SAW May/June 2012

The Allure of Living Downtown

SA’s Women in Medicine Making Plans for Senior Living SAWOMAN.COM

US $3.95

Dr. Li Luo Skelton Making San Antonio Smile

W EDITOR

8 | sawoman.com

CONTENTS MAY/JUNE//2012

58

41 30 26

Features 18 Downtown Living What’s not to like?

26 A New Life in America Dr. Skelton left China’s bloodshed and cultural revolution behind

30 Passion and Perseverance Create Terrell Hills Gem Home exemplifies Arts and Crafts style

41 Warm Weather Fashions Neutral Territory

62 Focus on Food Corn: the grain that built the New World

89 Women In Medicine

118

COLUMNS

CALENDARS

12 14 16 53 58 65 67 69 71 75 81 84

40 Fashion 120 Entertainment 126 Events

Editor’s Letter Contributors What’s New Shop Boerne Dining Wine Scene Around Town Mommy Matters Beauty & Fitness Health Matters Dollars & Sense Business Woman Spotlight 122 Restaurants 124 Weddings 128 Women on the Move 129 AstroForecast 130 Looking Back

SPECIAL SECTIONS

46 Shop SA Shopping in San Antonio made easy

97 Women In Medicine Directory

103 Senior Living How to deal with changes as your loved ones age

More women today are seeking careers in medicine

116 Role Model Marisa Ayala coordinates events at the Botanical Garden

118 ArtBeat Bett Butler records new album of old favorites

COVER Li Luo Skelton, D.D.S. From China to a New Life in America Photography Liz Garza Williams

www.sawoman.com 10 | sawoman.com

W EDITOR

Liz Garza Williams

Letter from the Editor

MAY/JUNE 2012 PUBLISHER J. Michael Gaffney EDITOR Beverly Purcell-Guerra GRAPHIC DESIGN Kevin Herrera, Maria Jenicek, Jonathan Lee, Eric Weidner

The words “urban revitalization” may make you think of new office buildings or perhaps a park, but others see it as the impetus for living in the city. In Up Front, we visit with two couples, one with a child, and a single woman who have moved to downtown San Antonio and love the life they are experiencing. They enjoy being close to restaurants, theaters and other city amenities and don’t miss driving on the freeways every day.

Read about these residents of a Judson Candy Factory loft, the Vidorra high-rise and La Cascada high-rise. You may be tempted to join them.

Our Profile, Dr. Li Luo Skelton, left behind a harrowing life in China when she had the

SENIOR WRITER Jasmina Wellinghoff CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Paula Allen, Robyn Barnes, Ron Bechtol, Courtney Burkholder, Mary Anne Cole, Denise Easdon, Kelly A. Goff, Carole Miller, Anne Moore, Pat Mozersky, Lance K. Rodriguez, Janis Turk COPY EDITOR Kathryn Cocke

opportunity to join a research project on bruxism and jaw disorders at UT Health Science Center here. Eventually, she was able to put her dental training to use to establish the

FASHION Robert Mitchell

San Antonio Dental Implant and Smile Center. Today, her surviving Chinese relatives have joined her in North America.

You’ll meet other noteworthy San Antonio women in Role Model – Marisa Ayala, the coordinator of special events at the San Antonio Botanical Garden – and in Artbeat – jazz singer Bett Butler, who revisited musical standards in her newest release, American Sampler.

Environments takes you to a Terrell Hills home distinguished by the artful use of wood.

The homeowners, a master woodworker and an interior designer, have put their talents to use to create an outstanding example of the American Arts and Crafts movement.

Fashion takes you to a world of neutrals for early summer, and Dining introduces Perry’s Steakhouse, a newcomer to our restaurant scene. Focus on Food reminds us of the importance of corn in the New World and includes recipes for enjoying this staple in new ways. Wine explores the wines of New Zealand, where sauvignon blanc comes into its own.

Beauty and Fitness takes you behind the Pilates exercise craze and gives you insight into its advantages for mind and body. Health Matters explains why women often suffer

PHOTOGRAPHY Liz Garza Williams, Al Rendon, Janet Rogers, Janis Turk ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Jen Earhart Cedric D. Fisher BUSINNESS DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING Sandy Levy ADMINISTRATION Nancy A. Gaffney CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER Kyra Bragg PRINTING Shweiki Media, San Antonio, Texas

from joint problems and how to prevent these ailments.

Shopping is full of ideas on how to update your wardrobe and household, and if you feel like making the short drive to Boerne, we’ve included an article to get you going. This picturesque town is great for a day of shopping or a weekend at a bed and breakfast.

For advertising information in

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

Mommy Matters has advice on coping with change, and Dollars & Sense explores the intricacies of health care spending accounts. Scene Around Town reviews the best parties

Published by

and fundraising events of the season.

Be sure to read this issue’s special sections on Women in Medicine and Planning for Senior Living.

As SAN ANTONIO WOMAN enters its tenth year, we are taking a big step toward wider

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

distribution — some 40 additional outlets plus communities outside of San Antonio where the magazine will be available. Now readers in Fredericksburg, Kerrville and Laredo will have access to each issue. This move necessitates our changing to a paid magazine. SAN ANTONIO WOMAN will now be found in the newsstand section of all area HEB stores. Of course, you always have the option of purchasing a yearly subscription and receiving your copy by mail by visiting www.sawoman.com.

BEVERLY PURCELL-GUERRA , EDITOR

12 | sawoman.com

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

W CONTRIBUTORS

Contributors

Denise Easdon, who writes about wine for SAN ANTONIO WOMAN, is a certified sommelier and has been a wine consultant for over 15 years, working in Austin, San Antonio and Sarasota, Fla. Clients have included Ritz-Carlton and Marshall Field in Sarasota and, locally, the Silo

restaurants,

chef

Andrew

Weissman and many more. Along with a certification as sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers in Orlando, Fla., she holds two other wine certification distinctions, one from Wine & Spirits Education Trust and another from the Society of Wine Educators as a certified specialist of wine. A graduate of Baylor University, she has traveled extensively throughout Europe and worked in a California winery in 2010 assisting in all aspects of winemaking.

Jonathan Lee has been in the graphics industry for about 16 years. His experience ranges from digital imaging and production management to design, pre-press and production. His projects for PixelWorks, publisher of SAN ANTONIO WOMAN and SAN ANTONIO MAN, include custom publications, design and logistics. He traveled all over the world for over eight years to teach and train in various production processes and color management.

He says having his wife in the same field has provided a great benefit in advancing his knowledge and growth within the industry. Their son, Joseph, is currently in the third grade and is a budding artist.

14 | sawoman.com

W WHAT’S NEW

What’s New COUSHATTA CASINO AND RESORT OPENING NEW HOTEL Coushatta Casino and Resort will have a grand opening of the new Seven Clans Hotel on July 7. The casino is expanding to be bigger and better with its ultra-modern 401-room hotel.

Coushatta is located in Kinder, La., just northeast of Lake Charles. For more information, visit www.coushattacasinoresort.com or call (877) 770-7867.

CAROL REYES BOUTIQUE OPENS SECOND LOCATION Carol Reyes Boutique has expanded to a second location at 14359 Blanco Road (in Cadillac Plaza), just south of Loop 1604.

Owner/designer Carol Reyes offers upbeat, feminine fashions and one-of-a-kind accessories perfect for both casual and dressy events. She was named “Best Women’s RTW Designer of the Year” in 2011 by Fashion Group International of San Antonio.

For more information, go to www.carolreyesboutique.com or call (210) 408-2577.

L’AUBERGE DU LAC CASINO AND RESORT OFFERS POOLSIDE CONCERTS L’Auberge du Lac Resort and Casino in Lake Charles, La., is bringing back its summer splash – “Liquid Society” — with a steamy new schedule of entertainment featured at poolside concerts.

16 | sawoman.com

Beginning May 24 with Bret Michaels, the concerts headline every Thursday through Aug. 30. So dive in and cool off. For more information, go to www.ldlcasino.com or call (800) 745-3000.

ASHLEY NICOLE MATERNITY GOES ONLINE San Antonio’s Jacqueline Carrau, founder of WorkBabyBalance.com, has focused her talent on creating a new clothing line especially for petite maternity wear customers.

Ashley Nicole Maternity, named for her two daughters, features looks ranging from professional to trendy and casual and scaled to the petite woman.

This new line debuts at BloomMaternity.net.

To learn more, go to www.BloomMaternity.net or call (210) 460-0162.

CARTA TRAVEL CONNECTION IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS Carta Travel Connection is now open and ready to make your travel dreams a reality. Experience memorymaking travel for multigenerations at Disney or in Colorado. Or perhaps you'd prefer some R and R for two on the sunny beaches of Mexico or in the Caribbean.

Joy Carta specializes in individual and corporate/group travel arrangements for all-inclusive destinations, romantic cruises and sought-after cities.

Learn more at www.cartatravelconnection.com, or call (210) 326-1796.

W UP FRONT

DOWNTOWN LIVING What’s not to like?

By JASMINA WELLINGHOFF Photography by LIZ GARZA WILLIAMS

n an effort to make downtown more attractive to locals,

I

Mayor Julián Castro made “The Decade of Downtown” an integral part of his SA 2020 vision. Though other major

cities are well ahead of San Antonio when it comes to urban revitalization, we have nevertheless seen new residential buildings go up around downtown, and there are plans to turn HemisFair into a true urban park, as well as to lure businesses other than hotels back into the area. An increase in rental and affordable housing is also envisioned.

For now, most new residences are high-end. A one-bedroom condo, for instance, may cost $230,000, while a three-bedroom unit can go as high as $700,000-plus. But people who have already made that move are more than happy with their new lifestyle. The ones we interviewed for this article agree that “If you can afford it, you are going to love it.” These are their stories.

San Antonio skyline photo on this page by OSCAR WILLIAMS

UP FRONT W

EUROPEAN LIFESTYLE Ann Allega has always wanted to have a view but ended up with a balcony overlooking a parking lot. “It doesn’t matter, really,” says the enthusiastic downtown resident as we step onto the balcony of her Judson Candy Factory loft. “We sit here, have a glass

Ann Allega and her husband, Philip, enjoy a close-knit community as residents of a loft at the renovated Judson Candy Factory on South Flores Street. They’re close to the King William District, the River Walk and downtown.

of wine and watch people come and go. We know them all.” Pointing to a flower-bedecked balcony on the right, she adds, “They are our best friends here. If they need something, like a toilet paper roll, I can just toss it to them (from balcony to balcony). It’s like being in a small town.”

That sense of living in a close-knit community is a big part of what Ann and her husband, Philip, like about their 2,000-square-foot condo in this renovated complex on South Flores Street. Consisting of three buildings — the former factory, its warehouse and a former Italian grocery store — the handsomely gentrified urban compound is within walking distance of the historic King William District and the River Walk and only a short trolley ride away from Houston and Commerce streets.

The developer preserved elements of the original inside architecture as well, such as exposed

concrete

beam

ceilings,

and

unplastered brick walls.

The Allegas’ two-story residence features some of that, but it also has polished wood floors, three full-size bathrooms, granite counters and two balconies. The slightly elevated ground floor holds an open living room-kitchen area, a bedroom and two bathrooms, while the downstairs features a multipurpose room, a large storage closet and their 5-year-old son’s bedroom with its own bath. Reflecting the places the owners have lived, the home’s décor mixes Texas, New Orleans and British themes. But Ann doesn’t claim any credit for the latter. “I couldn’t decorate a closet,” she jokes; “I have absolutely no talent for decorating.”

pean capitals, people live in tighter, more densely packed quarters.

“We downsized to a much smaller place, a 1,300-square-foot duplex,” says Ann. “We had a garage and a garden, but it was all

How the Allegas came to be living in downtown San Antonio is

smaller. We lived there five years and did not have to drive any-

an interesting life story. A native San Antonian, Ann met Califor-

where. We got used to the convenience of having everything

nia-bred Philip in Austin while she was working in sales/marketing

nearby, from a grocery store to restaurants, parks and everything

for a major brewery. In 2000, her employer transferred her to

else. And we used public transportation when we needed to.”

Maumelle, Ark. — near Little Rock — where the couple promptly

On their visits back home, the pair found American freeways

acquired “a monster house,” complete with a lawn, pool and two

nerve-wracking and driving in general time-consuming. So when

Labradors. They quickly discovered, though, that pool mainte-

they came upon the more urban atmosphere in Southtown, both

nance was a pain and “all that space” went largely unused. Three

immediately knew that that was their kind of place. They later pur-

years later, the Allegas found themselves in a drastically different

chased the Judson loft sight unseen from London, based on pic-

environment when Philip, a research analyst for the IT research and

tures and the location. “The only reason we have a car nowadays

advisory firm Gartner, was transferred to London. As in all Euro-

is for grocery shopping and to visit Ann’s mom,” says Philip, who may/june 2012 | 19

W UP FRONT

Ann and Philip Allega and their son, Austin, whip up a meal in their kitchen, which adjoins the living room. The home’s decor reflects the places they have lived, with Texas, New Orleans and British themes.

works from home. “If we get invited to a party somewhere around 1604, we don’t go,” he adds unapologetically. “I hardly ever drive.”

But they do go out a lot. With all the restaurants along South Alamo, the arts events at Blue Star and elsewhere in the area, and the proximity of the Majestic, Magik and Cameo theaters, why bother with Loopland? Ann opens her calendar to show me their busy schedule. There’s something just about every night. What’s more, as a member of several organizations, she has developed ties to the entire downtown community. She belongs to the King William Association and is also active in the Downtown Residents Association, both of which have social events on a regular basis.

As a bonus, when he goes out, Philip can enjoy a few beers without worrying about it because he can walk home.

Contrary to what people assume, the environment is not kid unfriendly, both husband and wife point out. The Allegas’ son, Austin, attends the Bonham Academy, “the most sought-after school in the SAISD,” and there are plenty of kids in the wider neighborhood.

“I pick up Austin from school, and we bike to the Friendly Spot (on South Alamo). It’s an old-style outdoor ice house that also has a play area for kids,” says Ann. “We are also part of the King William Area Kids, so he interacts with a lot of children his age.” It doesn’t hurt that HemisFair and the Children’s Museum are nearby, as well.

Though they admit that living in close proximity to others may mean that everyone knows your business, and it can be annoying when some residents don’t follow the rules, on the whole, the Allegas are so happy with their living arrangement that they intend to keep the Judson loft when they leave for London again in a

20 | sawoman.com

Though she works for a pharmaceutical company, Barre is a musician by inclination and education. In her condo she has created a music niche with a keyboard, mike and sound equipment.

UP FRONT W story edifice has hotel-like amenities, as well, including a business center and conference room, but it also has a saltwater pool, extra storage spaces for each condo and guest suites that residents can rent for their visitors.

For

Barre,

the

Vidorra

combines comfort and convenience with security, which she felt she needed as a single woman. “I loved the fact that it had so much security. When you live alone that’s important,” she says. “The personnel are very friendly and helpful; they know you by name, and you get to know them. They’ll hold my key for me when I go out for a jog.” Another service that sold her on the Vidorra was the prompt availability of repairmen whenever equipment breaks down, something she already experienced when her AC misbehaved recently.

“You feel so spoiled here.”

Barre moved to San Antonio from Albuquerque a little over a year ago to take the job of quality assurance manager with DPT Labs, a contract developer and manufacturer of pharmaceuticals. It is her responsibility to make sure that all the testing has met requireJennifer Barre lives in a cozy onebedroom condo in the Vidorra highrise, near St. Paul Square. Selling factors were its comfort, convenience to downtown, security and prompt service by repairmen.

ments and the quality parameters have been met before a drug is released in the market.

A musician both by inclination and education, Barre drifted into her present career 14 years ago, thanks to an internship at a pharmaceutical com-

few months. It’s another temporary transfer for Philip. He shows me a photo of the London complex where they will be living. It’s

pany, “and just worked from there. I grew up in the business,” she

a repurposed former arsenal building that looks a lot like the Jud-

says. She also helped herself along the way by getting a business

son Factory Lofts.

degree through an online program.

HIGH-RISE HOME I

tion to career advancement, the Minnesota native arrived in the

Looking for a change of environment after a divorce, in addi-

The Vidorra high-rise, near St. Paul Square, where Jennifer

Alamo City without knowing much about it. Her first impression

Barre has a cozy one-bedroom condo, is very different from the

of our city was “humid but fun, and the food is all fattening,” she

Judson complex. Entering the air-conditioned lobby, where a

admits, laughing. She has since discovered healthier alternatives

concierge sits 24/7, is a little like walking into a hotel. The 20-

and keeps herself in shape by jogging and running. In fact, just

may/june 2012 | 21

W UP FRONT

Greg and Teresa Johnson left their large home in Stone Oak to purchase a condo in a downtown high-rise, La Cascada, on Dwyer Avenue. Both are still working, and Greg serves as president of the homeowners association.

the day before our interview, she had returned from running a

As if to illustrate her statement, one of those trains practically

half-marathon in Dallas with her San Antonio boyfriend, Mark,

stops our conversation dead a few minutes later. Loud it certainly

who lives in the suburbs.

is. But Barre hopes to get used to it eventually. And it’s a lot better

After a year of renting in Alamo Heights, Barre decided that

when the balcony door is closed.

she would rather not fight traffic every day. Being close to work

Minor annoyances notwithstanding, Barre is glad she’s made

was a big draw, but she also loves the energy of downtown, of

the move south. New friends have come into her life both through

the River Walk and the Pearl complex. Occasionally she jogs back

work and the hiking and running clubs she has joined, and she has

home from DPT Labs and feels perfectly safe walking downtown

a new love. So I ask the obvious question: Would she be willing to

by herself.

move if she gets married?

In her tastefully appointed condo — or unit, in developer parl-

“Mark has three kids, so it may be difficult for him to relocate

ance — the singer-songwriter has created a music niche that

downtown,” she replies thoughtfully. “If married, I may have to

houses a keyboard, mike and sound equipment. Eventually, she ex-

compromise, but I do love the feel of downtown.”

pects to explore the local music scene and continue developing in what is effectively her second career. Back in Albuquerque, she

HIGH-RISE HOME II

performed fairly frequently, taught voice and gained statewide

While the Vidorra is still in the process of selling its residential

recognition by having two songs nominated in the New Mexico

units, the 46 condos in another downtown high-rise, La Cascada,

Music Awards competition.

on Dwyer Avenue are all accounted for. The building is home to

These days, Barre enjoys sitting in her living room on the 10th

Greg and Teresa Johnson, who left their large house in the Stone

floor early in the morning, sipping coffee while watching the sun

Oak area to relocate here in 2006. A retired colonel who continues

rise. The window blinds are never closed, she says. Though the

to work for the Army as a civilian employee, Greg has been the

view below is not particularly picturesque, from the sofa she is

president of the homeowners association for several years.

mostly seeing the sky. Things would be just about perfect if it

“One thing people should know is that once a building is 75-

weren’t for the piercing train siren that surprises her at odd hours.

percent sold, the homeowners association takes over, and the de-

22 | sawoman.com

UP FRONT W

veloper no longer runs the building,” explains Greg, who has put in a lot of effort trying to figure out his and the HOA board’s responsibilities. “It’s all up to us. The board has a lot of fiduciary responsibilities. We have to hire a management company, a maintenance engineer, lawyers, landscaping people, housekeeping, and we have to make sure that res-

Gateway to Downtown

idents pay the maintenance fee” (to cover all those costs).

At La Cascada, that fee is $1,100 a month, but for that, homeowners get all the above services plus 24/7 security, with a guard in the lobby, attached parking, a manicured lawn overlooking the River Walk, a gym and party room and that urban view that everyone craves. Even dry cleaning can be delivered to your door. Failure to pay, however, may bring foreclosure. “It’s like not paying your mortgage,” says Greg, adding that condo HOAs “probably have more power than the neighborhood associations.” A current HOA project, for example, is to replace all lights in the communal areas with “green” T8 LED tubes.

Though the fee may scare some people, Greg points out that it’s probably only slightly higher than what folks spend to maintain their suburban lifestyle.

Living where he lives, he doesn’t have to water the lawn, paint the house, replace the roof, cut trees or landscape, all of which cost money. What’s more, air-conditioning is one-third of what it was in his former house “because we don’t have a hot attic above us.”

The Johnsons — who, like the Allegas — have lived in Europe and in Turkey, couldn’t wait to leave Stone Oak for downtown.

The week their younger daughter left for college, they packed up, too. Their current home is basically as large as a comfortable three-bedroom house. Turkish elements are very much present in the décor, especially colorful old kilims — some as much as 100 years old — and even their quiet old cat hails from Turkey.

Both still use their cars daily, however, especially Teresa, who

The Johnsons lived abroad during Greg's military career and now enjoy being close to downtown. They get together with neighbors on the spur of the moment for dinner, First Friday and other events.

drives all around town and beyond, visiting customers in her role as treasury services vice president for Broadway Bank. Greg works at Fort Sam Houston as chief of policy and strategy for U.S. Army North. Still, their nonworking lives are downtown-centric. Living at La Cascada is “like being in a college dorm,” observes Teresa. “We call each other for dinner and go to First Friday together. Greg and I are not good at planning in advance, so it’s great to be able to call people just two hours before dinner and get together. We’ve never had any trouble to get someone to join us.” They also take part in the Downtown Residents Association events, and Teresa is a board member of the Paseo del Rio Association. The latter is cooking up the first-ever military parade on the river, she says, scheduled to take place in May. The couple is optimistic about the future of the urban city core. With the mayor focusing on this issue, they expect to see more construction of affordable housing, more retail and many more businesses. “Nothing will make me happier than to look out there and see some cranes,” says Greg. “I think it’s going to boom as the economy improves.”

If you would rather avoid the hustle and bustle of downtown, you may want to explore other luxury-condo alternatives just north of downtown. Dr. Mike Murphy and his wife, Lynn, did just that. After checking out some downtown possibilities, they decided to make their home at the Broadway, the recently completed 21-story high-rise at the corner of Broadway and Hildebrand.

“The location is fabulous,” says Lynn, who previously lived in Shavano Park. “It’s close to my husband’s office, and the view is stunning, especially at night. New Year’s Eve we watched the fireworks, and it was amazing. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Besides the view, the Murphys like the amenities that are a notch above any others, she notes. The concierge service will do “everything in their power to make life easier for residents,” from carrying groceries up to your door to cleaning up the party room after your private event. When residents go out of town, their mail will be collected and their plants watered.

The Murphys also enjoy the large swimming pool, which comes complete with an outdoor kitchen and cabanas, much like in a resort.

Residents often gather there in the evening to enjoy the outdoors and socialize with neighbors. And when their adult children come to visit, they can use the guest suite free of charge.

Surrounded by 2.5 acres of landscaped grounds, the Broadway is currently home to mostly couples like the Murphys, but there are also some families, including eight children under 12. Only 25percent occupied at present, the building has 92 units and 11 different floor plans to choose from.

Before saying goodbye, we ask Lynn if she misses her Shavano Park house.

Her reply is short and sincere: “Honestly, no.”

may/june 2012 | 23

W PROFILE

26 | sawoman.com

PROFILE W

A New Life in

America Dr.Skelton left China’s bloodshed and Cultural Revolution behind

By JASMINA WELLINGHOFF

“A

ll-on-6” may sound vaguely

Photography by LIZ GARZA WILLIAMS

Skelton jumps in to

like something you could

correct

hear in Vegas, but it’s a

people just have ge-

him.

Some

phrase San Antonio dentist Dr. Li Luo

netically

Skelton loves and uses often. And it

teeth, and/or harbor

has nothing to do with gambling.

