San Antonio Woman Magazine Jan/Feb 2014

Life-Changing Weight Loss Four Women Battle the Bulge

An Expert’s View of Alzheimer’s 2014 Summer Camp Guide SAWOMAN.COM

US $3.95

New Braunfels:

German Heritage and Surging Growth

Kim Bowers CEO of CST Brands

One of Fortune’s 50 Most Powerful Women

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EDITOR

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january/february 2014 | 3

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CONTENTS

24

90

28

SAN ANTONIO WOMAN • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

FEATURES

COLUMNS

18 UP FRONT

12

Editor’s Letter

Encouraging stories on weight loss success

14

Contributors

24 PROFILE

16

What’s New

CST Brands’ CEO Kim Bowers: Cornering the market on success

51

Beauty

60

Business Woman

28 SA AT HOME

Spotlight

Downsize to HighRise — Luxury living at The Broadway

83

Senior Living

39 TEXAS HILL COUNTRY GUIDE

93

Mommy Matters

New Braunfels — Making a big splash

108 Restaurants

44 HILL COUNTRY WOMEN

111

Weddings

Four New Braunfels women who make it special

112

Women on the Move

113

AstroForecast

114

Looking Back

58 ROLE MODEL Tiffani Nair has found her niche in nonprofits

SPECIAL SECTION

67 METHODIST HOSPITAL CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

CALENDARS 36

63 WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Fashion

106 Entertainment

Women of banking in San Antonio

110 Events

90 DINING Barbaro — Pizzas with personality

102 GUYS TO KNOW Chef Stefan Bowers of Feast

COVER

104 ARTBEAT

Photography Josh Huskin

Leila Meacham — Celebrated writer, Best Sellers are her business

Kim Bowers CEO, CST Brands

www.sawoman.com 10 | sawoman.com

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A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

Liz Garza Williams

The New Year is the traditional time for making resolutions, and one resolution on almost everyone’s list is losing weight.

Look no further than this issue of SAN ANTONIO WOMAN to meet four women who’ve done just that, each in her own way. Exercise, diet and sometimes surgery have pointed the way to slimmer figures.

Our Profile, Kim Bowers, who’s president and CEO of CST Brands (a spin-off of Valero Energy Corporation) had a goose-bump moment in December, when she rang the bell at the opening of the New York Stock Exchange and had the thrill of seeing her company’s banner stretched across the front of the building.

And she’s also on Fortune’s list of the 50 Most Powerful Women.

Downsizing from a large home to a smaller space can be challenging, but Cathy and Rick Hood love their new residence at The Broadway. They can’t say enough good things about the views from their 17th-floor condominium and the service the staff provides. Read about them in Environments.

Dining visits Barbaro, a new restaurant in Monte Vista serving eclectic pizzas, a changing beer menu and more.

Want to update your look in 2014? Beauty & Fitness will clue you into new trends, such as orange lipstick but otherwise toned down and more natural colors and casual hairstyles.

As our population ages, more and more of us know someone touched by Alzheimer’s. One of the world’s leading experts on this topic lives right in our midst — George Perry, Ph.D., dean of UTSA’s College of Sciences. Recently named to the Semmes Foundation Endowed Chair in Neurobiology, he seeks to add to the body of knowledge about this baffling disease.

Another guy to know is chef Stefan Bowers of FEAST in Southtown. And the eminent women featured in this issue include Leila Meacham, author of the New York Times best-seller Roses; Role Model Tiffani Nair, an executive at the San Antonio office of the American Diabetes Association; and four who are making names for themselves in banking — Andrea Smith, Maggie Ortiz, Rhonda Calvert and Kim Heinze.

Our Hill Country Guide will take you up the road to New Braunfels and Gruene, where water is the name of the game, along with wurst, music and a proud German heritage. Four women who are leaders in the community — Mayor Gale O’Hara Pospisil, Mary Jane Nalley, Judy Young and Suzanne Herbelin — are interviewed.

Other articles will bring you up to date on sleeping pills, pinot noir wines and traveling on airplanes with young children (how to avoid the not-on-myrow look from other passengers).

Don’t miss the Summer Camp Guide and the Methodist Healthcare System special section, and check us out online at www.sanantoniowoman.com.

And may the new year be full of happiness and blessings for you.

BEVERLY PURCELL-GUERRA , EDITOR

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PUBLISHER J. Michael Gaffney EDITOR Beverly Purcell-Guerra GRAPHIC DESIGN Kevin Herrera, Maria Jenicek SENIOR WRITER Jasmina Wellinghoff CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Paula Allen, Robyn Barnes, Ron Bechtol, Courtney Burkholder, Jeff Degner, Kelly A. Goff Anne Moore, Guillermo Garcia, Bonny Osterhage, Lance K. Rodriguez, Janis Turk COPY EDITOR Kathryn Cocke PHOTOGRAPHY Vivian Crook, Casey Howell, Josh Huskin, Al Rendon, Janet Rogers BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING Steven Cox Jen Earhart Madeleine Justice Rosanne Limon-Killian ADMINISTRATION & CUSTOMER SERVICE Nancy A. Gaffney PRINTING Shweiki Media, San Antonio, Texas

For advertising information in

San Antonio Woman call (210) 826-5375 email: info@sawoman.com

Published by

8603 Botts Lane, San Antonio, TX 78217 FAX 210-826-2856 • www.pixelworkscorporation.com

SAN ANTONIO WOMAN is published bimonthly by PixelWorks Corporation (Publisher). Reproduction in any manner in whole or part is prohibited without the express written consent of the Publisher. Material contained herein does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher or its staff. SAN ANTONIO WOMAN reserves the right to edit all materials for clarity and space and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors or omissions. SAN ANTONIO WOMAN does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertisements or editorial, nor does the Publisher assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Articles and photographs are welcome and may be submitted to our offices to be used subject to the discretion and review of the Publisher. All real estate advertising is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make such preference, limitation or discrimination.”

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CONTRIBUTORS

Longtime SAN ANTONIO WOMAN contributor and writer Courtney Burkholder is thrilled to be writing the Guys To Know column. “It’s all about who you know,” she says. “This month’s interview with Stefan Bowers was especially fun, as I’m a foodie-wanna-be. Eating out is probably my biggest vice. I justify this by telling my husband I’m working on becoming the magazine’s food critic. It’s just a matter of time …” When she isn’t out to dinner or stressing over deadlines, Courtney spends her time at The Little Gym, the grown-up gym, brushing up on geometry and other important high school subjects she supposedly mastered, avoiding luncheons and making numerous trips to H-E-B. She and her husband are the parents of three children.

Freelance writer Paula Allen has written the Role Model feature for SAN ANTONIO WOMAN since 2004, focusing on outstanding younger women who are making a significant contribution to our community and setting an example of accomplishment and service. She has also written other profiles for the magazine. Paula is known for her questionand-answer column on local history in the San Antonio Express-News, which she has written since 1992. She’s the author of San Antonio Then and Now, a book of facing-page photographs of city landmarks as they looked in their early years and in their contemporary settings.

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WHAT’S NEW in Texas since 1990. They deliver an experience

Girl Scouts, SWBC partner to empower

that rivals the uncompromised thrill that can

west side families

only be felt behind the wheel of a Porsche.

Twenty-five girls and their families at-

Their sales and service teams are some of the

tended a free entrepreneurship workshop

most knowledgeable in the country.

Porsche of San Antonio currently has a

November 19 thanks to a partnership between SWBC and Girl Scouts of Southwest

large selection of new and pre-owned Porsche

Texas (GSSWT). “Envision Your Future: Girl

vehicles in stock so that you can experience

Empowerment Through Entrepreneurship”

Porsche performance and find the car that

allowed girls to learn the fundamentals of

best suits your needs. With Porsche’s expan-

business planning and explore their entre-

sion into the SUV and four-door luxury market,

preneurial spirit by creating their own can-

Porsche of San Antonio facility is the first

they may now have the vehicle of your dreams.

dle-making

LEED Gold Porsche dealership in the world.

Take a ride in the timeless design of a Porsche.

Global Entrepreneurship Week. National En-

There is no substitute.

trepreneurship Week takes place February

Porsche of San Antonio is proud to an-

in

recognition

of

15-22, 2014.

nounce their facility as the first LEED Gold Porsche Dealership in the world. When tasked

business

Opera Piccola presents

with building a new Porsche dealership in San

Valentine's Day Event

Koch Ranches’ Gourmet Country Store

Antonio, the local ownership group was de-

Opera Piccola invites you to a one-stop

now offering Texas Wines

termined to build a dealership that has as lit-

night of fine cuisine, fine wines, desserts and

Koch Ranch Gourmet Country Store, lo-

tle of an impact on the environment as

entertainment to include table opera sere-

cated at 2114 Mannix in San Antonio, is now

possible. 99 percent of all building material

nades and music by San Antonio's own Ken

offering wine for sale by Texas vintners which

waste was recycled during construction and

Slavin. The event will be held Feb. 14th at

complements their selection of Texas-made

the building is fitted to be energy efficient.

Locally owned and operated, Porsche of San Antonio has been selling Porsche vehicles

16 | sawoman.com

7pm at ZaZa Gardens in the historic SoFlo

food products, Texas grass fed meats, poultry,

district. Limited seating is available call 210-

fresh produce, cheeses, canned goods and

314-6696 for reservation information.

preserves.

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UP FRONT

By JASMINA WELLINGHOFF

Photography by JOSH HUSKIN

LOSING WEIGHT IS HARD BUT IT CAN BE DONE According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention, 69.2 percent of U.S. adults are overweight, and 35.9 percent of these are obese. Those are sobering figures. Carrying extra weight is not only an aesthetic issue but also a health hazard that predisposes individuals to diabetes, cardiovascular problems, cancer and a number of other conditions. Losing weight is not easy, but it can be done.

Below are stories of four San Antonio women who were determined to win the battle of the bulge, each in her own way.

From fat to fit To look at the slim and chic Cherie Borden now you would never

den started attending sessions four to five times per week, and lo and behold, the pounds began melting away.

guess that she once weighed close to 250 pounds. A member of the

Many people associate Jazzercise with the 1980s, but the program

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she married young and

has evolved and is, in fact, constantly changing, she points out. Every

had her first child at 20. She and her husband knew from the start that

session combines a cardio routine with muscle toning and stretching,

they wanted a large family, so Borden chose to be a stay-at-home

all of it choreographed to contemporary music that includes jazz, Latin

mom. Today, the couple have six children ranging in age from 31 to 16.

rhythms, hip-hop and other beats. “It’s a total body workout,” she em-

One child died as a baby. “We are Mormons, very family oriented,” says

phasizes. “Not only has it helped me to lose more than 100 pounds, it

Borden. “When we all get together with the kids, I go ‘Wow, look at

also reshaped my body. I lost 83 inches total, along the full length of

what we did!’ I am so proud of all of them.”

my body. Diet cannot do that for you. You need exercise.”

Unfortunately, the multiple pregnancies took a toll on her body.

Two years into it and 70 pounds lighter, however, she hit the in-

Attempting to deal with it, the busy mom sought various exercise

famous plateau and stayed there for seven miserable months. Then

programs, especially those that involved music and dancing. “You

someone suggested doubling up on the classes at least a couple of

name it, I tried it,” she quips. One of those was Jazzercise, which she

times a week, and it worked. The remaining extra fat dissolved.

first tried in 1986 after receiving a coupon for a few sessions. Though

Today, the new Cherie weighs only 135 pounds and fits into size 2.

she liked it, the family soon had to move to another city, and that

To complete the transformation, she recently underwent two skin-

was the end of it.

tightening operations.

Borden returned to Jazzercise in 2006 when she was at her heav-

Best of all, the former student has now become a Jazzercise in-

iest and reluctant to even step on the scale. But it wasn’t until a couple

structor who teaches both here in San Antonio, at the Perrin-Beitel

of years later that the realization hit her that she must devote herself

studio, and in Schertz, where the family lives. “It’s fun and upbeat,”

seriously to this exercise business if she wanted to really slim down.

she explains enthusiastically. “Every 10 weeks we receive a new DVD

“My kids were older; it was time for me to focus on myself,” she ex-

(from the company’s headquarters) with new moves and music.

plains. “Both my grandmothers and my mother were heavy, and I

There’s no improvisation. Dances are designed for maximum benefit,

thought, ‘I am not going down that path.’” The now determined Bor-

and we instructors have to learn new material every time. Once a year,

18 | sawoman.com

we are inspected. It’s also very social, and

“Not only has it (Jazzercise) helped me to lose more than 100 pounds, it also reshaped my body. Diet cannot do that for you.

You need exercise. “

there are no contracts to sign (for participants). At our center here, you can join for $50 and then pay a monthly fee for an unlimited number of classes.” Since working out is her job now, she’s confident that the weight will not come back.

The rewards of being in shape are many, but a recent experience involving her son, Brett, was particularly precious. The college student, who is majoring in kinesiology, came to see her teach a class as part of a school assignment. When it was over, he said, “The whole time you were up on that stage I couldn’t get over it that it was my mother up there. You are so amazing!”

Step by step PR and business development consultant Michele Krier was an active young woman with no weight problem until she got married and settled into a more sedentary lifestyle. As the years went by, she watched her figure expand, but because the process was so gradual — 5 pounds one year, maybe 10 the next — there was no sense of alarm. “It never seemed to reach the freak-out point,” she remarks.

She would tell herself that she was going to lose the latest 10 pounds, but it just did not happen. Life was busy, what with career, home, a child, travel and everything, so there was no time to worry about weight. Even when her husband decided to get his own weight down by eagerly embracing exercise, Krier was not ready. Her household had a treadmill for 10 years before she considered using it.

“The weight did not affect my selfimage,” she says. “I knew I was fun, wellread, cultured, and I had lots of friends.

Weight did not affect any of that.”

Still, when it was time to post a picture of herself on Facebook in 2010, her displeasure with the photo induced her to seek photoshopping services “to shave off” 15 pounds or so. That’s when she started making small changes in her lifestyle. At first it was just skipping doughnuts or tacos

CHERIE BORDEN

Cherie Borden attributes her loss of more than 100 pounds and 83 inches to regular attendance at Jazzercise. Today she's a Jazzercise instructor at studios in San Antonio and Schertz. january/february 2014 | 19

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UP FRONT

during morning meetings, treats that she never refused before. Next came smaller food portions, then fewer “white” foods (bread, pasta, rice). Hey, this is going in the right direction, she thought, when her scale registered a loss of 15 pounds. What would happen if I walked a little on the treadmill without telling anyone?

“The treadmill was a big step for me,” admits Krier. “I started really slow.” Gradually getting more confident about her abilities, the budding exerciser started joining a couple of friends in the gym once in a while and even took up fencing, a sport her son had briefly engaged in in third grade.

He didn’t like it, but she appreciated the sport’s elegance while she watched the experienced fencers fight each other. “I love the pageantry of it,” says Krier, “and it has made me more aggressive with people in general.” Now best friends with her treadmill, she walks a total of 5 to 6 miles a day, morning, lunch time and evening, and she sleeps “like a baby. I work from home, so I can do that,” she notes.

Being the PR pro that she is, Krier wants to help others in their slimming efforts. When she sees considerably overweight individuals in the gym, she is not shy about approaching them to encourage them to persist, step by slow step, like she did. Some are flabbergasted, but they usually thank her.

Though she has lost some 60 pounds, she hasn’t yet reached her goal. Her diet includes five small meals a day without a whole lot of variation, to keep the cooking simple. For instance, she will make a turkey chili on Sunday and eat it for lunch throughout the week. Dinner is mostly vegetables, both cooked and in salads, minus the dressing. “Find a food that you like, that you can eat on a repetitive basis” she advises, “and find something that makes you move.”

Like Borden, Krier recently got a kick out

of

an

unexpected

compliment.

“Honey, you are just plain sexy,” her stepmother told her.

MICHELE KRIER

PR pro and business development consultant Michelle Krier has lost 60 pounds by modifying her diet and walking regularly on the treadmill.

She's also taken up fencing at the gym.

20 | sawoman.com

Michele on fencing: “I love the pageantry of it.

It has made me more aggressive with people in general.”

“As you get closer to your ideal weight, they (Rapid Results) start working with you to get you to a more normal diet that will still protect you from ballooning back.”

With help from the pros Like so many overweight people, Diane Jacobs has had her share of yo-yo dieting and regaining. When she reached 290 pounds and her doctor warned her that she was pre-diabetic, the Pleasanton ISD chemistry teacher knew it was time to change course for good. Her physician recommended Dr. Rogers Weight Loss Centers, telling her forthrightly that “if you can afford it, go” Sadly, her insurance didn’t cover medically supervised weight loss.

With the initial cost for a 12-week period of about $1,000 and subsequent 12-week stretches costing $800 each, it was not cheap, but Jacobs was willing to give it a try. “Cheaper than surgery,” she quips. And she is glad she did.

Following a consultation with Dr. Tamyra Rogers, who is an internist, she had the appropriate tests — blood work, electrocardiogram, oxygen uptake — and her measurements and a picture were taken.

The prescribed high-protein diet put her on 1,000 calories a day, which entailed weighing everything consumed on a food scale.

“So that’s what 2 ounces look like!” she remembers thinking. “The weighing helps you become aware of how much you are eating,” explains Jacobs. The program also incorporated HCG hormone shots, FDA-approved appetite suppressant medication, helpful vitamins and the advice to drink lots of water. Twelve weeks later, the surprised dieter discovered that 45 pounds had melted away without any exercise.

Such a result was all the motivation she needed to continue.

Jacobs is following Dr. Rogers’ Rapid Results plan, which is one of five programs the three San Antonio clinics offer to their patients. The goal is to help the patient lose 10 percent of her weight during each 12-week span. “With each 10 percent of loss, blood sugar, cholesterol and other health parameters improve amazingly,” says Dr. Rogers. “When Diane started with us, her BMI was 40.4, which is in the morbidly obese range. Now it’s

DIANE JACOBS

Under treatment at Dr. Rogers Weight Loss Center, teacher Diane Jacobs has lost 80 pounds with only 20 more to go.

Last fall her students were impressed by her new appearance. january/february 2014 | 21

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UP FRONT

29, in the overweight range. That’s a major accomplishment.”

For those who would rather not measure and cook themselves, the company provides

pre-calibrated,

prepackaged

meals that meet the caloric requirements of the various programs as well as healthy bars and shakes for snacks — all of which Jacobs has used to supplement her own cooking. Her lunch usually consists of a salad with an egg or some chicken, while dinner is meat with plain veggies. Her husband eats the same but with added carbs.

After the first three months, Jacobs incorporated a daily walk into her routine. Altogether,

from

April

through

mid-

November of 2013 she lost 80 pounds with only 20 more to go to reach the ideal weight for her 5-foot-11-inch frame. Knee problems have disappeared, and she can’t wait to see her primary doctor’s face when she next goes for a checkup.

Her physical transformation happened mostly over the summer months, so when she returned to school for the fall semester, students were impressed. “I looked a lot different than when they last saw me,” observes Jacobs with satisfaction. “I was size 22-24 before starting this program; now I am 14-16. I no longer have to go to the plus sizes store. I also lost 15 inches in the hips. Clothes fit so much better. What I like about this program is that you are eating something every two or three hours, so you are never hungry and tempted to overeat. I am not going to mess with this at all. I intend to stick to what I’ve learned. As you get closer to your ideal weight, they start working with you to get you to a more normal diet that will still protect you from ballooning back.

I went on a cruise recently, and I ate what was offered, but I did not gain. I just ate less than I would have before. I am kind of a stubborn person.”

At school, fellow teachers have supported her throughout her slimming journey, and one of them signed up with Dr. Rogers to lose 40 pounds, which she, too,

TAMMI SLIGH

After bariatric surgery, Tammi Sligh has seen her weight drop from 244 pounds to 135 pounds. She works as a forensic scientist at the Bexar County Criminal Investigation Laboratory.

22 | sawoman.com

“I am so much more active now.

