January 2015 78260 61 for web by Russell Groomer

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January 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

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SPEED NETWORKING Speed Networking is one of SOBA & 10 West’s premier events. During this meeting, you will have the opportunity to introduce yourself to everyone in attendance. Because of the high turnout, make sure to RSVP early. Please bring a minimum of 150 business cards.

Date: Wednesday, January 28 Time: 5:30 to 8:30 pm Location: Canyon Springs Golf Club 24405 Wilderness Oak Cost: RSVP: $20 for Members | $30 for Non-Members Door: $25 for Members | $35 for Non-Members S

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January 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

To RSVP: 348-8233 E-mail: soba@satx.rr.com www.stoneoakbusiness.com www.welcomehomesa.com

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• Auto • Homeowners • Renters • Business • Health • Life

COMING SOON! The Guide With All Your North Side Information The Source is a Business & Medical Directory. It includes: Things To Do, Restaurants, Shopping, Medical, Maps, and more!—right at your fingertips. Pick up a FREE 2014 copy at any of these locations: • • • • • • • •

Falcon Bank – 19230 Stone Oak Pkwy. Frost Bank – Stone Oak at 18762 Stone Oak Pkwy. Frost Bank – Stone Ridge off Evans Rd. by HEB Plus Green Fields Market – 19239 Stone Oak Pkwy. Janie Christine's Gift Boutique – 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy., Ste. 109 Jefferson Bank – Stone Oak at 19002 Stone Oak Parkway Randolph Brooks FCU – 23737 Bulverde Road (Near Johnson HS) State Farm/Betsy Dippo – 19190 Stone Oak Pkwy., Ste. 112

For additional information call 210.348.8233 or visit

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January 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

Note From The Publisher

Helping Others Is A Great Way To Start The Year

s I write this letter, our 2014 Winter Celebration is now over and I can reflect on how blessed Welcome Home is to have been a part of this great tradition. This year’s event, held at North Central Baptist Hospital, was an incredible success. It was our biggest event to date and benefitted the non-profit organization Living Through Giving. Living Through Giving is my mission and a way for me to give back to a community that has supported me for 15 years. I would like to thank Winter Celebration’s presenting sponsors: Welcome Home, and North Central Baptist Hospital for their support in making this event grow every year. (For a list of all the sponsors, vendors and participants look on page 11). I am so happy to have Rita Verreos as our first Winter Celebration Queen. This coming year we will start our Winter Celebration Court. I can’t wait to be able to offer the opportunity to the children and young adults in our city to be able to bless other children in our city by giving them a gift and letting them know someone cares during the Christmas season. If you have been part of our event you should be proud of the tradition we have started. Our success and generosity to the children of our city with our Winter Celebration has inspired others to have Winter Festivals of their own. My desire is through this community involvement we will be able to truly say no child in San Antonio will be without a gift during the Christmas season. As always, I am thankful to the sponsors, performers, and volunteers for helping us in this endeavor.

This year was the ﬁrst year we partnered with organizations who help the children in San Antonio who are in the most need for kindness and compassion. We delivered the toys to DFPS, CASA, Roy Maas, and Summit Church. This was the 13th year of Winter Celebration and I never realized what a tremendous blessing we were missing by not taking our toys directly to the children. This was truly the most special Holiday Season I have ever experienced. I encourage every school organization, company and individual reading this to come join us next year. It will be an experience you will never forget. This year has also blessed the Stone Oak and 10 West Business Associations with plenty of news and events that we covered within Welcome Home. We look forward to getting a jump start on 2015 on January 28 where you can join us for our Speed Networking. With so many businesses growing and opening in the community, we invite the opportunity to get to know them and them to know you. We are looking forward to bringing you your community news in 2015 and thank you for another year of continued support. HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of you! As the communities that support us have helped make many of our hopes and dreams come true, we wish you and your family the same in the coming new year.

20770 Hwy. 281 N. Suite 108-149 San Antonio, Texas 78258

(210) 348-8233 • Fax: (210) 497-7342 Article Submissions: articles@welcomehomesa.com Ad Inquiries Email: ads@welcomehomesa.com www.welcomehomesa.com

Directly Mailed To Over 60,000 Households & Businesses in 78232, 78248, 78255, 78256, 78257, 78258, 78259, 78260, & 78261 Zip Codes. Plus, 20,000 in Rack Distribution.

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 Russell Groomer Director Of Production Kristin Oliver Writer/Copy Editors Stefanie Young Production/Graphic Design Marie Ferrante Distribution Israel Vazquez

Administrative Assistant Brittany Oliver Sierra Hernandez Staff Writers Debby Seguin Sales Representatives Patrice Long Katrina Cunningham

Contributing Writers Mindy Arndt Stephen Chavez Leigh Ellis Jason Gordon Velizar Iliev Cristina Popescu Vincent Quidachay Amy Rule Mary Ann Salinas Caroline Turney Adam Wosneski Marisa Wulfsberg

January 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

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On The Cover By Stefanie Young hen Welcome Home heard about all the Johnson Theater department and their upcoming production of High School Musical, we jumped at the chance to invite the community! Come see the Johnson High School Fine Arts Department in action as they are proud to present High School Musical in the Johnson Auditorium on February 5 – 7 at 7:00 p.m. and February 8 at 2:00 p.m. The star crossed lovers, Troy Bolton, captain of his school’s The Cast of High School Musical took the time to tell us about their basketball team, and Gabriella experiences in rehearsal and their characters. Montez, a brainy student from is over the two exchange numbers and go another world, meet for the first time at a New Year’s Eve party. Both find their separate ways. Join the cast, faculty, themselves at the same ski resort celebrating and production team as they unfold this with their families against their will. The story filled with competition, love, fighting two teens find themselves not wanting to the odds and dilemmas. Tickets are $10 for general admission participate in the festivities until Troy picks up a microphone and invites Gabriella to and $12 for reserved seats. If you need more join him on stage where they sing karaoke information on tickets, please call (210) together and fall in love. Before the night 356-0613.

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Family Life

Say What You Mean Guitar, Drum, Vocal, Keyboard, Bass Lessons, Band Rehearsals, Stage Presence

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ords just don’t mean the same thing anymore. It gets quite confusing. My students say “Hey, dog!” and “You’re bad!” and then assure me I have been complimented. “Cool” things are now “hot” and it’s hard to keep up with it all! I thought, this just happens in the teen world. Surely this phenomenon is not proliferated throughout society at large! However, recently, I found myself taking all things “yuck” and “ew-w-w on The After Christmas Great Return trek. While standing in a line (that could not have been longer had Elvis himself been found alive and well, and working behind the counter) I hear, “May I help the next GUEST please?” GUEST? I’m a GUEST? Hmmm…when you have a GUEST in your home, does the GUEST bathroom have a dirty diaper Agility

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clogging the toilet? Does it have toilet paper strewn about so that no matter what you do, like some magnetic science project gone awry, it will cling unbeknownst to your GUEST to be paraded around in public? Does it have a big sign on the back of the doors that says if your GUEST shoplifts, they will be hunted, tortured AND they will tell mom!? Do you get rid of the towels and hang a giant blow dryer on the wall? Do you have conversations like this with your GUESTS: “May I help you, ma’am?” “This vase is broken.” “How did it break, ma’am?” “I don’t know. I just took it out of the box and it was broken.” “Oh —You took it out of the box, ma’am?” “Well, yes. Yes I did” (feeling strangely guilty). “I’m sorry ma’am, but if you break the hermetically sealed box, that voids the warranty. Here is an 800 number if you have any more questions and, oh, thank you for shopping with us. Next GUEST please!” Why not just say, “May I help the next naïve person who is hoping I can solve their problem when I just want to take my break? Doesn’t sound as nice but at least this GUEST won’t be expecting tea and pastries served on the good china, right? Words have changed, folks. Better take your teen with you so you know if you are “down with that” or even know where to start when replying to a sincere, “Sup, Dawg?” Debby (who is taking New English classes) can be reached at writewell62@ yahoo.com.