The term describes a dental re-

vulnerable

an overabundance of bacteria

in

their

construction procedure that uses six

mouths that they are

titanium implants to serve as anchors

not always aware of,

for a permanent porcelain denture.

she comments, while

It’s a last resort option for people

checking Adam’s bite.

with multiple missing teeth or teeth

Since he under-

that have deteriorated beyond the

went the operation

help of regular dentistry. The results

only five days earlier,

can be amazing — a full mouth of

Adam’s jaws are still a

strong new teeth.

little sore, but he’s

“The reason I like it is because it

not complaining. “I

changes your smile right away,” says

feel a lot happier. I

the Chinese-born dentist, whose pa-

don’t have to worry

tients call her Dr. Li. “Your appearance

about

changes in a single visit. It can be life

teeth all the time,” he

changing for our patients. They begin

says

to smile again.”

treatment is a gift

hiding quietly.

my The

On this particular spring morning,

from his Austin-based mother, who

he asks. No problem! “Go and enjoy

Dr. Skelton takes us along as she

researched similar services in that city

life,” the doctor tells him as he leaves

checks on two patients who already

and found them all overpriced. So

the room.

have had the implant surgery. She ex-

mother and son eventually chose Dr.

The second patient is a 61-year-

plains that her patients come from all

Skelton’s San Antonio Dental Implant

old businessman who decided on im-

age groups, not only from the older

and Smile Center, whose prices they

plants

set, and the first patient we visit with

found more palatable.

became loose and started “flopping

when

his

dental

bridges

confirms that. Only 30 years old,

Though they look good, Adam’s

around.” That caused him no small

Adam allowed his natural teeth to de-

new teeth are temporary. The idea is

embarrassment when he went calling

teriorate from bad eating habits and

to give the patient the time to get

on customers. Gum disease runs in

poor oral hygiene, he tells us, but Dr.

used to his new jaws and for the doc-

the family, he says, and all his teeth

Dr. Li Luo Skelton came to San Antonio to join a research project on bruxism and jaw disorders at UT Health Science Center.

Today, she heads up the San Antonio Dental Implant and Smile Center.

tor to make all the necessary adjust-

needed to be extracted. Altogether, it

ments before the permanent set is

took eight months before all the ad-

put in — in Adam’s case, probably in

justments were finalized, but he is

three months. “When I get my perma-

now one grateful, enthusiastic patient.

nent teeth, can I have them whiter?”

He calls the doctor “the surgical god-

may/june 2012 | 27

W PROFILE

dess” and is more than happy to take

It’s a rather expensive treatment

a picture with her and the clinic’s staff.

— about $11,500 per arch (jaw) — but

A NEW LIFE IN AMERICA Born in 1960, Li Luo was only 7

Dr. Skelton then takes us on a tour

“our prices are the best in the coun-

when the Mao Zedong-orchestrated Cultural Revolution started turning

of her large facility on Broadway,

try,” and monthly payments can be

which includes multiple examining

arranged. “I want this to be accessi-

things upside down in China. Despite

rooms, operating rooms, a lab where

ble to everyone who needs it,” says

the fact that her surgeon father and

artificial teeth are fabricated, high-

the enthusiastic dentist. Being a

engineer mother were soon dis-

tech diagnostic equipment and office

patched to labor camps to be re-edu-

spaces. Though she and partner Dr.

cated, no one around her even

Luis Galvan employ 46 people and

thought of protesting. “We all followed Chairman Mao as a god,” says

have several other dentists working for them, her own office is very modest, a small room with a desk, bookcase and a few chairs. Numerous pictures of her and her family, showing them in Dr. Skelton’s hometown of Liuzhou in Southern China. She was invited back to present seminars on implants and actually worked on four patients, including the city’s mayor. A program to bring Chinese

"Your appearance changes in a single visit. It can be life changing for our patients. They begin to smile again."

Dr. Skelton. “We didn’t question him.”

Li and her brother continued going to school, where she was very active on all fronts, from leading other kids in their morning exercises, to sports, singing and “social work,” such as helping in restaurants. She didn’t know it then, but her father was “suspect” in the eyes of the Maoists because his father was a prosperous businessman in

dentists here to train in her office is

Malaysia. Both parents returned home

in the works, but the first expected

at night but never criticized what was going on. Still, there was tension be-

group is having visa problems right now, she notes. She also performed

shrewd businesswoman as well, she

tween them, as her mother eventually

the procedure on her own father,

is planning to expand the practice

became skeptical about the whole re-

who now lives with her here in San

further and make San Antonio a

education propaganda effort, while

Antonio. Altogether, the clinic Dr.

medical destination for other Ameri-

her dad strived to “reform himself.” By

Skelton founded in 1995 treats about

cans in need of implant-supported

1972 they were back home for good,

300 implant patients a year.

jaw reconstruction.

and her father finally “proved” himself

28 | sawoman.com

PROFILE W The clinic Dr. Skelton founded in 1995 treats about 300 implant patients a year. Patients come from all age groups.

to the powers-that-be when he risked his life to help rescue victims of the 1976 earthquake.

Though she always “found something happy to do,” Dr. Skelton remembers bullets flying across the Liu River bridge as the infamous Red Guards and people resisting their terror fought each other in 1977, the year she graduated from high school.

A relative was beaten to death at that time.

“After graduation, I was sent to the country to be re-educated,” she recalls. “We grew vegetables and worked in rice fields. It was very hard work, but fortunately, I spent only two months there.” Because she had hurt her foot, her father obtained a one-month sick leave for her that she used to prepare for college entry exams. After 10 years, universities were reopening their doors to people like her, and she studied hard to get in. She eventually graduated from the five-year dentistry program at West China University Dental School and later earned a master’s in 1987. Altogether, she practiced den-

ways crowded by people, everywhere.

recently moved to Vietnam, where her son is also spending a year. Fam-

tistry in China for seven years before

Standing there (above the beach), it

taking advantage of an opportunity

was me and nature. I love America.

ily is important to her. Though her

to join a research project on bruxism

When I go back to China, I enjoy the

mother succumbed to cancer, the

and TMJ (disorders of the jaw joint

intimacy, but when I return here, I

rest of her Chinese relatives are now

and muscles) at UT Health Science

have myself back.”

living in North America. Her half-sis-

Center here. Before leaving her

After the UTHSC project lost its

ter and her husband own a restaurant

homeland, however, she witnessed

funding, the young woman opened an

in town, while her brother is currently

more bloodshed as the pro-democ-

acupuncture

working in Canada.

racy movement of 1989 was crushed

wasn’t licensed to practice dentistry in

“I feel I am so blessed,” says the

by the military.

Texas. Then, thanks to a fortunate turn

vivacious dentist. “I am grateful to

office

because

she

Dr. Skelton’s first impression of

of events, in 1995 she was allowed to

have a companion. I own a strong

America was one of space and free-

pass the dentistry licensing exams,

business. I am proud to be a small

dom. Her cousin took her to see the

and with support of her then in-laws,

businesswoman … It’s not just about

Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco,

established her first dental clinic.

money. I know we need money to run

where she first landed. “I could see

Along the way, Dr. Skelton married

the business, but my practice means so much more to me than money. I

the Pacific Ocean and the beach

twice, once in China and once here,

below, and there was only one woman

but both marriages ended in divorce.

have the need to be needed, and my

with her dog there! It was so beautiful

She has an 18-year-old son with her

patients need me. I so belong here. I

and unreal to me. In China, you are al-

second husband, Joe Skelton, who

love San Antonio!”

may/june 2012 | 29

W ENVIRONMENTS

“The whole construction was carefully thought out, and there was a reason for every detail. The idea was to eliminate everything unnecessary to make the whole as direct and simple as possible, but always with the beautiful in mind as the final goal.”

— Henry Mather Greene, in The Craftsman, August 1912

30 | sawoman.com

ENVIRONMENTS W

Passion and Perseverance Create Terrell Hills Gem

T

Home exemplifies Arts and Crafts style

By ROBYN BARNES Photography AL RENDON

he city of Terrell Hills is an interesting combination of man-

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE The years between 1860 and 1910 saw

moting the movement. Charles Sumner Greene and Henry Mather Greene built a

sions and modest homes of

the rise in importance of superior wood

number of these homes, most notably the

both historical and recent con-

craftsmanship in furniture and homes.

Gamble House in Pasadena, Calif., owned

struction. A drive through the quiet streets

Residences of this movement, also known

by David and Mary Gamble of the Procter

is like taking a tour of architectural styles —

as Mission style, were recognized by their

& Gamble Company. Greene and Greene’s

Tudor, Federal, foursquare, postmodern. If

board and batten siding, split-shake roof-

architectural style is the main inspiration

you’re lucky, the drive will take you past a

ing, porches with thick square or round

for the Terrell Hills home.

large corner lot with a two-story residence

columns and decorative brackets in roof

that is a San Antonio couple’s homage to

overhangs. Home interiors featured curv-

the American Arts and Crafts movement.

ing uplifts in lines and forms of beams,

Lisa Smith and Ronnie Hodge live

dark wood wainscoting and moldings,

here. Lisa is an interior designer, and Ron-

satin finishes, inlays and built-in cabinets,

nie is a master woodworker and owner of

shelves and seating. Everywhere there

Dimension Millworks in San Antonio. To

was exquisite joinery on doors, windows,

understand why their home is remarkable,

stairs and furniture.

it’s helpful to understand something about the Arts and Crafts movement.

Several builders influenced the style,

The home of Lisa Smith and Ronnie Hodge reflects their love of Arts and Crafts architecture and Japanese interior design. It also is a showcase for Hodge's skill as a master woodworker.

Above, the living room; opposite, a hallway.

but two in particular are noted for pro-

may/june 2012 | 31

W ENVIRONMENTS

AN EVOLVING HOUSE Ronnie purchased the house nearly 30 years ago. At the time, he was the caretaker of a large Terrell Hills home nearby but wanted a place of his own.

“My kids were in grade school, and we were ingrained in the Alamo Heights school system,” he recalls. “We saw this home, and it was very inexpensive. In fact, it was probably the lowest home value in Terrell Hills at the time. We bought it and began the home’s evolution.”

Evolution is the correct term. As Ronnie’s family changed, so did the house. It was a slow process because Ronnie was

MONTHS WHEN NO WORK WAS DONE

growing a business at the same time. Over

ON THE HOME

35 years, he took what was a garage

“My family lived for years in construc-

startup and turned it into Dimension Mill-

tion dust,” Ronnie says. The children grew

works, a nationally recognized architec-

up and left home; Ronnie and his wife were

tural mill and finish shop, with clients as

divorced. The inspiration of Greene and

diverse as Naomi Judd, Boeing Aircraft

Greene grew in Ronnie’s mind as he envi-

corporate headquarters and the Texas

sioned what the home could become.

State Capitol. Along the way, he worked

Then he met Lisa. She’d relocated

with the late O’Neill Ford, a famous Texas

from Florida, where she’d designed large

architect and proponent of the Arts and

homes “with lots of fluff.” Ronnie recalls,

Crafts style. Ronnie traveled the country

“She originally came to work at Dimen-

completing large architectural projects

sion Millworks. She did all the selections

that kept him from home months at a time.

and design work for this house.”

32 | sawoman.com

The homeowners' preference for clean lines, natural surfaces and no clutter is exemplified in the credenza in the living room, top. The floating wood beam ceiling is another outstanding feature. Below, a view of the gallery between the kitchen and family room. Some eight to 10 types of wood from all over the world are used in the home.

ENVIRONMENTS W

may/june 2012 | 33

W ENVIRONMENTS

A free-standing flying staircase of American black walnut distinguishes the family room, above. At right, another view of the living room.

HER DESIGN, HIS VISION While Ronnie’s inspiration is from the Arts and Crafts movement, Lisa’s came from Japanese interior design. “I wanted clean lines, earth tones, natural surfaces and no clutter,” she says. “The marvelous thing is that my interior design style coordinates so well with Ronnie’s Arts and Crafts vision.”

The home’s exterior is a scaled-down version of the Gamble House. “The resemblance is no accident,” Ronnie says. “I love the way that house looks.”

The interior resembles the Gamble house in the variety of woods and materials used in the project. “We used eight or 10 kinds of wood from all over the world in this house,” Ronnie says. “We used salvaged materials from other job sites, too, like the

Crafts-style homes in California was often

round window in the master suite that

built by the same craftsmen who worked

The 8-foot-tall front door is 3-and-a-

came from the Texas State Capitol building.

on the houses. This 4,000-square-foot

half inches thick, made from African ma-

pride. “In many respects, this home is art.”

I found the walnut casement living room

bungalow is no different. “All the doors

hogany with butt-cut walnut veneer. The

windows in 1975 and stored them at the mill

and windows, the trim and 99 percent of

wood was cut from a century-old tree.

until we were finally able to use them.”

the furniture were produced by the crafts-

Green art glass inserts complement the

men and me in my shop,” Ronnie says with

wood grain.

The furniture in the large Arts and

34 | sawoman.com

W

may/june 2012 | 35

W ENVIRONMENTS

The kitchen brings a contemporary feel to the Arts and Crafts theme. White oak cabinets feature butt-cut inserts, and there is a red oak breakfast bar. The dining table is located nearby in a large bay window. Hodge and his craftsmen produced all of the doors, windows and trim and 99 percent of the home's furniture in his shop.

The door opens into a living room filled with natural light.

CUSTOM KITCHEN CHEF’S DELIGHT

Casement windows to the left of the front door provide a south-

The kitchen is an Arts and Crafts hybrid for a more contem-

ern view; on the opposite wall wood and glass provide a view to

porary feel. The dining table is located in a large bay window. The

the deck and backyard. The flow of light and the movement of

long island features a red oak breakfast bar, two Bosch dishwash-

the room’s lines are based on the concepts of feng shui.

ers and a stainless steel countertop with a glass bead blast finish.

The room’s most striking feature is the floating wood beam

Across the aisle is a Five Star six-burner gas oven. White oak cab-

ceiling. “We raised the ceiling two feet to accommodate the

inets with butt-cut inserts and cabinet doors that close with a

carved beams,” Ronnie says. “The lines of the beams, all the wood

whisper finish the room that is a chef’s delight.

and the glass are designed to draw you into the room and take

The gallery leads from the kitchen to the family room. Riff wal-

you out on the Ipe deck.” Ipe is a Brazilian lumber prized for its

nut cabinetry lines one wall, and a comfortable seating area is op-

resilience, resistance to attack by decay, fungi and termites and

posite. Doors open onto a deck from one side of the room; another

resemblance to teak in appearance.

set leads to the driveway and separate garage.

36 | sawoman.com

W ENVIRONMENTS

The master bedroom provides a tranquil Zen-like atmosphere for relaxing at the end of a stress-filled day.

The round window came from the Texas State Capitol building. Above, the master bathroom has soft aquamarine walls and Japanese pebble inserts in the floor. At left, a view of the downstairs powder room.

The room’s most astonishing feature is the imposing freestanding flying staircase. Carved from American black walnut, the circular piece of art has Celtic carvings in the newel posts. It took Ronnie five years to finish. “I got interrupted by another

and beautiful. Ronnie’s team built the one-of-a-kind origamistyle vanity.

Two guest suites complete the main house. A separate apartment is located beneath them.

project,” he says with a smile.

ENVIRONMENTS DO MATTER ZEN SUITE

Lisa and Ronnie agree that their home is both comfortable

The staircase opens onto the master suite. The high-pitched

and livable. “We’ve lived all over it, depending upon what stage

ceiling and portal transom windows provide a light and airy feel-

of evolution it was in,” Lisa chuckles. “We’ve lived in the guest

ing. A set of doors reclaimed from an O’Neill Ford project lead

suite while the master suite was under construction, and then

to a deck providing a perfect sunrise view. “I wanted to create a

moved up there while we worked in the guest rooms.”

Zen-like atmosphere,” says Lisa. “We have very stress-filled days,

“At one point, while the kitchen was being torn up, we used a

so I wanted to make a peaceful place to retire for the evening.”

bedroom with a microwave and a hot plate for meals,” Ronnie says.

A short gallery, flanked by long his-and-hers closets, leads to

“We enjoy entertaining, and this home is perfectly suited for

the master bath, where Lisa’s design skills shine. Soft aquamarine

it,” Lisa adds. “The flow from room to room is smooth, so we can

covers the walls, and the color is echoed in the floor’s Japanese

have large parties without feeling cramped. I love the peaceful

pebble inserts. The glass-enclosed shower and Jacuzzi tub are

way the house feels, too. It welcomes me at the end of the day.”

centered between a set of vessel sinks on a floating vanity.

Ronnie comments, “This house is the culmination of years of

The downstairs powder room is another example of her skill.

work and of our philosophy that the environments we live in do

Walls of travertine and onyx tiles are works of art; each tiny tile

matter. Our home has a comfortable, loving, passionate atmos-

was set a piece at a time. The onyx vessel sink is both practical

phere that we’ll be able to enjoy for years to come.”

38 | sawoman.com

W

may/june 2012 | 39

W FASHION CALENDAR

May 4 Kathleen Sommers Derby Day Custom-made Hats by Local Milliner Rita Crosby

May 17-18 Kathleen Sommers Invitation to “Designers on Call” Local Designers of Jewelry and Accessories By Appointment

May 29-30 Julian Gold Rena Lange: 2012 Trunk Show Cool and Chic Styles

May 10 Saks Fifth Avenue Designer Spring Trend Event The Latest in Fashion 11 am and 5:30 pm Designer Salon on Two

May 17-18 Saks Fifth Avenue Carolina Herrera 2012 Fall Trunk Show Elegant and Sophisticated Styles

May 31-June 2 Saks Fifth Avenue Nini 2012 Trunk Show Confident and Elegant Fashion

May 10-12 Julian Gold Lafayette 2012 Trunk Show Bridge Sportswear

May 22-23 Julian Gold Escada 2012 Trunk Show Newest Colors and Styles

June 1 Saks Fifth Avenue Ippolita 2012 Trunk Show Contemporary Sleek Styles

May 10-12 Saks Fifth Avenue Jared Lehr 2012 Trunk Show Fine Jewelry

May 24 Kathleen Sommers Author Susan Frost Book Signing and Reading Timeless Mexico and Colors on Clay

June 21-22 Saks Fifth Avenue Escada 2012 Trunk Show Latest Colors and Styles

May 17-18 Julian Gold Lourdes Chavez 2012 Trunk Show Personal appearance by Designer Lourdes Chavez

May 24-June 2 Saks Fifth Avenue Summer Beauty Event A Variety of Cosmetic Lines National and Local Makeup Artists

July 12-14 Andie & Barbara Ming Wang Trunk Show Fine Knit Separates Missy, Petite and Women’s Sizes

40 | sawoman.com

Cream lace top by Joy Joy; leather short for See by Chloe; wood and stone ring by Claudia Lobao, all at Julian Gold. Neutral crocodile clutch by Nancy Gonzalez; snakeskin cork wedge by Miu Miu, both at Saks Fifth Avenue. Leather braided necklace with silver pendant and feathers by Koch, at Meadow.

al tr eu N TERRITORY

By Robert Mitchell Photography Liz Garza Williams

Cream lace dress by Blu Pepper, at Carol Reyes Boutique. Ring by Claudia Lobao, at Julian Gold. Cream and caramel swirl sunglasses by Prada; leather stacked flat sandals by Michael Kors, both at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Fringed cream crocheted top by Bobeau, at Dillard’s. Khaki Alexandria shorts by Joie; agate and feather necklace by Agate Ranch + Marfa; caramel leather tote by Claramonte, all at Meadow. Wood and stone ring

by Claudia Lobao; suede and cork platform shoes by Pelle Moda, both at Julian Gold.

Dress with embroidered bustier and chiffon skirt by Aryn K; crocheted jacket, both at Dillard’s. Suede belt

by Hyde Collection; wood and stone ring by Claudia Lobao; snakeskin handbag by Cashhimi, all at Julian Gold. Flat lace-up suede sandals by Gentle Souls, at Kathleen Sommers.

Makeup and Hair Donna Horner Fashion Assistant Justin Arrellano Photography Assistant Robert Amador Location courtesy of Big Grass Living

Mauve long-sleeve embroidered dress by Chelsea & Violet, at Dillard’s. Suede belt by Hyde Collection; gold and crystal nugget ring by Claudia Lobao, both at Julian Gold.

Mixed metal hinged-leaf earrings by Hernon Heald; flat lace-up suede sandals by Gentle Souls, both at Kathleen Sommers.

W SHOPPING

By JANIS TURK

L

ast month, Mega Millions lottery ticket sales created long lines at every convenience store in San Antonio. We knew the odds were against us, and in the end only three lucky winners took home the big bucks, so why did so many people buy that $1 ticket and wish for the best?

Well, even though they figured they probably wouldn’t win, that single buck bought them something priceless: a fresh breath of hope. It seemed a small price to pay for all the happiness it bought them that week, with all the optimistic daydreaming and all the fun conversations around the water cooler about what they’d do with that kind of money.

The answer is simple. Most of us would ditch our day jobs and shop.

We’d buy the big toys we always wanted, give gifts to our families and get the small things that we just didn’t have the budget for before now.

We’d give to charities and churches and then embark on those big family trips we’ve always dreamed of taking. A safari in Africa, sure thing. Take all our friends and neighbors to Maui? Why not? We might build a pool or a new house, live on a golf course, buy a new truck. We’d get that big boat dad always wanted, and we’d buy mom that little red sports car she always liked. We’d send our kids to better schools, dress the part of a socialite and spend our summers at the Coast or in a cabana by a big resort swimming pool.

We enjoyed the fantasy. And in the end, our dreams were bigger and more fun than the small disappointment we felt when our numbers didn’t get picked and our ships didn’t come in. That’s the fun of the lottery. One dollar buys you a fistful of dreams.

But what if you had some extra spending money — not Mega Millions, but just a bit extra? What would your shopping wish list include?

We decided to indulge in a little dreaming this month, too, so we thought about what we’d buy if we had something extra to spend and what we might buy anyway this late spring and early summer just because shopping is in our DNA.

46 | sawoman.com

SUMMER SALES Spring and Summer are not only the seasons for sandals, sundresses, sunglasses and cute colorful totes — they’re also time for great sales, starting with Memorial Day and lasting until well after Labor Day. Up north, by the time it’s beginning to feel like summer here, their stores may already be giving shoppers a peek at the coming fall lines.

In Texas, we’re just starting to hunt for that perfect summer party dress, slimming swimsuit and shorts. We have at least three months of summer ahead with triple-digit temperatures, so sweaters are the last things on our lists. So what fashions are apt to actually trickle down from the Northeast and find their way into South Texas stores this spring?

NY FASHION EXPERTS SAY …

“Ditch the denim and show some leg,” say DailyCandy.Com editors from New York, encouraging women to slip into something comfortable, like cute lightweight summer dresses: “One of our favorite lines, Wren, makes a splash with a cotton shirtdress that’s truly a work of watercolor art” or “When the heat wave hits, keep cool in cotton and look new wave chic in a cut-tobreathe overall dress by A.P.C.

W SHOPPING

“Just when you thought winter would never end, a pair of mint green skinny jeans catches your eye,” say DailyCandy.Com editors. Now is the time, they say, to “find new ways to wear pastels, metallics, geometric prints and clothing with cutouts. Then test out gilded eyelids, neutral nails, natural curls and more beauty trends for spring.”

Yes, even the makeup gets softer this season. Nude nail polish, soft pastel pink lipstick and blush, minty green eyeshadow and soft brown eyeliner — they all add up to a lessis-more look that accentuates your already healthy sun-kissed skin. Foundation with a subtle bronzer doesn’t hurt either, and all of these are headlining the coming spring and summer styles.

SHOES OF SUMMER Ladies, we know what you’d really do with some extra lottery cash — you’d buy lots of shoes. Admit it: Most Southern ladies are itching to buy new white summer pumps and chic strappy sandals the minute Easter arrives.

Sadly enough, for some of us who never quite got used to toddling around in them, super-high heels are still on top this spring and summer. However, even the younger generation has become smarter about comfort: They know that a little platform built into the sole makes even the highest heels a little easier on the arches.

But don’t pout if you’re not into high-heel style: Cute flat flip-flops and lightweight canvas shoes in popular colors from brands like TOMS can take you almost anywhere this summer, from the boardwalk to Broadway, or in S.A. from Port A to Paesanos. A nice thing about TOMS, too, is that for every pair of shoes you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need.

48

may/june 2012 | 49

W SHOPPING

HOT HANDBAGS But don’t forget when you get new shoes, you really need a bag to match. Ditch your dowdy winter-worn purse.

