November 2015 78260 61 for web by Russell Groomer

A Monthly Publication Directly Mailed to the residents of Timberwood Park, Canyon Springs, Lookout Canyon, Riata Ranch and surrounding areas POSTAL CUSTOMER

November 2015 Issue

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

NORTH CENTRAL BAPTIST HOSPITAL AND WELCOME HOME PRESENT

Winter Celebration JOIN US FOR FAMILY FUN IN A WINTER WONDERLAND SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 10 A.M. – 3 P.M. NORTH CENTRAL BAPTIST HOSPITAL

520 Madison Oak Drive, San Antonio, TX 78258

ACTIVITIES TO ENJOY: • Featuring AirLIFE Santa & Mrs. Claus

• Winter playground with REAL SNOW

• Bring an unwrapped toy for “Living Through Giving” to get a photo with Santa

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• NEISD Elementary, Middle and High School performances throughout the day • Food, Games, Prizes and more!

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November 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

Note From The Publisher

Winter Celebration Just Around The Corner

ear Neighbors, As the weather starts to cool and the leaves turn in for the season, we turn our attention to the holidays that bring our community together. Hopefully no one had any issues with setting their clocks back, which we all know is the real marking of the holiday season! With that in mind, I am excited to announce that the Holiday Toy Drive ofﬁcially kicked off on November 1st! The season of giving is upon us and we have a fantastic line of local schools and business working with Welcome Home Newspaper and Living Through Giving. By collecting toys for the kids in need within San Anotnio, local schools will be competing all this month for a trophy and the chance to win $500.00, courtesy of RBFCU, donated to their school organization. May the school that collects the most toys win! Visit livingthroughgivingsa.org for updated information about vendors, toys drop off locations and more. Just click on the Winter Celebration icon. Our Annual Event, Winter Celebration, will also be collecting toys to hand out at the end of the year. Winter Celebration has become one of the largest events in San Antonio! This year, we anticipate Winter Celebration Featuring AirLIFE Santa will be better than ever. We hope you can join us for the fun! You can read all about our FREE Shuttle Service on page 7! Leave your car at Reagan High School or Cornerstone Church and take one of the shuttles to North Central Baptist Hospital. You can ﬁnd out all the details on page 9 and read up on our $1000 giveaway!

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Kids enjoying the snow at Winter Celebration.

Santa will once again be making his grand entrance via AirLife helicopter. Your donation of a new, unwrapped toy will also grant you or your child the opportunity to receive a FREE photo with Santa, a FREE Sled Ride, and a general prize drawing ticket. There will be lots of REAL snow for the kids to enjoy as well as games, rides, food and entertainment. Stay tuned for our December issue, which will include all the details of scheduled events. Mark your calendar: Winter Celebration Featuring AirLife Santa will be December 5, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at North Central Baptist Hospital. But enough talk about the December holiday, let’s remember that November is also a time of thanks for what we have and who we have. Welcome Home would like to thank each one of our readers, advertisers, and schools for their participation in making our paper mean something to this community. From our family to yours, be safe and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

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

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

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

Administrative Assistant Brittany Oliver

Director Of Production Kristin Oliver

Staff Writers Debby Seguin

Writer/Copy Editors Stefanie Young

Contributing Photographer Karen Little

Production/Graphic Design Marie Ferrante

Sales Representatives Patrice Long Francis Ngyen

Distribution Israel Vazquez

Contributing Writers Michele Bibb Yvonne Correa Colleen Douglas Jewel English Alan Hibberd Maribel Gardea Jason Gordon Steve Johnson ReDonna Mendez Denise Nipper Vincent Quidachay Jody Turner Loren William Nikki Young

November 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

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On The Cover

By Stefanie Young he season is upon us where the air becomes crisp and many bring out their scarves and steamy drinks, there are baked goods in the oven and there is almost a tangible excitement that resonates with many as they anticipate the quickly approaching holidays. For many friends and families, November marks a time for traditions and thanks (and maybe some football). It’s a time to reﬂect on the year that has passed and the choices that have brought the present union (or reunion) of the people around you. We hope that you will raise your glasses high this

year and be thankful for all the unexpected you made it through, whether good or bad, and all the unexpected to come. This year, Welcome Home will be toasting to the many lives we get to be part of through submissions, articles and events. We look forward to continuing to share the good news of the community and shining a spotlight on the local students, teachers and schools who put their best efforts forward. We hope you will have a safe and fun ﬁlled holiday and hope to hear from you in December and from us here at Welcome Home, Happy Thanksgiving!

Family Life Still Thankful

By Debby Seguin

hanksgiving is just around the corner and I have to admit, sometimes being thankful isn’t all that easy. After all, life can be difﬁcult, things don’t always go my way, but I have learned that thankfulness is a matter of perspective. For instance, I am thankful for my children. Even though my 4 year old chooses to pour sand down that “really cool pipe” (designed for phone wire) and I get to spend my Saturday helping him dig up said pipe so we can cut it, empty it, splice it and rebury it, I’m still thankful. And even though my daughter “promises” to turn the dryer on, the next morning I know I’m out of luck unless it happens to be “Wear Wet Clothes To School Day,” I’m still thankful. And even though my son is told he must share 5 chips with his little brother and promptly crushes one chip into 5 pieces, thereby, reaching his “sharing quota” but certainly missing the point, I’m still thankful. Because one of my best friends can’t have any children… I’m thankful for my husband. Even though, when I am in the shower, he feels the need to let me know that “½ a peach has gone bad in the fridge” and “that’s at least 13 cents down the drain” and “do you know how long I have to work for that 13 cents?” And knowing he’s not a “rhetorical question” kind of guy, I begin analyzing the ﬁgures while pumicing my heels, but before I can even answer, “37 seconds?” he’s already gone, I’m still thankful. Because of that young woman on the news, 2 children, newly widowed...

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I’m thankful for my home. Even though it’s so small that Barbie and Ken opted for the “Dreamhouse” instead, and even though I can vacuum it from one outlet, don’t have a dishwasher (unless you count me) and can actually: ﬁx dinner, help with homework, do laundry, answer the phone and start the shower without getting out of my chair, I’m still thankful. Because of that homeless guy I saw near the bowling alley… So remember this Thanksgiving when your great aunt talks about her toe fungus and your niece is sporting a nose ring (to complement the purple hair?) and that strange odor is not coming from refuse but from the general direction of Uncle Joe, be thankful. It truly is a matter of perspective. Debby Seguin can be reached at writewell62@yahoo.com.

November 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

FREE Shuttles To Winter Celebration Special By Welcome Home he holiday season is nearing, and Winter Celebration is right around the corner! Welcome Home Community Newspaper, North Central Baptist Hospital and the nonprofit Living Through Giving are sponsoring the annual holiday event, Winter Celebration, on Saturday December 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In anticipation of the large number of families and children, Welcome Home is proud to once again offer a FREE shuttle service to and from Winter Celebration located at North Central Baptist Hospital. This year, The Independence Hill Retirement Community, Coronado at Stone Oak, and The Haven and The Laurel have all generously donated shuttles and buses for easy and convenient transportation to Winter Celebration. Shuttle service pick-up this year will be located at Ronald Reagan High School (19000 Ronald Reagan Drive) and Cornerstone Church (18755 Stone Oak Parkway). Shuttles will begin transporting the public at 9:30 a.m. and will run continuously until 3:30 p.m. Cars should enter through the Sonterra entrance. All cars must be clear of the parking lots by 4 p.m. Winter Celebration featuring AirLIFE Santa is a wonderful family event for all ages. The celebration begins with an opening parade showcasing performances from school choirs and area high school marching bands. The event itself includes photos with Santa, raffles for prizes, vendors as well as other activities to create endless fun for families and volunteers. Santa’s arrival by helicopter always brings excitement from the crowd, and of course, the celebration would not be complete without 60,000 lbs. of snow for snowball fights and snow angels! Over the past thirteen years, Winter Celebration has become the largest Christmas toy drive in Stone Oak, San Antonio. Welcome Home would like to thank all shuttle service providers for assisting in transportation and ensuring that everyone in the community can attend the celebration. If you have any questions or would like more information regarding Winter Celebration, call (210) 348-8233. Welcome Home looks forward to celebrating the holiday season with the entire community!