This has opened up so many possibilities for me that I absolutely don’t want to go back to the old me.”

successfully accomplished. “I highly rec-

area. The only problem she experienced

ommend it,” says Jacobs. “Everyone (at

for a while was fainting upon standing up

the clinic) is so nice; they seem to gen-

quickly, caused by very low blood pres-

uinely care about you.”

sure, which was remedied by adding salt and potassium to her diet.

Sometimes surgery is the answer

Since weight loss surgery essentially

Tammi Sligh is a dynamic woman inter-

reduces the size of a person’s stomach

ested in a lot of things, but her weight

and thus the amount of food that can be

often kept her from pursuing her dreams

consumed, dramatic weight loss is fairly

or even ordinary activities. She just lacked

common. Thirteen months after the oper-

energy. “I hated climbing stairs or hills. I

ation, Sligh was down to 135 pounds and

was so slow, everybody had to wait for

ready for size 4. To perfect her new body,

me,” she says. “Sometimes Dave (her hus-

she also underwent skin-tightening oper-

band) had to help me out of a chair. I was

ations and had breast implants to reshape

like a slug.”

her sagging breasts, all paid for out of the

These problems disappeared after she

family budget. “I am totally bought,” she

had bariatric surgery. But the road to that

jokes, indicating her body. As a bonus, ail-

decision was long and hard. Like Jacobs,

ments such as the irritable bowel syn-

she had tried different weight loss options

drome and plantar fasciitis disappeared.

that invariably ended up badly. After an

(To help her pay for surgery in install-

early loss the weight would always come

ments, Sligh obtained a Care Credit card,

back. At her heaviest, the 5-foot-4-inch

designed especially for health care not

forensic scientist for Bexar County Crimi-

covered by insurance.)

nal Investigation Laboratory tipped the

Today, the mother of three and grand-

scale at 244 pounds and wore size 20. Try

mother of a toddler is finally doing all

as she might, her weight refused to go

those things she couldn’t do before. To

lower than 170 pounds. She came close to

advance at work, she earned a master’s

giving up altogether.

degree in forensic science last May and

Eventually, Sligh started toying with the

was promoted. With an interest in medi-

idea of surgery. The first seminar she at-

cine, Sligh then underwent training as an

tended on bariatric procedures was a dis-

emergency medical assistant, which led to

appointment, however. No physician was

her weekend job for the Bandera County

present, and the two people in charge of

Fire Department. And if two jobs weren’t

the presentation hardly inspired confi-

enough to keep her busy, she also teaches

dence. Still, this was where she first learned

criminalistics at SAC once a week. “I have

about the sleeve operation.

also decided to go back to school to get

“Then a girl at work had this type of

a paramedic’s license (the highest EMT

surgery and recommended the Bariatric

rank),” she adds matter-of-factly. “It’s

Medical Institute of Texas,” she explains. “It

going to be a hectic year.”

so happened that there was a seminar

Her example inspired her husband to

soon after, on a Saturday. It was a com-

have the surgery, too, so now the

pletely different experience. Not only were

spouses often share a single restaurant

the doctors there, but there was a line of

meal and still take a doggy-bag home.

people who had already had the surgery

“One restaurant portion is like six meals

ready to speak to us. I signed up to see

for me,” says Sligh. Though enormously

the doctor on Monday and scheduled the

pleased with her new figure, she admits

procedure for the following Monday. I was

to being “terrified” of gaining again.

scared a little. What if I don’t wake up? But

Bariatric

I was also determined.”

overeating may stretch their new stom-

patients

who

relapse

into

Post-operatively, Sligh maintained a

achs again, leading to bad conse-

liquid diet for four weeks, slowly transi-

quences. “I am so much more active now.

tioning to soft foods and eventually to a

This has opened up so many possibilities

variety of choices, with emphasis on pro-

for me that I absolutely don’t want to go

tein intake. As “the original cookie mon-

back to the old me,” she says emphati-

ster,” she has not excluded sweets

cally. “You only live once, and what you

altogether, but must remain vigilant in that

do with your life is up to you.”

For more information on Bariatric Surgery, go to www.sawoman.com.

january/february 2014 | 23

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PROFILE

24 | sawoman.com

By BONNY OSTERHAGE

Photography by JOSH HUSKIN

CST Brands’

Kim Bowers

Cornering the Market on Success She loves coming to work every day How How do do you you top top being being named named one one of of Fortune’s Fortune’s

CEO. CEO. Here, Here, she she learned learned that that there there was was aa growing growing didi-

“50 “50 Most Most Powerful Powerful Women” Women” only only five five months months into into

vide vide between between employees employees who who worked worked in in the the Corner Corner

your your job? job? If If you’re you’re president president and and CEO CEO of of the the now now

Stores Stores and and the the those those who who worked worked in in the the corporate corporate

publicly publicly traded traded and and locally locally owned owned CST CST Brands, Brands, you you

offices. offices. Bowers Bowers set set out out to to change change that that by by visiting visiting

head head to to the the Big Big Apple Apple and and ring ring the the bell bell at at the the openopen-

100 100 stores stores in in her her first first 100 100 days days on on the the job. job.

ing ing of of the the New New York York Stock Stock Exchange!

Exchange! On On Tuesday, Tuesday, December December 3, 3, that’s that’s just just what what Kim Kim Bowers Bowers did. did.

“Getting “Getting out out to to the the stores stores and and understanding understanding what what goes goes on on there there every every day day is is important,” important,” she she says. says.

“That “That was was definitely definitely aa goose goose bump bump moment,” moment,”

“We “We have have at at least least 12,000 12,000 team team members members at at CST, CST, and and

says says Bowers, Bowers, not not only only of of ringing ringing the the bell, bell, but but also also

II wanted wanted to to visit visit with with them them and and find find out out what what their their

of of seeing seeing the the 90-foot 90-foot CST CST Brands Brands banner banner stretched stretched

ideas ideas and and concerns concerns are are and and address address those. those. You You have have

across across the the front front of of the the building. building. “It “It was was aa once-inonce-in-

to to walk walk in in someone someone else’s else’s shoes shoes to to be be able able to to underunder-

a-lifetime a-lifetime experience.” experience.”

stand stand where where they they are are coming coming from.” from.”

100 100 stores stores in in 100 100 days days

out out trash trash and and performed performed nearly nearly all all of of the the daily daily rere-

During During her her 100 100 days days Bowers Bowers served served food, food, took took

Less Less than than one one year year ago, ago, Bowers Bowers assumed assumed the the role role

sponsibilities sponsibilities of of aa CST CST employee employee in in order order to to fully fully

of of CEO CEO of of Valero Valero Energy Energy Corporation’s Corporation’s convenience convenience

grasp grasp the the operations operations from from the the ground ground up. up. The The exex-

store store spin-off spin-off company, company, CST CST Brands, Brands, after after serving serving as as

perience perience was was such such aa positive positive one one that that Bowers Bowers dede-

Valero’s Valero’s executive executive vice vice president president and and general general councoun-

cided cided to to require require all all the the other other corporate corporate employees employees

sel. sel. You You might might think think that that such such aa high-profile high-profile CEO CEO

to to do the same thing thing by by implementing implementing “Corner Corner

would would spend spend most most of of her her days days in in aa large large corner corner office office

Store Store Time.

Time.”

issuing issuing directives directives to to her her staff, staff, but but you you couldn’t couldn’t be be

Through Through Corner CornerStore StoreTime, Time, allall above “above store store” em-

more more wrong. wrong. Instead, Instead, you you are are likely likely to to find find Bowers Bowers

ployees employees are are required required to work to work twotwo days days perper year year in

stocking stocking shelves shelves in in aa local local Corner Corner Store Store as as part part of of her her

one in one of the of the retailretail convenience convenience stores, stores, with that withcomthat

efforts efforts to to unite unite the the company company on on every every level level and and fafa-

mitment commitment extended extended to five totimes five times per year per year for allfor emall

cilitate cilitate aa spirit spirit of of teamwork. teamwork.

ployees employees in leadership in leadership positions. positions.

As added As added incentive, incen-

Bowers Bowers explains explains that that the the genesis genesis of of her her focus focus

ative, portion a portion of the ofemployees’ the employees’ company company bonuses bonuses de-

on on aa unified unified atmosphere atmosphere came came from from aa variety variety of of

pends depends on on their their participation. participation.

To date, To date, thethe participapartic-

roundtables roundtables she she attended attended in in her her first first few few months months as as

tion ipation raterate is 97 is percent.

97 percent.

january/february 2014 | 25

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PROFILE

“I had to get

people excited

about what we had

to offer as CST and

get them comfortable

with the change.”

26 | sawoman.com

CEO Kim Bowers (in foreground) joins CST Brands employees in a community service project. She visited 100 CST stores in her first 100 days as CEO and now requires other corporate employees to visit the retail convenience stores at least two days per year.

“I have been very pleased with the program so far,” says Bowers proudly. “It shows we are all part of the same team and that we are all in this together.”

“Now we can look at growing the food operations and retail items and providing a full convenience experience.”

Looking ahead The success Bowers has achieved in less than one year in her new role is impressive enough for most people. However, this Ohio native is not showing any signs of slowing down. Thirty new stores are set

Creating the culture When a corporate giant like Valero decides to spin off one of its departments and create a separate entity, it isn’t without a little upheaval. Bowers, however, looks at change as opportunity, and she set forth to create and build a unified retail culture.

to open across the United States in 2014. That is in addition to the 1,040 already in existence. Canada will see the addition of eight new stores to its current number of close to 900.

And it’s not just the number of stores that is growing. The items available to customers at the stores will be expanding. At the pump,

“I knew I had to get the culture right from the beginning because

fuel customers may soon have options other than just the Valero

we came from such a great culture,” she says. “I had to get people

brand. At the food counter, plans are underway to add afternoon

excited about what we had to offer as CST and get them comfort-

and evening meals to the already popular menu of coffee, kolaches,

able with the change.”

pastries and other breakfast items. Bowers is also looking at ways

In addition to the implementation of Corner Store Time, Bowers set about to define CST as a more relaxed atmosphere in other small

to balance convenience food with healthy food. “They don’t always go hand-in-hand,” she says.

ways that made a big difference. The first order of business was to

As for balancing other areas, Bowers says her biggest challenge

do away with the previous Valero dress code. Corporate employees

is figuring out how to balance her role as the public face for CST

are now free to wear jeans and CST shirts, while store employees are

Brands with her employee responsibilities, and defining the growth

allowed to swap the mandatory black pants and shoes for dark jeans

and strategy of the company for the long haul, the latter being her

and shoes. She also lifted Valero’s “no beard or facial hair” policy for

highest priority.

the male employees across the board.

Factor in making time for exercise every day, spending time with

“Changes like these bring employees together and make them

her family and her community service work with United Way as the

feel alike whether they work in the store or the corporate office,” she

chair of the Partners for Community Change Coordinating Council,

explains of her reasoning behind the changes.

and you begin to wonder how she does it. A self-described people

Bowers adds that by bridging the gap between corporate and store, it allows all employees to focus on the company’s vision statement, which is “Delight more customers every day.”

“Our first priority used to be to move fuel for Valero,” she says.

person, Bowers takes it all in stride.

“It’s all about motivating employees, and that’s what I love to do,” she says happily. “You know you are successful when you wake up every day and want to come to the office. My job is fun!”

january/february 2014 | 27

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By ROBYN BARNES

SA AT HOME

Photography by AL RENDON

Downsize to High-rise Luxury lifestyle at The Broadway At some point in our lives, most of us have to make the decision to downsize.

Cathy and Rick Hood are no exception.

The couple have lived in a number of large houses during their marriage. Their last was a 6,000-square-foot home in Alamo Heights. When their daughter, Alexandra, graduated and moved away to college, they wondered what to do with all that space. They’d driven past The Broadway, the luxury high-rise located on the corner of Hildebrand and Broadway, while it was under construction. When the building was completed, they took a tour and liked what they saw.

“So we downsized!” Cathy exclaims.

“Life here is fabulous!”

At home in the sky High-rise living was a new experience for the couple. They have two homes in Florida, a bay home and a beach home. Cathy says that she told Rick if they were moving into a condominium, she had to live high enough to see the sky. “God’s canvas is the sky,” she says. “I love waking to see endless vistas.”

The couple have lived on the 17th floor for a year. Their condo faces north and east, so they have beautiful views of San Antonio Country Club and the University of the Incarnate Word.

Cathy enjoys the lifestyle at The Broadway. “I love the service here,” she says. “The ease of living is wonderful. When we want to travel, we just shut the door and go; we never have to worry about home security.

There is a beautiful fitness center here, so I don’t have to leave to go to a gym. And I love the outdoor heated pool.”

The location is one of the biggest pleasures of living in her new home.

“Rick manages Mercedes Benz of San Antonio, so his office is just minutes from here,” she says. “I can take our dog for a walk on the golf course and walk to church from here. I’m close to the San Antonio River, where I like to paddleboard. We’re near great restaurants. Pretty much everything we need and enjoy is only minutes away.”

How did she transition from 6,000 square feet to a bit more than 2,000 square feet? “I chose the furniture I knew would blend into our new home,” she says. “I recovered our sofa and chairs with more neutral shades because I thought that would make the living room look more spacious. As a designer, I knew I had to focus on scaling the furniture to fit the rooms. Because I have two other homes with great storage, I didn’t have to sacrifice any of the furnishings I treasured in our Alamo Heights home that wouldn’t fit here. I just packed and shipped those items to another house.”

Cathy picked the apartment based on the kitchen. “It has a great view and an island,” she says. “It also has more storage. It’s the perfect size for a woman who has downsized but loves to cook. I like the way the glass backsplash looks, and the granite countertops are great. The gas cooktop was a must-have, as were the 10-foot ceilings.”

28 | sawoman.com

Cathy and Rick Hood moved to The Broadway a year ago. They love the concierge and valet service and most of all the views they enjoy from their 17th-floor condominium. They can see the San Antonio Country Club and the University of the Incarnate Word, especially beautiful when the trees are lit for Christmas.

january/february 2014 | 29

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SA AT HOME

Cathy found Restoration Hardware to be

pose,” Cathy says.

rived, I wasn’t happy with the color. It was

a good source for the few items she needed.

The drop leaf table by the window is a

just too dark,” Cathy says. “So I sanded

The silk draperies were sourced there, as

French antique reproduction. The Hoods

them down right here in the apartment and

was the chandelier over the dining table. “I

open it up when they need more dinner

antiqued them. There was black dust every-

added the crystal bling,” Cathy says. “I must

seating. The candlesticks came from a

where for days.”

have my bling.”

French altar. Two large bookcases flank the

A glass door opens onto the patio, fur-

The dining table seats six and is quite

widescreen television, which sits on a spe-

nished with a table, chairs and two bottle

heavy. It serves several purposes: seating

cially cut travertine slab. It served as an out-

brush trees. “I use this as an outdoor room.

for dinner, a desk for large projects and as a

door sideboard in the previous home’s

I love this view of the golf course,” Cathy

crafts table. “When you live in a small space,

patio. The bookcases came from Restora-

comments. “It’s a pleasant place to sit, and

most things must serve more than one pur-

tion Hardware. “When the bookcases ar-

it’s safe for our dog, Oliver.”

30 | sawoman.com

Cathy, who is a designer, had her sofa and chairs re-covered in neutral tones to make the living room look more spacious. The patio is used as an outdoor sitting room. Oliver the dog loves it too.

Hallway gallery

Cathy’s office is where she hides her “art

The bath and closet associated with this

The entry hall is decorated with a small

junk” in a French antique reproduction ar-

room belong to Rick. “He was nice enough

chest that is an exact reproduction of a

moire. The chandelier is of wood and crystal

to turn the master bath over to me, so we de-

bombé chest found at the Vanderbilt man-

and came from Restoration Hardware. The

signed a bath and closet just for him,” Cathy

sion. Above it hangs a Ralph Lauren repro-

room is furnished with a small partners desk

says. The closet has high/low clothing rods

duction mirror Cathy found at Louis Shanks

and two French side chairs. “The theme for

to accommodate his wardrobe, and a favorite

Fine Home Furnishings. The hallway serves

this room is antique white with silver blue,”

small dresser fits perfectly into one end of

as an art gallery, displaying two McKinney

Cathy says. “It’s very calming and versatile.

the space. Framed Hood and Escade family crests are hung on the bathroom walls.

Hall antique lithographs and a mixed media

That’s necessary because when my daugh-

by Mary Hong of Grayton Beach, Florida.

ter comes home from college, we turn this

The lithograph of a flamingo is an antique.

into a spare bedroom.”

Cathy put her do-it-yourself skills to work installing glass shelving in a small al-

january/february 2014 | 31

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SA AT HOME

Above, the kitchen was the determining factor in the condochoice of the minium. It offered granite counterops, a gas cooktop and 10-foot ceilings and was the perfect size for someone who is downsizing but loves to cook.

Below, the office, which also serves as a bedroom for the Hoods' daughter away at college when she comes home.

cove by the coat closet. Since they hang their coats in other closets, she also installed shelves here, too. “We’ve made the best use of all the storage space we have,” she says.

Sweet master suite The master bedroom is furnished with antiques from Fireside Antiques in Baton Rouge. The French provincial oak buffet dates from 1780; Cathy uses it as a dresser. The bookshelves take up one wall and date from the late 1800s. The French reproduction chandelier hangs over the king-size bed, whose linen headboard is an antique reproduction.

“I enjoy this room so much because it faces north,” Cathy says.

“It’s never hot, and we never get a glare from the glass. And the view of Incarnate Word is wonderful, especially when the trees are lit for Christmas.”

The master bath is entirely done in marble, from the floors to the tub and the shower. “We have a great rain shower here, and the soaking tub is wonderful,” says Cathy. “And for a claustrophobe like me, the window is a treat. I love having a sky view in here.” The master closet was remodeled to accommodate double-hung rods and a pair of bookshelves for storage. “I have all the room I need to store my clothes here,” she says.

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SA AT HOME

Above, one of the imposing views from the 17th floor. The candlesticks came from an altar in France. Below, the master bedroom and the guest bathroom, which adjoins the office.

Downsizing a dream “Living here is a dream,” sighs Cathy. “I do miss gardening and a few other things that a large house offers. But I’m happy to trade that for concierge and valet service, the workout center and the beautiful pool area. The staff works so hard to be sure that we all know our neighbors and that we are always satisfied with our lifestyle here at The Broadway. I know Rick and I made the right move.”

34 | sawoman.com

january/february 2014 | 35

San Antonio

FASHION EVENTS

36 | sawoman.com

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AROUND TOWN

W

FRIENDS OF HOSPICE PRESENTS

FALL COFFEE BENEFITING CHRISTUS VNA HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE 1

1. Margie Klesse and Beverly Pace

1

2. Lupita Medina, Tenchita Flores, Marie Soules and Sherry Satel 3. Mary Ruth Welch, Betty Ferrell and Barbara Heckmann

2

SOUTH TEXAS BLOOD AND TISSUE CENTER PRESENTS

2

RED AND WHITE BALL 1. Laurie and Michael Kaplan 2. Anna and Dennis Stahl 2. Emily and Rich Reynolds

3

3

january/february 2014 | 37

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FABULOUS FINDS

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38 | sawoman.com

From the “Tango Collection,”

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By JANIS TURK

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY GUIDE

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NEW BRAUNFELS: Lately, San Antonio’s neighboring city of New Braunfels is making a big splash on the local scene — and not only because

Making a Big

SPLASH! This small German-heritage community on the Comal River has a large water park and a big future Photos courtesy New Braunfels CVB/Tharp Photography

it’s home to Schlitterbahn Water Park, Wurstfest and “tubing” on rambling rivers. The positive attention isn’t coming just from those who consider it another pretty little bedroom community to San Antonio either. No, New Braunfels is becoming ever more popular with visitors, residents, retirees and young couples coming to raise families there.

