RE Newsline July - 2023

The History And The Migration Of The Roma

When one hears the name “Romani” it is easy to assume that it might refer to the Romans or to the inhabitants of Romania; however, it actually is a name associated with those whose migrations took them far and wide throughout the world but primarily to Europe and Africa. Many will remember when the Romani or Roma were called Gypsies, which today is considered to be a pejorative term. Though there is some dispute as to the origin of the Roma, however, with genetic evidence to support it, most agree that they were originally inhabitants of India in what is today the Indian State of Rajasthan around 250 BC but began their trek out of there beginning around 500 AD.

In addition to being referred to as Roma, the Romani people, depending upon their subgroup, were also known as the Sinti or Kale. The Roma are considered to be part of an Indo-Aryan ethnic group that during the medieval period migrated into South Asia from Central Asia where they introduced their language (Romany), patterns of which are still prevalent in parts of modern day Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Evidence of the origination of the Roma is, in part, the result of language studies done by philologists such as Sir Ralph Lilley Turner who created an Indo-Aryan dictionary which contained a number of isoglosses (the geographic boundary of a certain linguistic feature, such as the pronunciation of a vowel) occurring in the language present there today

It was those speech patterns that helped an 18th Century Hungarian theology student make a groundbreaking discovery when he recognized that what his Gypsy friends were speaking was a language similar to the Sanskrit of ancient Indian origin. That raised the question as to what caused them to leave India for other parts of

Asia and Europe as it was in India after all that the culture and ways of the large Gypsy population was developed. It is believed that what caused the Roma to leave India was the repeated raids into India by Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni, who, according to numerous sources, thought of himself as "the Shadow of the God on Earth" an absolute power whose will was law, was head of the Ghaznavid dynasty which extended from northwestern Iran proper up to the Punjab in the Indian subcontinent, Khwarazm in Transoxiana, and Makran. Regardless of the cause, the mass migration began more than 1,000 years ago taking them first to Iran where they split into two groups with one heading south through Syria to North Africa while the other went north through Armenia, first to the Balkan countries of what is today Bulgaria, Romania, and Serbia where many remained but others proceeded further into Europe.

Few within the Roma communities provided any written history so that much of what is recorded about them comes from history provided by others concerning encounters with the Romani as they travelled from place to place. And while others had names they called these nomadic peoples which varied depending upon into which territory they had arrived the Roma preferred to call themselves Rom (man or husband). In turn they referred to all non-Roma as Gadie, Gadze or Gale meaning barbarian, bumpkin or yokel. According to National Geographic the Romani were initially warmly welcomed into new communities where they quickly adapted to the local culture but the sentiment was short-lived when the Roma continued to keep their own traditions and did not fully integrate into that local society. It is because of their migratory nature that they are not found in any census records and is why no significant statistical picture can be determined but estimates of

their number range from two to five million.

Based on early records scholars suggest one of the first name references to the Romas was in the Byzantine era when they were known by the term “Atsingani.” Theophanes the Confessor, a monk of aristocratic origin during the 8th century wrote that Emperor Nikephoros I had the help of the "Atsingani" to put down a riot with their "knowledge of magic.” And later in 1054 the term was used to refer to itinerant fortune tellers, ventriloquists and wizards who visited the Emperor Constantine IX. An Irish Franciscan friar Simon Simeonis in 1323 in The Journey of Symon Semeonis from Ireland to the Holy Land found in Corpus of Electronic Texts, University College Cork, 2017, described a people thus “We also saw outside this city Candia a tribe of people, who worship according to the Greek Rite and assert themselves to be of the race of Cain. These people rarely or never stop in one place for more than thirty days, but always, as if cursed by God, are nomad and outcast. After the thirtieth day they wander from field to field with small, oblong, black, and low tents, like those of the Arabs, and from cave to cave, because the place inhabited by them becomes after the term of thirty days so full of vermin and other filth that it is impossible to live in their neighbourhood.”

Historian Diana Muir

Appelbaum in The Rootless Roma describes the Romani as “unique among peoples because they have never identified themselves with a territory; they have no tradition of an ancient and distant homeland from which their ancestors migrated, nor do they claim the right to national sovereignty in any of the lands where they reside. Rather, Romani identity is bound up with the ideal of freedom expressed, in part, in having no ties to a homeland.” The Romani people were and still are today recognized for their metal art, sculpture, and jewelry-making but more specifical -

ly for their music and dance. A great example of this is their origination of the flamenco song and dance still prevalent today, especially in Spain.

But even in Europe, as previously noted, after a while in their new countries the Romani began to be looked upon as thieves, beggars, kidnappers, witches and prostitutes and the initial warmth the countrymen felt had faded. Throughout Europe they were banned by law from remaining in countries being given 30 days and in some cases only a week to leave lest they face execution. It has been estimated that during the Holocaust the Nazis executed 400,000 Romanis which represented 25% of the European Roma population. As of the early 21st century, most Roma are still in Europe especially in the Slavic-speaking lands of central Europe and the Balkans. Romas can be found in large numbers in Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Croatia, BosniaHerzegoviva, Slovenia, the Czech and Slovak republics and Hungary. Although today the Roma are less likely to have to defend themselves from persecution by a hostile society there still exists some distrust and intolerance.

