RE Newsline September - 2023

RE RE N N EWSLIN EWSLIN E E

In This Issue:

Page 2: Just Who Was This Italian Renaissance Polymath?

Page 7: Intel of the Less than Ar tificial?

Page 11: Sonder - A Word That Doesn't Exist

Page 13: Let’s Take A Look At Our Third Quar ter (WCR)

Page 14: The Bexar County Cour t House from 1897 to Now! (on the cover)

Page 15: Election Time Is Right Around The Cor ner –

Are You Ready To Rise Up To The Occasion? (NARPM)

Page 16: Another Successful IREP Program In The Books! (IREP)

Page 19: When Realty Meets Ar t

Just Who Was This Italian Renaissance Polymath?

Derived from the Greek polumath é s (having much knowledge), a polymath as defined in most dictionaries is a person of great learning in several fields of study. That term has been aptly applied to Leonardo da Vinci, often noted as having an interest in anatomy, art, architecture, botany, cartography, drafting, engineering, geology, invention, mathematics, music, science, sculpture, and theory. On the other hand he seemed to have less interest in history, literature and religion.

Leonardo, as he was known to his contemporaries, was born out of wedlock during the Renaissance (a period of revival of art and literature during the14th – 16th centuries) in Anchiano, Tuscany in 1452 to Ser Peiro, an attorney and notary, and a peasant woman , Caterina di Meo Lippi. Although his father married four times during his lifetime there was never a marriage with Leonardo’s mother and while Leonardo was the only child they produced together, his parents, with different partners, produced 17 more children which were then Leonardo’s half siblings. The “da Vinci” tacked on at the end of Leonardo’s name was not his “last name” as surnames were not common at that time but rather identified the area in which he was born and for that time period his proper name would have been Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci.

Leonardo lived with his mother for the first five years of his life until she married another man and began a new family. Though relatively proficient in all areas of interest to him, Leonardo did not have what was considered a “formal” education, which would have included Greek and Latin, but did learn the basics: reading, writing and mathematics and was home schooled in other areas once he went to live with his father at age five. Incidentally, he did later teach himself both Greek and Latin. Having shown an interest in painting, when he was old enough (14 or 15 years)

Leonardo served as a garzone

(studio boy) until he was 17 when he was fully apprenticed to noted sculptor and painter, Andrea del Verrocchio to learn more about art and he remained with him until he became an independent master in 1478.

In the case of a polymath it is not always easy to learn all they have done, and especially what they have thought about doing in their lifetime. Fortunately, that is not the case with Leonardo as he was a master at note keeping and filled notebook after notebook with his thoughts about what he was studying, what he had learned and what he proposed as a solution. It is estimated that he produced approximately 50 notebooks containing between 20,000 and 28,000 pages; however, only about 7,000 pages still exist today.

It is thought that since he was lefthanded it was easier for Leonardo to script from right to left which produced a mirror image which, along with his use of symbols and his own shorthand, must have made the original deciphering of his writings difficult, to say the least. Why his writings were not published during his lifetime is unknown but when addressing a subject Leonardo would carefully place text and an accompanying sketch on a single page supposedly so that the parts of the subject could not become separated. Some of his writings can be found in libraries and museums around the world and the only privately held work (Codex Leicester) now belongs to Bill Gates as he purchased it in the 1990s for $30.8 million.

Although Leonardo has been credited with being the founder of the “High Renaissance” and was considered to be the Renaissance Man it is interesting to note that he produced fewer than 25 works of art, many of which were never actually completed. Often mentioned works include Mona Lisa, regarded by many as one of the world’s most famous paintings; Salvator Mundi (Savior of the World) considered the most expensive painting ever sold ($ 450.3 million)

and The Last Supper , the most reproduced religious painting. There has been long standing speculation as to the name of the model who posed for Mona Lisa, ranging from his mother, Catrina, a courtesan, an Italian Princess, a Spanish Noblewoman and the leading contender, the wife of a wealthy silk merchant who had commissioned the portrait but never received it. There is also the theory that the “woman’s” features are too masculine to actually be a woman but could be either a self-portrait or his lifetime companion, Sala“. Anybody’s guess!.

Genius and perfectionist though he may have been, Leonardo’s interest in such a wide variety of disciplines had somewhat of a negative effect on his production as he was also a major procrastinator and left behind a long list of unfinished projects. His first commissioned painting was for the Scopeto Monastery in Florence; however, in the middle of the project he left Florence to take a position as engineer, architect and sculptor with the Sforza dynasty in Milan and did not complete The Adoration of the Magi painting. Once in Milan he set about designing and planning one of the world’s largest bronze statues, The Sforza Horse, which despite the many years of planning never came to fruition.

In 1483 Leonardo was commissioned as Master along with two other artists to provide paintings for the altarpiece at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception in Milan with a seven-month deadline to be installed on December 8, 1483, the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception. However, The Virgin of the Rocks actually took 25 years to complete.

Along with a variety of his completed works of art Leonardo, as an inventor, did finish some of his ideas for useful items like the hydraulic pump and a moveable bridge that he built for a Duke in Milan, and an inflatable tube for use in water. However, there were many other items he had conceptualized at a time when

the materials necessary to actually build them were not yet available, like flying machines, a helicopter submarine and an armored car. He drew a model for a bicycle at least 300 years before any such item appeared on the road.

In 1515, later in Leonardo’s life, French King Francis I captured Milan and invited him to take up residence in France at Clos Lucé near the King’s own headquarters. Our well revered polymath died there in May of 1519 at the age of 67 and according to Giorgio Vasari, biographer and art historian, Leonardo had said at that time about his life, “that he had offended God and mankind in not having worked at his art as he should have done.”

