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Note From The Publisher 17 Years Of Good News
The Possibilities Are Endless . . . • Corporate Events • Award Ceremonies • Meet & Greet • Receptions • Holiday Party • Prom • Graduation Party • PR Campaign • Convention Trade Show • Launch Party • Wedding • Anniversary • Birthday Party
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ell, I hope everyone has been enjoying the cooler weather as much as I have! It won’t last long in South Texas! 2017 has settled in nicely and Welcome Home is cruising right along. It’s hard to believe that as you are reading this letter, we are already preparing for the May edition of the paper. May 2017 is actually the 17-year anniversary of Welcome Home! For the past 17 years, Welcome Home has proudly served the Stone Oak and surrounding communities; delivering good news about amazing schools, students and community members. April also marks my six-year anniversary with the paper. When I look back through the years, I realize how grateful I am to work for a company whose mission is to bring light to the triumphs of the community it serves – especially over the last couple of years. Welcome Home could have changed with the times, getting more involved in politics and other issues that currently divide our country. Honestly, tapping into that emotional roller coaster may have even been profitable. However, what makes this company who and what it is is the fact that at the end of the day, that roller coaster doesn’t really matter. Political climates change as quickly as the weather. The constant ebb and flow that surrounds it all is…exhausting. Welcome Home made a commitment 17 years ago to instead focus on the wonderful people and things that surround us each
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Welcome Home newspaper assumes no liability in advertising other than correction and reinsertion of like-size ad at no additional cost to our advertiser. The opinions stated by the writers or the information printed from other sources do not necessarily depict those of the publisher or advertisers. No liability is assumed. Welcome Home newspaper will not knowingly publish any advertisement which is illegal or misleading to its readers. All copy and type arrangements are subject to approval by the publisher. All stories and photos submitted become property of Welcome Home Editorial and Advertising content of Welcome Home newspaper is protected by the U.S. copyright law. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Publisher Kristin Oliver
Distribution Israel Vazquez
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Sales Representatives Patrice Long Orlando Cardenas Don Kopper
Administrative Assistant Dianne Grosso Kerry Bustamante Graphic Design/Production Marie Ferrante
Contributing Writers Paula Allen Michele Bibb Mary Delaney John Rexroat Deb Rich Herczeg Velizar Iliev
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On The Cover By Alissa Reinhard t’s springtime in South Texas! The Texas bluebonnets are in full bloom and those beautiful fields of wildflowers are making everyone’s daily commute just a bit more bright and colorful. There’s a lot going on in and around San Antonio this and every spring and Welcome Home is happy to serve as your springtime guide. Fiesta is here! If you’re new to the city, Fiesta is the biggest party you’ve never heard of! And if you were born and raised here, there’s more to enjoy each and every year. Fiesta is commonly referred to as “The Party With A Purpose.” Alexa Borowski Westerman, Director of Communications for the Fiesta San Antonio Commission, explains how Fiesta got its nickname. “Many people are surprised to know that every single one of the more than 100 Fiesta events is produced by a local nonprofit or military organization,” she explained. “These organizations called Participating Member Organizations (PMOs) raise funds for great causes.”
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Turn to page 10 to learn about a few of 2017’s newest Fiesta events and more about the citywide celebration. Easter is also right around the corner! How do you celebrate each year? Turn to page 11 to read some fun, little known facts about the holiday and a list of a few Easter events around town. Make sure you enjoy this special time of year – before you know it, the temperature will be creeping into triple digits and cool mornings and fresh flowers will be a distant memory! Happy Spring!
TMI Students Named National Merit Finalists Submitted By Paula Allen hree seniors at TMI – The Episcopal School of Texas have been named finalists in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship competition. Elizabeth Holmes, Alexandra Prado and Hannah Wool, recognized during daily chapel March 8, are now eligible to become recipients of National Merit scholarships, to be announced later this spring. Holmes is a state-champion swimmer, a peer mentor, three-time winner of the school’s Poetry Out Loud contest and was named Best Speaker at a Model UN Conference. She plans a career in the
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TMI seniors Alexandra Prado, left, Hannah Wool and Elizabeth Holmes were recognized in chapel March 8 as National Merit Scholarship finalists.
contributor to the school literary magazine. She plans to study psychology. Wool has completed the highly selective, three-year Voelcker Biomedical Research program at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She plans to study biomedical engineering. About 1.5 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools entered the 2017 National Merit Program by taking the 2015 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT). Semifinalists in the collegescholarship program, notified last fall, represented less than one percent of all U.S. high-school seniors. To continue in the program, semifinalists were required to maintain superior academic standing, achieve SAT scores that confirmed their performance on the earlier test, write an essay and receive recommendation from a school administrator. About 15,000 of the 16,000 semifinalists were named finalists.
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Meet The Dietels, The Couple Behind NIOSA By Alissa Reinhard f you were to meet Janet and Artie Dietel, you’d quickly realize that they definitely qualify as a San Antonio power couple. However, a more appropriate title for them might be San Antonio’s compassionate couple. During this time of year, the couple’s compassion is directed toward the popular Fiesta event, “A Night In Old San Antonio®” (NIOSA®). The Dietels go above and beyond to ensure that NIOSA® is an event to remembered each and every year. NIOSA is solely sponsored by and benefits the San Antonio Conservation Society (SACS), one of the oldest and most active community preservation groups in the United States. Janet is SACS President—a year-round volunteer position that requires 40-60 hour work weeks. Her experience as a former North East ISD educator and principal of Thousand Oaks Elementary School has served her well in this role! And even though she juggles many responsibilities as SACS President, she also continues to serve as Chairman of NIOSA’s Villa España area, a volunteer position she has held since 1988. Artie has probably one of the most important jobs at NIOSA (next to the Chairman) – he stages the entire event. During the days leading up to NIOSA, Artie and his three co-chairmen work endless hours and then eighteen hours a day, all four days of NIOSA, to keep the “wheels greased” as “NIOSA Stagers.” Artie has volunteered at NIOSA for 48 years, earning
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the Staging chairmanship in 1987 with Gene Willette. Artie also stages NIOSITAs (private, miniature versions of NIOSA) and just about every major NIOSA and San Antonio Conservation Society event. NIOSA is a four-night festival in the heart of downtown San Antonio that celebrates the city’s diverse cultural legacy for more than 85,000 revelers annually. It’s the top fundraiser for historic preservation in the nation and truly lives up to its motto as a “Celebration for Preservation.” The 69th preservation of NIOSA will be held April 25-28. “We love our city’s heritage, customs and culture,” said the Dietels. “SACS mission is to preserve San Antonio’s historic fabric and volunteering at NIOSA is a great way to enjoy the party while furthering SACS’ causes.” All proceeds from NIOSA support SACS’ restoration and preservation of historic properties, parks, waterways, traditions, and the intangible heritage of the multicultural city of San Antonio. “SACS has been the caretaker of our city since 1924,” the Dietels explained. “We work to preserve the beauty and history of our city so the next generation can enjoy the same. Giving back to the community is imperative to us.” On average, NIOSA partygoers consume over 17,000 pounds of beef; 11,000 pounds of chicken; 5,000 pounds of sausage; 3,000 turkey legs, 25,000 buns, rolls and bolillos; 30,000 tortillas; 2,000 pounds of masa; 6,000 tamales; 15,000 pounds of fruits and
Janet and Artie Dietel, NIOSA® volunteers, have a strong Artie has volunteered at NIOSA for 48 years, earning love for San Antonio and a passion for preserving their Staging chairmanship. Janet also serves as president of the San Antonio Conservation Society. city.
