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Three Talented Women CEOs Fredericksburg: A Great Escape

Suzanne Scott

Head Head of of the the San San Antonio Antonio River River Authority Authority

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EDITOR

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CONTENTS

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52

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SAN ANTONIO WOMAN •SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

FEATURES

COLUMNS

18 UP FRONT

12

Women CEO’s are making a difference in San Antonio business

14

Contributors

16

What’s New

Editor’s Letter

24 PROFILE

38 Shop SA

Suzanne Scott is the first woman to head a Texas water authority

46 Mommy Matters

30 SA AT HOME Couple bond with 1920s residence

48 GUYS TO KNOW Dirk Elmendorf: Techie, visionary, beekeeper

50 ROLE MODEL CSI Officer Maria Gutierrez

Following food trucks

101

62 Health Matters 83 Dollars & Sense

67 MARCH OF DIMES

114 EDUCATION

86 Senior Living 92 Business Woman

CALENDARS

122 Restaurants 42 Fashion

128 Women on the Move

120 Entertainment

129 AstroForecast

126 Events

Feeling droopy? Perk up with a nip or a tuck

99 TEXAS HILL COUNTRY GUIDE

Prep

59 Beauty & Fitness

124 Weddings

94 WOMEN’S WELLNESS

College

57 Wine

Spotlight

52 DINING

SPECIAL SECTIONS

130 Looking Back

Fredericksburg, a favorite getaway for a weekend or a lifetime

107 HILL COUNTRY WOMEN

COVER

Influential women enjoy a Hill Country getaway at Boot Ranch

Photography Josh Huskin

112 ARTBEAT

Suzanne Scott Head of the San Antonio River Authority

Nan Cuba’s work receiving accolades

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A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

Liz Garza Williams

This issue of SAN ANTONIO WOMAN is focused on women who have risen to positions of leadership in business and government. When our Profile, Suzanne Scott, became head of the San Antonio River Authority in 2007, she was not only the first non-engineer to occupy that position, but also the first woman in Texas to run a water authority.

Up Front introduces three women who answer to CEO or president: Nancy Richardson of San Antonio Shoe, Cristina Morales Heaney of U.S. Safety Services and Brenda Vickrey Johnson of Vickrey & Associates, Inc. They’ve achieved top-of-the-ladder success with hard work, business acumen, people skills and enthusiasm.

Also coming in for accolades is Nan Cuba in Artbeat. Her first novel, Body and Bread, was selected by O, The Oprah Magazine as one of “15 Riveting Reads” for the month of May, and it has received critical acclaim.

Environments features the Monte Vista home of a couple who moved here from Connecticut. Despite early misgivings about perceived life in the Wild West, they have found Texas welcoming and the home even more to their liking than the one they left behind.

Dining explores the growing popularity of food trucks and the wide variety of food they dispense — from barbecue and hot dogs to sushi and New Orleans street food. One website counts at least 51 units doing business in San Antonio.

Wine describes the distinctive red and white wines of Burgundy.

Read about a favorite getaway for San Antonians — Fredericksburg, only an hour’s drive away. It offers shopping, outdoor recreation, Sunday Haus bread and breakfast inns, restaurants and wineries, a World War II museum and lots of festivals and special events. Nearby in the Hill Country is Boot Ranch, an idyllic golf community, which is attracting city dwellers to build homes or come for relaxing weekends.

With fall’s cooler weather, we start to get serious about fashion again. Shopping will cue you on trends for the months ahead. Women’s Wellness reminds us that many cosmetic problems can be improved by putting yourself in the hands of a qualified plastic surgeon. Beauty brings a new approach to scents and sensibility.

Guys to Know introduces Dirk Elmendorf, a co-founder of Rackspace Managed Hosting, who’s now guiding business startups through the demands of software and business development. Education: College Prep 101 will help you and your teen start thinking about college and how to be prepared for it.

October is Breast Cancer Month, and Health updates you on what we know about this frightening disease now — treatment options and organizations that can provide help. If you are considering independent contracting instead of a traditional office job, be sure to read Dollars and Sense. And Mommy Matters has good advice on what to do (and not to do) as your children become aware of the opposite sex.

The special March of Dimes section details the progress being made in treating premature infants. Visit our website, www.sawoman.com, and stay in touch, too, through Facebook and Twitter.

