A Monthly Publication Directly Mailed to the residents of Hollywood Park, Brookhollow, DeerďŹ eld, Churchill Estates and surrounding areas POSTAL CUSTOMER
November 2015 Issue
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NORTH CENTRAL BAPTIST HOSPITAL AND WELCOME HOME PRESENT
Winter Celebration JOIN US FOR FAMILY FUN IN A WINTER WONDERLAND SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 10 A.M. – 3 P.M. NORTH CENTRAL BAPTIST HOSPITAL
520 Madison Oak Drive, San Antonio, TX 78258
ACTIVITIES TO ENJOY: • Featuring AirLIFE Santa & Mrs. Claus
• Winter playground with REAL SNOW
• Bring an unwrapped toy for “Living Through Giving” to get a photo with Santa
• Holiday Arts & Crafts • Mini Carnival Rides • Free Health Risk Assessments
• NEISD Elementary, Middle and High School performances throughout the day • Food, Games, Prizes and more!
For more information please call (866) 231-4742.
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Note From The Publisher
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Winter Celebration Just Around The Corner
ear Neighbors, As the weather starts to cool and the leaves turn in for the season, we turn our attention to the holidays that bring our community together. Hopefully no one had any issues with setting their clocks back, which we all know is the real marking of the holiday season! With that in mind, I am excited to announce that the Holiday Toy Drive officially kicked off on November 1st! The season of giving is upon us and we have a fantastic line of local schools and business working with Welcome Home Newspaper and Living Through Giving. By collecting toys for the kids in need within San Anotnio, local schools will be competing all this month for a trophy and the chance to win $500.00, courtesy of RBFCU, donated to their school organization. May the school that collects the most toys win! Visit livingthroughgivingsa.org for updated information about vendors, toys drop off locations and more. Just click on the Winter Celebration icon. Our Annual Event, Winter Celebration, will also be collecting toys to hand out at the end of the year. Winter Celebration has become one of the largest events in San Antonio! This year, we anticipate Winter Celebration Featuring AirLIFE Santa will be better than ever. We hope you can join us for the fun! You can read all about our FREE Shuttle Service on page 7! Leave your car at Reagan High School or Cornerstone Church and take one of the shuttles to North Central Baptist Hospital. You can find out all the details on page 11 and read up on our $1000 giveaway!
Kids enjoying the snow at Winter Celebration.
Santa will once again be making his grand entrance via AirLife helicopter. Your donation of a new, unwrapped toy will also grant you or your child the opportunity to receive a FREE photo with Santa, a FREE Sled Ride, and a general prize drawing ticket. There will be lots of REAL snow for the kids to enjoy as well as games, rides, food and entertainment. Stay tuned for our December issue, which will include all the details of scheduled events. Mark your calendar: Winter Celebration Featuring AirLife Santa will be December 5, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at North Central Baptist Hospital. But enough talk about the December holiday, let’s remember that November is also a time of thanks for what we have and who we have. Welcome Home would like to thank each one of our readers, advertisers, and schools for their participation in making our paper mean something to this community. From our family to yours, be safe and have a Happy Thanksgiving!
HEALTHY FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Writer/Copy Editors Stefanie Young
Contributing Photographer Karen Little
Production/Graphic Design Marie Ferrante
Sales Representatives Patrice Long Frances Ngyen
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Welcome Home newspaper assumes no liability in advertising other than correction and reinsertion of like-size ad at no additional cost to our advertiser. The opinions stated by the writers or the information printed from other sources do not necessarily depict those of the publisher or advertisers. No liability is assumed. Welcome Home newspaper will not knowingly publish any advertisement which is illegal or misleading to its readers. All copy and type arrangements are subject to approval by the publisher. All stories and photos submitted become property of Welcome Home Editorial and Advertising content of Welcome Home newspaper is protected by the U.S. copyright law. Unauthorized use is prohibited.
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November 2015 • Welcome Home • 78248/78232
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On The Cover
By Stefanie Young he season is upon us where the air becomes crisp and many bring out their scarves and steamy drinks, there are baked goods in the oven and there is almost a tangible excitement that resonates with many as they anticipate the quickly approaching holidays. For many friends and families, November marks a time for traditions and thanks (and maybe some football). It’s a time to reflect on the year that has passed and the choices that have brought the present union (or reunion) of the people around you. We hope that you will raise your glasses high this
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year and be thankful for all the unexpected you made it through, whether good or bad, and all the unexpected to come. This year, Welcome Home will be toasting to the many lives we get to be part of through submissions, articles and events. We look forward to continuing to share the good news of the community and shining a spotlight on the local students, teachers and schools who put their best efforts forward. We hope you will have a safe and fun filled holiday and hope to hear from you in December and from us here at Welcome Home, Happy Thanksgiving!
