RE Newsline December 2022

San Antonio Board of REALTORS® Announces 2022 Real Estate Winners

Every year, the San Antonio Board of REALTORS® honors those who have gone above and beyond in the real estate industry, and this year is no exception. Winners were nominated by their col leagues, then chosen by a committee. Here’s who excelled in the business in 2022.

Lifetime Distinguished Service

Pat Farrell of Pat Farrell, REALTORS®, is the 2022 Lifetime Distinguished Service Award recipient.

Pat grew up and went to nursing school in Brooklyn, New York before joining the United States Air Force. For 20 years, Pat served in Japan, Germany, Vietnam, and many other places before arriving at the Lackland Air Force Base where she developed and taught genetics courses to medical personnel over a four-year period. In 1978, Pat started her real estate career and received her salesper son license. Two years later, she became a broker. With 44 years of experience in this industry, Pat has earned several designa tions, has provided agent training for more than 30 years, is licensed to teach real estate courses and has held multiple leadership positions at different levels within REAL TOR® organizations. In her community, Pat is an active participant in fundraising activities to meet the needs of the Catholic Daughters of America and Habitat for Humanity. She is also a part of several vet eran organizations here in San Antonio. To many, Pat is a friend and a mentor because she is consistent, trustworthy and depend able. She has led REALTORS® to become who they are through her leadership and guidance and that’s why she’s deserving of this award.

Affiliate of the Year

Karen Shaffer of Presidio Title, LLC is the 2022 Affiliate of the Year. Karen graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a B.A. in Speech Communications and a double minor in public relations & busi ness. She lived in Connecticut for 12 years before moving to San Antonio 23 years ago. Karen has had many careers such as a United Airlines flight attendant, a pharma ceutical sales rep, and a mortgage whole sale account executive. Her favorite though, is being part of the business development team at Presidio Title and working in the real estate industry for the past couple of decades. Karen loves her family and pets. She also loves helping her community and has been a board member of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Antonio for more than 10 years.

REALTOR® Salesperson of the Year

Lorena Peña is the 2022 REALTOR® Salesperson of the Year.

Lorena is a REALTOR® at Peña Realty Group of RE/MAX Associates.

She spends her time giv ing back to the real estate industry, has served as chairman and founding member of the Greater San Antonio Young Professionals Network, served on the Board of Directors at the San Antonio Board of REALTORS®, the Texas Associations of REALTORS®, and National Association of REALTORS®. She has volunteered with numerous nonprofits throughout the city, including The Texas Sentinels Foundation which helped donate a new home for a wounded veteran and has served on a federal task force for Project Safe Neighborhood. Lorena is a cur rent Board Member for Hemisfair Conservancy serving as Secretary and the Junior League of San Antonio serving as Sustaining Advisor to the Board of Directors. When she is not working, volun teering or public speaking, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family in this city she loves.

REALTOR® Broker of the Year

Beatrice Briseño is the 2022 Broker of the Year. Briseño is the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Unlimited and has been in the real estate business for over 25 years. Beatrice is a true TREPAC advocate, she leads by example and encourages other REALTORS® to become more informed and invest. She actively participates in the Broker Involvement Program, calls to action, state hill visits, encourages others to vote, and has advocated nationally in Washington, DC on behalf of NAHREP. Beatrice has participated on many commit tees at SABOR and was the 2020 Chairman of the TREPAC Committee. In 2018, Beatrice was the President of the San Antonio chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals.

REALTOR® Rookie of the Year

Justin Brickman is the 2022 REALTOR® Rookie of the Year. Justin is very dedicated to helping his clients find their home and closed an impressive number of transactions in his first year! He was guided by an amazing team at All City Real Estate led by Meghan Pelley and Mindi Stange. Justin has donated his time to Ronald McDonald house, has gone to UTSA for student athlete job fairs and is involved with professional development groups. Justin is the definition

of a team player. He's hard working, and he never says no if it's for his clients or his col leagues. He's constantly seeking insight and knowledge from the best of the best and he's intentional about implementing the tools, suggestions and resources that are given to him, everyone is happy to mentor Justin for that reason. His focus is clear, his drive is strong, and his ego is small. Justin loves to win, and it shows in his work ethic, he's open to reason and understanding and shows a passion for the industry.

