A Monthly Publication Directly Mailed to the residents of Encino Park, Evans Ranch, Redland Heights, Emerald Forest and surrounding areas POSTAL CUSTOMER
March 2015 Issue
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID SAN ANTONIO, TX PERMIT NO 6450
2015 SOBA B USINESS EX PO The Stone Oak Business Association and Mays Family YMCA have partnered up to bring you Spring EXPO.
FREE Open To Public
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2015 Time: 1-4 pm (Lower Soccer Field #10) Location: Mays Family YMCA 21654 Blanco Road
Vendors (Sign Up Today!) $ 85.00 SOBA members $125.00 NON members
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Stone Oak Business Association
R S V P: ( 2 10 ) 3 4 8 - 8 2 3 3 e - m ail : s ob a @ s a t x.r r.c o m w w w. S t on e O a k B u s in e s s .c o m
SOBA • Building Relationships, Growing Businesses
Stone Oak Business Association Presents
Networking To Maximize Your Business Join the Stone Oak Business Association for lunch and networking. We have brought together some amazing networkers from within the association to give you tips on how to maximize your networking abilities and grow your business. Lunch will be served at 11:45 a.m. During lunch we will have a skit and a presentation on “how to network”. At 12:45 p.m. we will open the floor for networking and Q & A. Remember to RSVP, as space is limited.
When: Thursday , March 26 • 11:30 am – 1:30 pm Where: Independence Hill 20450 Huebner Rd., 78258 Cost: Members – $15, Non-Members – $25 (includes lunch and refreshments)
E-mail: soba@satx.rr.com
From networking like this.
To netwoking like this
RSVP: 348-8233 or visit www.stoneoakbusiness. com 2
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March 2015 • Welcome Home • 78259
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CIGARS • PIPES • TOBACCOS – R e l a t e d A c c e s s o r i e s & M e n’s G if t s –
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Se habla espanol
• Complete Eye Exams • Pediatrics • Most Prescriptions Available the Same Day • Large Selection of Designer Frames • Specialty Contact Lenses & Dry Eye Treatment • Cataract & LASIK Evaluations • Most Vision & Medical Insurances Accepted • Use FSA/HSA benefits before the year Ends
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March 2015 • Welcome Home • 78259
Note From The Publisher
Enjoy The Little Things
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arch is always a great time of year for me because it’s the birthday month of both of my children. My son, Blake, will be 23 and my daughter, Rashell, will be 19. As the years progress and they both continue to become their own person, I could not be any prouder of them. My son is in charge of the retail store at Groomer’s Seafood. Given his responsibilities, if you have any seafood needs, be sure to pay him a visit. He also has written an article on page 12 about the upcoming crawfish season. My daughter is in college and working toward a degree in mortuary science. Every month that I begin piecing together the upcoming edition of Welcome Home, I am reminded of my surrounding and how lucky I am to live in an area that cares about their kids as much as I do. Although we don’t cover college stories often, our front cover is very special to me since it has our UTSA basketball team on it. These young men truly represent San Antonio and I love watching as this local university continues to grow each year. This issue was such a joy to put together. We had so many submissions from the community. So many great things are happening in San Antonio. I love highlighting what the community and our children are doing to make each of our neighborhoods and school districts special. Johnson High School once again won the trophy for collecting the most toys for our Annual Drive. I cannot find the words to thank them enough or every school that participates each year to make our drive bigger and bigger so that we can reach out to more and more children within San
Antonio. These children and young adults have such great hearts and a passion to help others. I love talking with them and being a part of their clubs as they represent their schools. March is also the month for High School students to turn in their essays and applications for the Stone Oak Business Association’s scholarships. We are so privileged to be able to support our local schools’ high school seniors this year, as we have done for the past twelve years, by providing scholarships for graduating seniors. We are also one of the proud sponsors for Taste of The Northside in April. Every year this event continues to inspire and represent the Northside as one of the best Fiesta events. I love seeing many of my friends and family attend this event and I love being a part of it since I know it benefits the children from the Brighton School. The Brighton School is an incredible member of our community and provides an invaluable service for these children and their families. As you are going on your Spring Break vacations be sure and share with us your adventures. Remember, if you have a feel good story from your side of town, please let us know so that we can share it with our community. Please remember to support the businesses that make this paper possible and let them know you saw them in Welcome Home. One final thought until next month... GO SPURS GO!!! Sincerely,
NO SEASON HAS TO BE
ALLERGY SEASON! Stone Oak Allergy 155 Sonterra Blvd., Ste. 101 San Antonio, TX 78258
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Same day appointments available. Call today!
www.stoneoakallergy.com • 210.494.0690
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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
Now in e Off ring Sk g Tightenin
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
Production/Graphic Design Marie Ferrante
Contributing Photographer Karen Little
Director Of Production Kristin Oliver
Distribution Israel Vazquez
Writer/Copy Editors Stefanie Young
Sales Representatives Patrice Long Katrina Cunningham Heather Jemente
Contributing Writers Tracey Bennett Melinda Cox Sylvia Farber Steve Johnson Jeff Khal Suzanne Randolph Lisa Rosenfeld Michelle Shaw
Administrative Assistant Sierra Hernandez Brittany Oliver
Staff Writers Debby Seguin
March 2015 • Welcome Home • 78259
847.414.5044
Linda J. Banta, M.D. Board Certified Dermatologist
Center for Healthy Skin
• Medical, Surgical & Aesthetic Dermatology • Skin Cancer Screening & Prevention
109 Gallery Circle, Suite 135 • (210) 494-0504
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Se habla español. “Like Us" For Special Offers
Gastroenterology Specialist, Seema A. Dar, MD Treated Conditions:
• Colon Cancer Screening • Irritable Bowel Syndrome • Inflammatory Bowel Disease • Acid Reflux, Abdominal Pain • Rectal Bleeding, Hemorrhoids • Nausea & Vomiting • Gas Bloat Syndrome • Constipation, Diarrhea
• Rectal Bleeding • Gall Bladder Disease • Gallstones & Ulcer Disease • Indigestion & Heartburn • Malabsorption • Liver Disease • Pancreatic Disorders • Digestive Disorders • Capsule Endoscopy
Seema A. Dar, MD, FACG •Board Certified Gastroenterologist www.sagidoc.com
19284 Stone Oak Pkwy • 210.268.0124 www.welcomehomesa.com
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On The Cover By Stefanie Young and Ben Spicer s the UTSA men’s basketball team’s regular season winds to a close, each game down the stretch means that much more for the three senior starters – center Kaj-Bjorn Sherman, guard Keon Lewis, and four-year player Jerome Hill. The trio has put in countless amounts of time and effort competing at the highest of levels to get to where they are. The team finished up its regular season playing Photo Credit: Karen Little four more games in 2015 UTSA Basketball Team. February before hosting its final two regular season games of the receiving a bye in the first round. The year at the Convocation Center versus Rice winner of the tournament then gets the and North Texas during the first week in ultimate prize of playing in the “Big Dance” also known as March Madness or simply March. The top 12 teams in Conference USA the NCAA tournament – one of collegiate advance to an end of season tournament, sport’s biggest stages. with the top four regular season records
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• News • Announcements • Reminders • School Events • Community Events • New Developments
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Ode To Spring Break
lcomeHomeSA.com
Seeing to your family’s needs
By Debby Seguin
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hh, Spring Break. How do I love thee? Let me count the days… Now, I’m a teacher, and you may think this a disloyal sentiment. After all, it is my calling and I should be only too happy spending my days training, influencing, shaping young minds, being positive, energetic and upbeat, and selflessly giving day after day after…oh, sorry. Um-m, yes, Spring Break. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not the kids. I love the kids. (Who called me Pinocchio?!) It’s not the school lunches. (Whoops! It’s growing again!). So why do I count the days until Spring Break arrives? It’s…it’s…O.K! It’s MATH CLASS! (My therapist was right, that DOES feel better. Only 11 steps to go…) Now, you may be thinking “Hello? It’s not rocket science.” Yeah? Well, let me
Mary’s Detailed Cleaning
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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.
