Page 2: How Much Do You Know About The For mation Of Our North American Continent?
Page 4: Through The Lens: Moto Hank (on the cover)
Page 7: Pass This Word
Page 11: The Real Locals
Page 13: Women’s Council Of REALTORS®
Page 15: Will You Panic Or Pivot When Change Comes From All Sides? (NARPM)
Page 19: Culinar y Adventures in Romance Event Pictures , Announcements and More...
How Much Do You Know About The Formation Of Our North American Continent?
Though most Americans live there many know very little about the geography and composition of the continent of North America beyond the fact that the main land body consists of Canada, the United States, and Mexico and many consider those to be all the countries of North America, The continent is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the east by the Atlantic Ocean, and some know the northern border is the Arctic Ocean and to the south is the Caribbean Sea. It is the strip of land, narrow in some areas and disconnected from the strip in others, that continues to the south from the Mexican southern border to the northern part of the South American continent. This strip is known as Central America but is also part of the North American continent.
Central America adds 20 individually recognized countries to the continent, consisting of Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Cuba, Bahamas, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Trinadad and Tobago. Then, to add some additional perspective to the make up of the North American continent there are within the Central American area 22 dependent territories including Anguilla (UK), Aruba (Netherlands), Bermuda (UK), Bonaire (Netherlands), British Virgin Islands (UK), Cayman Islands (UK), Clipperton Island (France, ), Curacao (Netherlands), Greenland (Denmark), Guadeloupe (France), Martinique (France), Montserrat (UK), Navassa Island (USA), Puerto Rico (USA), Saba (Netherlands), St. Barthelemy (France), St. Martin (France), St. Pierre and Miquelon (France), St. Eustatius (Netherlands), St. Maarten (Netherlands), Turks
and Caicos Islands (UK), and US Virgin Islands (USA). So much for just three countries on the continent!
But from where did North America and the other six continents that are now spread over the earth originate and how did they reach their current locations on earth? It is important to recognize that the earth is not just a round body that consists of land masses surrounded by water but that it is a body in constant motion internally which impacts those land masses and surrounding waters. Although it was not until the 1960s that the theory of plate tectonics was first introduced the idea that the continents were at one time connected to one another was recognized. This idea originated from findings that vegetation on one side of one continent was the same as the one thought to have been previously joined to it. It is German Meteorologist Alfred Wegner who is mostly credited with the theory of plate tectonics although he offered it in the form of continental drift which he described in his 1915 publication, The Origin of Continents and Oceans.
ity the two parts of Pangea moved apart and the remnants of Gondwana formed the major portions, about two thirds of all the present day continents including the landmasses making up South America, Africa, Antarctica, Australia, and masses that include Zealandia, Arabia, and the Indian Subcontinent. Du Toit also suggested that during those 66 to 30 million years of the Cretaceous and Paleogene periods, Laurasia, being in the Northern Hemisphere, added fragments to complete the make-up of the North American, Asian
Wegner estimated that sometime between 335 and 200 million years ago, during the Paleolithic and early Mesozoic periods, that a supercontinent, Pangea, existed as a C-shaped landmass stretching between the north and south poles. In 1937 South African Geologist, Alexander Du Toit in his publication, Our Wandering Continents , theorized that rather than the one supercontinent there were actually two, the smaller to the north known as Laurasia, and the larger, to the south called Gondwana and that these two were separated by an oceanic area known as Tethys. During the following few 100 million years or so of continued plate tectonic activ -
and European continents. According to Britannica, a sea or ocean, which in 1893 was named “Tethys” in honor of the sister of the ancient Greek god Oceanus by Austrian geologist Edward Suess, existed as a tropical body of salt water. It has been suggested that there were actually two Tethys, the first known as the Paleo-Tethys formed during the late Paleozoic period when all the land masses converged into the supercontinent Pangea about 541 to 252 million years ago. Later, approximately 300 to 200 million years ago a piece of continental material called the Cimmerian continent detached from the upper edge of Gondwana and headed north where it ultimately collided with the lower edge of Laurasia. Later, between 252 and 66 million years ago, Tethys separated Laurasia and Gondwana into two separate land masses. While that was
happening a Neo-Tethys sea began forming as the rotating Cimmerian continent had helped to create an opening between Laurasia and Gondwana allowing the great volume of warm water of the Tethys to flow through, creating a major seaway between the two large continents and eventually connecting to the major oceans of Earth. The Tethys was later displaced by the formation of the Alpine –Himalayan mountain chain as a result of the all the continental collisions that were prevalent at that time and which gradually eliminated the sea. Evidence of the previous existence of this sea has been found in marine sediment that incorporated itself into present day mountains ranges stretching from, and running through Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Afghanistan, Tibet and on to China and Indochina. It is interesting to note that due to the violent nature of the displacement of Tethys a substantial amount of evidence was destroyed so that its existence was not recognized until the 1980s.
