October 2013 78248 32 for web

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A Monthly Publication Directly Mailed to the residents of Hollywood Park, Brookhollow, Deerfield, Churchill Estates and surrounding areas Postal Customer

October 2013 Issue

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


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October 2013 • Welcome Home • 78232/78248


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JOI N T H E CELEBRATION!

Winter Celebration 2013 Featuring AirLIFE Santa

Reserve Your Booth Today! – $350.00 Date: Time: Place:

December 14, 2013 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. 1803 E. Sonterra Blvd Legacy Shopping Center (281 N & 1604) Presenting Sponsors:

Each year, thousands of families from across San Antonio attend Stone Oak Winter Celebration Featuring AirLIFE Santa to celebrate the season. There’s no better way to introduce your business to the community. We invite your business to be a part of Stone Oak’s largest and longest running holiday event.

Vendor RSVP: (210)348–8233 • www.welcomehomesa.com October 2013 • Welcome Home • 78232/78248

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October 2013 • Welcome Home • 78232/78248


Note From The Publisher Planning Winter Festival Still Time To

Book Your Festival Booth!

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ctober is when we at Welcome Home are busy planning the festivities for the Annual Winter Celebration. This year has some exciting news and will be bigger than ever. We are moving the location of the event to the area right beside Main Event at the Legacy Shopping Center. To start our event, we always have the Reagan HS marching band kick off the event. This year, we will have four of our area high school marching bands to kick off our event. This will be a sight to see. The Holiday Scavenger Hunt will take place at the Winter Celebration featuring AirLIFE Santa, which will take place on December 14, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The day of the Winter Celebration, scavenger hunt players will receive a stamp for each vendor they visit. Our grand prize will be a $1,000 shopping spree donated by Welcome Home Community Newspaper, There will be many general prizes given out that day from restaurant gift certificates to spa packages, to gift baskets for scavenger hunt players. The more vendors you visit, the more opportunity to win general prizes and a chance to win a grand prize! Visit our website at welcomehomesa.com for more information on scavenger hunt rules. We will have Santa, snow, games, rides, singing, dancing and food at the Legacy Shopping Center parking lot. Last year, at the Winter Celebration, the community showed its generosity by bringing over 7,000 new unwrapped toys for the Marines’ Toys For Tots organization. The Winter Festival/Celebration has been the largest Toys for Tots collection event in San Antonio for the past nine years. This

will be the tenth year collecting toys for Toys for Tots. Our mini parade starts the Celebration at 10 a.m. We encourage families to participate. You can bring a wagon, shoebox or anything that will roll. Make your own mini float for all to see! After the mini parade, watch for the skies as Santa will arrive by helicopter! Free photos with Santa are given with a donation of a new unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. I was so blessed to tour the Food Bank in September. What an incredible organization. Read more about them on page 11 and see if there is anything you can do to support this fine San Antonio Institution. SpaySa is having their Casino Night on October 5th. I hope to see you there and let’s do what we can to help as many animals as we can and have some fun in the process. It’s hard to believe the Spurs season is already starting. I hope to see many of you at the preseason games starting this month. Have a wonderful October, and don’t forget to check next month’s issue for a list of vendors in the Winter Celebration event. If you know of any business in the area encourage them to support this incredible community event. Before you know it, the holidays will be here!

01 3 C asino Night 2 Join us for Casino Night benefiting SpaySA’s mission to end dog and cat overpopulation. Saturday, October 5th, 2013 7:00pm- 11:00pm 7pm-7:30pm Cocktail Reception Dominion Country Club Tickets at www.spaysa.org - only $50

Sincerely,

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

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

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

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

Distribution Israel Vazquez

Director Of Production Kristin Oliver

Sales Representatives Patrice Long Libby Thorman

Managing Editor Amanda Burris Writer/Copy Editors Chasity Furse Ben Spicer Production/Graphic Design James Stipp

Contributing Photographers Chasity Furse Chris Reilly

Contributing Writers Traci Lopez Jennifer Starr Katrina Campbell Michele Bibb Robin Hooks Sarah Porter

Staff Writers Debby Seguin Calvin Speer

October 2013 • Welcome Home • 78232/78248

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On The Cover SAVE BIG IN OCTOBER!

By Amanda Burris hile halftime may not be what all the sports fans fill the bleachers of the football stadiums for, the spectacular performances that take place always receive a roaring applause and leave crowds in amazement. This month, Welcome Home had the pleasure of finding out more about what the twirlers do from Reagan, Johnson, Madison and Smithson Valley high PHOTO CREDIT: Chasity Furse Schools. Allyson Padron, Margo Dausin, Michaelah Reynolds and Morgan Leach, 2013The four senior Feature Twirlers featured on the 2014 senior Feature twirlers. front cover as well as the connection with those in the crowd, the three younger, yet still impressively talented girls will no doubt make memories that girls who you can read about inside this they will cherish forever. Every girl has issue, have a year filled with performances, established their own goals and has worked competitions and auditions. Twirling, a hard to get to the place they are in now. sport that many may not be too familiar Although each one is completely unique, with, requires a vast amount of talent, time all are extraordinary at what they do. and dedication. These girls perform and While not every school has multiple practice all year long to accomplish their twirlers, or even one at all, these girls goals and bring something new to the floor continue to stand apart in their schools and (or field). with the bands they perform with. To find With each performance that they take out more about these amazing girls and on this year, filled with beautiful outfits, what twirling is all about, turn to page 13. precision and technique and a special

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Family Life 800 McCullough San Antonio, TX 78215 Hours: M – F, 7 am – 5 pm Phone: (210) 226-6169 14807 San Pedro San Antonio, TX 78232 Hours: M – F, 8 am – 5 pm Optical also open Sat, 8 am – 2 pm Phone: (210) 495-2020

When you come to the San Antonio Eye Center for your eye health needs, you can rest assured you are getting the most comprehensive services available.

