Crested Butte or Steamboat Springs.

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: The quaint town of Steamboat, Colorado; Secret Stash Pizza Restaurant; Steamboat Cowboy Downhill

A former coal town, Crested Butte is dubbed “the last great Colorado ski town.” True to its pioneer spirit, Crested Butte maintains its tough cowboy ruggedness, adventurous spirit, and small town charm of years gone by. Disconnect from the rest of the world and ski in an unspoiled setting surrounded by majestic peaks and wide valleys filled with ranches. Crested Butte is actually two towns in one. The historic mining town of Crested Butte dates back to the 1880s, with many of the buildings on Elk Avenue, Crested Butte’s Main Street, still dating back to the early days. The quirkiness of the town is apparent in the unusual art benches and moving art displays you see as as you stroll down Elk Avenue and enjoy time in the shops and restaurants. One of the shops not to miss is the Paragon Gallery. Since 1971, the gallery has featured work of Gunnison and Crested Butte artists. The town of Mt. Crested Butte is home to the modern ski resort with hotels, spas, retail shops, and restaurants. A free shuttle service connects the two. If you are looking for frills and flash, you won’t find it in Crested Butte. New this season are three kid-specific trails to give kids a forest-like experience. Kids will feel like they are skiing downtown Crested Butte on one of the trails lined with building facades. They also can enjoy a ski-through bear cave, US Forest Service Lodge, and interactive play in a gold mining building. The base area’s new après ski snack option, Waffle Cabin is serving up Vermont style Belgium waffles in their first location in the West. Half the fun of dining at Uley’s Cabin is getting there as you ride bundled up in blankets in an open sleigh pulled by a snow cat. At the cabin tucked away in the woods, Chef Chris Schlaudecker serves up a dinner of Colorado cuisine with French influences including favorites like Colorado Elk, Braised Lamb Shank, and Whiskey River Salmon. Advanced reservations are required for the sleigh ride dinners available Wednesday through Saturday evenings. Explore part of the mountain where few skiers go on Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s snowshoe tour, offered twice daily. Tours last about two and a half hours and cover about two miles. Moonlight tours are offered on nights of the full moon on January 9th, February 7th, and March 8th. Also

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new this season are snowshoe tours of Snodgrass Mountain offered daily 1-4pm. Unique to Crested Butte is the Snowcat Driving Experience done in conjunction with Prinoth. After initial classroom time for safety and operational instruction, you get out on a closed course for about an hour to test your skills in the basics of driving a snow cat, grooming, and pushing snow. The driving experience is offered twice daily on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Just steps away from the ski lifts is Crested Butte’s signature mountain lodge property, Lodge at Mountaineer Square. All of the rooms and suites are designed with rustic yet elegant furnishings from Bergmeyer, Flexsteel, and Hubbardton Forge. After a day on the slopes, drift off to dreamworld in Sigmatex Royal Crest high thread count linens on a Serta Perfect Sleeper Concierge Suite Plus Mattress with Robert Allen duvet cover and DownLite duvet insert. The standard King Room or Studio Suite is spacious for a couple. In the marbled bathroom, wrap up in the luxury of a Cypress robe, 1888 Mills Magnificence Pima Cotton towels, and Gilchrist & Soames amenities. One-, two-, and three- bedroom suites are available. Each suite has a living room, a modern fully equipped kitchen, and private bedrooms with private baths. Melt away the winter chill by warming up in a leather chair next to the fireplace in your spacious living room in one of the suites. Or if you would rather relax in a comfortable bar, head downstairs to Trackers Bar and Lounge. With their selection of draft and bottle beers, high-end whiskeys, fine wines, martinis, and margaritas, find a drink to suit your fancy. Django’s offers a full menu of southern European cuisine including 21 contemporary small plates. Step back in time for breakfast or lunch with a stop in an old-fashioned soda foundation. McGill’s is known for their home-cooked breakfasts, shakes, sundaes and libations. Paradise Cafe is another option. They are known for their skillets, pork green chili sauce, burritos, cheese steaks, and 7 different types of paradise burgers.

