May 2017 78255 56 57 for web by Russell Groomer

A Monthly Publication Directly Mailed to the residents of The Dominion, Crown Ridge, Steeple Chase, Stage Run and surrounding areas POSTAL CUSTOMER

May 2017 Issue

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID SAN ANTONIO, TX PERMIT NO 6450

T H E S O L I S I N T E R N AT I O N A L G R O U P Your NorthSide Real Estate Specialists in San Antonio and surrounding areas with over MILLION

$280

SOLD

Call us today for a free Market Analysis & Buyers Consultation. Ask about our Move-Up Program!

210-477-4891

Ruben & Mary Solis

Victor Viniegra

Claudia Viniegra

Joey Solis

Geraldina Machado

Use the cash you make from selling your current home as a down payment for your DREAM HOME!

THE SOLIS INTERNATIONAL GROUP redefines Real Estate to the highest level with Great Customer Service and Expertise by assisting National and International Sellers and Buyers in Achieving their Goals.

(210) 477-4891 | sanantoniomicasa.com 2338 N Loop 1604 W Ste 120 San Antonio, Texas 78248

www.welcomehomesa.com

Call me today to get Pre-Qualified! LINDSEY KNEUPPER MORTGAGE CONSULTANT NMLS #218728 Lindsey.Kneupper@OnQFinancial.com

C 210.215.8402

On Q Financial, Inc. is an Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #5645 LK050516068i0000002GCQ0

May 2017 • Welcome Home • 78255/56/57

You’re always set for a sitter.

Get Your Life Back

3 FREE Sitter Hours

With All Natural Hormones

Requires new customers complete family set-up process with College Sitters. Use promo code THREEFREE.

Focus Of Treatment:

Making life easier for Moms (it’s what we do).

• Weight Loss • Hot Flashes • Vaginal Dryness • Insomnia • Loss of Libido • Thyroid Issues

Our sitters make every day feel like summer camp. We’re the simple solution to your day to day needs. San Antonio | 210 202 0303 | collegesitters.com

• Erectile Dysfunction • Weakness • Brain Fog • Vitamin Deﬁciencies • Bone Loss • Men & Women Anti-Aging

Side effects, risks & beneﬁts addressed & tailored to you.

Call to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Becker.

210.545.5224 ·

www. AntiAgingSA .com

14603 Huebner Road. Suite 2601 (Huebner & NW Military)

Overnight Shipping Anywhere In The Country! 9801 McCullough San Antonio, Texas 210-377-0951 May 2017 • Welcome Home • 78255/56/57

4002 East Causeway Blvd Corpus Christi, TX 361-730-1514 www.welcomehomesa.com

WHEN YOUR FAVORITE

SUPERHERO’S

POWERS

FALL SHORT

FLY TO

METHODIST 4

26061_MHS_MCH-Boerne_Welcome_Home_April-June_2017_ad_v1.indd 1

www.welcomehomesa.com

OUR DOCTORS ARE SPECIALLY TRAINED TO CORRECT POWER FAILURES. Since 2008, the emergency medical care staff at Methodist Boerne Emergency Center has served local families and children. In collaboration with the pediatric doctors at Methodist Children’s Hospital, we offer the best in pediatric emergency medicine. So if your child has a life-threatening injury or illness and requires emergency treatment — ensure their care to the ER staff at Methodist—the most trusted name in health care with the most preferred physicians and nurses. When every minute counts, our superheroes are here to help yours.

MHSgetERready.com MethodistHealthcareSanAntonio SAHealth210

SAHealth210

3/7/17 3:01 PM

May 2017 • Welcome Home • 78255/56/57

Note From The Publisher Honoring Those Who Sacrifice

trength, wisdom, and guidance. These are the true characteristics of the people we honor during the month May. In my opinion, it’s not really a coincidence that both Mother’s Day and Memorial Day are celebrated in May. Both groups of individuals have made unfathomable sacrifices; our fallen soldiers with their lives, and our mothers with their hearts and souls. This year, Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 14. While we should always find ways to show mom our love, Mother’s Day is a nice reminder to set time to do just that. A card, a box of chocolate, and a fancy dinner reservation are all quite customary, but this year, I encourage you to try to think outside the box. Take some time to really think about the sacrifices your mom has made for you. If you have children of your own, you already know because you are now making them yourself. Throughout the ages, our mothers have always have been God’s truest and purest gift to humanity. Treasure and cherish your mom while you can. In a similar vein, Memorial Day is about celebrating those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Everyday, men and women sign up to serve our country knowing the danger it can present. For the most part, people don’t like war. We don’t want to ship off our loved ones, hoping that they will return to us in one piece. However, they often volunteer for this duty and sometimes, they don’t come home. Sometimes their life is the sacrifice they make for our freedom. No family wants to lose their son or daughter, husband or wife, or mother or father. I ask that you take an extra few minutes this

Jessica Jenkins, Mary Jenkins-Asquith, and Jennifer Jenkins

month to pray for the souls of the soldiers’ whom we’ve lost. Pray for peace and pray for the families they have left behind. While these two holidays are a good time for reflection, May also brings the end of the school year and the beginning of SUMMMER! Even though it has been awhile since I’ve actually had a real summer break, I still get excited thinking about the end of the school year (as if I am the one that gets two and a half months off, ha!) The energy and excitement in the air is contagious. I hope all of you get some time off this summer to enjoy with friends and family. Put down the cell phones and ignore the DVR. Just sit, back, relax and think about how truly blessed we really are. Wishing all moms a very Happy Mother’s Day and everyone else an amazing summer!

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

www.welcomehomesa.com

The Jenkins Interior Design Group

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

• • • • • •

Custom Draperies Window Treatments Mirrors & Custom Art Furniture & Custom lamp Wall Coverings Oriental & Area Rugs

• • • • •

Carpet & Flooring Artwork & Framing Finishing Touches Floral & Silk Plants Christmas Decorating Commerial or Residential

www.TheJenkinsInteriorDesignGroup.com 210.490.0161

The Possiblilities Are Endless . . . Introducing New Custom LED Photo Booth Corporate Events • Holiday Parties Weddings • Birthday Parties & More

Welcome Home newspaper assumes no liability in advertising other than correction and reinsertion of like-size ad at no additional cost to our advertiser. The opinions stated by the writers or the information printed from other sources do not necessarily depict those of the publisher or advertisers. No liability is assumed. Welcome Home newspaper will not knowingly publish any advertisement which is illegal or misleading to its readers. All copy and type arrangements are subject to approval by the publisher. All stories and photos submitted become property of Welcome Home Editorial and Advertising content of Welcome Home newspaper is protected by the U.S. copyright law. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Publisher Kristin Oliver

Distribution Israel Vazquez

Writer/Copy Editor Alissa Reinhard

Sales Representatives Patrice Long Orlando Cardenas Don Kopper

Administrative Assistant Dianne Grosso Kerry Bustamante Graphic Design/Production Marie Ferrante

