San Antonio Woman MAR/APL 2012

ELITE ATHLETES AIM FOR EXCELLENCE IN THEIR SPORT

MARY ALICE CISNEROS HOPE RISES WITH AMERICAN SUNRISE

GIRL SCOUTS CELEBRATE 100 YEARS SUSAN G. KOMEN: RACES FOR THE CURE

W EDITOR

8 | sawoman.com

CONTENTS MARCH/APRIL//2012

118

39 28

90

24

COLUMNS

Features 18 Sports Stars Three women who excel in their fields

24 Following Her Heart Mary Alice Cisneros blends private and public roles

12 14 16 51 53 55 62 65 88

28 Lifestyle at Redhead Central Anders Buckley home in The Dominion encompasses lots of living

Editor’s Letter Contributors What’s New Scene Around Town Wine Beauty and Fitness Health Matters Mommy Matters Business Woman Spotlight Dining Restaurants Weddings Women on the Move AstroForecast Looking Back

SPECIAL SECTIONS

45 Shop SA Shopping in San Antonio made easy

67 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

83 Women In Business

118 123 125 128 129 130

Four women enjoy life in the driver’s seat of San Antonio auto sales

CALENDARS

Celebrating 100 years

38 Fashion 122 Entertainment 126 Events

92 Women’s Wellness

39 Color Explosion!

Spring 2012 Fashion Forecast

90 Role Model Angel Whitley parlays her interest in fitness into a career

99 Girl Scouts

Plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures

115 Focus on Food Exotic blends ramp up flavors of many dishes

COVER

120 ArtBeat

Mary Alice Cisneros Hope Rises with American Sunrise

From creating furniture to photographing butterflies, Veronica Prida enjoys creative pursuits

Photography Liz Garza Williams

www.sawoman.com 10 | sawoman.com

W EDITOR

Liz Garza Williams

Letter from the Editor

MARCH/APRIL 2012 PUBLISHER J. Michael Gaffney EDITOR Beverly Purcell-Guerra GRAPHIC DESIGN Maria Jenicek, Jonathan Lee, Eric Weidner

With the coming of spring and warmer weather, we are all tempted to get outside at every opportunity. In this issue of SAN ANTONIO WOMAN, you’ll meet three women who enjoy the outdoors year-round. They are elite athletes, and their intensity, determination and dedication to their goals are exemplary.

Read about runner Deanna Savo-Benge, cyclist Kim Cioli and tennis player Dr. Christina Merritt and be inspired.

And if you feel compelled to begin a running or walking regimen, our Role Model, Angel Whitley, is just the person to see. A runner herself, she owns Fleet Feet Sports

SENIOR WRITER Jasmina Wellinghoff CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Paula Allen, Robyn Barnes, Ron Bechtol, Courtney Burkholder, Mary Anne Cole, Denise Easdon, Kelly A. Goff, Carole Miller, Anne Moore, Pat Mozersky, Lance K. Rodriguez, Valarie Spiser-Albert, Janis Turk COPY EDITOR Kathryn Cocke

store, which offers training programs for runners at all levels.

In the Profile spotlight is Mary Alice Cisneros, who in the past has been a stay-at-

FASHION Robert Mitchell

home mom, community volunteer, first lady of San Antonio and City Council member.

She’s now pouring her time and enthusiasm into American Sunrise, a nonprofit she

PHOTOGRAPHY Liz Garza Williams, Al Rendon, Janet Rogers

founded with her husband, Henry, to help their neighbors by providing educational and housing support. They are concentrating on the Prospect Hill neighborhood, where both grew up.

April in San Antonio is synonymous with Fiesta. Fashion’s spring preview is awash in brilliant color, perfect for festive events. Beauty and Fitness provides hints for staying

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Jen Earhart Cedric D. Fisher BUSINNESS DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING Sandy Levy

cool and collected during the onslaught of parades, parties, NIOSA and more. Artbeat interviews Veronica Prida, one of the dressmakers for the Order of the Alamo corona-

ADMINISTRATION Nancy A. Gaffney

tion. She also brings furniture to new life using handmade fabrics she acquires in MexCUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER Kyra Bragg

ico and Latin America.

Environments will take you on a tour of Redhead Central, the fun-filled home of Siobhain Anders Buckley and her family in The Dominion. Scene Around Town reviews

PRINTING Shweiki Media, San Antonio, Texas

highlights of the past social season, both casual and grand.

As you start to shop for spring fashions, Shopping advises that the two big influences this season are the Roaring ‘20s and the Mad Men era of the ‘60s and ‘70s. A section on

For advertising information in

women’s wellness offers updates on plastic surgery and other cosmetic procedures.

San Antonio Woman

Women in Business introduces four women who are making names for themselves

call (210) 826-5375 email: info@sawoman.com

in automobile sales: Esther Luna of Ken Batchelor Cadillac, Elizabeth Cox of North Park Lexus of San Antonio, Lisa Rudd of Mercedes Benz of San Antonio and Victoria Ham-

Published by

mond of Ancira Kia. Dining takes you to the new setting for Stone Werks, Wine details the many wines that originate in Tuscany, and Focus on Food gives recipes that exude appeal with exotic spice blends.

8603 Botts Lane, San Antonio, TX 78217 FAX 210-826-2856 • www.pixelworkscorporation.com

Mommy Matters reminds us that we must find time for ourselves if we are to take care of others, and Health Matters nudges us to get a colonoscopy at age 50 as part of our cancer-prevention strategies.

Special sections pay tribute to the Girl Scouts, celebrating their 100th birthday this year, and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Be sure to read them and visit our website, www.sawoman.com, for more information on these and other topics.

BEVERLY PURCELL-GUERRA , EDITOR

12 | sawoman.com

San Antonio Woman is published bimonthly by PixelWorks Corporation (Publisher). Reproduction in any manner in whole or part is prohibited without the express written consent of the Publisher. Material contained herein does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher or its staff. San Antonio Woman reserves the right to edit all materials for clarity and space and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors or omissions. San Antonio Woman does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertisements or editorial, nor does the Publisher assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Articles and photographs are welcome and may be submitted to our offices to be used subject to the discretion and review of the Publisher. All real estate advertising is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Printed in the U.S.A.

W CONTRIBUTORS

Contributors

Ride Hamilton, 2011

Janis Turk is a long-time contributing writer for SAN ANTONIO WOMAN and SAN ANTONIO MAN, scribing both the Shopping and Women in Business features and the SA WOMAN Kiss & Fly Travel Blog www.sawoman.com. She has also served as the managing editor of San Antonio AT HOME, another Pixelworks Corporation magazine. The author of the south Texas travel guide, Frommer’s San Antonio & Austin Day

by Day, she is an award-winning independent travel writer for magazines and newspapers throughout the United States. She divides her time between Seguin and New Orleans. She is a member of the faculty in the department of English and communication studies at Texas Lutheran University.

Janet Rogers

Lance K. Rodriguez, a native San Antonian and a graduate of Our Lady of the Lake University, has been a part of the San Antonio metaphysical community since 1991 and has participated in charity fundraising for several local philanthropic organizations. He is also a member of the International Society for Astrological Research. A Patrick Overton quote exemplifies Lance’s approach to life: “When we walk to the edge of all the light we have and take the step into the darkness of the unknown, we must believe that one of two things will happen. There will be something solid for us to stand on or we will be taught to fly.” Lance has proudly flown (and produced AstroForecast) with SAN ANTONIO WOMAN since its first issue.

14 | sawoman.com

What’s New

W WHAT’S NEW

NORTH STAR GIVES TO HONOR SIX WOMEN BUILDING A MORE VIBRANT COMMUNITY North Star Gives, presented by Volvo, will pay tribute to six women who exemplify service to the community.

They are Jana Bounds, Teed Off at Cancer benefiting Christus Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital; Courtney Duphorne, Pay It Forward Ministries; Stacey Hill, Blue Star Contemporary Art Center; Dor'e Koontz, AugustHeart; Ana Montoya, ChildSafe; and Dacia Napier, M.D., Cancer Therapy Research Center (CTRC).

The event will take place March 22 at 6 p.m. on the lower level of the Saks Fifth Avenue wing. Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door (cash only at the door). Each ticket benefits the charity from which it is purchased.

For more information visit www.Northstarmall.com.

Guests will enjoy a show of spring fashions

by Saks Fifth Avenue, music, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, plus a chance to win prizes from North Star retailers.

CASINO PARTY AND GOLF CLASSIC RAISE FUNDS FOR SAINT MARY'S HALL Saint Mary’s Hall hosted its first annual Las Vegas-themed casino party on campus on March 2, allowing members of the community to enjoy gaming, great food and

16 | sawoman.com

cocktails while showing support and raising funds for athletics.

The following day the fun continued as SMH hosted the Ben McMurray Golf Classic, originally launched in 2003. The tournament was renamed the Ben McMurray Golf Classic in 2005 as a memorial to and celebration of the life of SMH student and golfer Ben McMurray. These two events raised more than $70,000 for the SMH athletic department and the Ben McMurray Scholarship Fund.

ONE-STOP DESTINATION FOR ALL DIGESTIVE AND LIVER DISEASE PATIENTS The physicians at Camden Medical Center are proud to announce the opening of their new 22,000-square-foot building. The downtown medical complex is a one-stop destination for the diagnosis and treatment of digestive and liver diseases.

The 30-year-old medical practice at Camden Medical Center houses the following entities: Digestive Diseases Center of South Texas, PLLC; GAB Endoscopy Center Ltd.; Alamo Medical Research, Ltd.; Liver Institute of South Texas; Gastrointestinal Motility Center; and Camden Laboratories.

All physicians at Camden Medical Center are board certified in their medical specialties and accept patients throughout the San Antonio area, and also from northern Mexico.

DERMATOLOGY ASSOCIATES OF SAN ANTONIO OPENING THIRD LOCATION The Shops at La Cantera will play host to DermSA’s convenient new northwest location with state-of-the-art facilities and technology.

Dr. Thushan DeSilva, from the Stone Oak location, will welcome new and existing patients with medical, surgical or cosmetic dermatologic needs. The new facility is located next to Perry’s Steakhouse in the Offices North at The Shops at La Cantera. To learn more, call (210) 877-5005.

ST. MARY’S OFFERING PROGRAMS IN INTERIOR DESIGN Continuing Studies and Professional Development at St. Mary’s University is offering 10-month programs in interior design, advanced interior design and advanced kitchen and bath design.

The interior design courses encompass research, development, design and implementation of plans for interior environments.

The kitchen and bath program combines skill building and creativity in courses such as residential construction, business management and planning. Students can develop relationships with clients, contractors and professionals in the industry.

For more information, call (210) 436-3126 or visit www.stmarytx.edu/.

W UP FRONT

Sports Stars Meet three athletic women who excel in their fields

By COURTNEY BURKHOLDER Photography by LIZ GARZA WILLIAMS

In today’s fast-paced world, it isn’t uncommon to see women in highly competitive jobs working hard to achieve goals, moving up the corporate ladder into positions of great responsibility, accomplishing important things and garnering the respect of their peers.

For women in sports, it seems, it’s no different. The three athletes highlighted in this article are not only physically fit, they have made their sport a priority in their lives and have committed themselves to attaining a level of competency and achievement that few others can claim. Their ages cross three decades, proving that mental toughness, physical fitness and a can-do attitude are far more important than youth. Their stories are inspiring and offer great motivation to all who are ready to take their sport and their fitness to the next level.

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UP FRONT W

DEANNA SAVO-BENGE. RUNNER It’s fair to say Deanna SavoBenge can run circles around the average person — male or female.

Born in Southern California, she came to Texas 26 years ago, when she joined the Army and served as a Medical Corpsman at Fort Sam Houston. “I loved Texas so much, I decided to stay,” she says.

By day, Savo-Benge is a certified pediatric hematology and oncology nurse. She spent over two decades working at Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital in critical care in the Bone Marrow Transfer Unit, taking care of children diagnosed with cancer. Today, she is a school nurse for S.A.I.S.D. at Lanier High School, working with at-risk children. She also serves as an endurance coach to Jackson Middle School cross-country track team, Eisenhower Middle School track team, Alamo Heights summer track

rabbits,

Epilepsy

Team

“Speed”

team-in-training

for

marathons and assistant coach volunteer for the Lanier High School girls’ cross-country team.

But by night — or by early, early morning, if you want to get specific — Savo-Benge is a competitive long-distance runner. She ran her first marathon at age 18 with a qualifying time for the Boston Marathon, though she didn’t run Boston until years later.

(If you know anything about marathons, you know that simply qualifying

for

the

Boston

Marathon is a feat in itself and something many runners aspire to their entire running careers.)

“Running was always natural for me,” she says. “I remember doing relays in elementary school.

I could beat every girl but Sue Saunders,” she laughs. “My parents would put me in team sports, but I never did well. I did well in

Opposite page, from top: Deanna Savo-Benge, runner; Kim Cioli, cyclist; Dr. Christina Merritt, tennis player.

march/april 2012 |

19

W UP FRONT

solo sports. And I always knew that I belonged to running.”

Savo-Benge ran throughout her high school and college years, but it wasn’t until her late 30s that she became a competitive runner. “Someone

“I think the mental toughness I have garnered throughout my life has made me competitive and, therefore, successful.”

saw me running and said I should start

DEANNA SAVO-BENGE

running with the Fleet Feet Sports Store running group. So I went to a couple of training runs. Within

your family make in

a week, I was running with the men,” she recalls.

order to be able to in-

For Savo-Benge, this was a pivotal moment in her future run-

corporate the training

ning career: “I can’t really explain what happened, but it started

that it takes to be com-

there. I’ve always been competitive. I think it was the formal train-

petitive are the hardest.

ing and the structure of the running group that made the differ-

Balancing work, family

ence. That year, I got hooked up with José Iniguiez, founder and

and running has always

owner of IAAP, a race management company. He started coaching

been a challenge. I have

me, and I spent three years running with him.”

always strived to be a

In 2004, Iniguiez put her in her first marathon in over two

multidimensional

per-

decades. She was 42 years old. “I ran an elite time for my age

son, as running is only a part of who I am. In order for me to ac-

group. I ran the marathon in three hours and one minute. José was

complish everything I need to do, I have to be an excellent

convinced I was going to make the Olympic trials. I started running

multitasker,” she says.

super fast after that,” she says.

Savo-Benge is the first to recognize the challenges of running

Over the past eight years, Savo-Benge has run nine marathons

in her 50s when compared to her 30s: “It’s bittersweet. I’m aware

and qualified for the Boston Marathon nine times. She has also run

of all the physiological age-related changes occurring in my body.

in numerous races all over the world and has been sponsored by

Recovery time between races and injuries is definitely longer. This

shoe companies such as Fila and Spira at different times in her run-

is reality and has affected the way I train now. I’m more selective

ning career.

of the races I compete in, and I spend a lot more time warming up,

But her success doesn’t come without hard work and discipline.

stretching and recovering between marathons. On the sweeter

For Savo-Benge, training begins each morning at 4:30 a.m. (“I have

side, I would say that I have matured as an athlete and have some

to get my workout in early because I know I have to be at work.”)

time in the saddle. I finally have it figured out … training, racing,

Though many of us exercise on a daily basis, she understands the

what works for me to be successful in my sport.”

difference between an exercise buff and a competitive athlete: “To

And she is proud of the accomplishments she has achieved. “I

me, an athlete is someone who is committed to a sport that goes

haven’t made it to the Olympics, but I have reached as far as I think

above and beyond the actual daily routine of exercising. They are

I can possibly reach, and I’ve been successful. God has allowed me

self-disciplined enough to invest a percentage of their time, up to

to run, and I consider that a blessing. I’m thankful that I can do

50 percent, and dedicated to their sport to be competitive in it. I

what I do at my age and be competitive,” she says.

think if I was just running to stay in shape, I wouldn’t be doing the

Her advice to anyone considering taking up the sport? Invest

mileage, the speed work and the mental training that I do to be

in a good pair of running shoes. She confides, “I don’t run with an

competitive in my field.”

iPod, heart rate monitor or fancy equipment. I want to be aware

And, she admits, competitive running can be a very isolating and

of my surroundings at all times. The pace will come eventually. You

selfish sport. “Unfortunately, I have to put things aside and be a little

need to feel it naturally in your head. And remember, there’s no

bit selfish. Especially when I am getting ready for a race. My whole

such word as you can’t.”

day is focused around what I have to do when I get home. I’m constantly reassessing my training,” she explains.

KIM CIOLI, CYCLIST

But for Savo-Benge, it is a worthwhile sacrifice. “Running is, for

Even the best of athletes can lose their way. Kim Cioli, biker ex-

me, a huge stress reliever. It’s also a great way to stay in shape. I

traordinaire, is no exception. After years of being involved in one

enjoy the hard work and the payoff,” she says. She also enjoys the

sport or another, she woke one day out of shape, out of excuses

competitive aspect of her sport, adding, “When you compete

and without direction. “Growing up, I was always involved in some

against women you respect, it is a huge accomplishment. There is

kind of sport,” she recalls. “I started swimming on a swim team at

so much mental strength involved. I’m a mental runner. I think the

age 4. Then I competed in numerous sports throughout high

mental toughness I have garnered throughout my life has made me

school.” But college brought a new set of challenges, and she

competitive and, therefore, successful.”

found herself focusing more and more on academics, while athlet-

As with any sport, running has its drawbacks: injuries, soreness,

ics faded into the background.

as well as a considerable time commitment if you want to be com-

At the age of 30, Cioli had an epiphany: “I remember waking up

petitive. Savo-Benge often spends about 20 hours per week train-

one day and saying to myself, ‘I’m out of shape. I’ve got to lose

ing for an event. And it’s the sacrifices that her family makes that

some weight. I’m going to run a marathon.’” She called up a friend,

weigh most heavily on her heart. “The little sacrifices that you and

and together they joined the Fleet Feet marathon-training program.

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UP FRONT W

One year later, in 2000, she ran her first marathon. With that goal

road, high speeds, the ability to accelerate repetitively as well as to

accomplished, she began her search for more challenges. “I contin-

ride in large groups. “Crits are very exciting and very challenging,”

ued running, doing half-marathons, 5Ks, and 10Ks. I did a triathlon

Cioli says. “They are also one of the most spectator-friendly events

and won it in my age group. And I started riding recreationally,”

in cycling.

she says. Eventually, she began entering some charity bike rides. “I

“Watching that bike race was probably one of the most pivotal

really enjoyed it and found that I was pretty good at it.” During one

moments in my cycling career,” she recalls. “The women were so

such charity bike ride, she watched her first women’s bike race in

athletic. Their speed and bike-handling skills were amazing. They

downtown Austin. “It was a criterium bike race, the first I had ever

had such confidence. I really wanted to do it.” For the next few

seen, and I was blown away by the women.”

years, she continued riding and training, doing charity rides and

A criterium bike race, or crit as it is called in biking circles, is a

improving her skills.

timed bike race held on a short course, often run on closed-off city

In 2003, two life-changing events occurred in Cioli’s life. First,

streets. Success in road criteriums requires a mix of good technical

her father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. “He was very im-

skills — the ability to corner smoothly while “holding your line” on a

portant to me. Riding was my release, one of my coping mecha-

march/april 2012 |

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W UP FRONT

nisms,” she says. Though his illness was devastating for her, she

and organization. Cycling can be an expensive sport. There’s a lot

continued to ride with her father’s blessing. 2003 also brought

of equipment, and it has to be maintained. Biking can take a lot

great joy into her life when she met her future husband, Ken. They

out of you, so you have to be incredibly passionate about it.” But

married in 2004, and her father’s dying wish of walking her down

in the end, for Cioli, it is certainly worth the effort.

the aisle was granted. Two months later, her father passed away.

“There is nothing like seeing the country on a bicycle. I put more

“He was always very, very supportive of me and my riding. I miss

miles on my bike than on my car. I’ve logged close to 100,000 miles

him terribly,” she says.

on my bike. When you throw racing into that, it’s like a chess match

Later that same year, with her husband by her side, Cioli raced in her first Texas State Championship and won in her category. “Ken

with a heart race of 175. When there is risk involved and adrenaline, it’s fun. There’s nothing like it,” she says.

is one of my biggest supporters,” she states. “He goes to almost

According to Cioli, whether you are in it for the glory or the

every race and can be found handing out water bottles to my team-

scenery, biking has something to offer everyone: “I believe there are

mates and me. He has always encouraged me to be the best that I

two types of people in the world — completers and ‘competers.’

can be. And he has given me the freedom to do it.” A former bike

There are those who are 100-percent fine with finishing something, and there are those that want to

“There is nothing like seeing the country on a bicycle. I put more miles on my bike than on my car.”

KIM CIOLI

win. There was always something in me that wanted to win, and that made me competitive. But the world definitely needs both.”

Currently, Cioli and her team are training for the La Primavera @ Lago Vista bike race in Austin to

racer himself, Ken no longer

be held the first weekend in March. She is now co-owner of SoCo

competes, but understands

Market in Austin, which will open in June as a convenience mar-

what it takes for his wife to be

ket and restaurant, and hopes to eventually bring the concept to

competitive in her field.

San Antonio.

From

that

championship

first

state

race,

Cioli

began racing hard core. Since

CHRISTINA MERRITT, M.D., TENNIS PLAYER For Dr. Christina Merritt, tennis and sports run deeply in her veins.

that time, she has won nine

Growing up in Katy, Texas, amidst a family of athletes, she recalls

state championships and is

playing tennis as well as many other sports. “I’ve always played

considered a Cat 1 bike racer, the highest level you can achieve as

sports — basketball, track, soccer, tennis, golf, racquetball — it’s a

an amateur, and one of only three such racers in San Antonio. For

big part of who I am and who my family is. We are all very athletic,”

four years, she trained and raced with a coach and on Team Brain

she says. She has also run the San Antonio half-marathon twice and

and Spine Cycling. In 2008, she traveled to Kentucky to compete

the Austin half-marathon three times.

in the Masters National Criterium Championship, where she com-

But tennis has always been her first love. Throughout high

peted specifically against women her age. “I really wanted to test

school, she played competitively on the varsity tennis team all

my skills against women my own age,” she says. She won that race

four years, as well as competing in juniors tennis, an individual,

and considers it one of her best accomplishments to date.

year-round tennis league for high-school-age players. “Tennis

Today, Cioli continues to compete as an individual in crit

was a huge part of my life throughout high school. By gradua-

races, but it is the team racing that she truly enjoys. “I have a lot

tion, I was really burned out, so I stopped playing for a while,”

of individual accomplishments, but my favorite accomplishments

she explains.

these days are when my team does well,” she says. Her role as

Dr.

Merritt

attended

domestique to her teammates requires cunning and experience:

Texas A&M University for

“My job is to get my teammates on the podium. It requires chas-

her undergraduate degree,

ing down other teams and sacrificing myself and my own place-

then earned her medical

ment for my teammates. I love watching them win.” Cioli believes

degree at the UT Health

her experience gives her an advantage. “Bike racing is full of at-

Science Center in San An-

tacks and counterattacks. It’s a complex sport that requires a lot

tonio. During those years,

of strategy. It’s not about who is the strongest and the fastest.

she did not play tennis.

You have to be crafty and smart.

And you have to have confidence in your skills,” she explains.

On average, she trains 12 to 15 hours per week but dedicates up to 30 hours per week overall to her bike. “The time and effort you have to put into it is challenging,” she says. “It requires a lot of planning

22 | sawoman.com

“I like that tennis is extremely athletic. You have to have good hand-eye coordination. I also enjoy the strategy of the game.”

UP FRONT W

Following a pediatric residency, completed in 2009, she picked up

also enjoy the strategy of the game. You have to be constantly

a racket again for the first time in over six years and discovered she

thinking on your feet. ‘Where am I going to hit my next shot?’ It

still had a passion, as well as the skill, for the sport.

makes you a stronger person as far as overcoming adversity.” And

Nestled in the heart of the Medical Center in San Antonio is the

in her life as a pediatrician, she finds tennis to be a great way to un-

Green Tree Tennis Club, where Dr. Merritt plays three to four times

wind. “Tennis is important to me because my day life can be so

per week. “Within the club, we have a big group of women and men

stressful. It’s important to me to do something that is athletic, en-

that play against each other. The Green Tree Club League plays

joyable and completely stress-free,” she says.

every Monday night; then on Tuesday nights, we play mixed-dou-

As with any sport, tennis has its drawbacks. “Some players can

bles during the season. On the weekends, we have our city-wide

be very unsportsmanlike in the competitive matches. That can really

league, and we play as a club against other tennis clubs throughout

detract from the joy of the sport. Also, injuries can be hard on the

the city. At the end of the season, the winner of that league goes

body. There’s a lot of stopping and starting, lots of torque on your

to state-level competition,” she explains. Last year, in an upset, her

knees. You definitely have to take care of your body,” she explains.

mixed-doubles team went to the state competition. “We weren’t ex-

According to Dr. Merritt, cross training can be very important

pected to go. We were the underdogs. It was an unexpected sur-

for a tennis player. “I try to go to the gym two or three times per

prise that we went and very exciting.”

week, depending on how many times per week I’m playing tennis.

Within the 2.0 to 6.0 rating scale used to rank tennis players, Dr.

I do the bike, the elliptical and work on strengthening my leg mus-

Merritt is rated as a 4.5 player, the same level as most teaching pros.

cles. I also do some weight training for the upper body.” Tennis

At the end of last season, she was ranked 10th in the state in mixed

outings usually last from two to three hours per day and up to 10

doubles. Although she plays both individually and with a partner,

hours per week.

her first love is mixed doubles, and she often plays with her brother,

Though she admits to being very competitive, she says her main

a teaching tennis pro in Austin. “I really enjoy the team aspect of

goal on the tennis court is to have fun. She would also love to see

tennis,” she says. “The majority of what I do is doubles. It’s hard for

her women’s 4.5 league go to state competition, as they have fin-

me to concentrate and focus when I’m on the court alone. But when

ished second the past two seasons. Though she no longer trains

I have a teammate that I don’t want to let down, I play better and

with a coach, she participates in twice-a-month adult clinics with

enjoy it more.”

the Green Tree tennis pro, Courtney Mayer, to sharpen her skills.

And tennis is a sport for which she has a true passion: “I like that

Her advice to others considering taking up the sport? “Go for it!

tennis is extremely athletic. You have to be an extremely good ath-

Don’t let poor sportsmanship or the politics of tennis prevent you

lete to play tennis. You have to have good hand-eye coordination. I

from playing. It’s a great sport!”

march/april 2012 |

23

W PROFILE

24 | sawoman.com

PROFILE W

Following her Heart Mary Alice Cisneros blends private and public roles

By JASMINA WELLINGHOFF

W

Photography by LIZ GARZA WILLIAMS

hen Henry and Mary Alice Cis-

mer first lady has emerged as a public

Sunrise recently implemented a com-

neros returned to San Antonio

personality in her own right. After her

puter-based reading course called Read-

in 2000, they made an unusual

four-year stint as councilwoman ended,

ingPlus that produced results in only six

but fateful choice. Despite their fame and

Mary Alice was named president of

months. On average, reading skills im-

new fortune, they decided to settle down

American Sunrise, a nonprofit organiza-

proved by at least three grade levels.

in their old West Side neighborhood

tion the Cisneroses founded together in

“Forty-five percent of SAISD students

where both had grown up. Nobody would

2001 to help their neighbors by provid-

drop out of school,” says the organiza-

have blamed them had they moved into

ing educational and housing support.

tion’s unpaid president. “Dropping out is

The Dominion or another exclusive en-

Modeled after the New York Harlem Chil-

not an option at American Sunrise. We

clave, but true to their hearts, they chose

dren’s Zone, the organization focuses on

talk to parents, too, and tell them that we

to make their home in the community

a single-square-mile area and tries to

are going to assure that their child be-

they have tried to help since Henry’s days

achieve measurable and visibly signifi-

comes a productive member of society.”

as city councilman and mayor.

cant improvements.