So, back to the original question of who the Romani might be. Do you happen to know or know of any Romani especially any that were or are closer to home than Asia, Europe or North Africa? You will probably never guess which of our known entertainers and politicians are descendants of Romani. Perhaps you were born too late to appreciate the talents of silent film star Charlie Chaplin but some of his movies are replayed often on late night television. And certainly you have seen and appreciated the singing of the “King of Rock and Roll,” Elvis Presley and the acting skills of Yul Brynner and Michael Cain and you may even have voted for President Bill Clinton. Yes, all are known to have Romani ancestry!

Pat Farrell / Senior Contributing Writer

Member for Life

Applications are now open to become a life member of the San Antonio Board of REALTORS ®. A Life Membership may be conferred upon a REALTOR® member who has been in good standing for at least twenty-five (25) years as a REALTOR® member and has attained the age of sixty-five (65) years. During those 25 years, the member must have rendered extraordinary

services to the Board, and to the profession as an officer or director, having served in either capacity for at least three consecutive years, or in committee service having served as a committee chairperson for a minimum of three years.

The deadline to apply is Friday, August 18, 2023, at 5 p.m. Visit any of SABOR’s social media pages to apply.

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

Kim Bragman, Phyillis Browning Company and Brett Finley, SABOR

Fred Wulff, RE/MAX Corridor and Judy Goldick, Regal Realty

Vinnie Morenom with Zach and Annie Marshall, all with Realty One Group Emerald

Bob Leonard, RE/MAX Associates, Christine Denney, DFW Elite Living and Janice Carpio-Hernandez, SABOR

Bill Shaddock President of Capital Title with Judy Ann Jauregui, University Title Co.

Ebony Augustus and Venus Marshall, both Keller Williams City View with Monique Slater, State Farm

Ali Heft and Karen Nolan both with Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper Realtors

Migdalia Burns, Coldwell Banker, D’Ann Harper Realtors, Kyra Smith, Alamo Title, and Jan Hicinbothom, Jan H. Asscoiates.

Credit Human Home Loans – Aloha Open House and Mixer

Scan to see and download more pictures from this event and others.

Raye Saldana and Art Saldana both with Loan Depot

Theresa Herrera, Keller Williams City View, David Perales and Anna Hernandez both with Keller Williams City View

Kathy Fine, Connect Realty with Angelica Mascorro, 3D Realty and Property Management

Arlene Swan, Vortex Realty, Trevor Crawford, RE Newsline

Kelly Taylor and Cesar Cortes both with Credit Human Home Loans

Danni Trevino and Ira Elizondo both with San Antonio Elite Realty

Josh De la Garza, San Antonio Fire Department and Joseph Borrego, Real

John Kuntz III, Local Realty, Hank Perez, Vortex Realty

Norma Davila and Sandra Rincand Idrogo, both with Premier Realty Group

Art Fernandez, Bear Coaching, Nicky New, Thrive Mortgage, Brian Thomas, Priority Settlement Group of Texas, and Gabriella Guajardo, Real

Magdalena Ortega, Brent Irvin, Angel Gonzales, and Sabrina Guerra all with Credit Human Home Loans

Aimee Valdez , IH-10 Realty, Andera Slater , Premier Realty

THE WAY I SEE IT

Cathey Meyer / Contributing Writer

Summertime Reflections

The Price is Right was a summertime staple growing up. My siblings and I were not allowed to ‘sleep in’ during the summer as my parents believed it would get us ‘off schedule’ for the coming school year. My brothers performed a great fake out of getting up, going into the living room and falling asleep on the floor. I was a rule follower: up at first call, breakfast, dress for the day and in the summertime, you just wait for the day to kick off. We were not go to camp people. We were campers—a very different reference. Too poor to get to attend a sleep away camp, but rich enough for Daddy to buy a tent, six wooden stake cots, and a lantern. Those are tales for another summertime day.

The post breakfast routine involved a bit of television time before the departure to Dellview pool where the real fun of the day occurred. We had to pass the time before the pool opened and back in the day, with only three television channels and the PBS station, our viewing time needed no supervision. Summer television time is where

my Price is Right obsession began. I remember the early days of the Mr. Bob Barker episodes. Mr. Barker brought back the original Price is Right from the Bill Cullen run in the late 1950’s. I never saw those episodes, but I am told Grandfather Caldwell was a huge fan, so my game show addiction may be genetic. I am currently a Drew Carey Price is Right fan, but not so much that I would call him Mr. Drew Carey.

What I never realized back in the day while guessing the price of dishwashers, televisions and hifi stereo systems was that we were watching glamorized commercials. Mr. Barker would ask Mr. Rod Roddy to tell us more about the next item up for bid. Mr. Roddy’s elegant voice would then describe in detail the item, sometimes with the manufacturer’s retail price, sometimes the contestant had to guess the price—without going over, of course. After the game, a series of commercials would play which was just a different way of selling items to the pool waiting watchers. This was years before the Home Shopping Network or

QVC—for which that acronym remains a mystery.

