San Antonio Woman July/August 2014

SAN ANTONIO WOMAN

GALS WITH GUNS

HOME ON THE RANGE

JULY/AUGUST MAY/JUNE 2014

2014 GUIDE TO GUIDE TO

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Madeline Anz Slay

Prize-winning Architect, Volunteer, Balcones Heights Council Member

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CONTENTS

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16

122

SAN ANTONIO WOMAN • JULY/AUGUST 2014

FEATURES

COLUMNS

16 UP FRONT

10

Editor’s Letter

Gals with Guns — Seven San Antonio women at home on the range

12

Contributors

22 PROFILE

14

What’s New

Architect Madeline Anz Slay builds relationships and buildings

41

Beauty

26 SA AT HOME

44 Health

Condo lifestyle — Fabulous location, beautiful views

67 Wine

72 GUYS TO KNOW Joseph Perry, DDS Bringing smiles back to San Antonio

74 Business Woman Spotlight

SPECIAL SECTIONS 51

83

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

TEXAS ORGAN SHARING ALLIANCE

99 Mommy Matters

76 ACCORDING TO LINDA What’s relevant in San Antonio by Linda Elliott

124 Restaurants

77 WOMEN IN BUSINESS

126 Weddings

Four caring counselors who prove law knows no gender

129 Women on the Move

101

130 Looking Back

PRIVATE SCHOOL DIRECTORY

118 ROLE MODEL Sylvia Cardona excels as a lawyer

120 ARTBEAT Southwest School of Art’s Paula Owen

CALENDARS

122 DINING

36

Cured at Pearl

Fashion

126 Events 128 Entertainment

COVER Madeline Anz Slay Architect Photography Josh Huskin

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A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR JULY/AUGUST 2014

Our Profile, Madeline Anz Slay, has won numerous awards for her architectural projects and was recently named to San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame. But what she’d really like to do now is revitalize Balcones Heights, the suburb where she lives and works. As a member of the city council, she hopes to use Liz Garza Williams

her influence to update commercial areas and otherwise improve the region.

And a woman who is winning accolades for the work she is doing to guide a beloved San Antonio icon into its next stage is Paula Owen, president of the Southwest School of

Art, featured this issue in Artbeat. The campus that began as the Ursuline Convent and Academy and then became the Southwest School of Art and Craft will soon become Texas’ first independent art college. This fall’s freshman class will be the first to work toward BFAs. And Gals with Guns — you’ll find them Up Front — are a diverse group, both in age, career status and interests. What they have in common is a passion for sport shooting. They may prefer game, trap or skeet, but they all enjoy the camaraderie

PUBLISHER J. Michael Gaffney EDITOR Beverly Purcell-Guerra GRAPHIC DESIGN Tamara Hooks, Maria Jenicek SENIOR WRITER Jasmina Wellinghoff CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Paula Allen, Robyn Barnes, Ron Bechtol, Jeff Degner, Linda Elliott, Anne Moore Bonny Osterhage, Janis Turk COPY EDITOR Kathryn Cocke PHOTOGRAPHY Casey Howell, Josh Huskin, Al Rendon, Janet Rogers, Jeff Truitt BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING Steven Cox Jen Earhart Cindy Jennings Madeleine Justice

they share at the range.

Also noteworthy are the four lawyers featured in Women in Business — Elizabeth Copeland, Heather Tessmer, Jean Brown and Pamela Thompson. Each has her own area of expertise, but all work hard to improve the lives of their clients.

At Home visits the updated condominium of a couple who were ready to down-

ADMINISTRATION & CUSTOMER SERVICE Nancy A. Gaffney PRINTING Shweiki Media, San Antonio, Texas

size. Dining will take you to Cured, Steven McHugh’s new restaurant at The Pearl that specializes in a variety of meats. Wine ponders whether it’s possible to diet and drink at the same time and offers some low-cal suggestions.

Our Role Model is Sylvia Cardona, a self-described “Valley kid” who is making a name for herself as an attorney at Langley & Banack. The Guy to Know is Dr. Joseph Perry, a dentist committed to finding the best denture solutions for his patients.

For advertising information in

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

Women are more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than the next four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer. In Health you’ll find information to help you make good choices for your heart. Beauty reminds you to protect your skin

Published by

during hot San Antonio summers. Mommy Matters has tips for avoiding, or handling, those all-too-familiar tantrums, whether you’re dealing with teens or toddlers.

New in this issue is a Business News column by entrepreneur Linda Elliott.

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

Our annual Guide to Private schools can help you as a new school year approaches. You’ll also find special sections from the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance and the American Cancer Society. Their true-life stories may inspire you to volunteer or otherwise assist their worthy efforts.

Please visit us at www.sawoman.com, and be our friend on Facebook.

And do your best to stay cool.

BEVERLY PURCELL-GUERRA , EDITOR

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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.” Printed in the U.S.A.

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CONTRIBUTORS

Freelance writer/contributor to SAN ANTONIO WOMAN for nine years, Anne Moore has focused on the Beauty/Fitness and Wellness sections. She says, “In addition to reporting trends in these areas, I’ve had a reason to thoroughly research important issues such as plastic surgeries, implants, injections, obesity treatments, skin care potions/treatments as well as protection for sun-related damage and illness. Sometimes the timeliness of the articles I’m writing applies to the things happening in my own life. For example, the in-depth articles I’ve written on the subject of caring for seniors, which include the resources available, documents needed, stages of aging, signs of dementia, types of facilities and care available for each stage, costs and so forth. This information is useful when dealing with my 103-year-old mother.”

Jeff Degner grew up in the Pacific Northwest, where his love of craft beer and pinot noir was first established. He later traveled around the world with his wife and discovered a deeper appreciation for wine and food. He then left his technology life behind and fully submerged himself in the food and wine industry. After becoming a Certified Sommelier and Certified Specialist of Wine, he began working for a major wholesale company in San Antonio and is now a wine consultant and a Professional Du Vin for the San Antonio chapter of The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, where he continues to share his love for great food and wine with friends. He has written about wine and spirits for SAN ANTONIO WOMAN and SAN ANTONIO MAN.

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WHAT’S NEW SAS Adds Cross-body Bag Dolley,

Saint Mary’s Hall Grads Set Scholarship Record

a

Senior Blessings Celebrates Four Years As of July, Senior Blessings will cele-

cross-

brate four years of offering the gift of time

body bag handcrafted

as Christian faith-based caring companions.

from fine leathers in a

Their nonmedical services include shop-

medley of colors, is

ping, transportation, home organization and

the newest addition to the Portrait Collection

professional

by SAS. The style offers three compartments

bonded and insured. Their motto is “Treating

packing.

Companions

are

that include a back slip pocket to keep

our clients with loving kindness, compassion,

essentials accessible.

respect and dignity. Caring with a heart for

For more information about the Portrait Collection, visit www.SASshoes.com or call

humility and servanthood.”

To learn more, call (210) 632-8000 or

1-877-782-7463.

visit www,SeniorBlessings.com.

Moonlight Fund to Have Art Gala and Ball

SA Metropolitan Ballet Holding Auditions

The class of 2014 at Saint Mary’s Hall has set a record for dollars earned in merit scholarships — $13,452,020 — more than any previous class.

The Moonlight Fund is holding its first

The San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet is

This year’s graduates will attend 58 col-

Art Gala and Masque Ball Sept. 20 at the

holding auditions for dancers aged 9 years

leges and universities in 25 states and three

San Antonio Country Club. The event will

through college age with at least two years

countries. The class includes two National

feature dinner, dancing to the music of the

of ballet training. The auditions for company membership will be held Aug. 2.

Merit Scholars, seven National Merit finalists

Chris Story Band, an art show and live and

and six National Hispanic Scholars. Three

silent auctions, including a chance to win a

class members are committed to compete

safari to Namibia, Africa.

in athletics (lacrosse, soccer and track and

Proceeds benefit the Moonlight Fund

field) at the collegiate level with their re-

501(c)3, which provides assistance to burn

spective universities.

survivors and their families. For tickets to the

Graduation ceremonies were held May 23 at Trinity University’s Laurie Auditorium.

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Extras are also needed for Snow White and The Nutcracker. Auditions will be held Aug. 11 and Aug. 22 for Snow White and Sept.

7 for The Nutcracker.

For more information, contact Karin L.

fundraiser, contact www.moonlightfund.org

Connally

or call (210) 445-0971.

www.sametballet.org.

at

(210)

650-8810,

or

visit

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UP FRONT

with These retired Air Force colonel, a Bexar County court judge, and a stay-at-home mom are just a few San Antonio women who are up in arms — literally. These women, who on the surface may not seem to have much in common, share an intense love of shooting for sport.

What’s the attraction? For some it’s about the competition. For others, it’s the time spent with family. But whether they prefer game, trap-or skeet, the one thing they all agree on is that there is a camaraderie that exists among female shooting enthusiasts that draws women from all walks of life to the sport.

Col. Loretta Behrens Walking through the Monte Vista home of retired Air Force Col. Loretta Behrens is like going on a domestic safari. A zebra rug is splayed across a living room floor not far from where an enormous cape buffalo head is mounted. A majestic leopard gazes down from a dining room wall, while a row of roe deer skulls oversees the kitchen. And that’s just on the first floor!

“I love quail hunting because it is faster and more challenging.

Plus you get to work with the dogs, which is always fun.”

Loretta and her husband have acquired these trophies from their extensive travels and hunting trips both personally and through their business, Expedition Adventures, a company Col. Loretta Behrens that organizes small-group hunting and fishing trips in exotic locations like Kenya and Argentina. It was a

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By BONNY OSTERHAGE

Photography by CASEY HOWELL

San Antonio women are at home on the range concept born of her husband’s own trips to Africa, where he has enjoyed hunting big game for the past 30-plus years — something that doesn’t really appeal to Loretta. “I’m not a rifle shooter,” she explains.

“I prefer a shotgun and the faster action of bird shooting.”

Loretta shot her first bird (well, two to be exact) in the 1980s on a dove hunt with the Texas Rangers. Although she bagged only two birds on that inaugural hunt, today Loretta loads her prized 12gauge Perazzi and doesn’t stop until she reaches the legal limit. Her favorite game? Quail. “I love quail hunting because it is faster and more challenging,” she explains. “Plus you get to work with the dogs, which is always fun.”

Loretta keeps her bird shooting skills sharp by practicing at the San Antonio Gun Club and participating in the Women’s Shooting League, a group she joined after settling in San Antonio in 2000.

You might think that someone who has shot red-legged partridges in Spain and hunted guinea fowl at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro would be nonplussed about what Texas has to offer. On the contrary, Loretta says that when it comes to the best environment for female hunters, you can’t beat South Texas.

“I’ve lived in a lot of different places, and South Texas is the most welcoming for women who want to shoot,” she says, adding that she was pleasantly surprised at the number of females involved in the sport.

“I’ve made many good friends here who share this common interest.”

Janet Molak When a friend talked Janet Molak into attending her first hunt more than two decades ago, the San Antonio native landed more than just a couple of doves — she landed a husband too! Today, Janet and Mike

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UP FRONT

“I think that teaching women proper gun handling and safety is necessary, not just to help them feel confident in what was once a maledominant sport, but also for self-defense.” Janet Molak

Molak still enjoy the sport that brought them together more than 23 years ago, and in the past three years, Janet has become extremely active on the trapshooting circuit.

“I wanted a sport that was competitive but that was also an individual sport,” she explains. “I began taking lessons, and then I joined the Women’s Shooting League because I wanted to learn to shoot competitively.”

Janet began entering competitions for fun and in order to get more comfortable in the competition arena. What she soon discovered was that shooting competitions were unlike any other type of sport she had experienced. Why? Because of the people. “These are the most welcoming and supportive women you could ever hope to meet,” she says.

During one competition in which she ran out of bullets, Janet recalls another competitor from Oklahoma coming over to offer her a shell and some pointers. “She was competing against me, but she went out of her way to help me,” Janet marvels. “That’s pretty typical of most of the women in this sport.”

When she is not practicing at the Gun Club or taking part in a competition, Janet can be found at Keystone School, where she works as the events coordinator and serves as the assistant to the head of school.

Her daughter will begin her junior year at Keystone in the fall, while her son just graduated from Alamo Heights. Both children are athletic and show an interest in their parents’ hobby, something that Janet encourages both personally and as the president of the Friends of the San Antonio Gun Club, an organization that until recently had been dormant.

“We are a support group that provides financial aid to kids who are going to shooting competitions,” explains Janet, who has been actively resurrecting the organization through fundraising activities such as the making and selling of Gun Club Fiesta medals. “We just awarded our first grant in the spring of 2014 to the Trinity University shooting team,” she adds proudly.

Educating and helping the next generation of shooting enthusiasts, especially females, pursue their passion is something about which Janet feels strongly. “I think that teaching women proper gun handling and safety is necessary, not just to help them feel confident in what was once a male-dominant sport, but also for self-defense,” she says.

But one of her favorite things about the sport itself is the fact that it is something that she and her husband can share for years to come. “It’s a passion we both enjoy,” she says.

Judge Eugenia “Genie” Wright The reasons that women flock to the shooting range are as varied as the women themselves. While some go to improve their average or train for competition, others simply go for the unique female bonding that can only occur among a group of women holding shotguns. Judge Genie Wright falls into the latter category. A self-described “duffer,” she has been a member of the Women’s Shooting League since 1997. “I do it for the fun and fellowship,” she says in her straightforward manner.

“This is an incredibly diverse group of women.”

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If diversity is a requirement, Genie has it in spades. A Georgia native, she was 40 years old when she decided to attend law school at the University of Iowa.“It was my midlife crisis,” she jokes.

The mother of three grown children, she and her husband (renowned organ transplant surgeon Dr. Francis Wright) have moved many times over the years as he built his career. In 1994 they settled in San Antonio, where Dr. Wright now serves as the director of organ transplantation for the Texas Transplant Institute and Genie has been on the bench in Bexar County Court 7, one of only two domestic violence courts, since being elected in 2010.

With such high-profile careers, you wouldn’t think that there would be time for the pursuits of pleasure, but Genie manages to enjoy a wide variety of interests, from savoring good food and wine to ardently supporting opera. She and her husband are season ticket holders at the Houston Grand Opera and travel to Santa Fe annually for shows.

Her leisure-time activities include an extensive amount of service to the community she loves. She sits on the boards of the Blood and Tissue Center and BEAT AIDS and is active with Impact San Antonio. But even with such a full docket, Genie can still be found participating in the twice-yearly Women’s Shooting League events and honing her skills at the Gun Club once or twice a month.

“It’s just a good environment,” she says of her commitment to the sport.

“There are some days where you don’t hit anything, and no one cares.

We’re still going to clap and cheer for each other.”

“I do it for the fun and fellowship.”

Judge Genie Wright

“It’s always challenging in different ways.”

Stacie Banack

Born and raised in San Antonio, Stacie, who works as a pharmaceutical rep, was always a right-hand, right-eye shooter. The removal of a benign brain tumor in 2004 changed all that and with remarkable results. “The surgery completely altered the way I shoot,” she says. “I am now a lefthand, left-eye shooter.”

And one of the top shots in the country as well! After competing for only three short years, Stacie has won countless titles, including the Lady Grand American Handicap Championship in 2013 in Sparta, Ill., and, most recently, the O/S Lady Double’s Championship and the O/S Lady High All Around at the Oklahoma State Shoot in El Reno. Earlier this year, she made both the All American Ladies Trapshooting Team and the Ladies Texas Trapshooting Team, and this petite blonde dynamo shows no signs of slowing down.

“It is so much fun to find a sport as an adult that I really enjoy,” says Stacie, who practices at the Gun Club at least three times per week and participates in 10 or more shoots each year. A member of the Women’s Shooting League, she took skeet lessons at the Gun Club, but eventually settled on trap as her sport for the variation. “It’s three games in one and it’s always challenging in different ways,” she says.

Competitions and titles aside, a large part of the draw for Stacie is the fact that it is something both she and her husband of 23 years can take part in together, and that you don’t have to be particularly athletic to enjoy it. And this confident shooting champ finds gun handling empowering. “This is stereotypically a male sport,” she says. “But I have found that women can do it as well as men and often even better.”

Kimberly Blackburn Kimberly Blackburn is the embodiment of the “outdoorsy” type. Fishing, hunting, golfing, water skiing ... she does them all. It’s no wonder then that she has proudly served on the board of the San Antonio Gun Club since 2009 and is the current president of the Women’s Shooting League, a role that allows her to combine her love of shooting with her love of philanthropy.

On bringing her 8-yearold daughter along dove and quail hunting: “I want her to learn gun safety and feel comfortable around guns. ” Kimberly Blackburn

After arriving in San Antonio from Austin in 2000, she immersed herself in community service, including serving on the golf tournament committee of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and hosting monthly birthday parties at the Children’s Shelter. A noncompetitive shooter, she joined the Women’s Shooting League as a way to make friends in her new city, and now her responsibilities include hiring and maintaining volunteer instructors, organizing post-shoot potlucks and socials and ordering awards and gifts for participants.

Stacie Banack Don’t let the fact that Stacie Banack is a self-described “girlie girl” fool you. Hand this gal a gun and stand back! One of the top 25 female trap shooters in the United States, Stacie tells a story that is nothing short of miraculous.

Although she primarily shoots trap, Kimberly enjoys dove and quail hunts, and she brings her 8-year-old daughter along not only to “bird dog” but also to develop a love of the sport and a respect for guns.

“I want her to learn gun safety and to feel comfortable around guns,” explains Kimberly. “She’s already asked me when she can start shoot-

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UP FRONT

ing,” she laughs. “She wants to be the next league president.”

With Kimberly setting the example for her daughter, that doesn’t seem out of the question.

Elise Cox It was love at first shot when Elise Cox’s husband presented her with a gun and made sure she learned how to use it. His goal was for her to accompany him on his hunting trips. Elise, who is one of the founders of the Women’s Shooting League, took her newfound passion a few steps further, jumped right into competitive shooting and earned the title of “Most Improved Women’s Shooter” at the Gun Club in 1993/94.

Primarily a skeet shooter, Elise realized that there were other women who shared her enthusiasm for the sport, and she saw a real opportunity for the Gun Club to increase its membership by focusing on this demographic. In 1997 the Women’s Shooting League was born, co-founded by Elise.

“I knew if we could provide a nonthreatening, noncompetitive environment, that we could attract more women to the sport,” she says. “We are now the largest ladies’ league in the country with 51 members and a waiting list.”

“We designed the league to help women improve in a friendly, all-female environment.”

Elise Cox

The league began by meeting on Tuesday nights after the Gun Club was closed, and women from all levels were encouraged to come take lessons from certified instructors. The No. 1 rule of the league? No men allowed! “We designed the league to help women improve in a friendly, all-female environment,” explains Elise.

“We wanted them to feel comfortable.”

Today, more than 15 years later, the league is on its second generation of female shooters and continues to draw members of all ages and skill levels. Elise, who owns the company Ad Graphics, became a certified Level One instructor and holds the distinction of being only the second female president of the Gun Club. She enjoys spending time on the family’s ranch with her husband and two grown daughters, both of whom are league shooters. “This sport doesn’t

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know sex or age,” says Elise of why she and her family enjoy it. “It’s like riding a bike in that once you learn it, you always have it.”

Susan Thornton Sometimes an idea comes along that makes so much sense you can’t believe no one has thought of it before. That’s exactly what happened when dove hunter Bob Thornton came up with the idea for the Texas Dove Hunter’s Association. In just two short years, the member-based organization became so successful that his wife, Susan, left her career as a teacher and high school guidance counselor to take over as the full-time director of operations.

“We had 50 members state wide one year ago, and today we have 700,” says Susan. “People just couldn’t believe there wasn’t an association for dove hunters in existence.” With a philosophy of “growing the next generation of hunters and wildlife ambassadors,” the organization began with a comprehensive website for dove hunting enthusiasts (www.texasdovehunters.com), but it has evolved considerably and continues to grow, with a focus on philanthropic activities that include youth programs and scholarships. As the mother of two boys, Susan says she feels strongly that educating kids on wildlife and safe hunting practices is crucial to instilling a healthy respect for guns.

“We really feel that kids who learn to respect guns and grow up shooting won’t be the kids who go in and shoot up schools,” Susan says adamantly.

To foster that initiative, the Texas Dove Hunter’s Association started a school program last year that awarded two $250 scholarships to high school seniors for college. In 2014, the number of scholarships grew to six $500 scholarships. To be considered, students submitted essays on their favorite family hunting memory.

“It is so refreshing to read about kids spending time with their families,” says Susan, who says that her own passion for hunting is born out of

the fact that it has given her an activity that she can participate in with her husband and two grown sons.

“It was either I stayed home or I joined in,” she laughs.

“There is a season for everything, and this is an amazing season right now.

I am excited to see what is on the horizon.”

Susan Thornton

The family bonding is something that Susan hopes to share with families who may not have the opportunity otherwise. She is currently designing and implementing two programs through the association that will make it easier for those children who want to hunt to take advantage of the sport. The first is a mentoring program targeted to children who have the desire to learn, but do not come from hunting families. The second is “Special Hunts for Special People” that will make hunting accessible for handicapped youth. The program will provide these children with the adaptive equipment necessary to get them out in the field with their families. Here, they will learn every aspect from gun safety to the cleaning of the bird, and they will celebrate with a cookout on the grounds. Susan, who helped start the Make-A-Wish chapter in the Rio Grande Valley, knows firsthand the joy that comes from fulfilling the desire of a child for whom something like this might be impossible.

“We want it to be a family affair and for these kids to have something special that they will always remember,” Susan explains.

Between fundraising shoots, member meetings and running the association, Susan has a full plate, but she still manages to find the time to hunt with her husband and sons, creating her own lifelong memories.

“There is a season for everything, and this is an amazing season right now,” she says happily. “I am excited to see what is on the horizon.”

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PROFILE

Architect

MADELINE ANZ SLAY Buildings

Relationships

By JASMINA WELLINGHOFF, Senior Writer

Photography by JOSH HUSKIN

Early for my appointment with architect Madeline Anz Slay, I kill some time by driving around the Balcones Heights neighborhood where both her office and home are located. It’s an older, leafy area that was incorporated as a municipality in 1948. On Altgelt Avenue, Slay Architecture shares a picturesque building with Slay Engineering operated by Madeline’s husband, Michael Slay. Quaint benches are positioned against the low front wall, and the entrance door is a heavy, handcrafted affair that challenges your arm muscles.

“This was Balcones Heights’ city hall,” explains Anz Slay after greeting me inside and taking me on a tour of the facility. “It was built in the O’Neil Ford style and won a design award in 1970.