Contributing Photographer Oscar McAnally

May 2017 • Welcome Home • 78255/56/57

Contributing Writers Paula Allen Mary Delaney Heather Boss-Durante Irma Garcia Jane Lea Marti Nordstrom Shirley Wills

2 Hour Party Booth $

398

3 Hour Party Booth $

598

Call for May Specials and Discounts

210.663.9052 • Carol@RentMyPartyBooth.com www. RentMyPartyBooth .com www.welcomehomesa.com

On The Cover By Alissa Reinhard ecoming a mother is a blessing beyond words. The moment you hold your child for the first time, your whole life changes. You’ve unknowingly stepped onto a rollercoaster of emotions, unparalleled happiness, permeating doubt, and a love you’ve never experienced before. A mother’s love for her child knows no end. If you’re a mother yourself, you know this rollercoaster well. Mother’s Day is about celebrating you! Find a way to show yourself a little love this Mother’s Day. You deserve it. If your mom is still with you, take the time this Mother’s Day to show her how much you appreciate her. Think back to the special times you’ve shared with her and the number of times she’s made you feel loved and protected. We tend to think of our moms as superhuman. Somehow, they always seem to know the right thing to do or say. But they aren’t all-knowing or all-powerful, and a little gesture to show them that their love will never be taken for granted is so deserved. And if your mom is no longer with you, reflect on the times you shared with her and know that although she may not be here physically, she lives each and every day through you. And remember, the role of “mom” comes in many different forms. The person who has taken on the role of mom in your life might be your aunt or grandma or even

a teacher or friend. Celebrate these women and show them how much their love and guidance means to you on Mother’s Day and always! Students from Stone Oak Elementary wrote letters to their moms in honor of Mother’s Day. Read the sweet and simple reasons why their moms are the best on page 10 & 11. Happy Mother’s Day, moms!

Tips To Transition Kids From School To Summer By Steve Johnson, Owner of College Nannies + Sitters + Tutors he transition from school to summer is not always an easy one for kids. Children are taken from their structured routines and thrown into the freedom of summer. This can be challenging for many, leaving them under-stimulated and bored. To help make the transition easier, we’ve compiled a list of tips to make the shift from school schedules to summer schedules as easy as possible. Create a Summer To-Do List. Get your children excited about summer by sitting down and creating a fun to-do list! Let your children brainstorm everything they wish to do during break in order to have the best possible summer. Once everyone is finished brainstorming, you can start penciling in summer activities and planning out a summer to remember. Organize Educational Activities. It is important to keep kids stimulated over the summer so they do not experience summer learning loss. Your child can have a fun summer break while still learning and challenging them academically. Oftentimes, teachers assign summer reading lists and other educational activities to keep kids sharp over summer. As a parent, it is your job to make sure your student completes these assigned tasks. Make it fun by creating incentives and rewards for each completed assignment. If their teacher doesn’t assign

6 6519.01-WHNICU5x12.25_v2.indd

2/8/13 4:52 PM www.welcomehomesa.com

summer reading, create your own list by making a trip to the library. Keep in Touch with Friends. It is important for your children to remain social over the summer. Help your children stay in touch with their school friends by planning fun events with the other parents. Whether it’s a barbeque outing, sleepover or a day at the local water park, keeping kids in contact with friends their own age is extremely important. The strengthened friendships will help ease kids into the upcoming school year with confidence. Schedule and Prepare Children for Activities. Summer activities are a great way for children to stay active and involved during break. Activities such as swimming lessons, educational camps, sport camps and themed camps will help your child develop and refine new, interesting skills. If you need help to make these transitions work, another option is to hire a nanny for the summer. A summer nanny is a watchful eye, a fun playmate and a form of reliable transportation to and from activities. If you are still looking for summer childcare, the staff at College Nannies would love to talk to you about how we may be able to help. Our flexible, professional nannies can make the perfect fit for your summer childcare needs. For more information, please call us at 210-202-0303 or visit collegenannies. com.

May 2017 • Welcome Home • 78255/56/57

Jon’s Run Celebration 15 Years

Runners take their marks at Jon’s Run, a 5K and 2-mile walk and kid’s run in memory of Jon Carl Stephenson who passed away from SIDS on April 25, 2002, and all children whose lives ended too soon.

Submitted By Marti Nordstrom here is nothing more tragic for a parent than the death of a child. The shock and devastation are overwhelming and for most, comes a complete loss of hope. For the past 15 years, Jon’s Run has honored all children whose lives ended too soon and provides a place where families don’t have to be alone in their grief. This year’s run will take place on May 13 at 8:30 a.m. at the

Wheatley Heights Sports Complex located at 200 Noblewood Drive. Jon’s Run is named for baby Jon Carl Stephenson who passed away from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) on April 25, 2002. Your donations and/or participation in Jon’s Run helps fund SIDS research and prevention and supports families struggling with the loss of a child. Each year, the race concludes with a Memorial Balloon Release,

Each year, the race concludes with a Memorial Balloon Release, a beautiful tradition that offers healing and hope for families as they remember their children.

a beautiful tradition that offers healing and hope for families as they remember their children. “Not only is this our 15th year, but it will also be our last,” said Melissa FrenchStephenson, Jon’s mother. “This was a very difficult decision for us, but the time feels right. We’re proud that the last two years combined, we’ve raised $40,000 for a specific SIDS study happening in the UK.”

Celtic Thunder Singer To Perform In San Antonio Submitted By Donna Deen ony Music recording artist and Celtic Thunder lead singer Emmet Cahill will present a concert at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church on Wednesday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. to perform songs from his debut orchestral album, “Emmet Cahill’s Ireland.” His album reached #1 on the Amazon, iTunes and Billboard World Music charts and offers the very best of the

traditional Irish repertoire (“Danny Boy,” “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling,” “My Cavan Girl,” The Parting Glass” and more). Cahill’s concert will feature many of the songs from the album and will also include Broadway favorites, movie hits and folk classics, plus an occasional operatic aria that will showcase his classical vocal training received at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin.

In addition to a full solo concert, Cahill will also be a featured soloist with the St. Mark Parish Choir in a special performance of Alice Parker’s “Melodious Accord: A Concert of Praise” under the guidance of Gary A. Marks, Director of Music. Don’t miss an unforgettable night of songs and tales from the Emerald Isle with Ireland’s most exciting young tenor! General admission tickets are $30 and

Funds raised from Jon’s Race also benefit the Center for Infant and Child Loss and the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas – two non-profit organizations that offer grief support in San Antonio. If you’d like to join Jon’s Run 5K, 2-mile walk and kid’s run, or support their cause, please visit www.jonsrun.com.

may be purchased online at http://www. emmetcahill.com/tourdates/. St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church is located at 1602 Thousand Oaks Drive in San Antonio.

10003 NW Militar Alon Tow elementsmassage.

Would you want to miss this?