The three biggies of the day: The Price is Right, Let’s Make a Deal and Wheel of Fortune, were all just commercials for products disguised as passive playtime at the television. For all the things that have changed over the decades since those innocent times, the big three have not. Amazingly, as folks enact various complaints about the quality of television and the value it brings to young, malleable minds, no one ever expressed concern about the mesmerizing effect Janice Pennington had over new cars, Carol Merrill had on the desire to own a silver tea set, or Susan Stafford had in influencing travel destinations. While the faces have changed over the decades, the shows have altered very little. Still playing daily are the commercial games shows in between the real commercials.

Once we had enough outdoor exposure to the elements of unprotected sun and leaded gasoline polluted air, we were back inside our unairconditioned house resting in front of the television. Midday television was dedicated to soap operas. The best of which was Dark Shadows. The premise of Dark Shadows was following the adventures of a vampire who, after spending 200 years trapped in a coffin, returns to his family mansion in Collinsport, Maine. I do not recall one episode of this show, but I vividly remember my siblings and neighbors

huddled around the tube scared senseless by the happenings of those characters.

The irony of our Dark Shadows obsession was that our parents would not allow us to watch the popular soap operas of the day: Days of Our Live, Another World, All My Children, or General Hospital, because they were inappropriate daytime viewing. No one really cared about the antics of actors in silly doctor coats and nurse hats, but that killer vampire at 3 PM kept us up late many a night worried about an unscheduled visitor.

The memory of summer fun rarely involved a noteworthy family vacation. We visited relatives, had to sleep in uncomfortable makeshift beds, traveled forever in an unairconditioned station wagon with unused seat belts, iron dashboards, smoking parents and AM radio. We were teased with a rare amusement park day, but that came with days of relative visits before and after the big promise. Usually, it rained the day of the park visit, so that was more time with Grandma and the mothball aroma toys. The fun of summer was unscheduled time, sleeping in the daytime and catching that lifelong addiction to game shows.

This summer, in the air conditioning of my own home, I plan to revisit my gameshows and see if Dark Shadows will pop-up on YouTube. Nice to know the more things change, the more they really stay the same.

Nicky New, Africa Gibb and Des Gonzales, all Thrive Mortgage

Paula Grigsby, TAP FCU and Gwen Derry, Old Republic Title

Katelyn Clark and Jolene Stahl both with Security Service Title Company

Sherri Edwards, Mission Title and Morgan Bertram, JPAR

Sara Gerrish, RE/MAX Unlimited, Clara Gilroy, Mitchell Realty, and Michelle Mendez, JPAR

Debbie Venetz, Orange Mortgage, Christy Johnson, Capital Title, and Christine Rodriguez, Orange Mortgage.

Hilary Harvey and Debbie Blackerby both with American Home Shield.

Pat Farrell, RE Newsline and Carlos Rodo, Inspection Professional

GUEST COLUMN

Aly Crawford / Contributing Writer

Get Outside

Ahh summer… the time in Texas where temperatures are regularly reaching past 100 degrees, mosquitoes zip in and expertly find the smallest stretch of skin you missed when you sprayed, and trying to come into your home is a never-ending trail of bugs that have apparently set out to prove to us, and the world, that everything really is bigger in Texas. But despite the odds stacked against us, summer truly is a great time to get out and enjoy Texas.

Be prepared for the Texas heat and plan ways to stay cool. One of the quickest ways for outdoor plans to get derailed is being unprepared for the weather conditions. I live by the philosophy that there is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes. Check what the meteorologist predicts the weather will be like for your outing and dress accordingly. But, be ready to change plans if necessary in case a surprise summer storm rolls through or a cool

overcast morning clears up into bright sunshiny day. Light colored clothes help reflect rather than absorb the heat of the sun and loose fitting clothes with moisture wicking materials can make a huge difference. I often opt for a fishing shirt. They are made of breathable materials, provide spf protection and have a vent in the back that makes the most of a gentle breeze. Tank tops are great as long as you include sunscreen - a truly integral part of a Texas summer. During the summer, since my family spends so much time outside we add sunscreen to our morning routine so, no matter what happens during the day we at least have a base layer of sunscreen and can always add more. But, even the best dressed among us wouldn’t make it through the heat without water. It seems like the most basic advice, but staying hydrated is crucial. Don’t be afraid to get creative here! While a big glass of ice water can be refreshing, I crave variety.

Bringing pre-cut watermelon, popsicles, frozen blueberries and grapes or lemonade can make a water break feel a bit more exciting.

You can try to beat the heat by sticking to indoor activities like indoor play gyms or museums. It’s hard to deny the draw of the air conditioning on days where it feels like the sun is beating down. Alternatively try visiting local historical spots and imagine what it was like to live everyday without the a/c at places like the San Antonio Missions, the La Villita Historic Village, or the Spanish Governor’s Palace. Look for clues around that show how early settlers stayed cool in the heat on covered patios, shaded courtyards and structures built to allow the breeze to roll through.