FROM LEFT: Skier in Steamboat; Sheraton Steamboat Resort

For that pizza fix, a joint that is just as eclectic as Crested Butte itself, head in to the cozy yet funky Secret Stash. With unusual pizza combinations and names like Mac Daddy, Pootie Pie, The Hamptons, and Texas Bigg’N to tantalize your taste buds, you will not be disappointed. The owners of Secret Stash opened the Sweet Spot in Mountaineer Square last year. It is La Belle Epoque of the late 1800s and early 1900s in France meets old-fashioned candy store. The sweetest spot in town is a martini bar, après ski spot, arcade, candy shop, and lounge. Of course they serve up traditional cocktails like a Martini or Brandy Alexander, but try one of their creative cocktails like Cinnamon Fig or Le Chocolat Chaud Martini. They have over 500 types of candy from taffy to chocolate to satisfy any sweet tooth. An out of this world Asian restaurant is probably not what you expect to find in Crested Butte, but Ginger Café is a must when in town. In the intimate setting of a small cottage, their pan-Asian delights will send your taste buds into heavenly oblivion. From exotic drinks to Indian and Thai dishes like Rogan Gosht, Lamb Korma with Colorado lamb, and Pa Gra Pow, you will quickly discover why this is not your typical Asian restaurant.

hosts a free mogul clinic. Hit the bumps with Nelson on Nelson’s Run. In 1964, Billy Kidd won the silver medal in the Olympics and became the first American man to win a medal in alpine skiing. Today he is known as Mister Steamboat and skis with anyone who wants to ski with him for free at 1pm. Check the board at the top of the gondola to see if Billy is skiing. If you are a fan of skiing knee or waist deep in powder, try the Shadows, Billy’s favorite area for powder. This ski season Steamboat is debuting its most significant on-mountain improvements in nearly a decade. The new multi-million-dollar 13,000-square-foot Four Points Lodge is in the Storm Peak/Four Points area. This season Steamboat is offering night skiing and riding for the first time. Starting December 20th with state-of-the-art lighting, the five trails off Christie Peak Express chairlift that take you through 1,100 vertical feet of terrain. Snowshoe through the beautiful winter landscape of the Yampa Valley on the Guided Gourmet Snowshoe Lunch tour. After snowshoeing approximately one mile on the Vista Nature Trail, savor a gourmet lunch with a refreshing glass of wine at Hazies Restaurant.

Before Steamboat Springs became known as Ski Town, USA, it was simply a genuine cowboy mountain town surrounded by cattle ranches. Cowboy hats, pearl snap shirts, and well-worn cowboy boots are pretty common sights in downtown Steamboat.

Improve your photography skills during Steamboats Photo Excursion as you capture images from breaktaking views, to horses galloping across a snow covered field, to classic barns nestled in the snow. A profession photographer will help you shoot like a pro.

Steamboat’s Champagne Powder is legendary. Floating effortlessly through the deep, light, fluffy snow as it tickles your nose when it flies in your face is sheer bliss.

Get your Texas and Americana music fix in snowy Steamboat at the 15th Annual MusicFest starting on January 4th. Eighteen bands perform over the six day music festival. The over 40 live performances range from rock to western swing.

Steamboat Springs is home to more Olympians that any other city in the United States. Improve your downhill technique with a coaching session from three-time Olympian Caroline Lalive, known as Liner in her racing days. On selected Sundays throughout the season, 1992 Olympic Bronze Medalist and 2-time World Cup Mogul Champion, Nelson Carmichael

The 40th Annual Bud Light Cowboy Downhill is January 21st. It is the most unique ski rodeo in the country with more than 100 of the best professional rodeo cowboys competing.

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Barn in Steamboat; The Sweet Spot Bar; Steamboat Texas Music Festival