vegetables; and 1,000 pounds of guacamole! The sheer volume of food served makes for a daily challenge of ensuring that each booth chairman has everything he or she needs to open that night while continuously tracking the food and drink delivered and served. “No waste means more dollars returned to SACS to further our goals,” explained Janet. “NIOSA attendees would be surprised to learn about the plethora of behind-the scene security strategies taken to insure
our guests’ safety,” added Artie. “It is a challenge just to make sure that the gates are opened on time and we are ready for our guests each day. Additionally, we have to ensure that problems and concerns are addressed quickly.” NIOSA is a unique event made possible by the sheer will and determination of volunteers like the Dietels and the benefits of NIOSA go far beyond four days of food and fun.
Stone Oak Business Association Date: Wednesday, April 19, 2017 Time: 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm Place: El Jalisco Grill & Cantina 19178 Blanco Road #201, 78258 (Corner of Blanco & Huebner Rd.)
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April 2017 • Welcome Home • 78255/56/57
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Do You Know The Signs Of Low Thyroid?
By Donna Becker, D.O. Enhancement of Life (210) 545-5224 bout 7:30 p.m., the day before a major holiday weekend, I stood at the fax machine looking over lab reports and medication refill requests. The pharmacies and the frantic patients who realized “Oh my gosh! I’m out of my sleeping meds, hormones, anti-anxiety medication, etc.” where sending in urgent requests for refills a holiday eve. I always check incoming labs for abnormalities and refill requests before a weekend and especially before a holiday because I know
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my patients depend on me. Suddenly, I was shocked to see a lab on a 71-year-old woman who had a TSH of 75! TSH stand for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone and it is released from the brain if the brain is not getting enough thyroid. Anything over 4 is abnormal. 75 is terrible, possibly deadly, and way too high. When the TSH is very elevated, the body begins to shut down, the heart even begins to beat very slowly, speech becomes slowed, and skin cools. Who was this, I wondered, not
Do You Grill Or Barbeque? By Cotton Clark Jeff’s Backyard (210) 342-4760 irst rule of order: grilling is NOT barbequing. Sure, they both share the common denominator of “raw food + heat = dinner,” but they are far from synonymous. In fact, “them’s fightin’ words” for some folks in the South if you mix them interchangeably. Here’s why. I’ve touched on time and temperature before in this column, but there are four
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major differences between grilling and barbequing: 1) time spent on the cooking apparatus; 2) the temperature at which the food is cooked; 3) the type of food that is cooked; 4) the application of smoke. Grilling uses high heat to cook food. What’s more, the transfer of heat comes in only one direction: up. We call it “radiant” heat as it radiates upward from the burners or
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recognizing her name. Quickly I realized she had been referred by a nurse who is a patient of mine, and I had not yet seen her for the usual 15-minute interview before accepting her as a new patient. The story ended happily. After a few phone calls, late that night, the nurse drove over to the patient’s house, took her vital signs, spoke to her, and pleaded with me to at least treat her over the long weekend. Apparently, she had lost her medications in a move some months earlier. The nurse then located the woman’s son, so I prescribed a small beginner dose of thyroid to tide her over the weekend. I saw her before office hours the following week. I prescribed more labs, more tests, requested old records, and made arrangements for referral. After four weeks, her cholesterol had dropped 100 points and she had lost about ten pounds. Elevated cholesterol can be due
to low thyroid, not just diet/genetics. Most of the weight gain in individuals with low thyroid is due to an accumulation of salt and water. However the metabolism of the body slows down, so the low thyroid person stores fat. The thyroid gland has profound effects on mood. Look it up, here’s a great source: “Texas Algorithms Procedural Manual for the Treatment of Bipolar Disorders”, page 51, appendix C. (For the record, I am NOT treating Bipolar sufferers with thyroid, but wanted to demonstrate the broad application of thyroid treatment) Donna Becker, D.O., Board Certified in Emergency Medicine. Enhancement of Life is located at 14603 Huebner Rd., Suite 2601, San Antonio, TX 78231. For more information, call 210-545- 5224 or visit www.antiagingsa.com.
charcoal directly to the food being cooked. More casually, we call it “direct” heat. Temperatures are hot; the searing of a steak starts around 475°and goes up from there, and grills surfaces can be as hot as 700° or more. At these temperatures, it doesn’t take long to cook food, typically no more than 10-20 minutes. Conversely, barbequing uses low heat over a long period of time (3-12 hours or more), and it’s an all-around heat where the heat source is separated from the food. We call this “convective” heat, or “indirect.” In other words, it’s soft air currents – i.e., convections of air – that cook the meat, typically in temperature zones of 225°to 275°. What’s more, these soft air currents just beg to include smoke flavors. Oak, hickory, pecan, mesquite, apple, and cherry woods are favorites here, each imbuing its own subtleties and goodness. It’s an ancient way of cooking really. To be sure, you can get
small wisps of smoke when grilling, mostly when fat melts and drops into the coals which instantly vaporize into a flavorized steam. But it’s nowhere near as robust or as thorough as the barbequing method that wraps the meat in smoke for hours. Lastly, the type of food is distinctly different between grilling and barbequing, but there are a lot of juicy points to cover on this topic, so I’ll save that for later. Stay tuned! For now, look for our ad on page XX which has a coupon for a FREE bag of wood when you buy a Texas Trailblazer offset smoker at Jeff’s Backyard! From our yard to yours, Jeff’s Backyard. For more information, call 210342-4760, or email jeffsbackyard@att. net. Better yet, come visit at 435 West Nakoma, San Antonio, TX 78216 (at the intersection of Nakoma and West Ave.) You can also visit www.jeffsbackyardstore. com.