www.drsnevelow.com Nevelow Eye Associates • 19190 Stone Oak Pkwy, Ste. 120 • 210.349.2437
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tell you, pal, it’s not like the old days. Remember when Sally had two apples, Johnny had five apples, how many apples did they have altogether? Just try THIS: Shahirisse had ten apples. She gave 1/3 of them to the animal shelter and of the remaining apples, four were given to Hapejnah, who cut them into thirds, saving 15 seeds for his Arbor Day Civics project, then climbed three flights of stairs with 14 stairs per flight and gave 2/3 of the slices to Su Yong Po who proceeded to eat 3/5, saving the remaining slices for her brother and two sisters who were attending self-awareness training. How many apples do Shahirisse and Hapejnah have left altogether? Huh? Exactly. Not being so judgmental NOW, are we, hmmm? I now separate math questions into a 1-tylenol group, a 2-tylenol group and the “let’s just give ‘em the answers out of the teacher’s manual and make a blood pact of silence” group. Spring Break used to mean beaches and sunshine but now it means a slight reprieve from studying my “Math for Dummies” (beginner version) book. It’s five glorious days of not having to say or hear the words “factor,” “angle,” or “length of the hypotenuse to the 4th power.” And if my own kids need any help with the M-word, I say, “Sorry honey, you’ll have to ask your teacher!” as they hear faint, maniacal laughter drifting through my locked door… Debby Seguin (who switched to language arts where everything “makes sense”) can be reached at writewell62@ yahoo.com.
March 2015 • Welcome Home • 78259
SOBA Scholarship Applications Due March 31, 2015
Submitted By Stone Oak Business Association he Stone Oak Business Association will once again award $1,000 scholarships to Reagan and Johnson high school students graduating in May 2015. Selection is based on grade point average, letters of recommendation, and school and/ or community activities during high school. Scholarships will be paid (in the student’s name) to the college or university attended. Please note the following criteria: • Student must be a graduate of Ronald Reagan High School or Claudia Taylor “Lady Bird” Johnson High School • Full-time enrollment (12 hours or more) at an accredited college or university • Copy of application for admissions to
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school of choice • Incoming college freshman who maintained a “B” average throughout high school verified by high school transcript (may be unofficial) • Completed SOBA scholarship application (www.stoneoakbusiness.com) • Two letters of recommendation from individuals with direct knowledge of your abilities and potential Applicants must also write two onepage (300-word minimum) essays on the following topics: • As a student in the Fine Arts Department, describe one particular event or experience that has made an impact on you. The event must be related to your time in the Fine Arts Department. It could pertain to your future
in Fine Arts (college, career etc.) or how it has impacted you as a student. (300 word minimum) • What one event or person has influenced you the most during your four years of high school. How will this influence the decisions you make as you leave high school and head off to college? (300 word minimum) On a separate sheet. List your high school involvement in the following areas (during grades 9-12): Community Activities, Clubs, Athletics, Student Government, and Other Organizations. Be specific about the length of time you were involved and what role you played. Please give the complete name of the organization rather than acronyms. In
Encino Library Is Opening May 2015 Submitted By Tracey Bennett e the first to visit San Antonio’s only library with a drive thru this May. Feed the mind, not the stomach when you pull up and order FREE books, movies, and CD’s just to name a few of the many items offered at your newest branch library. The drive thru will give busy families, commuters and the mobility-impaired the luxury to reserve their materials on-line and conveniently pick up those items without leaving their vehicles. The San Antonio Public Library Foundation, in its commitment to raise funds to support the Encino Branch Library, invites you to join the “Founding Donor” circle. Contributions made at the $500, $1,000, $1,500 or $2,500 level will get your name on the “Founding Donor” wall prominently located at the entrance of the branch. Matching donations through businesses are also encouraged. Naming opportunities within the building (drive thru, digital studio, children’s area) are available as well. Put your name or your child’s name alongside some of the world’s greatest authors and create a legacy for generations to come. The new Encino Branch Library, through adaptive reuse of an existing building, will serve as a destination point for the community and will provide opportunities for civic engagement. The 9,800 sq. ft. Encino Branch Library, at 2515 East Evans Rd., sits on 5 acres and will provide this very populated neighborhood books, materials, and integrated technology while providing citizens access to resources that encourage lifelong learning habits. On top of all the
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great things a library offers, Encino will have a digital community meeting room which can be used for off-site participants, collaborative technology projects and flex space that can operate as either a meeting room or an extended Wi-Fi lounge. There will also be designated Children’s, Teens, and Adult Spaces designed specifically for these age groups. Library staff is looking forward to organizing events such as poetry readings, spoken word or music performances, informational presentations, government interaction and instructional demonstrations. In addition the library will organize a variety of mass media broadcasts, presentations, and telecommuting to share with the community. Patrons are also invited to bring their own devices and interact with information either on the shelf, through the library’s website and Wi-Fi access. Local artists Blessing Hancock and Joe O’Connell drew on the art of storytelling as inspiration for their design of a new public artwork for the Encino Branch Library. The artwork will take the form of an eight feet tall by thirty feet long art wall installed along the southern border of the library’s east courtyard. The artwork represents abstracted storybook pages entwined within an oak tree forest. The pages will incorporate text that was gathered from the public, who were asked to submit quotes and phrases from literature relating to the theme “natural wild.” For more information about the San Antonio Public Library Foundation, the Encino Branch Library and to join the “Founding Donor” circle, visit www.saplf. org/encino-branch.
Agility
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There will be a few ticketed booths with each ticket being $.50. A few of the unlimited games will include: ring toss, washer toss, duck pond, Plinko, Operation, bean bag toss, Angry Birds, gaga ball, and Just Dance. Some of the ticketed booths will include: dunking booth, jail, cake walk, and silly string war. There are business sponsorship opportunities ranging from $100$1500. Please contact Tenille Eubanks at tenillesptabox@gmail.com for more information. Hope to see you at the Encino Park Fiesta Festival!
March 2015 • Welcome Home • 78259
Herding
Obedience
Boarding
K9 Country Club & Training Academy
Spring Break, Fiesta Week, & Memorial Weekend All Fill Fast—Book Your Pet Today!!!
The new Encino Branch Library, through adaptive reuse of an existing building, will serve as a destination point for the community and will provide opportunities for civic engagement.
Encino Park Fiesta Festival Submitted By Sylvia Farber ncino Park Elementary PTA invites all community members to the 1st Encino Park Fiesta Festival and Silent Auction on April 10 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. This carnival coincides with Encino Park Elementary’s 25th anniversary. Wristbands will be on sale and available at Encino Park Elementary March 16-April 3, $15 for unlimited carnival games or $20 for unlimited carnival games and BBQ plate from Smokey Mo’s. Wristbands will be on sale the day of the carnival for $20 for unlimited carnival games or $25 for unlimited carnival games and BBQ plate.
addition, list any honors or awards you received during high school. Send your completed application with attachments (letters of recommendation, school involvement, etc.) to: Stone Oak Business Association, 20770 Hwy 281 N., Ste 108149, San Antonio, TX 78258. The application can be downloaded in PDF form at www.stoneoakbusiness. com. It is located on the home page on the right hand side. Applications and materials must be postmarked by March 31, 2015 to be considered for the 2014-2015 school year. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For more information, please call 210-348-8233.