Those who study behavior today would most likely see Leonardo’s insatiable quest for knowledge, chronic perfectionism and his continuing to move on despite not having finished what he started was the result of ADHD ( attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder). Using Leonardo’s own words would indicate that he might even agree when he said, “I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do,” and also that “It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.”

Da Vinci’s interests ranged from anatomy, architecture and art to mechanics, nature and weaponry creating accurate, workable designs for items that have since been built and put to use. He believed that sight was one’s most valuable sense without which one could not live life to the fullest and that art and science must work together rather than separately. To answer the original question as to who this renaissance polymath was probably Sigmund Freud said it best when he noted of Leonardo that he was “like a man who awoke too early in the darkness, while the others were all still asleep.”

Pat Farrell / Senior Contributing Writer

Connect with SABOR on Social Media

Want to stay up to date with what’s going on at your association?

If so, go to your preferred social media platform and like the San Antonio Board of REALTORS®!

SABOR is active on Facebook, X, Threads, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube. Each of these platforms is curated to provide our members with information about what is going on at the association as well as a way for you to stay engaged in your membership. On our social media channels, you will find information about monthly market statistics data, upcoming events, infographics, and news content to share with your clients.

In addition to SABOR’s channel, our REALTOR® Academy also has a Facebook page. Following that page will provide

you with special course offering information and let you know about upcoming courses you may be interested in. To follow REALTOR® Academy, log in to Facebook and search for us by typing in @RealtorAcademy.

If you’re interested in keeping up with SABOR’s Government Affairs Department, request to join their private Facebook page. This group will keep you informed about what is going on in your local government as well as information about TREPAC and its work protecting private property rights.

Get connected with us today! Scan the code to find us on your favorite social media platform.

Krystal Mermea, Gateway Mortgage and Brian Paris, Keller Williams City View.

Charlie Ruffo and Charla Sealy of Realty Executives of SA.

Pat Busby and Leesa Harper Rispoli both with Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper Realtors

Trevor Crawford, RE Newsline and Victor Viniega, Keller Williams Heritage.

Vanessa Jauer, Directions Home Loan, Sharon Miller, United Texas and Suzann Webb, King Realtors

Phyllis Domingo and Alyssa Rodriguez, both with Levi Rodgers Real Estate Group

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

Dawn Marie Gaglione, Connect Realty, Sabrina Guerra, Credit Human Home Loans and Carrie Partridge, Connect Realty

GSABA Crawfish Boil

Hallie Burnham, CW Floors, Omar Medina, Integrity Homes, Vincent Avila, Builder’s Source

Jorge Flores Jr, Tree House Builders, Alberto Flores, View Homes

Seberino Regalado, Associa Hill Country HOA, Ed and Jack Berlanga with Texas Homes

Alex Johnson, Corey Construction, Heath Godwin, My Corporate Expressions

Briana Saldana, Rae and Art Saldana with Joey their grandson. All with Loan Depot

Rudy Munoz, Maggie Munoz and Hunter Watkins all with Century Communities

Art Saldana, Loan Depot, Andrea Thomas, Legend Homes, Cristine Moreno, Perma Pier, Rae Saldana, Loan Depot

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

Bertha Trevino, Tracy Stockton, Melissa Rayzor and Jennifer Schmidt all with Monticello Homes

THE WAY I SEE IT

Cathey Meyer / Contributing Writer

Intel of the Less than Artificial?

The current panic of the Artificial Intelligence takeover is decades behind the curve. As inept as I am at technological evolutions, even I knew ‘something’ was up way back in the days of spellcheck on my 20th Century massive desktop computer. The irony for me is that my use of Microsoft Word actually began with my NEWSLINE career when a young Dave Crawford coached me in the use of Microsoft98 (whatever that was). Back in the day when our tiny NEWSLINE staff gathered in the secret attic of an undisclosed Castle Hills location, we were literally cut and pasting information: cutlines for photographs, corrections for copy, sizing for advertisements. I remember actual typewriters in the room, but my failing memory does not recall if they were actually in use. Electronic mail was just emerging as I was brought on board, but the internet was far from wireless and barely speeding through the wires we had in the office.

Dave was the cool computer dude who showed up in a variety of fancy sports vehicles to format the

chaos we pieced together every two weeks for publication. He worked magic scanning (I think that is what he was doing), rearranging photos, ads, and copy on a tiny fat television-like screen. Without fail, he would spot my lack of writer’s perfection asking why I did not correct my grammatical errors. Actually, he was less academic stating I needed to check my words. By genetics, I am not a gifted speller. I spent years forgetting the ‘a’ in meant and just used mint in its place. Turns out, way back in the late 1990’s, the Word program was alerting me to human error, I just did not know to acknowledge it. (It being the AI in subversive entry level action.)

I well recall that little squiggly red line that appeared under words as I typed on the keyboard. They were very annoying as I was never interrupted by red squiggly lines on my typewriter. Turns out, the computer was telling me I made a misteak. If you were on my aintchant meshine now, you would see those squiggly red lines under mistake, ancient and machine.

Looking back, my computer machine was already AI-ing me in 1995. I was not intelligent enough to be afraid that my computer program was smarter than my brain program. When Dave lit up my attention to all the assistance my Microsoft98 could provide me, I was overwhelmed, but grateful or is that grateful?

These were the virgin times of ‘attachments’ to emails and most of the time forgetting to attach the attachment. Now our tiny little machines ask us, even before we send, did we want to attach the attachment we referenced but did not attach? Times have now progressed to having my computer machine predict the words she thinks I want to type before my fat fingers can tap the next keys. For the longest time, this little feature was so annoying as we often did not agree on the predicted word selection. If the words in my machine came out more clever (or cleverer as the machine has suggested) than the words in my mind, I would just be pissed for a few paragraphs. (For the record, I requested a synonym for pissed as that is not the word of high intelligence I would want to use, but my computer tells me “we are having trouble connecting to a word selection for you.” Maybe she is pissed now?)