North America is the third largest continent of the seven recognized and taught about in schools in the United States, the largest being Asia followed by Africa as second. After North America the continent sizes in order are South America, Antarctica, Europe and Oceania (Australia). It is interesting that in Europe they teach a six continent model (Africa, America, Antarctica, Asia, Australia/Oceania and Europe) and in other parts of the world they follow a five continent model (Africa, Europe, Asia, America and Oceania/Australia). Of interest is that this is why there are only five rings on the Olympic flags. So, if you didn’t know all that before – you do now!
Pat Farrell / Senior Contributing Writer
Josh Conley Old Republic Title
Silvia Sahagun Realty Executives of S.A.
11-Sep Sara Trimyer Keller Williams Legacy
Darline Hoffman Keller Williams Boerne 13-Sep Evelyn Thomas Hardie & Associates
Alfred Perez Century 21 The Hills Realty
Keri
Maritza Venzor Home Team of America
Sylvia Santos Cooper Realty 15-Sep Lexi Bartolomei Phyllis Browning Company
Dale
Simon Arcos Keller Williams Legacy
Norma Rodriguez Vortex Realty
Lisa Castillo Real
Ayo
Susan
Ann Jones Phyllis Browning Company
Lee Allen Realty Executives of S.A.
Karen Dixon San Antonio Better Homes
Maria Foley Applewhite Realty
Susan Jones JB Goodwin Realtors
Jorge Gonzalez eXp Realty
20-Sep Margie Martinez Old Republic Title
Rey Silva Rubiola Realty
21-Sep Elsa Leon Garcia Realty Executives of S.A.
Suzanne Menick South Texas Realty Services
Jessica Stagers M. Stagers Realty Partners
22-Sep Jeff Romo BHGRE
Carlos
Heather
23-Sep Carol McLeod Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper
Lisa Grove Phyllis Browning Company
Chris Wilson Old Republic Title
Celina Lopez Century 21 The Hills Realty
24-Sep Luis Mongiello Keller Williams City View
Monica Garza BHGRE Homecity
Brenda Baldwin eXp Realty
25-Sep
26-Sep
Kathryn
28-Sep
Sally
Amelia Campos Vortex Realty
Rosalinda Tomlin RE/MAX Alamo Realty
30-Sep
Tara
Alicia
Through The Lens: Moto Hank
Hank Arriazola, from Dilley, Texas, also known as Moto Hank worldwide, is an adventurer, long-time motorcyclist, motorcycle mechanic, and photographer passionate about traveling and exploring cultures. Hank documents his travels with his extraordinary photography, and over the years, he has collected an impressive amount of images and memories worthy of sharing.
Hank's travels, predominantly on his award winning motorbike, have taken him far and wide from the vibrant streets of Mexico to the serene landscapes of Africa. His quest for cultural understanding has led him to connect with people of all ages, learning and documenting their ways of life. The sheer scale of his travels is reflected in the impressive collection of images he has amassed over the years. As he has said..
Havana Cuba. "Like many, the urge to visit Cuba before the "change" was pulling at me. Going to Cuba brought to mind romance and nostalgia. Walking the streets and photographing the vintage cars and the time-worn buildings was a recurring thought. In many ways, Cuba did not disappoint; Cubans pride themselves on having the world's largest car museum. How they keep these classic
American cars running is a wonder of the world. The old Spanish buildings are also very fascinating to me. In 2015, Havana celebrated its 500th anniversary. I walked every block of Havana, trying to imagine the city in its heyday, centuries before the days of Castro. As a photographer, I couldn't get enough of these subjects.
I wanted my visit to Havana to be unhurried. I concentrated on the city, allowed myself time to talk to the locals, and enjoyed local culture. I did accomplish this goal. At first meeting, Cubans are very formal and polite. They tell you the story of how life after the revolution is better. But after a few days of visiting and earning their trust, the real truth comes out. The reality is that life in Cuba is still very difficult. The buildings where they live are in very rough and often dangerous conditions. They have more freedoms today than, say, three years ago, but Cuba is still a communist country and far behind most countries in this hemisphere.
The Castro Revolution did bring much-needed change, but as with most countries run by dictators, the quality of life for those at the top comes at the expense of their people.
As a photographer, I found my visit to Cuba incredi-
ble. But I left with a heavy heart at the living conditions and the often expressed feeling of hopelessness for a better life."
India, The Land of Wonder: "India, that land of wonder and adventure. Unbelievable traffic and an overcrowded sea of humanity. An incredible history and accent religions where many seek spiritual enlightenment or simply selfreflection. As a photographer, I
hoped to spend enough time in India to explore the country, befriend local people, and absorb the many cultures. Along the way on my journey, I was often asked by other travelers or people back home how I would describe India. Two words come to mind. Overwhelming and intense. Once you step out of the airport in New Delhi, you quickly realize you're in a whole new world. All of your senses go on overload—the sounds, the smells, the traffic, and the madness are all part of India. There is a sense of confusion and chaos that somehow works and works well. My style of photography is street or documentary. Places like India are gold mines for me. The people of India have so much character. The men with their weathered faces from years of hard manual labor or the women wearing some of the
most colorful sarees make for great subjects.
