A Monthly Publication Directly Mailed to the residents of Hollywood Park, Brookhollow, DeerďŹ eld, Churchill Estates and surrounding areas POSTAL CUSTOMER
May 2016 Issue
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID SAN ANTONIO, TX PERMIT NO 6450
You’re always set for a sitter. 3 FREE Sitter Hours Requires new customers complete family set-up process with College Sitters. Use promo code THREEFREE.
Making life easier for Moms (it’s what we do). Whether you have a meeting at school or just need to run errands, we’re the simple solution to your day to day needs. San Antonio | 210 202 0303 | collegesitters.com
© 2015 College Nannies and Tutors. Offer good for new customers only. Some exclusions apply. Void where prohibited. 6519.01-WHNICU5x6_v2.indd 1
2/8/13 4:51 PM
Happy Mother’s Day From Groomer Seafood. Treat Mom To A Special Dinner! Groomer Seafood features the largest selection of premium quality seafood in South Texas. Stop in and check out our expanded fresh fish and seafood market. To get it any fresher, you would have to catch it yourself! Fresh Seafood Daily • Over 700 Seafood Items • Wholesale or Retail Special Orders Available • 1 lb or 100 lbs • 100 Years in South Texas
Mon. – Fri. 9 am – 4:30 pm • Sat. 9 am – 1 pm 9801 McCullough, San Antonio, TX 78216 210.377.0951 4002 East Causeway Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 361.730.1514 www.GroomerSeafood.com 2
www.welcomehomesa.com
May 2016 • Welcome Home • 78248/78232
2016 SOURCE COMING SOON! The Guide With All Your North Side Information The Source is a Business & Medical Directory. It includes: Things To Do, Restaurants, Shopping, Medical, Maps, and more!—right at your fingertips. Pick up a FREE 2015 copy at any of these locations: • • • • • • •
Falcon Bank – 19230 Stone Oak Pkwy. Frost Bank – Stone Oak at 18762 Stone Oak Pkwy. Frost Bank – Stone Ridge off Evans Rd. by HEB Plus Green Fields Market – 19239 Stone Oak Pkwy. Jefferson Bank – Stone Oak at 19002 Stone Oak Parkway Randolph Brooks FCU – 23737 Bulverde Road (Near Johnson HS) State Farm/Betsy Dippo – 19190 Stone Oak Pkwy., Ste. 112
For additional information call 210.348.8233 or visit
www.StoneOakBusiness.com
M R I F D N A NE, INUTES! O T , N E T TIGH LITTLE AS 45 M IN AS UR O Y R O F T S E B R U O Y LOOK
1:>�VOO!\
Heather Jemente 847-414-5044
heatherjemente.myitworks.com May 2016 • Welcome Home • 78248/78232
www.welcomehomesa.com
3
N
U.S. 281
SUMMITN A CHRISTI CENTER
ENTRANCE
OPEN HOUSE
LOT PARKING
*
FREE PARKING
E WN RIDG WOODLA
L RD. MARSHAL
US 281 NORTH
You Don’t Have To Guzzle Our “Hats BBQ Sauce” Like Herb Here . . .
Fa m i l y O w n e d & O p e rate d
MAY 12, 2016 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Your Hometown Backyard Grilling Experts For Over 20 Years
SUMMIT CHRISTIAN CENTER 2575 MARSHALL RD.
OPEN HOUSE LOCATION: SUMMIT CHRISTIAN CENTER
Join the Texas Department of Transportation for an Open House to learn how the US 281 North project from Loop 1604 to Borgfeld Drive has changed in response to the decision to remove tolling. Information about the change to non-toll General Purpose Lanes and HOV/Transit Lanes and updated construction timeframes will be available for review. Study team members will be on hand to answer questions and hear your feedback. No formal presentation is planned, so please stop by at your convenience. Parking is complimentary at the Summit Christian Center. If you plan to attend and have special communication or accommodation needs, please call Laura Lopez at (210) 615-5839.
But You Might Be Tempted To Try! WARNING: We are not responsible for any addictions this sauce might cause!
FREE
Bring this ad to get a FREE bottle of our famous Hats BBQ Sauce! Exp. 5/31/16
210.342.4760
435 W Nakoma, #104 • San Antonio, TX 78216 www. JeffsBackyardStore .com
The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried-out by TxDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated December 16, 2014, and executed by FHWA and TxDOT.
Home Improvement Shows: How REAL Is Reality TV? Date: Thursday , May 26, 2016
Have you ever watched HGTV? Have you seen how easy it looks to remodel, “flip” or sell your house? Amazing how it all happens in an hour right? Join SOBA and Virtuoso Builders as we bring you the reality of HGTV. Virtuoso Builders is an award winning design+build remodeling firm based in San Antonio. Husband and wife team, Mike and Molly Sowry, personally handle very step of your project, from initial concept to the finished product. At Virtuoso Builders, they are uniquely different, exceptionally qualified, and committed to every customer. See more at virtuosobuilders.com
Time: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm Place: Independence Hill Assisted Living 20500 Huebner Rd (Just Off Stone Oak Pkwy)
Cost: Members $15, Non-Members – $20 E-mail: soba@satx.rr.com
Meeting is Sponsored by Virtuoso Builders.
Stone Oak Business Association
RSVP: 348-8233 or visit www. stoneoakbusiness.com 4
www.welcomehomesa.com
May 2016 • Welcome Home • 78248/78232
Note From The Publisher
Happy Mother’s Day
C
an you believe that its May? Honestly it feels like school just started and now its ending. Summer is literally knocking at our door. May is a busy month for everyone; graduation, proms, Memorial Day, Mother’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, I mean really! Check out the paper for some Mother’s Day gift ideas. While you are running around trying to keep up with the busy month I’d like to have you add one more thing to your calendar. Welcome Home and SOBA are excited to announce Home Improvement Shows “How Real is Reality TV?”. This event is sponsored by Virtuoso Builders and will be held on May 26, 2016. Check page 4 for all the details and make sure to RSVP. As you flip through the pages of Welcome Home I want to ask that you take a look at each story. The submissions that are sent to us are what make Welcome Home different from your average paper. Highlighting students and organizations that make a genuine difference in their community is our way of encouraging them to continue change the world one good deed at a time. The advertisers that work with us monthly are the way we continue to spread the good news. Let me take a minute to thank those advertisers. Without out their belief in the paper and the communities it serves Welcome Home would not be here. So
EVERYONE PLAYS, EVERYONE WINS
2016 Summer Youth Sports THANK YOU Welcome Home advertisers and supporters. You make our job easy. Remember, Mother’ Day is May 8, 2016, you should probably make your reservations now. My own mother has requested Turkish food of all things. So we will be hunting it down in San Antonio. If it goes well maybe I’ll name drop next month, for now I am just hoping to find a Turkish restaurant. “The bond between mothers and their children is one defined by love. As a mother’s prayers for her children are unending so are the wisdom, grace and strength they provide to their children.” – President George W. Bush
Sports offered (Boys & Girls ages 3 - 14) • Baseball/T-Ball • Slow Pitch Softball • Soccer (co-ed)
• Basketball • Touch Football • Lacrosse
Until next month,
20770 Hwy. 281 N. Suite 108-149 San Antonio, Texas 78258
(210) 348-8233 • Fax: (210) 497-7342 Article Submissions: articles@welcomehomesa.com Ad Inquiries Email: ads@welcomehomesa.com www.welcomehomesa.com
Directly Mailed To Over 60,000 Households & Businesses in 78232, 78248, 78255, 78256, 78257, 78258, 78259, 78260, & 78261 Zip Codes. Plus, 20,000 in Rack Distribution.