The 101st Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival is February 5-9th. Celebrating winter sports, it is the oldest continuous Winter Carnival west of the Mississippi. Giddy up on over to Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch. The Heid Family has lived in the Yampa Valley for six generations and been outfitting and riding horses through the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness Area since 1962. Ride through snow-covered aspen groves and enjoy the silence of a winter landscape. As the snow glistens in the sunlight, as if you are riding through diamonds on the snow. For the ultimate mountain high, soar above Steamboat with Wild West Balloon Adventures on a peaceful early morning ride over the snow covered Yampa Valley and Steamboat Ski Resort. The 45 minute flight includes a continental breakfast and traditional champagne ceremony. After an action packed day on the mountain, soak in the therapeutic thermal pools of the famous Strawberry Park Hot Springs. With temperatures of 100-105 degrees, soothe your tired muscles in the mineral water as Steamboat’s famous Champagne Powder piles up in the surrounding forest. Steamboat Springs’ only ski-in, ski-out, full-service hotel is debuting 56 luxury mountain suites this season. Sheraton Steamboat Resort & Villas new studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites have incredible mountain or valley views. It is condominium living, but with all of the services and amenities of a hotel. The Mountain Suites feature modern kitchens with granite countertops, beautiful cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances. The spacious sitting areas have flat-screen TVs, custom furniture in a Colorado Mountain contemporary style, beautiful natural stone gas fireplaces, and artwork and photography bringing the beauty and serenity of the surrounding mountains inside. Slip into a deep sleep on a Sheraton Sweet Sleeper II Bed. The bathrooms have large soaking tubs and glass-enclosed showers. Sheraton Steamboat Resort & Villas also has 188 guest rooms, 20 studio, one-, and two-bedroom condos, and 21 two- and three-bedroom Resort Villas managed by Starwood Vacation Ownership. The hotel is home to five signature restaurants: Sevens Restaurant, Saddles Lounge, Breezeway Café, Fish Creek Grille, and Bear River Bar & Grill.

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Creekside Café, next to Soda Creek and just off of Lincoln Avenue, is a locals favorite. Expect a wait on weekends, but it is worth it. From the Crab Benedict to the New Yorker, they are known for their legendary Eggs Benedict. Other specialities include their omelets, corned beef hash, and malted waffles. Elevated comfort food is served up at Laundry Kitchen and Cocktails housed in a building over a hundred years old that originally housed Steamboat Laundry Dry Cleaning & Pressing. Dinner is served family-style and each dish is meant to be shared. Roasted Beet Salad, Binson Shorts Ribs, and Pork Shoulder are a few must try items on the menu. The menu at Café Diva changes seasonally as Chef Kate Rench prepares her French-Asian fusion cuisine. A few highlights on the menu are Butternut Squash and Sage Potstickers, Bear Mountain Bison Carpaccio, Boulder Valley Beef Tenderloin, and Flourless Chocolate Cake. At Mazzola’s the motto is “Eat big. Talk loud and break a few rules.” When you need a big bowl of Bolognese, layers of lasagna, or slices of one of their designer pizza pies, Mazzola’s is the place to go in Steamboat. FM Light and Sons is a Steamboat institution and has been owned by the same family since 1905. From Stetsons to Rockmount, they carry all of the classic western brands. You could almost say FM Light and Sons is the heart of this western mountain town. After all, like one of their bright yellow signs on the way into town says, “Outfittin’ the West for 100 years and 5 generations.” The spirit of the West can still be found in the tip of a hat or the gentle nod of a helmet on the slopes of Crested Butte and Steamboat Springs. Now that’s the cowboy way.

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by Dr. Dennis E. Dilley M.D. Board Certified Allergist she Juniper or more commonly mountain cedar is the cause of cedar fever. Every winter millions of people in Texas, New Mexico, parts of Arkansas, Oklahoma and northern Mexico suffer terrible allergy symptoms brought on by this prolific pollen making tree species. The male tree produces pollen from orange colored cones the size of a rice granule and during heavy pollination can appear as smoke coming off the trees. Whereas most trees pollinate in the spring and some in the fall, the cedar tree releases pollen from late October through February. The symptoms of cedar fever include itchy eyes and nose, watery eyes and nose, sneezing fits, scratchy throat, and a flu like feeling commonly called cedar fever. People sensitized to the pollen produce specific antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) to cedar pollen. Once the pollen comes into contact with the specialized linings of the eyes and nose, it triggers certain immune cells called Mast cells to release chemicals like histamines and leukotrienes which produce immediate allergy symptoms. In our area, cedar hits high levels late in December through January and makes for a miserable winter holiday season. Allergists recommend minimizing outdoor activities on high pollen count days but this proves to be difficult when you work outdoors, are engaged in school related outdoor activities, or have to do your shopping. In this case many people will purchase over the counter cold and allergy medications and others with more severe symptoms will seek treatment from their healthcare provider. Immunotherapy or allergy injections can be effective for those incompletely controlled with medication or those wanting to reduce long-term medication needs or reduce sensitivity to cedar pollen. The use of tea made from the cedar berries has anecdotal benefits that have not been subject to rigorous clinical scientific study. Still many people just suffer through the season and in some cases have to move out of the area to get relief. Even non-allergy sufferers have a dislike for this tree as it is a naturally invasive species with a tremendous water absorbing capacity. A mature cedar tree can draw about 33 gallons of water a day from the soil which is nearly double that of a similar sized oak. Furthermore, large strands of cedar form large canopies which trap rainwater limiting the amount of moisture reaching the soil and grass underneath. Cattle ranchers consider cedar a weed since it establishes quickly in overgrazed land and is generally not eaten by most livestock. A common myth is that Ashe Juniper was brought over from Mexico to