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hanksgiving is just around the corner and I have to admit, sometimes being thankful isn’t all that easy. After all, life can be difficult, things don’t always go my way, but I have learned that thankfulness is a matter of perspective. For instance, I am thankful for my children. Even though my 4 year old chooses to pour sand down that “really cool pipe” (designed for phone wire) and I get to spend my Saturday helping him dig up said pipe so we can cut it, empty it, splice it and rebury it, I’m still thankful. And even though my daughter “promises” to turn the dryer on, the next morning I know I’m out of luck unless it happens to be “Wear Wet Clothes To School Day,” I’m still thankful. And even though I Can Help You If You Are . . . • Startup Businesses Clients • Growing Businesses Clients • Retired Clients Starting Biz • Taxpayers Who Previously Prepared Their Own Returns
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my son is told he must share 5 chips with his little brother and promptly crushes one chip into 5 pieces, thereby, reaching his “sharing quota” but certainly missing the point, I’m still thankful. Because one of my best friends can’t have any children… I’m thankful for my husband. Even though, when I am in the shower, he feels the need to let me know that “½ a peach has gone bad in the fridge” and “that’s at least 13 cents down the drain” and “do you know how long I have to work for that 13 cents?” And knowing he’s not a “rhetorical question” kind of guy, I begin analyzing the figures while pumicing my heels, but before I can even answer, “37 seconds?” he’s already gone, I’m still thankful. Because of that young woman on the news, 2 children, newly widowed... I’m thankful for my home. Even though it’s so small that Barbie and Ken opted for the “Dreamhouse” instead, and even though I can vacuum it from one outlet, don’t have a dishwasher (unless you count me) and can actually: fix dinner, help with homework, do laundry, answer the phone and start the shower without getting out of my chair, I’m still thankful. Because of that homeless guy I saw near the bowling alley… So remember this Thanksgiving when your great aunt talks about her toe fungus and your niece is sporting a nose ring (to complement the purple hair?) and that strange odor is not coming from refuse but from the general direction of Uncle Joe, be thankful. It truly is a matter of perspective. Debby Seguin can be reached at writewell62@yahoo.com.
November 2015 • Welcome Home • 78248/78232
FREE Shuttles To Winter Celebration Special By Welcome Home he holiday season is nearing, and Winter Celebration is right around the corner! Welcome Home Community Newspaper, North Central Baptist Hospital and the nonprofit Living Through Giving are sponsoring the annual holiday event, Winter Celebration, on Saturday December 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In anticipation of the large number of families and children, Welcome Home is proud to once again offer a FREE shuttle service to and from Winter Celebration located at North Central Baptist Hospital. This year, The Independence Hill Retirement Community, Coronado at Stone Oak, and The Haven and The Laurel have all generously donated shuttles and buses for easy and convenient transportation to Winter Celebration. Shuttle service pick-up this year will be located at Ronald Reagan High School (19000 Ronald Reagan Drive) and Cornerstone Church (18755 Stone Oak Parkway). Shuttles will begin transporting the public at 9:30 a.m. and will run continuously until 3:30 p.m. Cars should enter through the Sonterra entrance. All cars must be clear of the parking lots by 4 p.m. Winter Celebration featuring AirLIFE Santa is a wonderful family event for all ages. The celebration begins with an opening parade showcasing performances from school choirs and area high school marching bands. The event itself includes photos with Santa, raffles for prizes, vendors as well as other activities to create endless fun for families and volunteers. Santa’s arrival by helicopter always brings excitement from the crowd, and of course, the celebration would not be complete without 60,000 lbs. of snow for snowball fights and snow angels! Over the past thirteen years, Winter Celebration has become the largest Christmas toy drive in Stone Oak, San Antonio. Welcome Home would like to thank all shuttle service providers for assisting in transportation and ensuring that everyone in the community can attend the celebration. If you have any questions or would like more information regarding Winter Celebration, call (210) 348-8233. Welcome Home looks forward to celebrating the holiday season with the entire community!
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Menopause Equals Hormone Decline NOT Mental Illness!!!
By Donna Becker, D.O. Enhancement of Life (210) 545-5224 ecently I received an official looking letter from Medicare. Unfortunately, I tore it into pieces after reading it. I wish I had framed it for all to see. It stated that estradiol - inexpensive, natural, found in every young woman’s body - was now deemed dangerous! The letter said they had received notice from several prescription companies that I was prescribing dangerous estradiol for women over 65. Instead, their recommendations for treatment of
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symptomatic menopause is - you won’t believe it - to prescribe one of 4 different powerful antidepressants. I don’t argue or doubt there can be side effects to estradiol. Even a young woman can get breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer, or blood clots. Other problems associated with estradiol can be problems with the liver. Side effects and risks that may be associated with anti-depressants actually includes suicide, weight gain, and lack of libido.
I believe the Medicare officials discount the side effects of lack of hormones: vaginal shrinkage and dryness, the loss of collagen from the skin all over the body, the memory decline, crumbling bones, mood swings, insomnia, tooth loss, and even an increase of macular degeneration. How can antidepressants address any of these terrible problems? However please note, not every woman experiences all or even some, of these degenerative effects. Depression is a terrible illness and thank goodness, skilled physicians who specialize in disorders of the mind, psychiatrists, have
The Value Of Double-Checking Your Retirement Strategy
By Eric Zeitler Client Centric Wealth Management (210) 807-7599 otivational speaker Denis Waitley signs that you may need to double-check once remarked, “You must stick your retirement strategy. Your portfolio lacks significant to your conviction, but be ready to diversifi cation. Many baby boomers are abandon your assumptions.” That statement approaching retirement with portfolios certainly applies to retirement planning.1 For example, the level of risk you chose heavily weighted in equities. As many to tolerate at 35 or 40 may not be worth of them will have long retirements and a tolerating at 55 or 60. Additionally, you may sustained need for growth investing, you realize that you will need more retirement could argue that this is entirely appropriate. income than previously assumed. With those If your retirement is near at hand, however, factors and others in mind, here are some you might want to consider the length of this
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bull market and the possibility of irrational exuberance. A poor quarter makes you anxious. You start watching the market like a hawk and check up on your investments more frequently than you once did. Some of this vigilance is only natural as you near retirement; after all, you have far more at stake than a millennial investor. Even so, this is a sign that you may be uncomfortable with the amount of risk in your portfolio. You find yourself listening to friends & pundits. Your tennis partner has an opinion about when you should claim Social
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Security. So does your dentist. So does a noted radio personality or columnist. If you seem increasingly interested in the financial opinions of friends, this hints at anxiety or restlessness about your financial strategy. It may be time to reexamine some assumptions. Looking at your retirement strategy anew has merit. As the years go by, priorities change and needs arise. Reviewing your approach to investing and saving at mid-life is only rational, for your retirement strategy must suit the objectives you now have before you rather than those you set in your past. Client Centric Wealth Management may be reached at 210-807-7599 or www.ccwmgmt. com. They are located at 19230 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 315. Citations: quotes.lifehack. org/quote/denis-waitley/you-must-stick-toyour-conviction-but
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medications that may alleviate suffering of this type. Depression = treatable mental illness, Menopause = treatable hormone decline. I prescribe the dose of estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone very precisely, based on the woman’s life style, blood levels, and chief complaints. I base this treatment as summation of many lectures and my own research, drawing blood on hundreds of patients and monitoring their responses. Hormone replacement is not right for everyone, and neither is an antidepressant. I treat hormone decline and I will discuss your options. Not everyone requires hormone replacement. Menopausal symptomatic sufferers-see me for help.