Welcome Home newspaper assumes no liability in advertising other than correction and reinsertion of like-size ad at no additional cost to our advertiser. The opinions stated by the writers or the information printed from other sources do not necessarily depict those of the publisher or advertisers. No liability is assumed. Welcome Home newspaper will not knowingly publish any advertisement which is illegal or misleading to its readers. All copy and type arrangements are subject to approval by the publisher. All stories and photos submitted become property of Welcome Home Editorial and Advertising content of Welcome Home newspaper is protected by the U.S. copyright law. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Publisher Kristin Oliver
Distribution Israel Vazquez
Writer/Copy Editor Jane Toh
Staff Writers Debby Seguin
Administrative Assistant Brittany Oliver Prinda Jemente Dianne Grosso
Sales Representatives Patrice Long Denise Wirth Elizabeth Varallo
Production/Graphic Design Marie Ferrante
Contributing Photographer Oscar McAnally
Contributing Writers Amy Chandler Melinda Cox Jason Gordon Daniel Segura Jane Toh
Join us for champagne
brunch and tour of our neighborhood of homes.
Wednesday, June 8th, 2016 10:00am - 12:00pm RSVP by Monday, June 6, 2016
20550 Huebner Road, San Antonio, Texas 78258
(210) 209-8956 www.independencevillage.com Lic #100102
Neighborhood of Homes, Full Service Apartments and Assisted Living
May 2016 • Welcome Home • 78248/78232
www.welcomehomesa.com
5
On The Cover
H
The Welcome Home Community Newspaper has had the privilege of serving the community for 11 years as one of the few local papers that shines a spotlight on the good things in life – the accomplishments of our amazing youth, inspirational stories and the residents and local businesses that comprise the heart of our area. With �ive different papers covering northern San Antonio, Welcome Home is directly mailed to over 60,000 households and businesses as well as rack distribution.
How To Submit Articles • We work a month in advance so submit by the given deadline (ex: if you submit in January it will be for the February edition) • Like us on Facebook or let us know if you would like to be put on our email list that will notify you of each deadline
What To Submit
• Email articles to: articles@welcomehomesa.com
• News tips or story ideas that one of our writers can turn into a story
• Or submit articles to our website at: www.welcomehomesa.com/submit-a-story
• Announcements (births, engagements, weddings, anniversaries and grand openings) • Community, School, and Sports News • Upcoming events
istory has taken note of the important roles of mothers. Think earth-mother goddesses, i.e. Gaia, Rhea, Hera, Anu, and Devi. All these mother goddesses are marked by their determination, mental and emotional strength, and a complete devotion to their offspring. There have been various celebrations in many countries aimed at celebrating mothers, maternal links, and motherhood in general; however, it was not until 1908 that modern Mother’s Day was recognized as an official holiday in the United States, thanks to the relentless campaigning of Anna Jarvis. Initially, Jarvis sought recognition for her own mother, Ann Jarvis, and her efforts to improve sanitation in both Union and Confederate camps. After her mother died in 1905, Jarvis extended this desire for recognition to all mothers. Mother. What is a mother? According to Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary a mother is a female parent. In actuality a mother is so much more. A mother is a lover of her children, a giver of nourishment and care, and a protector of hopes and inspiring dreams. She tries to be the first to
*Always submit photos with your submissions!
Family Life
Welcome Home Community Newspaper is pleased to offer this free service to the community. Upon submission of a story idea or photo, you give Welcome Home the right to use that submission without compensation. By submitting to Welcome Home, you guarantee that your material is sent with the express consent of the owner, and that its contents are non-proprietary and non-confidential. We cannot guarantee all submissions will be published. Welcome Home is under no obligation to use any idea, photo or article submitted. We reserve the right to edit or alter submissions for conciseness and grammar as needed and may need to prioritize certain events for any reason before publication.
“Let yourself be... sensual. provocative. sexy.” Strip away all of your inhibitions and just let yourself go. Celebrate who you are with an experience that will leave you feeling beautiful, luminous and confident. You are worth it! Come just as you are. We’ll do the rest.
Call to schedule your free consultation today!
210-602-1147
www.vanityboudoir.com
6
encourage and the last to hurt. And through it all, through thick and thin, until the end, she is there and there she will always be. Mothers, in return for their never-ending duties, are celebrated 1 out of the 365 days of a calendar year. As this year’s Mother’s Day descends upon us let’s give special attention, appreciation, and gratitude to the strong women who have mothered us through life.
S
May Our Differences Always Stay The Same By Debby Seguin
pring is in the air and in studying the various mating rituals and nestbuilding chores of the returning bird populations, it is easy to distinguish between the males and the females. Human males and females are very different as well (except for Michael Jackson and certain guests on Jerry Springer). My husband and I are prime examples of “different”. It’s not that we don’t agree on anything. We do; the really important stuff: God, Good Nutrition, Miracle Whip. But in other areas… Take measuring, for instance. We’re putting up a mirror in our bathroom and hubby wants me to read the measurement. I say, “It’s 2 inches and one more of those itty, bitty lines.” With a derisive snort, which I take to mean, “Yer jist plaine dum,” he corrects me. “It’s called 2 fat.” Too fat?! Has he lost his mind?! And if it’s the other way around, say the measurement is one less of the itty, bitty lines, is it 2 thin? Oh, no-o, it’s 2 short. So, in Manland, it’s either too fat or too short! How about school? Women drive the kids to practices, help with homework, attend parent conferences, plays, and games and interact with teachers about grades and upcoming assignments. Men, on the other hand, say things like, “Honey, what’s the name of the kids’school? I wanna buy that Jeff Gordon Koozie they’re selling for a fundraiser.” Now let’s look at cars. To a woman, a car is simply a large, 4-wheeled baby carrier, designed to move her now stretched-outof-shape body from errand to errand. It, therefore, houses remnants such as crushed cracker in every conceivable crevasse, a
www.welcomehomesa.com
poopy diaper thrown under one seat and formula dried deep into the carpet where no soaps or nasty disinfectants can reach it and halt its bacterial growth. To a man, a car IS his baby, the Garage just a manlier name for Nursery, where he spends all his spare time nurturing, coddling and tenderly stroking his “baby’s” skin. Upon venturing out into the world, he is there for protection and woe to the one who attempts to doording his baby! But even though our differences show, very few of us would change a thing ‘cause (ladies, back me up here!) there ain’t nothin’ finer than your man in the sun, with shorts and no shirt, busy washing his “baby” on a warm spring day. (Sigh…) Debby Seguin (warning: she can be grumpy in the morning!) can be reached at writewell62@yahoo.com.
May 2016 • Welcome Home • 78248/78232
Thousand Oaks ES Gives Its Students A Glimpse of Future Special To Welcome Home ndoubtedly, choosing a career path is, if not the most important, then one of the most important choices that an adult will ever make. This decision can alter and will influence the rest of one’s life. Aware of this, the Thousand Oaks Elementary administration decided to give its students an edge. On Friday, March 11, students learned of various career options. From veterinary medicine to peace keeping fields, students were able to catch a glimpse of what their own possible futures could contain. Students rotated through stations where different career fields were represented. Altogether there were 44 presenters in attendance, many of whom were parents and local community members. Some parents who were not able to attend for a live presentation provided YouTube videos created at their place of work. For example, students were able to see a veterinarian perform medical procedures on a dog and make house calls to sick pets at home. Adults were not the only ones to present on Career Day, a select number of students contributed as well. Students from MacArthur and Madison High School presented about topics such as culinary arts and animal care. One student from Thousand Oaks interviewed her
U
High school students demonstrate the basics of being a veterinarian.