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Submitted By Colleen Curl he Holmes/Business Careers High School Air Force JROTC TX-781st Unit CyberPatriot team is headed to the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition for the second year in a row. The team is ranked number one in Texas and is the only All Service Division team in the state going to the National competition. More than 4,000 teams entered the
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competition this year, with only the top 28 teams advancing to Nationals. Cyber Patriot, an education initiative established by the Air Force Association, is a one-of-a-kind cyber defense competition designed to inspire students toward futures in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The National Competition will take place from April 3-5 in Baltimore, MD.
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Discover Your New Self At By Alissa Reinhard
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ging is a part of life. We all experience it. However, in this day and age, we are also living much longer than ever before. Most babies born in the year 1900 did not live past age 50. In 2012, the average life expectancy in America had increased to 78.7 years, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics. This is a dramatic leap in a relatively short period of time that can be attributed to immunizations, antibiotics, better living standards, clean drinking water, etc. – staples of daily life that today are taken for granted. However, what many don’t consider as we live longer is how we are affected, mentally and physically, by the aging process. Quality of life is so important, but many simply cope with debilitating symptoms that can sometimes accompany aging, thinking that how they are feeling is “normal,” or “just part of getting older.” Donna Becker, D.O., owner and founder of The Enhancement of Life Center, has been on the front lines of medicine for decades. She has served thousands of patients, working as a primary care physician and an emergency medicine specialist in San Antonio. Her work was rewarding, but not enough. She was determined to open a true healing center where she could utilize both traditional medicine and alternative/integrative methods. “I firmly believe that the process of aging is a treatable disease that can be slowed, stopped and even reversed through existing medical and scientific interventions,” she explained. “And I believe that hormone therapy is the key to a long and productive life.” Before it can be determined if hormone replacement therapy is right for you, Dr. Becker offers a free consultation to determine the best course of action. “Most patients come to me with complaints of night sweats, hot flashes and insomnia,” explained Dr. Becker. “I start out by asking ‘ What do you most want out of these visits with me? If I were magical, and could change something for you right now, what would it be?’ It may sound silly, but this question usually opens the door for the patient to tell me their most important concern. Only when I get a feeling for the patient, when I really see things through their eyes and can put myself in their place, will I proceed.” Dr. Becker oftentimes finds that her patients’ primary care doctor or OBGYN may have given them a prescription for an antidepressant, sleeping pills or birth control –oftentimes without blood work. This is not an efficient way to treat a patient. “What I try to mimic in a woman is her blood levels when she was a younger individual, perhaps in her 30s, the first 10 days after her period stops,” explained Dr. Becker. “She needs a steady state of hormones, a very
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precise level, to keep her system functioning normally. The dose is different for every patient.” At the Enhancement of Life Center, all treatment methods are guided by blood work. Patients are also given a typed sheet of instructions, including how and when to take their hormones, books to read, documentaries to watch, websites to study, etc. “In most people, I gradually adjust hormones to the ideal blood level over a period of several months,” Dr. Becker explained. “At each subsequent visit, I usually have limited blood work done on the prescribed hormones. I discuss the difference between last month’s blood work and the current labs. I discuss any side effects or untoward reactions from hormones or other medications I prescribed. I listen, verify and ask questions. I ask a lot of questions and welcome the patients questions to me.” Bio-identical hormones are hormones that are chemically identical to those the body naturally produces as a younger individual. They are not alternative, new or outside the realm of normal prescriptions. In comparison, Humulin is bioidentical insulin. The scientific and medical community has genetically engineered insulin to be an exact copy of the insulin the human body produces; no one takes beef or pork insulin. They take Humulin. Bioidentical hormones follow the same model. However, there is still a shroud of uncertainty over hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Becker is able to help patients understand what they truly need to feel better through continuous monitoring and bloodwork, education about proper diet and nutrition, natural supplements, and more. “I believe that the pharmaceutical industry has an agenda that is focused on profit and not wellness,” said Dr. Becker. “Expensive antidepressants, fake hormones, sleeping pills, and anti-anxiolytics are bandaids that do not solve the underlying problem of sudden cessation of hormones after the ovaries quit. By comparison, bioidentical generic prescription estradiol from a chain pharmacy is only $4 per month!” A recent study* looked at the differences in cognitive decline in women who had an average of eight years of hormone use. The two hormones studied included conjugated equine estrogen (horse-derived estrogen) and 17B-estradiol (bio-identical estrogen). The women were divided into two groups. One group continued their estrogen therapy and the other group stopped. The study lasted two years. The group who stopped all hormones and the group continuing the horse-derived estrogen showed a decline in mental functioning, while the group who continued the bio-identical estrogen showed no decline. “Commonly, women are told to take hormones for only a few years and then stop,” explained Dr. Becker.