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November 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

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Menopause Equals Hormone Decline NOT Mental Illness!!!

By Donna Becker, D.O. Enhancement of Life (210) 545-5224 ecently I received an ofﬁcial looking letter from Medicare. Unfortunately, I tore it into pieces after reading it. I wish I had framed it for all to see. The Medicare people sent me a letter stating that estradiol - inexpensive, natural, found in every young woman’s body - was now deemed dangerous! The letter said they had received notice from several prescription companies that I was prescribing dangerous estradiol for women over 65. The government does not approve estradiol for menopausal symptoms in the

“elderly”. Instead, their recommendations for treatment of symptomatic menopause is - you won’t believe it - to prescribe one of 4 different powerful antidepressants. I don’t argue or doubt there can be side effects to estradiol. Even a young woman can get breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer, or blood clots. Other problems associated with estradiol can be problems with the liver. Side effects and risks that may be associated with anti-depressants actually includes suicide, weight gain, and lack of libido.

Discoveries Thru Vision By John M. Nevelow, O.D. Nevelow Eye Associates (210) 349-2437 • www.drsnevelow.com as of 2012 which is about 9.3% of the population. It is the 7th leading cause of ovember is national Diabetic Month. death in the USA. There are 2 main types of However, we should be aware of Diabetes; Type I diabetes is usually juvenile the effects of Diabetes all year long. diabetes and is insulin dependent and Type As eye doctors we see Diabetics every day. II diabetes is insulin resistant and occurs in During an eye exam we are often able to about 90-95% of the Diabetic population. detect undiagnosed Diabetes as well as assist There is also Gestational Diabetes which in the management of established Diabetics. occurs in 9.2% of pregnancies and resolves 29.1 million Americans have diabetes itself after delivery. These mothers are at a

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I believe the Medicare ofﬁcials discount the side effects of lack of hormones: vaginal shrinkage and dryness, the loss of collagen from the skin all over the body, the memory decline, crumbling bones, mood swings, insomnia, tooth loss, and even an increase of macular degeneration. How can antidepressants address any of these terrible problems? However please note, not every woman experiences all or even some, of these degenerative effects. Depression is a terrible illness and thank goodness, skilled physicians who specialize in disorders of the mind, psychiatrists, have medications that may alleviate suffering of this type. Depression = treatable mental higher risk of developing Diabetes later in life. 20-39% of all diabetic patients have some degree of eye problems at the time they are diagnosed. Patients who smoke, have high blood pressure, and/or high cholesterol have a greater risk of developing disease progression. Ocular complications are the most frequent problems associated with Diabetes. Cataracts occur ﬁve times more frequently with Diabetics. Diabetes affects the blood vessels which can also cause or increase the effects of coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Besides the complications with our eyes, kidney problems, and peripheral vascular problems, peripheral neuropathy occurs frequently. Diabetic eye disease is the leading cause blindness in the USA. The Hispanic

illness, Menopause = treatable hormone decline. I prescribe the dose of estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone very precisely, based on the woman’s life style, blood levels, and chief complaints. I base this treatment as summation of many lectures and my own research, drawing blood on hundreds of patients and monitoring their responses. Hormone replacement is not right for everyone, and neither is an antidepressant. I treat hormone decline and I will discuss your options. Not everyone requires hormone replacement. Menopausal symptomatic sufferers-see me for help. 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. population is at greater risk especially in later life. Dr. Erin and I evaluate every patient we see for Diabetes as well as all types of ocular diseases. We report to each physician who is managing their Diabetic patients in order to help them know if their treatment is working and the patient is following their Physician’s directions. Diabetes is manageable and patients are able to live a long and productive life with the assistance of their physician and regular vision and eye health exams. Should you want further information on this topic or to schedule an ocular health exam contact Drs. John or Erin Nevelow at (210)349-2437. Visit us on Facebook or on our website at www.drsnevelow.com.

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November 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

2015 Winter Celebration Rules

n December 5th, the generosity of Stone Oak and the surrounding city will be brought to life along with the Holiday Spirit as Welcome Home Community Newspaper and North Central Baptist Hospital team up with the non-profit Living Through Giving for their annual Winter Celebration. The event kicks off at 10:00 a.m. with the High School Marching Bands, cheerleaders, choirs and mascots leading the parade. The highlight of the event will happen around 10:45 a.m. when Santa arrives via AirLIFE helicopter to take pictures and Holiday Wishes from all the children (and Mom and Dad) that come out to see him. Don’t think for a second that Mrs. Claus would miss out on the joy that lights up the children’s faces. She will most definitely be there too. The liveliness of 60,000 lbs. of snow, vendors, and raffle prizes draws in a crowd that makes one of the largest toy drives in San Antonio come to life. Over 10,000 people arrive, many with toys

in hand, to enjoy the snowball ﬁghts, carnival rides and funnel cakes. Performances by local schools take place throughout the day bringing the joy of Christmas music and family fun to the festival grounds. The goodness and hospitality of Winter Celebration’s guests, volunteers, and participating schools always makes Winter Celebration a successful event! This year, Independence Hill Retirement Community, Coronado at Stone Oak, and The Haven and The Laurel all generously donated shuttles and buses for easy and convenient transportation to Winter Celebration. (See page 7 for shuttle details). With so many people in attendance, Living Through Giving is thankful to have so many people volunteering, with the help of Out of the Box Productions, the celebration will be yet another great success! In 2014 Living Through Giving’s Toy Drive brought in over 8,000 toys

for children in need. Once the toys were collected in full, the Living Through Giving staff made stops throughout San Antonio where kids in need were be surprised to learn their community had not forgotten them during the holiday season. Donations ranged from action ﬁgures and toy cars to dolls, stuffed animals and instruments. With such an array of toys and trinkets, Living Through Giving was able to help light up the faces of so many children and restore some hope within their surroundings. This year Living Through Giving is hoping to shatter that record. “There are so many children, teens and families in need every year. Our mission is to take [on] some of the burden and make sure there is something underneath the tree for each child.” Russell Groomer, Founder of Living Through Giving, stated. Through the course of 2015, Living Through Giving has hosted a number of events and sponsors and businesses

2015 Winter Celebration Performers Parade starts at 10:00 am Community is encouraged to join. Lineup will be at 9:30 am at Reindeer Lane. Come out and and kick off the Holidays with a Parade and see Santa fly in on his Helicopter.

In The Parade: UIW – Cheer, Dance UIW Red The Cardinal Alamo City Marching Band Miss Latina SA Teen Alyssa Salinas Betsy Dippo & State Farm Bear Subway Mascot

Jets Pizza Slice Cowboy Cash Buckner Fanning Cheerleaders Tuscany Heights “Tusky” HEB Buddy Aue Elementary Aue Gator Las Lomas – Libro the Lion

Area A – DJ & Dance Stage 10:30 am 11:00 a.m. 11:30 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m.