help reduce soil erosion but in fact many sources suggest the ancestor of cedar trees were present in this region thousands if not millions of years ago. There are written accounts in the mid 1800’s about “cedar breaks” and “cedar strands” in Texas and is considered a native species by Texas A&M and the Texas Forestry Service. In the 1800’s, cedar was prized as a lumber source since the wood is rot resistant and makes a hearty fence post and this combined with natural wildfires kept the cedar trees confined to canyons and rocky outcroppings. In the 20th century, during the Nixon administration, legislation was passed listing the black capped vireo and the goldencheeked warbler as endangered bird species. The golden-cheeked warbler in particular uses the bark of the cedar tree for its nest. Over 33 counties in the Edwards Plateau (Texas Hill Country) were affected by this law making it illegal to clear cedar. Now with protected lands in Texas set aside for these birds, prescribed burning of cedar and select clearing by various methods have been allowed but younger cedar trees have already established a foothold in most of the Texas Hill Country. As a result of this, many cedar clearing businesses have emerged including the commonly known Texas Cedar Eaters and Cedar Beetle. These companies use forest grade tree mulchers to clear land of cedar and other select tree species. One other interesting business benefitting from cedar trees are wood mills that harvest mainly dead old growth cedars. Several of these mills are found near the city of Junction, Texas. The dead trees are ground down to fine chips and then cedar oil is steamed out of the wood. This oil is then shipped to Holland and England where it is refined into cedrone, cedrenyl acetate, and other essential oil distillates. These fragrant distillates are then used commercially in products like Tide and Irish Spring soap. The remaining chip material is further used for mulch, livestock bedding, filler for holes drilled in oil fields, and wood composite. These mills serve as some of the largest employers in these rural areas of the hill country. So Ashe Juniper or mountain cedar certainly has proponents and opponents but if you suffer from cedar fever none of these benefits make a bit of difference if you can’t get relief from your cedar fever!

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R E T U R N S TO B O E R N E by Patrick Klar â&#x20AC;˘ photos by Luis Gutierrez

Mark Wood is the creator of the revolutionary Viper electric violin, SV Stringray violin, and Cobra cello.Â He studied under Maestro Leonard Bernstein and is a Juilliard-trained violinist, an Emmy-winning composer and a founding member of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Wood has worked with Celine Dion, Lenny Kravitz, Kanye West and Billy Joel, Ten West Livingjust to name a few.

lectrify Your Strings is a music education phenomenon that fires up students, teachers, and communities by injecting a high voltage dose of energy and much-needed funding into a school’s music education program. This intensive experience boosts the student’s self-esteem and motivation, increases school-wide, family and community engagement, and helps raise money for participating schools. Created by international recording artist, electric violinist, and music education advocate, Mark Wood, Electrify Your Strings connects students, teachers, and administrators to the vibrancy of music in an unforgettable experience culminating in a live performance. The best part, proceeds from tickets sold to the event directly benefit the school’s music programs. Now, Wood doesn’t simply teach music. He aims to save music education. “Giving back is an important part of our responsibility,” Wood said.

