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August 2016 Issue
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2016 Winter Celebration Featuring AirLIFE Santa
FREE Photo with Santa! OVER 60,000 lbs OF SNOW FUN! You are invited to eat, play, enjoy rides and have your FREE photo with Santa taken at the largest and longest running holiday event in San Antonio. Enjoy local school bands and talented children’s performances, winter “sledding” and 60,000 lbs of snow fun!
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Saturday, December 3, 2016 10 am – 3 pm 502 Madison Oak (Parking Lot Across From North Central Baptist Hospital)
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August 2016 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261
Note From The Publisher
Hope For Our Youth
Outstanding Service. Every Patient. Every Time. Recognized as a Top Doctor in San Antonio
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s we look out into the world today we see chaos, but when I look through the stories that the community submits I see kindness, happiness, and hope. As we get ready to start a new school year, I am confident that the future will begin to look brighter. The children that we have the pleasure to cover in Welcome Home don’t look out and see chaos. They see potential and we should take note of the optimism that youth bring into our lives. The expression, “kill them with kindness,” applies today more than ever. Welcome Home is getting ready for the busiest time of year. Winter Celebration planning is in full swing. Back to school is 22 days away! Hello football season. Can you believe that Homecoming is in September? We are 8 months into 2016, 4 months left! The older I get the faster time moves. It is almost impossible to keep up with the constant flow of events and projects. August is a fantastic time to just reflect and prepare. I have always thought of this month as the second new year. Which is why we are excited to announce that SOBA’s speed networking will be held on August 31, 2016 at Canyon Springs Golf Club. Once we get the kiddos back to school it is time to focus on getting back to business and Speed Networking is the perfect kick start. I am also excited to
Accepting New Patients
Dan Powell, M.D.
Board Certified In Family Medicine
announce that Johnson HS Student Council will be assisting SOBA in the 2016 Fall Expo. Expo will take place at Johnson HS on Oct. 5, 2016 in their cafeteria. Johnson HS Student Council will earn a portion of the proceeds from Expo. Last year Bush Middle School earned $1000.00. Johnson has the potential to earn that and more. Come out and support your local small businesses as well as Student Council. We will have a silent auction, raffle prizes, and samples of local cuisine. And its FREE!!! I want to wrap this note by thanking each of our readers for your 16 years of support. We love being a source of good news in the community and none of this would be possible without the support of each and every one of you. I look forward to another 16 years of bringing you Good News.
• Full-Service Primary Care Doctor • Top Doctors In San Antonio Since 2009 • Voted Top Work Place In San Antonio • Accepting Most Major Health Plans
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Directly Mailed To Over 60,000 Households & Businesses in 78232, 78248, 78255, 78256, 78257, 78258, 78259, 78260, & 78261 Zip Codes. Plus, 20,000 in Rack Distribution.
Welcome Home newspaper assumes no liability in advertising other than correction and reinsertion of like-size ad at no additional cost to our advertiser. The opinions stated by the writers or the information printed from other sources do not necessarily depict those of the publisher or advertisers. No liability is assumed. Welcome Home newspaper will not knowingly publish any advertisement which is illegal or misleading to its readers. All copy and type arrangements are subject to approval by the publisher. All stories and photos submitted become property of Welcome Home Editorial and Advertising content of Welcome Home newspaper is protected by the U.S. copyright law. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Publisher Kristin Oliver
Distribution Israel Vazquez
Writer/Copy Editor Jane Toh
Staff Writers Debby Seguin
Administrative Assistant Prinda Jemente Dianne Grosso
Sales Representatives Patrice Long Denise Wirth
Graphic Design/Production Marie Ferrante
Contributing Photographer Oscar McAnally
August 2016 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261
Contributing Writers Summer Ford Jason Gordan Vincent Quidachay Cassie Wedding
SELLERS ~ Ask me for a free market evaluation of your home and get a Free copy of “How to Buy or Sell a Home without getting SCREWED!” by Jason Campbell BUYERS ~ Get a free list of houses that fi t exactly what you’re looking for and I’ll keep it updated for you daily Call Today! I’m here to serve you!
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On The Cover By Jane Toh ood has a great way of bridging barriers, all sorts of barriers. From cultural to national, food is a great glue, a fantastic adhesive, to bring people together. Go to any country, and the typical first sign of hospitality is the sharing of food. A delicious meal and a friendly face brings a warmth that leave many speechless. At Royal Pizza the Jamfar brothers hope to offer the citizens of San Antonio a passport, a way of sampling the world through the food at their restaurant. Looking at the incredible menu at Royal Pizza is akin to looking upon a world globe, and choosing a dish gives a similar sensation as choosing a new city to visit and explore would. Royal Pizza offers choices from all over the world. Want to taste a bit of Europe do so. Choose/visit Edinburgh, Scotland or Torino, Italy. Searching for a destination more towards the East? There is the Istanbul, with its ham, pineapple, banana,
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and curry powder toppings. Feel like eating something more familiar, something that reminds you of home? They have that too. Rest assured American favorites, such as pepperoni, cheese, sausage, and mushroom are made readily available as well. No matter where you choose to visit, what city you want to visit, Royal Pizza is your onestop shop.