Brown and black bulky bags need to be shelved with the mothballs and cable-knit sweaters. In spring, soft pastels are pretty. By summer you’ll want a bag that is colorful and pool-ready, with sunscreen, sunglasses and a facial spritzer in the pocket next to your lip gloss and your paperback book or Kindle. Your purse should sport the bright colors of the season. Nothing quite says warm weather is here the way a bright new bag with fruit-punch-like colors can. Buttery leather bags, bright bougainvillea-fuchsia or salmoncolored weekenders, and cute canvas totes are always hot when temperatures start to soar.

BARE ESSENTIALS FOR THE SAND AND SURF Lucky for us, swimsuits are not going to be quite as skimpy this season as in years past. Suits’ only criteria is that they be bright and colorful. You don’t have to bare a lot of skin to be beautiful. Just wear colorful patterns and soft slimming lines, and find a suit with hidden, built-in support. With many of today’s swimsuits designed to look like they’ve trimmed 10 pounds from your frame, you can let go of your fear of swimsuit shopping once and for all.

50 | sawoman.com

SHOPPING

W

SALE ON! Late spring and early summer sales aren’t confined just to women’s wear and the like. There are exciting offers on the horizon for the home and patio, too. It’s a great time to head to places like the Greenhouse Mall or to your nearest home and garden center such as Lowe’s or Home Depot, or even Costco and Sam’s, to find breezy, beautiful furnishings for your outdoor living spaces.

It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do, too, for your old patio set and porch deck. Add a flower pot with a bright red geranium or a hanging basket with an oversized fern, and you’ll feel like you’ve got a whole new place in the sun to hang out and sip a cold iced tea before the summer heat arrives.

BIG TOYS OF SUMMER Although shopping for items like a lawnmower, a barbecue grill and a boat may be more fun for the men in your life than for you, now is still a good time to find great deals on these bigger-ticket items that make every man feel like a winner in his own backyard or lakeside. It’s also a good time to find luggage, camping gear, kayaks, fishing equipment and more — the kind of things dad would buy if he had the winning lottery ticket in his pocket.

Whether you’re shopping for a pool or a patio umbrella table, a boat or just a metal fire pit for the deck, spring and summer are the seasons for bargains, so you don’t have to break the bank or play scratch-offs to win big.

may/june 2012 | 51

FabulousFinds ENCORE FOR WOMEN

The difference between ordinary & extraordinary!

Come in and experience Encore where our customers and consignors are our priority! Pictured: Navy and green print dress by Etro. Black satin with stone detail D’orsay peeptoe pumps by Gucci. .

1931 N.W. Military Hwy., Suite 101 (210) 341-0939

PEÑALOZA & SONS

A Finger Mate expandable ring shank replaces the existing shank on your ring, opens to go over knuckles, then locks closed in the wearing position. Available in 14K or platinum, from $300. At Peñaloza & Sons.

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

KATHLEEN SOMMERS

Summer Essentials: yellow and black handbag from Nino Bossi, carved resin bracelets with eclectic images from Hotcakes, lace-up sandals in soft chamois from Gentle Souls ... just a taste of the unusual accessories you can always find at Kathleen Sommers.

2417 N. Main St. (210) 732-2207 www.kathleensommers.com

ALLEN & ALLEN COMPANY

The Metro Collection by Rocky Mountain Hardware was thoughtfully designed to blend clean, simple lines with the warmth of solid bronze for a contemporary aesthetic. The entry set featured here is available in various metal and patina options through Allen & Allen Company.

920 N. Loop 1604 W. San Antonio, TX 78232 (210) 344-6099 www.LumberHardware.com

CAROL REYES BOUTIQUE

Step out in the light and airy style of a Darling Nicola dress for your spring events. This wispy floral is delicately detailed and accessorized easily with a pewter metallic flower necklace adorned with ribbon for a soft, feminine touch. And complete your spring look with a pop of yellow with this versatile handbag by Blue Elegance. The leather top-zipper bag sports bronze metal and topaz crystal detailing that is not only fun, but elegant.

Original Location: 1112 Blanco Road New Location: 14359 Blanco Road (210) 408-2577 www.carolreyesboutique.com

SAN ANTONIO MAN

The perfect gift for your special guy. Give him a one-year subscription to SAN ANTONIO MAN, San Antonio’s newest magazine for men from the publishers of SAN ANTONIO WOMAN.

Subscribe now for $15.95/year.

(210) 826-5375 www.sanantonioman.com

visit us online at www.ShopSA.com

BOERNE W

THE BOUNTY OF BOERNE Shopping in this ‘hopping’ Hill Country hamlet STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIS TURK

I

t’s all happening at the Hauptstrasse.

drive through it en route to other Hill Country destinations and

That’s the German word for Main Street and the name locals

stop only for gas at the corner of Main Street and Highway 46.

use for the broad thoroughfare that runs through downtown

However, in the past 30 years, Boerne has come a long way, Baby.

Boerne, a small historic hamlet founded by German settlers in the mid-1800s.

Tugging tightly at the sleeve of San Antonio, just north of Loop

Now that same intersection is the center of a happening spot.

Today, Boerne’s Main Street is dotted with antique shops, cafes, art galleries, home furniture and accessories and clothing stores, bak-

1604 along Interstate 10, Boerne (pronounced “Burr-nee”) provides

eries and fudge shops, wine bars, restaurants, locally owned lodg-

the perfect drive-to destination for a getaway weekend or an easy

ing spots and more. And the things that were always delightful

day trip for shopping and lunch.

about Boerne, like its impressive limestone Episcopal church, its

Located less than 30 miles from downtown San Antonio,

historic Ye Kendall Inn, and the green Main Plaza Park with its

Boerne is the county seat of Kendall County, along Cibolo Creek,

charming bandstand, are even more inviting since they add that

Interstate 10, Highway 46 and U.S. Highway 87. And because it’s so

small-town touch to this popular tourist spot.

close to the Alamo City at the edge of the lovely Texas Hill Country,

But even in days of old, Boerne had a pleasing personality.

it’s become a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, cave ex-

Annie Fellows Johnson, author of the popular children’s Little

plorers, birdwatchers, bluebonnet seekers, food lovers, art lovers,

Colonel book series, even set her book Mary Ware in Texas in the

motorcyclists, car clubs, wine aficionados, bed-and-breakfast-

Boerne of 1910. In it she describes the old town, which she called

goers and more.

In the 1980s, Boerne was hardly a speck on the map. I used to

“Bauer” in the books: “The village, with its red roofs, blue barns and flashing windmills, nestled against the background of misty may/june 2012 | 53

W BOERNE families and followers. They made it as much like a corner of the Fatherland as they could, and their descendants still cling to their language and customs ... They will welcome you to their shops ...’”

And welcome you to their shops they do. Today, Boerne is known as one of the best places to shop for antiques, collectibles, furniture, home accessories and more. With dozens of boutiques, antique malls and stores along the Hauptstrasse and neighboring streets, Boerne is a mecca for shoppers. They drive from as far away as Dallas in search of fun finds and bargain delights.

The Boerne Downtown Merchants’ Association makes sure everything’s ready when we get there too, and they even provide online coupons at www.shopboerne.com and host special events.

Boerne is also home to the popular Second Saturday Art & Wine trail, Boerne Market Days, Art in the Park, the Berges Fest, the Summer Concert Series, Oktoberfest and even Dickens on Main, a celebration of the holiday season held throughout December. “You can often find special events of all types happening in our popular cafes, shops and restaurants,” say Downtown Merchants Association members.

The Second Saturday events are always a big draw. “It’s the best-kept secret south of Santa Fe!” say locals. “The historical town of Boerne is becoming known as the Santa Fe of the Hill Country by tourists and locals,” writes Southwest Art Magazine.

Shopping at Traditions at the Depot offers you casual and contemporary fashions and accessories along with eclectic gift ideas and home accents.

On the second Saturday of each month, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., visitors and locals alike enjoy strolling from shop to shop, art gallery to art gallery, in downtown Boerne, as gallery owners and

hills. Low mountain peaks rose here and there on the far horizon.

merchants provide complimentary beverages (including wine for

‘This is a distinctly German village, you know ... settled by an old

age-appropriate visitors) and free hors d’oeuvres for everyone.

German count and a baron or two, who came over here with their

Local musicians offer entertainment, and some artists work on

54 | sawoman.com

BOERNE W their craft or even let visitors try some hands-on art, and everyone enjoys the art and the friendly fellowship along the way.

A free trolley ensures that guests won’t have to walk too much and can hop on and off whenever they wish. The 16th Annual Parade of Artists took place in April (go to www.boerneprofessionalartists.com for more information on that fun event).

While I was there for a Second Saturday outing, one art gallery served champagne and canapes while a guitarist played and sang.

On the sidewalk out front, a local artist was at work on a sculpture in clay but took time to talk to visitors, answer questions and even describe what she was doing to young children. That day, shop owners stayed open late to let visitors browse the stores and talk to friends and neighbors. After dark, a local wine bar and restaurant next door began to fill with locals going out to dinner. I kept making frequent trips to my car to stuff the trunk with shopping bags full of treasures, including an old framed map I’d found and some 1950s glassware that would look so very Mad Men in my kitchen.

Over the years, while shopping in Boerne, I’ve found china to match my set, robin’s egg blue batter bowls like my mother used to have in the 1960s, Depression glass, hotel silver and western duds to wear to the rodeo.

If you’re shopping for shoes and clothes, Boerne is the place to find one-of-a-kind fashions, even some by local designers. Finding that perfect colorful dress or skirt for next year’s Fiesta is a snap in any of the many boutiques along the main boulevard. Fun hats, snappy summer sandals, designer sunglasses, cute costume bangles and beads — they’re all right here in shops that lure you in with decorative displays. Glittery belts, boots, hats and more here are original, too — not like ones you’ll see all over Texas in other towns.

I like to linger in the home design shops full of decorative accessories for that personal touch that makes a house a home. I also enjoy seeing the rugs, lighting, furniture, linens, dishes and kitchen items that seem unique and special. There’s even a great kitchen gadget shop or two in the area for wannabe foodies like me.

No girlfriend getaway shopping trip would be complete without lunch and perhaps some pampering. There’s no end to the possibilities for great meals in Boerne, whether you want a fresh salad and fruit juice or tea and scones on a rainy afternoon. Big meals, like wine-pairing dinners, are also a nice end to a big shopping day, and several hotels, resorts and restaurants feature haute cuisine and world-class wine options.

One of my favorite pick-me-up places is the Dodging Duck Restaurant and Brewhaus, where they serve simple fare like Thai Lettuce Wraps, a Chimichurri Grilled Beef Tenderloin or just simple German bratwurst with mustard, sauerkraut and a giant homemade pretzel, along with beer brewed in house. Sit on the deck and watch the ducks from the nearby Guadalupe River try to dodge cars as they cross the street in front of the restaurant. At the Dodging Duck Gallery in the restaurant, they also showcase a different artist for each Second Saturday, and sometimes the artist is on hand to discuss his or her work.

Pampering isn’t a problem either: There are several day spas and salons where you can spend an hour or a whole afternoon getting a massage, manicure/pedicure, facial or even a new haircut and style. Many women like to spend time at darling bed and breakfast inns in the area so they can stay up drinking wine on the porch of a rustic cabin and watching the sunset after a long day of shopping and then awaken early to go spend the day at a spa. may/june 2012 | 55

W BOERNE Nearby attractions include the popular Cave Without a Name, Cascade Caverns, Kruetzberg Canyon Natural Area, Stricker Trail Rides, Cibolo Nature Center, the Kuhlmann-King Historical House and the Enchanted Springs Ranch.

Whether you’re finding Boerne for the first time, or making your monthly jaunt up the road to shop, you’ll find this small Hill Country hideaway to be as charming as the Little Colonel books described it so long ago. The author wrote, “I wish you ... could see the little town now, spread out below the hills in the twilight with the windmills silhouetted against the sky. At one end is the little stone belfry of St. Peter’s, at the other the square gray tower of the Academy and just between, swinging low over the hills in the faint afterglow, the pale golden crescent of the new moon. After all, it’s a good old world ...”

Yes, this is a good old town, and today its beauty — and the delightful shops and galleries there — keep bringing us back to enjoy the bounty of Boerne.

Check Shopping Times Boerne is a great place to shop, year-round; but some days are better than others for a visit, especially if you’re driving from a good distance. After a busy weekend, many shops are closed on Mondays so merchants have time to bring in new inventory or spend a day with their families. In fact, mysanantonio.com reports that 33 percent of shops in Boerne are closed on Mondays. Sundays, too, are never a sure thing — some shops are closed on the Sabbath. So don’t drive 30 miles and be disappointed to find they’ve rolled up the sidewalks along the Hauptstrasse.

On weekdays, besides Mondays, most shops open by 10 a.m. and close by 5 or 6 p.m.; on weekends, some stores extend their hours. Second Saturdays are the best time to shop since almost everything’s open; however, if you want to avoid crowds, go on Tuesdays or Wednesdays to see what new inventory has just arrived.

Luckily for us, the Web makes it easy to see what’s open and what’s not, as well as to keep an eye on fun events we might enjoy or try to avoid. (I love the Hill Country in February, but I tend to keep away during the noisy Valentine’s Day Massacre motorcycle rally that rolls through Boerne each year, though many people love it).

For info on where to go, what you’ll find there, and when to shop Boerne, see www.shopboerne.org, www.visitboerne.org

and

Texas/Shopping.

56 | sawoman.com

www.hill-country-visitor.com/Boerne_

EDITOR W

may/june 2012 | 57

W DINING

I

Perry’s Steakhouse Comes to Town Both beef and pork are at their best

By RON BECHTOL

Photography JANET ROGERS

f you don’t mind clambering up to a seat at a high banquette

Though we were also told about the aquaculture that allows

(somehow designers never seem to get these things propor-

Perry’s to offer a turtle soup, we passed on that as well—only to

tionally correct; it’s really annoying not to have one’s feet

later have a knowledgeable diner-about-town proclaim that he

touch terra firma — or something firma — when seated) and have a

would go back to Perry’s for that alone, side glass of sherry figur-

tolerance for an often-exuberant pianist/vocalist, then a seat in

ing prominently into the equation. We did, however, fall for the sig-

Perry’s bar is a good option indeed. Especially if you have assumed

nature fried asparagus topped with the jumbo lump crab that adds

that reservations should hardly be necessary early on a mid-week

a touch of luxe to several dishes on the menu. This is the kind of

evening. But even more especially if you prefer the bar’s views (the

dish that strikes me as having been designed by a focus group

assumed reason for the high banquettes) and action to the more

looking for a slightly different way to do a steakhouse classic. The

conventional inner sanctum. Besides, if you arrive before 6:30, there

crumb-coated spears are competently done, and there’s just

are some very attractive happy hour specials that somehow seem

enough buttery crab. However, bells are more likely to go off for

more appropriate barside. That’s my excuse, and I’m sticking to it.

the scallops wrapped in applewood-smoked bacon and served

Clearly, however, either good times are here again or Perry’s has

with a beurre blanc sauce that just happened to help out the as-

touched a chord — or both: a full house at a place where specials

paragus as well.

can breach the $50 level is impressive. Service is certainly impres-

While awaiting our appetizers, we availed ourselves of another

sive for starters. And if our knowledgeable waiter did try to sell us

gimmick, but one that nevertheless works: the three-for-$12 cocktail

a $130 bottle of wine right off the bat, it was recognized as being a

sampler wherein small pours of any three of the bar’s cocktails can

good one, so no offense. (Some, in fact, might even be flattered to

be explored. Though the three of us each had different favorites, the

be considered a target for such extravagance; we, on the other

Elderflower 75, the Glemno Ginger Blossom and the Juniper Grape-

hand, were thus forced to make thoughtful choices at half that

fruit were all creative, competently done and an example of taking

price—which the wine list allows one to do with ease.)

the steakhouse experience one step further.

58 | sawoman.com

DINING W

The bone-in cowboy ribeye (opposite page) brings earthy, beefy flavor and Prime quality to the table. Clockwise, from left: Perry's Famous Pork Chop, tuna tartare and bread pudding with a homemade marshmallow topping.

It’s tempting to call Perry’s Famous

least it doesn’t detract.

try, after all. Note that all the expected

Pork Chop (carved tableside) a gimmick,

It’s reasonable to assume that we could

cuts, including a Chateaubriand for two

too; it’s enormous, and the lengthy

all go home now, forgetting about beef al-

and double-cut lamb chops, are available

process of curing, roasting, slow-smoking

together—but that would be a mistake, at

and that several fish, along with lobster

and caramelizing—not to mention the

least on the evidence of the Prime, bone-

tail, are also listed.

carving—truly sounds over-the-top. But

in cowboy ribeye ($42.95). There’s no siz-

It’s a steakhouse truism that there will

then it’s served, expertly portioned into

zle (though there is garlic-herb butter), but

be creamed spinach), a baked potato and

back ribs, tenderloin and something called

this 22-ounce beauty (also helpfully sliced

jumbo steamed asparagus as sides. (Here

the “eyelash.” (Yes, new to me, too.) Each

and relieved of its bone tableside) is sim-

they’re called “Entrée Complements” and

part has its own special flavor and texture,

ply one of the best in this town or any-

cost from $6.95 to $8.95.) But some relief

but the result is pork in a new light. At a

where. I’d suggest trying to hit that sweet

from the tedium is provided by a sweet but

relatively inexpensive $29.95, and meant

spot between rare and medium rare on this

very good butternut squash purée topped

to be shared (plus taken home when re-

one, the better to emphasize the earthy,

with panko crumbs and a truly comple-

solve weakens), this chop stands out as a

beefy flavor. And, yes, that $130 bottle of

mentary dish of roasted, sherried mush-

singular experience.

(At lunch, served

cabernet (the waiter’s favorite grape)

rooms. The really rebellious could even opt

only on Fridays, a smaller cut weighs in at

would have been great as a companion,

for broccolini. We would probably pass on

a bargain-basement $17.95.) The house-

but we were not at all unhappy with our

roasted, creamed corn.

made applesauce that accompanies the

$60,

colossal cut is inevitably a yawner, but at

gentina’s Colomé. Argentina is beef coun-

high-altitude

malbec

from

Ar-

Dessert makes no sense after all of this.

Remember, you’re taking home pork.

may/june 2012 | 59

60 | sawoman.com

W FOCUS ON FOOD

The Grain that Built the

NewWorld And we still love corn

BY PAT MOZERSKY PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET ROGERS

62 | sawoman.com

FOCUS ON FOOD W Imagine, if you can, life without corn. No

Scores of corn products line our pantries,

corn-on-the-cob or corn tortillas, no corn-

including corn oil, corn syrup, cornstarch and

bread or popcorn. No bourbon, either, for that

corn flakes. In addition, corn is used for non-

2 tablespoons olive oil

matter. But corn’s role in our lives goes far be-

food purposes, including producing plastics

1 cup popcorn kernels

yond the table. It’s the grain that built the

and the biofuel ethanol and numerous others.

CHEF JOHN BRAND’S TRUE “POPCORN” SHRIMP

12 large shrimp, peeled and cut in half 1 tablespoon butter

New World. Then it conquered the globe.

But it’s in Mexico that corn continues to

Juice of 1/2 lemon

The saga of corn begins in areas of Mexico

play the most integral role in the culture. No

Chopped parsley

and Guatemala where the indigenous peoples

part of the plant is wasted. Fresh corn is

Grated Parmesan

are thought to have domesticated the wild grain

roasted over charcoal, or the tender kernels

Salt, as needed

roughly 5,000 to 7,000 years ago. Corn is one

are used in a

Heat pan along with

of the oldest food staples, a hardy alternative to

tasty filling for

the oil. Add popcorn,

rice and wheat, and a genetic marvel.

Corn

cover loosely with a 10-

silk is used for a

by-10-inch sheet of alu-

for their sustenance. They dried their corn, a

medicinal

minum

foil.

When

starchy, nonsweet field corn called maize, and

dried husks be-

popcorn

is

halfway

developed the process called nixtamalization

come wrapping

popped, add shrimp and

in which the dried corn was cooked and

for tamales, and

season with salt and pep-

The Olmec and Mayans depended on corn

tamales.

tea,

steeped in water made alkaline with slaked

the dried stalks

per. Cover again and after

lime. After draining, the corn was washed to re-

are fed to cattle.

one minute, shake pan to

move the outer skin and excess alkali. The corn,

Large white

referred to as nixtamal at this point, could then

the

flip

shrimp

over.

kernels,

called

Check shrimp to see that

be ground to produce the dough we know as

hominy,

are

they are cooked through.

masa or left whole and cooked again to pro-

used whole in

As the popping sub-

duce the puffed kernels called hominy.

dishes such as

sides, add butter, lemon

This process breaks down the hard exterior

the hearty soup

juice, parsley, Parmesan,

of the corn and releases its niacin, making it

called

pozole.

and adjust seasoning if

more nutritious. In cultures in which corn was

Dried

kernels

necessary. Pour contents

the principal food staple, this process was criti-

are

finely

into bowl and proceed to

cal in preventing malnourishment and disease.

ground to make

Corn gradually spread throughout the

the masa used

eat with your fingers.

Get a napkin and

Americas and became the prime food source

for corn tortillas, which serve as the sustaining

enjoy. Makes two servings or a good snack or

for most Native Americans; they considered

bread of Mexico, and as wrappers for countless

part of a TV dinner and movie.

corn to be sacred, the essence of life. It served

ingredients — enchiladas, tacos and more.

not just as food, but as fertility symbol, religious icon and the subject of mythology.

Even the fungus that grows on corn, called

Chef Johnny Hernandez of La Gloria Ice

huitlacoche, is a treasured commodity. Under

House at Pearl Brewery brings to San Antonio the street food of Mexico. Hernandez grew up

Thanks to the European conquerors who

certain conditions, the fungus invades the corn

brought the grain back from the Americas,

in the field, causing the kernels to swell into

on San Antonio’s West Side, surrounded by the

corn eventually became a global commodity.

big, deformed blue-black masses covered with

food traditions of Mexico. His passion for Latin

First grown in Spain, it spread rapidly through-

a silvery-gray skin. Although scorned by farm-

foods began at age 5, at his father’s restaurant.

out Europe, then to Africa and India. Unfortu-

ers in the United States, in Mexico huitlacoche

At La Gloria, he serves the wildly popular classic,

nately, the nixtamalization process did not

is considered their truffle. The rich mushroom

Roasted Corn. He notes that “although sweet

cross the ocean along with the corn, and wide-

flavor makes it a wonderful filling for quesadil-

corn is not what is used in Mexico, it’s a great

spread malnutrition and outbreaks of pellagra

las and tacos, a delicious soup or a stuffing for

substitute ... the white field corn (of Mexico) is

resulted throughout much of Europe, Egypt

crepes. Cans of huitlacoche can be purchased

almost impossible to find.”

and Africa, where the highly adaptable crop

in the United States.

had become a staple.

There are many different strains of corn.

Field corn is used as a grain, whereas the famil-

Corn is celebrated in an infinite number of recipes, and here are three mouth-watering examples that reveal corn’s versatility.

CHEF JOHNNY HERNANDEZ’S ROASTED CORN (Pictured opposite page) 12 cobs yellow corn 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise

iar sweet corn (higher in sugar and lower in starch) is used as a vegetable. Ground dried

The first is from John Brand, executive chef

maize, or cornmeal, is a staple throughout

at Las Canarias in the Omni Mansion del Rio

2 cups queso fresco cheese, crumbled

much of the world. The polenta of Italy, mama-

Hotel and the Mokara Hotel’s Ostra restaurant on

Salsa Valentina, optional

liga of Romania, mealie pap of South Africa,

the River Walk. Brand was raised on a farm in the

(available at local grocery stores)

and, of course, grits, most prevalent in the

Midwest, where he cultivated a passion for lo-

Soak the unshucked corn in cold water

Southern United States, are just a few exam-

cally sourced fresh ingredients, and his menus,

overnight. The following day, roast whole

ples. Popcorn is yet another wildly popular

sophisticated yet approachable, reflect that pas-

while still in the husks for 10 minutes on each

form of the grain. It’s able to pop because its

sion. His recipe is a whimsical and delicious play

side, either over charcoal (preferred), or in a

kernels have a hard, moisture-sealed hull and a

on the popular “Popcorn Shrimp” — but this one

350°F. oven. When tender and still hot, re-

dense starchy interior. When the kernel is

includes real popcorn! You’ll need a large cast

move the husks and silk. With a pastry brush,

heated, pressure builds inside until it pops.

iron pan and lots of napkins!

coat the corn generously with mayonnaise,

3 limes

may/june 2012 | 63

W FOCUS ON FOOD follow with “a healthy dose” of fresh lime juice, and sprinkle with queso fresco. Serve with Salsa Valentina if desired.