January 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

Simple Ways To Make Resolutions Stick This Time Special To Welcome Home new year often begins with good intentions, as thousands resolve to make positive changes in their lives. Resolutions are easy to make when one is toasting at midnight and ready to take on the world. But resolutions can be harder to keep as the days turn into weeks and weeks become months. Researchers at the University of Minnesota found that 80 percent of resolution-makers have given up by Valentine’s Day. A January 2012 poll conducted in England found that, of the 3,000 respondents, roughly three-quarters of them admitted they were no longer conﬁdent they would stick to their resolutions for the rest of the month. There are several different reasons why resolutions fail, and recognizing potential pitfalls can help people stick with their positive changes throughout the new year. The following are a few ways to ensure your resolutions last the year. Don’t make an unrealistic resolution. Losing weight is a popular resolution. Some resolve to drop dozens of pounds in an effort to completely transform their bodies. However, when the weight doesn’t magically come off, it can be easy to grow discouraged. Weight loss is not instantaneous, and healthy weight-loss plans advocate gradual weight loss, such as 1 to 2 pounds per week. It can take several months to see a considerable difference if you’re aiming to lose 50 pounds. Instead of setting such a lofty weight-loss goal, establish

incremental milestones with tangible dates. For example, your resolution may be to lose 10 pounds by March 1st. That is an attainable goal. Don’t go it alone. You’re more likely to have success with keeping a resolution if you have outside support. Enlist a buddy to go to the gym with you or provide support as you attempt to quit smoking. Having a support system in place can motivate and inspire, knowing someone will be keeping tabs on you may instill enough anxiety to propel you through your resolutions. Make resolutions for the right reasons. Making resolutions for the wrong reasons can be counterproductive. If you want to lose weight for cosmetic reasons and not to improve your overall health, you may ﬁnd your motivation waning as the weeks turn into months. Making resolutions for the right reasons often provides ample motivation. Avoid boring resolutions. Many people make boring resolutions that often focus on the mundane instead of more positive things. Resolutions need not be changes that profoundly alter your mental or physical well-being. Making fun resolutions will probably help you stick to them. Perhaps you will resolve to spend more time with the kids or promise to try more adventurous activities. Maybe you decide it’s time pursue a hidden passion, such as music or art. Enjoyable resolutions are much easier to keep. Avoid expensive resolutions. Before making a resolution, research how much a resolution might cost. Gym memberships or

new hobbies may stretch your budget, and if you cannot afford a resolution, how can you keep it? If money is a concern, choose resolutions that are ﬁscally possible. Keep resolutions private if you so prefer. Many people are compelled to share their resolutions with friends and family. However, that can lead to feelings of competition or animosity if someone is realizing goals before you. Feel free to keep your resolution private as you go through the process. Once you have met your goal,

80 percent of resolution-makers will have given up by Valentine’s Day. We’d like to help you succeed with some helpful tips.

then you can share your success with others. Don’t give up too easily. Some people are up for a challenge and others are not. Resolutions typically require a little extra effort, especially in the early stages. Resolutions will not necessarily be easy to keep, but the longer you stick to a resolution the easier it becomes to make it a reality, so resist the temptation to throw in the towel too early.

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January 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

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Hormones And Quality Of Life

I explained, “Estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone are the same hormones found in a young woman in a cycling, waxing and waning, kind of balance. However, I will keep your hormones steady and balanced so that inside of yourself, you will feel as if you just completed a menstrual cycle. You will not have periods. Hormones don’t have to increase and decrease as they did when you were a younger woman, ovulating and menstruating monthly. You will feel sort of like you did the ﬁrst 10 days after your period stopped when you were younger. Estradiol and progesterone both are needed to stop the temperature dysregulation. Progesterone will help you to be calm and rested. Testosterone improves overall sense of well-being. I will precisely mimic hormone levels found in your younger self by measuring your blood levels. Labs guide therapy.”

“But what about the side effects? I don’t want to get cancer and all that!” Blood clots, breast cancer, cancer of the ovaries and uterus, other problems with liver, and gallbladder have been associated with hormone replacement therapy.More recent studies such as the ELITE and the KEEPS study have shown beneﬁts of estradiol therapy for prevention of heart disease, the number one killer of women. Quality of life: living each day with joy and thankfulness, giving wisdom and guidance to our loved ones, and loving ourselves and this life. 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.

Discoveries Thru Vision

during daytime hours. Many external ocular diseases can be helped with the use of contact lenses. In the past corneal transplants were the only cure for certain diseases. There are now specially designed contact lenses which can be used as the ﬁrst line of defense before any surgery is necessary. With the development of new materials and designs, many acute or even chronic problems can be helped. Not every eye care practitioner has the ability or desire to work with these special patients. Here at Nevelow Eye Associates Dr.’s John and Erin have many years of experience in helping patients who were told that they could not wear contact lenses or have an ocular problem that prevents contact lens wear. Eye surgeons and other optometrists

have referred these patients to us when everything else has failed. Not all patients who want contact lenses can be ﬁt or wear them but there are more options than ever now. So when you are told that you cannot be a candidate for contact lenses due to your particular vision problem or an eye health problem that may not be true. Should you want any further information about this topic or other eye health or vision problems call our ofﬁce! John M. Nevelow, O.D., is a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Nevelow Eye Associates is located at 19190 Stone Oak Pkwy., Suite 120. For more information, call (210) 349-2437, visit www.drsnevelow.com or find us on Facebook.

By Donna Becker, D.O. Enhancement of Life (210) 545-5224 55ish woman said, “I don’t know if you can help me”. So many women have said this to me, I think because they have been to other doctors who mistreated them, so they believe that their problems of memory loss, anxiety, temperature irregularity, and mood changes are signs of physical or mental weakness. This conversation occurred during the free 15min consultation I offer to all new patients. She described day and night hot ﬂashes that

were so debilitating she conﬁned herself to air conditioning during the summer and fall months, seldom venturing outside. Sweating constantly, she felt depressed and sad. Her family doctor unhelpfully gave her an antidepressant, and she self-medicated with alcohol beginning about noon of each day. Exhausted because she was not sleeping, sedatives did not help. “I don’t know what to do!” And then she began to cry, “There is something wrong with me, I have been to many doctors, hormones didn’t help!” She had been given the old horse derived pregnant mare’s urine synthetic estrogen and progestin.

By Dr. John Nevelow Nevelow Eye Associates (210) 349-2437 • www.drsnevelow.com contact lenses can help. Sometimes it Contact Lens Technology Today that or the past 50 years, contact lenses takes the use of a bandage contact lens worn were primarily for cosmetic purposes. for several weeks to months to help relieve That will not change in the future as an ocular problem. Other specially designed well. However, more and more ocular and lenses are worn for years to provide safe and visual problems can be corrected or even corrective help for chronic problems. For cured with the use of special designed individuals who want to correct their vision problems without the use of surgeries; there lenses. There is a large array of ocular problems are lenses you can sleep in and remove

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t Nevelow Eye Associates, we focus on the specific needs of each patient. Regular eye exams are key to healthy eyesight as well as early detection of certain diseases, including glaucoma, diabetic eye diseases and macular degeneration. We provide the l a t e s t fashions in glasses, all types of contact lenses as well as laser vision consultations for the entire family.

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January 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

High School Musical “

Submitted By Tori Tyler ne of the biggest pop-culture phenomena’s in recent memory is coming to the Johnson High School Stage and it will definitely be something that is fun for the whole family. High School Musical is a modern day re-telling of Romeo and Juliet with a Grease flair. The star crossed lovers, Troy Bolton, captain of his school’s basketball team, and Gabriella Montez, a brainy student from another world, meet for the first time at a New Year’s Eve party. Both find themselves at the same ski resort celebrating with their families against their will. The two teens find themselves not wanting to participate in the festivities until Troy picks up a microphone and invites Gabriella to join him on stage where they sing karaoke together and fall in love. Before the night is over the two exchange numbers and go their separate ways. Back at school, Troy has to act like a jock with his friends to reassure them that he is serious about the team winning the big game. To Troy’s surprise, he sees Gabriella being shown around his school by the principal with Gabriella’s mother. Moments later they are in the same homeroom and reunited, only to land themselves in detention together.

January 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

The musical that topped the music charts and broke records within weeks of its 2006 Disney Channels permiere has been the talk of Johnson High School student body since it was released that the theatre department would be bringing it to the stage.”

– Tori Tyler The two are brought back together when they both show an interest in auditioning for the school musical, much to the dismay of Sharpay and Ryan Evans, the brother and sister team who have been the leads in the school musicals since kindergarten. The twins start looking into Gabriella and her life at her previous school while Sharpay takes on flirting with Troy to put a stop to the possible competition for the lead roles. Troy and Gabriella start to take on their separate roles within the school, with Troy being the star basketball player and Gabriella being the new found intellectual, the two are asked to focus on events outside of the musical that they both audition for. With the captain of the basketball team auditioning and getting a call back for the school musical it throws the whole school into chaos. There is also a jock who becomes a chef, a brainy student who becomes a hip-hop dancer and a skater student who becomes a cello player. Everything comes to a head when the big basketball game, the Academic Decathlon and the callbacks for the musical all happen on the same day! Join the cast, faculty, and production team as they unfold this story filled with competition, love, fighting the odds and dilemmas. Jay Asterman, who opened Johnson High School seven years ago and helped start the Fine Arts department, will be directing a cast of 60 students plus another 30 students on the stage crew for this family –friendly show. Directing alongside him is Megan Thompson, who joined the Johnson

www.welcomehomesa.com

High School Theatre Production team this year. Both are eager to introduce Chris Jones as the character of Troy Bolton, Christina Packard as the character of Gabriella Montez, Seth Huggins as the character of Ryan Evans, and Thea Peterson as the character of Sharpay Evans. The musical that topped the music charts and broke records within weeks of its 2006 Disney Channels premiere has been the talk of Johnson High School student body since it was released that the theatre department would be bringing it to stage. Getcha head in the game and come see the Johnson High School Fine Arts Department in action as they are proud to present High School Musical in the Johnson Auditorium on February 5 – 7 at 7:00 p.m. and February 8 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $12 for reserved seats. If you need more information on tickets, please call (210) 356-0613.