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November 2015 • Welcome Home • 78248/78232
I nsp ir i ng Mi n d s for a World of Possibilities I didn’t open this school because I thought it was a good business venture, I opened it because I am a teacher first and I wanted to make a difference. This school truly comes from the heart.” – Natalia Evans,
Bilingual Child Academy W
By Rachele Reinhard hen Natalia Evans decided to leave her tenured career as an elementary school teacher, she did so with one goal in mind: to make a difference in early childhood education and prepare students for the demands of today’s elementary school curriculum and beyond. With a lot of heart and even more passion, Natalia opened the Bilingual Child Academy in 2011. “I didn’t open this school because I thought it was a good business venture,” explained Natalia. “I opened it because I am a teacher first and I wanted to make a difference. This school truly comes from the heart.” Natalia’s aspiration for the Bilingual Child Academy (BCA) was to create a Spanish Immersion Learning Center for infants through PreK with continuing education for elementary age students. BCA is committed to providing children an environment that spurs enthusiasm and a love for learning while opening their minds to a second language through hands-on, child-centered activities. Children have a natural gift for picking up new words and sounds. If you have a young child, now is the perfect time to pursue a bilingual education! From birth to 5 years, the brain is like a sponge, rapidly soaking up new information and wired to pick up new phonemes and language patterns. Even if you do not speak the language of instruction at home, your child will be immersed at school inspiring learning of both languages simultaneously. By expanding a young child’s mind through introducing a second language, you are opening up a world of possibilities. “I left my profession and took a big risk,” Natalia added. “But I understood the importance of language learning at a young age for cognitive development, and I knew I could make the biggest impact in early childhood education. I love what I do! This is my passion!” Being bilingual and biliterate (able to read in two languages) at a young age encourages the brain to make left and right brain connections quicker, thus enabling young children to read at a younger age, develop advanced higher order thinking and problem solving…and the advantages only grow from there. Bilinguals are sought after by international companies, so more job opportunities are available; they are ideal candidates for study abroad programs in higher education, and so much more. “The benefits are sometimes too numerous to name,” added Natalia. “The question really is… why wouldn’t you give your child the advantage of being bilingual?” BCA is a Christian-based private school focused on teaching all the concepts that will make a child successful, not a Spanish daycare. Just like any high quality preschool program, BCA focuses on developing children’s milestones - the main difference is that the delivery is in Spanish. However, children gain all the same skills they would at
another quality private school program, in addition to a new language. Immersion is an important part of the curriculum at BCA. The school uses a 90/10 approach from birth to 3 years in order to encourage a solid foundation in Spanish. At ages 4-5 in the BCA PreK program, the school uses a 70/30 dual program to encourage the use of both Spanish and English in reading and writing. Then, when it comes time to enroll in elementary school, parents can decide to continue their child in Dual Elementary programs offered at local elementary schools or into a traditional English program. However, space can be limited in these fairly new Dual programs so BCA also offers AfterCare programs and Summer Camps for elementary school-aged children. “Just because our children go off to elementary school does not mean we forget them,” explained Natalia. “We continue their growth and development in Spanish language acquisition through tutoring at our Aftercare programs and our Spanish Summer Camps, which we are very proud of.” Summer Camps, enrolling now, are for children ages 5-10 years and focus on Spanish vocabulary and grammar in addition to fun science projects, arts and crafts and field trips. “Summer Camps are about fun and learning,” explained Natalia. “We focus on thematic units. Each week there is a fun theme, and learning is centered on that theme. For example on Astro Week, we will learn about the Universe, Space and Planets, and go to the Scobee planetarium. All this in a Spanish 60/40 program.” If you are searching for a PreK program for your child or a year-round program for your infant ages two months and up, you can be confident in knowing that BCA staff is entirely committed to education. All lead teachers have a CDA and all Preschool and PreK teachers have at least a Bachelor’s and often even a Master’s Degree in an education field. Each child’s native language (whether it be Spanish or English) will be reinforced while a new language is also introduced using a thematic approach with real world and hands on learning. “I can easily say that 85-90 percent of our families are English speaking where both parents speak English as their only or first language,” explained Natalia. “The rest is a mixture where at least one parent or both speak another language at home. In fact, we even have a few trilingual children. An examples is one parent speaks Mandarin, one parent speaks English, and the children learns to speak Spanish at school.” BCA’s strong curriculum based on building skill sets helps prepare children for the demands and realities of kindergarten today. When searching for a PreK program or care for your infant, look for quality, not just a daycare. Children in Kindergarten are expected to read, write, and in
November 2015 • Welcome Home • 78248/78232
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addition, learn to flourish in a classroom with 22 children. BCA prepares children to work in large groups, small groups and independently while learning to follow a daily schedule, exercising good habits, and participating in positive social interaction. “A quality program prepares children for what is to come so they can be successful through elementary school and beyond,” added Natalia. Bilingual children are proven to augment a better understanding and respect for other cultures which results in open-mindedness and tolerance. A bilingual brain is more alert, quicker and better able to deal with ambiguities and resolve conflicts. Bilingual children are also shown to make new friends and create strong relationships in their second language and make connections between cultural similarities and differences helping them adjust to new environments. No one can deny the power of language. It’s a wonderful, ever-evolving tool that each and every one of us uses to communicate day in and day out. Introducing a child to a second language at a young age only heightens their learning experience and opens new doors. Before Natalia opened BCA, now with two locations (Hollywood Park and Stone Oak), she began to see her Kindergarteners come into class each year less and less prepared. With the increasing demands in the school system due to testing, she knew that she had the skill and desire to make a change. Certified in Bilingual, ESL and Gifted and Talented, Natalia rented a small house, began with one classroom, and started teaching Kinder Prep and part-time PreK. The Bilingual Child Academy was born and Natalia never looked back. “I believe that once parents come to our program, they will see the difference we can make,” stated Natalia. “When they hear their children speaking fluently, when they see their children gaining new skills, they will be beyond impressed. The positive experiences I witness every day are what encourage me to grow and expand. This is my passion.”