By far the best strategy is to stay in the shade. Even the lightest shade can drop the outside air temperature by around 10 degrees. Hike through oak lined trails in Hardberger Park or bike across the massive hike and bike trail that connects many parts of the city. You can even bring your own shade to an outdoor event with an umbrella or pop-up shade structure. Want to dive deeper? Cool off by using the Earth’s natural air conditioner and go underground. San Antonio is home to a surpris -

ing number of caves. A Cave Without A Name, Cascade Caverns and Natural Bridge Caverns are all very close and there are even more within a few hours drive. Caves in our area generally stay around 75 degrees, though humidity can sometimes make them feel warmer.

My family’s personal favorite is to cool down in the water. From backyard and neighborhood pools to natural swimming holes, Texas has no shortage of water to dive into. Taking a dip in the water can do wonders on a hot day. Take time to float the rivers in nearby San Marcos or New Braunfels. Wade through the icy waters in the Landa Park spring fed pool or stay home and run through the sprinkler in your yard!

An often overlooked possibility is to go out after dark. Even with kids! Bring your pillows, blankets and snacks to the drive-in movie theaters or head out in the evening to check out the largest gathering of mammals anywhere on our planet at the seasonal nightly bat flight at Bracken Bat Cave.

There is no doubt that summer heat here can be oppressive, but with the right plan it can be the best season to get outside in Texas.

JB Goodwin Chili Cook Off

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Lori Largen and Jill Whittaker both with JB Goodwin

Julie McCorkle, Sharon Carter, and Megan Apodaca-Coyle all with JB Goodwin

Taylor Sutlive, Cody Cravens, and Mario Duran all with JB Goodwin

Robin Hathaway and Aidyl Costas both with JB Goodwin

Christie Stott and Brenna Benavides both with JB Goodwin

Mike McCorkle and Clif Harrison both with JB Goodwin

Demitrious Nanez, Gracie Patitucci, and Russel Carinus all with JB Goodwin

Women’s Council Member Involvement

Unlocking the Power of Member Involvement: Building a Thriving Women’s Council of Realtors Network

Active member involvement is the lifeblood of any successful real estate association. When individuals take an active role in shaping their community, they not only contribute to its growth and success but also experience personal and professional growth themselves.

Are you a WCR Member already? If not, we welcome you to join today and be part of this prominent organization that plays a vital role in empowering and supporting women professionals in the real estate industry. Learn more at wcr.org

For our Current WCR Members: We are Looking For you! Member involvement is the key to building a thriving network. By cultivating a sense of ownership, enhancing communication, fostering collaboration, empowering leadership, and recognizing contributions, WCR can create an environment that encourages and celebrates active member participation.

How Can You Get Involved?

The Council is looking to connect with its members and build “Teams” to assist throughout the year in diverse areas as you learn more about the Council and build relationships. Currently, we have these “Teams” you can be part of NOW by contacting Angelica Erosa 720-838-026

*Communication and Marketing Team: help with website, social media, newsletter, flyers, photography & video

*Hospitality Team: greeters at events, arrange gestures of kindness to express congratulations or condolences to members

*Awards Projects Teams: develops a system to capture achievements of our members and ways to recognize them

*Membership Team: help with membership, retention and onboarding

*Annual Partner Liaison Team: Obtains Affiliates interested in exposure to the membership, partnership and sponsorship

*Events Team: help plan events and encourage membership participation

Let us embrace the power of

member involvement and work together to create a network that thrives on the collective strength and passion of its members. Get involved TODAY. We are looking forward to seeing you.

Upcoming Events:

July 20, 2023-REALTOR

OLYMPICS!! 9:00 AM-1:00 PM at Raymond Russell Park (Large Pavillion) 20644 Frontage Rd San Antonio, Tx 78257

Join us for this fun event brought to you by Women’s Council of Realtors and NAHREP (The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals) where we will have: Games, drinks, food, prices, treasure hunt, t-shirts, swag bags and much, much FUN!

Get ready and join the competition!

Game Line Up:

1. Lockbox & Puzzle Challenge

2. Open house sign set up relay

3. Paper tower building with reams

4. Contract toss

5. Reverse driving relay

6. Cookie from forehead to mouth challenge

7. Water Balloon challenge $200/per team $50/individual For Information Call : Carri at 210-4870157

*****Sponsorship Spots available at great price and benefits*****

For Information Call Angelica at 720-838-0269

Congratulations to our 2024 Elected Officers!

Angelica Erosa-President Carri Amescua-President Elect

Rebekah Murtagh-First Vice President Tonya Stuart-Membership Director

This month, we would like to give a BIG SHOUT OUT!! to our 2023 Strategic Partners who have constantly supported us this first half of the year. THANK YOU!!!!

Adriana Rodriguez / President San Antonio Women’s Council Network

Gold

Silver

Diamond

GUEST COLUMN

Karen Evans / Contributing Writer

Gruene Hall

The summer of '76 changed my life forever for the good! I discovered country music, the historic town of Gruene, the Guadalupe River, and the oldest dance hall in Texas! I moved to New Braunfels in the late 70s, and God introduced me to David McDermott, a great man, and proprietor of the Gruene River Company. He had a beautiful way about him and was a world champion kayaker. I went to work for him and learned my new craft of rowing rafts and paddling kayaks. My new life was about experiencing nature to the fullest. Back in the day, the Guadalupe was a raging river with several class four rapids and grand cypress trees. Soon after, I discovered Gruene, Texas, and the history of this charming German town. I have continued visiting and enjoying Gruene, Texas, with my friends and family. Someday I will return to live and die there.....