Santa arrives via AirLife Helicopter

Winter Celebation’s First Queen, Rita Verreos Mergenthaler, waves during the parade.

2014 Winter Celebration Saturday, Dec 6, 2014

By Stefanie Young

n December 6th, generosity was brought to life along with the Holiday Spirit as Welcome Home Newspaper and North Central Baptist Hospital teamed up with the non-profit Living Through Giving for their annual Winter Celebration. The event kicked off at 10:00 a.m. with the Alamo City Community Marching Band and the Cowboy’s Alamo City Harley-Davidson crew leading the parade. The highlight of the event happened at 10:30 a.m. when Santa arrived via AirLIFE helicopter and took pictures with the kids in attendance. The liveliness of 60,000 lbs. of snow, vendors, and raffle prizes drew in the crowd to make one of the largest toy drives in San Antonio come to life. Over 10,000 people arrived, many with toys in hand, to enjoy the snowball fights, carnival rides and funnel cakes. Performances by local schools took place throughout the day. The goodness and hospitality of Winter Celebration’s guests, volunteers, and participating schools made Winter Celebration 2014 and successful event! Scavenger Hunt, which took place outside of the event this year, was played in order to earn a chance at the Grand Prize of $1000. Participants visited businesses, through November and the first week of December, to land stamps that added up to raffle tickets and a chance to win grand prizes. Grand Prizes included the $1000 shopping spree, hotel stays, a GoPro camera, and a tailored suit! General prizes included spa days, gift cards, and memberships to various businesses. This year, The Independence Hill Retirement Community, Coronado at Stone Oak, VIA, and The Haven and The Laurel all generously donated shuttles and buses for easy and convenient transportation to Winter Celebration. With so many people in attendance, Living Through Giving was thankful to have so many people volunteering at the event, with help from Out of the Box Productions to make the

celebration run as smoothly as possible. Ultimately, Living Through Giving’s Toy Drive brought in over 8,000 toys for children in need. Once the toys were collected in full, the Living Through Giving staff made stops throughout San Antonio where kids in need would be surprised to learn their community had not forgotten them on Christmas. Donations ranged from action figures and toy cars to dolls, stuffed animals and instruments. With such an array of trinkets, Living Through Giving was able to help light up the faces of so many children and restore some hope within their surroundings. Through the course of 2014, Living Through Giving has hosted a number of events. Sponsors and businesses have helped bring new light to the non-profit. Living Through Giving’s focus has remained true since the beginning: to focus on “children and youth who may have experienced abuse, neglect or some other type of family disruption.” Those working with the Living Through Giving organization said they strive to protect the hopes and dreams of children who may not have anywhere else to turn. Living Through Giving works to raise awareness for the youth of San Antonio who are in need. As the New Year begins, the non-profit is hoping to have even greater success in their mission. Winter Celebration 2015 will be here before we know it! Welcome Home Community Newspaper and Living Through Giving would like it to be bigger and better than ever! If you would like to participate or contribute to Living Through Giving or any of the upcoming events, call (210) 348-8233, or email at info@livingthroughgivingsa.org.

www.welcomehomesa.com

January 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

Thank You To Our Sponsers Hosts – Welcome Home Newspaper North Central Baptist Hospital

Diamond Level Sponsors – Community Bible Church GDC Marketing & Ideation Randolph Brooks FCU Smile Kings Dental & Orthodontics Vethan Law

Gold Level Sponsors – 3T San Antonio AAA-Texas Bahama Bucks Benson Honda Betsy Dippo, State Farm Bricks 4 Kidz Broadway Bank Chik-Fil-A Chocolateka College Nannies + Tutors Coronado at Stone Oak Elements Therapeutic Massage Emerald Homes Independence Hill JW Marriott San Antonio Jet’s Pizza Mays YMCA Park at West Avenue Ray CPA

River Valley Real Estate Rusty Whittemore, Farmers Insurance Sartorial Luxury LLC School of Rock Shearer Hills Baptist Church Silverleaf Resorts Smokey Mo’s BBQ Speech & Language Center Stone Oak Pediatric Dentistry Studio Martial Arts Tansations Boutique The Fish/KLSR The Egg & I The Laurels & The Havens Two Sisters Salon World Pediatric Dental

Silver Level Sponsors – A&E Air Conditioning & Heating Bilingual Child Academy Demo’s Greek Food Nothing Bundt Cakes San Antonio Self Storage Service King Collision Center

Bronze Level Sponsors – Bella Smiles Family Dentistry Jefferson Bank Lone Star National Bank Pure Posh Salon Staybridge Suites Stone Oak Stone Creek Jewelers

January 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

The UPS Store #5218

Participating Businesses Animal Care Services Arbonne International Big Guido’s Child Advocates of San Antonio Camp Bow Wow Cricket Wireless Dave & Buster’s San Antonio Drake’s Fun Foods Galaxy 2000 Girls Inc. of San Antonio Great Clips Green Energy of San Antonio I9 Sports It Works Joy Concessions Inc. Learning Foundations Learning RX Legend Physical Therapy Love-To-Swim and Tumble School Marie’s Jewelry & Accessories Mi Taquerias Jalisco Musical Arts Center of SA Nazneen’s Pursenality Night Light Pediatrics Nuskin Enterprises Orange Theory Fitness Premier Designs High Fashion Jewelry Primrose School at Cibilo

www.welcomehomesa.com

Canyons Pro Martial Arts Reel Photo Booth Rick’s Hunger Buster River Sub Ltg. SA Made By Hand Mercado San Antonio Eye Center San Martin Orthodontics Southern Journeys Super Funnel Cakes Swiftwater Car Wash The Juice Box The Vitamin Shoppe Timeless Sunsets Deck & Patio Toe Juice Trans4mations Gym Woodlawn Theatre

Special Thanks To – Alamo City Community Marching Band Cowboys Alamo City Harley Davidson EcoBox HEB Miss Latina San Antonio Miss Latina San Antonio Teen Outside The Box SA Moving Guys San Antonio Fire Department San Antonio Missions Baseball San Antonio Scorpions University of the Incarnate Word

Toy Drive Participating Schools – Bernal Middle School - NISD Brandeis High School - NISD Bush Middle School - NISD Churchill High School - NEISD Garcia Middle School - NISD Hardy Oak Elementary - NEISD Hobby Middle School - NISD Holmes High School - NISD Johnson High School - NEISD Las Lomas Elementary - NEISD Lopez Middle School - NISD Madison High School - NEISD Marshall High School - NISD Monroe May Elementary - NISD O’Connor High School - NISD Reagan High School - NEISD Stone Oak Elementary - NEISD Vineyard Ranch Elementary NEISD Wilderness Oak Elementary

Living Through Giving thanks all businesses, performance groups, volunteers, and community members that helped make this event a success. We couldn’t have done it without you. Happy Holidays!

You’ll Get A Charge From This

By Rusty Belden, President Belden’s Automotive & Tires (210) 494-0017

i, Rusty Belden from our family at Belden’s Automotive & Tires. I recently came across a great article from Intune Magazine by AC Delco and wanted to take the time to share it with you: We’ve all been there – usually on a cold, winter morning – when a twist of the ignition key produces only a clicking sound instead of the sound of the engine starting. You may even get a slow, labored “rrr-rrr” sound instead that suggests the engine is ohso-close to starting, but the battery doesn’t have enough power to start the engine.

Even if a jumpstart gets your vehicle running, you’ll want to make time to have the battery inspected and tested – especially if you’ve got a few more months of winter temperatures to content with each morning. If it is indeed time for a new battery, you’ll likely encounter two speciﬁcations: Reserve Capacity (RC) and Cold Cranking Amps (CCA). RC is the measure of how long the battery will last without the engine running, such as if the headlights are inadvertently left on, while CCA is the power that can be pulled from the battery at

Renters Insurance: Why You Need It

Betsy Dippo State Farm (210) 496-3276

here are two big myths about renters insurance. One is that it’s too expensive and the other is that it’s not needed. Not having renters insurance is a pretty big gamble, considering that without it you face the cost of replacing your personal belongings after an event such as ﬁre or theft. What’s more, you could face the prospect of defending yourself in a lawsuit because of some accident for which you might be held legally responsible, whether it happened where you live or elsewhere. In many cases, for less than a couple hundred dollars a year you can protect your valuables, like your furniture and clothes, from loss by ﬁre, theft, wind and water damage or other covered hazards.