HOLLYWOOD PARK 92–96 Trailcrest Street (210) 701-8461 STONE OAK 21785 Hardy Oak Blvd (210) 481-9172 www.BilingualChildAcademy.com 9
Avoid Costly Repairs Down The Road
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By Rusty Belden, President Belden’s Automotive & Tires (210) 494-0017
i Rusty Belden here for our family at Belden’s Automotive & Tires. Each and every month we try to give you tips to avoid catastrophic failure to your vehicle. This month I would like to focus on simple maintenance tips to help avoid costly repairs down the road. Sticking to your vehicles maintenance schedule is best in order to avoid unexpected and dreaded vehicle repairs. Frequent maintenance
K9 Corner By Catherine Laria K9 Country Club (830) 980-8476
Holiday Foods And Your Pet
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will keep your car healthy and will help minimize future repair costs. The simplest of all maintenance tips I can give to you is to perform frequent oil changes. Frequent oil changes can prevent the buildup of harmful deposits and allow your internal engine components to work efficiently together to lengthen your vehicle’s engine life span. While keeping an eye on your vehicle’s fluid levels is a good first step toward
ovember is a special time of year when we remind ourselves of what we’re thankful for. I’m thankful for so many things in my life, but my dogs top the list. For many of us, our pets are an extension of our family, giving unconditional love and asking for little in return. So this holiday, why not thank them by treating them to something extra special? With a little
caution and creativity, your dog can enjoy much of the same delights you do. One of the biggest mistakes people make during the holidays, is giving their pets foods they aren’t used to eating - smothered in rich gravies, sugars, salt, etc. You may think you’re making them the happiest creature on earth, but such a heavy diet, even for just one night, can wreak havoc on their bodies, especially if they’re not use to human foods. Below are a few alternatives to help keep
improving your investment’s longevity, sticking to the manufacturer recommended service intervals in your owner’s manual is equally important. Please see your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual for replacement recommendations. Keep in mind that some owner’s manual will have recommendations options based on weather conditions. Being in South Texas, our weather condition is considered to be extreme due to the hundred plus degree weather that we see each and every year. It is important to keep this in mind as extreme weather conditions will cause components and parts to age and rot more quickly. If you have any questions on your vehicle’s owner’s manual please call our knowledgeable Service Advisors today! Different vehicle manufacturers allow for different schedules as far as your vehicles maintenance. While you may feel that costs
add up quickly when having to change your oil, rotate the tires or replace your air filter every few thousand miles, the preventative care saves you money in the long run. Call us today for recommended preventative maintenance schedules for your vehicle. Our family at Belden’s Automotive & Tires is here to help. Look us up online at beldensautomotive.com for money saving coupons. Buckle up, drive safe and Remember at Belden’s Automotive & Tires, “We Keep You Rolling!” Belden’s Automotive & Tires has Six Locations: San Pedro: 210-494-0017; Medical Center: 210-690-1100; Alamo Garage: 210-366-1122; Boerne: 830-9819700; Bulverde Rd.: 210-481-3330; Prue Rd.: 210-877-2929. For more information, call one of the locations or visit www. beldensautomotive.com.
everyone happy and healthy and maybe keep you from a visit to the emergency vet hospital.
and can pose a danger to your pet’s heart. Unsweetened baker’s chocolate is the worst and contains 8 times the amount of Theobromine as milk chocolate. So keep them far from Chocolate. • If your dog isn’t use to table scraps, don’t offer up a big plate full all at once. This can stress their system. Add a little at a time and freeze the rest for treats later.
• Don’t feed turkey skin. Ooohh I know… it’s the best part! But not only is it high in fat and hard to digest, it also holds marinades, oils, and spices used in baking, which can cause an upset stomach. • Set aside some of the good stuff before adding all of the salts, butter, wine, etc. A scoop of plain sweet potatoes, a cup of cooked carrots, even some stuffing without gravy is a delight for your dog. • Juices and gravies of course are loaded with spices so don’t pour it all over your pet’s kibble, just drizzle! • Desserts: The compound Theobromine in chocolate is toxic to your pet and can even cause death. Caffeine is also present
Your pet is going to be pretty happy with any morsels you give them so choose wisely. Stay away from salts and spices; those are for our taste buds, not theirs. If they can drink out of a toilet, they can surely enjoy turkey without gravy! K9 Country Club is located at 31305 Oak View, Bulverde TX 78163. For more information, call (830) 980-8476 or visit www.k9countryclub.net.