Family Life
Heated Conversation
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By Debby Seguin
t’s Texas in the summer. I can’t move. It’s too hot. My brain is fried. I can only sit here, helplessly letting my thoughts wander, knowing not where they will eventually lead. (However, it’s usually times like these when my best ideas come to me! We can hope…). I begin my mental journey by calculating my utility bill, and through the window, I see my dog writing a hand-written note (which is no easy task!) and holding it up to the window with his usual “Please let me in! Have mercy!” plea written on it. As he whips up some drool so as to look truly pathetic, it suddenly occurs to me how unfair this really is. No, not unfair to my dog. (Sorry, PETA, but before being domesticated, dogs always lived outdoors, not having the dexterity to build their own shelters or use toilet paper). No, the unfairness is to the people of our state. Is it really fair that the people in, say, California have an average utility bill of $16.52? Just because their weather is perfect? Speaking of fair; Is it fair that whoever drew the lines for all the states was being paid under the table?! Think about it. California is, again, a good example: It’s long and thin, hogging most of the perfect Pacific coastline. People are forced to go to their state to enjoy any of it. This is totally unacceptable. State lines should be redrawn with several short and fat (east to west) states sharing this treasure. Did these line drawers ever stop to think what this could do to our young people? Did they not realize that every kid would be expected to draw, practically to scale, their state’s boundaries? It’s obvious these people came from Colorado or maybe Wyoming, where folks brag about how their kids can draw their state by the
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time they hit preschool. Well, duh! It’s a rectangle! Or maybe from Hawaii. What do those kids have to draw? 5 squiggly-lined circles? Circles! Practically geniuses. That makes our Texas kids look fine-motor skills challenged because they can’t master their outline until midway through high school! THIS HAS GOT TO STOP! PEOPLE OF TEXAS, WE MUST RISE UP WITH ONE VOICE TO END THIS INJUSTICE! But then, again, it is awfully hot out. How about we just make some lemonade, kids, while we practice drawing the Rio Grande… Debby Seguin can be reached (sitting in front of her air conditioner) at writewell62@yahoo.com
August 2016 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261
Surviving The Summer Heat Special To Welcome Home month has now gone by since I submitted my announcement letter to Welcome Home. Quite a bit has happened – but I’m not quite sure where to begin, so bear with me while I get my bearings in order. As you all are now hopefully aware, my wife and myself have agreed again to take part in the annual tradition, Winter Celebration, on December 3. We’ve agreed to make the extremely long trek from the North Pole again via AirLife helicopter, due to the importance of this worthwhile cause. (Yes, I know, it would be WAY cooler to bring one of my up-and coming reindeer, but its smack dab in their vacation time, and their union rep said I can’t include them.) Anyway, this family-friendly event is a wonderful yearly tradition that does all the right things, for just the right cause. It’s an event that really tugs on all the heartstrings of this jolly old fat man because it’s very similar to my own noble pursuit. Winter Celebration this year will again be held at North Central Baptist Hospital from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event, again sponsored by North Central Baptist and Welcome Home Community Newspaper for the fourteenth straight year, will begin with a tremendous community parade featuring the talented bands of local high schools. Local businesses have booths and clubs often get involved to showcase their local pride. Following the parade, there will be raffles for prizes, as well as an opportunity to take photos with my wife and I. (Yes, we’re a big deal, but we’re more than happy to do it, the photographers at the event are far better than the paparazzi at the North Pole – they tend to have a bad habit of catching me at my worst, wearing a milk mustache and the like.) Upon hearing from the good folks at Welcome Home, I am convinced what we’re doing is worth it. As a result, I’m even thinking about participating in a few surprises, as we get closer to the day of the event. I also have to mention that I can’t wait to see all of the non-profit Living Through Giving’s contributions this year. This event will allow the contributing community, be it children, their families, and even child advocacy groups – to get together and pass out gifts, sharing in the early holiday cheer directly. December may seem like a long time to wait, but it’s never too early to plan on being a part of the festivities. Reserve a booth today! For more info on how to participate in Winter Celebration, call 210-348-8233 or visit www.welcomhomesa.com.
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I Don’t Feel Like Myself By Donna Becker, D.O. Enhancement of Life (210) 545-5224 his vague-seeming complaint drives many women and some men to my office. Physically, one can see changes that occur with aging and people truly are not like their 20-something selves. Muscles weaken, mild shortness of breath with exercise, poor reading vision, vaginal dryness, and erectile dysfunction—these are just some of the symptoms of physical aging. But what about the mental changes? When people tell me that they don’t feel
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like themselves, they are telling me that the mental part, the personality, mood, and “the self” has deteriorated. Think of a set of dominoes, all upright. When one domino falls, then often they all begin to fall. Aging is not that simple or straight forward—or is it? If a woman in menopause has night sweats and doesn’t sleep through the night, she is exhausted and irritable during the day. Her family responds to this irritability sometimes lovingly and sometimes not. The tired woman may think, “If I eat something, I’ll have more energy”, and so she begins to pack on the pounds. Project all this one year forward—
Discoveries Thru Vision By Dr. John M. Nevelow Nevelow Eye Associates (210) 349-2437 • www.drsnevelow.com ust when you are getting used to the be working as well as possible. It is obvious children at home and summer activities when health problems or dental problems are ongoing, it is time to think about exist. Vision problems are not always as school starting again. Either the summers obvious. Children are not always aware if are getting shorter or there are not enough they are having vision problems. They are summer activities for everyone. However, gradual and occur over several years. getting ready for back to school means Most of how we learn is visual. Eye having physical exams, dental exams and muscle coordination is necessary in reading vision exams and in looking from the board back to the It is very important for all the children book or notes and then back again without whether in pre - k to college for their eyes to losing your place. Focusing is important
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the menopausal woman might now weigh an extra 20 pounds and have prescriptions for an antidepressant and sleeping pill. Who would argue that physically and mentally, she does not feel like herself? I have recently seen two male patients who had been prescribed antidepressants plus an erectile helper medication. When I checked their labs, their testosterone was very low. Their testosterone level had not been checked previously! Hormones do help restore a sense of well-being in men and women. Progesterone promotes deep restful sleep, estrogen renews the vagina and other tissues, while testosterone gives us the zest for life, libido! I explain to my patients that menopause and andropause could be described as an ongoing loss of bone, brain cells, and collagen, the elastic in the skin. Of course there are
side effects of hormone replacement therapy, just as there are side effects if one does not restore hormones. Some of those side effects which have been reported with any type of hormone replacement therapy include cancer of the reproductive organs, breast, uterus, and ovaries, blood clots, and liver problems. I also say not all people need to have their hormones replaced. “I have changed so much”, or “I am so much better now”, and even “I feel like my ‘old’ self”! These comments I commonly hear after a year of hormone replacement. Donna Becker, D.O., Board Certified in Emergency Medicine. Enhancement of Life is located at 14603 Huebner Rd., Suite 2601, San Antonio, TX 78231. For more information, call (210) 545-5224 or visit www.antiagingsa.com.
when quickly looking from one place to another without loss of concentration. Color vision may not seem important in school. However, with white boards and different colored markers some things may be missed. Highlighted words or numbers in books may be overlooked. Teachers are aware of the importance of color vision and help students with this deficiency. Eye-hand coordination comes into play with writing skills, note taking and the keyboard with computer work. Visual perception is necessary in understanding what we see and processing the information. All of the components of vision are necessary for success in learning. 85% of what we learn comes through our eyes. The CDC and the American Optometric Association estimate that 45% of children in school have some type of vision defect.
Therefore, give your children the best chance they can have to succeed in school and in life. At Nevelow Eye Associates we see children from 9 months upward to test their visual development and ocular health. We will be happy to have your family among our satisfied and successful patients. If you have questions about this topic or any other eye health topic Dr.’s John and Erin Nevelow will be happy to answer them for you. You can call our office at 210.349.2437, our website at drsnevelow.com or find us on facebook. John M. Nevelow, O.D., is a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Nevelow Eye Associates is located at 19190 Stone Oak Pkwy., Suite 120. For more information, call (210) 349-243, visit www.drsnevelow.com or find us on Facebook.
Seeing to your family’s needs
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t Nevelow Eye Associates, we focus on the specific needs of each patient. Regular eye exams are key to healthy eyesight as well as early detection of certain diseases, including glaucoma, diabetic eye diseases and macular degeneration. We provide the l a t e s t fashions in glasses, all types of contact lenses as well as laser vision consultations for the entire family.