Through Electrify Your Strings, he travels to 60-plus schools annually. In the last twelve years, Mark has worked with more than 125,000 students, raising upward of $2 million for music education programs. The premise is simple; Mark works with a school’s music director to design a tailor-made two-day rock orchestra makeover culminating in a live performance at the end of the experience. The musical selections are surprising, and include Wood’s own compositions, plus his exclusive arrangements of classic rock and contemporary music. Mark seeks to awaken student musicians to their highest potential, opening them up to the adventure of music. Electrify Your Strings transforms quiet young musicians into expressive people who can’t wait to learn! Imagine a fifteen year old rushing to orchestra because he or she can’t wait to play. Imagine an energized auditorium buzzing with anticipation for music played by these students. Electrify Your Strings makes this happen!

Who: Boerne ISD orchestra students from Cibolo Creek, Currington, Fabra, Fair Oaks Ranch and Kendall Elementary Schools, Boerne Middle School North and South, Boerne and Champion High Schools. What: Mark Wood presents Electrify Your Stings – Dream Tour Featuring Mark Wood’s original music and exclusive arrangements of the Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” and “All Together Now”, Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze”, Frank Sinatra’s “Come Fly With Me”, Kansas’ “Carry On My Wayward Son”, Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” and Paul McCartney’s “Live and Let Die”. When: November 23, 20013 Two shows, 4pm and 7:30pm Why: To raise money for the orchestra programs at all BISD schools. Where: Champion High School Auditorium 201 Charger Blvd. Tickets: Adults $10 and Students $5 To purchase tickets, contact: Rebecca Kuhlmeier – Boerne High School, 830-357-3169 becca.kuhlmeier@boerne-isd.net Maggie Raveneau – Champion High School, 830-357-2742 maggie.raveneau@boerne-isd.net Follow us on Facebook Electrify Your Strings Boerne

Ten West Living

DATE BOOK

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

2013 COMEDY

Jay Mohr November 2 Empire Theatre 226 North St. Mary’s Street www.majesticempire.com Mike Epps & Friends November 16 Majestic Theatre 224 East Houston Street www.majesticempire.com Whitney Cummings November 22 Empire Theatre 226 North St. Mary’s Street www.majesticempire.com Kathy Griffin November 24 Majestic Theatre 224 East Houston Street www.majesticempire.com

Nutcracker December 6-8 Majestic Theatre 224 East Houston Street www.majesticempire.com 210-226-3333

210-226-3333

FAMILY Band of America November 1-2 Alamodome 100 Montana Street www.ticketmaster.com Fresh Beat Band Live! November 12 Majestic Theatre 224 East Houston Street www.majesticempire.com Celtic Thunder November 19 Majestic Theatre 224 East Houston Street www.majesticempire.com Nutcracker November 29-December 1 Majestic Theatre 224 East Houston Street www.majesticempire.com

800-745-3000

210-226-3333

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Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan December 7 Lila Cockrell Theater 200 East Market St. 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com

Drake November 12 AT&T Center One AT&T Center Parkway www.ticketmaster.com

The Nutcracker December 20-22 Lila Cockrell Theater 200 East Market St. www.ticketmaster.com

Pink November 14 AT&T Center One AT&T Center Parkway www.ticketmaster.com

800-745-3000

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker December 23, 30 Majestic Theatre 224 East Houston Street 210-226-3333 www.majesticempire.com

Cory Morrow November 15 Floore’s Country Store 14464 Old Bandera Road Helotes, Texas www.liveatfloores.com

Trans-Siberian Orchestra December 28 AT&T Center One AT&T Center Parkway 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com

Jason Boland & The Stragglers November 15-16 Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Road 830-606-1281 New Braunfels, Texas www.gruenehall.com

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! December 26-29 The Musical Majestic Theatre 224 East Houston Street 210-226-3333 www.majesticempire.com

MUSIC

210-226-3333

Selena Gomez November 1 AT&T Center One AT&T Center Parkway www.ticketmaster.com

210-226-3333

Jamey Johnson November 2 Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Road New Braunfels, Texas www.gruenehall.com

Sesame Street Live: Can’t Stop Singing November 29-30 Lila Cockrell Theater 200 East Market St. 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com