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November 2015 • Welcome Home • 78248/78232
2015 Winter Celebration Rules
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n December 5th, the generosity of Stone Oak and the surrounding city will be brought to life along with the Holiday Spirit as Welcome Home Community Newspaper and North Central Baptist Hospital team up with the non-profit Living Through Giving for their annual Winter Celebration. The event kicks off at 10:00 a.m. with the High School Marching Bands, cheerleaders, choirs and mascots leading the parade. The highlight of the event will happen around 10:45 a.m. when Santa arrives via AirLIFE helicopter to take pictures and Holiday Wishes from all the children (and Mom and Dad) that come out to see him. Don’t think for a second that Mrs. Claus would miss out on the joy that lights up the children’s faces. She will most definitely be there too. The liveliness of 60,000 lbs. of snow, vendors, and raffle prizes draws in a crowd that makes one of the largest toy drives in San Antonio come to life. Over 10,000 people arrive, many with toys
in hand, to enjoy the snowball fights, carnival rides and funnel cakes. Performances by local schools take place throughout the day bringing the joy of Christmas music and family fun to the festival grounds. The goodness and hospitality of Winter Celebration’s guests, volunteers, and participating schools always makes Winter Celebration a successful event! This year, Independence Hill Retirement Community, Coronado at Stone Oak, and The Haven and The Laurel all generously donated shuttles and buses for easy and convenient transportation to Winter Celebration. (See page 7 for shuttle details). With so many people in attendance, Living Through Giving is thankful to have so many people volunteering, with the help of Out of the Box Productions, the celebration will be yet another great success! In 2014 Living Through Giving’s Toy Drive brought in over 8,000 toys
for children in need. Once the toys were collected in full, the Living Through Giving staff made stops throughout San Antonio where kids in need were be surprised to learn their community had not forgotten them during the holiday season. Donations ranged from action figures and toy cars to dolls, stuffed animals and instruments. With such an array of toys and trinkets, Living Through Giving was able to help light up the faces of so many children and restore some hope within their surroundings. This year Living Through Giving is hoping to shatter that record. “There are so many children, teens and families in need every year. Our mission is to take [on] some of the burden and make sure there is something underneath the tree for each child.” Russell Groomer, Founder of Living Through Giving, stated. Through the course of 2015, Living Through Giving has hosted a number of events and sponsors and businesses
2015 Winter Celebration Performers Parade starts at 10:00 am Community is encouraged to join. Lineup will be at 9:30 am at Reindeer Lane. Come out and and kick off the Holidays with a Parade and see Santa fly in on his Helicopter.
In The Parade: UIW – Cheer, Dance UIW Red The Cardinal Alamo City Marching Band Miss Latina SA Teen Alyssa Salinas Betsy Dippo & State Farm Bear Subway Mascot
Jets Pizza Slice Cowboy Cash Buckner Fanning Cheerleaders Tuscany Heights “Tusky” HEB Buddy Aue Elementary Aue Gator Las Lomas – Libro the Lion
Area A – DJ & Dance Stage 10:30 am 11:00 a.m. 11:30 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m.
Tex Hill Dance Johnson HS Dance LA Performing Arts Woodlawn Theatre AABCD Star Performance Co. Heather Stolle School of Dance Cynergy Dance Co. TBD TBD
Vineyard Ranch Elem Mascot Encino Park Elem Soaring Eagle SA Missions Ballapeno Benson Honda 3T San Antonio Tiger ProMartial Arts Rocky The Rhino
Area B – Band Stage 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 1:00 1:30 2:00
AABCD Star Performance Co. Alamo City Marching Band Alamo City Marching Band School Of Rock School Of Rock TBD TBD Rawlinson M.S. Jazz Band
Area C – Choir Stage 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30
Las Lomas Honors Choir Hardy Oak Elem. Choir Buckner Fanning School Choir Indian Springs Choir Vineyard Ranch Elem. Choir
1:00 1:30 2:00 2:30
Bill Brown Elem. Choir Specht Elem. Choir Stone Oak Elem. Choir Aue Elem. Choir
Don’t Forget Bring A New Unwrapped Toy
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have helped bring new light to the nonprofit. Living Through Giving’s focus has remained true since the beginning: to focus on “children and youth who may have experienced abuse, neglect or some other type of family disruption.” Those working with the Living Through Giving organization said they strive to protect the hopes and dreams of children who may not have anywhere else to turn. Living Through Giving works to raise awareness for the youth of San Antonio who are in need. The countdown to this event has now begun and Winter Celebration 2015 will be here before we know it! Welcome Home Community Newspaper, Living Through Giving and North Central Baptist Hospital would like it to be bigger and better than ever! If you would like to participate or contribute to Living Through Giving or any of the upcoming events, call (210) 348-8233, or email at info@livingthroughgivingsa.org.
New Winter Celebration Rules:
tarting at 10 a.m. on December 5, 2015, the Welcome Home check-in booth will be collecting toys for Living Through Giving. For every toy donated the guest will receive a general prize drawing ticket, a FREE photo with Santa and a FREE Slide Ride. You can bring as many toys as you’d like. ($5.00 minimum value, must be new unwrapped toys). This year Winter Celebration will also host a Silent Auction presented by Give Back Auctions. You will have the opportunity to bid on Signed Sports Memorabilia, Signed Tracy Byrd Autographed USA Guitar, Exotic Hunts, Experiences, Name Brand Jewelry, Reverse Silent Auction Package worth $15,000, Limo Party Packages, Music Memorabilia, and much, much more. Area businesses have also graciously donated a ton of silent auction items like; hotel stays, rounds of golf, James Avery ornaments and jewelry, gift baskets and more. Living Through Giving and Welcome Home are overwhelmed by the outpouring of donations. Welcome Home has once again donated $1000.00 dollars which will be rafflled off at 2:30 pm. You do not have to be present to win. Come out and do some early Christmas shopping and support San Antonio kids in the process.