I have survived whiteout correction fluid on typewriters, poor ink quality on jerky printers, squiggly red lines suggesting I make a correction,

blue box highlighting on phrases suggesting better wording and pre-typed word suggestions for thoughts I did not yet process. Now, AI is bringing me ChatGPT and other AI writing aids. I would be foolish to continue writing from scratch: thinking of an annoying idea to expand upon, crafting a series of words to form sentences, draft a few copies to see what fleshes out and finally hold my breath to submit something that may or may not be worthy of your reading time. Actually, I suspect NEWSLINE may be studying their options to just subscribe to a BOT and fill this precious space. Why use an imperfect human with fabulous creative ideas when a computer can almost do the same thing?

Change is inevitable. Dave grew up and is now a grandfather. Not to mention he went from my fun coworker to my fun boss. I assume he still drives cool vehicles, but the Internet keeps us apart—I only connect with him through the world wide web. I was already old back in the day, but I can now operate my mobile phone, laptop, and I get the concept of a Ring doorbell. Microsoft20something now operates my software, although it seems to work the same as the good old 98. I have my thoughts for the next column, but I may hold off thinking it through and BOT my creative juices.

P.S. Thanks Dave for the that initial push into the 21st century of ethernet technology.

Brent Irvin and Angel Gonzales both with Credit Human Home Loans

Dustinn Merritt, VIP Mortgage, Cathy Gomez, Josue Morales, guests, Tony Hudson, T-Hud Athletics and Megan Cloud, VIP Mortgage Megan Cloud Team

Dawn Cooke and Liz Reid both with DHI Mortgage

Shawna Wang, James Vale Properties and Paula Grigsby, TAP FCU

Gregory Walcoff and Robert Guerra both with Barton Carpets

Chad and Sandra Imholte, JB Goodwin Realtors

Naomi and Johnny Morrow both with RE/MAX Realty Advantage

Kenny Cunningham, Click & Move Realty and Gwen Derry, Old Republic Title

Madge Rashell, Guild Mortgage and Mike Meyer, Stewart Title

Frank Alvarez, Photographer and Audrey Schmidt, DR Horton

GUEST COLUMN

Aly Crawford / Contributing Writer

Sonder - A Word That Doesn't Exist

I know I’m not the only one who does this. Whether you’re waiting for your flight at the airport or you’re behind a group in line, you observe and watch the scene unfolding in front of you. I’d bring popcorn if I could. The lives of others fascinate me.

So do words. There is such deep power in words. Think back to a time when you were talking with someone and they said something in a new way you hadn’t heard before. A word can help to clarify and navigate feelings and emotions, shine light on a problem you didn’t know existed, or open your mind to a world of new possibilities. The way I viewed the world changed when I learned the obscure definition of the word sonder.

"Sonder — noun. the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own." - John

Koenig, The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows

My life is deep, complex, constantly changing, and usually a great example of Murphy’s Law. I’m still learning to adult. I am still working to cope with parts of my past. I’m regularly exhausted by early afternoon after chasing my toddler around all morning. And that jerk that just cut me off on the highway is experiencing their own deeply complex and ever-unfolding life too.

In our minds, we group people into categories to help make sense of the world. A fouryear-old runs straight in front of your grocery cart at the store. You don’t yell at them, it’s just a kid. You drive past someone doing 45 on Loop 1604, you look over and see they’re 85… Makes sense, and you keep driving. We do this regularly in all kinds of ways. It allows our brains to compartmentalize and prioritize our needs. But, when do we ever take the time to stop and think

about the interwoven complexity and beauty of the lives around us?

“...[other lives] you’[d] never know existed, in which you might appear only once, as an extra sipping coffee in the background, as a blur of traffic passing on the highway, as a lighted window at dusk.” -

John Koenig, The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows

Sonder and its thought-provoking meaning fundamentally changed the way I viewed and interacted with the strangers in my life. After many college hours spent studying rhetoric and trying to analyze how and why people communicate the ways they do, and years as a public school teacher, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what others are thinking about. But, when you are able to empathize with people you don’t know, a new perspective is available to you.

The cashier at the store, the flight attendant, and your new customer are not lifeless, pre-programmed non-player characters in a video game. Their lives may be overlapping with you at their job that they have to keep to pay the bills, or on a vacation they’ve been planning for months. Maybe you are there for the part in their

story that’s a first-time, new, overwhelming, and joyful experience or maybe you had to do something in your job that made their already bad day even worse.

Each and every moment of interaction in our lives has the possibility to stir the positive winds of the butterfly effect. One smile, one moment of honesty and openness, or a genuine act of kindness has the potential to start a growing wave of positivity. The butterfly effect, this idea that the flapping of a butterfly’s wings can lead to a hurricane on the other side of the world, overlaps and sheds an unexpectedly beautiful new light on our deeply personal and complex lives.

Instead of casually pushing, driving, and walking past the strangers in our life we can take time to consider our own role in their story. What type of character will they see me as today? Take a few seconds to go out of your way and help a stranger. Wait patiently in line and smile or, go out on a limb and strike up a conversation with those waiting around you.

You are, at the same time, the main character of your own story, a side character to the lives around you, and a passing stranger in many more.