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“According to this study, this advice for the health of our brain, is wrong, if the estradiol is a human copy. Progesterone can also benefit bone, brain and emotional health and the nervous system. It has also been found to decrease aggression and fatigue. “It may sound silly, but I have a very different approach to my patients than other doctors,” explained Dr. Becker. “They treat sickness while I treat suboptimal wellness. When a doctor is treating a sickness, the goal of treatment is to get the patient back to their previous state. When I treat people, I am trying to make them better than they were, or at least as well as their younger self. “Many times people bring me labs from their other doctors saying, ‘My doctor said I’m normal and nothing is wrong, but I feel terrible,’” continued Dr. Becker. “I have more time to ask questions, to probe, and contemplate what to do. Each visit with me is scheduled for an hour or more, and I have the luxury of looking at their diet, exercise, supplements, and medications. I obtain three pages of labs before the first visit, just so I can have more data.” If you’re struggling with menopausal symptoms, you owe it to yourself to get tested – men included! Male hormones tend to slowly decline, year after year, compared to an abrupt cessation as in women. However, many men can benefit from hormone replacement therapy when their blood levels indicate a deficiency. Just checking testosterone levels is not enough! “Not everyone needs hormones, but for those of us who do, herbs, drinking more water, exercising and other natural remedies will not provide the relief you seek,” explained Dr. Becker. “Don’t get suckered into taking an antidepressant – unless prescribed by your psychiatrist – or other cover-up type therapies. Don’t put it of! Get yourself tested. Don’t wait. Don’t suffer when you don’t need to.” Knowledge is power, and with a safe and effective treatment plan with all risks noted and observed, you can feel like your “old” self again – or in some cases, even better. You can feel like your “new” self, instead! “When my patients hug me, thank me with tears in their eyes, tell me I’ve changed their lives – I feel privileged to know them, to be a part of their life story and to help make things better.”
The Enhancement of Life Center 14603 Huebner Road, Suite 2601 210-545-5224 www.antiagingsa.com
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It’s Fiesta Time, San Antonio! dy for a A Day in Old Fiesta® Favorite.
Young riders get rea
,a
Mexico & Charreada
Miss Fiesta Madi-Mo ad Hageman signs “I Love You” to the atop a float during crowd the 125th Battle of Flowers Parade.
By Alissa Reinhard
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t’s the best time of the year here in San Antonio…Fiesta! If you’re new to the city, Fiesta is the biggest party you’ve never heard of! And if you were born and raised here, there’s more to enjoy each and every year. Delicious, local flavors; music – mariachis, jazz, blues, country, rock; cascarónes – colorful eggshells filled with confetti…the sights and sounds of Fiesta are all around us. One hundred and twenty-six years ago, Fiesta San Antonio began as a one-parade event with the Battle of Flowers, remembering and celebrating the heroes of The Alamo and Battle of San Jacinto. Today, Fiesta has evolved to include more than 100 events raising funds for great causes like scholarships, medical research, historical preservation, and special needs for children and family with all proceeds. Fiesta is commonly known as the “Party With A Purpose.” Alexa Borowski Westerman, Director of Communications for the Fiesta San Antonio Commission, explains how Fiesta got its nickname. “Many people are surprised to know that every single one of the more than 100 Fiesta events is produced by a local nonprofit or military organization,” she explained. “These organizations called Participating Member Organizations (PMOs) raise funds for great causes.” This year, there will be more to enjoy than ever before.
Fiesta Events: April 20: 5 pm – 9 pm Fiesta at Hemisfair, 434 S Alamo St The official opening of Fiesta 2017. Live entertainment, greet Official Fiesta Royalty and special guests. Buy, sell or trade Fiesta pins and medals at Pin Pandemonium. Kick off the Alamo City’s biggest, best festival. Admission is free. April 21 – 23: 5 pm – 12 am Taste of New Orleans, Sunken Garden Theatre Japanese Tea Gardens, 3875 N St Mary’s St Experience unique and exquisite New Orleans food in a festive atmosphere and sounds of ‘Nawlins. The Sunken Garden is ADA accessible. Blankets, strollers and folding chairs are welcome. Admission is $12 presale, $15 at the gate; free for children 10 and under. April 22: 10 am – 6 pm Fiesta De Los Ninos , Port San Antonio, 200 Goodrich Dr This is a party for the “pint-sized folks!” Children can enjoy games and rides in a safe, alcohol-free environment. Enjoy music and dance by some of San Antonio’s finest entertainers, plenty of food booths and the Sombrero Loco parade at Noon-a kids’ parade. Admission is free. April 23 RivALZ: Blondes vs. Brunettes Football Game Alamo Stadium, 110 Tuleta Dr This is a volunteer-driven event that engages young
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Two students crack cascarones over each other’s head at Fiesta® UTSA during the 125th Fiesta® San Antonio.
Fiesta is a citywide tradition that is only getting better with age. 2017 will feature several new events and special celebrations. “There’s some big things happening in 2017,” said Westerman. For the foodies, the San Antonio Food Bank, benefitting the Food Bank and Mission Heritage Partners, will host Fiesta at the Farm. A “farm table” dinner held under the evening sky at San Antonio’s historic Mission San Juan Capistrano featuring a multi-course dinner of locally grown and seasonal foods. For those interested in the emerging tech scene in San Antonio, the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce will produce Fiesta Tech Trek where over the course of an evening, “trekkers” will visit participating tech companies, enjoy food and beverages, and get an inside look into San Antonio’s downtown Tech District. professionals in friendly but fierce flag football game. Onehundred percent of the funds raised benefit the Alzheimer’s Association – San Antonio Chapter. Tickets are $10. After the game party at Burleson Beer Garden. April 24: 7 pm – 9 pm The Texas Cavaliers River Parade. River Walk, San Antonio This year’s parade, entitled “Kaleidoscope” promises an evening of family fun with live music, celebrities, lights and over 45 festive floats sponsored by community organizations and military installations. Admission $14 – $26. Tickets available for purchase at The Texas Cavaliers Office. April 25: 5 pm – 8 pm Fiesta Tech Trek, San Antonio Downtown Tech District Over the course of the evening, trekkers will visit participating tech companies, enjoy food, beverages, and get an inside look into San Antonio’s downtown Tech District and our emerging tech scene. A celebration of entrepreneurship, technology and Fiesta! Tickets are $10. April 26: 5 pm – 12 am Fiesta Gartenfest Beethoven Halle & Garden, 422 Pereida St Enjoy the Beethoven Maennerchor and the lively Biergarten as it fills with sounds of German entertainment, Gemuetlichkeit, German food and beverages, 50-piece concert band and other performers. Admission is $3 presale and $5 at the gate; children 12 and under are free. April 27: 5 pm – 9 pm Family Fiesta, Colonial Hills United Methodist Church