But many renters still don’t believe they need such insurance. A survey conducted by Cambridge Reports, Inc. for the Insurance Information Institute found that fewer than three out of every 10 renters purchase renters insurance. Many renters mistakenly believe their landlord’s insurance will cover their own belongings. In fact, it would be extremely rare for a landlord’s policy to extend to tenants’ property. To determine how much insurance coverage you’ll need, take a complete inventory of your personal items. An insurance agent can help with this by estimating the total value of your property. You’ll also need to decide whether to opt for depreciated or limited replacement cost

Sandwich Generation: Caught in the Middle

By Michelle Houriet, Executive Director Independence Hill Retirement Resort Community (210) 209-8956 hanks to advances in life expectancy, parent to acknowledge when help is needed. more middle-age people have living It is not a sign of failure to ask for help. parents. Some still are caring for Many people have the misconception that dependent children and find themselves they will have to become the parents to their having to provide care to their parents as well. aging parents. Your parents are your parents This has created many challenges for what and they always will be. They deserve we call the “Sandwich Generation”. Three respect, and it is most important for you to basic challenges to deal with and to try to find help them maintain as much independence balance with are: 1) Raising their children and dignity as possible. As their child, you and being part of their lives, 2) Assisting might need to take charge of some things or their aging parents, and 3) Maintaining their help out more than before but you are not own identity; leading their own lives and becoming their parent. Resist the temptation careers. Far too often this balancing act has to over do for them. The more they can brought on stress and sometimes depression. continue to do for themselves the better; Being open and honest about how much physically and mentally, they will remain in responsibility you can handle can help you better health and more confident. It will truly navigate this stage of life. Many family benefit them to be active participants in their caregivers are reluctant to ask for help own decisions and care. because they are burdened by guilt and a While driving may no longer be possible sense of obligation. However, it’s in the best for your parents, it doesn’t mean they cannot interest of both the caregiver and the aging get out and go to the theater, do some

0 degrees F for 30 seconds. And while CCA seems like the specification to focus on, a battery with greater RC is more important for new vehicles loaded with electronic features. Belden’s Automotive & Tires offers a wide range of batteries for most cars, trucks, minivans and SUVs. The batteries come with a great limited warranty that includes free replacement* for 18 months, 30 months, or 42 months. On another note, did you know that Modern Cars don’t need a long warm up? Years back, motorists used to let their cars warm up in the driveway for a few minutes on a cold winter morning. There were good reasons for that, mostly because old cars used carburetors to mix air and fuel. Carburetors have long since been replaced with electronic fuel injection, which pretty much eliminated the need for wintertime warm-ups. A good rule of thumb is the freezing mark: If it’s above freezing, coverage. Depreciated coverage is the cost to repair or replace your belongings minus depreciation. Let’s say you bought a quality sofa with an expected useful life of 10 years. If it’s now five years old and would cost about 1,000 to replace, you could expect to receive about $500 (less deductible) if your sofa was destroyed by fire. You would pay slightly more for limited replacement cost coverage, but you could expect to receive $1,000 for your sofa minus your deductible. You should also keep in mind that insurance coverage for some types of personal property is limited in terms of dollars. Renters insurance also gives you personal legal liability coverage and medical payments to others who are accidentally injured while in your home, apartment or elsewhere if the injuries are caused by your actions. And, if you are forced to live elsewhere because of damage to your residence due to a covered loss, renters insurance covers additional living expenses. Remember, you may not own the building in which you live, but you still need to have insurance to protect your property in the case of fire, theft or other hazards. Talk with shopping, run errands or visit friends as long as an alternative means of transportation can be arranged. They don’t have to be a prisoner in their own home, waiting for you to take them places. An independent living retirement community like Independence Hill makes this, and much more, possible. Here, your parents can choose their “fun of choice.’ Not only will they make new friendships, rekindle old hobbies and start new ones, but all of their home needs are taken care of so they can focus on the things they want to do. Not having to worry about your parents can allow you to focus on your children, marriage and career. Your visits with them will be about spending quality time together building your relationship with them. We know life can be hard, busy and unpredictable… that won’t change. But helping to choose the right home for your parents where they are happy, feel safe and are enjoying life in an upbeat community can definitely reduce concerns for both. At Independence Hill Retirement Community, we encourage families to work together with our Lifestyle Specialists to determine the best plan for their parents’ changing needs. Come tour, have lunch or even stay for some of the fun events to

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no warm-up is needed. If it’s below freezing, a minute or two is all you need. Call Belden’s Automotive & Tires today to get your vehicle’s battery inspected and tested – especially since we still have a few more months of winter temperatures. Our family at Belden’s Automotive & Tires is here to help. Look us up online at beldensautomotive.com for money saving coupons. Buckle up, drive safe and Remember at Belden’s Automotive & Tires, “We Keep You Rolling!” --Rusty Belden, President of Belden’s Automotive & Tires Belden’s Automotive & Tires has Five Locations: San Pedro: 210-494-0017; Medical Center: 210-690-1100; Alamo Garage: 210-366-1122; Boerne: 830981-9700; Bulverde Rd.: 210-481-3330. For more information, call one of the locations or visit www.beldensautomotive. com.

Bicycles are one of the items that in the chance of an event such as a fire or theft, renters insurance can help you in replacing it.

your insurance agent for more information. Betsy Dippo, State Farm agent, Long Term Care Professional. Betsy’s office is located at 19190 Stone Oak Pkwy., Suite 112, San Antonio, TX 78258. For more information, call 210- 496-3276 or visit www.betsydippo.com.

experience the lifestyle yourself. Give Sherrill, Kathleen or Laura a call at (210) 209-8956 to discuss the independent lifestyle choices available. Independence Hill Retirement Resort Community is located at 20450 Huebner Rd., San Antonio, TX 78258. For more information, call (210) 209-8956 or visit www.independencehill.com.

January 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

5th Annual Run For The Heights Submitted By Jennifer Bissen re you looking to start of 2015 with some health, ﬁtness, wellness and FUN? We have it all and much more at the 5th Annual Run for the Heights, 5K Run/Walk, Kids’ Fun Run, & Health Fair, held at Tuscany Heights Elementary, on Saturday, February 28, 2015. Returning emcee, Vinnie Vinzetta, KENS 5 Sports Anchor, will kick off the event with the opening ceremony, followed by kids of all ages sprinting their way through the 3/4 mile Super Hero Fun Run. Come dressed to run as your favorite Super Hero!! All Fun Run participants will earn a prize with special awards for costumes. The chip-timed 5K is next with runners and walkers weaving their way through the challenging and hilly course. Using the latest timing technology, runners can view the race results on big screen monitors within minutes of crossing the

finish line. Top runners will receive medals and gift certificates from local supporting businesses. After the races, participants can refuel at our post-race food & drink tent. Next, everyone is welcome to visit over 30 local businesses at the free Sponsor Expo & Health Fair to receive wellness information, get health screenings, and sample nutritional products. Free health screenings offered include blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol and BMI. There will be plenty of kid friendly activities from our sponsors including brick building play tables and creative arts. You can also watch a variety of fitness demonstrations such as jump roping and martial arts. Run for the Heights raises funds for the Tuscany Heights Elementary PTA, a 501(c) 3 non-profit, while helping promote health and wellness in the community. Online registration is open now. Early bird

A New Year’s Focus On Your Family Submitted By Steve Johnson t is hard to believe that a new year is upon us. It is the season of resolutions, plans, and promises! As you commit to improving your health and living within your budgets, don’t forget to include key areas of your family life in those resolutions. College Nannies and Tutors suggest you ponder the following topics as you are planning out your new year. Academic Success: Did your children struggle last semester? Are they not quite

where they want to be? If they are struggling in a certain subject, the sooner action is taken, the greater the chance of success and grade achievement. Most subjects are cumulative. The longer a student is behind or underperforming, the harder it is to get back on track. Teachers are very receptive and appreciate parents and students addressing issues proactively. If help with a tutor is needed – don’t procrastinate! The longer there is a subject matter struggle, the harder it is and the longer it takes to solidify

Run for the Heights raises funds for the Tuscany Heights Elementary PTA, a 501(c) 3 non-profit, while helping promote health and wellness in the community.

registration ends February 1, 2015. See our website to register now, view event

highlights and our generous sponsors at runfortheheights.tuscanyheightspta.org.

the knowledge. Childcare Planning: It is a good idea to assess your child care solution annually. Are you happy with your current situation? Do you have an adequate backup solution or Plan B? Do you have a solution for the summer once school lets out? One of the biggest gaps in child care planning with most families is an adequate backup solution. For example, if a relative watches your children, there is a gap if they fall ill or need a day off once in a while. An on-call solution can

help with this. Also, you should have your summer childcare planning in place by spring break. Summer nanny demand ﬁlls up fast! Late January through March is the optimal time to arrange for a summer nanny! So, as you are making those New Year resolutions, be sure to add a resolution about your family! You can get help and guidance in these areas by speaking with the staff at College Nannies and Tutors. They can be reached at (210) 202-0303 or on the web at www.collegenannies.com.