Catherine Kling, EXP, Aaron Beeman and William Porter, Bird Realty

Jennifer Cannon, Michele DeHoyos, Sylvia Benavides, all with Texas Edge Realty, and Gelina Garza, Triple H Realty

Scott Small, Keller Williams Legacy and Mary Ann Jeffers, Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper.

Christi Hines, Nations Lending, Kyra Smith , Alamo Title, and Maitreya Vazquez, Coldwell Banker, D’Ann Harper Realtors

Valerie Wilshire, Michelle Lebherz, Susan Taylor and Celeste Smith all with Independence Title

Rae Saldana, Loan Depot and Mary Corcoran, Key Realty,

Mike McCorkle and Clif Harrison both with JB Goodwin

JoDee Gilmore, eXp Realty, and Shannon Miller, Trinidad Realty Partners and Christy Johnson

Women’s Council of Realtors® is sustained by 4 pillars:

EDUCATION: Education is the key to any successful business and we provide that by putting together powerful and enriched events with topics and speakers who educate us & give us tools to grow our business. Let’s take a look.

June: The 3 “Unspoken Truths” Presented by Kimberlie Barrett Grow your business up to 150% in less than 90 days. Brought to you by your San Antonio WCR & Women’s Council friends from District Area 2. This event took place in Austin, TxJune 29.

NETWORKING: We have “Lots of Fun”. For myself, being a REALTOR® and a Leader is one of my life’s dreams. I love my new career. And when you love working in Real Estate it really isn’t workIt is FUN! We work hard, but we also like to enjoy ourselves. Let’s take a look.��

July: “Realtor Olympics” this event brought to you by the Women's Council of Realtors and NAHREP (The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate

Professionals) was so much FUN!! We had: Games, drinks, food, prices, treasure hunt, t-shirts, swag bags and much, much FUN!

Participants competed on the following games:

1. Lockbox & Puzzle Challenge

2. Open house sign set up relay

3. Paper tower building with reams

4. Contract toss

5. Reverse driving relay

August: “White out Party'' Membership Mixer at Ace of Stakes was our last membership mixer for the year and it was EPIC! Besides all of us dressing in our white outfits…..we had delicious food, drinks, prizes, music and powerful networking. and had 3 new members join and had several potential strategic partners who want to support Women's Council of REALTORS® in 2024.

REFERRALS: Networking is the best “sales tool” available to us. It only costs us time. Investing in ourselves is never a wrong idea. With Women's Council of REALTORS®, we have a very valuable member benefit. It’s called the

“Member Finder Feature” that includes your full profile, biography and online referral platform that extends nationwide. I currently have an active listing from one of our members from Cameron County who had a client who needed to sell his home in San Antonio and I was able to help. Also, back in December, I received a referral from a member in Dallas that resulted in a sale for me and a referral fee for the agent in Cameron. This is a Huge “member benefit $$$.”

LEADERSHIP: We are a leadership organization, the Council seeks to prepare its members for leadership positions at the local, state & national level, and actively encourages involvement in leadership opportunities. Our members move up quickly to become part of a board of directors. This is not confined to Women's Council of REALTORS® only but SABOR (San Antonio Board of REALTORS®) and any other organizations or City of San Antonio positions that you may want to pursue.

The Women's Council would like to connect with its members & future members to support each other’s goals, encourage and guide each other to become successful business women and leaders.

Follow us on Facebook (Women's Council of REALTORS® San Antonio) and Instagram to stay connected.

If you would like to join Women's Council of REALTORS® and be part of this group of successful women call us at 210-279-4507

If you are a member and want to get more connected by being part of our planning teams call us at 210-487-0157

For anyone wanting to partner with Women's Council of REALTORS® as a Business-Strategic Partner this year we would like to talk to you more about the opportunities for you. Call us at 720-8380269

Let’s Connect and Bring Great Things to San Antonio!

Upcoming Events:

Sep 5: Membership Appreciation Night in Old San Antonio @ The Jewel 6pm-8pm (Members Only)

Sep 6: P.O.W.E.R Conference w/ Marki Lemons “6 Figures in 12 mo. Real Estate Planning on Steroids with AI” @ Hilton Palacio del Rio 5:30pm-9:30pm. Join us for networking, casino night, light & heavy hors d’oeuvres & a powerful speaker.

For more Information on any event, you may call 210-487-0157 See you there!!!

A BIG THANK YOU!! To our 2023 Diamond Strategic Partners for their support.

Adriana Rodriguez / President San Antonio Women’s Council Network

The Bexar County Court House from 1897 to Now!

The Bexar County Courthouse is Texas's largest and oldest continuously operated historic Courthouse. It was designed in the distinctive Romanesque Revival style by renowned architect James Riley Gordon. Its cornerstone was laid in 1892, and the grand Courthouse was completed in 1897—a masterpiece of native Texas granite and red sandstone, roofed in distinctive green and red tiles, and features a distinctive clock tower. It was the fifth seat of government in Bexar County, the first four being ruled by a succession of governments and political entities, including Spain, Mexico, The Republic of Texas, The Confederate States of America, and The United States. Each of the four predecessor buildings was located within two blocks from the existing historic Courthouse in the heart of downtown San Antonio.

Since its creation as a part of New Spain, Bexar County has been under the political rule of several countries. These layers of historical change have been reflected in the architecture of Bexar County's Courthouse.

The Courthouse has had four significant additions since 1897. The first occurred in 1914, and the second was an extensive remodeling and expansion in 1927. Those additions were sufficient to meet the County's space needs until 1963, when an additional 9,000 square feet were added. That and another inappropriate addition built in 1972 added almost 39,000 square feet at the southwest corner of the building. Following the Courthouse Master Plan, approved in 2000, the '63 and '72 additions were removed by the spring of 2015, restoring the Courthouse to its 1927 grandeur.