After three weeks of motorbike travel, I jumped on the next train out of town—well, at least I tried to. Trains in India are a great way to get around, but you must remember that everything runs on Indian time— meaning NOT on time. It's not uncommon for the trains to be many hours late or just canceled. One of the nice advantages of taking the train is that it's a great place to meet locals. It does take a few hours at times for local people to relax enough to start to have a conversation with you. Some of the resistance is the lack of knowing English; my Hindi is not very good! I sat next to a young woman wearing a bright red Saree in a blue train car. I couldn't help but take several photographs of her. That broke the ice, and soon she told me about her way of life in India, how there are still many arranged marriages, and how the process still works.
One of the highlights was visiting the Tibetan Buddhist Monastery of Thiksay. The twelve-story ancient monastery sits high on a hill, home to 120 monks and nuns. The monastery also has ten temples. Photographing this monastery was incredible. Between the architecture and its history, the monks in prayer and chants dressed in traditional red or maroon robes with stunning scenery in the background made this a place where I could have spent days photographing."
Justin Tidwell, Indepedence Title and Cookie Gehring, Keller Wiliams Heritage
Leigha Sutton, Chili Cook-off winner and Sue Baillio.
Lisa Arlette, Guaranteed Rate and Rebekah Murtagh, Sol Realty.
Rosie Comacho and Steven Comacho, both Keller Williams Heritage
Kyra Smith, Alamo Title and Melissa Ramirez Marshall, Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper Realtors.
Desaree LaMacchia, Pilgrim Mortgage and Chris Via, JB Goodwin
Danny Sommers, Mission San Antonio Property Managment and Pat Farrell, RE Newsline.
Robert Guerra, Barton Co. Carpets and Karen Nolan, Coldwell Banker, D’Ann Harper.
THE WAY I SEE IT
Cathey Meyer / Contributing Writer
Pass This Word
How did daily habits get so hard? The sales pitch from pre-technology days assured us this new-fangled life feature would simplify our lives and offer more time to do fun things. Fun things were never clearly defined, but my assumption was it would involve elements of movie watching, shopping, restaurant surfing, wine tasting, napping and the like. Computers were to be the great time creator making simple tasks faster, communication clearer, networking easier, and overtime obsolete. Then reality hit. These convenient elements became a device to make us do twice the work, work at work and work at home and never be untethered from contact.
I wish I could recall the times before Email, Facebook, Instagram and TicTok. Of course, I am only engaged with the email; the others are fads I thought might pass and saw no need to participate. Also, I wanted to make it harder for the hackers to hack me, but apparently, I was pondering up the wrong web. I do recall the days of the rotary telephone attached to the wall.
You never lost a phone back in the day and messages were only delivered orally. Then came call waiting so callers could battle for level of significance on the single landline. Next was the handy answering machine that provided ‘screening’ for those unwanted calls. Finally, the cell phone arrived to be permanently attached to our less dominate hand. Finally, finally, the tiny blue tooth ear bud appeared that allows constant contact ANYWHERE. Phone contact went from random callers waiting for a pick-up to scammers constantly calling and everyone in contact at the swipe of a finger.
As I ponder the loss of all my free time because I am constantly checking emails, I am amazed at how complicated it is to even access my email accounts. Technically, these email accounts are not really mine. Apparently, the organizations that forced me to create accounts actually own the information in them, but it is increasingly impossible for them to get my access information to get the information from them. Then there are my
personal email accounts that only the Russians, Chinese and some guy living in his mom’s basement want to access. What they think they are going to find is beyond me. I assume I have already been hacked and the information was so boring and financials so limited, I was passed over for email ransom.
None-the-less, I need my emails but even getting into them is now an ordeal. The new panic mode to prevent the hack has each provider requiring one to double or triple check access information. I understand my bank requiring me to sign in, create a 37-digit alpha/numeric/symbol password and then texting me a one-time super-secret series of random numbers and then emailing me to confirm I am the person trying to access my account. After all, online, my driver’s license does not have the power it does in person at the bank. But seriously, I just need to check my email to weed through the spam, political alerts and occasional family member contact. A simple password should do that.
Sitting comfortable in my Laz-yBoy recliner, I recently discovered you can no longer sign on to your accounts through your laptop with your username and password. Your cell phone must now be a part of that relationship. For the record, my cellphone is usually just out of reach and the words are not pretty as I have to get up to go find where I last placed it. One service provider now sends a ‘check mark’ to your cellphone to the very email
account you are attempting to access on the laptop. So, while every account I have is easily accessed on my cellphone, my computer is not special enough to allow me to enter into a communication with those accounts. I do not enjoy interacting with emails, or text messages for that matter, on my tiny cell phone screen. My digits are too fat to accurately match the letters of the words I hope to type. Most of my messages look like I had a small stroke before hitting send and the first replies are often, “Are you OK?” I enjoy the space on my laptop and the big screen that makes reading easier. Correcting mistypes is much easier, and I can do without any emoji options in sending communication.