Manager of the Year

Dave Taylor is the 2022 Manager of the Year. He was born and raised in Pierre, South Dakota. Dave earned his under graduate degree from the University of South Dakota and his masters from Webster University. He served in the U.S Army for over twentysix years. Serving in both enlisted and noncommissioned positions as well as earning commission through ROTC and serving as an officer. Dave subsequently retired from the Army and joined his wife, Kimberly Howell, in her company, Kimberly Howell Properties in 2012. Since joining Kimberly Howell Properties, Dave has served as the company trainer, risk mitigation specialist and as the sales manager. He is a father, grandpa and a rabid Minnesota Vikings Fan – SKOL!”

Property Management Specialist of the Year

Celine Cantwell is the 2022 Management Specialist of the Year. Celine is the owner of Home Locators and Management. Her compa ny has managed up to 500 homes in the San Antonio Area. She has helped mil itary families, investors and property flippers. She not only manages the properties, but she helps current owners renovate their properties economically so that they can maximize their rental income or sell for top dollar. Over Celine's 45-year career, she has been active in attending educational functions to further her career. Celine takes a huge amount of pride in running her company properly. She keeps up on all property management issues. She is an advocate for what is right, and she makes sure that her landlords have good quality properties that tenants can enjoy and feel safe in.

Farm & Land Specialist of the Year

Louie Swope is the 2022 Farm & Land Specialist of the Year.

Louie graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Life and Science from Texas A&M University in 2013, where he lettered

as a defensive back on the football team. Upon graduation, Louie moved to San Antonio and began his Farm and Ranch real estate career. His long-held passion for the outdoors, including hunting and fishing throughout Texas, gives him a wealth of knowledge about land and wildlife. Louie started West and Swope Ranches with part ner Mitch West in 2018 and the two have successfully grown the brokerage to what it is today. Louie has been a part of transac tions spanning across 38 Texas counties and over 31 thousand acres of iconic Texas ranches. The San Antonio Business Journal has consecutively recognized Louie as a top Farm & Ranch Real Estate Agent since 2020. He is an active member of various conservation groups including the Texas Wildlife Association and Ducks Unlimited. Louie loves enjoying time with his wife, Hallie, and family.

Commercial Award

Eric Schaffner is the 2022 Commercial Award winner. When not working hard 50+ hours a week for his clients, whatever spare time Eric has is spent with his family and serving the local community. Eric is heavily involved, donating a significant amount of his time and resources to a nonprofit he is very passionate about, 1 Hope 4 Kids, as well as his local church. Eric is consistently recognized, both by his clients and professional organizations (Platinum Top 50, mysanantonio.com, etc.) as being a top realtor in the greater San Antonio area. Prior to his involvement in real estate, Eric was a business consultant for Accenture and a Vice President for JP Morgan Chase. Eric is known for a high level of communication and fiduciary duties to not only his clients, but also the agents that send him referrals. He has become a considerable resource to the agents of San Antonio regardless of bro kerage due to his integrity and work ethic. In addition to being a successful business owner in his own right, Eric makes time to mentor agents looking to explore commer cial real estate and gives his time generous ly to guide up and coming agents.

Legislative Champion

The 2022 Legislative Champion is Tony Martinez. Tony is constantly advocating for homeowners’ rights, both locally with home owners by helping them fulfil their dreams of owning homes, some times when they didn't realize they could, and at the government level by speaking with local and state representatives about doing what is right for homeowners. He enjoys being part of the SABOR Government Affairs committee and doesn't

FARRELL

SHAFFER

BRISEÑO

CANTWELL

TAYLOR

BRICKMAN

SCHAFFNER

SWOPE

MARTINEZ

PEÑA

let political party fog his view of endorsing the right candidates. He makes sure the candidates he supports are ones that will do right by home owners. Tony speaks to fellow agents about getting involved with TREPAC and advocates for homeownership in all aspects of his work. He also helps homeowners with property tax issues, visits the capital building with TREPAC and works with NAHREP to also promote homeownership to Hispanics.