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lcomeHomeSA.com August 2016 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261
“W ho Le t T he D og s O u t”
By Jane Toh
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an’s best friend. The Dog. Not much is known about how man and dog became inseparable – mainly because there are so many contradicting facts. What is definitely certain is man did indeed domesticate an ancient breed of wolf. And from that point on dog followed in the steps of his master, a formidable bond which continues to this day was created. Together, man and dog traveled the world, protected homes and families, hunted, and prospered hand-in-hand, or should I say paw-in-hand. Dogs may not have been by our side since the dawn of time, but since their domestication they have been loyal and steadfast in their adoration and loyalty. Better things cannot be said about man’s best friend. There is no wonder that dog is considered mankind’s best friend…and as such they deserve the best. This is what the caretakers at Camp Bow Wow hope to provide, the best, for furry canine quadrupeds and owners alike! Camp Bow Wow is a place, according to Tamara Wetegrove, owner of local Camp Bow Wows in San Antonio and Austin, “where a dog can be a dog.” First founded in the high and windy mountains of Denver, Colorado, Camp Bow Wow has spread past its original foundations and, since then, established itself in our city. In 1994 the idea for a high quality “doggy day care” had its first spark; this spark would soon became a loud and resounding bark. Founder Heidi Ganahl, after many trials and tribulations, opened her first Camp Bow Wow, and worked diligently, striving to continue the mantra of providing the best quality care for your best friend. In 2003, Ganahl and associates decided to expand this ideology and began franchising. The concept imbedded within the Camp Bow Wow motto, “Happy Healthy Pets, Healthy Happy People,” resonated with many people in every city a franchise was opened. This is where the local Wetegroves, Tamara and Frank, come in. The Wetegroves, like Ganahl, harbor a passion for their work, which fortunately involves dogs, lots and lots of dogs. “We started our business locally because of our passion for dogs, as well as educating the consumer that dogs need to be dogs too. Dogs, are like humans, they are social by nature. They should be social, have fun, and be healthy happy pets,” said Wetegrove. This combination of passions led them to opening their very own Camp Bow Wow in 2007 near the San Antonio
International Airport, and further expanding to northwest San Antonio, north Austin, and, most recently, the Stone Oak area. Since the grand opening of the first location almost a decade ago, the Wetegroves have continuously aimed to create a safe and healthy environment where a dog’s natural instincts can be nurtured and maintained, all while being pampered and lovingly adored by the attentive staff. The Wetegroves are first and foremost dog lovers. For them the best part of the day is working with all the dogs who come, wagging their tails, through the doors. They simply love their extended furry family! When asked if they have any pets at home Tamara smiled warmly, indicating the obvious answer, before responding with, “We’ve both had many dogs growing up and one of our children has four legs. Zeke’s probably more human than any of us at this point.” Their furry baby can regularly be found frolicking among all his other four-legged friends at Camp Bow Wow. Daily activities are endless at each location. The day, which begins at 7:00 am and ends at 7:00pm, starts off with lots of fun and variation, depending on what type of service the camper has selected prior. For those who have selected the Day Camp at Camp Bow Wow the day is filled with play time and socialization with other four-legged buddies, with breaks to allow campers to rest and eat in their own private suites of comfy cabins with blankets, and sometimes a special treat. To ensure the safety of the multiple campers, cameras are provided and keep a watchful eye. Parents can check in anytime to take a peek. And for the campers who get a bit mussed while at camp, grooming options are available. As the website mentions, the benefits of enrolling your dog in Day Camp are numerous, and includes regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight, reduction of boredom, separation anxiety, and destructive behavior at
August 2016 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261
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We’ve both had many dogs growing up and one of our children has four legs. Zeke’s probably more human than any of us at this point.” – Tamara Wetgrove Camp Bow Wow
home, improvement of socialization with people and other dogs, and, most importantly, enhances the quality of life for your best friend. The Baha Men raised a very poignant and profound question in their 2000 single, “Who let the dogs out?” Who did let the dogs out? Well Camp Bow Wow is here in San Antonio to say let the dogs be dogs. The camp aspires to please animals and animal lovers alike. To those who don’t already know Camp Bow Wow is “the leading pet care franchise and is all about Happy Healthy Pets and Happy Healthy People.” Looking for some help with Fido, your four-legged best friend? Need some help with obedience training, which can be a one-on-one service, or perhaps grooming? Searching for a place for Fido while out of town or at work? Stop your search, and look no further than Camp Bow Wow. With locations all over the country, including one in Canada and three of which have found a home in San Antonio, certified counselors, all of whom are dog lovers, Camp Bow Wow is the obvious choice. Bring in Fido and see for yourself the difference a little T.L.C. (tender loving care) from Camp Bow Wow can make!
Camp Bow Wow 20750 Stone Oak Pkwy. (210) 496-9969 www.campbowwow.com/stoneoak 9
Tips For Choosing A 55+ Community
By Michelle Houriet, Executive Director Independence Hill Retirement Resort Community (210) 209-8956 lanning for retirement is an exciting driving during certain times of the day or time. It can open up a new chapter worried about future health issues. Whatever in life, full of new experiences, the motivation to make the move, here are a friendships, and memories to be made. few things to consider as you explore your Choosing a 55+ full service community is retirement living options. Ask people you an important decision that involves more know for their recommendations on places than simply choosing a floor plan… it’s they consider “the best in town,” ones with a about choosing a lifestyle that meets your reputation dedicated to delivering excellent personal preferences and requirements. service and enhancing the lives of their You might start considering other living residents. Next, research on the internet to alternatives if you are beginning to feel get your first “feel” of the community and overwhelmed by home and yard upkeep, then book some tours. Try to visit during having less and less interaction with your lunch time so you can sample the dining neighbors and friends, are tired of shopping services. and preparing meals, have concerns about As you walk in the door and take the
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Step Into Decorating
By Mary Jenkins- Asquith The Jenkins Interior Design Group, Inc. (210) 490-0161 all is approaching us all. It is time for door is important in the “Welcoming” area us in the design and decorating world of our home. The inside of our home should to get ready for the fall. be warm and inviting with fireplace screens, Beginning at the front door with a fall colors and décor. beautiful wreath and fall flowers next to our Orange and red are very big in color
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tour, note what’s your first impression. Are residents talking and laughing? Is the staff engaging in conversation with residents? Do you “feel” welcomed? While the Lifestyle Specialists will ask you several questions to best know your interests and preferences; you too should be prepared with some questions. Tell me about the meal plan and dining options? Are utilities included? What all is included in my monthly fee? How long has the community been in operation and what is the ownership structure? Is there a pool and what are the fitness options? Ask for a Newsletter and Calendar to see what a typical month looks like. Ask about upcoming events, socials, or seminars at the community that you might easily attend to mingle with current residents and preview the community in action. Are pets welcome? What if my health declines and I need more assistance? Your questions are tailored to what is important to you now and in the future. While moving is always stressful, by
planning ahead when you are still active and able to fully evaluate your living options through all phases of retirement yourself, you will have a much smoother transition. Independent living is more about making your life easier than giving up your independence and in most cases it will give you more freedom and flexibility to travel, golf, volunteer or whatever suites your fancy. Interested in peeking in to see how residents of Independence Hill are leading a full and active lives? Plan a visit during one of our exercise classes, a Wine Club Tasting, or other social event! Call Sherrill or Laura at (210) 209-8956 to set up your personal tour and day of fun at Independence Hill. Independence Hill Retirement Resort Community is located at 20450 Huebner Rd., San Antonio, TX 78258. For more information, call (210) 209-8956 or visit www.independencehill.com.