In addition to having to remember all those usernames and passwords, it seems too frequently it is ‘time to update your password’ for this account and that account. Like eating more vegetables, I know this is good for me and my online security, but I sure miss the days of password 123AbC. I am years away from iris ID, facial recognition, or sonic boom connection. I tell myself creating and remembering new passwords is an excellent dementia prevention tool, but I have my doubts. I write them down and forget where I put the information. The time has come to return to the old fashion phone call and just talk my way through communicating. My rotary phone never requested any three pronged identification.
Michelle Lebherz, Independence Title, Debbie Snelling and Yvonne Meza, both Keller Williams Heritage and Susan Taylor Independence Title
Sarah Blomstrom and Claudia Ramirez, both Chicago Title with Cyrena Durkee, Gold Financial Services
Karen Shaffer, Presidio Title, Cathy Heshmat, Keller Williams Heritage, Caroline Daly, Fidelity Home Warranty, and Billy Neel, Keller Williams Heritage
Diane Craig and Bob Leonard, both RE/MAX Associates
Jami Wood and Heidi Anderson, both Keller Williams Heritage
Eric Seemann and Andrea Wormley, both Keller Williams Heritage.
Jessica Harris, Scott Felder Homes, Amy Kerekes, Jefferson Bank, Katrina Lindow, Scott Felder Homes, Yvonne Mesa, Keller Williams Heritage and Debbie Spelling, Keller WIlliams Heritage
Jordan Phillips of Phillips & Associates Realty, Melissa Miketinac of Highland Homes The Suite at La Cantera, Kaitlynn Phillips of Phillips & Associates Realty
Robert and Lehua Sotelo, both eXp Realty
Erin Cestero , JB Goodwin Realtors, Monique J. Briseno Brim , JB Goodwin Realtors, Greg Langford, Premier Nationwide Lending and F. Alberto Hernandez, JB Goodwin Realtors
Diana Nelson-Pedraza, RE/MAX North San Antonio, AJ Castillo, eXp Realty, William Holleway, Inspector and Christine Mayorga, Keller Williams Heritage
John Neely of Mission Title on the Texas Independence Trail proclaims “Remember Goliad” and “Remember the Newsline”
In and Around San Antonio
The Real Locals
This morning, I opened the front door and was immediately stopped in my tracks. Even though I’ve been in San Antonio for many years, I’m still learning to become more accustomed to the sights. As soon as I opened the door, a hawk took off from under some plants and swiftly flew to a low-hanging branch in my neighbor's yard. Then, as I regained my composure and looked out toward the street, I saw two young bucks, their small horns still wrapped in velvet, casually strutting through my front yard.
I love this city and all the amazing wildlife that has managed to thrive inside its human-imposed borders and structures. There is an amazing amount of animal life here that ranges from cute to frightening to just about everything in between.
The cute fuzzy mammals are often the first to get identified because they are bigger and more familiar. Just last week my dog found a baby opossum and managed to break through my neighbors’ yards to chase after baby foxes a mama had stashed under the
neighbor’s deck. Our dogs have also seen and experienced the unique adaptation of skunks. In the process, we’ve learned that though it’s tempting to spray off your stinky dogs with the garden hose, that is not the way to go, it’ll actually make them stinkier - a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda does the best. In my neighborhood we’ve seen armadillos bumbling through garden beds, coyotes trotting down the street, teeny tiny field mice, and their much less adorable cousinsrats, cute but pesky cottontail rabbits, the more familiar gray squirrel, and the less-common Mexican Ground Squirrel (those are the really dark gray ones you may see warming on a rock), raccoons, and even a porcupine. My favorite mammal to see comes out at dusk and is more common in the warm summer months - bats, specifically Mexican Free-tail bats. Attending the nightly bat flight at Bracken Bat Cave piqued my interest in these small misunderstood creatures, and now I love seeing their little silhouettes darting around the darkening sky chasing bugs and mos-
quitoes.
It’s not just the mammals in the city that can cause a stir. I now no longer let my little weenie dog go out on his nightly wee run alone after we both got the scare of a lifetime when a screech owl decided to let us know we were getting too close to his hunting ground by letting out a blood-curdling screech in the darkness. You’ll often see Red-Shouldered and Red-Tailed Hawks hunting from the oak trees, or the beautiful and very eagle-like Caracara, with its bright orange bill often seen on the ground. You may be lucky enough to see, or hear the call of, hoot and screech owls too. Plus, there is an abundant variety of songbirds and hummingbirds that stop by my feeder each year (that is, when there is food that the pesky crepuscular rodents haven’t stolen).