Day Camp • Overnight Boarding • Grooming Training • Cattery • Beach Club • Pet Bakery Home of the Whirlwind Border Collie
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(210) 494-5858
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Don’t Be Fooled: Insist On The Real Deal By Donna Becker, D.O. Enhancement of Life (210) 545-5224
Progesterone vs. Progestin
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rogesterone begins its slow decline in the 30s in most women, the perimenopause. For years women with low progesterone may suffer bloating, headaches, painful periods, and tender breasts. Without progesterone, estrogen stimulates the lining of the uterus to thicken which may cause heavy, irregular periods. Progesterone promotes restful sleep and
acts as a mild diuretic. Night sweats resolve with the right amount of progesterone. Progesterone is very safe and may even be given to pregnant women to prevent miscarriage. Progestin and Progesterone are entirely different substances with similar name. Progestin, a synthetic hormone which is foreign to the body, may worsen symptoms of estrogen dominance including weight gain, depression, migraines, and breast tenderness. Even doctors get confused on this point: Progestin is not Progesterone. Quick point: bio-identical means that the
Why Doesn’t Everyone Do This?
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By Monica Allison, O.D. Stone Oak Vision Source (210) 495-9020
he question I get asked over and over by all my ortho-k patients and their parents is, “Why doesn’t everyone do this?” What is “this”? It is ortho-k, also called corneal refractive therapy, gentle corneal molding and some other names. Ortho-k is the process of using a specially shaped contact lens to change the shape of the eye while you sleep. The patient only wears the lenses while they sleep and during the day
they can see CLEARLY with no contacts or glasses at all. It gives you the same results as LASIK, only it is temporary. The lens has to be worn as a retainer nightly to continue the treatment. Ortho-k is specially geared for children and has been shown to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children as well. (Koffler, Sears, 2013) As a nearsighted child grows, the strength of nearsightedness usually increases and the glasses prescription gets higher and higher. Ortho-k can slow this process down and there are many reasons why this is beneficial for the child.
molecular structure of the hormone is exactly the same as if the body produced it. For example, pork insulin is derived from the pig-no one uses pork insulin anymore to treat diabetes. Rather, we all use an exact copy of human insulin, “humulin” to treat diabetes. Ms. K., about 20 and overweight, recently visited me with symptoms of excessive menstrual flow, bloating and weight gain-all typical of the low progesterone, estrogen dominant, woman. Insomnia resulted in day time exhaustion. She was still having periods, but they were coming every 3 to 6 weeks. Blood tests revealed several vitamin deficiencies, high estrogen, no progesterone and low testosterone. I gave her progesterone in a capsule, testosterone in a cream to apply to the vaginal area, extensive nutritional information, vitamins, and a pedometer.
I explained to her that gradually, as her estradiol declined, I would re-test and replace as required. We talked about the risk-benefit ratio for her in taking hormone replacement. The risks which were demonstrated with the synthetic hormones and purported to occur with any hormone replacement therapy, are blood clots, cancer, and heart attack or stroke. Diet, omega 3 fish oil, and exercise may help to lessen these risks. Progesterone helped with the migraines and her periods became more normal, mood improved. 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.
High myopia has risks for retinal problems later in life. If this process can slow myopia progression and the child will ultimately be a low to moderate myope instead of having high myopia, it is an eye health benefit for the patient. It’s great to have active students able to see without any frames or contacts on their eyes. We specialize in ortho-k at our office and strongly believe in this benefit for children as Dr Allison’s daughter has been in the lenses since she was 9 years old and is 15 now. Adults can also get ortho-k if they have a fear of LASIK surgery, but typically if an individual is a candidate for LASIK, that is a more permanent option for adults. We do have many satisfied adult patients as well who have no interest in surgery, but we comanage LASIK if that is a better option for our adult patients.
So, in going back to the question, “why doesn’t everyone do this?” I don’t know. It does take more time for the doctor and staff to spend with the patient. It also takes more training for the doctor and staff to become certified and understand the mechanisms of all of the designs. Maybe most doctors don’t have this as an interest. Perhaps it’s because, like LASIK, it is not covered by most insurances, but it is less expensive than braces and could potentially be more life changing to have better sight for a lifetime. Drs. Monica Allison and Lindsey Denison practice at Stone Oak Vision Source located at 19202 Stone Oak Pkwy, Ste. 106. If you or a loved one needs to find a family eye doctor, please call (210) 4959020 or visit www.visionsource-stoneoak. com.
Cars Break Down At The Most Inconvenient Time
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24 hours advance notice appreciated for giant sub order or a large catering order. Prices and participation may vary. Recommended portions may vary based on type and size of group. Please consult the SANDWICH ARTIST® for additional information. Box Lunch consists of 6-inch sub, a cookie, chips and a napkin. Packed in a stackable box. © 2014 Doctor’s Associates Inc. SUBWAY® is a registered trademark of Doctor’s Associates Inc.
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By Rusty Belden, President Belden’s Automotive & Tires (210) 494-0017
egrettably, we meet many of our customers on a day that everything seems to be going wrong. The day may start off with snoozing the alarm too many times, trying to get the children up, dressed and off to school, the traffic may be worse than usual and then… the car breaks down. Most often, we are caught unprepared for both the time away from the vehicles we use every day, and for the financial strain of unexpected vehicle repairs. When a customer walks in the door, he or she will be greeted warmly, and our trained service advisors will assist in getting the customer the best assistance possible. For those fitting a repair into his or her busy workday, we offer free Wi-Fi, comfortable waiting rooms with fruit, coffee, water, flat screen TV’s, reading material and work stations. Our goal at each of our locations is to make the time spent as relaxing and comfortable as possible. Not only can car repair be frustrating, but it can also be confusing. For those not as technical you may feel anxious about information received concerning complicated vehicle repairs. Our family at Belden’s strives to educate our customers, allowing them to make the best decision. Our service advisors will speak to you in a way that you can understand and be comfortable in making
your vehicle repair choice. This peace of mind comes along with other support for you and your vehicle. Not only does Belden’s offer a complimentary pick up or drop off service, but we also provide discounted rental support for customers in need of short term transportation. Additionally, Belden’s is proud of our 24 month, 24,000 mile nationwide warranty, ensuring that our customers are taken care of in the event it is needed. Because Belden’s Automotive and Tires understands that auto repair can be a major stressor, our goal is to create the best possible experience during our customers’ visit. We recognize that there are multiple options when it comes to finding a repair facility, including both local mom and pop shops and large fancy dealerships. Belden’s Automotive & Tires wants to be your neighborhood garage! We are proud to be your one stop shop for all your automotive needs. We are here to help during those frustrating breakdown moments. And don’t forget, we also offer Diesel repairs, tires, and perform custom exhaust work. We look forward to seeing you and your foreign or domestic
www.welcomehomesa.com
vehicle at one of our six locations. Belden’s Automotive & Tires prides itself on being YOUR alternative to the dealer! Don’t forget to check us out on the web for coupons and specials at www.beldensautomtive.com. Buckle up, Drive Safe, and Remember at Belden’s Automotive & Tires, “We Keep You Rolling!” Belden’s Automotive & Tires has Five Locations: San Pedro: 210-494-0017; Medical Center: 210-690-1100; Alamo Garage: 210-366-1122; Boerne: 830-9819700; Bulverde Rd.: 210-481-3330. For more information, call one of the locations or visit www.beldensautomotive.com.
March 2015 • Welcome Home • 78259
We Keep You Rolling! From Our Family To Yours
13811 San Pedro
29137 IH 10 West
8825 Fredericksburg
(210) 494-0017
(830) 981-9700
(210) 690-1100
San Antonio, TX 78232
Boerne, TX 78006
San Antonio, TX 78240
NEW LOCATION L to R back row: Ray Roberts Business Development, Robert “Bobby” Sowards - Corporate Technical Shop Foreman, Jason Belden - Vice President, Rusty Belden - President, front row: Lacey Belden - Asst. Comptroller, Jan Kyrish Comptroller, Veronica Partida - Human Resources Director.