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And for an often overlooked group in our community, those living with or caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, the San Antonio Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will host RivALZ: Blondes v. Brunettes Football Game, a friendly (but fierce!) game of flag football. Planners describe it as a “dementia-friendly” event with plenty of volunteers to enable caregivers to enjoy Fiesta knowing that their loved one is in good hands. Finally, Valero Texas Open will host its Valero Texas Open 19th Hole Fiesta presented by Kickstart by Mountain Dew. After the last putt drops on the third round of the tournament, golf fans and non-golf fans alike will be treated to a fun-filled evening of Fiesta food, beverages, yard games and entertainment by the Spazmatics. “From music and art to fitness and food, there is an event (or several) for everyone!” said Westerman. “We encourage new residents and seasoned festival-goers to take a close look at our schedule and try something new this year. For those looking for a must-do event, Fiesta Fiesta is a great way to kick-off your Fiesta schedule with a taste of some of the best traditions of Fiesta in a single evening.” For a detailed schedule of events and helpful tips to enjoy your Fiesta outing, visit www.fiesta-sa.org. Check out a sampling of Fiesta events below and make the most of this very special, and very fun, time of year! 5247 Vance Jackson Rd The Family Fiesta is fun for kids of all ages and is alcohol and smoke-free. Features food, inflatables, train ride, petting zoo, pony ride, face painting, balloon clown, cascarónes and games. Admission, parking and entertainment are free. Some attractions and food cost $1 – $6. April 28: 12:20 pm – 4 pm Battle of Flowers Parade Parade Route, E. Grayson & Broadway The second largest day parade in the U.S., the Battle of Flowers® Parade supports the educational, artistic, social and philanthropic achievements of our community’s youth and holds the distinction of being the first celebration to be held in Alamo Plaza. Admission is $12 – $25. April 29: 9 am – 6 pm King William Fair Parade King William Historic District, 122 Madison St The 50th King William Fair is a family fair with art and craft vendors, live music and dance on five stages, food and beverage booths, a Kids Kingdom play area and a parade, all on the streets of the historic district. Admission is $10; children 12 and under are free. April 30: 1 pm – 8 pm Fiesta de Cascarónes, One University Way Celebrate the final day of Fiesta® with Texas A&M University – San Antonio’s FESTIVAL DE CASCARÓNES! Now in its sixth year, the culmination of the city’s most vibrant celebrations of culture will take place at one of the fastest growing universities in the state. This is a free event.
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Spring Has Sprung In San Antonio S By Alissa Reinhard
Easter Ideas For The Whole Family
pring in San Antonio is a special time of year. It’s time to enjoy the few remaining weeks of spring weather – not too cold, not too hot – the bluebonnets are in full bloom, and it’s Easter time! There are many Easter traditions that families across the world enjoy. Some attend Easter Sunday services to celebrate the end of Holy Week, the end of Lent, and Christ’s resurrection from the dead. Many spend hours hard-boiling, dying and decorating eggs for the Easter Bunny to hide. Then, parents (or the Easter Bunny himself) fills Easter baskets brimming with chocolate bunnies, candy eggs and other treats for the little ones. Others gather with friends and family around the dinner table for a delicious, sit-down meal. Here’s a few fun facts you may not have known about Easter. • Over 90 million chocolate bunnies are made each year. • Easter is really an entire season of the Christian church year, as opposed to a single-day observance. Lent, the 40-day period leading up to Easter Sunday, is a time of reflection and penance and represents the 40 days that Jesus spent alone in the wilderness before starting his ministry. • The Easter bunny reportedly was introduced to America by the German immigrants who brought over their stories of an egg-laying hare. • The decoration of eggs is believed to date back to at least the 13th century. • In the year 325CE, the Council of Nicea determined that Easter would be held on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox. No matter how you choose to celebrate, there are plenty of fun things to do around town for Easter, especially for children. Take a look below, we’ve compiled just a few. Visit each website for more information. Enjoy this wonderful time of year with the whole family and if you have little ones, cherish these days . . . they won’t last forever!
Mays Family YMCA Easter Egg Hunt Mays Family YMCA at Stone Oak, 21654 Blanco Rd April 14 • 6:15 pm – 8:15 p.m. www.facebook.com/MaysYMCA Bring your Easter baskets! Also, photos with Easter bunny.
Maggiano’s Breakfast with the Easter Bunny Maggiano’s Little Italy, 17603 Interstate Highway 10 April 9 • 10 am – Noon www.maggianos.com Reservations required.
J.W. Marriott Easter Sunday Buffet 23808 Resort Pkwy April 16 www.marriott.com Hotel reservation required.
Photos With The Easter Bunny at Northstar Mall North Star Mall – Macy’s Court March 21 – April 15 www.northstarmall.com/events Save 30% when you pre-order a photo package online.
Bass Pro Shop - Easter Photos & Event 17907 W Interstate 10 Photos April 8 – 16. Easter Egg Hunt April 15. www.basspro.com/SanAntonio Contact store for times. Free 4x6 Photos, free crafts and a free Egg Hunt!
Peeps® Egg Hunt at Six Flags April 15 www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas/special-events Valid park entry required. Early registration begins at 8 am
April 2017 • Welcome Home • 78255/56/57
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Join Us For Your Fridays During Lent & Enjoy . . .
From Our Yard To Yours,
Jeff’s Backyard!
Family Owned & Operated Since 1995
Rolled RolledSalmon Salmonwith with Spinach, Spinach,Mangos Mangos&&Feta Feta
Red RedSnapper SnapperIn Inaa Butter ButterCaper CaperSauce Sauce
Fresh FreshCeviche Ceviche &&Shrimp ShrimpTacos Tacos
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435 W Nakoma, #104 • (Near West Ave) www. JeffsBackyardStore .com
• Lunch Special 7 Days from 11:00am to 4:00pm. • Reverse Happy Hour Friday to Saturday from 9:00pm to 11:00pm Bar & Patio Only. • We Specialize in Private Dining, Events, Catering and Delivery. 4035 North Loop 1604 (210) 493-8884
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April 2017 • Welcome Home • 78255/56/57
K9 Corner By Catherine Laria K9 Country Club (830) 980-8476
Doggy Daycare & A New Dock Diving Pool!
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s the days get longer and the weather gets nicer, people love to spend time outdoors with their four-legged buddies. This spring is FULL of exciting new things for you and your furry best friend to try together. While you’re getting ready for warmer weather, remember these tips to help
transition your pet from winter to spring and soon, summer. 1) Watch their paw pads when walking on asphalt or concrete. It can get extremely hot even though it doesn’t feel that hot to you. 2) Condition your pet gradually. Be aware of any excess winter weight and don’t let them over do it. Pets can easily suffer from severe heat stroke. If you need help getting your pet back into bikini shape, give us a call and we can work with you on a program.