Directions for Customization Headline

To customize your headline double-click on it and a menu will open from the right side of the screen. Select your headline from the ones available. If your headline does not appear, submit a creative request on MyStudio for a custom offer block.

OFFER/COPY To customize your offer or copy,double-click on it and a menu will open from the right side of the screen. Select your offer/copy from the ones available. If your offer does not appear, submit a creative request on MyStudio for a custom offer block.

San A 21 elementsmas

Now You Won’t. Address

Christine Gilliam, MD & David Ward, Doctor of Audiology work together to provide full If you need more than one location Audiologic on your document, assessment & Medical review all in one place. drag the default address boxes off the template and • Cutting edge hearing drag the ones you need onto the template. Note: The aid technologies • Hearing solutions tailored to all of your address information for the alternate lock-ups will need needs to be entered manually. • We keep working until you're satisfied • Our goal is to improve your life with better communication through better hearing

Positioning Grid San Antonio ME 2642 210.541.4050 elementsmassage.com/san-antonio

North San Antonio ME 2495 210.497.7770 elementsmassage.com/northsanantonio

May 2017 • Welcome Home • 78255/56/57

If you need assistance in positioning items on the template, drag the "positioning grid" onto the template. Use it as a guide to line up items on the template. Drag it back off the template to preview your layout and before you submit the document for approval.

502 Madison Oak Dr. Ste. 140

210.647.3838

www.EveryonesENT.com

www.welcomehomesa.com

Estrogen Improves Memory

By Donna Becker, D.O. Enhancement of Life (210) 545-5224 recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health studied young female athletes who aerobically exercised on average ten hours a week and due to their vigorous routine, had stopped having periods. According to “Science Daily,” April 3, 2016, “Estrogen deficiency due to amenorrhea (lack of period) may possibly result in forgetfulness and poor concentration.” One group was given a tiny dose of estrogen and progesterone to mimic a birth control pill while the second group was

given a physiologic dose of transdermal estrogen plus oral progesterone. The third group was given no hormones. The two groups receiving estrogen scored better on memory tests, but, as I would have guessed, the group given the physiologic dose of estrogen plus progesterone to mimic a young, normal female scored best of all! Another interesting study found that in post-menopausal women with a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease had improvement in memory when given human type estrogen, 17-beta estradiol, as compared to women given conjugated equine (from a horse)

Step Into Decorating

By Mary Jenkins- Asquith The Jenkins Interior Design Group, Inc. (210) 490-0161 he summer months are coming and to-do list without realizing that the holidays many of us are looking to change are already heading toward us and quickly our interiors in order to make our picking up steam! Now’s the time to make space more inviting. Summer is a time for the change that you desire before another socializing and enjoying visits from family year slips by! and friends. As the months fly by, many of I recently worked with a client who had us are just now getting to our New Year’s her heart set on a new kitchen. She wanted a

estradiol. Risk factors for Alzheimer’s include having a relative with Alzheimer’s, having the Alzheimer’s gene, a past history of depression, or low thyroid disorder. The researchers in this study say their findings might explain why some women given hormones have improvement in brain function, and in other studies, did not. It all depends on WHAT TYPE of estradiol was given to the study participants—the human copy estradiol yielded improvement in cognition, while the synthetic type, derived from pregnant mare’s urine, did not! (“17B-Estradiol Improved Postmenopausal Memory Performance” by Deborah Brauver 9/19/11 Medscape) The side effect profile, that perhaps three in 1,000 women not taking hormones may get breast cancer, while four hormone-taking women in 1,000 may get breast cancer, is the same for either type of estrogen. These estimates of breast cancer risk vary

slightly depending on the study. The truth is, you might get cancer, whether you take hormones or not, and there may be a slightly increased risk if you do. The best news of all is that the natural, or copy of human estradiol, is very inexpensive, as little as $4 per month for the oral tablet, while the transdermal patch is a bit more. The synthetic or non-human copy of estrogen costs quite a bit more. At least one study showed the definite superiority of 17 Beta estradiol as compared to conjugated equine estradiol. I prescribe only the human copy of hormones, popularly known as bio-identical. 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.

fresh space and a completely new look. We decided to go with light colors on both the countertops and cabinets. The dark sofa and loveseat which were previously in the house and were staying even after the remodeled kitchen was complete, presented a new challenge. However, the neutral colors of the kitchen allowed us to use a new colorway (any range of combinations of colors in which a style or design is available) and bring in pops of blues and teals (spa colorways), as well as a pop of red. With so many new colors gaining popularity and older colors coming back into style, it can be easy to get confused about colors schemes. Minty greens are

staying on top of the color wheel this season while purples are making their way back into our décor. Light backgrounds are also popular, allowing us to bring in contrast with bright colors. Stay in tune with the new colors as you spend your money redecorating. Sometimes just a pillow or two and a few new lamps can create a brand new look. Remember, your home is your castle! Call us for your design needs. For more information about the Jenkins Interior Design Group, LLC, call Mary L. Jenkins-Asquith, Owner at 210-4900161.

SAVE THE DATE!

Swim

June 10th

Say Aloha to Summer at Our Beach Blanket Bow-wow June 10th from 11 to 3 FREE to Attend Food • Games • Swimming • Dock Diving Microchip Clinic • Pet Adoptions • AND MORE!!! Indoor/Outdoor Kennels Pet Bakery Doggie Day Care

Jungle Cattery Beach Club with a Filtered Lagoon

830-980-8476

Full Service Grooming Training

k9countryclub.net

31305 Oak View, Bulverde, Texas

www.welcomehomesa.com

Train

Make Friends

NEW

CLASSES BEGIN EV ERY MONTH!

May 2017 • Welcome Home • 78255/56/57

K9 Corner

Our second gift to you this May is to help get your pet ready for the summer heat. Our Master Groomer is offering a new fabulous add-on to any grooming package. The Luxury Chi Spa includes deep moisturizing Chi shampoo, a moisturizing paw massage to help with pad cracking this summer, and a leave in conditioner that not only benefits your pet’s coat but leaves them with a fabulous fresh scent that will last for weeks! This entire package is only $26 added to any groom or bath but during the month of May, you’ll get the birthday special at 15% OFF! And if that’s not enough, mark your calendar for the biggest beach party this summer. In appreciation for all those who have supported us over the last 15 years, K9 Country Club will be hosting a Beach Blanket Bow-Wow on Saturday, June 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Come out and enjoy food, vendors, agility demos, music, pet adoptions, a microchip clinic, scent detection demos, dock diving, and much more! Start your summer off right. Dogs on