When it comes to the creepy crawlies, I’ve seen coral snakes, tarantulas, a slightly smaller spider called a wolf spider (about the size of a poker chip), humongous yellow garden spiders, huge clusters of daddy long-leg spiders, frightening giant centipedes, flying cockroaches and scorpions. I’ve been lucky enough to see what I call the Texas Trio the Texas Spiny Lizard, the Texas Toad, and Texas Tortoise. These fantastic creatures sadly did not get their name for sporting cowboy hats and boots, but they are very cool looking creatures nonetheless. I’ve heard of people coming across rattlesnakes and alligators in town as well, though I’ve never seen one here myself.
As much as I love all the animals we find here, I don’t always want them in the same space as me. Here are a few things to remember: Observe animals from a distance to avoid disturbing them. Back away slowly if you are unsure if an animal could harm you, do a quick Google search to identify the creature, and most likely it will move on in a few moments. Don’t kill an animal just because you are scared or it’s in your yard. Do not attempt to feed or handle wild animals. Know when to contact local animal control services for assistance with injured or problematic wildlife. Most of the animals, including the seemingly helpless babies are able to fend for themselves. Keep pet food, garbage, and compost bins secured to prevent attracting wildlife. Use motionactivated sprinklers and lights, or fences with dig prevention like buried hardware cloth to keep unwanted animals out of your yard. Plant native species in your garden to provide food and habitat for the friendly local wildlife. Do your best to avoid spots with, we’ll call them unfriendly wildlife - watch out for fire ant mounds and be aware of the space around your feet when moving in tall grass or near water sources.
As I sit in the air conditioning with my ice-cold glass of water thinking about all the animals that call this city home too, I am amazed at their resilience and ability to survive. San Antonio’s resident animals are more than pesky nuisances, they are our neighbors.
Aly Crawford / Contributing Writer
Paula Grigsby, TAP FCU with Sandra Lagos and Anna Hammad, both JPAR San Antonio.
Annette Slater, Landlord Property Mgmt, Ron Sowell and Patsy Oakley, both RE/MAX Associated with Marty Hutchison, Property Mgmt Services
Leslie Gutierrez, REAL Brokerage, LLC, Megan Cloud, VIP Mortgage, Gloria Campos, Old Republic and Diana Nelson-Pedraza, RE/MAX North San Antonio
Loretta McAlpin, Laura Ferguson and Margo Villareal, all with Keller Williams Heritage.
Florence Terrell, Broker and Mary Ann Jeffers, Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper Joe Acosta, SATEX Properties and Anthony Cardenas, Capital Title
Lavenia Johnson, Vortex Realty and Lea Arndt with BK Real Estate.
Benefits of Joining WCR
I am excited to share information about my organization and the value it has brought to me. The Women’s Council of REALTORS® was chartered in 1938 and is built upon the principals of Leadership Development, Best Practice Standards, Mentoring and Education. These are the same principles that guide all decisions that the local San Antonio Board of REALTORS® makes to help bring value to its members.
Listed below are some of the benefits and achievements made by our organization over the years:
• The ability to earn compensation equitable with that for men because "commission is commission."
• A flexible work schedule that allows women the ability to raise a family and also have a career instead of having to choose between them.
• A support system from successful women working in the same field and the opportunity to build many friendships, participate in numerous networking opportunities and to exchange referrals.
• The confidence that comes from the connection with other professional women.
• Recognition for one’s achievements and successes, as well as inspiration and courage to strive for reach for greater heights.”
The Women’s Council of REALTORS® has now grown to over 13,000 members, 250 local and state networks in about 40 states. The Council creates more than 1500 au current programs each year with a focus on business leadership.
The “Member Finder” tool available on the website to mem -
bers includes their profile, a bio outlining their abilities, leadership experience, information regarding member’s listings, and an online referral platform. According to National Women’s Council statistics, “Average commission income from Council member-to-member referrals is $15,000, with 54% of members referring business to each other annually. In a recent survey done by the Council they found that the number one reason cited by members for doing Women's Council member-to-member referrals is that "Council membership means a high-level business leader who will follow through on client needs."
The Woman’s Council network in San Antonio annually devises a strategic plan with opportunities for members to network monthly and to continue their growth in the real estate industry. That is a plan that works for new and seasoned REALTORS®, alike.
For me, personally, the greatest benefit of Women’s Council of REALTORS® has been building long term relationships with others that are both personal and professional. I know that the people I have met will be my friends and business contacts for many years to come. I have
always believed in supporting women. but my eyes have been opened to the power of the Women's Council of REALTORS® platform which helps more people achieve greater successes..
I’ve had the honor of developing relationships from two sides , as a Strategic Partner and as an Affiliate member. I felt honored to work within such a great organization,, and I have been able to expand the reach of my company and services to some of the best REALTORS® in the area.
As a new team of Governing Board Members assemble and add New Board Members, they will be excited to show the plans for 2025. As our 2025 In-coming President, Carrie Amescua builds her Team, we will get to see a new schedule of professional events and support for our community of REALTORS® .