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January 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

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Center Stage At Indian Springs Elementary Submitted By Salwa Lanford usic is said to be the universal language of mankind, and students at Indian Springs Elementary School in the Comal Independent School District (CISD) are learning the language through music class, grade-level performances, choir and after-school violin lessons. “It is important for all students to have the opportunity to learn music,” explains Venessa Sloan, the music teacher at Indian Springs ES, “because it makes all of us more human. Music affects our feelings and energy levels while it develops a different side of our brain. It is a proven fact students who learn music score higher in science and math, and music provides a positive sense of accomplishment.” Every student at Indian Springs ES learns the foundation of music through class time and has the opportunity to perform in front of parents and fellow classmates during grade-level performances. The second grade started off the year with a fallthemed musical performance as pumpkins, scarecrows and blackbirds in October; the third grade followed in November with a patriotic performance in honor of Veteran’s Day; kinder students wrapped up the year in December with the favorite Gingerbread Man play; the fourth grade is scheduled for a Texas history performance on Feb. 19; the first grade will perform on April 28; and the fifth grade performs May 19. “My favorite part of teaching music is introducing students to a foreign language of black notes on lines,” Sloan says. “It is about them getting excited when they

can decipher note names and rhythms and incorporate their newfound knowledge on a variety of instruments.” Students in upper grades, third through fifth, have additional opportunities outside of class to engage in music education. These opportunities include being a member of the Coyote Choir which performed at the San Antonio Rampage hockey game in October and during the Stone Oak Winter Festival in December. Choir members practiced before school once or twice a week from September through December. In addition, fourth and fifth grade students are given the opportunity to participate in an after school program called Strings offered by the CISD. In its second year at Indian Springs ES, the Strings program has 37 participants learning the intricacies of playing the violin. These students performed at the Stone Oak Winter Festival and a special concert at their school in December. Fourth and Fifth graders also had dressed in their best to attend the Mid-Texas Pictured are a few Coyote Choir members with Indian Springs Elementary School music teacher Venessa Sloan after their Symphony in New Braunfels performance at the San Antonio Rampage hockey game. for an unforgettable field trip in introduced,” says Sloan who has been arts well into their twilight years.” October. In her first year at Indian Springs, Sloan “I hope my students take away wonderful teaching music for 22 years, named Teacher memories of their musical performances of the Year in 2003-2004 and honored by has even more opportunities for the students with an appreciation of the variety of genres the PTA with a lifetime membership. “I to look forward to in 2015 including hope they will explore music on a variety of participation in a recorder club and a levels whether it’s joining the band, choir or percussion club where they will learn the orchestra as students or joining community xylophone and African drumming. musical groups as adults and supporting the

Calling All Girls Who Dance

THE’s Incredible Gift: Michelle Kaiman Submitted By Kimbree Camp uscany Heights Elementary has a volunteer parent, Michelle Kaiman, who was awarded the NEISD Outstanding Volunteer Award once again. This was a back to back award for her! She dedicates each day, often the entire 24 hours, to helping the teachers at Tuscany Heights be successful and happy at their workplace. Because of her, the teacher’s workroom (and her home away from home) has become her main depot for not only bonding paper and sticking together worksheets but it’s also become the place where she bonded together and made lasting friendships. This is the place her and the staff have stuck together through the good times, the bad times, the laminator breaking down, and running out of white paper. “Michelle not only benefits our staff by allowing them time to give back to their students and instructional planning but having her also benefits our students directly,” explained Principal Tara Bailey, “They benefit by having incredible resources: games, interactive work sheets and charts to build their skills in the classroom. For Michelle to continue her volunteering here at THE, when we are no longer her home school, shows she has an

The Jr. Silver Spurs Dance Team and participants from the 2014 Clinic.

Submitted By Rebecca Savage he Smithson Valley High School Silver Spurs Dance Teams hope you can join them for an evening of dancing and fun! They are hosting their annual Dance Clinic and Basketball Performance on Friday, January 23. Check in starts at 4:15 and the Clinic begins at 4:30 p.m. in the SVHS Cafeteria. The performance will be in the main gym. Anyone interested must complete a registration form and mail with $35 check made payable to Silver Spurs Booster Club to: SSBC, P. O. Box 198 Bulverde, TX

T 14

7816. Cost includes performance, T-shirt, pizza, drink and admission to Rangers Varsity basketball game. The game starts at 7 p.m. with performance at halftime (approximately 7:30-7:45). Participant pickup will be promptly after performance. Spectators will need to purchase a ticket at the door. The registration fee must be received by January 9th to guarantee a performance T-shirt. For more information, please email: m.chambers@comalisd.org.

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honorable heart and passion for children and educators.” Not only does the staff rely on her, so does the PTA. She is the hidden heart within the staff that keeps the school going. Tuscany Heights Elementary feels it is time for her to get recognition she has earned. Michelle has served Tuscany Heights since the beginning, even before the doors opened on the first day of school. She was a founding member of the THE PTA. Michelle has volunteered over 4,000 hours to the school. In the 2013-2014 school year, Michelle logged 1,219 volunteer hours and has 389 hours in the current school year. That is unbelievable! Her two girls, who attended Tuscany Heights, moved on to Bush Middle school this year, but she continues to be faithful to the teachers at Tuscany Heights. “She is like the energizer bunny for me. She keeps going and going and going by printing and printing and printing for the staff at Tuscany Heights,” Said Kimbree Camp, one of the staff members at Tuscany Heights Elementary, “If anyone deserves recognition, it is her. We are thankful for what we have, and at Tuscany Heights, we are beyond thankful for Michelle.”

January 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

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‘Fun, Funky & Functional’ Clothing & Accessories! Farrah Lee-Elabd, age 16, won the bronze medal at the Junior Women’s event and Robin Cheong, age 16, won 6th place finalist medal at the Cadet Men’s event.

Submitted By Velizar Iliev wo Cadets from the Olympian Fencing Club in San Antonio won bronze and 6th place ﬁnalist medals in the Cadets and Junior events at the 2014 North American Cup Fencing Competition. The event took place November 7-10, 2014 at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, KY. Farrah Lee-Elabd, age 16, won the bronze medal at the Junior Women’s event and she competed against 180 female athletes 19 years and under. Robin Cheong, age 16, won 6th place ﬁnalist medal at the

Cadet Men’s event and he competed against 171 male athletes 16 years and under. Both fencers competed against top US fencers as well as fencers from Canada, France, Lebanon and other countries. Farrah and Robin are both High School Juniors and straight A students at Saint Mary’s Hall. They both train at the Olympian Fencing Club (http://www. olympianfencingclub.com/) in San Antonio, Texas with some of the best fencers in the nation. They are coached by Velizar Iliev, a US Olympian and three-time World Champion.

Rock N Roll Marathon Special To Welcome Home ore than 24,000 runners, from professional athletes to casual joggers will rock the streets this weekend for the Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon & Half Marathon. Taking place in December for the first time in the event’s seven-year history, the 2014 event is introducing a new day of running with a 10k on Saturday. Additionally, America’s best distance runner Meb Keflezighi will headline race weekend by pacing the new Rock ‘n’ Roll 10k on Saturday and greeting participants at the marathon and half marathon start line as Sunday’s Grand Marshal. “From Boston to New York, 2014 has been a great year for me and I look forward to capping it off with thousands of my fellow runners in San Antonio,” said Meb, who recently finished 4th overall and was the first American at the 2014 New York City Marathon. “My motto, ‘Run To Win’ means to get the best out of yourself and I look forward to helping athletes of all abilities achieve their goals in San Antonio next month.” Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio’s Sunday races include a true festival of distances with a marathon, half-marathon, 2-person half-marathon relay, 5k and Bike Tour, which all start downtown at the intersection of Cherry Street and Commerce Street. In addition to Meb serving as the grand marshal, Sunday’s events will also include live bands and enthusiastic cheerleaders lining the race routes to create the ultimate fitness-centric, block party environment. Multi-platinum rock band Everclear will headline the finish line concert at the Alamodome. Meb will pace the Rock ‘n’ Roll 10k on Saturday, which will start at the Alamodome,

run through downtown and finish at Alamo Plaza. Both days of running will feature high-energy music on-course, post-race entertainment, quality finisher’s medals and more. Participants who complete the race on Saturday and any distance race on Sunday will also earn a special spinning “Remix Challenge” medal, offering the chance to get three medals over race weekend. In addition to pacing Saturday’s 10k, Meb will make several appearances throughout race weekend including hosting clinics at the Health & Fitness Expo, where all runners pick up their race packets. Humana, a leading health and well-being company, as title sponsor of the Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon & 1/2 Marathon. In addition to its focus on personal wellness for people at every age and stage, Humana also works to simplify healthcare and to make it easier for people to achieve their best health. “Humana has been part of the San Antonio community for almost four decades, and we are committed to helping San Antonians make wellness and health a way of life,” said Pattie Dale Tye, Humana Vice President and Project San Antonio Leader. “Our partnership with the race also helps support the work of Humana’s Project San Antonio, where we are working with partners throughout the community on a multi-year effort to improve health and wellness across San Antonio.” Race weekend begins with a two-day Health & Fitness Expo at the Alamodome, where all participants go to pick up their race number and explore more than 100 running and fitness retailers, exhibits and clinics. For more information or to register for the event, please visit runrocknroll.com or follow @RunRocknRoll on Twitter.