This 168-year-old Texas town is seeing a surge in growth and is now more fun and exciting than ever. january/february 2014 | 39

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TEXAS HILL COUNTRY GUIDE

NEW BRAUNFELS:

Not just the Wurst destination

vibrant

down-

Along Interstate 35 between San Antonio

town, a growing

and Austin, several small towns have enjoyed

economy, great

an increase in growth and prosperity over the

neighborhoods,

past 25 years, but perhaps none has grown

two highly re-

and changed as dramatically as New Braun-

garded

fels. Once a sleepy little German-heritage

systems and cit-

town, New Braunfels now offers more than

izens who make

ever. Today it’s a hip, thriving destination city

New Braunfels

with big-city style and amenities.

special by their

With a population of more than 60,000 residents, the city is located in an area that

school

exceptional volunteerism.”

stretches into both Guadalupe and Comal Counties and rests just 20 miles north of San Antonio on I-35. A scenic gateway city to the Texas Hill Country, the town is rich

German roots Established

with the culture and heritage of its early

in 1845 by Prince Carl Solms of Braunfels,

sits so close to San Antonio, San Marcos and

German immigrant settlers.

Germany, New Braunfels grew rapidly in its

Austin that anything else residents might

“I always tell people that I'm proud to be

early years: By 1850, it was the fourth-

want is close at hand.

mayor of such a wonderful city. In New

largest city (by population) in Texas, behind

The inner circle

Braunfels, we are blessed with two beautiful

only Galveston, San Antonio and Houston.

rivers [the Comal and the Guadalupe], lots

Of course, these days New Braunfels is not

New Braunfels’ prettiest feature may be in

of graceful oak trees and one of the pretti-

one of Texas’ largest cities, but that’s more

the center of town, where roads encircle a

est parks [Landa Park] in the area,” says

than all right with local residents, who say

small park and gazebo that rest across the

Mayor Gale Pospisil. “Although large in pop-

the growth has occurred at just the right

street from the city’s stately white limestone

ulation, New Braunfels still has that special

speed — locals still know their neighbors

courthouse. Downtown, old storefront build-

small-town feeling and many examples of

and local merchants, yet the town is large

ings have been painted and restored and now

the German heritage that typify our town.

enough to support numerous shops and

hold delightful little antique stores, coffee

Here, the living is good because we have the

shopping centers, restaurants, movie the-

shops, art galleries and even a traditional old-

charm of a small community and the con-

aters, entertainment venues, parks and out-

fashioned hardware store. Restaurants, pubs

venience of a large urban area. We have a

door adventure spots. Better still, the city

and bakeries line the blocks, and home inte-

40 | sawoman.com

january/february 2014 | 41

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TEXAS HILL COUNTRY GUIDE ebration — a 10-day festival held each year at the end of October into early November, a family-friendly event dating back to 1961.

Other not-to-be-missed places to visit while in town include the New Braunfels Smokehouse and Oma’s Haus, both known for delicious sausage, German potato salad, sauerkraut, smoked meats and more.

Water, water, everywhere!

When South Texas temperatures climb each summer, New Braunfels is the place to be. Home to Texas’ largest water park, Schlitterbahn, as well as the Texas Ski Ranch 70-acre action sports and water-ski center, here everyone likes to jump in an inner tube and float on the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers. prime steaks are served. Myron’s has a second

“Tubing on the rivers, Schlitterbahn,

The town’s original 1940s Art Deco movie

restaurant in San Antonio these days, but the

Gruene Historic District, Wurstfest, Wassail-

rior boutiques sit next to a cupcake shop.

theater, the Brauntex, now home to live the-

New Braunfels location came first. Even the

fest, and Wein and Sangerfest are just a few of

ater, music and stage performances, stands

former City Hall was home to a restaurant

the attractions and festivals that make New

next to a railroad track and a charming little

called the Liberty Bistro, but it recently closed

Braunfels special,” says Mayor Pospisil.

railroad museum. Across the street, kids paint

and plans are underway for a new business in

ceramics at the Bisque Bakery. Behind that

that building.

Gruene with envy

business sits one of New Braunfels’ most pop-

One of the most famous businesses in New

Even those who haven’t spent much time

ular restaurants, the Huisache Grill, where

Braunfels is the oldest continuously operating

in New Braunfels have heard of its not-so-

farm-to-table fare pleases guests and little

bakery in the state of Texas: Naegelin’s, which

well-kept secret, the nearby hamlet of

shops rest on the grounds. The Pour House

opened in 1868. Each day fresh apple and

Gruene. Once a sleepy “ghost town” with an

beer garden and music venue across the

cherry strudel, bread, kolaches, doughnuts,

empty General Store building, a saddle shop

street is also a happening spot for locals.

cakes, cookies, gingerbread men, petit fours

and an old dance hall, today Gruene (pro-

and more come from its kitchen.

nounced green) is a bustling tourist destina-

Historic buildings in and around downtown

tion. It is also still home to Texas’ oldest and

Several of New Braunfels’ downtown

also include hotels like the Faust, built in 1929,

perhaps most charming dance hall, Gruene

Old meets new buildings have been repurposed and restored

and the 1898 Prince Solms Inn, an elegant Old

Hall, where stars like Willie Nelson have

to create popular restaurants and bars — like

World-style small brick building with its Up-

played and John Travolta has danced.

the former federal post office building erected

town Piano Bar in the basement.

The Grist Mill Restaurant, a winery, coffee shops, a tearoom, pottery shop and more

in 1915, which is now McAdoo’s Seafood Com-

While there is a great deal going on

pany and Bar. Likewise, the old Palace movie

within a few blocks of the downtown circle,

line the pretty tree-shaded streets of Gruene,

theater building that still stands on N. Castell

drive just a mile or two, and you’ll find even

which rests atop a ridge overlooking the

Street is home to Myron’s Steakhouse, where

more wonderful places to explore, including

Guadalupe River. With live music in the

its

dance hall every weekend and something to

Landa Lake swimming

do every day, Gruene attracts visitors and lo-

area and boat house

cals alike and is just another reason people

and a kiddie train ride.

love living in New Braunfels.

Landa

On

Park

the

with

grounds

of

Landa Park, be sure to

42 | sawoman.com

A great place to live

check out the Circle

“In 1986, I was in a position to choose any-

Arts Theatre with its

where in the state of Texas to open my law

small stage theater pro-

practice,” says 274th District Court Judge

ductions. Nearby, the

Gary Steel. “After months of investigation it

grounds of the annual

was obvious to my wife, M’Liss, and me that

German sausage festi-

the city of New Braunfels on both the

val, Wurstfest, sprawl

Guadalupe and Comal Rivers was that place.

along the banks of the

After almost 30 years and after having raised

Guadalupe

River.

our three children in this beautiful town, we

Wurstfest is New Braun-

think moving to New Braunfels has become

fels’ biggest annual cel-

one of the best decisions we ever made.”

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HILL COUNTRY WOMEN

By JANIS TURK

Photography BY CASEY HOWELL

LEADING LADIES

Meet four local movers and shakers who help make

New Braunfels

special

“I could make a living out of lovin’ you,” croons a country singer on KNBT Radio New Braunfels. In this Central Texas town there are four women who are doing just that — making a living out of loving New Braunfels. You see, it takes a village to create a community as vibrant and committed to its future as this place is — along with a healthy respect for the town’s heritage and traditions. These four local leading ladies are New Braunfels business owners, public servants, honky-tonk queens, Wurstfest organizers and cowgirls who contribute hard work and enthusiasm toward making it the kind of place so many want to live. We asked each of them what she likes best about New Braunfels and how she’s made a career out of loving it.

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HILL COUNTRY WOMEN

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Gale O’Hara Pospisil Mayor of City of New Braunfels

Years in this career: Six years as District 3 Council member and now two and a half years as mayor.

How did you get started? I was asked by several citizens to run for City Council from District 3, which is generally the northwest part of New Braunfels. I originally ran for office in 2000. Although I lost that election, I ran again in 2003 and beat the incumbent to take office. I served two three-year terms as District 3 Council rep, was off Council for two years because of term limits, and was elected mayor in May 2011. Serving on City Council has been one of the most rewarding and educational experiences of my life.

On the whole, I have enjoyed serving, as it has provided me with the opportunity to really get to know the city and its citizens. The frustrations of serving in public office have, in my opinion, been well outweighed by the pleasures of serving the citizens of New Braunfels.

What’s your favorite thing to do on the weekend? Well, it’s always fun to go to the Downtown Farmers Market on Saturday morning, to explore historic Gruene or to visit Landa Park with my granddaughters.

And if there happens to be a play at the Circle Arts Theatre or the Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre, that’s a great option.

What’s your favorite citywide event? My husband and I enjoy all the downtown events like Wassailfest in December and Wine and Sangerfest in May, but our favorite citywide event has to be Wurstfest.

We both love to dance, so we especially enjoy all the music at Wurstfest.

It’s also a great place to visit with friends as we stroll through the grounds sampling the wide variety of food and beverages available.

What’s the best thing about living here? New Braunfels is a wonderful place to live because we work to keep that small-town feeling, that part of being a community, even though we have grown to over 60,000. Also, we have a historic yet vibrant downtown and two beautiful rivers, not to mention lots of great restaurants.

How did you come to live here? When my husband and I were married in 1983, he was already living here, so I moved here from San Antonio.

What do you think people don’t know about New Braunfels that they should? People should know that New Braunfels is one of the “volunteeringest” towns I’ve ever seen. It’s the volunteers that make New Braunfels truly great.

Tell us about yourself. Although I’m not a native Texan, I’ve been in Texas since 1959, so I feel like a Texan, and I drop my “gs” and say “y’all.” I graduated from Texas State University in 1993 with a degree in finance and worked as a sales rep for Honeywell for 11 years before moving to New Braunfels in 1983 when my husband, Vladimir, and I were married. We were partners in business as well, operating a real estate appraisal business together for 21 years before retiring in 2005. We have a blended family with his four and my two, all of whom are grown and gone from home.

And we’ve been blessed with seven grandchildren, ages 22 to 10. We love to travel, which is a good thing since our family is scattered all over the country. When I’m not busy being mayor, I enjoy gardening, reading mysteries, cooking, doing jigsaw puzzles and traveling. Cruising and extended driving trips top my list for travel options, although I’d never turn down a quick weekend trip. Unfortunately, I’m term-limited and won’t be able to run for mayor next May, when my term is up. I’ll surely miss serving on City Council and working with all the great folks at City Hall, but I look forward to having more time to devote to other activities.

january/february 2014 | 45

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HILL COUNTRY WOMEN

Mary Jane Nalley

Principal, Patrick S. Molak Corp. and Gruene Texas LLC Do you own your own business? Yes, for 36 years now.

How did you get started, and what makes Gruene so special? It all started when a friend asked me to help him in his new business endeavor.

The Gruene Historic District is special to me because it represents the entrepreneurial spirit — from its earliest beginnings with H.D. Gruene, its revitalization in the 1970s, the expansion in the ‘80s, ‘90s and the turn of this century. Gruene is an authentic part of early Texas history that brings so much pleasure to so many people, and people create many memories here. I hear stories today from 30-year-olds who say their parents began bringing them here when they were toddlers, and they continued to come throughout the years, even after they went to college. Now those same kids are coming with their children.

I think Gruene resonates with so many people because it still is today what it was when it was founded — a location for commerce and socialization and a place where people could connect. People feel close to nature here because of Gruene’s location on the Guadalupe River, as people are naturally drawn to water. Additionally, the early Texas architecture has the effect of taking people back in time, when life was not so filled with choices and distractions.

Gruene Historic District has grown and changed since Pat Molak and I came in the mid-70s. All the buildings have been revitalized and adapted for reuse, much landscaping has been done to enhance the surroundings, and a lot of development has encroached on the boundaries of the district. On our properties in particular, much green space has been saved to help retain the original and natural space in the district.

Why is New Braunfels a good fit for your business? New Braunfels is steeped in heritage and thus the community treasures the historic setting.

New Braunfels has a long history of being a visitor destination, and our businesses are attractive to that market. The location on the I-35 corridor makes it very accessible.

What’s your favorite thing to do on a New Braunfels weekend? I like to “people watch” in Gruene Historic District or go to a live show at Gruene Hall.

What’s your favorite holiday or citywide event? I love Thanksgiving because it is so quiet, and New Braunfels’ natural beauty shines through. The only thing that happens in Gruene on Thanksgiving Day is the 5K Turkey Trot. Once that is over, it is a really great day to visit Gruene because the essence that attracts people to the district is so apparent when the businesses are all closed and the street is so quiet.

What’s the best thing about living here? The area’s natural beauty, smalltown feeling and proximity to two large metro areas.

What do you think people don’t know about Gruene that they should?

Chip Kaufman was a student at UT in the early ‘70s and also worked for the Texas Historical Commission. He is the man responsible for saving the historic district of Gruene from being torn down and getting it placed on the National Register for Historic Places as a district in 1975. Chip worked with the owners at that time to sell off the buildings for new commercial use. Pat Molak was among the first buyers of the historic buildings when he bought Gruene Hall.

Tell us about yourself. I am from San Antonio and graduated from Texas

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A&I in Kingsville with a degree in finance. I came to Gruene just a couple of years after graduating to work in our business managing the Gristmill Restaurant. I live about six minutes from Gruene, and I have a home in Austin, too, where I enjoy all Austin has to offer in food, music, events and natural beauty. One of my favorite things is hearing live music in smaller venues, so I go to Gruene Hall or Austin often to hear music. I also like to take a turn now and then on the dance floor, and I might do so on a Two Tons Tuesday at Gruene Hall or at The Continental Club or The Broken Spoke, which are my favorites in Austin. I am single and have an 8-year old Blue Lacy dog, which seems fitting, as Lacy dogs are the state dog of Texas. His name is Blu. I like to fly-fish, particularly in salt water, hike in special places and enjoy adventures and travel. I also like to read. I enjoy nonfiction primarily and especially like to read about pre-eminent thinkers in their areas of specialty as solutions to world problems.

HILL COUNTRY WOMEN

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Judy Young

New Braunfels Convention and Visitors Bureau director

petitive swimming. My husband once talked about moving, and I said I need crystal-clear water two blocks from my house that stays at 73 degrees year round. Let me know if you find that anywhere else.

What’s your favorite citywide event? Every year at Wurstfest and Christmas, my mom and my aunt work inside the Wursthalle selling drink tickets. This year was well past their 40th year in the same location. They dress in German costume every day of the festival, at their own expense. We have a tradition of going “whole hog” in my family, especially when not required — that makes it more fun and more personal.

What’s the best thing about living here? Many of my classmates are now leaders in the community and are investing their talents, time, money and efforts into making sure we maintain our Old World charm while thriving economically. That type of generational investment certainly grounds the community in a way most wouldn’t think about. Being an adult in the town that you grew up in means you are willing to stand the test of time, willing to be held accountable by your teachers, in the grocery store, at the ball field, etc. Knowing that many of your decisions and efforts will build on the critical layers of success that came before you while adding to that foundation for future generations is truly humbling.

Years in this career? 17 years in the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and over 30 in travel/tourism.

How did you get started? It all began when I was a lifeguard at the Tube Chute and a junior park ranger, but then I moved on to waiting tables at the famous Bavarian Village, and I also did a stint in the first few years of Schlitterbahn. Eventually I moved on to travel school and studied organizational management at the University of San Diego. I recently completed my Certified Destination Management Executive program with Destination Marketing Association International and Purdue University.

Why is New Braunfels a good fit for you? There is no place else I’d rather live, play, work or raise a family. When I was in fourth grade, we had a career day, and I wrote that I would be in travel or advertising.

Now, what do you know? I am in both. This community gave me the opportunities to grow, make mistakes, improve and thrive.

What’s your favorite thing to do on the weekend? I like to float, swim and picnic. I grew up in the water for leisure and for sport with one of the oldest continually operating aquatic clubs in the southern United States. You might say it was inevitable that I would land a job that had to do with water and travel since I traveled all over the world with com-

How did you come to live here? My dad’s company moved him here in the early ‘60s. A quote I read during a recent project reminded me of how easy it can be to find your home in this community: “He who does not want to work should not undertake the trip, but who wants to work and will work, will fit in very well and make good progress.”

(Nicholas and Anton Riedel, May 11, 1845). I believe that still holds true.

Here we have the most non-profit organizations per capita in Texas.

Even if you don’t hold a job, work applies to volunteerism, and of that, we have plenty, too.

What do you think people don’t know about New Braunfels that they should? They may not realize that at the core of the fun are the community and the culture. We all go to eat at the same places, play at the same places and have fun at the same places as a visitor. Don’t be shy; get the scoop! Oh, and by the time you leave, you will know a good bit of another foreign language — if you can say Wurstfest, Gruene, New Braunfels, Schlitterbahn, Naegelin’s and Weihnachtsmarkt, you are well on your way to knowing some German.

Tell us about yourself. I am married to Lester Young, and we have a 14-year-old daughter, Cailey. We are the crazy people with three dogs, all living in a small house just around the corner from my mother, Gene.

I have been a Rotarian for over 25 years, I’m involved in United Way, I’ve taught thousands of children to swim, and I’ve certified hundreds of lifeguards in Comal County. We live a few blocks from the river, the golf course, the park and downtown. We swim, hunt, play volleyball and enjoy going to the beach or just about anywhere — we still love travel.

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HILL COUNTRY WOMEN

Suzanne Herbelin

Executive Director, Wurstfest Association of New Braunfels

How did you get involved in your work with Wurstfest? I worked at the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce in 1976. At the time, the Chamber was contracted to handle all administrative work for the Wurstfest Association. The festival began as a one-day salute to a locally produced product: sausage. Organizers hoped it would draw people to the area — little did they know how big it would one day become. My introduction to the festival came on Halloween when I was maybe 8 or 9 years old. Wurstfest was taking place on the east side of the downtown plaza, and my family visited a haunted house on the west side of the plaza. We danced to the polka music that we heard coming from across the plaza while we stood in line waiting to have the daylights scared out of us. When I went to work at the Chamber, I was introduced to the operations side of the festival organization. Then in 1986, when the Wurstfest Association decided to employ its own staff, I happened to be in the right place at the right time and was invited to apply for the position I hold today. I’ve had this career for 28-plus years.

Tell us about Wurstfest. Wurstfest is a fall festival, and German immigrants settled New Braunfels in 1845, so we promote the festival as the "Texas version of Munich’s Oktoberfest."

What’s your favorite thing to do in New Braunfels on a weekend? I enjoy going to Gruene, and I like the food, the music, the shopping and the people.

Besides Wurstfest, what’s your favorite holiday or city-wide event?

Christmas: Our festival wraps up in early to mid-November, and then I am ready for some Christmas music. New Braunfels celebrates the Christmas season with some great events.

What’s the best thing about living in New Braunfels and how did you come to live here? The best things are my family, friends and the memories we've made here together. My parents chose to settle down in New Braunfels when my older sister was about to start school. Wasn't I lucky?

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Tell us a little about yourself. I’ve been married to a New Braunfels native for 40 years, and we have two grown sons. We live on 40-plus acres in the Texas Hill Country, where we breed commercial cattle. I enjoy the beautiful night sky in the country, a drive through the pasture to check out newborn calves, and watching the thousands of people who come to Wurstfest every year to have a good time. Knowing I've had a small part in providing the opportunity for them to enjoy themselves and each other at Wurstfest gives me a good reason to be happy.

Story and Photos by JEFF DEGNER

WINE

Pinot Noir Comes into its Own

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Clockwise, from left: A view of the Soter Vineyards, setup for the class on Soil into Wine, a tasting of Lange wines, all part of the Oregon Pinot Camp, a threeday workshop for individuals in the wine industry.

that they would all quickly make up for their lack of experience.