Our comprehensive services include:

• Complete Eye Examinations & Screenings • Consultations • Surgeries, Laser Procedures, & Other Treatments • Glasses, Sunglasses, & Contact Lenses If you have your exam with us we are also offering 20% OFF glasses & 10% OFF contact lenses. 6

2119 Commercial San Antonio, TX 78221 Hours: M – F, 8 am – 5 pm Phone: (210) 922-0604 6151 NW Loop 410 Suite 200 San Antonio, TX 78238 Hours: T – F, 8 am – 5 pm Phone: (210) 226-6169 2362 E SouthCross Blvd San Antonio, TX 78223 Hours: Call for hours Phone: (210) 226-6169

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The F-Word

L

By Debby Seguin

adies, I apologize in advance for bringing up such an ugly and vile subject, however, I would be remiss if I did not touch on a problem that has been chipping away at the very heart of marriage! Yes, I speak of the dreaded F-word: Football. The season is almost here! We must bring up this painful subject NOW before it’s too late! For too long this parasitic pastime has been rendering the males of our species round, deaf and blind, (though, unfortunately, not mute). Young wives, at the cusp of trying to please and “understand” their mates, foolishly fall for lines such as, “Honey, you are so wonderful. Listen, in order to finish this love poem I started for you, I really need to run it by the guys. We’re meeting over at Lou’s for a few hours, ok?” as she giggles and naively pushes him out the door, wondering why he needs 3 bags of chips and a case of beer to write poetry. The excuses become ever more clever. In fact, you can tell how long a couple has been married by the football excuse. 5 yrs: “Baby, Lou and Sara are having some struggles and he needs to talk.” 10 yrs: “Sweetie, Lou got laid off from his job and needs some support.” 20 yrs: “Honey, Lou had a heart attack. I really should go see him.” 30 yrs: “Darling, Lou’s dead. I really should go to the funeral.” (Fritos and Funyuns at a funeral? She may get suspicious. Better pick them up on the way!) It’s a conspiracy. At the grocery store a giant STOMPERS VS. CRUSHERS! is

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written above a life size cheerleader with medically enhanced pom-poms pointing to a beer display. No sign of an actual football player. Even a legally blind man paused for a glance. During the game, it’s even worse. How are wives to compete and get some attention? Once, just as a test, I carried cheese dip through the living room stark naked, told my husband I was seeing another man and had lost all our money in online gambling. He grabbed the dip, high-fived his buddy and yelled, “TOUCHDOWN!” Clearly outmanned, I left and went shopping for a ladies-sized football jersey. Debby Seguin (who joined the Tim Tebow Over 50 Fan Club) can be reached at writewell62@yahoo.com

October 2013 • Welcome Home • 78232/78248


The 2013 Winter Celebration

By Amanda Burris s winter approaches, excitement settles into the hearts of both adults and children alike as the season for holidays, cheer and giving become more prevalent. Although December may seem far away, preparations for an exciting event have already been in the making since the beginning of summer. Welcome Home Community Newspaper and the new non-profit organization, Living Through Giving, will be putting on the 10th annual Winter Celebration. This event will bring the community together for food, fellowship, and most importantly, to contribute toys to benefit children throughout San Antonio. In 2012, Winter Celebration collected 85 percent of the toys for the Toys for Tots program, collecting over 7,000 toys for local children. Toys for Tots is a nationwide

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organization headed by the United States Marine Corps that is aimed to change the lives of local children by keeping their spirits intact. This year, Living Through Giving has made the goal to raise enough toys so that no child goes without one. Welcome Home and Living Through Giving would like to invite families from across the city to join in on this celebration that embodies the spirit of the season while establishing a true sense of community. Winter Celebration will feature AirLIFE Santa and performances from local bands, spirit groups, choirs and much more. Businesses will also have booths set up where they will offer everything from delicious food and drinks to face painting, giveaways and other fun activities for families. Winter Celebration provides an opportunity for families and individuals to have fun and connect with the community

October, The Month Of Pink

By Amanda Burris s the hot summer months begin to diminish and the cool breezes of fall begin to slowly trickle in (hopefully!), many get wrapped up in school, work and sports. While watching football, or looking through newsletters at work or even dropping the kids off at school, many may notice the abundance of the color pink this month. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, established by a collaboration of organizations and agencies that work together to promote breast cancer awareness to the public, and a pink ribbon

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has been established as the symbol for awareness. Many can say that they have heard of the disease either through passing or because someone they know has had it. While this is the case, many still fail to establish a plan for themselves that could detect the disease in its early stages of development. Research, studies and funding have come a long way over the years, but there is still a ways to go. One in Eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and the disease is the second leading cause of death among women —but this doesn’t mean

Stubborn fat has met it’s match.

while also giving back to those in need. This FREE event will take place on December 14th at the Legacy Shopping Center at 1803 East Sonterra Boulevard from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information

on Winter Celebration (including how to become a vendor), Living Through Giving or Welcome Home Community Newspaper, please visit www.welcomehomesa.com or call 210-348-8233.

women (and men) can’t put up a fight! Early detection is the best way to catch and treat the cancer and can be done both at the doctor and in your own home. Mammograms are recommended for women every one or two years and allow individuals to detect the cancer before you can feel a lump. At home, individuals should check their breasts and armpits each month for any lump, thickening or a hardened knot as well as for a change in appearance such as swelling or dimpling of the skin. If any of these changes have occurred, one should notify their healthcare provider.

Self-awareness is just as crucial as maintaining a healthy lifestyle. While October is specifically Breast Cancer Awareness Month, various people, doctors and organizations continue to promote yearround awareness and healthy lifestyles, as well as raise funds to one day find a cure. So next time you see the color pink or see a pink ribbon, use it as a reminder to talk to those around you so that you can spread awareness and help take a stand in the fight against cancer.

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October 2013 • Welcome Home • 78232/78248

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Desperation and Hormones

By Donna Becker, D.O. Enhancement of Life (210) 545-5224 give everyone a 15 minute free consultation to describe the treatment plan and for me to judge if I am able to help. I am not turned off by the patients who place thick files on my desk and exclaim, “you’re the (fill in the number) doctor I’ve seen, no one can help me!” But, if someone has a condition better handled by another specialist, then I readily refer. For example, a patient came to me who gingerly placed a

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small pillow on the chair before sitting. This person had an advanced form of cancer, which limited their ability to sit. I spoke to him/her (I am being careful to not embarrass anyone) for an hour. The patient had been frightened by too much information delivered too fast (I think) and possibly not a very empathetic doctor. Using all my persuasive skill and promise to help as needed, I convinced the patient to see a very sweetly tempered expert for definitive care. Another patient came to me with a few

Importance Of Flexibility By Claudia P Ramirez, MS, CSCS uring a workout, your muscles begin to breakdown. The higher the intensity or the heavier the weight during strength training, the more muscle fibers breakdown and intertwine. Most aerobic and strength training programs inherently cause your muscles to contract and relax. That is why regular stretching is a powerful part of any exercise program. Stretching after you exercise promotes equal balance and can promote better posture and relieve stress. After a workout, muscles need to repair themselves and the fibers that are entangled impede the recovery process. When you stretch the muscle, tension in the fibers increase, aligning the disorganized tissue in