January 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

Thi h This holiday lid season, gift your parents with the care they need to stay where they want most: at home. We can be there when you can’t. • 24/7 Live-in and Hourly Care • Customized Care Plans • Respite Care • Geriatric Case Management Call today for a free, no obligation assessment.

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Each Primrose School is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools and The Leader in Educational Child Care are trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2014 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved. See primroseschools.com for ‘fact’ source and curriculum detail.

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Patriots Pen Winners At SVMS

Top row (l-r): Dennis O’Brien, Patricia Polly, Glenna Goulo, Frances McGovernor, Quincy Smith, Skyler Hoover, Kendal Peter, and Mike Keranen. Front row: Alissa Morris, Erin Smithson Valley Middle School student Maelani Brewer Tubbs, Andrew Childs, Norma Pomerleau, Maelani Brewer and Kimberley Morales are all smiles as certificates and prizes are handed out for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Patriots receives a certificate and check for $300 from VFW Post Pen Essay Writing Contest. 8800 representative Norma Pomerleau for winning the Veterans of Foreign Wars Patriots Pen Essay Writing tour of Afghanistan in 2002. SVMS students Quincy Smith, Kendal Peter, Contest. Submitted By Jason Gordon

mithson Valley Middle student Maelani Brewer didn’t have writer’s block when she learned the topic of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Patriots Pen Essay Writing Contest. “Why we appreciate America’s Veterans” was the topic for the 400-word essay, and Brewer only had to think about her dad. Michael Brewer is a U.S. Army Sergeant who has served for 17 years, including a

“In my essay I said that our veterans are the real heroes, not made up ones like Superman and Spiderman,” Maelani Brewer said. “My dad went to war when I was two years old and he’s still in the military. He’s my personal hero.” Brewer won first place and $300 for her essay. Fellow SVMS students Kimberly Morales won second place and $200 and Skyler Hoover won third place and $100.

Alissa Morris, Erin Tubbs, and Andrew Childs all earned participation certificates. “Veterans are so important in our nation’s history and its future,” said Norma Pomerleau, who represented VFW Post 8800 and handed the winners their certificates and checks. “We were very impressed with this year’s entries and the effort these students put into their essays.” Smithson Valley Middle Texas History

teacher Dennis O’Brien served 25 years in the U.S. Air Force and retired as a Commander Chief Master Sergeant. “The Patriots Pen Essay program is an excellent way for students to learn about veterans,” O’Brien said. “They get to learn about people who have not only fought but who have died for their freedoms and that is an invaluable lesson.”

6th Annual Fincke Cup Soccer Clinic

Save The Date: The 2015 Fincke Cup Soccer Clinic will be held Sunday, March 1st at the Mays YMCA.

Submitted By Stephanie Fincke he 6th annual Fincke Cup Soccer Clinic will be held on Sunday, March 1st from 2 – 4 p.m. at the Mays YMCA with registration beginning at 1:30 p.m. (a rain date is still TBD). You can pre-register or sign up to volunteer for the clinic at www. FinckeCup.com. Deadline to register for the clinic to ensure a 2015 Fincke Cup T-shirt is Sunday, February 15th. T-shirts can be pre-ordered on the website as well through February 15th with mailing options available for delivery. Preregistration will continue until Saturday, February 28th but will not guarantee a t-shirt if registering for the clinic after February 15th. The clinic will run from 2 – 4 p.m. The cost for pre-registration is $25 and $30 for walk-ins the day of the clinic. Each participant should bring cleats (or athletic shoes), an age appropriate ball, and a desire to learn and have fun! Ian’s Foundation was formed in memory of Ian Fincke who passed away tragically at the age of 16 as the result of a traumatic brain injury sustained during a skateboarding accident. The foundation was formed to advance the safety and welfare of San Antonio youth through education and scholarship awards. Ian’s love for the game of soccer inspired

the creation of the Fincke Cup, an annual soccer match played between Johnson High School and Reagan High School Varsity Boys and Girls Soccer Teams. The school with the highest aggregate score for the night receives the coveted Fincke Cup Trophy and bragging rights for the year. A scholarship is awarded to a boy and girl from each team for a total of four scholarships annually. To date over $24,000 in scholarships has been awarded to deserving San Antonio students. The soccer clinic for the youth of San Antonio is the main fundraiser that supports the scholarship awards and allows the local high school soccer players an opportunity to teach soccer skills to the youth of San Antonio. There will be local soccer club coaches in attendance as well as a presence from the SA Scorpions professional soccer team. The 6th annual Fincke Cup Soccer Match will be held on Tuesday, March 1st. The girl’s game will begin at 5PM followed by the boys game at 7 p.m. with the presentation of the Fincke Cup trophy at the conclusion of the boys game. Come out and support the RHS and JHS soccer teams at Blossom Athletic Center in this special memorial tribute to Ian. Ian’s foundation was the inspiration behind bringing wheelchair soccer to San Antonio and continues to support the

STRAPS (South Texas Regional Adaptive and Paralympic Sports) at Morgan’s Wonderland. Ian’s Foundation also supports the local YMCA by providing scholarships to allow San Antonio youth that could not afford to play soccer the opportunity to play the sport that Ian loved so much. We are

looking for donations of gently used soccer equipment to help with this cause. There will be a drop box at the soccer clinic as well as at locations throughout San Antonio. Please visit www.IansFoundation.org to see locations or if interested in making a donation or becoming a sponsor.

Jazz Fans And A Good Cause Submitted By Sandy Whitley n December 18, at the Lambermont House located at 950 East Grayson Street, the third Grayson Street Jazz evening was held. Proceeds benefited the St. Paul Episcopal Montessori School. The website explaining what Grayson Street Jazz is all about can be found at www. graysonstreetjazz.com and the website about the Lambermont House is www. lambermontevents.com. This beautiful property has been completely restored in recent years, and for those who appreciate the art of restoration, it is lovely to behold. The school and Lambermont House are considering continuing this type of fund raiser into 2015 once every quarter. The modest entry fee for general admission included 2 drink tickets. Guest vendors

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offered some food items while participants enjoyed the venue. VIP ticket tables for 4 were also offered which included both drinks and light hordeurves. The beautiful spaces of the Lambertmont House with 3 cozy burning fireplaces, and the elegant building dressed to impress in its holiday splendor, was an exceptional setting for live jazz music, joyful decorations, food and drink. Such a fundraiser as this provides a lovely evening, as the Lambermont House and grounds are impressive and inviting. Many volunteered their time and resources; from the musicians, to the Lambermont House, church and school. Please check out the websites/KRTUand be alert for future jazz evenings which support a good cause. Let’s all hope they continue!

January 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

Marching Together From Past To Present For Our Future By City of San Antonio MLK, Jr. Commission staff ach year, a variety of educational, inspirational and celebratory events honor one of the nation’s most revered civil rights leaders. The signature event, the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. March, is scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2015. The march will begin at 10 a.m. at the MLK Academy located in the 3500 block of MLK Drive and end at PittmanSullivan Park, 1101 Iowa. The MLK, Jr. Commission organizes the march and leads the community effort of various events paying tribute to Dr. King. The wide variety of educational, inspirational and celebratory events, take place at locations across the city. The “Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial City-County Commission,” now referred to as the “San Antonio Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission” or “MLK, Jr. Commission,” was established on April 3, 1986, by official act of the San Antonio City Council through City Resolution No. 86-15-19 under the leadership of then-Mayor Henry Cisneros. The MLK, Jr. Commission is a volunteer organization. On January 19, 1987, the Commission and the City of San Antonio held its first official Martin Luther King, Jr. March. Although in 2015 the City of San Antonio celebrates the 28th anniversary of this City-sponsored event, the history of the local MLK, Jr. March goes back even

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The annual Martin Luther King, Jr. March, is scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2015. The march will begin at 10 a.m. at the MLK Academy.

further. The late Rev. Dr. Raymond “R.A.” Callies, Sr., a San Antonio teacher, pastor and one of the founders of the San Antonio MLK, Jr. March began leading processions in San Antonio honoring Dr. King’s legacy soon after Dr. King’s death on April 4, 1968 and worked tirelessly to have a statue of Dr. King erected. If you would like to support the MLK, Jr. March, annual MLK, Jr. scholarships, or any of events that will take place, the MLK, Jr. Commission welcomes the partnership of local and national businesses. Please contact the City of San Antonio MLK, Jr. Commission staff by email.