As they were realizing that the pinot noir grape was ideal for the soil and climate of the Willamette Valley, it wasn’t until 1979 that it secured its place in history. That year at an international wine Because of China’s high demand for

place on the pinot map.

event in Paris David Lett went from ob-

these phenomenal French wines, the price

In the late 1960s and early ‘70s a few

scurity to international fame when his

of Champagne and Burgundies has in-

pioneers migrated from California up to

1975 Eyrie Vineyards South Block Re-

creased over the last few years, and it has

Oregon to become winemakers. At this

serve placed in the top 10 for pinot noirs.

become harder and harder to find great

time pinot had not established itself as

This was a huge shock for many Bur-

deals. Since the movie Sideways was re-

the best grape to grow, so it was like the

gundy winemakers as well as industry ex-

leased, the number of pinot noir plantings

Wild West once again. Cabernet, merlot,

perts. In 1985 another competition in

has significantly increased around the

müller-thurgau and grüner veltliner were

New York focused on Oregon pinot noir

world. This has allowed me and many of

being planted and quickly removed, as

and Burgundy. The result was that Ore-

my fellow pinot fans to continue to drink

everyone was trying to make sellable

gon winemakers were awarded the top

great wines and not have to cash out our

wines. One of the characteristics that

five spots. At that point no one could

401(k)s to do so. California, Chile, New

separated the growers in Oregon from

deny that those pioneers of the 1970s

Zealand and Italy are turning out some

other regions is that they had much more

had become world-class winemakers.

highly sought-after pinot noirs, but this

of a collaborative approach. Everyone

In 1988 Robert Drouhin declared that

story is about how Oregon marked its

shared their mistakes and successes so

there are only two places in the world

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WINE Fun Facts: • In Germany, pinot noir is called Spätburgunder.

• Pinot noir is great for pairing with foods since it is such a diverse grape. Beef, veal, duck, ham, chicken and salmon all love to be paired with pinot noir.

• Pinot noir, pinot blanc and pinot gris all share a similar DNA. Pinot noir and salmon are a happy pairing, so attendees at the Oregon Pinot Camp enjoyed a salmon dinner one evening.

where he would grow pinot noir — his renowned property in Burgundy and his newly acquired land in the Dundee Hills of Oregon. The floodgates opened then, and a large number of wineries opened up in the Willamette Valley over the next several years.

Just recently another prominent Burgundy producer, Maison Louis Jadot, has purchased property in the Willamette Valley, as did the Kendall-Jackson family, putting Oregon at over 400 wineries.

While investors and large wineries are buying property, there is still the strong presence of those original families who started this movement. In fact, most of those pioneers have handed over the reins to their children, who have been promoted from sweepers and box makers to CEOs and winemakers. Luisa and Maria Ponzi, Alex and Alison Sokol Blosser and Jesse Lange are all part of the second generation that is continuing the movement into the future while instilling the history and memories that made their parents’ wines so great.

I was very lucky this year to be invited to Oregon Pinot Camp (OPC), a threeday workshop created in 2000, where 300 individuals from the industry are selected to participate. While there were some incredible wines being poured and some stellar food being served, we also attended classes that covered a variety of topics including:

Alison Sokol Blosser was asked what she had hoped we would take away from Pinot Camp, and her response was “to continue to grow the awareness of Oregon wines.” She asked only that there was at least one Oregon wine on our restaurant wine lists or on our store shelves. That one statement was the common denominator of the entire event.

Every winery that participates in OPC knows that for Oregon to expand it has to grow as a community, not as individuals. This was their parents’ dream and is what continues to make Oregon wines so special.

Jeff Degner, CSW, is a certified sommelier, Court of Master Sommeliers.

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By ANNE MOORE

2014 Beauty Trends

Everything old is new again So, we're just emerging from a wild and crazy season featuring exaggerated, even funky, cat eyes; dark, exotic and sultry eyes; lips bearing dark, vivid reds and plums; and fingernails painted with stripes, polka dots or geometric and other designs in two or more colors.

Hair strands or whole sections of hair were colored in unnatural shades like hot pink or bright blue.

We saw lots of glitzy stones and metallic colors used in eye shadows and on lashes, on lips and brushed on skin. Large necklaces and bracelets with exaggerated stones were worn in layers. Gold, bronze and silver decorated clothing, purses, shoes — most any type of accessory.

This year, hair and makeup will be toned down, more natural. You might want to ramp up your mascara or your lips, but overall, neutrals will rule. On the other hand, orange lipstick seems to be the all the rage. Choices include pinky oranges, reddish oranges, light and dark oranges. We may also choose to wear shades of pinks, reds and nudes. Since we've been told many times that “orange is the new black,” look for orange everything — nails, cheeks, eyes and clothing.

Nails will also be polished with sheer, neutral shades in white, gray, beige and nudes. Nail art may continue to be popular.

BEAUTY

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“It's like deja vu all over again” Hair styles will be more casual, less “done.” Older styles are back with new, more youthful appeal. Remember the antique tintype photos where the women wore their hair swept up in a tight bun?

Or the ponytails so popular with teeny boppers in the '50s? Well, they're baaack!

With variations.

An up do doesn't lead to the same old bun, but one that is “messy” with ends sticking out here and there. Your ponytail would also be loosely pulled back, with tendrils of hair falling down around your face and shoulders.

Now, your ponytail can also be gathered low at the nape of your neck, instead of pulled up high on your head. To make it bouncy, use a large size barrel curling iron.

Another version of the ponytail calls for an elastic band to be placed every three or so inches down the length of the hair, creating a “bubble” effect.

You might braid your hair into one long braid and let it fall to the side of your head or straight down your back. Or crisscross two braids and wind them into a circle, pinning th braids Get creative wi them low on the back of your head. The word “rumpled” still applies. You may want to attach a narrow fake braid across the front of your head, like a headband.

Twist your hair from the front all the way around your head, folding it and pinning as you go, like we've seen in the movies from the '30s and '40s. Go crazy.

Make several twists — in the front, on the sides or in back and pinned. How about two “knobs” on top, as shown on Sweeney Todd show characters?

When you wear your hair down, whether stick straight or softly wavy, this year's new version is to make a deep side part and then flip your hair away from the part to the larger portion.

Maybe let it fall in soft, romantic waves, covering part of your eye and face.

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BEAUTY

Bangs you don't have to peek through. This year's bangs are cut to a medium length and swept to the side or cut very short.

Hair accessories are important this year. Stretchy headbands and scrunchies should be covered with fabric so they don't damage your hair as rubber bands do. Use hair clasps, combs and ribbons. For special occasions, make use of a sparkly necklace to tuck in the rolls or twists of your hair. Use your imagination and have some fun coming up with other hair decoration ideas.

Beauty products that offer additional benefits Makeup product choices will be sheerer, making a “less is more” statement. However, the metallic look may stay, perhaps with sheerer versions. Some examples of newer, better-for-you products include: Oils: For cleansing and moisturizing, the ancient use of oils is back.

You'll see them everywhere, in highend products at the department stores and in the less expensive ones you find at drug and grocery stores. You may have to get over the idea that oil will cause breakouts and clog pores. These oils will cleanse deeper, moisturize faster and better — their humectants will hold in the moisture. They'll soften your skin and make it glow. And they provide some nicely scented aromatherapy.

Check out products with oils at regular retailers. You might also look into pure forms of essential oils at Whole Foods and other stores where natural health and beauty products are sold. These sources should be able to furnish information as to which oils can be used for what purpose and how to use — where, how much, whether or not to dilute, etc.

Makeup products formulated to multitask: For example, lipsticks, blushes and eye shadows that can be used for all three areas; perhaps a blush you can use for eye shadow, blush and as lipstick.

Illuminators: They are contained in foundations, creams, serums, moisturizers, etc., to make your skin appear more luminous.

Products with medicinal properties: Spas, fruit and plant derivatives, Retin A and other vitamins are being added to beauty products to repair and protect your skin. Look for more BBs, CCs, serums, correctors, tints, moisturizers, eye shadows, mascaras, foundations and lipsticks formulated to brighten, moisturize, improve skin tones, imperfections, lines and wrinkles to hit the market more and more frequently.

I guess you can say we're experiencing better beauty through technology, while at the same time tapping into ancient sources of beautification and preservation. Sort of “Old World gone high-tech.”

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HEALTH MATTERS

?

Sleep DESPERATE FOR

Sleep aids may not be the answer

I recently asked a group of 40-something women if they had ever taken or currently do take sleeping pills. The answers I received mirrored a report from the National Center for Health Statistics published in August.

According to the report, about 9 million American adults had taken sleeping pills in the past month. While the highest use — 7 percent in the past month — is among people 80 and up, the runner-up in usage is adult women, at 5 percent. Sleep aid usage increased with age and education.

The NCHS, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says this analysis is the first one based on systematic first-person accounts rather than insurance claims data or sales data.

Sleeping pills may bring some relief, but not without risk

Prescription sleep aids are one treatment option for people who have trouble falling or staying asleep. The medications work by suppressing activities in the nervous system.

Experts say the percentage of the population using sleep medication may be too high, especially because long-term use of sleep aids has been linked to negative health effects.

“We know [sleep aids] make sleep apnea worse. We know they cause automobile accidents, depression and infection,” says Dr. Daniel Kripke, professor emeritus of psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego. “But the most important effects are controversial — increased mortality and increased cancer.”

In a 2012 study of about 33,000 people, Kripke and his colleagues found that people who use common prescription sleep medications had higher risks of dying prematurely and higher rates of cancer, even after controlling for their underlying health problems.

According to the “The cancer effect was associated to a high dose of Mayo Clinic, healthy sleep medication, but the mortality effect was associated to a low-dose group, taking as little as 18 doses a year,” adults consistently Kripke said. need between seven Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration reand nine hours of quired the manufacturers of drugs containing zolpidem sleep each night. (with brand names such as Ambien, Edluar and Zolpimist) Children need to reduce the recommended dosage to half after studies even more. suggested people taking them faced a higher risk of injury because of morning drowsiness.

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By KELLY A. GOFF

Who needs help sleeping?

About 4 percent of U.S. adults aged 20 and over used prescription sleep aids in the past month.

The percentage of adults using a prescription sleep aid increased with age and education. More adult women (5.0 percent) used prescription sleep aids than adult men (3.1 percent).

Non-Hispanic white adults were more likely to use sleep aids (4.7 percent) than non-Hispanic black (2.5 percent) and Mexican-American (2.0 percent) adults.

Prescription sleep aid use varied by sleep duration and was highest among adults who sleep less than 5 hours (6.0 percent) or sleep 9 or more hours (5.3 percent).

One in six adults with a diagnosed sleep disorder and one in eight adults with trouble sleeping reported using sleep aids.

Source: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005–2010, cdc.gov.

4

Bedtime No-Nos

If you don’t want to thwart your chances at getting a good night’s sleep, then avoid these things before bedtime:

1. EXERCISE

HEALTH MATTERS

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Sleep aid alternatives Kripke says there’s no objective evidence sleep medications help people perform better the next day. The majority of studies show they impair the performance the next day. So what is a woman (or man) desperate for a good night’s sleep to do?

“I’ve battled insomnia my entire life and have finally realized I have to order my life in a certain way to get enough sleep,” says 35-year-old Jessica Baker of San Antonio. She avoids taking sleep aids by exercising daily and spending a lot of time outside. “I have a regular-ish bedtime and don’t use my phone in bed at night. I also eat my biggest meal at lunch and almost never drink.”

With trial and error, Baker found a lifestyle prescription that works to prevent her stress-induced insomnia. Many of her self-taught strategies mirror the advice of sleep experts.

2. CAFFEINE

Engineer a healthy sleep environment Make your bedroom a haven. Remove any non-sleep related furniture or objects (like computers or exercise equipment) from your bedroom. Treat yourself to some luxurious sheets and pillows. Add dark curtains to block out any light.

Turn off those screens; turn down lights. Your optic nerve signals your brain when it’s light and

3. HEAVY FOOD

dark. When the hypothalamus receives the message that it’s dark, it responds by releasing sleep-inducing hormones such as melatonin and reducing body temperature. So that well-lit Kindle may not be such a good idea at bedtime.

Turn down the heat. Your bedroom thermostat should be at a comfortably cool 60 to 68 degrees.

Stick to a schedule. Go to bed and set your alarm to wake up the same time every day — even on

4. ALCOHOL

the weekends and during vacations.

Additionally, if you struggle with worries and feel anxious when your head hits the pillow, it may be wise to consult a mental health professional to ensure you’re not masking depression or other health issues with sleep aids.

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By PAULA ALLEN

ROLE MODEL

A Heart for

Helping Others Tiffani Nair has found her niche in nonprofits

W

hen Tiffani Nair — “rhymes with

of scheduling volunteers for San An-

fire” — first decided to major in

gelo’s Meals for the Elderly, affiliated

communications

Angelo

with the national Meals on Wheels pro-

State University in San Angelo, “I didn’t

at

gram, which delivers meals to people

even know there was such a thing as

whose physical or mental disabilities

public relations,” she says. “I had to look

prevent them from preparing regular

up online what kind of jobs you could

meals for themselves. “My boss there

get with that major.”

told me, ‘This (job) is going to get into

As she earned her bachelor’s and

your heart; it’s going to become part of

master’s degrees in the subject, she re-

your life.’” At age 21, she was skeptical at

members, “My professors said, ‘Don’t go

first, but it happened: “This kind of job is

into the nonprofit area; you’ll never make

special; the volunteers and the people

any money.’” Her first job in the field was

you come in contact with become your

as the marketing assistant at a mall,

family,” she says. “The organization’s

where she used the writing skills she had

mission becomes your purpose.”

honed at the university’s student newspa-

After four years, Nair wanted new

per to craft press releases. She also man-

challenges in a new environment. Origi-

aged the website and coordinated health

nally from Big Spring in West Texas, she

fairs and an annual nonprofit community

says, “I’m a country girl who needed to be

day at the mall. “While I was there, I kept

in a big city.” She chose San Antonio be-

thinking, ‘Wouldn’t it be great to do all

cause although it’s the nation’s seventh-

this marketing for something good?’”

largest city, “It doesn’t feel like a big city.

After graduation, she got her wish, stepping into her first full-time professional job as program director in charge

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Photography JANET ROGERS

There’s a slower pace, a small-town feel, with all the advantages of a major city.”

With the move, she found an execu-

ROLE MODEL

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tive position in her chosen field. As direc-

percent of San Antonians — twice the na-

wasn’t always practicing what I preached.

tor of mission delivery and communica-

tional incidence.

I was teaching people about correct por-

tions in the San Antonio office of the

Part of the message Nair wants to

tion sizes, but I wasn’t following my own

American Diabetes Association, she’s in

communicate to the people she meets at

advice.” Determined to serve as a good

charge of the organization’s local com-

outreach events is that “Diabetes is not

example, she lost 30 pounds and has

munity education program, oversees all

something you bring on yourself. It does-

since kept it off with simple but effective

its communication efforts, coordinates

n’t have to shorten your life. To a great

strategies: no fast food, no fried foods —

media interviews and helps present spe-

extent, you can prevent the conse-

“I’m using my oven more” — a salad for

cial events. At workplace wellness talks,

quences and to some extent, even pre-

one meal a day, no super-size or “Texas-

health fairs, programs at community cen-

vent (diabetes itself).” One challenge to

size” portions and regular gym visits.

ters and “anywhere we can gather a

getting the word out — about getting

High-blood pressure runs in her family;

group of people,” she’s the face of the or-

tested, following recommendations for

before Nair began her weight-loss regi-

ganization, sharing information on dia-

diet and lifestyle changes and scheduling

men, hers was “right on the line” before

betes prevention and management with

regular checkups — is that “diabetes is

a diagnosis of hypertension, and now it’s

people who already have been diag-

not very visual. There isn’t much of a

in the normal range.

nosed or might be at risk of developing

shock factor. By the time you’re diag-

Looking toward her future, Nair

the chronic condition.

nosed, you may still be symptomless.”

would be open to working in a larger re-

Diabetes, whether Type 1 or Type 2, is

Too many people with diabetes, Nair

gional office or the national headquar-

a metabolic disorder in which the pan-

says, “get a little too nonchalant. They go

ters

creas produces too little or no insulin,

into a thought process where because

Association. For the present, she says, “I

which helps move glucose from the

they feel fine, they think, ‘I’ll take care of

enjoy what I do. At the end of the day, if

bloodstream into the cells. If untreated or

it later.’ But if you choose to ignore dia-

I’ve helped someone learn to take better

poorly managed, diabetes can lead to

betes, it will be harder to avoid damage

care of themselves, if I’ve helped them

cardiovascular, kidney and other compli-

to your body.”

through our program, I’m happy. I feel

cations. It is known to affect at least 14

Early last year, Nair recognized that “I

of

the

American

Diabetes

very fortunate to be where I am.”

TIFFANI NAIR Age: 28 Personal: Married in November 2013 to Sunil Nair, a project engineer.

Why she’s a Role Model: Chose to use her communications skills to advance the missions of nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping others.

Her own role models: “My mother and my grandmother; they’re both strong, independent women who always encouraged me to do whatever I wanted to do.”

Goals: “To help people whenever and however I can, to continue making a difference.”

Believes ... ”Your life is what you make it; you choose your own destiny.”

Favorite relaxation strategy: Loves travel, even if it’s only a weekend trip: “Getting out of my normal environment refreshes and energizes me.”

What she’s reading: The Divergent series by Veronica Roth, novels that portray a possible future society that divides people by personality and aptitude; she identifies most with the Amity type.

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BUSINESS WOMAN SPOTLIGHT

Karen Crouch Senior Judge State of Texas

What do you do? I help people solve disputes both in the courtroom and before their disputes get to the courthouse. After 16 years serving as an elected judge, today I serve as a senior judge sitting by assignment, which allows me to travel throughout the state of Texas handling court dockets in various counties on an as-needed basis.

Additionally, I do mediation and arbitration, which is dispute resolution before folks head to the courthouse. Also, I run two small family businesses. And, of course, I am a fulltime parent too, helping my husband raise our three wonderful children.

What career path led you to where you are today? I started my private practice in 1986 when I tried civil, criminal and family law cases. In 1994, I was elected Judge of County Court at Law No. 8, where I had the opportunity to hear civil, criminal and family law cases. I served as an elected judge for 16 years. In 2011, I started dispute resolution and sitting as a senior judge by assignment. But most of all, my dad was my "legal" role model.

Why it is important to vote for judges?

Judges make all kinds of decisions, from the very personal, such as child custody decisions, to those with much broader impact.

The decisions that judges make affect our lives both directly and indirectly, often for many years to come. You never know when a judge we vote for today will make a decision that will affect your life and the lives of your family and friends.

It is our responsibility to vote for judges we can trust to make impartial decisions based on fair consideration of the fact and the law. In some cases, this means that judges may make unpopular or controversial decisions. We need to trust that our judges can make those right decisions without regard to political or economic pressure.

That is why it is so important to vote for qualified people to be judges. Very few people take the time to learn about the judges before voting, and it is more likely people will come in contact with a judge than almost any other elected official.

What is it that you like best about your job? Being a judge you have to have two skill sets. One is getting elected and the other is doing the actual job you have been elected to do. These are very different. In the first part, I love meeting people.

In the second part, I enjoy helping find solutions to make people’s lives better by resolving disputes that they were unable to resolve on their own. Every day is different, and there is a great variety so you are never bored. Sometimes life is indeed stranger than fiction.

Education/Major: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Baylor University in computer information systems and management, Doctorate of Jurisprudence from

Photo By Casey Howell

60 | sawoman.com

St. Mary’s University, Campaign School at Yale University Law School.

What is the biggest challenge you face in your job or life in general? Balance. My father used to say that you work to live, you do not live to work. He would explain you need to love what you are doing. As I grow older, my father grows smarter. Some of his tidbits have profound meaning in my life, and that saying is something that I have always remembered. My parents taught us that balance included time for religion, health, education/ wisdom and social time with family and friends. When I was a young attorney, I was single and did not have much to balance other than studying and learning to practice law. Now with a husband and three children — Gerald (12), Nicholas (11) and Lillianna (10), there are times when my commitments collide as I incorporate their schedules into mine but I am very fortunate to have a very understanding, supportive and retired husband, Gerald.