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the same line. Stretching improves circulation in the muscle aiding in the recovery process. This also helps reduce the build-up of lactic acid in the muscle, which helps reduce the amount of soreness the next day. • Stretching Increases Flexibility Flexible muscles can improve your daily performance. Tasks such as lifting packages, bending to tie your shoes or hurrying to catch a bus become easier and less tiring. • Stretching Improves Range of Motion Good range of motion keeps you in better balance, which will help keep you mobile and less prone to falls. • Stretching Improves Circulation Stretching increases blood flow to your muscles. Improved circulation can speed recovery after muscle injuries. • Stretching Can Relieve Stress

pages of labs and asked if I thought I might be able to help her with hot flashes and dryness of the vagina. She described fasting one to two days a week to keep her weight in control. She had emotional outbursts, which had driven her to a psychiatrist who prescribed several powerful sedative-type of antidepressants (with the side effects of weight gain). She had never been depressed like this before, she said. Think of depression like an ankle sprain, I told her. Sometimes, you “sprain” your mind with events beyond your control. Thank goodness there are medications to help your mind, just like an ankle brace for the ankle. I told her that hormone replacement would help resolve her hot flashes and vaginal dryness. I had observed in my practice, of over ten years in the field of hormone

replacement, that testosterone might have mood elevating effects. Progesterone helped one to be calm and most of all, sleep through the night. Estradiol aided memory and helped one to feel, well normal. “I don’t feel like myself, at all, that’s right!” We briefly discussed side effects and risks of hormone replacement therapy and would do so in depth at her first clinical visit. Are you desperate? Think there is no hope? Not true. You are going to live maybe 50 + years in menopause, get help now. Donna Becker, D.O., Board Certified Physician. 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.

Stretching relaxes the tense muscles that often accompany stress. • Target Major Muscle Groups Focus on your calves, thighs (front and back), lower back, neck and shoulders. Also stretch muscles you routinely use. • Warm Up First You may hurt yourself if you stretch cold muscles. Warm up by walking or better yet, stretch after you exercise when your muscles are warm and more receptive to stretching. • Pace Yourself It takes time to lengthen tissues safely. Hold each stretch for about 30 seconds, do each stretch 3-4 times. • Don’t Bounce Bouncing as you stretch can cause small tears in the muscle. These tears leave scar tissue as the muscle heels, which tighten the

muscle making you less flexible and prone to pain. • Focus On Pain-Free Stretch Expect to feel tension, if it hurts you’ve gone to far. Back off to where you don’t feel any pain, then hold the stretch. • Relax and Breathe Freely Don’t hold your breathe while stretching. As a general rule, static stretching is best after you exercise. If you don’t exercise regularly, you might want to stretch several times a week to maintain flexibility. HealthLink is a health and fitness center owned by the Baptist Health System. HealthLink is located at 288 Bitters Rd., San Antonio, TX 78216. For more information, call (210) 297-9900 or visit www.healthlinksa.com.

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October 2013 • Welcome Home • 78232/78248


Making Minutes Matter By Amanda Burris

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ometimes life finds a way to throw things at us unexpectedly and we are forced to jump into action. When dealing with medical emergencies, individuals may need to act fast and get immediate care. In situations such as these, going to a hospital ER may not always be the best choice due to typical wait times that can range from 3-5 hours. In those extremely stressful times, the long wait and close quarters with other anxious strangers can only increase the stress and possibly make the situation worse. But now, there is a new concept to the San Antonio area that medical professionals have created to fix this problem and meet the medical needs of the community. Elite Care Emergency Center is a full service emergency department conveniently located in the community and can get help to those who find themselves needing to act fast when facing the unexpected emergencies that life hands us.

About Elite Care Elite Care is not an urgent care; rather it is a full service 24-hour emergency center that has the capability to care for any emergency that local hospitals handle without the hospital wait. Due to being conveniently located within the community, patients can avoid wasting necessary minutes by not having to commute to the medical center. Once at the facility, patients are treated by board certified physicians and nurses who are all emergency trained and focus on caring for you rather than processing you. The average door to discharge times is less than 90 minutes, unlike those of hospital-based emergency rooms, and an average time to meet with a doctor is about 3-5 minutes from walking in the door.

explain a diagnosis to both the patient and family members as well as follow up their primary physicians. “Recapturing the ability to take the time to get to know our patients as people, to provide a level of communication and interaction that the doctors and nurses can’t in a hospital based ER, that’s skimmed over in the main ER’s but is really absolutely essential in providing real, truly high quality care,” John Rutkowski, Medical Director at the North Central location explained about what sets Elite Care apart from other facilities. “To proclaim a diagnosis, however accurate, without giving the context, the plan going forward, the importance of treatment and the options available is of relatively poor value if the time isn’t taken to accomplish these other items. It’s like getting a prescription you can’t afford and wont get. The Elite Care world allows us to accomplish all those goals and become a truly human doctor and nurse again.” At Elite Care, they have the ability to create such a relationship with their patients by streamlining processes and efficiently using state of the art equipment and technology as well as board certified physicians and nurses, to create the total patient experience in less time than the traditional hospital based ER.

Services and Technology

While emergencies create a sense of urgency in the patients and medical professionals, the doctor-patient relationships tend to get lost at large hospitals. At Elite Care, this is not the case. As a facility that is not only efficient in both time and quality care, they make it a point to get to know the patients and spend as long as it takes to meet the patients’ needs with them. Elite Care is focused on the patient and creating an experience that is compassionate and exceeds their expectations in a calm comfortable environment. They pride themselves on being able to sit down and thoroughly

Emergencies can range from being as extreme as life threatening or to being painful, yet not as serious. With a wide spectrum of types of emergencies that patients walk in the doors of Elite Care with, it is reassuring to know that they not only have the knowledge to handle each situation, but the resources. Each location is licensed by the state of Texas and is required by law to have all of the amenities of a hospital based emergency department such as a full service lab, including hematology, chemistries, serologies (screens for common infections, pregnancy tests, etc.) and access to a tertiary level reference lab for more advanced testing. Elite Care also features diagnostic imaging equipment, including X-Ray, CT Scanning and ultrasound capabilities. All of these diagnostic tests allow doctors and specialists to see results in minutes, rather than hours. Also on location, the facility includes the capability of IV therapy, including conscious sedation for various procedures

October 2013 • Welcome Home • 78232/78248

www.welcomehomesa.com

Quality Patient Care

that may be painful such as setting a broken bone or fixing a dislocated shoulder. There are supplies on hand for splinting, minor surgery and initial treatment of most complaints and IV medicines and fluids can be administered as need. An on-site pharmacy with the medicines to address most emergent conditions also aids the facility in getting the necessary care to each patient. Though the law prohibits them from dispensing medications on an outpatient basis, the patients can receive their first dose of home medications before they are discharged. Due to the strong relationships with outpatient pharmacies in the community, Elite Care is able to call ahead to the pharmacy of the patient’s choice to expedite the filling of any additional home medications.