The day I arrive to interview Mary

More recently, the nonprofit has also

Their chosen square mile in Prospect

purchased the old Carol Burnett house

Alice, their airy, sunny home surrounded

Hill includes some of the poorest popu-

on Commerce with the intention of turn-

by a white picket fence is alive with activ-

lation in San Antonio. “In his travels as

ing it into a second learning center for

ity. A couple of workers are figuring out

HUD secretary and also through his de-

another 50 or so kids. Mary Alice con-

how to transform a bathroom into a

grees (in urban planning and public ad-

fides that they are trying to get Burnett

closet (“I need more storage space,”

ministration), Henry learned that the

herself to show up for a fundraiser and

notes the lady of the house), the house-

health of cities comes down to neighbor-

photo op when she comes to town in

keeper is busy with a multitude of tasks,

hoods,“ explains Mary Alice. “Having

March to perform at the Majestic. While

and Mary Alice’s sister, Virginia, who lives

been on the council, I, too, know the dif-

we are talking, she gets several calls

across the street, drops in to say hi.

ficulties people face in trying to sustain

from AS employees informing her on the

their neighborhoods. When we came

progress of the negotiations.

Incongruously, a huge poster depicting the human heart is laid over the living

back to San Antonio, we came with the

room coffee table. It was hanging in son

desire to help our old neighborhood.”

John Paul’s study, explains Mary Alice,

Since its inception, American Sunrise

but she took it down to have it framed.

(AS) has rehabilitated about 15 houses in

Now 25, John Paul lives in New York,

the area that were then sold at affordable

where he works for J.P. Morgan Chase as

prices to local families. But that costly ac-

an analyst.

tivity has been put on hold for the time

Gracious and low-key, Mary Alice

being while AS devotes its energies to

shows me around, pointing out the vari-

mentoring children in summer and after-

ous mementos of her and Henry‘s lives —

school programs as well as assisting their

awards, gifts from high places, objects

parents in acquiring life-improving skills.

they have collected, even a White House

One such program takes place in the

Easter egg. Many of these objects bear

Learning Center right behind the Cis-

Henry’s name, but when I emphasize that

neros residence, where some 45 elemen-

the article is about her, she says simply,

tary and middle-school kids from the San

“It’s hard to separate us.”

Antonio ISD receive intense reading and

True enough, but since her election to

math training. Thanks to a partnership

City Council in 2007, San Antonio’s for-

with Texas A&M-San Antonio, American

Mary Alice and Henry Cisneros. Both have served on City Council, and Henry was a four-term mayor.

march/april 2012 |

25

W PROFILE

WIFE, MOTHER, ACTIVIST

vanced his career through jobs in Wash-

contributed in her own way by serving on

Mary Alice Perez grew up only seven

ington, D.C., including a White House fel-

a number of boards and commissions.

blocks away from where she lives now.

lowship, and later, through additional

Their seemingly charmed lives, how-

Her parents supported nine children by

post-graduate education at Harvard.

ever, came to a halt when their third child,

operating a grocery store and bakery.

Though offered a professorial position at

John Paul, was born with a serious heart

Naturally, the kids had to help, and that

M.I.T., Henry eventually decided to return

abnormality that threatened the baby‘s

was where the young girl first learned

to his hometown to teach at U.T.S.A. and

survival. To make things worse, at about

about caring and compassion. “We

explore public service. The rest is San An-

the same time, Henry’s affair with his

waited on customers, helped them and

tonio history, as he went on to serve on

fundraising aide, became public, putting

carried the groceries to them if they were

City Council followed by four terms as

the marriage itself in jeopardy. As devas-

sick and couldn’t come to the store,” she

mayor, pushing economic development,

recalls. “My mother, Annie Perez, brought

high-tech industries and urban revitaliza-

us up to be involved in the community.

tion. Democratic Party leaders and the

Through

nation as a whole got to know him as a

her

own

involvement,

she

showed us that one person can make a

rising political star, which eventually led

difference.”

to his appointment as secretary of Hous-

Mary Alice met Henry, three years her senior, when she was only 13. The two

ing and Urban Development in the Clinton administration.

found themselves playing baseball in the

“My role was to be a supportive wife

street with a bunch of other kids. To this

at home,” says Mary Alice, who by that

day, he remembers that she struck out

time was already the mother of two

during the game, she says, while she

daughters, Theresa and Mercedes, both

prefers to think of the occasion as the

now married and mothers themselves. “It

day she met her future husband. It took

was a challenging time for me because I

them a few more years, but following the

also needed to be out in public with my

completion of his first master’s degree

husband. I enjoyed most that we were

from Texas A&M, they tied the knot in

helping San Antonio grow, ensuring that

their parish church in 1969.

people had jobs and could stay in San

From there on, Mary Alice followed

Antonio after getting an education.”

her husband for several years as he ad-

Though reserved by nature, Mary Alice

26 | sawoman.com

At top, Mary Alice meets with some of the students served by American Sunrise.

From left, they are Jonathan Alvarado, Vicente Rubio and Allegra Cabrera. Above, she assists Amanda Valadez and Abraham Rubio.

PROFILE W tated as she must have been, Mary Alice

ciently responsive to their needs, she is

knew where she was needed the most. “I

philosophical about it: “Unfortunately,

when he tells her that “today is my birth-

pretty much dropped out of being (the

you can’t do everything for everybody.

day.” The kids clearly love seeing her.

arms and pats a little guy on the head

city‘s) first lady and committed myself to

There’s not enough money in the budget

There’s plenty going on inside the

my son,” she says. “I am a woman of

for that, so you have to pick priorities. I

center as well. Since it’s Friday afternoon,

strong faith, and I believe that God put us

did not want to make any false promises.”

the youngsters are mostly having fun; no

here for a purpose, and my purpose at

Among accomplishments, she cites

computers or homework today. The invit-

the time was to nurture this child to

both her individual initiatives and the

ing smell of baking cupcakes spreads

health. I became a full-time mother.” At

goals of the council as a whole: the ex-

through the building as I visit with 9-year-

age 4 1/2, John Paul finally underwent a

tension of term limits, the creation of

old Natalie, who informs me that her

life-saving operation at the Children’s

green spaces and community gardens,

reading ability has jumped five grade lev-

Hospital of Philadelphia, and the spouses

infrastructure improvements and pushing

els since she’s been in ReadingPlus. Na-

eventually reconciled.

for green energy. But she readily admits

talie plans to go to college and become

that she had hoped to get more done.

a doctor. Meanwhile, a college student

Of the infidelity and subsequent turmoil that terminated her husband’s public

Today, our former first lady appears

who works part time at the center shares

service career, she only states the obvious:

not only confident but also happy in her

with us her worries about the upcoming

“We survived. I believe that the hardships

role as

“godmother” to the American

summer, when she won’t be able to live in

made me stronger. Life throws you a curve,

Sunrise children. After our interview, she

the dorm. Without fanfare, Mary Alice of-

and you bear it and hopefully grow. One

leads me out through the yard and a back

fers to help her, too.

must push through difficult situations.”

gate to visit the Learning Center. Some

As we walk back into the now quiet

She certainly did. As Henry built a suc-

boys are playing ball in the tiny parking

house

cessful new career in the private sector,

lot, but Mary Alice invites them all to use

keeper have left — she jokes that she’s

his wife found her own ways to follow her

her backyard, where the Cisneroses in-

practically adopted all those kids. Her

heart. Once John Paul was safe and

stalled artificial turf following last sum-

own children may be far away, but Mary

grown-up, she was free to explore new

mer’s drought. The kids run in, take their

Alice now has 45 others to worry about, soon to be 100.

horizons. As a good Hispanic wife, Mary

shoes off and spread themselves over the

Alice actually asked her husband for per-

lawn in an instant. A few stop for a minute

mission to run for City Council, but she

to share their news with “Ms. Cisneros.”

was determined to follow in his footsteps

She knows all their names and their is-

and serve her district. Though criticized

sues. She chats with a little girl about her

by some constituents as not being suffi-

spelling test, examines the rash on a boy‘s

— the workers and the house-

The Cisneroses greet a delegation from San Antonio's new sister city, Wuxi, China.

In the group are Sun Yan and Mayor Zhu Kejiang from Wuxi, Mayor Julián Castro, former Mayor Lila Cockrell and District 9 City Councilwoman Elisa Chan.

march/april 2012 |

27

W ENVIRONMENTS

The Dominion home of Siobhain Anders Buckley and Dr. Steve Buckley was made for fun, beginning with the pool and outdoor kitchen and including the media room (upper right). The video screen is mounted on hinges so that it can swing away to reveal the shelves behind.

28 | sawoman.com

ENVIRONMENTS W

Lifestyle at Redhead Central Anders Buckley home in The Dominion encompasses lots of living

S

By ROBYN BARNES Photography AL RENDON

iobhain Anders Buckley uses one word to describe her lovely home in The Dominion: fun. “This house was made for fun,” she says. “We have fun in every inch of it.”

It’s easy to see why. The 4,800-square-foot home is located

right off the golf course and is only a few minutes’ walk from The Dominion Country Club. Built by Burdick Custom Homes, it was a winning entry in the 1996 Parade of Homes. “This house walked away with many awards during that Parade,” Siobhain says. “And the first time I saw it, I knew it had to be ours.”

Siobhain and her husband, Dr. Steve Buckley, were living in another home in The Dominion. At the time, they were seriously thinking about building a house; Siobhain attended the Parade of Homes to get design ideas. “I walked into this house thinking about building a home and left thinking about buying this one,” she says. “I just loved this house; I brought Steve to see it, and he loved it, too. But it was already sold, so it seemed hopeless.”

Then fate intervened.

“The builder, Art Burdick, called me three months later to say the deal fell through,” Siobhain says. “We quickly sold the house we were living in and moved here in February of 1997.”

march/april 2012 |

29

W ENVIRONMENTS

REDHEAD CENTRAL

Two large stone lions guard the two-story entrance to

Besides their love of fun, the Buckley family has one visi-

Redhead Central. The soaring entry, floored with cross-cut

ble common trait: They are all red-haired. “When we moved

travertine tiles, is anchored in Texas history. In one corner, an

in, we started calling our home Redhead Central,” she re-

old leather saddle and chaps wait for the cowboy who once

members. “That became our brand. Now we have a plaque

owned them. That cowboy was Siobhain’s godfather, Richard

outside our front door that makes it official!”

King Jr., of the famous King Ranch. Siobhain’s mother cast

Siobhain and Steve have two daughters. Diandra is 17 and

his bust, which now keeps watch on a pedestal in the hall.

Ireland is 13. Both are active young women with a bevy of

Between the saddle and the bust hang solid wooden

friends who are happy spending time at the Anders Buckley

doors opening onto the master suite, arranged as an owner’s

home. “We live and have fun in every inch of our house,” she

retreat. To the left is the spacious master bath, dominated by

says. “I wanted a house we could really live in, where the girls

the large round Jacuzzi tub. Separate vanities give the couple

could bring their friends and enjoy each other. I also wanted

plenty of room to prepare for a day’s work or play.

a house suitable for entertaining.

At the other end of the suite is the master bedroom. “I

“We’re known for our parties,” she says with a grin. “Hal-

didn’t want to make this room too frilly,” Siobhain says. “I

loween, New Year’s Eve, Fourth of July — we move all the fur-

wanted to incorporate an animal theme, since this theme is

niture out of the living room and into the garage. The space

seen in many areas of our home — we’re especially partial to

becomes a dance floor for 60 to 80 people until 2 or 3 in the

the big cats.” A crown canopy surmounts the sumptuous

morning. I say you only live once, and you’ve got to have fun!”

king-sized bed, dressed with soft fabrics and piles of pillows.

An armoire hides a large television set.

ELEGANCE BY DESIGN A little elegance and a sense of history don’t hurt, either.

Designer Bryan Kruse with SPS Designs chose a palette of fall colors that flow from room to room. Paintings by Diane Hart Anders, Siobhain’s mother, hang throughout the home.

Family heirlooms provide beautiful accent pieces as well as fond memories.

30 | sawoman.com

A highlight of the living room is the marble fireplace, which the builder reproduced from one he had seen in Italy. When the couple entertain, they move the furniture to the garage, and the space becomes a dance floor for up to 80 guests.

W ENVIRONMENTS

The kitchen features a sixburner Viking range and a dramatic hood.

Walls in the dining room were covered in tissue paper and then painted. The magnificent crystal chandelier is from Laredo.

“One of the things I love about this home is the windows,” she says. “All the walls facing the courtyard are huge windows, providing natural light and allowing us to look through the courtyard to see into another part of the house. Yet the way the house is designed and the way the back wall is positioned, we have complete privacy. At night, it’s so peaceful to sit in bed and watch the moonlight reflected off the pool. The view makes it a relaxing place to fall asleep.”

The master suite also offers a getaway. From the bedroom, stairs lead to a brightly lit home gym with a cupola ceiling. “I suppose you could use this room for a study, but Steve uses it for an exercise room,” Siobhain says. Free weights, a treadmill and an elliptical machine get frequent use. In an un-

production of a fireplace Art Burdick

usual design twist, the room overlooks

saw in Italy,” she says. “It’s like many

again, small details make the differ-

the master bath.

other things he designed into the home

ence. The ceiling is stenciled. The floor

— small details that make it so special.”

in front of the bar makes clever use of

The dining room has a unique fea-

several materials that smoothly transi-

SPECIAL TOUCHES

dining room and the kitchen. Here

The living room is home to the Bald-

ture, too. “These walls are covered in

win baby grand piano, an anniversary

tissue paper,” Siobhain says. “The

The combination kitchen/family room

gift from Siobhain’s father to her

paper is placed on the wall, and paint

is the heart of the home. “We spend

mother. Tucked beneath the piano are

is applied. I’ve never seen this treat-

more time here than in any other part of

two child-sized chairs once used by

ment anywhere else.” The cherry din-

the house,” Siobhain comments. “The

Siobhain and then by Diandra and Ire-

ing table seats 12 and is positioned

girls do their homework here while I oc-

land. Built-in bookshelves line the wall

beneath a magnificent crystal chande-

casionally cook,” she chuckles.

beside the piano. A secret button opens

lier from Laredo. The matching china

It’s an easy kitchen to use. A center

the hidden door, allowing a peek into

cabinet displays family crystal. The bay

island provides a convenient work space

Siobhain’s tiny private office.

window overlooks a small side yard

for prepping food for the six-burner

with a fountain.

Viking range. A dramatic hood is ac-

Across the room is a large marble fireplace with origins in Italy. “It’s a re-

32 | sawoman.com

A small pass-through bar links the

tion the travertine to ceramic tile.

cented by backsplash tile. “That’s another

W

march/april 2012 |

33

W ENVIRONMENTS

Dominating the master bath is a round Jacuzzi tub. Separate vanities give the couple plenty of space to prepare for the day.

one of those special touches,” Siobhain says. “Another builder would have stopped tiling at eye level, but Art ran that tile all the way to the ceiling. Unless I stand right beneath the hood, I can’t see it — but it’s nice to know it’s there.”

Adjacent to the kitchen is another large dining table. Across the way is a large seating area facing a television, shelves and a niche displaying a painting of Diandra. The patio door opens onto the courtyard, where a wall-mounted lion fountain spills water into the swimming pool. A gas grill and seating for six provide everything needed for outdoor entertaining.

Beyond the family room is a small hall that leads to the wine cellar, utility room, media room and Steve’s “man cave,” a twoyear-old addition. “This was a porch that didn’t get a lot of use,” Siobhain says. “I hired Pat Wheeler with Texas Sunrooms to enclose the patio for Steve. He uses it as a study.”

A half-flight of stairs beside the utility room leads to a private guest suite and a media room, complete with theater seating.

“This was Steve’s study, but now it is a place for the teenagers to hang out.” Siobhain comments.

The bookshelves are unusual. At first glance, the huge video screen appears to consume one wall, with minimal shelving on either side of it. “I just couldn’t lose the storage space we had with the shelves,” Siobhain says. “We preserved the space by

34 | sawoman.com

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march/april 2012 |

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W ENVIRONMENTS

Fabrics in the master bedroom reference the animal theme that recurs throughout the home. Big cats are a particular favorite.

placing the screen on hinges so it swings away from the

The girls worked with a designer to achieve their

shelves. We kept the storage and still have the large video

teenage decor. The walls and twin beds are dressed in

screen. It was a perfect solution!”

turquoise, lime green and brown. A spacious bathroom

A staircase off the front entry leads to a large landing.

The walls serve as a gallery for beautiful paintings of snow

with double sinks and a well-organized walk-in closet complete the suite.

leopards and lions. Two bedrooms open off the landing; one

“This really is the perfect house for us,” Siobhain says.

is the girl’s bedroom. “Our girls are best friends,” Siobhain

“We have so much fun here with our family and friends.

says of Diandra and Ireland. “They like to share a room.”

Right now, I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

36 | sawoman.com

EDITOR W

march/april 2012 |

37

W FASHION CALENDAR

March 15 Neiman Marcus Piazza Sempione of Milan Styling Clinic 2012 Designer Sportwear

March 28 Neiman Marcus Donna Karan Sophisticated Urban Clothes 2012 Trunk Show

April 4-7 Saks Fifth Avenue Brioni Made to Measure 2012 Trunk Show

March 22-23 Julian Gold St. John Designer Knits 2012 Trunk Show Sharp and Chic

March 29 Julian Gold Tory Burch Patterns, Color and Texture 2012 Handbag Event

April 12 Saks Fifth Avenue Ippolita 2012 Trunk Show Fine Jewelry

March 22-24 Neiman Marcus Valentino and Christian Louboutin 2012 Trunk Show Designer Fashion and Shoes

March 29 Saks Fifth Avenue Bulgari Watch 2012 Trunk Show Bulgari Italian Design Swiss Expertise

April 17-18 Julian Gold Starfire Jewelry 2012 Trunk Show Colored Gems, Diamonds and Pearls

March 26 – April 1 Saks Fifth Avenue Prom Focus Week Contemporary Evening Fashions

March 29-30 Julian Gold Dianara 2012 Trunk Show Designer Separates

May 3-5 Julian Gold Algo – Swiss Designer 2012 Trunk Show Understated and Classic

March 27 Neiman Marcus Chanel 2012 Trunk Show Ultimate Luxury

April 4-5 Julian Gold Naeem Khan 2012 Designer Trunk Show Refined Elegance

May 5-13 Saks Fifth Avenue Fragrance Week New Arrivals and Best Sellers

38 | sawoman.com

COLOR EXPLOSION

By Robert Mitchell Photography Liz Garza Williams

Highlighter yellow chiffon sheath dress by Shamask; tomato red patent leather multistripe platform shoes by Christian Louboutin, both at Saks Fifth Avenue. Orange Lucite, crystal and chain necklace by Adia Kibur, at Aquarius. Turquoise handbag by Christian Livingston Collection, at Kathleen Sommers.

Orange silk boyfriend shirt by Ralph Lauren; turquoise skinny jeans by Joe’s Jeans; tomato red patent multistripe platform shoes by Christian Louboutin, all at Saks Fifth Avenue. Sterling silver disk and leather rope necklace by Lizzie Fortunato, at Aquarius.

Highlighter yellow silk tunic by Shamask, at Saks Fifth Avenue. Purple suede fringed stilettos by Brian Atwood; orange handbag

by Marc at Marc Jacobs, both at Julian Gold. Black and white hat with feathers by Hats! by Rita, at Kathleen Sommers.

Makeup and Hair Donna Horner Fashion Assistant Justin Arrellano Photography Assistant Robert Amador Location courtesy of Éilan Hotel

Green knit top by Diane von Furstenberg; white and black patent leather wedge shoes by YSL; cobalt blue rubber watch

by Michele; cobalt blue multicolored logo patent leather handbag by Chanel, all at Saks Fifth Avenue. Orange skinny jeans

by SOLD Design Lab, available at Julian Gold. Orange Lucite and crystal earrings by Adia Kibur, at Aquarius.

Fuchsia silk top by Shamask; neon yellow skinny jeans by Rag & Bone; purple suede platform peep-toe pumps by Brian Atwood; orange handbag by Dolce & Gabbana; sunglasses by Prada, all at Saks Fifth Avenue. White Druzy with resin base ring by Kara Ross, at Aquarius.

W AROUND TOWN

Impact San Antonio members Louise Mandel, Rose Mary Fry, Donna Block and Liz Chiego meet at the seventh annual Grant Award Night.

Jenifer Brown and Abby Tolin chat with Tracee Feik and Bette Foster at the Emiliy Robinson and Martie Maguire concert to benefit St. Luke’s Episcopal School at the Empire Theatre.

Carol Aldridge, Sugar Barnes and Jennifer Denton gather to celebrate at the Delta Gamma Holiday Mother-Daughter Tea honoring local collegians and their mothers.

Dawn White, executive director of Christian Assistance Ministry, joins Jo Ann Henning, CAM office manager, and Forrest Anderson, CAM development director, to receive the Impact San Antonio grant for 2011.

Lisa Reford and Marlene Merritt join Thomas Nyman and Kevin Parman to listen to Emily Robison and Martie Maguire and the Court Yard Hounds band to benefit St. Luke’s Episcopal School.

Becca Aillet, a student at Texas A&M, and Rachel Aillet, a student at LSU, join their mother, Julie Aillet, at the Delta Gamma Holiday Mother-Daughter Tea.

44 | sawoman.com

SHOPPING

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march/april 2012 |

45

By JANIS TURK

M

arch is coming in with a roar this spring — the Roaring ‘20s, that is.

Yes, Mad Men brought the ‘60s and ‘70s styles back a few years ago, and that trend is lasting longer than the hit series did, but today’s fashion designers aren’t just lingering on this side of the mid-century mark.

They’re looking back to the Jazz Age, too. So when shopping this spring, San Antonio women must look to the past to understand the future of 2012 spring and summer fashions.

Today’s designers have given not just a nod to, but also a head-turning jolt back at, these two glamorous periods in American fashion, with special attention to chic styles that accentuated the beauty of the female form. So where does that leave today’s woman? Which era is going to dictate fashion trends this spring?

The answer is both, for both eras epitomize a sense of playfulness appropriate for spring. Putting a lighthearted twist on classics we loved in the ‘60s and ‘70s and doing the Charleston back to the Jazz Age of the ‘20s is sure to make shopping more fun this season.

MOVE OVER, MAD MEN Of course, the silver screen has something to do with it — there’s a new Great Gatsby film coming out in cinemas, and then there’s the HBO television series Boardwalk Empire set during Prohibition, all full of flapper fun. Both have grabbed the attention not only of viewers but also today’s top designers.

According to Daniel P. Dykes of fashionising.com, Hollywood has clothing designers and fashion/beauty experts salivating over Roaring ‘20s fashions and film noir style that plays up the sultry feminine mystique. But how are these translating into fashion for the everyday woman?

Well, even here in South Texas we may see some loose-fitting dresses with fringe and beading, or as Dykes’ website points out, we may see lines of 1920s-inspired sportswear — long shorts and classic old school tennis wear worn against Coco Chanel-inspired tanned skin. Crisp whites, pale pastels, clean linen fabrics, flowing chiffon and flowery feminine frocks — they’re all back in style this spring.

Says fashion blogger Dykes, “When you look back at the bygone decades, you either remember the political liberation, the historical restructure or the fashion: The way society’s men and

W SHOPPING

women dressed, the shoes they wore, the parties they attended and the wine they drank. The 1920s brought a ring of independence, sexual emancipation and life … After the horror of the First World War, people intended to make up for all the time lost. This overwhelming desire to bounce back brought about transformations that awestruck the world. Architecture became more aerodynamic, modern technology took over households, and the female wardrobe underwent a momentous alteration … But the real excitement was the birth of a flapper girl. And we’re now looking for her return.”

FLAPPER-STYLE FUN Distinctive to flapper style is its sense of frivolity and fun, so even if today’s Texas women wouldn’t consider a fringe-covered flapper dress, they will find room for the joie de vivre of the 1920s fun in their wardrobe — revisiting the fabrics, textures and colors from that era.

Scrumptious satins and silks that speak femininity and make clothes soft and touchable are appearing in today’s fashions for spring. Flowing dresses, comfortable shoes with midsized heels and buckle straps — they’re all coming back, and spring shoppers can be glad that everything isn’t quite as tight and corseted as the early ‘60s/’70s Mad Men styles that are also still making the N.Y. runways.

“With a strong inspiration from fashion of the 1920s along with a muted color palette that was all white, light and soft pastel colors, some spring posies, shimmering silk fabrics and airy feathered wraps, the Ralph Lauren Spring 2012 collection hit a high note on the style scale,” according to Paula Darnelle, a fashion editor for About.Com. “When Ralph Lauren's models walked the runway during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, 1920s flapper style emerged as a key element of the collection. Fashion during the ‘20s meant straight shift dresses … there was also a lot of feminine frou-frou to balance the look. Fringed skirts, silk fabrics, elaborate beading on dresses and sexy curved heels on shoes were some of the touches. During the 1920s dresses often featured dropped waists, and every flapper wore a cloche hat. Ralph Lauren has referenced these features of 1920s style for spring 2012.”

BUT FLOWER POWER ISN’T DEAD… The 1970s style still found its way into the fashion world this spring. As Harper’s Bazaar noted about New York Fashion Week, there was “a high-octane dose of flower power, plus an equally amped-up version of color blocking, or shall we say lessons in geometry” to go along with the “sorbet colors and louche, low-key silhouettes of a sort of '20s elegance that would have Daisy Buchanan (of The Great Gatsby) planning her pre-orders.”

So how do these come together in stores? The place these two distinctly different fashions meet is in the way that the styles both bring out the best in women’s features — their curves, their eyes, their faces. From the shorter hairstyles that really work for women in this hot climate to the softer makeup colors — like lipsticks in coral, melon and pink — and fabrics in pale yellow, cool mint and ice blue, the styles we’ll see this spring are tailor-made for today’s modern women. Still, fun old-school influences are also going to find their way into jewelery and accessories, with smaller clutch bags, looser

46

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dangling bangles and beads — ear bobs and bracelets that clink and clang — and sparkling sequins on our shoes. The emphasis on styles from both the ‘70s and the ‘20s is one of a fun and easygoing glamour — the kind women through the ages have always loved.

JAZZ UP YOUR LIVING SPACES Fashion doesn’t start and end in our closets — spring needs to blossom in living spaces, too, and even those can be jazzed up with a nod to nostalga. Just as the 1920s-inspired fashions come in soft satins, silks and cashmere, so can our home’s fabrics and accessories.

Glamourous boudoir basics like satin sheets, chiffon curtains, chenille throws and silk upholstery on chaises and chairs are big this season, as are oversized geometric mirrors, shiny mirrored dressers, tony lamps with black tuxedo shades, sleek chrome curves and room accessories big on bling, like pillows covered in sequins, flowers and brightly colored velvet fabrics. These are all elements you’ll see in local furniture showrooms and stores and on websites like the popular zgallerie.com. There’s no reason your home shouldn’t be as glamourous, light, spring-like and “flowy” as the fabrics you wear this season.