Wild-Caught Alaskan Salmon On The Run

Groomer’s Seafood only brings in fresh, never frozen, Alaskan Salmon. While this may sound common for a fresh fish market, many “fresh” markets merely bring in salmon frozen and thaw it out for the daily display. Groomer’s Seafood just refuses to do that. We understand that when you come here, you’re passing up many local grocery stores to get something you just can’t find anywhere else. Our buying team goes above and beyond the call of duty for this reason and works directly with the hard working fishermen of Alaska on procurement. Next, we always bring these salmon in whole and cut it right off the bone to your order. This prevents oxidation that can happen when the fillet is left out exposed to the air. Our expert fishmongers then debone, trim, and portion your fillet exactly how you

desire, a service that you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else. The end result is some of the finest salmon in the entire country, with types like King (Chinook) Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, and even the rare Alaskan Salmon like Ivory and Marble! Remember to keep an eye on our Facebook and weekly newsletters to see when this season kicks off! It›s a short season so be sure to keep an eye out, once the summer turns to fall the salmon runs tend to diminish! If you want to get more information on availability, the health benefits, and specials on our Wild salmon be sure to go to our website www. groomerseafood.com to sign up for our newsletter. Also if you ever have any seafood question at all feel free to send me an email at blakegroomer@groomerseafood.com.

it’s the barbequing method: indirect (or “convective”) heat, low temperatures (225°250°), and the cook time can be as much as 10-15 hours or more. A Visual. Imagine a silhouette of a whole cow. Now imagine putting a target on top of the cow’s back with the bulls-eye right in the middle as you move from ear to the tail. Then, imagine that target radiating outward (forget the top half; just consider the target as it spans down toward the ground). The muscles in that bulls-eye area are the least used on the cow, which makes them the tenderest, most succulent pieces of meat (not to mention, most expensive) cuts like the tenderloin, filet mignon, T-bone, and porterhouse steak. Just beyond that bulls-eye are cuts like the ribeye steak, New York strip, and sirloin. All of these will have lots of tender, delicious flavor tailor-made for grilling. However, as you radiate outward from the bulls-eye the fat lessens in the muscle tissue and the collagen increases. These collagen fibers are necessary as they are in the heavyduty working parts of the cow, i.e., muscles that both move and support some 2,000

pounds. The brisket, for example, is the king of barbeque, and is located beneath the neck as the cow’s body forms into the upper leg. The brisket’s counterpart at the back end is the hind shank, which is best used for stew meat. Both have lots of collagen in them – as do the cuts in between – and they definitely require a low and slow cooking process. Make no mistake, these cuts can be incredibly tasty, they just take time to cook. Regardless of whether you like to grill or barbeque – or both! – we at Jeff’s Backyard can help you find the best cooker that produces the results you desire. Indeed, we have over 80 years combined cooking experience to share with you! Look for our ad on this page which has a coupon for a FREE bag of wood when you buy a Texas Trailblazer offset smoker at Jeff’s Backyard! For more information, call 210-3424760, or email jeffsbackyard@att.net. Better yet, come visit at 435 West Nakoma, San Antonio, TX 78216 (at the intersection of Nakoma and West Ave.) You can also visit www.jeffsbackyardstore.com.

By Catherine Laria K9 Country Club (830) 980-8476

May Specials At K9CC!

here is so much happening at your pet’s favorite playground! We’re bursting at the seams, excited to tell you all about it! You may have read back in January that K9 Country Club is about to celebrate a very special birthday! We opened our doors in 15 years ago in October and we’ve been growing ever since. Nearly every year we add a service or improvement to keep K9 Country Club your one-stop-shop for all your pet’s needs including the incredible Beach Club, seven-day-a-week grooming, a new 45 run facility, and K9 Health Gym.

By Blake Groomer Groomer’s Seafood (210) 377-0951 e are approaching the time of the year that all true seafoodies look forward to. I am of course talking about the season of Wild-caught Alaskan Salmon, one of the best tastes of the summer time and it starts towards the end of May. Full of flavor, rich in omega3’s, and sustainably caught, wild salmon is the perfect choice for weekend barbecues

Always striving to be a cut above the rest, K9CC purchased a competitive dock diving pool this year! We will have full competitions, lessons, and open dock time for all to enjoy. We’re very excited to offer this incredible opportunity to pet lovers in San Antonio and surrounding areas. In celebration of 15 years of business, we are offering our 10-hour dock diving pass (giving you and your pet 10 hours of diving and swimming time to use all summer long) at a 15% discount!

with friends or even for a quick weeknight meal. Not to mention, Wild Salmon is also a fantastic source of DHA, the omega-3 fatty acid that is essential for brain development, which comes from phytoplankton. DHA is stored in salmon’s fat, and one 4-ounce serving of salmon can dish up 2,400 mg of omega-3s! But what’s the difference between our Alaskan salmon and others? Simple; the difference is freshness.

Grilling Vs. Barbequing By Cotton Clark Jeff’s Backyard (210) 342-4760 his month’s column picks up from last month’s where we talked about the differences between grilling and barbequing. Now it’s time to cover the food prepared using both cooking methods. The cow will be our model. The bovine is a big animal and some of its meat is tender, some of it is not. Here’s another way to view it: fat vs. collagen. Fat is tender, collagen is not, and there’s a difference in how you cook them. Grilling Fat. Muscles that are not often used on the animal will have fat woven in them called “marbling.” There is a ton of flavor in these pieces. Fat breaks down easily during the cooking process, so you really

don’t need to cook these cuts for a long time. Thus, the grilling method is preferred: hot (500° and up), direct heat (aka “radiant” heat) on a charcoal or gas grill, and probably no more than five to ten minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the cut. Barbequing Collagen. Conversely, muscles that are used a lot, particularly in the outer sections of the cow like the legs and the neck, are much tougher. To aid in their function of the animal, these muscles will have protein chains woven throughout the muscles called collagen. Collagen molecules can be broken down to a more palatable state, but it’s done so only through a kinetic process that we simply call “low and slow,” a function of both temperature and duration of heat to liquefy the collagen. In short,

You and your furry friend are invited to K9 Country Club’s Beach Blanket Bow-Wow on June 10 in celebration of their 15-year anniversary!

leashes welcome at all activities throughout the entire K9CC property. The beach will be an off-leash group play so only dog-friendly dogs will be allowed. We hope you’ll come out and help us kick off the summer at K9 Country Club! K9 Country Club is located at 31305 Oak View, Bulverde, TX 78163. For more information, call 830-980-8476 or visit www.k9countryclub.net.

Brandeis Girls Soccer Win Another District Championship

Submitted By Heather Boss-Durante he Brandeis High School Varsity girls soccer team won their third District Championship this season and went undefeated in district play for the second year in a row. The girls went 17-0-1 this season in district 28-6A and also won a program record eighth Bi-District Championship defeating

New Braunfels Canyon 2–1 in overtime in the first round of the playoffs. The Broncos finished the season as an Area qualifier losing to Austin Westlake in the second round 2–1 to finish the season 18–2–1. Along the way, they set numerous program records in a season: Most Goals: Marissa Arias; Most Career Assists:

May 2017 • Welcome Home • 78255/56/57

Samantha Palomino; Team Goals: 117; Team Assists: 93. “I am very proud of this group of young ladies,” said Coach Heather Boss-Durate. “They not only put it all out there on the field this season, but they embody everything we, as coaches, want in our student athletes. Every single player made the Academic All-

www.welcomehomesa.com

District team (had a 90 or greater academic average) and all of our nine seniors made the TASCO Academic All-State team (carried a 90 or above average all four years of high school.” Congratulations, Broncos!