REALTOR® Champion: Judge Nelson Wolff, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff is the 2022 REALTOR® Champion. Judge Wolff has represent ed Bexar County in various political offices since 1971, serving in the Texas

House of Representatives, Texas Senate, San Antonio City Council, and as Mayor of San Antonio. He currently serves as Bexar County Judge, a posi tion he was appointed to in 2001 and has since been elected five times. He has also worked to advance the protec tion of private property rights and has advocated for REALTORS® in our city/county. He continuously works to promote and improve economic and workforce development in our area.

Good Neighbor Award

This year, SABOR is opening the 2022 Good Neighbor Award for voting by the membership. This award recognizes a REALTOR® who has made an extraordinary commitment to improving the quality of life in his/her community through volunteer work. The winner will receive a $1,000 donation to the charity of his or her choice. The nominees for this year are Donna Drayton, Greg Jones and Ilia Cookie Gehring.

mailing

go to https://realestatenewsline.com/sign-up/ go to https://realestatenewsline.com/sign-up/

WOLF

WCR Member Appreciation Lunch

Kerry Muller, JunkLuggers

Valerie Wilshire, Independence Title and Janna Valencia, Fairhaven Mortgage

Ernest Trujillo and Adrian Ibarra both V.I.P. Independent Mortgage

Rebecca Byers, Alamo Top Realty and Kim Miller Perry, Keller Williams Heritage

Tonya Stuart, Bob Nichols Flooring and Adriana Rodriguez, US Realty Pros

Susan Jaime, Esmeralda Group

Valerie Wilshire, Independence Title, Tonya Stewart, Bob Nichols Flooring and Adrian Ibarra V.I.P. Independent Mortgage

Engel & Volkers Great Elvis Ice Cream Social

Luly Feliciano, 1st Choice Realty, Sherri Edwards, Mission Title and Laurynne Anderson, 1st Choice Realty

Sharon Soileau and Bradley Swint, both R1 San Antonio Real Estate

Frank LeBlanc, Engel & Volkers San Antonio, Johnny Mayes, Houston Drone Squad, Elvis, and Pamela Douglas, Engel & Volkers San Antonio

Gina Harley, Connect Realty with Laurie Kasch, JPAR San Antonio

Pamela Douglas, Engel & Volkers San Antonio, Sherri Edwards, Mission Title, Hilary Harvey, American Home Shield and Natalie Hart, Owner of Lady of Luxury Nails.

THE WAY I SEE IT

Cathey Meyer / Contributing Writer

Back to the Future

Twas two years past the pandemic, when all through the family not one relative was excited to gather for frivolity.

The masks were retired many months before but email debates started up with a roar.

The children no longer nestled in bed as schedules disrupted by Covid chaos were dead.

Mama did not want to cook as her taste buds were ‘iffy’ since her recovery from Covid was not so jiffy.

As the RSVP’s rolled in slowly from family and friends, the questions arose about gathering again.

When out on the lawn there came such a clatter, we all ran outside to see what’s the matter!

There at the curb sat trucks from Amazon, UPS, and Uber Eats stacked bumper to bumper clogging the street.

Behind them were other services delivering goods-All sorts of items to folks in the hood.

Out came men, women and children in droves wearing questionable items that must pass for clothes.

They were dancing and dashing and vexing and blitzening, like Reindeer in stampedes seeking dinner fixings.

Packages flew out from truck doors ajar, flying this way and that way but not going far

As the humans stood round in full disbelief— They realized social skills had been lost in our grief.

Come family, come friends, come workers and all! Let us high five and hug and have a holiday ball.

With joy and abandon everyone celebrated in dance, renewing friendships and making new ones in various ‘pants’— As dress codes have ceased to be such a matter-And suddenly everyone was startled by a loud unknow clatter.

We all looked up to the darkening sky and witnessed a flash of a sleigh dashing by.

Speeding by roof top to roof top this odd UFO had a red-suited-astronaut and a lead deer with a red nose.

More packages were dropped from roof to roof before anyone could determine if this was some kind of goof,

A jolly loud voice shouted down to the crowd, “Be done with the sadness, stand tall and be proud.