We bought it from the city in 2006

and

renovated

and

adapted it for our needs.” Expectations of quaintness vanish as we pass work cubicles and conference rooms with movable walls and high-tech equipment for just about everything, from video-conferencing and computer design to lighting and air

In her office on the second floor, Anz Slay shows me a detailed map of the suburb that she’s now

conditioning. Employees can

partially in charge of governing as a city council member. “One of the reasons I wanted to be on the

regulate the air flow near their

council is because I believe that a number of areas have to be redeveloped,” she explains. “All our

desks and turn lights on and off

commercial areas are run down. We want to revitalize the city. We are close to the Medical Center,

from their computer. Only the

and we believe we are in such a great location. My husband and I can get to the airport in no time.

ground floor Saltillo tiles remain

There are so many conveniences for people who live here.”

unchanged.

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The small city is lucky to have her. As the president of Slay Architecture, she knows a few things

about revitalization, design and building. Her firm’s projects can be

Research Laboratory at UTSA and the Kronkosky Place — Rainbow

found throughout the San Antonio area and beyond, all the way to

Senior Center in Boerne. In partnership with two other firms, Slay Ar-

Laredo, where the company has a second outpost. Most of the Vine-

chitecture has also had a hand in the successful design of the new

yard Shopping Center on Loop 1604 and Blanco, including the new

San Antonio College Academic Center (with West East Design

Whole Foods store, has been designed by her team, as were the City

Group) and the San Antonio Public Safety Headquarters downtown

of Garden Ridge Municipal Complex, the Chemistry and Chemical En-

(with Ford Powell Carson).

gineering Building at Southwest Research Institute, the Behavioral

In addition, the company has worked on many school renovations

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PROFILE

Madeline Anz Slay and her husband, Michael Slay, practice their golf swings. Their businesses — Slay Architecture and Slay Engineering — share a picturesque office building in Balcones Heights.

and expansions, multiple University Health System projects, master

that appealed to her. Besides, she just had that entrepreneurial spirit.

plans, hotels, historical renovation and private residences. A number of

As a young girl she collected pretty rocks from the family ranch and

these have won awards from the local chapter of the American Institute

sold them to her cousins from Lubbock. In another early venture, she

of Architects (AIA), the Conservation Society, the San Antonio Business

sold cookies and sandwiches to her father’s workers.

Journal and the South Texas Associated Builders & Contractors. And

Following graduation from Texas A&M in 1991, the young woman

Slay Architecture placed 33rd on the Initiative-for-a-Competitive-Inner-

worked with a couple of different firms before striking out on her own.

City’s 2008 list of 100 fastest-growing small businesses in American

In a lucky turn of events, her last employer, prominent local firm RVK

inner cities.

Architects, became her first customer. “They hired me to finish the proj-

Though she employs 11 people, including two other licensed archi-

ect I had worked on with them,” she says. “To this day, I think of them

tects, Anz Slay gets involved in every project personally. “Our biggest

as my mentors and friends.” Starting a solo business may be scary, but

private clients like to deal with me,” she notes, “but it’s increasingly

that was not the case with her. “I was so young, I just dove in. I just

getting to where I am mostly doing business development and man-

thought, I can do this,” she says.

agement. I do like the business side, but I am supervising every project

And she was right. Fear crept in later when the 2008-09 recession

even though I don’t do the nuts and bolts of them.” The company han-

hit. Private sector clients stopped building, putting her firm and its

dles some 30 to 40 projects a year corresponding to roughly $1.8 mil-

then-24 employees in jeopardy. No one got fired, however. To retain

lion in revenue. Among them are a couple of additions to the Vineyard

the staff, the president offered them unpaid leave while continuing to

Shopping Center. The center’s owners couldn’t be more satisfied.

pay for their health benefits. That’s when doubt reared its ugly head,

“Madeline is very creative, designs good buildings and understands

too. “I wasn’t sure whether I was the dumbest or the smartest business

costs and materials,” says Johnny Stevens, partner in the Vineyard

person for doing that,” she admits. As it turned out, it was a good strat-

Shopping Center LLC. “She also works quickly and is punctual. When

egy. As the economy began to recover, a former client decided to re-

she gets on a project, she gets it done. In fact, I am considering using

sume work on a number of projects, and the Slay team was promptly

her for projects in other cities as well.”

put back to work because they already knew the requirements of the job. “I couldn’t have done that if I had to hire and train new people,”

A businesswoman and a volunteer

she explains.

Having grown up around a father who ran a construction company,

Her former employers also introduced her to her future husband,

Anz Slay says she’s always wanted to have her own business. Even

Michael Slay, to whom she’s been married for 16 years. Twenty-one

though her dad worked hard, “he owned his time,” which is something

years her senior, he jokes that Madeline is both his first wife and his tro-

24 | sawoman.com

phy wife. The couple have no children but enjoy the company of 14 nieces and nephews and eight grandnieces and grandnephews. “We can be the cool aunt and uncle,” she says with a chuckle.

Through her volunteer work, Anz Slay also contributes to the well-being of needy kids at the St. Peter-St. Joseph Children’s Home, where she has been a board member for a long time. Two great-great-aunts were nuns who worked at the home, and her grandmother’s cousins grew up there following their parents’ death. Because of these connections, the grandmother, Marguerite Trenton Anz, was involved with St. PJ her whole life. In 2007, her granddaughter established an education fund in her memory to benefit St. PJ’s children.

While the shelter may be the closest to her heart, Anz Slay finds the time to serve the community in a myriad of other ways. And she seems to be a leader in every organization she joins, such as the AIA and the National Association of Women Business Owners. Her resumé as a volunteer is as impressive as her business bio. “I have been on a lot of boards,” she acknowledges. “I like being busy, so I just make the time. But I also meet a lot of people that way. It’s important for a businessperson to be out there in the community. So, it’s two-fold: I enjoy it and it’s also useful. There’s so much to learn from other people.”

To her many awards and recognitions this year she’s added membership in the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame that honored her for helping other women.

So what would be a dream project for this driven, capable lady?

Her face lights up as she answers: “This city! Balcones Heights has become a passion of mine. We are primed for redevelopment, and I am so excited about it.”

july/august 2014 | 25

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SA AT HOME

By ROBYN BARNES Photography by AL RENDON

Condo Lifestyle SA RETIREES LOVE THE FABULOUS LOCATION AND BEAUTIFUL VIEWS Condominium living is on the rise in San Antonio. Condos are

On one side, we see the gorgeous San Antonio Country Club

springing up all over the city. When retirees Mary Ann and

golf course. The other side gives us a beautiful view of the

Chuck Franzke decided to downsize from their 5,000-

downtown skyline. When I wake up in the morning and look

square-foot home, they chose an established condo commu-

out my bedroom window, I see greenery everywhere beneath

nity, 4001 North New Braunfels.

the rising sun. It’s just lovely.”

“We had friends who lived here,” Mary Ann says. “That’s how

The Franzkes’ transition to apartment living was easy. “It took

we became familiar with the community. When we decided

six months to do the remodeling because of the work restric-

it was time to downsize, we looked at all the condo commu-

tions,” Mary Ann says. “We put our house on the market one

nities. This one felt comfortable. It is near our church, our

month before the remodel was finished and sold it in time to

friends and in our comfort zone.”

move in.”

4001 North New Braunfels has an enviable location, right

Condo makeover

across from the San Antonio Country Club on one side and

The Franzkes chose Renee Herry Murray of Renee Herry In-

the University of the Incarnate Word on the other. It’s minutes

teriors for the interior design work; her husband, Bob Murray

from the San Antonio River Walk, restaurants and shopping.

of SK&A Inc., served as the architect, and David Hartman was contractor. They gutted the entire condo, except for the

The Franzkes’ home is on the fourth floor. “Chuck picked this

guest room.

floor because of the view,” Mary Ann says. “Because we have a northeast corner unit, our view wraps around the building.

26 | sawoman.com

Wood flooring replaced marble tile and carpet. The balcony

Above, the living area in the condominium at 4001 North New Braunfels where Mary Ann and Chuck Franzke now live. They expanded the space by removing a balcony. Living on the building's fourth floor, they enjoy views of the San Antonio Country Club golf course and the downtown skyline. At right, a Francis 1 silver service is on display in the dining room. july/august 2014 | 27

was removed on both sides to enlarge

well-known San Antonio interior designer

the living room, master bedroom and

and daughter of O’Neil Ford, a leading ar-

wall window provides a clear view of

dining room. The large column between

chitect of the American Southwest. The

nearby San Antonio Botanical Garden.

the balcony and the living room was re-

mirror was among things the Franzkes

console and French mirror. The wall-to-

moved to create more space. The bar in

purchased from her when she sold the

Sparkling kitchen

the dining room was removed and ex-

house to them.

“Designing the kitchen was somewhat a challenge,” Mary Ann says, “because it’s

isting space incorporated to make room for double ovens in the kitchen.

Just beyond the foyer is a world of sun-

the first thing you see when you step to

shine and natural light, everywhere you

the end of the foyer. Originally it was a

“We had to do a lot of updating,” Mary

look. To the right of the foyer is the

galley kitchen, small and dark. We ex-

Ann says. “We’re really pleased with the

guest bedroom, where a Corinne Hart-

panded and opened it up to let in the

results. Renee, Bob and David did a

ley painting of a little girl hangs. As a

natural light from the dining room.”

marvelous job for us.”

former elementary school principal, Mary Ann especially enjoys art depicting

Renee and Bob gained space for the

young children.

kitchen by removing the pantry, relocat-

sight is a striking ornate gilt mirror that

A sparkling chandelier hangs over the

cabinetry was custom-made, including

the Franzkes brought with them from

guest bed; it came with the Franzkes

the glass-shelved unit that holds Mary

their house on Estes Avenue, which orig-

from their Estes Avenue home. Beside

Ann’s crystal ware. Cabinet fronts for

inally belonged to Wandita Ford Turner, a

the bed is a feathered marble-topped

the dishwasher and refrigerator were

Walk into sunshine Step into the foyer, and the first thing in

28 | sawoman.com

ing it to the laundry room. All the white

SA AT HOME

W

At left, the kitchen with its custom-made white cabinetry. Glass-front doors display the owner's crystal ware; countertops are of Silestone.

Below, a view of the baby grand piano in the living area.

crafted to match the cabinetry. The

cases, the walls are basically glass, af-

countertops are of Silestone, and the

fording guests 180-degree views of the

Olson, our expert handyman, was able

backsplash is Thassos marble with a

great outdoors.

to disassemble it downstairs, bring the

lier hangs over a small glass-topped

A large Kerman Persian rug covers the

assemble it in here.”

table near the kitchen entry.

floor; three other Kermans are scattered

mother-of-pearl inlay. A crystal chande-

bled using pegs rather than nails. Ron

pieces up via the elevator and re-

throughout the home. The seating came

The painting beside the armoire is by

Spacious living and dining

from Wandita Ford Turner; it was recov-

Asturi, one of five the couple owns. “As-

The Franzkes enjoy entertaining, and the

ered in lighter, monochromatic colors

turi is one of my favorite artists,” Mary Ann says. “I like the way he handles

spacious living and dining area gives

for a classic but current look. Two gilt

them plenty of room for it. “The Fourth of

wood and marble Louis XVI consoles

color.” The built-in shelving in the far

July is always a good excuse for a party,”

flank the couch; a girandole sits atop

corner displays treasures from the cou-

Mary Ann says. “We watch the country

each surface. Above the couch hangs a

ple’s international travels. Two claret

club’s fireworks from our sofa. The club

pair of mirrored trumeaus.

jugs bring back fond memories. A

also puts on a great firework show for Fiesta, so we have parties then, too.”

bronze pheasant signed by artist J. The massive armoire is an antique. “At

Moigniez is perched here, too.

first, we weren’t sure how we’d get it The area wraps around the corner of the

up here,” Mary Ann says. “It was too

building, forming an “L” shape. Except

big for the elevator. Then we realized

ner of the room. Lighting for guest pi-

for one small section of built-in book-

that because it is so old, it was assem-

anists comes from an ornate antique

A baby grand piano occupies the cor-

july/august 2014 | 29

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SA AT HOME

Above, the powder room. At left, the master bathroom features a walk-in glass shower, and walls and floors are white marble.

Crystal sconces mounted on the mirrored wall add sparkling light.

floor lamp. A small sofa provides com-

Grand powder room

with gold fixtures. A second French

fortable seating for music appreciation.

The powder room was originally a full

commode is used for linen storage. The

An occasional table displays a Corinne

bath. “We really didn’t need a third full

chandelier

bath for the two of us, so we divided the

room’s Old World design.

Hartley bronze.

completes

the

powder

space,” Mary Ann says. “We converted A large crystal chandelier hangs above

half of it into a powder room. The re-

Adjacent to the powder room is one of

the glass dining table, where the Fran-

maining space we placed into Chuck’s

Mary Ann’s favorite paintings by her

cis I silver service is displayed. A square

closet for a built-in dresser.”

cousin Ellen Berman. It is of a Bye Lo

mint-green Kerman Persian rug lies be-

bisque baby doll made in the 1920s by

neath the table. The dining suite seats

Holes were cut into the top of a French

Grace Story Putnam. Collectible Bye Lo

eight, a good size for a dinner party.

commode to convert it to a sink console

baby dolls were very realistic.

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SA AT HOME Chuck’s office is across from the powder room. It’s his lair, complete with built-in desk and cabinets, sofa and wide-screen TV.

Beyond Chuck’s office is the master bedroom. “We were accustomed to a large bedroom in our former home,” Mary Ann says. “We wanted a similar idea here, so we enclosed the balcony to gain more floor space. This allowed us to build a hidden computer desk in the alcove. It also gave us room to place the large bureau plat Louis XV writing table we bought from the Mannheim Gallery in New Orleans.”

The sitting area at the end of the room features two comfortable upholstered club chairs facing a television armoire. Family portraits hang nearby.

A formal mother-of-the-bride portrait of Mary Ann hangs on the far wall.

Nightstands flank the king-size bed. A bronze of a shepherd and lamb from Laity Lodge is a prized possession. Nearby hangs a serene painting of a pond by Kevin Partridge.

The master bath features a walk-in glass shower. White marble covers the walls and Above, the master bedroom. Again, the Franzkes enclosed a balcony to gain additional floor space in the room. A sitting area holds two comfortable upholstered club chairs and a television armoire.

floors. Crystal sconces are mounted on the mirrored wall above the vanity. Mary Ann’s closet has a built-in dresser and double-hung rods for her wardrobe.

A happy surprise Mary Ann and Chuck enjoy their new condo lifestyle. “I am very fond of all the people who work here,” she says. “They are the nicest people in the world. They pamper the residents, and it’s been a happy surprise. They make it so pleasant to live here.”

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AROUND TOWN

E VE NTS/P EO PL E/ PLA CE S/ OPE NIN GS 2

1 San Antonio Gardenia and Musical Club 2014 Coronation 1. The 2014 Court

2. Mertie Wood and Veronica Boldt

3. Eddie and Megan Canales, Sophia Canales, Nina Canales, Carolina and Tony Canales, Adriana and Tony Canales III 4. Siobhain Buckley and Suzanne Simpson

3

4

Cancer Center Council Annual Spring Lecture Luncheon

5. Sherry McNeil, Jessica Young, Dave Dravecky, Pam Burdick and Lisa Cohick 6. Mary Brook. Nancy Kelley, Joyce Brown and Laurie Kaplan

5

6

7

8

Boys & Girls Clubs Presents 6th Annual Leadership Wine Tasting Benefiting the Scholarship Fund of Boys & Girls Clubs

7. Chad Taylor, Angie Mock and Inigo Arzac 8. Chastity Guajardo and Lee Scantland

The Ecumenical Center Presents Ethics in Business San Antonio Luncheon

9. Marti Raba and Lynne Breuer

Fiesta Commission Annual Meeting

10. Jack and Carol Hebdon with Norma and Fernando Reyes

34 | sawoman.com

9

10

july/august 2014 | 35

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FASHION CALENDAR

July 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Ralph Lauren Pre-Fall 2014 Collection July 12-13 Neiman Marcus Sisley EventSisley Specialists’ Facials Cosmetics – By Appointment July 16-18 Neiman Marcus Guerlain Event Guerlain Super Aqua Collection Hydrating Facials Cosmetics – By Appointment July 18-19 Neiman Marcus Natura Bisse Event Relaxing Facials Cosmetics – By Appointment July 23-24 Saks Fifth Avenue Coomi Fine Jewelry Trunk Show Fall 2014 Collection July 24 Neiman Marcus Chantecaille Event Pamper Yourself Facials Cosmetics – By Appointment

36 | sawoman.com

August 7-8 Joseph Ribkoff Sportswear Trunk Show

Julian Gold

August 18-23 Andie & Barbara Box Show Ming Wang Washable Knits and Sharon Young Separates Transition and Fall

August 12 Neiman Marcus Akris Punto Styling Event Designer Sportswear

August 20 Neiman Marcus Fall Season Kick Off Trend Event Beauty Bars and Fashion Styling Couture Salon

August 13 & 20 Neiman Marcus Fall Season Kick Off Trend Event Beauty Bars and Fashion Styling Couture Salon August 13-17 Neiman Marcus Couture Gown Caravan Oscar de la Renta, Jenny Packhan, Rubin Singer and Zac Posen Couture Salon August 15-16 Lazaro Trunk Show Bridal

Julian Gold

August 21 Saks Fifth Avenue Stephanie Kantis Fashion Jewelry Trunk Show Fall 2014 Collection September 4 Neiman Marcus Stella McCartney Styling Event Designer Sportswear September 5 Saks Fifth Avenue David Yurman Trunk Show Fall 2014 Collection September 12 Neiman Marcus Etro Fall Trunk Show Designer Sportswear

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FABULOUS FINDS

PEÑALOZA & SONS

GO SPURS GO. What better way to celebrate our National Championship team? Yellow and white gold flanked by 5 princess cut diamonds on each side.

Available at Peñaloza & Sons.

2001 N.W. Military Hwy., 78213 (210) 340-3536 www.penalozaandsons.com

CHRISTI LANG

Fashion meets function.

Finally! Christi Lang handbags successfully marry function and fashion. Sleek, Italian leather, satchel-style shoulder bag featuring an interior with a place for everything.

Cut the clutter and organize your life — starting with your bag.

4025 Broadway (210) 858-6868 www.christilang.com

PARRISH & COMPANY

The Big Green Egg all-in-one oven, grill and smoker. This is the only outdoor cooker you will ever need and it is one the entire family will enjoy for a lifetime.

26995 Hwy 281 N. (830) 980-9595 www.parrishandcompany.com

38 | sawoman.com

july/august 2014 | 39

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E VE NTS/P EO PL E/ PLA CE S/ OPE NIN GS

AROUND TOWN 1

2

Texas Biomedical Forum Anual Gala La Dolce Vita ...

Una Magica Notte in Toscana at the Argyle

1. Left to Right: Elizabeth Cox, Sheila Mayfield, Sonya Medina Williams, Sarah Moore, Ashley Solcher Hixon, Elizabeth Carrington, Jody Lutz, Daniela Serna, Cathryn LeVrier, Jordan Worth Arriaga, Leslie Miller, Carla Nelson, Lynette Embrey.

2. Fred and Raven Labatt 3. Kelton and Melissa Morgan 4. Robert and Amanda Bezner

5. Trey and Kim Azar

6. Julie Zacher, Terry Gouger, Karen Lee Zachry

40 | sawoman.com

3

4

5

6

By ANNE MOORE

BEAUTY

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STAYING Skin Smart in the Sun Living in San Antonio weather brings with it some beauty and health challenges from head to toes — not just in the summer, but all year around. The following information can help you address these beauty challenges caused by exposure to the elements.

Humidity here in sunny San Antonio can get you all frazzled. You can apply a frizz-fighting product and let your hair dry naturally. Beachy waves look fabulous, especially if the water is salty.

Although blonde or highlighted hair with tanned skin simply screams summer, keep in mind that colored hair requires additional protection when in the sun to help prevent your hair from becoming dry and discolored. A deep-conditioning treatment, preferably once a week, is recommended for all hair types, particularly lightened hair exposed to sun, heat and wind.

Lemon juice squirted on your locks may slightly lighten them but will definitely dry them out.

Try slathering conditioner on your hair under a swim cap or immediately after getting out of the ocean or a pool.

Summer clothing and activities — shorts, swimsuits, sandals, barefootin’ — demand additional grooming, since you’ll be exposing more skin. The pedicure is particularly important. Before you jump in feet first, give your feet and toenails a pickup by soaking them in a pan of water with a capful of household bleach for a few minutes. This will lighten your feet and whiten your nails. Next, use a foot cream to exfoliate and soften your feet. Then apply some warm body oil to the feet, especially the heels, wrap them in gauze and relax for 15 minutes. Finally, go for the gusto by painting your toes a bright color that will look great with your sandals and fun summer clothes.

Tanned skin looks terrific. Deep-fried, not so much. Nor does the resulting wrinkled, leathery skin — or skin cancer — we may experience later in life. There is no excuse for skipping the necessary precautions to help you avoid these consequences.

Skin strategies include using a hydrating toner in the place of your moisturizer for a lighter, less greasy feeling.

Try using a gel bronzer on your forehead, cheekbones and down the center of the nose, followed by a moisturizer.

Maybe choose a shimmery powder on your eyelids, cheekbones, shoulders and collarbones for extra va-va-voom.

This year’s trendy silvers would be perfect. Pop a bit of cream blush on the apples of your cheeks for a healthy glow.

You might choose to use a tinted moisturizer instead of foundation.

*

Keep these products in the fridge for an extra cool feeling.

Whatever products you use, be sure you’ll have at least a 30 SPF overall coverage.

Start with sunscreen.

Smear a shot glassful over your body, any place that will be exposed to the sun as well as those places not directly exposed. And don’t forget your eyelids and ears. Yes, damaging sun rays can get through your clothing — even your swimsuit. Sunscreens come in many forms — towelettes, topical lotions, creams, ointments, gel or spray and salves or sticks especially for your lips and nose. They can be found in drugstores, cosmetic counters, dermatologists’ offices — even your local convenience stores.

Apply a “film” screen to windows in your car, office and home. Use LED light bulbs if you sit within a foot or so from the light source. Since UV levels increase about 4 percent per 1,000 feet of altitude, pull the shade on an airplane if you’re in the window seat. You do get some protection from an umbrella, but sand and concrete reflect a percentage of the UV rays, and water reflects almost 100 percent of the rays.

The very lowest SPF recommended in your sunscreen products is SPF 30. For those considered to be at high risk for skin cancer, including those with a past history of skin cancer, those with extremely fair skin and light eyes, and those with many moles, the requirement becomes SPF 50 or above. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and every two hours thereafter. july/august 2014 | 41

BEAUTY

T S

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u v w x y

Although more is not necessarily better, if you do not apply enough sunscreen — the recommended shot glassful — the SPF protection is diluted.

Ingredients to look for when choosing a sunscreen are zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and avobenzone/Parsol 1789.