By Rachele Reinhard ehicle upkeep and maintenance are an important part of being a responsible vehicle owner. Automobiles are amazing pieces of technology that – when properly cared for – are built to last for many years. However, preventive maintenance and repairs are often left out of the budget or ignored until the problem has grown worse. At Belden’s Automotive & Tires, the Belden family has spent the better part of four decades earning the trust of the San Antonio and surrounding communities through honesty, fairness and convenience – establishing itself as a one-stop shop for full automotive repairs, oil changes, brake service, engine and transmission repair, electrical diagnostics and more for all vehicles. Belden’s opened its doors in 1972 and was taken over by Ronnie Belden in 1979. Ronnie had one goal in mind – to develop a business grounded in customer service and quality work. Belden’s has since grown to include locations on San Pedro Ave, Fredericksburg Rd, Bulverde Rd, on Lockhill Selma, in Boerne and a new sixth location, Belden’s Automotive Hi Tech (formerly Hi Tech Automotive) on Prue Rd on the Northwest side. To help his father further realize his goal, Rusty Belden, Ronnie’s son, joined the family business in 2005 and a little over a year ago, took the reigns heading up the business as President upon his father’s retirement. Rusty is joined by other members of the Belden family, including Jason Belden, Rusty’s cousin, who serves as Vice President. “My family has to work very hard to stay in tune with each of our six locations,” explained Rusty of the family/ business dynamic. “But it’s comforting to know that you have five family members working hard throughout the company to maintain a certain level of customer service that our company requires.” Belden’s Automotive & Tires was established upon Ronnie Belden’s core values including honesty, integrity, and a strong work ethic which help the growing business and its employees to never lose sight of their “small, family business” mindset along with their ultimate goal of 100% customer satisfaction. Rusty and the whole Belden team act to build upon this strong foundation by working to close the gap between customer and mechanic. “When you have the chance of retaining a new customer you only get one shot, so we better make it count!” explained Rusty. “We employ ASE Certified Trained technicians,
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March 2015 • Welcome Home • 78259
22000 Bulverde Rd.
2035 Lockhill-Selma
(210) 481-3330
(210) 366-1122
San Antonio, TX 78259
many of which who are also factory trained and certified by vehicle manufacturers. We take pride in our employees and they take pride in the work. On major repairs, they are instructed to leave their own personal business card in the vehicle so the customer can see who worked on their vehicle. If you’re going to put your name on something, it better be right. We also keep a clean and organized shop and welcoming and comfortable waiting area. Appearance is everything in our industry and we take that very seriously.” In 2014, Belden’s corporate shop foreman, Bobby Sowards, who has been employed with Belden’s for 26 years, was selected as 1 of 7 technicians for independent garages in the entire country as Pronto National Technician of the Year. “I think the general public would be shocked to know how smart the individuals who are working on their vehicle truly are,” added Rusty. “The mental capacity and knowledge required to work on vehicles today would absolutely blow their mind. Today’s vehicles are extremely advanced and require a certain skill set that is very hard to come by. I have had the privilege to work alongside some of the brightest individuals in our industry.” Preventative maintenance and educating and advising the customer on what’s right for their vehicle further closes that gap. Every vehicle is different and requires different levels of maintenance. “It’s our job to simply educate our customer on their vehicles specific needs based on the year, make and model,” explained Rusty. “Vehicles today are built better and can last longer if you maintain them. By clearly articulating the vehicles needed maintenance and explaining the benefit of performing these services, we are helping the customer prevent a costly repair that could have been avoided.” With gas prices at their lowest point in years and perhaps a road trip or two on the horizon, now would be the perfect time to bring your vehicle to Belden’s for their free multipoint inspection. Trained technicians will look the vehicle over from bumper to bumper, inspecting key components and systems including tires, brakes, cooling system, fluids, wiper blades, and fuel systems. “From the first time a customer steps into our front office, we work extremely hard to build a relationship with the customer,” explained Rusty. “We want a relationship built on honesty, integrity and mutual respect. It is very important that we address the customers concerns first and
www.welcomehomesa.com
San Antonio, TX 78213
6519 Prue Rd
San Antonio, TX 78240
(210) 877-2929
foremost followed by any safety concerns we may have. . We then offer quality repairs at a fair price all backed up by a 24 month/24,000 Mile Nationwide Warranty. The last and most important item, in my opinion, is that if or when we do make a mistake - and we will because we are human - we will make it right for the customer.” Customers choose Belden’s because they do things the “right way.” When Rusty took over the family business, his father left him with several important rules to operate by – not only in business, but in life. “As he told me his points of wisdom, I began to realize that our family business is more than just a business,” said Rusty. “It has become something that our community can depend on and that we were not only creating jobs but helping our employees to provide for their own families. It was at that moment that I took great satisfaction in what he had created, maintained and now passed on to me.” The Belden family’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, and they have in fact earned many lifelong customers including Charlie Cantu. “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.” As Belden’s Automotive & Tires moves purposely and determined into a new year, Rusty will continue to lead by his father’s example by always taking care of the customer and his employees with integrity and fairness. “For the last 43 years our family has been extremely blessed,” concluded Rusty. “We are grateful for our continued success and hope that with hard work and taking care of our customers we will continue to grow as a company.”
Belden’s Automotive & Tires www.beldensautomotive.com
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How Can I Get My Child To Focus?
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By Leslie Jernigan, M.A. Learning Foundations Diagnostic and Learning Center 210-495-2626
he school year is nearing home stretch. But while most parents are starting to plan their summer, you’re still burdened with phone calls and emails from the teacher: “If he would only focus better,” “She does not want to follow instructions,” “He just won’t pay attention.” Sound familiar? Are you just at your wit’s end by now? A child’s ability to focus can be influenced by any number of things: time of day, type of activity and level of interest, fatigue, stress,
even what the child has eaten for breakfast. Johnny may love hands-on learning and be active and engaged during his morning science class, but tune out during the social studies class that’s right before lunch. A child may be super-focused for hours on his iPad, but can’t sit still for more than 2 minutes in church or in math class. One reason for this disparity is that a video game can provide a stream of constant and constantly changing stimuli that many real life situations can’t.
Educator Of The Month Announced By Steve Johnson, Owner of College Nannies + Tutors t is our pleasure to once again highlight and recognize a local teacher as Educator of the Month for March. This award, made with input from the school administration, recognizes educators in our area high schools that personify the three core values of College Nannies and Tutors: Can Do Attitudes, Growth and Results Driven and Leave It Better. This month’s awardee is Megan “the Magnificent” Stokes from Johnson High School. She volunteers for everything and
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is an all-around fantastic person. Megan exemplifies what it means to be a Role Model mentor. She is light hearted with her students, funny and she is all around a great teacher. She teaches in a style that keeps her students laughing and participating. The kids want to be in her room. She manages all of this while holding her students to a high level of achievement. Her class is demanding and rigorous, but Megan has a gift for helping students to master difficult material. She goes above and beyond by sponsoring the senior class, which requires much time and tremendous effort. She is a
Tex Hill Middle School Robotics
So is it your child’s fault that she can’t seem to pay attention? Is it your fault? The answer is neither. A child with attention challenges often is unaware that she has shifted her attention. These shifts of attention are not intentional. She simply has not learned how to regulate her attention or even recognize when she is not paying attention. Kids with true ADHD are often bright and highly creative. I frequently hear from parents that their son or daughter is smart and seems to understand the material, but just can’t manage to get the schoolwork done. If this frustrates you, could you imagine how frustrating it is for your child? Although having the ability to process multiple trains of thought does lead to
creative thinking, it also makes it difficult to focus and follow through with one idea. Your child may have all these great ideas, but doesn’t finish what she starts. If your child is having difficulty staying focused in the classroom, the smart thing to do is to assess his or her processing skills. If there is an uneven pattern of strengths and weaknesses in your child’s processing skills, then 1 on 1 attention training is the most effective way to boost your child’s attention self-control and confidence. Leslie Jernigan, M.A., is Program Director and Diagnostician at Learning Foundations Diagnostic and Learning Center in San Antonio. Email questions or concerns about your child’s learning challenges to leslie@learningfoundations. com or call (210) 495-2626 for a Free Consultation.