A Mother’s

LOVE

By Alissa Reinhard

ay is here which means it’s time to celebrate mom! No words can truly explain the love a mother has for her child. Being a mother means learning about the strengths you didn’t know you had, and dealing with the fears you didn’t know existed. If you have a small child or children of your own, you’ve now realized your ability to love deeper than you’ve ever loved before. And with that love comes clarity – a recognition that your mother must have those very same feelings for you. We are deeply, intricately, and biologically connected to our mothers. From the moment we begin growing inside of them and enter into this world, we depend on them for everything – food, warmth, shelter, and comfort. As we age, we look to them for wisdom and reassurance. And as we begin to grow as individuals and gain our independence, we sometimes lose sight of the sacrifices mom has made. We become teenagers, pushing the limits and rebelling, trying to figure out this crazy thing called life. Mom doesn’t seem so important anymore. Enter adulthood. We have responsibilities. People depend on us. We have to depend on ourselves! We begin to remember that person we call mom. We used to depend on her and if we’re very lucky, we still can. A mother’s heart is always with her children. Her love is enduring, unwavering and neverending. There’s so much comfort in that knowledge, comfort that we too often take for granted. This Mother’s Day, show mom that you remember those days when you needed only her. When she could make everything okay! When she was your best friend and your hero. Enjoy these special letters to mom from students in Ms. Ryder’s fourth grade class and Ms. Satterwhite’s first grade class at Stone Oak Elementary. Let them take you back to a simpler time and remind you that no one is better than mom! Happy Mother’s Day!

www.welcomehomesa.com

May 2017 • Welcome Home • 78255/56/57

Mother’s Day Special

“The Total Package” (2 Hours of Indulgence)

• June Jacobs Lip Treatment • PurHerb Dry Oil Scalp Treatment • Eminence/Le Mieux Specialty Facial • Farm House Fresh & Eminence Back Facial • Farm House Fresh Hands & Feet Hydration Treatment

For a “Rejuvenating & Relaxing” total body experience mom will love. Valued at $270 for just $169. Entire month of May 2017.

Call

210.417.5972

or book online www. IdunnasHarvest.com May 2017 • Welcome Home • 78255/56/57

www.welcomehomesa.com

Save The Swine!

New 2017 Golf Carts

By Alissa Reinhard his May, Groomer’s Seafood will help sponsor a very special event, “Save the Swine,” benefitting South Texas Heritage Pork, a local farm known for raising happy, healthy, pasture-raised heritage breed hogs. Although seafood and pork might not seem like they have much in common, Groomer’s and South Heritage Pork both share a very important belief – that their customers deserve a fresh, delicious, quality, top-of-the-line product. South Texas Heritage Pork is owned and operated by Kelley and Mark Escobedo. The couple began raising hogs part-time in 2008 as a hobby, leasing a farmhouse and 120 acres of land in Wilson County. “We purchased a couple of hogs and the rest sort of took on a life of it’s own,” Kelley detailed on the Save the Swine event Facebook page. “We did a lot of research. WE decided raising hogs in a natural, humane setting was what we wanted to do, and if we were going to do it, we would only do it to the very best quality we could put out and we would do so in a way that was always in favor of the animal first.” The Escobedos were forced to move their farm twice in 2013. They’ve experienced many ups and downs over the past three years, but are dedicated to continuing and expanding their operation. “We know that we are growing one of the best tasting, highest quality pigs in the nation,” Kelley’s Facebook post continued. “Now we want to take that product to the next level. We need a permanent home to do that.”

T UTILITY & GOLF CARS Sales • Rentals • Service • Parts

HUGE inventory on parts, ALL the brands! • Controllers • Tires • Batteries • Accessories

We Are Yamaha Golf Car Dealers www.YamahaGolfCars.com

210.263.7210 • 210.338.5446

6469 Talley Rd (outside 1604, close to 151) www. SanAntonioGolfCars .net

Funds raised from Save the Swine will help the Escobedos put a down payment on property where they can grow and expand their operation. If they exceed their goals, they will use the funds to build a curing room and commercial kitchen. “If you know us and follow us, you know we don’t ask for help nor take help easily,” added Kelley in her Facebook post. “We have worked 365 days a year for over nine years building our business, many of those days start well before sun up and go well beyond sunset. We donate and participate in as many local events as we can each year. It has been a difficult decision to not just close the doors knowing that we might have to move the farm again. But we know our customers and our followers don’t want that to happen and neither do we.” Save the Swine will be hosted by Chef Cooperatives, a non-profit group that seeks to actively promote the health and prosperity of South Central Texas farms through an innovative approach to and inspired by the “Farm to Table” movement. Groomer’s Seafood is proud to help sponsor the event and support the Escobedos in their goal to continue producing responsibly sourced food for our community. Save the Swine will take place on Sunday, May 11 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Alamo

Targeted Treatment For Men’s Health

There’s always room for improvement. (The hard part is ﬁguring out how to get there.)

By Carol Anderson MD Wonderfully Well Medical (830) 549-1111 exual health profoundly affects quality of life. Sexual performance influences self-esteem and impacts relationships. In 25 years of practicing medicine, I have found that oftentimes, men struggle with erectile dysfunction (ED) for a long time. They either try to help themselves on their own or try a temporary solution which does not address the underlying issue. But it doesn’t need to be so. The scope of sexual dysfunction is vast. You may be surprised to learn if you have ED symptoms, you are actually in the majority. As they age, nearly 100% of men notice a decreased ability to perform. Official statistics state that 52% of men suffer from some form of erectile dysfunction and 57% of those who report ED are 4060 years of age. But, these figures grossly underestimate the problem because 80% of erectile dysfunction goes unreported. When Viagra arrived on the market 25 years ago, it seemed like a magical solution to a common problem: simply take a pill and suddenly no more ED worries. But these medications don’t work quite as well as advertised, nor do they deliver on the promises made in television commercials. Because these drugs do little to cure the underlying issue, they have to be taken on schedule before sex. They only work for one encounter at a time, do not improve spontaneous erections, and have side

We all have individual style but let’s face it, change can be a good thing. At Virtuoso Builders, we recognize the importance of alluring living spaces and understand the complex process of remodeling. We have a sincere interest in enhancing our clients’ lifestyles by creating design-superior, functional spaces that reﬂect individual needs and personal style. We specialize in: Kitchens | Baths | Whole House Remodels | Home Additions

210.525.8750

www.VirtuosoBuilders.com Look for our “Home Improvement” article each month in Welcome Home.