BRIGHTEN YOUR SPACE The best and most inexpensive way to lighten up a room is with a new paint color — perhaps a shade of pale mint or a white with a hint of cerulean blue to the tint. Or why not be daring and match your walls to your pink lipstick? Then introduce a fresh breath of spring with real flowers — pale peonies, crisp fragrant white gardenias and bunches of big-headed white hydrangeas. Bringing spring inside in color and form will make your house, and your spirit, feel fashionable, sleek and light.

MOD SQUAD REVISITED When it comes to interior design, the Mad Men and mid-century looks are still bigger by far than the return of the Roaring ‘20s with today’s designers. Furniture has the same “mod” lines that were huge in the 1960s, and the same, often monochromatic, color palettes that were big then are still all the rage. Robin’s-egg blue, like the color of your mother’s old mixing bowls from the 1950s, is a hot-selling paint color these days, especially for kitchens and bedrooms (see Martha Stewart’s Batter Bowl paint color, or her pearl-finished metallic Ice Floe available at local paint stores). Benjamin Moore’s Hemlock is a richer, almost teal, color that also makes a striking backdrop for contemporary furnishings and for the sharp black and white contrast of picture frames and accent objects. Pale yellows, drab olive green and Key lime paints, pillows, curtains and more — they’re all in style, too.

Perhaps all that’s old is new again because some women have a fondness for their childhood memories — memories that Mad Men brings back and that they want to imitate. Or maybe young women these days are drawn to sleek lines and miminalist style

48 | sawoman.com

SHOPPING

W

march/april 2012 |

49

because the 1980s and ‘90s took things a bit too far over the top — Cyndi Lauper and Madonna are good examples of that — and even our tastes and styles, in everything from shoulder pads to sofas, were a bit too padded, too “Material Girl” and high-voltagevamped back then. Bringing things back down to a quieter, more subdued zone lends a soothing vibe. Women today seem to like the less-is-more approach to interior design (with the exception of the hideous more-is-more overindulgence of the Donna Does Dallas TV show. There’s a reason the show’s name brings to mind an old X-rated film — the designs are bordello bad, as hideous as they are hilarious, with far too much full-frontal-fashion exposure to horribly bad bling).

HAVE A GATSBY-LIKE GARDEN … AND A GARDEN PARTY, TOO One area where “more is more” still works, though, is in our lawns and gardens. Only there will a bit of over-the-top beauty be big this spring. Making a color splash in our outdoor living spaces, our flower beds, our pots along the sidewalk and our front porches, filling them with blossoms of color and bright bursts of light, will always be as welcome as a robin’s song in spring. You can’t have too many daffodils, petunias and oversized ferns. All that is natural and fresh speaks spring to us—all that is youthful and happy and bright. Spending time working on our yards, and in them, is what spring is all about.

So enjoy the Mad Men rage of backyard barbecues and Madras plaid shirts and Bermuda shorts. Or be like Jay Gatsby and Nick Carraway and celebrate the season. Throw a lawn party and play croquet. Tie a sweater over your shoulder and carry a mint julep in one hand and a tennis racket in another. Lounge by the lake and pretend you’re in the Hamptons — or just sip iced tea in a lawn chair by the pool. Gatsby was big on garden parties with flappers dancing in his fountains while sipping champagne.

So revel in the resurgence of the Jazz Age — dance the Charleston, bob your hair, drink out of your slipper and celebrate spring 2012 — ain’t we got fun?

FabulousFinds

ALLEN & ALLEN COMPANY

The Metro Collection by Rocky Mountain Hardware was thoughtfully designed to blend clean, simple lines with the warmth of solid bronze for a contemporary aesthetic. The entry set featured here is available in various metal and patina options through Allen & Allen Company.

PEÑALOZA & SONS

920 N. Loop 1604 W. San Antonio, TX 78232 (210) 344-6099 www.LumberHardware.com

Rutile needles "frozen" in precious quartz crystals backed with mother of pearl create a PERFECTLY IMPERFECT unique array of patterns and colors that fit any jewelry or clothing style (also see back cover).

Available in white or yellow gold or sterling silver at Peñaloza & Sons.

2001 N.W. Military Hwy. San Antonio, TX 78213 (210) 340-3536 www.penalozaandsons.com

TRADITIONS AT THE DEPOT

Looking for unique fashions and accessories in all of the hottest new styles and colors? Interested in receiving friendly, personal service?

Take the short drive to Boerne to experience Hill Country shopping at its finest — only at Traditions at the Depot.

518 S. Main St. Boerne, TX 78006 (830) 816-2795 www.TraditionsAtTheDepot.com

SAN ANTONIO MAN

The perfect gift for your special guy. Give him a one-year subscription to SAN ANTONIO MAN, San Antonio’s newest magazine for men from the publishers of SAN ANTONIO WOMAN.

Subscribe Now for $15.95/year (210) 826-5375 www.sanantonioman.com

visit us online at www.ShopSA.com

SCENE AROUND TOWN W

Cathy Tarbox, Rita Stitch and Scott and Katie McBrearty at the Let's Go Rodeo Gala.

A Social Season Both Casual and Grand

F

Events bring out ball gowns, black tie and boots and chaps

By CAROLE MILLER

rom glitz and glamour to boots, chaps and cowboy hats, there were so many events taking place in San Antonio this season that it was, indeed, possible to bring out your best

ball gown and your favorite denim-and-diamonds look, too.

First out of the gate, guests took flight and headed to one of

San Antonio’s “wildest” events, the annual Zoobilation Ball. This year’s party, chaired by Bonny and Mike Osterhage, was themed Come Fly With Me and featured a night of dancing under the stars to the sounds of live jazz, sipping on signature cocktails, feasting on gourmet fare, bidding on live and silent auction items and marveling at all the special Flights of Fancy, all on the grounds of the San Antonio Zoo. Proceeds from this event went to benefit the San Antonio Zoological Society to foster appreciation and concern for all living things. The San Antonio Zoo is home to more than 3,500 animals representing 600 species of animals on 56 acres. More than 1 million guests visit the San Antonio Zoo every year.

Book & Author Luncheon chairs Billie-Kite Howlett, Mary Henrich and Lisa Howlett Cohick.

Then the annual Poinsettia Ball celebrated the 20th birthday of Friends of Hospice San Antonio. This glamorous affair took place

The party was co-chaired by Billie-Kite Howlett, Mary Henrich

at the Westin La Cantera and honored Anne Smith, founder of the

and Lisa Howlett Cohick and hosted for the 20th year in a row by

Poinsettia Ball. Co-chairs of this elegant party were Jill Adams and

"Ms. of Ceremonies" Trinity University English professor Coleen

Sarah Fox.

Grissom. The luncheon began in 1991 when three women from one

The mission of Friends of Hospice is to increase community

of her literary classes (Caroline Walker, Karen Norman and Terry

awareness and understanding of hospice and to raise funds in sup-

Walder) attended a book fair in Florida and returned with the idea

port of patients and their families in end-of-life care. In this effort,

of doing something similar in San Antonio. They asked her to

the Friends partner with Christus VNA Hospice and Palliative Care,

emcee the first luncheon, and she has since helped the event raise

providing funds for the only not-for-profit hospice in Bexar County.

more than $2.5 million dollars.

This year’s Book & Author Luncheon, benefiting the Cancer

And after so many elegant events, San Antonio partygoers

Therapy & Research Center (CTRC) at the University of Texas

dusted off their boots, put on their jeans and moseyed on down to

Health Science Center, was a huge success and actually broke all

the Grand Western Shindig at Cowboys Dance Hall to continue the

previous records.

cowboy tradition that makes this event unique. The dress code is march/april 2012 |

51

W SCENE AROUND TOWN

Cowgirls Live Forever Luncheon chairs and advisors Lee Lee, Ashley Weaver, Nancy Loeffler, Jimmie Ruth Evans, Sara Walker and Heather Kraft.

Jennifer and Len Harral, Grand Western Shindig party chairs.

no black tie — just boots and jeans required. And this Shindig raised an unbelievable $197,000!

Len and Jennifer Harral served as chairpersons, the delicious catering was courtesy of Page Barteau Catering, the Almost Patsy Cline Band entertained the crowd, Rick Shaw conducted the live auction, and KSAT News anchor Ursula Pari served as mistress of ceremonies. Activities for the evening included a live auction, silent auction, authentic country store auction, raffle for a Rolex watch, complimentary portraits by Overstreet Studios, dinner, dancing and special appearances by the Unicorn Steppers and the Mission Road kiddos. Proceeds from this fun event went to benefit Mission Road Ministries.

In keeping with the Western theme, the Cowgirls Live Forever Style Show and Luncheon, part of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo festivities, was held at the historic Pearl Stable.

Sara Stumberg, Lee Evans Lee, Ashley Weaver and Heather

Mary Overstreet, Poinsettia Ball co-chair Jill Adams, Tookie Spoor and Gail Weitzenkorn.

Kraft served as event chairs, and Olive Anne Kleberg, an avid supporter of the San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc., and a founder of the Cowgirls Live Forever Style Show and Luncheon, was honored.

Guests enjoyed a delicious lunch catered by the RK Group as well as a stunning style show by Julian Gold offering a peek at the latest Western looks just in time for the Go Rodeo Gala. In the past six years, this festive fashion event has awarded more than $620,000 in scholarships, thanks to the contributions of sponsors and donors, who avidly support the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo's mission. Proceeds from the event go to the San Antonio Livestock Exposition (S.A.L.E.) Scholarship Fund.

And after finding the perfect cowgirl (and boy) attire at the style show, everyone in town two-stepped on over to the Let's Rodeo Ball at Freeman Coliseum for a night of cowboy-style fun.

Patrons put on their best and fanciest Western or cocktail attire for the festive evening that included wagons full of food from

Bonny and Mike Osterhage served as Zoobliation Ball chairs.

Don Strange and entertainment from Randy Carroll, Johnny Dee and the Rocket 88s and country legend Clint Black.

The new Let's Rodeo Ball committee was created to host this premier event, a major fundraiser for the San Antonio Livestock

is dedicated to the mission of SALE and its fundraising efforts in providing scholarships for our Texas youngsters.

Exposition (SALE) Scholarship Fund. The committee comprises

And if all this party activity makes you yearn for home, just

approximately 75 members, all of whom are grateful for the sup-

click your cowboy boots together three times and say, “There’s no

port of table and ticket buyers. The Let's Rodeo Ball committee

place like San Antonio.”

52 | sawoman.com

WINE W

Bella Tuscany K

By DENISE EASDON and VALARIE SPISER-ALBERT

nown as an endless vineyard, Italy has become one of the

Sangioveto is notable for less intense, lighter-colored wines re-

eminent wine-growing countries in the world. Diverse and

lying on acidity rather than tannin for structure. It is produced in

complex, the country and the wines are often challenging

the cooler Chianti region, which produces wines of elegance, with

to understand.

a crisp, higher acidity level and perfumed aromatics. Wines labeled

Italian wines, as in much of the rest of Europe and the Old

as Chianti are a blend of grapes that can include Sangiovese,

World, are labeled from place, and not from the grape varietal, as

canaiolo nero, trebbiano Toscana or malvasia bianca, with up to 10

done in the United States. Of the 20 wine regions located through-

percent of other grapes. There are seven districts within Chianti,

out Italy, Tuscany is the most prominent and best known, produc-

most notably Chianti Classico and Chianti Rufina.

ing wines of quality rather than quantity. More than 80 percent of the region’s production is red wine.

Tuscany produces wine of considerable depth and character,

Other well-known grapes planted throughout Tuscany include local red grape varietals of colorino, malvasia nera and mammolo. For the whites, vernaccia tops the list along with treb-

with its most prized grape being Sangiovese, first planted by the

biano Toscano and malvasia bianca. International grape varietals are

Etruscans around the seventh century B.C. Sangiovese translates as

also planted in this region. Cabernet sauvignon has been planted for

“the blood of Jove” (Jupiter) from the Roman god Jove and is

over 250 years, although only recently recognized as the prize vari-

known as a varietal with more than a dozen clones, including

etal of the “Super Tuscans.”

brunello, prugnolo and sangioveto. A clone is a vine or grape varietal

Other subregions of Tuscany include Carmignano, Bolgheri

derived from cuttings from a single original vine. Wines produced

(home of Sassacaia) and Scansano. Carmignano produces San-

from these clones vary in style and intensity as a result of individual

giovese-based wines with an average 10 percent of cabernet sauvi-

clone characteristics, along with micro-climates within subregions

gnon blended into the wines. Bolgheri is the area most famous for

of Tuscany such as Montalcino, Montepulciano and Chianti.

Super Tuscans, blending Sangiovese with international grapes.

The brunello and prugnolo clones produce larger berries with

Scansano uses 100-percent Sangiovese and is one of the older wine

thicker skins, resulting in wines of darker color and bigger tannin.

zones in the Maremma area. Vernaccia di San Gimignano is white

The brunello clone is from Montalcino, prugnolo is grown in Mon-

wine made from the vernaccia grape, which is typically medium- to

tepulciano. Both these areas have warmer climates than Chianti,

full-bodied, dry in style, with notes of honey and minerals.

and as a result, produce bigger and bolder styles of wine with higher levels of tannin and alcohol.

Early production wines from Tuscany were mediocre and weak, often oxidized and unclean, with no consistency of flavor

march/april 2012 |

53

W WINE

or style. Today’s winemakers are producing fruit-driven wines that are vibrant and expressive, reflective of their terroir. Typical flavor profiles of Tuscan Sangiovese vary from light and simple with tart berry flavors to tannic wines capable of aging. Flavors of cherry, earth, olive and tobacco with rose petal aromas and flavors are common. A fine Chianti can improve with 10 years or more in the cellar.

Chianti is a wine with high levels of acidity, making it a great food accompaniment. Sangiovese wines match well with light- to medium-bodied dishes. Food pairings for Chianti, brunello di Montalcino and Montepulciano include olives, white beans, duck, cinghiale (wild boar), Pecorino Toscano (sheep’s milk cheese), bruschetta and most tomato-based dishes.

Two excellent examples of wines from Tuscany include Tiamo Chianti 2010 and Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso 2009. The Tiamo Chianti DOCG comes from a certified organic vineyard near Montespertoli. With a blend of 90-percent Sangiovese and 10-percent cabernet sauvignon, this wine has both elegance and structure. On the palate, chocolate-covered cherries, toasted nuts, spice and licorice join together with a tart raspberry finish.

The Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso is a medium- to full-bodied wine produced in a drier fashion with a combination of grape varietals including cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot and Sangiovese. Aromas of black cherries complement a velvety fruit component combining with cocoa and floral notes that linger in the glass. After at least three hours of decanting, dark fruits such as cassis, plum and blackberries explode on the palate, followed by black tea tannin. Combined with an entrée such as lasagna, the fruit becomes more pronounced, and the dry style of the wine is softened.

The Tiamo Chianti is available at most Twin Liquors Fine Wine & Spirits stores, and the Bolgheri is available upon request there and at other small wine retailers in San Antonio.

Denise Easdon is a certified sommelier and a certified specialist of wine. Valarie Spiser-Albert is working on her wine educator certificate.

54 | sawoman.com

BEAUTY & FITNESS W

Melted, Flipped, Frizzed, Fried and Fabulous:

Viva Fiesta!

Planning and preparation make the celebration more fun

By ANNE MOORE

Each year in April, thousands of visitors and locals come together for an 11-day celebration known as Fiesta San Antonio when the whole city is about food, entertainment, music, parades, carnivals, sports, appreciation for the military, homage to the Alamo heroes and celebration of Texas’ independence, earned in 1836. This year, the dates are April 19-29.

We must prepare for all that accompanies this revelry — the weather, the long hours and the sleep deprivation, the hair and makeup, the overeating and over–imbibing, the crowds, the feet, and, of course, the pain of the smile that just won’t stop.

Although most of the time it really is sunny and balmy in San Antonio during Fiesta, there is occasional rainfall. We also have some humidity year-around, which can cause one’s hair to fall or frizz or our makeup to run.

Gearing up for the weather beforehand can make your celebrating more fun. To escape the heat and flopping or frizzing hair, consider a ponytail or other hairdo that gets the hair off your neck and face. A wide-brimmed hat or an umbrella (not so good in crowds) will protect your hair from discoloration and dryness, while keeping you cooler in general.

Heat and humidity are the cause of many a makeup meltdown — those raccoon eyes, the shifting rouge and the disappearing/clumping foundation.

Other suggestions for your survival kit: Use waterproof mascara, carry a small water spritzer (usually sold in department store makeup or fragrance departments) and carry one of those cheap plastic battery-operated fans found in grocery stores and CVS or Walgreen’s in your purse. I do — it really helps. Even one of the romantic, old-fashioned fans held by señoritas in photos would be helpful.

Note: In the event you do get overheated, tell someone and get to shade or air-conditioning as soon as possible. Heat stroke is a bad thing … no stiff upper lips, please. There are, of course, first aid stations near most events.

Another tip — always wear sunscreen. All over, not just on your face. Got fajitas? Then your eyes may be exposed to smoke in some food areas where grilling, baking and frying are happening. Why not carry some eyedrops? You’ll need them for your tired, puffy eyes resulting from the late night hours anyway.

This brings us to sleep. Get it if and when you can.

Hydrate! Drink water as you’re out in the sun and add some between your alcoholic beverages, too. Hydration helps you cool off and aids your skin and your entire body in functioning more efficiently.

Oh, the aching feet. Yes, there will be walking, standing and dancing, so leave your pretty platforms at home. Wear your comfortable shoes and sit down whenever possible.

Schedule a pedicure, especially if you’ll be wearing sandals.

Paint your nails a bright color or even multiple colors. You’ll

definitely feel ready to dance or just to flaunt those festive, sexy toes. Events will be crowded, so wear something water(or beer-) proof as spills do happen.

NO TIME FOR SLEEP? FAKE IT WITH THESE QUICK FIXES: •

Splash your face with cold water to wake up your face and close your pores. Or dip your washcloth in a mixture of milk and ice cubes. Wring the cloth out, apply it to your face for 5 minutes, then rinse off. The combination of the pH of the milk and the cold of the ice cubes brightens your face.

•

Slather on thick moisturizer to hold in water. Better yet, use a

•

An eye treatment containing peptides and caffeine on your lids

face balm to combat dryness, flakiness and wrinkles. will counteract puffiness. Use a flesh-colored pencil to line the inside rims of your eyes to brighten the whites and cancel out the redness.

•

Put on a tinted moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher instead of your heavier foundation and powder. If you need more skin coverage, lay off the eye makeup and use a primer under your eyes before patting on your concealer and foundation.

•

Open up those sleepy-looking eyes with an eyelash curler and two coats of mascara.

•

Groomed eyebrows can give you a pulled-together look and allow you to use less makeup. Brush some shimmery taupe or brown eye shadow over the arch of your eyes/brows to make your eyes sparkle.

•

Cream peach blush is best for a pick-you-up because it’s brighter and looks dewier. Contour your puffy face by placing tint, foundation or bronzer that’s a shade darker right below your cheekbones. Pat a little of the same on your jawline and on your temples. Then blend well all the darker areas with a sponge or brush.

•

If you’re in a real hurry, use a lipstick for both your lips and as your blush.

Try to pace yourself. It’s easy to indulge in overeating and drinking. You’ll not finish your anticucho before you see the tacos, the Cowboy Klops, fish with chips, French crepes, a myriad of desserts and so much more. But you don’t want to make yourself sick at one event because there are more scheduled for tomorrow and the next days and nights.

If you’re fit, participate in 5k and 10k runs, soccer tournaments and many other sporting activities. If you’re not fit, watch them.

Take advantage of our Park and Ride areas, buses and taxicabs. Take turns being a designated driver. Do not drink and drive. Befriend a nondrinker. And try not to fall into the river.

Viva Fiesta!

For a list of Fiesta do’s and don’ts, go to sawoman.com.

march/april 2012 |

55

56 | sawoman.com

march/april 2012 |

57

W HEALTH MATTERS

WANT TO PREVENT COLON CANCER? BE PROACTIVE! Researchers estimate eating a nutritious diet, getting enough exercise and controlling body fat could prevent 45 percent of colorectal cancers.

Here are six things you can do to dramatically decrease your risk: 1. Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet — in-

Skip the False Modesty

I

Avoiding a colonoscopy could shorten your life

By KELLY A. GOFF

clude at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

2. Limit your intake of red and processed meat.

3. Stop smoking.

4. Take a baby aspirin daily for at least five years. Be sure to consult your doctor

f you’re approaching the big 5-0, you

arrhea so your colon will be empty for the

before doing this because aspirin use in-

may

test. It may be uncomfortable, and you

cludes a higher than normal risk of bleed-

may feel hungry on the clear liquid diet.

ing in the stomach, intestines or brain.

ARE YOU AT RISK?

apy. Studies have shown HRT that includes

experience

an

unconscious

Kegel as you go through your mental

checklist of things you should be doing

about your health. It might go something like this: 1. Lose weight.

5. Consider hormone replacement therAs with many cancers, there are risk factors you can and cannot control.

2. Eat more fruits and vegetables.

3. Get a colonoscopy (squeeze here).

both estrogen and progesterone lowers the risk of colon cancer (but not rectal cancer) in postmenopausal women. HRT

Genetics

with estrogen alone does NOT lower the

Risk factors you can't control:

risk. However, hormone use increases the

• Age — Incidence is higher at 50-plus

risk of breast cancer, heart disease and

• Polyps or inflammatory bowel disease

blood clots, so be sure to discuss the pros

that allows your doctor to look at the

• Family history of colorectal cancer

and cons with your doctor.

inner lining of your large intestine (rectum

• History of ovarian or breast cancer

WHAT IS A COLONOSCOPY? Colonoscopy is a cancer screening test

and colon). He or she uses a thin, flexible

6. Start screening at age 50 or sooner.

Most women should have their first

tube called a colonoscope to look at the

Lifestyle

colon with a small video camera. A

Risk factors you can control:

any symptoms, such as blood in your

colonoscopy is also used to help find ul-

• Diet high in red or processed meats, or

stool or changes in bathroom habits, you

screening at age 50. However, if you have

cers and areas of inflammation or bleed-

meats cooked at high temperatures

should see your doctor ASAP and con-

ing. During a colonoscopy, tissue samples

• Being overweight (excess fat around the

sider an earlier examination. Doctors say

can be collected (biopsy) and abnormal

waist)

that if you have a parent or sibling who

growths (polyps) can be taken out.

• Exercising too little

was diagnosed with colon cancer or pre-

• Smoking or drinking alcohol

cancerous polyps, begin at age 40, or 10

COLORECTAL CANCER WARNING SIGNS

of the family member.

SPOILER ALERT! Most people who have experienced a

years younger than the age at diagnosis

colonoscopy will tell you the prep is much

In case you needed yet another reason

worse than the actual test. Why? Let's just

to get screened, there are usually no early

say the doctor doesn't want an ob-

warning signs for colorectal cancer. De-

It’s natural to shiver and wince at the

structed view during the colonoscopy.

tecting cancer early means it's more cur-

thought of a colonoscopy. However, we

The prep can take one to two days, de-

able. As the disease progresses, patients

have to put our inner baby aside and

pending on which type your doctor rec-

may notice blood in the stool, abdominal

make the appointment. After all, if former

ommends. Some preps may be taken the

pain, a change in bowel habits (such as

Today Show anchor Katie Couric could

evening before the test. Plan to stay home

constipation or diarrhea), unexplained

undergo a colonoscopy on LIVE television

during your prep time since you will need

weight loss or fatigue. By the time these

to increase colon cancer prevention

to use the bathroom often. The colon

symptoms appear, tumors tend to be

awareness among millions, the least we

prep causes frequent loose stools and di-

larger and more difficult to treat.

can do is receive the message.

62 | sawoman.com

DON'T BE EMBARRASSED!

W HEALTH MATTERS

VIRTUAL COLONOSCOPY

Colorectal cancer is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in men and women and the second highest cause of cancer deaths in the United States.

There is perhaps a no more ignominious

test

on

the

planet

than

a

colonoscopy. However, thanks to advances in imaging technology, there is now an alternative to colonoscopy that

SOME ADVANTAGES TO VIRTUAL COLONOSCOPY:

uses CT scan images to construct a 3-D

The colon can be viewed from many

model of your colon. Called virtual

different angles. This is not as easy

colonoscopy, the procedure can reveal

with a conventional colonoscopy.

polyps or other abnormalities without

It requires no sedation, and patients

actually inserting a camera inside your

are usually able to go back to their nor-

body. It is now one of the American Can-

mal activities right away after the test.

cer Society's recommended screening tools for colon cancer.

After this is done, you’ll be asked to lie on your back.

Next, the table slides into a large tunnel through the machine, where Xrays create images of your colon.

You must stay very still during this procedure, since movement can blur the pictures. You may be asked to hold

HOW THE TEST IS PERFORMED:

The main disadvantage is if polyps

You will lie on your left side on a

are found, a real colonoscopy will still be

narrow table that is connected to an

needed to remove and evaluate them.

the colon bigger and easier to see.

MRI or CT scan machine.

Also, you cannot avoid the prep. Unfor-

Your knees will be up toward your

tunately, everyone undergoing any type

your breath briefly while each picture is taken.

A computer combines all the images to form three-dimensional pictures of the colon, which are viewed on

chest. A small, flexible tube will be in-

a video monitor. Pictures are also taken

of colonoscopy must completely empty

serted into your rectum (but no scope!)

while you lie on your stomach. The

their bowels before the exam.

Air is pumped through the tube to make

exam takes about 20 minutes.

64 | sawoman.com

MOMMY MATTERS W

Finding

“U” MOM

the

in

Taking care of yourself so you can take care of them

M

By COURTNEY BURKHOLDER

y sister called me recently, exhausted, overwhelmed

How do I do it? Hmmm. Being the good big sister that I am, I

and at her breaking point. “It’s Groundhog Day

sat down, dissected my day and figured out exactly how I do it.

around here,” she said, her voice shaky. I knew exactly

How do I get through each and every day without losing it, running

what she meant. It was a reference to the Bill Murray movie in

away, hiding under the bed or throwing in the towel and just giving

which his character wakes every morning and has to repeat the

up? Most of all, how do I do the hardest thing I have ever done in

same day over and over again.

my life and find a way to really enjoy it? My journey through moth-

My sister has a 2-year-old and a one-month-old and is strug-

erhood has been a 14-year, ongoing experiment of trials and errors,

gling to cope with the everyday grind of being a new mom, post-

successes and failures, all with the ultimate goal of raising healthy,

partum blues, baby fat that isn’t melting away, long and boring

happy kids while being a healthy, happy mom. And what I discov-

days with minimal adult interaction and nothing to get excited

ered was, I do it by keeping me happy and healthy.

about beyond naptime and baby’s good poop following another breast-feeding session. Not to mention the terrible 2’s.

“I could handle one, but two?” she says. “I’m not sure I’m cut out for this. You make it look so easy.”