Alice In Wonderland Enchants Spring Branch Submitted By Belinda Maddox ehearsals have begun at Spring Branch Middle School for the musical, Disney’s Alice in Wonderland. It is the second musical produced at Spring Branch, preceded by the very successful Seussical, Jr. in 2013. The show, which follows the beloved, animated Disney version of Lewis Carroll’s story is directed and choreographed by Belinda Maddox, with music directed by Jennifer West. The musical tells the tale of a young girl named Alice who is looking for

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adventure. To her surprise, she ﬁnds it while daydreaming and gives chase to a White Rabbit passing by. Before she knows it, she has fallen down a rabbit hole and meets all the familiar faces from the ﬁlm. Join the Spring Branch Middle School students for tea with the Mad Hatter and for a croquet match with the Queen of Hearts! Performances will be Monday, February 2nd and Tuesday February 3rd at 7:00 p.m., and Thursday, February 5th at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for students.

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Retired Teachers Association Ready For 2015 Submitted By Barry and Michele Bibb he North San Antonio Retired Teachers Association is ready for 2015. We have an exciting meeting planned at our ﬁrst meeting of the new year. We always meet the 3rd Wednesday of each month at San Pedro Presbyterian Church. Please join us on Wednesday, January 21 at 14900 San Pedro. Our “meet and greet” begins at 9:45 a.m. with the meeting called to order at l0:15 a.m. Our guest speaker for this month is Maricella Borroel from KLRN. KLRN

is the public TV channel for south central Texas providing educational and informative programming to viewers in 30 counties. It depends on public support from all citizens in this area to continue to air many wonderful series and various concerts that we have come to love. Plan on joining us on Wednesday, January 21 for our ﬁrst meeting of the new year. Bring a friend and plan to make new friends at all our meetings. For more information, please call Michele Bibb, 4948197.

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January Calendar of Events SOBA & 10 WEST SPEED NETWORKING Wed, January 28. (Canyon Springs Golf Club, 24405 Wilderness Oak) 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Join the Stone Oak Business Association and the 10 West Business Association for a night of speed networking. At this event you have the opportunity to introduce yourself and your company everyone in attendance. Make sure to RSVP early. The cost is $20 for members and $30 for non-members. To RSVP call 210-3488233, go online to www.welcomehomesa.com, or email soba@satx.rr.com. CHRISTMAS LIGHT FEST Thurs, January 1. (Don Strange Ranch, 103 Waring Welfare Road) 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Enjoy family fun and start a new holiday tradition with two million lights sparkling across two miles of scenic ranchland at Don Strange Ranch during Christmas LightFest. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased in advance online at www. sanantoniochristmaslightsfest.com. RESIDENT ART SHOW Thurs, January 1. (Artpace, 445 N. Main Ave.) This FREE event features something for everyone. Artpace opens its fall 2014 Artist in Residence Program Exhibition on Thursday. The show features work conceived and completed during a two-month residency at the downtown “art laboratory” by Austin artist Anna Krachey, who often draws from domestic life in her elaborate photographic still-lifes; New York-based Adam Helms, who explores the psychology and iconography of radical politics and subcultures in his photography, drawing and sculpture; and Japanese artist Takashi Arai, who is well known in his country as a unique contemporary daguerreotypist. DISNEY’S THE LION KING Fri, January 2 – Sun, January 4. (Majestic Theatre, 226 East Houston Street) Times range. Disney’s “The Lion King” returns to the Majestic Theatre next week for a long run. Those with a tendency toward tardiness, take note: You must be in your seat when the show starts. If you’re not, you may be stranded in the lobby, unable to enter until well after the opening procession of the animals, a deeply moving scene in which the creatures move through the theater. It whets the appetite for the visual grandeur and emotionally rich storytelling to follow. Ticket prices range from $35 - $171 and can be purchased at www. ticketmaster.com. THE GREAT TAILGATE OF SAN ANTONIO Fri, January 2. (Alamo Dome, 310 Montana Street) 3:00 p.m. This wristband gives you access to the best party kicking off the 2015 Alamo Bowl! It includes, open bar(beer, wine, margaritas), catered food by Heavenly Gourmet, Live bands and entertainment, including Mysterious Ways U2 tribute band, HD televisions streaming the program, VIP Lounge seating with heat lamps. Wristband holders have the option to go in and out of the party as well as access to onsite restrooms. UTSA VS RICE - WOMENS BASKETBALL Fri, January 2. (UTSA Convocation Center, One UTSA Circle) 7:00 p.m. The 2013–14 UTSA Roadrunners women’s basketball team represents the University of Texas at San Antonio during the 2013–14 NCAA Division I women’s basketball season. The Roadrunners, led by ﬁrst year head coach Lubomyr Lichonczak, play their home games at the Convocation Center and are ﬁrst year members of Conference USA. Come on down to the Convocation Center for a great basketball game from your local Womens College Basketball Team! MANET TO GAUGUIN Fri, January 2. (McNay Art Museum, 6000 North New Braunfels) Organized to coincide with intimate impressionism from the national gallery of Art, this exhibition, featuring approximately 30 works, focuses on one of the great strengths of the McNay’s graphics collection, 19th century

prints. Admission ranges from Free to $15. NATURE CONNECTS – ART WITH LEGO BRICKS Fri, January 2 – Sun, January 4. (San Antonio Botanical Garden) 5 p.m. Join us as the Garden presents 27 sculptures that make up 14 displays created from nearly 500,000 LEGO® bricks! Placed throughout the Garden, the displays range in size from 6 inches to nearly 8 feet. The largest sculpture is a mother bison, made from 45,143 bricks! Each sculpture has an internal structure built with steel rods and plates, which provide support and balance for the large works. Surrounding the support structure, each sculpture is constructed entirely from LEGO® bricks, glued together using only the connections of the bricks, one at a time placed by artist Sean Kenney – www.seankenney.com. Nature Connects is open during regular Garden operating hours, through January 4, 2015. Regular admission rates apply. CHUCHO REYES, THE SHOW WILL START Sat, January 3 – Sat, January 17. (Inverarte Art Gallery, 923 N Loop 1604) This showing is free! This exhibition presents a selection of 17 masterpieces by Chucho Reyes that were part of the Guy Moore Collection, a renowned Beverly Hills architect and designer, who established a friendship with Chucho Reyes in the 1940’s. His aesthetic point of view is an example of Mexican Modernism, which was expressed not only pictorially, but also in his conception of architecture. His inﬂuence was decisive in renowned architects, such as Luis Barragan, Mathias Goeritz, Max Cetto, Juan Sordo Madaleno and Ricardo Legorreta. VIOLENCE FUELS BLUE STAR EXHIBIT Sun, January 4. (Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum, 116 Blue Star) “I was moved to create this series of drawings, “Tierra y Libertad (Land and Liberty),” after the disappearance of a close friend due to drug cartel violence,” says Fernando Andrade, one of the city’s top young artists. Andrade’s show shares Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum with a group installation called “Spatial Planes,” an exhibition of paintings by Joe Lopez, and an installation titled “Northern Triangle” dealing with border issues: Steve Bennett. This event continues throughout the month every Friday –Sunday. Admission ranges from $3 - $5. MONSTER TRUCK JAM KICK OFF Thurs, January 8. (Kent Powersports, 15664 IH-35 North) 2 – 5 p.m. Check out the Captain’s Curse Monster Jam truck and meet the driver, Alex Blackwell. Food from 2pm - 5pm, and enter for a chacne to win 2 tickets to Monster Jam! Admission for this event is free. UTSA VS SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI – MENS BASKETBALL Thurs, January 8. (UTSA Convocation Center, One UTSA Circle) The UTSA Roadrunner’s Men’s Basketball Team represents the University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas. Originally competing as an NCAA independent in 1981-1982, the Roadrunners joined the Atlantic Sun Conference in 1986-1987, and eventually joined the Southland Conference in 1991-1992. The team is currently a member of Conference USA, and plays its game at the oncampus Convocation Center, and is coached by former NBA player Brooks Thompson. UTSA has won four conference tournaments and three conference regular season championships. Bring the family and come support your local UTSA Men’s Basketball team! Admission ranges from $7 - $20. SALOME Thurs, January 8. (Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle) An opera in one act Based on the play by Oscar Wilde Music and Libretto by Richard Strauss Sung in German with projected English translations The nubile princess Salome lusts for the imprisoned John the Baptist. Her stepfather, King Herod,