From Cradle to College We Suppor Your Family Every Step of the Way
great contributor in the English department, more information on always willing to help out in any manner this award, or to submit necessary. She is collaborative, ready to a nomination, please share her knowledge and skills and open to contact College Nannies + Full Service Childcare Solutions the ideas and practices shared by others.Full-time |+Part-time Tutors| Summer at 210-202| After School | Babysitting | Back Up Ca The owners of College Nannies + Tutors 0303 or stoneoaktx@ + Customized Tutoring for College Bound Students | Stone Oak established this recognition collegenannies.com. Homework Help – All Subjects | ACT/SAT Prep | AP Support | Study Sk with the support of Welcome Home Community Newspaper to recognize and Megan Stokes honor the educators in our schools for their efforts with our local students. The quality of education in our community is primarily a direct reflection of their daily efforts as role models for our students. For
Learning Center Now Open! 20079 Stone Oak Parkway | Ste 1104
210.202.0303 collegenanniesandtutors.com/stoneoakt
Johnson Theatre’s High School Musical
By Stefanie Young uring the first weekend of February, Johnson performed the well-known Disney production of High School Musical. For those of us who attended high school before the millennium, this was a show unlike most high school shows. Everything about their performance and production made it an event that the whole family could enjoy and could have taken place at the local theaters. From the lighting, stage décor, backdrops and props, to the actors, the music and costume designs, they did the musical justice in ways most high schools never have. The songs that many have come to know and recognize due to the musical were brought to life by an extremely talented group of individuals. Main roles such as Troy Bolton, portrayed by Chris Jones; Gabrielle Montez, portrayed by Christina Packard; and the infamous sibling duo Ryan and Sharpay Evans, portrayed by Seth Huggins and Thea Peterson we’re well adapted and swept the stage with a mighty presence. Starting in December, the group practiced the songs after school. The outcome proved to be well worth as no one missed a beat
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Students in grades 7 -12 designed, built, and programed First Tech Challenge (FTC) is more than a robotics a robot to conduct tasks, during an automated period program, it’s a program that focuses on tomorrow’s and remote control period. engineers.
Submitted By Jeff Kahl ex” Hill Middle School sent its first Competitive Robotics Team into competition at the First Tech Challenge Qualifier at Harlandale High School. First Tech Challenge (FTC) is more than a robotics program, it’s a program that focuses on tomorrow’s engineers by engaging students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). It’s about teaching the students the value of hard work, innovation, and creativity. It goes beyond competition by teaching students the importance of working together, sharing ideas, and treating each other with respect and dignity. Students in grades 7 -12 compete by designing, building, and programing a robot to conduct tasks, during an automated period and remote control period. Teams are paired into alliances and gain individual points as well as alliance points. Scores are tallied and the team are rank ordered from highest to lowest points.
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The theme for this season’s FTC games is Cascade Effect. Each team was tasked to design, engineer, and program a robot that can collect and deliver balls to a scoring pod, move stuff around in the end game and score more points than the opposing teams, using innovative solutions. The Tex Hill TigerBotics, a rookie team comprised of four 7th and one 8th grader(s), participated for the first time in a robotics program. The team started preparing in mid-October, spending three months learning about robot design, basic electronics systems, journaling engineer notes, organizing and tracking resources, and basic programing. The criteria for joining the Tex Hill’s advanced robotics program included demonstrated leadership in and out of the class, and each participant had to write an essay about their personal robotic experience and interest. The TigerBotics were the youngest team at the regional qualifier, while the majority of the team members were high school students. They placed a respectable 16th
overall out of the 25 teams that participated. In their surprise, the team won the Judges Award. They won the hearts of the judges for their team enthusiasm, great attitudes about learning, sharing their experience, and desire to become better engineers. These
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The cast of Johnson’s High School Musical did the show justice with their captivating performance!
or line. The interactions between characters kept the love triangle intact, the politics at play and the cat and mouse chase between the main ladies alive. Some of the most electrifying moments were those that had pieces sung by many cast members. “Were All in This Together” was upbeat and just as moving as the Disney production and had the audience moving along to the rhythm. The drama between characters was captivating and kept those new to the storyline wondering what would happen next. It truly was an experience that will have the listeners looking forward to the next Johnson production to come! young Tex Hill Engineers are humbled and eager to learn more. Stay tuned for next year’s results, their goal is to bring home another award! Go TigerBotics!
March 2015 • Welcome Home • 78259
Your Tutoring Solution
Huntington Learning Center
By Rachele Reinhard chool environments may be changing – from new standards to different styles of testing – but skills in reading, math and writing required for a student to excel throughout his or her educational career have remained the same. At Huntington Learning Center, certified teachers work one-on-one with students on everything from mastering foundational skills to preparing for high school and college entrance exams, and even supporting students with specific course knowledge like Chemistry, Calculus, History and more. Founded in 1977 by Dr. Raymond Huntington and his wife Eileen, Huntington Learning Center incorporates new curricula and instructional methodologies developed to benefit students of all grades and ages. With the Huntington’s belief that children will advance more quickly by implementing an individualized approach, Huntington Learning Center has since grown to include hundreds of locations nationwide. Huntington Learning Center has two San Antonio area locations: off Stone Oak Pkwy and in the Alon Shopping Center. Tom Rice, owner of both, and his staff of dedicated and highly qualified employees including Center Directors Staci Dennis and Mark Anne Millburn believe in the Huntington mission: “To give every student the best education possible. What is best for the student’s guides all decisions.” “Over the past two to three years, we have worked to become a total Tutoring Solution for students throughout their academic career,” explained Tom. “Through individualized programs specifically tailored to meet a student’s needs, Huntington is able to prepare our students to excel in this competitive environment.” Children begin to learn basic academic skills in early grades and each subsequent grade level continues to build on top of the one before. If a student fails to excel from the very beginning, it can prove a difficult road ahead. Parents oftentimes sees their struggling child as unmotivated when in fact, they are lacking the skills necessary to succeed. “Sometimes it’s interpreted as they just don’t like school or they have a bad attitude about school,” Rice explained. “But honestly, no one likes to do what they are not good at. When the skills are not in place, there can be a real struggle in the classroom. We identify where the gaps are and go back to make sure all of the skills are in place for [the students] to be able to do their work independently going forward.” At Huntington Learning Center, the staff has a variety of ways to approach academic problems, which can ultimately build the confidence level in the student. Whether he or she needs transitioning into mainstream classes, needs assistance on particular subjects, wants to polish their study skills or is even looking for course enrichment in subjects to
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March 2015 • Welcome Home • 78259
Seeing the peace that comes from not having to worry about grades, no longer having to fight over homework and having a child that looks forward to school instead of dreading it – that is what I love most about working at Huntington . . . My goal for all [the students] is to become confident, motivated, life-long learners that know they have the skills they need to pursue their dreams.” – Staci Dennis, Center Director at Huntington Learning Center provide a challenge, Huntington Learning Center can make all the difference for students in K-12 (and even for adult students). “We have teachers and curriculum that support all levels of education so we are able to work with a student at any level they are ready for,” explained Staci Dennis, Center Director. “We start with a thorough academic evaluation and then customize a program to help them reach their goals. We work closely with parents and school teachers to ensure that we are all working together to make the student successful at school, home and in the future.” While Huntington Learning Center aids in the learning process, it is not meant to be a replacement for school. Instead, it becomes more of a partnership. The learning center is comprised of certified teachers who are dedicated to seeing their students succeed both inside and outside of the classroom. Huntington targets the cracks in each student’s learning foundation and works to put them back on course through their structured program. “Our organized program is a benefit for children who don’t have structure in their life,” Mark Anne Millburn, Center Director, explained. “They will bloom and grow faster when they have those boundaries.” Besides the learning center, students can also go to Huntington to prepare for college entrance exams such as the SAT/PSAT and the ACT. Preparing for college can be stressful and overwhelming to students, so Huntington Learning Center helps to alleviate that by developing a personal test prep program by giving the students an actual test under similar conditions while examining their strengths and weaknesses. The ultimate goal is that the student will be
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prepared and confident when they take the real test so that they have a better chance at getting into the college of their choice. By focusing on all aspects of academics, Huntington Learning Center is designed to be the whole tutoring solution for parents. “The natural progression is first the learning center at a younger age and getting them up to speed and getting their skills in place. Once those are in place, they may have certain subjects that they hit along the way that they may need help in and so subject tutoring helps them with that,” said Rice. “And then, when they are in high school we have an outstanding course to prepare them for SATs or ACTs.” “Seeing the peace that comes from not having to worry about grades, no longer having to fight over homework and having a child that looks forward to school instead of dreading it – that is what I love most about working at Huntington,” said Dennis. “…My goal for all [the students] is to become confident, motivated, life-long learners that know they have the skills they need to pursue their dreams.”