There’s always a crowd at El Jarro de Arturo, where chef/owner Arthur Cerna and wife Sandy play host to Mexican food lovers who enjoy the festive, bustling atmosphere. A well-appointed bar and music for dancing on the weekends are additional attractions. Their rich and creamy Roasted Poblano and Corn Soup never disappoints.

EL JARRO’S ROASTED POBLANO AND CORN SOUP 3 cups corn kernels (from 4 cobs of corn) 8 medium poblano chiles 4 tablespoons butter 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper 1/2 cup chopped chives 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature, cut into chunks 1 quart heavy cream 8 ounces chicken broth 1 teaspoon white pepper, or to taste Water, as needed to thin soup to desired consistency Salt, to taste GARNISH: Chopped fresh cilantro leaves Remove silk from fresh corn, but leave husks attached. Wrap cobs loosely with husks and place over hot coals or in a 450°F. oven, turning as needed, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until cooked. (The process will be quicker on an outdoor grill.) Let cool, remove husks, then cut kernels from cobs, using a sharp knife.

Meanwhile, place poblano chiles over a hot fire or under the broiler, turning as needed, until skins are blackened. Remove chiles from oven and place in a plastic or paper bag until cool, to allow steam to loosen the skins. Remove stems, seeds and skins and discard; cut chiles into 1/4-inch pieces.

Place half the corn kernels and half the chiles in a blender and process until smooth. Leave the remaining kernels whole and the remaining chiles in chopped form. (You can proceed with the recipe at this point or refrigerate the corn and chiles until needed.)

Heat the butter in a large pot. Add the garlic and sauté briefly. Add the red peppers and chives and continue cooking for 2 to 3 more minutes. Add all of the reserved corn and poblanos, the cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth and white pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, whisking, until cream cheese has been incorporated.

Add water as needed to thin the soup, if desired. Season to taste with salt, and add more pepper if desired. The soup can be made ahead, cooled, covered and refrigerated. Reheat slowly, thinning with water if necessary. To serve, pour into heated bowls and garnish with cilantro.

Makes about 10 cups.

64 | sawoman.com

WINE W

The Wines of

New Zealand

By DENISE EASDON

N

ew Zealand is known as a pre-

sphere harvest occurs during September,

mier wine-producing country,

October and November). Winemakers who

boasting some of the southern-

travel back and forth between the hemi-

most vineyards in the world. Comprising

spheres are known as “flying winemakers.”

two separate islands and located approxi-

Isabella and baco noir are a couple of

mately 1,000 miles southeast of Australia in

the original grape varietals planted, but the

the Southern Hemisphere, New Zealand of-

wines produced were of low quality. Muller

fers wines with unique characteristics.

–Thurgau was also planted at one time, but

There’s a lot to discover from this exciting

since the wines produced were mediocre,

and adventurous country.

Grapefruit, Kiwi and gooseberries are the common flavors of New Zealand sauvignon blanc.

it is not as common today. Sauvignon

Although grapes were planted as early

blanc, chardonnay, gewürztraminer, ries-

as 1819 on the north island, James Busby

ling, pinot gris, cabernet sauvignon, pinot

from Scotland is credited for the first

noir and syrah are the modern grapes

upon where it is produced in the world.

wines, produced in 1839. There are 10 re-

grown on the islands today.

California sauvignon blanc can be de-

gions scattered throughout the two is-

Sauvignon blanc, the most recognized

scribed as grassy and herbaceous, South

lands. The northern island includes the

grape varietal from New Zealand, is

Africa offers a lemon-lime citrus, while the

regions of Northland, Auckland, Waikato,

planted throughout both the north and the

Loire Valley and Bordeaux of France exem-

Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay and Martinborough.

south islands. The north island flavor pro-

plify a flinty style with a wet stone and

The south island, which has a cooler cli-

files include peach and melon, with a richer

mineral component. Grapefruit, kiwi and

mate, includes Nelson, Marlborough, Can-

and bolder style as compared to the

gooseberries are the common flavors of

terbury and Central Otago. The two islands

southern island, which offers wines of ac-

New Zealand sauvignon blanc. Flavors

combined would equal the length of Cali-

centuated acidity and flavors of citrus and

such as vanilla and toast are not common

fornia; they lie south of the equator

passion fruit. Marlborough, the most

to New Zealand sauvignon blanc because

roughly the same distance that France lies

renowned region for sauvignon blanc, is lo-

of limited exposure to oak barrels for aging

north of the equator.

cated on the far northeastern tip of the

or fermenting..

The southern island has a longer, cooler

southern island. Sauvignon blanc vines

With regards to the chardonnay grape,

growing season, which results in wines of

were planted in this region in the early

the New Zealand style is often bright and

higher acidity and intense flavors. The

1970s, although there are clues that vines

crisp with higher acidity. It is driven by fruit

wines of New Zealand are typically more

were planted here 100 years earlier. The

and stylistically different from Burgundy

crisp and lighter-bodied than those of Aus-

cool climate is ideal for sauvignon blanc,

and California wines, which can be de-

tralia, France or the United States. More

although chardonnay, pinot gris, riesling

scribed as more intense and typically

and the red-skinned grape pinot noir are

fuller-bodied.

white wine than red is produced.

Harvesting of the grapes occurs in

also planted to this region.

Pinot noir is the most widely planted

months opposite that of the Northern

Sauvignon blanc is also a grape varietal

red grape in the country. Formerly used in

Hemisphere. It starts in March, and ends in

that is reflective of its terroir, and therefore

sparkling wines, pinot noir is undertaking

late April or early May (the Northern Hemi-

the wine will taste different depending

significant changes in styles offered

may/june 2012 | 65

W WINE

The wines of New Zealand are typically more crisp and lighterbodied thatn those of Australia, France or the United States.

today. Acute aromatics, fruit-forward with soft polished tannins, are more common. As with sauvignon blanc, pinot noir will drink dramatically different depending upon where it is planted in the world. With nontraditional characteristics, pinot noir from New Zealand offers a wide variance of flavors that can include red cherry, plum, black cherry, cocoa, spice, earthiness, barbecue smoke, tar and cigar box. Marlborough, Waipara and Central Otago are the best-known regions producing pinot noir, all of them located on the south island.

Cabernet sauvignon is better suited to a warmer climate than pinot noir and therefore is planted primarily on the north island.

Hawke’s Bay is one region well known for this varietal, and the wines are classically produced in a Bordeaux style. Located on the southeast coastline, it is the largest vineyard area on the north island, receiving the most sunshine for all of New Zealand, with over 7,500 acres planted to vines. Other varietals planted on the north island include syrah and merlot.

Spy Valley winery, located in Marlborough, produces both a sauvignon blanc and a pinot noir. The 100-percent sauvignon blanc has a bright pale straw color. On the palate, a mixture of lemon-lime gives this wine dimension, while the peach and grapefruit notes interplay with the soft texture. Pure fruit and dazzling acidity leave a sustained, dry finish. The wine pairs exceptionally well with a goat cheese-garnished salad, calamari or latkes with caviar. For a real treat, try this juicy sauvignon blanc as a mouth-watering companion to chef Chris Carlson's "Tuna Chip 'n' Dip" at the Sandbar Fish House & Market (Andrew Weissman's ode to seafood), located at the Pearl Brewery complex near downtown San Antonio.

The Spy Valley pinot noir is fruit-forward in style with a long supple structure (100-percent pinot noir). Flavors of red raspberry, sweet cherry, licorice and cocoa combine with underlying notes of spice and dried sage for a fresh and lively wine. Drink it young to enjoy the vibrancy and exuberance of this wine.

New Zealand wines can be described as captivating and exciting. It’s a country to explore the next time you are looking to venture into something new and different, a fascinating and enchanting new wine experience.

Denise Easdon is a certified sommelier and a certified specialist of wine.

66 | sawoman.com

SCENE AROUND TOWN W

Wine, Women and Song Usher in the Spring Season Parties raise fun and funds

BY CAROLE MILLER

Spring has most definitely sprung in San Antonio. And amidst the flowers in bloom and picture-perfect weather, San Antonians know how to throw the perfect spring party.

There was no better way to celebrate

throughout the community during their

new beginnings than with the Symphony

freshman, sophomore and junior years in

Belles at the San Antonio Symphony

high school and are presented during

League’s annual Symphony Ball. This

their senior year. One hundred percent of

year’s Belles were Megan Rose Ander-

the annual contributions are given to the

son, Courtney Allison Barnard, Sophie

San Antonio Symphony.

Rose Beckendorf, Brennan Bowman,

Then the Gardenia and Musical Club

Teresa Browning, Frances Lee Caldwell,

held a Julian Gold style show and lunch-

Rea Marouf Cleland, Ellen Cromack, Anna

eon at Oak Hills Country Club. The theme

Fiallo, Macarena Gaona, Marissita Garcia,

was “Spring is in the Air,” and profes-

Caroline

Howard,

Margaret

Massari,

sional models as well as a few fashion-

Alexandra Medellin, Allie Marie Reilly,

able club members walked the runway to

Madison Rohde, Emily Rosenbloom,

give the Gardenia Club attendees an ex-

Emily Scott, Anna Lona Stell, Alexandra

clusive look at the new spring fashions.

Strange and Asha Zacarias.

The Club also presented scholarships to

Each year the Symphony League

Above: Gardenia Club fashion show models Suzanne Simpson, Courtney Schultz, Anne Gamboa and Tenchita Flores.

Above right: The 2012 Symphony Belles.

several fine arts students.

proudly presents young ladies who are

Founded and organized in l960, the

the children or grandchildren of mem-

Gardenia and Musical Club has as its goal

bers at a formal Symphony Ball. Belles

to further interest in the fine arts and

earn volunteer service hours through var-

promote friendships within the member-

ious Symphony and League events

ship. The club also presents annual schol-

may/june 2012 | 67

W SCENE AROUND TOWN

From upper left: Jared and Fete du Cuvée chair Brooke Meabon, Great Conversation! chairs Judge Bonnie Reed and Stu Schlossberg (above), Heart of Gold Gala chairs Doyle and Christine Beneby, Nancy Joseph and Dian Sherrod at the Friends of Hospice Valentine Luncheon.

This black-tie affair-to-remember

Beneby to “celebrate the generosity of

featured exclusive wine packages in

the San Antonio community” and honor

a unique wine-themed silent auction

the American Heart Association’s work,

as well as cuisine and wine pairings

donors and volunteers and the lives

from select San Antonio celebrity

saved and improved because of every-

chefs, including Jeffery Balfour from

one’s efforts.

Valencia Riverwalk, Stefan Bowers

Every year, this event brings commu-

from FEAST, John Brand from Las

nity and philanthropic leaders together for

Canarias,

from

the benefit of the American Heart Associ-

Francesca’s, Steven McHugh from

Ernesto

Estrada

ation. This year’s formal gala raised more

Lüke San Antonio and James Moore

than $400,000, while guests enjoyed an

from Max’s Wine Dive.

exciting auction, a wonderful dinner and

Another stimulating event this

dancing after midnight.

spring season was called “Great Con-

Love was also in the air at the Friends

versation!” Hosted by UTSA President

of Hospice Valentine Luncheon, chaired by

Ricardo Romo and chaired by Judge

Patti King and Dian Sherrod. This annual

Bonnie Reed and Stu Schlossberg,

event, held at the San Antonio Country

this entertaining evening featured din-

Club, featured an enormous silent auction,

ner at the Institute of Texan Cultures,

a delicious lunch and an amazing spring

where, prior to the event, guests

fashion show by Julian Gold.

arships to students in the fine arts, partic-

chose from an extensive list of experts

Over its history, Friends of Hospice

ipates in the Texas Cavaliers’ Fiesta River

and local celebrities to be their table host.

has raised over $2.5 million. Through the

Parade and the annual Holiday River Pa-

The host selected a pre-determined topic

Valentine Luncheon, the Friends of Hos-

rade and has become known throughout

for conversation that evening. This was a

pice organization provides funds for

the city for its exceptional floats.

great way to get past “small talk” and have

uninsured patients of CHRISTUS VNA

Next, the party professionals from the

some interesting, animated discussions.

Hospice, the only nonprofit hospice in

Junior League of San Antonio put the

Proceeds from the evening reached

“wine” in “wine, women and song” at the

$150,000 to fund scholarships for stu-

VNA Hospice has helped to ensure that

first-ever Fête du Cuvée Fine Wine Auc-

dents for the UTSA Honors College, prov-

no one is denied hospice care because

tion. The name Fête du Cuvée came from

ing that talk is most definitely not cheap.

of inability to pay.

San Antonio. For 20 years, CHRISTUS

the French term tête de cuvée, which

And bringing a little bit of love to the

means the top of the line from any Cham-

new season, the annual Heart of Gold

It’s good to have

pagne house.

Gala was chaired by Doyle and Christine

you back.

68 | sawoman.com

Ah, spring!

MOMMY MATTERS W

Coping with

Change

Help your child learn healthy ways to deal with the unexpected

BY COURTNEY BURKHOLDER

L

ast week, our 2-year-old daughter

offers numerous situations in which change

moved out of the crib and into the

and flexibility are mandatory. Learning to

big girl bed for the first time. I’m

cope with change is a life skill that children

not sure who took the news the hardest,

must learn and master in order to flourish

our daughter or my husband.

in a world where uncertainty and adjust-

At first, she was excited. She had al-

ment must be dealt with on a daily basis.

ways loved getting under the “cubbers” in

When my oldest son was in preschool,

her big girl bed that sat right next to the

we noticed he had trouble transitioning

crib in her room. For her, it was a fun game

from one activity to the next. His preschool

to play with Mommy and Daddy. That first

teachers confirmed this. When it was time

night, she surrounded herself with all her

to put the blocks away for lunch, it caused

favorite things — puppy, kitty, her little pil-

our son great anxiety and stress. At home,

low, seven pacifiers, moo-cow blanket and

any time our normal routine was inter-

music bear — and snuggled under the cov-

rupted by something unexpected, he would

ers, ready for a story. But when the lights

become upset, angry and out of sorts. For

went off, and she was left alone in that big,

me, a 30-something-year-old mother of

big bed, she wasn’t so sure. Suddenly, her

two who flew through life by the seat of her

safe and cozy little crib seemed like a

pants, I just didn’t get it. So what if we’re

much better idea. But with a little coaxing

not going on a walk this morning? We’re

and a lot of back scratching, she made it

playing at a friend’s house instead. So why

through that first night in the big girl bed

are you crying and upset?

without a hitch.

My husband’s worries were not so easily alleviated. For weeks prior to “the move”

It made no sense.

Ten years and a world of experience later, I get it.

we had debated if it was the right time. I, of

His upset had nothing to do with which

course, thought it was. He, of course, did

activity was more fun and everything to do

not agree. His arguments escalated each

with coping with the stress the change in

time the topic was broached. What if she

routine had caused. Kids like knowing what

falls out? What if she wakes up in the night

to expect. It gives them a feeling of security

and wanders around the house? What if she

and comfort to know how their day will un-

falls down the stairs and cracks her head

fold. But what about those days when

open? We should leave well enough alone.

things don’t go exactly as planned? A

She’s too little. She’s too young! She’s just

teacher is sick, and a substitute greets your

a baby, for God’s sake! Why are you forcing

child at the classroom door. It rains. You

her to grow up so fast?

His list of excuses for keeping her in the

have a flat tire. A playmate is sick and can’t come over. As they get older, the unex-

crib grew daily until, finally, I moved her out

pected becomes the norm. A pop quiz. A

of the crib on a night when Daddy was,

broken date. Unscheduled practices and

conveniently, out of town. I am happy to re-

friends changing plans three or four times

port that both parties have survived “the

in an evening.

move” without further incident.

And what about those bigger changes

Coping with change is never easy (no

that children face? A move. A divorce. A new

matter what your age), and for all practical

school. A death in the family. As parents, it

purposes, never ending. From crib to bed is

is imperative that we prepare our children to

only the first of many changes children face

deal with the unexpected and do all that we

as they transition from baby to child, child

can to help them learn good coping skills

to preteen, preteen to teenager and

they can draw from throughout the rest of

teenager to adult. Each phase of their lives

their lives for dealing with change.. may/june 2012 | 69

W MOMMY MATTERS

HELPING YOUR CHILD DEAL WITH CHANGE:

1 Prepare them when you can. If you know ahead of time that the day

to introduce a new ballet class. Take it one change at a time, and

will contain a number of activities that require quick transitions, give

allow your child time to acclimate before introducing another mod-

him the schedule early. When my son was young, I made “the run-

ification to his routine.

down” part of our daily routine. Ten years later, I still get in the car

5 Involve your child in decision making when possible. As your child

and say, “OK, this is the plan.” Preparing them for the day’s events

gets older, he or she will respond better to changes that he has had

helps alleviate stress and gives them an opportunity to prepare

a say in. This is an important step in maturation and helps a child

themselves for what is to come. For bigger changes, such as starting

feel autonomous.

a new school, talk about the change that is coming and give them

2

whether a child is in kindergarten or 10th grade. Kids often have no

Practice flexibility. Sound strange? Maybe. But it’s effective. Talk about

control over their days, and keeping things simple, straightforward

“what if” situations in which things go wrong, and come up with sev-

and predictable at home can help alleviate anxiety. Just knowing

eral alternate solutions to the problem. Make the situations applicable

that they have a safe, stable environment at home can help them

to their daily life, and try to anticipate things they could face during

deal with the daily changes and stressors at school.

the day. Modeling flexibility in your own behavior is also extremely im-

3

6 Keep it simple at home. The demands of a school day can be taxing,

as much forewarning as possible.

7 Talk to your child’s teachers or child care provider. This may seem

portant. We’ve all dealt with circumstances in which things didn’t go

as though you’re not dealing with the actual problem, but educating

as planned. Keeping your cool is essential — kids look to parents to

those who influence your child’s life can be a simple fix to a complex

see how you react to change, and they will emulate your behavior.

problem. Oftentimes, teachers don’t realize that by changing things

Acknowledge their fears and concerns. Feeling upset because some-

up without warning is throwing your child off. Let them know how

thing isn’t going as planned isn’t bad in and of itself. We feel the way

unexpected change affects your child, and educate them on ways

we feel no matter if someone tells us we shouldn’t. Acknowledge your

to cue your child that a change is coming.

child’s feelings in a kind, loving and sympathetic way. How they behave and react to the change is what we want to mold, and by recognizing

No two children are alike, and each deals with change in his or

their feelings, you will help calm them instead of exacerbating an al-

her own way. But by following these simple suggestions, you will

ready tense situation.

help your child learn healthy ways to cope with change, and provide

4 Keep other changes to a minimum when a child is facing a big transition. The week your child starts at a new school is not the best time

70 | sawoman.com

him or her with life skills that will be invaluable throughout their lives.

BEAUTY & FITNESS W

Pilates: the Man & the Method

These exercises work against resistance to train the body’s core

BY ANNE MOORE Joseph Pilates was an unhealthy child who reportedly suffered from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever. He believed in the ancient Greek ideal of man — one who is developed in body, mind and spirit. To that end, he studied Zen Buddhism, yoga, Eastern and Western philosophy and anatomy. He trained as a body builder, wrestler, boxer, gymnast/acrobat, skier and diver.

While he was working in England as a circus performer and boxer, World War I began. As a result, he was immediately placed in a camp for German detainees. Here, he developed floor exercises now incorporated in Pilates mat work. He also began to work with other detainees who were injured or suffered diseases.

He then began to put together some rather crude exercise equipment for use in patient therapy, modifying available objects, such as bed springs and metal rings that held beer kegs together. Two of these strength-building types of apparatus were later perfected and are used in teaching his methods today — the Pilates reformer and the Pilates magic circle.

According to one of his books about Contrology (his name for his methods), he wrote: “Age is gauged not by years but by the suppleness of the spine.”

Returning to Germany after the war, in 1925, he trained military police in self-defense and physical exercise.

When he was asked to train the German army, he chose to jump on a boat bound for New York City. On this ship, he met his future wife, a nurse named Clara.

It was in 1926 that he established his studio in New York, where he continued to perfect his exercise methods and design his own tortuous-looking equipment — with springs, pulleys and the sliding tabletop. Located near many professional dance studios, his place became popular with dancers, who began to incorporate his exercises into their training program to gain additional strength and grace, and for rehabilitation purposes.

Joseph Pilates died in 1967. Thereafter, the practice of Pilates, the “living legend,” was spread by his original students. These master teachers are referred to as Pilates Elders.

So, why should you, your spouse, your parents, your friends of all ages ... almost everyone ... want to check out Pilates? • Because proper breath control is an integral part of Pilates. Think• Because this form of exercise utilizes both the mind and the body.

• Because balance, flexibility, strength, power and mental focus are utilized to perform it properly.

• Because there is little risk of injury or muscle strain.

• Because the mind is refreshed as well as the body.

• Because one precisely performed Pilates session is said to be worth more than several hours at the gym.

• Because Pilates exercises leave you invigorated instead of exhausted.

• Because results include a longer, leaner body, better posture, higher energy level, increased coordination and balance, flexibility and strength.

ing of the lungs as a bellows to pump air fully in and out of the body, Joseph Pilates wrote: … “lazy breathing converts the lungs, literally and figuratively speaking, into a cemetery for the deposition of diseased, dying and dead germs as supplying an ideal haven for the multiplication of other harmful germs.” OK, let’s all take some deep, cleansing breaths ... in ... out ... in ... out.

• Because Pilates increases metabolism, promotes respiratory and circulatory functions, improves bone density and muscle tone.

• Because these exercises can help you to “get centered” and calm your nerves.

• Because Pilates does NOT include mindless, boring, repetitive, exhausting, injury-producing exercises. may/june 2012 | 71

W BEAUTY & FITNESS

Mat or reformer?

Working against resistance is key to the 500 classical Pilates exercises designed to train the body’s “powerhouse,” which includes the abdomen, lower back, hips and buttocks. When using a mat, resistance is created by your own body weight. On the reformer, pulleys and springs create the resistance. Mat classes are easier to find than sessions on the reformer. Check with health clubs and gyms, a referral from a friend or associate, ads in those free “alternative” papers and in the telephone book or online.

Since Pilates training is a detailed system of exercise, finding a qualified instructor is essential. Your instructor should have many months of real study, not just a weekend or two of training. He or she should be professional, able to communicate and demonstrate the Pilates basics, provide some individual attention as required and motivate you. In addition, the instructor should be knowledgeable about the appropriate modifications available for each exercise to compensate for any physical limitations you may have, or to make each exercise more or less difficult as required. The instructor should warm you up and should teach you how to complete an exercise safely — how to do it properly and how not to do it, particularly with regard to the neck, spine, back and head placement.

Some instructors and experienced students think one should start with the reformer and then enter into mat sessions, while others think the opposite. Views on whether you obtain results faster on the mat or the reformer are split as well. Both forms were developed to teach you usage of your powerhouse, tone your body and increase the ease of performing daily tasks and sports activities.

Classes offering a fusion of Pilates and other exercise methods and equipment — yoga, ball and band classes — are trendy these

days. However, the instructor should have experience and training in both methods, hold a certification to teach mat Pilates, or at least have lots of experience. As stated before, this doesn’t mean a “certification” resulting from a weekend of yoga-Pilates or Pilates-onthe-Ball instruction.

Adding Pilates classes, taught by a qualified instructor, can certainly enhance any existing exercise method. In addition, Pilates is a great way to warm up and center your core muscles before entering into a quieter, more meditative practice, such as yoga. Like dancing, yoga provides a lot of flexibility and stretches the muscles, whereas Pilates engages and strengthens them.