Better yet, use a bronzer or self-tanning product to look tanned instead of exposing yourself to the UVB rays of the sun AND TANNING BEDS. Beware that with a self- tanner you’re just as likely to get sunburned outof-doors, many times because of overconfidence.

Exfoliate your skin prior to application of sunscreen to get rid of dead skin cells for a smoother application.

Use gloves to avoid colored palms when applying self-tanning products.

You need to wear sunglasses, those that stop UVA and UVB rays at all times when you’re in the sun. You can even buy swim goggles with the protection against these rays.

Check out the growing selection of clothing, hats, swimwear, cover-ups and even fabrics with UPF ratings of 50+ to protect you from harmful UVA and UVB light. You can check online, but local sports stores seem to be carrying these now.

42 | sawoman.com

If you do get sunburned: • Apply cooled oatmeal that has been cooked using 1 cup regular oatmeal mixed with 1/2 cup of milk.

• Some prefer applying a piece of an aloe vera plant or a gel or cream made from the aloe vera plant.

• Apply zinc cream at bedtime.

• For severe burns, get professional emergency treatment.

And, remember ... the amount of sun exposure you actually receive is determined using a combination of factors: the length of time spent in the sun, the time of day, the geographic location and weather conditions.

TX TREASURE

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Phil Collins donates massive collection to the Alamo In June, former Genesis drummer, and Texana collector Phil Collins joined Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson to announce the donation of his famed collection of rarities to the state of Texas.

"I am enormously pleased and proud to have my collection 'going home' to the Alamo,” Collins said. “It has been, and will continue to be my passion, and I shall continue to gather relics and documents, and forward them so they can be enjoyed. " The private collection was popularized in Collins’ book, The Alamo and Beyond. “I am very committed to helping historians discover as much as possible about the Alamo and the history of Texas,” said Collins. “I am hooked on the history of what happened here, on both sides of the wall.”

Patterson said Collins’ decision was swayed by the Texas General Land Office being granted authority over the 300-yearold former mission in 2011.

“I am honored by the trust Mr. Collins has placed in us, and proud to be able to bring this collection back to the Alamo,” Patterson said.

For many of the items, the donation will mark their first return to the cradle of Texas liberty since the legendary defeat of Texian forces there in 1836.

Due to the size of the collection, the proper facilities may not yet exist at the Alamo to properly store and exhibit them.

As chair of the recently created Alamo Endowment, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds for the Alamo, Patterson will lead a massive, private fundraising effort to build a suitable visitor center to house and display Collins’ treasures.

For more information on the Texas General

Land

Office

please

visit

www.glo.texas.gov. For more information on the Alamo, please visit the official Alamo website at www.thealamo.org. july/august 2014 | 43

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HEALTH

HEART

KNOW THE FACTS ABOUT HEART DISEASE

ATTACKS: FACT 1:

More women die of cardiovascular disease than from the next four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer. Many cardiac events in women could be prevented if they made the right choices for their hearts involving diet, exercise and abstinence from smoking.

A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot. If this clot cuts off the blood flow completely, the part of the heart muscle supplied by that artery begins to die.

HEART DISEASE IS THE NO. 1 KILLER OF WOMEN. • Cardiovascular diseases cause one in three women’s deaths each year, killing approximately one woman every minute.

• An estimated 43 million women in the United States are affected by cardiovascular disease.

• 90 percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease.

FACT 2: 1. Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.

2. Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

3. Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.

4. Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

5. As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

6. If you have any of these signs, don’t wait more than five minutes before calling for help. Call 911. Get to a hospital right away.

While you can’t change things like age, ethnicity and family history, the good news is that even modest changes to your diet and

HEART DISEASE KILLS MORE WOMEN THAN ALL FORMS OF CANCER COMBINED, BUT IS OFTEN UNDIAGNOSED. • One in 30 women die from breast cancer each year.

One in three die of cardiovascular disease.

• Only one in five American women believe that heart disease is their greatest health threat.

• Women comprise only 24 percent of participants in all heart-related studies.

• Women are less likely to call 911 for themselves when experiencing symptoms of a heart attack than they are for someone else having a heart attack.

lifestyle can improve your heart health and lower your risk by as much as 80 percent.

High cholesterol is not good for you; it can increase your risk for heart disease or heart attack. This happens because cholesterol and other fats can build up, narrow arteries and then be blocked by a blood clot or other particle. This causes the heart or brain to

FACT 3: CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE KILLS MORE WOMEN THAN MEN. • Since 1984, more women than men have died each year from heart disease and stroke, and the gap between men and women’s survival continues to widen.

• The symptoms of heart disease can be different in women than in men and are often misunderstood — even by some physicians.

FACT 4: HEART DISEASE AFFECTS WOMEN OF ALL AGES AND ETHNICITIES. • Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for African-American and Hispanic women, killing nearly 50,000 and 19,000, respectively, each year.

• Only 43 percent of African-American women and 44 percent of Hispanic women know that heart disease is their greatest health risk, compared with 60 percent of Caucasian women.

• Of African-American women ages 20 and older, 48.9 percent have cardiovascular disease.

Yet only 20 percent believe they are at risk.

• Only 50 percent of AfricanAmerican women are aware of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack.

• Hispanic women are likely to develop heart disease 10 years earlier than Caucasian women.

• Only three in 10 Hispanic women say they have been informed that they are at a higher risk.

• Only one in four Hispanic women is aware of treatment options.

• For younger women, the combination of birth control pills and smoking boosts heart risks by 20 percent.

lose its blood supply, resulting in a heart attack. You should have your cholesterol levels checked regularly because with the help of your health care professional, high cholesterol can be controlled.

44 | sawoman.com

Source: American Heart Association Heart Disease and Stroke 2012 Statistical Update.

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HEALTH

A

ssociate professor of obstetrics and gynecology with the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and a practicing ob/gyn, Dr. Kristen Plastino is used to seeing the inside of a hospital, but she’s typically not the patient.

However, at the age of 41, Dr. Plastino found herself on the receiving end of cardiovascular care at University Hospital. After an otherwise picture-perfect day in San Antonio spent at her son’s baseball game, Dr. Plastino was packing up to take her children home and began to feel classic symptoms of a heart attack: chest pain, nausea, sweating.

Ignoring what she knew was a heart attack, Dr. Plastino drove herself home. Then her husband drove her to University Hospital. An EKG at the hospital confirmed she was having a heart attack. Dr. Plastino underwent angioplasty, where doctors inserted a tiny balloon into her coronary artery to restore blood flow. She later received four stents to open up her arteries.

Today, Dr. Plastino reminds women not to ignore the signs and to call 911 at the first onset of heart attack symptoms. She admits that not seeking emergency care sooner could have cost her her life, so she feels blessed to have the opportunity to share her story with others. She shares her story often and has become a dedicated advocate of the American Heart Association, serving on the local board of directors for AHA and as the 2013-2014 chair of the Go Red For Women Passion Committee. As chair, Dr. Plastino has worked closely to bring the message of good nutrition and heart health to patients, her community and teachers and children at area schools.

“I am making it my

SHE’S A SURVIVOR Dr. Kristen Plastino shares her story

mission to ensure other women know their risks, the warning signs and the importance of calling 911,”

Source: American Heart Association

46 | sawoman.com

she says.

50 | sawoman.com

A special section for San Antonio Woman

A special section for San Antonio Woman

A special section for San Antonio Woman

look good feel better H E L P I N G

W O M E N

W I T H

®

C A N C E R

Having cancer is hard enough but dealing with the side effects of

Each patient receives a gift bag of totally donated products that

treatment and what happens to your appearance can be devas-

match their skin type. The facilitators, who are all licensed cos-

tating to a patient.

metologists donating their time, then show each patient how to apply the products to reduce the risk of infection and teaches ®

Look Good…Feel Better is a free program offered throughout

them tricks with wigs, turbans and hats to cover their hair loss.

the United States designed for women undergoing chemother-

Mary has a great trick for those new to treatment and just start-

apy, radiation and other forms of cancer treatment. Founded in

ing to lose their hair: “No one wears panty hose anymore, but

1989, it was developed in collaboration between the Personal

if you take the top band off an old pair and tie it around your

Care Products Council Foundation, the American Cancer Society

head at night, in the morning just take it off and throw it away.

and the Professional Beauty Association/National Cosmetology

That way the patient doesn’t have the pain of seeing the lost

Association. Look Good…Feel Better offers instructions and ad-

hair in the morning.”

vice on dealing with the temporary appearance changes of cancer treatment.

Another tip she gives is to use old T-shirts as turbans.

That gives them a new look on their head every day.

Mary Seward, (pictured above) a Look Good…Feel Better Sunrise Award winner and a facilitator and trainer for San Antonio and

The patient feels empowerment after a session of Look Good…

surrounding areas, was the first person to bring Look Good…Feel

Feel Better! They are given the tools to control their appearance,

Better to Texas. The first time she went to a session at a hospital

and that makes it easier to look at themselves in the mirror dur-

in Dallas she panicked. “What will I do with a room full of people

ing the difficult time of treatment and recovery. The best cancer

with cancer?” she said. Once she got in there and started their

treatments aren’t always prescribed by a medical professional!

session, she said she felt so comfortable and that each one was like a best friend. The sessions are all product neutral, non-med-

How can someone newly diagnosed, someone undergoing treat-

ical and appearance related. Each cancer patient arrives for a

ment or even someone who has finished their treatment get to

hands-on 2 hour session with 6-10 other patients in the room. It

Look Good…Feel Better? www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org.

is a welcome respite for their family member/caregiver as well.

The facilitator wants only the patients in the room so that they

The local American Cancer Society office can refer patients to

are the focus so the family member/caregiver can have some free

Look Good…Feel Better throughout San Antonio and nation-

time while the session is going on.

wide. Just call 210-614-4212 or 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

Contact the American Cancer Society online at cancer.org or call our toll-free number 1.800.227.2345

6

A special section for San Antonio Woman

A special section for San Antonio Woman

7

volunteer spotlight V I C K I

G O E B E L

American Cancer Society is a volunteer-driven organization. Fundraising activities all over the US, including Relay for Life, Making Strides against Breast Cancer and Cattle Baron’s Galas, are successfully driven through many hours of dedicated volunteers. One local volunteer, Vicki Goebel, has been part of the American Cancer Society family for over 30 years! Her story began back in Michigan, where she was a chair of Daffodil Days while working for a hospital in the Oncology Department.

Vicki moved to San Antonio in 1987. Through her job doing marketing at the Texas Headache Institute she attended multiple Health Fairs and met staff from the American Cancer Society. This encouraged her to start volunteering again with American Cancer Society here in San Antonio. In 1999 Vicki became the chair for Relay for Life. ”Boy was that a challenge! I took over and in three months, put a Relay together,” said Vicki. “My commitment was for two years because I knew it could be better if we had more time to plan it!” Her second year was a huge success and for the next 10 years she stayed involved with Relay for Life. During that time she was on the Texas Task Force for Relay for Life. “That was so fun – meeting and getting to know so many volunteers from around the state.

While on the Task Force I chaired the State Committee for Awards.

The most exciting part was announcing at the State meeting that Texas won the Gordon Klatt National Award. It went to Leaky, Texas for the most money raised per capita. While on the State Task Force Vicki was also nominated to attend the Celebration on the Hill Project where volunteers went to Washington DC to meet with Senators and the House of Representatives to lobby for money to continue cancer research.

During that time, there was a local board for the American Cancer Society and Vicki served on the ACS Board. While a board member she became involved with the Cattle Baron’s Gala and has been for the past 11 events. Her life took a turn during that time when Vicki became a cancer patient herself. She was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and quickly became a part of the American Cancer Society in a very different way — as a patient and a survivor.

“My story with being diagnosed is interesting. I remember being at a Cattle Baron’s Gala and having fun, knowing I was going to go in for surgery the following week. I had my thyroid removed and when I was discharged from the hospital, I was told there was no cancer. Well, I work for a group of pathologists who wanted to see the slides. Not knowing what was going on, they sent it to another specialist to confirm what they had found — cancer. I received a call from my treating physician wanting to see me in his office as soon as possible. When I asked why, he told me that there was a mistake and that cancer was found. I immediately called the doctors I worked for to find out what was going on and they told me they could not talk to me until I talked to my treating physician. When I told them I had, they told me what they found and it was confirmed by another specialist.

“I consider myself very lucky that the pathologists I work for care about me so much. I went through the radiation therapy and have been cancer-free now for five years. I have a sister who also had thyroid cancer and is a two-time breast cancer survivor, so that puts me in a very high-risk category. I am watched very carefully by all of my doctors including the pathologists I work for.“ Four years ago a staff partner from the American Cancer Society approached Vicki and asked her to chair the Childhood Cancer Art Project. The Art Project would be used as a Live Auction item at the

8

Cattle Baron’s Gala in the fall.

“I took on the project not knowing much about it, and to my surprise it was the best job ever! Working with the kids at Camp Discovery was the best!”

This also put her back in touch with cancer survivor David James Trujillo, whom she met when he was 10 years old and post bone marrow transplant, at Christus Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital. David James became a camp counselor working with other kids who are cancer survivors, and has since graduated from college and teaching elementary school. He volunteers with these kids because he wants to give back to the American Cancer Society and all the help they gave his family during his treatment.

The first art project Vicki was in charge of was a bench made of ceramic tiles painted by the kids. “It was a fantastic day with the kids.” After the tiles were complete Vicki took on the job of finding someone to create the bench. “I turned it over to Mr. Gabe Rodriguez at Dollar Tile and he created an incredible bench that sold at the Live Auction for an all-time high of $42,000!” That bench is now in a memory garden and touches people’s hearts every day.

The next year the bench was repeated along with a table. The bench is housed at a resort in the Hill Country.

The 2013 Art Project was a new creation. Vicki worked with artist Faryl Greller to have the kids create “Hearts of Hope”. This painting is a mural of hearts painted by the kids that was an expression of what hope and love meant to them. The kids were also asked to write their thoughts about what “hope and love” meant to them and they wrote incredible things. Art Inc. took those thoughts and etched them into plexiglass and created an incredible frame for the mural and turned the piece into a work of art that sold at the 2013 Cattle Baron’s Gala for a record $50,000! It now hangs in the lobby of the Methodist Children’s Hospital Lobby thanks to the generosity of a donor.

This year, the American Cancer Society is happy to start a new program for the kids called “Wrangler Day at the Rio Cibolo Ranch.” Vicki took this new project on and hopes it will become an annual event. This day is to give kids a chance to come out and be on a working ranch and have fun while helping us create another beautiful art project. This year it is a chandelier and the theme is “Shine the Light on a Cure.” “My dream for this project is to raise more than the “Hearts of Hope” and that it will be hanging someplace where everyone can see it and know we are working to find a cure for cancer.“ “One of the most rewarding things about volunteering with the ACS has been meeting so many incredible people and survivors. I have a fantastic boss who supports my volunteer work and a group of friends that have been pulled into many of my volunteer projects. You can ask a few and they will tell you the same thing and how rewarding it has been for them. I also find it rewarding when an art project touches so many people and how they take it upon themselves to help others. That is what it’s all about.“ Vicki Goebel, volunteer extraordinaire and cancer survivor, is the Director of Marketing for Precision Pathology.

Contact the American Cancer Society online at cancer.org or call our toll-free number 1.800.227.2345

A special section for San Antonio Woman

T

he initial diagnosis “You’ve got cancer” are hard words to hear. Once the “Road to Recovery” begins, there are many obstacles that each patient comes to.

Sometimes, the most difficult one can be how to get to treatment.

A male patient, 68, spent more than 30 years in the car-hauling industry. His life was filled with late-night truck stops, cheap motels, greasy food and many miles of steering 18-wheelers down blacktop highways as America streaked by.

He was nearing retirement in 2005 when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. By 2007, when he did retire, the cancer had spread and was punching pain through his left leg. Within six months, his leg was paralyzed and he was relying on a scooter to get him around. Suddenly driving, the way he made his living all of his life, was out of the question. How would he get to his treatment at the Cancer Care Center on

10

Loop 410? A taxi would cost $30 each way, and that expense would eat through his savings. It also upset him that his wife would have to take off work twice a week to drive him to his appointments.

A chat at the center changed things.

While talking with someone at the center before an appointment, he explained his predicament. They immediately referred him to a patient navigator at the American Cancer Society who arranged rides from Le Fleur Transportation. Now he calls the service whenever he needs rides to and from his appointments. “Without this service, my wife would have taken off of work.

They went out of their way to make sure I was taken care of. The American Cancer Society transportation service has been a lifesaver for me,” he says.

Transportation to and from appointments is a free service offered by the American Cancer Society here in San Antonio.

A special section for San Antonio Woman

There are many patients who simply cannot get to their cancer treatments.

Even if they have a car patients can’t drive after many treatments because of aftereffects of the treatments.

Another patient contacted the American Cancer Society for transportation as she does not drive. All of her family members work and have very busy schedules.

Her husband is the sole provider to her and their 3 children. The transportation service has allowed the family to maintain some financial stability since the patient’s husband can continue to work full-time. Without this free service, she may not have made it to treatment on a regular basis.

This service is just one of many free services that American Cancer Society provides patients on a daily basis. In 2013 American Cancer Society provided 7256 rides to 555 patients in the San Antonio area, which includes 12 counties.

Do you need a ride to treatment?

Please contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 and speak to a patient navigator. Or visit our website at www.cancer.org.

When I first heard that I had cancer 25 years ago, I was in shock and disbelief and scared to the very core of my being. The feelings of fear, powerlessness, and loss of control were overwhelming and I could think of nothing else. There were just so many feelings swirling around in my head that whatever assurances my doctor gave me were not heard.

The word cancer was louder than anything else I could hear, it was all I could think about.

When I was hospitalized recovering from a mastectomy, a young woman came to see me and identified herself as a volunteer with the Reach to Recovery (RTR) program of the American Cancer Society (ACS). She brought information about breast cancer and the services provided by ACS, but more importantly she brought me hope because she herself was a breast cancer survivor. Her visit was very powerful and provided me with the hope, perseverance, and optimism I needed to fight cancer.

Once I was finished with my cancer treatments, I thought I could also help other women who were going through what I

ROSE ORSBORN

had gone through. I wanted to give them the hope that survival was possible and life could go back to normal. I became an ACS

ask those questions that deal with their fears and emotions, questions that they

volunteer in 1990, and I’m still very much

want to shield from their loved ones. They see us as powerful examples of how we

an active volunteer. I firmly believe in the

have survived and continue to reach to recovery.

tremendous impact that the ACS has on patients, their families and the community. I,

I find much fulfillment as a volunteer with ACS. My personal goal is to continue to

along with other volunteers in the RTR pro-

assure that patients who have received a cancer diagnosis have easy access to ACS

gram, visit women who receive an initial di-

services. I especially want to reach those patients who do not have easy access to serv-

agnosis of breast cancer. We bring accurate

ices due to barriers such as poverty, isolation, and language problems. I am grateful

and timely information about breast cancer

to ACS for being there when I desperately needed a lifeline to lift me from hopeless-

as well as information about ACS services.

ness to hopefulness.

More importantly, we bring hope and encouragement to these patients. We quickly form a bond with them since they realize that we have been there, we have heard the words “you have cancer“, we have felt that initial paralyzing fear, we have had radiation, we have experienced the side effects of chemotherapy. They feel they can

Contact the American Cancer Society online at cancer.org or call our toll-free number 1.800.227.2345.

A special section for San Antonio Woman

11

12

A special section for San Antonio Woman

recoveryitems LORNA WONG

On any given day at the San Antonio American Cancer Society office located at 8115 Datapoint, there are patients waiting to be fitted for a wig. This is a free service that is key to many women’s rehabilitation. Having cancer is hard enough, dealing with the loss of hair makes it even tougher for a patient.

Lorna Wong, a cancer survivor and retired teacher, has been volunteering at the American Cancer Society for the past two years fitting patients. “It is a way to give back from my own cancer experience, I feel lucky to be a survivor!”

Each patient is entitled to one wig per diagnosis and an alternative head covering to use when the wig doesn’t feel comfortable. There are turbans and caps made by volunteers, crocheted and hand decorated to choose from. “The wigs are synthetic and not human hair because they are so much easier to care for! These women have enough to think about without needing to worry about caring for their wigs!” says Lorna.

“Since it is sometimes awkward for women without hair to go out in public, they feel better when they leave here and they love how they look!”

Pillows are also available, made by volunteers, that patients can use as a cushion under their seat belt to protect their port while going through treatment.

If you need a wig or head covering, please contact the American Cancer Society office to set an appointment 210-614-4212 or for more information call 1-800-223-7345 or visit www.cancer.org.