For once, this article is not about raising kids. This article is about Mom and Mom alone. This is about raising Mom. These are the things I do, each and every day, not only to survive, but to find peace and enjoyment in my life. Over the years, the details have

“I do?” This was news to me.

evolved, but my underlying needs have not. This is what I shared

“Yes. It’s like you really enjoy being a mom. How do you do it?”

with my sister: the secrets to my success. They are, I believe, ap-

I could hear the anxiety in her voice. I knew this wasn’t a

plicable to any woman at any stage in her life as a mother.

rhetorical question. She needed help. Fast. She needed concrete, step-by-step instruction, not a your-love-for-your-children-willcarry-you-through pep talk from her big sister.

1. Have a schedule. Kids aren’t the only ones who benefit from a routine. Knowing how your day is going to unfold and

So I thought about it. How do I do it? How do any of us do it?

what to expect can help you feel in control of your life. Keep a

What could I tell her beyond “this too shall pass” that would offer

calendar, either on your phone or computer, or a day-minder if

comfort and give hope that there really is more to her life than

you like to write things down. I need things to look forward to,

sore, cracked nipples; diapers; spit-up; and sleepless nights. Do I

and I need to see them written down in my calendar, i.e., Pedicure

tell her what’s coming — potty training, temper tantrums, biting

— Wednesday, 9 am; Lunch with Melany, Friday, 12 pm. Do some-

and head lice? Then eventually homework, bad grades, eye rolling

thing nice for yourself that you enjoy and look forward to weekly,

and large cash demands? Do I use the old “You think this is bad?

and put it on the schedule. Make yourself a priority.

You just wait!” method of consolation?

No. Those things are better discovered without portent.

The truth is, I’m no better mom than she. My sister is a phe-

2. Exercise. Whatever form you choose — walk, run, bike, weight train, tennis — it doesn’t matter. Just make it something you like. I do step aerobics five days per week, and I love it. This is my

nomenal mother. I’ve seen her in action. But I’ve done this three

time, and it is non-negotiable. I don’t schedule appointments or go

times and come out healthy and mostly unscathed on the other

to meetings during my exercise time. I strolled all three of my chil-

side. She’s just getting started.

dren up to 12 hours per week when they were infants, then moved

march/april 2012 |

65

W MOMMY MATTERS

them to the nursery at the workout facility when they were older.

For me, exercise is as much for my mental state as for my physical well-being. For stay-at-home moms, exercise is an activity for young children and knocks at least an hour off a long day. For working moms with double-the-stress, exercise is imperative and benefits all concerned. (When Mom is stressed, everyone is stressed.)

Exercise can actually give you more energy, which is so important when you are bogged down in mommyhood and need a boost.

3. Pray. Find time each day to talk it over with God. Remind yourself daily that nothing is too big or too difficult for Him to handle. He doesn’t get overwhelmed or anxious. Pray for your children. Pray for your spouse and family. Pray for yourself. For patience. For happiness. For a joyful heart. Just pray. Your spiritual health is just as important as your mental or physical health, so get your spiritual exercise every day.

4. Spend time alone with your spouse. I have many friends who have a set date night once a week with their spouse or significant other. My husband and I aren’t that regimented, but we do like to catch up every day on what is going on in our lives.

Whether it’s at the table after the kids are excused from dinner or on the patio with a glass of wine before bed, we sit and talk.

Sometimes, when we are incredibly busy, we have to plan a date night and bring a list of things we need to discuss. It’s not sexy, but it’s practical. That’s the reality of a busy life. The important thing is that you never stop communicating and never take each other for granted. Try to remember and remind each other why you embarked on this journey to begin with: because you love and adore each other.

5. Find a hobby. Don’t laugh at this suggestion, because I am completely serious. Every woman needs to have something that she enjoys doing that has absolutely nothing to do with her kids, job or husband. Read, sew, bike, play cards, join a running team, hike, cook, paint. It can be absolutely anything as long as it something you really enjoy. For me, I listen to audiobooks. I love to read, but don’t have time to sit down during the day and read. I listen to audiobooks while I do laundry, clean the house, run errands, stroll my daughter and while chauffeuring big kids around town. I also needlepoint and enjoy spending time with friends. You may think you don’t have time, but you can make the time. It’s worth it.

6. Be positive. Smile. Find the good in your day. Use your “happy voice” even when you don’t feel happy. Having a positive attitude is so important because it rubs off on every person that you come in contact with, including your children. This is not about waiting on good things to happen to be happy about; this is about causing good things to happen. That’s the power of a positive attitude. This may be the hardest one on the list to accomplish sometimes, but it definitely has the most rewarding results.

Moms, this list is for you and about you: your sanity, your physical and mental well-being, your marriage and your happiness.

Without these things, you can’t be the best mom to your children.

You can’t find those important daily moments with your kids that make it all worthwhile. To use an old expression, you can’t see the forest for the trees.

Being a mom doesn’t mean you have to give up everything about you as an individual. There’s no “u” in mom, but there should be. Take care of you, so you can take care of them. That’s how I do it each and every day.

66 | sawoman.com

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Our Vision

A world without breast cancer!

Our Promise

To save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures.

Our Mission Continues...with Our Community’s Support

The San Antonio Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is dedicated to serving the breast health needs of all women, men and families regardless of age, race, gender or socioeconomic status. Our top priority is to fund local programs with the best outcomes and community impact. We will continue to do this, as we have for 15 years, by working in collaboration with excellent service providers, demonstrating role model performance that deserves your trust and loyalty.

Since inception in 1997, the San Antonio Affiliate has invested more than $12.75 million in our community. Of the money raised

by Komen San Antonio through events like the Race for the Cure, 75 percent of net funds stay in Bexar County to support annual grant programs.The other 25 percent is sent to Komen Headquarters for the Komen Award and Research Grant Program, which funds research on an international level. Typically, more than 100 percent of Komen San Antonio funds sent to Komen Headquarters for research programs return to San Antonio in the form of research grants taking place at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Why You Can Still Count on Komen

We take very seriously the trust you have placed in the San Antonio Affiliate to be good stewards of your contributions. Through a rigorous applicant review process, in 2011, Komen San Antonio awarded grants totaling $950,000 to screening, treatment and education programs providing breast cancer services in Bexar County. (See page 6 for complete listing of current nonprofit grantees.)

Grants management is about more than progress reports. It requires regular communication with grantees, being clear in the Affiliate’s expectations, and developing a strong, mutually beneficial relationship. Each grantee is required to submit timely reports, and the Affiliate collaborates regularly with grantees and the larger breast cancer community. Additionally, the Affiliate makes site visits to see firsthand how funds are being used, and we meet the women that receive these vital services.

We All Know Someone Touched by Breast Cancer...

The Race for the Cure raises funds and rallies support around our grandmothers, mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, aunts, friends and even men who have been affected by this disease.

With your continued support, activism and participation, Komen San Antonio looks forward to further developing our leadership and service in the fight to end breast cancer. We are working diligently to save lives and build a future where breast cancer is no longer a threat to the quality or length of one’s life. We hope that you will sustain your support of Komen San Antonio!

For more information, visit www.komensanantonio.org.

San Antonio Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure P.O. Box 6678, San Antonio, Texas 78209 • (210) 222-9009 • www.komensanantonio.org

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Henda’s Law

“If your mammogram demonstrates that you have dense breast tissue, which could hide abnormalities, and you have other risk factors for breast cancer that have been identified, you might benefit from supplemental screening tests that may be suggested by your ordering physician.

Dense breast tissue, in and of itself, is a relatively common condition. Therefore, this information is not provided to cause undue concern, but rather to raise your awareness and to promote discussion with your physician regarding the presence of other risk factors, in addition to dense breast tissue.

A report of your mammogram results will be sent to you and your physician. You should contact your physician if you have any questions or concerns regarding this report.”

Do you have dense breasts? If you’re unsure, you need only wait until your next mammogram to find out. Thanks to a new law in Texas, certified mammography providers are now required to notify patients with dense breast tissue that their mammograms may be less accurate than that of women with lower breast density.

According to Dr. Steven Harms, a world-renowned breast radiologist and the medical director of the breast MRI service at Aurora Breast Center in San Antonio, Henda’s Law is an important step in helping women seek appropriate methods for early detection. “The public has false expectations about mammography and what it does,” Dr. Harms states. “In the population as a whole, the sensitivity of mammography is 40 percent. It’s better than palpation, but nowhere near perfect. The main way mammography reduces breast cancer is by detecting breast cancer earlier.

“The problem comes in with women who have dense breasts.

These women have more fibro-glandular tissue than fat tissue in their breasts. On a mammography, fibro-glandular tissue shows up white, the same color as a cancer mass because they both have soft tissue density. It’s like trying to see a snowman in a snowstorm.” According to Dr. Harms, the sensitivity of mammography in women with radiographically dense breasts drops down to 8 to 12 percent.

“The justification for Henda’s Law is that women with dense breasts are not going to be as well served by mammography as people who have normal breast density,” Dr. Harms says. “However, if they are informed, then maybe they can seek alternative methods for early detection. The more people are informed, the better their decision process will be. Knowledge is never a bad thing.”

But with the passage of Henda’s Law, the question arises: What do you advise a patient with dense breasts? Unfortunately, the answer is not clear. “We don’t have a direct pathway to the cure,” Dr. Harms says. However, he believes it is important to know that mammography is not the only option for breast imaging.

One screening tool that is being used with great success in women with dense breasts is breast MRI. The high-resolution images allow physicians to make earlier and more accurate diagnoses. “MRI sensitivity is on the order of 95 percent, two to three times the sensitivity as mammography,” Dr. Harms says. “MRI sensitivity is not affected by dense breasts. It would be logical that

if your breasts are dense to get an MRI.” Unfortunately, the MRI is 10 times more expensive than the mammogram. According to Dr. Harms, the American Cancer Society came out with a list of guidelines for who should be screened with breast MRI. “Basically, the guidelines define a group of patients who are genetically at risk for breast cancer. Although the ACS recognized dense breasts as a problem, they did not include it in their recommendations, so many insurance companies will not pay for the routine screening.”

Dr. Harms believes that this will change in the future. “Women with dense breasts independently have a higher risk for developing breast cancer. Their increased increased risk is not being recognized (by insurance companies) as those with a genetic risk at this time,” he explains.

It is logical that if you have dense breasts and a clinical symptom (i.e. skin discoloration, nipple discharge, genetic history, or negative mammogram) then you would qualify for breast MRI. Dr. Harms agrees. “The ideal solution would be to make MRI more available through insurance or make it less expensive for people who are paying out of pocket,” he says.

For now, Henda’s Law ensures that patients with dense breasts are educated to their condition and thus can make informed decisions about their health care in the future.

Pictured above: Dr. Paromita Datta, Dr. Karen Wash, Dr. Raul Pelaez, Dr. Steven Harms, Dr. Jui-lien “Lillian” Chou, Breast Care specialists at Aurora Breast Center, San Antonio.

Special Advertisement from Aurora Breast Center San Antonio

In 2011,

the San Antonio Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure awarded grants totaling $925,000 to nonprofit programs providing breast cancer services for the medically underserved in Bexar County.

The monies were raised primarily through the Susan G. Komen San Antonio Race for the Cure®. With community support, this year’s grants specifically addressed breast cancer screening, including clinical exams, mammograms and biopsies (60 percent); treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, and treatment support including counseling services, transportation, diet and nutrition classes (20 percent); and breast health education (20 percent).

To learn more about Komen San Antonio Affiliate and the many ways to get involved in the fight to end breast cancer, visit our website at komensanantonio.o

Your Donations and Race Dollars

in Action 2011-2012 Grantees American Cancer Society “Road to Recovery” taxi voucher program is available in Bexar County for women diagnosed with breast cancer in need of transportation for treatment, screening or diagnostic appointments.

“This Komen-funded program is a lifesaver. I don’t have a car, so it is a comfort knowing you have a ride. I thank God for it.”

Gloria R., Breast Cancer Patient

CentroMed provides education, screening, diagnostic and case management services for the prevention and detection of breast cancer on the south side of San Antonio for low-income, uninsured women.

CommuniCare Health Centers provide clinical breast exams, screening mammograms and diagnostic breast treatment for low-income, under- or uninsured women on San Antonio’s east and west sides.

“When I found a lump, I was unemployed. A friend told me about a program at CommuniCare supported by Komen. I never thought this would happen to me.Without help, my cancer would have likely spread. I thank everyone involved in assisting me through this long road.”

Janice W., Survivor Martinez Street Women's Center provides education, outreach and support services to under-served, low-income minority women in the east and south sides of San Antonio. The goal of this project is to increase women’s awareness of breast cancer and the number of women accessing available breast health services.

SLEW (Support Lending for Emotional Well-Being) Wellness Center provides emotional and physical support for underinsured and low-income women who are recovering from and/or undergoing breast cancer surgery, chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

Services include mental health, nutritional, physical and massage therapy, lymphatic drainage therapy and nursing services. Services are available to breast cancer patients throughout Bexar County.

“If it wasn’t for Susan G. Komen and their support of SLEW, I’m not sure where I’d be today.

Thank you! SLEW is a haven for people who feel like they can be themselves. Bald, short hair, long hair, we got each other’s back. No judgment. We heal together.”

Amanda O., Survivor ThriveWell Cancer Foundation’s DIVA program provides complimentary treatment to breast cancer patients and survivors by offering over 50 free exercise classes and two nutritional counseling sessions per month. The DIVA program provides breast cancer patients and survivors a safe, comfortable and positive place to exercise and interact with other breast cancer patients and survivors. The program assists women with breast cancer to incorporate exercise and healthy eating into their lifestyles.

University Health System assists low-income, uninsured, at-risk women with clinical breast exams, screening mammography and advanced diagnostic procedures in downtown, southwest, southeast and nor th side clinics in San Antonio.

WINGS (Women Involved in Nurturing, Giving, Sharing) provides no-cost patient navigator services and comprehensive treatment for uninsured women diagnosed with breast cancer or recurring breast cancer that have no other options for care.

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San Antonio’s Sweetheart:

Leslie Mouton on Beating Breast Cancer

Not too many San Antonians haven’t heard of Leslie Mouton. The local KSAT12 news anchor, best known for her morning and noon weekday newscasts, doesn’t just report the news. She advocates for women fighting breast cancer, sharing her own audacious triumph over the disease. Leslie’s outspoken battle against cancer captured the hearts of locals, even inspiring those beyond the Alamo City. Instead of cancer taking her, Leslie took cancer—to the public that is.

Born and raised in LaFayette, Louisiana, Leslie met her husband, Tony, retired Air Force fighter pilot, while working in Alexandria.

The couple moved to Del Rio, where Tony was stationed, and eventually ended up in San Antonio, now their home of 13 years.

Before they settled down, Leslie and Tony maneuvered hectic schedules, underwent long commutes to spend time together and endured the Gulf and Kosovo Wars. Finally the time came when the couple stayed in San Antonio and added a new addition to their family, daughter Nicole. It all came together. Great jobs. Stable home. New baby. But this was just the calm before the storm.

Leslie was diagnosed with breast cancer in October of 2000 at the age of 35. While performing her monthly breast self-exam she found a small lump in her left breast. A biopsy later confirmed it was cancer. Like most women, she thought of it as something that affected older women. Her husband took the news especially hard; as someone who fought in two wars, he had to cope with watching his wife fight her own battle. “There’s this war and battle inside of me, and no way for him to fight. It was really hard,” she says. Perceptive Nicole, only 2 1/2 years old, also struggled with her mother’s cancer, through nightmares and trouble sleeping.

Fearful that breast cancer would alter the public’s view of her, Leslie initially wanted to be closed about it. “I thought it would mark me,” she remembers. In retrospect, she believes that God had a bigger purpose for the ordeal: Going public. Allowing cameras to follow her surgery, treatment (including chemotherapy and radiation) and hair loss, Leslie documented her entire experience with breast cancer—creating a DVD called Leslie’s Story. In hopes of providing

women with comfort throughout their treatment, the copies were donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, cancer institutes and libraries. However, it doesn’t end there. The day her story on hair loss aired on KSAT12, Leslie anchored the newscast without her wig, exposing her hair loss for all to see.This bold step sent a message to viewers that there’s no shame in baldness. “I wanted to show that I was the same person, just as beautiful, just as competent, just as capable, just bald,” she says. Outpourings of gratitude and encouragement from the city made it to Leslie though emails, phone calls and letters. People with breast cancer thanked her for publicly fighting the disease and giving them the courage to leave the house without the wig.

During the most difficult days of treatment, Leslie defeated negative thoughts and overcame cancer through the power of prayer and family.The support of her community, coupled with a new appreciation for life, changed her outlook of breast cancer. She still keeps a picture of herself bald on her mirror and desk as a reminder of the battle she’s won.

As a loyal veteran of the San Antonio Race for the Cure®, she knows all about the strong connection that dwells among participants. She describes it as electric, carrying a collective energy that touches everyone involved.The sight of thousands of people gathered to celebrate survivors and honor past loved ones remains a source of joy for Leslie. “When I see the memorial walkers, it lights a fire inside my belly to do more,” she says. “The Race means we are not forgotten, that this is still a deadly disease, and we haven’t reached the finish line yet.”

As women tend to place heavy emphasis on outer beauty, Leslie explains how breast cancer forces one to look to the interior. She speaks of the wake-up call it provides to those affected and its reminder of a temporary life. While it’s tempting to stop living for a while in grief and fear, she admits, it becomes essential to treasure each moment. Leslie believed broadcasting her battle against breast cancer ultimately showed others that cancer doesn’t mean the end of life. It only means you live it more fully.

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From Cocoon to Butterfly: My Cancer Story Lucie Flores Arteaga — 47 years old I had my annual mammogram in March of 2010 just like I had every year since I turned 40. Just seven months after my annual breast exam, I detected a very small lump on my right breast, which would later be officially diagnosed as Stage II breast cancer, and that tiny lump would be measured at two centimeters with a faint extension about an inch long.

In June, my youngest sister had a small lump removed that fortunately was benign. One of my older sisters had a benign lump removed some years before, so when I felt that ever-so-tiny lump, I figured it was just my turn. I knew practically nothing about breast cancer, and since it didn't run in the family, I figured I was pretty safe. I am one of eight sisters and have a cousin on each side of my family who are survivors, “But it doesn't run in my immediate family so I'm safe,” I kept telling myself.

That early October when I first felt the tiny mass, I was watching television on a lazy Saturday afternoon lying comfortably on my bed. As I reached to move my long hair out of my face, my thumb just barely brushed against my right breast, and that's when I felt it. I remember the exact moment I felt my cancer and have played it over and over in my head because that is the moment that saved my life. I asked my husband to see if he felt what I did, and when he confirmed it, I knew something wasn't right. The weeks that followed went fast. There was the initial visit to my gynecologist, too many mammograms and sonograms for me to even remember, three biopsies and the dreaded diagnosis.

I remember getting the call at work early in the morning of November 2, 2010, asking me to come in to my doctor's office for the diagnosis.

When I was asked to come right away, I knew.

That day was one of the worst and best days of my life. My husband and I sat across from my doctor, and as my legs and hands shook uncontrollably, I heard her utter those words, “Your suspicions were correct, we have detected carcinoma.” At first, I was glad because she hadn't said cancer, but then I thought, “Wait — carcinoma is cancer.”

After that, everything went kind of fuzzy. We left and stayed in the parking lot so I could start calling my sisters one by one and making sure my mother wouldn't be alone when I called her.

I shed many tears that day and many more since, but I can honestly say now, over a year later, that having cancer has changed me, my husband, my family and friends for the better.

My journey is not over, but the people I have met along the way and the stories I have heard are amazing. The sisterhood of breast cancer is strong; you are immediately embraced with open arms of comfort. Everywhere I've turned on those bad days, I've encountered wonderful, caring doctors, a new friend, an old friend and kind gestures... just good things.

I traveled to the Rio Grande Valley and spoke to more than a hundred middle school kids last May. Three of my sisters are teachers, and one of them had students that had gotten to know me through her. My sister thought it would be nice for them to meet me, but I was not doing very well in those days, so we weren't sure if we could make it happen. I got permission from my doctor to travel in between aggressive chemotherapy and made the trip. I visited the San Antonio American Cancer Society, and they graciously provided me with collateral to share with the children. Before it was all said and done, I found myself speaking on a stage — podium, microphone and all — about breast cancer awareness. If you know me, you will know that speaking in public is a horrifying thought.

Since then, my sister has organized a support group for children affected by cancer, and they are vigorously working on fundraising efforts for this year’s Komen San Antonio Race for the Cure. Last year, I attended my first Race for the Cure in a wheelchair. This year, I plan on running it.

I had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction on December 13, 2010, and started chemotherapy on February 17, 2011. I will have my last treatment on February 2, 2012. I've had long hair my whole life and donated 11 inches to Locks of Love a total of five times. Gladly, I was able to donate one more time on Valentine’s Day last year before I started chemo. I told one of my sisters as she watched me get my head shaved on that emotional day,“It's OK, I'm a cocoon now and when I’m done, I'll be a butterfly.”

I am still healing from my last revision surgery so I'm not done becoming a butterfly, but I am one step closer.

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Karen Martinez’ Story of Survival “It was a few days after my 34th birthday when I heard the dreadful statement, ‘You have Stage IV breast cancer and it has spread to your liver.’

And I thought, ‘Wow, Happy Birthday to me!’” With that diagnosis, so many thoughts and questions run through a person’s mind. For Karen Martinez, it was her family.

Before her diagnosis in 2009, Karen felt her life was perfect. She had a wonderful husband, Joseph, of 10 years, three beautiful children — Joshua, Miranda and Mitchell — a supportive family and an outstanding career. Karen Martinez has been employed at Fox 29 for 13 years, working her way up from an intern to co-anchoring the 9 p.m. news with Mike Valdez.

Unfortunately, things took a turn. While taking a shower, Karen felt an abnormal lump in her breast. “I immediately called my doctor and scheduled an appointment,” Karen recalls. After a clinical breast exam, mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy, the results were in. She received a call from her doctor and was told the serious news.

A woman with no family history of breast cancer is not prepared to hear such information. Only 13 percent of women diagnosed have an immediate female relative with the disease.

“It was horrible to hear such life-threatening news. Automatically I thought, what would happen to my kids if I wasn’t there for them?”

Karen said. She felt as if the diagnosis was a death sentence.

Telling her children was harder than hearing the diagnosis. “That has been the most difficult thing I’ve ever done in my entire life. I had to sit my kids down and explain to them what was happening and how this could affect us as a family,” she said.

After two rounds of chemotherapy, a mastectomy, reconstruction, radiation therapy and hormone therapy, Karen is currently battling cancer for a third time, but she’s looking and feeling great! With a Stage IV breast cancer diagnosis, Karen’s journey is ongoing and considered a chronic illness that she’ll have to deal with for the rest of her life.

“You learn so much from this disease. I’ve learned that it doesn’t matter if you’re sick or healthy, none of us know how much time we have on this earth, and it’s what you do in the time that you do have that’s important,” Karen said.

As she reflects on her journey, Karen says that her family is what helped her fight this disease with all her might. She said, “It’s having a really strong faith and support system that will get you through.

It’s difficult to deal with something like cancer, but when you have family members, loved ones and friends that are there to help you through it all, it makes a huge difference in your recovery.”

Understandably, Karen had days when she’d feel really low, depressed and miserable. She recalls asking herself, “Am I ever going to get through this? When will this end?” While feeling down, Karen would go to work and find flowers on her desk, a card or some form of gift that would lift her spirits. “It just makes you feel like there are people out there that care and that you’re not going through this alone,” Karen said.

While Karen had several negative moments, she also had many positive ones. She came to a point where she decided not to let the cancer take over her life, but instead to fight and control the cancer. Karen declared, “I have a beautiful family and a wonderful career... there’s just too much to live for!”

Being diagnosed with breast cancer opened Karen Martinez’ eyes to the importance of organizations like Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. According to her, “I think it’s important because you give people hope. Komen is helping us to create hope by doing events such as the Race, to raise money for local breast cancer awareness, screening, treatment and international research.That gives us hope.

That lets us know that we are coming together, and we’re doing something about this horrible disease that is taking so many people that we love.”

Karen recommends that newly diagnosed breast cancer patients stay positive and have hope and faith. “There are so many people out there who are on your side, who want you to beat this disease, who want to see you do well and are helping to find a cure,” she said.

Because Karen was going through treatment, she was not able to participate in the Komen San Antonio Race for the Cure for the past two years but is looking forward to taking part in this year’s Race activities. Karen said, “It’s going to be amazing to have so many people there, to see a sea of pink on that one day, for one cause.”

A Special Supplement to SAN ANTONIO WOMAN

Breast

Self-Awareness 1.Know your risk

• Talk to your family to learn about your family’s health history

• Talk to your doctor about your personal risk of breast cancer

2. Get screened

• Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you and if you are at a higher risk • Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40, if you are at average risk • Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at 20, and every year starting at 40

3.Know what is normal for you

See your health care provider right away if you notice any of these breast changes: • Lump, hard knot or thickening

• Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening

• Change in the size or shape of the breast

• Dimpling or puckering of the skin

• Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple

• Pulling in of nipple or other parts

• Nipple discharge that starts suddenly

• New pain in one spot that does not go away

4.Make healthy lifestyle choices • Maintain a healthy weight

• Add exercise into your routine • Limit alcohol intake

For more information, visit www.komen.org or www.komensanantonio.org

Call 1-877 GO KOMEN

Register Today!

Join us on Saturday, May 12, 2012, for the 15th Annual Susan G. Komen San Antonio Race for the Cure® and help us fulfill our promise: to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures!

Help us go Green.

Visit www.komensanantonio.org to sign up online today.

Thank you to our local title sponsor:

(1-877-465-6636) or 210-222-9009

A Special Supplement to SAN ANTONIO WOMAN

WOMEN IN BUSINESS W

MY CAR You Can Drive

Four women enjoy life in the driver’s seat of San Antonio auto sales

By JANIS TURK

I

Photography by JANET ROGERS

n the market for a new car? These days the

Batchelor Cadillac we are a service-oriented company that just

stereotypical sleazy used car salesman isn’t

happens to sell cars. We pride ourselves in the service we provide

the guy you’ll meet at most area dealerships.

our customers at the time of sale and after the sale or any time

In fact, here in San Antonio, you may not meet a

they are in our dealership. Buying and/or servicing a car should

man at all when shopping for a car, for these days

not be stressful,” she says. “Customers should be sure to buy from

women are fast becoming the most popular and

someone reputable that they trust and like, since the sale is just

highly successful car sales professionals in the business, often out-

the beginning of a long-term relationship.”

selling their male counterparts.

Today’s San Antonio automobile showrooms and their sales teams are class acts, with exciting technology and design-oriented, state-of-the-art vehicles that set the bar high for excellence and innovation. That’s why those in auto sales today have to be as sharp, determined and as customer-satisfaction-driven as the cars they sell.

We wondered how some successful San Antonio women feel about finding themselves in the driver’s seat in today’s auto sales business, so we asked these “fab four” women to tell us how they got started and what they’ve learned on the road to success.

Esther Luna, general sales manager Ken Batchelor Cadillac Years in the auto sales business: 25 Education: B.A., St. Edwards’ University, Austin; continuing education: Management Leadership for Extraordinary Performance at Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia; Creative Leadership, Colorado Springs; and, this spring, attending Executive Education Women’s Leadership Forum at Harvard Esther Luna may be part of the top-tier management at Ken Batchelor Cadillac, but she still had to pay her dues and work hard to get there. However, even from the beginning, she had her eye on a career in some form of management. She just didn’t know at the time that her career would involve cars. Her first job out of college was with General Mills as a manager trainee for a restaurant near St. Louis, Mo., but it wasn’t until years later, when she moved to San Antonio from East Texas and needed to work, that she first got acquainted with the automobile sales field.