What person do you most admire? My father, William Ekas Crouch. He taught me that you could do anything you wanted if you set your mind to it and worked hard.

He also taught me that multitasking was part of life. He lived that philosophy. He always worked hard and did a number of different things, including being a lawyer, a CPA, a banker, a machine shop owner, the owner of a soap manufacturing company, an owner of a car dealership, a real estate broker and many other things.

How did you get involved in politics?

Growing up, my parents were very involved in the community. My parents knew many people who were in political life. When I was 4 years old, my mother worked a polling place in front of my elementary school for one of my dad’s law partners and took my brother and me with her to hand cards to people as they came to vote. Our elementary school was one of the largest voting sites, and my mom said we needed to help get to every voter. Our family worked elections together until I left for college. My mother worked for Senator Criss Cole and taught us that we needed to be involved to make this a better place to live. One of my father’s law partners was the first Republican ever elected in Harris County.

What is your favorite vacation? I enjoy family travel, and having our children, Gerald William, Nico and Lillianna, participate in the planning of trips. My favorite trip is probably a road trip we did in the Southeast United States, which included everything from whitewater rafting in Tennessee, deep sea fishing off the coast of Georgia, visiting Presidential libraries, seeing Churchill Downs in Kentucky and traveling the Lincoln byway and viewing other historical sites.

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By BONNY OSTERHAGE

Photography VIVIAN CROOK

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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Women You Can Bank On They’re part of the lending process for many successful businesses Remember those old stereotypes regarding women and money management? Yeah, neither do we, and neither do the four women we are profiling in this issue. These women have not just touched the glass ceiling in the traditionally male-dominated banking industry, they have shattered it by becoming presidents and vice presidents, overseeing millions (and billions) of dollars on a daily basis.

They have been part of the lending process for some of the most successful businesses in San Antonio, and they have watched as customers have gone from conducting financial transactions via bank teller to conducting many of those same transactions via Smartphone. As part of their responsibilities, these women issue credit to others, but we thought it was time to give them some well-deserved credit too.

RHONDA CALVERT President of San Antonio Market, Comerica Bank When you step into Rhonda Calvert’s office, one of the first things you notice is a small toy metal safe sitting on her credenza. It is a souvenir from a day that changed her life.

“I was in elementary school, and a local bank president who attended our church took my family on a tour of the bank and the bank vault,” recalls Calvert fondly.

“I decided right then that I was going to go into banking when I grew up.”

Not many women grow up to be what they dreamed of in elementary school, but Calvert was determined.

The San Antonio native earned a BBA in finance with honors from UT, and summers found her working as a bank receptionist. Following graduation, she accepted her first position with what is now Bank of America as a credit analyst. Today, she is the market president of a 164-year-old $64 billion financial institution.

Although it may be more than a century old, Comerica is new to the San Antonio market. The company purchased Sterling Bank in 2011, and in April of 2013, Calvert assumed her roles as market president and head of the business bank, and is responsible for overseeing the wealth and retail bank as well. In addition to those job descriptions, she is challenged with building the Comerica Bank brand in the San Antonio market. It is a challenge she is excited to meet. “It’s such a great opportunity to create and build something and then in five years to be able to look at it and say, ‘Wow! We did that,’” she explains.

That doesn’t mean that it isn’t hard work. Calvert spends countless hours building and fostering relationships and finding new opportunities for the bank’s business clients to grow and flourish.

She has put a strong team in place that shares both her drive and commitment, and together they go above and beyond to provide the

Rhonda Calvert has known since she was in elementary school that she wanted to be a banker. After earning a degree in finance, she started out as a credit analyst. Today she is market president of a $64 billion financial institution.

full capabilities that a $65 billion bank can offer. “The best feeling a

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS An accomplished woman herself, Calvert is proof that elementary school dreams do come true with hard work and determination. Her advice to young women everywhere? “Find your passion!”

ANDREA SMITH San Antonio Corporate Banking President, BBVA Compass Andrea Smith has been in banking for more than 20 years, so you can imagine the changes she has seen in the industry. One of the biggest? Technology!

Smith, who began her banking career as a teller and worked her way up, says that she remembers when people used to physically come into the banks to conduct all their business face to face. Today, that business is conducted from desktops, laptops, tablets and Smartphones.

Her company, BBVA Compass, is on the cutting edge of the trend with a branch scheduled to open in Helotes later this year that will offer such high-tech features as virtual tellers, touch screens and live link ATMs. “BBVA is on the forefront of the technological changes in the industry,” says Smith. “We are really doing exciting things!”

When BBVA purchased Legacy Compass in 2007, making it BBVA Compass, it took the bank from what Smith describes as super regional to global status. With that came a menu of impressive new capabilities. Where Compass was primarily private wealth and real estate, BBVA Compass now includes international banking, health care lending, lending to public entities and providing mortgage and auto loans to foreign nationals.

Making customers and potential customers aware of these and all of the other opportunities that BBVA Compass can bring to the table is one of the biggest hurdles facing Smith, who came to San Antonio in April from the company headquarters in Birmingham, Ala. There, the

Andrea Smith moved to San Antonio from BBVA Compass' company headquarters in Birmingham, Ala., last April. She says the company is a leader in the technological changes going on in the industry.

bank’s name was on everyone’s lips, a fact that Smith says she took for granted. “It is definitely a challenge coming into a market where we aren’t as well known,” she admits.

It is a challenge that Smith, who holds an MBA from the University of Southern Mississippi, says she relishes. Her favorite part? Connecting with the community. Smith says that both Compass and BVAA Com-

banker can have is when their clients are successful,” she says happily.

pass are very customer-centric companies, and that is a philosophy that

“That’s what makes me smile.”

is still at the core of the business model.

A large part of why her clients’ successes make her so happy is be-

“Everything we do is driven by the customer,” she explains, adding

cause successful businesses are a boon to the city that Calvert knows,

that banking is a relationship industry. “You have to get to know people

loves and in which she is deeply entrenched. The former Junior

and invest in them because without clients there is no industry.”

League president says that community service is her passion, and it is

However, there are those times that Smith has to make the tough

how she spends her free time. In addition to her 25 years of service

call not to invest, especially in this economy. There may be an opportu-

with the Junior League, she has the distinction of being only the sec-

nity for a business owner that they want or need in order to move for-

ond female president of the Downtown Rotary Club, an organization

ward, but the bank isn’t ready yet. Those conversations are difficult,

she joined for its “Service above Self” motto. She is very active in

especially for someone like Smith. who says she derives her own satis-

Leadership San Antonio, having co-chaired the steering committee,

faction from helping people. “It’s never easy to deliver bad news,” she

and, as a member of the Greater San Antonio Chamber board of di-

says empathetically.

rectors, she is chairing the Women Business Leaders luncheon to be held in March 2014.

Fortunately, though, she is able to balance those moments with other positive experiences such as investing in the community. Through

Of course, no San Antonio native can escape the lure of Fiesta, and

the BBVA Compass Foundation, she is able to explore and find needs

Calvert is no exception. She is a member of the Battle of Flowers or-

in the community in which the company can assist. In Birmingham, for

ganization and chaired the famous parade in 2012. As the Fiesta Com-

example, the Foundation financed a minor league baseball stadium as

mission presidential appointee, Calvert brought back the Miss Fiesta

part of a campaign to revitalize the downtown area. The project took

pageant, but with one caveat: It would no longer be a beauty pageant,

nearly two years to complete, and the result is something that Smith

but rather what she deems an “accomplished young woman” pageant.

says is one of the highlights of her career. “To see the first pitch thrown

64 | sawoman.com

WOMEN IN BUSINESS out and the stadium filled with people was so rewarding, “ she says. “It brought new life and energy to the community.”

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These efforts paid off. By 2012, the company realized double-digit growth in that all-important 18- to 23-year-old demographic that Heinze

Smith has also worked extensively with the Food Bank, where she

had set out to conquer. “These are the moneymakers of the future,” she

served as president of the board in Birmingham. It is an organization

explains of the importance of this group to the banking industry. “They

that she says she admires for the fact that it “touches people where the

are at an age for buying homes, starting families, paying for school, cars

need is the greatest.”

and other life expenses.”

Although she has not been in San Antonio long enough to match

Heinze is quick to credit what she calls her “dynamic team” for help-

the level of community involvement she enjoyed in Birmingham, Smith,

ing her achieve these company objectives. “We have to be strategic

her husband, and their two teenage sons have embraced San Antonio

thinkers in this industry and lay the groundwork for long-term growth,”

and enjoy spending their free time exploring their new home. The city

she says. “The whole team knows that, and we are looking to make a

seems to have embraced Smith and her family as well. “We’ve been so

difference here.”

amazed at the openness of the people here,” she says happily. “It’s such a multi-cultural and progressive city. It’s a very refreshing change.”

Aside from making a difference in the financial situations of the customers River City Federal Credit Union serves, Heinze is committed to making a difference in the community of San Antonio. She sits on the

KIM HEINZE President and CEO, River City Federal Credit Union

board of the Alamo Chapter Credit Union, as well as two Cornerstone Credit Union League committees. She, along with the company, is very involved with Habitat for Humanity and the Children’s Miracle Network.

Kim Heinze has been in the credit union business for three decades.

When she isn’t working or performing community service, you can

But it wasn’t until she re-entered the work force in 2003 after a five-

find Heinze hiking, tubing on the Frio, kayaking on the Guadalupe and

year hiatus to have children that she realized how much change could occur in a relatively short amount of time. “When I left, people thought it was so cool to be able to ‘talk’ PC to PC via Crosstalk,” she laughs. “I came back and we had email.”

Heinze, who earned her MBA from Lamar University in Beaumont, has been in the credit union business for three decades, traveling and working across Texas before returning to settle in Beaumont and raise her three children. She chose Beaumont for its small-town atmosphere as well as the credit union-rich environment. Heinze found her place as the COO of Mobile Oil Federal Credit Union, a position she held for seven years, before relocating to San Antonio to accept the position of president and CEO of River City Federal Credit Union.

“I liked the diversity here,” says Heinze of why she made the move to the Alamo City, adding that at the time three women sat on the seven-member board of directors. “It showed me that the company promoted women’s groups,” she says.

While the company may have been diverse, the client list was not.

The average age of the company’s account holders was 57, and they were net depositors, not net borrowers. Heinze set out to change that and reach a younger demographic. “If your customers are an aging population that is simply interested in saving, that’s a recipe for disaster,” she explains.

When she began in 2009, her first order of business was to establish a call center to handle incoming calls relating to everything from credit card limit increases to trouble with debit cards. In 2010, South East Community Credit Union selected River City to merge with them, a move which brought in 1,250 members and $10 million in assets.

“This really helped us grow and be able to serve more people in Bexar County,” says Heinze.

It also allowed the company to have a presence on the South Side when it took over the existing South East Community Credit Union building in that location, giving River City its fifth branch. Additionally, River City began leasing space in four select H-E-B stores, increasing their reach even further. Mobile apps, a social media presence and incentives such as free checking, free debit cards and free bill-paying services all followed in an effort to draw in the younger customers.

One of Kim Heinze's first challenges after she became head of River City Federal Credit Union was to build a larger membership among 18- to 23-year-olds, "the moneymakers of the future." january/february 2014 | 65

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Maggie Ortiz accepted an offer to join the team to start a new Cadence Bank from the ground up while she was expecting her second child. One of the ways she promotes the bank is through community involvement. attending zumba classes at her fitness center. She sings and plays the bells with her church choir and is constantly looking for ways to help others. In fact, turning customers down is the hardest part of her job.

“If I could, I’d take everyone who walks into one of those payday loan vendors and direct them to us so we could help them,” she says wishfully. “When we can put together successful debt-consolidation loans and watch people climb out of that cycle, there is nothing more rewarding.”

MAGGIE ORTIZ Senior Vice President, Cadence Bank September of 2012 was a big year in the life of Cadence Bank senior vice president Maggie Ortiz. Not only was she three months pregnant with her second child, she was tapped to join a select team to start a new San Antonio Cadence Bank from the ground up. Although many women would struggle with the decision to leave the security of a 15-year career with IBC Bank (especially while pregnant), Ortiz leapt at the chance and never looked back.

“I didn’t know when an opportunity like this would present itself

says that what she really likes to promote about Cadence Bank is the

again,” says Ortiz of her decision. “It’s very exciting to be a part of

level of customer service she and the rest of the team provide. Clients

something from its beginning.”

are given the team’s cell phone numbers for easy accessibility, and every

Ortiz, who was born and raised in San Antonio, earned her degree in corporate finance from St. Mary’s University and began her career with IBC as a credit analyst immediately following her graduation.

team member is well versed in the accounts of every client. That way, if immediate assistance is needed, anyone can step in and help.

It’s a plan Ortiz calls working “smarter, not harder,” and it’s a strategy

Her role at Cadence has Ortiz working with the same IBC team she

she recommends to any businesswoman in order to maximize effi-

has worked with for more than a decade, and she says that the cohesive

ciency. “When you are given a particular task or assignment and you

group is like family. Together, they work to make sure that the clients’

are working to complete it, utilize all resources, such as your superiors

needs are met, while at the same time ensuring a culture of work/life

and colleagues, and ask for their advice,” she recommends. “You will

balance. That’s important when starting a new venture from scratch.

definitely learn more and broaden your perspective if you ask a lot of

Ortiz says they face unique challenges: How to market the bank? How

questions and build on their knowledge and experience.”

to establish brand recognition? How to find the right locations? Most

When she is not working, Ortiz is serving her community in a num-

importantly, how to get the information about the history of Cadence

ber of ways. She sits on the advisory board of the Junior League of San

to the clients and gain their confidence? “We have to show that we are

Antonio and was recently appointed to the Urban Soccer Leadership

not fly-by-night bankers,” she explains. “We have to demonstrate to our

Academy of San Antonio (USLA-SA).

customers how we can help them grow their business.”

Part of that involves making customers familiar with all that Cadence

“I am very excited to help out this organization, based on what their goal is with the children,” says this mother of two, who says she

has to offer. According to their company overview, that includes a full

spends every spare second with her family. “It fosters integrity, re-

suite of financial, wealth management and treasury services to middle-

spect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership for urban

market commercial businesses, high net worth individuals and business

youth and families.”

owners. They boast more than 100 locations across six states, more than 140,000 customers and $5.5 billion in assets.

It has been a busy couple of years for this vivacious businesswoman, but Ortiz doesn’t appear frazzled. In fact, she seems like a

Ortiz works hard to disseminate this information by immersing herself

woman who is thoroughly enjoying the adventure and balancing it all

in the community and attending events where she can network and pro-

beautifully. How would she sum up her life at this point? “It’s a very

mote the Cadence Bank brand. And yet impressive statistics aside, she

exciting time!”

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By GUILLERMO GARCIA

SENIOR LIVING

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A TANGLE OF MEMORIES Alzheimer disease touches us all

This most common of neurodegenerative diseases is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. No cure is currently available for a disease that

While more than 5 million Americans have been diagnosed with various stages of Alzheimer’s, whether early-onset or advanced, projections are that millions more will be affected as the baby boomer generation ages.

inflicts a huge emotional toll on patients, families and the health care system.

Although Alzheimer’s strikes one in six Americans in their 60s — and one of every two in their 80s — fundamental parts of the disease are still unknown and in need of new avenues of research, says George Perry, Ph.D., dean of the College of Sciences at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

An internationally recognized expert on the disease, Perry refers to the complex, debilitating disorder that produces profound changes in the brain and is characterized by the loss of cognitive function as “the disease of our time.” Great strides have been made over the past 30 years in understanding how the illness can rob otherwise healthy individuals of their mind and memory, he says. But there is still much work to do.

That work is being done right here in San Antonio by Perry — who was recently named the world’s leading expert, demonstrating the greatest expertise and knowledge in the field of Alzheimer disease research, by expertscape.com.

Having spent decades studying Alzheimer’s, Perry hopes to add to the body of knowledge after being named to the newly created Semmes Founda-

More women than men have Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Of the 5 million people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s in the United States, 3.2 million are women and 1.8 million are men. This higher incidence cannot be solely attributed to the greater longevity of women, and researchers continue to seek answers to this question.

tion Endowed Chair in Neurobiology. The $1 million chair was made possible by a Semmes Foundation gift of $500,000, matched by the H-E-B Faculty Research Excellence Fund.

Such luminaries as Winston Churchill, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Ford, Norman Rockwell, Rita Hayward and James Doohan, best known as Scotty on television’s Star Trek, have fallen victim to the illness, for which there is no known cure. More recently, Pat Summitt, the University of Tennessee’s legendary women’s basketball coach who chalked up the most wins in any sport in collegiate history, stepped down after being diagnosed. As recently as last year, more than 1,000 clinical trials were launched to evaluate treatments, but it is not yet known if any of them are effective.

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SENIOR LIVING

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countries approach their older years, the incidence of Alzheimer’s diagnoses is most likely to increase and put high demands on the health care system, Perry points out.

“The greater the number of people who live longer, the greater the problem of dealing with Alzheimer’s patients and the greater the impact will be on the society that has to deal with a larger population that is aging and is most susceptible to being diagnosed with it,” he says.

He notes that one facet of the disease that carries particular implications for South Texans — and which he hopes to explore George Perry, PhD, Dean of the College of Sciences at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Photo Courtesy UTSA.

further — relates to its apparent connection to other illnesses like Type 2 diabetes. “There appears to be little doubt that the diet and lifestyle habits of Hispanics make them more susceptible to Type

Current treatment focuses on the disease’s symptoms, but

2 diabetes,” Perry says.

nothing has yet been found that reverses its progression, which

He cites study results that noted that Hispanics over age 85

can sometimes be rapid. A common symptom, dementia, causes a

were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at a rate of 60 percent, in con-

person to lose his or her ability to think, recall and reason to such

trast to the 30-percent rate for Anglos. Other studies indicate that

a severe extent that it interferes with daily function. While it was

African Americans are also diagnosed at higher rates than Anglos.

once thought to be typically age-related, studies have shown that Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of the aging process.

Nancy Rheams, support assistant with the Alzheimer’s Association San Antonio & South Texas Chapter, says its region of 44

The theory is that over time, organisms age from the damage

counties sees a high prevalence of Type 2 diabetes among its large

done by free radicals, molecules with unpaired electrons in their

Hispanic population. Because of that, she thinks Perry’s research

shells, which leads to DNA and protein damage thought to speed

will have significant implications for her chapter.

the aging process. Cells damaged by free radicals have been as-

“Whatever the kind of research Dr. Perry might be able to

sociated not only with Alzheimer’s but with other illnesses such

launch, to find answers to common problems of Alzheimer’s could

as diabetes.

really make a difference,” Rheams notes. “Locally, that kind of re-

Perry focuses his research on the brain cells’ response to free

search could have a potentially huge impact for us.”

radicals and the damage they cause. He hopes this research will provide an unprecedented opportunity for worldwide collaboration as well as stimulating and expanding research into the debilitating affliction. He also is furthering the coordination of research efforts at UTSA into more than 20 nervous system disorders, some of which are commonly associated with the dementia brought on by Alzheimer’s.

Perry, the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, has published more than 900 studies on various aspects of the disease. “To have such an authority in our midst will provide a place where other experts in that and other areas will want to come and collaborate,” says UTSA Provost John Frederick.

Early-onset Alzheimer’s, the less common form of the disease, can present symptoms early, but the person affected tends to worsen more rapidly. The most common form is late-onset, occurring in people in their mid-60s. Studies have shown that once a person reaches age 65, the risk for getting Alzheimer’s doubles, and the risk factor continues doubling every five years after that.

“The risk just doesn’t stop, it increases as the person gets older, so that by the time people reach age 85, one of two people will have been diagnosed with some form of Alzheimer’s,” says Perry.

Some of the most feared components of the disease are the mood changes, depression and confusion triggered by the onset of dementia, which impacts just about every aspect of the affected person’s life.