Huntington Learning Center Huntingtonhelps.com 19141 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 605 210-494-5858 10003 NW Military Hwy. Suite 1103 210-558-0636 11
Making Room For A Cocktail
By Tanji Patton GoodTaste (210) 273-3155 he word diet puts me in a bad mood. And, if that diet goes even further and eliminates my daily glass of wine, that mood gets even worse. If your New Year started out with great intentions, but you find your resolve has faded a bit—good news! You can work a glass of wine into your diet, perhaps even a cocktail or beer. If you’re on a gluten-free diet, there are gluten-free beers, and wines are gluten-free. So, there are ways to enjoy your favorite cocktail or glass of wine without destroying your diet.
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Sugar is what it all boils down to with any alcoholic drink as they relate to a diet. All drinks have calories, and some have a heck of a lot more than others. So, let’s break it down. A very common question is which has more calories red or white wine. They are almost identical; and frankly, it depends on the wine - some whites if they’re heavy on the sweet side will have more than reds. Some reds, if they’re big, high alcohol varietals will have more…sometimes a lot more than white.
Crawfish Boil And Louisiana Flavor Blake Groomer Groomers Seafood (210) 377-0951 reak out the corn on the cob and your potatoes because crawfish season is in full swing down here at Groomer’s Seafood! You are sure to hear about your friends firing up their boiling pots on the weekends during the peak of the crawfish season, and why not join in on the fun? Lucky for you, that “peak” is right now! March, April, and May have the ideal temperatures and rain amounts for our guys over in Louisiana to harvest the best crawfish there is to find, and Groomer’s
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Seafood trucks them straight to our store for you to pick up for your weekend boil. Because crawfish is a live product, we operate on a pre-order basis so there isn’t any waste of delicious mudbugs. Groomer’s makes pre-ordering a simple and painless process. To ensure you’ll have your order, give us a call on the Monday or Tuesday of the week you are having your boil (Between our hours of 9 and 4:30). We’ll take your name, number, how many sacks you need (each sack is about 35 pounds) and credit card to hold the order. Then we’ll take care of the rest! First thing Friday morning our expert fishmongers will personally hand
New to the Area?
Prosecco and sparklings in general are lower in calories. Typically, the pours are smaller than a glass of wine as the flutes are smaller; and, the alcohol levels are lower. So, sparklings average about 70 calories a glass. The alcohol levels are key. You’ll find the alcohol level on the label in itsy-bitsy print. Up until about the last five or six years, the average alcohol level on most bottles of wine was about 12.5%. That number has increased to about 14-15%…some are even pushing the envelope at 16%. A 12.5% glass of wine, red or white, with a 5 ounce pour is approximately 120125 calories. Bump up that alcohol level to 14.5% and you add about 25-30 more calories to the glass. BUT, it gets even more interesting. Alcohol levels are not only a game changer in your diet when it comes to calories; they also dramatically affect the blood-alcohol level in your body.
A doctor quoted in Forbes magazine recently described the relationship between alcohol levels and intoxication this way saying that at 12.5% alcohol, a couple can easily drink a bottle of red wine and be none the worse, but at 14.5% a couple will be feeling intoxicated. And, he said that couple who decided to drink an entire bottle of a 12.5% wine, he says, could still consume more than two vodka tonics before reaching the same blood alcohol level as they would had they consumed only the 14.5% alcohol wine. For more delicious recipes, fun food, wine ideas and to subscribe to my newsletter, visit www.goodtaste.tv. Tanji is an Emmy award winning journalist pursuing her passion for wine and food. Tanji explores the inviting worlds of chefs, wine makers and culinary newsmakers. If you would like more information, she can be reached at Goodtaste@tanjipatton.com.
sort your order and have it all boxed up and ready for you to pick it up! If it’s your first time boiling crawfish, it may seem like a bit of a daunting task, but fear not because that’s where Giby’s Fish Camp Crawfish Boil comes in! Developed by our patriarch Gilbert Groomer our Crawfish boil combines the freshest all natural ingredients to give you the best Cajun flavor you’ll find outside of Louisiana. Perhaps the best part, especially if you’re health conscious, is that Giby’s Fish Camp contains much less salt than other boils giving you all the flavor you want without all the negatives that come with too much salt. Our expert fishmongers will be equipped to give you any further information you may need upon pick up, such as how to store them, how to purge them, or even just how to eat them!
A crawfish boil is by far one of the best times to share with friends and family! Sitting back enjoying each other company, while peeling some fantastic Louisiana mudbugs paired with corn and potatoes is one of the finer pleasures in life! I know it’s definitely going to be a weekly occurrence at my place! Give us a call at 210-377-0951 to place your pre-order before I get them all!!
Girl Scouts Work Towards Silver Award
If you are new to the area, we’d like to extend a special welcome with a free gift filled with maps, magazines, local business coupons and info to help you get settled in your community.
Submitted By Risa Weinberger, Girl Scout Volunteer wo Girl Scout Cadettes, Malena Desai and Sarah Rudolph, are working towards their Silver Award. The Silver Award is the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette (6-8 grades) can earn. To earn this award, each girl must receive topic approval from the Girl Scout Council, complete the initial badge requirements and complete a 50 hour community service project. Both Sarah and Malena are 7th grade Lopez Middle School students. One of the girls saw a local news item about a San Antonio house fire. Fortunately, all the adults and children made it out safely, but the family pets perished. Feeling sad about the animals, she wondered if there would be a way to let fire fighters know there are animals living in a home so fire fighters could get the animals out safely, if possible. Both Sarah and Malena began to research this problem. Their solution was to develop the “Animals Inside - Pet Fire Safety” campaign. They have been busy putting together their flyer with pet fire safety and first aid information, a visual display and power point presentation. Most importantly they designed a sticker for pet owners to put on their front window or front
T Please call (210) 414-6200 or e-mail kathy@bconnectedusa.com.
Caring for the Eyes of Texas Since 1936
Renee T. Dunlap, OD Jaclyn L. Hutchins, OD
Therapeutic Optometrists & Glaucoma Specialists 21019 US Hwy 281 NorthSan Antonio, TX 78258
210-490-EYES (3937) www.stoneoaktso.com
(In Stone Ridge Market • PetSmart)
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Malena Desai and Sarah Rudolph display their Silver Award project board “Animals Inside – Pet Fire Safety”
door window alerting fire fighters to the animals inside the home. Sarah and Malena have received support and assistance from the San Antonio Fire Station 46 (Evans Road) Shift A and Animal Care Services Sarah discovered over 1,000 house fires are directly caused by pets each year while Malena developed their slogan, “When you’re prepared, it shows you care.” Both girls will be out this spring at Girl Scout cookie booths, community events, Girl Scout events, and pet stores passing out their stickers and flyers. Their goal is to hand out at least 500 of the window stickers and educate the pet owners about pet fire safety so less pets cause and perish in home fires.