Students contemplate future career options.
father about his career and made a video to demonstrate. Other Thousand Oaks students worked with MacArthur High School PALS and researched colleges they would like to attend, then provided information about the college in the form of a video. These special events have the potential to change the course of a child’s life. Students enjoyed the opportunity learning about jobs within the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics), Business Management, Human Services, Health Science/Technology and Information Systems career fields. All in all, our students got ideas of many options for their future.
Clear Spring ES Sets The Bar High With Spring Power Down Score
A police officer communicates the rigors of his job.
Submitted By Jason Gordon s of April 8, 2016 Clear Spring Elementary School has been declared as one of the district winners of the Spring Power Down initiative! The school tied with Garden Ridge Elementary, each achieving 98% compliance with the program, which asked campus staff to unplug or power down unnecessary devices and Clear Spring Elementary School Principal Lori McDonald stands with her staff as they celebrate achieving a top score of 98% appliances before kicking off spring compliance with the Spring Power Down initiative break. However, Clear Spring set the staff members without a dedicated office standard by adding a step that ensured or classroom spaces worked to ensure maximum participation—taping the that they complied with the energy saving audit sheet to every door in the school, efforts. Four of her staff members were guaranteeing that no one missed the recognized with certificates for reaching memo about powering down while classes 100% compliance. McDonald credited were out. “I commend Clear Spring on them for their meticulous attention to detail. establishing this new practice as we move The audit sheets are simply the answers forward,” said Systems Administrator Lee the test, Raspberry said, and participating in Raspberry. “They were the only campus to energy savings is as easy as following the have done this.” steps. As a whole, the district reached 84.4% “It was a deliberate approach and compliance with the power down, resulting the outcome was great,” Raspberry told in $12,300 worth of energy savings for McDonald. “Hats off to your staff that the week of spring break. Raspberry was made it happen.” She is grateful to have delighted to reach such high a rate of a communicative staff that reads, follows participation, with a district-wide goal of directions, and participates in cost and 80%. That number reflects at 10% increase energy savings activities gladly. over the winter break power down score. “Any recognition from the district does Clear Spring Principal Lori McDonald mean a lot,” McDonald said, especially as was responsible for implementing the teachers work hard to finish out the school program on her campus. By ensuring year strong. each door in the school had an audit sheet Other top scoring schools included attached, she was able to raise awareness Mountain Valley Elementary, Mountain with her staff about the energy saved by Valley Middle, Church Hill Middle and powering down. “I just ran off the copies— Canyon High School. Raspberry hopes to I’m very proud of my staff for following continue this program during future breaks through,” McDonald said, noting that even with an ultimate goal of 100% compliance.
A
May 2016 • Welcome Home • 78248/78232
www.welcomehomesa.com
7
Estrogen Improves Memory
By Donna Becker, D.O. Enhancement of Life (210) 545-5224 study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, studied young female athletes, who aerobically exercised on average ten hours a week, and found that giving them estrogen improved their memory. One group was given a tiny dose of estrogen and progesterone to mimic a birth control pill, a second group was given physiologic dose of transdermal estrogen plus oral progesterone, and a third group was given no hormones. The two estrogen receiving groups scored better on memory, but (as I would have guessed), the group given the dose of estrogen + progesterone to mimic a young normal person (physiologic dose) scored best of all!
A
According to the April edition of Science Daily, “estrogen deficiency due to amenorrhea may possibly result in forgetfulness and poor concentration.” Amenorrhea means the lack or absence of menstruation. Another interesting study found that in post-menopausal women with a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, like a relative with Alzheimer’s, having the Alzheimer’s gene, or past history of depression, or low thyroid disorder, had improvement in memory when given human type estrogen, 17-beta estradiol, as compared to women given conjugated equine (from the horse) estradiol. The researchers in this study say
What’s Next At Groomer’s
By Blake Groomer Groomer’s Seafood (210) 377-0951 e are approaching the time of the year that all true seafoodies look forward to. I am, of course, talking about the season of wild-caught Alaskan salmon, one of the best tastes of the summer, and it starts at the end of May. Full of flavor, rich in omega-3’s, and sustainably caught, wild salmon is the perfect choice for weekend barbecues with friends or even for a quick weeknight meal. Not to mention, wild salmon is also a fantastic source of DHA, the omega-3 fatty acid that is essential
W
for brain development, and comes from phytoplankton. DHA is stored in salmon’s fat, and one 4-ounce serving of salmon can dish up 2,400 mg of omega-3s! But what’s the difference between our Alaskan salmon and others? Simple; the difference is freshness. Groomer’s Seafood only brings in fresh, never frozen, Alaskan salmon. While this may sound common for a fresh fish market, many “fresh” markets merely bring in salmon frozen and thaw it out for the daily display. Groomer’s Seafood just refuses to
Getting Sauced By Cotton Clark Jeff’s Backyard (210) 342-4760 owdy, Neighbor! It’s time to get sauced. No, not the Jack Daniels kind. I’m talking about barbeque sauce, the staple of the South. There is an almost limitless array of sauces from which to choose, so what is the background to this luscious elixir of meat? The history of BBQ sauce is long according to Meathead Goldwyn at amazingribs.com as it can go back to 200 BC when the Chinese used combinations of
H
sweet and sour, bitter and pungent to create harmony in savory sauces. Europeans in the Middle Ages went from grapes to wine to vinegar in creating sauces. The more modern incarnation of what we consider as “barbeque sauce” is about 100 years old, and it coincides with the creation of ketchup. Prior to that, most sauces were vinegar + salt + peppers + other spices with very little sweetening in it. Even with the onset of ketchup, though, throughout the
their findings might explain why some women given hormones have improvement in thinking, and in other studies, did not. It all depends on what type of estradiol is given to the study participants—the human copy estradiol yielded improvement in cognition, while the synthetic type, derived from pregnant mare’s urine, did not! (“17B-Estradiol Improved Postmenopausal Memory Performance” by Deborah Brauver 9/19/11 Medscape.) There are side effects. Perhaps 3 in 1000 women not taking hormones may get breast cancer, while 4 hormone-taking (both types of estrogen) women in 1000 may get breast cancer. These estimates of breast cancer risk vary slightly depending on the study. The truth is, you might get cancer, whether you take hormones or not, and there is only a slight increase risk if you do. Best news of all is that the natural, or copy of human estradiol, is very inexpensive. As little as $4./month for the oral tablet, while the transdermal patch is a little bit more. The synthetic or non-human copy of estrogen
costs quite a bit more. At least one study showed the definite superiority of 17 Beta estradiol as compared to conjugated equine estradiol. Donna Becker, D. O. prescribes only the human copy of hormones, popularly known as bio-identical. She strives to make certain her patients are comfortable and better at ease with their own bodies. 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.
do that. We understand that when you come here, you’re passing up many local grocery stores to get something you just can’t find anywhere else. Our buying team goes above and beyond for this reason and works directly with the hard working fishermen of Alaska on procurement. We always bring these salmon in whole and cut it right off the bone to your order. This prevents oxidation that can happen when the fillet is left out exposed to the air. Our expert fishmongers then debone, trim, and portion your fillet exactly how you desire, a service that you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else. The end result is some of the finest salmon in the entire country, with types like King (Chinook) Salmon, Sockeye almon, and even the rarer kinds like Ivory and Marble! Remember to come by soon because this season doesn’t last too long! Once the summer turns to fall the salmon runs tend to
diminish! If you want to get more information on availability, the health benefits, and specials on our Wild salmon be sure to go to our websitegroomerseafood.com to sign up for our newsletter. Also if you ever have any seafood question at all feel free to send us an email at groomerseafood@gmail.com.