You survived a pandemic keep dancing with glee. Take joy in the moment and just let the past be.”

With a swish of his hand and smile on his face, he dashed into the night and out into space.

We stood there with family and friends and good will, for this year we can celebrate the holidays still.

May we all gather safely with loved ones in site, Happy Holidays to you and to all, good night.

SAAREB September 2022

Joyce Augustus , Keller Williams City View (standing) and Krystal Mermea, Gateway Mortgage

Gwen Derry, Old Republic Title and Monique Slater, State Farm

Maudel Hardie, Hardie & Associates and Brian Paris, Keller Williams City View

Michelle Barre, eXp Realty and Susan Valenzuela, TAP FCU

Clara Gilroy, Mitchell Realty and Kimberly Austin, Keller Williams City View

Noble Cooper, Home Team and Arlene Swan, Vortex Realty Ebony Augustus and Venus Marshall, both Keller Williams City View

Inez Alvarez, Premier Realty Group and Erica Salazar, Keller Williams City View

Gwen Directions Home Loan and Old Republic Title Lunch & Learn Christi Hines, Directions Home Loans and Eric Seemann, Keller Williams Heritage 10415 Perrin Beitel Rd, Ste 106 - San Antonio, TX 78217

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GUEST COLUMN

Aly Crawford / Contributing Writer

San Antonio's College Scene

Take a drive down just about any of the major highways in San Antonio and you will see a college campus. Unlike the more familiar Texas college towns of San Marcos, College Station, and Lubbock; San Antonio is not typically thought of as a college hub, but each of our local campuses have their own strengths and recognitions that highlight their campus’ unique niche in San Antonio.

Undergraduate degrees (bache lors and associates) offered in San Antonio cover a wide range of inter ests from a bachelor of arts in Global Latinx Studies from Trinity University to the Viticulture and Enology Specialization for future wine growers and critics at Palo Alto College to a bachelor of science in the Forensic Sciences from St. Mary’s University. Prospective students have hard decisions to make about select ing a local college. Two-year and four-year programs, as well as undergraduate and graduate pro grams can all be selected depending on the students’ career aspirations.

Although each institution has their own specialties, they all offer great potential to the students of San Antonio.

Private universities in San Antonio carry a legacy of prestige and strong connections with profes sors, students and alumni. Trinity University, a highly rated private university, offers an interdisciplinary blend of the liberal arts and sciences with a diverse selection of under graduate and graduate programs. Their hands-on approach means that over 80 percent of Trinity students participate in internships or under graduate research. Across the histori cal footbridge is the largest Catholic university in Texas, University of the Incarnate Word. Their programs in pharmacy, optometry, and the health professions are outstanding, and with over 150 majors and minors to choose from, The University of the Incarnate Word has a lot to offer.

Our Lady of the Lake University, with some of the most flexible degree pathways, offering weekend, evening and daytime class

es has made it possible for students to earn a double major in the time it takes to earn one major at other uni versities. There are even accelerated bachelor’s to master’s programs in selected areas of study that students can explore. A little further north, St. Mary’s University promotes an active and engaged community atmosphere and offers a variety of academic pro grams in humanities, sciences and business, and has options for stu dents to pursue graduate as well as prestigious doctoral and law degrees.

Public universities in San Antonio make up a large part of our student population. With over 30,000 students currently enrolled in UTSA, The University of Texas at San Antonio, is the rising star deep in the heart of Texas. UTSA is one of only about 20 universities nationally that are both Hispanic serving institu tions and classified as Tier One for research. Not far behind in develop ment Texas A&M San Antonio’s stu dent population has increased to over 7,000 students since becoming a full 4-year university in 2009. They now offer 49 undergraduate and graduate degree programs ranging from education and child develop ment to criminology.

The Alamo Colleges, a set of five local institutions with a history in San Antonio, offer an astounding range of higher education possibili ties. Their nearly 70,000 students are able to pursue certifications and associate degrees available nowhere

else in town. Alamo Promise, a pro gram offered by the Alamo Colleges allows seniors from participating local high schools to save their seat for the promise of tuition-free col lege. Most recently, the Alamo Colleges have partnered with UTSA to extend the Promise-to-Promise. This new partnership allows Alamo Promise students to start at any of the Alamo College campuses across San Antonio and then transfer to UTSA to complete a four-year degree all while having their tuition costs covered at both institutions.