J. Riely Gordon (1863-1937)was a brilliant architect of courthouses throughout the United States. Gordon's specialty was constructing public buildings, mainly in the Romanesque

Revival style. During his lifetime, the prolific Mr. Gordon designed 72 courthouses and hundreds of other notable public buildings, including the Arizona State Capitol. Internationally renowned for his architectural genius, Mr. Gordon served thirteen consecutive terms as the President of the New York Society of Architects.

The Bexar County Courthouse is the busiest in Texas and one of the largest in the United States. There are currently 103 judges with chambers in the Bexar County Courthouse. This includes:

• 57 Civil District Judges

• 28 Criminal District Judges

• 10 Juvenile District Judges

• 8 County Court Judges

• 2 Probate Judges

• 1 Family District Judge

• County Court at Law Judges

• 1 Commissioner's Court Judge

• 1 Bexar County Judge

The Bexar County Courthouse has been the site of many famous cases over the years, including:

• The trial of Timothy McVeigh, convicted of the Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995.

• The trial of David Koresh, the leader of the Branch Davidian cult, who died in a fire at their compound in Waco, Texas, in 1993.

• The trial of Elizabeth Smart, kidnapped from her home in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 2002 and held captive for nine months. Smart testified against her kidnappers in their trial in Bexar County.

• The trial of Christopher Belter, convicted of raping four teenage girls in 2018. Belter was sentenced to 100 years, the longest sentence ever in Bexar County for a juvenile offender.

These are just a few of the many famous trials that have been heard in the Bexar County Courthouse.

In addition to the legal proceedings mentioned above, the Bexar County Courthouse also hosts a variety of other events and activities, such as:

Tours: The Courthouse is a popular tourist destination with public tours that allow visitors to learn about its history and architecture.

Weddings: The Courthouse is a popular venue for weddings. Couples can get married in the courtrooms or the rotunda.

Meetings: The Courthouse is home to various meeting rooms used by government agencies, businesses, and non-profit organizations.

Exhibitions: The Courthouse occasionally hosts art exhibitions and other cultural events.

Documentary Screenings: The Courthouse has hosted documentary screenings about critical legal issues.

Public Forums: The Courthouse has hosted public forums on various topics, such as criminal justice reform and mental health.

The Bexar County Courthouse is a dynamic and evolving space for various purposes. It is where people seek justice, resolve legal disputes and learn about the law. It is also where people celebrate important events and engage in meaningful conversations.

Here are some other specific events that have been held in the Bexar County Courthouse in recent years:

• A lecture by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder on criminal justice reform.

• A documentary screening about the

Innocence Project, which works to exonerate innocent people who have been wrongly convicted of crimes.

• A public forum on mental health and the criminal justice system.

• A wedding for a couple who met through a program that matches inmates with pen pals.

• A tour of students about the history of the Courthouse and the legal system.

The Bexar County Courthouse symbolizes justice and democracy in San Antonio. It is where people come to seek their rights and make their voices heard.

Here are some special things about the Bexar County Courthouse:

• The Courthouse is home to the Bexar County Historical Society, which has a museum on the ground floor. The museum exhibits artifacts and documents related to the history of Bexar County and the Courthouse.

• The Courthouse is also home to the Bexar County Law Library, one of Texas's most prominent law libraries. The library has a collection of over 250,000 volumes and is open to the public.

• The Courthouse is a designated National Historic Landmark. This means that the federal government protects it as a significant historical resource.

The Bexar County Courthouse is a landmark building that is an integral part of the history of San Antonio and Texas. It is where justice is dispensed, and the law is interpreted and applied. It is also a place where people learn about the past and make their voices heard. The Courthouse Plaza is the administrative and judicial heart of Bexar County.

Home

NARPM

Election Time Is Right Around The Corner –Are You Ready To Rise Up To The

Election time is right around the corner for our SAMAC organization, and we need great people to rise up to the challenge and get involved. If you like coming to our lunch and learn meetings, socials, Christmas parties and our community service events and partaking of all that is offered on the local, state, and national level, then please thank our board and committee chairs. Without them we wouldn't be able to have these great opportunities for you to come to and network with industry partners and friends. The commitment and work are yearlong and is not just an everyday task. You can do this and know we have awesome people that came before you and if they can do it, you can do it too.

This position has really helped me grow professionally and personally. It has helped me focus and narrow down my career goals and definitely got me out of my comfort zone, which I held on to so dearly. But all kidding aside, we would like you to think about where this journey can take you and how it

could expand your horizon to meeting new people that are in the same business as you and do things differently than you have been used to. Visualize a map full of thumbtacks and string that connect the places and people you would have the opportunity to meet and spend time with all over the country. Now that's a road map to success and it doesn't get any better than this. I can see your chapter and your business soaring and breaking glass ceilings with all types of innovative ideas and money moves you are about to make in this fast-paced, dynamic industry, all while helping your community be a better place to live and work.

If this sounds like something you'd be interested in, please reach out with your interest to secretary@sanarpm.org or be on the lookout for our emails with more detailed information coming soon.

Also, our next upcoming Chapter Meeting & Educational Event will be on September 20th

when the speaker will be Storm Damage Lawyer, Marco Flores of Flores & Pelaez-Prada. He will be teaching NARPM® members the ins and outs of property damage claims, when you can involve a third party to act on behalf of your client, and best practices for getting the most out of insurance companies for insurance claims payouts. This event will be on September 20, 2023, from 10am-1pm at Old San Francisco Steakhouse and registration is required. Please, be sure to register at sanarpm.org, as seating is limited.