schemes this year. We are seeing a mix of both colors combined in all accessories. The textures of rugs and pillows as well as new looks in poof ottomans continue to take a stage in our décor. Warm woods mixed with gold and silvers are also very popular at all markets. The fall season reminds me of cinnamon and sage scents in our kitchens. New scents are coming into play and very popular today as well. A Magical Makeover might just be exactly what you need. Let us come into your home and rearrange and bring in new
accessories. For more information, contact Mary Jenkins-Asquith, Registered Interior Designer at mjkg1@aol.com or 210490-0161 or Jessica C. Jenkins, Interior Decorator at jessicacjenkins@gmail.com or 210-464-1519 or Jennifer Jenkins, Interior Decorator at jennjenkins720@ aol.com or 210-325-3772. Visit Jenkins Interior Design Group online at www. thejenkinsinteriordesigngroup.com.
Heather Jemente 847-414-5044 heatherjemente.itworks.com
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August 2016 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261
A Ta s t e Of Euro p e By Jane Toh
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& Other Bits Of The World
any claim nothing personifies American cuisine more so than pizza. Forget about “as American as apple pie,” it’s “as American as pizza.” But wait, you may wonder, “Isn’t pizza originally from Italy?” Well you’d be correct, sort of. What we know today as pizza has a long and oft-time confusing history. The first pizza can actually be traced to the Middle East. Greeks, Armenians, Babylonians, Israelis, and Egyptians were all making their own form of pizza, essentially flatbread with toppings, long before the first Neapolitan chef decided to say, “Mamma Mia.” Alright all joking aside. We digress, let’s get back to the facts. The modern pizza was first tossed, sauced, and baked in Naples, Southern Italy. At the time, early 16th century, world trade was in its first wave of expansion. Europeans had just recently discovered the New World and with it an abundance of fresh produce, cargo, and goods. One of them would forever become synonymous with pizza, the tomato. First thought to be poisonous, tomatoes were sold almost exclusively to the poor. Because of their cheap price, tomatoes became an essential topping to the pizza. Pizza, already a convenient product, became the food of the poor and steadily rose in popularity…so much so that people with higher social statuses took notice. And while the pizza grew in popularity it wasn’t until Margherita of Savoy, Queen consort of Umberto I, was presented with her first ever pizza that the dish became a national treasure, and later a worldwide phenomenon. Legends tells of a pizzamaker, Raffaele Esposito, who was called upon by the Italian royal family to grace them with his best pizza. The year was 1889, a mere 28 years since the unification of Italy. (In 1861 Italy was unified by the first Parliament and later pronounced Vitor Emmanuel as its first king.) In honor of the royal family and the newly unified country, Esposito created a pizza with three colors, white, green, and red, each representing the colors of the Italy’s flag. Fresh mozzarella (white), basil (green), and tomato sauce (red) were placed on dough and the rest is history. Queen Margherita of Italy became so enamored with this “new found ambrosia” that Esposito named the pizza after her. Italian immigrants brought pizza to the United States in the early 20th century; however, it didn’t become the national treat it is today until after World War II. Fresh from the taste of Italian culture and food, American G.I.s returned with a hunger for the delicious pizza. To meet the demand, pizza parlors and shops began to pop all over the country. In the 60s pizza flooded the American food market. Frozen pizza became a thing, a favorite thing. In each corner of the country it seemed pizza was on the brain.
Every region developed its own brand of pizza. New York created its famous thin crust and Chicago its deep-dish. In San Antonio you can find both, and now, thanks to the hard work, determination, and entrepreneurship of the Jamfar brothers, you can find Swedish pizza. Swedish pizza? Yes, San Antonio, Swedish pizza. I know, I know...Sweden. Sweden is the land of lax (smoked salmon), Vikings, and ABBA. Well, as was mentioned before, each country and region created its own adaptation. Sweden followed in the trend, and created masterpieces that San Antonions can now sample at Royal Pizza. With two locations, conveniently at De Zavala and Stone Oak, Royal Pizza is the place to go if you are trying to expand your prior borders of what pizza is, explore and go beyond the ordinary. Seven years ago the Jamfar family, hailing from the faraway lands of Sweden and Iran, opened their first restaurant in the Shavano Park area, featuring a whole new concept to San Antonio: fresh house-made pizza made with Swedish techniques and influences from every corner of the globe, from the West to the East. The restaurant was, not surprisingly, a success, so much so that it took everyone by storm. Even our city’s favorite sports team, the San Antonio Spurs, were and continue to be affected. Boris Diaw, # 33, a longtime friend and repeat customer did not hesitate to boldly claim Royal Pizza “has the best kebab sandwich and pizza in town!” Seeing San Antonio’s need for quality pizza and our growing desire for interestingly delightful food, the two oldest Jamfar brothers, Sami and Sasha, decided to branch out to Stone Oak, building their own Royal Pizza at 523 Med Court. At the new location, which celebrated its grand opening in April, Sami and Sasha strive to continue their restaurant’s legacy, ensuring they always have the best! Monday thru Wednesday the brothers open their doors to the hungry masses at 11:30 am until 9:00 pm, and Thursday thru Saturday the restaurant is open until 3:00 am! Mmmmm nothing tastes better than pizza at 3:00 am. Even at this time of night (or day) the brothers ensure the quality of their food, continuously making the dough, tomato sauce, and various amounts of condiments fresh. Royal Pizza version 2.0 maintains the blend of Swedish and eastern tastes. Taking a look at their menu is awe-inspiring, if not a bit overwhelming, the choices are boundless. Feeling hungry, but can’t decide between curry and pizza? Don’t! You can have both at Royal Pizza in the form of the Istanbul, named for the old capital of the Byzantium empire and the current capital of Turkey. With ham, pineapple, banana, and curry powder as toppings this unique pizza definitely raises this writer’s interest. The Istanbul is simply one of
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many curious choices on the menu. Of course Royal Pizza offers the original cheese, peperoni, and sausage toppings; however, it also delivers the opportunity to explore new and uncharted culinary feats, much like the legendary Raffaele Esposito and Queen Margherita. You can travel the world on this menu, tasting bits of what every city has to offer. For those of us always dreaming of the rest of the world - all the adventure, culture, and food that is available, Royal Pizza provides a passport. For youngsters this can be an unforgettable experience, especially once they attempt to make their own pizza with the help and guidance of the professional pizzamakers at Royal Pizza. Sami and Sasha are both young, energetic, and innovative. Together, with friends, they challenge others and themselves to help those in need through a partnership with Haven for Hope, providing food for those less fortunate in our city. The brothers hope to make the world a better place, in their case with one pizza at a time, and perhaps while occasionally saying, “Mamma Mia.”