University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio has been a part of our community since the 1960s and is known for its spe cialty care and groundbreaking research. Now home to five schools with nearly 70 degree specialties and certificate programs, graduate stu dents who attend UT Health Science Center can earn their Master’s and Doctoral degrees in a wide range of medical fields at a ground-breaking hospital system.

Students from around the city, state and country are choosing to come to San Antonio for college. They may be seeking a big city that feels like a small town or they may be searching for their perfect fit at a nationally recognized and award winning college. But, whichever rea son brings them here, it’s clear San Antonio’s colleges and universities are certainly committed to our future.

Christina

HAPPY CRITIC

Karen Evans / Contributing Writer

Connecting Our Community With Flavors Of The World

Welcome to "The Happy Critic" col umn I created for folks who love extraordinary experiences. I use uplifting words to draw attention to remarkable people and their sto ries about preparing, serving, eating, and savoring food. I share only the best. It is my pleasure to introduce Chef Juan Cardona.

1. Chef, What is your story? I was born in Puerto Rico, so I have Latin Centric and American Regional Roots. I have classical culi nary training and an associate degree from the International Culinary Schools at The Art Institute of San Antonio. I just received my MBA with a specialty in Entrepreneurship! I served 26 years in the Army training as a Lieutenant Colonel and believed in the Seven Army Values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. I am committed to our environment and Community and driven to continually create new ways to experience food. I recog nize that I am just a steward of GOD, facilitat ing and enabling GOD's Will through my company, Chef's Junction, whose core effort is serving the community with healthy, fresh, fla vorful, and sexy meals. GOD is Chef Junction's CEO.

2. What is the story and inspiration behind Chef Junction? I have been passionate

about cooking since I was five years old, thanks to my stepdad, who taught me how to make Napolitano Pizza! Thanks to the Army and vacation trips, I was enamored with the varied flavor profiles each country offered that were "foodgasmic." Wouldn't it be wonderful to bring the flavors of the world home and share that euphoric gastronomic experience with communities filled with like-minded curious food enthusiasts?

3. Please tell me about your fantasy team and its specialties. Our team is com posed of seasoned Chefs. Besides being classi cally trained, each brings their genre of special ty skills to the table. Some were born in other countries, and some traveled the world, stud ied abroad, or were raised and trained in a spe cific country enabling them to be culinary ambassadors and curate specific genres of cui sine to perfection. We also have some new and up-and-coming Chef Apprentices that have a passion for the service and a love for food and are eager to learn and share their growing culi nary skill sets with our Community. We blend both spectrums of our team members so that our young future Chefs will be able to see and do what right looks like with the mentorship of our seasoned chefs in different catering and personal chef dining experiences. Our passion

is to make your dining event memorable by connecting you with our exceptional Chefs and bringing the flavors of the world home.

4. I know you to be very creative.....can you talk about some of your dishes and food memories.? We currently have over 20 signa ture dishes that are customer inspired. We are always eager to showcase these dishes to our patrons as a branding effort to cement our delivery of unique culinary creations to our Community. My personal favorite Chef Junction dishes are the Smoked Salmon Tartare Mini Bites, Rockefeller Mushrooms, South-Western Cream Sauce, 1872 Authentic Bean Flan, Hangar Steak with Asian Chimichurri Sauce, Blazing Miso Cocktail Shrimp, Shrimp Scampi with our version of Paesano Sauce on A Crostini bed, and the list goes on. Part of our creative inspiration is attributed to our "foodgasmic" journeys across the world, from Italy, Germany, Dominican Republic, Spain, France, and Afghanistan.

5. What do you cook at home? When I have time to reward myself, I entertain friends and family. I go all out, give them a show, and experiment with my up-and-coming cre ations. Otherwise, since I often seem busy, I whip up a quick hamburger, salad, hotdog, or other fast food or healthy items.

6. Is there a Chef that you admire most? Jose Andres, because of his humanitari an, selfless service to global disasters and his passion and love for cooking. His Spanish dishes of Patatas Bravas, Fennel Apple Salad, and Smoked Tomato Tartare inspire me.