Tex Hill Dance Johnson HS Dance LA Performing Arts Woodlawn Theatre AABCD Star Performance Co. Heather Stolle School of Dance Cynergy Dance Co. TBD TBD

Vineyard Ranch Elem Mascot Encino Park Elem Soaring Eagle SA Missions Ballapeno Benson Honda 3T San Antonio Tiger ProMartial Arts Rocky The Rhino

Area B – Band Stage 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 1:00 1:30 2:00

AABCD Star Performance Co. Alamo City Marching Band Alamo City Marching Band School Of Rock School Of Rock TBD TBD Rawlinson M.S. Jazz Band

Area C – Choir Stage 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30

Las Lomas Honors Choir Hardy Oak Elem. Choir Buckner Fanning School Choir Indian Springs Choir Vineyard Ranch Elem. Choir

1:00 1:30 2:00 2:30

Bill Brown Elem. Choir Specht Elem. Choir Stone Oak Elem. Choir Aue Elem. Choir

Don’t Forget Bring A New Unwrapped Toy

have helped bring new light to the nonproﬁt. Living Through Giving’s focus has remained true since the beginning: to focus on “children and youth who may have experienced abuse, neglect or some other type of family disruption.” Those working with the Living Through Giving organization said they strive to protect the hopes and dreams of children who may not have anywhere else to turn. Living Through Giving works to raise awareness for the youth of San Antonio who are in need. The countdown to this event has now begun and Winter Celebration 2015 will be here before we know it! Welcome Home Community Newspaper, Living Through Giving and North Central Baptist Hospital would like it to be bigger and better than ever! If you would like to participate or contribute to Living Through Giving or any of the upcoming events, call (210) 348-8233, or email at info@livingthroughgivingsa.org.

New Winter Celebration Rules:

tarting at 10 a.m. on December 5, 2015, the Welcome Home check-in booth will be collecting toys for Living Through Giving. For every toy donated the guest will receive a general prize drawing ticket, a FREE photo with Santa and a FREE Slide Ride. You can bring as many toys as you’d like. ($5.00 minimum value, must be new unwrapped toys). This year Winter Celebration will also host a Silent Auction presented by Give Back Auctions. You will have the opportunity to bid on Signed Sports Memorabilia, Signed Tracy Byrd Autographed USA Guitar, Exotic Hunts, Experiences, Name Brand Jewelry, Reverse Silent Auction Package worth $15,000, Limo Party Packages, Music Memorabilia, and much, much more. Area businesses have also graciously donated a ton of silent auction items like; hotel stays, rounds of golf, James Avery ornaments and jewelry, gift baskets and more. Living Through Giving and Welcome Home are overwhelmed by the outpouring of donations. Welcome Home has once again donated $1000.00 dollars which will be rafflled off at 2:30 pm. You do not have to be present to win. Come out and do some early Christmas shopping and support San Antonio kids in the process.

Volunteers are still needed, loved and appreciated. Call (210) 348-8233 to donate your time to a worthy cause.

www.WelcomeHomeSA.com • 210.348.8233 www.welcomehomesa.com

November 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

The Value Of Double-Checking Your Retirement Strategy

By Eric Zeitler Client Centric Wealth Management (210) 807-7599 otivational speaker Denis Waitley check your retirement strategy. Your portfolio lacks signiﬁcant once remarked, “You must stick to your conviction, but be ready to diversiﬁcation. Many baby boomers are abandon your assumptions.” That statement approaching retirement with portfolios certainly applies to retirement planning. heavily weighted in equities. As many Your effort must not waver, yet you must of them will have long retirements and a sustained need for growth investing, you also examine it from time to time.1 For example, the level of risk you chose could argue that this is entirely appropriate. to tolerate at 35 or 40 may not be worth If your retirement is near at hand, however, tolerating at 55 or 60. Additionally, you may you might want to consider the length of this realize that you will need more retirement bull market and the possibility of irrational income than previously assumed. With exuberance. A poor quarter makes you anxious. those factors and others in mind, here are some signs that you may need to double- You start watching the market like a hawk

and check up on your investments more frequently than you once did. Some of this vigilance is only natural as you near retirement; after all, you have far more at stake than a millennial investor. Even so, this is a sign that you may be uncomfortable with the amount of risk in your portfolio. You find yourself listening to friends & pundits. Your tennis partner has an opinion about when you should claim Social Security. So does your dentist. So does a noted radio personality or columnist. If you seem increasingly interested in the financial opinions of friends, this hints at anxiety or restlessness about your financial strategy. Perhaps it is warranted, perhaps not. It may

be time to reexamine some assumptions. Looking at your retirement strategy anew has merit. As the years go by, priorities change and needs arise. New questions call for appraisals of old assumptions. Reviewing your approach to investing and saving at mid-life is only rational, for your retirement strategy must suit the objectives you now have before you rather than those you set in your past. Client Centric Wealth Management may be reached at 210-807-7599 or www.ccwmgmt.com. They are located at 19230 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 315. Eric Zeitler, Eric Weissgarber and Michael Simpton offer securities through Sigma Financial Corporation. Member FINRA/ SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Sigma Planning Corporation, a registered investment advisor. Citations:1 - quotes.lifehack.org/quote/denis-waitley/ you-must-stick-to-your-conviction-but/ [4/16/15]

The Walker Belden Foundation Concludes Submitted By Maribel Gardea hank you for your support in our 3rd annual The Walker Belden Foundation Charity Golf Tournament beneﬁtting Morgan’s Wonderland. We wanted to express our appreciation for your generosity in support of The Walker Belden Foundation and your personal commitment was incredibly helpful and allowed us to reach our goal. The Walker Belden Foundation was able to raise over $90,000 to be donated

to Morgan’s Wonderland. We would like to personally thank CVS Health for being our presenting sponsor and all other sponsors. We would also like to thank all of the volunteers who helped the day of the tournament. The Walker Belden Foundation wants to bring awareness to the efforts of Morgan’s Wonderland which allows individuals with disabilities to have an equal opportunity to actively participate in a fun and safe atmosphere with family and friends,

despite their limitations. Because of your help, Morgan’s Wonderland will be able to continue their Fund-A-Visit to all individuals with disabilities and special needs. Again, thank you for your support! Please SAVE THE DATE for next year’s golf tournament. The Walker Belden Foundation Golf Tournament will be held Friday, October 21st, 2016 at 1:00pm at Canyon Springs Golf Club. Look forward to seeing everyone next year!

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November 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

Open Your Eyes To The Best Option In Vision Care . . .