Volunteers are still needed, loved and appreciated. Call (210) 348-8233 to donate your time to a worthy cause.
www.WelcomeHomeSA.com • 210.348.8233 www.welcomehomesa.com
November 2015 • Welcome Home • 78248/78232
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A Senior Community Filled With Life
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By Kelly Schwennesen Shavano Park (210) 492-4040
hen considering retirement living options, seniors are looking for comfort and community, and an array of services and amenities that enhance and fulfill everyday living. As baby boomers age, they are setting the standards for a new standard in senior living that is making senior living communities a popular option. One local example of this trend is a
new Shavano Park community opening in December, 2015. Shavano Park Senior Living will be one of the finest assisted living and memory care communities in Texas. With outstanding service offerings, a quality professional staff, premier amenities and beautifully landscaped courtyards and grounds, Shavano Park gives residents a home filled with all the comforts one would come to expect from the best in senior living. Its mission is to provide a senior community filled with life, laughter and love
meet scheduled and unscheduled needs in a way that promotes maximum dignity and independence of each resident and involves the resident’s family and friends. Memory Care is designed especially for residents with memory loss and other forms of dementia. Secured space creates a warm and calming place filled with familiar sights, sounds and aromas of days gone by. Come see what the best in senior living looks like. For more information on Shavano Park call 210-492-4040 or visit www.ShavanoParkSeniorLiving. com. Located in Shavano Park, Texas, the expertly trained staff will provide residents with the highest standards of senior care services.
for its residents, with an active and socially engaged lifestyle. By design it includes the latest state-of-the-art amenities available now in the San Antonio area. Life at Shavano Park Senior Living begins by choosing a residence option that is best suited to a person’s needs. The community will features 40 luxurious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedrooms for those seeking assisted living plus 44 private and shared memory care apartments in a specially designed neighborhood residence. What are the differences? Assisted Living is a combination of housing, services, personalized assistance and care tailored to the individual needs of those who require help with activities of daily living. Supportive services are available to
What’s In A Word? Exploring The Overuse Of The Term ‘Luxury’ By Mike and Molly Sowry Virtuoso Builders (210) 525-8750 n a world where the word luxury pops in a different economic bracket. up everywhere from signs announcing In a high end luxury home, desirable the newest subdivisions to apartment features include exotic woods in flooring complexes, the term seems that it would and cabinetry, high end appliances, eight be most appropriate to accompany million- foot doors, spa-like bathrooms, home dollar homes. But what is luxury? Is “luxury theater rooms, and most importantly, and apartment” an oxymoron? What does this open floor plan. These luxurious features do word truly convey? The Oxford Dictionary come with a higher price tag; although, you defines luxury as “the state of great comfort don’t need a huge space to accommodate and extravagant living.” Perhaps luxury is your needs and wants. It’s a lifestyle choice. in the eye of the beholder. What luxury is to Size doesn’t matter. We’ve been in some one may not necessarily be to someone else homes that are much more luxurious at
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2,500 square feet than at 6,000. It’s a lot more than square footage. You could have a 3 or 6,000 square foot home that has nothing special, no quality or attention to detail and that’s not luxury. It’s just space. Luxury is the end result of a well-planned house from the selections to the detailing. The root of a luxury home is your lifestyle and budget, which afford you to have a gourmet kitchen, library, herb garden, or a wine cellar. Luxury, of course, is relative. To a good part of the world that struggles with the basic necessities such as food
and clean water, even the most modest of American homes would seem luxurious. Apartments advertised as luxurious might offer high-speed internet access and granite countertops while offering access to a media room and fitness center on the property. Those amenities may not seem luxurious to a million dollar homeowner but to a college student or up and coming professional, it is a nice standard of living. If the amenities offered and the quality of the whole package affords you a desirable living then maybe it is luxurious. 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 our newsletter at www.virtuosobuilders.com.
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November 2015 • Welcome Home • 78248/78232
& DIRECTORY
Medical Allergy and Immunology Family Allergy & Asthma Specialists Dr. John Mastrovich 20650 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 106 Board Certified in Allergy/Immunology 342-6200 • www.faasonline.com Stone Oak Allergy & Asthma Amanda Trott-Gregorio, MD Board Certified in Allergy/Immunology 155 Sonterra Blvd., Suite 101 494-0690 • stoneoakallergy.com
Anti-Aging Enhancement of Life Dr. Donna Becker, D.O. 14603 Huebner Rd., Suite 2601 545-5224 • www.antiagingsa.com Expert Hormone Replacement for Women & Men
Gastroenterology Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio M. Guirl, MD, J. Jackson, MD., D.McMyler, MD P. Mehta, MD., R, Shaffer, MD 855 Proton Rd. 614-1234 • www.gastroconsa.com
Professional
Gastroenterology & Pain Mgmt
Theda Oaks J. Theard MD, S. Dar MD, L. Rosenkranz, MD U. Dar MD, M. McKee MD, M. Naeem, MD 19284 Stone Oak Parkway 268-0129
General Dentistry Dental Care SA: Dr. David Seguin & Associates 115 N. Loop 1604 E., Ste. 1104, SAT 78232 La Arcata Center 496-2533 www.dentalcareSA.com