South there are myriad ways of creating a base flavor for BBQ sauce. North Carolina remains true to the vinegar origins, while in South Carolina it starts with mustard. In Alabama, it’s mayonnaise. In Tennessee, it’s a combo vinegar/mustard deal. In Texas, we have purists like Aaron Franklin and his eponymous barbeque joint in Austin. He will tell you that if you’re using BBQ sauce you might be covering up mistakes made in the cooking. He’s got a point, but a nicely balanced sauce can complete a tasty meal of brisket and ribs like no other condiment. At Jeff’s Backyard, we have a specially made sauce called Hats BBQ Sauce. It was formerly offered by another group, but when they shut down we became the sole retailer for it. Trouble is, we have to order a full production run, which means we bring in about 170 gallons of the stuff at a time.
But it’s worth it. We just shipped two cases to Arkansas and even had an inquiry from Australia based on our Instagram photo of it! Yea, it’s that good. Check it out for yourself! Jeff’s Backyard is family owned and operated and is your expert in backyard cooking equipment. Call us at 210-3424760 – or email us at jeffsbackyard@att. net – with any questions about your outdoor grilling needs. See our ad in this newspaper to get a free bottle of Hats BBQ sauce! Jeff’s Backyard is proud to offer a great line of outdoor backyard equipment to you. We plan to continue bringing 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) 342-4760 and jeffsbackyard@att.net.
Did You Know These Facts About Mother’s Day? By Jane Toh other’s Day celebrations occur all over the world and on different dates. • Anna Jarvis campaigned for 3 years before modern Mother’s Day was recognized as an official holiday in the United States.
M 8
Jarvis, initially did so to immortalize her mother’s effort to increase sanitation in Union and Confederate encampments. • By the early 1920s Hallmark Cards started capitalizing on the newly-recognized holiday. • Former communist countries, ie. China, Russia, and Mongolia, celebrate
International Women’s Day instead of Mother’s Day. • In Catholicism, Mother’s Day is heavily associated with the Virgin Mary. • Mother’s Day was introduced in Egypt by Mustafa Amin, a journalist, in 1956. It has since spread to other Arab countries. • Carnations are the most popular flowers
www.welcomehomesa.com
bought on Mother’s Day. • In Ethiopia, Mother’s Day is celebrated for 3 days. • A festival called Mata Tirtha Aunsi or Mata Tirtha Puja is the Nepalese equivalent to western Mother’s Day.
May 2016 • Welcome Home • 78248/78232
Spicing Up Retirement
At Independence Hill
By Nicky Rodriguez
I
t’s a wonderful feeling to be able to escape the “to do’s” and daily ins and outs that make life demanding. There is something so refreshing when you can relax without a single care and reset your state of mind. That’s exactly what Independence Hill Retirement RESORT Community has in mind for you and your retirement by redefining what retirement is! Have you ever been on a cruise? The constant activities, meeting of new friends, the feeling of being on an island where your only concern is what fun and exciting activity to do next is exactly what Independence Hill Retirement Resort Communities have in store for you. Sheer, glowing, undeniable love beams affectionately from Michelle Houriet Voutour, the moment she begins to speak about her job, her team and residents. As she describes her workplace you suddenly realize Independence Hill is not just a retirement community where she goes to work every day, but a proud place that fills her heart. For almost 15 years, Michelle has been the Executive Director of Independence Hill, with at total of 27 years of experience in property management. She absolutely loves what she does and simply finds true joy in it. “I take my job very seriously, and have a blast doing it!” she exclaimed with a smile. Surrounded by an amazing staff of 165 employees, many of whom also have long-tenure, the Independence Hill team considers themselves blessed to be a part of their residents’ lives. Every team member receives a poem during their New Employee Orientation period. The literary work, titled “See Me,” is about an elder woman who wishes her nurse would see her as she sees herself; as a mother, wife, teacher, dancer. . . or who she is inside, not just as an old woman. Once reading the poem you quickly see it is a testament to how this team views their residents and how they are intentional in their relationships with the great people they serve by truly getting to know them for who they are and how they deserve to be seen. “This industry and type of work isn’t for everyone,” Michelle adamantly said. “We look to hire team members who love people… rather than people who simply claim to be “good with people”. It takes that type of heart to be here. Hiring right is what makes the difference in our community. I am really, really proud of our team because they really care. You can train someone job skills, but you cannot train people to care. We would rather hold out on filling positions until we find the right person. We are upfront with our expectations and strive for excellence.” One employee who is new to the industry, receptionist Sophia Costantino, can speak to how she “loves working at Independence Hill,” because of the people who encompass her day. “I really enjoy it here. It doesn’t feel like work,” Sophia smiled. “I think this industry is my calling because of the people and my daily face to face time with them. I’m someone who needs this and I love making a difference in
May 2016 • Welcome Home • 78248/78232
someone’s life. The people here have so much knowledge to share.” After watching a handful of residents walk by, Sophia begins to gush over each of them. The great pride and passion she takes in her work radiates through in her interactions with them. “It’s more than a community. It’s family. I see them more than my family. They’re our residents. If they’re happy, we’re happy,” she simply put it. Any misconceptions one could have about a retirement community are not true at this retirement resort. The team works hard and they strive to maintain the great reputation Independence Hill has had for years. “It is hugely important that we stand by our word and do more than we promise. Trust and an upstanding reputation mean everything. We don’t ever take that lightly,” stated Michelle. From the flavorful food prepared by their chefs, to the many events held throughout the year, planning and care go into every detail . . . and the planning doesn’t stop with the staff. Residents are welcomed and encouraged to suggest events they would like to see. Resident Sara Schlereth partakes in a variety of the events planned by the Activities Team. The Calendar and Newsletter are published monthly with an array of opportunities for the residents to enjoy. Some are activities they have always loved to do, while others become a new passion or something new to try. “If you’re bored it’s your own fault because there’s a lot to do!” Sara exclaimed. Resident Dr. Joe Glavan has been a bike-rider all his life. After moving in, he decided to take up swimming. When he learned about Independence Hill’s involvement in the Senior Games, he decided to compete, taking home the winning Silver Medal in 2015. He may have been the competitor with the most miles under his belt, but that didn’t stop him. He will compete again this April and plans to take home the Gold Medal for 2016 at 91 years young. Dr. Glavan thoroughly enjoys living at Independence Hill and claims to not have enough time to do it all. “It’s an excellent feeling,” Dr. Glavan said. “You are comfortable. You don’t feel concerned or anxious. The staff is so nice and friendly and always go out of their way for you.” In addition to providing a beautiful and welcoming community to call home, Independence Hill offers a plethora of services to their residents to ensure they are happy and stay involved. There are transportation and shuttle services available for the residents to get up and go, 24-hour staffed Front Desk, a Beauty Shop, Movie Theater, Coffee Pub, Country Store, Business Center, Aerobics Studio and Fitness Center, Libraries, Swimming Pool, Billiard Room and more. Large, annual events have been held that extend out into the Stone Oak community as well, from Blood-Drives and Charity Runs to Car Shows
www.welcomehomesa.com
It’s really awesome that we are able to create such a positive and lively atmosphere to accompany a lifestyle that’s over the top, celebrating every occasion! . . . As much as we love and keep tradition, we are also innovative and love to spice things up!” – Michelle Houriet Voutour Executive Director, Independence Hill and Big Band Dances, just to name a few. “It’s really awesome that we are able to create such a positive and lively atmosphere to accompany a lifestyle that’s over the top, celebrating every occasion!” Michelle expressed, “When we have to make community decisions, we take our residents’ opinions into consideration. I like to get their input because it is their home. Even if I think something may be a great idea . . . my final decisions are made, keeping their input top of mind.” Usually, “spicing up life” is not a phrase used when describing a retirement community, but it’s the way life is viewed at Independence Hill. “As much as we love and keep tradition, we are also innovative and love to spice things up!” said Michelle. Change is embraced, new activities are welcomed and the words “we can’t” or “it’s always been done like this” are not a part of the staff’s mind set. This Independence Hill team truly strives to keep the home of their residents upbeat, consistent and inviting, the reason they maintain a high occupancy. There are residents of all ages to connect with. The community is full of life and the residents are grateful to call this senior resort “home”. “You make new friends. You are exposed to old and new hobbies. You find new passions. You have fun and enjoy days sprinkled with surprises,” Michelle explained. “With this great mix of awesome people and opportunities, our residents get to really enjoy all the great things life has is store for them . . . That’s what happens here!”