Why Elite Care is For You Although Elite Care is not able to bill Medicare, Medicaid and Tricare, they do accept all other forms of insurance and a significant discount is available for payment at the time of service for uninsured patients or those with high deductibles. All patients will receive a medical screening exam, including those individuals who cannot pay. Elite Care is aimed to help all types of individuals in their emergent health care needs. As a state of the art facility that can stand apart in its quality care and service, Elite Care is a unique concept that provides the community with a valuable resource that is fortunate to have close to home. “I think [what makes Elite Care unique is] the level of care, caring and compassion that we deliver, coupled with the speed, personal level of service and constant communication,” Rutkowski explained. By making every minute matter, Elite Care welcomes emergent patients to a place that can get them fast results when they need it the most. While medical emergencies can’t be planned, knowing that there is a place that wants to help you and reduce the stress of hospital ERs can be one less thing to worry about.

North Central Emergency Services Center 13402 San Pedro Blvd., SA, TX 78216 (P) 210-481-0900 • (F) 210-495-0007

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Rival Alum Donates To Renovation Submitted By Jennifer Starr tudents and faculty at St. Gerard Catholic School were excited to learn that a generous Catholic school alumnus had offered to make much needed renovations to the school’s football field. They were even more surprised however, when they learned the alumnus was none other than Clarence Kahlig who was not from St. Gerard, but from Central Catholic, a rival team! Kahlig, who also attended St. Mary Magdalen has always been a strong supporter of the Archdiocese of San Antonio Catholic schools. After he heard St. Gerard needed new goal posts he immediately went to visit the field to see what he could do.

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Kahlig began to work alongside a crew that included a team from Kahlig Auto Group, the new St. Gerard Royals coach Jon Williams, as well as many St. Gerard athletes and cheerleaders. Kahlig was personally on the field leading the crews almost every day for two weeks. By the time the crew was done, they had replaced the goal posts, painted the stands, installed a new sprinkler system, updated the landscaping and re-seeded the field. The work finished just in time for the team’s first home game August 30 against St. Mary’s Hall. Kahlig will be honored at a celebratory tailgating event at an upcoming St. Gerard home game for his charitable efforts.

Clarence and Tina Kahlig Along with the Kahlig Auto Group and Students and Faculty of St. Gerard Catholic School.

Three Women Support Brighton Center Submitted By Katrina Campbell he Brighton Center is proud to announce the names of the three women who will be trying their fundraising hand at becoming the next Queen of the Vine! Tiffany Mock-Briggs, ZZ Mylar and Natalie Pfeiffer will all work together as well as individually to raise money for the Brighton Center, a non-profit organization that has been serving children with disabilities and developmental delays for more than 40 years. The candidate that raises the most money from August 2013 through February 2014 will be crowned the 2014 Queen of the Vine at the Queen’s Ball on February 28th at the Kendall Plantation in Boerne, TX and represent the organization

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as the official Fiesta royalty at A Taste of the Northside. The 2014 queen candidates are inspired by the success of last year’s Queen of the Vine Campaign where candidates collectively raised more than $180,000 for the organization. 2013 Queen of the Vine, April Ancira and Princess of the Vine, Dr. Karen Hasty together raised an incredible $150,000 of that record breaking total! Every year the Brighton Center must raise more than $1,000,000 to maintain its services and the Queen of the Vine campaign is a critical piece in making

this happen. Every dollar raised through the Queen of the Vine campaign directly benefits the Brighton Center and helps set a foundation for children with disabilities that set them up for a life without limits! For more information about the 2014 Queen of the Vine Candidates and how you can support them, visit www. queenofthevine.kintera.org. About The Brighton Center The Brighton Center provides direct services to children with disabilities and/or developmental delays through a holistic and family-centered approach. The organization

helps strengthen and transform the child’s abilities, the home environment, the parental attitude and capabilities to positively impact the family units overall quality of life. Brighton has been serving and supporting children with disabilities and their families in San Antonio for more than 40 years. Brighton provides child enrichment and development through a child learning center, home based therapy services, counseling, case management and family support services to more than 2,500 children annually.

9th Annual Pumpkin Patch At St. Tomas Submitted By Robin Hooks, St. Thomas Vice President t. Thomas Episcopal School’s ninth annual Pumpkin Patch will be held from Tuesday, October 8th through Wednesday, October 31st. Hundreds of pumpkins of all sizes will be looking for great families to go home with. Prices generally range from $3-$50, depending on the size of the pumpkin. The Pumpkin Patch will feature a hay maze, hayrides, a corn tub and lots of fall family fun. The patch will be open to the public as well as school groups. “The Pumpkin Patch has been a tradition in the community since 2005. Every year, we look forward to the arrival of the pumpkins

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and the fellowship it provides,” stated Dr. Debra Root, Head of school. “It’s the perfect place to take family pictures, make memories and purchase your pumpkins for the fall season.” St. Thomas Episcopal School is conveniently located at 1416 North Loop 1604 East. The Patch will be open Tuesday through Friday (11 a.m.-7 p.m.) and weekends (10 a.m.-6 p.m.). The patch will be closed on Mondays. Admission is free. Proceeds will directly impact the students and teachers of St. Thomas Episcopal School. For more

information or to book a school group, contact the school office at 210-494-3509.

SACS Takes On Technology

Special To Welcome Home his is so cool!” is a phrase spoken often around San Antonio Christian Schools (SACS) high school hallways as classes get underway this year. While SACS begins its forty-fifth year in operation, they join a small group of schools around the country equipping students with cutting edge technology. Out are the traditional, heavy textbooks, and in are Samsung tablets loaded with digital texts and homework assignments. “It had the feel of Christmas morning,” said Robert Armstrong, high school principal after tablets where handed out first to the senior class. “All of the students were truly excited and ready to give their tablets a quick test drive.” The device exceeded all expectations. SACS has made a strong commitment to success with this program. The work for

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A hand up, not a handout. Visit HabitatSA.org

for more info or call 210.223.5203

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school IT director, David Hoeft, and his team has involved long hours and dedication to the school’s vision for each student’s college preparation. “It is not merely opening a box and handing 700 devices out at once,” said Hoeft. “Each device goes through a series of downloads to insure that the device is prepared for the individual student.” Hoeft’s team went through approximately nineteen steps that took about thirty minutes per device to prepare them for use on the school network. Senior student, Logan Cheney, said, “It is like having a personal assistant. Working with the SkyDrive is amazing. I can write a paper and send it to my printer at home if I want to. I can check news headlines and schedule out my homework load. This is so much better than the way school use to be.” SACS is located in north central San

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SACS Senior Turner Goudge spends time learning his new Samsung tablet with Windows 8 and loaded with all of his textbooks in preparation for his transition to college.

Antonio at 19202 Redland Road, and is currently the largest private school in the city.