So, what do you wear, bring to and expect when starting Pilates classes?

Well, you won’t need special shoes ... you’ll be barefooted throughout the session. You’ll want to stick to something stretchy, but not too loose, because (1) your instructor should be able to see if your body and muscles are aligned properly, and (2) you won’t want to flash certain body parts while you are exercising. No billowy short shorts or low-cut tops. For safety, long hair goes up and dangly things, like jewelry, stay home. Please, no perfumes. A mat (thicker than a yoga mat) will be furnished by the studio.

You know you’re curious. Go for it! In the meantime, stay groovy/get healthy.

72 | sawoman.com

W AROUND TOWN

UTSA HONORS COLLEGE PRESENTS

GREAT CONVERSATION 1. Dr. Harriett Romo and Dr. Ricardo Romo 2. Kris Zebrowski, Erin Zayko, Colleen Guy and James Lifschutz 1

3. Dan Hollas, Tim Boeden and Ann Eisenberg

4

THE WORLD AFFARIS COUNCIL PRESENTS

THE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR DINNER 3. Lorraine, Jessica and Curt Anastasio 2

with Patrick and Tricia Tobin

5

4. Gov. Bobby Jindal, Mary Rose Brown, Bill Greehey and Dr. Tanuja Singh 5. Catherine Nixon Cooke Atherton, Geary Atherton and Flo Crichton

3

74 | sawoman.com

6

HEALTH MATTERS W

Biology, Genetics and Hormones Joint health is more complicated for women

BY KELLY A. GOFF

The most common joint problems come from arthritis and injuries.

Arthritis literally means joint inflammation. Although joint inflammation describes a symptom or sign rather than a specific diagnosis, the term arthritis often refers to any disorder affecting the joints, characterized by inflammation as well as loss of function, of one or more connecting or supporting structures of the body.

The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. It’s most common among older people and is sometimes called degenerative joint disease.

In osteoarthritis, the surface layer of cartilage (the hard but slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones) breaks down and wears away, causing pain, swelling and loss of joint motion.

Overall, women have osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, at much higher rates than men. Experts estimate that almost 27 million people in the United States have osteoarthritis, and about 60 percent of them are women. Before age 55, more men tend to have osteoarthritis, but after age 55 the number of women with the condition far surpasses the number of men.

WOMEN MORE PRONE TO KNEE AND HAND JOINT PAIN Joints affected by osteoarthritis also tend to vary by gender. Men are more prone to experience arthritis in their hips, while women tend to have it in the knees or hands.

There are several reasons why these differences occur.

They include:

IT’S OFFICIAL: Women are Different from Men I‘d like to think there are no differences between men

BIOLOGY — Women‘s bodies are designed to give birth, and that

and women when it comes to athletics, but it’s hard to

means the tendons in their lower body are more elastic than men’s.

deny science pointing to the contrary. Beyond strength

As a result, the joints probably move around a little more. When the

and biomechanics, there’s that stark reminder occurring

joints have less stability, they’re more prone to injury.

about every 28 days. Turns out women’s unique hor-

In addition, women’s hips are wider than their knees, so their knee

monal cycle (read: fluctuating hormones) likely con-

joints are not aligned as straight as men’s. The alignment of a

tributes to an increased risk of joint injuries, especially

woman’s body leads to a higher rate of knee injuries, and injuries can lead to osteoarthritis later in life.

the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee. A fiveyear study by the NCAA revealed that women were 2.4 times more likely than men to tear their ACL in soccer,

GENETICS — Osteoarthritis seems to run in families, and there appears in particular to be a genetic link among women. Women whose mothers developed osteoarthritis will probably find that they

and 4.1 times more likely in basketball. Overall, ACL injuries have been reported to be two to eight times more common in women.

will develop it in the same joints at around the same age as their mothers. Researchers have found specific genetic links for hand and knee osteoarthritis.

HORMONES AND LOOSE JOINTS The hormones estrogen and relaxin also affect tissue

HORMONES — Researchers believe that female hormones have an

away from the reproductive system. These hormones

effect on the cartilage that sits between the bones of the joints and

can affect the growth and development of bone, muscle

cushions the bones to prevent pain and allow the joints to move

and connective tissue. Various studies suggest fluctua-

about smoothly. In laboratory studies of cells that form cartilage,

tions in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle, as

experts have found that the female hormone estrogen protects car-

well as pregnancy (even months after pregnancy), can

tilage from inflammation, which can lead to osteoarthritis. But after

weaken and loosen ligament tissues. In fact, a number

menopause, when women’s estrogen levels go down, they lose that protection and may have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis

of researchers have reported decreased athletic performance and increased risk of injury during the premenstrual or menstrual phases.

even if they are on hormone-replacement therapy (HRT).

Moral to this story? To avoid injury, be more strategic when planning physical activities.

With that triple threat in action, it’s especially important for women to take care of their joints. may/june 2012 | 75

W HEALTH MATTERS

HOW TO KEEP JOINTS HEALTHY: Here are some tips to prevent joint deterioration and pain:

Strive for full range of motion — Move joints through their full range of motion to reduce stiffness and keep them flexible.

Keep moving — The more you move, the less joint stiffness you’ll

Range of motion refers to the normal extent joints can be moved

have. Change positions often at work and home.

in certain directions. If you have arthritis, your doctor or physical therapist can recommend daily range-of-motion exercises.

Mind your measurements — Lose just a few pounds and you’ll take some strain off your hips, knees and back. Extra pounds

Strengthen your core — Stronger abs and back muscles help with

add to the load placed on these joints, increasing the risk of car-

balance. The more balanced you are, the less likely you are to dam-

tilage breakdown.

age your joints with falls or other injuries. So include core-strengthening (abdominal, back and hips) exercises in your routine.

Warm up before stretching — Try to stretch daily but at least three times a week. However, it’s important you don’t stretch cold

Know your limits — It’s normal to have some aching muscles after

muscles. Do a light warmup before stretching to loosen up the

exercising. But if your pain lasts longer than 48 hours, you may

joints and the ligaments and the tendons around them.

have overstressed your joints. Don’t exercise so hard next time to avoid long-term injury.

Choose low-impact exercise — Low-impact options like walking, bicycling and swimming are the best. That’s because high-impact,

Eat fish to reduce inflammation — Omega-3s may help keep

pounding and jarring exercise can increase your risk of joint in-

your joints healthy, as well as reduce inflammation. Fatty coldwa-

juries and may slowly cause cartilage damage. Light weight-lifting

ter fish like salmon and mackerel are good sources of omega-3

exercises should also be included. If you already have arthritis,

fatty acids. Don’t like fish? Try fish oil capsules.

consult with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Keep bones strong — Calcium and vitamin D help keep bones Get strong — Stronger muscles around joints mean less stress on

strong. Strong bones can keep you on your feet, and prevent falls

those joints. Research shows that having weak thigh muscles in-

that can damage joints. Dairy products are the best sources of

creases your risk of knee osteoarthritis, for example. Even small

calcium, but other options are green leafy vegetables like broc-

increases in muscle strength can reduce that risk. Avoid rapid and

coli and kale. If you don’t get enough calcium in your diet, ask

repetitive motions of affected joints.

your doctor about supplements.

76 | sawoman.com

MOMMY MATTERS W

may/june 2012 | 77

W HEALTH MATTERS

435,000 The number of Americans who have a hip or knee replaced each year. The knee is the most commonly injured joint.

Source: National Institute of Health

HOW TO KEEP JOINTS HEALTHY: More tips to prevent joint deterioration and pain: Maintain good posture — Stand and sit up straight. Good posture protects your joints all the way from your neck down to your knees. One easy way to improve posture is by walking. The faster you walk, the harder your muscles work to keep you upright.

Use ice for joint pain — For a free and natural pain reliever, use ice. It numbs pain and helps relieve swelling. If you have a sore joint, apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a towel.

Leave it on for up to 20 minutes at a time. Never apply ice directly to the skin.

Try glucosamine — Glucosamine is a natural chemical compound found in healthy joint cartilage. Some studies have shown glucosamine, combined with chondroitin, may provide some relief for moderate to severe pain caused by knee osteoarthritis (OA). Yet the results of other studies have been mixed.

Don’t ignore joint injuries — Physical trauma can contribute to cartilage breakdown and OA. If you injure a joint, see your doctor right away for treatment. Then take steps to avoid more damage. You may need to avoid activities that overstress the joint or use a brace to stabilize it.

78 | sawoman.com

WOMAN’S WELLNESS W

may/june 2012 | 79

W AROUND TOWN

THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF SAN ANTONIO PRESENTS

FÊTE DU CUVÉE 1. Jeff and Jaime Vaughan with Ty Griesenbeck 1

2. Lisa and Brad Johnson

4

3. Travis and Dawn Robinette

THE GARDENIA AND MUSICAL CLUB PRESENTS

SPRING IS IN THE AIR 2

4. Lois Jones, Sherry McNeil,

5

Barbara Schneider Rattan and Kathleen Gunn 5. Norma Edwards, Lucy Peveto, Siobhan Buckley and Britt Kleberg 6. Ann Rice, Nancy Torgerson, Veronica Boldt and Judy Clifton

3

80 | sawoman.com

6

DOLLARS & SENSE W

All About Health Care Spending Accounts How they can help with medical expenses

By MARY ANNE COLE

T

wo summers ago, the subject of health insurance burned

the 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income that’s required

up talk radio, cable, and the floor of the U.S. Congress.

to get the deduction.

Remember the death panels? Throwing Grandma under

the bus? Keep your government hands off my Medicare?

Enter the health flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs). These two types of accounts

It was quite a spectacle, fueled by fear, as there’s little that

allow you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for medical expenses

scares us more than not being able to fix what ails us physi-

not covered by your health insurance policy. If you normally

cally. We want to be able to stride into the office of our fa-

pay about 25 percent in federal taxes, using pre-tax dollars for

vorite doctor, night or day, and walk out with a prescription

these expenses means saving about $33 on every $100 you

that will miraculously transform our sick-as-a-dogness back

spend on medical costs because you save on Social Security

into fit-as-a-fiddleness.

and Medicare taxes as well. Yowza!

But there’s more to paying for health care than health insurance can cover. There’s the deductible, which is often siz-

HEALTH CARE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS (FSAS)

able, and the expenses that fall through the cracks of many

Since most of us have an employer, FSAs are the ones with

health insurance policies, including over-the-counter medica-

which most of us are familiar. More than 90 percent of employ-

tions, copayments, your kids’ braces, dental care, chiropractic

ers offer flexible health care spending accounts. At the begin-

services, hearing aids, mental health care, vision care and eye-

ning of the year, your employer asks how much you want to

glasses, smoking cessation programs and other drug-related

contribute and begins taking that amount out of your pay-

interventions. This stuff adds up. You dig into your pocket, you

check in equal pre-tax deductions. (Some employers will con-

pay for it, and when tax time rolls around, you find that your

tribute to the account as well, and you don’t pay taxes on that

out-of-pocket medical expenses don’t come anywhere near

money either.) The maximum amount you can put into your FSA — usually a maximum dollar amount or a maximum percentage of your salary — is set by your employer, but after 2012 it will be limited by law to $2,500.

You don’t even have to wait until sufficient money is in the account to use it: On Day One, if you have a sudden need for dental care or whatever, you can withdraw from the account all the money you planned to contribute for the year. All you have to do is submit your expenses to your plan’s administrator (usually your health-insurance provider) for reimbursement.

What you can use the money for is defined by the IRS, not by your employer, but your employer will have a detailed list. In general, the IRS defines medical expenses as “the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease and the costs for treatments affecting any part or function of the body. These ex-

may/june 2012 | 81

W DOLLARS & SENSE

There’s more to paying with healthcare than health insurance can cover. There’s the deductible plus expenses that fall through the cracks. penses include payments for legal medical services rendered by physicians, surgeons, dentists and other medical practitioners.

They include the costs of equipment, supplies and diagnostic devices needed for these purposes. Medical care expenses must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental defect or illness. They do not include expenses that are merely beneficial to general health, such as vitamins or a vacation.” (Dang!)

You cannot use the money for expenses covered by your health insurance policy or another health plan for which you are eligible, or to pay for health insurance premiums or long-term-care insurance premiums. However, you can use it for health expenses incurred by your spouse or dependent, even if that spouse or dependent isn’t covered by your health insurance. Until about a year ago, you could use FSA money to pay for over-the-counter items like bandages and first aid kits, but now these expenses qualify only if you get a doctor’s prescription for them.

THE DOWNSIDE Oh, there’s always a rub, isn’t there? If you don’t use the money in your account by the end of the year — or by March 15 of the following year for some employers — or if you leave your job, voluntarily or not, you lose the amount you’ve contributed.

Bummer. You can’t take it with you to another job, and your employer isn’t allowed to give it back to you. About 14 percent of all money put into FSAs isn’t used by those who contributed it. That makes the thinking you put into estimating how much you’ll need pretty important.

HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS (HSAs) If you’re self-employed or if the health insurance your employer provides has a high deductible, you may qualify to set up an HSA. As with FSAs, neither contributions to nor earnings on HSAs are considered taxable income.

To set up and contribute to an HSA, you must: • be covered by a health plan with a deductible over $1,200 for single coverage or $2,400 for family coverage (These numbers change annually.)

• not have other health insurance, with the exception of some limited-coverage policies • not be enrolled in Medicare • not be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return In 2012, you can contribute up to $3,100 for a single person or $6,250 for a family, and people over age 55 can contribute an additional $1,000. If you have an employer, the employer can make contributions as well. Your employer may be able to set up the account for you, but banks, credit unions and other organizations can also be approved by the IRS to set up HSAs and serve as HSA trustees.

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DIFFERENCES FROM FSAs An HSA allows you considerably more freedom than FSAs in terms of withdrawing funds and managing your account. You don’t have to get approval from your HSA trustee to withdraw funds; it’s up to you to follow the law and spend the money on qualified expenses or risk a 10-percent penalty if you get an IRS audit. That means keeping receipts and copies of prescriptions.

Qualified expenses are the same as those listed under FSAs, with an important exception: HSA funds can be used to pay premiums on qualified long-term-care insurance, health insurance premiums while you’re collecting unemployment benefits, COBRA premiums, and if you’re over 65, premiums for any health insurance except Medicare supplemental policies.

Here are some other important differences: The money you or someone else, such as your employer, puts into an HSA is yours.

You can roll it over from year to year. You can keep it — although you can’t add more to it — if you become unqualified for an HSA (like you get a new health insurance policy that doesn’t have a high deductible). You can keep it, along with the money your employer contributed, if you leave your job. If you die, the funds in your HSA are given to the beneficiary you named for the account, and if the beneficiary is your spouse, the transfer is tax-free. If you don’t use it for a while and it starts to earn interest, the interest is tax-free as well. Cool.

HSAs and FSAs are programs the government set up to help people with moderate medical expenses — that is, most of us — to pay for them tax-free. Don’t ask me why they don’t just lower the 7.5 percent Adjusted Gross Income limit, but I’m sure there’s a perfectly good reason that could be explained with the help of only a few hundred PowerPoint slides, a pot of strong coffee and a laser pointer.

For more information on the Affordable Care Act, go to www.sanantoniowoman.com.

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W BUSINESS WOMAN SPOTLIGHT

Pamela Bain Bain Medina Bain, Inc., president

What do you do? As majority owner of our company, my responsibilities include leading the administrative, financial and marketing sectors within our organization. I work hand-in-hand with our two other principals, Carl Bain and Raymond Medina; Carl is our principal professional engineer, and Raymond is our principal registered professional surveyor, each managing and merging their two separate departments with the functions I oversee.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? In the third grade I wanted to be Elizabeth Taylor in Giant … then later I wanted to be like my English teacher.

What person do you most admire? My husband, who every day triumphs over multiple sclerosis (MS). There are lots of people who inspire me, but he is No. 1.

What is your favorite vacation? I love the beach, New Orleans and New York City.

Length of time at this job: Thirty-plus years.

What is it that you like best about your job? Something new happens every day … and every day I learn something new.

Education/Major: B.A. in English from Sophie Newcomb College in New Orleans, M.A. in psychology from UTSA and additional postgraduate studies at Our Lady of the Lake.

What career path led you to where you are today? I started out as a junior high school teacher. I became a school guidance counselor and then was a principal of an elementary school, all in the SAISD. When did you know that you were in the right place in your career? Good question.

As a teacher, I never knew if I was in the right career, from day to day. I was very young when I started, and adolescents are somewhat overwhelming. In retrospect, I learned how to survive and that teaching prepares one to be ready for anything, everything, any time, all the time!

Being a school counselor was rewarding and seemed to be my calling. However, once I became a principal, I found a passion for leadership in the challenges of managing the complex issues of professional educators, the various needs of my students, the concerns of their parents, as well as the expectations of administrative leaders.

Those three jobs prepared me for my new role, which is totally the opposite of my original career path. But I still manage people, budgets and PR and solve problems. A business is like a school. You have bigger kids, but you also have to please your clients, come to school, behave in class and work to your best ability. The difference in the big world is that you strive for an “A” every day!

Would you encourage your children to go into the same field? When I remarried, I received three marvelous stepchildren, whom I claim. My wonderful stepson is an engineer and had just graduated from UT Austin when I married his father, also an engineer.

My stepdaughters were and/or are teachers.

Our two oldest granddaughters are teachers. I try and guide all my seven grandchildren to follow their dreams and study whatever is their passion. Education prepares you to be a thinker, a problem solver and a searcher. That is what I encourage!

Who were your mentors? My first was my high school English teacher, Lutie Wheat.

Then I had several wonderful principals who helped me, and one encouraged me to reach higher and become a principal. Along the way there have been mentors all around me. If you look, they are there.

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What do you enjoy doing on a day off? I love to read, putter around in my yard, play with my pets and just idle!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I have a brand-new hip, so am starting to walk and practice yoga — again. Someday I want to do something artistic.

What book/books have you read lately? I read all the time. I just finished The Hunger Games trilogy. I am reading Donna Leon’s new book, Beastly Things, and then a new biography of Victor Hugo.

What’s the best movie you have seen in the last year? OK, confession. We watch a lot of British Mystery series at home and Downton Abbey — I am an addict. We have The Descendants on our Netflix queue. Iron Lady, with Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher, was just amazing.

What type of music do you like?

I am a music omnivore … jazz, the ‘40s and ‘50s, the greats of classic rock, Mexican and Tejano music, some classical and some country Western. I am not a fan of opera.

Part of our wedding vows were from a Frank Sinatra song, Summer Me, Winter Me. Who has been the biggest influence in your life personally and professionally? Rosemary Kowalski and Lila Cockrell are tremendous role models. Both have worked hard all their lives, given back to the community and reached out to women of all ages..

What do you like most about San Antonio?

Everything. This is a colorful, exciting, celebratory city, an old city with new ideas, and a city where you can make things happen!

What community groups or not-for-profit groups are you involved with as a volunteer? Los Compadres de San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, the Southwest School of Art and the North and Women’s Chambers of Commerce.

How do you find balance in your life — career, community and home life? With love and patience. This is a work in progress, especially the patience part!

What is your favorite relaxation strategy?

I try not to dwell on problems. I ask myself, will this be important a month from now, a year from now? If not, let it go. So I just stop the fretting and breathe deeply.

What are your goals? I NEVER want to stop learning. I would love to take language classes to become fluent, or reasonably so, in Spanish and French. I want to take art classes and maybe someday go back to school and study Latin American art and culture.

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W AROUND TOWN

Charles and Nancy Cheever share a moment with Dr. William Henrich, president of UT Health Science Center San Antonio, at the President’s Council luncheon at Pearl Stable.

Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller with Henry and Mary Alice Cisneros chats at the Central Catholic High School Khaki and Plaid Event.

Sylvia Tillotson and Bruce MacDougal enjoy the Mardi Gras event presented by Friends of Casa Navarro.

Sally Halff, Mary Henrich and Betty Murray Halff exchange greetings at Pearl Stable for the UT Health Science Center President’s Council luncheon.

San Antonio native and Central graduate, actor Ricardo Chavira, and his wife, Marcea Dietzel attend theCentral Catholic High School Khaki and Plaid Event.

David Bogle, Claudia Guerra gather with Dianne and Boone Powell at the Mardi Gras party by Friends of Casa Navarro.

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W AROUND TOWN

Cathy Siegel of HeartGifts, Dr. Tom Mayes, CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital, Patrick Carrier, president and CEO join CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health System chef Mark Bohanan, creator of the San Antonio Cocktail Conference, as he presents a check to HeartGift to support two lifesaving surgeries for children.

Allison Kustoff joins Michael and Laurie Kaplan along with Karen Heintz and Mary Beth Fisk at The South Texas Blood & Tissue Center Foundation kick-off reception for the Red and White Ball at Paesanos.

Melissa Zuniga and James Glover enjoy hosting the Young Texans Against Cancer Casino Night at Julian Gold.

Kathleen and Curtis Gunn are honored by Los Compadres and the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park for their generous real estate donation.

Bill Moll shares a toast with Kim Bowers and Monica Sacristan at the KLRN Champagne Brunch.

Judy Clifton, Diane Nash, Carmelita Green and Pam Persyn attend the premiere of Schitzophrenic: a love story movie.

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THE DOCTOR IS

IN

...and she’s a woman

More women today are seeking careers in medicine

BY JANIS TURK

O

ver the past 163 years, the role

until fall to laud the achievements of fe-

women are well suited to caregiving pro-

of women in medicine has

males in the medical profession. What

fessions, they also show that females tend

changed dramatically. We’ve

these distinguished women do makes a

to make good students, as they are better

come so far so fast, relatively speaking, but

difference now, and in a field still domi-

able to study effectively and deal with

it hasn’t always been easy. The place of

nated by men, women physicians, physi-

stress than many men — a good quality to

women in medicine may date back to an-

cian

scientists,

have in a profession that may require 10

cient times, but it’s taken just over a cen-

nurses, hospice and health care workers of

years or more of schooling, training and

tury here in the United States for many to

all kinds are an integral part of shaping the

residency. It seems only natural then that

recognize formally the contributions of

future of health care.

many women are seen to be well suited for

women in health care.

assistants,

laboratory

Women have always been some of the

medical school and careers in medicine as

According to the American Medical As-

world’s best caregivers — whether it’s be-

well as other meaningful professions re-

sociation, “In 1849, Elizabeth Blackwell be-

cause they’ve an innate maternal instinct

lated to health care.

came the first woman to graduate from

and a compassionate nature or because

medical school. Nearly three decades later,

they possess a sort of female intuition or

Sarah Hackett Stevenson, M.D., became

“sixth sense” about things, as some be-

“Women continue to enter medicine in

the first woman physician to join the Amer-

lieve. Many people claim women are just

larger numbers than ever before,” accord-

ican Medical Association. Since then, there

generally good listeners with more empa-

ing to a recent report in Academic Medi-

have been many pioneering women physi-

thetic personalities than their male coun-

cine, the journal of the Association of

cians to thank and many accomplishments

terparts. And while all these statements

American

to celebrate.”

may sound like sweeping sexist generaliza-

“Looking back over the past 150 years,

tions, recent studies do, in fact, support

women have made tremendous advances

Each September, the AMA celebrates Women in Medicine Month; however, SAN ANTONIO WOMAN decided not to wait

such assumptions.

Not only do such studies show that

MEDICAL SCHOOL STATS

Medical

Colleges

(AAMC).

within the medical profession, overcoming traditional barriers to establish their rightmay/june 2012 | 89

W WOMEN IN MEDICINE

ful place within the profession. No longer considered strange or

The trend toward more women embarking on careers in medi-

peripheral, they have become a strong, vital force, achieving a level

cine isn’t being found only in the United States. “Over the past 30

of prominence that was unimaginable in the mid-19th century. And

years, the proportion of women attending medical schools has

as the rising numbers suggest, there is every reason to believe that

steadily risen in many countries, including the United Kingdom, the

they will continue to succeed,” says Eliza Lo Chin, M.D., in an article

United States, Canada and Australia. In 2002-3, all U.K. medical

adapted from Historical Perspective in This Side of Doctoring: Re-

schools had more female students than male, with the percentage

flections from Women in Medicine.

of women exceeding 65 percent in some,” according to Brian Mc -

The American Association of Medical Colleges agrees, saying,

Kinstry, a physician with a private practice in the U.K. “U.K. univer-

“Since 1982-1983, the total number of women entering U.S. medical

sities are now producing more female doctors than male,” he adds.

schools has increased every year … Women went from less than a third (31.4 percent) of all [medical school] matriculants in 19821983 to a high of 49.6 percent in 2003-2004. In 2010-2011, women represented 46.9 percent of all [medical school] matriculants.”