“There was a dealership near our home, so I applied and was hired,” says Luna, who has spent the 25 years since learning all there is to know about car sales. But she’s learned more than just about automobiles over the years, as she’s quick to explain:

Esther Luna, general sales manager, Ken Batchelor Cadillac

“I wish I could say that the business I’m in is about cars, but at

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W WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Most people think of automobiles, the automotive industry and the car sales field as being mainly a man’s world, but Luna says

successful,” she says. Cox, whose work keeps her busy, also values the things that she and her dealership do for their community.

that there are many women in the business today: “At Batchelor

“Lexus is very involved in community efforts, and we partici-

Cadillac, which is part of the Sewell Automotive Companies, we

pate in many worthy charitable causes in and around San Anto-

see ourselves as a team and a family, and we employ lots of women

nio. I’m proud of all that Lexus does, and I personally attend many

… Women and men are recognized on their own merit (not gen-

of the events that we sponsor to show our support,” she says. “I

der-based). Sure, once in a while a customer will still ask me if I’m

also serve on the executive board of the Battered Women’s and

Ken Batchelor’s secretary, to which I reply ‘Absolutely! How may I

Children’s Shelter; I have a passion for helping victims of abuse,

assist you?’” she says with a smile.

especially when innocent children are involved. This organization

As much as Luna loves her job, she loves her family even more, explaining, “Family time is precious. Most Sundays are a

is extremely effective, and I am honored to serve alongside the wonderful people there.”

day to take Mom to lunch. I am very fortunate to have her living

Cox has a busy life. She is wife to husband, Kevin, who enjoys

in San Antonio, and I’m even more fortunate because she is

working at Rackspace in product development. “He has been there

healthy.” Luna also finds time to take care of herself through

for five years and was previously at AT&T for 10 years. He was

Bikram yoga (“It’s great for the mind, body and soul”), and she

raised here in San Antonio, and I have discovered that when you

gives back to the community by supporting charities such as

marry a Texan, you stay in Texas!” says Cox. They have four chil-

YMCA, EWI and Any Baby Can. Her dealership is also generous:

dren: Raymond (16), Sophia Madison (8), Weston (6) and Nolan

“Ken Batchelor Cadillac and my associates give not only money

Wayne (4), and they stay busy with the kids’ school and extracur-

but time to many organizations, including the March of Dimes,

ricular activities.

Any Baby Can, YMCA, the Greater Chamber of Commerce and others. Educating and supporting our young people is a way we enjoy giving back by participating in events at Alamo Heights, Churchill, Clark and schools in the Boerne School District. I could go on and on about our community involvement.

“San Antonio is special to me,” says Luna. “It’s the home of the Spurs, and my mom is a huge fan, so that is special to me. Living near my family is wonderful, and being connected with the associates and customers at Batchelor Cadillac makes San Antonio the only place to be.”

Elizabeth Cox, director of eCommerce North Park Lexus of San Antonio Years in the auto sales business: 10 Education: BA in criminal justice from the University of Texas at San Antonio; master certified through Lexus Elizabeth Cox has lived and traveled internationally, but she says San Antonio is home and feels content here. “I appreciate the culture of this city, the growing arts, the Texas barbecue and the ‘small town’ environment. I enjoy raising my kids in San Antonio, where it truly does take a village I can rely on,” she says. But perhaps it is because she has lived and traveled elsewhere and worked in several demanding jobs over the years that she’s found contentment, not only in her city, but also in her work. Cox, who formerly worked for AT&T and who also worked in pre-litigation negotiations for other companies, now enjoys her work in the automotive industry.

Cox first went to work in car sales after visiting North Park Lexus to look at the luxury Lexus SUV, the RX. “I was impressed with the car and the dealership experience, and I was interested in taking the sales and marketing experience I gained from AT&T to a place where I could effectively run my own business and grow my own client base. My owner base was and is my business, and I have the fabulous product of Lexus to support the relationships I have built,” she explains.

As a woman in a business that is traditionally thought of as a man’s field, Cox says that she’s finding that those traditions are changing. “There are many women in this business and many clients that prefer to work with women. So I view this business as a wonderful opportunity for anyone, and women in particular can be very

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Elizabeth Cox, director of eCommerce, North Park Lexus of San Antonio.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS W

Lisa Rudd, certified sales consultant, Mercedes Benz of San Antonio.

But their support for children goes beyond that: Cox works as

after high school graduation and retired just a few years ago. My

a court-appointed advocate for children in the foster care system.

Uncle Jim is a former mechanic, and he shared a passion for cars,

She was appointed to the Supreme Court of Texas’ Permanent Ju-

just as I do. My aunt and uncle taught me that drive, determination

dicial Commission for Children, Youth and Families, where she

and hard work pay off,” says Rudd.

serves as an advocate for the education of children in the Texas

When Rudd was 18, she moved to California, where she lived

foster care system. “When foster children age out of the system,

for a few years prior to relocating to San Antonio in the mid-1990s.

the education opportunities for college are there for these kids. I

“I worked part time and dedicated my life to raising my two chil-

want to help them,” she says. Her husband also serves on the tech-

dren, whom I love and adore. As my children grew up, I took on a

nology committee through the Commission. Cox is glad when her

full-time job,” says Rudd. Today, her daughter, Brittney, attends

work makes a difference in children’s lives.

Texas A&M, and her son, Brandon, is in high school.

Lisa Rudd, certified sales consultant

son’s football practices, recommended that I consider going into

Mercedes Benz of San Antonio

auto sales ... With my children growing up so fast, I wanted a ca-

Years in the auto business: Nine

reer that reflected what my aunt and uncle had instilled in me. I

Education: High school in Wisconsin; formerly elite certified

was reluctant at first because I had never had a commission-

Chrysler Jeep & Dodge; currently star certified with Mercedes Benz

based job,” says Rudd.

“My longtime friend Bob Terrill, whom I saw weekly at my

“What happened if I never sold a car? How would I overcome my

In January 2003, Rudd’s friend worked as a used car manager

image of those car salesmen with a gold tooth and a wink for a heck

at an auto dealership, and he hired her and recommended she be

of a deal? Ha, was I wrong!” recalls Lisa Rudd with a smile when she

the auto trader representative.

thinks back on her first days on the job in car sales back in 2003.

Like many women, Rudd had to overcome not only first-day-on-

“Internet sales was the absolute best selling tool for my skill set, and it assisted me in selling over 200 cars per year. My best ac-

the-job jitters but also her own preconceived notions about “typical”

complishment at work to date was selling 310 vehicles in 2007 and

car salesmen. But it didn’t take long for her to realize she was in the

43 cars in August of that year. Last year, I joined the luxury brand,

exact place, and career, where she was meant to be, and it took even

Mercedes Benz of San Antonio, and I feel I’m at the pinnacle of my

less time for her to figure out that the worn-out stereotypes about

career. It is a dream come true,” says Rudd.

car salesmen and women were wrong. Perhaps Rudd was able to

“I enjoy selling and thriving in a male-dominated industry in

learn all that so quickly and embrace her new career so heartily be-

which women are the most influential decision makers in the car-

cause she was raised in a way that prepared her to go forward in life

buying experience. I couldn’t sell 2,000 cars in nine years without

with a good attitude, hard work and strong-willed determination.

“I am originally from Wisconsin and was raised by my aunt and uncle, who collectively influenced me to be the person I am today.

listening to the woman’s voice ... I always give 110 percent to my clients with the understanding that trust and value cannot be underestimated,” she says.

My awesome and hard-working aunt, Barbara Wengel, was a fac-

“It motivates me to overcome and break the stereotypes of the

tory worker at Briggs & Stratton who started on an assembly line

do’s and don’ts of the auto industry. In 2007 I met my fiance, Cody

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Victoria Hammond, auto sales associate, Ancira Kia.

Robinson, who also sells cars … The cons of my job are the same

Victoria Hammond, auto sales associate

thing we share in our careers, including working late nights and

Ancira Kia

having less time to share with my fiance, my children and my ex-

Years in the car business: Nine

tended family,” says Rudd, who spends time away from work trav-

Education: High school in California, silver elite certified with Kia

eling, shopping, watching movies, going to the San Antonio

Victoria Hammond says there are only two ways into the car

Speedway racetrack, hiking, taking her (animal rescue) golden re-

business: “You’re either born into it, or you stumble in. I stumbled

triever for walks and going out to nice dinners.

into it.” But was it coincidence or was it fate?

“San Antonio is a melting pot and a great place for women to

“It seems like in a two-week period I had person after person

work. Our economy thrives because of the empowered and mod-

ask me if I had ever considered auto sales. I thought they were

ern-day woman,” she says.

all crazy. Me? Sales? No way! Then my car started having prob-

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS W

lems, and I went to see about purchasing a new one. While going through the process, the manager asked me if I wanted to work there selling cars. I believe that the world sends you signs, and you should pay attention. I did just that, and I’ve been having a great time ever since,” says Hammond — who, as fate would have it, is really good at sales.

“Prior to selling cars, I had been in the nightclub business. I worked every job from waitress to management. It was a great training ground. I learned that I got paid what I was worth; if I took care of my clients, I would make money. The car business is all about listening to the clients and assisting them in finding a vehicle that fits their needs while catering to their wants and considering what best fits into their budgets,” says Hammond.

Raised in Santa Cruz, Calif., Hammond recalls moving to San Antonio after high school: “It was a major city with a small-town feel and a great place to live and build a life. Today I work in auto sales at Ancira Kia, though I’ve been in the car business for nine years—all of it in sales,” she says.

There’s never a dull day in car sales, as Hammond will tell you, and no one right way to sell a car: “Once there was a woman whose car had broken down on her way to work. She had called the dealership upset, not knowing whom to call to tow it into the service department or how she would be able to get to work that day. I answered her phone call. Her car was an older model with high miles. I asked what she liked best about her car, what she wished were different, and what colors she preferred. I got her location and told her I would be there to pick her up in 20 minutes,” says Hammond.

“An hour later she was signing the paperwork and driving away in the vehicle I had picked her up in. No longer worried about how to get to work or how to pick up the kids after school, she had a brand-new, shiny car, a payment she could afford and a 10-year warranty! She was a very happy customer who sent me several other happy customers. And all the men I was working with thought I was wasting my time to go help someone stranded at the side of the road,” she recalls.

Hammond loves her colleagues but admits working with men all day can be a challenge. “Some days it’s like working in a frat house (no, men never grow up); some days it’s like being the queen of the castle (this is Texas, and chivalry isn’t dead). Men and women are different, but for the women who survive and adapt in the business, we become a type of bilingual: able to communicate and negotiate with both men and women. The pro’s and con’s of being ‘the girl’ are that you stand out. It’s easier to distinguish yourself from the rest of the sales staff, but you will never truly be one of the boys. You are going to be a women, no matter how long you are in the biz,” says Hammond, and that’s perfectly fine with her.

“At Ancira Kia, I am proud to be part of a company that cares about its community. The employees here contribute to over 100 charities, including Toys for Tots, Wounded Warriors and Operation Home Front, and we are one of the largest contributors to United Way. We work long hours in this business, but whenever I can, I spend time with my son, Reno (17). He’s an ice skater. Also I spend time with my nephew, Denton (15); he is all about karate. I love to dance and listen to music, too, and my boyfriend is a local musician and singer, so I can often be found watching him play at the local venues,” says Hammond, who is happy to have found what she was meant to do in life.

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W BUSINESS WOMAN SPOTLIGHT

Evie Reichel EGR Communications Founder, consultant

What do you do? Share stories, sell experiences and build brands with GRACE, an acronym for goals, research, action, communications and evaluation.

Length of time at this job: 12 years.

What is it that you like best about your job? It’s invigorating, creative and strategic; an ever-evolving, fast-paced occupation with incredible challenges and rewards. I thrive on variety, and it’s definitely never dull.

Education/Major: St. Mary’s University graduate, English-communication arts.

What career path led you to where you are today? My first job was at Earl Holliman’s Fiesta Dinner Playhouse. The publicist for the theater was Shirley Smith, who inspired my exploration into the world of PR. When did you know that you were in the right place in your career? When Barbara Sofie left the San Antonio Fine Arts Festival for a job at the Beverly Hills Hilton and the public relations role became mine. I was green, terrified, and I absolutely loved it!

Would you encourage your children to go into the same field? I would encourage children to enter this business, especially those with high energy, active imaginations and extreme curiosity.

Who were your mentors? To paraphrase a line from The Hasty Heart, I’m a little bit of every place I’ve ever been and every person I’ve ever met, so my mentors have been many. Those that come immediately to mind are Patrick Baldauff, Linda Egloff, Linda Burton-Branson, Leo Eaton, Nancy Scott Jones and Lainey Berkus. The wonderful thing about life is that you never stop learning.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? A schoolteacher, a ballerina, a playwright, an anthropologist/archaeologist, an astronaut and a marine biologist.

As a child, I was fascinated by everything and wanted to do it all!

What person do you most admire? Pope John Paul II. What do you enjoy doing on a day off? A hike at Eisenhauer Park or a drive down a long, winding country road. I hope the bluebonnets are in full bloom this spring.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Cooking, painting, beading or writing; I just know I have a great novel in me. To relax, I exercise and meditate.

What is your all-time favorite book? The Winter of Our Discontent by John Steinbeck.

That book is filled with earmarked worn pages, underlined passages and margin notes.

What’s the best movie you have seen in the last year? The Artist. The film is relatively silent, black and white and filled with soul. It was refreshing to experience the thought and longing of these characters as conveyed through subtle gestures of the body, a glance, a slight turn of the head, a smile, raising an eyebrow and the penetrating power of the eyes as windows to the soul. It left me wanting more of this from Hollywood.

Who has been the biggest influence in your life personally and professionally?

Personal influencers — Mom and Dad. Professional influencers — I’d rather not say because sometimes our greatest lessons come from adversity. My greatest professional growth has come from my darkest hours. You know what they say: “That which does not destroy us, makes us stronger.”

What brought you to San Antonio? The military. My father was in the Air Force and retired from Brooks Air Force Base. I like its vibrancy, varied culture and charm.

Which community groups or not-for-profit groups are you involved with as a volunteer? Culinaria, Arthur O’Krent Golf Classic, the Blood and Tissue Center Foundation and the Bexar County Medical Society Foundation. I’m also helping to promote When The Wolves Came, a memoir by Father Ted Pfeifer recounting his missionary life as an Oblate priest in Mexico.

How do you find balance in your life – career, community and home life? By always placing my faith first.

What are your goals? That my core values remain intact and serve as a road map not only for professional obligations, but friendships too. That I take ownership of my faults, failures and find a way to triumph. That every action is carried out with the intention of good, that I honor boundaries, respect diversity and deliver my very best with integrity.

What is the best advice that you have ever received? Choose your battles wisely, and in the end it’s all small stuff.

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T

A Runner’s High

By PAULA ALLEN

Photography by JANET ROGERS

hough Angel Whitley is young, at 33, to head a business,

tual friend; when her future husband learned where she worked,

she got there step by step. A lifelong interest in fitness,

she says, “He came in to get shoes just to meet me.” Married for 11

getting in on the ground floor of a runners’ specialty

years, the couple has two children, Emily, 9, and Mason, 7. After

store, earning a business degree and marriage to a sup-

portive spouse all helped prepare her to take over Fleet Feet Sports last year when the previous owner decided to retire.

At Alamo Heights High School, Whitley was a multisport ath-

her children were born, Whitley became a stay-at-home mother, but continued to work at Fleet Feet on an occasional basis.

Given her years of experience, former store owner Carroll Voss “was great about letting me come in and out whenever I wanted

lete, participating in basketball, cross-country and track; she made

to,” she says. When her younger child started kindergarten two

the cross-country team as a student at the University of the Incar-

years ago, she started working a regular part-time schedule, three

nate Word. “I’ve been running half my life, and I love it,” she says.

days a week. “When the opportunity to buy came up last year, Car-

Just a few months after Fleet Feet opened in 1997, Whitley got a part-time job there. Located in the Sunset Ridge Shopping Cen-

roll asked me if I was ready,” she says. “We had talked about it for years, and it seemed like the right time for both of us.”

ter, the store wasn’t far from the university where she was working

Owning the store has been “a dream come true” for the whole

toward a bachelor’s in business management, after switching from

family. Her husband Jeremy is a co-owner and contributes additional

biology. Given flexible hours and her own passion for running,

business expertise. Some Saturdays — the store’s busiest day — are

Whitley soon found herself working almost full time. “I didn’t know I’d still be here, 14 years later,” she says, smiling.

Whitley even met her husband, Jeremy, now a manager at USAA, at the store. One of her cross-country teammates was a mu-

90 | sawoman.com

Angel Whitley's 14-year relationship with Fleet Feet Sports began when she worked there part time while attending the University of the Incarnate Word. Today she is the owner of the store.

ROLE MODEL W “family workdays,” when all the Whitleys

ANGEL WHITLEY

spend at least part of the day at Fleet Feet, with the parents dividing their time between the sales floor and back rooms, where the children play or do homework.

As owner of a store that offers training programs for runners at all levels, from beginning walkers through competitive runners, Whitley also is in the business of helping other people’s dreams come true.

Especially close to her heart is the beginners’ program, No Boundaries, which helps people with little or no previous fitness experience train to walk or run a 5K race. The group meets twice weekly at the store for practice and instruction.

“When you put somebody who hasn’t been doing anything for fitness in a group with other people who are going through the same thing they’re going through, it builds community,” says Whitley. “They come to the group, find coaching and encouragement and want to stay with it.”

One current New Boundaries member drives all the way from Victoria and back for meetings, she says, and the group has nearly doubled in size since last fall. The

Age: 33 Occupation: Owner, Fleet Feet Sports store Why she’s a role model: Owns her own business, passionate about encouraging fitness throughout the community Personal: Married 11 years to Jeremy Whitley, a manager at USAA; two children, Emily, age 9, and Mason, 7 Goals: “Professionally, to create movement in the city by having training programs for all levels and to bring these programs to other neighborhoods.

Personally, we’d like to travel more, related to fitness.”

If I weren’t doing this, I’d be … ”Home with my kids. I was very blessed to be able to stay home with my kids, and now I’m thankful to have this additional opportunity to do what I love.”

People would be surprised that I …“Eat pumpkin pie for breakfast; my kids do, too. I’ll make one at night, and we’ll eat it the next morning.”

Favorite relaxation strategy: “We like running as a family, but we also enjoy sitting outside and hanging out, having friends over.”

What she’s reading: Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, by Peter Scazzero, a book that recommends “living out your spirituality in a way that involves emotional health — working through your emotions instead of ignoring them.”

program is coed, but most of the participants are women — a good thing, says

(sports shoes) based on color and style,

Whitley takes her own advice when it

Whitley, because they’re likely to influence

but foot shape and biomechanics are much

comes to balancing work and family life. As

their husbands and children to get fit, too.

more important.” Even size may be an

a small-business owner, she says, “It can get

The beginners’ program starts three

issue: “Nine out of 10 people pick the

overwhelming. I went from being a stay-at-

times a year, with mentors — usually

wrong size,” she says. “They think that if

home mom with a part-time job that didn’t

coaches and personal trainers — who help

they wear a size 7 in regular shoes, they

go home with me, to having to be reachable

participants in achieving their goals. “We

need a 7 in a running shoe. Fit is everything,

seven days a week.” As she reminds her

surround people with support and experi-

and not just whether it’s too short or too

staff, “You have to turn it off and go home

ence,” says Whitley. “We also believe in ac-

long. If your foot is riding that flex groove

and enjoy your family. We’re not running an

countability. If someone doesn’t show up,

wrong, you’re going to feel it.” Proper fit of

emergency room here. We’re growing a

we’ll call them and ask, ‘Are you OK?’”

the proper shoe is key to success, says

small business and doing some neat things

Other programs take more advanced run-

Whitley. “Your running shoes should not

in the community, but if we can’t get some-

ners to the next level — a 10K race, half-

make you want to stop running.” If ignored,

thing done today, we’ll do it tomorrow.”

marathon and marathon — and all are

badly fitting shoes could even lead to in-

intended to help people improve speed,

juries, including joint damage.

strength and endurance.

Though walking is not a team sport,

Luckily, she says, “I have a great staff.

There’s no way I could do it all myself. I know I can go home and not worry, the

While Whitley advocates healthy move-

Whitley recommends finding a partner or

store goes on without me.” Her store is

ment of all kinds — she and her husband

small group. “If you see a neighbor out

part of a national chain of 91 running spe-

are avid cyclists as well as runners — she

walking, ask if you can join them,” she says.

cialty franchises. “I’m in touch with every

points out the relative ease of walking or

“A lot of us want to make changes, but

other owner,” says Whitley, “and I’m partic-

running for individuals who are just start-

we’re afraid to seek someone out to en-

ularly close with those who came in at the

ing or renewing a fitness program. “If you

courage us. If you walk with someone else,

same time as me. We exchange e-mails all

start with walking, all you need to do is go

you can encourage each other.”

the time, and we meet a couple of times a year.” National leadership also is support-

out your front door,” she says. “You don’t

Beginning walkers and runners, fueled

have to join a gym, and you don’t need to

by enthusiasm for their new activity, also

buy any equipment other than a good pair

need to remember not to overdo it. “Don’t

Building community is one of those val-

of shoes.” Also, she says, “Walking lends it-

bite off more than you can chew,” advises

ues, and Whitley hopes someday to extend

self to easily measurable goals. You can

Whitley. “Walk five days a week, not every

her runners’ groups and training programs

walk to that first stop sign one day and try

day. Start slowly — like from walking to the

into other parts of the city. “My BHAG —

for the second one the next, increase your

end of the block to walking around the

big, hairy, audacious goal — is to get San

time from 10 minutes on up.”

block. You want to get up the next morning

Antonio off the nation’s 10 fattest cities

feeling good, ready to do it again, instead

list,” she says. “I’d like to help create move-

of being so sore you can’t walk that day.”

ment in all parts of the city.”

By “good shoes,” Whitley means shoes that fit well. “People may want to buy

ive and clear about corporate culture.

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W WOMEN’S WELLNESS

Cosmetic Surgery from Head to Toe

E

Numbers and types of procedures continue to grow

By ANNE MOORE

ven in the most dire economic times, people will still find money to spend on improving their appearance, according to Cosmetic Medical News. In 2010, Americans spent $10.7 billion on cosmetic procedures.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), “Cosmetic plastic surgery includes surgical and nonsurgical procedures that reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve appearance and self-esteem.”

WATCH FOR THESE TRENDS IN PLASTIC SURGERY: • Nips and tucks will become even more popular.

• New heat- or light-based technology and devices are under development.

• Testing of skin cells for wrinkled skin

people have received these injections.

There are two general classes of injectables:

regeneration continues. Some surgeons are

Neuromuscular toxin — Appropriate

• The selection of injectables continues

testing a mixture of fat and stem cells as

for use in facial lines and shallower wrin-

to grow as research labs worldwide try to

well. Your plastic surgeon or dermatologist

kles around the mouth, forehead, neck and

capture the fountain of youth and the dol-

can keep you up-to-date on new products.

eyebrows, these temporarily weaken or

lars that will follow from individuals with

Note: Right here at Fort Sam Houston,

paralyze the muscle that’s causing the

a ReCell kit is being tested to treat second-

wrinkle. Botox Cosmetic® and a newer

degree burn victims, reducing chances of

version called Dysport are widely recog-

infection and pain in treatment of burn vic-

nized and FDA approved.

the same goal.

• More men are undergoing liposuction and Botox (Bro-tox) injections.

• Topical use of Botox is being studied.

tims. Who knows? If successful, this kit or

Soft tissue fillers — The other class of

• You’ll see rebates, price reductions,

something similar may be used for cosmetic

injectable treatments for deeper wrinkling

procedures in the future.

and lines. Your own fat can be used as an

INJECTABLE ANTI-AGING TREATMENTS

your body is removed, then injected to re-

specials and Groupon-type offers.

• Unfortunately, the number of reports of botched plastic surgery practiced by unlicensed and/or inexperienced persons is increasing.

injectable filler. Fat from other places in For those who want to improve early

place volume in the face, lips and hands.

facial aging without the expense and time

The ASPS agrees that fat is a safe, long-

• “Medical tourism” travel to other

required by more invasive surgeries, there

lasting and natural-appearing filler. Other

countries for aesthetic surgery and recov-

is a rapidly growing number of injectable

volumizing fillers include Radiesse and

ery at lower prices is gaining in popularity.

treatments available. More than 2.4 million

Sculptra Aesthetic. A newish hyaluronic

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WOMEN”S WELLNESS W

ginning lines and wrinkles. ePrime lasers are advertised to give a “nonsurgical facelift” because in one treatment they take care of deep lines, wrinkles and acne scars and also tighten, add volume and elasticity to skin.

Some other newsworthy treatments include Cryolipysis, which chills the fat to almost freezing, causing the fat to “explode” and then be absorbed into the body for elimination.

Viagra! It may be that a cream or gel form of this well-known little blue pill will be the product our cellulite has been waiting for. Theoretically, it will have the same effects in the area where the cream or gel is placed — improved microcirculation, fat breakdown and blood oxygenation — as it does for men now. This product is still in the development stages. CAUTION: Do NOT use the current pill version of Viagra or other similar product for cosmetic purposes.

Venus Freeze™ is a body-contouring treatment that uses radio frequency to build collagen in the arms, legs and tummy area or to tighten skin and reduce wrinkles on the face. Exilis is a machine with an ulacid filler believed to be ideal for under the

• Medium peels are usually used to treat

trasound “guidance system” to deliver pow-

eye is Bolotero. It has a thinner consistency

moderate wrinkles, long-term sun damage,

erful radio waves directly into the dermis for

than other fillers with no bluish undertone.

pigment changes and precancerous lesions.

precise lifting and tightening. Thermage

Juvederm and Restylane are two other

• Deep peels are used to treat more

also uses radio frequency energy, originally

severe wrinkles, deep sun damage or pig-

for skin rejuvenation, and now to tighten,

ment changes and lesions or other

tone and contour the body. Clear + Bril-

growths on the skin.

liant™ is a relatively new noninvasive laser,

popular injectable fillers.

Selphl is a new FDA-approved product to smooth wrinkles, rejuvenate the skin and lower the chance of an allergic reac-

Peels are not for everyone. Results de-

tion. It’s referred to as the vampire facelift

pend on your skin type and condition,

because one’s own blood is used for the

your doctor’s level of experience and

platelet-rich plasma to inject back into the

your lifestyle.

which is desirable for treating age spots and fine lines and wrinkles on the face.

Laser liposuction, just as its name implies, is a combination of a laser to liquefy

(microdermabrasion)

fat cells and a cannula (small tube) to re-

dicate new collagen, blood vessels and fat

therapy is an effective way to remove dead

move them. This technique provides

cells were observed within three weeks.

skin, and improve your skin’s appearance.

greater flexibility for hard-to-reach or more

face or other areas of the body. Studies in-

Dermabrasion

It can be used on the arms, back, buttocks,

sensitive areas, such as the neck and

FDA-approved fillers available.

chest, face, hands and neck.

under-chin area and some body contouring

Lasers are used to remove hair, correct

in areas of the “spare tire,” male breasts

OTHER METHODS TO COMBAT AGING:

discolorations, remove tumors and birth-

and the arms. NOTE: This procedure does

Note: Consult your physician for other

Skin resurfacing: Chemical peels, der-

marks, perform eye surgery and for collagen

not replace traditional liposuuction for

mabrasion and lasers are described as

stimulation and other aesthetic purposes.

larger areas or for more extensive body

Just as with injections, there is ongoing re-

sculpting surgery.