October 2013 • Welcome Home • 78232/78248


FOOD FOR TODAY, FOOD FOR TOMORROW, FOOD FOR LIFE By Amanda Burris

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f you are familiar with some of the non-profit organizations in the San Antonio area, you have probably heard of the San Antonio Food Bank. Their amazing impact on not just this city, but 16 counties throughout Southwest Texas has provided more than 48 million pounds of food in hopes to fight hunger through food distribution, programs, education and advocacy. Because their compassion and dedication seems endless, many remain unaware of just how many programs and extraordinary things they have become involved in. Through the generosity and support of local businesses, churches, foundations, corporations, government, civic group and individuals, the San Antonio Food Bank (SAFB) is able to partner with 530 different agencies to distribute food to more than 58,000 individuals every month. The SAFB warehouse, which is currently about to expand to store even more, holds all of the food and grocery products donated, including produce. Through the help of donations, onsite community gardens and many volunteers, the SAFB is able to gather food and keep all of it organized through an inventory that shelters can even access online. Many may be familiar with this portion of the Food Bank and may have even seen one of their three mobile pantries that make trips each day for distribution. But, it is in the way that they have used their resources to impact others in the long run that is truly impressive. While around 49 million Americans are food insecure and will take what they can, the SAFB has seen the need for nutrition education and for providing a way to end what seems like an ongoing cycle of hunger and unemployment. The SAFB has nutrition educators who focus on teaching those in need how to shop efficiently to buy products that are not just quick and easy, but rather, healthy items that they can prepare to make meal that have a more long-term difference to their nutritional health. Ultimately, the goal of the SAFB is to aid as many as they can in the fight against hunger. One of the most common reasons that individuals are forced to rely on food pantries is the lack of job training and inability to find sustainable employment. Through the Community Kitchen program, the SAFB established an exciting way to train the unemployed while continuing to feed the hungry. The students enrolled in the Community Kitchen program get trained in everything from basic food safety to general food prep, all skills needed to qualify them for a culinary career. This 20-week course allows students to prepare food for others in need, while establishing a trade for themselves that they can use to become successful members of society. The hope for this program was that the Food Bank could establish a way to help diminish hunger through education, and so far it has been incredibly successful. The kitchens at the SAFB are always abuzz with students and trained chiefs making and preparing food. It was around four years ago when a new idea for further growth came to light, as community members who toured the Food Bank continued to be impressed with the delicious food prepared and served to them. After getting various requests to host lunches or serve food for business events, there was no question to use this as an opportunity for the SAFB to grow and do more. “The first and ultimate goal is to have a social enterprise program,” said Michael Guerra, the SAFB Chief Development Officer, as he explained what the Catalyst Catering program was all about. This program, lead by a team of catering professionals and high quality chiefs, generates funding by providing a catering service (using purchased products and not donated food) to Southwest Texas. While most know the SAFB for their service to those in need, they have also quickly established themselves as impressive chiefs, even winning best Mac and Cheese and best chili in culinary competitions. Their large menu features an array of choices for all types of events.

October 2013 • Welcome Home • 78232/78248

“From the mayor’s office to top culprit companies to high end quinceañeras and weddings, this catering group does it all,” Guerra explained. While the program only uses fully trained Chiefs for their catering events, they do occasionally use student graduates from their Community Kitchen program to get more experience and training. Current students can also act as extra help in the kitchen when necessary to prepare for events. “The most rewarding part about the Catalyst program, 100 percent, is seeing the students participating in the program out in front and getting jobs,” said Guerra. By using Catalyst Catering for your next event, you are not only booking exquisite food, but are taking part in this new concept of catering for a cause. With the holidays just around the corner, many parties are being planned and organized and need caterers. To book Catalyst Catering, a decision you wont regret, call 210-431-8401 or email catalyst@ safoodbank.org. Through new and diverse ways, the SAFB has found opportunities to reach out and not only aid the communities of Southwest Texas, but to enhance them through education as well. With many partnerships with other organizations and various life-altering programs offered, the Food Bank is looking to make a difference in the lives of many not just today, but for tomorrow and for life. As always, the San Antonio Food Bank welcomes the community to donate food, their time through volunteering and money. While the SAFB may be a far drive for most, there are food barrels at every Goodwill where individuals can make drop-offs. For more information on the San Antonio Food Bank and how you, your company or your organization can aid and give back in some way, visit safoodbank.org.

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& 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 Southwest Allergy & Asthma Martin • Rodriguez Board Certified in Allergy/Immunology 155 Sonterra Blvd., Suite 101 494-0690 • swallergyasthma.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

Facial Plastic Surgery William R. Thornton, M.D., F.A.C.S. Ophthalmic/Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Cosmetic Eye Lid & Facial Surgery 15316 Huebner Rd., Suite 101 576-5150 (by appt)

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 Smile Source® Dr. Cheryl E. Hubble & Dr. Kaci L. Tibbetts 2950 Thousand Oaks Dr., Suite. 16 496-5422 www.cherylhubbledds.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

San Antonio Eye Center Abrams, Erdmancyzk, Hahn, Harris Ming-Zhao, Nicolau, Roberts, Stephenson 14807 San Pedro (281 & Winding Way) 226-6169 www.saeye.com

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

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

Radiology South Texas Radiology Imaging Centers North Central Imaging Center 155 E. Sonterra Blvd., Suite 100 www.stric.com 617-9000

To add your listing, call 210-348-8233

A Laugh Can Make You Cry (By Wetting Your Pants) An Urogynecologist’s Approach To Stress Urinary Incontinence

By Alejandro Treszezamsky, MD. ou might have heard about “stress” urine incontinence (SUI) and wondered “is this in my head?” No, it’s not in your head. If anything, it’s in your bladder and more specifically, in the urethra (“bladder tube”). The “stress” is not mental. It’s stress on the bladder, a sudden increase in pressure. This usually happens with coughing, sneezing, laughing, bending or lifting. So what my typical patient with SUI tells me is “Doctor Treszezamsky, whenever I laugh or cough I leak urine.” Urine incontinence is very common (more than diabetes or high cholesterol). Its prevalence ranges from as “low” as 10 percent (in young women) to about 60 percent in women over 70 living in nursing homes (incontinence is one of the main

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reasons women are admitted there). If there is no more public conversation, it’s probably because many women feel embarrassed to talk about it and because sometimes they hear “it’s part of aging,” implying they have to put up with it. Fortunately, an Urogynecologist – a gynecologist with formal specialized training in treating a wide gamut of bladder, vaginal and rectal conditions – can offer several ways to improve SUI. The options are: 1. Kegel exercises 2. Pelvic floor muscle training/biofeedback 3. Pessaries 4. Bulking agents Surgeries

Eisenhower Prepares For Upcoming Season

Special to Welcome Home olleyball season is underway and Eisenhower Middle School is no exception. The seventh and eighth grade girls are working hard trying to have a great year. On August 26 and 27 Eisenhower coaches held try-outs for all students who were interested in participating. As preparation for their first match, the team held a red versus white scrimmage. Their opening match against rival Driscoll Middle School was a huge success