7. What are your goals over the next five to ten years? To solidify our market posi tioning for our Catering Division while build ing multiple recurring revenue streams. We dream of opening various channels in the San Antonio food service industry through our

Operations with excellent and affordable delivered food to high-population zones in San Antonio. To secure contracts with local venues for kitchen operation services, eventu ally opening several genres-themed ultra-fine dining Michelin-level restaurants in Texas.

Being a food enthusiast, words that come to mind when describing Chefs Junction are Service, Delicious Experience, Scratch Kitchen, Quality Execution, Specialty Sauces, and Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all; for the glory of God."

Buen Apetito!

Chef's Junction embraces a community through memorable private dining pop-up events, catered events, corporate events, per sonal chef services, and private cooking lessons.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with Chef Juan Cardona at Chef Junction: www.chefjunction.co: info@chefjunction.com: 210-429-0798

Personal Chef Agency and Ghost Kitchen

Signs Of The Times

Looking For A New Challenge You’d Like To Take On - Think Leadership

As we get closer to the end of the year, I like to be advantageous and con sider what worked or didn’t work for me in preparation for the next chapter. I’m sure we all experienced wins and fails during the year and when you take the time to review, you end up finding out new things about yourself. It was not too many moons ago that I realized that I needed more account ability to myself about my journey. I fell short many times and was starting to think that those were just the cards I was dealt and needed to get used to it. In business, people want to succeed and that is why they start in the first place, but many times get busy with the daily demands of the job, distracted by the many things that need to be done to keep the wheel turning and even disregarded (by peers/family/ friends) and you’ll start to notice that your initial intent of being a business owner may fall by the wayside.

To some being accountable sounds like a negative and a busy word. I’ve noticed in conversation that

when the word is brought up some cringe. They cringe because they feel like it means they’ll need to make time to put work into it and will take time from their normal world. Although this part is true, I think that people don’t want to admit the word accountability puts fear into them, as they will need to report their findings and will have to deal with the failures upfront of how they ended up, where they are today. It’s hard to face the reality that you failed or fell short because of your own

actions. Although it’s a hard pill to swallow, once you figure out what the problem is, then replenishing, correct ing and stepping out of your comfort zone will open the doors to what will become a beautiful journey to success.

If you haven’t thought about leadership, I suggest you consider it, as it’s helped with my business from day one. Most people love the idea of help ing others, however, they think they don’t have the time or the skills to make a difference. I’ll be the first one to say that “You are wrong!”, if you are thinking like this. Just showing up can make the difference. I’ve had the opportunity to join others in volunteer opportunity and see the number of commitments people make and on the day of, don’t show up. It can be many reasons they didn’t show up and I’m not judging, as there could’ve been a car or family accident, last minute schedule change, etc... I bring it up in case there’s a person out there that got cold feet and thought that their presence didn’t matter. Well, you do matter, and it would be great for you to join us or another organization that is seeking volun teers. Volunteerism is very much needed to help the less fortu nate, it saves on resources, it soothes the soul, and you

learn real life skills while doing it. I’ve learned in my brief time the importance of time management, event coordina tion, following through with what you said you were going to do, legislative issues (and my personal kryptonite) public speaking and all this has shaped me to be a better business owner and to see myself in a better position than before. I am not the same person any more and owe it to stepping out of my comfort level and helping others.

Maybe this sounds like a new challenge you’d like to take on. NARPM has many volunteer opportu nities throughout the year, and we need good people to share the knowl edge with to stay strong and continue to provide excellent quality property management education and events.

If you are interested in joining or would like to discuss; do not hesitate to reach out to us. For membership infor mation or our calendar of events, please visit: http://www.sanarpm.wildapri cot.org/

Brenda Davila / SAMAC, NARPM Vice President

Danny Sommers, Miision San Antonio Property Managment, Kyle Hendricks, Hendricks Property Management and Brenda Davila Keller WIlliams City View.