However, even though more women are graduating from med-

WOMEN MAKING HISTORY Elizabeth Blackwell (pictured at right) would be pleased to know that, for it is said that over a century ago she was admitted to medical school only as a result of a student prank.

ical school overall, today still fewer women than men apply to at-

“It was just over 150 years ago that Elizabeth Blackwell, a de-

tend medical school. “Since 1982-1983, the proportion of

termined young student, became the first American woman to

applicants who were women has ranged from less than a

gain admission to medical school. Yet her acceptance

third (32.7 percent in 1982-1983) to just over half

to Geneva Medical College had been a mere ac-

(50.8 percent in 2003-2004). Of the 43,919 ap-

cident. The faculty had not wanted to admit

plicants for the entering class of 2011-2012,

women, but desiring the student body’s

52.7 percent were men and 47.3 percent

support, they had put the issues to a vote.

were women. Despite small decreases in

Imagine their shock when the class, in a

the percentage of women applicants since

joking mood, voted unanimously to ac-

2003-2004, the total number of women

cept her. A classmate wrote years later

applicants increased to a high of 20,780

about Blackwell’s first day: ‘A lady, on his

in 2011-2012,” says the AAMC.

invitation, entered, whom he formally in-

The proportion of each year’s class of

troduced as Miss Elizabeth Blackwell. A

college graduates who apply to U.S. med-

hush fell upon the class as if each mem-

ical schools has always trended more

ber had been stricken with paralysis. A

heavily to men. Using the estimated totals

death-like stillness prevailed during the

for 2009-2010 U.S. college graduates, it

lecture, and only the newly arrived stu-

can be said that about 3.2 percent of all

dent took notes ...’ Despite a flurry of

male college graduates applied to medical

protests within the medical community,

school, compared with 2.2 percent of female col-

other pioneer women soon followed suit

lege graduates. To put this disparity in context, note

...” writes Dr. Chin.

that women were expected to be awarded 57.2 percent of all B.A. and B.S degrees nationally in 2009-2010.

The rest is history. The story of women in medicine is older than Blackwell’s tale, however. According

Still, a large number of women are seeking education and ca-

to a Web encyclopedia site, “The involvement of women in the field

reers in medicine. And today’s women are not only attending med-

of medicine has been recorded in several early civilizations. An

ical school, they are also entering careers in all fields. According

Egyptian, (2700 B.C.), described in an inscription as ‘chief physician,’

to MomMD.com, “Since 1982-1983, the total number of women en-

is the earliest woman named in the history of science. Agamede was

tering U.S. medical schools has increased every year (in fact, the

cited by Homer as a healer in ancient Greece before the Trojan War.

annual increases reach back to 1969-1970). Women’s share of the

Agnodike was the first female physician to practice legally in fourth-

matriculating class has likewise increased. In 2011-2012, women

century B.C. Athens.”

represented 47 percent of all matriculants.” It’s good to see that percentage inching its way up to the 50-percent mark.

AAMC reports go on to say, “In 2010-2011, women received

And what about the importance of women throughout the ages acting as doulas/ midwifes, medicine women and or folk healers? And we must never forget the contributions of women

8,396 (48.4 percent) of the 17,364 M.D.s awarded. This represented

throughout history in the field of nursing and their service as hos-

the largest number of women earning an M.D. of any national

pice workers, nurses, Candy Stripers, hospital and clinic workers

graduating class to date.”

Many doctors, including women physicians and academics in

and administrators and even medical caregivers during times of war and peace.

the San Antonio area, see this as a good thing. “The trend for

Clearly, there has always been and will forever be an impor-

women in medical school admissions has been quite a positive

tant place in the world for women with a calling to the field of

one, and it has been steadily rising,” says Luci Leykum, M.D., M.B.A.

medicine. With nearly 50 percent of today’s medical school grad-

and M.Sc., associate dean for clinical affairs for the University of

uates being women, there has never been a better time to cele-

Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

brate their important contributions and selfless service.

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EDITOR W

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Henda’s Law

“If your mammogram demonstrates that you have dense breast tissue, which could hide abnormalities, and you have other risk factors for breast cancer that have been identified, you might benefit from supplemental screening tests that may be suggested by your ordering physician.

Dense breast tissue, in and of itself, is a relatively common condition. Therefore, this information is not provided to cause undue concern, but rather to raise your awareness and to promote discussion with your physician regarding the presence of other risk factors, in addition to dense breast tissue.

A report of your mammogram results will be sent to you and your physician. You should contact your physician if you have any questions or concerns regarding this report.”

Do you have dense breasts? If you’re unsure, you need only wait until your next mammogram to find out. Thanks to a new law in Texas, certified mammography providers are now required to notify patients with dense breast tissue that their mammograms may be less accurate than that of women with lower breast density.

According to Dr. Steven Harms, a world-renowned breast radiologist and the medical director of the breast MRI service at Aurora Breast Center in San Antonio, Henda’s Law is an important step in helping women seek appropriate methods for early detection. “The public has false expectations about mammography and what it does,” Dr. Harms states. “In the population as a whole, the sensitivity of mammography is 40 percent. It’s better than palpation, but nowhere near perfect. The main way mammography reduces breast cancer is by detecting breast cancer earlier.

“The problem comes in with women who have dense breasts.

These women have more fibro-glandular tissue than fat tissue in their breasts. On a mammography, fibro-glandular tissue shows up white, the same color as a cancer mass because they both have soft tissue density. It’s like trying to see a snowman in a snowstorm.” According to Dr. Harms, the sensitivity of mammography in women with radiographically dense breasts drops down to 8 to 12 percent.

“The justification for Henda’s Law is that women with dense breasts are not going to be as well served by mammography as people who have normal breast density,” Dr. Harms says. “However, if they are informed, then maybe they can seek alternative methods for early detection. The more people are informed, the better their decision process will be. Knowledge is never a bad thing.”

But with the passage of Henda’s Law, the question arises: What do you advise a patient with dense breasts? Unfortunately, the answer is not clear. “We don’t have a direct pathway to the cure,” Dr. Harms says. However, he believes it is important to know that mammography is not the only option for breast imaging.

One screening tool that is being used with great success in women with dense breasts is breast MRI. The high-resolution images allow physicians to make earlier and more accurate diagnoses. “MRI sensitivity is on the order of 95 percent, two to three times the sensitivity as mammography,” Dr. Harms says. “MRI sensitivity is not affected by dense breasts. It would be logical that if your breasts are dense to get an MRI.” Unfortunately, the MRI is 10 times more

expensive than the mammogram. According to Dr. Harms, the American Cancer Society came out with a list of guidelines for who should be screened with breast MRI. “Basically, the guidelines define a group of patients who are genetically at risk for breast cancer. Although the ACS recognized dense breasts as a problem, they did not include it in their recommendations, so many insurance companies will not pay for the routine screening.”

Dr. Harms believes that this will change in the future. “Women with dense breasts independently have a higher risk for developing breast cancer. Their increased increased risk is not being recognized (by insurance companies) as those with a genetic risk at this time,” he explains.

It is logical that if you have dense breasts and a clinical symptom (i.e. skin discoloration, nipple discharge, genetic history, or negative mammogram) then you would qualify for breast MRI. Dr. Harms agrees. “The ideal solution would be to make MRI more available through insurance or make it less expensive for people who are paying out of pocket,” he says.

For now, Henda’s Law ensures that patients with dense breasts are educated to their condition and thus can make informed decisions about their health care in the future.

Pictured above: Dr. Paromita Datta, Dr. Karen Wash, Dr. Raul Pelaez, Dr. Steven Harms, Dr. Jui-lien “Lillian” Chou, Breast Care specialists at Aurora Breast Center, San Antonio.

Special Advertisement from Aurora Breast Center San Antonio

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EDITOR EDITOR W W

2012

I

in Medicine

In 2012, 163 years after Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman to graduate from medical school, the role of women in medicine has changed dramatically. Now nearly half of all medical school graduates are women.

But this change should come as no surprise. Women are the traditional caretakers of their children, their husbands and even their parents. They bring their maternal instincts, compassionate natures, listening skills and empathic personalities to the profession.

Now that patients have more options when it comes to their health care, many women are more comfortable talking to other women, especially in the fields of obstetrics and gynecology. And women physicians often follow a wholepicture approach when it comes to symptoms and how their patients are affected by family, friends and lifestyle. Women, after all, are nature’s nurturers.

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in Medicine

General Cardiology

Ildiko Agoston, M.D., F.A.C.C. • Comprehensive cardiac evaluation for adult women • Non-invasive cardiology

Ildiko Agoston, MD received her degree in 1996 at Semmelweis University of Medicine in Budapest Hungary. She completed her internal medicine residency training in Philadelphia, PA and completed fellowship training in cardiology and adult echocardiography at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX. She trained in cardiac MRI and cardiac CT. She has held academic appointments at UTMB, Baylor College of Medicine. While at Baylor College of Medicine Dr. Agoston started a Women’s Center for Comprehensive Care program where she served as the director.

Physician Philosophy: Provide convenient, compassionate and comprehensive cardiac care to all my patients.

Education: • Semmelweiss University of Medicine, Budapest, Hungary 1996

Years in San Antonio: 16+ Contact: UT Medicine Cardiology Clinic (MARC) 8300 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio TX 78229 (210) 450-4888 www.utmedicine.org

She is now heading a similar program at the UT Medicine MARC cardiology clinic where she has been instrumental in the development of the Women’s Health program.

Radiation Oncology Dr. Jui-Lien “Lillian” Chou is a board certified radiation oncologist who is also a breast cancer survivor. Her passion is in providing comprehensive, compassionate and excellent healthcare.

She is a breast care specialist and has dedicated herself to the development of state-of-the-art breast care centers for the benefit of her patients. She founded Aurora Breast Center San Antonio in September of 2009.

Jui-Lien Chou, M.D. • Breast Care Specialist • Radiation Oncologist • Breast Cancer Survivor

Aurora Breast Center is the only comprehensive breast care center in San Antonio featuring a breast care clinic with cutting-edge breast imaging, biopsy and cancer treatment technology and a compassionate team.

Education: • Medical College, National Taiwan University, in 1980 with honors • Residency: Radiation Oncology, Cancer Therapy and Research Center/University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Years in San Antonio: 7 Contact: Aurora Breast Center Aurora Cancer Center 9102 Floyd Curl Drive San Antonio, Texas 78240 (210) 247-0888 www.aurorabreastcenter.com

Internal Medicine & Oncology Paromita Datta, M.D., is board certified in internal medicine and oncology. She specializes in the management of all cancer disorders with a passion for treating breast cancer.

Paromita Datta, M.D. • Breast Specialist • Medical Oncology • Genetic Consultation • Hematology • TIPS ( Texas IndoPhysician Society)

Dr. Datta is experienced in handling conditions from benign breast disease to breast cancer. She will see patients with abnormal mammogram, breast lump, personal or family history of breast cancer or patients and family members with BRCA 1/2 mutation. In addition she treats patients with blood disorders, clotting problems, anemia and low platelets.

She is a member of Bexar County Medical Society (BCMS) , American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and American Society of Hematology (ASH).

Education: • Medical College, Kolkata, India • Research:Baylor College of Medicine, Houston • Residency: UTHSCSA, San Antonio  Fellowship: Hematology-Oncology, UTHSCSA, San Antonio Years in San Antonio: 8 Contact: Aurora Breast Center Aurora Cancer Center 9102 Floyd Curl Drive San Antonio, Texas 78240 (210) 247-0888 www.aurorabreastcenter.com

Dr. Dham practices in San Antonio and focuses on malignant hematology and medical oncology, with a special interest in leukemia and lymphoma.

Her clinical interests include the care of young adults with cancer and also the issues faced by cancer survivors.

Dr. Dham has a special interest in genetic risk assessment of cancer and its implication on families.

Anu Dham, M.D. • Medical Oncology & Hematology • Offices in Downtown San Antonio and Jourdanton

2012 Women in Medicine

Oncology & Hematology

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in Medicine Education: • Internal Medicine, Cook County Hospital, Chicago, IL • Oncology & Hematology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN Contact: Cancer Care Centers of South Texas 1200 Brooklyn Ave., Suite 115 San Antonio, TX 78212 (210) 224-6531

She is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology.

1901 Highway 97E, Suite 200 Jourdanton, TX 78026 (830) 769-5259 www.cccst.com

Dr. Lisa Fichtel , a Medical Oncologist, has been in private practice with The START Center for Cancer Care for over 12 years. She received her medical degree from UT Southwestern and completed her internship, residency, and fellowship at the Baylor University Medical Center. She is Board Certified in Medical Oncology with clinical interests in malignant brain tumors and breast cancer.

Education: • Medical College, UT Southwestern • Internship, Residency and Fellowship, Baylor University Medical Center

Oncology

Lisa Fichtel, M.D. • Medical Oncology • Specialist in Brain, Breast, Head and Neck Cancers

Dr. Fichtel is devoted to her three children and is involved in Women in Medicine & Law (raises funds for breast cancer research), SLEW (provides supportive care for breast cancer patients) and The Oral Cancer Walk (benefits patients with oral cancer).

Years in San Antonio: 12 Contact: The START Center for Cancer CareNorth Central Location 155 E Sonterra San Antonio, TX 78248 210-593-5700 www.thestartcenter.com

Dermatology After learning dermatology at some of the country’s finest institutions, Dr. Firoz returned to Texas to practice.

She did an extra fellowship at Methodist Hospital in Houston, TX, in procedural dermatology, or MOHS surgery, which focuses on removing skin cancers along with other dermatology procedures like LASER surgery, eyelid surgery, filers, Botox®, liposuction and surgical removal of benign lesions.

Bahar Firoz, M.D. • Skin cancer and Laser Surgery (MOHS Surgery) • Skin cancer screenings • Cosmetic surgery • Removal of benign lesions • Skin rejuvenation

All procedures are done in-house under local anesthesia, which is safer and more comfortable to patients. Dr. Firoz is deeply committed to providing patients with excellent skin care towards long-lasting healthy and beautiful skin.

Physician Philosophy: Ensuring that her patients have both healthy and beautiful skin.

Education: • Yale School of Medicine • Residency: New York University • Fellowship: Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX Years in San Antonio: 4 Contact: UT Medicine San Antonio Cancer Therapy & Research Center, MC 7876 7979 Wurzbach Road, Grossman Bldg., 3rd floor San Antonio, TX 78229-4427 (210) 450-9840 www.utmedicine.org

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2012 Women in Medicine

in Medicine

Endocrinology Kathleen Hands, M.D., is board certified in both internal medicine and Endocrinology with subspecialty training in thyroid disorders. Dr. Hands is the first Ultrasound Certified endocrinologist from AIUM and trains other endocrinologists in thyroid ultrasound guided biopsy techniques.

Kathleen Hands, M.D., F.A.C.E., E.C.N.U. • Thyroid nodules & Thyroid cancer • Parathyroid disease • Pregnancy-related thyroid disease • Autoimmune thyroid diseases • Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism

Recognized nationally for her expertise in lymph node assessment in patients with thyroid nodules to determine risks for cancer, she is one of few physicians who perform molecular studies on thyroid nodule biopsies, increasing accuracy in assessing cancer risks and avoiding unnecessary surgery.

Dr. Hands has received “Compassionate Doctor Award” from independent patient review groups.

Education: • Fellowship: UTHSC, San Antonio • Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine • Diplomat of the American Board of Endocrinology and Metabolism • Asst. Professor, Univ. of Texas Health Science Center SA, Dept. of Medicine Years in San Antonio: 8 Thyroid & Endocrine Center of South Texas 540 Madison Oak Dr., Suite 270 San Antonio, TX 78258 (210) 491-9494 www.thyroid-center.com DrHands@thyroid-center.com

General Cardiology

Janet V. Hays, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.A.S.N.C., F.A.S.E. • General cardiology • Imaging, stress testing, catheterization

Dr. Hays received her internal medicine and cardiology training at Brooke Army Medical Center. After time in both military medicine and private practice, she came to UTHSCSA in 1998. Dr. Hays works in the CCU, cardiac catheterization lab, and heart station at both University Hospital and the VA Hospital. She sees her own patients at UT Medicine. She is board certified in internal medicine, cardiology, echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, and coronary CTA. A former president of the San Antonio Cardiovascular Society, she has received awards from the American Heart Association, and teaching awards as well. Dr. Hays has also participated in several volunteer medical missions overseas. Her research and teaching interests lie in the clinical care and management of patients.

Physician Philosophy: We Practice What We Teach Education: • UTHSCSA; BS, Texas Christian University Years in San Antonio: 20+ Contact: UT Medicine Medical Arts and Research Complex (MARC) 8300 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio TX 78229 (210) 450-4888 www.utmedicine.org

Dermatology

Sandra S. Osswald, M.D. • Dermatology • Dermatopathology

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Dr. Osswald is a board-certified and fellowship- trained dermatopathologist. She is presently an associate professor and chief in the Division of Dermatology and cutaneous surgery at UT School of Medicine, San Antonio. She treats patients of all ages with a wide variety of skin diseases, including treatment of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, cutaneous lymphoma, hair disorders, acne, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis and blistering disorders.

Physician Philosophy:

She enjoys teaching residents and students in dermatology and dermatopathology, speaking at local and national events and has numerous publications in dermatopathology journals and textbooks.

Cancer Therapy & Research Center, MC 7876 7979 Wurzbach Road, Grossman Bldg., 3rd floor San Antonio, TX 78229-4427 (210) 450-9840 www.utmedicine.org

Dr. Osswald is committed to providing quality care to her patients and supporting our community.

Education: • Boston Univ. Medical School, Boston, MA • Residency: Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland AFB, TX • Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, DC

Years in San Antonio: 19 Contact: UT Medicine San Antonio

Dr. Wilks is a research site leader with US Oncology Research for Cancer Care Centers of South Texas. She is an active speaker for several pharmaceutical companies covering a variety of drugs to treat breast cancer.

Sharon T. Wilks, M.D., F.A.C.P • Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology and Hematology • Fellow of the American College of Physicians • Served in the USAF • 26 years in practice

Dr. Wilks is the founder of the Alamo City Cancer Council and has authored “I’ve Just Been Diagnosed with Breast Cancer: What’s Next?” and similar booklets for colorectal, lung and ovarian cancer. She also chairs a committee that sponsors an annual Breast Cancer Update for the San Antonio community.

In addition, she serves on a planning committee for the Baptist Hospital Breast Cancer Center.

in Medicine Education: • Goucher College, Towson, MD • Uniformed Services, University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD • Residency: Internal Medicine, Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX • Fellowship: Medical Oncology and Hematology, Lackland AFB

Contact: Cancer Care Centers of South Texas 2130 N.E. Loop 410, Suite 100 San Antonio, TX 78217 (210) 656-7177 www.cccst.com

2012 Women in Medicine

Oncology & Hematology

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SENIOR LIVING W

Matching

Care to Needs How to deal with changes as your loved ones age

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aking care of a sick or aging parent is not something you can train for; it’s usually on-the-job, seatof-your-pants action and reaction. Because of

ongoing improvements in medical care, the chances are

much higher today that you’ll be helping in some way with

elder care and for a longer period of time.

You’ll need to have “the talk” with your aging parent(s) to determine their desires, requirements and resources — financial, emotional, physical — before a decision can be

reached as to the type of elder care your loved one will ex-

Some of the capabilities to observe for your assessment: • Handicaps such as bad eyesight, difficulty with walking and daily chores — cooking, cleaning, driving • Difficulty moving around the home safely

perience. Try to work out ways they can maintain some control over their future, to meet their priorities.

Take time to find out and answer any concerns for this life-changing transition. What to do in a medical emer-

• Dizziness, fatigue or sleeping more • Lack of personal hygiene

gency? And the hard question: What final arrangements does he or she prefer? Keep in mind that this is a sensitive process, and you may experience emotional resistance, anger and other negative reactions from your loved one.

These assessments will, more than likely, need to be re-

• Missing or not eating regular meals • Not taking medications properly

peated as the years go by — particularly the assessment of physical and mental capabilities.

• Forgetting personal information and safety precautions or getting lost

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You’ll need to know where the important papers such

low-income, financially needy people based on need)? If

as the will, life and health insurance policies, bank and

so, what are the eligibility criteria, what is paid for, and

savings accounts, investment information, mortgage

what is not? Does your parent have a supplemental or

deeds, etc., are located. And where are the personal doc-

“gap” insurance policy for Medicare and what Medicare

uments, like Social Security and driver’s license numbers,

doesn’t pay? Are any veterans’ benefits or disability ben-

birth and marriage (divorce) certificates, military records

efits available?

and medical records, kept?

Does your parent or relative own any real estate or have other personal property assets that may be sold? Would a reverse mortgage loan be appropriate if the elder person is eligible? There are some rather stiff eligibility rules and high mortgage fees to consider in these loans.

Other financial considerations include outstanding loans and credit card balances. Life insurance coverage for the elderly can vary according to the amount of debt owed, whether or not children are adults, available pensions and other monies. Some seniors maintain only enough life insurance to cover funeral and burial expenses, final medical expenses and estate taxes. Maintaining other policies, such as homeowner/renter and automobile insurance, depends upon the individual circumstances involved.

Armed with this information, you and your loved one can

Following are some legal documents you’ll need in place: Will: Names the executor of your estate and who gets property or other assets when you die.

consider some of the lifestyle and senior services options.

Your acting as the caregiver can present some enormous challenges, not the least of which is time. Being a

Living will: (sometimes referred to as directive to physi-

caregiver means less time for your family and for yourself.

cians): Medical procedures you want (or don’t want) taken

If you work outside the home, you may have to arrange

in the event you’re too ill to give your own preferences.

Power of attorney: Authorizes someone to act on your behalf for any purpose you designate and terminates upon your death or upon notice from you.

for time away from work — coming in late, leaving early for doctor’s appointments, etc.

You may also incur considerable out-of-pocket expenses for additional food, transportation, medications,

Durable power of attorney: Remains in effect if you

insurance co-pays, possibly alterations to your home for

should become unable to manage your own personal and

safety and physical limitations and so forth. You and your

financial matters.

Health care power of attorney: Allows someone you choose to make health care decisions on your behalf if

family may experience physical and mental stresses, including feelings of frustration, exhaustion, resentment, anger and sadness.

you should become incapacitated.

Springing power of attorney: Activated only if you are incapacitated and allows your chosen agent to “spring” into action on your behalf.

HOW WILL SENIOR SERVICES BE PAID FOR? Can your parent or you afford to pay costs out-ofpocket? What about continuing or future income from investments, CDs, savings, pensions, retirement plans, Social Security?

Is there a long-term-care policy in force? Most health insurance policies exclude custodial care. Long-term-care policies provide coverage for custodial care and skilled nursing expenses and may provide for light housekeeping and/or help with a plan for care.

Does your parent qualify for Medicare (federal government health insurance based on entitlement for older people) or Medicaid (a federal government program for

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Financial considerations for aging loved ones include outstanding loans and credit card balances.

SENIOR LIVING W

Outsourced types of senior care, based upon the level of care required are as follows: • Adult day care provides health care and social activities at a center for those who can’t be left at home alone.

• Telephone call assurance can be an automated call or a live representative who telephones seniors on a regularly scheduled basis to assure seniors are OK and have taken their medicines.

• Personal medical alarm is worn by the elder person to assure emergency medical response 24/7.

In-home therapy can be prescribed by a physician and is probably covered by the senior’s insurance or Medicare/Medicaid. These services include: • Speech therapy for treatment of speech, language, swallowing or cognitive skills.