A special section for San Antonio Woman

13

a story of hope “We can never tell what is in store for us.”– Harry S. Truman

PATIA SANDIFER Cancer has not defined my life. My life has so many prisms. I

My story begins seventeen years ago, eight days after celebrat-

work for the American Cancer Society in Austin and have the priv-

ing my 21st birthday. I had not been feeling well the months prior

ilege to raise funds for cancer research and assistance for cancer pa-

to my birthday and did not think much of it. Why would I? I was a

tients and their families. I volunteer with the Junior League and

college student without a care in the world, so I ignored the not-

have had placements in a Neonatal ICU hospital as a “Cuddler” and

so-great feeling and went on with my life. I have been blessed with

as a play therapy volunteer at a children’s behavioral hospital. I love

a loving family comfortable “walking in my shoes” with me. I am

to cook and travel, have fabulous friends who call and take me fun

not exceptional, just ordinary. Two caring brothers, a father always

places, a caring, praying community and an unconditionally loving

there for me, and loving mother and stepfather make up my im-

family. I felt I had paid my dues to cancer the first time. How could

mediate family! A fifth-generation Dallasite, my life has been that

this happen again? How will this diagnosis impact my career? How

of the classic all-American girl enjoying life.

as a single person will I survive? Well, hope comes from the people

In March of 1997 my life changed. I felt a lump above my collar

that have surrounded me. How blessed could I be!

bone about the size of a large marble. It was alarming because

The American Cancer Society has been a supportive cushion in

there was no pain, just an unexplainable lump. I was immediately

my healing journey. The research in the past 17 years has signifi-

taken to the doctor by my mother and underwent extensive tests.

cantly changed for the better all of the devastating side effects of

Waiting has always been difficult for me. A few days later, I received

chemotherapy treatment. Information and education offered

the news. I received a diagnosis of stage 3 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

through the American Cancer Society provides answers to the treat-

Life from that moment on was put on hold for both me and my

ment and healing process and gives hope to cancer survivors and

family, but in reality life went on and had to. I came home from the

their families. The American Cancer Society has resources within

doctor’s office, looked in the mirror with tears in my eyes and said

every community throughout the healing journey with transporta-

to myself things will be a lot different.

tion assistance through Road to Recovery, wigs and assistance with

A new normal had to be established immediately, and I had to

personal grooming tips for great appearance through Look Good

stay strong. A rollercoaster of ups and downs, twists and turns of

Feel Better, personal organization files that keep me on track when

emotions challenged me daily, compounded with twelve rounds of

the “chemo brain” jumps into my world, and temporary hotel

chemotherapy. Two months of daily radiation changed daily rou-

rooms as known as Guest Room arranged for the out-of-town pa-

tine, sleep patterns, some relationships, and considerations about

tient before treatment. Almost all of these services I witness first-

my future. The support I received from my family, church, friends

hand not only as an American Cancer Society employee but also as

and strangers brought me so much closer in my faith in God and

a patient. They are lifesaving!

the realization that healing was possible. Each day I received a

For all of us there is that moment when you choose to ground

serendipity (a providential surprise) that gave me strength to meet

yourself and live each day with authenticity and gratitude for all of

the daily challenge. I realized that I was too young to feel sorry for

those life lessons, conversations and teachable moments that have

myself and had to fight to the finish. I was not going to let cancer

come your way. I owe a big thank you to everyone who has given

win. Finally, seven years later I was released from my oncologist and

me a smile, said “we are praying for you,” brought a casserole over

declared cured. The fight was finished, and I had won!

at the end of the day, taken me on trips far and near, allowed me

Well, we never know what is going to happen! In late August

to rest and take a nap, and stayed my friend.

in 2013, I discovered a lump in my left breast. I was praying that I

My story is not unique. Everyone has someone in their life that

was going to be fine, because my health has been great for YEARS.

needs encouragement and a sense of hope. What have I learned

Nothing is going to stop all the good I have going in my life.

from this experience? All of us have challenges that can bring doubt

Tests determined a diagnosis of stage 2 invasive ductal carci-

into our lives. Look for positive people in your life. Have faith that

noma breast cancer. The dreaded second malignancy nightmare

you are not alone and in God’s providence and grace. You are in

which had been looming in the back of my head for years had come

the palm of His hand to comfort and guide you. Live a life of grat-

true. Anger, denial, confusion, fear and finally acceptance were my

itude for the big but especially the small

emotions. How long did it take me to work through these emo-

things. Don’t give up. Have hope, as each

tions? Time was not on my side, so in about a week I came to accept

day brings the opportunity to love and be

the fact that this was my new reality and a new way of life. In Oc-

in relationship with others. I have hope

tober a double mastectomy was performed with Deip Flap recon-

that I will finish the fight!

structive surgery using my own abdominal tissue followed by four rounds of chemotherapy. I was and am blessed to have fabulous

14

Patia Stirling Sandifer works for the

professional medical treatment in San Antonio. My doctors and

American Cancer Society in Austin. She is

nurses are some of the miracles in my life.

a graduate of Schreiner University.

A special section for San Antonio Woman

By JEFF DEGNER

WINE

W

Low-calorie Wine, Spirits Beer

&

ARE THEY A GIMMICK OR A REALISTIC ADDITION TO YOUR WEIGHT-LOSS PLAN? Recently my co-workers and I have begun a “Biggest Loser” competition at the office.

Once I got off the scale and put my shoes, watch, belt, cell phone, wallet and wedding ring back on, ensuring that no unnecessary items were throwing off my initial weigh-in, I decided that I had this thing in the bag.

All I needed to do was add more fruits and vegetables while removing fried foods and desserts. I would follow that up with a weekend walk around the block and maybe try out that yoga mat that I received for Christmas. I just needed to do this for 90 quick days, and I would be hoisting the trophy above my head before the neighborhood kids headed back to school in the fall.

As I was heading back to my desk, one of my competitors sent a devastating blow to my eventual victory lap around the office — he asked me my plans for not drinking during the competition. “With so many calories in alcohol, how do you expect to compete?” he asked with a smile. I smirked and acted like I wasn’t rattled while in my head I was scrambling for an answer. I knew that sugar is a major component in the process of just about everything that I drink and didn’t have a solution to my problem.

Seriously, what was I thinking? Summer is such a perfect season for drinks. This is where I make the perfect wine pairings with grilled meats, continue my pursuit to make the world’s best margarita and discover a great IPA from Colorado. I needed to do some research to see what my options were, and I was not going to give up without a fight.

Wine: Luckily, there are a lot of options with wine. The amount of alcohol in wine has more influence on your calorie count than carbs do since alcohol has roughly seven calories per gram, while normal carbs found in bread have four. Basically, lower-alcohol wines like a riesling will have fewer calories than a high-octane zinfandel. This was great news since generally I lean toward European wines or loweralcohol wines from the New World wine regions. This is an easy fix for me: Switch out California cabernets (14 to 15 percent alcohol by volume) with a lovely Bordeaux (12 to 13.5 percent ABV). German rieslings (9 to 11 percent ABV) are great summer wines that can persuade me to hide my chardonnays (11 to 13 percent ABV) for a few months, and my trusty and favorite Champagne (12 to 13 percent ABV) will never let me down.

In my research I did find one low-calorie wine that piqued my interest. Brancott, a large New Zealand winery, had just launched their Flight Song wines that are crafted to be 20 percent lighter in calories. I reached out to a friend of mine that represents these wines and asked to try them. Surprisingly, these were pretty good. They were lighter in style, and the flavors didn’t sit on the tongue for as long as their higher-in-calorie counterparts. I thought while the wines were nice and a softer representation of New Zealand wines, most people would enjoy the classic grapefruit and Meyer lemon flavors and never realize that they were drinking a wine that was lower in alcohol.

july/august 2014 | 67

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WINE

Spirits: This category is a little more difficult since it is harder to market a lower-alcohol gin, vodka and tequila. No one really

wants

to

take

a

shot

of

Jägermeister light. Where Bethenny Frankel changed the world was making Skinny Girl low-calorie mixes that would still pack the punch but lowered the calories by using less sugar with the mix. I decided to give her Skinny Girl margarita a shot. I followed the recipe from her website and sat outside with my “diet margarita.” For safety, I removed myself from any furniture or shoes that I might want to hurl around at a reality housewife that might have wronged me.

Luckily, my Skinny Girl margarita and any housewife transformation were underwhelming and nonexistent. The drink was not bad by any means, but I felt that going back to the basics was more my speed. I returned to the kitchen and used freshly squeezed lime juice with a kiss of some sugar and created a margarita that was more to my liking with fewer calories than the mix.

Again, Frankel has built an empire on these mixes, but I just prefer the cheaper and more natural version.

Beer: The beer industry has long had light beer in the market. I have tried almost every one and have yet to find a light beer that impressed me. They are generally thin and lacking the flavors that I have come to expect when I crack open a can. But there is a beer that I do love that surprisingly has very few calories. Coming in at only 126 calories, Guinness is a gift from the beer gods. A can of Guinness is not only great for someone on a diet, but it also is a weightier beer that will make you feel like you ate a threecourse Irish meal.

For the next three months I will substiLunaseeStudios / Shutterstock.com

tute a few nights enjoying my wine and spirit research and instead will pop in my old Tae Bo VHS tapes and burn some of those annoying calories. And on those nights when I want to enjoy a nice drink, I will try to avoid those items that will weigh me down and look for a skinnier choice.

Now I need someone to invent a good tasting diet buffalo wing, and all my problems will be gone.

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

68 | sawoman.com

july/august 2014 | 69

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GUYS TO KNOW

JOSEPH PERRY, DDS Bringing smiles back to San Antonio Dr. Joseph Perry is modest, but his patients tend to brag

for making dentures as well as any type of removable appli-

about his work and smile whenever his name is mentioned.

By

ance. I found myself constantly engaged in research that

That’s because of all that this friendly San Antonio dentist and

JANIS TURK

would make the process simpler and have a more predictable

denture expert has done for their smiles — and their lives.

With a focus on dentures, dental implants and dental solutions for more than 25 years, Dr. Perry, who has practiced dentistry over 30 years, delights in improving his patients’ lives. Many tell him that they never dreamed that chewing

outcome. In short, it became my mission to help my patients Photos by

CASEY HOWELL

eat comfortably and look as they would have, had they not lost their teeth and jawbone that supports their teeth.

Q: Some people think all dentures are the same, and that

food and wearing dentures could seem natural and comfort-

if dentures aren't comfortable or look unnatural, or if they

able and that they’d get back their smile. More than just a

make their faces seem sunken in, they assume there’s little

dentist, Dr. Perry is passionate about bringing his clients a

anyone can do about it. Is that true?

renewed sense of comfort and confidence.

A. Many people think that, but these days, that’s not the case.

Born and raised in California, Dr. Perry joined the Navy,

I now can make a positive difference in my patients’ comfort

earned his DDS degree from the University of Texas Health

level and appearance. Today, with the Strickland Facelift Den-

Science Center in San Antonio, taught dentistry at that same

ture process, a new denture design that adds visible fullness

school for a few years while establishing his practice, and

and definition to the face, we have learned to first evaluate

met his wife, Ruth, in San Antonio. The couple then moved

the face and all its structures and make a determination of

to Beeville, where Dr. Perry set up his general dental practice,

how it would be if there had been no loss of teeth. At that

and there he recognized a need among patients that he

point, we begin a process to design teeth with bases that will

wanted to address. So he focused his efforts on finding the

produce a more natural, positive end result. You might say

best possible solutions to their problems with dentures, and

now we use a top-down approach, with molds made to in-

for the past 25 years, his career’s primary focus has been on

corporate the movement of musculature, gum tissue and

implant dentistry, oral surgery and denture solutions.

nerve position. A bite is made to produce the most relaxed

Recently, Dr. Perry and his family moved back to San An-

and comfortable chewing motion. The result is less strain on

tonio, where he continues to be dedicated about helping pa-

the muscles in our face, neck and upper back. The sunken-in

tients achieve a comfortable and functional bite and a natural

“denture look” fades, and you see the dramatic changes in

smile, using today's most sophisticated denture solutions.

facial appearance. The difference is remarkable.

I caught up with Dr. Perry this week to find out a little more about his work and what brought him back to the

Q: What other services do you offer?

Alamo City.

A. We now have a variety of dental implants that allow us to attach or secure the dentures in place. This can be done in a

Q. How did you become interested in dentistry?

myriad of ways depending on the desires of the patient and

A. I once was a hard-working kid in the Navy, out to see the

the existing bone structure. This is a revolutionary boon for

world, and to my surprise, I found myself marooned in a small

the lower denture sufferer. Today we can give hope to almost

town in South Texas. Over time, I filled in off-time taking

anyone in ways that were nearly unheard of just a few years

classes at the local community college, which was at that

ago: hence our name, San Antonio Denture Solutions.

time known as Beeville County College. I became friends with other students that were studying for a dental hygiene de-

Q. You obviously work hard and enjoy what you do, but you

gree. Eventually their interest and excitement in the field of

still seem to make time for family and fun.

dentistry rubbed off on me, and as time progressed, I found

A. I enjoy working in the yard and going fishing on the Texas

myself enrolled in the University of Texas Dental School here

Gulf, and I love being with my family. Ruth and I have two

in San Antonio.

I had built strong ties in Beeville, so I decided to return

children. Our daughter, Jordin, is a junior at the International School of the Americas located at Lee High School, and she

after graduation. In a small-town practice, it is necessary to

is currently researching future college campuses. Our son,

be proficient in nearly all aspects in the field of dentistry, but

Morgan, is in the eighth grade, and he enjoys four-wheeling

it was not long before I realized that there exists a big need

all over my garden, fishing and doing anything associated

72 | sawoman.com

Assisted by Erica Sanchez, Dr. Perry turns his attention to a patient.

with the outdoors. And then of course there’s our Beagle, named Rikki after the lyrics in a Steely Dan song. My motherin-law, Luisita Lake, lives with us, and she keeps us all in line.

Q: You attended dental school here in San Antonio before practicing dentistry in Beeville. Why did you decide to move back after so many years away?

A. I like to say I moved back so it would be easier to attend Spurs games, and that’s true. But more importantly, my wife and I wanted my mother-in-law to have access to the outstanding Fort Sam Houston medical care available here in San Antonio. At first, I moved the family on ahead and commuted here part of the week, but that became untenable. We all wanted to be together, so I sold the practice and moved here full time. San Antonio offers very good schools and provides excellent care for the elderly, so we knew it was a good fit for our family. My wife, Ruth, is from San Antonio, so for both of us it felt like coming home.

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BUSINESS WOMAN SPOTLIGHT

Rosemary Castoreno, M.D. Physician/Owner Women’s Comprehensive Clinic for Internal Medicine, PLLC

What do you do? We are San Antonio's first internal medicine practice exclusively for women. We recognize that women have unique health care needs that require special focus, and for that reason Women’s Comprehensive Clinic for Internal Medicine was established. We are a professional medical practice for women by women. Our goal is to provide quality, competent and caring health care that is woman-centered. We specialize in chronic disease management, acute illness care, preventive medicine, medical weight loss, hormone replacement and wellness optimization.

Length of time at this job: Eleven years of medical experience.

What is it that you like best about your job? I find it extremely gratifying to be part of the process of empowering women. I strongly believe in disease prevention and maximizing the potential for optimal wellbeing through education. I feel that through knowledge comes self-empowerment.

Through learning more about one’s medicines, illness and its implications, women are better able to make informed decisions, thereby taking charge of their own health, creating their own outcome.

Education/Major: Doctorate of Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas 2003, board-certified in internal medicine 2006.

What career path led you to where you are today? Necessity and courage have led me to where I am today. In order to be able to live and enjoy my life I had to create a business in which I was able to take charge of my destiny. After years of working nights, I was exhausted, unfulfilled and guilty for not spending time with my young children. After discussing with my husband, my biggest supporter, I made the difficult decision to have courage in my own abilities and step out into the business world, which I knew very little about. Although it has been difficult and challenging, it has been the best decision I have made for myself and my family.

Would you encourage your children to go into the same field? Most definitely; being a physician is a rewarding profession in which we are privileged to be part of and impact the lives of many individuals.

What person do you most admire? I admire my 7-year-old daughter, Teresa, who despite having multiple medical problems and physical disabilities is always able to find a way to succeed.

Photo By CASEY HOWELL

74 | sawoman.com

What do you enjoy doing on a day off? I enjoy spending time with my children and family simply relaxing and enjoying a good meal with good company.

What is your favorite vacation? Although because of professional and personal obligations vacations are not an option, I imagine that the beaches in Hawaii would be amazing.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Crafting, baking, photography.

What is your all-time favorite book? Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea. What type of music do you like? Christian contemporary.

What brought you to San Antonio? I was born and raised on the South side of San Antonio. After completing my medical education, I returned in order to serve the community I grew up in.

What do you like most about San Antonio?

I absolutely love the festive spirit of San Antonio and its unique traditions. I feel very fortunate to have grown up celebrating in traditions like the Fiesta parades, San Fernando's Christmas Posadas, the River Walk, etc., which now I am able to experience with my own children.

What community groups or not-for-profit groups are you involved with as a volunteer? Bexar County Medical Society, Texas Medical Association.

Do you have a favorite restaurant? Chaba Thai, Indian Palace and Vegeria.

Do you have a favorite dish? Tofu Pad Pak. How do you find balance in your life — career, community and home life? I prioritize and don’t fret about the small things. Years from now I would like to remember the time spent with my family and not if the dirty dishes were done.

What is your favorite relaxation strategy?

Listening to music.

What is the best advice that you have ever received? “Quit worrying about how everything is going to turn out. Live one day at a time; better yet, make the most of this moment.” From Joel Osteen.

People would be surprised to know that I... am a party planner specializing in children’s themed birthday parties.

july/august 2014 | 75

W According to Linda

What’s Relevant in San Antonio by LINDA ELLIOTT

When approached to write a column for SAN ANTONIO WOMAN about “relevant” topics and issues, I was exhilarated by the challenge.

Given the platform to tout interesting facts about the goings-on in San Antonio is a privilege. I hope to share a potpourri of experiences, thoughts, news, opportunities and some “ah-ha” revelations with you.

This first column is about three organizations I’m especially drawn to because of the very special services they provide. It would be my bet that there is at least one of these organizations you have not heard of.

Harper’s Embrace Lifesaver Program (H.E.L.P.) — Once upon a time there was a precious little girl named Harper who was having a good time playing with other children in the swimming pool. The parents were in good spirits watching their children in the pool. Suddenly, it was discovered that Harper had disappeared. She was underwater. She had drowned! In a panic the adults pulled her out of the water. Harper was not breathing, and nobody knew what to do. So sadly, she died. If only one person who knew CPR had been at the swimming pool when Harper drowned, perhaps she would be with us today. As a result of this disastrous outcome, Harper’s Embrace was created. This organization offers CPR training at no cost to corporations, individuals, organizations, schools, churches and beyond. The goal of Harper’s Embrace is to make sure that people can be saved in tragic situations because there are others trained in CPR who are able to save their lives.

ThriveWell Cancer Foundation and Can Survive Cuisine — ThriveWell recently sponsored a luncheon with Can Survive Cuisine.

ThriveWell is dedicated to finding a cure for cancer by funding research and offering programs to support and improve the quality of life for patients and their families. One of their programs is to help relieve the financial burden for cancer treatments. Several cancer survivors who attended would likely not be living today had it not been for the financial support they received from ThriveWell in helping them pay for the treatments necessary to save their lives. The featured speaker was Dr. Mike Wargovich, and his partner, chef Iverson Brownell, prepared the meal.

Together, they have created CanSurvive Cuisine, a science-based meal planner to fight inflammation, the root cause of chronic diseases, including cancer. At the luncheon we dined on some fairly indistinguishable

76 | sawoman.com

treats, all of which were pleasantly appetizing.

Clarity Child Guidance Center — If you don’t know about Clarity Child Guidance Center, you should. I recently went on a tour of the beautiful campus and hospital. Most impressive is the tranquil and serene environment they provide to the needy population of children in and around San Antonio who suffer from mental illness.

The statistics are mind-boggling: • One in five children in the United States have a mental illness.

• Half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14.

• One in seven of Texas Hispanic high school students report having made a suicide plan, with suicide being the second leading cause of death in children.

Clarity transforms the lives of children ages 3-17 who suffer with disabling effects of mental illness, and their families by providing treatment and compassionate care. It’s disheartening to know that Clarity is usually filled to capacity and simply cannot serve all the children and families that so desperately need their services.

If you are not familiar with any of these organizations, I hope you are now inspired to learn more about them. They are striving to make our community a better and healthier place to live. Perhaps there is a way that you might even get involved. As stated in the Bible: “Give and you shall get back tenfold.” This does not only apply to giving money. It also applies to giving love, prayer, praise and time.

About Linda Elliott — Founder and president of Elliott Connection, LLC, helping to develop profitable and strategic connections. She sends a monthly communique addressing the Power of Connections and Healthcare Think Tank — TX, a subsidiary of Elliott Connection. She also posts a monthly blog at www.elliottconnection.com.

Special Advertising Section

By BONNY OSTERHAGE

Photography by CASEY HOWELL

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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Four caring counselors who prove law knows no gender According to the American Bar Association, nearly half of all law school graduates are women. So why is there still a fair amount of deliberation as to whether or not female attorneys can be as “tough” as their male counterparts?

Let the record reflect that not only are female lawyers strong, they are able to combine that strength with an innate ability to nurture. Many, like the women featured here, enter into the profession with their sights set on more than

winning cases (although they do—and often!)

These accomplished, driven, intelligent, compassionate individuals actually want to make the world a better place by helping people through difficult situations. And while each one has her individual approach and area of expertise, the common thread running through this impressive group is the desire to improve the lives of their clients. We rest our case. july/august 2014 | 77

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS to assisting clients who are having difficulties with the IRS, handling appeals and litigating in court when necessary. It’s a role she relishes and one in which she says that being fe-

“As women, I think we tend to be more personal and nurturing, and because we multitask so well, we can often find alternative ways to solve their problems.”

male has given her some advantages.

“When the IRS is involved, people are very scared,” she explains. “As a women, I think we tend to be more personal and nurturing, and, because we multitask so well, we can often find alternative ways to solve their problems.”

Of course, some problems can’t be solved, a fact that frustrates Elizabeth, who says she loves nothing more than helping people. But there are those clients who haven’t filed or paid taxes in years, thereby creating an exponential problem that is difficult to get rid of. “That for me is the biggest challenge,” she says. “It is so hard for people in that situation to understand that they have to adjust their standard of living.”

As for her own standard of living, Eliza-

Elizabeth Copeland

explains Elizabeth of the need for this pro-

beth strives to find the balance between

What do former presidential candidate

gram. “They might have a good case, but they

work and play. She and her husband enjoy

Mitt Romney, Supreme Court Chief Justice

don’t know how to present it in court. This pro-

taking family vacations with their three chil-

John Roberts and San Antonio tax attorney

vides them with a tax attorney who can help

dren to Rockport, Tex., and Steamboat

Elizabeth Copeland have in common? They

them, kind of like a ‘tax attorney for a day.’”

Springs, Colo., where the children enjoy ski-

all made the list of Top 10 Tax Attorneys of

Elizabeth, who is a partner at Strasburger

ing. She is a runner and a cyclist, participat-

the Year in the January 2013 national edition

Attorneys at Law, received her degree from

ing in the Rock and Roll half marathon and

of Tax Notes®.

UT School of Law in Austin in 1992, but some

several MS 50 rides.

Pretty impressive, but not at all surprising,

of her most valuable education came from

While her children are “her life,” helping

given Elizabeth’s determination to make a

working as an attorney advisor to a U.S. tax

others is her passion, and Elizabeth is a

name for herself. Inspired by Ophelia Wyatt

court judge in Washington, D.C. “It was an

highly sought-after speaker who travels to

Caraway, the first woman elected to the U.S.

amazing experience to see how the court

speak to various groups and organizations

Senate, Elizabeth, who always knew she

system worked,” she recalls.

on tax-related topics.

wanted to be a lawyer, set her sights on

She applies her expertise and knowledge

achieving great things — and she succeeded.

“I just thought it was so impressive to be the first woman doing something fabulous,” she says enthusiastically. “I thought law school was the key to that.”

Turns out that, for Elizabeth, it was indeed.

As of June 2013, the San Antonio native is the first Hispanic female to serve as chair of the State Bar of Texas Section of Taxation. She is also the recipient of the Janet Spragens Pro Bono award from the American Bar Association for her creation of the first statewide tax court pro bono program. The program, which provides tax court litigants with an attorney at no cost, has proven so successful that Elizabeth was asked to provide the American Bar Association with a document on the creation of the program to serve as a model for other states to implement.

“Most tax court litigants are underrepresented and are trying to defend themselves,”

78 | sawoman.com

She works hard to ensure that her clients are well taken care of during what is a very difficult and stressful time.

“It is my true belief that I am helping others.

It’s why I do this.”