Mixology at Home Elements of a Great Bar
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By Mike & Molly Sowry Virtuoso Builders (210) 525-8750
eservations are not required when you have your very own bar at home. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or simply want to sit back with a nice cocktail at the end of a long day, it’s nice when you can enjoy a good drink in your own home. Having a bar in your home is also great for entertaining. With so many options for designing a bar, where do you start? Here’s a handy list to work from when turning your space into
a stylish pub. 1. Cabinetry – This should be customized according to the drinks you will stock. If you like a good glass of wine, be sure to include cabinets that include a way to stock your wine collection, such as open wine storage. Your cabinets should also provide easy access to your stemware. Glass front cabinets are a nice way to show off your glassware or collectibles. Another option is under cabinet stem glass holders which will
3) Watch for new blooming plants. Spring brings out beautiful foliage, unfortunately some can be dangerous, even deadly to your pet. You can find a complete list at www. aspca.org One of the best ways to stay cool and get in shape this year is by hanging out at K9 Country Club and enjoying the brand new Dock Diving Pool! That’s right K9CC has purchased a 40 foot, competition dock diving pool and will be hosting swim and diving lessons, events, open dock time, and so much more. Check out pictures at www.facebook. com/k9countryclubtexas. Another way to get your pet active during the day while you’re not home is daycare. Daycare alone is a great way to get your dog out of the house and tired before you pick them up. But do you ever wonder what they do all day? What if they could brush up on a
pesky behavior you don’t like, or learn a new trick, or shed that winter weight? Not every daycare is equipped to do all of that, but K9 Country Club is! K9CC’s Daycare University is an enhanced daycare set up to make the most of your pets time while you are at work. Professional handlers will work with your pet on one specific task or item each time they are here. Designed specifically for you and your pet this program can be modified to fit everyone’s needs and budget. Space is limited per day so call the kennel for reservations. Open enrollment begins in April. K9 Country Club is located at 31305 Oak View, Bulverde, TX 78163. For more information, call 830-980-8476 or visit www.k9countryclub.net.
free up space in the cabinets. 2. Plumbing – If your bar is located off of your kitchen or close to it, consider putting in a bar sink that corresponds well with the kitchen sink. Same with the faucet. Whatever your kitchen faucet style may be, find a bar faucet in the same product line or one that looks closely like it in the same finish. This offers continuity. 3. Appliances – Your home bar will likely include a refrigerator of some kind. Depending on how you like to entertain, it can house wine or other beverages. Choose one that fits your space and works with the rest of the room. If space allows, you may want to add in an icemaker for convenience. 4. Backsplash – If you want your bar to fit in with the rest of the room, use the same backsplash as you have if it’s off of your kitchen. If you want to make it stand out a
bit, go with a different texture or color. 5. Add some personality - If you like rustic, you might want to clad the front of your bar with reclaimed wood. If you like transitional, go with a mirrored backsplash and recessed paneled cabinets. If you are a minimalist, how about flat panel cabinets with quartz countertops? We have installed stained glass as a glass cabinet front for one of our clients because it was a family heirloom. This is the area where you can add in some fun. Virtuoso Builders is an award winning remodeling firm raising the professional standards in the San Antonio home remodeling industry. For more tips on home improvement, subscribe to the newsletter at www.virtuosobuilders.com.
An Oyster A Day Keeps The Doctor Away By Blake Groomer Groomer’s Seafood (210) 377-0951 n oyster a day keeps the doctor away? I don’t know about you guys, but this has been a rough cold and flu season for me. The other day while feeling a little under the weather I went to the good old google to look up what were the best foods to eat to help prevent cold and flu. Can you guess what was the first item that popped up? Seafood! Ironically enough the item that would help protect my immune system was with me every day at work! So, needless to say, I’ve been hitting the seafood hard and feeling much better! Seafood is excellent for when you have a cold or flu as it contains tons of beneficial nutrients. Shellfish such as crabs, lobsters and oysters are a good source of selenium which contributes to the production of white blood cells that fight off flu viruses. Oysters are also rich in zinc. Zinc is an important mineral for cell function and your immune system. Zinc prevents infections, acting against viruses and bacteria and stimulating immune system response. Shrimp is also a good source of zinc, iron, protein and vitamin B. All of which are all vital for immune system health. Fish such as salmon contains essential omega-3 fatty acids, which help to protect your respiratory system from common cold and flu. Now what’s my favorite recipe for getting
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all these healthy benefits? We don’t have to look any further than my great grandmother, Tencha and her Caldo recipe. Tencha (my grandfather Gilbert’s mother) would always make this to keep my grandfather healthy during the cold winters fishing the Laguna Madre. From our family to yours here is
Tencha’s Caldo
Ingredients for Stock: 3 Snapper bodies heads and bones 2 gallons water 4 tablespoons kosher salt 1 cup carrots rough chopped 1 Cup onions rough chopped 2 Bay Leaves ½ stalk of celery rough chopped 1 tablespoon peppercorn Directions: 1. Bring all items to a boil in a large stock pot and cook for 10 minutes. 2. Simmer for 20 Minutes 3. Strain. Ingredients for Caldo: 1 cup of Green Bell Peppers rough cut 1 cup of Red Bell Peppers rough cut 1½ stalks of celery rough cut 1½ cups of white onion rough cut 2 Ears of Corn Sliced 1 inch thick 1½ cups carrots rough chop ½ cup of red potatoes rough chop 1½ tomatoes rough chop 1½ cups Cabbage rough chop 1 ½ pounds Medium Large Shrimp Peeled and Deveined 1- 2-4 pounds whole red snapper cut in 1 inch steaks
April 2017 • Welcome Home • 78255/56/57
1 cup vegetable oil Directions: 1. Preheat stock pot to medium high with 1 cup of vegetable oil. 2. Add peppers, onions, and carrots and sauté until translucent. 3. Add remaining vegetables and sauté for 7 minutes. 4. Add stock and simmer for 15 minutes stirring occasionally.