lusts for her. He asks her to dance in exchange for anything she wants. Her price: the prophet’s head! Powerful, intense, salacious — since its 1905 world premiere, Strauss’ hair-raising retelling of this biblical tale continues to shock and thrill audiences. Tickets range from $29 $145 and can be purchased at tobi.tobincenter. org. G.R.E.G 2ND ANNUAL 5K RUN/WALK Sat, January 10. (McAllister Park Pavilion #2, 13102 Jones Maltsberger Road) 8 a.m. It’s that time again to participate, in the 2nd annual Baby Greg III Kids and SIDS 5K walk/run. Your commitment makes a huge impact on those who have suffered the loss of a child to SIDS. Registration is officially open for Baby Greg’s 2nd Annual 5k walk/run. Click on the link to register: www.kidsandsids.org. Thank you for your support and always remember G.R.E.G: God Relieves Emotional Grief. Price to participate ranges from $7 - $20. $7.00 Registration with shirt $15.00 Virtural Walkers $7.00. TEAM IN TRAINING RESOLUTION RUN Sat, January 10. (Brackenridge Park, 3700 North St. Mary’s Street) 8 a.m. Is a Marathon or Half Marathon on your Bucket List? Take the First Step and Try Team In Training for FREE! Team In Training will change your life with best in class endurance sports coaching, daily work-outs, clinics & 1x1 support. You’ll change the lives of cancer patients by raising funds for critical research & patient services. To join is free so get out of the house and start meeting your goals! THE SPIRIT OF MICHAEL JACKSON Sun, January 11. (Aztec Theatre, 201 E. Commerce Street, Suite 200) Paramount pays tribute to the pop legends’ life and legacy with a stunning stage presentation. The show features one of the top Michael Jackson impersonators straight from the Vegas stage! The show’s dance troupe performs all of Michael Jackson’s choreography to perfection! The production includes lasers, large screen video projection, concert lighting and 50,000 watts of awesome sound. Spanning his forty year career, the show will take the audience on a visual journey that captures the essence of Michael Jacksons’ worldwide concert appearances. It’s a show for the ages, and for all ages! Tickets range from $17 to $52 and can be purchased at http:// theaztectheatre.frontgatetickets.com. NORTHWEST TOASTMASTERS CLUB Mon, January 12. (Patriot Heights, 5000 Fawn Meadow) 6:45 p.m. Meetings are held in the Chapel of Patriot Heights main building Monday evenings 6:45 pm to 8:15 pm, unless it is a holiday. Come join us for fun while we work on our speaking and leadership skills. Visitors are welcome. Please come see a meeting in action. Prices to attend range from $48 to $68. SAN ANTONIO BOOK FESTIVAL – FICTION CONTEST Mon, January 12. (Central Library, 600 Soledad) 11:30 a.m. The San Antonio Book Festival is launching its 2nd annual Fiction Contest for students in grades 7 to 12, giving young writers the opportunity to showcase their creativity and narrative skills. Winners from three divisions, 7th/8th grades, 9th/10th grades and 11th/12th grades, will be awarded cash prizes, get their stories published on the San Antonio Book Festival website and be recognized at the Festival on April 11, 2015. First place winners will receive $250, second place will receive $150, and third place $100. First place winners also receive $500 for their schools. Entries are being accepted now through Jan. 12, 2015. Thirty finalists will be announced on Monday, February 2, 2015. The winners will be revealed the week of Feb. 16, 2015 with surprise visits to the recipients’ classrooms. For official rules and guidelines visit http://www.saplf.org/festival/ fiction-contest/.

7th Floor of Alkek Library at Texas State University) The Wittliff Collections are proud to present their first solo exhibition of images by one of America’s premier portrait photographers. In this series, based on his latest book from the University of Texas Press, Michael O’Brien celebrates the individuality and independent spirit of Texans—from ordinary folk to the rich and famous, including those born here and those who eventually made Texas home. For his new edition of The Face of Texas, O’Brien has added portraits and updated photographs of people from the first edition. This winning combination of images and stories about a fascinating, eclectic mix of Texans is a fitting homage to our unique state. 2ND ANNUAL RED BOWL RUN Sat, January 17. (Eilan San Antonio, La Cantera Pkwy) 8 a.m. The Red Bowl Fund supports mission partners across the globe as they carry out orphan care, prison ministry, and poverty/hunger alleviation efforts. These mission partners are grounded in the local church of these communities year-round and they rely largely on Red Bowl funding to support their life-saving and life-giving ministries. The Red Bowl fund is managed and distributed to these partners monthly by Grace Point Church in San Antonio, Texas. The cost to participate ranges from $25 $40 and can be purchased at www.carreraraces. com. STRAUSS: REQUIEM Fri, January 16 – Sat, January 17. (Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle) 8 p.m. Valero Classics Series presents Strauss Festival January 16 & 17, 2015, 8:00 p.m. H-E-B Performance Hall at The Tobin Center Sebastian Lang-Lessing, conductor San Antonio Symphony Mastersingers, John Silantien, director Aaron Jay Kernis, Whisper, Echo, and a Cry, Mozart Overture to Don Giovanni, Tod und Verklärung MOZART Requiem in D minor. The Strauss Festival opens with the music of Richard Strauss and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in works portraying the struggles and redemption of mankind, and the terror of unrepentance. Tickets range from $25 - $81 and can be purchased at tobi.tobincenter.org. MAYA BEISER FEATURING GLENN KOTCHE Thurs, January 22. (Aztec Theatre, 201 E. Commerce Street, Suite 200) 7:30 p.m. Beiser has captivated audiences worldwide with her virtuosity, eclectic repertoire and relentless quest to redefine her instrument’s boundaries. A featured performer on the world’s most prestigious stages, Beiser appeared as soloist at the Sydney Opera House and New York’s Lincoln Center. She was also a featured speaker and performer at the 2011 TED conference; her TEDTalk has since garnered over half a million views online. Beiser has conceived, performed and produced her critically acclaimed multimedia concerts. Tickets range from $29 to $110 and can be purchased at theaztectheatre.frontgatetickets. com. MARVEL UNIVERSE LIVE Fri, January 23. (Alamodome, 100 Montana Street) 7:30 p.m. Marvel Universe LIVE! will captivate audiences with an authentic and original story that brings more than 25 Marvel characters together on one epic quest. The story is framed around the battle over the Cosmic Cube, the source of ultimate power and one of the most feared and coveted treasures in the Marvel Universe, that has been shattered into pieces by the Mighty Thor in order to prevent from falling into the wrong hands. With the pieces scattered across the flobe, Thor’s villainous brother Loki devises a scheme to clone its powers, inciting a threat that could not only decimate Earth but also obliterate the Universe. Tickets range from $20 to $75 and can be purchased at www. ticketmaster.com.

THE FACE OF TEXAS Mon, January 12. (The Wittliff Collections,

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January 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

Spreading The Family And Traditions

SVHS Qualifies For State Championships

The Smithson Valley Navy JROTC Cadets will compete in the Navy Area 10 State Championship at Texas A&M in March 2015.

Submitted By Vincent Quidachay s a result of placing in the Seguin Drill Meet, the Smithson Valley Navy JROTC Cadets will now compete in the Navy Area 10 State Championships at Texas A&M in College Station on 27 and 28 March 2015. The cadets competed in several areas including Armed Drill, Unarmed Drill, Color Guard, Physical Fitness, Obstacle

Course, Academics and Marksmanship. They took second place in Physical Fitness and ﬁrst place in Academics. The NJROTC cadets will compete in two more drill meets to prepare them for state - Saturday, 6 December at Southwest High School and Saturday, 7 February in Corpus Christi. Last year the cadets placed at State propelling them into the Navy Nationals competition.

The Smithson Valley NJROTC family is always growing and connecting students of every unit and of every club.

Submitted By Angel Curran eniors, guiding the new cadets and showing them the right path, to help in the time of need, always jumping in without being asked, helping them learn the lessons they will need throughout life. They pass on the traditions that NJROTC has to offer, from the color guard to orienteering even marksmanship, teaching discipline through the basic drill they learn from their platoon commanders, they understand the respect of those around them as they learn knowledge to advance within the ranks. The NJROTC family is always growing and connecting students of every unit and of every club, to have a playful and fun competition amongst themselves, a type

of comradery that makes them all grow. They spread their family to the elementary and middle schools, by showing them the routines that have been crafted by their own cadets. Faces of joy and wonder always show on the soon to be future cadets, slowly adding to their numbers, starting as young as kindergarten all the way to 8th grade, and they continue to encourage their friends to join the ranks. The seniors that will be leaving will always be part of the Smithson Valley NJROTC family, but now as they head into their new lives and colleges, they have the ability to spread the traditions and their knowledge to those that cross their paths. -From the eyes of an unknown cadet.

Heather Jemente

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847.414.5044

s ’ e n i t n e l a V k n u r T w o h S

Join Us For Wine, Appetizers & Door Prizes. Friday, February 6th from 3 pm - 7 pm Encino Vision Source at 2239 Evans Rd, #104 210.404.2015

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Wearing apparel only. Not valid on household item, leather, or suede. Coupon must accompany incoming order. Not valid w/other discounts or 3 pant special. One coupon per day. Exp. 1/31/15 NC

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January 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261