Gruene was once its own town but eventually became part of the City of New Braunfels. It was

named after the German last name of the founding family, Gruene; in its glory days, Gruene had few buildings, a school bank, a grist mill, three large cotton gins, and the dance Hall. Gruene was a ghost town in the mid20th century but was rediscovered in the 1970s and has since become a popular tourist destination. Other notable attractions in Gruene include the Gristmill Restaurant, the General Store, and Gruene Water Tower.

Gruene Hall is a historic dance hall located in Gruene, Texas, a small town within the city limits of New Braunfels. It is the oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas, built-in 1878 by Henry Gruene, a German immigrant. The Hall has hosted some of the biggest names in country, western swing, and blues music, including Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, George Strait, and Leon Russell.

Gruene Hall was built in 1878 as a place for local farmers and

ranchers to socialize and dance. The Hall was originally located on the Gruene family's cotton farm and was open to the public for a fee of 25 cents. The Hall quickly became a popular destination for people from all over the region, and it soon became known as the: Hub of the Hill Country".

In the early 1900s, Gruene Hall began to host live music performances. The first band to play at the Hall was the Gruene Wranglers, a local group of musicians who played traditional German and Czech folk music. In the 1950s, Gruene Hall began to decline in popularity. The rise of television and other forms of entertainment led to a decrease in the number of people who attended dances in the Hall. In addition, the Hall was damaged by a fire in 1957. In 1975, Pat Molak purchased Gruene Hall and began to restore it to its former glory. Molak repaired the damage from the fire and brought in new acts to perform at the Hall. He also started a weekly dance series that helped to attract new audiences to the Hall. Under Molak's ownership, Gruene Hall experienced a rebirth. The Hall became a popular destination for tourists and music lovers, and it once again became a thriving center of music activity in the Hill Country.

Today, Gruene Hall is one of Texas's most popular tourist destinations. The hall hosts live music per-

formances every weekend and is a popular spot for weddings and other events. Gruene Hall has been featured in several movies and television shows and is considered one of the most iconic landmarks in the Hill Country. In 2004 Gruene Hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Hall is owned by the Gruene Preservation Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving it and its history. Gruene Hall is a Texas treasure. It is a place where people worldwide can come together to enjoy live music, dancing, and good company. The Hall is a reminder of the rich musical heritage of the Hill Country and a testament to the power of music to bring people together.

Here are some interesting facts about Gruene Hall:

*The Hall has a capacity of 1200 people.

*The stage is 20 feet wide and 12 feet deep.

*The Hall is decorated with vintage signs, photographs, and memorabilia.

*The Hall has hosted 200,000 performers since it opened.

Gruene Hall is a living piece of history. It is a place where people can come together to experience the best of what Texas has to offer: great music, good food, and friendly people.

NARPM

Brenda

President

Where Do You Want To Be This Time Next Year?

As the year goes by, and I’m involved in the NARPM and SABOR organization, I find myself thinking of how blessed I am to have these opportunities. Although involvement does take work, time, dedication and can be a little stressful at times, it’s been the best decision I made to commit myself to my industry in another capacity. Some may say that they are “involved” as we pay annual and quarterly fees, organization fees and PAC money. I can see the point of view, as without it we couldn’t continue to service our clients; however, that’s the price of doing business. We still need to take it another step forward. I’m all about being a better version of myself and projecting what I’ve learned to improve our industry atmosphere. One of the best parts of my commitment is meeting new people in and out of our organizations, working with people of different opinions and beliefs and lastly,

coming out of my shell and becoming a public speaker. This takes me back to the title of this article, where do you want to be at this time next year? It’s never too early to start planning your leadership journey or your personal goals. Think about it and hope this month you get motivated to plan to take some time out of your busy schedule and break free from the regular routine to plan out your upcoming year. NARPM always needs people to join and help in making our organization better. We have so many goals and need loyal and dedicated people to make it happen. I love to be a part of an organization that appreciates and supports bringing ideas to fruition. It’s been a wild, exciting and fulfilling time and I wish you could experience this as well. I don’t think you’d see things the same after serving a year or more. Let’s talk if you’d like to serve or have an idea you’d like to share.

By the time you read this, NARPM would have held their next community service event at Sleep in Heavenly Peace, where we will build beds for children that do not or have never had their own bed. We’ll definitely talk more about this next month.

Now our upcoming July Chapter Meeting & Educational Event that we’re excited about will be held on July 19th at Old San Francisco Steakhouse. Our speaker, Steve Rozenberg will present “Don’t be a Boss; Be a Business Owner”. Steve Rozenberg is an Author, Podcaster and Real Estate Influencer. He created the fastest growing property management company in Texas, managing over 1,000 properties across 3 major metropolitan cities. If you are in property management or interested in learning about it, you don’t want to miss this opportunity.