Over the long term, Perry suspects that Alzheimer’s will have a higher impact in Third World countries, especially in Latin America, because those nations have significantly higher birth rates than European and Far Eastern nations. As people in those developing january/february 2014 | 85

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SENIOR LIVING

In the past 35 years, both the prevalence and awareness of Alzheimer’s have increased. Today, more than 5 million Americans are suffering from the disease, and by 2050 that number is expected to rise to 16 million. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the direct costs of caring for those with the disease will total an estimated $203 billion in 2013. The emotional cost to those with the disease and their loved ones is inestimable.

SIGNS TO LOOK FOR • Loss of memory that interferes with daily activities Example: Asking for the same information over and over • Problems completing routine tasks Example: Trouble driving to a familiar location • Confusion with time or place Example: Losing track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time • Withdrawal from work or social activities Example: Increasingly isolated behavior due to confusion and depression • Decline in judgment Example: Erratic spending • Personality and mood changes Example: Fear and anxiety, particularly when out of normal routine

WHAT TO DO If you notice any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, please schedule an appointment with your physician for an assessment.

While there is no single test for Alzheimer’s disease, a skilled doctor can determine a diagnosis with 90-percent accuracy through a careful medical evaluation, including detailed medical history, physical and psychiatric examinations and laboratory and imaging work to rule out other diseases.

LIVING WITH ALZHEIMER’S Treatment: After your diagnosis, your doctor may refer you to a specialist to develop a treatment plan. There are currently five FDAapproved prescription medications for Alzheimer’s.

Resources: The San Antonio & South Texas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org/sanantonio) offers practical and emotional support for patients and caregivers.

Plan for your future: Putting legal, financial and end-of-life plans in order allows you to participate in making decisions that will help family and friends fulfill your wishes.

PREVENTION Recent studies have shown that diet and exercise play a role in preventing diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer’s. One important lifestyle choice is to maintain a healthy weight and engage in regular physical activity. There is evidence pointing to the benefits of foods rich in antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C and beta carotene, found in many fruits, legumes and vegetables.

While currently there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, recognizing when a loved one needs help is important in potentially slowing the progress of the disease and maintaining a higher quality of life for you and your family.

by Jeanette Miller and Nancy Rawls

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DINING

By RON BECHTOL

Photography JANET ROGERS

Barbaro The pizzas have personality

T

he Spanish term barbaro — accent

food world’s current cruciferous darlings to

on the first “a,” can mean exactly

make it interesting, and another with al-

It doesn’t hurt that the pizza dough has

what it sounds like: awful, terrible

legedly roasted sweet corn and an anchovy

been custom-tailored by Bakery Lorraine, of

tuous greenness.

and, yes, barbaric. And, more popularly, it

dressing that seems never to have made the

course. But in the long run, it’s the toppings

can mean the opposite: great, wonderful …

acquaintance of Barbaro’s oven. (I have, how-

that make the pie. Another combination to

We don’t know what Charlie Biedenharn and

ever, liked a very good chopped salad with a

be recommended, assuming it stays in rota-

Chad Carey, the often irreverent folks behind

punchy dill dressing and another with fennel,

tion for a while, is the one featuring both oys-

The Monterey and now the Monte Vista

purple cabbage, marcona olives and more.)

ter and lobster mushrooms with fior di latte

restaurant Barbaro, had in mind, though we

But maybe that’s because said oven was

and boucheron cheeses drizzled with porcini

assume that terrible wasn’t uppermost in

too busy cranking out the pizzas, which are

mushroom oil. As there have apparently

their thoughts. We, in any case, come down

Barbaro’s real stock-in-trade. Fans of South-

been confusions, our waitress was at pains to

more on the cool side.

town’s El Monty will be primed for the fact

point out that we were talking mushrooms

that these are not your nonna’s pies, however

here, not seafood. Got it. And loved it, too;

Not that everything works perfectly.

None of the house cocktails has yet exactly

— witness one with tallegio, hash browns,

the combination of the mushrooms and the

done it for me — though they keep changing,

kale and honey. Yes, I know kale is another

‘shroomy oil made for a meatier taste than

and I’m willing to keep trying. And I’ve had a

hipper-than-thou ingredient these days, and

many a sausage pie past.

couple of disappointing salads, notably one

I have actually had trouble convincing friends

So if I personally found merely very good

with cold-roasted cauliflower and ricotta

to order this one. But it frankly works, with

another pizza composed of summer squash

salata that didn’t do enough to one of the

just enough honey to balance out kale’s vir-

with garlic, eggplant, ricotta salata and chili,

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DINING

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Opposite: Patrons enjoy a drink at the bar of Barbaro’s cozy yet modern interior. This page: Chopped salad, kale hash brown honey pizza and cheesecake with blueberries above.

well, that’s what makes horse races; you

for a vintage structure. It all makes for a

might love it. I’m still trying to make up my

place that’s fun to relax in with ‘hoodies and

Whatever your choice, there are simple

own mind about a daily special that was lu-

foodies alike — even if pizza’s not on the

snacks such as the lusty, marinated cerignola

glassware does match the mood.)

bricated by, if I remember correctly (some-

agenda. The beer list that was once printed

olives and various cheese plates to help

times I actually do go to a restaurant just to

is said now to have been rendered obsolete

while away some idle hours. Also available

enjoy myself — which means no note-tak-

by its frequent changing, so just ask your

are some pricey but exotic plates featuring

ing), the fat from a strip or similar steak. Al-

knowledgeable server and take advantage

tinned Spanish seafood such as clams and

most too good was the impression that

of new opportunities.

eels. Personally, I haven’t yet taken that

lingers most.

So far the small but expectedly eclectic

plunge, especially at $39 for the anguillas.

Barbaro, by the way, is the current incar-

wine list (Carey is known for unabashedly

Nor have I ever made it as far as dessert.

nation of a former coffee house called The

pushing wines such as riesling, Beaujolais

Risky, though perhaps rewarding, might be

Foundry, and though the shell remains the

and sherry at El Monty) remains printed. It,

the rosewater (which can easily get out of

same, the vibe is altogether different than it

too, may change, but a favorite has been the

hand) and amaretto panna cotta. Well, why

was when the Baptists were blessing it. Es-

gutsy Nero d’Avola, a Sicilian red. (I’m not a

not; have it with a glass of Gerard Bertrand

pecially impressive is the exposed ceiling

fan of wines served in tumblers, especially

Cremant Rose and see if you say “qué bar-

structure that looks improbably impeccable

when they can reach $10 a pop, but the

baro!” Could happen.

january/february 2014 | 91

By BONNY OSTERHAGE

MOMMY MATTERS

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TRAVEL INSURANCE Avoiding “the look” when you fly with children

T

he tinsel’s off the tree and the last stocking

has been stowed. Ready to relax? Not so fast!

Spring Break is right around the corner, and many of us, lured by glossy travel brochures and picturesque websites, are already planning trips filled with good old-fashioned family fun!

What we tend to forget, though, as we daydream of “shushing” down the slopes or swimming with the dolphins, is that there will likely be extensive travel involved in reaching our own personal “Wally World.” And trust me, whoever said “getting there is half the fun” has clearly never been on the receiving end of what I like to call, simply, “the look.”

WHAT IS “THE LOOK”?

If you have ever boarded a plane with children under the age of 10, chances are you have gotten “the look.” Not only do you know what look I’m talking about, but if you are like me, you are probably guilty of having given it yourself in your pre-family-boarding days. It’s an expression that falls somewhere between dismay, panic and full-blown aggravation. It clearly communicates “Oh please, not my row,” is often accompanied by an eye roll and, in severe cases, an audible sigh. It leaves no doubt as to the fact that your fellow travelers would prefer that your children be stowed with the luggage during the duration of the flight.

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MOMMY MATTERS

AVOIDING TURBULENCE While you may not be able to avoid getting “the look” when you board, you can certainly diffuse it during travel. How? By being prepared and investing in what I call a little “travel insurance.” Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years (some the hard way) to get you through what could otherwise be a bumpy flight:

• When traveling with an infant, try to choose flight times that are close to or during naptimes or bedtimes. A sleeping child is a quiet child.

• Be ready to combat baby’s stopped-up ears with bottles and pacifiers.

• Head to the nearest dollar store and pick up some new (quiet) toys and surprise your child with them at various intervals. Or print out pictures to color from a favorite cartoon website.

• Give your child his own special carry-on, and let him fill it with a few favorite toys, books and snacks.

• If your child is a first-time flier, prepare her by reading books and talking about what to expect in order to eliminate any fears and anxiety.

• Always, always, always have a change of clothes, extra diapers and baby wipes on hand. I cannot stress this enough! Never hurts to throw in an extra shirt for yourself too, just in case.

• Be considerate. Don’t let your child kick the seats, jump up and down, talk loudly, crank up the volume on an electronic device or otherwise annoy the other passengers. Lay out your expectations and the consequences clearly and before boarding.

• If a toddler meltdown or a school-age showdown occurs, stay calm.

The more agitated and nervous you become, the more your child will feed off that, and things could escalate quickly.

• Finally, never underestimate the power of alcohol. No, not for your child, for your fellow passengers. Offer to buy a round for those seated in your immediate vicinity. They might be more forgiving, or they might doze off and quit staring at you. I once heard about a couple traveling with twin toddlers who passed out homemade cookies to all their fellow passengers before takeoff as a pre-emptive strike. Smart move!

With a little advance planning and preparation, traveling with a small child doesn’t have to be a hassle. Fortunately, both of my children have always loved to fly (and fortunately, we’ve never been on a flight that lasted longer than two hours). But trust me when I tell you that there is no greater satisfaction than

having

the

same person who gave you “the look” commend you on your “charming” and “wonderfully behaved” children at the end of a flight.

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American Cancer Society's Camp Discovery Texas Lion's Camp Week-long camp for oncology patients ages 7-16 Kerrville, Texas (210) 595-0215 www.cancer.org Aquatic Sciences Adventure Camp San Marcos, Texas (512) 245-2329 www.eardc.txstate.edu/camp.html

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Blue Streak Stables 365 Blackjack Oak Road Seguin, Texas 78155 (830) 372-1677 (800) 448-8180 www.bluestreakstables.com Briarwood Retreat Center 670 Cooper Canyon Road Argyle, Texas (940) 241-2099 www.briarwoodretreat.org

Camp Aranzazu 5420 FM 1781 Rockport, Texas 78382 (361) 727-0800 www.camparanzazu.org

Camp C.A.M.P. P.O. Box 27086 San Antonio, Texas 78227 (210) 671-5411 www.campcamp.org

Camp Balcones Springs 104 Balcones Springs Drive Marble Falls, Texas 78654 (830) 693-6639 www.campiscool.com

Camp Chai 7990 Northaven Road Dallas, Texas (214) 739-2737 www.jccdallas.org

TEXAS SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORY

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Camp Champions 775 Camp Road Marble Falls, Texas 78654 (830) 598-2571 www.campchampions.com

Camp For All 10500 NW Frwy., Ste. 220 Houston, Texas 77092 (713) 686-5666 www.campforall.org

Camp Huawni Coed Camp 103 South Main Street, Suite C Henderson, Texas 75654 (903) 657-7723 www.camphuawni.com

Camp Longhorn Inks Lake Camp Longhorn Road Burnet, Texas 78611 (512) 793-2811 www.camplonghorn.com

Camp Coyote 2715 11th Street Huntsville, Texas 77342 (800) 677-2267 www.campcoyote.com

Camp Gilmont 6075 S. Hwy 155 North Gilmer, Texas 75644 (903) 797-6400 www.campgilmont.org

Camp JCC 12500 NW Military Hwy San Antonio, Texas 78231 (210) 302-6820 www.jccsanantonio.org

Camp Longhorn Indian Springs 1000 Indian Springs Road Burnet, Texas 78611 (512) 756-4650 www.camplonghorn.com

YMCA Camp Cullen 460 Cullen Loop, Ste. A Trinity, Texas 75862 (936) 594-2274 www.ymcacampcullen.org

Camp Good News 34 Forest Glen Huntsville, Texas 77340 (936) 295-7641 www.forestglen.org

Camp John Marc 2824 Swiss Ave. Dallas, Texas 75204 (214) 360-0056 www.campjohnmarc.org

Camp Mitre Peak for Girls 5217 N. Dixie Odessa, Texas 79762 (432) 550-2688 or (800) 594-5677 www.gspb.org/camping

Camp El Tesoro 2700 Meacham Blvd.

Ft. Worth, Texas 76137 (817) 831-2111 www.campfirefw.org

Camp Hoblitzelle 8060 Singleton Road Midlothian, Texas 76065 (972) 723-2387 www.hoblitzelle.com

Camp La Junta P. O. Box 139 Hunt, Texas 78024 (830) 238-4621 www.lajunta.com

Camp Mystic for Girls 2689 Highway 39 Marble Falls, Texas 78024 (830) 238-4660 www.campmystic.com

Camp Fern Christian Camp 1046 Camp Road Marshall, Texas 75672 (903) 935-5420 www.campfern.com

Camp Honey Creek for Girls P.O. Box 140 Hunt, Texas 78024 (830) 238-4630 www.camphoneycreek.com

Camp Lonehollow 1010 Cooley Lane Vanderpool, Texas 78885 (830) 966-6600 www.lonehollow.com

Camp Olympia Junior Golf Academy 723 Olympia Drive Trinity, Texas 75862 (936) 594-2541 www.jrgolfacademy.com

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TEXAS SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORY

Camp Olympia Sports-Coed 723 Olympia Drive Trinity, Texas 75862 (936) 594-2541 www.campolympia.com

Camp Sweeney P. O. Box 918 Gainesville, Texas 76241 (940) 665-2011 www.campsweeney.org

Camp Peniel, Inc. Christian Camp 6716 E. FM 1431 Marble Falls, Texas 78654 (830) 693-2182 www.camppeniel.org

Camp Summit 17210 Campbell Road Dallas, Texas 78252 Lisa Braziel (972) 484-8900 www.campsummittx.org

Camp Rio Vista for Boys 175 Rio Vista Road Ingram, Texas 78025 (830) 367-5353 or (800) 545-3233 www.vistacamps.com

Camp Texlake Girl Scouts 5700 N. Pace Bend Road Spicewood, Texas 78669 (512) 264-1044 www.camptexlake.org

Camp Sierra Vista for Girls 175 Rio Vista Road Ingram, Texas 78025 (830) 367-5353 or (800) 545-3233 www.vistacamps.com

Camp Travis 2800 CR 414 Spicewood, Texas 78669 (830) 620-4263 www.tbarmcamps.org

Camp Stewart for Boys 612 FM 1340 Hunt, Texas 78024 (830) 238-4670 or (830) 238-4737 www.campstewart.com

Camp Waldemar for Girls 1005 FM 1340 Hunt, Texas 78024 (830) 238-4821 www.waldemar.com

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Camp Wood Lake 1200 Avenue D Brownwood, Texas 76801 www.gsctx.org Camp Young Judaea 121 Camp Young Judaea Drive Wimberley, Texas 78676 (512) 847-9564 www.cyjtexas.org Carolina Creek Christian Camp 84 Wimberly Lane Huntsville, Texas 77320 (936) 594-4446 www.carolinacreek.org Charis Hills 498 Faulkner Road Sunset, Texas 76270 (888) 681-2173 www.charishills.org Cho-Yeh Camp & Conference Center 2200 South Washington Livingston, Texas 77351 (936) 328-3200 or (888) 455-8326 www.cho-yeh.org

Ebert Ranch Camp 752 Ebert Lane Harper, Texas 78631 (830) 257-6340 www.crosstrails.org EquipGirl Residential girls' summer camp P.O. Box 2187 Boerne, Texas 78006 (830) 537-6157 www.equipgirl.net FCA 211 W. Koenig Lane Austin, Texas 78751 (512) 407-8302 www.fcaaustin.org

TEXAS SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORY

Frontier Camp 131 Frontier Camp Grapeland, Texas 75884 (936) 544-3206 www.frontiercamp.org Girl Scouts Camps – Texas Camp La Jita Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas (210) 349-2404 or (800) 580-7247 www.girlscouts-swtx.org/camp Girl Scouts Camps – Texas Camp Mira Sol Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas (210) 349-2404 or (800) 580-7247 www.girlscouts-swtx.org/camp Greene Family Camp 1192 Smith Lane Bruceville, Texas (254) 859-5411 www.greene.urjcamps.org

Heart O’ the Hills Girls Camp 2430 Highway 39 Hunt, Texas 78024 (830) 238-4650 or (830) 238-4067 www.hohcamp.com Hunters Chase Farms Equestrian Camp 4909 Lone Man Mountain Road Wimberley, Texas 78676 (512) 842-2246 www.hunterschasefarms.com iD Tech Computer Camps 22 states and Washington, DC (408) 871-2227 or (888) 709-TECH www.internaldrive.com Indianhead Ranch Summer Camps – Wildlife Conservation 3110 Indian Head Ranch Road Del Rio, Texas (830) 775-6481 www.indianheadranch.com

John Knox Ranch 1661 John Knox Road Fischer, Texas 78623 (830) 935-4568 www.johnknoxranch.org

Lutherhill Camp & Retreat 3782 Lutherhill Road La Grange, Texas 78945 (979) 249-3232 www.lutherhill.org

Kamp Hollywood P.O. Box 863896 Plano, Texas 75086 (214) 735-5339 www.movieinstitute.com

Mo Ranch 2229 FM 1340 Hunt, Texas 78024 (830) 460-4401 or (830) 238-4202 www.moranch.com

Kickapoo Kamp for Girls 304 Upper Turtle Creek Road Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 895-5731 or (210) 690-8361 www.kickapookamp.com Laity Lodge Youth Camp 719 Earl Garrett Street Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 792-1220 www.llyc.org Lutheran Camp Chrysalis 391 Upper Turtle Creek Road Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 257-6340 www.crosstrails.org

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Pantego Camp Thurman, Inc. 3001 Sarah Drive Arlington, Texas 76013 (817) 274-8441 www.campthurman.org Pinebrook Farms Horsemanship Camp 611 Virgie Community Magnolia, Texas 77354 (281) 356-3441 www.pinebrook-farms.com Pine Cove Christian Camp 15791 CR 1113 Tyler, Texas 75703 (877) 474-6326 www.pinecove.com

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TEXAS SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORY

The Pines Catholic Camp 300 White Pine Road Big Sandy, Texas 75755 (903) 845-5834 www.thepines.org Prude Ranch Summer Camp P. O. Box 1907 Fort Davis, Texas 79734 (432) 426-3202 www.prude-ranch.com Rocky River Ranch, Inc. 100 Flite Acres Road Wimberley, Texas 78616 (800) 863-2267 www.rockyriverranch.com Sea Camp P. O. Box 1675 Galveston, Texas 77553 (409) 740-4525 or (409) 740-4894 www.tamug.edu/seacamp

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Sea World San Antonio Adventure Camps 10500 Sea World Drive San Antonio, Texas 78251 (800) 700-7786 www.seaworld.org/adventurecamps Sky Ranch 24657 County Road 448 Van, Texas 75790 (903) 569-3482 www.skyranch.org Slumber Falls Camp 3610 River Road New Braunfels, Texas 78132 (830) 625-2212 or (830) 625-4688 www.slumberfalls.org Still Water Sports Camp Christian Sports Camp P.O. Box 1885 Boerne, Texas 78006 (888) 361-2631 www.stillwatersportscamp.com

T Bar M Sports Camp 2549 Hwy. 46 West New Braunfels, Texas 78132 (830) 620-4263 www.tbarmcamps.org Texas Catholic Boys Camp 5045 Junction Hwy 27 Mountain Home, Texas 78058 (830) 866-3425 or (830) 866-3781 www.tecaboca.com Texas Elks Camp 1963 FM 1586 Gonzalez, Texas 78629 (830) 875-2425 www.texaselkscamp.org Texas Lions Camp for Children with Disabilities 4100 San Antonio Hwy Kerrville, Texas 78029 (830) 896-8500 www.lionscamp.com

YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow P.O. Box 770 Hunt, Texas 78024 (800) 765-9622 or (830) 238-4631 ymcacampflamingarrow.org Y.O. Youth Adventure Camp 1736 Y.O. Ranch Road Mountain Home, Texas 78058 (830) 640-3220 www.yoadventurecamp.com

january/february 2014 | 101

& cuisine

CHEF STEFAN BOWERS Classic tastes, bold flavors

the experience of

By COURTNEY BURKHOLDER

Photos by CASEY HOWELL

GUYS TO KNOW

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Let’s be frank … Stefan Bowers is one mighty fine chef. You may know him from his time at the 20Nine Restaurant and Wine Bar, where he served as executive chef for three years, or as the former chef de cuisine at the acclaimed Lodge of Castle Hills. But you haven’t experienced the real Stefan Bowers until you’ve dined at FEAST, his latest venture and collaboration with entrepreneur Andrew Goodman, in the heart of King William. Known for its cool décor, small plates and big tastes, FEAST burst onto the San Antonio scene in 2011 and never looked back. Its overnight success can be attributed in great part to chef Stefan’s classic tastes, bold flavors and textures and his desire for his cuisine to be experienced as well as tasted.