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5. Add snapper and cook for 5 minutes, stir gently to keep fish steaks from falling apart. 6. Add Shrimp, season to taste, and cook for 5 more minutes. 7. Finish by adding cilantro, stir, serve and enjoy a beloved Groomer family tradition!! (serve with lime wedges and sliced jalapenos for an added kick)
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Belden’s Keeps You Rolling! 13811 San Pedro
San Antonio, TX 78232
(210) 494-0017
29137 IH 10 West Boerne, TX 78006
(830) 981-9700 2035 Lockhill-Selma San Antonio, TX 78213
(210) 366-1122
22000 Bulverde Rd. San Antonio, TX 78259
(210) 481-3330
8825 Fredericksburg San Antonio, TX 78240
(210) 69 0-1100 6519 Prue Rd
San Antonio, TX 78240
Belden’s Automotive & Tires • www.BeldensAutomotive.com
(210) 877-2929
By Alissa Reinhard
H
ow do you begin each day? Probably with a cup of coffee, a quick breakfast and you’re out the door. Sound about right? And what’s waiting for you, parked in your driveway, in the garage, on the street in front of your house? Your automobile. In this day and age, we can’t get far without one. And it has to be reliable! No one has the time for a breakdown, a flat tire, or for pondering the ominous “Check Engine” light! Ignoring the basic maintenance needs of your vehicle can lead to a headache – and even worse, can put you and your family in real danger. At Belden’s Automotive & Tires, ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified technicians are always on hand, committed to ensuring that your automobile is properly maintained, serviced and if needed, repaired so that a safe and optimally operating vehicle is one less thing that you need to worry about. Belden’s Automotive is family-owned and operated, a point of pride for Founder Ronnie Belden. Mr. Belden was born and raised in San Antonio. His passion for the automobile business, commitment to top customer service, and the highest standards when it comes to quality workmanship have built a foundation that has kept Belden’s thriving for the better part of four decades. Ronnie’s son, Rusty, joined the business in 2005 and upon his father’s retirement, took the reigns in 2014. “My father built this business on honesty integrity,” said Rusty. “Our entire family at Belden’s – understands the foundation that we have built our business on is centered around our customers and making sure they are 100% satisfied.” Rusty and the whole team at Belden’s believe in closing the gap between customer and technician. All technicians are ASE certified, experienced, highly trained, and many have been with Belden’s for years – a testament to the fact that Belden’s treats not only their customers with respect, honesty and fairness – but their employees too. Lead Shop Foreman, Bobby Sowards, has been with Belden’s for over 25 years and the majority of the staff has been a part of the team for five plus years
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– a testament to a great workplace. “We try and give our employees every opportunity to grow within the industry and work hard to educate them along the way,” explained Rusty. “Continuing education and training is huge and it must continue constantly to stay up with new technologies that are always emerging.” On all repairs, the technician responsible even leaves his personal business card in the vehicle so customers can see who worked on their vehicle. “If we are going to put our name on something, it is because we stand behind our repairs ,” explained Rusty. “We leave our business card to show pride in our work and show who is caring for their vehicle. “It’s our job to educate our customer on their vehicle’s specific needs based on the year, make and model,” explained Rusty. “Vehicles today are built better and to last longer…if you maintain them. By clearly explaining the vehicle’s needed maintenance on a schedule and explaining the benefits of these services, the customer can budget accordingly and even prevent a costly repair that could have been otherwise avoided.” All repairs at Belden’s are backed with a 24 month/24,000 Mile Nationwide Warranty. And if there’s a mistake – and of course, sometimes there will be – Belden’s will always make it right for the customer. “I like to think that we do things the right way here,” explained Rusty. “When my dad retired, he explained to me that our family business is more than just a business. It has evolved into something that the community can depend on, it has created jobs, it has helped our employees provide for their own families. It was in that moment that I was able to truly understand what he had created, Belden’s Automotive offers customers five San Antonio locations for the vehicle maintenance and repair needs – San Pedro, Medical Center, Bulverde, Lockhill Selma, Prue Road – and one repair shop in Boerne. Every Belden’s location specializes in both foreign and domestic automobiles including oil changes, brakes, engine diagnostics, drivability, electrical, 30/60/90k interval services, and more. Factory trained technicians
can also provide diesel services, tire services, exhaust repair, and more. Lifelong customers like Charlie Cantu and Tump Laird are thankful for the outstanding service they receive at Belden’s. “A big thank you is in order to everyone at Belden’s Automotive for keeping our family vehicles in top shape,” said Charlie. “It is great to depend upon your very own ‘top pit crew’ taking care of all the automotive needs for your family vehicles. Thank you again for protecting my family with your friendship and professional skills.” “Five years ago, I bought a 2001 Ford F350,” added Tump. “Everything but the engine was worn out. Since then, Belden’s has just about rebuilt my truck. Always best advice on what was needed and what could wait. Quick quality service. Never had any problems with workmanship. The warranty offered on all my repairs was outstanding, and the two times I needed to use the warranty (part failure) they bent over backwards to get my truck back to me at no charge. I recommend Belden’s to anyone and everyone. I would not take my vehicles anywhere else.” Such feedback from loyal customers reiterates the fact that the name Belden means something in this community. “We’re well known for honest car repair and I’m proud of that,” said Rusty. “I feel like our name stands for something – a quality automotive repair shop that’s going to treat you right.”
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April 2017 • Welcome Home • 78255/56/57
Not Your Average Birthday Party! By Alissa Reinhard hen Vaquero, a waste and recycling provider, found out about Luke Taylor’s garbage truck-themed party, they decided to make one little boy’s birthday dream come true! Vaquero sent one of their trucks to appear at Luke’s third birthday party. He couldn’t have been more surprised! This special birthday surprise was facilitated by Luke’s mom, Christine. This past Halloween, Christine made her son a garbage truck costume and afterwards, sent it to Vaquero. “They loved it and put it up in their break room and shared it among the company,” explained Christine. “So when we asked if they’d be available to do an appearance, they will all about it. Luke has always loved watching the garbage trucks go through our neighborhood.” Luke had no idea about this big birthday surprise. When it pulled up outside the house, he couldn’t wait to go outside and see it. “While we rounded the corner of the house, Luke saw the garbage truck right at the end of the driveway and he was so
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Three-year old Luke celebrated his birthday with a surprise visit from Vaquero Waste & Recycling.