Uniquely Dif ferent . E xceptionally Qualified. 12

Brewery located at 202 Lamar St. Guests will enjoy an afternoon of delicious, locallysourced and chef-crafted food, beer from Alamo Brewery, and live entertainment. Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased at www.chefcooperatives.com/ events.

www.welcomehomesa.com

effects. Viagra and similar drugs do not work for everyone. And, they often become less effective over time, leaving men mystified about what to do next. There is a scientifically proven, effective alternative to other treatments for ED with no harmful side effects. The underlying issue in ED is a problem with the small vessels in the penis. These vessels become blocked with time. At the Wonderfully Well Center for Personalized Medicine, we offer a revolutionary treatment using acoustical waves that addresses the underlying problem and focuses on clearing out the blockages. Following treatment, men experience increased nighttime, morning, and spontaneous erections and enhanced ability to maintain erections. By restoring the blood flow, proper treatment has the ability to reinstate the erections men had when they were younger. And, the improvements have been scientifically proven to last 2- 3 years! Carol Anderson, MD. Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Nuclear Medicine, and Functional Medicine. Wonderfully Well Center for Personalized Medicine is located at 2614 E Ramblewood, San Antonio, TX 78261. For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation, call (830)-549-1111 or visit wonderfullywellmedical.com.

May 2017 • Welcome Home • 78255/56/57

TMI Students Earn Top Honors

TMI sophomore Jordan Bell earned a gold medal and a TMI senior Cameron Crenwelge claims the grand Superior rating for her harp solo at the TAPPS String champion prize for her lamb March 17 at the Houston Championship, held March 29 at St. Mary’s University. Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Submitted By Paula Allen MI honored outstanding students this spring. Jordan Bell, a sophomore at TMI, earned a Superior rating and a gold medal at the TAPPS String Championship, held March 29 at St. Mary’s University. Bell played a harp solo, Barcarolle by Marcel Grandjany, in the state solo and small ensemble meet. Cameron Crenwelge, a senior at TMI, claimed Grand Champion Market Junior

Lamb on March 17 at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. She also broke the world record for the most expensive market lamb ever sold with a selling price of $270,000. Crenwelge, representing the Kerr County 4-H club, took her place among other 4-H and Future Farmers of America members among the Junior Market Lamb and Goat champions. Her success was the result of years of hard work. “Every day, for as long as I can remember, I have been working with lambs…living it, breathing it,” said Cameron. “So this is an

Cameron Crenwelge, a senior at TMI – The Episcopal Nicholas Van Steenberg, left, and Hasan Ehsan receive School of Texas, shows her grand-champion lamb at the silver and gold medals in poetry at a March 4 Spanish Houston Livestock Show. contest.

amazing experience.” Crenwelge plans to attend Texas A&M University next year, where she has signed to ride with the school’s top-ranked Division I equestrian team. Students from TMI also brought home awards from ¡Colores, Voces y Poesía!, a Spanish contest sponsored by the local chapter of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese, held March 4 at the San Antonio Young Women’s Leadership Academy. Two claimed Oro (Gold) awards – Sebastian

Martinez Sotomayor on the native-speaker level for presentation impromptu speaking and Hasan Ehsan, nonnative speaker, poetry recitation – and Nicholas Van Steenberg earned Plata (Silver) for poetry recitation. Six students received Bronce (Bronze), as follows: Eric Barocas, Eddie Garcia, Danny Hakim and Santiago Martinez, all for interpersonal speaking; Tamyka Mena for poetry recitation and Alessandro Moya for hand-drawn art.

TMI Announces New Alkek Scholars Submitted By Paula Allen wo new recipients of the Albert B. and Margaret M. Alkek Scholarships were introduced to the students and faculty of TMI – The Episcopal School of Texas during daily chapel on April 7. TMI Headmaster John W. Cooper introduced Rachel Davis and Teddy Lopez as “outstanding newcomers to the TMI community.” Davis, an eighth grader at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran School; and Lopez, an eighth grader at Randolph Middle School, were chosen through an annual competition for two four-year, fulltuition scholarships awarded since 1996 by the Houston-based Alkek Foundation. They will start next fall as freshmen at TMI. The merit scholarships recognize

students who have strong academic backgrounds as well as great leadership potential. Both Davis and Lopez are members of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) and were recognized by the Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP). Davis won first place in Poetry Interpretation at the 2016 Private Schools Interscholastic Association (PSIA) district meet, and Lopez has been captain of his basketball, cross-country and football teams. Both have volunteered at the San Antonio Food Bank, at their churches and in other service projects. Davis said she chose TMI because the school is “big enough to have the academic courses I want and a great theater program, while still being a small school with a community feeling.”

Shower Floors. What’s The Best Option?

By Mike & Molly Sowry Virtuoso Builders (210) 525-8750

hen it’s time to make your tile selections for your bathroom remodel, the shower floor tile is an important detail not to be overlooked. Style and color are key considerations. Practical details such as slip resistance and upkeep are also important. Here are some common types of shower floors, whey we like them, and why we don’t. 1. Marble. Why we love it - Marble is beautiful and comes in many shapes and sizes from subway tile and herringbone pattern

to penny round and two-by-two. Popular finishes of this soft stone are polished and honed (matte). Swirls of gray and cream are gorgeous and the colors are neutral. Why we don’t love it - Marble stains easily, allows for greater penetration of water, and isn’t the best for slip resistance. Marble is also pricey. 2. Travertine. Why we love it Travertine is a natural stone that has nice veins and swirls. It is the ultimate neutral with colors of creams, browns, grays, and

May 2017 • Welcome Home • 78255/56/57

Lopez said he was attracted by TMI’s award-winning Corps of Cadets, an optional JROTC program. “It’s my dream to go to the Air Force Academy,” he said, noting that two TMI alumni currently attend the federal service academy in Colorado Springs, CO. The new Alkek Scholars and their families had the opportunity to meet the eight current Alkek Scholars after the ceremony. Alkek Scholars are expected to embody the core values of TMI by maintaining a high academic average, being involved in athletics and other extracurricular activities, modeling the highest character and integrity and exercising positive leadership inside and outside of the classroom. golds. Tumbled travertine has great slip resistance and lasts a long time. The most common sizes are 4 x 4 and 2 x 2 inch squares for shower floors. Why we don’t love it - Travertine is porous so it has to be sealed. You must also use a stone cleaner for cleaning. 3. Porcelain. Why we love it - Porcelain tile is versatile in many ways. It is durable, lasts a very long time, it’s waterproof, and low maintenance. Porcelain tile comes in many different finishes from the appearance of wood to stone to marble. The price point with porcelain is very affordable. Why we don’t love it - Grout. At some point, the grout will need to be cleaned. You must also make sure it is sealed. 4. Pebbled. Why we love it - Also known as river rock, a pebble shower floor gives an organic, spa-like look to your design. It offers a lot of slip resistance and is great

www.welcomehomesa.com

New TMI Alkek Scholars Rachel Davis and Teddy Lopez are introduced to students and faculty April 7, during daily chapel. Thanks to the Alkek Foundation, TMI awards two of the four-year, full-tuition scholarships each year to rising freshmen.