Your first visit is always on us!!! Help us close out our venue and register for this event at our New and beautiful Website: https://sanarpm.org/ and click on Events. Seating is limited and registration is required. Can’t wait to see you there!

Check out or Calendar for current and future events: https://sanarpm.org/

Jul 12 SAMAC Executive Board Meeting

Jul 19 Chapter Meeting & Educational Event w/Steve Rozenberg: Don't Be a Boss; Be a Business Owner Jul 20 SABOR Leasing and Property Management Committee Meeting

*2023 will be filled with new educational classes, speakers, and more opportunities for charitable events. Do not miss your opportunity to serve, gain industry knowledge, and make new friendships.

Davila / SAMAC, NARPM

GUEST COLUMN

Celebrating June As National Homebuyer’s Education

June is a special month for homebuyers and advocates alike as it marks National Homebuyer's Education Month—an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of financial literacy, provide resources, and empower individuals and families on their path to homeownership. As we commemorate this month, it is crucial to shed light on the disparities in homeownership rates among different ethnic groups, with a focus on improving these numbers within African American communities. Through education and targeted efforts, we can work together to bridge the gap and create a more inclusive housing landscape for all.

Homeownership has long been a significant aspect of the American dream, offering stability, wealth accumulation, and community roots. Unfortunately, disparities in homeownership rates persist among various ethnic

groups. According to recent statistics, the homeownership rate for non-Hispanic White households stands at approximately 74%, while for African American households, it lingers at around 44%. This significant gap highlights the need for concerted efforts to address the underlying factors that contribute to this disparity.

A crucial step towards closing the homeownership gap is providing comprehensive and accessible education on homebuying and financial literacy. Nonprofit organizations, like the Women's Council of SAAREB, play a vital role in offering homebuyer education programs. These programs should emphasize the importance of credit management, budgeting, mortgage options, down payment assistance programs, and the overall homebuying process. By equipping individuals with knowledge and resources, we can empower them to make informed decisions

and navigate the complexities of homeownership.

Targeted outreach efforts within African American communities are pivotal in addressing the homeownership disparity. Collaborating with local organizations, churches, and community leaders can help create awareness and establish trust. Hosting workshops, webinars, and seminars tailored to the specific needs and concerns of these communities can break down barriers, dispel myths, and instill confidence in potential homebuyers.

Affordability is a significant hurdle for many aspiring homebuyers, particularly in African American communities. Advocating for affordable housing initiatives, such as down payment assistance programs, low-interest loans, and affordable housing developments, is crucial in promoting homeownership. Partnering with government agencies, financial institutions, and community organizations can foster the creation of innovative solutions that bridge the affordability gap.

Credit plays a pivotal role in homeownership, as it determines mortgage eligibility and interest rates. Many African American individuals face challenges related to credit history and scores. Offering credit counseling ser -

vices, partnering with credit repair agencies, and providing guidance on rebuilding credit can significantly improve access to homeownership opportunities.

Establishing mentorship programs and support networks can help African American individuals overcome barriers associated with homeownership. Matching potential homebuyers with experienced mentors who can provide guidance, share their own success stories, and offer emotional support can be instrumental in building confidence and resilience throughout the homebuying journey.

June National Homebuyer's Education Month serves as a timely reminder of the importance of empowering individuals and communities with the knowledge and resources necessary to achieve the dream of homeownership. To address the disparity in homeownership rates, especially within African American communities, we must focus on accessible education, community engagement, affordable housing initiatives, credit counseling, and mentorship. By working together, we can create a more equitable housing landscape where everyone has the opportunity to build wealth, establish roots, and thrive. Let us seize this month as an opportunity to inspire change and uplift individuals and families on their path to homeownership.

Venus Marshall / President Women’s Council of SAAREB

Aug 1 Lisa LeGrand Keller Williams Legacy

Michael Carpenter Home Team of America

Patsy Oakley RE/MAX Associates

Liza Reyes Keller Williams Heritage

Aug 2 Brenda Machen M. Stagers Realty Partners

Stephen Horton H Real Estate

Ralph Wirth Caballero & Associates Realty

Matt Roesle RE/MAX Associates

Aug 3 David Sawyer Century 21 The Hills Realty

Toby Vicknair Keller Williams Boerne

Aug 4 David George Keller Williams City View

Julie Test Keller Williams Heritage

Richard Garcia eXp Realty

Aug 5 Javier Cassiano RE/MAX Associates

Colleen Casey Phyllis Browning Company

Rebecca Byers Alamo Top Realty

Aug 6 Amparo Rocha eXp Realty

Aug 7 Trudy Scott Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Janis Morgan Keller Williams Legacy

Joseph Hatem Keller Williams Boerne

Mike Lockridge BHGRE Homecity

Jason Gamboa MultiUnitPros

Rachelle Bonds Century 21 The Hills Realty

Aug 8 Melinda Lange BHGRE Homecity

Rodney Coleman E Coleman Realty

Cindy Vest Realty Executives of S.A.