I love meeting new people and visiting with the returning patients and seeing the children grow up in all of our families here. The smile of a child putting glasses on for the ﬁrst time, or the joy of the new teen contact lens wearer never stops being a thrill. Vision is so important and it is a joy to help preserve and protect it for all of our patients.” – Dr. Monica Allison, Vision Source Stone Oak

By Stefanie Young

he gift of clear, accurate sight can bring wonder, beauty, excitement and increased functionality into our lives. However, over time, vision needs and concerns may change. Dr. Monica Allison at Vision Source Stone Oak has been treating patients with all vision needs in the Stone Oak community since 2005. She now has 2 associate doctors to assist her in providing this care: Drs. Lindsey Denison and Kim Ip. Their passion is to help each patient see clearly, regardless of their age or vision concern, and this is reflected in the growing practice. Dr. Allison always envisioned running her own optometry practice, helping families with their vision needs in a personable setting. In order to provide her patients with such an intimate level of care with the added benefit of access to the latest technology, she decided to partner with Vision Source, the country’s premier network of private practice optometrists. Her partnership with Vision Source has allowed her to tailor an advanced level of care to each individual patient. “Vision Source is a franchise, but each office is individually owned,” explained Dr. Allison. “We get to use their buying power. There are more than 3,200 offices and thousands of doctors, and we get to see many of the new technologies on the market first because the industry is always introducing new technology and other new products through us. Vision Source also emphasizes licensing to the highest level.” Dr. Allison ensures that her practice is equipped with the latest pieces of advanced technology and the best treatment options available for her patients. To document diseases of the eye, Stone Oak Vision Source uses a retinal imaging system that captures images of the back of the eye. They also have a digital refracting system in every doctor’s lane that is linked to their software and lab to ensure the most accurate prescriptions. Another technology is the Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). “This is an instrument that obtains sub-surface images of translucent or opaque materials at a resolution equivalent to a low-power microscope,” Dr. Allison said. “It is effectively ‘optical ultrasound,’ imaging reflections from within tissue to provide a straightforward method of assessing macular degeneration, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis and other conditions.” Stone Oak Vision Source also includes on-site labs that can generate prescriptions the same day―even for nonglare lenses. “We get comments all the time about our high-tech office,” said Dr. Denison. “Every test has a function and

we make sure and provide the most comprehensive care possible for our patients. It’s great to share information with patients about preventative measures that we can do to protect and preserve vision long-term.” New options for contact lens wearers―or those interested―have also exploded onto the optometry scene. “We have daily use lenses that over 90 percent of people surveyed cannot feel in their eyes, even at the end of the day,” Dr. Allison explained. “Dailies Total 1 offers a revolutionary lens design that has never been on the market. For people with astigmatism or needing help up close, there have been tremendous strides in contacts for astigmatism

Dr. Kim Ip, Dr. Monica Allison & Dr. Lindsey Denison

and multifocal options. We ﬁt a large amount of postsurgical patients in specialty lenses as well and there are some great options available, even if you’ve been told you cannot wear contacts, there may be a choice now.” Dr. Allison and associates are passionate about Orthokeratology or Ortho-K. Ortho-K is a non-surgical process, which actually reshapes the cornea of the eye using contact lenses. The patient wears the lenses overnight, while they sleep, and upon waking, enjoy clear vision all day long, without the assistance of contacts or glasses.“Ortho-K has been shown to slow down nearsightedness in children,” explained Dr. Allison. “My own daughter actually beneﬁts from Ortho-K. It’s a great option for children because they’re not having to worry about their lenses during the day.” Treating children is a large part of Dr. Allison’s practice. She and Dr. Denison participate in the InfantSEE® program – a free public health program for infants between six and 12 months to determine if the baby is at risk for eye or vision disorders. Although school-aged children often have their vision

November 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

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checked at school or by their family physician, it is not uncommon for reading, focusing or other vision problems to go undetected. Through comprehensive eye examinations, all the doctors at Stone Oak Vision Source check eyes, inside and out, for glaucoma, cataracts, and all other eye diseases. However, the eye also provides a picture into an individual’s overall health and can indicate whether he or she may be suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, reaction to medication, or other systemic diseases. “Looking into the eye is like looking into your body,” explained Dr. Ip. “It gives us a clear picture of the arteries and veins and what’s going on with your health. With the changes in the healthcare industry, all the doctors at Stone Oak Vision Source have embraced their new positioning as primary care physicians. They want their patients to feel that they can contact them in the case of an eye emergency, even after hours. “All major medical insurance will take care of problems with the eye, but places like the emergency room won’t have the equipment that we have,” Dr. Allison said. “We take calls after hours and treat all kinds of eye problems including infections, injuries and dry eye.” Vision Source Stone Oak is also one of only a few providers in San Antonio of TAG Heuer eyewear, which has integrated design, superior materials, ergonomic engineering and is unrivaled in performance and patented innovation. The doctors at Stone Oak Vision Source enjoy finding the perfect solution to their patients’ vision needs. From contact lenses and glasses to medical eye care and LASIK surgery consultation, they are available to those who desire treatment from a confident professional with years of growth and experience. “I love meeting new people and visiting with the returning patients and seeing the children grow up in all of our families here,” said Dr. Allison. “The smile of a child putting glasses on for the first time, or the joy of the new teen contact lens wearer never stops being a thrill. Vision is so important and it is a joy to help preserve and protect it for all of our patients.”

Vision Source Stone Oak 19202 Stone Oak Pkwy, Ste 106 210-495-9020 www.visionsource-stoneoak.com

Bringing Smiles To Wounded Warriors

Join us for a Breakfast Feast

and Open

House and see why 7 year old

Hunter loves Independence Hill!

By Michelle Houriet, Executive Director Independence Hill Retirement Resort Community (210) 209-8956 s we prepare to honor all of our Village volunteer and show their patriotism Veterans this month; it is a great by painting, filling and delivering the time to tell you about a selfless boxes. These boxes are then stuffed to the group of artists that work throughout the top with things that will bring joy and a bit year to give back to our Wounded Warriors. of fun to their day. Items like crossword When a soldier is wounded many times they puzzles, snacks like beef sticks, peanut are dealing with many other things besides butter crackers, large candy bars for movie the physical wound. The Families and the night, or a gift card to Walmart, the movie solder’s lives have to change at a moment’s theater, Target, or a restaurant. Imagine the notice, which can result in financial and pleasure it would give these soldiers to have psychological difficulties. the opportunity to take their spouse to the On the Fort Sam Houston campus movies, or purchase their kids a surprise at The Center for the Intrepid offers the full Walmart. spectrum of outpatient care for veterans and “Bringing a smile to a soldier’s face, “wounded warriors” and the Warrior Family when you know what they endure each day Support Center (WFSC) provides a neutral, is the best feeling ever”, remarks Carolyn, comfortable place for families and patients “they are thrilled that it is hand painted to gather after long and often painful days and when they open it and see all the of treatment. It became apparent that surprises…. Joy is in the air.” families are an essential part of a patient’s Independence Hill would like to thank rehabilitation and recovery. the many Veteran’s, throughout the ages, The WFSC is run totally by volunteers who have given up so much, to allow us and donations. One group has made it to enjoy our freedom. And to thank the their mission to bring some smiles to the Boots and Brushes group and our resident Warriors through their love of painting over volunteers for sharing their talents and their the past 9 years. Boots and Brushes of San time. If you would like to support the Boots Antonio is a chapter member of the National and Brushes group by helping them get Society of Decorative Painters and we are their boxes filled, please call Sheryl Nelson lucky to have, Carolyn Crawford, long time at (210) 481-7763. Independence Hill Activities Coordinator Independence Hill Retirement Resort as one of their talented members. Each year Community is located in Stone Oak at they begin the task of hand painting 150 20450 Huebner Rd., San Antonio, TX patriotic boxes, finding donations, filling 78258. For more information, call (210) and delivering them. The residents of all 209-8956 or visit www.independencehill. three of our communities; Independence com. Hill, Assisted Living and Independence

Saturday, Nov. 14th, 2015 9:30am 20450 Huebner Rd, San Antonio, TX 78258

Please RSVP to

(210) 209-8956

www.independencehill.com

by Thursday, November 12th

Full Service Apartments • Garden Homes • Assisted Living Lic #100102

Fall Creates A New Ambiance In The Home!!