March 2015 • Welcome Home • 78259
& DIRECTORY
Medical Allergy & Immunology Family Allergy & Asthma Specialists Dr. John Mastrovich 20650 Stone Oak Pkwy., Ste. 106 Board Certified in Allergy/Immunology 342-6200 • www.faasonline.com
Allergy & Immunology
Stone Oak Allergy & Asthma Amanda Trott-Gregorio, MD Board Certified in Allergy/Immunology 155 Sonterra Blvd., Ste. 101 494-0690 • stoneoakallergy.com
Anti-Aging Enhancement of Life Dr. Donna Becker, D.O. 14603 Huebner Rd., Ste. 2601 545-5224 • www.antiagingsa.com Expert Hormone Replacement for Women & Men
Colon & Rectal Surgery San Antonio General Surgery Jorge L. Rincon MD, FACS 1162 E. Sonterra, Ste. 210 587-7744 www.sageneralsurgery.com
Professional
General Dentistry
Seguin, David R DDS 2235 Thousand Oak Dr., Ste. 120 At corner of Thousand Oaks Dr and Henderson Pass 496-2533 • see map pg. 19 www.drseguin-dentist.com
General Dentistry
Canyon Dental Care Jeff Beal, DDS & Justin Rich, DDS 3111 TPC Pkwy., Ste. 114, San Antonio, 78259 424-3611 www.dentalworks.com
General Dentistry
Dr. Perry E. Wood Family Dentistry, Cosmetics & Orthodontics 16616 San Pedro (281/Thousand Oaks) 491-9898 Accepts most insurance
General Dentistry
Garrison Family Dental Austin J Garrison DDS, Gary J. Garrison DDS 22100 Bulverde Rd., Ste. 114 494-7222 www.garrisonfamilydental.com
Internal Medicine
Orthodontics For Adults/Children
Internal Medicine of Stone Oak Lubna Naeem, M.D. 19272 Stone Oak Pkwy., Ste. 105 490-3800 Laser treatment, Botox, Skin care available
Schatz Orthodontics Eric Schatz, DDS 22610 U.S. Highway 281, Ste. 201 272-7129 www.alohasmiles.net
Ophthalmologist/Optometrist
Pediatric Dentistry
Alamo City Eye Physicians, P.A. J. Mark Berry M.D. William T. Walton M.D. 19026 Stone Oak Pkwy., Ste. 216 491-2020
Stone Oak Pediatric Dentistry Dr. “Susie” S. Hayden, DDS, P.A. 20322 Huebner Rd., Ste. 103 491-4141 www.drsusie.net
Ophthalmologist
Speech Therapy
Lynnell C. Lowry, M.D. Alamo Eye Institute Board Certified Ophthalmologist 18720 Stone Oak Pkwy., Ste. 119 697-3821
Speech & Language Center of Stone Oak Barbara A. Samfield 19272 Stone Oak Pkwy., Ste. 108 495-9944 www.stoneoakspeech.com
Optometrist
Urgent Care
Texas State Optical Renee Dunlap, O.D. 21019 U.S. Hwy. 281 N., Ste. 832 490-EYES (3937) www.stoneoaktso.com
Fossil Creek Urgent Care Clinic 22250 Bulverde Rd. (Corner of Evans Rd.) 401-8185 • www.fossilcreekurgentcare.com Open Late and Weekends Family and Pediatric Medicine
Can Anyone Beat Johnson High School?
By Stefanie Young elcome Home Community Newspaper and the Non-Profit Living Through Giving hosted an award ceremony on Wednesday, February 3 at Claudia Taylor “Lady Bird” Johnson High School as winner of the 2014 Toys Drive Challenge. This is the second year in a row Johnson has won the challenge. Elementary, middle and high schools were welcome to participate in the friendly competition, all for a good cause. This year, Johnson brought in more than 1,000 toys, earning them the trophy for another year! They competed against 20 other schools from NEISD and NISD with only Madison High School coming close with roughly 800 toys.
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The Welcome Home staff was honored to meet with the student council of Johnson High School to present them with the trophy once more, with another silver plate engraved on the front, and a $500 check for the school to use as they choose to. The Toy Drive Challenge trophy represents the good that can be achieved when students of the school come together in support of a great cause. As 2014 winners, Johnson will be allowed to hold onto the trophy for a full year until the next Toys for Tots challenge, where they will have to win it again, or give it up to the 2015 winners. Overall, with all the schools accounted for, the Toy Drive brought in over 7,000 toys for the children of San Antonio who wouldn’t have had toys without their
March 2015 • Welcome Home • 78259
efforts. Welcome Home and Living Through Giving would like to thank the community for never failing to deliver, even when the expectations continue to grow! Here at Welcome Home, we hope more schools will participate in the upcoming year and that more toys will be delivered to the local children within our neighborhoods who need the reminder that they haven’t been forgotten. With friendly competition in mind, we hope to see a school step up to the plate and aim to beat Johnson in their third run for the trophy! To find out how you and your school can participate in the upcoming year, email info@livingthroughgivingsa.org or call (210)348-8233.
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UTSA Basketball: Seniors Lead the Way
By Ben Spicer or the hard-working athletes of the UTSA men’s basketball team, daily schedules can be tight this time of year with both limited free time and tons of travel. As the team’s regular season winds to a close, each game down the stretch means that much more for the three senior starters – center Kaj-Bjorn Sherman, guard Keon Lewis, and four-year player Jerome Hill. The trio has put in countless amounts of time and effort competing at the highest of levels to get to where they are. Unlike paid professional athletes, these fortunate students have to split their time between doing what they love which is playing collegiate basketball, while still having to go to class and progress towards degrees in their chosen field. “Days start with very early mornings,” forward Jerome Hill said. “Usually the younger guys have school. My schedule is pretty good. I do all my classes at night. I am on campus though until around 11 p.m. We don’t get any special treatment that’s for sure. It just brings a different aspect to the schooling side – you have to have good time management, and you have to be organized.” The six-foot-eight inch Hill, who came to the Roadrunners by way of Cairns, Australia, is making sure to appreciate his final season and all that it has to offer this last go around. “I am enjoying myself. We have a good group of guys this year. I am just trying to leave some sort of legacy,” he said. “I’ve gotten so much out of being here – I’ve been here five years. I got a master’s degree, an undergraduate degree, I’ve been to the NCAA tournament and played in a bunch of top-level games. I have no regrets of my time here.” Hill said following his senior year he will try to play professionally, but knows there is no certainty in that. “If I keep playing well I will definitely give it a go and see what happens,” he said. Kaj-Bjorn Sherman, another senior who is playing in his second season with UTSA after transferring in from an Idaho junior college, said he came to San Antonio after liking what the coaches had to say about the program. “I came out on my visit, and I really liked what the coaches had to offer. I liked that this was an up and coming school. The Spurs being here was the cherry on top – I love the Spurs. Ultimately I also liked having three familiar faces that I like playing with.” As an athlete and seven-feet tall, Sherman stands out on campus in a big, big way. “Me being seven-feet tall is what brings in the attention – more than being an athlete I suppose. But San Antonio has been a great community, and what they say about southern hospitality has been true – everyone has been so kind to me.
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It’s the same way across the whole campus.” With the step up in competition faced this year, Sherman has had to rely on his teammates, most notably the other two seniors to take the team where they intend to go. “Last year we were plagued with injuries so we didn’t have the greatest season in the world, but it got us into the mindset of what we have to play against day-in-day-out, so it got us ready for this year,” he said. The team finishes up its regular season playing four more games in February before hosting its final two regular season games of the year at the Convocation Center versus Rice and North Texas during the first week in March. “We just got to keep on doing what we’re doing. It got us this far. We’re just getting better at what we do. We have to keep spreading the floor with our shooters and have me and Jeromie clean up the misses inside.” Keon Lewis, the third senior on the team who also came to the program via a junior college, said the coaching staff led by head coach Brooks Thompson has been instrumental in the team’s improvement down the stretch. “He’s more of a teacher. He has that knowledge and he’s going to give us that knowledge. He tells us when to pick our spots, and I really like that about him. I’ve never had a coach like him that breaks things down like he does,” Lewis said. The top 12 teams in Conference USA advance to an end of season tournament, with the top four regular season records receiving a bye in the first round. The winner of the tournament then gets the ultimate prize of playing in the “Big Dance” also known as March Madness or simply the NCAA tournament – one of collegiate sport’s biggest stages. “I want to get a conference ring, and get into the NCAA tournament. I am really going to miss this team. This is a great group of guys this year,” Lewis said. To purchase tickets to games visit ticketmaster.com, call 210-458-8872 or email ticketoffice@utsa.edu.