With her own “first” — not to mention her

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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countless accomplishments — Elizabeth has become the type of role model that first inspired her. It’s a case of coming full circle, and Elizabeth is proof that when it comes to setting and attaining goals, women are as capable as men at working hard to achieve them.

Heather Tessmer “Have you ever argued with a woman?”

That’s just one of the billboard tag lines that set tongues wagging, along with the one depicting a cartoon sports car with a vanity plate that reads, “WAS HIS.” “We’ve gotten some flack for those, but they do get people talking,” admits Heather Tessmer, owner of Tessmer Law Firm P.L.L.C.

“When people walk in here, their lives are upside down.

I wanted to create a peaceful, Zenlike place for them to talk about their problems.”

“They’re very tongue-in-cheek.”

Billboards with attitude aside, Heather actually takes a very courteous and compassionate, albeit no-nonsense, approach to family law. Refusing to “get nasty” to get her point shelves are among the first things you ob-

across, she prefers to encourage collaboration

than 50 percent, to be exact. That fact seems

between the clients who, as she points out, are

ironic to this woman who has been married

serve upon entering the office of Jean Brown.

going to have to deal with each other for the

for 25 years. The couple’s recipe for success?

In fact, it looks like an environment one might

rest of their lives — especially if children are in-

Mutual respect and staying in touch emotion-

see featured in the pages of Architectural Di-

volved. But don’t confuse kind and courteous

ally. “Everyone knows he comes first with me,

gest rather than a place to come when your

with “soft” or “weak.”

and I know that I am his first priority too,” she

marriage is ending. But that’s the point.

“We kick ass,” she laughs.

It is that marriage of confidence and com-

says happily.

“When people walk in here, their lives are

Heather and her husband share many

upside down,” Jean explains. “I wanted to

passion that has guided Heather on every as-

common interests and hobbies, including

create a peaceful, Zen-like place for them to

pect of her life journey, both personally and

gardening, cooking and taking cruises. The

talk about their problems.”

professionally. A nontraditional student, she

family also owns an RV that they use to va-

Jean has had an impressive career, but

was 30 years old and married with a baby

cation in places like Monterey, California or

not always in the field of law. She is an Addy

when she entered law school at St. Mary’s

for shorter jaunts to Garner State Park.

Award-winning copywriter, a former fitness

University. While attending, she became

Heather’s commitment to family extends

center owner, and once hosted her own ex-

pregnant and delivered the couple’s second

to her employees as well. She has created an

ercise segment on several San Antonio morn-

child. Undeterred, Heather graduated in 1999

office environment that is conducive to flex-

ing television shows. So why would this

and opened a practice in San Angelo in 2001.

ibility and parenting. “We encourage babies,”

Arkansas native who has worked out on live

She landed a large insurance company as a

she laughs, adding that she is toying with the

television with Sylvester Stallone leave all

client and spent the early part of her career

idea of adding an on-site day care to make it

that to enter law school at the age of 37? In

working from home and raising her children.

easier on those women who have children.

a word (or two): her husband, criminal attor-

When the family returned to San Antonio

It isn’t just her employees that are the

ney Alan Brown. “I watched him deliver a

in 2005, Heather opened an office in Fair

beneficiaries of Heather’s commitment to

closing once, and it just really inspired me,”

Oaks Ranch. That three-room office was

family. She works hard to ensure that her

she confesses.

home to Heather and one paralegal. Today,

clients are well taken care during what is a

Entering law school at 37 wasn’t easy, but

Tessmer Law Firm is home to 13 employees

very difficult and stressful time. As the bill-

after spending a few minutes with Jean, you

(all women) and is headquartered at the Lin-

boards suggest, this is one woman who can

realize there isn’t much she can’t do. Driven

coln Center building. The practice has diver-

argue effectively, but she does it courteously

by what she says was a “fear of failure,” she

sified to include family law, personal injury

and with her eye on the best and most pro-

was at the top of her class after the first se-

and small estate planning. Heather says per-

ductive outcome for her clients. “It is my true

mester and graduated cum laude from St.

sonal injury is her favorite.“It’s the least emo-

belief that I am helping others,” she says pas-

Mary’s University. She joined a large firm, but

tional,” she explains. “You have a scenario, a

sionately. “It’s why I do this.”

went out on her own when she discovered that, at the age of 42, she was pregnant with

set of facts, and you work for a good recovery for the client.”

Jean Brown

the couple’s first (and only) child.

However, it is family law that makes up

Soothing colors, glass sculptures and a

She began trying criminal cases, but over

the majority of Heather’s case load, more

noticeable absence of overflowing book-

the years, her focus turned to family law with

july/august 2014 | 79

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS at the age of 40, studying for the LSAT while her teenage son prepped for his ACT. With her background in nursing, she began her law career with medical malpractice cases, but she began focusing on family law in 2007. Today,

On Soft Divorce: “It’s not about being soft when it comes to assets. It simply means that we are not here to destroy, but rather to rebuild.”

the Law Offices of Pamela J. Thompson handle every aspect of family law from adoption to what she refers to as “soft divorce.” While the term may suggest a lack of gumption, nothing is further from the truth. “It’s not about being soft when it comes to assets,”

explains

Pamela. “It simply means that we are not here to destroy, but rather to rebuild.

“If you have come here seeking revenge, then you have come to the wrong firm,” she continues. “It doesn’t have to be that bad or that hard.”

The product of divorced parents, and with her own divorce under her belt, Pamela understands the struggles a family goes through during the dissolution of a marriage — especially when it comes to the children, for whom Pamela is the biggest advocate.

the goal of getting all parties around a media-

enjoys creating beautiful environments like

tion table and working it out. “I really enjoy

the one in her office. She takes pride in aes-

“We don’t buy and sell children, and they

trial work, but I don’t think these cases should

thetics and enjoys gardening, a fact she at-

are not assets,” she says passionately. “We

go to trial,” she says matter-of-factly. In an-

tributes to being the daughter of a florist.

other paradox, Jean also enjoys custody cases,

“I had my first garden at the age of 6, and

but she doesn’t believe in them. “I will not do

I’ve had one ever since,” she says. “I work on

anything to harm a child,” she says frankly. “If

it seven or eight hours a week.”

the child has two good parents, why should one be relegated to only weekends?”

want the children to have a healthy relationship with both parents if that is possible.”

Pamela’s commitment to children and family preservation extends beyond the walls of

But what she most enjoys is putting a lit-

her office. She serves on the board of Kendall

tle beauty back in the lives of families torn

County Family Services, and she and her hus-

Helping families find solutions is an inte-

apart. In the center of one of her shelves is a

band have volunteered as foster parents with

gral part of Jean’s practice, and she devotes

large red glass sculpture that Jean says rep-

Arrow Family Ministries. Her own son, now

herself to educating her clients on everything

resents a womb. It is significant to her be-

grown and living in Dallas, has a 4-year-old son

from proper protocol in the courtroom to

cause she wants her clients to feel “reborn”

of his own, and Pamela enjoys spending quality time with her grandson whenever she can.

legal terms and all the potential outcomes. “I

and be able to get a fresh start. “My philoso-

feel like my No. 1 job as an attorney is to be

phy is, I’m helping someone shape the future

Even the most amicable divorces are still

an educator,” she says.

of his or her life,” she says. “I am highly in-

stressful situations. An accomplished eques-

vested in the outcome of that for both the in-

trian, Pamela finds her peace and relaxation

As part of that commitment to the whole client, Jean is very active in a group that

dividual and the family unit.”

addiction, depression and/or substance

through riding. She has owned horses since the age of 10 and has ridden in rodeos and

helps support attorneys who struggle with

Pamela Thompson

played on polo teams. While she is no longer active in those arenas, she can often be

abuse issues. By helping these individuals,

What do a nurse and an attorney have in

she is able to share her knowledge with

common? According to Pamela Thompson,

found trail riding on one of her two beloved

clients who are also dealing with these prob-

who has enjoyed successful careers in both

quarter horses.

lems — something that is all too common in

fields, several things.

But it’s helping families through hard times where Pamela finds her true reward. Having

family law. “There is hardly anyone who walks

“Nursing and law are very similar,” says the

in here that has not been affected by this in

statuesque blonde, who served as a nurse for

been through what the majority of her clients

some way,” she says sadly. “If you can help

20 years prior to earning her law degree from

are experiencing, she understands the impor-

someone get well, that’s a great thing.”

SMU. “Both require you to take care of people.

tance of a promptly returned phone call or a

When she isn’t volunteering her time or

Both require you to ‘triage,’ prioritizing and ad-

sympathetic ear.

assisting her clients, Jean is still the fitness in-

dressing the immediate needs, and both re-

“I’ve been married, I’m a mother, and I’ve

structor at heart. She exercises daily, compet-

quire you to be skilled at reading people’s

been divorced,” she says. “I ‘get’ that scary

ing with her husband and son on their “fit bit”

faces and tone of voice.”

trackers, and can often be found ballroom

Pamela, who relocated to San Antonio

dancing for fun or shooting skeet. She also

from Dallas five years ago, entered law school

80 | sawoman.com

feeling, and when people are happy because we’ve helped them through something like this, that makes me happy.”

july/august 2014 | 81

GOVERNING BOARD Texas Organ Sharing Alliance 2014 Charles P. Andrews, MD, CPI Intensive Care Director of Clinical Research Diagnostics Research Group

Glenn Halff, MD Transplant Surgeon UTHSC at San Antonio Transplant Center, MC 7858 Michael Horton, PharmD Voluntary Health

Bruce Mitchell Representing the public Partner Strasburger Price Oppenheimer Blend

About Us For more than 38 years, Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA) has served as the regional

Jerry Morrisey, PhD Voluntary Health

organ donation organization serving over 6 million people in 56 counties in South and Central Texas. TOSA is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization and is one of 58 federally designated organizations of its kind in the United States.

Beverly Purcell-Guerra Representing the public

With a mission to optimize organ donation for our service area, TOSA's primary focus is to facilitate the process of organ donation for those families wishing to donate as

Vince Speeg, MD, Chair Chair of Board UTHSC at San Antonio Transplant Center, MC 7858

Daniel Stanton Hospital Administrator Vice President, Transplant Services Texas Transplant Institute

Ken Washburn, MD Medical Director UTHSC at San Antonio Transplant Center, MC 7858

well as those generous individuals who registered to be donors. Through those gifts from these heroic individuals, 120,000 men, women and children on the waiting list can have a second chance at life.

We hope that after reading the inspiring stories of our wonderful volunteers, you will be encouraged to take a few minutes to designate and share your decision to donate.

Please enjoy the next few pages, and we invite you to visit the official state donor registry online at www.DonateLifeTexas.org where you can register to Donate Life.

Thank you.

3

For more information and resources, please call 1-866-685-0277.

A Special Section from San Antonio Woman

Record Number

of Central and South Texans Receive Organ Transplants in 2013

A record 436 people received life-saving organ

were awaiting an organ transplant. That is a dramatic in-

transplants in 2013 thanks to 119 selfless donors

crease from 2012, when 94 Central and South Texans do-

in Central and South Texas, according to Texas

nated, saving the lives of 353 people.”

Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA). Twenty-five percent of the donors chose to give the Gift of Life by registering

Pam Porter lost her precious son after the 9-year-old expe-

online or when they renewed their driver’s license.

rienced a sudden brain aneurysm. When her family was

TOSA, the organ donation organization in Central and

was an unequivocal yes. “We take comfort in knowing that

South Texas, works closely with families when their loved

five people have been able to enjoy their families and their

one has the opportunity to donate. TOSA data show a dra-

lives longer than if we had not donated Scott’s organs. Scott

given the opportunity to donate his organs, their answer

4

matic increase in both registered donors as well as the num-

was a spiritual child, and we felt very firmly that he would

ber of organs transplanted.

want this,” states Pam.

“In 2013 we saw the number of registered donors grow sig-

Nationally, nine out of 10 people support organ donation yet

nificantly, which helped alleviate a potential burden from

may fail to register as donors and share their wishes with

many families in considering donation after a tragedy oc-

family members. Texans are encouraged to register at

curred. By registering to be official organ donors, those self-

www.DonateLifeTexas.org and discuss their wishes with their

less and compassionate individuals gave their families a very

families. For more information about organ dona-

special kind of support and comfort in knowing their loved

tion programs and community initiatives, call

one's intent to donate,” states TOSA CEO Patrick Giordano.

Texas Organ Sharing Alliance at 1-866-685-0277 or

“Last year, 119 people saved the lives of 436 people who

visit us at www.txorgansharing.org.

A Special Section from San Antonio Woman

Perspective from a Donor Mom: It was a cold October afternoon when I got a call from Abigail.

She was in the Texas Department of Public Safety in Austin, filling out the forms to finally get her driver’s license. She was 23 years old and had lived most of her life in cities where a car was a liability rather than an asset – never any place to park them. So she never got her license. She was now living in Austin, a city she had grown to love, and was about to start social work school at UT. She figured she would get to classes by car or by bike, so a driver’s license would finally come in handy. She called me because there was a question on the form that asked if she would agree to be an organ donor. How should she answer? She wanted to say yes and was calling her mother for affirmation of this seemingly very important decision.

My beautiful daughter — golden-red hair, grown-up and on her own — was one of my best friends. She was compassionate, giving of herself whenever she saw people in need, loving life and able to experience life’s beauties. She also had a great gift for sharing her positive view of the world.

She was about to venture on a career to help others. In her own words, which come from her social work school application, “I plan to work directly with disadvantaged children and their families to provide equal access to social services, encourage educational achievement, and foster a sense of self-pride and ownership over their lives and their communities.” In her memory, we (her family and friends) have established “Abigail’s Fund for Children,” which we are also

already started to assemble the teams that would hopefully

calling “Abby’s Children” to carry on her life dreams of help-

save the lives of others.

ing disadvantaged children and their families.

Losing a child is the most difficult thing I will ever face in Her last great gift was giving the Gift of Life. Never in a mil-

my life, more difficult than someday facing my own death.

lion years did I think that our conversation in October would

Knowing that she could help others, which had been her

bring me to write these words. I had forgotten about that

life goal, was a great source of comfort to me. Now several

conversation until we spoke to the ICU doctor at the hospi-

years later, I continue to find great comfort in this decision.

tal where our daughter was being cared for. The first thing that came to my mind when he painted a very grim picture

6

was to offer her organs for donation. If there was any way

*Note from TOSA: Please take the time to register

to have part of her live on in others, I desperately wanted

your decision to be an organ donor and speak with

that. When we arrived there the next morning, they told us

your family members about your decision. Taking the

how grateful they were that Abby had registered as an

burden off family members on the worst day of their

organ donor just nine months earlier in October. They had

lives is perhaps the second greatest gift you can give.

For more information and resources, please call 1-866-685-0277.

A Special Section from San Antonio Woman

Life-saving team players Television viewers in the Rio Grande Valley didn’t know what led KRGVCHANNEL 5 NEWS sportscaster Dave Brown to take a leave of absence, but today everyone knows about his life-saving kidney transplant and his efforts to encourage others to become registered organ donors.

Following a living donation from his neighbor Penny, Dave was able to return to reporting on local sports.

While getting back into his routine, he knew the best way to thank his donor for her selfless act was to use his position to urge others to give life a second chance as a donor.

The percentage of registered donors in the Valley with Donate Life Texas is the lowest in state, and it takes a dedicated team of donor

facts about donation and even Dave’s own transplant story.

families, transplant recipients and local businesses to sup-

KRGV-CHANNEL 5 NEWS also created a page on their web-

port the Donate Life message by encouraging the commu-

site that offers links to Donate Life Texas and other impor-

nity to consider donation. Through the help of national

tant resources.

initiatives like the Workplace Partnership for Life (WPFL) campaign, businesses can be leaders in their community to

Their PSAs encouraging the public to “get in the game” and

encourage change.

save lives were expected to be shown from August 2013 until the end of the year. But as 2014 started, the station

WPFL, created in 2001, has a network of more than 11,000

maintained its support of Donate Life Texas, and Dave ap-

company partners who help promote a “donor-friendly

peared on television regularly to remind people that they

America” within their organization. Action efforts include

can make a difference as an organ donor.

brown bag seminars, placing the Donate Life Texas logo on the company’s website and using social media to promote their workplace efforts, among other activities.

Because of the station’s willingness to support its employee in creating awareness for the need of donors in the Rio Grande Valley, “organ donation” and “Dave Brown” have

When Dave returned to work, he approached the station’s

become nearly synonymous.

general manager, John Kittleman, about producing a series

8

of public service announcements to inspire Valley residents to

Through these stories and PSAs, KRGV-CHANNEL 5 NEWS

register with Donate Life Texas. Not only did Kittleman agree,

helped Valley residents make an informed decision about

but he asked the station’s news director, Jenny Martinez, to

organ donation. To date, as the PSAs continue to air, the

assist by dedicating an entire week — the start of National

percentage of registered donors is increasing, and lives are

Donor Minority Awareness Month — to organ donation.

being saved.

The station did features on the region’s first registered

To learn how your organization can establish a

donor, a meeting between a recipient and his donor family,

Workplace Partnership for Life, call 1-866-685-0277.

A Special Section from San Antonio Woman

Key Points about Organ Donation There is a severe shortage of organ donors in this country.

As of June 2014, there are more than 122,000 patients on the national waiting list in need of an organ transplant.

12,000 of them are Texans.

+50%

More than half of those awaiting a transplant in the U.S. are minorities.

* A new name is added to the United Network for Organ Sharing waiting list every 13 minutes.

The organ allocation system is blind to wealth, celebrity and social status. Donated organs are placed in recipients based on best medical match and most critical need.

Nearly 7,000 of the patients on the national waiting list died last year (about 19 patients per day) without ever receiving their transplant because there are not enough organs to transplant.

Of the 2.3 million people who die in the U.S. every year, less than two percent are eligible to be organ donors. Almost everyone, however, can be a tissue donor.

Transplant success rates increase when organs are matched between members of the same ethnic and racial group. A patient is less likely to reject a kidney if it is donated by an individual who is genetically similar. Therefore, a lack of organs donated by minorities can contribute to death and longer waiting periods for transplants for minorities.

• Few people are too old or too young to donate. • Currently there are no age limits for donors. • At the time of your death, medical professionals will determine whether your organs are transplantable.

• Organs that can be transplanted are the heart, kidneys, pancreas, lungs, liver and intestine.

1 8

PERSON CAN SAVE LIVES

There is no major religion in the U.S. that is opposed to organ and tissue donation.

In fact, many religions endorse organ and tissue donation as an act of charity.

• Donation does not disfigure the body or prevent an open casket funeral. • Donated organs are removed in a sterile, surgical procedure, similar to open heart surgery, in a hospital operating room by skilled surgeons. • Organ and tissue donation is considered only after all efforts to save the patient’s life have been exhausted and death has been legally declared. • No costs directly related to organ or tissue donation are passed on to the donor’s family or estate.

Register your decision at www.DonateLifeTexas.org and please inform your family of your decision to donate so they can carry out your wishes when the time comes.

Texas Organ Sharing Alliance • www.txorgansharing.org • 512-459-4848 • 1-866-685-0277

A Special Section from San Antonio Woman

9

Celebrating Life with the Calaveras Motorcycle Club Following the tragic death of Emilio “Jimmy” Coronado

They traveled over a major McAllen intersection with Do-

on his bike, his friends were so moved by his decision to

nate Life flags trailing behind them, blue and green

give life as a registered organ and tissue donor, they all

scarves around their necks or wrapped on their bikes. At

signed up on the Donate Life Texas website. And as mem-

the hospital, the bikers revved their engines as the Donate

bers of the local Calaveras Motorcycle Club, they were

Life flag was hoisted in the air for the motorists passing

eager to honor their friend and brother, along with other

by to see. The roar of the bikes drew a crowd from the

lifesavers, in a tribute ride.

hospital’s waiting room.

Coronado, known as Low-Low by the club, was South

Members of the club say it’s important

Texas’ first registered donor. To celebrate his decision, which resulted in affecting over 70 people, the South Texas Trans-

to them to celebrate their friend’s gift

plant Center joined with Texas Organ Sharing Alliance

to encourage others to do the same and

(TOSA), the City of McAllen and UT Health Science Center

keep his memory alive.

San Antonio Allograft Resources for a unique memorial to start Donate Life Month.

Coronado’s wife, Bobby, said her husband’s decision to be

Starting at McAllen City Hall for a special presentation

had forever been a giving and caring person. His act to

a registered donor was no surprise. During his lifetime, he where city officials declared April Donate Life Month and

save others has encouraged her to advocate for others to

raised a Donate Life flag in memory of those who gave

do the same.

life and those who await a transplant, over a dozen mem10

bers of the Calaveras MC Club rode to the South Texas

“Sign up,” she told the audience at the hospital. “Save a

Transplant Center for a ceremony and flag presentation.

life and tell your family.”

For more information and resources, please call 1-866-685-0277.

A Special Section from San Antonio Woman

Play Ball!

Volunteers educate baseball fans on Donate Life Texas night at the ballpark Baseball fans are greeted by smiling volunteers as they walk

donation. Whatever the reason, there are those people who

through the gates of the stadium entrance. They are eager

don’t want to discuss organ donation. For those of us who

to get to their seats but come by our colorful booth to see

understand and have seen the amazing gifts one person can

what information we are sharing. It’s Donate Life Texas night

give to others, we are unnerved by those who won’t give

at the ballpark, and we are excited to give vital information

donation a serious thought.

to the guests.

Our Friends for Life volunteers in Central and South Texas A middle-aged couple walks closer. Volunteers — some di-

are 400 strong. They are transplant recipients, donor family

rectly impacted by organ donation, outfitted in black,

members, patients awaiting transplants and even those who

green and blue “Donate Life” T-shirts — ask the important

have lost loved ones on the waiting list. They share their per-

question: “Would you like to register to be a life-saving

sonal stories and encourage others to register their decision

organ donor?” The husband stops in his tracks and says,

to donate. They are the faces of donation and transplanta-

“No, you don’t want any of my organs.” Our volunteer

tion, and they help us save lives.

proudly replies, “You’d be surprised how many lives can be saved by one person. My life was saved thanks to the

The enthusiasm of volunteers continues as more fans enter

decision of a generous family.” The man glances at his wife

the stadium. “Have you registered to be a life-saving organ

and looks back at the group, saying, “I’m glad for you, but

donor?” two volunteers ask in unison. A young man smiles

I want to keep all my organs.” The couple walk off quickly

as he hears the question. “No, but I’ve been meaning to,”

to find their seats.

he says. “Thanks for being here.” The volunteers thank the man for taking the time to register as he happily grabs a clip-

It’s a scene that we in the field of organ donation see all too

board and completes the registration form. “Of course, I

often. The subject of organ donation can make some peo-

want to be a donor. I don’t need my organs after I’m gone!”

ple feel uneasy. Maybe they don’t want to think about dying; maybe they believe some of the myths surrounding

Our thoughts exactly.