Independence Hill 20450 Huebner Rd. San Antonio, TX 78258 (210) 591-0013 (888) 810-5768 www.independencehill.com 9
FYI on DIY: What To Consider Before Doing Your Own Home Improvements
By Mike and Molly Sowry Virtuoso Builders (210) 525-8750 ith summer just around the corner, on a remodeling project yourself, but do now is the perfect time to start you really have the time and experience to that home improvement project cover the potential problems that you could you’ve put off all winter. Now, the question face if you proceed without a professional? is whether to hire a professional or do the For the handy homeowner, a DIY project project yourself. Before you run off to the done right can be satisfying; however, not nearest home improvement center, be sure to necessarily cost effective. If you’re looking do your homework before spending money. to shave costs, exercising your DIY skills • Remodeling is a complex process. could actually add to your bill. It can either be rewarding or a nightmare • Remodeling to add or to reallocate space experience. can mean knocking out a wall, building a You may very well be capable of taking wall, adding a room, or extending a room.
W
Summer And The Heat Are Coming
S
By Rusty Belden, President Belden’s Automotive & Tires (210) 494-0017
an Antonio was able to enjoy an unusually mild winter, but the heat has come in quickly! Because of the extreme heat we have in San Antonio, it is important to take extra precautions with your vehicle. While there are a number of systems affected by the heat on your vehicle, this month we are focusing on four specific concerns:
Engine: Make sure the cooling system is flushed and the coolant replaced periodically as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Inspect hoses and drive belts for cracking, soft spots, or other signs of poor condition. Worn parts are more susceptible to failure in hot conditions and should be replaced. Air-condition: Exceptionally high temperatures can cause an uncomfortable
Get Your Life Back With
All Natural Hormones Focus of Treatment: • Weight Loss • Hot Flashes • Vaginal Dryness • Insomnia • Loss of Libido • Thyroid Issues Treatment Plan Includes: • 3 Pages of Blood Work • Detailed Analysis Guide • Individualized Treatments
ride. So take the time to get your vehicles air conditioning system serviced. Make sure it’s operating at maximum efficiency. Let’s face it, we all know the only thing worse than the Texas heat is getting into a car that’s been sitting in the Texas sun all day! Tires: Driving on under-inflated tires can affect the handling and braking of a vehicle, but it also can cause tires to overheat and increase the likelihood of a blowout. This problem becomes even more of a concern when road temperatures are extremely high. Battery: High temperatures can damage the interior of the battery, and drastically shortens the life of the unit! Also, the high temperatures can encourage corrosion and deterioration. Batteries should be tested to ensure that they are charging at the correct rate, that the battery fluid is topped off, and that they are clear of any corrosion. Don’t forget to check us out on the web for coupons and specials at beldensautomotive. com. We have tons of savings as the season starts to get warm, so please call our friendly Service Advisor today to ask about
our newest Chalkboard Special! We look forward to seeing you soon at any of our 6 locations. As always, from our family to yours: Buckle up and drive safe! Remember at Belden’s Automotive & Tires “We Keep You Rolling!” Belden’s Automotive & Tires has six locations: San Pedro: 210-494-0017; Medical Center: 210-690-1100; Alamo Garage: 210-366-1122; Boerne: 830981-9700; Bulverde Rd.: 210-481-3330; Prue Rd.: 210-877-2929. For more information, call of the locations of visit www.beldensautomotive.com.
Young Entrepreneur On The Rise • Erectile Dysfunction • Weakness • Brain Fog • Vitamin Deficiencies • Bone Loss • Men & Women Anti-Aging Side effects, risks & benefits addressed & tailored to you.
w w w.antiagingsa.com
ENHANCEMENT OF LIFE CENTER Call to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Becker
(210)5 45 – 52 2 4
14603 Huebner Rd., Suite 2601(Huebner & NW Military)
10
Structural changes to a house are not DIY projects. You may also be involved with replacing windows and doors as well as upgrading the electrical and plumbing systems. What appears to be simple changes can end up involving more extensive work, which means reallocating time and money you hadn’t planned on. • Consider the following before you pick up a hammer: Do you have the skills needed and tools required to do the job? Are you on a timeline? Will you need assistance to perform the job and if so, do you have access to highly skilled, licensed and insured tradespeople?
Are you familiar with your local building codes and permit requirements? Do you have suppliers for materials needed? Are you prepared for safety issues? If you answered yes to most of the above questions then more power to you. DIY all the way! If you answered no, hiring a professional remodeler is going to be your best choice. Virtuoso Builders is an award winning remodeling firm, raising the professional standards in the San Antonio home remodeling industry. At Virtuoso Builders, we work closely with our clients and have a reputation for developing unprecedented trust with them, which ulitimately leads to the finest project results. If you would like for us to write about any specific topics or would like more information, please contact us at info@virtuosobuilders.com.
By Jane Toh hildhood, the sweet time of almost absolute freedom, less responsibility, and little restriction. For most children this is childhood. Typically, not much thought has yet gone into future endeavors, it’s all about the here and now. This is not the case for 12 year-old Nyah Bates, daughter of Stan and Naomi Bates. Like most youngsters, Bates has a lot of hopes and dreams for what lies ahead of her; however, unlike most people her age, she understands her aspirations alone cannot make her future, she must work diligently for it, and she will. Bates knows what she wants. Despite her age, she is certain of her path to becoming either a pediatrician or dermatologist. In order to support the aforementioned statement Bates, with the help of her family and friends, especially her local entrepreneur father, has, since early 2014, founded and operated a total of three businesses. The businesses, which includes bracelet manufacturing, pet sitting, and babysitting, all endeavor to make this world a better place. Always the over-achiever, Bates hopes to continue and even extend her work all while attending school. “I just
C
www.welcomehomesa.com
really like helping people,” says Bates. The good samaritan and general humanitarian’s kindness is not exclusive to people, it simply knows no bounds. Partially in honor of her three dogs, Bates personally donates 20% of the proceeds from her bracelet making operations to San Antonio Pet’s Alive! The result of her balancing school, friends and family, fun, and work has lead Bates to understand themes adults sometimes have trouble comprehending, themes such as commitment, selfdiscipline, and leadership. At an age when most children are more or less wrapped up in their own world, Bates is a demonstration of the opposite. A beacon, if you will.
May 2016 • Welcome Home • 78248/78232
National Distracted Driving Month Submitted by Melinda Cox istracted drivers cause about one in five traffic accidents in Texas, the Department of Transportation says, a problem the state is trying to curb. The Johnson High School PTSA Smart Driving Club is now working to remind drivers to stop driving distracted. April was National Distracted Driving month. The Department of Transportation (TxDOT) launched their program “Talk, Text, Crash,” in order to raise awareness and help decrease the number of distracted drivers on Texas roadways. Last year, Texas had 103,576 traffic crashes related to distraction, according to TxDOT this was a 3 percent increase from 2014. Of these crashes, 463 people were killed and 3,076 people were injured. In congruence with the TxDOT’s program, the Johnson HS Smart Driving Club reached out to schools in their NEISD cluster to see if a safe driving message could be supported at school campuses. Johnson High School, Tejeda Middle
D
Tejeda MS reminds everyone to drive undistracted.