210-226-3333

Ninch Inch Nails November 5 AT&T Center One AT&T Center Parkway www.ticketmaster.com

Doobie Brothers November 3 Majestic Theatre 224 East Houston Street www.majesticempire.com

800-745-3000

830-606-1281

210-226-3333

Gary P. Nunn November 16 Floore’s Country Store 14464 Old Bandera Road Helotes, Texas www.liveatfloores.com Dwight Yoakam November 22 Floore’s Country Store 14464 Old Bandera Road Helotes, Texas www.liveatfloores.com

210-695-8827

Cody Canada & The Departed November 23 Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Road 830-606-1281 New Braunfels, Texas www.gruenehall.com Aaron Watson November 27 Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Road New Braunfels, Texas www.gruenehall.com

830-606-1281

DATE BOOK

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

2013 Bob Schneider November 29 Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Road New Braunfels, Texas www.gruenehall.com

Jack Ingram November 29 Floore’s Country Store 14464 Old Bandera Road Helotes, Texas www.liveatfloores.com Reckless Kelly November 30 Floore’s Country Store 14464 Old Bandera Road Helotes, Texas www.liveatfloores.com

830-606-1281

210-226-3333

210-695-8827

Stoney La Rue & Cody Canada December 20 Floore’s Country Store 14464 Old Bandera Road 210-695-8827 Helotes, Texas www.liveatfloores.com

Legend of Zelda Symphony of the Goddesses December 3 Majestic Theatre 224 East Houston Street 210-226-3333 www.majesticempire.com

210-695-8827

Aaron Watson December 21 Floore’s Country Store 14464 Old Bandera Road Helotes, Texas www.liveatfloores.com Cory Morrow December 27 Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Road New Braunfels, Texas www.gruenehall.com

Roger Creager December 28 Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Road New Braunfels, Texas www.gruenehall.com

Jerry Jeff Walker December 12-13 Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Road New Braunfels, Texas www.gruenehall.com

Kevin Fowler December 31 Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Road New Braunfels, Texas www.gruenehall.com

830-606-1281

San Antonio Symphony presents Rachmaninoff 2 November 8-9 Majestic Theatre 224 East Houston Street 210-226-3333 www.majesticempire.com San Antonio Symphony presents Mendelssohn Violin Concert November 22-23 Majestic Theatre 224 East Houston Street 210-226-3333 www.majesticempire.com Green Day’s American Idiot December 13-14 Majestic Theatre 224 East Houston Street 210-226-3333 www.majesticempire.com San Antonio Symphony presents Holiday Pops December 20-21 Majestic Theatre 224 East Houston Street 210-226-3333 www.majesticempire.com

830-606-1281

PERFORMING ARTS 210-226-3333

210-226-3333

210-695-8827

Jason Boland & The Stagglers December 27 Floore’s Country Store 14464 Old Bandera Road 210-695-8827 Helotes, Texas www.liveatfloores.com

The Irish Tenors Holiday Celebration December 12 Majestic Theatre 224 East Houston Street 210-226-3333 www.majesticempire.com

REO Speedwagon December 15 Majestic Theatre 224 East Houston Street www.majesticempire.com

224 East Houston Street www.majesticempire.com

Jay Z: Magna Carter World Tour December 20 AT&T Center One AT&T Center Parkway 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com

Preservation Hall Jazz Band December 1 Empire Theatre 226 North St. Mary’s Street 210-226-3333 www.majesticempire.com

Roger Creager December 7 Floore’s Country Store 14464 Old Bandera Road Helotes, Texas www.liveatfloores.com

Robert Earl Keen December 17 Majestic Theatre 224 East Houston Street www.majesticempire.com

San Antonio Symphony presents Disney in Concert November 1-2 Majestic Theatre

SPORTS San Antonio Spurs NBA Basketball Golden State Warriors November 6 Washington Wizards November 8 Boston Celtics November 13 Cleveland Cavaliers November 23 New Orleans Pelicans November 25 Houston Rockets November 30 Atlanta Hawks December 2 Indiana Pacers December 7 Minnesota Timberwolves December 13 Toronto Raptors December 23 Houston Rockets December 25 Sacramento Kings December 29 Brooklyn NetsDecember 31 AT&T Center One AT&T Center Parkway 210-444-5050 www.spurs.com San Antonio Rampage AHL Hockey Charlotte Checkers November 2 Oklahoma City Barons November 9 Milwaukee Admirals November 10 Oklahoma City Barons November 19 Toronto Marlies November 24 Oklahoma City Barons November 29 Iowa Wild December 4 Chicago Wolves December 14 Texas Stars December 15