12

For more information and resources, please call 1-866-685-0277.

A Special Section from San Antonio Woman

The Gift of Life Yvette – Donor Following her death in a tragic motorcycle accident, Yvette’s legacy continues to grow. Her double-lung recipient is a physician. Dr. Gina DeSanto participated in the Ride for the Roses, a 100-mile bike ride in memory of Yvette. Yvette's heart recipient helps with youth programs in the Corpus Christi area. In total, she saved five lives as an organ donor.

Victor – Kidney Recipient Kidney failure came as a complete surprise to Victor.

Leading up to his transplant, he worked hard to promote the life-saving message of donation through social media. Now a year after receiving the Gift of Life, Victor says he will continue to honor his donor by promoting organ donation.

Zachary – Small Bowel, Pancreas and Liver Recipient Zachary was born with blockages in his small intestine, and while he had several surgeries to remove those blocks, he still suffered and went into liver failure. Upon being transferred to a hospital that specialized in small bowel/liver transplants, Zachary received his transplant on his 6-month birthday. Despite minor ups and downs, Zachary is attending school and running around as if he were never sick. Now as a volunteer, his mom, Carmelita, says, “We are blessed and want to spread the word about the importance and need for organ, tissue and eye donation.”

Ruben – Donor Ruben was a 3-year-old boy who was born a fighter. He was smart, loved to sing and gave lots of love to all who surrounded him. "LOVE YOU" were his words to every person he encountered. His family knew he came to this world to do something amazing, and he saved three lives. What gives them peace is knowing their angel's heart continues to beat.

Daniel – Donor

14

Daniel’s catchphrase was “I got your back.” Organ donation is the ultimate “got your back.” As a donor, he saved three lives, and as his family consented to donate his pancreas for research, he will help countless others in the future.

“As a family, we have treasured organ donation as a means to remember the loving spirit of our son and brother,” his family says.

Shantel – Liver Recipient Nine-year-old Shantel was born with a chronic liver disease, and after waiting for nearly a year, she received the Gift of Life from a generous donor family. There aren't enough words for the family to say "thank you," but Shantel says, "Maybe someday I will be able to meet them and thank them myself."

For more information and resources, please call 1-866-685-0277.

A Special Section from San Antonio Woman

TOSA Honors our 2013 Gift of Life Donors

Adam R. Aleasha W. Alma H. Amelia R. Andrew C. Andrew P. Angela E.F. Armando V. Arturo E. Benjamin S.C. Bobby D. Braydin W. Carol L. Chuck T. Colby K. Dale C. Daniel O. Daniel S. Daniella C. Danny G. David C.P.

Denise B. Dennerek P. Dion P. Donn M. Drake M. Duhane W. Edward A. Edward A. Elisa T. Elliott D. Emily L. Esther G. Esther S. Ezequiel N. Frances K. Gary M. Gerardo G. Gilberto T. Grayson C. Guadalupe S. Hayden M. Heriberto F. Isabel C. Jacelyn W. Jacob K.

Maria H. Maria V. Maria A.C. Maria C. Mark P. Mark T. Marshall L. Martin M. Mason C. Maurico M. Max B. Michael B. Michelle W. Miguel B. Misti C. Mylie F. Nico B. Omar D. O'neill S. Paul P. Rae Lynn P. Richard R. Robby M. Robert C. Rodolfo I.

Jason H. Jeffery N. Jeffrey B. Jenni B. Jesus R. Jimmy C. Joanna N. John A. John S. Johnny O. Joselito Y. Joshua D. Judson W. Justin P. Justin M. Keenan H. Keith D. Krizia K. Kyle F. Lindon W. Linn T. Lisa P. Lorenzo L. Lupe S. Maria H.

Roel M. Rogelio V. Rosa J. Ruben G. Sabrina V. Samantha P. Sharon L. Sierrah K. Stephanie H. Stephanie B. Stephen Z. Steve S. Sylvia P. Tadarion L. Talaya R. Teila I. Tracy M. Tyler M. William J. William J. Wyatt G. Yaritza F. Yolanda T.

Contact TOSA: • for more information about organ donation or the Donate Life Texas registry.

• to request a speaker at your church, workplace, school or civic club.

• to become a volunteer and help raise awareness of organ donation.

NORTHERN REGION 7000 North Mopac, Suite 160 Austin, Texas 78731 (512) 459.4848 O (512) 459.7794 F

CENTRAL REGION (HEADQUARTERS) 8122 Datapoint Drive, Suite 200 San Antonio, Texas 78229 (210) 614-7030 O (210) 614-2129 F

SOUTHERN REGION 1400 N. McColl Road, Suite 104A McAllen, Texas 78501 (956) 630-0884 O (956) 687-7185 F Follow us on:

DONATE LIFE TEXAS REGISTRY www.DonateLifeTexas.org

www.DoneVidaTexas.org

By BONNY OSTERHAGE

MOMMY MATTERS

W

the

Summertime Meltdown

Strategies for keeping everyone cool and calm Ahhh, the familiar sounds of summer: the tinkling melody of the ice cream truck, the splashing coming from the neighborhood pool, the chirping of crickets and katydids as they strike up their evening serenade.

And above it all, the voices of mothers everywhere as they attempt to negotiate with a child who is melting down faster than an ice cream cone on a San Antonio sidewalk.

Once the initial excitement of a family summer vacation wears off, even the most well behaved youngsters will inevitably grow bored and begin to look for new ways to torment one another, and you. Throw in long car trips, strange cities, flight delays, lax schedules and the occasional fast food bender, and you have a recipe for potential disaster. Fortunately, there is a cure for these summertime blues, and it lies in preparedness. Whether your child is 3 or 13, there are some coping strategies that you can employ that will shorten, if not stave off completely, the dreaded summer meltdown.

Tantrum triggers While the words “temper tantrum” and “toddler” often go hand-in-hand, children of all ages (and some grown-ups too) are capable of “losing it” at a moment’s notice, especially under extenuating circumstances like travel.

“Vacations can provide a family with a much-needed break from the daily grind, but it can also be difficult when schedules and routines are different and the environments are new,” says Haley Beckel, LSSP, LPA, and mother of three children ranging from 6 to 12 years of age. “Understanding what triggers a tantrum can help parents cope and learn how to manage their child’s behavior while enjoying family time.”

Beckel goes on to explain that some of the most basic causes of tantrums include fatigue, hunger, boredom

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MOMMY MATTERS

and frustration. Identifying and understanding the causes can help you avoid them. Making sure your children are eating well and staying properly hydrated, for example, is one way to avoid the hunger or sugar crash meltdown. And while it is tempting to fill vacation days with back-to-back activities, make sure you allow some downtime, and try to adhere to as normal a sleep schedule as possible.

“Know your child’s limits,” advises Beckel.

Involving your child in age-appropriate decisions along the way can also help make traveling easier. For the younger child, giving choices over small matters can make a big difference. Beckel recommends presenting a toddler with simple options such as whether or not to have milk or juice with dinner. For the older child or teen, being allowed to have a voice in the planning of the day’s events and activities can help keep moodiness at bay.

“Try to include your preteen or teenager in decisions about where to eat or what activity to do, and he or she will more likely engage in a positive way,” she says.

Keep calm and carry on As all parents know, you can do everything “right” and something will still manage to go “wrong.” So what do you do when all hell breaks loose? While it can be easy for overtired, overwrought parents to lose their cool, think of that popular phrase and “keep calm.”

Outline your expectations in a clear and age-appropriate way, and model the behaviors you expect. If you are screaming at a screaming child, chances are that things will only escalate. “Children of all ages need boundaries, and they need to know that their parents are in charge,” Beckel explains. “It makes them feel safe and protected, and it helps them keep their behavior in check when the expectations are clear.”

Furthermore, look for opportunities to reward the positive rather than punish the negative. The truth is that negative attention can increase the negative behaviors because, as Beckel explains, any attention is

Vacations should provide a break from the stress of everyday life, not add to it.

By learning to anticipate and respect your children’s needs, you can focus on family time with fewer fits and more fun — and fun is what summer vacation is all about!

better than no attention at all to a child.

While a screaming toddler or a sulking teen can be difficult to ignore (especially if you’re in a public place), the worst thing you can do is give in simply to avoid a scene.

“Giving in to a child of any age will only hurt everyone in the long run,” cautions Beckel.

“The tantrums will continue because the child has learned that if he or she cries or argues enough, you will give in.”

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SAN ANTONIO AREA

PRIVATE SCHOOLS A COMPREHENSIVE DIRECTORY FROM SAN ANTONIO WOMAN

2014-2015

INCARNATE WORD HIGH SCHOOL

ST. MARY”S HALL UPPER SCHOOL

INCARNATE WORD HIGH SCHOOL

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THE MANY BENEFITS OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS WHY A PRIVATE SCHOOL EDUCATION MIGHT BE A GOOD FIT FOR YOUR FAMILY

BY JANIS TURK

ST. MARY”S HALL UPPER SCHOOL

If you think a private school education might best benefit your child, you’re not alone.

In fact, statistics indicate that most parents prefer private schools to public ones.

“By a margin of nine to one, Americans believe parents should have the right to choose their child's school and a full 55 percent of parents who currently send their children to public schools would want to send them to private schools,” according to a report by a New York City-based research organization, Public Agenda.

Still, choosing a private school education for their children may not be right for every family.

But as the survey shows, the majority of parents do feel that their child’s needs might well be met in a private or parochial school setting.

WEIGHING THE PROS AND CONS Each family should weigh for itself the private vs. public school pros and cons. For some, the scales tip in favor of a private education based on personal values or religious beliefs, class size, instructional approaches, the school’s location or even after-school child

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care options. Such parents may worry about the disciplinary problems prevalent in some public schools and the possible negative influences kids may be exposed to there.

Many are not fans of the federal and state strict assessment and testing requirements in public schools and dislike the way public school teachers are required to “teach to the test” in order to strive for higher assessment scores. Even public school teachers sometimes criticize the way strict state standards and their individual school district’s own curriculum rules keep them from being able to be creative in their teaching approaches or tailor their classes to the pace of learning and unique needs of their individual students.

On the other hand, some public school children’s parents believe kids need to be exposed to the realities and everyday challenges of the “real world” in a public school, and they feel that assessment tests help ensure students are learning what is needed.

At the same time, private school children’s parents feel that the discipline problems in public schools create distractions from learn-

ST. MARY”S HALL UPPER SCHOOL

ST. MARY”S HALL UPPER SCHOOL

ST. MARY”S HALL UPPER SCHOOL

ing. Those parents believe that learning about the “real world” needn’t include being exposed to the drug use, disrespect for authority and common use of profanity that plague so many of today’s public schools. Those parents value an environment that encourages morality, selfcontrol and discipline.

Many private school parents also value the way that private schools allow teachers to tailor their teaching methods to their students’ needs.

In the end, deciding where to send one’s child to school is a personal decision requiring contemplation of the individual needs of a child and his family, as well as the child’s learning style.

ST. LUKES SCHOOL

ST. LUKES SCHOOL

ST. LUKES SCHOOL

SMALL CLASSES MEAN MORE ATTENTION TO YOUR CHILD The decision to send a child to a private school isn’t always based on religious beliefs or personal values, but rather on the small class and campus size that private schools often provide. Students may get more one-on-one attention and find a better atmosphere for study in a small classroom. Schools that encourage teachers, administrators, parents and students to work together may be more in tune to students' needs and help them thrive academically.

CHOICE CURRICULUM Because they are not tied to the minimum standard requirements of public schools, many private schools offer more diverse curriculum options and college preparatory classes for students. Some local schools, like Saint Mary’s Hall, offer philosophy and music and art courses that public schools do not.

CO-ED VS. SAME-SEX ENVIRONMENTS Some studies have found that students study more, are less easily distracted and feel less self-conscious in schools and classrooms with children of their own sex, so some local private schools, like Incarnate Word High School, Providence Catholic School, Central Catholic High School and San Antonio Academy, offer all-girl or all-boy classes. Of course, some parents believe that a co-educational setting provides better socialization, so many local private schools are co-educational. Parents must decide what environment best meets their child’s educational needs.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SECONDLANGUAGE LEARNING The Internet, travel and international busi-

ness options are making the world seem smaller and bringing people together from across the globe; so now in the new millennium foreign language instruction is more important than ever for students and ensures they will find more career options in their future. Some private schools in San Antonio offer half- and fullday programs in languages other than English, such as Spanish, French or even Mandarin.

Using language immersion methods, students integrate language learning into their daily lives in a way that seems almost effortless and natural, just as first-language learning was when they were babies.

PREPARATION FOR COLLEGE AND THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY Many local private schools claim outstanding records of college placement and even provide counseling and programs to assist students in acceptance at prestigious universities. Most offer college preparatory coursework, college-credit and dual-participation high school classes, and SAT/ACT testing prep courses. Some offer after-school volunteer programs, mentoring programs and internships.

Some schools offer travel opportunities with parents and teachers to see museums and sites in Washington, D.C., New York and even Europe. One group of fourth-graders from a private school in Los Angeles recently flew to their state capital in Sacramento for a day of far-away field trips — something a public school class could never do. Many parents feel such opportunities may better prepare students for a university setting where diversity, openness to other cultures and languages and strong firsthand knowledge of geography and the global community are valued and advantageous for students.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS AND SPECIAL NEEDS Because all children are different and have different gifts, skills sets and learning challenges, private schools are a place where an individual student’s needs may be considered.

Whether a student has a physical, emotional or learning challenge, smaller private schools are often able to adapt to his specific special needs. Often the small classroom size offers a setting where a child with special needs can get more individual attention and assistance.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS AND SPORTS It’s an oft-repeated fallacy that private schools don’t offer enough sports and other

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PRIVATE SCHOOLS A COMPREHENSIVE DIRECTORY FROM SAN ANTONIO WOMAN

2014-2015

extracurricular activities. In truth, most private schools in our area offer football, basketball, soccer, softball and more and compete with other private schools’ teams across the city and state. Drama, debate teams, service organizations and more are available in private schools, as well as cheerleading, 4-H, Scouts, band and choir. If you think a private school won’t give your child an advantage in sports, consider this: In a small private school, a student is more likely to participate in games than he or she would be if they were enrolled in large school where tens or hundreds of others could be vying with them for a place on the field.

MORE AFFORDABLE THAN YOU THINK Some people believe private schools are exclusive places that only wealthy families can afford, but that’s not true. Many local private schools offer tuition and textbook scholarships, grants and other financial aid. For instance, one popular parochial school in San Antonio offers just over $1 million in financial aid to stu-

dents. Many local private schools offer a discount to families who enroll more than one child in their schools, and some church-based schools offer lower tuition rates to members of their church, synod, synagogue or parish. If you’ve always thought you couldn’t afford private school, make an appointment with an admissions counselor at the private school you’re interested in — you may be pleasantly surprised by the financial options that are available to your family.

TMI

TMI

A PRIVATE MATTER If you’re a parent considering enrolling your child in a private school, the decision is a personal one. Don’t be intimidated by others who want you to choose the kind of school they have for their kids. The decision is yours alone.

Research the many educational options available in San Antonio, read the statistics about the benefits of public and private schools, and make the decision that is best for your child.

You may find that a private education will benefit your child in ways both big and small.

TMI

TMI

PRIVATE SCHOOL STATISTICS •

Approximate number of private schools in the U.S. (as of 2012): 33,370. (Source: www.edreform.com).

•

Approximate number of students enrolled in private schools in the U.S. as of 2011-2012: 4,494,845. (Source: Private School Universe Survey).

•

As of 2012, in the U.S. there were 21,420 private elementary schools; 2,780 private secondary schools and 9,160 combination elementary and secondary schools. (Source: www.edreform.com).

•

People who have private schools in their communities believe by wide margins that such schools "generally provide a better education" than public schools and do a better job “teaching academic skills" and "maintaining discipline and order," according to a poll taken by Public Agenda, a research organization based in New York City.

(Source: “Survey Finds Public Likes Private Schools” www.capenet.org).

•

Students who attended private high schools tend to get about $1,000 more in merit-based aid for college than public high school students do, according to a 2007-08 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS). (Source www.privateschools.com).

•

In grades four and eight for both reading and mathematics, students in private schools achieved at higher levels than students in public schools. (Source: National Center for Education Statistics).

•

“If you graduated from a private high school this past June, you were significantly more likely than graduates of other schools to be ready for college coursework,” according to data compiled by ACT, the college admissions testing company.

•

Eighty-three percent of 2012 graduates of religious and independent schools who took the ACT met or surpassed the test’s college readiness benchmark score in English, compared to 64 percent from public schools. The share of students who met the benchmark scores in other subjects was also higher in private schools (reading -- 68 percent vs. 50 percent; math -- 60 vs. 44; science – 42 vs. 29).

(Source “Private School Students More Likely to Succeed In College” Cape Outlook, Council for American Private Education.)

According to a report titled “Private Schools: A Brief Portrait,” the U.S. Department of Education finds: 1. Private school students generally perform higher than their public school counterparts on standardized achievement tests.

2. Private high schools typically have more demanding graduation requirements than public high schools.

3. Private school graduates are more likely than their peers from public schools to have completed advanced-level courses in three academic subject areas.

4. Private school students are more likely than public school students to complete a bachelor's or advanced degree by their mid-20s.

•

The average private school tuition in the United States for a nonsectarian elementary school is $15,945 a year and $27,302 a year for secondary school. Catholic elementary school averages approximately $4,944 for elementary school and $7,826 for secondary school; other religious schools average $6,576 for elementary and $10,493 for secondary. (Source: “Is Private School Worth It?” by Christine Ryan Jyoti, The Week 2013).

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Directory of San Antonio Area

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

2014-2015

Acorn School Preschool – Kindergarten 3501 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 826-8804 Contacts: Rich Lange and Jo Mrvichin www.theacornschool.net

The Atonement Academy PK – 12th 15415 Red Robin Rd. San Antonio, TX 78255 (210) 695-2240 Contact: Marie Mendez www.atonementonline.com

Bracken Christian School PK – 12th 670 Old Boerne Rd. Bulverde, TX 78163 (830) 438-3211 Contact: Judy Engberg www.brackenchristian.com

Antioch Christian Academy K-6th Elementary School 227 Eross San Antonio, TX 78202 (210) 222-0159 Contact: Christina Boswell www.acasat.com

Blessed Hope Academy High School 4930 Research Dr. San Antonio, TX 78240 (210) 697-9191 Contact: Alice Ashcraft www.blessedhopeacademy.com

Brighton Center Special Needs School 14207 Higgins Rd. San Antonio, TX 78217 (210) 826-4492 Contact: Irma Bustos www.brightonsa.org

Blessed Sacrament Catholic School PK – 8th 600 Oblate Dr. San Antonio, TX 78216 (210) 824-3381 Contact: Michael Fierro www.blessedschool.com

The Buckner Fanning Christian School PK – 8th 975 Mission Springs San Antonio, TX 78258 (210) 402-6905 Contact: Diane Dunn www.bucknerfanningschool.org

Antonian College Preparatory High School 6425 West Ave. San Antonio, TX 78213 (210) 344-9265 Contact: Gilbert Saenz www.antonian.org

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SAPRIVATESCHOOLS.COM Calvary Chapel Christian Academy K – 12th 2935 Pat Booker Rd., Ste. 118 Universal City, TX 78148 (210) 658-8337 Contact: Will Shank www.calvarysa.com/CCCA Castle Hills First Baptist School PK – 12th 2220 N.W. Military Hwy. San Antonio, TX 78213 (210) 377-8485 Contact: Susan Covarrubia www.chfbc.org/school Central Catholic High School 1403 N. St. Mary’s San Antonio, TX 78215 (210) 225-6794 Contact: Veronica Beck www.cchs-satx.org CHILD Montessori School Ages 2 – 5th grade 2829 Hunters Green St. San Antonio, TX 78231 (210) 493-6550 Contact: Jean Stein, director www.childmontessori.org

Christian Academy of San Antonio PK – 12th 325 Castroville Rd. San Antonio, TX 78207 (210) 436-2277 (Elementary) (210) 431-7355 (High School) Contact: Pam Payne www.christianacademysa.org

Converse Christian School and Learning Center PK – 1st 9146 FM 78 Converse, TX 78109 (210) 659-0203 www.conversechristianschool.org

The Circle School Ages 5-8 (non-graded) pre-K - Middle School 217 Pershing Ave. San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 822-0461 Contact: Blanca Lee Luna www.thecircleschool.org

Cornerstone Christian School K – 12 4802 Vance Jackson San Antonio, TX 78230 (210) 979-6161 (Elementary) (210) 979-9203 (High School) Contact: Dr. Jerry Eshleman www.sa-ccs.org

Colonial Hills United Methodist School Pre-Kindergarten – Kindergarten 5247 Vance Jackson San Antonio, TX 78230 (210) 349-1092 Contact: Lisa Miele www.colonialhills.info

Crossroads Christian Academy PK – 6th 5834 Ray Ellison Blvd.

San Antonio, TX 78242 (210) 623-4500 Contact: Pastor Lee www.wherelifechanges.com/academy

Concordia Lutheran School PK – 8th 16801 Huebner Rd. San Antonio, TX 78258 (210) 479-1477 Contact: Laura Sisk www.clssatx.com

Discovery School of San Antonio Inc. PK – 1st 222 Salem Dr. San Antonio, TX 78201 (210) 344-3472 Contact: Mary Stanchak mydiscoveryschool.com

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SAN ANTONIO AREA DIRECTORY OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS Eisenhauer Road Baptist School PK – 6th 3950 Eisenhauer Rd. San Antonio, TX 78218 (210) 655-6831 Eleanor Kolitz Academy K – 8th 12500 N.W. Military Hwy., Ste. 150 San Antonio, TX 78231 (210) 302-6900 Contact: Kathryn Davis www.ekhla.org First Baptist Academy PK – 12th 1401 Pat Booker Rd. Universal City, TX 78148 (210) 658-5331 Contact: Teri Flynn www.fbauc.com Gateway Christian School K – 12th 6623 Five Palms San Antonio, TX 78242 (210) 674-5703, ext. 35 Contact: Mrs. Terri Williams www.gw-school.org

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Geneva School of Boerne K – 12th 113 Cascade Caverns Rd. Boerne, TX 78015 (830) 755-6101 Contact: Erin Barton www.genevaschooltx.org

Holy Cross of San Antonio High School Middle and High School 426 N. San Felipe San Antonio, TX 78228 (210) 433-9395 Contact: Eddie Cedillo www.holycross-sa.com

The George Gervin Academy Youth Center 6944 South Sunbelt Dr. San Antonio, TX 78218 (210) 568-8800 Contact: Jesse Villanueva www.gervin-school.org

Holy Name Catholic School K – 8th 3814 Nash Blvd.