David Lee Hill MS wants to keep cars a “no phone zone.”
Johnson HS Jags don’t drive while distracted.
School, and Hill Middle School all displayed safe driving messages on their school marquees as a way to remind students, parents, and the community, on a daily basis, the importance of not driving distracted. The safe driving message is one we need to be reminded of every day until we can all make it a habit to not be on our phones while driving. “We all have a responsibility
to pass along this message, whether you are a driver or a passenger, and we are grateful to our campuses for the support of this message,” said Johnson HS PTSA President Ginger Siebert. Distracted driving crashes cost the United States as much as $175 billion a year, according to a federal study. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says all highway crashes add up to $871 billion — $277 billion a year in economic costs and $594 billion in “societal harm.” The Department of Transportation focuses on cellphone distractions during the month of April because it is one of the most recognized distractions. Using a cellphone while driving delays your reaction time as much as having a blood alcohol concentration of .08, the legal limit for driving while intoxicated. You are four times more likely to get into a crash if you
use a hand -held device while driving and texting drivers are 23 times more likely to get involved in a crash. Although, cellphones and texting are often cited as the most common forms of distraction, Texas doesn’t have a statewide law banning cellphone use while driving, except in school zones. Since November 2009, nearly 40 cities across the state have passed city ordinances prohibiting the use of cellular devices while driving. Cities, including San Antonio and Austin, have passed ordinances prohibiting or limiting cellphones in vehicles to varying degrees, resulting in fines from $200 to $500. Thank you to our NEISD cluster for supporting and distributing the message of safe and undistracted driving on our streets.
Madison HS Witness “Shattered Dream”
Boarding, Daycare & Training Gift Certificates Available Submitted By Daniel Segura n Friday, April 8, at 9:45 p.m. students at James Madison HS were exposed to the harsh reality and consequences of drunk driving. With prom just around the corner, school administrators and staff hosted the renowned driver safety program, “Shattered Dream” on campus. Junior and senior students witnessed a mock drunk driving accident, complete with emergency personnel protocols, field sobriety test, and AirLife. Madison students, Smart Driver’s Club, S.A. Police Department, S.A. Fire Department, Bexar Bulverde Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services, Texas Towing, AirLife, University Health System trauma teams, TxDOT, San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC), campus staff, and various student and parent organizations were in attendance to confirm the seriousness of drunk driving and insure an increased awareness from the students. A crash scene was played out before the student body. One student portrayed a drunk driver and got arrested and then booked by SAPD. Other students played the injured victims who were later evacuated by EMS
25% OFF Any Service
O
Please present coupon at check-in. Must be current on all vaccinations, be spayed or neutered and pass assessment. New customers only. Limit 1 per household. No cash value. Exp. 5/31/16
FREE BATH
w/10 Full Daycare Pkg and AirLIFE. The remaining student actors portrayed victims who died on scene. They were carried away by “living dead” student volunteers. After the mock drunk driving accident, students listened to a guest speaker who has first-hand experience with suffering a loss from drunk driving. The leading cause of death and serious injury to teenagers ages 15 to 19 is traffic crashes. These teenage fatalities are a result of teen drinking and driving, speeding, and teens driving while distracted. The Shattered Dreams program is an educational experience that seeks to remind, not only youngsters, but every one of the dangers associated with drinking and driving and driving distracted.
May 2016 • Welcome Home • 78248/78232
Please present coupon at check-in. Must be current on all vaccinations, be spayed or neutered and pass assessment. Limit 1 per household. No cash value. Exp. 5/31/16
Camp Bow Bow® Stone Oak • 20750 Stone Oak Parkway
210.49 6.9 9 69
Camp Bow Bow® North West • 5811 Rocky Point
210.49 5.9 9 69
Camp Bow Bow® Airport • 11931 Jones Maltsberger
210. 826.9 9 69
campbowwow-sa.com Future Customers & Employment Opportunities, e-mail: stoneoak@campbowwow.com
www.welcomehomesa.com
11
How Families Can Cut Vacation Costs Special To Welcome Home amily vacations are the one time each year when all members of the family get to leave the daily grind behind to enjoy a little R&R together. Such excursions often strengthen family bonds and help to create lasting memories that parents and kids will cherish for years to come. Families planning this summer’s annual getaway may already know that the cost of travel is on the rise. While there are always deals to be had, budget-conscious parents may still find themselves looking for ways to cut their travel costs so more of their money can be spent on having fun instead of financing trips. The following are a handful of ways parents can trim their families travel costs without sacrificing the quality of their vacations. Stay closer to home. It may sound simple, but vacationing closer to home is perhaps the best way for families to save a substantial amount of money on their vacations. Airline tickets can take up a sizable portion of a family vacation budget, and once the plane touches down families may need to add the additional expense of rental cars so they can get around their destination and enjoy all its sights and sounds. But families who choose to vacation closer to home can take their own vehicles, paying only for gas instead of airline tickets, car rentals (including rental insurance) and gas. Find a location close to home that still offers everyone an escape, but one that’s not far enough away that car travel will prove burdensome and exhausting. Plan to make some of your own meals.
F
Lessen financial stress while with family.
Have fun in the sun.
Dining out is another considerable expense for families on vacation. Depending on the size of their families, parents may find that their dining budgets will approach or even exceed the cost of air travel by the end of a single week. But parents can drastically reduce those costs by planning to make some their own meals while away on vacation. Bring along a couple of cereal boxes so breakfast is simple and inexpensive, and try to book accommodations equipped with kitchens or outdoor areas where the family can fire up a grill a few times during the week to save on costly dinner tabs. Travel light. Families who must travel by air can trim some of the cost of flying by traveling light. Many airlines now charge fees for bags that exceed pre-established weight limits and may charge for additional baggage as well. Leave hefty jackets and
New Agility Classes Start In May
extra footwear behind when traveling during the warmer months, as everyone can likely get by with just some lighter summer attire and less formal footwear. If traveling to a ski resort in the winter, consider renting bulky skiing attire, including boots, so baggage limits are not exceeded. Work with a travel agency that specializes in your locale. Many families may feel they can now plan their own vacations and save money, but planning through a travel agency may still be a family’s best bet. When booking trips via a travel agency, families can often negotiate
Students Take To Runway
Students demonstrate their modeling techniques on the While strutting her way down the runway, a model runway. waves to her adoring audience.
Submitted By Bob McCullough hirty-six students from the Academy at Morgan’s Wonderland – each with an accompanying “buddy” – modeled the latest fashions at the “Hand in Hand: A Night on the Runway” benefit from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at the Morgan’s Wonderland Event Center, 5223 David Edwards Drive. The Academy serves students with special needs ages 12 through 24 and prepares them for life and work. Models from The Academy student body were partnered with “buddy” students from TMI – The Episcopal School of Texas. “The fashion-show participants walked hand in hand down the runway and model beautiful clothes provided by Macy’s Department Store,” said Dr. Susan Bineham, The Academy’s head of school. “Thus came the inspiration for the name of this fiesta of fashion, fun and friendship.” The Hand in Hand event sought to raise funds for non-profit The Academy at Morgan’s Wonderland, an innovative,
T
12
with a representative, who can work to tailor a vacation that fits families’ budgets. Such negotiation is much more difficult when going it alone or working through a travel website. In addition, many travel agencies include tours and other attractions in the price of their packages, and that can be a great way to earn discounts to local sights and activities. Travel is expensive, especially for parents traveling with kids in tow. But costconscious moms and dads can still plan relaxing and enjoyable vacations without breaking the bank.
www.welcomehomesa.com
nationally accredited school for students with mild to moderate special needs. There, students receive a blend of academic, life skills and vocational instruction to help each one reach his or her maximum individual potential. “It’s truly inspiring to see our students confidently take to the runway and model the latest spring outfits, much to the delight of their parents, family members and friends,” Dr. Bineham said. The evening’s festivities, coordinated by The Academy’s Parents Teachers Friends and Others (PTFO) support organization, included a light meal. Individual tickets for the dressy-casual event were priced at $75 apiece, and tables of 10 could be reserved beginning at $1,000. TMI in San Antonio is the flagship private school of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas for students in grades 6 through 12. Established in 1893, TMI is the oldest Episcopal Church-sponsored, college-prep school in the Southwest. Visit www.tmi-sa.com for more information.