• Physical therapy for rehab and to help lessen disability, pain, overall function and quality of life.

• Occupational therapy to help patients improve their abilities in their daily living or working environments and to compensate for permanent loss of function.

Respiratory therapy to help treat patients with cardiopulmonary problems, using various forms of therapeutic medical equipment and exercises.

• Companions and caretakers will come to a senior’s home and assist with chores like driving, shopping and light housekeeping. They do not provide any medical care.

• Respite care providers are used for shortterm or emergency care for seniors during the absence of the primary caregiver. They’ll come to the home to give the family caregiver a break for a few hours per day or for an extended period of time.

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Resources for elder care information: www.eldercare.gov Public service of the Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

www.naela.org National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.

www.ncoa.org The National Council on Aging.

www.medicare.gov Best for up-to-the-minute information on Medicare.

www.longtermcare.gov Information about long-term-care needs/policies by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

www.cms.gov Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Texas Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Look for telephone number under state government. Free service manned by volunteers to assist Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers with Medicare, prescription drugs, long-term care and related issues.

www.SeniorDirectory.com For where to find copies of the free Senior Directory for San Antonio and Surrounding Areas. It is a resource guide that covers everything “senior” from adult day care to veterans’ benefits.

• Visiting nurses are registered nurses (RNs) who per-

• Nursing homes provide full-time medical care, meals,

form medical care, rehabilitation and hospice care in a

housekeeping, laundry and social activities for residents.

patient’s own home.

• Assisted living facilities allow for continued independ-

• Hospice care is specific care for terminally ill patients provided by specially trained nurses and other

ence while also providing some necessary care for daily

caregivers. The patient can decide whether to receive

activities, social interaction and meals. Some facilities in-

hospice care in his or her home, a hospital, a nursing

clude morning beauty sessions for hair and makeup.

home or a hospice facility. Hospice nurses can help the

• Continuing care retirement communities provide housing options designed to meet the needs of residents

patient and family come to terms with impending death and make the most of their remaining days together.

as their needs change. These complexes include inde-

To find answers to questions about the reputation of

pendent living apartments, assisted living apartments

a facility, contact the state licensing agency and/or the

and nursing facilities. If more care is needed, high-quality,

local agency on aging and the Better Business Bureau.

professional care is available for residents without their

The most consistent advice in all my research includes

having to relocate. This type of facility is usually very ex-

involving others — family, friends, physicians, caregiver

pensive. By investigating the same type of facility in

support groups, clergy, social workers — any resource

areas other than higher-priced neighborhoods, you

you can use to help. And to take care of yourself! Exer-

might realize a savings for equally competent care, be-

cise, eat right, get your eight hours of sleep, ask for help

cause high housing costs and taxes will usually drive up

to have a break, and take one day at a time.

the costs of all facilities in the area.

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special advertising

Aging

in Place

It happens to the best of us. One day you’re living life just as you always had, and the next day you realize it hurts to empty the dishwasher. It’s easy to take our homes for granted, but there comes a point when it’s time to face reality — our homes don’t age with us. What’s worse is that we need them to.

The Center for Disease Control defines aging in place as "the ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level." However, not all homes are made equal. What works for a young twenty-something couple now, probably won’t 40 years down the line. It’s at this point that you have decisions to make.

Obviously, you can purchase a new home. Build it to your standards and comfortability factor. Or you can update your current home to meet your needs. Either way, there are a few key items to keep in mind as you go through the process.

Most modifications can fit into current design themes so don’t worry about how the look of your home is going to change.

Go through your current house and think about how you use every aspect of it – from the counters to the stairs to the washing machine. What is difficult now that wasn’t before? What would make it easier? Sometimes the answer is as simple as installing pull-down rods in your closet. Other issues will require more work. A few examples include:

• Installing grab bars for the toilets and tubs to help prevent falls, and replacing your old ones with walk-in versions • Installing lever door handles in place of knobs.

• Having a knee space at sinks, can even be closed off with a pair of doors to match cabinetry • Placing microwaves or any other appliances within reach on counter tops.

• Apply non-slip tape on indoor and outdoor steps that are not carpeted • Installing brighter lighting • Installing an elevator or chair lift • Installing an elevated dishwasher or one with drawers for easy access • Replace old stoves with induction cook tops to help prevent burns • Lower the switches and raise the plugs • Create knee spaces, which can still be hidden by doors, under sinks Design options like the ones above can help you stay in your house for a lot longer, if not forever. Accessibility, functionality and comfort can be created with style by a builder who is knowledgeable in this area of construction. It’s important to remember that you have the ability to make these changes for your lifestyle so your house will always feel like home.

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BY JONATHAN GRAVELL

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W ROLE MODEL

Juggling Among the Palm Trees & Roses

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By PAULA ALLEN Photography by JANET ROGERS

here’s one plant on the window sill in Marisa Ayala’s office at the San Antonio Botanical Garden — flourishing Italian oregano.

“I’m on my second plant,” she confesses.

the lawn, enjoy a movie or theater on the

“One of our plant-sale volunteers gave me

grounds.” The 38-acre facility receives

a cactus and said, ‘You cannot kill this.’

100,000 visitors a year and gives them all

Well, it died, but this one is thriving, so I

“time to breathe and leave their stressors

think I’ve redeemed myself.”

"The San Antonio Botanical Garden is the Central Park of San Antonio," says Marisa Ayala, special events coordinator. The 38acre facility attracts 100,000 visitors a year.

behind,” says Ayala. “It’s the Central Park of

As special events coordinator at the

San Antonio. Once we draw them in, they

cludes a spring Art in the Garden event

Botanical Center — a public garden oper-

want to stay and to come back for the next

and summer Concerts Under the Stars.

ated and maintained by the city with pri-

event.” Whether they are children visiting

Since the economic downturn, as more

vate support — Ayala doesn’t need a green

the garden for the first time or corporate

people began taking “staycations,” the gar-

thumb. Her job is to plan events to bring in

employees or wedding guests charmed by

den allows visitors to “leave the stress and

people from all over the city and beyond.

the environment, she says, “We want them

chaos of the week behind,” says Ayala. “In-

Only four miles from downtown, the gar-

to experience everlasting memories.”

stead of driving out of town, we invite

den is an urban oasis of natural beauty that

Ayala doesn’t have much breathing

everyone to drive down to the garden.

has become a favorite venue for weddings

room between festivities. “We are busy all

Whatever life moment you’re in, you’re

and corporate Christmas parties as well as

year round, always planning for the next

going to find something applicable to you

its own signature events such as Gardens

event,” she says. The garden partners with

here.” The facility is a four-season attraction, she says. “Thankfully, we don’t have harsh

by Moonlight — “one of the most romantic

Magik Theater to host Shakespeare in the

date nights of the year” — Viva Botanica,

Park in June, with Slab Cinema for

winters. With seasonal plantings, the garden

an official Fiesta San Antonio event, and

Starlight Movies in the Garden from May

still looks great in the winter.”

family-friendly Bootanica at Halloween.

through September and presents bands of

In the spring, the garden “kind of ex-

“The garden is an amazing place,” says

different genres at Gardens by Moonlight

plodes,” says Ayala — not only with bloom-

Ayala, who has worked there for four years.

in September. Bootanica attracts families

ing plants but with weddings.

“It provides a wonderful service to the

for a costume parade and other children’s

careful planning to keep such a crowded

It takes

community, and it fulfills needs from tod-

activities in late October, and Dog Days

calendar running smoothly. For instance,

dlers running through the garden to adults

bring people with their canine companions

to show off dinosaur sculptures for Art in

who want to be entertained with music on

four times a year. The calendar also in-

the Garden, the large pieces must be

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ROLE MODEL W placed for maximum visibility to visitors to

MARISA AYALA

that event but can’t show up in the background of wedding photographs. “We have to plan great photo ops, but they have to satisfy everyone,” explains Ayala.

For big events that draw thousands of visitors, “We do our best to hold them in areas that can handle it,” she says. “Sometimes there is a footprint that’s left behind (by crowds), but our staff gardeners know how to protect the grounds. The important thing is to remember that it’s our mission to share the garden with the city. We can’t protect it too much.”

Nearly all of the garden’s events are held

outdoors,

which

means

they’re

weather-dependent. “We rely heavily on forecasters,” says Ayala, who has rarely had to reschedule an event, although “There have been times when we thought we were going to have to cancel an hour before the gates opened.” She also has to think of not just one Plan B but several.

“There’s always something (for an event) that doesn’t show up, so you have to do quick thinking to make it work anyway,” she says. “I try to do what I would want

Age: 34, “but I feel like I’m still in my 20s” Occupation: Special events coordinator, San Antonio Botanical Garden Personal: Single; extended family in San Antonio; would love to have a dog “but not until I can do it right” Goals: “Never stop learning, but to feel like I’m always moving forward in my life” Why she’s a role model: Juggles preparations for many events each year that bring thousands of people to the Botanical Garden; thrives on her high-energy job and strives to keep events fresh and appealing to a wide audience.

Own role models: Her mother, Elvira Perez Ayala, and late grandmother, Maria Perez: “I grew up with very strong women who taught me that whatever life throws at you, you’ll have to face it and move on.”

Best advice ever given: From her aunt, Gloria Morales — “Never be afraid of failure; if it happens, pick yourself up and keep going.”

Favorite relaxation strategy: “People automatically assume I de-stress by walking through the garden,” but since that’s part of her job, she prefers exercise — running or walking or working out at the gym.

What she’s reading: “It’s kind of embarrassing, but I do Sudoku almost every night. I skip the easy and medium puzzles and go right to the challenger. It keeps my mind sharp and teaches me patience.”

done if I were the guest or the renter. Our No. 1 priority is to make them happy. We’ve

coping skills. Raised by a single mother with

outside the box and make it even better

had some close calls, but the best result is

help from her grandmother and an aunt she

next time.” Two years ago, for instance, the

when nobody (else) knows it.”

calls her “second mother,” she says, “I saw

garden’s beloved Fiesta event, Walk

Ayala’s work experience before coming

my mother struggle and persevere, and I

Across Texas, was revamped.

to the garden helped her prepare to handle

learned that’s how you deal with struggle —

Botanica, she says, “It’s more of a Fiesta

the challenges of her fast-paced job there.

you learn from it until you come out on top.”

fun party, but there are always educational

After graduating from Texas State Univer-

Ayala attended Catholic schools through

values in everything we do.”

sity with a degree in sociology, she worked

Providence High School, an all-girls’ school.

The garden itself never ceases to im-

in production on San Antonio Living, a

“I highly recommend single-sex education,”

press her. “It still amazes me how beautiful

popular morning show on WOAI-TV, where

she says. “It’s an environment where girls

a tulip or some other familiar flower can be

she had done an internship. As a producer,

can mature openly, without worrying what

in this setting, I tell people that the garden

she says, “I loved planning and coordinat-

boys will think of them. They are taught to

gives people time to stop and smell the

ing a story and seeing it all come together.

be leaders as women, and I feel blessed to

roses, but it’s true that if you take a mo-

TV can be hectic and crazy right up to the

have that experience.”

ment to appreciate whatever it is that’s in

As Viva

front of you, you’ll be awed at the beauty

last second, and it’s the same with events

She remembers her mother bringing

here.” She also dabbled in on-camera

her to the Botanical Garden, and she often

work, appearing in the show’s Producer’s

brings her nieces, ages 3, 7 and 10, to her

Though she doesn’t plan many parties of

Pick segments — “a great experience and

workplace. “It’s fun to get their perspec-

her own, Ayala is always willing to help

one that has helped me represent the gar-

tive, to see it through the eyes of a child,”

friends and family with theirs. Successful en-

den in the media.”

Ayala says. “A lot of people have the mis-

tertaining is “all in the details,” she says.

She left WOAI to work as communica-

perception that the garden is for older,

“Most people don’t realize that if you want

tions and special events coordinator for

more mature people, but it’s really a won-

all these different things to occur at your

City Council member Justin Rodriguez,

derful place for children to feel free to run

event, it takes a lot of time and energy to

then representing District 7 in Northwest

around. For some, it might be their first

make even one of these elements happen.“

San Antonio, where she helped plan com-

real experience of nature.”

of nature.”

She recommends doing as much ad-

munity events, such as senior citizens’

Though most of the garden’s events are

vance planning as possible: Start early and

luncheons and annual Christmas and fall

annual or even more frequent, planning

make lists and timelines. “Chip away at it,

events. “The scope was smaller,” she says.

them never gets old. “We continue the

and you won’t get overwhelmed,” she ad-

“Those events were specifically targeted to

events that people like,” she says, “but

vises. “Organization helps so much. It gets

that community. What I do now crosses all

there are always opportunities to do it bet-

me through to the last minute (of an

economic levels and parts of the city.”

ter, and a good event planner finds ways to

event).” Then comes her favorite part —

Ayala credits her upbringing and early

do that. Talking to people, seeing their re-

“seeing people leave happy and asking,

education with giving her confidence and

actions (to an event), helps you to think

‘When is your next event?’” may/june 2012 | 117

W ARTBEAT

San Antonio’s

First Lady

azz J

of

Bett Butler records new album of old favorites

By JASMINA WELLINGHOFF

Photography JANET ROGERS

O

n her previous albums, Bett Butler told poignant musi-

the Mandala Music Productions studio, which she co-owns with Dil-

cal stories that sprang from her own heart and mind.

ley. “But Dr. Keyser kept urging me to do it. So, Joël and I decided

But for her newest release, American Sampler, San An-

to take three months off from performing and cloistered ourselves

tonio’s first lady of jazz chose very different material. Working

in the studio to produce this album. We had never done that before,

with her husband, bassist and producer Joël Dilley, she revisited

but it was wonderful. It gave us a chance to dwell into all aspects

what is often called the Great American Songbook that includes

of these songs. It was intense, the two of us together 24 hours a

standards such as Over the Rainbow, Every Time We Say Goodbye

day, but it was the best time of my life … We are both happy the

and Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?

way it turned out.”

These songs may be familiar, but Butler’s interpretation has

All that hard work is paying off. Reviewers love the disc, and

managed to make them fresh again. Her deep, sometimes grave,

fans are responding as well. Though jazz isn’t the most popular

sometimes soft voice and her intimate, thoughtful delivery impart

genre in Texas, Butler and Dilley have developed a loyal fan base

deeper meaning to the old favorites, helping the listener to appre-

and enjoy enormous respect among their fellow musicians. On

ciate them anew.

stage, Butler is chic and relaxed as she sings, plays the piano and

What prompted her to take this artistic detour through the past

interacts with the audience in an easy, low-key manner. At the

was her two-year collaboration with Dr. Herbert Keyser, a great fan

March CD release concert at the Josephine Theater, she shared

of the classic stage musicals and the author of Geniuses of the

the podium with several others — Dilley, drummer Phillip Marshall,

American Musical Theater: The Composers & Lyricists. A good singer

singer Tom Orf and his guitarist — but it was mostly her show, and

himself, the retired physician elicited Butler’s guidance in bringing

everyone there knew it. She clearly loves performing, but as an in-

to life the compositions of the theater giants profiled in the book,

dependent artist and, in effect, small business co-owner, she has

and the two eventually organized a series of concerts/lectures that

to attend to the business side of things as well.

continue to play to enthusiastic audiences here and elsewhere.

“The next thing for me is to get the CD out to radio stations be-

“I have sung some of these standards for years but never

yond Austin and San Antonio, which will fuel digital sales,” she ob-

thought of recording them,” says Butler after giving me a tour of

serves. “The buzz is, everything is going digital, but lately

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ARTBEAT W

independent musicians have been selling a lot of CDs. People still want the physical CD. I am living in both worlds — I like CDs, but I am comfortable doing things online, too.” Most releases under the Dilleys’ Dragon Lady Records label are still available on disc, and the studio’s office walls are lined with shelves full of albums by various artists who have worked with them.

Still, an online presence is pretty much a must nowadays. “The Internet has made it easier for independent artists to get their music out there, and that’s wonderful, but the trick is how to stand out in all that noise,” she adds. “We are constantly figuring out how best to do that.”

A SONGCRAFTER OF TRUTHFUL SONGS Though her parents were not musicians, both loved music and bought a piano for their daughters when little Bett was only 3 years old. But there were strings attached. The girls had to commit to lessons and practicing till each graduated from high school. Butler’s older sister never touched the piano again after graduation, but Butler “loved it.” She discovered she could play by ear and enjoyed playing whatever was in her head. Another source of musical enjoyment was the radio, where she first heard jazz music and, more specifically, Billie Holiday. “She had such a

Bett Butler's newest release, American Sampler, reinterprets musical standards to make them fresh again. Her collaborator was her husband, bassist and producer Joël Dilley.

unique voice and way of singing,” says Butler, who keeps a large photo of Holiday in

explains. “It would be difficult to be mar-

thing about songwriting is that the song

the office. “I was intrigued with what she

ried to someone who is not like that.”

has to be truthful, to express human truth.”

did with what she was given because she

That passion comes across in their

One especially inspired example, When

didn’t have a huge voice. I felt that I didn’t

work. In collaboration with Dilley, Butler

Love Has Left the Room, won first place in

have a beautiful voice either. Later, when I

has recorded two critically acclaimed al-

the jazz category of the 2006 Interna-

majored in music in college, I wasn’t ex-

bums of original songs, Short Stories and

tional Songwriting Competition out of

actly encouraged to become a vocalist.”

Myths & Fables, that are truly works of art.

more than 10,000 entries. Her contribution

That only goes to show that professors

Tackling subjects like losing the family

to the local music scene has been recog-

don’t always know best. After spending a

farm, the experience of small-town Texas,

nized by the San Antonio Business Jour-

few years working for the now long-defunct

the need to stand up for what is right, the

nal, which named her a Woman of

Melodrama Theater as music director,

healing of the soul and, yes, love in its

Influence in the Arts and also by the Artist

scriptwriter and composer, she eventually

many forms, her lyrics reach the level of

Foundation that awarded her $5,000 to

found her way into performance. Many San

genuine poetry that her melodies and

complete work on her Myths and Fables

Antonians still remember her from her years

voice — and Dilley’s arrangements — carry

CD. In addition, she was inducted into the

of playing and singing at Dick’s Last Resort

straight to your heart.

San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame.

on the River Walk. That was like going to

Inspiration can come from a number of

All those accolades did not go to her

graduate school in performance, she quips.

sources, explains the artist. “A lot of my

head, though. As an experienced artist,

“Nothing much scares me after that!”

songs have been a way for me to work

she knows she is in a challenging and

She met her husband at another gig,

through things that disturb me. They are

changing business whose future will have

and despite being a bit intimidated by his

therapeutic,” she says. “Sometimes I would

ups and downs. “The best thing I can do

professionalism, asked him to join the band

hear a phrase that suggests a story. Also,

for myself and for everyone else is to be

she was putting together at the time. They

the music may come to me first or the

the best musician I can be,” she says sin-

have been happily married for 26 years

other way around. Words have rhythm and

cerely. “Music can have a profoundly pos-

now. “We are both obsessive-compulsive

pitch and can suggest a melody. It’s really

itive effect on people. As musicians, that’s

musicians who live and breathe music,” she

an organic process. The most important

all we have to give.”

may/june 2012 | 119

W ENTERTAINMENT & ARTS

ENTERTAINMENT & THE ARTS

Janes Addiction Lila Cockrell Theatre 5/7 Mon, 8:30 pm Mana AT&T Center 5/8 Tues, 8 pm 3 Mas Tenors Alan Pingarron, Sergio Blazquez, Jesus Daniel Hernandez Josephine Theatre 5/18-20 Fri and Sat 7:30 pm; Sun, 2 pm Loretta Lynn Majestic Theatre 5/20 Sun, 6:30 pm k.d. lang Majestic Theatre 5/22 Tues, 7:30 pm Rammstein AT&T Center 5/24 Thurs, 7 pm Sinatra – The Man and His Music Josephine Theatre 5/25-27 Fri and Sat, 7:30 pm; Sun 2 pm Stanley Clarke Band Carver Community Cultural Center 6/2 Sat, 8 pm New Edition AT&T Center 6/3 Sun, 7 pm Idina Mezel Majestic Theatre 6/12 Tues, 8 pm Buddy Guy & Jonny Lang Majestic Theatre 6/19 Tues, 8 pm Van Halen AT&T Center 6/22 Fri, 7:30 pm Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour

by Cirque Du Soleil AT&T Center 6/23 Sat, 8 pm 2012 Vans Warped Tour AT&T Center 6/30 Sat, 12 pm Cactus Pear Music Festival Five programs 7/5-15 www.cpmf.us

120 | sawoman.com

Alondra de la Parra/Photo: Lorena Alcaraz

Music

SAN ANTONIO SYMPHONY Star Wars & Other Space Odysseys Pops Series Laurie Auditorium 5/18-19 Fri and Sat, 8 pm San Antonio Symphony Family Concert Laurie Auditorium 5/20 Sun, 2:30 pm

BLUE STAR CONTEMPORARY ART COMPLEX

Second Friday ‘Scene at SAMA’ Happy Hour 5/11, 6/15, 7/13, 5:30 – 7:30 pm

San Antonio Painters 5/31-8/18

The Chinese Art of Cricket Keeping: The Ernest K. H. Lee Collection Thru 6/15

Art in the Garden 2012 San Antonio Botanical Garden Thru 3/1/13 GUADALUPE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER

Imagenes del Pueblo: Spanish Popular Graphics from the Permanent Collection Thru 6/28

Alondra conducts Copland Majestic Theatre 5/25-26 Fri and Sat, 8 pm

Tejano Conjunto Festival Rosedale Park 5/18-20

Bruckner Blockbuster Majestic Theatre 6/1-2 Fri and Sat, 8 pm

SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF ART

San Antonio Collects: Theodore Gentilz and Mission Life of San Antonio and Northern Mexico Thru 5/20

David Almaguer, Joey Fauerso, Ovidio Giberga, Helen Hiebert 5/ 11-7/8

San Antonio Collects: Contemporary Thru 7/1

Dance

Shen Yun Performing Arts Lila Cockrell Theatre 5/8-9 Tues and Wed, 7:30 pm

Theater

The Fantasticks Josephine Theatre 5/4-26 Fri and Sat 7:30 pm Sun, 2 pm La Cage aux Folles Majestic Theatre 5/8-13 www.majesticempire.com The Drowsy Chaperone San Pedro Playhouse 5/18-6/17 Fri-Sat, 8 pm, Sun, 2:30 pm

Museums

INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES Texas Contemporary Artists Series: Henry Catenacci Thru 5/19 Texas Photographers: Descriptions of China Thru 5/19 The Texas Folklife Festival 6/8-10; Fri 5-11 pm, Sat 1 1 am–11 pm, Sun Noon–7 pm A Maverick’s Texas Thru 6/17 Timeless Texas Toys Thru 8/5

Shakespeare in the Park Othello 5/30-6/2 Sunken Gardens in Brackenridge Park

40 Years of Texas Folklife Festival Memories Thru 8/26

In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play San Pedro Playhouse Cellar Theater 6/8-7/8 (210) 733-7258

Rouault's Miserere 5/16-7/29

Rapunzel Children’s Fine Arts Series Empire Theatre 6/15 Fri 9:45 am, 11:45 am, 6:30 pm

Art

ARTPACE New Works Now Alex de Leon, Katie Pell, Juan Miguel Ramos, Lordy Rodriguez Opening 5/10 International Artists-in-Residence Adam Pendleton, James Sham and Florian Slotawa Thru 5/20 Window Works Thomas Cummins Thru 9/9

MCNAY ART MUSEUM

A Century of Collage 5/16-9/2 Andy Warhol: Fame and Misfortune Thru 5/20 Exhibition Performance: The Drowsy Chaperone 5/24 Thurs, 6:30 pm Radcliffe Bailey: Memory as Medicine 6/6-9/2 Free Family Day: Families Past & Present 6/24 Sun, 1-4 pm Baroque to Bauhaus: Designs from the Tobin Collection Thru 6/10 SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART Sketching in SAMA’s Galleries Tuesdays through 7/17, 6-8 pm Live Music at Café de Artistes Fridays through 7/13, 6-8:30 pm

San Antonio’s Year of Jazz: King William Jazz Collective 7/1 Sun, 6 pm WITTE MUSEUM South Texas Heritage Center Robert J. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation 5/26, Sat - Opening Family Traditions: Easter in Brackenridge Park Thru 6/24 Darwin: How One Man’s Theory Turned the World on its Head Thru 9/3

Misc.