for picking up other warm tones in the bathroom. Why we don’t love it - Pebbled can hurt your feet if you don’t get the flat surface river rock. The dry-out times are a little slower because of slower drainage. You will eventually need to clean the grout and with the unusual grout lines, it can be difficult. A word of advice on size of tile on the shower floor: no matter the material, we suggest looking for a 4 x 4 inch or smaller size tile. Smaller tiles provide for better slip resistance with the added grout lines and it’s much easier to install on a sloping floor for proper drainage. Virtuoso Builders is an award winning remodeling firm raising the professional standards in the San Antonio home remodeling industry. For more tips on home improvement, subscribe to their newsletter at www.virtuosobuilders.com.

Sewing To Serve By Alissa Reinhard ost new parents are overwhelmed with a jubilant mix of joy and uncertainty when welcoming a baby into the world. Their lives and hearts are forever changed. It’s an exciting, yet trying time in mom and dad’s lives, caring for a healthy baby. But imagine those parents whose babies came into this world months early or with chronic illnesses or other challenges. The emotions experienced by these new parents are heightened, to say the least. The San Antonio chapter of Threads of Love, a sewing ministry, meets the needs of these new families by providing tiny, premature infants with crochets, quilts, and knit clothing and accessories. These items are then packaged with a prayer for delivery to local hospitals and other preemie caregivers. But it’s not just clothing that this ministry provides these very special families, it’s a system of support, prayer, hope and faith. Liz Page, founder and director of the San Antonio SARAH (Sewing and Reaching a Heart) chapter of Threads of Love, began the ministry in 1999 with eight volunteers. Today, Threads of Love (TOL) has hundreds of volunteers locally and distributed 51,815 items in 2016. Liz and her husband, Joe, were inspired to open the chapter after Liz delivered twins born six weeks early. “We personally experienced the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit),” explained Liz. “Although that was over forty years ago, the emotions and anxieties are still the same. The two words that best describe the NICU experience are ‘roller coaster,’ since parents never know what the next minute holds for their preemie. It is an extremely emotional time.” More recently, the Pages have experienced the loss of seven grandchildren who did not survive premature birth. “During such emotional times, you feel

Threads of Love volunteers Anne Lo (left) and Indriata Tedja, both from Indonesia, handcraft items for delivery Threads of Love San Antonio Chapter founder Liz to local hospitals. The blankets, outfits and other items Page (left) and Linda Coward, satellite leader from Community Bible Church, display isolette covers made benefit babies born prematurely. to encourage neurological development in premature babies. from the SARAH Chapter.

Two Easter outfits crafted by Threads of Love volunteers.

sad for your family member whose dreams have been shattered and you feel the loss of opportunities to speak or play with this precious gift from God,” said Liz. “But we will meet them in Heaven one day.” The 32 different items crafted and delivered by TOL encourage, comfort and promote neurological development and are gratefully accepted by NICU nurses. “The nurses remark repeatedly about what love the parents feel from the TOL items and how it makes their jobs easier,” explained Liz. “The items we deliver let the parents know that they are not alone, but that someone cares. We are continually renewed and revitalized to do what we do by the very process of delivering the gifts made by the loving hands of so many caring volunteers who will never have the opportunity to meet those whom the items are for.” For the babies who do not survive, TOL provides memory boxes and burial outfits to honor and respect these precious and blessed babies. TOL’s goal is to meet the needs of every premature baby—both living and deceased—in local hospitals, hospitals in the surrounding area, overseas in military hospitals, and anywhere else as requested. Over the years, 20 satellites have developed

TOL has touched many lives, including Laura Caddell’s. In 2009, Laura and her husband lost their daughter Faith Marie at nearly 23 weeks. Laura received a Memory Box and other mementos from TOL to remember her little girl by. “There was a little pink bear with angel wings,” said Laura. “As I lifted it out of the box, I felt in my heart that, one day, I would have another baby girl and that I would give that bear to her,” said Laura. “It was tangible hope to hold on to in one of my darkest hours.” After a little bit of research Laura discovered TOL and was so inspired by the Pages that she knew she wanted to partner with them in some way. She founded Project Hope in 2012, a non-profit that collects items for memory boxes as well as the supplies to create and decorate them. “Because of the hope and love that was shown to me through TOL, I am now blessed to be a part of sharing hope and love with other women like myself,” said Laura. TOL is run entirely by volunteers who are always needed and welcome. Donated items desired include baby fabric (100% cotton with no polyester) and baby yarn (3-ply, mixed colors, nothing added to the yarn); bright, colorful material including flannel; batting for quilts; and monetary

contributions used to supplement the needs of a growing ministry and replace an aging delivery van. “People are always surprised that there are no salaries,” explained Liz. “We never charge for anything and we never have fundraisers. We deliver to the hospitals every two weeks and ship a ‘Love Gift’ with essential items or ‘Remembrance Bags’ to help parents walk through their grief—any time or any where—when requested.” TOL makes sure that parents of hospitalized preemies feel more “normal” by providing clothing that fits their babies and other items that encourage mom and dad to participate in their baby’s care. For families of babies who have passed away, TOL brings some comfort through providing beautiful burial outfits sized perfectly for the little one and other items without mom and dad having to search or think about such things during a very difficult time. For more information about Threads of Love or to learn more about how you can make a difference in someone’s life, visit www.threadsoflovesa.org or email tolsatx@ gmail.com. You can also visit their workshop located at 19595 IH-10 West between 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Tuesdays or Thursdays.

Local Motorcycle Club To Host Conference Submitted By Irma Garcia he Blue Knights Texas Chapter XII, based in Helotes, will be hosting the Rio Grande Conference (RGC) of the Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club from May 11 through May 13. This is the first time that the event will be held in San Antonio. Texas Chapter XII is one of three chapters in the San Antonio area and under the oversight of the Rio Grande Conference which includes a total of 29 chapters within Texas, Arkansas and a chapter in Mexico. The Blue Knights are expecting approximately 300 members and their spouses to attend. The Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club is a 501(c) (10) fraternal, non-profit organization. It consists of active, retired, and former law enforcement officers who have a shared interest in motorcycle riding. One of the club’s priorities is promoting motorcycle safety. The club currently has approximately 650 chapters, 18,800+ members in 11 conferences within 29 countries. In addition to the fellowship of motorcycle riding, the club is involved in many charitable and community based events. Texas Chapter XII has participated in and contributed to many community events

The Blue Knights Texas Chapter XII, based in Helotes, donates to many community organizations including the 100 Club of San Antonio which provides support to the families of fallen police officers and firefighters.

across San Antonio including Blue Santa / Elf Louise events, Children’s Hospitals Christmas Toy Drives, Mission Road Development Center, Backpack School Supply Drives, Wounded Warriors, Texas Honor Ride for the Fallen, The 100 Club of San Antonio, COPS (Concerns of Police Survivors), and other scholarship events.