“minimally invasive” procedures.

Chemical peels come in three cate-

search to invent the ultimate tool — the

Liposonix® is a high-intensity ultra-

gories: Superficial, medium and deep, de-

fastest, least intrusive and totally painless

sound device designed to improve body

pending upon the depth and severity of

miracle treatment for face and body.

the burn.

The Brilliant laser is said to be safe for

contour and remove unwanted localized fat pockets from the body. Ultrasound waves

• Superficial peels are used on all skin

all skin types and to stimulate collagen

target the fat tissues underneath the skin’s

types to improve acne scars, mild sun

production. Matrix lasers are suitable for

surface; then fat is liquefied and removed

damage and fine wrinkles.

those ages 35 to 45 who want to treat be-

through the body’s lymphatic system.

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W WOMEN’S WELLNESS COSMETIC LIFTS FROM HEAD TO TOE • Acupuncture “facelift” — Over a series of about 10 visits, improved appearance and health of your skin and health can be noticed. In Chinese medicine, your skin is believed to reflect your overall health. The acupuncturist will determine which of your internal organs, systems and functions might also need help. You can find a good cosmetic acupuncturist through the American Cosmetic Acupuncture Association website.

• Brow or forehead lift minimizes forehead creases/frown lines across the forehead.

• Eyebrow transplant — There are several transplant techniques available. One very popular method involves taking hairs from the back of the head, separating them and then implanting them, one at a time.

• Body hair transplants — Some men might want to have more chest hair or sport a thicker moustache or goatee.

• Ear surgery (otoplasty) can improve the shape, position or proportion of the ear, correct a defect in the ear structure or treat misshapen ears resulting from an injury.

• An earlobe lift will correct those saggy or wrinkled earlobes resulting from the aging process or all those fab heavy earrings. This will give you a plumper, more rounded earlobe, which will make you appear younger. An alternative to the surgery would be to have a filler injected to smooth and plump the earlobe.

• Cosmetic eye surgery (upper and/or lower blepharoplasty) is a relatively painless and fast-healing surgery for a fresher, tighter, more natural and youthful appearance. Hyaluronic acid filler injections can have good results as well, but must be repeated annually.

• Nose surgery (rhinoplasty) is performed to improve the appearance and proportion of your nose or to correct a breathing problem associated with the nose.

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W WOMEN’S WELLNESS

In 2010, Americans spent $10.7 billion on cosmetic procedures

• Facial implants can be used in the cheeks, chin and jawline to bring structural balance and proportion to your face.

• Chin surgery — In addition to adding implants, this surgery can include the reduction of the chin for structural proportion.

• Neck lift surgery is an option if your neck has aged before your face or you have lost quite a bit of weight or those darn genetics have kicked in. Your neck muscles might need some altering, or you might just need to get rid of some excess fat or skin. Botox injections or liposuction will do the job.

• Arm lift (brachioplasty) reshapes the under portion of the upper arm from the area underarm to above the elbow. The underlying supportive tissue is tightened and reshaped, and then the skin is smoothed over the new contour of your arm. Liposuction may be used in the surgery procedure.

• Breasts – bigger, smaller, rounder. Women have them. But we may not be entirely happy with ones we have. Well, we can have a …

Breast lift, using a variety of techniques based upon breast size and shape, degree of sagging, skin quality, elasticity and excess. The underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped for contour and firmness; excess skin is removed to compensate for the loss of elasticity.

Breast augmentation uses breast implants for fuller breasts, to restore breast volume after weight loss or pregnancy or for medical reasons, such as the loss of a breast resulting from cancer or an accident.

• Tummy tuck is the only way to permanently restore firmness to the stomach and get rid of loose skin. Your supporting stomach muscles will be tightened, fat removed by liposuction and excess skin removed. The scar will be hidden when wearing a swimsuit.

• Liposhifting is a surgery designed to move the body’s fat around from within to improve shape and contour. No fat is removed; the fat cells are combined with another medium so that they can then be “shifted” to the desired location, using special tools.

As this is a new procedure, it is critical to choose a surgeon

who is highly experienced.

• Thigh lift will reshape the thighs by tightening the tissue and reducing excess skin and fat, resulting in smoother skin and betterproportioned contours of your thighs and lower body. Liposuction may also be used.

• Gynecological cosmetic surgery is fairly new in the aesthetic surgery arena. This type of surgery can be used to reconstruct genitalia after childbirth or other medical situations as well as for a more youthful appearance.

• Spider vein treatment (sclerotherapy) is an effective solution for those of us who avoid baring our legs because of those small clusters of red, blue and purple veins on our thighs, calves and ankles.

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WOMEN’S WELLNESS W • Body lifts include breast lift surgery and a complete lower body lift (buttocks, abdomen, waist, hips and thighs) plus liposuction in one procedure.

• Foot lifts include narrowing of the foot to better fit high heels!

The surgeon shortens the second toe so it’s not longer than the big toe and makes the little toe shorter and skinnier. Note: The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society warns patients to avoid this type of cosmetic surgery since the risks are much greater than the benefits.

• Permanent makeup (micropigmentation) can include eyeliner, lip liner, full lips, full blush on cheeks, full eye shadow, eyebrows and eyebrow touch-ups. The procedure involves a hand-held device, which uses a tiny needle that punctures the skin hundreds of times per minute to push the pigment into the desired area. Caution: You must choose a qualified, very experienced and health-conscious person for this procedure to avoid complications.

Candidates for cosmetic procedures should be healthy and have a positive outlook and realistic expectations. Procedures should always be a personal choice, done for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit an “ideal” image.

Costs for elective cosmetic surgery are always a consideration since most health insurance does not cover cosmetic surgery or its complications.

SAFETY BEFORE BEAUTY Warning: The world’s largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons is taking action to warn patients to investigate their doctor’s qualification before undergoing plastic surgery procedures. The organization says there is a misconception among consumers that as long as a doctor is certified in a medical field, he or she is qualified to practice plastic surgery.

Choosing a surgeon requires homework before undergoing cosmetic surgery. Look for certification in aesthetic procedures with experience in your area of interest. The surgeon should operate in accredited medical facilities and adhere to a strict code of ethics.

Board certification can be from one of the following: ASPS — American Society of Plastic Surgeons ASAPS — American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon ABPS — American Board of Plastic Surgeons Expert Injectors are board-certified plastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, dermatologists and oculoplastic surgeons who demonstrate due diligence regarding patient safety, reliable results and consumer education. Fewer than 7 percent of U.S. doctors are properly qualified to perform injectable procedures, using only products approved by the FDA for aesthetic use.

Costs for elective cosmetic surgery are always a consideration since most health insurance does not cover cosmetic surgery or its complications. Some variables to costs include: • Surgeon’s fee — may vary based on experience, type of procedure and geographical location • Hospital or surgical facility costs • Anesthesia fees • Prescriptions • Post-surgery garments • Medical tests

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WHEN OUR FIRST 100 YEARS FOR THE PAST 100 YEARS,

Girl Scouts of the USA has strived to make a difference in the lives of girls across the nation and beyond. From its humble beginning in Savannah, Ga., the organization has proved even the smallest actions can inspire change across generations.

On March 12, 1912, Juliette Gordon Low placed a phone call to a friend, declaring, "I've got something for the girls of Savannah, and all of America, and all the world, and we're going to start it tonight!" That evening, she gathered 18 girls to register the first troop of Girl Scouts. It was her belief that all girls should be given the opportunity to develop physically, mentally and spiritually. With the goal of bringing girls out of isolated home environments and into community service and the open air, the first Girl Scouts hiked, played basketball, went on camping trips, learned how to tell time by the stars and studied first aid.

Within a few years, Juliette’s dream for a girl-centered organization was realized. Today, Girl Scouts of the USA has a membership of more than 3.2 million girls and adults, a significant growth from its modest beginnings a century ago. More than 50 million women in the U.S. today are Girl Scout alumnae. From a willingness to tackle important societal issues, to the commitment to diversity and inclusiveness—Girl Scouts is dedicated to every girl, everywhere.

Though the organization continues to stay true to the vision that Juliette established 100 years ago, Girl Scouts recognizes the importance of providing girls with the tools, skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Today, girls represent humanity’s largest untapped talent pool. Too many urgent challenges go unmet because too few girls become leaders—and only one girl in five believes she has what it takes to lead the way for others.

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BECOMES OUR NEXT 100 YEARS

TWO THOUSAND TWELVE IS THE YEAR OF THE GIRL In an initiative designed to focus national attention on girls and the issues they face, Girl Scouts of the USA has declared 2012 the Year of the Girl: a celebration of girls, recognition of their leadership potential and a commitment to creating a coalition of like-minded organizations and individuals in support of gender equality in the workplace and in communities across the nation.

Girl Scouts is using the opportunity afforded by its 100th anniversary to serve as the foundation for ToGetHerThere. The campaign is a broad and prolonged effort to break down barriers that hinder girls from leading and achieving success. American leadership can’t be transformed in a year, but changing expectations and creating awareness will be the catalyst for that transformation.

Investing in girls produces the greatest return in economic development, social progress and public health.

However, girls’ programs receive only 6 percent of philanthropic dollars. Communities and organizations must come together to fund girls by promoting the progress and excellence of tomorrow’s leaders. How can you help?

Take the ToGetHerThere Pledge and speak up for supportive environments in your own community.

When girls succeed, so does society. Girl Scouting’s Year of the Girl is a celebration, ToGetHerThere is the campaign, and girls are ultimately the cause. As a girl, she needs confidence, encouragement and support to realize her full potential. As a woman, she needs only the opportunity to lead. Together, we will get her there.

Visit ToGetHerThere.org for more information.

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GIRLS HAVE A LOT TO SAY. AND WE ARE THEIR VOICE. More than half of America’s girls hope to have an effect on the world beyond the communities where they live.

How do we know? We listen.

Since its founding in 2000, the Girl Scout Research Institute has become an internationally recognized center for research and public policy information on the development and well-being of girls. Not just Girl Scouts, but all girls.

Until recently, there was comparatively little published research on how girls develop as leaders or the distinctive qualities of female leadership. In addition to its own research staff, the Girl Scout Research Institute draws on experts in child development, education, business, government and the not-for-profit sector for wellrounded studies.

enty-eight percent of regular reality TV viewers think gossiping is a normal part of a relationship between girls, compared to 54 percent of non-viewers. All of the girls in the study feel that reality shows promote bad behavior, and the vast majority think these shows “often pit girls against each other to make the shows more exciting” (86 percent), “make people think that fighting is a normal part of a romantic relationship” (73 percent), and “make people think it’s OK to treat others badly” (70 percent).

This study on girls and reality TV joins a larger portfolio of recent research, which examines girls’ overall consumption of various forms of media and how that consumption impacts perceptions of self, others and how the world works.

The focus on girls has paid off. Today, the Girl Scout Research Institute is seen as the leading source of original research into issues that girls face and the social trends that affect their lives.

GIRLS AND TODAY’S MEDIA Boys and girls agree that leadership has no gender, but only one girl in five believes she has what it takes to lead. Reality television, the fashion industry and social media outlets dominate the messages young girls are given from an early age. These messages give the impression that behaving badly, pushing sexuality, dressing a certain way and hiding behind a persona are normal actions and the only ways to get attention.

Last year, the Girl Scout Research Institute released results from a survey of more than 1,100 girls nationwide.

The study, Real to Me: Girls and Reality TV, revealed that many girls think programs such as American Idol and Jersey Shore reflect reality, with 75 percent saying competition shows and 50 percent saying real-life shows are “mainly real and unscripted.”

Overall, the findings of the study show reality TV seems to impact girls on both personal and social levels. Of girls surveyed, regular viewers differ dramatically from nonviewers in their expectations of peer relationships. Sev-

In 2010, the Girl Scout Research Institute introduced Who’s That Girl? Self Image in the 21st Century, which surveyed more than 1,000 girls ages 14 to 17 on the subjects of social media and online personalities.

The study found that increased exposure to social media puts teenage girls in a confusing situation where a girl's image is not always what it seems.

Nearly 74 percent of girls agree that most girls use social networking sites to make themselves seem "cooler than they really are," and 41 percent admit that this phenomenon describes them. The survey also found that girls downplay several positive characteristics of themselves

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online to appear more interesting—most prominently intelligence, kindness and efforts to be a positive influence.

The impact of social media on girls' emotional safety, relationships and reputations is not restricted to an online environment. Sixty-eight percent of girls surveyed said they have had a negative experience stem from a social networking site, such as having someone gossip about them or being bullied. Nearly half (46 percent) think social networking often creates jealousy among friends, and 40 percent admitted to losing respect for a friend because of something she/he posted on a social network.

Despite the startling results of these studies, a positive relationship between young girls and media can exist.

whelming gap between how girls are expected to conduct themselves and the examples they see daily on television and online.

The safe and healthy use of media may improve peer interactions, increase connections and encourage a more positive image of self. However, there remains an over-

Let this be the generation when the gap is closed, when every girl will have the confidence to be herself—and no one else.

TREFOIL HONOREES For more than two decades, Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas has selected an outstanding woman and dedicated community leader who embodies the beliefs and principles of the Girl Scout Movement. This exceptional woman is presented with the celebrated Trefoil Award.

Cyndi Taylor Krier-1988

Amy Freeman Lee-1996

Lila Cockrell-2004

Irene S. Wischer-1989

Suzy Finesilver-1997

Nancy Zachry-2005

Edith S. McAllister-1990

Janey Briscoe-1998

Nancy Loeffler-2006

Mary Nan West-1991

Charline McCombs-1999

Jimmie Ruth Evans-2007

Elizabeth H. Maddux-1992

Veronica Salazar-2000

Dela W. White-2008

Josephine Musselman-1993

Jocelyn L. Straus-2001

Linda Whitacre-2009

Sally Cheever-1994

Vikki Carr-2002

Harriet Marmon Helmle -2010

Aaronetta H. Pierce-1995

Rosemary Kowalski-2003

Suzanne Goudge - 2011

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GIRL POWER INDEED The Stories Behind the Sash Ten inspiring San Antonio women share, in their own words, how being a Girl Scout shaped the leaders they are today.

CARRI BAKER WELLS

Chief Operations Officer (San Antonio Office), for Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP Leadership in Law This was my first job after graduating from Texas A&M University, and I’ve been with the firm over 26 years. I’ve grown from having a marketing/public relations role to having management oversight over our operations. Our firm has grown from being a small San Antonio law firm to a national leader by having a commitment to excellence in our work and to the communities we serve — much like the Girl Scouts!

My Girl Scout Experience Girl Scouts gave me a safe, comfortable environment to spread my wings and learn to fly without the risk of failure.

Those early seeds of self-confidence and hard work took hold, and with subsequent life experiences, I’ve done what most Girl Scouts do… live a life of substance and service.

DR. LEE S. CARLISLE

Medical Director, Medical Arts & Research Center (MARC) Day Surgery Center, UT Medicine San Antonio Leadership in Medicine As medical director of a surgery center with four operating rooms, I am responsible for all operational issues that impact patient care, from the medical care itself to keeping the surgeons running on time. I am also in charge of the anesthesia team at UT Medicine Anesthesiology that cares for all patients undergoing surgery.

My Girl Scout Experience I remember how much I loved my uniform. I stood up a little straighter when I wore it. As a lover of fashion, I felt confident and empowered in my Girl Scout uniform. My badge sash proudly displayed all of my hard work.

JANIE MARTINEZ GONZALEZ

President and CEO, Webhead Leadership in Technology I am responsible for setting the overall vision and strategy of the company, and for leading a diverse team of industry experts in Internet technologies, knowledge engineering, cyber security and cyber solutions for new industries. Our work contributes to the federal government’s national defense efforts. As a social innovator with almost two

decades of business experience, I have new visions and plan to take Webhead to new heights.

My Girl Scout Experience Girl Scouting builds character. It taught me goal setting and how to work with a diverse group. I learned basic business principles (entrepreneurship, money management, networking, sales and marketing), and how to be resourceful, creative, set new directions and possibilities for my family, education and career.

JELYNNE LEBLANC BURLEY

Executive Vice President, Corporate Support Services & Chief Administrative Officer, CPS Energy Leadership in Management I am a member of a team of executives who manage the day-to-day operations of CPS Energy. I lead a group of 680 individuals ranging from human resources, supply chain, safety, enterprise facilities, economic development, business services, information technology and security. My corporate support services team supports the entire enterprise of CPS Energy, and we are proud to say we work also on community projects.

My Girl Scout Experience I had a wonderful experience as a Girl Scout learning from many activities in the troop, field trips and summers at camp.

I learned the importance of teamwork, community responsibility, leadership skills, that you should honor your friends with respect, including the importance of diversity and tolerance, but primarily being prepared!

HON. LETICIA VAN DE PUTTE

State Senator for District 26, Texas Legislature Leadership in Public Service I've been a state senator since 1999, and was first elected to the Texas House in 1990. My job is to work with the other senators, the House of Representatives and the governor to pass laws in our state and help people in my district with government services. I'm very proud to represent San Antonio in the Senate, where there are only 31 members, each with lots of responsibilities. I also have another job — I work for Davila Pharmacy for most of my income (being a Texas legislator actually pays very little — we do it to serve our communities).

My Girl Scout Experience Girls Scouts are all about building character and the internal strength of girls. It is not just about their self-esteem, but also

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about acquiring skills that are good for the girl herself and good for the community. Girl Scouts teaches young women that they can work together to achieve a project or goal. For me, particularly in high school, it was about learning that there is a greater responsibility to the community you live in — that if you've been blessed to have a secure home and a good education, even if you are very, very young, you can give back to the community.

LISA SANCHEZ-WONG

Owner, Rosario’s Mexican Café y Cantina in Southtown/ King William and the San Antonio International Airport; Ácenar on The River Walk; and R Sala Bebida Botana Bar at the San Antonio International Airport.

Leadership in Hospitality I am the owner of several restaurant concepts in San Antonio and employ more than 200 employees. I oversee the management teams, menu development, marketing and overall strategic planning and development for each venue.

My Girl Scout Experience The one principle I learned that has stayed with me is being a good neighbor and helping people. We were taught to open doors for elderly people or help them carry their groceries if you saw them struggling—pitching in where you were needed. This principle has helped me in the food and hospitality industry because service is at the center of what we do every day.

SHERYL SCULLEY City Manager, City of San Antonio

Leadership in Government I am the Chief Executive Officer of the City government for San Antonio. The city manager runs the dayto-day operations of the city, which has a $2.2 billion budget and nearly 12,000 employees. I oversee over 30 city departments, providing a wide range of services, including police and fire services, parks and recreation, health, libraries, streets, finance, budget, aviation and solid waste collection, in addition to general administration of the city.

My Girl Scout Experience I was a Brownie and Girl Scout in Highland, Indiana – Troop 66.

Being a Girl Scout taught me the importance of taking on a project and staying committed to it until its successful completion. It also taught me to take ownership of the responsibilities of a task and the importance of teamwork – by working together, a group can accomplish great things.

SUZANNE WADE President, San Antonio Food/Drug Division, H-E-B

Leadership in Business I am responsible for 208 stores across several geographic areas including the Greater San Antonio City area, Central and North Texas, the Rio Grande Valley, Southwest Texas and the Gulf Coast.

My Girl Scout Experience Girl Scouts taught me about courage, confidence and character. I learned to work with a team and gained communication

skills that helped me grow into the leadership role I hold today. I learned that I love to sell and I was good at it. Girl Scouts allowed me to develop into a very goal-oriented woman.

SYLVIA BENITEZ

Fine Artist, Founder/President, Gentileschi Aegis Gallery Association Leadership in Art I’m a nationally known fine artist who lived for many years in New York City. I moved to San Antonio when I was 50, and noticed there were very little or no exhibition opportunities for emerging mature women artists. So, I founded a not-for-profit women’s art organization, the Gentileschi Aegis Gallery Association. Its mission is to help promote the mature and unsung emerging women artists in South Texas through educational and exhibition opportunities, while providing a social network of solidarity, shared expertise, knowledge, friendship and support.

My Girl Scout Experience Girl Scouts instilled in me the importance of community and civic responsibility: honor, trust, love and dedication to work ethics.

ANA MARGARITA “CHA” GUZMÁN, PH. D. President, Palo Alto College

Leadership in Education I am the first woman president of Palo Alto College in the South Side of San Antonio. We serve approximately 9,500 students (65 percent of whom are female) with an annual budget of $25 million.

I lead a team of 250 faculty and staff to provide academic programs and services on and off campus in south San Antonio, Bexar County and surrounding counties in South Texas. Prior to assuming that role in 2001, I served as a senior advisor to the Secretary of Education during the Clinton administration.

My Girl Scout Experience I was a Girl Scout in my native Cuba. Being a Girl Scout gave me leadership skills that have been the foundation to serving my community for over 30 years in various capacities at universities, community colleges and secondary educational institutions.

ONCE A GIRL SCOUT, ALWAYS A GIRL SCOUT! Girl Scouting’s mission to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place, has fueled the pipeline of women in today’s leadership roles. More than half of female astronauts, 80 percent of all women executives and 11 of the 17 female U.S. Senators were Girl Scouts. Whatever your Girl Scout role may have been—Brownie, Junior, Cadette, troop leader, camp volunteer, staff member or dozens of others – count yourself among the 50 million women who are today’s Girl Scout Greats, and visit girlscoutsswtx.org/alumnae for more information.

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LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCES FOR GIRLS ARE WHAT MAKE GIRL SCOUTING UNIQUE. Girl Scouts helps every girl discover who she can be and what she can do, wherever she chooses to put her energies.

The journey begins with the Girl Scout environment itself.

A girl’s leadership blooms among other girls—away from school pressures, social cliques and boys—where she can be herself and try new things. Among Girl Scouts, activities are girl-led. She learns by doing, and the learning is cooperative, not competitive.

Girls are begging to push boundaries, test limits and look at the world around them with inquisitive eyes. Girl Scouts introduces girls of every age to activities that are relevant to everyday life. Girls are moving forward, and the Year of the Girl is just the beginning.

LEADING BUSINESSES COME TOGETHER IN SUPPORT OF GENDER-BALANCED LEADERSHIP From standing out in the classroom, to joining top ranks in corporate boardrooms, operating rooms, Silicon Valley and Capitol Hill, girls are backing down. Why? They are constantly fed the message that mind doesn’t matter, and image is everything.

The strength of the nation is reliant on developing girls’ critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration skills.

To meet the needs and interests of today’s girls, Girl Scouts has partnered with the area’s leading businesses to offer activities focused on what girls need to thrive in a rapidly-changing world. With a combined contribution of $150,000 to Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas, CPS Energy, H-E-B, Rackspace Hosting, Valero Energy Corporation, and Wells Fargo have taken the lead in supporting patch programs for each company’s area of expertise.

CPS Energy and Environmental Awareness For today’s girls, reversing environmental threats and improving quality of life will be the work of their generation. CPS Energy’s Environmental Awareness and Energy Conservation initiative combines environmental education and community action on a regional scale.

H-E-B and Healthy Living The Girl Scout program recognizes that physical health, emotional health and self-esteem are all connected. To further support the “whole girl,” H-E-B’s Healthy Living initiative educates girls about keeping their bodies healthy, their minds engaged and their spirits alive.

Rackspace Hosting and Technology Rackspace Hosting’s Voice through Technology initiative gives girls the opportunity to envision ways they can create a career out of tech interests. By pushing the outer limits of what’s possible in the realm of technology, design and innovation, tomorrow’s leaders will be well-prepared for the future.

Valero Energy Corporation and STEM Though they are traditionally maledominated fields, women are having a greater impact in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) than ever before. Whether they’re building robots, learning the mechanics of a car’s engine or creating a chemical reaction, girls are unlocking unexpected talents through Valero Energy Corporation’s STEM initiative.

Wells Fargo and Financial Literacy Today’s girls are not exempt from the lasting effects of economic crises.

Wells Fargo’s Financial Literacy initiative provides girls with the resources and knowledge to set fiscal goals and become financially accountable when earning and managing money.

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Girl Scouts is committed to ensuring that every girl—not just Girl Scouts—has the opportunity to explore any occupational interest she may have. With an innovative leadership model, groundbreaking research from the Girl Scout Research Institute and policy solutions, Girl Scouts is uniquely positioned to help policymakers, educators and the public advance girls’ education to ensure the country can access talents and resources of the next generation of female leaders.

DID YOU KNOW?

When today’s girls graduate from college, America will need 3 million more scientists and engineers. However, girls tend to leave science to boys as early as the 5th grade.

Companies with more female senior executives consistently outperform their industry peers by 40 percent. Of the Fortune 500 companies, only 15 percent have a female CEO. Girls excel at the collaborative style of leadership that most Americans say is missing in government. And yet, only 17 percent of U.S. senators, representatives and governors are women.

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WHO WE ARE Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is dedicated solely to girls between the ages of 5 and 17. For nearly 100 years we have enabled girls to build character and skills for success.

• Founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low • More than 3.2 million members throughout the United States* • GSUSA is a member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) • WAGGGS is a family of 10 million girls and adults in 145 countries (*including U.S. territories, and in more than 90 countries through USA Girl Scouts Overseas)

HOW TO BECOME A GIRL SCOUT

Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas (GSSWT) is chartered by Girl Scouts of the USA to provide programs in 21 counties. We are headquartered at the Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center in north central San Antonio. The leadership center includes a Girl Scout Shop, Resource Center, a large multipurpose room for programs and overnights, and plenty of meeting rooms.

TO VISIT OR CONTACT GSSWT

Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center 811 N Coker Loop | San Antonio, TX 78216 Phone 210-349-2404 | 1-800-580-7247 Fax 210-349-2666 Avenida Guadalupe Girl Scout Center 1410 Guadalupe, Suite 102 | San Antonio, TX 78207 Phone 210-349-2404 | 1-800-580-7247 Fax 210-349-2666 TRAVEL. Want your daughter to go places? Girl Scouts do.

When they see and experience new things, it’s always an adventure they’ll never forget.

Call 210-349-2404/1-800-580-7247 or log on to girlscoutsswtx.org to find out about Girl Scouts in your neighborhood!

TROOP. Meeting regularly, girls can share amazing experiences, learn to make a difference in their community and have lots of fun!

• Be a girl in grades K-12 • Accept the Girl Scout Promise and Law • Pay national membership dues of $12 (financial assistance is available)

GIRL SCOUT GRADE LEVELS:

PARTICIPATE IN GIRL SCOUTS THROUGH ONE OR MORE PATHWAYS:

CAMP. By day or overnight, she can explore nature on two wheels, by the light of the moon or through the lens of a camera.

EVENTS. Most girls have more than one passion. Maybe storytelling, acting or dancing. Choose events centered on your daughter’s favorites.

SERIES. Everything’s more fun when you’re sharing it with others who love the same things. Our series let girls explore interests together in a way that fits their schedules.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GSUSA program at all levels emphasizes development of personal values, appreciation of others, decision-making, leadership and service. Program is adapted for each grade level and for the needs and interests of individual girls.