Laksmi Taylor, RE/MAX Alamo Realty and Victor Salinas, RE/MAX Preferred

Charlotte Martinez, and Jen Garza, CWS

Sharon Soileau, R1 San Antonio Realty, Lavenia Johnson, eXp Realty and Susan Stroman, Keller Williams City View

1-Jan

12-Jan Allyson Wolf The Hesles Agency

20-Jan Christy Green RE/MAX North - San Antonio

Maria Garcia Vortex Realty

2-Jan Sally Garza Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

3-Jan Phyllis Browning Phyllis Browning Company

4-Jan Rick Tankersley eXp Realty

5-Jan John Harris RE/MAX North - San Antonio

Jason Glast Phyllis Browning Company

6-Jan Kelly Collums RE/MAX North - San Antonio

Mary Hall Keller Williams Legacy

Simon Guajardo Marla Lynn Properties

Greg Rubiola South Texas Realty Services

7-Jan Teresa Edmondson Old Republic Title

8-Jan

Janet Bressman Realty Executives of S.A.

Dea

Pamela Botine Keller Williams Boerne

9-Jan Patricia Broyles Select Properties

Jan Lares Realty Executives of S.A.

Alicia Haley Simmonds Real Estate

Carmen Ramirez Texas Premier Realty

Sal Belmares Belmares Properties

10-Jan Brad Graves Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Marilyn Smith RE/MAX North - San Antonio

Sally Juvena Phyllis Browning Company

Esta Eberwine Home Team of America

Linda Garza Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Richard San Realty Executives of S.A.

Gabriela Davila Home Team of America

13-Jan Tamika Lee Fathom Realty

14-Jan Sam Cunningham Fathom Realty

Justin Crisp Justin Crisp

Carey Cardone Keller Williams Legacy

Chuck Blair StepStone Realty

Ed Zapata Kuper Sotheby's International

15-Jan Pura Esquivel Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

16-Jan Laura Rauch Independence Title

Ashley Gee Phyllis Browning Company

Jonathan Mason Lifetime Real Estate Services

Sherry

17-Jan Jewel McCullough RE/MAX Associates

Missy

Stacey

Alma

Dennis

18-Jan

21-Jan Griff Zolninger eXp Realty

Esther Lemieux Lifetime Realty Partners

Sylvia Perez Home Team of America

Valerie Gambedotti eXp Realty

22-Jan Tina Kappelman South Texas Realty

Theresa Hines SA Portfolio KW RE

Shannan Albrecht Keller Williams Heritage

Linda Marion Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Mary Garcia Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

23-Jan Mike Garza StepStone Realty

24-Jan Phyllis Woods Kingdom Living Realty, LLC.

Nicky Stubbs Old Republic Title

Mary Lynn Presas

Bobbie

Joe

Joyce

19-Jan

11-Jan

Karen McManuis Full Spectrum Realty

Andre

Brenda

Johnson Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Christian Lone Star Properties

Dimmitt Independence Title

Muzquiz RE/MAX Preferred

Scott John Chunn Realty

Cheryl Morris Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Dwain Harris Premier Realty Group

Tiffany Montano RE/MAX Associates

Sharmeen Hirani Vortex Realty

Patrick Wilbanks Realty One Group Oculus

Robby Robinson All City Real Estate

Gloria Abundis Old Republic Title

Martha Bodiford Edwards Ranch Realty

Javier Vazquez Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Jobe Wrzesinski Rigel Realty

GUEST COLUMN

Karen Evans / Contributing Writer

A San Antonio Christmas

Christmas and Chanukah are here, and San Antonio is coming alive with music, lights, and celebrations! This holiday season is the most wonderful, colorful, and creative time of the year! My favorite Christmas memories were those made right here in San Antonio! Christmas and Chanukah are a time for enjoying family traditions and cultivating new rituals with loved ones and friends. What I love most about this beautiful season is the music and food, helping others during these peaceful, loving times, and genuinely remembering the meaning of these significant days.

December 4 will be a spectacular night of music you will not want to miss.

Musical Bridges Around The World is my favorite Community Arts Organization, bringing incredible musical experiences from around the world for San Antonio to enjoy. Joy to the World | Musical Evenings at San Fernando Cathedral by The Calmus Ensemble Vocal Group (now one of Germany's most successful singing groups.)