Royal Pizza San Antonio 523 Med Court (210) 332-5857 www.RoyalPizzaSanAntonio.com 11
Gas, Wood, Or Charcoal?
is burnt wood, specifically created through a process known as pyrolysis, the process of heating hard wood in a low-oxygen environment to filter out moisture, hydrogen, methane and tar, all while saving the wood from actually burning. What remains is carbon, i.e., pure fuel. Now, there are two kinds of charcoal, lump and briquettes. Lump charcoal is processed from hardwoods like oak via the pyrolysis process, whereas briquettes are made from sawdust and binding agents like borax, starch, and other agents. Like wood, lump charcoal can easily reach 1,000°, whereas briquettes typically max-out around 700°. Either way, charcoal is favored as the true heat source in backyard pit barbequing while raw, seasoned wood is added to max-out the flavor. You just can’t beat the smokiness of wood chunks.
At Jeff’s Backyard, we carry the highly rated B&B brand of lump charcoal, made in Weimar, Texas, which is only 100 miles away on IH 10. We buy it by the pallet load and treat it with kid gloves, all of which means you get the freshest possible bag of unbroken chunks of top quality charcoal. Whether it’s charcoal, wood, or gas, let us help you “light your fire!” Call us at 210-342-4760, or email us at jeffsbackyard@att.net. Jeff’s Backyard is proud to offer a great line of outdoor backyard equipment to you. We plan to continue brining you the latest innovative models and equipment in the backyard market. So come on in and see us for all your outdoor grilling needs. You can visit them at 435 W. Nakoma, #104 or contact them at (210) 342-4769 and jeffsbackyard@att.net.
K9 Corner
Guard, to name a few. In his 4-years of service Nick was awarded a National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, a Navy Good Conduct Medal, and a Letter of Commendation for his part in Operation Iron Angel, the World Meeting of Families in 2015. Sounds very official, right? So how does that help you since your pet will probably never need to protect POTUS? With Nick’s experience in dog behavior and training, he will be offering an additional level to our current team of world class trainers. Nick has prepared an exciting four-week board and train program, a Dog Behavior Modification Boot Camp, which is structured specifically for dogs who show signs of being fearful, anxious, or aggressive. This positive-reinforcement based program will
shape your dog’s current behavior so that you will take home a more confident and dependable family member! There are only six spots available in each Boot Camp and our first one begins August 15th. To take advantage of this unique program, call K9CC to schedule a consultation. This is your first step in helping your pet become a stress-free, well-rounded member of society. Nick will also be offering K9 Detection classes! K9 Country Club is working on becoming your One-Stop-Shop for all your pets training needs. We hope you visit us soon and take advantage of all we have to offer. K9 Country Club is located at 31305 Oak View, Bulverde TX 78163. For more information, call (830) 980-8476 or visit www.k9countryclub.net.
By Cotton Clark Jeff’s Backyard (210) 342-4760 ome on baby, light my fire.” The seminal rock group The Doors first performed this song in 1966, yet these iconic lyrics are also the starter’s pistol for backyard grillers everywhere. The question is: what am I lighting-up? The short answer is you’ll be lightingup either gas, wood, or charcoal, and there are pros and cons to each one. Gas, whether natural gas or propane, is fast and efficient. You just can’t beat its convenience. From
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By Catherine Laria K9 Country Club (830) 980-8476
ave you ever had your dog lash out at people or other dogs? Have they bitten anyone or been involved in a dog fight? In the past we’ve had to tell owners that their dogs were unable to come here until they found a way to correct the behavior. We didn’t have that specialized kind of help to offer. Now we do! We’re thrilled to have hired Nicholas Wallace as our new Training Director.
start to finish, you can be chomping on burgers and steaks within 20 minutes. The actual heat is a function of the grill’s burners, but our Weber Genesis models can reach 700° with no problem, and our professional DCS built-in units can reach 900° to 1,000° effortlessly. The downside is that gas lacks the ability to imbue true wood smoke flavor. Enter options #2 and #3: wood and charcoal. While they take longer to get to the cooking phase, their true advantage is smoky flavor. Actually, charcoal has more in common with raw wood than it does coal. Why? Coal is a mineral, a fossil fuel formed over millions of years; conversely, charcoal
Nick comes with a Military K9 training background. While serving in the U.S. Navy, Nick was responsible for all aspects of handling high value Military Working Dogs for high risk objectives. Nick assisted in the training of over a dozen dog teams in Obedience, Patrol Work, Bite Work, and Explosive and Drug Detection. He worked in conjunction with the Secret Service, TSA, Homeland Security, and the Vatican Swiss
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August 2016 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261
Summer Reading Kick-Off By Cassie Wedding he Bulverde/Spring Branch Library Summer Reading Program kickoff began on Saturday, June 11th and the program continued through July 23rd for children, and July 30th for adults. See what we had lined up for this summer! For Children On Mondays from 10am to 12pm, we had outdoor games in the lower parking lot. Many excited parents brought their kids for fun with a bounce house, jump ropes, hula hoops, and more. Wednesday was the day for watching professional performers, which began at 11am. Proactive viewers came early for a good seat to watch musicians, clowns, magicians, and more. On Fridays, the library hosted comeand-go craft projects from 10am till 12 pm. All ages were welcome. For Teens Naturally, Friday nights were for teens. July 8 was “Friday Night Fights” with the Battle of the Fandoms. Teens came in cosplay, picked their fandom, and duked it out to see who came out on top. If you’re a teen, you probably know what this means. “Friday Night Might” took place on July 22, when everyone battled it out in sumo suits in an inflatable boxing ring and on the Wii. Food was, of course, provided. For Adults Adults, exercised their minds! A variety of arts and crafts classes were on offer, plus Mind Labs. Craft Labs took place on Tuesdays,
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and repeated on Friday or Saturday of the same week. On Thursdays Bulverde/Spring Branch Library hosted Art Labs for teens and adults - different art mediums were explored in each class. Thursdays also featured Mind Labs – many came to learn something challenging by an expert in the field - everything from the concept of brain preference to video editing. Registration was required for adult classes. Special adult events included the Adult Spelling Bee on July 23, and a How-To Festival for adults and teens on July 30. Two reading challenges were available for adults, with weekly prizes and a grand prize of a Kindle HD. The Read Harder Challenge involved reading books from the Read Harder List and submitting reviews. Contestants could submit reviews from any book read for the Summer Reading Competition, As always, opportunities for prizes were abound, for hours spent reading or for prereaders, doing early literacy activities! (Ages 3-18.) For details and more information about any of the programs mentioned or Bulverde/ Spring Branch Library, check our website www.bsblibrary.org, or call or come by the library (830) 438-4864.
UCA Cheer Camp A Huge Success
Introducing SBMS’ 2016-2017 cheer squad.
Submitted By Summer Ford oach Stephanie Hoover took the Spring Branch Middle cheer squad to UCA Cheer Camp at Great Wolf Lodge in June where they learned new cheers, dances, stunts, and more. During the camp the cheerleaders competed for various awards and earned many squad honors.