May 2016 • Welcome Home • 78248/78232
& DIRECTORY
Medical Allergy and Immunology Family Allergy & Asthma Specialists Dr. John Mastrovich 20650 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 106 Board Certified in Allergy/Immunology 342-6200 • www.faasonline.com Stone Oak Allergy & Asthma Amanda Trott-Gregorio, MD Board Certified in Allergy/Immunology 155 Sonterra Blvd., Suite 101 494-0690 • stoneoakallergy.com
Anti-Aging Enhancement of Life Dr. Donna Becker, D.O. 14603 Huebner Rd., Suite 2601 545-5224 • www.antiagingsa.com Expert Hormone Replacement for Women & Men
Gastroenterology Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio M. Guirl, MD, J. Jackson, MD., D.McMyler, MD P. Mehta, MD., R, Shaffer, MD 855 Proton Rd. 614-1234 • www.gastroconsa.com
Professional
Gastroenterology & Pain Mgmt
Theda Oaks J. Theard MD, S. Dar MD, L. Rosenkranz, MD U. Dar MD, M. McKee MD, M. Naeem, MD 19284 Stone Oak Parkway 268-0129
General Dentistry Dental Care SA: Dr. David Seguin & Associates 115 N. Loop 1604 E., Ste. 1104, SAT 78232 La Arcata Center 496-2533 www.dentalcareSA.com
General Surgery
F
Pharmacy
Lynnell C. Lowry, M.D. Alamo Eye Institute Board Certified Ophthalmologist 18720 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 119 697-3821
Stone Oak Pharmacy Specialty Compounding & Delivery Retail Pharmacy Services & DME 18866 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 101 494-4272
San Antonio Eye Center Abrams, Erdmancyzk, Hahn, Harris Ming-Zhao, Nicolau, Roberts, Stephenson 14807 San Pedro (281 & Winding Way) 226-6169 www.saeye.com
Orthodontics Schatz Orthodontics Eric Schatz, DDS 22610 U.S. Highway 281, Suite 201 272-7129 • www.alohasmiles.net
San Antonio General Surgery Jorge L. Rincon 1162 E. Sonterra, Suite 210 587-7744 www.sageneralsurgery.com
Pediatrics
Neurosurgery Neurosurgical Associates of S.A., P.A. Donald L. Hilton MD., Arnold B. Vardiman MD. Donald P. Atkins MD. 18626 Hardy Oak Blvd., Suite 240 477-1956 • www.neurosurgerysa.com
For The Kids Dance Marathon Submitted By Busola Fowowe or The Kids (FTK) is the largest student led non-profit in San Antonio. We provide emotional, financial and social support to families in the San Antonio area battling pediatric cancer. FTK is unique in that we raise money that goes directly to families’ day-to-day needs. Things like gas and food bills can be huge burdens on families who are already struggling with their child’s illness. We are dedicated to providing our FTK families with anything they may need because we understand that the battle against cancer cannot be fought
Ophthalmologist
alone. Therefore, we stand with them against cancer and provide them with support all year round. Last year alone FTK raised over $54,000 and we hope to skyrocket through that goal this year with your help. Our largest and last event of the academic year is our Dance Marathon. This year’s Dance Marathon, “The Sky Is The Limit,” took place on Saturday, April 16 from 9am to 9pm at the UTSA main campus convocation center. The Dance Marathon was a 12-hour, high-energy celebration of life during which participants pledge to stand in solidarity with families for the duration of the event. We invited our FTK children and families
Huebner Pediatrics Dr. Michelle Storandt, Dr. Adelnery Gonzalez 15714 Huebner Rd., Bldg. 3 447-3000 www.huebnerpediatrics.com
to share their stories and have fun with the UTSA community! Our UTSA athletic teams also participated in this event. The event concluded with a powerful and emotional family hour experience, followed by our exciting annual fundraising reveal. Registration was $30 per dancer and included all-day event admission, a dancer t-shirt, and two meals. Together we can make a difference, and one day we will dance in celebration of a cure. In event of any questions, email us at ftkpublicaffairs@gmail.com
Radiology South Texas Radiology Imaging Centers North Central Imaging Center 155 E. Sonterra Blvd., Suite 100 www.stric.com 617-9000
To add your listing, call 210-348-8233
Youngsters and adults alike put their best foot forward in support of families battling pediatric cancer.
Legendary Tejano Artist Performs Locally
Special To Welcome Home n Sunday, April 17, the Network for Young Artists (NYA) revealed the headline spot of its 2016 signature Fiesta event, the Deco District Arts & Music Festival. The crowds went wild as Little Joe y La Familia appeared on stage for the performance. Little Joe’s son Ady Hernández and his band DaHeBeGeBees opened for him. Sharing the spotlight during the day was rising star and NYA student, thirteen-year-old Isabel Marie Sánchez, who has appeared on the international TV program “Sábado Gigante,” where she won first place in the talent competition. Isabel, who some claim to be the “next Selena,” has since joined musical talents with Abraham Quintanilla. Headliner Joe Hernández has been performing professionally since the age of 15, when he played for a local high school
O
sock hop, earning five dollars. Those early performances acted as a catalyst for his musical career, propelling him into music world stardom and earning him four Grammy nominations and two awards. Currently signed to record with Capitol EMI, his live shows fill halls and arenas wherever he appears. The performance schedule also included Los No. 3 Dinners, Pedro Constante, and the Dirty River Dixie Band. Everyone’s favorite Fiesta foods were available. A good day for shopping as well – a wealth of handmade arts and crafts including jewelry, pottery, paintings, fabric arts and many more items were on sale at booths throughout the day. The festival started at noon. With no admission fee and being open to the public, the Deco District Arts & Music Festival was a day of Fiesta fun for the whole family.
May 2016 • Welcome Home • 78248/78232
The Deco District Arts and Music Festival is an official Fiesta event presented by the Network for Young Artists (NYA) to highlight the cultural, economic, and social vitality of the Deco District and brings local residents and tourists alike to the historic area. This exciting outdoor music and arts
www.welcomehomesa.com
festival offers dozens of performances by local and national musicians of all ages, street vendors, a diverse food and drink menu, and community spirit for all to enjoy. One stage, dedicated to NYA and youthcentric organizations, highlights local young talent certain to WOW audiences.