This is one organization that I am very excited about and love sharing with everyone. Stay Connected to see all the new events and innovative ideas coming up in 2025 to help you keep your business on track to greater success.. A word of advice: join the Women’s Council today by calling Tonya Stuart and/or go to the WCR.org Website San Antonio WCR AND JOIN NOW!
Tonya Stuart / Membership Director San Antonio Women’s Council Network
Jennifer Bowman and Kath Quinn, Both with JB Goodwin Realtors.
Hilary Harvey, American Home Shield and Christy Johnson, Stewart Title with Lucas.
NARPM
Brenda Davila / SAMAC, NARPM Past President
Will You Panic Or Pivot When Change Comes From All Sides?
We’ve always had to be flexible in our industry; however, lately it feels like it’s coming from all sides and at one time. Will you panic or will you pivot? I’ve had a few real deep conversations with fellow agents that confessed how they really felt. A few are scared, confused and others are just plain burnt out. Although many outside our field think it’s easy money, luxurious and fun, and I have to say some agents got it down pat to make it look that way. The reality is that to have that longevity and make it look easy, you’ll have to implement positive changes and habits through systems, organization, dedication to education and ethics, stats, etc... Change is inevitable, so put your best foot forward.
With that being said, there are a few impactive topics currently worth taking time with which to acquaint yourself, the biggest one being the NAR Settlement that is currently changing our MLS listings and how we conduct business with our buyers and tenants.
And yes, you read that right, this also impacts the property management side. If you haven’t been to one of the discussions or classes, be sure to attend as soon as possible, as changes will be effective on August 17th. It’s best to be ready and able to make good decisions and not be left without a plan or especially a commission. Word to the wise: “Get that Residential Buyer/Tenant Representation Agreement (TXR1501long form or TXR1507- short form)” signed.
Other topics to be on the lookout for that are not yet finalized are Renters Rights and Responsibilities and Housing Choice Vouchers. This means you still have an opportunity to get involved and catch up as to what these issues consist of and how to navigate through them. In fact, on June 11th representatives from Neighborhood and Housing Services Department and Fair Housing Council of Greater South Texas held a free public information session to discuss tenant rights, responsi-
bilities and resources for renters. Then on June 26th, City of San Antonio COSA) held their Commission Meeting and the array of topics discussed included: Plans to change the Unified Development Code (UDF) to assist with affordable housing and TransitOriented Development. This subject integrates zoning, land use, development and transportation in order to offer more sustainable communities. They shared updates on the Housing Assistance Program (HAP) and how to access the housing voucher application via their new customer service hotline which aids in prescreening. According to COSA, in 2024 they helped about 2,760 families which equated to $8.3 Million in rental and utility assistance. Although they stopped taking new applications as of May 24, 2024, they are currently still processing applications that came in before the deadline and with the latest updates are able to increase the application approval rate to 42%.
Another meeting that took place on the 28th was through SABOR’s Leasing & Property Management committee. The committee graciously hosted a roundtable with City Council members in an effort for open conversation on the Housing Choice Vouchers and what it will mean to our industry and community. As you can see, there is so much going on within and outside of our industry that impacts our survival rate as agents, business owners,
investors and community members. There’s a lot to be dealt with and if you don’t do it, someone else will and you may not like the results. So, don’t cross your arms and walk away. Think back as to why you became a REALTOR® and how far you’ve come. Don’t panic during a time of doubt. Pivot and utilize your ancillary skills to follow neverending change; as it leads to new beginnings. You got this!
For more information on these topics or on upcoming meetings, like our Facebook page, San Antonio Metropolitan Chapter of NARPM or visit our website: https://sanarpm.org/
Our upcoming calendar of events:
August 15- SABOR Leasing & Property Management Committee Meeting August 15- Executive Meeting (Virtual) August 16- Foundation Solutions RISEN- Foundation Repair: Slab-ongrade Understanding foundation movement (CE Available) August 25- 28 – TEXAS REALTORS® 2024 SHAPING TEXAS CONFERENCE (Grapevine, TX)
FYI: Don’t forget we changed our meeting hours from 10am-1pm to 11am-1pm. Same place but better time slot, so you can get some work done before coming and can leave early enough to complete your workday and feel accomplishment.
Rick Rodriguez and wife Adriana Rodriguez, both with United Realty Group
Kelli Pearson, Chrissy Ramey, Lori Mayer, Polly Keene, all with Chicago Title
Kimberly Nichols, JPAR - San Antonio, Brad Dawson and Megan Whitmore, both with Movement Mortgage, and Tom Fentress, RE/MAX Preferred
Julio Rivera, Oasis Company Realtors and Adona Lowery, Landlord Property Management
Lisa and Ed Guerrero, Guerrero CPA.