Aug 9 Craig Blakeley Keller Williams City View

Scott Spencer Century 21 Scott Myers

Kim Schmidt Old Republic Title

Aug 10 Rich Braune Premier Realty Group

Rosie Elizondo Keller Williams City View

Jackie Arnette Jackie Arnette, Broker

Phyllis Williams Old Republic Title

Whitney Solich Old Republic Title

Marjory Felter Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

William Osborne Century 21 The Hills Realty

Aug 12 Phil Gonzales RE/MAX Associates

Aug 13 John Chase JPAR San Antonio

Lynda Holloway Lifetime Real Estate Services

Aug 14 Wayne Johnson Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Aug 15 Tori Vendola Reliance Residential Realty

Barbara Lane Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Barbara Saathoff Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Eric Davis Central Metro Realty

Linda Otri Perkins Vortex Realty

Aug 16 William Rosenthal Branded Realty

Chrystal Garcia R1 San Antonio Realty

Dora Kaufmann Kuper Sotheby’s International

Lori Haecker Real

Aug 17 Beatrice Alvarez Realty Executives of S.A.

Roxane Cook Home Team of America

Gina Fontenot Texas Edge Realty

Aug 18 Alexander Baez Landlord Property Mgt.

James Ynclan Global Realty Group

Aug 19 Suzie Hamilton All City Real Estate

Aug 20 Jessica Masters Harper Property Management

John Peche Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Norma Pearson Christian Brother,REALTORS

Cindy Mandujano Select Realty

James Herring JB Goodwin Realtors

Barbara McCoy Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Aug 21 Kathy Alexander RE/MAX Associates

Norma Callahan Avenue Realty

Sheri Bailey Keller Williams Realty

Jim Shaw Century 21 The Hills Realty

Aug 22 Janie Munoz Premier Realty Group

Michael Barton Midciti Realty

Aug 23 Lori Hockley Vortex Realty

Marisa Estavillo Vortex Realty

Brayson Verzella Real

Barbara Schoenfeld Kuper Sotheby’s International

Farhad Aznavaleh BHHS Don Johnson Realtors

Melanie Wilson Phyllis Browning Company

Aug 24 Amy Boehm Keller Williams Boerne

Sherry Gambitta RE/MAX North - San Antonio

Aug 25 Veronica Moreno Covenant Partners USA

Sherri Wolfshohl Realty Executives of S.A.

Reggie Hock IH 10 Realty

Aug 26 Dayna Zolninger eXp Realty

Lynne Martensen Kuper Sotheby's International

Judy Barnes Phyllis Browning Company

Linda Stevens Linda Stevens

Alberto Ramos Key Realty

Aug 27 Arturo Montelongo Home Team of America

Tom Guajardo Tom Guajardo Real Estate

Mary Carter Kuper Sotheby’s International

Monique Bordelon RE/MAX Preferred

Aug 28 Ruben Singleterry Real Estate 210

Chris Ginn Texas Trust Real Estate

Faira Stevick eXp Realty

Elizabeth Priest Phyllis Browning

Saundra Davis Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Aug 29 Wanda Haltom Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Steven Gragg Keller Williams Legacy

Josh Dym DK Realty Advisors

Michael Berger Kuper Sotheby’s International

Roger Fisher RE/MAX Preferred

Lynn Witte Texas Premier Realty

Geraldina Machado Keller Williams Heritage

Sherry Houston JB Goodwin Realtors

Aug 30 Steven Garza eXp Realty

Karl Kluthe RE/MAX North - San Antonio

Debbie Acosta RE/MAX Preferred

Aug 31 Scott Caballero Caballero & Associates Realty

Jeff Pozzi Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Old

HAPPY CRITIC

Karen Evans / Contributing Writer

Welcome to "The Happy Critic" Column I created for folks who love extraordinary experiences. I use uplifting words to draw attention to remarkable people and their stories about preparing, serving, eating, and savoring food. I share only the best!

This month "The Happy Critic" is exploring talented San Antonio cooks/chefs that use healthy and fresh ingredients and prepare their menus from scratch. Cooking from scratch is the process of preparing food from basic ingredients rather than pre-made or processed foods. This includes baking bread and cakes, making homemade pasta, and creating soups.

Cooking from scratch should be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. It can be a great way to learn new skills, develop your palette, save money, and eat healthier. Cooking from scratch can be a creative outlet. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create unique dishes. With a bit of practice, you will be cooking like a pro in no time!

I chose two outstanding local cooks/chefs to feature in this "Scratch" column, including myself and Nick Lester. I hope you enjoy our stories and recipes and cook and eat fresh food often!!!

Introducing:

Nick Lester

My love of cooking started at home in Shreveport, LA. Both my mother and father were good cooks. My mother did mainly southern favorites (home-fried chicken, collard greens, etc.), while my father was the grill master and game cook (venison steaks, fried catfish, etc.). I didn't really start cooking on my own until I graduated from college and was living on my own, 100 miles from my hometown. At first, it was just grilling a steak every Friday. But I started taking Food & Wine, and it opened my eyes to so much more. I began collecting cookbooks like "The Joy of Cooking," the "New York Times 60 Minute Gourmet," and many Junior League cookbooks from all over Louisana. I still take "Food & Wine," as well as "Bon Appetit," and several others, so I always have new dishes to try.