San Antonio, TX 78223 (210) 333-7356 Contact: David Solis Jr. www.hncssa.org

Grace Christian School K – 12th 7760 Prue Rd. San Antonio, TX 78249 (210) 265-8166 Contact: Veronica Garza www.gracechristianschool-sa.com

Holy Spirit Catholic School K – 8th 770 W. Ramsey San Antonio, TX 78216 (210) 349-1169 Contact: Lisa Rosenfeld www.hscssa.org

Hill Country Montessori School Ages 18 months – 12 years 50 Stone Wall Dr. Boerne, TX 78006 (830) 229-5377 Contact: Michele Fischer www.hcmontessori.org

Holy Trinity Presbyterian Day School Ages 6 weeks – third grade 16245 Nacogdoches Rd. San Antonio, TX 78247 (210) 599-7640 Contact: Dorothy Colts-Tegg www.holytrinitypres.org/school

SAPRIVATESCHOOLS.COM Incarnate Word High School 727 E. Hildebrand San Antonio, TX 78212 (210) 829-3100 Contact: Annette Zahirniak www.incarnatewordhs.org

Lutheran High School of San Antonio 18104 Babcock Rd. San Antonio, TX 78255 (210) 694-4962 Contact: Linda Roese www.lhssa.org

John Paul II Catholic High School 6720 FM 482 New Braunfels, TX 78132 (830) 643-0802 Contact: Andrew Iliff www.johnpaul2chs.org

MacArthur Park Lutheran Preschool 2903 Nacogdoches Rd. San Antonio, TX 78217 (210) 822-5374 Contact: Carla Lockett www.macparkschool.org

Keystone School K – 12th 119 E. Craig Pl. San Antonio, TX 78212 (210) 735-4022, ext. 325 Contact: Zina Wormley www.keystoneschool.org

Maranatha Adventist School K – 8th 2526 Goliad Rd. San Antonio, TX 78223 (210) 333-8861 Contact: Rebecka Sauls www.maranathasdaschool.netadvent.org

Little Flower Catholic School K – 8th 905 Kentucky Ave. San Antonio, TX 78201 (210) 732-9207 Contact: Patricia Martinez www.littleflowercatholicschool.org

Monarch Academy Special Needs 5235 David Edwards Drive San Antonio, TX 78233 (210) 479-3311 Contact: Elisa Espitia www.monarchacademy.net

Montessori Earth School Ages 18 months – 2nd grade 4911 Golden Quail Rd. San Antonio, TX 78240 (210) 558-8339 Contact: Verna Gabriel www.montessoriearthschool.com Montessori School Int’l Ages 18 months – 6 years 8222 Wurzbach Rd. San Antonio, TX 78229 (210) 614-1665 www.msitexas.com Montessori Schoolhouse Ages 18 months – 12 years 10711 Dreamland Dr. San Antonio, TX 78230 (210) 341-0731 Contact: Luz Migdalia Ponce www.mymontessorischoolhouse.com The Montessori School of San Antonio Ages 3-14 17722 Rogers Ranch Pkwy.

San Antonio, TX 78258 (210) 492-3553 Contact: Emily Lund www.montessorisa.org

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SAN ANTONIO AREA DIRECTORY OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS Mount Sacred Heart School Ages 2 ½ – 8th grade 619 Mount Sacred Heart Rd. San Antonio, TX 78216 (210) 342-6711 Contact: Maria Casto www.Melissa Zamora.com

New Life Christian Academy PK – 12th 6622 Hwy. 90 West San Antonio, TX 78227 (210) 679-6001 Contact: Nicole Rodriguez www.newlifeca.org

Primrose School at Cibolo Canyons Preschool 3330 TPC Pkwy.

San Antonio, TX 78261 (210) 479-7099 Contact: Jeanine Valle www.primroseschools.com/schools/cibolo-canyons

New Braunfels Christian Academy Pre-K and Elementary 995 Mission Hills Dr. New Braunfels, TX 78130 (830) 629-6222 Contact: Carolyn Alsobooks www.nbchristianacademy.org

Northwest Hills Christian School K – 8th 8511 Heath Circle Dr. San Antonio, TX 78250 (210) 522-1102 Contact: Alma Dowdle www.nwhcs.org

Providence Catholic School College Preparatory School for Girls Grade 6-12 1215 N. St. Mary’s St. San Antonio, TX 78215 (210) 224-6651, ext. 210 Contact: Stephanie Takas-Mercer www.providencehs.net

New Braunfels Christian Academy Middle and High School 220 FM 1863 New Braunfels, TX 78132 (830) 629-1821 Contact: Karen Shumway www.nbchristianacademy.org

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School K – 8th 16075 N. Evans Rd. Selma, TX 78154 (210) 651-6811 Contact: Jacqueline Palermo www.olphselma.org

Legacy Christian Academy K – 12th 2255 Horal Dr., San Antonio, TX 78227 Elementary: (210) 674-0490 Contact: Angela Stewart Jr./Sr. High: (210) 645-4081 Contact: Pedro Garza www.rainbowhillsschool.net

New Hope Christian Academy PK – 12th 4402 Spear Head San Antonio, TX 78238 (210) 431-8809 Contact: Hilda Rodriguez

Palm Heights Christian Academy PK – 8th 1106 W. Malone San Antonio, TX 78225 (210) 923-8600 Contact: Mark Manuel

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River City Believers Academy K – 12th 16765 Lookout Rd. Selma, TX 78154 (210) 656-2999 Contact: Shane Land www.rcbaonline.com

SAPRIVATESCHOOLS.COM River City Christian School K – 12th 5810 Blanco Rd. San Antonio, TX 78216 (210) 384-0297 Contact: Susie West www.rivercitychristianschool.com Rolling Hills Academy K – 8th 21240 Gathering Oak San Antonio, TX 78260 (210) 497-0323 Contact: Erin Grosso www.rollinghillscatholic.org Royal Point Academy K – 4th 9965 Kriewald Rd. San Antonio, TX 78245 (210) 674-5310 Contact: Veronica Pena www.royalpointacademy.com Saint Mary’s Hall K – 12th 9401 Starcrest San Antonio, TX 78217 (210) 483-9100 Contact: Julie Helimund www.smhall.org

St. Andrew’s Weekday School and Great Beginnings PK – Kindergarten 722 Robinhood Pl. San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 824-8737 Contact: Kay Osborn www.standrewsumcschool.org

St. David’s Episcopal School Ages 16 months – Kindergarten 1300 Wiltshire San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 824-2481 Contact: Bonnie Babbitt www.saintdavidschool.net

St. Anthony Catholic High School 3200 McCullough Ave. San Antonio, TX 78212 (210) 832-5600 Contact: Alejandro Calderon www.sachs.org

St. George Episcopal School PK – 8th 6900 West Ave. San Antonio, TX 78213 (210) 342-4263 Contact: Melissa Patterson www.saintgeorgeschool.org

St. Anthony Elementary School 205 W. Huisache San Antonio, TX 78212 (210) 732-8801 Contact: Mary Martinez www.stanthonysa.org

St. Gerard Catholic High School 521 S. New Braunfels Ave. San Antonio, TX 78203 (210) 533-8061 Contact: Peter Rivera www.stgerardsa.org

St. Cecilia School PK – 8th 118 Lowell San Antonio, TX 78210 (210) 534-2711 Contact: Mary Crow www.stceciliasa.com

St. Gregory the Great School PK – 8th 700 Dewhurst San Antonio, TX 78213 (210) 342-0281 Contact: Martha Gomez www.stgregorys.net

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SAN ANTONIO AREA DIRECTORY OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS St. James the Apostle Catholic School PK – 8th 907 West Theo Ave. San Antonio, TX 78225 (210) 924-1201 Contact: Ignacia Carillo www.stjamesschoolsa.org

St. Luke Catholic School PK – 8th 4603 Manitou San Antonio, TX 78228 (210) 434-2011 Contact: Dora Calderon www.stlukecatholic.org

St. Matthew Catholic School PK – 8th 10703 Wurzbach Rd. San Antonio, TX 78230 (210) 478-5099 Contact: Alvin Caro www.stmatts.org

St. John Berchmans School PK – 8th 1147 Cupples Rd. San Antonio, TX 78226 (210) 433-0411 Contact: Beverly Abbott www.sjbschool-sa.com

St. Luke’s Episcopal School PK – 8th 11 St. Luke’s Ln. San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 826-0664 Contact: Mary Ann Randolph www.sles-sa.org

St. Monica Catholic School PK – 8th 515 North St. Converse, TX 78109 (210) 658-6701 Contact: JoAnn Wood www.saintmonica.net

St. John Bosco Elementary School PK – 8th 5630 W. Commerce San Antonio, TX 78237 (210) 432-8011 Contact: Sr. Rosann Ruiz www.stjohnbosco-satx.org

St. Margaret Mary Catholic School PK – 8th 1202 Fair Ave. San Antonio, TX 78223 (210) 534-6137 Contact: Dr. Christina Saavedra www.stmmcs.org

St. Paul Catholic School PK – 8th 307 John Adams Dr. San Antonio, TX 78228 (210) 732-2741 Contact: Mary Crow www.stpaulroyals.org

St. Leo the Great Catholic School PK – 8th 119 Octavia Pl. San Antonio, TX 78214 (210) 532-3155 Contact: Carol Johnson www.stleothegreatschool.net

St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School PK – 8th 1700 Clower St. San Antonio, TX 78201 (210) 735-1381 Contact: William Daily www.stmmsa.org

St. Paul’s Episcopal Montessori School Ages 18 months – 12 years 1018 E. Grayson St. San Antonio, TX 78208 (210) 271-2861 Contact: Sandy Martinez www.stpaulsmontessori.org

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SAPRIVATESCHOOLS.COM St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles School PK – 8th 112 Marcia Pl. San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 824-3171 Contact: Becky Pawelek www.stpeterprince.org

St. Thomas More School PK – 8th 4427 Moana Dr. San Antonio, TX 78218 (210) 655-2882 Contact: Kimberly Gutierrez www.st-thomas-more-school.org

St. Philip of Jesus School K - 8th 134 E. Lambert San Antonio, TX 78204 (210) 222-2872 Contact: Ana Maria Laborde De La Portilla spjsa.weebly.com

Salem Sayers Baptist Academy PK – 12th 5212 FM 1628 Adkins, TX 78101 (210) 649-1178 Contact: Teresa Sandoval www.sayersacademy.com

St. Pius X School PK – 8th 7734 Robin Rest San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 824-6431 Contact: Cathy Brown www.stpiusxsa.org/school

San Antonio Academy of Texas PK – 8th 117 E. French Pl. San Antonio, TX 78212 (210) 733-7331 Contact: Mary Wilde www.sa-academy.org

St. Thomas Episcopal School PK – 5th 1416 N. Loop 1604 E. San Antonio, TX 78232 (210) 494-3509 Contact: Robin Rosen www.stthomaskids.com

San Antonio Christian Schools PK – 12th 19202 Redland Rd. San Antonio, TX 78259 (210) 340-1864 Contact: Rusty Sugg www.sachristianschools.org

San Antonio Country Day Montessori School Ages 2 ½ years – 6th grade 4194 Jung Rd. San Antonio, TX 78247 (210) 496-6033 Contact: Carol Ann Wearden www.countrydayschool.net Scenic Hills Christian SDA PK – 9th 11223 Bandera Rd. San Antonio, TX 78250 (210) 523-2312 Contact: Sherry Clapp www.scenichillsschool.org Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran School PK – 8th 6914 Wurzbach Rd. San Antonio, TX 78240 (210) 614-3741 Contact: Ashley Kennedy www.shlutheran.org Sunnybrook Christian Academy PK – 12th 1620 Pinn Rd. San Antonio, TX 78227 (210) 674-8000 Contact: James Hatch www.topministries.org/sca

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SAN ANTONIO AREA DIRECTORY OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS Sunshine Cottage for Deaf Children PK – 5th 603 E. Hildebrand San Antonio, TX 78212 (210) 824-0579 Contact: Dr. Nancy Henderson www.sunshinecottage.org TMI — The Episcopal School of Texas 6th – 12th 20955 West Tejas Tr. San Antonio, TX 78257 (210) 698-7171 Contact: Alanna Nichols www.tmi-sa.org Town East Christian School PK – 12th 2030 Bible Blvd.

San Antonio, TX 78220 (210) 648-2601 Contact: J.D. King www.teeagles.org Trinity Christian Academy K – 12th 5401 N. Loop 1604 East San Antonio, TX 78247 (210) 653-2800 Contact: Registrar trinitychristianacademy-sa.com

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Trinity United Methodist School PK – 5th 5319 Newcome Dr. San Antonio, TX 78229 (210) 684-5214 Contact: Linda Koehler www.trinityums.org Village Parkway Christian School PK – 5th 3002 Village Pkwy.

San Antonio, TX 78251 (210) 680-8187 www.villageparkwaychristian.net

The Winston School San Antonio PK – 12th 8565 Ewing Halsell Dr. San Antonio, TX 78229 (210) 615-6544 Contact: Julie Saboe www.winston-sa.org

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ROLE MODEL

Education Propels “Valley Kid” to Legal Career For attorney Sylvia Cardona, the idea to pursue her profession came in an envelope addressed to her father. “He got one of those class-action notices in the mail,” she remembers. “Having had little education and with Spanish as his first language, he asked me to review it. He had never run into anything legal before.” Still in high school, she called the 800 number listed and relayed the information to her father.

“It piqued my interest in the law,” says Cardona, who grew up in Edinburg, a self-described “Valley kid.” During college at the University of Texas at San Antonio, she worked for a small firm of bankruptcy attorneys while studying political science. When she told one of her bosses she was planning to go to law school, he said, “Are you sure you want to do that? You’re so talented and smart; you’ll have so many opportunities.” Looking back, she smiles. “He meant well,” she says.

Most people in her life were supportive of her decision, however,

Sylvia Cardona Personal: Age 39, married to attorney Marc Stroope; the couple has one son, Jake, who’s 15 months old; a “heavy cat,” Maci, and Lola, a five-pound Yorkie, “who’s the boss.”

Occupation: Attorney in the San Antonio office of Langley & Banack, a full-service law firm.

Why she’s a Role Model: First college graduate in her family; earned a law degree from Georgetown University and worked for the World Bank in Washington, D.C., before moving back to Texas to be closer to her family; won an impressive string of professional and community-service awards.

Her own role models: She has two — her mother, Noelia Salinas, “one of the hardest-working people I know. For many years, she was one of the few women to hold down a very labor-intense job in a paper factory. She worked 12-hour shifts to put food on our table”; and her older sister, Sandra Cardona-Cruz, “who played second mother and steered me in all the right directions. She overcame several obstacles and went back to finish school.”

Believes in: “The goodness in people. My goal is to focus on the good qualities in every individual and find a way to adapt them in my life.”

Best advice ever given: From her high school drill-team instructor, Lolly Longoria Peña, “whose overall theme was, ‘You don’t have to come from an affluent family to get an education and have class.’ That had a profound meaning for me because my parents were migrant workers who had very little education but gave me their morals and values.”

Favorite relaxation strategy: As a new mother, she loves to sleep “whenever I can,” but also looks forward to “girl time,” having a glass of wine and conversation with good friends.

“Women have so many areas in common,” she says. “It fills my cup literally and figuratively.”

What she’s reading: Lots of children’s books with her son, whose favorites include Llama Llama Red Pajama, Little Blue Truck and “anything by Dr. Seuss”; she just finished Mockingjay, the third book in the Hunger Games series, as an audio book; and is reading Wicked Success Is Inside Every Woman,

by Vickie L. Milazzo, an entrepreneur’s tips for growing a business.

so she went to law school at the University of Oklahoma, winning awards in national moot court competitions. After earning her J.D. degree from Oklahoma, she went on for an LL.M. — a

some instances, there’s no win-win solution, but we can mitigate

master’s degree in law — from Georgetown University, concen-

the problem and resolve it in the best way we can.” To reach a

trating in international and comparative law. Cardona stayed in

good resolution, “It’s more economical to stay out of courts,” so

Washington, D.C., to work for the World Bank for two years,

she spends as much time as possible “trying to develop a case

writing chapters in a book for the agency’s inspection panel,

solution from the office.”

then moved back to Texas.

Some of her cases tug at the heartstrings, such as one involving “I loved being in D.C., but for me it was a temporary stop,” she

a mom-and-pop business with a case brought against them by a

says. “I wanted to be closer to my family, who are still in the Val-

former friend. “It was something that never should have hap-

ley.” She joined the firm of Langley & Banack in its San Antonio

pened,” she said. Cardona worked with the couple until they ac-

office and has worked on a variety of cases as a litigator, using

complished a solution they could live with; when they no longer

her bilingual skills in cross-border business and developing a spe-

could afford to pay their legal fees, she worked pro bono to ac-

cialty in hospitality law. Through her work, she meets people from

complish a resolution of their case. “They were appreciative of my

all walks of life — from “individuals faced with litigation for the

work,” she said. “They brought me a dozen bagels and a hand-

first time to large companies where lawsuits are part of the cost

written thank-you note. It wasn’t a multimillion-dollar win — it was

of doing business.”

more of a principle win — but it was to them.”

Although “There is some overlap” to her cases as she has gained

Like many lawyers, she works long and irregular hours. It helps

experience, Cardona says that “All clients are different. Everyone

that she’s married to a fellow attorney, Marc Stroope, who works

has a story.” The challenge for her as their attorney is to “look at

for a different firm in the same building as hers. “We didn’t meet

every single situation individually, to identify (the client’s) needs

in the elevator,” she says, smiling. “It wasn’t that romantic.” The

and goals.” The satisfaction comes “when a client is happy. In

couple met at a litigation law section meeting of the San Antonio

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By PAULA ALLEN

Photography by JANET ROGERS

Bar Association; after a courtship fit into two busy schedules, they married, and their son, Jake, was born last year. Working a few floors apart makes child care handoffs easier; Cardona has not had to cut back and had a good year at work during her first year of motherhood.

Now a shareholder in the firm, she is focusing some of her attention on developing more business. “I have to think about rainmaking,” she says. “Like most lawyers, my goal is to have a solid book of business. Having clients who think of you as their go-to gal for legal issues is not only a huge honor, it helps solidify your future.”

One of her favorite activities outside of the office has been the public speaking she has done in local schools. Her message to students at all levels is “Education, education, education.” If they’re struggling in school, she tells them, “Get help. Don’t be too proud to ask. There are people who are willing to help you, and the possibilities are endless if you try.

“My mom would say, ‘Do it con animo — with spirit.’ When you do something, if you can say ‘I did it with determination, with dedication, with conviction, then you have given as much as you can,

Sylvia Cardona checks in with Analia Rios, who handles incoming calls at the Langley & Banack law firm.

and you can be proud of your work, whatever the outcome.”

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ARTBEAT

Art Executive Sans Pareil Southwest School of Art’s Paula Owen makes her mark Higher exhibition standards

On the morning I arrive at the Southwest

the gratification continues as well.” While the

School of Art (SSA) to interview its president,

degree program is the big news, she wants

At the same time, her artistic savvy has

Paula Owen, there are tables set in the front

everyone to know that the existing community

helped push the scope and quality of exhibits

yard, with adults and children milling around,

classes will not only continue but will likely be

to a higher level. Not only have many promi-

busy signing up for the children’s summer pro-

supported by the college.

nent San Antonio artists shown their work at

grams. Youngsters from 5 to 18 can choose

Though she often speaks using the plural

SSA, but other Texan, American, and even in-

from 130 class offerings, anything from car-

“we” to include the entire SSA community,

ternational contemporary artists working in a

tooning and drawing to jewelry making, paint-

people who know her view her leadership as

variety of media have been invited to partic-

ing, sculpture and puppetry.

the primary force that helped bring growth

ipate. It’s hard to find a local artist who

Come fall, a different group of young peo-

and stability to the school that started life as

doesn’t love the place. “Paula has supported

ple will populate the charming historic campus

the Southwest Craft Center back in the early

local artists through the exhibition program,”

when the first freshman class of college stu-

1970s. Since she took the helm in 1996, the

says artist and UTSA professor Constance

dents inaugurates the brand-new Bachelor of

institution has grown both physically and ar-

Lowe. “She finds the art scene here vital and

Fine Arts (BFA) program at the art school.

tistically. Capital fundraising campaigns have

rich, and she considers San Antonio artists on

“It was a natural next step in the evolution

been extraordinarily successful, making it

a par with others.”

of the institution,” says Owen, explaining why

possible for the school to increase its exhibi-

Owen has a huge input in the selection of

the respected community art school decided

tion and studio space considerably with the

exhibits. “I have a curatorial background, and my position includes the title of chief curator,”

to establish the first independent art college

addition of a second campus — known as the

in Texas. “It’s really not that dissimilar from

Navarro campus — as well as to plan for fu-

she explains. “I often conceive of an exhibit

what we have been doing for nearly five

ture expansions on the other side of Navarro

and then (director of exhibitions) Kathy Arm-

decades. We have always had serious art stu-

Street. The operating budget has quadru-

strong handles all the details. But we practi-

dents who went on to become working artists.

pled, allowing for new programs to serve the

cally read each other’s minds. I stay abreast of

This (the BFA) is an extension of that. Our BFA

public, additional scholarships for those who

what’s going on in contemporary art, and

program is going to be small and focused,

need them, a more streamlined overall oper-

ideas just occur. Right now, I am working on

comprehensive and more individualized than

ation as well as the preservation of the his-

an exhibition of contemporary porcelain

typical university counterparts.”

toric Ursuline Academy property that SSA

sculpture for November titled Pale & Fragile. I

calls home.

was inspired by artists who work in this

Students will enjoy personal mentoring, access to the school’s many studios and a

“Paula has been methodical about build-

medium. The fragility of the material underlies

wide choice of art genres, including the less

ing the capacity of the staff, board and or-

the concept of the work itself. The show will

common ones such as book art, papermaking

ganization,” wrote businessman and board

cover a broad range, from meticulously

and fiber arts. To make their lives even easier,

chairman James Lifshutz in an email. “She

formed objects to figurative sculpture. We

SSA will offer all the general education

has been effective in forming alliances with

often plan things well in advance, and that’s

courses right on campus as well, with an eye

art schools, other arts organizations, elected

why our exhibitions are so polished.”

on how these disciplines relate to their art.

officials and community leaders. Throughout

Other upcoming shows speak of the typi-

her tenure, Paula has been dedicated to

cal range of offerings, from the July all-school

In preparing for this big step, the school engaged in a meticulous study of all relevant

building and maintaining long-term fiscal

exhibition showcasing work by students, stu-

factors, including a capacity analysis of its

sustainability and elevating the artistic

dio artists and faculty to Altering Space, fea-

campus and a 10-year financial forecast, and

stature of the school and its programs …

turing American and English artists, and two

decided to start small and grow slowly. Wisely,

There are few nonprofit executives in San

solo shows of works by Trinity professor Kate

Owen also consulted the other art movers and

Antonio who have proven to be so capable.”