"The entire performance was nothing short of hypnotic." Sitting in the Cathedral sur rounded by the performers and the audi ence reminds me that music is a language that cultivates awareness and joy among God's people. The perfect Christmas experi

ence. Free & Open to the Public. December 4. musicalbridges.org for your tickets.

There is nothing like a Christmas Show @ The Majestic or The Tobin Theatres! Secure your tickets @ majestic.the atresanantonio.org for Chris Isaak & his long-time band Silvertone for a 5-Star Worthy Show! They will be performing carols from their new album "Everybody Knows Its Christmas" on December 22.

Join me for Doc Watkins and His Orchestra: The Music of a Charlie Brown Christmas for an unforgettable night at the Tobin Center. Doc will perform new arrangements of Holiday Big Band favorites and classic selections from a Charlie Brown Christmas. (Doc Watkins is also the owner/MC/entertainer of Jazz TX, located in the basement of the Bottling Department at the Historic Pearl Brewery. Reserve your table quickly for a phenome nal jazz experience with incredible drinks and food!)The Tobin Center on December 14, 7:30 pm tobincenter.org

The Windcrest "City of Lights" has become a San Antonio Christmas tradition for many families and visitors since the sev enties. The Windcrest Residents create elab orate light displays and compete for the first-place prize in several categories. The

home decorators are pretty imaginative, and many of the decorations are handcraft ed. The public can drive along neighbor hood streets to view the brilliant lights. King William, Alamo Heights, Deerfield, Braun Station West, Castle Hills, and Monte Vista are other neighborhoods with dazzling lights and music. mysanantonio.com.

I still go every year! "Holiday Lights on the Riverwalk" never fails to bring me glee, and the Spirit of Christmas shines bright all around me.

Over 100,000 multicolored lights are strung up and twinkling all night long from the towering cypress trees, bridges, and buildings along the Riverwalk. From November 25- January 10, locals and visi tors can casually stroll up and down the river enjoying the carolers in their lit-up barges while eating delicious food, sharing wine, and reveling in camaraderie at a few favorite spots; Boudro's, Four Brothers, or On the Bend Oyster Bar.

Once you enjoy the lights, food, and festivities, you will be hooked and return year after year. It has been my happy tradi tion forever. thesanantonioriverwalk.com

A beautiful experience awaits you at The Pearl while you dine and shop during the holidays at their Outdoor Magical White Christmas Wonderland!

Marking for the fifth year in a row, Young & Jewish San Antonio come togeth er to light the menorah each night of Chanukah at the Historic Pearl... On December 23, from 6 pm-7:30 pm, they will celebrate with live music and kosher tacos from Savor Restaurants Live Fire Kitchen. This event is free and open to the public.

atpearl.com

Other places to experience dazzling Christmas lights: Natural Bridge Caverns, Don Strange Ranch, The Zoo, Santa's Ranch, and Seaworld.

This year promise me you will shop local for your gifts! Please check out these unique and splendid gift ideas and loca tions created and sold by San Antonio's very own Artists and Merchants. Here are a few of my favorites!

1.Gallery Vetro Creative Artglass features over 100 glass artists from the USA, Canada, and Europe. Please stop in, say hi to Gallerist Phillip Schrank, and browse and buy his spectacular Christmas orna ments. 250 E. Houston Street next to The Majestic Theatre.

2. Coture Bug Pins by Da'Vero at Limatus Bespoke at The Historic Pearl Brewery. These Bug Pins are serious con versation pieces. The folks who make the fiesta royalty dress trains create the bugs. Limatusbespoke.com

3. Incredible Oil and Watercolors(originals and giclee) by Renowned Fine Artist Gilbert Duran at Studio 911 in Southtown by appointment at 210-429-6376. His studio is an adventure! Call for a tour.

4. Art You Can Sit On! At Mockingbird Handprints by Jane Bishop. An eclectic, one-of-a-kind shop that will thrill you! Explore their Instagram @mock ingbirdhandprints

I hope everyone has a blessed Holiday Season! Remember! It's not Christmas until KJ97 plays "San Antonio Christmas" by Radio Host and country singer Randy Carroll.

Old Republic Title Welcomes New Additions

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