Here is our September calendar of events:

Sept 8 Volunteer Day at The San Antonio Food Bank

Sept 13 Executive Member Meeting

Sept 20 Chapter Meeting & Educational Event: Marco Flores of Flores & Pelaez- Prada

Sept 21 SABOR and Property Management Committee Meeting

*The rest of 2023 and all of 2024 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. If you are interested in joining or would like to discuss; please do not hesitate to reach out to us. For membership information or our calendar of events please visit: https://sanarpm.org/

Brenda Davila / SAMAC, NARPM President

Cathey Meyer, RE Newsline and Tony Cantu.

IREP

Sopfiela Grannum / 2022-2023 President

Another Successful IREP Program In The Books!

The Independent Real Estate Professionals (IREP) is an exclusive organization that plays a vital role in supporting independent real estate professionals in their endeavors. With a mission to provide a platform for information exchange, knowledge sharing, networking, and resource consolidation, IREP stands as a beacon to support and aid in the growth of its members. Meeting at 11 am on the third Tuesday of each month at the San Antonio Board of REALTORS® (SABOR), IREP offers valuable opportunities for independent professionals to enhance their skills and collaborate with industry peers.

Led by a dedicated team of professionals, IREP is guided by its mission statement which highlights the organization's purpose: "To provide a forum for the exchange of information common to REALTORS® and the supporting associates of the real estate industry. The organization collaborates with various real estate affiliates, such as

lenders, inspectors, home stagers, title agents, and many others, to build a strong network within the industry.” In doing so, IREP aims to create a cohesive and inclusive environment that benefits all sectors within the real estate industry.

The current officers of IREP are individuals with a wealth of experience and expertise in the real estate industry. Sopfiela Grannum, REALTOR® with Click and Move Realty, serves as the president of IREP. With her passion for empowering independent professionals, Grannum brings an open minded and innovative approach to the organization. Sandra Largo of JPAR Realty serves as the Vice President, bringing her extensive knowledge of the real estate market to the table. Gwen Derry, from Old Republic Title, holds the position of Secretary and plays a crucial role in ensuring that communication and organization within IREP runs smoothly. and Pat Farrell of Pat Farrell, REALTOR®

serves as Treasurer, overseeing the financial matters of the organization.

IREP hosts an array of events throughout the year, offering members valuable opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate. One notable upcoming event is REALTOR® Safety Month, which will be hosted by IREP and SABOR this fall. This event aims to provide members with valuable insights, tips, and resources to ensure their safety in their day-to-day real estate activities. Additionally, IREP organizes an annual Members Holiday Party, allowing members to unwind, and enjoy the festive season together.

For many years now our programs have been designed to provide smaller firms of real estate professionals with updated information to help them remain current with industry practice changes as they occur. For example, to name a few, earlier in the year Erin Padron, VP and in-house counsel with Old Republic Title reviewed the importance of having a will prepared and what must be considered for title insurance when a death or divorce occurs prior to a closing.

In February Michelle Noble, Certainty Mortgage, compared the one-time vs. two-time close for custom home financing and then in March Adona

Lowery, Landlord Property Management, discussed the pitfalls one might encounter in the Property Management business. Then, in April we heard from Regina Eldridge, Success Mortgage Partners, to dispel the many myths about a reverse mortgage and the advantages of this type of financing for those who qualify for this age related product.

Our most recent achievement for IREP was the highly requested ChatGPT training, which took place during the August 15th meeting. Members had the opportunity to learn about the ChatGPT language model and its applications in the real estate industry. This training showcased IREP's commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and to empowering its members with cutting-edge tools and strategies which were presented by Sarah Blomstrom with Chicago Title.

We are coming up on that time of year when we will be accepting applications for new officers and committee chairs in the organization for 2024 and encourage all those who wish to try their hand at leadership to step up. Our dues are only $30/year. I suggest you follow us on Facebook: Independent Real Estate Professionals (look for the black and gold logo) and if you need more information email us: at irepsanantonio@gmail.com.

1-Oct Ruben Cortez Cortez Realty

Clarissa Ramos-Hughes JMAT Company

Kelley Martin Keller Williams Legacy

Kellie Daniels Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Chuck Berry Vortex Realty

2-Oct Ana Mainini Compass Real Estate Texas

Janice Tisdale Phyllis Browning Company

Brad Dietrich eXp Realty

Kimberly Phillips Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

3-Oct Jill Cortissoz Old Republic Title

Roberto Hinkson Keller Williams City View

Tony Zamora Keller Williams City View

Pam Poitevent Premier Hill Country Prop.

David Harder RE/MAX Associates

Tammy Cooper RE/MAX North-San Antonio

Allen Pozzi Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

4-Oct Cynthia Chavers Vortex Realty

Lucy Huereca Legendary Realty

Kate Lanfear Phyllis Browning Company

Jack Everhart Phyllis Browning Company

Lee Allen Realty Executives of S. A.

Bea Forthman Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Louis Rubiola Rubiola Realty

Susan Rodriguez New Heights Real Estate

Julie Durick Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

5-Oct Lissa Navarro Realty Executives of S. A.