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SBMS Camp Awards: -Daily Spirit Stick -The prestigious Top Spirit Banana for most spirited team on the first day of camp -Traditions Award Camp Awards for freshman and under
division: -1st place and Superior Ribbon for Extreme Routine -1st place Cheer -1st place overall Game Day (includes band dance, sideline, cheer, and fight song) Also, individual cheerleaders had an opportunity to try out for All-American. SBMS cheerleaders receiving All-American honors were Cadence Chacon, Hannah Ford, Courtney McClellan, Sunny Robles, and Sarah Thorpe. Congratulations to the squad on their success. Go Wranglers!
Creativity. Laughter. Imagination. All the essentials are here. We have a designated time for learning. Always.®
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INFANTS • TODDLERS • PRESCHOOL • BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL • SUMMER CAMP August 2016 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261
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SVHS NJROTC Hosts Fifth Annual Leadership Academy
Presenting the 2016 graduates of the Central Texas Leadership Academy.
Submitted By Vincent Quidachay he Smithson Valley Navy JROTC Unit hosted the Central Texas Leadership Academy on behalf of the Area 10 Manager, Commander Mike Hale. The camp is designed to train the future leaders of high school Navy JROTC units throughout the state. Eleven schools were
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present including East View High School (Georgetown), Bastrop High School, Southwest High School, Marshall High School, Elgin High School, Vista Ridge High School, Travis High School, Stony Point High School, Lehman High School, Fredericksburg High School, and Smithson Valley High School. “The top NJROTC
schools in Texas send us their cadets, those who will be in charge of their programs next year. We take them through scenarios and leadership panels to give them more tools in their bag,” commented the Smithson Valley Navy JROTC Instructor Vince Quidachay, CDR Retired. The training includes physical fitness, marching, academics, and
the Newks Ranch Ropes Course. All of the activities take place at Smithson Valley High School, and the cadets sleep at Joint Base San Antonio’s Canyon Lake Resort. We also have twelve instructors that take the cadets through all of the activities. This year the leadership camp graduated 82 cadets.
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August 2016 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261
Math A Big Deal In Comal ISD CHS Pitcher Signs With Brookhaven College Special To Welcome Home Math a Big Deal community event was held at Goodwin Frazier Elementary School on May 17. Math a Big Deal Nights in Comal ISD at Oak Creek, Rebecca Creek and Specht Elementary Schools took place earlier in the school year. The goal of these events are to motivate children to love math through music, manipulatives and games. “Math a Big Deal brought students, parents, and teachers together for a fun night that encouraged children and adults to learn more about math,” said Melinda Salmon, Comal ISD Math Instructional Specialist. “Families participated in handson activities and left with practical games to strengthen their child’s math skills.” Students and parents rotated through various math stations that engaged them in thinking about real-world math applications. “My students thought about what they would like to be when they grow up and how math is important to various careers,” said teacher Kasey Ayers. “Parents learned ways to support their child and reinforce mathematical concepts at home. Parents also left with a resource of several websites to help their children solidify math concepts.” Many parents, students, and faculty members attended the event. “It was great to see parents playing, laughing, and having fun doing math activities along with their children,” said Karen Silvia, Campus Instructional Coach. Carolyn Caruso, Goodwin Frazier principal, was thankful for the opportunities
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Goodwin Frazier Elementary student Zen Ayala is all smiles as he plays “Sum Game” at the Math a Big Deal event at his campus with teacher Kelley Armstrong.
that were provided to the families. “Everyone – students, teachers, and parents – told me they had a great time,” Caruso said. Teachers and other volunteers were responsible for running each math station and helping the students and parents learn something new. “The best part was seeing teachers and parents work hand-in-hand to support the students,” said Ceci Davis, Executive Director of Curriculum. “It was heartwarming seeing family members watching their children building shapes or reading math books to their kids.” The district will continue to support family engagement nights that bring math, science, literacy, and civic engagement to life.
Once Discovered, Always Remembered.
Soto with his parents CJ and Lori, as well as Canyon High coaches (back row, l-r) Jacob Kaase, Brian Martinez and Scott Larsen.
Submitted By Jason Gordon ongratulations are in order for a local young man on the brink of his future! Recent Canyon High graduate Jake Soto signed a national letter of intent on June 8 to play at Brookhaven College, located in Farmers Branch near Dallas. Soto spent one year with Canyon High School after transferring from Marion High School. At CHS, Soto recorded a 4-2 record on the mound with a 1.78 earned
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run average and 33 strikeouts this season. Soto also showed his versatility by playing both second base and shortstop. At Marion, Soto was named to the Class 3A All-State team as a junior. “I think Jake will do very well at the next level,” said Brian Martinez, CHS Head Coach. “He has a love for the game and because of that he’s willing to do whatever it takes to improve. Those are character traits that will serve him well in college.”
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Students Visit Machu Picchu, Taj Mahal, And The Moon Special To Welcome Home tudents at both Goodwin Frazier and Freiheit elementary schools were able to travel to places such as the Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu, the Great Wall of China, even the Moon recently, and they didn’t even have to leave their own classroom. Thanks to the Google Expeditions Pioneer Program, students at both schools in grades 2-5 were able to take a 360-degree, three-dimensional virtual learning tour. Students looked into cardboard goggles, and what they saw was amazing. Screams, shrieks, and shrills resonated through the room as gorillas roamed around in rainforests, and sharks swam the depths of the ocean. Comal ISD was chosen at random as one of fewer then 50 districts nationwide and as far away as Sweden and Northern Ireland to be a part of the Google Expeditions Pioneer Program this school year. “This was the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Freiheit Elementary Principal Tiffany Pennypacker. “The knowledge base our students were able to gain in a very short period of time was able to open doors. We might not even be able to quantify yet what putting those visuals in their minds will do for them from an educational standpoint. It also shows technology is not about just sitting in front of the television playing games like Minecraft. It shows technology can really be used to enhance their learning.” The Google Expeditions app, which students and educational facilitators used for
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Second grade student Vanessa Garcia is all smiles as she takes part in the Google Expeditions Pioneer Program at Goodwin Frazier Elementary.
this learning experience, won’t be available to campuses and teachers until a future date. Google programmers are using feedback they receive from schools such as Goodwin Frazier and Freiheit to enhance the app. “The fact our district was chosen was pretty remarkable,” said Ann-Terese Hill, Instructional Technology (IT) Specialist, who along with fellow IT Specialist Jennifer Hester was responsible for entering Comal ISD into Google’s worldwide campus search to test the virtual learning app. The Google Cardboard goggles were attached to a Smartphone, which completes the 360-degree, 3-D experience. As students traveled from place to place around the world and beyond, Hill and Hester read scripts from the app’s teacher expedition guide to enhance the learning experience. “I loved going into the ocean because it seemed so real,” said Goodwin Frazier
WHO SAYS SCHOOL CAN’T BE FUN AND GAMES? IT IS AT K9 COUNTRY CLUB.