• • • • • •

Girl Scout Daisy—grades Kindergarten-1 Girl Scout Brownie—grades 2-3 Girl Scout Junior—grades 4-5 Girl Scout Cadette—grades 6-8 Girl Scout Senior—grades 9-10 Girl Scout Ambassador—grades 11-12

GIRL SCOUTS OFFERS MORE CHOICES AND MORE REASONS THAN EVER TO JOIN. GET STARTED TODAY!

Q: What happens after a girl becomes a Girl Scout?

A: When a girl joins the organization, she becomes a Girl Scout member. All members may choose any one, all or some of the flexible pathways to participate in during a single year.

Q: Are uniforms required in Girl Scouting?

A: Uniforms are not required, but are encouraged for visibility and Girl Scout spirit. A girl is always welcome to participate in Girl Scouting whether or not she chooses to have a uniform.

Q: How can I support my daughter’s Girl Scout journey?

A: Parents/guardians should be familiar with the flexible pathways their daughter can experience. Help her identify her interests, and encourage her to participate in various activities. All of the information a parent needs to support their daughter’s Girl Scout journey may be found online at girlscouts-swtx.org.

Q: Is financial assistance available?

A: Yes. GSSWT believes no girl should ever be denied the opportunity to participate in Girl Scouts because of financial need. Funds are available to assist girls with council activities, membership dues, books, etc.

Q: Where do funds come from to pay for books, pins and awards?

A: Through participation in product sales, such as the annual Girl Scout Cookie Program, which provides troops or individual girls with proceeds to help pay for books, earned awards or uniform pieces. Proceeds may also be used to pay for attendance at camp or to travel, as well as various activities offered by the council. Parents/guardians of girls will often pay some of the costs.

Q: Who can be a Girl Scout volunteer?

A: Anyone over the age of 18 and willing to accept the Girl Scout Promise and Law is welcome to volunteer for the organization.

Adults must complete an application with criminal background check and required training. GSSWT offers adult learning opportunities online and in a live-class format.

Q: Whom do I contact for information or help?

A: Much information may be found online at girlscouts-swtx.org or simply call 210-349-2404/1-800-580-7247.

A special section from San Antonio Woman

Can a Cookie Create a Leader?

By Jessica Donovan, esd & associates Community Involvement Liaison Most parents want their children to be a leader in their chosen

essence of entrepre-

career field. However, being a leader requires a certain skill set not

neurship – market-

easily attained from a textbook. This is where an organization like

ing, organization,

Girl Scouts of the USA truly makes the difference. Locally, Girl Scouts

communication and

of Southwest Texas give young women the practical tools they need

management skills.”

to learn the essence of leadership through various community projects, exploration experiences and of course, cookie sales.

Learning the basics

of

business

One San Antonio based company, esd & associates, a digital

leadership at such a

creative advertising agency, saw first hand the opportunities that

young age is just

the Girl Scouts create for young women striving toward leadership

one of the many real life benefits of being part of the Girl Scouts

roles within their communities. The owner, Christine Kleha, was

of the USA. Girl Scouting opens doors and gives young women

approached by 14-year old Hannah Richmond who wrote a busi-

the skills and the confidence to go out and impact their communi-

ness letter and made a follow-up call, reaching out to secure a

ties in both large and small ways. It’s important for businesses like

pitch meeting to sell the company on getting involved and pur-

esd & associates to get behind industrious Girl Scout troops and

chasing cookies for the cause.

support them when they come knocking. These young women are

According to Christine, “A Girl Scout cookie is so much more

the future of our country, and while a parent can do a lot, it takes

then a cookie! Selling a box of cookies gives young women in a

a community to create a leader. Do your part to determine how

troop or on an independent level the opportunity to learn the

the cookie crumbles!

FOCUS ON FOOD W

That’s Spicy!

Exotic blends ramp up flavors of many dishes

By PAT MOZERSKY

I

Photography by JANET ROGERS

magine a world without spices — how bland our meals would

or with mortar and pestle for the freshest,

be! It’s impossible to overstate the influence that spices — those

most robust flavor. Roasting the spices in

aromatic substances obtained from dried leaves and seeds,

a dry pan over moderate heat increases

desiccated roots, fruits, flowers or curls of bark — have had on

the intensity of the flavor and creates a

world history.

warm, smoky earthiness. Store your spices

From biblical times forward, man’s quest for spices helped fuel exploration and constant evolution in the kitchen. History re-

Above: Israeli Couscous with Vegetables and Ras El Hanout as served at the Fig Tree.

in airtight containers in a cool, dark place preferably just up to six months, or up to a year.

counts the secret trade routes of antiquity, when Arab traders

We asked three of San Antonio’s finest restaurants for recipes

monopolized the transport and sale of fragrant, costly spices.

made special with spices. The recipes are superb, and the tech-

Their caravans trekked from India and the Orient, bringing the

niques are invaluable.

precious cargo to the hungry markets of Carthage and Babylon, Alexandria and Rome.

At the Fig Tree, Moe Lazri and chef Byron Bergeron serve their

During the Middle Ages, throughout Europe, spices were pre-

Grilled Wild Salmon with this intriguing Israeli Couscous with Veg-

cious indeed. According to authors Day and Stuckey in their Spice

etables, topped with Moroccan ras el hanout. The name means top

Cook Book, “a pound of ginger bought a sheep. Pepper was almost

or head of the shop, denoting the best quality or the unique recipe

priceless, counted out berry by berry ... and in medieval France, a

of the spice merchant. It can also be used as a dry rub for meats,

pound of it could buy a serf his freedom.” On their journeys, the Cru-

especially lamb or chicken, or stirred into rice. Purchase the blend

saders sought the sources of treasured spices, but to no avail.

or make it yourself. Lazri purchases the blend at Ali Baba Interna-

The persistent quest for spices was the catalyst for European

tional Food Market at 9307 Wurzbach Road.

expeditions to the West, and the discovery of the New World yielded previously unknown aromatic treasures, from allspice to vanilla beans to fiery chiles. These in turn prompted further interaction between cultures.

Today, the United States is the world’s largest purchaser of spices. Fortunately for us, they’re affordable and readily available.

We can purchase them singly, or as carefully concocted spice blends such as the traditional Moroccan ras el hanout, Indian curry and garam masala, and French herbes de Provence and quatre épices, whose formulas vary with each spice merchant and cook.

Blends of spices can be made at home or purchased. Either way, they serve as shortcuts to complex layers of flavors and aromas. A little goes a long way, however, and a judicious hand is suggested.

(As Archie Bunker once advised Edith when she asked how her soup tasted, “Needs a little less salt.”)

It’s best to buy whole spices and grind them in a spice grinder

FIG TREE’S ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH VEGETABLES AND RAS EL HANOUT 3 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup chopped onion 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 (28-ounce) can tomatoes, drained and chopped 2 teaspoons sea salt 1 1/2 cups chicken stock 1/2 cup diced carrots 1/2 cup diced zucchini 1/2 cup English peas (fresh or frozen) 1 pound Israeli couscous 2 tablespoon butter 2 tablespoons ghee (Indian clarified butter, or your own clarified butter) 2 teaspoons ras el hanout, or to taste march/april 2012 |

115

W FOCUS ON FOOD

Heat the oil in a skillet, add the

small dry skillet over moderate heat, shak-

Mix the parsley, sesame seeds, garlic,

onions and garlic and sauté until translu-

ing often, just until the spices are fragrant

lemon zest, coriander and salt together

cent, about 5 minutes. Add the toma-

and lightly toasted. Watch carefully to

with your hands. Be sure to break up the

toes, salt, carrots and chicken stock.

avoid burning the spices. Transfer to a

lemon zest and garlic. Set aside. (Makes about 3/4 cup).

Simmer until the carrots are almost ten-

spice grinder (or blender or mortar), allow

der, then add the zucchini and peas. Re-

the spices to cool, then grind. Pour into a

Note: Toast the coriander seeds in a

duce the heat to a low simmer and cover

small bowl and add the ground ginger,

small skillet until lightly browned. Let

the pan; cook for a few minutes more,

turmeric, nutmeg and mace. Makes about

cool, then grind in a spice mill and sift

for a total of 25 minutes.

1/2 cup.

through a fine mesh strainer.

Meanwhile, cook the couscous in Green Cardamom Butter

salted water, drain and toss the cous-

Chef Jason Dady has closed The

cous with the butter and ghee. Combine

Lodge and now features many of its ex-

3 tablespoons green cardamom pods

with the cooked vegetables, sprinkle the

cellent dishes at Bin 555, where he and

1 pound unsalted butter, softened at room temperature

ras al hanout over top and serve. Makes

chef Patrick Edwards enhance their exqui-

about 6 to 8 servings.

site house-made naan bread with their

Ras el Hanout (Moroccan spice blend)

blend zahtar and green cardamom butter.

Grind the cardamom pods in a spice

Adapted from a recipe by spice expert

Cardamom is delicately fragrant, with a

mill. Sift the ground spice through a very

Aliza Green

1 tablespoon Fleur de Sel sea salt

own version of the Middle Eastern spice

warm, spicy-sweet flavor, often added to

fine sieve. (Chef uses a tamis — a worsted

1 tablespoon allspice berries

Indian Chai masala. The combination is in-

cloth strainer.) Mix the ground cardamom,

1 tablespoon black peppercorns

spired — and addicting.

(remove seeds from their pods; discard pods)

BIN 555’S NAAN-STYLE FLATBREAD WITH ZAHTAR AND GREEN

1 tablespoon cloves

CARDAMOM BUTTER

1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick, broken

Zahtar:

in half 1 teaspoon saffron threads 1 teaspoon anise seeds 1 tablespoon ground ginger 2 teaspoons ground turmeric 1 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground mace

1/2 cup finely minced parsley 3 tablespoons toasted white sesame seeds 3 cloves garlic, finely grated with a microplane Zest from 2 lemons (use the microplane for zesting too) 2 tablespoons ground, sifted

Combine allspices berries, black peppercorns, cardamom seeds, cloves, cinnamon stick and saffron threads. Toast in a

116 | sawoman.com

softened butter and salt together thoroughly. Makes 1 pound.

1 tablespoon cardamom seeds

TOASTED coriander seeds *See note 1 tablespoon Fleur de Sel sea salt

Naan bread (available at H-E-B) To serve: Spread cardamom butter on warm naan bread, then dip the bread into the zahtar or sprinkle it over top.

FOCUS ON FOOD W

Opposite page: Bin 555’s Naanstyle Flatbread with Zahtar and Green Cardamom Butter; Below: Feast’s North African Chermoula.

At Feast, chef Stefan Bowers prepares a sensational grilled lamb breast with Tunisian Chermoula — a condiment not unlike chimichurri sauce. This bright, pungent mixture of aromatics, dry spices and herbs is used throughout North Africa. Best known as a marinade for fish, it’s ethereal with any cut of lamb or spooned over roasted carrots or slices of sautéed eggplant.

Bowers says, “It makes roasted vegetables go through the roof!”

FEAST’S NORTH AFRICAN CHERMOULA 1 bunch cilantro 5 cloves garlic 2-inch knob fresh ginger, peeled 1/2 medium red onion, cut in quarters 2 green jalapeños, with seeds Zest and juice of 1 lemon 2 teaspoons cumin seeds, toasted and ground with mortar and pestle or spice grinder 1 teaspoon Madras brand or other good-quality curry powder 1 teaspoon paprika 2 teaspoons sugar 1 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil Chop the cilantro and place in a bowl. For the best texture, chef prefers using the small holes on a box grater to grate the garlic, ginger, onion, and jalapeños. (He warns us to watch our fingers.) Alternatively, pulse ingredients in a food processor; the mixture should look “pulpy.” Add the ground cumin, curry powder, paprika, sugar, salt and olive oil and mix thoroughly with a spoon.

Let sit at room temperature if using within a couple of hours, or refrigerate until serving time. Makes 1 cup.

march/april 2012 |

117

W DINING

Stone Werks New location, enticing menu attract crowds

O

By RON BECHTOL

Photography JANET ROGERS

ne might not think that a move of, oh, a half a mile or so might make much of a difference to an already established restaurant.

But a bigger space and a degree of enhanced visibility seem to

have been just what Stone Werks needed; on two occasions the restaurant’s latest outlet at Basse and Broadway in the Shops at Lincoln Heights was jumpin’— and just loud enough if you happen to be an oldies fan.

There were a few silver-haired sorts in the crowd, too, suggesting that the audience for artichoke dip, Kobe burgers and 14 Karat Cake with cream cheese frosting and roasted brown sugar pecans has broadened. Getting right into the act one noon (though not so far as to have the crispy calamari) we ordered the salmon roll (not what you sushi lovers might think) and the crawfish-stuffed mushrooms (this one you would likely have nailed).

The Stone Werks menu is not a model of innovation; most of the dishes will seem at least generally familiar. But the salmon roll is an example of thinking outside the Bento box. Consisting of the fresh fish rolled in spinach (green onions are also alleged, but not much in evidence) and further encased in a kind of egg roll wrapper before frying, the dish needs just a little extra inherent zing to be amazing — a few shreds of slivered ginger, perhaps. The accompanying slaw with a ginger, sesame and soy sauce would be at home on

At top, the Rustic Flatbread offers prosciutto, five cheeses, cubed tomato and arugula dressed in a citrus vinaigrette. Above, dessert might be Frozen Frappuccino Pie. 118 | sawoman.com

many Asian menus and almost steals the show.

There are mushroom caps conventionally battered, fried and served with cream gravy on the Stone Werks menu, but the crawfish-stuffed variant, with the added interest of a champagne cream sauce, seemed just different

DINING W

The updated interior at Stone Werks includes a prominent bar and a dining area with novel wall decor of large stones behind a rugged wire grid. Lower right, one of the popular entrees is a bone-in pork chop. enough to make it worth a look. If you have some bread, let’s suggest this: Use it to sop up the winy sauce; it’s good but too thin to be of much use to the caps. Said caps are still nicely sturdy for their part, but the stuffing sports more bread than mud bugs, which doesn’t sound like such a bad thing put that way.

Little if anything is left of the look of the restaurant, a Gulf Coast seafood joint, that once occupied SW’s new digs. Among other decorative touches reinforcing the rocky theme is a wall, recalling gabions usually used to keep earthen slopes from eroding, consisting of large stones behind a rugged wire grid. It’s handsome and gutsy and might have been used more. We expected the lamb burger, “freshly ground with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese

they were firm and flavorful, so nobody was

— daunting for one. As usual, the litany of

and herbs,” to be gutsy as well, but it let us

complaining much. Desserts, including the

ingredients is a long one, and it would be

down. There was also prosciutto, spinach

above-mentioned Karat Cake and the

hard to say if all were present. The list for

and red onion, but the mint and basil mayo

Rockslide Brownie with fudge, ice cream

The Rustic starts with truffle oil, however,

was faint and the goat cheese absent alto-

and more, were politely declined.

and though enough of the five cheeses

gether. So many ingredients may not have

Admission of sorts here: Since the menu

been necessary in the first place, but once

is the same all day long, I went both times

sciutto, cubed tomato and arugula dressed

offered need to be proffered. Unexpectedly,

at noon. Given that there’s a daily happy

in a citrus vinaigrette, someone in the

it was tilapia robed in a potato and Parme-

hour at the prominent bar from 3 to 7, the

kitchen must have been chastised for once

san crust to the rescue.

evening ambience might take on a different

having a heavy hand with the truffle oil; I

made themselves known, along with pro-

Tilapia’s main virtue is normally that it’s

tenor. The cream of poblano soup, however,

tasted none of it. To its credit, The Rustic

farm raised and, in most cases, nonpollut-

should be steadfast in its consistency —

was good without and even survived to

ing. In this case, it was also extremely moist

which is to say, thick, creamy and just spicy

serve at dinner.

and flaky, the crust was a sensation of

enough. Chunks of chicken breast that pop-

Dessert, “made for sharing,” fell by the

crunch and taste, and, despite lacking most

ulate the soup are also reasonably tender,

wayside once again. But if you and a com-

of its advertised sage component, the but-

making this dish one of the best tasted to

panion fall for the Frozen Frappuccino Pie

ter cream sauce was just what was needed

this point. Until, that is, the Big Rock Flat-

with ice cream Oreo cookie crumbles,

— and in just the right quantity.

bread arrived.

Sautéed mixed vegetables had been

The lavash-like bread is presented atop

substituted for the expected asparagus, but

a footed metal stand, and it looks — and is

caramel and whipped cream, I hope you have a salad beforehand; that list is long and extremely varied. march/april 2012 |

119

W ARTBEAT

A Woman of Many Interests

O

From creating furniture to photographing butterflies, Veronica Prida enjoys creative pursuits

By JASMINA WELLINGHOFF

Photography JANET ROGERS

ne thing that strikes you upon walking into Veronica

beautiful to sit on. Prida embellished the black velvet seat with a few

Prida’s studio is the abundance of vivid colors. From

brightly embroidered butterflies and covered the back and the sides

the chair that you are invited to take to the blingy

with an opulent-looking fabric saturated with purple, red, yellow and

dresses in various stages of completion lying on work tables, it’s

green flowers against a black background. That was once a vela

a place that proclaims the power of bright hues. And almost

(town fiesta) skirt from Oaxaca, she notes, pointing to the settee’s

everything reflects the taste of its owner, who designs those mul-

back. The skirt was at least 60 years old and probably took 100 hours

ticolored chairs and chooses the materials for the glittering

of work to make. Other items are redone in bright Mexican folk-art

dresses that will be worn by Fiesta nobility. Prida and her crew of

designs, but there are also examples of more subdued patterns that

four help make the elaborate outfits for the participants in the

could fit into any décor. This past December, her furniture pieces

Order of the Alamo coronation.

were exhibited at the Kiowa Gallery in Alpine, and a new crop will

“For many years I’ve been helping other (coronation) dress-

be shown at the Al Rendon Gallery here in early March. In 2010, the

makers, so when some of the ladies retired, the organizers asked

Mexican Cultural Institute included Prida in Remarkable Paradigms,

me to be one of their dressmakers. We make only four dresses,”

a retrospective of three local artists who were born in Mexico.

explains the designer, while giving us a tour of the premises. “It’s

Besides chairs, the designer also likes to embellish simple mar-

seasonal work, September through March, so I have the rest of the

ket totes by covering them with folksy textiles, rhinestones and

year to do my other work.”

A big part of the latter involves furniture. Once known as a fash-

other decorations. Canadian pop star Michael Bublé recently commissioned 50 bags at $225 apiece to give out as gifts to his wed-

ion designer and boutique owner, Prida now refinishes and recre-

ding guests. You can buy Prida’s handiwork through her website

ates chairs, ottomans and small couches using unique textiles,

or in stores such as Pagoda and Adelante Boutique in San Antonio

paints and hand embroidery. While the furniture pieces come from

and Leslie Flynt in Santa Fe, N.M.

estate sales and antique shops, the materials she upholsters them

Her work may be shown in galleries, but Prida emphasizes that

with are acquired during travels in Mexico and Latin America,

it’s also perfectly functional.“I have always been pretty practical,”

where she looks for regionally authentic handmade fabrics that

she observes. “I listen to customers. There is a balance between

the local people make for themselves. The final effect is always the

art and function.” As an example, she indicates a high stool in her

product of her imagination.

studio whose artsy seat was covered — gasp! — in plastic. That’s

A striking example of the latter is a settee that looks almost too

120 | sawoman.com

what the customer wanted because the chair will be in the guest

ARTBEAT W

Examples of Prida's artwork include (clockwise from top left) a headpiece from the 2011 Order of the Alamo coronation, a wall-mounted collage titled In Sickness and in Health and a settee upholstered in Mexican folk art textiles.

But the next turn on life’s highway brought the unpleasant surprise of a breast cancer diagnosis. The silver lining was the outpouring of support she received from her husband as well as room, where people may use it as a luggage stand. “If that’s what

friends and acquaintances.“It really was a gift. My husband and

she wants, I am happy to oblige,” says Prida.

friends were amazing,” she says with much feeling. “In retrospect, the cancer was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I

TRYING HER HAND AT DIFFERENT THINGS

wasn’t aware of how many friends I had until then.”

A Mexico City native, Prida came to San Antonio as a young adult

To express her gratitude, Prida invested her creative energies

with the intention of staying a year to learn English. But life has a

into yet another artistic pursuit that is still part of her life. Aban-

way of changing one’s plans. Uncertain about what to do next, Prida

doning functionality, she has been expressing her feelings through

was influenced by a new friend who wanted to go into fashion de-

a series of small, multimedia wall-mounted collages inspired by the

sign. “I said, that sounds like fun. I will do that, too,” she recalls. While

individuals who helped her. One of those, titled In Sickness and in

still a student at Incarnate Word College, the budding designer

Health, is clearly dedicated to Rodriguez, a health care benefits ex-

worked part time at a retail boutique, where she occasionally had to

ecutive and an accomplished painter in his own right. It’s a charm-

turn away customers who asked for items the store did not have. One

ing composition featuring small figures of a man and a woman

day, Prida approached the owner and said, “This lady wants a white

mounted on a painted panel with a tiny house built from coiled

blouse; why don’t we make one for her?” The owner agreed, and

metallic thread sitting just above them. The man sports a crown

pretty soon her creations were selling, and her first career was born.

on his head. “He’s the guy!” quips Prida. Like everything she makes,

In 1993, Prida opened her own store in the King William District

the collages sold swiftly at the recent Say Sí show.

right next door to Babylon Grill, a restaurant she co-owned with her

With cancer treatments behind her, a happy marriage and work

first husband. Once the marriage dissolved, however, she moved

she enjoys, what is she looking forward to? She doesn’t have to

her operation to Broadway, where she sold both her own and other

think for long. “I look forward to time with my husband and my

designers’ apparel for 15 years. Many San Antonians still remember

stepson (musician Jacob Rodriguez),” she replies. “This past

her best in that role. But running a small retail establishment even-

Christmas was the first Christmas we spent together in 15 years.

tually proved too demanding. With financial backing from her sec-

We went to our house in Oaxaca, both of them painted, we ate

ond husband, Omar Rodriguez, Prida moved into real estate as the

meals together … it was wonderful.”

owner of Blanco Studios, a complex that housed 15 artist studios,

That memory reminds Prida of yet another of her pursuits. As

including her own. “That’s when I started making my furniture,” she

a nature lover, she spends considerable time locating, identifying

says. “I still had all those textiles from the store, and I wanted to put

and photographing Oaxacan butterflies, “just because I love them.”

them to good use. My first collection of chairs was shown at a group

Then, prompted by a related question, she adds, “I take life as it

exhibit that we had for all the artists in the complex, and pretty

comes. If something comes along that seems interesting, I’ll prob-

much all the pieces sold. I thought, OK, that’s my new career.”

ably try to do it.”

march/april 2012 |

121

W ENTERTAINMENT & ARTS

ENTERTAINMENT & THE ARTS

Lila Downs Laurie Auditorium 3/11 Sun, 6 pm Ray Price Majestic Theatre 3/17 Sat, 7:30 pm Jazz at the Falls at The Shops at La Cantera Brian Simpson, keyboardist 3/17 Sat, 7:30 pm Billy Gaither & the Gaither Vocal Brand Majestic Theatre 3/18 Sun, 3 pm

Billy Elliot

Music

Bugs Bunny at the Symphony Pops Series Majestic Theatre 3/9-10 Fri, 8 pm , Sat, 2 and 8 pm

The Fantasticks The Josephine Theatre 5/4-26 Fri and Sat 7:30 pm Sun, 2 pm

Nancy Zhou Returns Majestic Theatre 3/23-24 Fri and Sat, 8 pm

Cries That Bind San Pedro Playhouse Cellar Theater 4/6-5/6 sanpedroplayhouse.com

Bach, Handel and Vivaldi Majestic Theatre 4/13-14 Fri and Sat, 8 pm Fiesta Pops Majestic Theatre 4/20-21 Fri and Sat, 8 pm Tall Tales: Music Inspired

by Stories Young People’s Concert Laurie Auditorium 5/1 and 5/16 Tues and Wed 9:45 and 11:10 am Mozart in Old Style Majestic Theatre 5/4-5 Fri and Sat, 8 pm Star Wars & Other Space Odysseys Pops Series Laurie Auditorium 5/18-19 Fri and Sat, 8 pm

Winter Jam AT&T Center 3/24 Sat, 6:30 pm

Dance

Jazz at the Falls at The Shops at La Cantera The Brew, Latin jazz 3/24 Sat, 7:30 pm

Luna Negra Dance Theater Carver Community Cultural Center Jo Long Theatre 3/9 Fri, 8 pm

The Doobie Brothers Majestic Theatre 3/25 Sun, 7 pm

Off Center Original Contemporary Works Lila Cockrell Theatre 3/23-24 Fri and Sat, 8 pm

Black Violin Carver Community Cultural Center Jo Long Theatre 3/30 Fri, 8 pm The Mystical Arts of Tibet Carver Community Cultural Center Jo Long Theatre 4/13 Fri, 8 pm Mike Epps Lila Cockrell Theatre 4/21 Sat, 8 pm Eddie Vedder Lila Cockrell Theatre 4/25 Wed, 7:30 pm The Fresh Beat Band Children’s Concert Majestic Theatre 5/1 Tues, 6:30 pm Mana AT&T Center 5/8 Tues, 8pm Rammstein AT&T Center 5/24 Thurs, 7 pm SAN ANTONIO SYMPHONY The Sea Majestic Theatre 3/2-3 Fri and Sat, 8 pm Renee Fleming Majestic Theatre 3/7 Wed, 7:30 pm

122 | sawoman.com

Opera

Opera Piccola Cosi fan tutte The Josephine Theatre 3/2-18 Fri and Sat, 7:30 pm Sun, 2 pm

Theater

A Raisin in the Sun Josephine Street Theatre 3/4 and 3/11 Sun, 6 pm Are You My Mother?

Children’s Fine Arts Series Empire Theatre 3/9 Fri, 9:45 and 11:45 am

La Cage aux Folles Majestic Theatre 5/8-13 majesticempire.com

Comedy Bill Maher Majestic Theatre 3/4 Sun, 7 pm SINBAD Majestic Theatre 3/16 Fri, 8 pm Carol Burnett Majestic Theatre 4/15 Sun, 7 pm

Art

ARTPACE Hudson (Show) Room Tony Feher Thru 4/29 Window Works Judith Cottrell Thru 4/29 International Artists-in-Residence New Works Adam Pendleton, James Sham and Florian Slotawa Window Works Thomas Cummins Thru 9/9 BLUE STAR CONTEMPORARY ART COMPLEX Spaces In Between Cornelia White Swann 3/1-3/24 Passage to the Future Curated by The Japan Foundation 3/1-5/5 GUADALUPE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER

Cirque Du Soleil Quidam AT&T Center 3/14-18 attcenter.com

Tejano Conjunto Festival Rosedale Park 5/18-20

My Fair Lady San Pedro Playhouse Russell Hill Rogers Theater 3/16-4/14 sanpedroplayhouse.com

Vanessa Garcia Briede Spiritual Milk for the American Babe Thru 4/29

Billy Elliot the Musical Majestic Theatre 3/28-4/7 majesticempire.com

SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF ART

Texas Draws II Thru 4/29 Performance Swingin’ with Django!