Alamo Kiwanis Club Charities Fiesta Noche del Rio 5/11-8/11 Arneson River Theatre (210) 226-4651 San Antono Botanical Garden Annual Splendor in the Garden Gala 5/16 Wed, 6:30 pm CULINARIA: Celebration of Wine, Food & Spirits May 16-20 Various locations culinariasa.org, (210) 822-9555 Military River Parade “Here’s to our Heroes” River Walk 5/19 Sat, 3 pm Armed Forces Day Concert “Salute to our Heroes” River Walk 5/19 Sat, 4:15 pm Memorial Day Arts and Crafts Show River Walk extension 5/25-5/28 Fri-Sun, 10 am; Mon, 11 am San Antono Botanical Gardens Concert Under the Stars Thursdays in June, 7 pm July 4th Arts and Crafts Show River Walk extension 6/29-7/2 Fri-Sun, 10 am; Mon, 11 am

W

may/june 2012 | 121

W FOOD & WINE

American

BIGA ON THE BANKS BOUDRO’S CAPPY’S CAPPYCCINO’S BISTRO CYPRESS GRILL ANNE MARIES’S BISTRO SAN ANTONIO CAFÉ CHEESECAKE FACTORY 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 RAINFOREST CAFÉ SCENIC LOOP CAFE SILO ELEVATED CUISINE VINEYARD

203 S. St. Mary’s 225-0722 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 24116 IH-10 W. 698-8797 205 E. Guenther 227-1061 14601 IH-35 N. 651-4744 494-3371 385 N. Loop 1604 W. 555 E. Basse 824-0275 400 E. Josephine 224-6169 15900 La Cantera Pkwy 877-5355 1111 S. Alamo 227-1187 300 E. Travis 227-4392 902 N.E. Loop 410 828-1470 2442 Nacogdoches 826-8303 7929 Pat Booker Rd 653-2002 517 N. Presa 223-3297 25615 Boerne Stage Rd. 687-1818 1133 Austin Highway 824-8686 483-8989 434 N. Loop 1604 27315 FM 3009 (830) 980-8033

Cajun/Creole ACADIANA BOURBON STREET SEAFOOD PAT O’BRIEN’S

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

674-0019 545-0666 212-8698

European

ANAQUA GRILL BISTRO VATEL BOARDWALK 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

LÜKE MESON EUROPEAN DINING WAXY O’CONNOR’S

555 S. Alamo 229-1000 218 E. Olmos 828-3141 4011 Broadway 824-0100 150 E. Houston 227-9700 18402 Hwy. 281,#114 491-4480 3920 Harry Wurzbach 821-5454 515 Villita 224-1976 7701 Broadway 828-9050 14439 N.W. Military #100 888-1500 2015 N.E. Loop 410 655-6171 204 E. Houston 476-8600 112 College 518-1000 728 S. Alamo 224-7555 5148 Broadway 822-7673 798-4154 842 N.W. Loop 410 700 E. Sonterra Blvd.

798-5466 125 E. Houston 227-5853 923 N. Loop 1604 E. 690-5811 234 Riverwalk 229-9299

Asian Hamburgers

Hsiu Yu 8338 Broadway St San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 828-2273 BIG KAHUNAS TOKYO STEAKHOUSE CHINA BISTRO DING HOW FORMOSA GARDENS FUJIYA GOLDEN WOK HSIU YU ILSONG GARDEN INDIA OVEN INDIA PALACE KOI KAWA MENCIUS’S GOURMET MON THAI BISTRO P. F. CHANG’S SUSHIHANA SUSHI ZUSHI

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

741 W. Ashby Pl 8342 W. IH-10 10103 Huebner Road 4531 N.W. Loop 410 1011 N. E. Loop 410 9030 Wurzbach 8822 Wurzbach 8230 Marbach 8338 Broadway 6905 Blanco Rd. 1031 Patricia 8440 Fredericksburg 4051 Broadway 7959 Fredericksburg 4901 Broadway 255 E. Basse 15900 La Cantera Pkwy 1810 N.W. Military IH-10 W. and Wurzbach 203 S. St. Mary’s 999 E. Basse 18720 Stone Oak 2211 N.W. Military 18802 Stone Oak 445 McCarty 126 W. Rector 9405 San Pedro 1146 Austin Highway

733-8473 541-8100 340-7944 340-7944 828-9988 615-7553 615-8282 674-2577 828-2273 366-4508 366-1033 692-5262 805-8111 615-1288 822-3253 507-1000 507-6500 340-7808 691-3332 472-2900 826-8500 545-6100 366-3012 403-3316 344-8366 524-9908 341-4461 829-7345

Barbecue

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

TWO BROTHERS BBQ

122 | sawoman.com

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

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

Italian

ALDINO AT THE VINEYARD ALDO'S RISTORANTE BRAVO CUCINA ITALIANA CAPPARELLI’S ON MAIN CARRABBA’S ITALIAN GRILL CIAO LAVANDERIA DOUGH PIZZERIA IL SOGNO OSTERIA LORENZO’S LA FOCACCIA ITALIAN GRILL LITTLE ITALY LUCE RISTORANTE E ENOTECA LUCIANO’S MICHELINO’S MILANO RISTORANTE PAESANOS

PIATTI PICCOLO’S

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

2524 N. Main 12507 IH-10 W. 226 E. Olmos 6989 Blanco 200 E. Grayson, #100 8032 Fredericksburg Rd. 800 S. Alamo 824 Afterglow 11255 Huebner 849 E. Commerce 401 South Alamo 521 River Walk 11802 Wurzbach 1907 Nacogdoches 555 E. Basse 111 W. Crockett Loop 1604 at N.W. Military 255 E. Basse 5703 Evers Rd.

340-0000 696-2536 877-9300 735-5757 694-4191 822-3990 979-6363 223-3900 692-9900 223-5353 349-2060 561-9700 223-0500 888-7030 223-2939 493-3611 821-6373 828-5191 227-2782 493-1604 832-0300 647-5524

FOOD & WINE W POMPEII ITALIAN GRILL RISTORANTE LUCIANO TRE TRATTORIA

16019 Nacogdoches 7400 San Pedro 4003 Broadway 401 S. Alamo

946-5518 377-0022 805-0333 223-0401

Seafood

Mediterranean

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

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

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

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

Mexican/Latin El Jarro 13421 San Pedro San Antonio, TX 78216 (210) 494-5084 ÁCENAR MODERN TEX-MEX AJUÚA! CUISINE DE MEXICO ALAMO CAFÉ ALDACO'S AZUCA NUEVO LATINO CASA RIO CIELITO LINDO EL CHAPARRAL EL JARRO DE ARTURO EL MIRADOR EL MIRASOL ALTA COCINA FRIDA’S MEXICAN CUISINE IRON CACTUS MEXICAN GRILL LA FOGATA LA FONDA ON MAIN LA FONDA SUNSET RIDGE LA FONDA OAK HILLS LA HACIENDA DE LOS BARRIOS LA MARGARITA LA POSADA DEL REY LOS BARRIOS MAMACITA’S MI TIERRA CAFE AND BAKERY ORIGINAL MEXICAN PALOMA BLANCA PALOMA RIVER WALK PAPPASITO’S CANTINA PERICO’S BAR AND GRILL PICANTE GRILL PICO DE GALLO RIO RIO CANTINA ROSARIO’S SALSALITO’S SAZO’S LATIN GRILL SOLUNA COCINA MEXICANA TOMATILLOS CANTINA

FISH CITY GRILL FUSION SEAFOOD, STEAK LANDRY’S SEAFOOD PAPPADEAUX SEAFOOD OSTRA ON THE RIVER WILDFISH SEAFOOD GRILLE

18130 Hwy. 281 N. 11703 Huebner Road 517 N. Presa 76 N.E. Loop 410 212 W. Crockett 1834 N.W. Loop 1604

495-3474 694-4201 527-1845 340-7143 396-5817 493-1600

Southwestern

CALIZA GRILL CANYON CAFE FRANCESCA’S AT SUNSET ORO RESTAURANT AND BAR ROARING FORK ZUNI GRILL

420 W. Market 225 E. Basse 16641 La Cantera Pkwy.

705 E. Houston 1806 N.W. Loop 1604 223 Losoya

224-6500 225-0722 558-6500 225-5100 479-9700 227-0864

Steaks

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

713 S. Alamo 430 E. Commerce 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy.

15103 Bandera 2838 N. Loop 1604 13421 San Pedro 722 S. St. Mary’s 13489 Blanco 3023 Thousand Oaks 200 River Walk 2427 Vance Jackson 2415 N. Main 6402 N. New Braunfels 350 Northaven 18747 Redland Rd. 120 Produce Row 999 E. Basse 4223 Blanco 8030 IH-10 W. 218 Produce Row 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 14535 Nacogdoches 11523 Bandera 101 Bowie 7959 Broadway 3210 Broadway

222-2362 877-0600 691-8827 495-2233 222-0561 494-0561 225-5550 225-6718 545-6965 695-8302 490-8302 494-5084 225-9444 479-8765 496-3023 224-9835 340-1337 733-0621 824-4231 342-8981 497-8000 227-7140 828-5666 732-6017 341-5424 225-1262 224-9951 822-6151 212-0566 691-8974 684-5376 402-6006 822-3797 225-6060 226-8462 223-1806 646-8088 558-6788 223-1000 930-8070 824-3005

Fleming’s 255 East Basse Rd. San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 824-9463 ANTLERS LODGE THE BARN DOOR BOLO’S ROTISSERIE GRILLE CHAUMA GAUCHA FLEMING’S STEAKHOUSE GREY MOSS INN KIRBY’S STEAKHOUSE LITTLE RHEIN STEAKHOUSE MORTON’S STEAKHOUSE MYRON’S STEAKHOUSE OUNCE STEAKHOUSE THE PALM PERRY’S STEAKHOUSE & GRILLE RUTH'S CHRIS

9800 Hyatt Resort Dr. 520-4001 8400 N. New Braunfels 824-0116 9821 Colonnade 691-8888 18318 Sonterra Place 564-9400 255 E. Basse 824-9463 10901 Scenic Loop 695-8301 123 N. Loop 1604 E. 404-2221 231 S. Alamo 225-1212 849 E. Commerce 228-0700 136 N. Castell, New Braunfels (830) 624-1024 1401 N. Loop 1604 W. 493-6200 233 E. Houston 226-7256 15900 LaCantera Pkwy 7720 Jones Maltsberger 1170 E. Commerce

558-6161 821-5051 227-8847

Enhance your listing!

Call (210) 826-5375 for more information

Pizza

CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN FLORIO’S PIZZA GUILLERMO’S MISS ELLIE’S SORRENTO TRILOGY PIZZA BISTRO VOLARE GOURMET PIZZA

11745 IH-10 W. 255 E. Basse Rd. 7701 Broadway 618 McCullough 903 E. Bitters Rd 5146 Broadway 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy.

5054 Broadway

699-4275 424-2014 805-8646 223-5587 499-1258 824-0055 404-1818 828-3354

may/june 2012 | 123

W WEDDINGS

Mr. and Mrs. Mitch Fynaardt (Emily Schipper) December 22, 2011

Parish Photography

Chrystina Straughan

Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Penner (Karly Kerman) January 14, 2012

Parish Photography

Limelight Photography

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Andrew Pigg III (Whitney Bracher) January 21, 2012

Paul Overstreet/Overstreet Photography

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Paul Logan (Stephanie Diane Dooley) January 21, 2012

David Sixt

124 | sawoman.com

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Edward Allen (Kerri Lynn Gawlik) January 14, 2012

David Sixt

Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Taylor Wetzel (Lilia Lamar Bruni) January 14, 2012

Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Patrick McEvoy (Jessica Marie Belz) December 3, 2011

David Sixt

Mr. and Mrs. Riley William Vanham (Cates Elizabeth Piland) January 7, 2012

Parish Photography

Mr. and Mrs. Brent Youngwood (Amy Phillips) November 26, 2011

WEDDINGS W

Chrystina Straughan

Mr. and Mrs. David Robles (Michelle Lusk) March 4, 2012

Chrystina Straughan

Chrystina Straughan

Mr. and Mrs. Kolin Joseph Loveless (Hilary Eva Albrecht) March 10, 2012

Mark Thomas Photography

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Thomas Hildebrand (Julie Ann Jenkins) March 10, 2012

Mr. and Mrs. Jeramie Casiano (Randi Marie Schmidt) February 18, 2012

Amy Dresch

Mr. and Mrs. Nick Schafer (Kathryn Maverick Knott) February 25, 2012

David Sixt

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Riddle (Suzie Pena) January 21, 2012

may/june 2012 | 125

W CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SAN ANTONIO SYMPHONY LEAGUE PRESENTS

THE 2012 SYMPHONY BALL

Symphony Belle Sophie Beckendorf with Karin and Scott Beckendorf

Symphony Belle Anna Fiallo with Dr. Alfred Fiallo and Dr. Ana Ballester-Fiallo

Battered Women and Children’s Shelter Honoring Mothers Luncheon May 8 Marriott Rivercenter (210) 930-3669 x2205

American Heart Association Go Red for Women Luncheon May 11 The Westin La Cantera Resort (210) 617-2600

Communities in Schools Commitment to Community Through Education Luncheon May 8 Grand Hyatt Hotel Valencia (210) 520-8440

McNay Art Museum Spring Party: “Andy Warhol: A Night in the Limelight” May 11 McNay Art Museum (210) 805-1761

Medical Center Rotary Nightingale Gala May 8 Pearl Stable (210) 601-6638

SA Gardenia and Musical Club Coronation Ball May 11 Oak Hills Country Club (210) 826-3060

The Children’s Shelter Give a Piece of Your Heart Luncheon May 9 San Antonio Country Club (210) 212-2571

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation JDRF Promise Ball May 12 JW Marriott (210) 822-5336

Clarity Child Guidance Center 2012 Annual Gala May 9 Omni Hotel (210) 582-6497

Susan G. Komen 15th Annual Race for the Cure May 12 Alamodome (210) 222-9009

Plaza Club Spring Fashion Show Benefiting Children’s Bereavement Center of Texas May 9 Plaza Club (210) 227-4191

Mexican American Unity Council Lifetime Achievement and Scholarship Awards Gala May 17 Omni Hotel (210) 978-0500

Any Baby Can 17th Annual Taste of The Dominion May 10 The Dominion Country Club (210) 227-0170

CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Foundation Golf Tournament May 18 Silverhorn Golf Club (210) 704-3726

Child Safe Art from the Heart May 10 Blue Star Contemporary Art Center (210) 675-9000

Solar San Antonio Annual Fundraising Luncheon Honoring Founder & Chair Bill Sinkin’s May 18 Pearl Stable (210) 354-0236

Women in Medicine and Law for the Cure 9th Annual Fundraising Dinner May 10 Holy Trinity Banquet Hall (210) 490-6759

American Diabetes Association South Texas Tour de Cure May 19 Champion HS, Boerne (210) 829-1765

Symphony Belle Emily Rosenblum with Lisa, Jeff and Jonathan Broker

Symphony Belle Francis Caldwell with Wade and Lisa Caldwell and Luke Durbin

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS W

San Antonio Can! High School Motherhood: Lifetime Achievement Honoring Betty Cavender May 22 San Antonio Country Club (210) 923-1226

THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

FRIENDS OF HOSPICE

PRESENTS

THE VALENTINE LUNCHEON

THE HEART OF GOLD GALA

BENEFITING

PRESENTS

CHRISTUS VNA HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE

Blue Star Contemporary Art Center Red Dot 2012 May 23 Blue Star Contemporary Art Center (210) 227-6960

Bexar County Detention Ministries New Beginnings Luncheon June 6 Bright Shawl (210) 299-4540

Sister Kathleen Coughlin, Carri Baker Wells and Sonya Medina Williams

Patti King, Rebecca Davis, Ann Koby, Katie Hurta and May Kay Hurta

Lila Cockrell and Rosemary Kowalski

Shari Dybdahl, Joe Rust and Lisa Blonkvist

Leni Kirkman, Peggy Deming and Kristen Plastino

Ann Wenglein Brawner, June Crowley and Teri Wenglein

Dell Braziel, Erica Annise Braziel and Jonalyn Kogelman

Karen Dawson, Bob and Renee Murray with Mary Ann Franzke

Clarity Child Guidance Center Pinwheel Run for Hope 5K Trail June 9 Clarity Child Guidance Center campus (210) 582-6497

Lions Club and Boerne Chamber of Commerce Boerne Berges Fest June 15-17 Downtown Main Square, Boerne (830) 428-8778 Association for Women in Communications Headliner/Proliner Awards Dinner June 22 Westin Riverwalk Hotel (210) 508-0261 UTSA-ELPS Golf Scholarship Tournament June 22 Silverhorn Golf Club (210) 458-5411

Any Baby Can Adopt-A-Doll Luncheon June 27 Menger Hotel Valencia (210) 227-0170

United Way Volunteer of the Year Awards June 28 Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center (210) 352-7000

may/june 2012 | 127

W WOMEN ON THE MOVE

WOMEN ON THE MOVE

Amanda Ashley

Regine Basha

Dr. Lily T. Garcia

Lea Ream

S’Kati Roquemore

Zuani Villarreal

Amanda Ashley has been named service analyst in the employee benefit services division for the Business Financial Group. Previously, she served as client service representative-operations coordinator, during which time she provided group market analysis and employee customer support and assisted in plan design and implementation.

She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from University of TexasSan Antonio.

Regine Basha has been appointed executive director of Artpace. She brings nearly 20 years of experience conceiving and producing innovative curatorial projects that focus on the creation and circulation of contemporary art in both local and global arenas. Her experience includes working in Montreal, New York, Istanbul, Cairo, Berlin, Santiago and other cities.

Dr. Lily T. Garcia was confirmed as president of the American College of Prosthodontists. She is professor and division head of advanced education and external affairs in the department of comprehensive dentistry at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Dr. Garcia is a diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics and a fellow of the ACP.

Attorney Lea Ream, with Davidson & Troilo for over 20 years, was named partner.

Ream became president of the firm in 2008, making her the first female to serve in this role. She contributes to the management of the firm as well as with legal expertise. Ream handles corporate, employment and litigation matters for the firm’s private and public clients.

S’Kati Roquemore, real estate agent with the Phyllis Browning Company, was recently awarded the Accredited Buyer’s Representation (ABR®) designation from the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council, Inc. (REBAC) of the National Association of Realtors®. The designation is earned through the completion of a comprehensive course. She is located in the company’s Hill Country office.

The Boys & Girls Clubs have appointed Zuani Villarreal as director of development. Villarreal will lead the organization’s fundraising, marketing, communications and grant-writing efforts. Most recently, she served as chief development officer at the San Antonio Food Bank. During her eight years there, she did all fundraising, marketing and community relations activities, while managing a budget and staff.

Send your announcements to: SAN ANTONIO WOMAN 8603 Botts Lane San Antonio, TX 78217 • For information, please call (210) 826-5375.

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ASTROFORECAST W

TAURUS April 21-May 20 You are challenged to hold rein on whimsical financial expenditures. Also be careful of forgetfulness, especially involving scheduled appointments that may cost you money, such as missed doctor’s appointments.

Is boredom surrounding you? Watch also for the potential of identity theft, especially falling victim to email scams and false advertising. There can even be miscommunications with siblings. Late June is when you regain equilibrium.

GEMINI May 21-June 21 The last months of spring can be a whirlwind of activities such as friendship collaborations, hyperactive dream states, staking your claim in life with healthy aggressiveness, public presentations and decorative purchases for the home, to name a few.

It is time to reassess, reevaluate and reanalyze your own selfworth. Be watchful of conflicting thoughts that deny your own self-esteem. You feel underappreciated in a partnership.

By LANCE K. RODRÍGUEZ

SCORPIO October 23-November 22 You have searing insights involving friends, and you speak up with a realism that ceases all doubts. You may be disturbed about how a sibling is not handling a psychological dilemma with regards to career matters. Your counsel is noble for the sibling, yet the sibling has to cross the Rubicon alone. Pay special attention to contracts, negotiations, fine details and important signatures, as the potential for impacts to your credit rating scores is important.

AQUARIUS January 20-February 18 If you have been pondering what to do about education, whether your own or anyone else’s, prioritize the most immediate goals without equivocation. Be bold in this respect, and you will reap the rewards with disciplined efforts. Encourage a child to think through actions and their subsequent consequences, especially teenagers.

A child’s infatuation is a passing fancy. Address a child’s self-esteem and self-worth issues with aplomb and diplomacy.

CANCER June 22-July 22 There are many temptations before you, yet you are in a delicate balancing act. You want to escape from the dreary world of responsibilities that are burdensome for you. One area necessary to address is your health, because if you can’t take care of it, who will volunteer to do it for you? You want to share some secrets, but whom do you confide in who is trustworthy? If you overly dissect the lab frog, it eventually dies; kiss it and the prince awaits you.

VIRGO August 23-September 22 There are so many rapid developments surrounding you now that how you keep your head attached to the body is a miracle. It’s time to earnestly look at your future aspirations, your career directions, future priorities and reclaiming a lost vision.

Management may be less than cooperative, and unprofessional breaches of protocols will exacerbate temperaments. People may be backtracking on any lines of support; find your center of balance and harmony.

SAGITTARIUS November 23-December 20 All of your most important relationships are under great scrutiny. It is not so much communications but the intent behind the words that will be the focus of your observations.

Anyone not above board with you will have to be dismissed if you are to get ahead — not at their expense but yours. Favorable and beneficial partnerships will shower you with abundance as long as sincere cooperation and forthright honesty are held. Embrace healthy compromise.

PISCES February 19-March 20 Your feelings and intuition are now oriented to domestic life and family affairs. You psychically detect that something is awry with a parent, and you may have to gracefully approach the issue in as tender a way as possible. Even though someone may be harboring feelings of abandonment and neglect, reassure the individual he/she is truly needed and loved. You are in the mood for redecorating the home, but be watchful of wasteful spending and delayed projects.

LEO July 23-August 22 Exercise that brain muscle as your natural creativity engages ideas that are so innovative people will be in total amazement. Exert positive influence over team members who require direction and guidance. If only the same could be said regarding dear close friends who seem to be lost without a compass. One particular friend can be experiencing challenges within a relationship that is facing chaos and upheavals. Confide, but please don’t chide.

LIBRA September 23-October 22 Hear the sirens wailing in the background? Alert, alert, alert!

Anyone jumping to conclusions, including you, will emerge with foot-in-mouth disease. Misrepresentations, stretching the truth, inexactitude and strong negative opinions will topple the sails, leaving you in the middle of the oceans of deteriorating emotions. Attempt to develop tolerance and remain optimistic that measures of corrections will return by late June.

Travel plans are thwarted or delayed.

CAPRICORN December 21-January 19 Give good advice to co-workers who are stumped with lack of ingenuity and feelings of inferiority. You exert more influence than you are currently aware of with workplace dynamics. You are slowly solidifying your reputation and respect within the professional community. Give yourself credit when it is due and demonstrate leadership when it is called upon you. Foster a sense of accomplishment as you climb the ladder of success.

ARIES March 21-April 20 You now feel that forward motion has resumed and that you can keep pace with life’s little vicissitudes. You are quick to embrace new ideas that will afford new windows of opportunities for future growth and expansion. A lackadaisical attitude coupled with intransigent procrastination will muddy the waters for you. A partner’s ambivalence and vacillation cause serious concerns about the direction in which the relationship is heading.

Lance K. Rodríguez is a professional Astrology/Tarot Consultant as well as a Usui/Karuna® Reiki Master. He can be reached at AstroLance.net.

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W LOOKING BACK

Houston Street: San Antonio’s center of entertainment and shopping

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Coutesy of Carol Karotkin

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