Step Into Decorating By Mary Lozano-Jenkins The Jenkins Group, Inc. (210) 490-0161 t’s that wonderful time of the year when we decorate to share and create the Holidays! Start with a theme on your Christmas décor. A favorite theme beginning with the front door and into the tree and mantle. The new Christmas decorating has a lot of BLING… We are also ﬁnding that the new Blue tones/ Agua/ etc. are very popular for ornaments. Adding to the new colorsways are the hot pink Fuschia Colors. It is a great idea to have a few trees in the home. Begin with a family tree and then have the children decorate their own tree in their play are and in their rooms. The lights of the Christmas Holiday time are so appealing to all. The theme in your décor can also be used with pillows in the living area, as well as placemats in the dining area. We do Christmas Magical Makeovers. Call us so that we can assist you. Using your own décor and adding a few new items is a great idea as well. Your Home is Your Castle. For more information, contact Mary

Ask Us About Our Fall Promotions . . . Get Ready For The Holidays.

The Jenkins Interior Design Group

Jessica C. Jenkins Mary Lozano Jenkins 210.464.1519 210.325.3720 mjkg1@aol.com 12

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Lozano-Jenkins, 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.

November 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

Good For You Coffee And Tasty Cakes By Tanji Patton Goodtaste.tv one are the days when just any cup of coffee will do. Starbucks upped the ante for coffee drinkers, and now many local baristas have raised the bar even higher. I’ve become as picky about my coffee as I am about my wine. While setting up for a recent television segment for WOAI’s Living Show, I got into a conversation with a coffee

expert, who was a guest on the same show, about ramping up that cup of joe even more by adding MCT oil. A lot of the independent coffee shops are now offering what some call ‘bullet coffee.’ MCT oil is essentially a supplementstrength coconut oil. This supposedly naturally-derived supplement has been

The Fish Thanksgiving By Blake Groomer Groomer’s Seafood (210) 377-0951 know what you’re thinking. “What does ﬁsh have to do with Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving is all about Turkey!” Well, maybe to some, but believe it or not Thanksgiving is one of our heaviest times of the year. Why is that? Just look at the ﬁrst Thanksgiving, or perhaps I should say, the “Fish Thanksgiving!” At the First Thanksgiving, turkey was actually not the main attraction. Being in a coastal area, seafood was in fact one of the main stars of the Thanksgiving show.

K9 Corner By Catherine Laria K9 Country Club (830) 980-8476

Holiday Foods And Your Pet

Lobster, mussels, clams, oysters, and eels made up the bulk of the menu. Fresh cod and bass were also served up by the dozen. In fact, it was said that Chief Massasoit went to and from the ocean “carrying as many eels as he could handle”. Today the tradition of seafood still holds true in many households. In the Northeast, lobster is commonly found side by side with the turkey, on the West Coast it’s not unheard of to have a nice slab of salmon in the center of the table and here in the Gulf region,

ovember is a special time of year when we remind ourselves of what we’re thankful for. I’m thankful for so many things in my life, but my dogs top the list. For many of us, our pets are an extension of our family, giving unconditional love and asking for little in return. So this holiday, why not thank them by treating them to something extra special? With a little caution and creativity, your dog can enjoy much of the same delights you do. One of the biggest mistakes people make during the holidays, is giving their pets foods they aren’t used to eating - smothered in rich gravies, sugars, salt, etc. You may think you’re making them the happiest creature on earth, but such a heavy diet, even for just one night, can wreak havoc on their bodies, especially if they’re not use to human foods. Below are a few alternatives to help keep everyone happy and healthy and maybe keep you from a visit to the emergency vet hospital. • Don’t feed turkey skin. Ooohh I know…it’s the best part! But not only is it high in fat and hard to digest, it also holds marinades, oils, and spices used in baking, which can cause an upset stomach.

one of my fellow Les Dames d’Escofﬁer members, streusel-topped sour cream coffee cake mufﬁns. These beauties even have a little bit of chocolate sprinkled inside, a perfect pairing with a good cup of coffee. For more fun recipe ideas and wine pairings, head to http://goodtaste.tv. While you’re there sign up for our newsletter and a chance to win a two night stay at the beautiful Hyatt Hill Country Resort. Tanji is an Emmy award winning journalist pursuing her passion for wine and food. Tanji explores the inviting worlds of chefs, wine makers and culinary newsmakers. If you would like more information, she can be reached at Goodtaste@tanjipatton.com.

especially in Louisiana, seafood-heavy jambalaya is a Thanksgiving dinner staple. This is a dish consisting of ﬁsh, sausage, rice, and many spices and is one of my personal favorites. It’s simple, it’s easy and while there are many great Seafood Thanksgiving recipes to share (oyster stufﬁng anyone?), I’ve decided to give you this spicy little number of a recipe called Gulf Shrimp Jambalaya using our boat run shrimp. Ingredients: 2 lbs of Boat run Gulf Shrimp, 1lb of Andouille sausages, cut into circles, 1 white onion, chopped into 1/4 inch pieces 2 green peppers cut into 1/4 pieces, 3 stalks of celery cut into 1/4 pieces, 3 cloves of chopped garlic, 1 dash of crushed red pepper, 1 tsp Cayenne pepper, 1 28 oz can of diced tomatoes, 2 fresh bay leaves, 1 fresh bundle of thyme, 5 chopped scallions, and 2 cups of long grain rice. Directions:

1. Shell the shrimp and put the shells in water to boil for 20 min to create a stock 2. Lubricate a large pot with olive oil and add the sausage pieces and cook for 5 minutes 3. Add in the peppers, celery, and onions and season with salt and the crushed red pepper 4. Cook this mixture for about 8 minutes or until it softens. Then add in the garlic and cook for 3 more minutes, and then add in the tomatoes and cayenne pepper 5. Stir in the rice and add 4 cups of the shrimp stock with along with the bay leaves and thyme and cook for 25 minutes. 6. Add in the shrimp and cook for 5-7 more minutes until shrimp is pink. Top with scallions and you’re ready to serve! I think you’ll enjoy changing things up just a bit with seafood!

Huntsman World Senior Games Medalists From SA

• Set aside some of the good stuff before adding all of the salts, butter, wine, etc. A scoop of plain sweet potatoes, a cup of cooked carrots, even some stufﬁng without gravy is a delight for your dog. • Juices and gravies of course are loaded with spices so don’t pour it all over your pet’s kibble, just drizzle! • Desserts: The compound Theobromine in chocolate is toxic to your pet and can even cause death. Caffeine is also present and can pose a danger to your pet’s heart. Unsweetened baker’s chocolate is the worst and contains 8 times the amount of Theobromine as milk chocolate. So keep them far from Chocolate. • If your dog isn’t use to table scraps, don’t offer up a big plate full all at once. This can stress their system. Add a little at a time and freeze the rest for treats later. Your pet is going to be pretty happy with any morsels you give them so choose wisely. Stay away from salts and spices; those are for our taste buds, not theirs. If they can drink out of a toilet, they can surely enjoy turkey without gravy! K9 Country Club is located at 31305 Oak View, Bulverde TX 78163. For more information, call (830) 980-8476 or visit www.k9countryclub.net.

November 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

studied for its reported weight loss and cognitive function beneﬁts – it’s said to even have helped patients with neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and epilepsy! You can expect increased mental focus and productivity, weight loss, and an incredible boost in healthy, natural energy. So, now that I’ve got you all ﬁred up for that next cup of coffee, how about some delish coffee cakes to go with. One of my all-time favorite recipes was discovered on one of our trips to Napa. We stayed at a delightful turn of the century B&B, and I asked the proprietors for the recipe to their delicious coffee cake. You can bake it the night before you serve it. Check out the recipe at goodtaste.tv. Another all-time favorite comes from

Gloria Cadavid and Patricia Thomas with their recently earned metals.