4/13 Fri, 7:30 pm

Event Fiesta Arts Fair 4/21-22 Sat, Sun, 10 am

Museums

INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES Griff Smith’s Texas Photographic retrospective from Texas Highways Thru 3/25 Timeless Texas Toys Thru 8/5 MCNAY ART MUSEUM Adolf Dehn's Tales of Guy de Maupassant Thru 5/6 Drawn Forth: Contemporary Drawings from the Collection Thru 5/6 Andy Warhol: Fame and Misfortune Thru 5/20 Baroque to Bauhaus: Designs from the Tobin Collection Thru 6/10 SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART San Antonio Collects: African American Artists Thru 5/6 San Antonio Collects: Theodore Gentilz and Mission Life of San Antonio and Northern Mexico Thru 5/20 The Chinese Art of Cricket Keeping: The Ernest K. H. Lee Collection Thru 6/15 WITTE MUSEUM Opening the Witte Wardrobe: 85 Years of Collecting Textiles Thru 3/25 Out of the Vault: Celebrating 85 Years of Collecting at the Witte Museum Thru 4/29 Darwin: How One Man’s Theory Turned the World on its Head Thru 9/3

Misc.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas 3/1 Opens for season Luminaria: Arts Come to Light HemisFair Park 3/10 St. Patrick’s Day River Parade and Festival River Walk 3/16-17, 6 pm

FOOD & WINE W

American

BIGA ON THE BANKS BOUDRO’S CAPPY’S CAPPYCCINO’S BISTRO CYPRESS GRILL ANNE MARIES’S BISTRO SAN ANTONIO CAFÉ CHEESECAKE FACTORY THE GRILL AT LEON SPRINGS GUENTHER HOUSE HOULIHAN'S J. ALEXANDER’S JOSEPHINE STREET KONA GRILL LIBERTY BAR THE LODGE MADRID ROOM MAGIC TIME MACHINE MAMA'S CAFE RAINFOREST CAFÉ SCENIC LOOP CAFE SILO ELEVATED CUISINE VINEYARD

203 S. St. Mary’s 225-0722 314 E. Commerce 224-1313 5011 Broadway 828-9669 5003 Broadway 828-6860 170 S. Main St., #A, Boerne (830) 248-1353 555 Funston Place 826-5800 1150 S. Alamo 271-7791 7400 San Pedro 798-0769 24116 IH-10 W. 698-8797 205 E. Guenther 227-1061 14601 IH-35 N. 651-4744 385 N. Loop 1604 W. 494-3371 555 E. Basse 824-0275 400 E. Josephine 224-6169 15900 La Cantera Pkwy 877-5355 1111 S. Alamo 227-1187 1746 Lockhill-Selma 349-8466 300 E. Travis 227-4392 902 N.E. Loop 410 828-1470 2442 Nacogdoches 826-8303 7929 Pat Booker Rd 653-2002 517 N. Presa 223-3297 25615 Boerne Stage Rd. 687-1818 1133 Austin Highway 824-8686 434 N. Loop 1604 483-8989 27315 FM 3009 (830) 980-8033

Cajun/Creole ACADIANA BOURBON STREET SEAFOOD PAT O’BRIEN’S

1289 S.W. Loop 410 2815 N. Loop 1604 121 Alamo Plaza

674-0019 545-0666 212-8698

European

ANAQUA GRILL BISTRO VATEL BOARDWALK BISTRO CITRUS COCO CHOCOLATE CRUMPETS FIG TREE FREDERICK’S FREDERICK’S BISTRO THE GAZEBO AT LOS PATIOS HOUSTON STREET BISTRO LAS CANARIAS LA FRITE BELGIAN BISTRO LION & ROSE ENGLISH PUB

LÜKE MESON EUROPEAN DINING WAXY O’CONNOR’S

555 S. Alamo 218 E. Olmos 4011 Broadway 150 E. Houston 18402 Hwy. 281,#114 3920 Harry Wurzbach 515 Villita 7701 Broadway 14439 N.W. Military #100 2015 N.E. Loop 410 204 E. Houston 112 College 728 S. Alamo 5148 Broadway 842 N.W. Loop 410 700 E. Sonterra Blvd.

125 E. Houston 923 N. Loop 1604 E. 234 Riverwalk

229-1000 828-3141 824-0100 227-9700 491-4480 821-5454 224-1976 828-9050 888-1500 655-6171 476-8600 518-1000 224-7555 822-7673 798-4154 798-5466 227-5853 690-5811 229-9299

Asian Hamburgers Hsiu Yu 8338 Broadway St San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 828-2273 BIG KAHUNAS TOKYO STEAKHOUSE CHINA BISTRO DING HOW FORMOSA GARDENS FUJIYA GOLDEN WOK HSIU YU ILSONG GARDEN INDIA OVEN INDIA PALACE KOI KAWA MENCIUS’S GOURMET MON THAI BISTRO P. F. CHANG’S SUSHIHANA SUSHI ZUSHI

TAIPEI THAI KITCHEN THAI LAO RESTAURANT TOKYO STEAK HOUSE TONG’S THAI

741 W. Ashby Pl 8342 W. IH-10 10103 Huebner Road 4531 N.W. Loop 410 1011 N. E. Loop 410 9030 Wurzbach 8822 Wurzbach 8230 Marbach 8338 Broadway 6905 Blanco Rd. 1031 Patricia 8440 Fredericksburg 4051 Broadway 7959 Fredericksburg 4901 Broadway 255 E. Basse 15900 La Cantera Pkwy 1810 N.W. Military IH-10 W. and Wurzbach 203 S. St. Mary’s 999 E. Basse 18720 Stone Oak 2211 N.W. Military 18802 Stone Oak 445 McCarty 126 W. Rector 9405 San Pedro 1146 Austin Highway

733-8473 541-8100 340-7944 340-7944 828-9988 615-7553 615-8282 674-2577 828-2273 366-4508 366-1033 692-5262 805-8111 615-1288 822-3253 507-1000 507-6500 340-7808 691-3332 472-2900 826-8500 545-6100 366-3012 403-3316 344-8366 524-9908 341-4461 829-7345

RUDY’S COUNTRY STORE

TWO BROTHERS BBQ

1150 Austin Hwy. 610 N.E. Loop 410 218 N. Cherry 111 W. Crockett 10101 I-10 W. 24152 IH-10 W. 15560 I-35 N. 10623 Westover Hills 12656 West Ave .

828-2829 691-3332 271-2888 229-1491 641-1998 698-2141 653-7839 520-5552 496-0222

BIG’Z BURGER JOINT BOBBY J’S BUCKHORN SALOON BURGER BOY CHRIS MADRID’S CHEESY JANE’S CHESTER’S HAMBURGERS

FATTY’S FUDDRUCKERS GOURMET BURGER GRILL LONGHORN CAFE MO MAK’S RED ROBIN SAM’S BURGER JOINT TEXAS HAMBURGER CO

2303 N. Loop 1604 W. 13247 Bandera Rd. 318 E. Houston St. 2323 N. St. Marys 1900 Blanco 4200 Broadway 1006 N.E. Loop 410 9980 IH-10 W. 16609 San Pedro 621 Pat Booker 1624 E.Commerce 115 Alamo Plaza.

8602 Botts Ln. 18414 Hwy. 281 N. 17625 Blanco Rd. 13838 Jones Maltsberger.

1750 N. 1604 330 E. Grayson St. 9010 Huebner Rd.

408-2029 695-4941 247-4000 735-1955 735-3552 826-0800 805-8600 699-1222 494-3333 658-3000 299-8110 223-9944 824-6703 545-3800 492-0301 481-3600 494-2500 223-2830 699-1189

Italian

ALDINO AT THE VINEYARD ALDO'S RISTORANTE BRAVO CUCINA ITALIANA CAPPARELLI’S ON MAIN CARRABBA’S ITALIAN GRILL CIAO LAVANDERIA DOUGH PIZZERIA IL SOGNO OSTERIA LORENZO’S LA FOCACCIA ITALIAN GRILL LITTLE ITALY LUCE RISTORANTE E ENOTECA LUCIANO’S MICHELINO’S MILANO RISTORANTE PAESANOS

PIATTI PICCOLO’S

1203 N. Loop 1604 W. 8539 Fredericksburg 15900 La Cantera Pkwy.

2524 N. Main 12507 IH-10 W. 226 E. Olmos 6989 Blanco 200 E. Grayson, #100 8032 Fredericksburg Rd. 800 S. Alamo 824 Afterglow 11255 Huebner 849 E. Commerce 401 South Alamo 521 River Walk 11802 Wurzbach 1907 Nacogdoches 555 E. Basse 111 W. Crockett Loop 1604 at N.W. Military 255 E. Basse 5703 Evers Rd.

340-0000 696-2536 877-9300 735-5757 694-4191 822-3990 979-6363 223-3900 692-9900 223-5353 349-2060 561-9700 223-0500 888-7030 223-2939 493-3611 821-6373 828-5191 227-2782 493-1604 832-0300 647-5524

16019 Nacogdoches 7400 San Pedro 4003 Broadway 401 S. Alamo

946-5518 377-0022 805-0333 223-0401

Mediterranean

DEMO’S BIN 555 COOL CAFÉ COPA WINE BAR GREEK TO ME JOHN THE GREEK MIMI & DIMI’S PAPOULI’S GRILL

7115 Blanco 2501 N. St. Mary’s 555 Bitters 12651 Vance Jackson 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy.

5440 Babcock Rd. 16602 San Pedro 7159 W US Hiwy 90 8250 Agora Pkwy., #120 255 E. Basse, #384 11224 Huebner, #201

342-2772 732-7777 496-0555 877-5001 495-2672 699-6688 403-0565 674-3464 659-2244 804-1118 641-1313

Mexican/Latin El Jarro 13421 San Pedro San Antonio, TX 78216 (210) 494-5084 ÁCENAR MODERN TEX-MEX AJUÚA! CUISINE DE MEXICO ALAMO CAFÉ ALDACO'S

Barbecue

BUN ‘N’ BARREL THE BARBEQUE STATION CHIT CHAT BBQ THE COUNTY LINE

POMPEII ITALIAN GRILL RISTORANTE LUCIANO TRE TRATTORIA

AZUCA NUEVO LATINO CASA RIO CIELITO LINDO EL CHAPARRAL EL JARRO DE ARTURO EL MIRADOR EL MIRASOL ALTA COCINA FRIDA’S MEXICAN CUISINE IRON CACTUS MEXICAN GRILL LA FOGATA LA FONDA ON MAIN LA FONDA SUNSET RIDGE LA FONDA OAK HILLS LA HACIENDA DE LOS BARRIOS LA MARGARITA LA POSADA DEL REY LOS BARRIOS MAMACITA’S MI TIERRA CAFE AND BAKERY ORIGINAL MEXICAN PALOMA BLANCA PALOMA RIVER WALK PAPPASITO’S CANTINA PERICO’S BAR AND GRILL PICANTE GRILL PICO DE GALLO RIO RIO CANTINA ROSARIO’S SALSALITO’S SAZO’S LATIN GRILL SOLUNA COCINA MEXICANA TOMATILLOS CANTINA

146 E. Houston 11703 Huebner 10060 IH-10 W. 14250 San Pedro 100 Hoefgen 20079 Stone Oak Pkwy.

713 S. Alamo 430 E. Commerce 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy.

15103 Bandera 2838 N. Loop 1604 13421 San Pedro 722 S. St. Mary’s 13489 Blanco 3023 Thousand Oaks 200 River Walk 2427 Vance Jackson 2415 N. Main 6402 N. New Braunfels 350 Northaven 18747 Redland Rd. 120 Produce Row 999 E. Basse 4223 Blanco 8030 IH-10 W. 218 Produce Row 528 River Walk 5800 Broadway 215 Losoya 10501 IH-10 W. 10820 Bandera 1439 E. Sonterra Blvd.

3810 Broadway 111 S. Leona 421 E. Commerce 910 S. Alamo 14535 Nacogdoches 11523 Bandera 101 Bowie 7959 Broadway 3210 Broadway

222-2362 877-0600 691-8827 495-2233 222-0561 494-0561 225-5550 225-6718 545-6965 695-8302 490-8302 494-5084 225-9444 479-8765 496-3023 224-9835 340-1337 733-0621 824-4231 342-8981 497-8000 227-7140 828-5666 732-6017 341-5424 225-1262 224-9951 822-6151 212-0566 691-8974 684-5376 402-6006 822-3797 225-6060 226-8462 223-1806 646-8088 558-6788 223-1000 930-8070 824-3005

Pizza CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN FLORIO’S PIZZA GUILLERMO’S MISS ELLIE’S SORRENTO TRILOGY PIZZA BISTRO VOLARE GOURMET PIZZA

11745 IH-10 W. 255 E. Basse Rd. 7701 Broadway 618 McCullough 903 E. Bitters Rd 5146 Broadway 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy.

5054 Broadway

699-4275 424-2014 805-8646 223-5587 499-1258 824-0055 404-1818 828-3354

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W FOOD & WINE

Seafood FISH CITY GRILL FUSION SEAFOOD, STEAK LANDRY’S SEAFOOD PAPPADEAUX SEAFOOD OSTRA ON THE RIVER WILDFISH SEAFOOD GRILLE

18130 Hwy. 281 N. 11703 Huebner Road 517 N. Presa 76 N.E. Loop 410 212 W. Crockett 1834 N.W. Loop 1604

495-3474 694-4201 527-1845 340-7143 396-5817 493-1600

Southwestern

CALIZA GRILL CANYON CAFE FRANCESCA’S AT SUNSET ORO RESTAURANT AND BAR ROARING FORK ZUNI GRILL

420 W. Market 225 E. Basse 16641 La Cantera Pkwy.

705 E. Houston 1806 N.W. Loop 1604 223 Losoya

224-6500 225-0722 558-6500 225-5100 479-9700 227-0864

Steaks Fleming’s 255 East Basse Rd. San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 824-9463 ANTLERS LODGE THE BARN DOOR BOLO’S ROTISSERIE GRILLE CHAUMA GAUCHA FLEMING’S STEAKHOUSE GREY MOSS INN KIRBY’S STEAKHOUSE LITTLE RHEIN STEAKHOUSE MORTON’S STEAKHOUSE MYRON’S STEAKHOUSE OUNCE STEAKHOUSE THE PALM PERRY’S STEAKHOUSE & GRILLE RUTH'S CHRIS

9800 Hyatt Resort Dr. 520-4001 8400 N. New Braunfels 824-0116 9821 Colonnade 691-8888 18318 Sonterra Place 564-9400 255 E. Basse 824-9463 10901 Scenic Loop 695-8301 123 N. Loop 1604 E. 404-2221 231 S. Alamo 225-1212 849 E. Commerce 228-0700 136 N. Castell, New Braunfels (830) 624-1024 1401 N. Loop 1604 W. 493-6200 233 E. Houston 226-7256 15900 LaCantera Pkwy 7720 Jones Maltsberger 1170 E. Commerce

558-6161 821-5051 227-8847

Enhance your listing!

Call (210) 826-5375 for more information

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WEDDINGS W

David Sixt

Mr. and Mrs. David Rosenwasser (Kristina De La Miyar) November 19, 2011

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Willis (Sarah Losleben) November 12, 2011

Parish Photography

David Sixt

Judge and Mrs. James Steven Chapman (Melissa Cochran Baird) October 22, 2011

Marks Moore

Mr. and Mrs. Jason Kline (Annie Davis) November 19, 2011

Parish Photography

Mr. and Mrs. Blas Steven Catalani III (Rachel Jocelyn Lawrence) October 15, 2011

Mr. and Mrs. David Lawrence Vlasuk (Dorothy Guinn Moore) November 26, 2011

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W CALENDAR OF EVENTS

BOOK & AUTHOR LUNCHEON BENEFITING

CANCER THERAPY AND RESEARCH CENTER

Candice Millard, Dr. Ian Thompson and Bonnie Blankmeyer

Meredith Campbell, Catherine Comeaux and Dr. William Henrich

CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Foundation National Speakers Luncheon with Terry Bradshaw March 8 Grand Hyatt Hotel (210) 704-3726

Providence Catholic School Reaching for the Stars Gala March 24 Providence Campus (210) 224-6651

Seton Home Annual Great Expectations Gala March 10 Holy Trinity Catholic Church (210) 533-3504

St. Peter-St. Joseph Children’s Home Red Shoes Gala March 24 St. Peter-St. Joseph’s (210) 531-8554

Sembradores of San Antonio Style Show and Luncheon March 17 Omni Hotel at the Colonnade (210) 494-3945

Colon Cancer Coalition 3rd Annual 5K Get your Rear in Gear March 25 Brackenridge Park (210) 601-0314

NAWBO Entrepreneurial Spirit Awards March 21 Omni Hotel at the Colonnade (210) 408-1220

Dress for Success Shining the Light on a Decade of Success Gala March 28 Grand Hyatt (210) 737-1515

Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation Crown Affair Luncheon Show Us Your Shoes March 22 San Antonio Country Club (210) 262-4698

Boysville of Texas Arthur O’Krent Humanitarian Award Honoring Gordon Hartman March 29 Pearl Stable (210) 659-1901

North Star North Star Gives Honoring Six Philanthropic Women Fashions by Saks Fifth Avenue March 22 www.Northstarmall.com

Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation Cavalier Invitational Golf Tournament March 29 San Antonio Country Club (210) 912-1944

The Village at Incarnate Word Champagne and Shamrock Gala March 22 University of the Incarnate Word (210) 829-7561 X150

Assistance League of San Antonio Treasures at Twilight Gala March 31 Omni Hotel at the Colonnade (210) 732-1200

Ronald McDonald House Full House for Friends Casino Night March 23 JW Marriott (210) 614-2554

The Winston School Auction Gala March 31 Don Strange Ranch (210) 615-7485

Foundation Fighting Blindness 5K Vision Walk March 24 Brackenridge Park (214) 566-9061

San Antonio Symphony League 2012 Spring Style Show April 1 Julian Gold (210) 680-2760

Nancy Sutter, Lee Dallenbac and Mollie Zachry

Mollie Calvert, Evelyn Parrish, Bobby Dees, Jolie Berndt and Barbara Foster

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS W

FRIENDS OF HOSPICE PRESENTS

THE ANNUAL POINSETTIA BALL Cancer Care Center Spring Luncheon April 3 Pearl Stable (210) 450-5571

The University of the Incarnate Word The Cutting Edge Fiesta Fashion Show and Luncheon April 23 Marriott Rivercenter (210) 829-6013

Junior Achievement 2012 Business Hall of Fame April 4 Marriott Rivercenter (210) 490-2007

Planned Parenthood of San Antonio 6th Annual Luncheon Guest speaker David Gergen May 2 Marriott Rivercenter (210) 736-2244 X317

Los Compadres de San Antonio Missions Make It Your Mission Celebration Gala April 12 Mission Concepción (210) 922-3218

The University of the Incarnate Word 35th Annual Swing-in Carnival Auction May 3 University of the Incarnate Word (210) 829-6013

Any Baby Can 8th Annual Walk for Autism April 14 AT&T Center (210) 227-0170

Texas Biomedical Forum Annual Gala Diwali: A Festival of Lights May 5 The Argyle (210) 701-7878

Junior Achievement Annual Wild West Auction April 14 Knibbe Ranch (210) 490-2007

Battered Women and Children’s Shelter Honoring Mothers Celebration May 8 Marriott Rivercenter (210) 930-3669

TMI – The Episcopal School of Texas

Any Baby Can 17th Annual Taste of The Dominion May 10 The Dominion Country Club (210) 227-0170

Panther Scramble April 16 Fair Oaks Ranch Golf Club (210) 698-1930

Respite Care of San Antonio Celebration of Love and Children Dinner April 19 University of the Incarnate Word (210) 737-1212 X41

Women in Medicine and Law for the Cure 9th Annual Fundraising Dinner May 10 Holy Trinity Banquet Hall (210) 490-6759

Alamo Heights Rotary Club 26th Annual Alamo Heights Night April 20 University of the Incarnate Word (210) 824-2462

American Heart Association

Providence Catholic School Providence to Pearl 5K Run/Walk April 21 Providence Campus (210) 224-6651

Susan G. Komen 15th Annual Race for the Cure May 12 Alamodome (210) 222-9009

BENEFITING

CHRISTUS VNA HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE

Sherry and Laird McNeil

Ann and Charles Smith with Judge Preston Dial and Sarah Fox

Robert and Patty Hayes with Marky and Dr. Uwe Pontius

Go Red for Women Luncheon May 11 The Westin La Cantera Resort (2100 617-2600

Jill Adams, Lori Wright and Beverly Purcell-Guerra

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W WOMEN ON THE MOVE

WOMEN ON THE MOVE

Janie Barrera

Joyce Bryant

Lana Duke

Mary Beth Fisk

Linda Myers

The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas has appointed Janie Barrera to the Bank's San Antonio Branch board of directors for a threeyear term. In her role as a board member, Barrera will provide input into regional economic conditions as part of the Federal Reserve's monetary policy functions.

Barrera is the founding president and CEO of ACCION Texas Inc., a nonprofit organization.

Joyce Bryant has been named director of professional development at St Mary’s University. This department houses numerous design programs as well as other programs specializing in professional educational certifications, CEU’s, computer training courses and career advancement courses.

Bryant is an allied ASID licensed interior designer with 30 years’ experience. She also runs her company, Aesthetics, for residential and commercial comprehensive design services.

The Ontario Restaurant, Hotel & Motel Association announced Lana Duke was the recipient of the 2011-2012 Toronto Restaurateur of the Year award.

The ORHMA Toronto region received nominations from the public and industry through an online polling system. Duke became a Ruth's Chris franchise owner in 1993, opening her first restaurant in San Antonio.

In 1995, she opened her next Ruth's Chris in Toronto.

Mary Beth Fisk was appointed as president and Chief Operating Officer for South Texas Blood & Tissue Center.

Fisk will also continue to serve as the executive director of the Blood & Tissue Center Foundation. Previously, she formed the Texas Cord Blood Bank and managed the tissue services and Be the Match registry program.

Linda Myers has been promoted to president/Chief Operating Officer for QualTex Laboratories. Myers has been with the center for 17 years and helped implement ongoing research and development projects, which have enhanced the image of QualTex as a premier research and testing facility. QualTex Laboratories provide blood and plasma testing services for clients worldwide.

Sarita Waltrip Sarita Waltrip has joined Broadway Bank as a banking sales and service manager at the headquarters location.

Waltrip has 21 years in financial services with 14 of those in management. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Since 1941 Broadway Bank has evolved from a neighborhood bank into one of the largest independently owned and headquartered banks in San Antonio.

Send your announcements to: SAN ANTONIO WOMAN 8603 Botts Lane San Antonio, TX 78217 • For information, please call (210) 826-5375.

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ASTROFORECAST W

PISCES February 19-March 20 You will focus greatly on financial affairs, yet be aware people are watching your actions and initiatives that impact your relationships. Values will come into play with your relationships; all concerned have deep desires to feel appreciated in life. Your challenge is there can be biting, negative criticism witnessed, and to aggravate issues, confusion can reign supreme. The end of April can restore your faith in yourself and in partners.

ARIES March 21-April 20 Remain as flexible, adaptable and versatile as possible, especially with affairs related to work and/or health. You are accustomed to pushing in life to get all the results you want, yet now you may have to pull in life. This means you have to be patient with this push/pull syndrome; patience is a challenge for you. There is a wild card popping into the picture that proves to be exciting for you over the next year. Know your limitations so you can grow over time.

By LANCE K. RODRÍGUEZ

VIRGO August 23-September 22 Aggressive, antagonistic and overly assertive behaviors exhaust people and turn off any form of cooperation. Yes, you feel right about what you do, yet other people can be extremely critical and nitpicky. Remember that you attract more with honey than vinegar. This doesn’t mean sugarcoat things — it just means social accords are made when all parties have common interests. When accords are thrown out the window, hostilities ensue and imbalance occurs.

SAGITTARIUS November 23-December 20 Surrender beating up on yourself with things that could’ve been done but weren’t. It all happened for a purpose; your greatest lesson, learn how to accept yourself the way you are, flaws and all. This teaches you humility and puts you on the path to perfection of the self. Remember the master craftsman must first conceive the creation of the craft and then produce it. In essence, Archer, whatever your mind conceives, the body eventually achieves.

TAURUS April 21-May 20 There are unexpected developments that challenge you to pull rabbits out of the hat in regards to business trends. Learn to master diplomatic skills, as they will help you to navigate some choppy waters. Level the playing field so all individuals feel equal. Implement healthy compromises so all parties feel like winners. Vigor, playfulness and passion for life roar back into your life as April closes. Believe that you truly deserve the best in life.

CANCER June 22-July 22 Be watchful of tendencies to splurge on expenditures that later you may regret. There can be compulsive/impulsive actions regarding money, and the desire for more, more, more can dent your financial solvency. Upsets with health regimens can finally turn positive as April approaches, so hang in there and address your motivations. You are either on the program or not. Volatile individuals throw the proverbial monkey wrench at you; remain calm.

LIBRA September 23-October 22 Be open to the evolutionary changes that will encourage you to learn about self-empowerment. Double-check all financial instruments, especially tax returns, as either forgetfulness or displacement of documents can be quite frustrating. There are surprises for you in the relationship department, whether pleasant and/or unpleasant; most importantly, how will mutual priorities support a partner’s concerns? Purge some psychological hang-ups.

CAPRICORN December 21-January 19 You are in a backtracking mode with career/business developments so that you can tweak what hasn’t been applied successfully. You do the best work when you backtrack because of your very conscientious nature of patiently working out snags and snafus. Let the inner bloodhound sniff out the order from the chaos.

There will be a push for justice with whatever has become imbalanced. Stay clear of individuals who are too wishy-washy.

GEMINI May 21-June 21 Distress and chaos can impact a close friend of yours; major communications breakdowns throttle this friend. Your ability to provide myriad perspectives to help this friend wade through the crisis will calm down frayed nerves. This exchange with the friend will even stimulate you to consider what the most important priorities are for this year. Acknowledge your past failures as stepping-stones to your eventual future success. Conquer feeling inadequate.

LEO July 23-August 22 Grand plans are meant to be analyzed thoroughly to see if they hold water or not. You hop on the promoting bandwagon, and you are enthusiastic to break through limitations. Rethink your future aspirations, and take on only those aspirations that you know you can manifest; otherwise you’re chasing after dandelion seeds floating in the air. Sudden opportunities for expansion and growth galvanize you to gear up and move on. Take an impromptu trip.

SCORPIO October 23-November 22 Good will, cheerfulness and optimism want to embrace you and comfort you. You or a partner will enjoy a promotion that is unheard of as well as a boon.

There are powerful currents that lead to epiphanies about how you think and acquire information. A crisis can emerge involving a sibling; although things may appear disheartening, September may be the turnaround month for this sibling crisis. Encourage children’s future dreams and visions.

AQUARIUS January 20-February 18 New people are streaming into your life, curious about you, what you do, what you say and what you can teach them. You take front and center stage and bask in this adulation.

Know your physical limits, as you may think you have super human powers; otherwise, physical injuries can derail you.

You are like the hummingbird darting around all the flowers, collecting the nectar of life. Instead of whistling while you work, hum.

Lance K. Rodríguez is a professional Astrology/Tarot Consultant as well as a Usui/Karuna® Reiki Master. He can be reached at AstroLance.net.

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W LOOKING BACK

A crowd gathers to watch a military parade along Alamo Plaza.

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Coutesy of Carol Karotkin

1920