The club has also been a participant in holiday parades, market days, and supports Casa Helotes by serving Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners and contributing monetary donations. Texas Chapter XII also supports and works with TXDot on the “Look Twice for Motorcycles” campaign and the Community Trash Pickup campaign.

www.welcomehomesa.com

During the RGC Conference, the club will participate in group rides to the Texas Hill Country, fellowship and a banquet at Pedrotti’s North Wind Ranch in Helotes. The mission is to share the love of motorcycling and promote motorcycle safety. For more information, visit www.blueknightstx12. com.

May 2017 • Welcome Home • 78255/56/57

Musicians In Residence Program Unveiled At Franklin Park

UTSA student Carlos Guevara was been selected as one of two inaugural musicians-in-residence and will be performing at Franklin Park Sonterra.

Franklin Park residents enjoy the performances.

Submitted By Shirley Wills usic is the universal language that brings people of all generations together, and Franklin Companies has pioneered a new program that brings some of the area’s top college music students into their senior living communities. The intergenerational exchange is expected to extend beyond the performances, enriching the lives of the seniors as well as the students. Franklin Companies is initially offering the Musician-in-Residence program at their Franklin Park Sonterra and Franklin Park Alamo Heights locations. “We are excited to be the first communities in the state to offer the program,” said Luke L. Classen, President of Franklin Companies. “The program provides talented student musicians with an opportunity to hone their musical skills by

performing for our residents in exchange for free lodging at one of our communities.” Carlos Guevara and Sean Kithas, both UTSA music students, have been selected as the inaugural musicians-in-residence. Under the direction of each community’s life enrichment department, the musicians will provide a minimum of three performances per week. The nature, format and genre will vary, from recitals to sing-alongs, and may even include formal concerts in collaboration with other musicians. Students are accepted into the program for one semester and their participation will be reviewed on an annual basis. “At our communities, we empower seniors to live an active and healthy lifestyle, and accessibility to the arts and musical performances is an important part of this,” said Classen. “The support, interest and involvement of our residents

Holy Spirit Alum Recognizes Former Teacher

Submitted By Mary Delaney ll teachers strive to make a lasting impact in their students’ lives, and the lucky ones are fortunate enough to have former students return to share just how appreciated they are. Amy McBurnett, Holy Spirit alum, will graduate Summa Cum Laude this May from Winston Churchill High School. To celebrate this honor, she was invited to a special ceremony in early April. When Amy was asked to identify and invite the teacher who made a positive impact in her life, the decision was easy: Mrs. Teri Clay, her Social Studies/History teacher from Holy Spirit. The following is an excerpt from Amy’s speech: “Tonight, I am honoring Mrs. Clay because she is a caring teacher who always supported me in what I did. I learned from her that being smart and enjoying school was not a bad thing. She made sure I felt like an individual who was worth something. Teaching at a private school, she taught for the love of teaching, never having to teach to a test, but instead teaching to the student. She brought motherly love and energy into her classroom I have yet to feel elsewhere. I cannot thank her enough for what she’s done for me.” Mrs. Clay was honored to attend Amy’s ceremony and is extremely proud of her. Not one to seek out the spotlight, she was touched by the gesture and knows Amy will go on to achieve many more accomplishments. The next chapter for Amy takes her to College Station as she has been accepted into Dwight Look College of Engineering Honors Program at Texas

will help these young performers develop their talents while our residents will gain inspiration from the students and have the pleasure of watching them grow personally and professionally. The envisioned result is meaningful relationships for all.” Guevara, a sophomore, is musicianin-residence at Franklin Park Sonterra. A classical guitarist, he also plays the piano. He sees the program as a way to increase his experience performing before a live audience and to connect with diverse audiences. He said after the interview process, the staff at Franklin Park already seemed like family to him, and he hopes to make lifelong friends among the residents and staff members. Sean Kithas, a junior, is musician-inresidence at Franklin Park Alamo Heights. His father played the classical guitar and taught Sean to play it at an early age. He said the program will give him a forum where he can further develop his performance skills. He welcomes the opportunity to live in a retirement community since he was close to

(L-R) Franklin Park Sonterra residents Joy Dean and Joan Bounds congratulate musician-in-residence performers and UTSA students Carlos Guevara (seated) and Sean Kithas after their performances. Both students play the classical guitar.

both sets of grandparents, who lived only a few blocks away when he was growing up. Aubra and Susan C. Franklin are founders of Franklin Senior Living. Franklin Park Sonterra, located at 18323 Sonterra Place, offers Independent and Assisted Living. Franklin Park Alamo Heights, located at 230 W. Sunset Road, offers Independent and Assisted Living and Memory Care. Franklin Park is part of the Franklin Companies, a group of companies providing senior living housing and services. They also provide tax credit affordable multi-family housing. Franklin Companies currently have 20 locations with 5 more opening by year end. They have 450 employees, soon to be 800+, and they touch about 4,000 lives on a daily basis.

Attention Parents of Smart but Struggling Students

Did You Know?  10-15% of struggling readers have undiagnosed dyslexia.  Most learning and attention challenges are caused by inefficient brain connections  The brain can be retrained to help your struggling child regain confidence in school.

This April, Holy Spirit Catholic School alum Amy McBurnett recognized her former teacher, Mrs. Teri Clay, during an awards ceremony for Amy’s scholastic achievements.

A&M University. Holy Spirit prides itself on staying in touch with graduates long after they leave the school. The faculty and staff at HSCS are thrilled for Amy as she has represented Holy Spirit very well and will no doubt continue to do so.

May 2017 • Welcome Home • 78255/56/57

“When we started, Cordell was very frustrated and struggled with most things. Writing was hard for him, reading was hard, sitting and focusing was extremely short lived. Today, all of these come with great ease. He is a completely different child when it comes to learning and working hard.” - Emily Rose Call (210) 495-2626 for a Free Consultation to learn why your smart child is falling behind in school, and how to get help this summer.

www.welcomehomesa.com

2817 Thousand Oaks Dr. San Antonio, TX 78232 www.LearningFoundations.com

From Our Yard To Yours,

Jeff’s Backyard!

Family Owned & Operated Since 1995

5/31/17

FREE

bag of cooking wood, a $30 value, with your purchase of a Texas Trailblazer Offset Smoker. Bring this ad. Exp. 5/31/17

210.342.4760

435 W Nakoma, #104 • (Near West Ave) www. JeffsBackyardStore .com 16

www.welcomehomesa.com

May 2017 • Welcome Home • 78255/56/57