Born and raised in Berkeley, Calif., a city at the forefront of the organic food movement, Stefan got his first taste of the now popular “sustainable” culinary food culture at an early age. Following a fiveyear Navy career as a helicopter rescue swimmer, Stefan dived headfirst into his passion for food. A graduate of the Alain and Marie LeNotre French Culinary Institute in Houston, Stefan and his wife, DanCee, moved to San Antonio in 2004, and Stefan’s culinary career took flight. I caught up with chef Stefan to find out a little more about this foodie icon and what inspires his unique style.

Q: How did you become interested in cooking?

A:

I became interested in cooking simply by having to cook for myself as a kid. My mom was a single parent and always work-

ing, so if I was hungry, I cooked. I probably knew by age 12 that I

ple. Everyone's life is extremely complex and difficult. I simply want

wanted to be a chef, but officially, I decided I wanted to cook for a

to make and create food that lifts the spirit and fortifies one's body

living immediately after I got married.

and mind.

Q: From helicopter rescue swimmer to chef du jour seems a big leap. A complicated recipe or easy as pie?

Q: Most people are beans-and-rice, meat-and-potatoes kind of people, meaning we pair certain foods with certain foods. You, on the other hand, are known for pairing food in very unique ways. What are some of your favorite nontraditional pairings?

A:

For me, this was a natural decision. I did two six-month carrier deployments and logged 1,000 hours in the back of an HH-60

helicopter, reading cookbooks whenever I had the chance. As for my journey through the ranks of cooking, as anyone else will tell you, it's been very challenging.

A:

What's funny is I can't answer this question specifically. I'm most concerned about flavor. I'm not a big fan of nuance, little

leaves and micro-greens all over the plate. I always try to stay fo-

Q: FEAST is often described as an “experience-driven restaurant.” Can you elaborate?

A:

FEAST is a sensory restaurant. The sole owner and proprietor,

concept. Subsequently, it’s opened the floodgates to my creativity.

Q: Your restaurant and cooking experiences vary from Italy to France to the Eastern Mediterranean and, of course, South Texas. How have your many experiences influenced your personal style?

I've always been drawn to cultural foods that seem simple but

Q: Sustainable gardening and organic foods are common buzzwords these days. Your thoughts?

A:

I sum up all these buzzwords with two words: quality and local.

I love doing business with local farmers and businesses like

Farm to Table, which sells sustainable produce, meat and dairy from Texas farmers. We do go out of range for certain things like our seafood. All of our seafood is shipped overnight from a company in Florida specializing in "day-boat" fishing. The quality is unparalleled.

take a lot of technique. I don't have an "ethnically rooted" food

upbringing, although growing up in the Bay Area gave me a distinct regional viewpoint. I find myself creating based on my instincts rather than cultural ties.

Q: What influences you as a chef?

A:

vors. By trying to understand and observe different food philosophies you can take any idea to a new level.

Andrew Goodman, has an approach toward the industry like no

one else I've worked with or for. This makes it a 100-percent personal

A:

cused on the primary component of a dish and harmonize all the fla-

Q: On a personal note, who does the cooking in your house? And do you have a favorite meal?

A:

My wife and I both cook. My favorite meal was anything my late mother-in-law, Julie, would cook for me. Her family

owned and operated the original Paloma Blanca for 50 years on

Most chefs say nature, but that’s second with me. People influ-

Trinity and Guadalupe. Her cooking embodied more love than

ence me as a chef! I cook with one goal in mind: to nourish peo-

words can describe.

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ARTBEAT

By JASMINA WELLINGHOFF

Photography by JANET ROGERS

“I think her name was Camellia or Camilla. As I read

BEST SELLERS

through that book, I ran into her name over and over in connection with birthdays, graduation, her wedding and so on, all the way to her death. That just intrigued me,” says Meacham, in explaining the inspiration for her hugely popular

BUSINESS Retired teacher Leila Meacham hits mark with Texas novels

novel Roses. “It triggered my interest in imagining a character who might have lived that life in that small town. On the drive back home, I started thinking about this child, and I immediately called her Mary. That was the nucleus that eventually became Roses.”

But she did not write Mary’s story until years later.

Though she started it in 1985 while convalescing from a nasty case of pneumonia, upon recovery, Meacham put the manu-

Back in 1984, Leila Meacham met some people from East Texas who showed her a carefully compiled book of newspaper clippings documenting milestones in their family’s life. In their small town, they were prominent folks whose comings and goings were considered newsworthy. Leafing through the pages, Meacham noticed the name of a newborn girl.

script on a shelf and happily resumed her life as an English teacher. Her interest in writing was tentative at best. More than 20 years later, retired and bored, the reluctant novelist remembered her notes. “One day I asked the good Lord, ‘What do you want me to do for the rest of my life?’ and I got a clear answer: ‘Finish that book and I’ll take care of the rest,’” she recalls. “So that’s what happened.”

That, and a lot more. Not only did she finish the novel, but its easy path to publication was practically a miracle.

Many writers struggle for years to find either an agent or a publisher. Not Meacham. It so happened that her friend Louise Scherr had a niece who was married to prominent

104 | sawoman.com

ARTBEAT

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New York literary agent David McCormick. All it took was a phone call.

McCormick read seven chapters, liked them, requested the rest of the manuscript and eventually sold it to Grand Central Publishing.

Released in 2010, the sprawling family saga revolves around Mary’s uncompromising devotion to her cotton plantation and the far-reaching consequences of that obsession. Compared to Gone With the Wind by more than one reviewer, it became a New York Times bestseller and was translated into 22 languages, including Serbian, Russian, Dutch, Finnish and Hebrew.

“I was stunned for almost a year,” admits the author. “I felt like I was having an out-of-body experience.” Two more novels followed in short order — Tumbleweeds, a story of love, friendship and misguided

“One day I asked the good Lord, ‘What do you want me to do for the rest of my life?’ and I got a clear answer: ‘Finish that book and I’ll take care of the rest,’” she recalls.

decisions, set in a contemporary Panhandle town; and Somerset, a prequel to Roses. It took Tumbleweeds only four days to claim a spot on the best-seller list, and Meacham’s fans are likely to snap up Somerset as well. At 75, the author is philosophical about her meteoric success: “At this stage of life what you really treasure is your health and your marriage and your friends. Those are the riches of life. This (the success) is a nice gift.”

While her characters are not modeled on people she knows, real life moments stimulate her imagination. One of the protagonists in Tumbleweeds, for instance, was inspired by a young man she met decades ago who, despite having been a quarterback and a hell-raiser in college, opted to go into the priesthood shortly after graduation.

His choice baffled her, and she never forgot him. He was eventually transformed into the fictional John Caldwell, who becomes a priest to

the genre and didn’t see herself as a career writer. “I loved teaching,

expiate for a youthful transgression. The novel follows John and his

and I thought that was my calling,” she explains.

friends Trey and Cathy through their growing-up years and beyond,

Things have not changed dramatically for her and Dick even now

as poor judgment, tragedy and misunderstandings tear them apart.

that she’s made it big in mainstream fiction. When Roses hit the best-

The characters drive the plot, not the other way around, explains

seller list, there was no special celebration or spending spree. In fact,

Meacham. “I just go along for the ride.”

Not surprisingly, there are fundamental similarities between the novels. “My books are about people who do the wrong thing for what they think are the right reasons and suffer the consequences,” she notes. “There are lessons to be learned in my books.”

Meacham donated her income from the book to the charitable fund the spouses created through the Presbyterian Foundation. She has no website, nor is she on Facebook or other social media.

What she does enjoy about her new celebrity is visiting with people who have read her books, including two former first ladies, Bar-

The reviews have been mostly positive. Texas Monthly said that

bara and Laura Bush. She was signing books (Roses) at a Houston

Roses “delivers epic feeling and unadulterated entertainment,” and

bookstore on a rainy day when the elder Mrs. Bush showed up “with

Publishers Weekly described it as an “enthralling stunner, a good old-

her pearls.” After complimenting Meacham on “the magnificent

fashioned read.” Tumbleweeds and Somerset have also garnered com-

novel about Texas,” the former first lady invited her to take part in

plimentary comments.

the Celebration of Reading event in Bethesda, Md., a fundraiser for

Though she, too, grew up in a small town — Wink in West Texas —

the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. While in Dallas for

Meacham’s early experiences were nothing like those of her characters.

another appearance, the author ended up having lunch with George

In Wink, life revolved around family, school and church, and kids were

and Laura Bush. This February, she will be embarking on a huge tour

expected to mind their manners and get an education, period. “Every

of Texas to promote Somerset. “I am always going somewhere,” she

adult was your parent,” she remembers. She learned to read by herself

says matter-of-factly.

and never stopped devouring books. Among her favorite authors are

The petite novelist, who speaks with a charming Texas drawl, re-

Saul Bellow, Willa Cather, John Steinbeck and Leon Uris. Contempo-

lates these developments with satisfaction but no excessive excite-

rary writers are not her cup of tea, however.

As a young English teacher in New Mexico, the future novelist at-

ment. “I thought I had a pretty good life before all this happened,” she says. “Now when I go somewhere, people may recognize me so I have

tended a party at a military base where she met Air Force officer

to keep my hair looking nice all the time.” At the dry cleaner’s, she re-

Arthur Richard Meacham III whom she remembers as “this big, tall,

cently overheard another customer discuss her book over the phone

golden guy.” They married 18 months later before he was sent to Viet-

with someone. Then when Meacham gave her name to the service per-

nam. No children came, but Meacham has no regrets about it. Life as

son, the other lady jumped in excitement, explaining to the employee

a military wife was enjoyable, and when Dick retired, the couple settled

who Meacham was. “I ended up autographing her dry cleaning re-

in San Antonio, where she taught school in the Converse-Judson ISD.

ceipt,” chuckles the author.

Though she doesn’t speak much about it, Meacham had an earlier

But she is not one to rest on her laurels. In fact, she’s already hard

brush with literary success, though a more modest one. Back in the

at work on her next tome, tentatively titled Titans, which will be her

1980s, a colleague challenged her to write a romance “to elevate the

last book about Texas. “When you start a book, you don’t know how

genre.” Harlequin and Silhouette romances were widely read back

it’s going to unfold,” she comments. “The characters tell you what

then, so despite misgivings, she penned a novella called Ryan’s Hand

course their lives are going to take. The idea of sitting down to write

and followed that up with two others, all published by Walker & Co.

not knowing what your characters are going to do today is what

Though the publisher urged her to continue, she wasn’t crazy about

makes writing such a joy for me.” january/february 2014 | 105

Entertainment & The Arts

rcus 2013 © Joan Ma

AT THE MAJESTIC THEATRE

Violin Concerto 1/18 Sat, 8 pm

al e Music Ghost th Theater

Majestic, Tues-Sun 1/21-26

Music Elvis Lives Majestic Theatre 1/19 Sun, 7 pm The Roadshow AT&T Center 1/23 Thurs, 7 pm

New World Symphony 2/7,8 Fri/Sat, 8 pm Gershwin Piano Concerto Majestic Theatre 2/21,22 Fri/Sat, 8 pm

Dance Pilobolus Dance Theatre Majestic Theatre 1/14 Tues, 7:30 pm Tone Pictures Opera Piccola and Alamo Arts Ballet Theatre Thiry Auditorium, OLLU 1/25 Sat, 7 pm www.operapiccolasa.com

Queen of the Stone Age Majestic Theatre 2/10 Mon, 7:30 pm

Museums

Gordon Lightfoot Majestic Theatre 2/12 Wed, 8 pm

INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES

Kristen Chenoweth Majestic Theatre 2/15 Sat, 8 pm Bastien and Bastienne/La Curandera Opera Piccola Charline McCombs Empire Theatre 2/15-16 Sat/Sun, 8 pm, 2 pm Willie Nelson and Family Majestic Theatre 2/23 Sun, 7:30 pm Celtic Nights Majestic Theatre 2/27 Thurs, 7:30 pm

Theater

Ghost the Musical Majestic Theatre 1/21-26, Tues-Sun Venus in Fur The Playhouse 1/24-2/9 An Evening at the Theatre — Come Fly with Me Majestic Theatre 1/29 Wed, 7:30 pm When You Comin’ Back, Red Ryder?

Sheldon Vexler Theatre 2/6-3/2

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& Rod eo

Rusalka in Concert 1/30, 2/1 Thurs/Sat, 8pm

Cello Concerto 1/10,11 Fri/Sat, 8 pm Symphony No. 6 1/17 Fri, 8 pm

Events Antoni o Stoc k Show

Symphony

The Struggle for Civil Rights in Texas Opening 1/11 Is This My Shangri-La? Life in A Bhutanese Refugee Camp Opening 2/1 Walter Eugene George and the Legacy of the Rio Grande Opening 2/1 Asian Festival 2/1 MCNAY ART MUSEUM Robert Indiana: Beyond LOVE 2/5-5/25 SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART Thomas Sully: Painted Performance 2/8-5/11 Edzier Cortor: Master Printmaker Thru 3/2 Fray Antonio Margil de Jesus: Patron Saint of Texas Thru 3/23

San A & Rod ntonio Stoc k Sho At&T eo w ColiseCenter, Free u m m a n g 2/6-23 ro , 10 amunds -midn ight

Alien Worlds and Androids 2/22-5/27 The World Through Magic Lanterns Thru June 2014

Art

Southwest School of Art Texas Draws III 2/13-4/27 Russell Hill Rogers Galleries Sarah Fox: Secrets Manifest 2/13-4/25 Ursuline Hall Gallery

Misc.

San Antonio Cocktail Conference Various downtown locations 1/16-19, Thurs-Sun (210) 245-6964 51st annual Western and Heritage Art Show Alamo Kiwanis Club Charities, Inc. Pearl Studio, 200 E. Grayson St. 1/17 Fri, 7 pm (210) 226-4651 Martin Luther King, Jr. March 3501 MLK Drive 1/20 Mon, 10 am Harlem Globetrotters AT&T Center 1/30 Thurs, 7 pm San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo AT&T Center, Freeman Coliseum grounds 2/6-23, 10 am-midnight Jewish Film Festival Santikos Embassy 14 2/8-12 (210) 302-6835

WITTE MUSEUM CSI: The Experience Thru 1/26 Porfirio Salinas: Capturing South Texas on Canvas Thru 2/9

Courte sy phot o: San

Theatre

Courtesy photo: Elvis Lives Tour

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My Jazzy Valentine Opera Piccola fundraiser Zaza Gardens, 723 S. Flores 2/14 Fri, 7 pm (210) 314-6696

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RESTAURANTS Cajun/Creole

American BIGA ON THE BANKS BIRD BAKERY BLISS BOUDRO’S CAPPY’S CAPPYCCINO’S BISTRO CYPRESS GRILL ANNE MARIES’S BISTRO SAN ANTONIO CAFÉ CHEESECAKE FACTORY FEAST THE GRILL AT LEON SPRINGS GUENTHER HOUSE HOULIHAN'S J. ALEXANDER’S JOSEPHINE STREET KONA GRILL LIBERTY BAR MADRID ROOM MAGIC TIME MACHINE MAMA'S CAFE THE MONTEREY RAINFOREST CAFÉ RESTAURANT GWENDOLYN SCENIC LOOP CAFE SILO ELEVATED CUISINE STONE WERKS VINEYARD ZEDRIC’S

203 S. St. Mary’s 225-0722 5912 Broadway 804-2473 926 S. Presa 225-2547 314 E. Commerce 224-1313 5011 Broadway 828-9669 5003 Broadway 828-6860 170 S. Main St., #A, Boerne (830) 248-1353 555 Funston Place 826-5800 1150 S. Alamo 271-7791 7400 San Pedro 798-0769 1024 S. Alamo 354-1024 24116 IH-10 W. 698-8797 205 E. Guenther 227-1061 14601 IH-35 N. 651-4744 494-3371 385 N. Loop 1604 W. 555 E. Basse 824-0275 400 E. Josephine 224-6169 15900 La Cantera Pkwy 877-5355 1111 S. Alamo 227-1187 300 E. Travis 227-4392 902 N.E. Loop 410 828-1470 2442 Nacogdoches 826-8303 653-2002 7929 Pat Booker Rd 1127 S. St. Mary’s 745-2581 517 N. Presa 223-3297 152 E. Pecan #100 222-1849 25615 Boerne Stage Rd. 687-1818 1133 Austin Highway 824-8686 434 N. Loop 1604 483-8989 Broadway at Basse 823-3508 27315 FM 3009 (830) 980-8033 5231 Broadway 824-6000

Hsiu Yu 8338 Broadway St San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 828-2273

HSIU YU ILSONG GARDEN INDIA OVEN INDIA PALACE KOI KAWA MENCIUS’S GOURMET MON THAI BISTRO P. F. CHANG’S SUSHIHANA SUSHI ZUSHI

TAIPEI THAI KITCHEN THAI LAO RESTAURANT TOKYO STEAK HOUSE TONG’S THAI

733-8473 340-7944 340-7944 828-9988 615-7553 615-8282 674-2577 828-2273 366-4508 366-1033 692-5262 805-8111 615-1288 822-3253 507-1000 507-6500 340-7808 691-3332 472-2900 826-8500 545-6100 366-3012 403-3316 344-8366 524-9908 341-4461 829-7345

Barbecue BUN ‘N’ BARREL THE BARBEQUE STATION CHIT CHAT BBQ THE COUNTY LINE RUDY’S COUNTRY STORE TWO BROTHERS BBQ

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ANAQUA GRILL BISTRO VATEL CITRUS COCO CHOCOLATE CRUMPETS FIG TREE FREDERICK’S FREDERICK’S BISTRO THE GAZEBO AT LOS PATIOS HOUSTON STREET BISTRO LAS CANARIAS LA FRITE BELGIAN BISTRO LION & ROSE ENGLISH PUB LÜKE MESON EUROPEAN DINING NOSH WAXY O’CONNOR’S

1150 Austin Hwy. 610 N.E. Loop 410 218 N. Cherry 111 W. Crockett 10101 I-10 W. 24152 IH-10 W. 15560 I-35 N. 10623 Westover Hills 12656 West Ave .

828-2829 691-3332 271-2888 229-1491 641-1998 698-2141 653-7839 520-5552 496-0222

674-0019 545-0666 212-8698

555 S. Alamo 218 E. Olmos 150 E. Houston 18402 Hwy. 281,#114 3920 Harry Wurzbach 515 Villita 7701 Broadway 14439 N.W. Military #100 2015 N.E. Loop 410 204 E. Houston 112 College 728 S. Alamo 5148 Broadway 842 N.W. Loop 410 700 E. Sonterra Blvd.