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March 2015 • Welcome Home • 78259
JHS Jaguar PTSA Smart Driving Club Heads To The Capitol Submitted By Melinda Cox he Johnson High School PTSA Smart Driving Club headed to the State Capitol February 3 to further its club mission to remind drivers, including State Senators, to make safe choices behind the wheel. Club members were invited to the State Capitol by Senator Tom Craddick to be recognized by the members of the Texas House and Senate for club efforts and commitment to the message of no distracted driving. JHS Jaguar Principal Melhbrech and Assistant Principal Stuart Guthrie joined students of the PTSA Smart Driving Club at the Capitol in support of their recognition and club efforts. JHS PTSA Smart driving club senior students Tyler Otten, Brittany Muller, Nicole Urbanik, Mac Paquette and Akash Patel sat down with Texas Speaker of the House State Representative Straus to discuss the need to make texting and driving and driving distracted illegal in the State of Texas. These students also spent the day visiting the offices of senators asking for their support for the bill filed by Rep. Tom Craddick. Rep. Tom Craddick (Midland) filed House Bill 80, the Alex Brown Memorial Act, to address an important traffic safety issue by implementing a statewide ban on texting while driving. “38 Texas cities, along with 44 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, ban text messaging for all drivers. And yet, as a whole, the State of Texas does not, consequently creating a
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patchwork of local ordinances that confuses drivers,” Craddick said. House Bill 80 hopes to change that confusion and make it very clear to all drivers that texting and driving in dangerous. The bill is named the Alex Brown Memorial Act in honor of Alex Brown. Alex lost her life to texting while driving. Her parents, Jeanne and Johnny Mac Brown lost Alex in a single car accident as she drove to school during her senior year in high school. The family has since formed the Remembering Alex Brown (RAB) foundation to raise awareness and support a Texas law. “Like the Browns, families who have lost a loved one know all too well the dangers of texting while driving,” Craddick said. “Not only can crashes cost a life, but texting crashes cost all Texas taxpayers an estimated $1.3 billion in medical care, emergency services, vehicle repairs, insurance premiums and lost productivity and wages.” According to Texas Department of Transportation, in 2013, nearly one in five crashes in Texas involved driver distraction. There were 95,267 traffic crashes in Texas that involved distracted driving. These crashes resulted in 19,994 serious injuries and 507 deaths. “Texans who text while driving increase their crash risk by at least eight times. That is comparable to driving while intoxicated. Like driving drunk, texting while driving is a dangerous habit that is not just risking the driver’s life, it is risking the lives of other
During their time at the State Capitol, Johnson HS students were able to encourage elected leaders to take a stand for safety on our roads and support upcoming legislation.
drivers, passengers and pedestrians alike,” Craddick said. “Writing a text, updating Facebook or checking your email messages is not worth injuring yourself or someone else.” “The Texas Legislature has a responsibility to give our law enforcement officers the tools they need to make our roadways safer,” Craddick concluded. “If passed this session, this law will provide a uniform statewide approach to curb this unsafe practice and will go a long way in helping educate drivers on the dangers posed by texting while driving and save lives.”\ The JHS PTSA Smart Driving Club has been educating its Jaguar campus and community about the dangers of driving distracted for almost three years. During
Annual NEISD PTAs’ Used Book Sale Coming In April Submitted By Michelle Shaw he NEISD Council of PTAs is sponsoring the 13th Annual Used Book Sale with the help and participation of the local PTAs in the North East Independent School District. The sale of more than 80,000 books will be held at Blossom Athletic Center in Littleton Gym, 12002 Jones Maltsberger Road, 78216 The sale begins the second weekend in April and is a three day event: Friday, April
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10 and Saturday, April 11 from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday, April 12 from 11 am until 4 pm. Hardbacks and DVDs are priced at $1.00 and paperbacks at $.50. Sunday is the ever popular bag sale day where a bag can be purchased for $15.00 and stuffed to the brim with all the books that can fit, additional bags can be purchased for $10 each. Cash AND credit cards are accepted. Please, no checks. Admission is free. More than twenty-five book categories are represented including cookbooks,
North SA Retired Teachers Association Submitted By Michele Bibbs ark your calendars for Wednesday, March 18to attend the monthly meeting of the North San Antonio Retired Teachers Association. We meet at the San Pedro Presbyterian Church located at 14900 San Pedro, just north of Brookhollow Shopping Center. Our speaker for March is Laurie Brown from our wonderful San Antonio Zoo. She has a wealth of information about the zoo….from the different animals, zoo volunteers, and what we, as citizens of San Antonio can do to support the zoo. Dr. Charlotte Travis, TRTA President of District 20, will also join us at this meeting. We always begin with a “meet and greet” at 9:45AM. There will be plenty of hot coffee and munchies for you to enjoy. The General Meeting is called to order a little
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Fund, Arts in Education, Health Education Awareness, Alcohol and Drug Education, Project Graduation, Bike Rodeos and many, many others. These projects benefit students throughout the North East Independent School District. Please support PTA and get some FANTASTIC buys at the same time. It’s the best bargain in town! And at these prices, there is something for everyone. For additional information, please contact Marika Littmann at mwlittmann@ satx.rr.com or call (713) 419-1885.
Encino Park Spelling Bee
after 10AM and we always adjourn before noon. Come and make new friends, we are anxious to meet you. For more information, please call Michele Bibb 494-8197.
March 2015 • Welcome Home • 78259
romance, mystery and thrillers, sci-fi and fantasy, classics, health and fitness, biography, business, hobbies, how-to, self-help, religious and inspirational, fiction, reference, western, military, history, parenting and childcare, art, young adult, comics and DVDs as well as an ENORMOUS selection of children’s books that includes picture books, board books, chapter books, and series books. Used book sale proceeds will fund PTA projects such as the Blossom Scholarship
their time at the State Capitol, students were able to encourage elected leaders to take a stand for safety on our roads and support upcoming legislation. Students were privileged to see our state government in action and play their part in the process by asking senators to help keep Texas roads safe. The JHS PTSA Smart Driving Club will continue to work on the Jaguar campus and in the community to remind friends, family and all drivers to keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. If you would like to support the passage of House Bill 80 you are encouraged to write your State Senator a letter of support. You are also encouraged to contact Rep. Tom Craddick for more information or melmadcox@msn.com for a copy of House Bill 80 and a letter of support.
Submitted By Suzanne Randolph n Friday, January 9th Encino Park Elementary School had their annual Spelling Bee. Two representatives from each fourth and fifth grade classroom competed in the bee. After fierce competition among very well-prepared participants, the bee ended after the 27th round and the championship round. The school is very proud of all of their Encino Park spellers; however, a special mention should go to our final three spellers who “battled it out” in eleven rounds. Melody Kuykendall received 3rd place after spelling correctly in nineteen rounds. Alex Hansen received 2nd place after spelling correctly for 26 rounds. At the start of the 27th round, the spellers had exhausted the prepared list of words and ventured into the unprepared list. Ritvik Balachandar was pronounced the champion after correctly spelling such challenging words as “jocularity,”
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Encino Park Top Three Spellers 2015: Ritvik Balachandar, Champion; Alex Hansen, 2nd Place, and Melody Kuykendal, 3rd Place.
“impugn,” “sabbatical,” “quintessential,” and “obstreperous” before securing the victory with the championship word “habitat.” Ritvik represented Encino Park Elementary School at the Regional Spelling Bee at Trinity University in Laurie Auditorium on Saturday, February 21, 2015.
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March 2015 • Welcome Home • 78259