The recipe below is my variation of a recipe I saw online:

Lemon Pappardelle With Soy Chorizo And Crunchy Breadcrumbs

Ingredients:

1oz unsalted Butter

4 shallots

2 garlic cloves, crushed Zest and juice of 3 lemons, plus wedges to serve

8 oz of soy chorizo

1 bunch flatleaf parsley, chopped

3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for frying

2 oz breadcrumbs (I use whole wheat)

8 oz pappardelle

1.5 oz parmesan, grated

Method:

1. Heat butter in a large pan over low heat and fry the shallots for 15 minutes until soft. Add the garlic, lemon zest, and juice, then cook for 1 minute. Add the soy chorizo and half the parsley, then fry for 1-2 minutes.

2. In a small frying pan, heat a glug of olive oil, add the breadcrumbs, and fry over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until crisp. Set aside.

3. Cook the pappardelle in a pan of boiling salted water according to package directions. Drain, reserving a cupfull of cooking water, then add the pasta to the chorizo mixture. Set over medium heat, then toss with a splash of the pasta water, 3 oz of olive oil, and 2/3rds of the parmesan.

4. Season to taste, divide amoung bowls, sprinkle with the crunchy breadcrumbs and remaining parsley, then serve with lemon wedges and the rest of the parmesan.

And O.C.W! Of course, wine! Bon Appetit!

Karen Evans

I started cooking at a young age because of a family ski trip to Europe. I discovered butter, fresh bread, homemade soups, fresh vegetables, and glorious white chocolate. Instead of skiing, I stayed behind and ate at every little restaurant I could find. When we returned, my Father took me to Handy Andy and let me fill two shopping carts full of European-style foods. The adventure of cooking and serving family and friends has continued to this day. I hope you enjoy our recipes!

My New Orleans Gumbo

For The Roux:

1/2 cup of all-purpose flour

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup butter

For The Gumbo:

1 cup chopped celery

1 green bell pepper

1 large yellow onion

1 bunch of green onions

2 tablespoons white vinegar

12 ounces of de-slimed okra

5 cloves of garlic

1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce

1 bay leaf

2 tsp dried thyme

2 tsp cajun seasoning

2 Tablespoons Cajun Seasoning

2 pounds of large raw shrimp cleaned

2 pounds "Gumbo Crabs."

I pint Shucked oysters

6-8 cups of Seafood Stock

12 ounces of Andouille Sausage sliced into coins

2 cups white rice

1 cup chopped parsley and/or chopped scallions for garnish File Gumbo

Instructions:

1. Make the Roux: Set an 8quart sauce pot over medium-high heat. Add the flour, oil, and butter. Whisk well to break up any clumps. Cook the roux for 30-40 minutes, whisking regularly, until it is the color of milk chocolate until it is the color of milk chocolate.

2. Prep: Chop the sausages, all the vegetables, and herbs.

3. De-Slime the okra: Set a smaller saucepot filled with water over high heat. Add the vinegar. Once boiling, add the chopped okra.

Boil for 3-4 minutes to reduce the slime. Then drain and set aside.

4. Build the Base: Add the andouille sausages once the roux is a dark, rich brown. Fry it in the roux for 1-2 minutes, then add the chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, and habanero. Stir and saute for 8-10 minutes.

5. Slow Simmer: Add the seafood broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, cajun seasoning, and bay leaf; stir well. Then mix in the whole crabs and simmer on low for 1 hour.

6. Cook the rice. Use the smaller pot you used for the okra. Cook according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff the rice and cover until ready to use.

7. Finish: Now add the shrimp, oyster, and okra. Simmer another 5 minutes.

8. Rest: Cover the Gumbo pot and turn off the heat. Let the gumbo rest for at least 30 minutes so all the flavors have longer to mix and mingle without overcooking the seafood.

9. To Serve: Rewarm the gumbo for 2-3 minutes. Serve in a large bowl with a heaping scoop of rice and a sprinkling of parsley and scallions! "Laissez les bon temps rouler!"

Champions School of Real Estate Career Fair

Kristina Guzman and Pauly Tamez both with Phyllis Browning

Troy Jaster and Hailey Sims both with Keller Williams City View

Jo Ann Gonzales, Alieseah Reinhard, Rachel Heinsohn and Lauren Cornwell all with Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper Realtors

Josue Pecheco and Sanjay Jawanda both with Uriah Real Estate

Joe Colunga, Elizabeth Blue, Tom Phillips, and Allan Anders all with Phillips and Associates Kevin Diaz, Hall American Realty

Jess Luna, Kimberly Garner, April Brown, Liz Ortiz and Kelly Mueller all with Champions School of Real Estate Raul Hernandez, BPG Inspections

Jena Walker and Alexis Cesar-White both with White and McCraw Realty

Priscilla Flores-Reyes and Gabriel Miller both with Networth Realty USA Ramiro Barrientes, Motto Mortgage Options

Taurus Parker, Malcom De La Cruz, Jeff Garza, Jo Ann Martinez, and Larry Bray all with Redbird Realty

Erin Cestero and Alberto Hernandez both with JB Goodwin Realtors

Armando Astello and Summer Gribble both with Reliance Residential Realty

Mike Hernandez, Keller Williams Heritage