Linda Cantu Fathom Realty

6-Oct Jeanie Travis Nix Realty Company

Claudia Dearman JMAT Company

Jo Helen Clark Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Lorena Pena RE/MAX Associates

Sandi Peerman JB Goodwin Realtors

Fran Daniels Daniels and Daniels Real Estate

Stephanie Rodger RE/MAX Corridor

Sarah Permenter Alamo Real Estate Brokers

Kit Preston Home Team of America

Roy Bogar Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

7-Oct Tony Garza eXp Realty

Amy Kolb Amy Kolb Real Estate

Leslie Brown Phyllis Browning Company

Kellye Harris South Texas Realty Services

Rudy Andabaker Global Realty Group

8-Oct Chris Bond King Realtors

Chien Liu Home Team of America

9-Oct Sharon Teich Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

10-Oct Denise Barnhill Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Mike Gardenswartz Vortex Realty

11-Oct Manuel Fernandez eXp Realty

12-Oct Dorothy Lofton RE/MAX North-San Antonio

Debby Gardner Deb Gardner Real Estate

Mary Ann Jeffers Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Karen Lauderdale Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Genie McMahan Keller Williams Boerne

13-Oct Renee White Old Republic Title

Cob Garner Vortex Realty

14-Oct Inez Moya RE/MAX Preferred

Julio Lopez-Perez Century 21 The Hills Realty

15-Oct Sue Stoller Old Republic Title

Isaac Korrodi Davalos & Associates

Judy Rohm Judy Rohm & Associates

Howard Shelf I Howard Shelf & Assoc Realtors

Kenneth Prosse Luxury Homes

Karen Garrett Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Laura Estes Laura Estes Real Estate

Nancy Brown RE/MAX Corridor

16-Oct Kerry Dike M. Stagers Realty Partners

Nora Richards Realty Executives of S.A.

Bridget Archer Kuper Sotheby's International Realty

17-Oct Kim Young RE/MAX Elite-SA

Narcy Nelson Keller Williams City View

Susie Trefzer McClung Keller Williams City View

Margaret Vasquez Covenant Partners Realty

Nerissa Ruiz eXp Realty

18-Oct Christi Hensley ERA Colonial Real Estate

Maria Baxter Home Team of America

19-Oct Laura Vargas Premier Realty Group

Dorothy Stege Realty Executives of S. A.

20-Oct Carolyn Brown Welcome Home Real Estate

Maribel Frey IH-10 Realty

Julie Bryan Home Team of America

Mary Jane Bell Phyllis Browning Company

21-Oct Sue Johnson RE/MAX Associates

Scott Small Keller Williams Legacy

Cathy Liu Home Team of America

Yvonne Mauro Kuper Sotheby's International

Doris Finch Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Kimberlee Carranza Alamo Top Realty

22-Oct Kathy Huddleston Keller Williams Legacy

Madison Madrid 1st Brokerage

David Wilcox Keller Williams Heritage

Cindy Cox Vortex Realty

Yolanda Barboza Casa Lumen Real Estate Group

Rose Snow Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

23-Oct Beth Smarzik Vortex Realty

Judy Goldick Regal Realty

Courtney Silver Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Juan Rangel Legendary Realty

24-Oct Gary Campbell BHGRE Homecity

Nicholas Guevara JPAR San Antonio

David Rosow Rosow Realtors

Lizabeth Garcia Premier Realty Group

25-Oct Sandra Cru Old Republic Title

Larry Kroeger Phyllis Browning Company

Alison McLaughlin eXp Realty

26-Oct Angela Epstein Tres Palabras

Wes Boyd Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Erica Vogel Vortex Realty

Misty Volluz New Heights Real Estate

27-Oct Nancy Halvorson Nancy Halvorson, Broker

Denise Graves San Antonio Portfolio KW RE

Amy Oakley RE/MAX Associates

28-Oct Jessica Borrego Levi Rodgers Real Estate Group

Gonzalo Quezada Madison Allied

30-Oct Brian Jenkins Home Team of America

Gloria Byington RE/MAX Associates

Roy Daniels Daniels and Daniels Real Estate

Fred Flores Fred Flores & Company

NEWSNOTES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Members of Phillips & Associates Realty Do Good Committee at the 100 Club of San Antonio’s 25th Annual Spaghetti Dinner Meatball Roll. Volunteers rolled over 25,000 meatballs to be sold at the 100 Club of San Antonio’s 25th Annual Spaghetti Dinner. All proceeds benefited the families of local fallen first responders.

Century 21 Scott Myers, Realtors Voted a Neighborhood Fave in Nextdoor’s 2023

Century 21 Scott Myers, Realtors has been named to the winning list of Nextdoor’s 2023 Neighborhood Faves, the only annual awards where neighbors vote to celebrate their favorite local businesses.

“Neighbors know best, and Nextdoor’s Neighborhood Faves are the only annual awards celebrating the businesses that are most loved by locals. This prestigious recognition is only awarded to 1% of the local businesses on Nextdoor

and is a testament to the positive impact they have had on their community,” said Nextdoor CEO Sarah Friar.

Used by one in three households in the US, Nextdoor is the neighborhood network where verified neighbors and businesses connect to the neighborhoods that matter to them.

The complete list of winning businesses in each city is available at nextdoor.com/favorites.

- Event coming up? - Did you win an award?

- Get Employee of the month? - Pictures of events?

- Do something exceptional? - Hire new agents? - Earn a designation?

BLOODY MARY COCKTAIL

Ingredients: Servings - 8

46 ounce bottle of Clamato Juice

2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

3 tablespoon prepared horseradish

1 tablespoon celery salt

1 tablespoon hot sauce such as Tabasco, or more to taste

6 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon brown sugar

2 beef bouillon cubes

1 teaspoon ground black pepper Bloody

Mix

Preparation: Mix Clamato, lemon juice, horseradish, celery salt, hot sauce, Worcestershire, brown sugar, beef bouillon cubes, and black pepper in a large pitcher, stirring until brown sugar and celery salt have dissolved. Allow to chill for at least 8 hours. Add 1 ounce of Vodka per cocktail. Mix and garnish. Enjoy every sip! Cheers! Garnish

(L to R first row) Elisha Gonzales, Hailey Keller, Elizabeth Blue, Brandy Tavernier, Kaitlynn Phillips. (L to R second row) Jason Ybarra, Stephanie Sills, Tania Walshe, Misty Rodriguez, Jeannette Gerka, Joe Colunga. (L to R third row) Allan Anders, Fred Mendoza, Neal Walshe, Stacy Barton, Adam Rodriguez

Fred Mendoza, Allan Anders, Jason Ybarra, Elisha Gonzales, Kaitlynn Phillips, Jeannette Gerka

Stacy Barton, Stephanie Sills, Neal Walshe.