Kaitly Patterson and Patricia Chavez, both Keller Williams Heritage
Marty Hutchison, Property Management Services of Texas, Mike Meyer, Stewart Title and John Kuntz III, guest.
Scott Meyers, and Sharon Itz, both with Century 21 Scott Myers
Lauren Gonzalez, SABOR and Brett Finley, guest
Damian Morton, JB Goodwin
Renae Pretty, Lori Lewis, Cookie Gehring and Cathy Heshmat, all Keller Williams Heritage.
Gwen Derry, Old Republic Title and Mike Crowley, SABOR
NEWSNOTES & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Creamy Burrata with Tomatoes & Pesto
6-8 oz fresh burrata cheese
Basil Pesto:
4 cups fresh basil
Four garlic cloves
1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
One teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
kosher salt & pepper
1/2 to 3/4 cup olive oil
Combine the basil, lemon juice, parmesan, pine nuts, and a big pinch of salt and pepper in a food processor. Pulse the mixture until only small crumbs are left and everything is fully combined.
Instructions:
Stream in the olive oil with the processor on until the mixture comes together. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed. Use 1/2 cup pesto for this recipe. These leftovers freeze great, or make a Pesto and goat cheese omelet for Sunday brunch!
Roasted Tomato:
4-5 cups sweet cherry tomatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp shallot minced
1/2 tsp salt and pepper
2 tsp balsamic or champagne vinegar
Serving:
1/2 tsp salt flakes
1 tbsp olive oil
1. De-chill- Take the burrata from the fridge and leave it on the counter for 30 minutes. Please keep it in the water in the tub.
2. Roast the tomatoes for 10 minutes. Heat the oven to 400. Toss the cherry tomatoes with olive oil, shallots, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Arrange on a tray. Roast for 10 minutes until softened but not collapsing. Drizzle with vinegar.
Assembling:
Carefully transfer tomatoes to a plate, spreading them out in a single layer. Be gentle drain the water out of the burrata tub and place the buratta on top of the tomatoes. Drizzle the olive oil all over the plate. Place dollops of pesto all over. Sprinkle with salt flakes and basil leaves. Serve with Warm Crusty Bread. Mop the plate clean! BUEN PROVECHO!
On 14 September 2024, United Realty Group of Texas is partnering with Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) San Antonio to build beds for families in need. You may be asking yourself, why the date? 14 September 2024 is the SHP Bunks Across America (BAA) day. BAA is an annual event where local SHP chapters nationwide participate in the most extensive bed-building event in a single day. Through regional and national sponsorships, SHP can put a real dent in the national child bedlessness crisis. During BAA 2023, over 120 SHP chapters joined forces with over 6,400 volunteers to build 5,031 beds. In addition to building beds, United Realty Group of Texas strives to have enough volunteers to deliver beds the same day. Now you're asking yourself, how would that work? About half of the group would build beds in the morning, and the other half of the group would be delivering beds; then, after lunch, the two (2) halves would switch roles; those that were building beds in the morning would go out and deliver beds and those that were delivering beds in the morning would build beds.
United Realty Group of Texas and SHP San Antonio need donations. The donations can be financial (cash, check, gift cards, etc.), twin-size bedding (bed in a bag is popular and easy to handle for delivery teams), standard pillows, or any combination of these. Your contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in the lives of these families.
The United Realty Group of Texas point of contact is: Robbie Wennermark, Director Of Marketing & Operations 954-444-9746
Rwennermark@urgtexas.com
Patterson Joins EXIT Premier Realty
Lamont Patterson was born and raised in San Antonio and surrounding areas and is pleased to join the Exit Premier Realty Group. As a Servant Leader, his mission is to help others find their Dream or Forever homes. He has been passionate about being in Real Estate for a while and decided to step out on Faith because
it is his calling to serve the community. He graduated from Concordia University in Austin with a Bachelor's in Business Administration and a Minor in Human Resource Management. He aims to bring his leadership and managerial experience to the forefront of his real estate journey and to put a smile on everyone he meets while showing love, commitment, and passion for the job. He can be reached at EXIT Premier Realty, 210-394-1376.
PATTERSON
HAPPY CRITIC
Adventures on the Riverwalk
Welcome to the Happy Critic column I created for folks who love extraordinary experiences. I use uplifting words to spotlight remarkable people and their stories about preparing, serving, eating, and savoring food. I share only the best, aiming to inspire and uplift.
I have noticed that the San Antonio Restaurant's Facebook page consistently receives negative feedback about our glorious Riverwalk and the restaurants that live there. I am here to share my beliefs based on my experiences and explain why I believe the Riverwalk is magnificent! Check out the Local/Chef Owned Restaurants. Drink the best wines— toast to Love. Eat Something new. Order Something exotic. Never forget dessert!