Ten West Living

DATE BOOK

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

2013

Oklahoma City Barons Texas Stars AT&T Center One AT&T Center Parkway www.sarampage.com

December 21 December 27 210-444-5050

University of Texas at San Antonio NCAA Football Tulane University Green Wave November 9 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs November 30 Alamodome 100 Montana Street 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com Formula 1 United States Grand Prix November 15-17 Circuit of the Americas 512-301-6600 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd Austin, Texas www.circuitofhteamericas.com WWE presents Smackdown December 18 AT&T Center One AT&T Center Parkway 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com Valero Alamo Bowl December 30 Alamodome 100 Montana Street www.ticketmaster.com

Dia de Los Muertos November 2-3 Market Square 514 W. Commerce www.sahearts.com

800-745-3000

830-625-9167

210-207-8605

2nd Saturday Art & Wine November 9 Galleries throughout Boerne 830-833-0621 www.secondsaturdayartandwine.com Boerne Market Days November 9-10 Main Plaza 100 North Main 210-844-8193 www.boernemarketdays.com

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Fiesta de Las Luminarias December 6-22 Friday, Saturday, Sunday only River Walk 210-227-4262 www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com

Canine and Kitty Christmas Nights November 18-December 23 North Star Mall 210-340-6627 7400 San Pedro www.northstarmall.com The Shops at La Cantera 210-582-6255 15900 La Cantera Pkwy www.theshopsatlacantera.com

Dickens on Main December 6-7 Downtown Boerne www.dickensonmain.com

Light the Way 2013 November 23 – December 31 University of Incarnate Word 210-829-6001 www.uiw.edu/lighttheway SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration November 23-December 23 SeaWorld San Antonio 10500 Sea World Drive www.seaworldparks.com Alamo Tree Lighting Ceremony November 29 Alamo Plaza 210-938-8075

LOCAL FLAVOR Wurstfest November 1-10 Landa Park 120 Landa Street New Braunfels, Texas www.wurstfest.com

Rock N Roll Marathon November 17 Alamodome 100 Montana Street www.runrocknroll.competitor.com

Santa’s Holiday Parade with Broadway’s Grinch November 29 North Star Mall 7400 San Pedro www.northstarmall.com

210-340-6627

Holiday River Parade & Lighting Ceremony November 29 River Walk 210-227-4262 www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com Dickens on Main November 29-30 Downtown Boerne www.dickensonmain.com

830-249-7277

Holiday Boat Caroling December 4-22 River Walk 210-227-4262 www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com Holiday Mingle Jingle! December 5 The Shops at La Cantera 210-582-6255 15900 La Cantera Pkwy www.theshopsatlacantera.co

830-249-7277

Weihnachts Parade December 7 Downtown Boerne 830-249-9511 www.ci.boerne.tx.us/index.aspx?NID=564 Oma’s Christmas Craft Fair December 7-8 Kendall County Fair Grounds 1307 River Road 830-249-2839 www.kcfa.org Boerne Concert Band December 13 Boerne High School Auditorium 1 Greyhound Lane 830-249-7502 www.boerneconcertband.org 2nd Saturday Art & Wine December 14 Galleries throughout Boerne 830-833-0621 www.secondsaturdayartandwine.com Blessing of the Animals December 14 514 W. Commerce www.sahearts.com

210-207-8605

Boerne Market Days December 14-15 Main Plaza 100 North Main 210-844-8193 www.boernemarketdays.com Boerne Christmas Market Day December 22 Main Plaza 100 North Main 210-844-8193 www.boernemarketdays.com Alamo Bowl Pep Rally December 28 Arneson River Theater www.alamobowl.com

210-226-2695

Celebrate San Antonio December 31 Hemisfair Park 210-212-8427 www.saparksfoundation.org/celebrate_sa.html

Ten West Living