125 E. Houston 923 N. Loop 1604 E. 1133 Austin Highway 234 Riverwalk

229-1000 828-3141 227-9700 491-4480 821-5454 224-1976 828-9050 888-1500 655-6171 476-8600 518-1000 224-7555 822-7673 798-4154 798-5466 227-5853 690-5811 824-8686 229-9299

Hamburgers

FATTY’S FUDDRUCKERS 741 W. Ashby Pl 10103 Huebner Road 4531 N.W. Loop 410 1011 N. E. Loop 410 9030 Wurzbach 8822 Wurzbach 8230 Marbach 8338 Broadway 6905 Blanco Rd. 1031 Patricia 8440 Fredericksburg 4051 Broadway 7959 Fredericksburg 4901 Broadway 255 E. Basse 15900 La Cantera Pkwy 1810 N.W. Military IH-10 W. and Wurzbach 203 S. St. Mary’s 999 E. Basse 18720 Stone Oak 2211 N.W. Military 18802 Stone Oak 445 McCarty 126 W. Rector 9405 San Pedro 1146 Austin Highway

1289 S.W. Loop 410 2815 N. Loop 1604 121 Alamo Plaza

European

BIG’Z BURGER JOINT BOBBY J’S BUCKHORN SALOON BURGER BOY CHRIS MADRID’S CHEESY JANE’S CHESTER’S HAMBURGERS

Asian

BIG KAHUNAS CHINA BISTRO DING HOW FORMOSA GARDENS FUJIYA GOLDEN WOK

ACADIANA BOURBON STREET SEAFOOD PAT O’BRIEN’S

GOURMET BURGER GRILL LONGHORN CAFE MO MAK’S RED ROBIN SAM’S BURGER JOINT TEXAS HAMBURGER CO

2303 N. Loop 1604 W. 13247 Bandera Rd. 318 E. Houston St. 2323 N. St. Marys 1900 Blanco 4200 Broadway 1006 N.E. Loop 410 9980 IH-10 W. 16609 San Pedro 621 Pat Booker 1624 E.Commerce 115 Alamo Plaza.

8602 Botts Ln. 18414 Hwy. 281 N. 17625 Blanco Rd. 13838 Jones Maltsberger.

1750 N. 1604 330 E. Grayson St. 9010 Huebner Rd.

408-2029 695-4941 247-4000 735-1955 735-3552 826-0800 805-8600 699-1222 494-3333 658-3000 299-8110 223-9944 824-6703 545-3800 492-0301 481-3600 494-2500 223-2830 699-1189

Italian Scuzzi’s 4035 N Loop 1604 W San Antonio, TX (210) 493-8884 ALDINO AT THE VINEYARD ALDO'S RISTORANTE BRAVO CUCINA ITALIANA CAPPARELLI’S ON MAIN CARRABBA’S ITALIAN GRILL CERRONI’S PURPLE GARLIC DOUGH PIZZERIA IL SOGNO OSTERIA LORENZO’S LA FOCACCIA ITALIAN GRILL LITTLE ITALY LUCE RISTORANTE E ENOTECA LUCIANO’S MICHELINO’S MILANO RISTORANTE PAESANOS

1203 N. Loop 1604 W. 8539 Fredericksburg 15900 La Cantera Pkwy.

2524 N. Main 12507 IH-10 W. 1017 Austin Hwy. 6989 Blanco 200 E. Grayson, #100 8032 Fredericksburg Rd. 800 S. Alamo 824 Afterglow 11255 Huebner 849 E. Commerce 401 South Alamo 521 River Walk 11802 Wurzbach 1907 Nacogdoches

340-0000 696-2536 877-9300 735-5757 694-4191 822-2300 979-6363 223-3900 692-9900 223-5353 349-2060 561-9700 223-0500 888-7030 223-2939 493-3611 821-6373

555 E. Basse 828-5191 111 W. Crockett 227-2782 Loop 1604 at N.W. Military 493-1604

RESTAURANTS PIATTI PICCOLO’S POMPEII ITALIAN GRILL RISTORANTE LUCIANO SCUZZI’S ITALIAN GRILL TRE TRATTORIA

255 E. Basse 5703 Evers Rd. 16019 Nacogdoches 7400 San Pedro 4035 N. 1604 W. 4003 Broadway 401 S. Alamo

832-0300 647-5524 946-5518 377-0022 493-8884 805-0333 223-0401

Pizza

CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN

Mediterranean DEMO’S BIN 555 COOL CAFÉ COPA WINE BAR GREEK TO ME JERUSALEM GRILL JOHN THE GREEK MIMI & DIMI’S PAPOULI’S GRILL

7115 Blanco 2501 N. St. Mary’s 555 Bitters 12651 Vance Jackson 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy.

5440 Babcock Rd. 3259 Wurzbach Rd. 16602 San Pedro 7159 W US Hiwy 90 8250 Agora Pkwy., #120 255 E. Basse, #384 11224 Huebner, #201

342-2772 732-7777 496-0555 877-5001 495-2672 699-6688 680-8400 403-0565 674-3464 659-2244 804-1118 641-1313

Mexican/Latin El Jarro 13421 San Pedro San Antonio, TX 78216 (210) 494-5084 ÁCENAR MODERN TEX-MEX AJUÚA! CUISINE DE MEXICO ALAMO CAFÉ

146 E. Houston 11703 Huebner 10060 IH-10 W. 14250 San Pedro ALDACO'S 100 Hoefgen 20079 Stone Oak Pkwy.

AZUCA NUEVO LATINO 713 S. Alamo CASA RIO 430 E. Commerce BETO’S 8421 Broadway CIELITO LINDO 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy.

EL CHAPARRAL 15103 Bandera 2838 N. Loop 1604 EL JARRO DE ARTURO 13421 San Pedro EL MIRADOR 722 S. St. Mary’s EL MIRASOL ALTA COCINA 13489 Blanco FRIDA’S MEXICAN CUISINE 3023 Thousand Oaks IRON CACTUS MEXICAN GRILL 200 River Walk LA FOGATA 2427 Vance Jackson LA FONDA ON MAIN 2415 N. Main LA FONDA SUNSET RIDGE 6402 N. New Braunfels LA FONDA OAK HILLS 350 Northaven LA HACIENDA DE LOS BARRIOS 18747 Redland Rd. LA MARGARITA 120 Produce Row LOS BARRIOS 4223 Blanco MAMACITA’S 8030 IH-10 W. MI TIERRA CAFE AND BAKERY 218 Produce Row ORIGINAL MEXICAN 528 River Walk PALOMA BLANCA 5800 Broadway PALOMA RIVER WALK 215 Losoya PAPPASITO’S CANTINA 10501 IH-10 W. PERICO’S BAR AND GRILL 10820 Bandera 1439 E. Sonterra Blvd.

PICANTE GRILL 3810 Broadway PICO DE GALLO 111 S. Leona RIO RIO CANTINA 421 E. Commerce ROSARIO’S 910 S. Alamo SALSALITO’S 14535 Nacogdoches 11523 Bandera SAZO’S LATIN GRILL 101 Bowie SOLUNA COCINA MEXICANA 7959 Broadway TOMATILLOS CANTINA 3210 Broadway URBAN TACO 290 E. Basse, #105

ENHANCE your listing!

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FLORIO’S PIZZA GRIMALDI’S PIZZA GUILLERMO’S MISS ELLIE’S SORRENTO TRILOGY PIZZA BISTRO VOLARE GOURMET PIZZA

11745 IH-10 W. 255 E. Basse Rd. 7701 Broadway 330 E. Basse, #101 618 McCullough 903 E. Bitters Rd 5146 Broadway 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy.

5054 Broadway

699-4275 424-2014 805-8646 832-8288 223-5587 499-1258 824-0055 404-1818 828-3354

Seafood FISH CITY GRILL FUSION SEAFOOD, STEAK LANDRY’S SEAFOOD PAPPADEAUX SEAFOOD OSTRA ON THE RIVER WILDFISH SEAFOOD GRILLE

18130 Hwy. 281 N. 11703 Huebner Road 517 N. Presa 76 N.E. Loop 410 212 W. Crockett 1834 N.W. Loop 1604

495-3474 694-4201 527-1845 340-7143 396-5817 493-1600

Southwestern

222-2362 877-0600 691-8827 495-2233 222-0561 494-0561 225-5550 225-6718 930-9393 545-6965 695-8302 490-8302 494-5084 225-9444 479-8765 496-3023 224-9835 340-1337 733-0621 824-4231 342-8981 497-8000 227-7140 732-6017 341-5424 225-1262 224-9951 822-6151 212-0566 691-8974 684-5376 402-6006 822-3797 225-6060 226-8462 223-1806 646-8088 558-6788 223-1000 930-8070 824-3005 332-5149

CALIZA GRILL CANYON CAFE FRANCESCA’S AT SUNSET ORO RESTAURANT AND BAR

420 W. Market 225 E. Basse 16641 La Cantera Pkwy.

705 E. Houston

224-6500 225-0722 558-6500 225-5100

Steaks Chama Gaucha 18318 Sonterra Place San Antonio, TX 78258 (210) 564-9400 Fleming’s 255 East Basse Rd. San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 824-9463 ANTLERS LODGE THE BARN DOOR BOLO’S ROTISSERIE GRILLE CHAUMA GAUCHA FLEMING’S STEAKHOUSE GREY MOSS INN KIRBY’S STEAKHOUSE LITTLE RHEIN STEAKHOUSE MORTON’S STEAKHOUSE MYRON’S STEAKHOUSE OUNCE STEAKHOUSE THE PALM PERRY’S STEAKHOUSE RUTH'S CHRIS

9800 Hyatt Resort Dr. 8400 N. New Braunfels 9821 Colonnade 18318 Sonterra Place 255 E. Basse 10901 Scenic Loop 123 N. Loop 1604 E. 231 S. Alamo 849 E. Commerce 10003 NW Military 1401 N. Loop 1604 W. 233 E. Houston 15900 LaCantera Pkwy 7720 Jones Maltsberger 600 E. Market Street

520-4001 824-0116 691-8888 564-9400 824-9463 695-8301 404-2221 225-1212 228-0700 493-3031 493-6200 226-7256 558-6161 821-5051 227-8847

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

January/February

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo 6th Annual Cowgirls Live Forever Style Show and Luncheon January 16 Pearl Stable (210) 225-0612 Alamo Kiwanis Club Charities 51st Annual Western and Heritage Art Show Preview Party January 17 Pearl Studio in the Full Goods Breezeway (210) 226-4651 Bob and Renée Murray join Charles and Sally Owens and Karen and Joe Dawson at Los Alegradores fall dinner dance at Oak Hills Country Club.

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Let’s Rodeo Ball January 18 Joe & Harry Freeman Coliseum (210) 225-0612 Leukemia/Lymphoma Laugh for Lymphoma Honoring Dr. Karla Diaz Davalos January 30 Laugh out Loud! Comedy Club (210) 215-0177

Liz Jauers and daughter Joy Jauers attend the Military Civilian Club fall meeting at the Fort Sam Houston Golf Club.

Kappa Kappa Gamma Tablescapes January 27-28 San Antonio Country Club (210) 859-0057 San Antonio Catholic Schools 5th Annual Khaki & Plaid Gala February 1 Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center (210) 734-1963 American Heart Association Go Red for Women Run February 8 Shops at La Cantera (210) 617-2609

Don Cook, Bill Moll, Jane Phipps and Dr. Bruce Leslie enjoy the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Masters Leadership Program at Pearl Stable.

Friends of Hospice Benefiting CHRISTUS VNA Hospice Valentine Luncheon and Style Show February 8 San Antonio Country Club (210) 785-5850 Opera Piccola My Jazzy Valentine February 14 ZaZa Gardens (210) 314-6696 UTSA Great Conversations February 25 Institute of Texan Cultures (210) 458-5162

Martha Von Nimitz, Docia Williams and Ann Dennis gather at the San Antonio de Bexar chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution luncheon meeting.

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World Affairs Council 2014 International Citizen Award Dinner February 26 Marriott Rivercenter (210) 308-9494

United Communities of San Antonio Brotherhood/Sisterhood 60th Anniversary February 27 The Rosenberg Sky Room (210) 229-1991 House of Neighborly Service 9th Annual Gala A Night in Old Hollywood February 28 Pearl Stables (210) 314-2934 San Antonio Symphony League 44th Annual Symphony Ball March 1 JW Marriott Resort (210) 316-4080 Junior League of San Antonio Fête du Cuvée Fine Wine Auction March 1 The Bright Shawl (210) 225-1861 North East Educational Foundation Starlight Gala 2014 March 1 Omni Colonnade (210) 495-6415

WEDDINGS

David Sixt

Mr. and Mrs. James Edwin Long (Maria Gabriela Flannery) September 7, 2013

David Sixt

Parish Photography

Mr. and Mrs. Slade Charless Uphan (Sarah Witt Duncan) December 14, 2013

Paul Overstreet

Mr. and Mrs. Cory Garcia (Kate Wright) November 9, 2013

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rochelle (Hanna Sheesley) July 4, 2013

Parish Photography

Mr. and Mrs. David Vela (Daniela Caballero) October 5, 2013

David Sixt

Mr. and Mrs. Bryn Joseph Robertson (Elise Katharine Motz) June 8, 2013

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WOMEN ON THE MOVE

Jill Carpenter

Christine Denney

Brenda Hemberger

Amanda Tomlinson Lara

Elizabeth “Lisa” Lozano

Grace Rodriguez-Elliott

Broadway Bank announces that Jill Carpenter has accepted the position of market manager of the Schertz Banking Center, a position she previously held at the Fort Sam Houston Banking Center. She serves on the boards of the Alamo City Cancer Council, the Association of the United States Army and the Preservation of Historic Fort Sam Houston and is involved with the Healthcare Business Women’s Association.

Christine Denney has joined RE/MAX Associates as a Realtor. Born in Jamaica and a previous resident of Minneapolis, she says she got to Texas as soon as she could. During her career as a Realtor, she has also served as an events planner for a large sales conference in San Antonio. She looks forward to assisting buyers and sellers in their real estate needs.

Brenda Hemberger is the new market manager of Broadway Bank’s West Commerce Banking Center. She was formerly market manager of the Potranco Village Banking Center. She is involved with Haven for Hope, the American Diabetes Association, Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the St. Paul School Festival.

Amanda Tomlinson Lara has been selected as market manager for Broadway Bank’s Boerne Banking Center.

Previously market manager for the Downtown Banking Center in the Metropolitan Methodist Gateway Building, she is on the board of the Downtown Rotary Club. She’s served on the boards of Child Advocates of San Antonio and San Antonio Kids Exchange and co-chaired the Broadway Bank United Way campaign.

Elizabeth “Lisa” Lozano has joined Re/Max Associates at 300 E. Sonterra.

A second-generation Realtor, she obtained her license in 1995.

She is a graduate of St. Mary's University in international relations and economics and has a strong sales background with several national corporations, most recently in the insurance industry.

Being bilingual will be an asset in her real estate career.

Grace RodriguezElliott has been named market manager at Broadway Bank’s Downtown Banking Center. Previously, she was market manager of the West Commerce Banking Center for six years.

She is on the board of the Westside Family YMCA and vice chair of the West San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. She also serves on the advisory council of the Westside Development Corporation and the Lupus Foundation of South Central Texas.

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ASTROFORECAST

By LANCE K. RODRÍGUEZ

CAPRICORN December 21-January 19 Early in January you are looking at what floats the boat, what anchors the boat and how you load the boat. Everything with efforts employed can become “shipshape.” Set aside pride and ask for help from individuals who are ready to share responsibilities as well as remaining conscientious about the work to be done. On the more personal side, quit picking the scab involving your inadequacy issues and know in your heart you are more than capable.

AQUARIUS January 20-February 18 Be careful of people who are overly competitive and who want to steal your thunder. Remember, you’re in no competition with anyone else except yourself. There are some challenging decisions involving relationships as well as finances. Too much doom and gloom can take the sizzle out of fireworks. February can be a squirrely month for you, as you can’t seem to put your finger on the pulse.

By March you get a better handle on personal affairs.

PISCES February 19-March 20 You are like the honeycomb, attracting busy bees left and right. There are some “past life vibes” going on with you, as you may wind up attracting spiritual kindred spirits to you. Some are a little more intense than others, yet these individuals spur you to probe with great depths what your soul has always longed to do, especially in this lifetime. Non-verbal communication can be just as important as verbal communication. Telepathic experiences are heightened.

ARIES March 21-April 20 Take out your dancing shoes, prepare for the do-si-do steps, and get your partner, ye-ha! Definitely shower attention on your partner and make him/her feel like a million dollars. No partner? Take out your tap shoes and tap your way into a relationship. It is vital in all of your relationships to be considerate, cohesive and collaborative and to work with healthy compromise in case differences pop up. In mid-January minor irritations occur.

TAURUS April 21-May 20 Thorough reassessments and meticulous re-evaluations of future aspirations are important as the New Year launches. What you no longer value with future aspirations it is time to let go or change them so they manifest better in your life. Someone close to you can be experiencing nagging criticism and/or hypocritical or double-standard behaviors. If you bite off more than can be chewed, you will be overwhelmed. One day and step at a time, please!

GEMINI May 21-June 21 You are clear as a bell about your underlying psychological motivations and the desires you’re ready to pursue especially in the month of January.

February is a different story, as you may lose your footing and veer way off course.

If you get too “bummed out,” you can potentially lose hope, faith and confidence about the steps to take. Be humble enough to pray to the Divine as well as ask help from the Divine. Dial “711” for heaven and become uplifted!

CANCER June 22-July 22 Well, dear Crab, if Gemini is dialing “711,” you have a direct hotline to heaven. “Ask and you shall receive” is your mantra, Cancer. In your heart of hearts, you will also come to terms that it’s time for you to make long-term changes in your life as well as long-term commitments to these reforming changes. Stubbornness is an issue (more than likely yours) as you can explain it all away with “this is the way it’s always been done”; it’s your forfeit.

LEO July 23-August 22 You are at the epicenter of power and authority (whether you or someone else exercise them), and you have workhorse energies to match whatever tasks are before you. You can burn the midnight oil, especially with intellectual, social and work-related affairs.

Wear the goggles with X-ray vision as you are meant to see through other people’s intentions or their motivations. Late February can witness a day of “destiny and fate”: empower yourself!

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VIRGO August 23-September 22 You start out the New Year on a good roll, and the sweet smell of success entices you. It is vital to make adjustments on the “fly” as you can extinguish little fires very quickly. February will be the month of Murphy’s Law for you, as confusion, fog and fuzzy thoughts creep into the picture, especially from other people. It’s like a ship striking a coral reef — beautiful aquatic life below but ship damage above. March will be your reorganization month.

LIBRA September 23-October 22 Family — love them, adore them or just be bored with them. Either you or a family member has to address a chain and ball around the ankle.

Practically the entire month of January that chain and ball can get heavier and heavier.

Count to 10 (it’s best counted with tons of patience) and then realize the wisdom of the Rolling Stones’ lyrics — “I’ll never be your beast of burden.” February will bring an easing of these pressing issues; smile — it does a heart good.

SCORPIO October 23-November 22 You are the consummate and masterful poker player at a table with the New Year. You know when to hold your cards, when to fold them and when to bet on them. You have an inner radar to get to the quick with answers that elude other people. Give credit where it is due; otherwise you may have to “hold the cards.” You have uncanny radar when it also comes to opportunities, and some may be truly grand. Carpe diem — seize the day and time!

SAGITTARIUS November 23-December 20 You’re at the coast preparing for the great crab boil except an intruding chef has thrown jellyfish, crocodiles and piranhas into the pot, and everybody’s appetite has disappeared. First of all, have you been vigilant about what actually goes into the pot? When did you slack off with inattention and indecision?

Finally, when are you going to get bored with the same old, same old? Do something about all this, and by the way, get rid of that intruding chef!

Lance K. Rodríguez is a professional Astrology/Tarot consultant as well as a Usui/Karuna® Reiki Master. He can be reached at AstroLance.net.

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LOOKING BACK

San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Souvenir Program

1968 A colorful array of canned goods and mouth watering baked goods were displayed by the Women's Division of the Annual San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo.

Sponsored by Pioneer Flour Mills, women competed for $654.00 in premium awards for prize winning entries.

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