Here's to Art! Here's to Love!

Karen Evans / Contributing Writer

When Realty Meets Art

Art is essential to the human spirit. Art is vital to the quality of life in a community. Art increases performance,is good for business, and builds employee and client relationships. Art is essential for children because it stimulates both sides of the brain. Art is diverse, such as painting, sculpture, architecture, and performing arts. Art lasts longer than most things.

The late, great Artist Gilbert Duran was a breathing art machine, and he told me when I met him......."I am not a man; I am an Artist." And that is what I called him. I was blessed to be his partner in love and business. I dedicate this column to the brilliant Artist for all the knowledge and opinions he gave me.

Artist thought Andrea Wollenzin was an exceptional talent - primarily her portrait work.

WHEN REALTY MEETS ART: The Unconventional Story of Andrea Wollenzin: In the bustling heart of San Antonio, a fascinating tale unfolds, weaving together the realms of real estate and art in an unexpected fusion: a true local and a third-generation realtor. She's not only in the top one percent of San Antonio Realtors but also a passionate artist who adds an artistic touch to her realty career.

As part of The Jason Glast Group at Phyllis Browning Company, Andrea brings a unique blend of skills to the table.

With a deep understanding of neighborhoods like Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills, and Olmos Park, she knows the ins and outs of the city's most sought-after locations. Her secret sauce? Andrea excels at uncovering off-the-market properties and drawing attention to her beautiful listingsan art form that sets her apart.

Beyond the world of contracts and listings, Andrea's philanthropic work has greatly benefited the youth of San Antonio with her annual Art in the Garden Fundraiser, helping San Antonio Young Life East. She aims to enable staff members to minister more efficiently and build relationships with St. Phillips High School and College students. San Antonio Young Life East provides meals, a safe environment, transportation, and clothes. It connects students with resources to meet additional needs as they arise so that kids have every opportunity to thrive. Through the mentorship the staff members provide students, they have seen a significant difference in their lives. Equipping them with the right tools has spurred generational change in the heart of San Antonio.

But there's more to her story. Andrea's stepping into a brand-new chapter by joining forces with Janice Yow Hindes, a seasoned artist, gallery owner, and teacher with four and a half decades of experience. They're tag-teaming as co-

owners of Hindes Fine Art, and it's not just any partnership-it's a bold statement about the magic that happens when real estate and art collide.

Janice Yow Hindes gets the vibe perfectly, saying, "Andrea's real estate expertise seamlessly connects her passion for beautiful homes and art, making her an invaluable addition to the gallery's vision. This partnership represents a celebration of the past, a commitment to the present, and a bold and bright leap into the future."

Speaking of Hinds Fine Art, it's no ordinary gallery. Built-in 1915 by the Frost Bank family and attributed to architect Atlee B. Ayers, this historical gem stands tall over Alta Vista, serving up killer views of the San Antonio skyline. Once a Montessori school, it found new life in 2014 as Hindes Fine Art Gallery & Atelier, all thanks to Janice Hindes' visionary moves.

Their mission? To curate the finest representational art, thanks to Hindes' connections with some of the best artists across the nation. And the best part? Artists here score big with generous commissions. It's a win-win scenario that's got everyone smiling.

This dynamic duo's story is just getting started. Andrea's learning the ropes from Janice, soaking up painting wisdom for over a decade. And now, Andrea's all about helping art enthusiasts discover and collect masterpieces. As Andrea puts it, "Janice has taught me how to paint for over a decade, focusing on color, light, and design. This has been a priceless gift. She has also taught me a thing or two about collecting great art. Now, I get to help patrons collect art, and that brings me great joy."

Whether you are looking to sell or buy a home or fill your current home with

art-Andrea is the woman you need to see. This is where real estate and art dance together, where Andrea Wollenzin's story unfolds in the most unexpected and delightful way.

To introduce, Wollenzin, Hindes Fine Art Gallery has a Grand Opening #2 Sunday, November 12th, from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. with a Matt Smith Landscape door prize drawing at 5 p.m. All are welcome to come by and see the gallery during regular business hours and attend the grand opening.

Hindes Fine Art Gallery

Janice Hindes & Andrea Wollenzin 615 W. Ashby Pl San Antonio, Tx 78212 210-872-0098 hindes.com

Friday 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Andrea Wollenzin

Realtor Associate

Jason Glast Group

Phyllis Browning Company 6061 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209, cell 210-325-5840

DR Horton in Brookstone

Lisa Curtis, Arlene Chalkley and Tracy Cooper all with Era Colonial, Tonya Lechner, Nest Finders, and Debra Gray, Era Colonial

Elias Mayfield and Michelle Cerda both with Keller Williams Portfolio

Jesse Bugarin, Real Broker, Jimmy Willingham, Rubolia Realty, Juan Mendoza, All City Real Estate

Kennion Rivers, DR Horton

Sandra Anita Fergins and Michael Lynn Fergins both with Fergins & Associates Realty

Steve-o McCumber and Roslyn McCumber, both with Keller Williams Heritage, Ivan Sante, DHI Mortgage, Ruben Lomas, DHI Mortgage,

event and

Stephanie Prose, Wesley Condrin, and Ashley Guerrero all with RD Realty Group