General Surgery
Ophthalmologist
Pharmacy
Lynnell C. Lowry, M.D. Alamo Eye Institute Board Certified Ophthalmologist 18720 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 119 697-3821
Stone Oak Pharmacy Specialty Compounding & Delivery Retail Pharmacy Services & DME 18866 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 101 494-4272
Radiology
San Antonio Eye Center Abrams, Erdmancyzk, Hahn, Harris Ming-Zhao, Nicolau, Roberts, Stephenson 14807 San Pedro (281 & Winding Way) 226-6169 www.saeye.com
South Texas Radiology Imaging Centers North Central Imaging Center 155 E. Sonterra Blvd., Suite 100 www.stric.com 617-9000
Orthodontics Schatz Orthodontics Eric Schatz, DDS 22610 U.S. Highway 281, Suite 201 272-7129 • www.alohasmiles.net
San Antonio General Surgery Jorge L. Rincon 1162 E. Sonterra, Suite 210 587-7744 www.sageneralsurgery.com
To add your listing, call 210-348-8233
Pediatrics
Neurosurgery Neurosurgical Associates of S.A., P.A. Donald L. Hilton MD., Arnold B. Vardiman MD. Donald P. Atkins MD. 18626 Hardy Oak Blvd., Suite 240 477-1956 • www.neurosurgerysa.com
Huebner Pediatrics Dr. Michelle Storandt, Dr. Adelnery Gonzalez 15714 Huebner Rd., Bldg. 3 447-3000 www.huebnerpediatrics.com
NEISD Marching Bands Demonstrating Skills Submitted By Daniel Segura he marching bands of North East ISD have had a very successful and exciting start to the 2015 competitive season, and are looking forward to demonstrating their skills at the annual NEISD Fall Marching Band Festival on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at Heroes Stadium, beginning at 7 p.m. All seven District high school bands have been hard at work since August 1 working on their field shows, and many began competing the last weekend of September. We are excited to report that over the last two weekends, NEISD bands have been named Champion in two out of the three Texas Bands of America regionals competitions, and all of the programs who competed have had a great start to their season. On Oct. 3, Churchill, Johnson, and Reagan Bands competed at the Bands of America Houston Regional in Conroe, TX. The regional in Conroe featured 32 bands from all across the state, including several former Grand National Finalists and San Antonio Regional champions, and the District is thrilled that Reagan High School was named BOA Houston Champion for 2015, placing 1st in finals. Reagan took home awards for Outstanding General Effect, and tied for Outstanding Visual performance in finals. Johnson High School placed 2nd overall in finals, took home the award for Outstanding Music Performance overall, and tied Reagan for outstanding Visual Performance. Finally, Churchill High School advanced to finals for their second regional this year, and placed 7th overall. “North East ISD is one of the only districts
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in the United States that consistently sees three of its high schools earning Finalist Status at Bands of America Regionals, an amazing testament to the hard work of our students, great instruction of our band staffs, and support of our administration and community,” said Jarrett Lipman, Instrumental Music Coordinator for NEISD. On Sept. 26, Johnson traveled to McAllen, TX to compete in the Bands of America McAllen Regional against 31 of the finest bands from across the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas. Johnson was named Champion of the BOA McAllen regional, placing 1st in finals, and bringing home awards for Outstanding Music Performance, Outstanding Visual Performance, and Outstanding General Effect. Also on Sept. 26, NEISD is equally thrilled that Churchill High School represented the District at the Bands of America Austin Regional, one of the most difficult competitions in the United States, and was named a finalist, placing 10th overall. At the US Bands New Braunfels Contest on Saturday, Oct. 3, Douglas MacArthur High School kicked off their 2015 season on a high note. The MacArthur Band placed first in Class 3, and took home awards for Best Music, Best Colorguard, Best Percussion, and Best Visual in their class. All seven NEISD bands will perform at the annual NEISD Fall Festival and will compete again at the UIL Region 12 Marching Contest at Judson High School on Saturday, Oct. 17. Many NEISD bands will also compete at the annual Bands of America San Antonio Super Regional, Oct. 30-31 at
November 2015 • Welcome Home • 78248/78232
The Churchill Band celebrates at the BOA Regionals in Austin.
the Alamodome with more than 60 of the top high school marching bands from across
the state competing. For more information, please visit the campus websites.
ill
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Good For You Coffee And Tasty Cakes By Tanji Patton Goodtaste.tv one are the days when just any cup of coffee will do. Starbucks upped the ante for coffee drinkers, and now many local baristas have raised the bar even higher. I’ve become as picky about my coffee as I am about my wine. While setting up for a recent television segment for WOAI’s Living Show, I got into a conversation with a coffee
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expert, who was a guest on the same show, about ramping up that cup of joe even more by adding MCT oil. A lot of the independent coffee shops are now offering what some call ‘bullet coffee.’ MCT oil is essentially a supplementstrength coconut oil. This supposedly naturally-derived supplement has been
The Fish Thanksgiving By Blake Groomer Groomer’s Seafood (210) 377-0951 know what you’re thinking. “What does fish have to do with Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving is all about Turkey!” Well, maybe to some, but believe it or not Thanksgiving is one of our heaviest times of the year. Why is that? Just look at the first Thanksgiving, or perhaps I should say, the “Fish Thanksgiving!” At the First Thanksgiving, turkey was actually not the main attraction. Being in a coastal area, seafood was in fact one of the main stars of the Thanksgiving show.