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It’s always good to do Kegel exercises, strengthening the muscles around the bladder, vagina and rectum. I always take the time to check that my new patients do them correctly because a lot of them use their abdomen or legs, which are not the muscles Dr. Kegel had in mind. An excellent addition is strengthening the muscles with the aide of a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist. They will give you instant feedback on how those muscles are doing, increasing the chances of improvement. Antiincontinence pessaries are rubber/ latex devices that can be placed in the vagina, under the urethra providing the necessary support to prevent urine squirts. Pessaries are fitted in the office and can be a good non-invasive option for some. Bulking

agents are injected around the urethra to “chushion” the urine passage. It’s a brief office procedure. They’re usually chosen by women who have failed conservative options and do not want surgery. And, last but not least, there are several surgical options for SUI. They offer the greater chance of cure. A synthetic suburethral sling is the most commonly done because it can be done as outpatient. On the flip side, they can occasionally have mesh-related complications that an Urogynecologist is best trained to decrease and manage. North Central Baptist Hospital is located at 520 Madison Oak Dr., San Antonio, TX 78258. For more information, call (210) 297-4000 or visit www.baptisthealthsystem.com.

Retired Teachers Association

as the team started strong, winning 5 of their first 6 sets. During the month of October the team will face Alamo Heights, Lopez, Jackson and Bradley Middle School before the October 26 conference tournament. The team will close out their season versus Tejeda Middle School on Halloween, October 31. Welcome Home would like to send a special shout out the entire team. Keep up the good work ladies, and good luck with this season!

Submitted By Michele Bibb etired teachers are invited to join the North San Antonio Retired Teachers Association at their next meeting Wednesday, October 16 at 10 a.m. The meeting will take place at the San Pedro Presbyterian Church located at 14900 San Pedro Ave., just north of Brook Hollow. NSARTA’s goal is to be of service to the community. Yes, it’s only October but it’s time to think about what can be done to help the children in San Antonio have a better Christmas. The guest speaker will be Jerry Ferguson from Elf Louise. NSARTA is asking members to help by bringing a small donation. The donation can be something as

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simple as a book, a toy or money. N S A RTA meets the third Wednesday of each month. The monthly meetings are 10 a.m. to noon with a short “Meet and Greet,” complete with snacks and beverages to start each session. For more information, call 210-4948197.

October 2013 • Welcome Home • 78232/78248


A Spin Of Spirit

By Amanda Burris and Ben Spicer s the bands perform their elaborate performances out on the football field during halftime, you may notice the girls in the sparkly outfits that can charm and amazing the crowd with their extraordinary ability to twirl. For the High School senior Feature Twirlers Margo Dausin of Reagan, Morgan Leach of Johnson, Michaelah Reynolds of Smithson Valley and Allyson Padron of Madison, this is their last year to continue to amaze crowds at high school football games and judges at competitions while also continuing to create their legacies for the twirlers that will follow in their footsteps. Although from a distance these dazzling girls seem to not even break a sweat as they maneuver batons in various ways, they spend countless hours at practice and lessons each week. “Baton twirling requires a lot of effort and dedication,” Allyson Padron said. “You have to build up your hand-eye coordination and your grace and flexibility. You HAVE to practice in order to get better.” The talented twirlers must practice and perfect their skills so that they can successfully represent their high schools and bands. Because the schools do not have an actual school sponsor or school coach for twirling, the girls, and sometimes their families, must put in a lot of their own time in order to make their program successful.

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Many of the girls are also involved in the school colorguard or play an instrument in the band on top of their twirl duties. While they are all very skilled and diverse, they are without doubt, talented performers. “Like a lot of areas in fine arts, there’s performing for a judge and then there is performing for spectators,” explained Margo Dausin. “Each one is so different and each has its own reward…hopefully! When I perform for a judge, I am always focused and constantly perfecting and the reward comes in the form of 1st, 2nd or 3rd place. When I am performing for spectators, I am very engaged with the audience and striving for both mine and their enjoyment.” The twirlers found their passion for the sport through family, friends or by seeing previous twirlers from their school perform. Although each of them has their own story of how they got into the art, they have all developed a passion for twirling and continue to inspire others. By being both an upperclassman and a Feature twirler, they must take on duties such as choreography, scheduling, teaching and mentoring the younger twirlers and more. Because twirling can be both a team and an individual sport, there is never truly an off-season for these girls. “In the fall, the focus in primarily performing at football games and parades,” Michaelah Renolds said. “I will compete, after the season is over, in November in

(l-r) Ally Padron, Margo Dausin, Michaelah Reynolds and Morgan Leach, the 2013-3014 senior feature twirlers.

our first twirling competition. My spring is filled with traveling at least once a month to twirling competitions all over the state of Texas.” Michaelah, as well as the three other twirlers, plan to do a lot of traveling for the various competitions that they will attend both in Texas and out of state. “Twirling can be nerve-wracking when a competition or audition is involved,” Morgan Leach added. “Otherwise, it is exhilarating especially in a rhinestone covered costume.”

All four girls have college set as a goal. Many of them are already anticipating their college tryouts to become a twirler at their preferred university. This final year in high school will no doubt be one that they will cherish for years to come. As they impress others with every performance, competition and audition, they hope to leave behind their legacies with the younger girls they twirl with or the ones that will step up to fill their shoes in years to come.

Rebekah Gonzales Johnson High School 10th Grade

Camryn Shows Smithson Valley High School 9th Grade

Shae Willingham Reagan High School 11th Grade

Rebekah Gonzales, a Johnson High School sophomore, works hard to find time for all her responsibilities. Even as a member of both the colorguard and band, Gonzales still managed to find a way to become an expert twirler. “I feel successful when I learn new tricks and improve my skills,” Gonzales said. “I like to push myself daily and hope that my hard work will speak for itself.” Gonzales has been twirling for 5 years. “I always get a little nervous and very excited before a performance,” Gonzales said. “I enjoy being able to show off all those hours of hard work and training.” Gonzales’s older brother graduated from Reagan, and back when she was a fifth grader she’d go to the high school football games and watch the twirlers. Eventually, Stephanie Lampman, the current Arkansas Twirler and 2011 Reagan High School graduate, became one of her mentors on how to twirl. “She worked with me during practices and was always very encouraging. I looked up to her and wanted