13
Gordinho Goes Pro! Johnson Alum Signs First Pro Contract
By Rachele Lind
T
here’s no greater accomplishment in life than watching your dream become reality. It’s not something that happens overnight, and it’s certainly not something that is easy to come by. But through hard work, dedication, faith and support…it can be done. On December 20, 2015, Johnson High School alum Jonathan “Gordinho” Rexroat signed his first contract as a professional soccer player with Club Calor in Second Division Mexico FMF – a dream he had been working toward since he first touched a soccer ball at age three. Rexroat was a three-year Varsity player and 2013 graduate of Johnson High School. He also played three years club soccer in San Antonio for the Dallas Texans SA. During his senior year of high school, he decided to take on a new challenge and play for the USSF Academy Development, the highest level for youth club soccer in the United States. While playing at the Academy level, Rexroat also played for an adult semi-pro team, Corinthians FC, a developmental squad for the NASL San Antonio Scorpions. Several coaches for professional Mexican teams including UNAM Pumas, Monterrey and Leon took notice of his play and offered him an invitation to come to Mexico for tryouts. After two weeks, Rexroat was asked to stay in Mexico in order to further develop his game. The young athlete’s training south of the border paid off. On his signing day with Club Calor, Rexroat became Johnson’s first alumnus in school history to become a professional athlete. “I have accomplished my main goal which was to sign a contract and become a pro soccer player,” Rexroat said. “With a little luck and God willing, and of course a great work ethic, I’m looking forward to continue learning and growing in this sport.” Rexroat’s gratitude for the opportunities his sport has given him and those who have supported him along his journey is reflected through his outlook on his journey thus far. He thanks God for blessing him with his natural talent to play the sport, and he credits a very important figure in his life for pushing him and supporting him at all times, his father. “My dad has been my coach and taught me the game since I was four years old. He is the main reason why I was able to accomplish my dream,” Rexroat stated. He taught me how to work hard and never give up. He helped me stay
14
focused and positive. And he taught me the positive strong values needed on and off the field. I can never thank him enough.” The path to earning a livelihood as a professional athlete cannot be navigated successfully by relying on talent alone. Rexroat’s dedication, commitment and sacrifice for the love of the game took him to that next level. It’s not an easy journey, but in Rexroat’s opinion, if it’s what you truly want, go out and make it happen. “My advice to all young players is to never stop believing in yourself,” he stated. “Always dream big and never say you can’t do something. Surround yourself with positive people. It won’t be easy. You will have to make sacrifices in your life to accomplish your dream, but remember, anything is possible.” Rexroat is thrilled with his accomplishments thus far, but not content. His career goal is to eventually play in Europe for a first division soccer team. “I am very happy, but I want more,” he stated. “I need to keep moving forward and push myself to be the best player I can be. Even then, I probably won’t be satisfied, I think I will always want more.” In the meantime, Rexroat is enjoying what it means to be a professional soccer player and the experiences that go hand in hand with the sport. “Soccer has given me a wonderful life,” he explained. “A life that many dream of having. I’m thankful that this sport has allowed me to travel to different countries, experience various cultures, and meet wonderful and caring people.” The promising career for the young athlete seems to be just beginning both on and off the field. In the future, Rexroat would love to open a soccer academy for children, create his own line of athletic apparel, and become a great ambassador for the sport. He is also co-founder of Gordinho’s Buddies, a non-profit Rexroat started with his dad that collects and donates old soccer uniforms, equipment, shoes and soccer balls to inner city soccer clubs. With his career taking off, the Johnson grad is still quite proud of his Jaguar roots and looks back fondly upon his days on the field representing his school. “No matter what I do in my life, from now on, I will always be on Johnson’s Hall of Fame wall,” stated Rexroat. “It’ll be an awesome story to tell my children and grandchildren. That’s pretty cool, if you ask me.”
www.welcomehomesa.com
My dad has been my coach and taught me the game since I was four years old. He is the main reason why I was able to accomplish my dream. He taught me how to work hard and never give up. He helped me stay focused and positive. And he taught me the positive strong values needed on and off the field. I can never thank him enough.” – Jonathan “Gordinho” Rexroat
May 2016 • Welcome Home • 78248/78232
Living Through Giving
“You make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give.” Unknown “Our mission is to bring hope to families in the San Antonio community by reaching out and touching the hearts of our future. Our intent is to provide children with hope and friendship while trying to ensure that they have the tools necessary to become the future.” By protecting the hopes and dreams of children, it is LTG’s desire to allow children to see kindness and have hope during a time where both may be hard to find. The core of our passion is the belief that when children become part of ‘the system’ they become our collective responsibility – our children – and deserve the same opportunities that youth from healthy families have.
info@livingthroughgivingsa.org facebook.com/livingthroughgivingsa For more info: 210-348-8233
Living Through Giving (LTG) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) which focuses on children and youth who have experienced abuse, neglect, family disruption, or a range of other factors that jeopardize their safety, permanence, or well-being.
Starts April 1, 2016 at a School or Business near you. LivingThroughGivingSA.org 210.348.8233 May 2016 • Welcome Home • 78248/78232
www.welcomehomesa.com
15
BELDEN’S AUTOMOTIVE & TIRES 13811 San Pedro Ave.
Your Neighborhood Garage
210.494.0017
Proven to treat you with Honesty Integrity & Respect
San Antonio, TX 78232
DESIGN + BUILD HOME REMODELING AWARD WINNING RENOVATIONS
Proper Planning. True Craftsmanship. Constant Communication.
22000 Bulverde Rd. San Antonio, TX 78259
210.481.3330
6 ons LocatiE YOU TO SERV
COMPLIM
ENT
SHUTTL ARY SERVIC E E
UR 24 HONG I TOW BLE A AVAIL
Before
BBB
®
Texas
Approved Auto Repair
Kitchens • Bathrooms • Whole House Remodels • Additions
Not Valid with any Other Coupon. Not Applicable to Menu Priced Items,
WHz124
After
Look for our Home Improvement article each month in Welcome Home
Special Order, Dealer Parts or Tires. MUST SHOW ID. Expires 6/15/2016
210.525.8750
beldensautomotive.com
www.VirtuosoBuilders.com
IS IT FO OD P OIS O N IN G ? You decided to try out a new restaurant last night, and now you are feeling a bit queasy. Your stomach is cramping and you are afraid that chicken was undercooked. If you are experiencing fever, diarrhea or vomiting, you may have more than just a stomach bug or the stomach flu. Close to 48 million people are affected by food poisoning every year. Recognizing early symptoms of this condition can lessen the severity and duration of the sickness and prevent serious complications. CAUSES Food poisoning occurs when bacteria, parasites or chemicals develop toxins in food. The risk of contracting this foodborne illness, also known as trichinosis, increases when food is kept at room temperature or is inadequately prepared. Raw or undercooked meats, raw or undercooked eggs, raw sprouts, soft or unpasteurized cheeses and unpasteurized beverages are common culprits of food poisoning. TREATMENT
SYMPTOMS On average, symptoms begin usually 1 to 6 hours after consuming the product, and recovery can last up to 2 days. Common symptoms include: Nausea
Diarrhea
Fever
Headaches
Vomiting
Stomach pain
Chills / Muscle aches
Eye swelling
People experiencing food poisoning should do the following: Drink fluids with electrolytes
Rest
Drink water
Avoid alcohol, nicotine and seasoned food
WHEN TO SEE THE DOCTOR Severe food poisoning requires immediate assistance. You should visit your nearest emergency room if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: Bloody vomit or diarrhea Fever over 102 F Diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal cramps combined
Symptoms lasting more than 2 days Difficulty speaking Blurred vision
Muscle weakness or paralysis
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above or need to be seen by a medical professional quickly, visit the expert staff at Prestige Emergency Room. Prestige’s facility is equipped to get you on your feet sooner with no wait time.
EMERGENCY CARE WITHOUT THE WAIT 1604 & BITTERS | 210-504-4837 | PRESTIGEER.COM
16
www.welcomehomesa.com
May 2016 • Welcome Home • 78248/78232