Submitted By Loren Williams wo amazing senior women table tennis athletes from San Antonio! Competing this past week in table tennis Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles events; Gloria Cadavid won four gold medals in age bracket 55-59, while Patricia Thomas won two golds and one silver in age bracket 85-89 at the Huntsman World Senior Games in Utah. Pat has competed in these World Games for the past 16

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consecutive years. Both Gloria and Pat are active members of the San Antonio Table Tennis Club. Headquartered in Southern Utah, the Huntsman World Senior Games has become a renowned event among serious athletes from Japan to Russia and from Alaska to Australia. Scores of countries participate in the games, where peace among nations is fostered through friendly competition.

Tips To Keep The School Year Productive You Have A Choice

Allow Me The Opportunity To Hand You The Keys To Your New Home.

210.912.1628

CTurcotte@satx.rr.com

www.carryturcotte.com

By Steve Johnson he ﬁrst couple months of the school year provide opportunities to start your family off with the best habits for a productive year. Every child is different in their learning habits, and here are some ideas to try to keep each child going strong all year long. Designate a time of day for homework. Having a routine makes sure that your child knows when to work on their homework each day. Putting them to work on homework after school will allow them to get their work done quickly in order to have their time to play with friends or watch TV with the family, and will prevent cramming at the end of the night. Provide them with a planner. Give your student the option to use a scheduling planner to keep all of their projects and assignments in order. They will be able to write down notes from the teacher about important dates, and they can color code assignment due dates, test days, or other signiﬁcant school days. Create a designated study room. The home can provide your children with many distractions. Creating a space away from the TV and other toys will allow the child to focus on the project or assignment needing completion. Decorate the space with school supplies and encouraging posters to promote a positive attitude towards studying. Support strong time management. At the beginning of each week, sit down with your child and discuss the projects and homework they have been assigned for the week, and create a schedule for what should

be worked on each day. This will prevent last minute scrambling and cramming, and will start a great pattern of managed study habits for future years of schooling. Encourage your child to ask for help. Make sure your child knows when to ask for help. Assistance can come from other students, their teachers, tutors, or you as their parent. Letting them know it’s okay to ask for help early on will teach them seek out resources when they need it. Knowledge is power, and if they struggle in a specific subject, getting help when needed will benefit them in the long term. Find out what works for your child. Does your child remember information more after writing it down, saying it out loud, or reviewing flashcards? Test out different options and encourage regular usage of the tactics that work for your child. Be in contact with the teacher. Make an effort to regularly connect with your child’s teacher. This opens up doors of communication right away, and allows you the opportunity to find out what is and is not working for your child in the classroom.

Knowing what’s working in the classroom will help you create a safe study environment for your child in the home. Encourage your child to get involved. Encouraging your child to raise their hand and be an active learner in the classroom is a great way for them to retain information more efficiently. They will be looked at in a more positive light by their peers as well as their teachers, and it may be easier for them to recall specific classroom lessons or activities when needed. There are many different ways you can promote healthy study habits for your child. Utilizing these tactics will help your student maintain a positive direction this school year. These are tips that will benefit them long-term. If your child is struggling with any specific subject, the earlier you act, the easier it is to get back on track. College Tutors specialize in homework help, study skills, essay writing, specific areas of study and college test prep. Check out www. collegetutors.com or call us at (210)202-0303 to get some advice or talk about how College Nannies and Tutors can help you!

Smithson Valley UIL Academic Team Prepares For New Season

The Smithson Valley UIL Academic team displays individual awards and the 2nd place team trophy won at the NEISD Invitational UIL meet in early 2015.

Submitted By Denise Nipper new school year brings early mornings and late evenings for the area high school athletic teams training for the new season. Inside Smithson Valley, however, another team is hard at work preparing for another winning season. The SV UIL Academic team is hoping to win their third straight District Championship and their fourth District Sweepstakes trophy. UIL Academics consists of twenty-two different events from math and science to public speaking. A typical academic meet is unlike any other competition. Speakers in suits and ties carry briefcases with their debate ﬁles while their teammates look through thousands of spelling words on index cards or review trigonometry and physics for the math and science competitions. At the end of the day, awards are presented to the top performers in every event, and to the top school teams. During the 2014-2015 season, Smithson Valley’s academic team was often one of those winning schools. Nicknamed the SV “Braingers”, the team placed 1st overall

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at both the Bandera High School and Hays High School Invitational meets, 2nd place overall at the LaVernia and NEISD Invitational Meets, and 3rd place the Churchill High School invitational meet. In April, SV won the district championship with a total score twice that of their nearest competitor. Several Smithson Valley students placed high enough at the 6A Region IV meet to compete at the state level. The SV spelling teams won the region meet and earned 4th place team in State 6A competition. Emma Tharp, Lincoln-Douglas debater, was regional champion, and went on to win 3rd place at the state meet. All state competitors are now eligible for scholarships awarded through the University Interscholastic League. This year, Smithson Valley hopes to add to the successes from last year. Strong middle school programs and Smithson Valley and Spring Branch middle schools have yielded a large number of freshmen eager to continue the winning traditions. With returning team members, it looks like 2015-2016 will be another great year for Smithson Valley UIL Academics.

November 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

A Choice And A Warning

Johnson High School’s Distracted Driving Event SAPD brought a police car/ taxi cab and a wrecked truck as part of their efforts to remind students to never drink and drive.

By Melinda Cox

ohnson High School and the Jaguar PTSA held its third annual Distracted Driving Event on campus this week to coincide with homecoming. Volunteers from the JHS PTSA Smart Driving Club, the JHS Winners Circle and the PTSA worked together to bring information, resources and interactive opportunities to the campus to remind students to make safe choices behind the wheel. Johnson High School has been fortunate to have many outside organizations and groups make time to attend the distracted driving event each year. These groups consistently bring a message of safety and reminders of the possible impact of choices to our event and Johnson High School and the Jaguar PTSA are very grateful for the effort and commitment of these groups. These groups all bring important information and fun activities for the student, but this year it may have been a small single voice that delivered the most overwhelming message. This year the impact of a choice was brought close to home through a story shared by O’Connor High School senior Peyton Grasso. On June 14, 2014 Peyton was the victim of a near fatal trafﬁc accident involving a drunk driver who lost control of their vehicle. The vehicle rolled over 3 times and slammed into a steel utility pole. Peyton lost her leg on impact, sustained a burst fracture of her C-2 spinal vertebrae, went into cardiac arrest twice, fractured both femurs and sustained an axonal brain injury. Peyton has endured 15 surgeries on the amputated leg, due to the traumatic nature of the amputation and several other very dangerous neurosurgeries to repair the burst fracture in her cervical spine. Peyton has had a long road to recovery and she is still on her journey. Peyton spoke to JHS students during three separate lunch periods to recount her story and warn her peers about the dangers of drinking and driving. “I made a bad decision. I went to a party and drank for the ﬁrst time and I got in the car with someone who had been drinking and I almost lost my life. I made one bad choice and I will deal with this for the rest of my life,” Peyton told the students as stood in the courtyard and listened. Peyton continued, “You must pay attention to what you are doing and who you are with. I am a good kid and a good student and I made a choice that changed my life. I lost a leg because I made a choice about going to a party. Most kids in high school won’t even remember the parties they went to with their friends. I have a constant reminder.” During all three lunches, Johnson students listened intently as Peyton told her story of choices, consequence, survival and recovery. Her determination proceeds her and her survivor mentality gives her the courage to tell others her story. Peyton comfortably took off her prosthesis in

Peyton spoke to JHS students during three separate lunch periods to recount her story and warn her peers about the dangers of drinking and driving.