Meet Our New Training Director Help us welcome Nicholas Wallace! While serving in the U.S. Navy, Nick trained high value K9 teams in obedience, patrol work, bite work and explosive and drug detection for high risk objectives.
Call to find out more about Nick’s Dog Behavior Modification and K9 Detection classes!
Pictured with Ann-Terese Hill, Comal ISD Instructional Technology Specialist, are Freiheit Elementary third-grade students.
student Ventura Perez. “The fact we could go anywhere we wanted to while sitting in the classroom was incredible.” There are more than 150 engaging virtual journeys available.
“This was a one-in-a-million opportunity,” said Carolyn Caruso, Goodwin Frazier Principal. “It was unlike anything our students had ever experienced.”
The Best In Texas Submitted By Vincent Quidachay large congratulation is in order! The Smithson Valley Navy JROTC program has been selected as the Best in Area 10, which encompasses almost all of Texas. This recognition places the team automatically among the top ten programs in the country. Smithson Valley was selected in May 2016 as a Distinguished Unit with Academic Honors, which it has won for the previous seven years. The aforementioned honor then placed them in the running for the top in Area 10. During the summer break, a trophy arrived at SVHS naming them the top NJROTC Unit in Area 10. The trophy will be formally presented to the cadets and instructors during a Comal ISD board meeting in August. Senior Naval Science Instructor, Vince Quidachay couldn’t be more proud, “It’s very easy to do great things when you have great cadets, great parents, and great school support.” The mentor and teacher of so many cadets looks forward to what the future has in store for SVHS JROTC!
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The trophy represents all the hard work of the cadets this year.
830-980-8476 • Bulverde, TX • k9countryclub.net
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Camp Invention Brings Out Creativity Submitted By Jason Gordon f you had a tendency to break things as a kid just to see what was inside and then spent the rest of the day trying to put all the parts back together again Camp Invention would have been a perfect place to spend a week during the summer. The first of three Comal ISD Camp Inventions ran June 20-24 at Hoffmann Lane Elementary, and more than 50 attendees from grades 1-8 spent time receiving challenges from the National Inventors Hall of Fame. As always, Camp Invention strives to empower the minds of young inventors. In the Maker Studio module, students took apart old computers, radios, compact disc players and VCRs to secure the parts needed to create their own inventions. In the Epic Park module, students used innovative thinking skills to team up and pitch their most cutting-edge and eco-friendly designs for the future of the park. Students were able to design tree houses that integrate simple machines, discover Epic Park’s ecological diversity and unique terrain, build prototypes and models of innovative eco-adventures and display their Epic Park models. In the CrickoBot module, students looked at circuits and learned how they can use them in different ways to power a new invention. “This camp is so much fun,” said Dexter
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Worden, Morningside Elementary student. “I love to use my mind. It’s fun taking things apart because once you see what you’ve got you can start thinking of new things to design and build with the parts.” A’ndrea Fisher, Comal ISD teacher and the camp’s director, said it’s always wonderful to see young minds come alive with unique ideas. “The idea that it’s possible to create and do anything at any age is incredible,” Fisher said. “Most kids aren’t able to explore the things we do at this camp on an everyday basis. I believe it really opens their minds to many different methods of outside-the-box thinking and problem solving.” Comal ISD teachers Stefanie Kubala, Jessica Kirgan, and Amy Coulombe also instructed students at Hoffmann Lane’s Camp Invention. Comal ISD also held two weeklong Camp Inventions in July, at Timberwood Park Elementary (July 11-15) and Garden Ridge Elementary (July 18-22). On the final day of each camp, students displayed one of their inventions to their peers and family members. The goal was to show how their invention could help address a real-life problem or challenge. If you are interested in registering a child for a future Camp Invention, contact Charlotte Muniz at 830-221-2177.
Congratulations, Jeffrey Pharr
Morningside Elementary student Dexter Worden is all Soraya Cano is in full concentration mode as she smiles as he gets ready to dismantle a circuit board to carefully takes apart a VCR with the goal of using the see what’s inside at Camp Invention at Hoffmann Lane parts for a new invention. Elementary.
Did You Know? reetings everyone! Here are some
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random, little-known, facts about our interesting world. I, for one, absolutely love random facts. Many consider this knowledge absolutely useless, but let’s be real here who cares? It’s fun, perhaps even a bit eccentric, to be in midconversation with people and be able to pull out a random fact your audience has never heard of. So let your random uniqueness shine. • Did you know 11% of people are left handed • Did you know unless food is mixed with saliva you can’t taste it • Did you know the average person falls asleep in 7 minutes • Did you know a bear has 42 teeth
• Did you know an ostrich’s eye is bigger than its brain • Did you know lemons contain more sugar than strawberries To all the random facts junkies out there if you have any suggestions about what we print in Welcome Home Community Newspaper, please submit to articles@ welcomehomesa.com.
Recent Canyon High graduate Jeffery Pharr, his mother Candise Pharr, and CHS head basketball coach Allan Miller were all smiles as Pharr signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his basketball playing career at Spring Hill College in Alabama on July 12 in the Cougar Den.
Submitted By Jason Gordon uring his senior year, Canyon High School forward Jeffery Pharr made life tough for head coach Allan Miller. It certainly wasn’t for any negative reasons. In fact, Miller said Pharr was one of the team leaders, both on the court and in the classroom, on his 2016 squad. “Jeffrey Pharr is a prefect case of what perseverance and work ethic can do for you,” Miller said. “This was a kid who was on the ‘B’ team as a freshman, and then didn’t hardly get off the bench as a junior varsity player. But by the time he was a senior, we had a hard time deciding when to take him off the court – he had improved so much.” That work ethic paid off, as Pharr signed a national letter of intent to play at Spring Hill College in Alabama on July 12 in the Cougar Den in front of friends, coaches, teammates and family members. The 6-foot,
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6-inch Pharr, who averaged 12 points and eight rebounds as a senior, was named Second-Team All-District last spring. “I really think Jeffery is a diamond in the rough,” Miller cpntinued. “He’s 6-6 now, and still growing. His doctor told him he has a chance to be at least 6-8. I think with his mindset of doing whatever it takes to get better, he has a chance to be an excellent college basketball player.” Miller added that the most important part of Pharr’s story wouldn’t take place on the basketball court. “This kid is an excellent student,” Miller said. “He doesn’t have any illusions of getting to the NBA. He knows that fact he has some pretty good basketball skills has afforded him the opportunity to get the kind of education he’ll need to succeed in life. That makes all of us that have watched him grow up at Canyon High School very proud of him.”