Camryn Shows, a freshman at Smithson Valley High School, remembers the exact moment she wanted to try and be a twirler. “It was when I watched the Smithson Valley twirlers for the first time, I just remember thinking how graceful they looked out on the field and how hard it must be for them to be able to twirl 2 and 3 batons,” Shows said. Shows has been twirling for just 2 years. Despite the short amount of time, Shows has progressed a long way. This past summer Shows competed in the National Baton Twirling Association State Competition in Boerne, and placed first in the 13-15 year-old novice category for basic skills. Shows said learning to twirl takes long hours of practice and lots of hard work. To help do so, Shows has attended twirling camps to improve her skills. “I am going to continue to work hard and do the best that I can,” she said. “I hope to continue twirling throughout my four years in high school, and move up in my twirling division this year.” Shows presently is one of just two twirlers at Smithson

“I know this sounds silly, but one of the reasons I started twirling is because of the costumes… I mean, what girl doesn’t like to sparkle?” That’s what Ronald Reagan High School junior Shae Willingham said, explaining why she became a twirler. Willingham, as a twirler performs at the football games and pep rallies for Reagan. She learns baton routines constantly, and ensures that each of her routines is in step with the band’s music. Willingham has been taking lessons and competing in competitions for twirling for just over two years. She said she does it because of the initial rush she gets, and for the look on the faces of the children that watch her. “I get to see their eyes light up and that huge smile come across their face, which is just priceless to me,” Willingham said. One of Willingham’s goals this year is to place at the University Interscholastic League competition coming up later this year. She hasn’t ever competed before, and is a step up for her.

to be an amazing performer just like her.” Presently Gonzales works with private coach Pat Montgomery of Alamo City Strutters, outside of school to improve her skills. Those skills will come in handy with the big year she has coming up. The Johnson band was selected to march in the Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, California on New Year’s day. “It will be exciting to march in the historic parade with our band,” she said. “I also compete outside of school in NBTA (National Baton Twirling Association) competitions. We have our regional competition in March, and our state competition in June.”

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Valley. “As a freshman, I feel very fortunate to be a twirler,” she said. “I am really grateful that I have the opportunity to twirl with Michaelah Reynolds, who is a senior. She’s an incredibly talented twirler. I am trying to learn as much as I can from her.” Shows has performed at both San Antonio Spurs and Silver Stars halftime shows, in addition to performing for her school. “It is so much fun to perform for the crowd and be able to twirl while the band plays, it is really exciting,” Shows said. “I love that the twirlers are considered members of the band. We all get to work together as a group. We all work very hard, but we have a lot of fun too.”

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“The type of training (to be a twirler) depends on the individual,” she said. “But if you want to be successful in twirling it means that you are going have to love what you do. Train, Take lessons, get advice from peers, and practice, practice, practice.” Prior to every performance, Willingham takes the time to check everything from wind patterns to weather conditions and footing to make sure each and every one of her performances is top notch. “Every time I perform I always push myself to make it better than the last one,” Willingham said. “That way, I can always progress as a twirler.”

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We Keep You Rolling

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By Rusty Belden, V.P. Belden’s Automotive & Tires (210) 494-0017

oday’s modern vehicles are popular on our roads, and it’s no wonder. They can be sleek and stylish and energy efficient. Unfortunately, people think that finding a repair facility to fix today’s modern cars can be difficult. Because modern vehicles require specific knowledge, parts, and equipment, people often feel that taking it to a dealership is their only choice. The good news is that Belden’s Automotive & Tires is a domestic and foreign specialist! Belden’s has made a concerted effort to bring in factory-trained technicians that specialize in all makes and models like Volvo, Acura, BMW, Ford, Chevrolet and more. These technicians have extensive

Taking A Chance

Special To Welcome Home t was pure serendipity three young ladies from differing northeast high schools came to meet and become the best of friends. The coming together happened because Heather Stolle, a former kindergarten teacher in the northeast school district, took a leap of faith by deciding to do what her passion was. In 1998 Stolle opened Heather Stolle’s School of Dance on Blanco Road, drawn by her passion of teaching and her love of dance. It was there Addison Banazek, Emily Hersh, and Courtney Kiolbassa, developed a bond that would go to extend far beyond dance. The three would spend hours taking class, attending conventions and performing with their middle school performance team, XLR8. Stolle not only taught them how to dance during these classes but made sure they all

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knowledge of a broad range of vehicles, and we provide them with the latest diagnostic equipment as well as continuous vehicle training. Additionally, we are proud to be an AC Delco Service Center along with a Bosch Service Center, which aides us in providing our customers with complete care. Customer satisfaction is a top priority for all our technicians. A benefit of utilizing Belden’s for your domestic or foreign vehicle repair is that all of our extensively trained technicians are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certified. This means, according to the National Institute for ASE website, that by taking “one or more of

understood what a privilege and a gift it was to be a dancer. And while the classes led by Heather and her staff placed and importance on technique and movement quality, the girls were also affected by its emphasis on being polite, kind and confident dancers. “It’s one thing to be able to point your toes and do splits and that’s important, but to truly stand out in the dance world and in life, you have to be a good person as well,” said Courtney. Addison said Heather’s studio has nurtured “both her dance skill, and leadership qualities.” Stolle has made it her mission to provide a nurturing and developmentally appropriate environment for her students. “She has taught us by example the importance of achieving success with selflessness,” said Emily. Today, all three dancers are now leading their varsity dance teams at Johnson,

ASE’s 40 plus exams,” technicians “have proven themselves to be knowledgeable professionals.” These difficult tests “stress knowledge of job-related skills.” This certification is imperative for technicians to keep up with the ever-changing computer systems and diagnostic tools on all vehicles. An additional benefit of using Belden’s is that we have invested in state-of-the-art equipment in our facilities in an effort to better service our customers’ vehicles. The automotive industry continues to rapidly advance in technology; if we don’t stay up-to-date with training and equipment we won’t be able to offer our customers quality auto repair and customer service. We strive for 100% customer satisfaction. Call any of our four locations for FREE advice on any auto questions you may have! Don’t forget to check us out on the web for coupons and specials at www. beldensautomotive.com. Buckle up, Drive Save and Remember at Belden’s Automotive & Tires “We Keep You Rolling!” Belden’s Automotive & Tires has four

Churchill and Reagan high schools. And while Loop 1604 may serve as the official boundary for the three NEISD high schools, it will never divide the friendship that these three formed through dancing at Heather Stolle’s School of Dance. Heather Stolle’s School of Dance presently has 2 locations. The San Antonio location can be found at 20818 Gathering Oak Suite 101 at the Commons at Wilderness Oak shopping center next to State Farm. The Boerne location is located at 1595 S. Main St., in the Tower at Boerne Shopping Center next to the Keller Williams Realty Office. Both locations offer classes in pre-school combination, ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, drill team, dance team, modern, cheer, musical theater and lyrical. You can visit the website at www. hssdance.com for more information.

locations: 13811 San Pedro, San Antonio, TX 78232, phone number (210) 4940017; 29137 IH-10 W., Bourne, TX 78006, phone number (830) 981-9700; 8825 Fredericksburg Rd., San Antonio, TX 78240, phone number (210) 481-3330; 22000 Bulverde Rd., San Antonio, TX 78259, phone number (210) 690-1100. For more information, call one of the locations or visit www.beldensautomotive. com.