each talk with the students and talked about the obstacles, struggles and victories she has endured and achieved. “I died twice the night of the accident and because the EMT’s and the doctors did not give up on me, I survived to ﬁght and recover. I owe it to them, my family and to myself to continue to beat the odds and not only to survive, but to excel,” said Peyton. Julia Miller-Grasso, Peyton’s mom, says her daughter

TXDOT provided a pedal kart for students to navigate through cones while texting and while wearing drunk goggles. This activity always draws a big crowd while friends watch as a texting driver crashes into cones and onlookers!

is determined to handle what comes her way. She knows Peyton will continue to excel and said her daughter will begin the next stage of her journey at Louisiana State University in the fall of 2016. She knows Peyton is determined to continue to tell her story and helps support her with that decision. “We live in a military town, a military community. We expect to see our soldiers missing legs and arms and with injuries. We have almost become immune to the sight of a soldier injured in that way, but when a young person, a young girl with long blonde hair shows up with a prosthesis, it gets noticed and can make people uncomfortable. Most people don’t expect to see an injury like that with someone so young,” Miller-Grasso said. Peyton is aware of the impact her injury can have on people. She has turned her misfortune into a way to take care of and help protect others. She shares her message with the hope that someone in the audience remembers her and her struggle and decides to make a different choice. Despite daily pain and weekly therapy visits, Peyton is committed to her senior year, her friends and family and the community. The JHS campus and community are grateful to Peyton and her mom for the story and life experience Peyton shared with the Jaguar campus. Everyone in the courtyard that day took away a story of choice and consequence and is sure to

November 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

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carry that message with them. Peyton helped make the JHS Distracted Driving Event the most effective and valuable event yet at the campus. Her message to students was very impactful for homecoming and beyond. The Distracted Driving event has become tradition during the homecoming week. It is a good time to remind students to make smart choices in their daily lives and behind the wheel. The week includes videos about the dangers of driving distracted and posters and information are put out around the campus to remind students as they walk the halls the responsibility of being behind the wheel. Activities took place in the courtyard during lunch and in the cafeteria. SAPD brought a police car/ taxi cab and a wrecked truck as part of their efforts to remind students to never drink and drive. Students were also given the opportunity to “walk the line” with drunk goggles on and SAPD is standing right behind to deliver the message of underage drinking. TXDOT provided a pedal kart for students to navigate through cones while texting and while wearing drunk goggles. This activity always draws a big crowd while friends watch as a texting driver crashes into cones and onlookers! University Hospital also drew a big crowd inside the cafeteria with the driving simulator which gave students the chance to drive a course while making various driving decisions. Other organizations included the Bexar Bulverde Volunteer Fire Department, Union Paciﬁc, the City Of San Antonio Vision Zero and My Three Feet program, Acadian Ambulance, Baptist Hospital, MADD, Please Be Kind to Cyclists, SACADA and ATT. Johnson High School PTSA President Ginger Siebert believes the event is crucial to the campus and the community. “Our distracted driving event doesn’t only reach the students …..It reaches their parents and our community. If we truly want to make our students safer drivers, then we must also reach out beyond our campus and engage the entire community. When we are able to bring in various groups such as SAPD, SAFD, TXDOT, UHS and others, we are able to bring information and opportunities to our students while creating a fun atmosphere to talk about a serious topic. We continue to hold this event because the campus and PTSA is committed to reminding our campus and community to make smart choices behind the wheel,” said President Siebert. The JHS Jaguar PTSA would like to thank the campus, school administration and all off campus organizations for their support and committed to this important program. We extend a Jaguar thank you to Peyton and her family for her courage and determination and hard work. Thank you to Papa Johns for the generous donation and continued support in helping us feed our volunteers and organizations.

Local American Hero Receives Specially Adapted Home

NO SEASON HAS TO BE

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www.stoneoakallergy.com • 210.494.0690

will Your dogs

e v o l n i L FAL

Members of the Smithson Valley High Navy JROTC color guard (l-r) Bramm Davidson, Drew Howard, Landry Maddox and Lieutenant Zach Broussard presented the colors at the new home dedication for Marine Gunnery Sergeant Travis Green.

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Submitted By Jason Gordon arine Gunnery Sergeant Travis Green is a true American hero. That fact was certainly evident during a dedication ceremony on October 5. The Gary Sinise Foundation built Green and his family a specially adapted house in the Rebecca Creek Ranches Subdivision. The Gary Sinise Foundation is a nonprofit organization that uses donations from individuals and corporations to build specially adapted or custom smart homes for wounded veterans at no cost to the veteran. Many local businesses and individuals donated their time and resources to help build Green’s new home. Green and his wife Julie, who works in the Comal ISD transportation department, currently have three daughters who attend Bill Brown Elementary. A fourth daughter will be a kindergarten student next school year. “You just can’t imagine how tough it is to be in a home where doing many things, like simply reaching the countertops, is difficult for Travis because he’s in a wheelchair,” Julie Green said. “These are things a lot of us take for granted. Living in this specially adapted home is going to be a blessing for our family in so many ways. Now we won’t have to worry about any of those things that were tough for him in our other home anymore.” After two tours overseas, one in Kuwait in 2003 and another in Iraq in 2004, Travis Green knew there was more work to do. He not only volunteered for another tour, this time in Afghanistan in 2011, but did so as part of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit. An EOD Technician locates, identifies, renders safe and disposes of bombs and other hazardous materials. It is one of the most dangerous jobs in the field of combat. Shortly before Green was scheduled to return home in September 2011, he stepped on an Improvised Explosive Devise (IED). Green lost both his legs above the knee. Despite his injuries, Green has shown his resiliency by doing things such as driving his girls to school every day. Green also shared his story with Bill Brown Elementary students last school year. “Travis is an amazing person,” said Sarah Permenter, Bill Brown Elementary principal. “He’s at our school every day.

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Marine Gunnery Sergeant Travis Green sits by his daughter Alex and holds daughter Tenley during a Custom Smart Home Dedication Ceremony on October 5. The Gary Sinise Foundation built Green, a wounded veteran, and his family a specially adapted house in the Rebecca Creek Ranches Subdivision.

You can tell he loves his four precious little girls so much. They are his angels.” Permenter said that hearing the Green family was going to receive a new home warmed her heart. “They are the most deserving family,” Permenter said. “The Gary Sinise Foundation and our community did a wonderful thing.” Dr. Brenda Solomon, the Gary Sinise Foundation’s Development Director, spoke on behalf of the foundation at the dedication. “Today we celebrate the service of one extraordinary marine,” said Solomon. “I’ve been deeply inspired by your fortitude. While we can never truly repay you for your service, the home that stands before us is a part of our thanks for your sacriﬁce to this great nation.” Travis Green was certainly thankful for all the hard work that went into building his new home. “This helps us out in so many ways,” Green said. “Getting to see my little girls go into their new rooms today is what it’s all about for me.” The Smithson Valley Navy Junior ROTC presented the colors at the beginning of the ceremony. During the ceremony, a giant American ﬂag covered the front of the new home. “It’s so incredible to see the community respond like this,” said Commander (Ret.) Vincent Quidachay, SVHS Navy JROTC instructor. “The emotional part was to see his little girls in the front row. They couldn’t wait to get into that house. A guy is willing to give his life for his country and he doesn’t expect anything in return, and the people of this community and this country are willing to give him something back. That’s what makes stories like this amazing.”