Boudro's is not just a restaurant; it's a living, breathing part of my life. It's 'Simply the Best' and has always been among my top choices along the Riverwalk. Its lively patio and cozy indoors contribute to its unique charm. This establishment always impresses, whether it's a romantic first date on the patio or a business meeting indoors. From my unforgettable Mud Queen Coronation to my treasured 'Chamber Girl' lunches,
Boudro's holds a special place in my heart. Boudro's is a contemporary Creole Bistro serving lunch and dinner prepared by their versatile and marvelous Chef Manuel Ortiz. Let me share some of my menu favorites that will surely tantalize your taste buds: Tableside Guacamole for Two, Black & White Soup, Blue Crab Tostada, Bordeaux's Shrimp & Grits, Blackened Prime Rib, and Jumbo Shrimp & Gulf Crab Enchiladas. Remember to savor a glass of wine from their perfect wine list and toast to love. And make sure to indulge in the chocolate brownie! I urge you to experience this delightful Riverwalk restaurant. They truly know what they are doing. I highly recommend it!
On The Bend Oyster & Cigar Bar is my go-to place on the Riverwalk when I crave oysters and fun vibes. This San Antonio Jewel is situated at River level at the bend on the Riverwalk in the atrium of the Hyatt Regency Hotel. I always sit at the bar because bartenders are
chatty, and I love to talk, and you always get extra goodies by just being friendly! On The Bend offers big, fat, cold oysters, Billy Ray Sheppard Jazz, and a really hip rooftop for people-watching and cigar-puffing! Select a Fireball Churchill Cigar from their varied Cigar Menu if you are on the rooftop. It smells so good and is tasty as well! Their oyster selection is fantastic. Gulf Coast Oysters & Oysters Rockefeller have always been my indulgence. Their Campechana is an authentic Mexican seafood appetizer chock full of tomatoes, jalapeno, and cucumbers. It is a culinary treat! The servers are also great and always efficient, happy, and polite! Cheers to great food and fun times!
Durty Nelly's is a true Irish Pub tucked under the stairs behind the Hilton Palacio del Rio on the Riverwalk. It's a replica of the original Durty Nelly's in Ireland, dating back to the 1600s. I was fortunate to visit when my mother took me there in 1975 for a beer and a chat about boys, and I've been returning for the perfectly poured Guinness and the Piano Man sing-a-longs ever since. I always request The Piano Man, and God Bless America!! I hope you will enjoy the talented sing-a-long pianists Joe Miraglilo and Keith Magel. I promise they will create an unforgettable and energetic atmosphere with the incredible performances of their popular songs! The floor is always covered in peanuts, peanuts
everywhere! The 'Pub Grub' menu is fantastic, offering the best Grilled Rubens, Cod Fish Sandwich, Cobb Salad, and the Black and Blue Burger. Their selection of Irish dishes does not disappoint!
Come for the cold Guinness; stay for the hot Irish sing-a-longs. In my opinion, Durty Nelly's is the best bar with the best Piano Man and Pub food on the Riverwalk!
Biga on the Banks is a beautiful experience beyond words. Biga is a modern and elegant restaurant that perfectly complements the quiet corner of the Riverwalk. It offers a breathtaking view of the Tower Life Building, adding to the overall dining experience. Start your dinner with the melt-in-your-mouth Foie Gras appetizer, a true delicacy. Biga is a Foodies Delight kind of place. Chef Bruce Auden offers adventurous New American fare, worldly wines, and an ever-changing menu. Biga is a smashing success under the guidance of Chef/Owner Bruce Auden, a James Beard Award nominee. Be sure to share the desserts: sticky toffee pudding and Guinness apple bread pudding with vanilla ice cream, blackberry compote, and honey crunch tuile.
Excellent Chef, food, wine, service, ambiance, location, atmosphere, hospitality, and view of the nighttime San Antonio!
Champions School of Real Estate Open House
Scan to see and download more pictures from this event and others.
Naomi Morrow, Johnny Morrow, and Molly Wahrheit all with Realty Advantage, Kim Garner, Champions School of Real Estate, and Michael Gonzalez, Husain Lee and Angie Alvarez Guevara all with Realty Advantage
Kelly Mueller, Champions School of Real Estate, Liz Ortiz, Champions School of Real Estate and Tori Vendola, Reliance Residential Realty
Kim Dydalewicz, Champions School of Real Estate and Adriana Rodriguez, United Realty Group
Kady Kelly, Keller Williams Heritage
Scott Peck, J.B. Goodwin, Rita Santamaria, Champions School of Real Estate, and Mario Duran, J.B. Goodwin
Janet Clyde, BHHS Don Johnson Realty, April Brown, Champions School of Real Estate and Natalie Hernandez, BHHS Don Johnson Realty
Darlene Volz (guest) and Yvonnr Carrillo (guest)
Angie Alvarez, Guevara Realty Advantage and Kim Garner, Champions School of Real Estate
Cheryl Wilson-Brown, J.B. Goodwin and Mary Anne Macias, eXp Realty
Alma Siman, Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper, Realtors
Rita Santamaria, Champions School of Real Estate and Tori Howard (guest)