August 2016 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261
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American Wounded Heroes 9th Annual Golf Classic Special To Welcome Home et Involved! The American Wounded Heroes® cordially invites you to participate in our 9th annual Golf Classic on August 29, 2016 at the Club at Sonterra. (Address: 901 Sonterra – San Antonio, Texas 78258.) The event is a great way to support and give back to our American Wounded Heroes and First Responders. Please visit www. americanwoundedheroesgolfclassic.com for registration and more information, or contact Chairman and U.S. Navy Veteran, JD
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Damian, directly at sucasadamian@aol.com or 210.381.7492. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time. Thank you for your support! New! Sponsorship Opportunity! • Sponsor an Individual or Foursome American Wounded Hero or First Responder • Please go to the Player Registration tab and enter your information • At the bottom check Sponsor Individual or Foursome Heroes / First Responder and Payment Type
• Submit Document Proceed to the Donate Page and submit your payment Sponsor Individual Hero - $150 Sponsor Foursome Heroes - $600 Additional Sponsorship Opportunities: Food Sponsor, Tent Package, Beverage Carts, Silent/Live Auction, Raffle Prizes, Furlough Passes, Mulligans, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Prizes, Hole-In-One, Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, Putting Contest, and Million Dollar Shootout.
CyberCamp Paves Way For Future Submitted By Jason Gordon staggering nationwide statistic emerged in 2013.Out of more than 500,000 available jobs in the Cyber Security field, only approximately 35,000 were filled with qualified applicants. In addition, only 13 percent of those working in Cyber Security jobs were women. One of the positives to come out of these figures is the Air Force Association’s CyberPatriot program, a national youth cyber education program. CyberPatriot consists of a series of camps and competitions with an ultimate goal of encouraging students to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields and the Cyber Protection industry. Comal ISD held Air Force Association CyberCamps at both Memorial Early College High School in New Braunfels and
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at Smithson Valley High School June 27-July 1 for students in grades 7-12. Approximately 50 students attended each of the free camps. “There is a growing need for Cyber Protection employees in the San Antonio Area,” said Early College High School teacher Meredith Ply, camp director. “It also gives our students the opportunity to participate in a national program at no cost.” CyberCamps teach students how to be safe online, how to use the Internet and their computer ethically, and how to protect their computer as well as an entire organization’s network of computers from threats. It also teaches them how Cyber criminals are clever, and are always looking for vulnerabilities in personal, business, and national computer systems. “It’s great that there’s not only so many young people here, but that there are also
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so many girls in attendance,” said Maddy Coronado, Church Hill Middle student. “When we learned that there are so many jobs available locally in Cyber Security, especially for females, it really makes you think about starting to pursue it as a career choice.” Fellow camp attendee Ethan Hajazi definitely agreed Cyber Security is an excellent career choice. “I would love to do this for a living,” Hajazi said. “First I wanted to be a DJ, then I wanted to be a dancer, but once I touched a computer for the first time I said, ‘This is it, this is special.’ I know computers can be cool.” At the end of the weeklong camp, students get to participate in the CyberPatriot National Cyber Defense Competition. It’s similar to the nationwide competition thousands of students take part in during the spring. The competition puts teams of high school
Bark! Bark!
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Maddy Coronado and Ryan Hayes are all smiles as they Landin Stroupe concentrates as he tries to find the wrap up an exciting day at CyberCamp held at Memorial virus that’s trying to infiltrate his computer during a Early College High School in New Braunfels. simulated test at CyberCamp.
Submitted By S.T.A.G.E. Theatre .T.A.G.E., Inc. was honored to present the Texas Premiere of BARK!, a musical. No doubt composer David Troy Francis, writers Mark Winkler and Gavin Geoffrey Dillard, lyricists Gavin Geoffrey Dillard, Mark Winkler, Bob Schrock, Johnathan Heath, and Danny Lukic, and producers David Troy Francis, Michael Boustead, Jerry Ryan, and Chandler Warren, beamed with pride with every show of their masterpiece, which was performed every night from the 4th of July till the 31st at Krause House Theatre, home of S.T.AG.E, Inc. Opening night was a benefit performance for PROVISIONS of Bulverde. All seats
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and middle school students in the position of newly hired IT professionals tasked with managing the network of a small company. In the rounds of competition, teams are given a set of virtual images that represent operating systems and are tasked with finding Cyber Security vulnerabilities within the images. Rion Clark, Jack Hopson, and Ethan Sarran are all Early College High School students who were on a squad that won best first-year team in the San Antonio area in April. All three are volunteer instructors at the camp. “I really get the sense that many of the younger students attending the camp are very interested not only in what they are learning this week, but in pursuing a future Cyber Security job,” said Clark. “The camp and competitions are great, but this field can be the opportunity of a lifetime for a lot of these kids.”
were $18 for the July 14 performance and no season tickets were accepted. Ticket prices for the remaining shows were $18 for adults, $15 for seniors 62+/military, and $10 for students. Optional dinners were served at 6:30 P.M. before the 8 P.M. curtain on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Sunday matinees on July 24 and 31 were at 4 P.M., and were dessert only. This spectacularly successful and critically acclaimed musical is quirky, boisterous, and full of puppy love. BARK! follows six canines for one day at Deena’s Doggie Daycare. Presented entirely from the dogs’ point of view, the show is funny, fast paced, and musically exciting. Contact Persons: Mona Klein/Charlotte Miniard (830) 438-2339.
August 2016 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261
2016 SOBA BUSINE S S EXPO The Stone Oak Business Association & Johnson High School Student Counsel Invite the Community out for an evening of FUN. Meet local business owners and representatives. Win prizes & support your local High School!
Vendors Wanted! VENDORS (Sign Up Today!) SOBA members $85 Non-members $125
Date: Time: Location: Who:
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Oct. 5th Johnson HS Cafeteria.
Lady Bird JOHNSON H.S.
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Benefiting The Johnson HS Student Counsel.
Wed., Oct 5, 2016 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm 23203 Bulverde Road FREE TO THE PUBLIC
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SOBA • Building Relationships, Growing Businesses
SPEED
NETWORKING Speed Networking is one of SOBA’s premier events!
During this meeting, you will have the opportunity to introduce yourself to everyone in attendance. Because of the high turnout, make sure to RSVP early. Please bring a minimum of 150 business cards.
Date: Wednesday, Aug 31, 2016 Time: 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm Location: Canyon Springs Golf Club 24405 Wilderness Oak
Cost: $20 for Members $25
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RSVP: (210) 3 4 8 - 82 3 3 e - mail: sob a@s at x .rr.com w w w. S tone O akBusine ss .com
for Non-Members $30 at the Door
SOBA • Building Relationships, Growing Businesses August 2016 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261
www.welcomehomesa.com
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210.332.5857
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GALLERY OF CHAMPIONS An Autograph & Framing Store
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• Signed Sports & Entertainment Memorabilia Gallery • Professional Framing Of Your Collectable Items Available • No Cost Silent & Live Auction Items Available For Your Corporate & Charity Events • One Of The Largest Selections Of Signed Golf, Basketball, Football, Baseball, Music, Political & Actors In Texas!
19141 Stone Oak Pkwy. Ste. 510 (Corner of Stone Oak Pkwy & Huebner)
210.474.6767
Mon. – Fri: 10 am - 6 pm | Sat: 10 am to 5 pm
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www.welcomehomesa.com
August 2016 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261