Luke, who loves all trucks, but especially garbage trucks, enjoyed his birthday surprise.
excited!” described Christine. “He was shouting, ‘Garbage truck! Garbage truck!’ and squealing with delight. He was so happy and excited. It was such a touching moment for me as a mom to know that he truly
enjoyed the surprise and that the company went out of their way to do that just for him.” In addition to the special visit, Vaquero employees also came bearing presents and baseball caps for Luke’s birthday.
players and provide them a pathway to play professionally in Europe. GFCSA will start its inaugural season playing TPSL in the fall of 2017 and will feature only the top elite players from the San Antonio area. The club will also compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The U.S. Open Cup is sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation and consists of professional teams playing in MLS, NASL, USL, TPSL, and amateur clubs. GFCSA has scheduled two tryouts in San Antonio and two more will be announced at a later date. The first tryout is March 25 at La Cantera Soccer fields and the second tryout is March 26 at Soccer Zone Live Oak. Tryout
information is posted across GFCSA social media pages @GenovaFC_SA (Twitter) & genovafcsa (Facebook and Instagram). The club website is currently under construction and will be up and running by June 2017. Genova FC San Antonio is owned by two proprietors. First owner is ex-Serie A and MLS professional footballer Morris Pagniello. Pagniello is the owner and Director of Genova International School of Soccer (GISS) and Genova International Sports Management (GISM). He owns five GISS residential academies worldwide located in Spain, Italy, Australia, Canada, and China. Second owner of Genova FC San
Semi-Pro Soccer Team Launches In San Antonio
Submitted By John Rexroat enova International School of Soccer (GISS), and Genova International Sports Management, are proud to announce the launch of Genova FC San Antonio (GFCSA) and their acceptance into the Texas Premier Soccer League (TPSL). The TPSL season runs from September through March. GFCSA will play 12-14 games, with home games played in San Antonio and away games throughout the state of Texas. The main focus of GFCSA is to recruit the best of the best local talent and develop each player with only one goal in mind, the opportunity to develop home grown
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“It made our son’s day,” said Christine. We are so grateful and touched by Vaquero’s generosity and thoughtfulness. They were an amazing example of local businesses truly reaching out to be a part of the community and the neighborhoods they service.”
Antonio is John Rexroat. Rexroat is the former owner and Director of Coaching of Valley Boys Soccer Club in Los Angeles, California from 2000 to 2009. He currently owns and is Director of Samba FC in San Antonio, Texas. His career spans over 30 years coaching at the club, high school, college and semi pro levels. Rexroat is an ex-pro footballer. He was a goalkeeper and played seven years in second division for team Cruz Azul. Rexroat will serve as General Manager for Genova FC San Antonio.
Students Should Know: It’s Time To Finish Strong! By Steve Johnson, Owner of College Nannies + Sitters + Tutors s spring fever distracting your student from their studies? It’s that time of year; flowers bloom and spring sports are in full swing. Excitement is growing with the knowledge that summer is just around the corner. Yet, before we reach summer, we have to finish the school year and finish it strong. With only about eight weeks remaining and critical test season about to begin, it is important for students to stay focused on the end game. As parents, we need to ensure our students don’t fade during the final weeks of school. Now is the time to review the rules set at the beginning of the school year and make adjustments as necessary. With extra daylight and increased activities, it’s easy for homework to fall by the wayside. Sticking to a plan and schedule is now more critical than ever. At College Tutors, we know that goals differ at this time of year. Some students need to maintain a GPA for high school or college entrance. Other students need help finishing projects, studying for final exams, or preparing for standardized tests. High
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school juniors need to be reminded that college applications are on the horizon and every grade counts towards that cumulative GPA. High school students also face AP tests and juniors should be in the midst of preparing to take the SAT or ACT. Spring of junior year is the best time to take the test for the first time as a good score increases chances for early college admission. If standardized tests are on the horizon for your children, help them alleviate the anxiety they likely feel by utilizing free practice tests available at school or online. Careful preparation and practice help students feel more relaxed and confident on test day. Experts agree: confidence is the make or break factor for test performance. Our tip? Taking timed practice tests is especially effective preparation, as it is often the stress of being timed, not the content, that produces anxiety. Making sure your student is getting enough sleep and setting adequate time aside for study will help them stay on top of tests and projects. If your student is moving into the danger zone with grades, homework, or focus, consider one-on-one tutoring to ensure a strong finish to the school year. It’s not too late to turn a C into a B or a B into
April 2017 • Welcome Home • 78255/56/57
an A! Parents should focus on their student’s individual needs; create a specific statement of goals for each child and develop a plan to help them reach those goals. The end of the school year is a very popular time for additional tutoring and appointments fill up fast. Be sure to get your child the help they need to finish strong.
The staff at College Tutors can recommend strategies for homework help, study skills, essay writing and college test prep. Contact us at 210-202-0303 or email nwsanantonio@collegetutors.com. We will be happy to answer your questions and recommend a personalized approach for your child.
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LAWN & LANDSCAPING Commercial Commercial & & Residential Residential Services Services Tree Tree Trimming Trimming • • Flower Flower Beds Beds Lawn Lawn Maintenance Maintenance Fence Fence Staining Staining Concrete • Concrete • Hardscaping Hardscaping Power Power Washing Washing
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Molletes
El Gallito
5 OFF
$
When you spend $ 25 or more 1 coupon per visit per table. Exp. 4/30/17
Fish Tacos
HOURS: Sun – Thurs 7 am – 3 pm Fri – Sat 7 am – 9:30 pm
Beet Ceviche
• Vegan/Vegetarian Menu • Party Room Available • BYOB
22250 Bulverde Road, Ste 114
210.490.2013
www.VidaMiaCuisine.com There’s always room for improvement. (The hard part is figuring out how to get there.)
We all have individual style but let’s face it, change can be a good thing. At Virtuoso Builders, we recognize the importance of alluring living spaces and understand the complex process of remodeling. We have a sincere interest in enhancing our clients’ lifestyles by creating design-superior, functional spaces that reflect individual needs and personal style. We specialize in: Kitchens | Baths | Whole House Remodels | Home Additions
210.525.8750
www.VirtuosoBuilders.com Look for our “Home Improvement” article each month in Welcome Home.
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www.welcomehomesa.com
April 2017 • Welcome Home • 78255/56/57