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Lobster, mussels, clams, oysters, and eels made up the bulk of the menu. Fresh cod and bass were also served up by the dozen. In fact, it was said that Chief Massasoit went to and from the ocean “carrying as many eels as he could handle”. Today the tradition of seafood still holds true in many households. In the Northeast, lobster is commonly found side by side with the turkey, on the West Coast it’s not unheard of to have a nice slab of salmon in the center of the table and here in the Gulf region,
studied for its reported weight loss and cognitive function benefits – it’s said to even have helped patients with neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and epilepsy! You can expect increased mental focus and productivity, weight loss, and an incredible boost in healthy, natural energy. So, now that I’ve got you all fired up for that next cup of coffee, how about some delish coffee cakes to go with. One of my all-time favorite recipes was discovered on one of our trips to Napa. We stayed at a delightful turn of the century B&B, and I asked the proprietors for the recipe to their delicious coffee cake. You can bake it the night before you serve it. Check out the recipe at goodtaste.tv. Another all-time favorite comes from
one of my fellow Les Dames d’Escoffier members, streusel-topped sour cream coffee cake muffins. These beauties even have a little bit of chocolate sprinkled inside, a perfect pairing with a good cup of coffee. For more fun recipe ideas and wine pairings, head to http://goodtaste.tv. While you’re there sign up for our newsletter and a chance to win a two night stay at the beautiful Hyatt Hill Country Resort. 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.
especially in Louisiana, seafood-heavy jambalaya is a Thanksgiving dinner staple. This is a dish consisting of fish, sausage, rice, and many spices and is one of my personal favorites. It’s simple, it’s easy and while there are many great Seafood Thanksgiving recipes to share (oyster stuffing anyone?), I’ve decided to give you this spicy little number of a recipe called Gulf Shrimp Jambalaya using our boat run shrimp. Ingredients: 2 lbs of Boat run Gulf Shrimp, 1lb of Andouille sausages, cut into circles, 1 white onion, chopped into 1/4 inch pieces 2 green peppers cut into 1/4 pieces, 3 stalks of celery cut into 1/4 pieces, 3 cloves of chopped garlic, 1 dash of crushed red pepper, 1 tsp Cayenne pepper, 1 28 oz can of diced tomatoes, 2 fresh bay leaves, 1 fresh bundle of thyme, 5 chopped scallions, and 2 cups of long grain rice. Directions:
1. Shell the shrimp and put the shells in water to boil for 20 min to create a stock 2. Lubricate a large pot with olive oil and add the sausage pieces and cook for 5 minutes 3. Add in the peppers, celery, and onions and season with salt and the crushed red pepper 4. Cook this mixture for about 8 minutes or until it softens. Then add in the garlic and cook for 3 more minutes, and then add in the tomatoes and cayenne pepper 5. Stir in the rice and add 4 cups of the shrimp stock with along with the bay leaves and thyme and cook for 25 minutes. 6. Add in the shrimp and cook for 5-7 more minutes until shrimp is pink. Top with scallions and you’re ready to serve! I think you’ll enjoy changing things up just a bit with seafood!
NEISD Hosts First Paraprofessional The Walker Belden Foundation Professional Development Concludes Submitted By Maribel Gardea hank you for your support in our 3rd annual The Walker Belden Foundation Charity Golf Tournament benefitting Morgan’s Wonderland. We wanted to express our appreciation for your generosity in support of The Walker Belden Foundation and your personal commitment was incredibly helpful and allowed us to reach our goal. The Walker Belden Foundation was able to raise over $90,000 to be donated to Morgan’s Wonderland. We would like to personally thank CVS Health for being our presenting sponsor and all other sponsors. We would also like to thank all of the volunteers who helped the day of the tournament. The Walker Belden Foundation wants to bring awareness to the efforts of Morgan’s Wonderland which allows individuals with disabilities to have an equal opportunity to actively participate in a fun and safe atmosphere with family and friends, despite their limitations. Because of your help, Morgan’s Wonderland will be able to continue their Fund-A-Visit to
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The Paraprofessionals during their Welcome Back gathering.
Submitted By Bridgett Dunlap he Instructional Assistants for the Reagan cluster met for a Welcome Back gathering. This was the first professional development of its kind and took a ton of work on the part of the Special Education Grade Level Chairs. The campuses involved were Hardy Oak (Bridgett Dunlap), Tuscany Heights (Katharyn Jette), Vineyard Ranch (Tihishia
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Odom), Stone Oak (Danielle Milam), Las Lomas (Sherri Bozer), Wilderness Oak (Katya Finta) and Canyon Ridge Elementary. The Paraprofessionals gathered to discuss new Special Education terms and procedures, as well as develop some team building. This was the first meeting of its kind and a tradition that NEISD will continue next fall.
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all individuals with disabilities and special needs. Again, thank you for your support! Please SAVE THE DATE for next year’s golf tournament. The Walker Belden Foundation Golf Tournament will be held Friday, October 21st, 2016 at 1:00pm at Canyon Springs Golf Club. Look forward to seeing everyone next year!
November 2015 • Welcome Home • 78248/78232
2015 Winter Celebration
2015 Winter Celebration Featuring AirLIFE Santa
JOIN THE FUN!
FREE Photo with Santa!
With all levels of participation there is one to fit your businesses needs. Winter Celebration is a great way to participate in the community and get new business through your door. Diamond
OVER 60,000 lbs OF SNOW FUN! You are invited to eat, play, enjoy rides and have your FREE photo with Santa taken at the largest and longest running holiday event in
Silver
San Antonio. Enjoy local school bands and talented children’s performances, winter “sledding” and 60,000 lbs of snow fun!
Gold Bronze
Admission FREE with donation of a new toy.
Which level will you choose? Date: Time:
Saturday, December 5, 2015 10 am – 3 pm
Place:
502 Madison Oak (Parking Lot Across From North Central Baptist Hospital) FREE with the donation of a toy
Cost:
2015 Winter Celebration Sponsor s
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Time: Place:
10 am – 3 pm 502 Madison Oak (Parking Lot Across From North Central Baptist Hospital) FREE with donation of a new toy
Cost:
Hunt RSVP: (210)348–8233 • www.WelcomeHomeSA.com November 2015 • Welcome Home • 78248/78232
Date:
L im Vendor ited 210.34 Booths Over 10 8.8233 ,000 V isito
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Vendor RSVP:(210)348–8233 • www.WelcomeHomeSA.com
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November 2015 • Welcome Home • 78248/78232