PHOTO CREDIT: Chris Reilly Photography

Three best friends, brought together by their dance studio, are now leading their varsity dance teams.

Mothers And Sons Helping Community Submitted By Sarah Porter group of local mothers and sons are donating their time and energy to help out in their local community. The North San Antonio chapter of the Young Men’s Service League has participated recently with 18 different San Antonio philanthropies – including Habitat for Humanity, SA Food Bank, the Special Olympics and Kinetic Kid donating over 3,000 hours of community service. Those with YMSL make a four-year commitment that begins when boys enter 9th grade and teaches them leadership while strengthening mother-son relationships. Presently the North San Antonio chapter has 75 moms and 75 sons, many of whom are freshman, sophomores and juniors from local high schools in the area, such as Clark, Churchill, Reagan and Health Careers High School. YMSL boys are required to attend a series of meetings each year that include learning topics such as leadership, civic responsibility, social and practical skills and life choices. Moms are required to attend 3 ‘moms meetings’ each year. All mothers and sons (by grade level) serve YMSL through leadership positions

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The local chapter of the Young Men’s Service League.

(president, vice president, etc.) or committee assignments. Each YMSL chapter is managed completely by their members. The Young Men’s Service League (YMSL) was founded by Pam and Julie Rosener. Together, they envisioned an organization that would allow mothers and their high school aged sons to work together in support of those in need within

the community. They recruited other interested mothers who shared their vision and turned that dream into the reality. The initial YMSL chapter started in Plano, Texas, where Pam and Julie worked with other empowered mothers and sons to create a highly successful philanthropic and developmental organization for young men and their mothers.

www.welcomehomesa.com

Nationally, the YMSL serves over 300 different philanthropies. Established in 2001, there are 32 chapters in 5 states. Their goal is to reach 100 chapters in 5 years. The YMSL is looking for moms with 7th and 8th grade boys who want to start a new chapter. Learn more at ymslnational.org or call 1-866-602-YMSL.

October 2013 • Welcome Home • 78232/78248


Winter Celebration 2013

In past years Winter Celebration Scavenger Hunt has been held during the month of November leading up to Winter Celebration in December. This year we are challenging you! Scavenger Hunt will be held at Winter Celebration at the Legacy Shopping Center. How it Works—Starting at 10 a.m. on December 14, 2013, the Welcome Home checkin booth will be collecting toys for Toys for Tots and handing out the Scavenger Hunt list. Participants will have from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. to visit all the vendors on the list and get your Scavenger Hunt card stamped. For every stamp you receive, you will get one "General Prize" drawing ticket. For every 15 stamps you receive, you will get one "Grand Prize" drawing ticket. From 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m., a Winter Celebration volunteer at the Scavenger Hunt check-in booth will count your stamps and give you your prize drawing tickets. Stay tuned for what we are drumming up in Grand Prizes this year! Drawings will begin at 3 p.m. You must be present to win. Come out to Winter Celebration, play Scavenger Hunt, build a snowman and Win prizes! *All toys are donated to US Marine Corps Toys for Tots-San Antonio

Date: Time: Place:

IS YOUR CAR HAUNTING YOU?

December 14, 2013 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. 1803 E. Sonterra Blvd Legacy Shopping Center (281 N & 1604)

Presenting Sponsors:

Visit us at our NEW Location!

700 E. Sonterra Blvd, Ste. 202 Our Family

Caring for Yours

Family Owned & Operated

Rusty Belden Vice President

Ronnie Belden President

Jason Belden General Manager

Saturday Urgent Care: 10 AM – Noon Patients 2 Years & Up Wellness Care & Preventive Medicine Acute Illness & Chronic Disease Care Our Doctors Make Daily Hospital Rounds Physicals, Pap Smears, Well Child Exams

Express Care Services

Your Neighborhood Garage Since 1972! VOTED “Best of the Best” Automotive Repair Facility by Kendall County!

u u u u u u

Now Open Continuously 8 AM – 4:30 PM • Convenient Same Day Availability

10% Off Any Repair (Max $75)

Not applicable to special order, dealer parts, or tires. Not valid with any other coupon. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. Exp. 11/15/2013

John Phillips, MD

Wendy Nguyen, MD

Stephanie Hoefle, MD

Rohan Coutinho, MD

John Nguyen, MD

13811 San Pedro 29137 IH 10 West 8825 Fredericksburg Bulverde @ Evans San Antonio, TX 78232

Boerne, TX 78006

(210) 494-0017 (830) 981-9700

San Antonio, TX 78240

(210) 690-1100

San Antonio, TX 78259

(210) 481-3330

Listen to our radio show on Saturdays on WOAI 1200AM

www.beldensautomotive.com

October 2013 • Welcome Home • 78232/78248

www.sofdpa.com • (210) 496-7999

www.welcomehomesa.com

15


Will You Lose or Gain Weight During the Holiday Season? "My friends laughed when I said I was going to a weight loss seminar this time of year, but when I slipped into my size 8 jeans, they all wanted to attend too!"

Trick–or–Sweet Treat! Each person in costume on Halloween night receives $2 OFF their yogurt! All kids in costume receive an extra sweet treat!

YES!—You can lose weight while enjoying the season! Discover the 7 secrets of losing weight during the holidays.

Buy One, Get One Find out how at:

FREE

Or call us at:

Coupon valid up to $5. Not valid with other offers. Exp. 10/31/13

drodmark.weightseminar.com 888-BURN FAT

• • • • •

No Sugar Added Non-Dairy Gluten Free Kosher Certified No Fat / Low Fat

1150 N Loop 1604 W, Ste 140 (In HEB Shopping Center At 1604 & Blanco)

210.493.0022

What does the new Health Care Act mean for your business? Join us for LUNCH at Knife & Fork Gastropub on Thursday, October 24, 2013. Enjoy some amazing food & hear Ricardo H. Gonzalez, MHA Chief Development Officer & Stephen P. Roberts M.D., Chief Operating Officer of TransitionCare Health talk about post acute continuum and some of what the new health care law may mean for you and your business. They will be ready to answer some of the questions that none of us can get the answers to. S

O

B

A

Stone Oak Business Association

When: Thursday, October 24, 2013 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM Where: Knife & Fork Gastropub 20626 Stone Oak Pkwy, Ste. 103 Cost: SOBA Members: $15 Non-Members: $25 Door: $30

To RSVP: 348-8233 E-mail: soba@satx.rr.com www.stoneoakbusiness.com 16

www.welcomehomesa.com

October 2013 • Welcome Home • 78232/78248


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