Ritson and Georgian photographer Timothy

shakers in town and nearby colleges and was

Her staff would wholeheartedly agree. One

delighted to get their support. Now everything

prominent member praises Owen as “a

Needless to say, there’s plenty of art to see

is in place for classes to start in late August.

fundraiser par excellence,” adding that she’s

in both SSA buildings. In the president’s office,

McCoy, respectively.

“We all feel a great sense of exhilaration,

widely admired in the community for her vi-

a large and whimsical painting of “Eve” greets

but we haven’t started celebrating yet,” she

sion and for articulating SSA goals. Major

visitors as they enter, but ceramic, metal and

says. “The challenges we have given ourselves

foundations respect SSA and support the vi-

paper pieces from various artists sit all around.

do not end with enrollment, they continue, but

sion, he says.

There’s even an embroidery piece by Bettie

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By JASMINA WELLINGHOFF

Photography JANET ROGERS

Paula Owen, president of the Southwest School of Art, in front of the school's historic home.

Inset: One of her paintings, Scattered Galaxy, acrylic on panel.

Ward. Owen is known for her calm demeanor,

Owen, a former system analyst and a musician.

dio is that in the latter I am completely in con-

and her serene office must have something to

Though she was not looking to change

trol. In the office I am always making quick de-

do with it. “We design our environment to in-

jobs at the time, once she visited here, she was

cisions; in the studio, I can go deeply into

still creative thinking,” she observes. “I do love

hooked. “I was impressed by the quality of the

myself, and the external world goes away.”

coming to work.”

work here, the artists and the devotion that

The “office,” of course, remains a busy

people had for the school,” she explains. “All

place as SSA is readying for its 50th anniver-

this potential! I just couldn’t resist it. I still feel

sary celebration next year that will invariably

that same kind of enthusiasm, and I like all as-

include a look back at the site’s history, which

She’s an artist, too Growing up in a small town in Iowa where her father was a college professor, young Paula always knew that she wanted to be an

pects of my job.”

started when a group of Ursuline nuns

One aspect of her career that may not be

opened a girls’ school there in 1851. The nuns

artist. And although she eventually pursued

in the job description is her own artistic pur-

left in 1965. For the president, the coordina-

the necessary degrees, reality also forced her

suit. While her time in the studio is limited, she

tion of upcoming events is yet another mul-

to take a variety of jobs — as a graphic artist,

makes art on a consistent basis. A recent REM

titasking project but one whose significance

a PR person, a teacher, etc. — to add to the

Gallery show, Vague Chatter, was devoted to

she appreciates.

family income. She had two children with her

her more recent output. “I made that promise

“Lots of important moments, people, in-

first husband and now has four grandkids, two

to myself, to work consistently in the studio. I

novations, classes and exhibits have built on

of whom will be attending classes at SSA this

am not a whole person if I don’t spend time in

each other over decades so that today we

summer. She moved to San Antonio from

the studio,” she says. “The biggest difference

can have this thriving institution,” she notes

Richmond, Va., with her second husband, Ben

between what I do in the office and in the stu-

with satisfaction.

july/august 2014 | 121

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DINING

CURED at

Pearl Meats come into their own here It’s easy these days to feel a little over-

replica tin ceilings and “windows” in the

whelmed by the density of mostly new con-

floor illustrating the historic footprint.

struction at Pearl. Fortunately, there are a

As interesting as are the building’s archi-

at a table or the accommodating bar — immediately order a selection of charcuterie, available in increments of three selections.

few small gems scattered in and around the

tectural aspects, however, it’s a glassy dis-

It’s an illustration of McHugh spreading his

development to relieve its otherwise all-at-

play case that dominates the interior.

own wings.

once aspect. Cured, chef Steven McHugh’s

Chock-full of hams on hooks and sausages

We have in general been fonder of the

recently opened restaurant, opposite Ar-

on strings, it underlines both McHugh’s

cured meats than the patés and mousses,

cade and adjacent to Local Coffee and The

Midwestern roots and the Southern culi-

but they are nevertheless an essential in-

Twig, occupies one such structure, the old

nary chops he acquired working for New

gredient in, say, a six-part platter. Check out

administration building, and it has been lov-

Orleans chef John Besh, for whom he

whatever pork rillette might be on offer,

ingly burnished to a discreet luster with

opened Lüke locally. Upon being seated —

then move down to a sausage (spring

122 | sawoman.com

By RON BECHTOL

Photography JANET ROGERS

onion was recently good), a cured duck

needed a little sea salt to make it sing. The

thing as the Crawfish Love Letters was a

breast, a 60-day pork shoulder, perhaps a

cabrito sliders, if available, are perhaps bet-

plate deserving of some contemplation,

180-day lamb (deserving of a $4 supple-

ter for an afternoon snack while sitting at

frosty glass of rosé in hand. Despite all the

ment). If the hams don’t achieve the pro-

the bar, but the accompanying chayote

emphasis on cured products, you might

found (and, to some, excessive) saltiness of

pickles are worth experiencing no matter

think of this testimonial as emblematic of

a traditional Smithfield, they are still to be

how you get them.

McHugh’s approach: Though crawfish were

admired, especially with the house-made

We would not have thought to order the

lavash, various mustards and pickled and

pan-seared quail if not for a suggestion

semble members along with ravioli filled

brined items such as celery and even Po-

from our affable waiter one night. (Interest-

with crawfish farce, tender spring peas, bits

teet strawberries. A Texas craft beer would

ingly, the pedigree of the side-dish Swiss

of bacon, shaved parmesan … and cream,

not be unwelcome in this company. Say a

chard is noted on the menu, but not the

glorious cream. As the dish may well be off

Karbach Weisse Versa Wheat?

Bandera provenance of the quail.) But

the menu by the time you read this, file it under spring and vow to come back.

the headliners, they were also good en-

Vegetables aren’t given a big berth on

these turn out not to be your knee-jerk,

Cured’s menu, though the chef does utilize

partially boned birds; rather, they have

The same goes for the Poteet brown but-

local and seasonal produce in many dishes;

been cooked sous-vide then made into

ter strawberry tart, a welcome reworking

we suggest ordering the beet salad if it’s

sausages that are grilled and served with

of the standard berry-and-rhubarb model

on the list if only to experience the beet

reduced pan jus, a process that yields

(sans rhubarb), nutty rather than gelati-

“cracklings.” Then continue to a lusty

much deeper flavor. A delicate parsnip cus-

nous. Do not be daunted by the fact that

smoked pork gumbo topped with crisp

tard and grits boldly flavored with mole

the pie is (or was) served with a savory

okra. Or, more adventurously, to the warm,

rounded out the plate.

scoop of sweet pea mousse; despite the

sliced pig’s head, a cheeky presentation as-

The noise level was beginning to rise by

need for another touch of salt, it was amaz-

sembled from steamed and reconstituted

the time we got to the quail, though it

ingly good with the tart and its chopped

flesh from the cabeza that has been sliced

never got to the punishing level favored by

pistachios. Spread your own wings as well,

and served in a light vinaigrette. It only

some restaurant owners — a very good

in other words.

CURED: Opposite, an interior view of Cured at Pearl. The emphasis is on meats, but there are interesting side dishes as well. Menu choices include (above, clockwise) a charcuterie platter, crabmeat ravigote, fresh beet salad, Poteet brown butter strawberry tart and Crawfish Love Letters.

july/august 2014 | 123

TIME EAT to

RESTAURANT GUIDE

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 385 N. Loop 1604 W. 494-3371 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 7929 Pat Booker Rd. 653-2002 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

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

BIG KAHUNAS CHINA BISTRO DING HOW FORMOSA GARDENS FUJIYA GOLDEN WOK

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

TAIPEI THAI KITCHEN

124 | sawoman.com

741 W. Ashby Pl. 10103 Huebner Road 4531 N.W. Loop 410 1011 N. E. Loop 410 9030 Wurzbach 8822 Wurzbach 8230 Marbach 6905 Blanco Rd. 1031 Patricia 8440 Fredericksburg 4051 Broadway 7212 Blanco Rd. 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

733-8473 340-7944 340-7944 828-9988 615-7553 615-8282 674-2577 366-4508 366-1033 692-5262 805-8111 348-9071 615-1288 822-3253 507-1000 507-6500 340-7808 691-3332 472-2900 826-8500 545-6100 366-3012 403-3316 344-8366

THAI LAO RESTAURANT TOKYO STEAK HOUSE TONG’S THAI

126 W. Rector 9405 San Pedro 1146 Austin Highway

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

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

CAJUN/CREOLE ACADIANA BIG EASY CAFE BOURBON STREET SEAFOOD PAT O’BRIEN’S

1289 S.W. Loop 410 4822 Walzem Road 2815 N. Loop 1604 121 Alamo Plaza

674-0019 653-5688 545-0666 212-8698

EUROPEAN ANAQUA GRILL CHEZ VATEL & BISTRO 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

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.

LÜKE 125 E. Houston MESON EUROPEAN DINING 923 N. Loop 1604 E. NOSH 1133 Austin Highway SAVEURS 209 209 Broadway WAXY O’CONNOR’S 234 River Walk

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 639-3165 229-9299

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

FATTY’S FUDDRUCKERS 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

ORIGINAL MEXICAN PALOMA BLANCA PALOMA RIVER WALK PAPPASITO’S CANTINA PERICO’S BAR AND GRILL

ITALIAN Scuzzi’s 4035 N Loop 1604 W San Antonio, TX (210) 493-8884 ALDINO AT THE VINEYARD 1203 N. Loop 1604 W. 8539 Fredericksburg ALDO'S RISTORANTE BRAVO CUCINA ITALIANA 15900 La Cantera Pkwy.

CAPPARELLI’S ON MAIN 2524 N. Main CARRABBA’S ITALIAN GRILL 12507 IH-10 W. CERRONI’S PURPLE GARLIC 1017 Austin Hwy. DOUGH PIZZERIA 6989 Blanco 200 E. Grayson, #100 IL SOGNO OSTERIA 8032 Fredericksburg Rd. LORENZO’S LA FOCACCIA ITALIAN GRILL 800 S. Alamo 824 Afterglow LITTLE ITALY LUCE RISTORANTE E ENOTECA11255 Huebner LUCIANO’S 849 E. Commerce 401 South Alamo 521 River Walk MICHELINO’S MILANO RISTORANTE 11802 Wurzbach PAESANOS 555 E. Basse 111 W. Crockett Loop 1604 at N.W. Military 255 E. Basse PIATTI PIATTI EILAN 1701 La Cantera Pkwy., #7 PICCOLO’S 5703 Evers Rd. 16019 Nacogdoches POMPEII ITALIAN GRILL TRE TRATTORIA 4003 Broadway 401 S. Alamo

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 828-5191 227-2782 493-1604 832-0300 251-3542 647-5524 946-5518 805-0333 223-0401

MEDITERRANEAN DEMO’S COPA WINE BAR GREEK TO ME JERUSALEM GRILL JOHN THE GREEK MIMI & DIMI’S PAPOULI’S GRILL

7115 Blanco 2501 N. St. Mary’s 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 495-2672 699-6688 680-8400 403-0565 674-3464 659-2244 804-1118 641-1313

MEXICAN/LATIN

SAZO’S LATIN GRILL SOLUNA COCINA MEXICANA TOMATILLOS CANTINA URBAN TACO

224-9951 822-6151 212-0566 691-8974 684-5376 402-6006 822-3797 225-6060 226-8462 223-1806 481-4100 646-8088 558-6788 223-1000 930-8070 824-3005 332-5149

PIZZA BARBARO 2920 McCullough CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN 11745 IH-10 W. 255 E. Basse Rd. FLORIO’S PIZZA 7701 Broadway GRIMALDI’S PIZZA 330 E. Basse, #101 618 McCullough GUILLERMO’S MISS ELLIE’S 903 E. Bitters Rd 5146 Broadway SORRENTO TRILOGY PIZZA BISTRO 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy.

VOLARE GOURMET PIZZA 5054 Broadway

320-2261 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 THE SANDBAR WILDFISH SEAFOOD GRILLE

18130 Hwy. 281 N. 11703 Huebner Road 517 N. Presa 76 N.E. Loop 410 212 W. Crockett 200 E. Grayson 1834 N.W. Loop 1604

495-3474 694-4201 527-1845 340-7143 396-5817 212-2221 493-1600

SOUTHWESTERN 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

El Jarro 13421 San Pedro San Antonio, TX 78216 (210) 494-5084 ÁCENAR MODERN TEX-MEX 146 E. Houston AJUÚA! CUISINE DE MEXICO 11703 Huebner ALAMO CAFÉ 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 MIRADOR 722 S. St. Mary’s EL MIRASOL ALTA COCINA 13489 Blanco FRIDA’S MEXICAN CUISINE 3023 Thousand Oaks IRON CACTUS MEXICAN GRILL200 River Walk LA FOGATA 2427 Vance Jackson LA FONDA ON MAIN 2415 N. Main 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

PICANTE GRILL PICO DE GALLO RIO RIO CANTINA ROSARIO’S ROSARIO’S NORTH SALSALITO’S

528 River Walk 5800 Broadway 215 Losoya 10501 IH-10 W. 10820 Bandera 1439 E. Sonterra Blvd.

3810 Broadway 111 S. Leona 421 E. Commerce 910 S. Alamo 7915 San Pedro 14535 Nacogdoches 11523 Bandera 101 Bowie 7959 Broadway 3210 Broadway 290 E. Basse, #105

222-2362 877-0600 691-8827 495-2233 222-0561 494-0561 225-5550 225-6718 930-9393 545-6965 695-8302 490-8302 225-9444 479-8765 496-3023 224-9835 340-1337 733-0621 342-8981 497-8000 227-7140 732-6017 341-5424 225-1262

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 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 10901 Scenic Loop 123 N. Loop 1604 E. 231 S. Alamo 849 E. Commerce 10003 N.W. Military 1401 N. Loop 1604 W. 233 E. Houston 15900 La Cantera Pkwy.

7720 Jones Maltsberger 600 E. Market Street

520-4001 824-0116 691-8888 695-8301 404-2221 225-1212 228-0700 493-3031 493-6200 226-7256 558-6161 821-5051 227-8847

ENHANCE YOUR LISTING! Call (210) 826-5375 for more information.

july/august 2014 | 125

Events W Calendar

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WEDDINGS

Ronald McDonald House 4th Annual CHAIR-ity July 17 Old San Francisco Steakhouse (210) 614-2554

North SA Chamber of Commerce 2014 Small Business Leaders Awards July 22 Omni Colonnade (210) 344-4848

Mr. and Mrs. Lance Woodley Littleton (Lynsey Alexander Peacock) March 8, 2014

Culinaria Rambling Rosé August 9 Becker Vineyards (210) 822-1555

David Sixt

San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists Scholarship & Awards Gala August 8 Marriott Rivercenter (210) 250-3402

Mr. and Mrs. Tony Kern (Alissa Autenrieth) March 29, 2014

Jenna-Beth Lyde/Parish Photography

The Village at Incarnate Word Christmas in July July 18 CHRISTUS Heritage Hall (210) 829-7561 ext. 114

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Boots N’ Shoot August 15 National Shooting Complex (210) 225-5851 American Wounded Heroes Golf Classic August 18 The Dominion (210) 381-749 Boysville 48th Wildest Auction in the West August 23 JW Marriott (210) 659-1901 Lead SA Salute to Excellence Honoring Rosemary Kowalski, Jane Macon and Edith McAllister August 26 La Cantera Hill Country Resort (210) 344-4848

Mr. and Mrs. Luke Emanuel Kraus (Caroline Leigh Gilger) April 12, 2014

Mr. and Mrs. Tommy McNish (Jessi Burden) April 12, 2014

The Ecumenical Center Art Heals Hearts: The Power of Expression September 11 The Ecumenical Center (210) 616-0885

American Cancer Society Ranch Chic Fashion Show September 18 Sky Room at UIW (210) 614-4211

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Aguirre (Itzel Luna) May 1, 2014

126 | sawoman.com

Mr. and Mrs. Jason Paul Vyzlecka (Fredericka Ragan De Lee) May 3, 2014

David Sixt

Moonlight Fund Art Gala and Masque Ball September 20 San Antonio Country Club (210) 445-0971

Jenna-Beth Lyde/Parish Photography

UT Health Science Center Gala 2014 Honoring Tom and Pat Frost September 13 Grand Hyatt (210) 567-2028

David Sixt

Mr. and Mrs. Alfonso Javier Maldonado, Jr. (Kimberly Janelle Sherfey) May 24, 2014

David Sixt

Paul Overstreet/Overstreet Photography

Mr. and Mrs. Louis James Swope (Hallie Bracken West) May 31, 2014

David Sixt

Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Graves Shannon (Kelly Baird Engert) May 31, 2014

Mr. and Mrs. Tanner Doss (Martita Sheesley) May 10, 2014

David Sixt

Mr. and Mrs. Marc Daniel Smith (Elizabeth Hunter Philip) May 17, 2014

Jenna-Beth Lyde/Parish Photography

Mr. and Mrs. Chance Kinnison (Kate Mason) May 10, 2014

july/august 2014 | 127

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Entertainment & The Arts Events

Music

Loretta Lynn Majestic Theatre 8 at 8 PM Friday, August

Fiesta Noche del Rio Arneson River Theater Fri, Sat Through 8/16, 8:30 PM

Music

Theater

Lady Gaga AT&T Center 7/14 Mon, 7:30 pm

Tarzan Woodlawn Theatre Thru 7/20

Tony Bennett Majestic Theatre 7/23 Wed, 8 pm

Tommy The Playhouse 8/1-24

Austin Mahone Freeman Coliseum 7/25 Fri, 7 pm

Queen’s Castle Overtime Theater 8/8-9/27

American Idol Live 2014 Tour Majestic Theatre 7/28 Mon, 7:30 pm

Arms and the Man Classic Theatre 8/22-9/7

Radney Foster Gruene Hall 8/1 Fri, 8 pm

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Sheldon Vexler Theatre 8/23-9/20

Justin Timberlake AT&T Center 8/5 Tues, 8 pm

Art

Under the Sun Tour: Blues Traveler, Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth Majestic Theatre 8/5 Tues, 8 pm Loretta Lynn Majestic Theatre 8/8 Fri, 8 pm Maxwell’s Summer Soulstice Tour Majestic Theatre 8/13 Wed, 7:30 pm Smokey Robinson Live in Concert Majestic Theatre 8/20 Wed, 7:30 pm OneRepublic Freeman Coliseum 8/25 Mon, 7 pm

All-School Exhibition 2014 Southwest School of Art 7/19-8/31 Flatland Museo Guadalupe 7/11-10/11 Pace Gems Exhibition SPACE Gallery Thru 9/13 Art in the Garden Sculptures by Richard Hunt San Antonio Botanical Garden

Museums McNay Art Museum

Charlie Robison Gruene Hall 8/30, 31, Fri, Sat Lila Downs Majestic Theatre 8/31 Sun, 7 pm Lynyrd Skynyrd Tobin Center 9/5 Fri, 8 pm

128 | sawoman.com

Matisse and Picasso: A Friendly Rivalry Thru 8/10 Beauty Reigns: A Baroque Sensibility in Recent Painting Thru 8/17 Paul Strand: The Mexican Portfolio Thru 8/24

Venue

Tobin for the Pe Center

rforming Grand Ope ning Septem Arts ber 2014

San Antonio Museum of Art Matisse: Life in Color Thru 9/7 Glories of the Baroque: 17th-century European Art Thru 7/26 Witte Museum Julian Onderdonk in New York: The Lost Years, the Lost Paintings Thru 9/9 Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body Thru 11/3 Institute of Texan Cultures Texas Contemporary Artists Series Thru 10/26

Events Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus AT&T Center 7/2-6 Wed-Sun, time varies July 4th Celebration & Fireworks Woodlawn Lake Park 7/4 Fri, 8am - 10pm Cactus Pear Music Festival 4 programs, 3 cities, 14 world-class musicians 7/3-13 www.cpmf.us Paula Deen Live!

Majestic Theatre 8/6 Wed, 7:30 pm Fiesta Noche del Rio Arneson River Theater Thru 8/16 Fri-Sat, 8:30 pm Culinaria Restaurant Week 8/16-23 Prix-fixe meals at various restaurants (210) 822-9555, culinariasa.org San Antonio — The Saga Main Plaza, 115 N. Main Thru 12/31 Tues, Fri, Sat, Sun, 9 pm

WOMEN ON THE MOVE

Marilyn Hartmann Security Service Federal Credit Union has promoted Marilyn Hartmann to assistant vice president of commercial service, overseeing commercial loan production in all credit union markets, compliance and training and mentoring of commercial loan officers.

She previously managed commercial loan production.

Hartmann joined SSFCU in 2004 and has twice been named employee of the month. She is active in numerous nonprofits and business organizations.

Caroline Kuper ®

Realtor Caroline Kuper specializes in residential properties.

She and her husband, real estate broker/ principal Rick Kuper, have a multimilliondollar closing team, which includes Rick, Caroline and Pamela Mauldon. A graduate of Texas A&M University with a BBA in marketing, she previously worked for Saks Fifth Avenue and Baxter Design Group.

Kuper has served the Alamo Heights Independent School District on numerous boards and committees.

Christy McCoy

Lisa Mochel

Christy McCoy has been promoted to executive vice president and chief financial officer at Lone Star Capital Bank.

She is responsible for all financial reporting and analysis, cash management, forecasting and budgeting. She also manages the bank’s investment portfolio.

A graduate of UTSA and the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at SMU, she serves on the bank’s executive committee, personnel committee, ALCO and is secretary of the bank’s board of directors.

Lisa Mochel has joined eEmployer Solutions, Inc. (eESI) as business development manager and will focus on maintaining and initiating client relationships to foster growth in identified markets while remaining active in the community. A native San Antonian, she earned a degree in business administration from Wayland Baptist University and has worked in the banking industry for the past 20 years.

Brooke E. Naegele Nurse practitioner Brooke E. Naegele has joined Urology San Antonio, where she treats men’s and women’s urologic health issues and manages care for individuals with advanced prostate cancer. She previously worked in obstetrics and gynecology. Naegele holds degrees in nursing from Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Va., and UT Austin. She is certified as a family nurse practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

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Kay Steabman Kay Steabman, BA, BSN, RN, has been hired as corporate director of pediatric nursing for National Nursing & Rehab, a licensed and certified home health agency serving San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Austin and the Rio Grande Valley. Previously she was policy and management coordinator for CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health Care. She graduated cum laude from William Carey College, where she was named best overall nursing student.

july/august 2014 | 129

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LOOKING BACK

Photo credit Monticello Yearbook

1936 “Each for all and all for each” is the motto of the Thomas Jefferson High School Lasso Pep Squad.

130 | sawoman.com