November 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

Timberwood Park Teacher Wins KENS5 ExCEL Award

Submitted By Jason Gordon t’s easy to see why Timberwood Park Elementary teacher Jennine Zepeda became the first twotime winner in 17-year history of the KENS5 ExCEL Award – just ask her students. KENS5 anchor Deborah Knapp presented Zepeda with her second ExCEL trophy during a campus pep rally in the school’s cafeteria on October 13. The KENS5 ExCEL Award celebrates innovation in education. Jennine Zepeda poses with her ExCEL Award alongside dozens Zepeda, who teaches GT to students of Timberwood Park Elementary students. in grades K-5, also received a $1,000 When KENS5 visited Zepeda’s fourthcheck from San Antonio Credit Union. She also won the award as a seventh- grade GT classroom, it was full of students grade Texas History teacher in Edgewood working on and playing games they designed. ISD in 2010. Zepeda has also been instrumental in “Mrs. Zepeda is very enthusiastic in the classroom,” said student Allison Howe. “If starting the Timberwood Park Elementary something goes wrong with a project we’re chess club, the First Lego League robotics working on, she encourages us to come up team and a student newspaper. “Mrs. Zepeda is creating the leaders of with a solution to fix it. She also uses the same thought process to allow us to become tomorrow with her work on this campus,” leaders. She inspires us to think differently said Knapp. “It’s an honor to recognize and to try and give our classmates self- you.” Zepeda was certainly grateful to have confidence in what they are trying to received the KENS5 ExCEL Award for a accomplish to get the best results.” Fellow student Zoe Zubiate definitely second time. “I am overwhelmed by their generosity agrees Zepeda is a great influence. “She inspires me every day,” Zubiate and am humbled to be recognized for my said. “I love to be creative and that’s what teaching,” Zepeda said. she motivates us to do.”

Help Us Fight Like Kaylee

Kaylee in 2014.

Kaylee post-transplant 2015.

Submitted By Colleen Douglas aylee Carew, a student at Ronald Reagan High School, was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) at the age of 13. In January 2015 at the age of 16, Kaylee fell out of remission and was in need of a bone marrow transplant. Out of 22 million people in the registry, there was no match for Kaylee. So on June 24 Kaylee received a haplo (halfmatch) from her dad. Now she is cancer free! Kaylee is a patient at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. She is fighting several battles at the moment which keep

her in the hospital. Her family has an apartment in Houston and also has their home here in San Antonio. And if Kaylee battling Leukemia isn’t hardship enough, her mom Aimee has beaten breast cancer! To help with mounting medical bills, family and friends are holding a 5K Walk/ Run on November 14 at 10am at Stone Oak Park. Kids, adults and pets are all invited to join us at this event. We will have a bake sale, plant sale, music and much more! For more information go to our Team Fight Like Kaylee Facebook Page or call Tiffany Carew at 210-789-2616.

Heather Jemente 847-414-5044 heatherjemente.itworks.com

November 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

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SVHS NJROTC Represents At Bulverde Market Days

Swing For The Cure

Pictured from Left to Right: Brendell Bobo, Karlee Nichols, Holly Mendez, Abigail Van Cleave, Brooklyn Sutton.

The SVHS Ranger Battalion hosted a booth at the Market Days with cadets and parents.

Submitted By Vincent Quidachay n Saturday, 3 October, the SVHS Ranger Battalion hosted a booth at the Market Days. The program included the Armed Drill Team that performed in order to draw customers to their vendor tent. Cadets and parents sold sausage wraps and hot dogs all day, eventually running out of everything. “One of our cadets went to the Market

Days back in May and he wore his Navy JROTC t-shirt. Many veterans stopped him and asked him about the program. He then emailed me and suggested we get a booth to promote our program. So, this cadet, Lachlan Shipp, organized our booth last Saturday, and we earned over $750 in donations. This is an example of what our program is all about,” said CDR Vince Quidachay

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Submitted By ReDonna Mendez rackenridge Golf Course was a sea of pink during the North East Girls’ Golf Tournament. The top girls’ golf programs in the state participated in the “Swing for the Cure” golf tournament, a fundraiser for breast cancer research. The Smithson Valley Girl’s Golf Team competed in the ﬁrst Tournament of the

Season at Brackenridge Golf Course on October 2nd and 3rd. They played against the best Golf teams in the State in the NEISD Swing For The Cure Tournament. All the girls performed well but a highlight of the tournament was when Abigail Van Cleave, a Freshman in her ﬁrst High School Tournament, shot a Hole in One.

Immigration Writing Program Celebrates Generations

Submitted By Nikki Young s the founding partner of the law firm De Mott, McChesney, Curtright and Armendariz (DMCA), Joseph B. De Mott helped bring the Celebrate America writing program to San Antonio. Now, as he retires, the firm that bears his name is continuing its mission to educate students on the benefits of immigration. “We’re very proud to have supported Celebrate America over the years,” says Lance Curtright, a partner in the firm (which has facilitated the San Antonio chapter of the program since 2004). “And we’re looking forward to supporting it for many more years to come.” The Celebrate America program is sponsored nationally by the American Immigration Council, and is open to all public, private, or home-schooled students at the fifth grade level. “The students of today will be the decision makers of tomorrow, so it’s essential to make sure they’re educated on issues like immigration,” says partner Ruth Lozano McChesney. “That’s why programs like this are so important. They help students learn by taking part in the conversation.” In recent years, the local chapter of the program has gained a partner in the Institute of Texan Cultures, which has judged entries and donated prizes for winning students. As Christian Clark, Senior Program. Coordinator at the Institute, explains, “The goal of the Institute is to share all the different cultures that make up our state. And that’s a part of Celebrate America too. So when the firm invited us to be part of the program, it was a great opportunity to share and expand on our shared mission.” In preparation for the 2015-2016 school year, DMCA is inviting students and their families to participate in Celebrate

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America. Participants can write a poem, essay, or short story on the subject of “Why I Am Glad America Is a Nation of Immigrants”; all entries must be 500 words or less, and must be submitted by E-mail to Nikki Young, Assistant Coordinator for the program, at Nikki.Young@DMCAUSA. com no later than Friday, December 11. All entries will be judged by a panel of judges from around the city. One publicschool student, and one private- or homeschool student, will be selected, and each will receive $100 cash, a replica of the Statue of Liberty, and a gift certiﬁcate from the Institute of Texan Cultures. Other awards will be presented to the second and third place winners in each category. In addition, the teacher who submits the most entries will also be awarded $100 cash. Participating students and teachers in past years have also been invited to attend a naturalization ceremony, and to read, and expect to be invited again in 2016. “Throughout the program, we’ve always reached out to area schools, and we’ve visited them to talk about what immigration means,” says Curtright. “That’s going to continue, and we’ll continue to reach out to students and their families.” McChesney adds, “Immigration is always going to be a hot topic in our national discourse, which makes what we do so necessary. Education, especially about immigration, isn’t just the teachers’ mission. It’s not just the students’ mission, or the parents’ mission. It’s everybody’s mission.” For more information about the Celebrate America program, please visit celebrateamericawritingcontest.org (select “Find a Contest,” then “Texas,” then “San Antonio”), or call 210-590-1844.

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2015 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!

Visitors

Admission FREE with donation of a new toy. Date: Time:

Saturday, December 5, 2015 10 am – 3 pm

Place:

502 Madison Oak (Parking Lot Across From North Central Baptist Hospital) FREE with donation of a new toy

Cost:

Limited Vendor 210.34 Booths Over 10 8.8233 ,000 !

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Vendor RSVP:(210)348–8233 • www.WelcomeHomeSA.com November 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261

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November 2015 • Welcome Home • 78260/78261