BEVERLY PURCELL-GUERRA , EDITOR

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PUBLISHER J. Michael Gaffney EDITOR Beverly Purcell-Guerra GRAPHIC DESIGN Kevin Herrera, Maria Jenicek, Jonathan Lee, Eric Weidner SENIOR WRITER Jasmina Wellinghoff CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Paula Allen, Robyn Barnes, Ron Bechtol, Courtney Burkholder, Mary Anne Cole, Denise Easdon, Anne Moore, Bonnie Osterhage, Lance K. Rodriguez, Amy Thomas, Janis Turk COPY EDITOR Kathryn Cocke PHOTOGRAPHY Casey Howell, Josh Huskin, Al Rendon, Janet Rogers, Stephen Walker BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING Mike Carreon Steven Cox Jen Earhart Madeleine Justice ADMINISTRATION & CUSTOMER SERVICE Nancy A. Gaffney Josephine Guzman PRINTING Shweiki Media, San Antonio, Texas

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

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CONTRIBUTORS

Writing the Mommy Matters column for SAN ANTONIO WOMAN was a natural fit for Bonny Osterhage, who once penned a parenting column for SA Kids Magazine. At that time her two boys were still in diapers. Today, they are elementary and middle school students, and they keep this busy mom on her toes. “The boys provide me with plenty of inspiration for this column,” she says. “There is never a dull moment around here!” When she is not juggling her roles as chauffeur, cheerleader, tutor and “finder of all things lost,” Bonny enjoys exercising, reading, and stealing away to the beach whenever possible. Her work has been featured in several local magazines and newspapers, as well as in online publications. She is married to KSAT 12 meteorologist Mike Osterhage, and they reside in the Monte Vista area.

Josh Huskin is an editorial, commercial, music and portrait photographer. He grew up in West Texas with a slew of siblings and later crafted his love of creative and conceptual photography, leading to his being published nationally (he’s willing to travel!) as well as being featured on 50-plus covers of regional magazines.

This bearded gentleman is a proud member of the Alamo Beard Club and likes to kick back with a cold Texas beer while watching his favorite team, the San Antonio Spurs. He plays basketball every week and aspires one day to be able to dunk a basketball on a 10-foot rim.

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WHAT’S NEW

STADIA MED SPA VOTED BEST SPA Dr. Jaime R. Garza and Stadia Med Spa have been awarded the gold in the 2013 San Antonio Express-News Readers’ Choice: Best Spa. Stadia Med Spa was created with patients in mind to bring beauty and relaxation together with medical procedures that provide gratifying results, all in one location. The staff is available to answer any questions clients may have. Call to make an appointment for one of this month’s exciting new specials.

Dr. Garza and Stadia Med Spa thank voters for this year’s Readers’ Choice award, their fifth year in a row. Their goal is to help you achieve “beauty for a lifetime.”

CHRISTUS SANTA ROSA PLANS ‘GIRL TALK’ CHRISTUS Santa Rosa will launch its LiveWell™ Women’s Network with “Girl Talk,” an evening of education, food, fashion and fun in the Saks Fifth Avenue wing at North Star Mall on Oct. 24 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Physicians from numerous women’s health specialties will be on site to answer questions in an intimate one-on-one setting. A celebrity chef will prepare healthy treats for sampling,

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and guests may also enjoy hors d’oeuvres, wine, a preview of fall fashion athletic trends and pampering by beauty experts from the Aveda Institute.

The event is free, but guests are asked to register to attend at christussantarosa.org/livewell.

The first 200 women to register will receive a spectacular swag bag.

AESTHETIC OPTIONS MEDICAL SPA MOVES Aesthetic Options Medical Spa has a new address. Come visit us at our new location at 4025 Broadway in The Boardwalk and experience our new hydromassage.

From an image-conscious perspective, your skin is your most significant investment. Aesthetic Options Medical Spa, the premier skin care center of San Antonio, assures you of “beautiful skin at any age” as a return on your investment through credentialed expertise, technological excellence and personalized service.

Other spa services include skin rejuvenation, intraceuticals oxygen facials, makeup artistry and airbrush tanning. Walk-ins welcome, or call for an appointment today at (210) 858-6868 or visit www.aestheticoptionsmedicalspa.com

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UP FRONT

Women CEO’s Are Making A Difference in San Antonio Business 18 | sawoman.com

It wasn’t so long ago that the business of running a business was left to the men.

In the landscape of today’s job market, however, that concept is simply archaic.

The following women are just three examples of why women are making a difference in the business world. Whether starting from scratch or stepping up to the helm of existing local companies, these women have skill sets that bring a fresh and unique approach to business, and even though they still occasionally have to fight against gender stereotypes, they show no signs of slowing down.

By BONNY OSTERHAGE

Photography by JOSH HUSKIN

UP FRONT

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San Antonio Shoe CEO Nancy Richardson encourages a family environment in the company and has her office at the factory rather than the office complex. She maintains an open door policy with all employees.

head of the finance and accounting department. She left in 1992 to “see the world,” get her master’s degree and work overseas in the technology sector, but she returned at the request of the family after the last founding SAS partner passed away. “Spending 20 years away made me realize what a great place this is to work,” she says.

It also gave her an advantage when it came to insight about the company, and as CEO she has some very definite ideas of where she wants to take SAS, a company known for comfortable but not necessarily fashionable footwear. In an effort to alter that perception, Richardson has implemented some changes, including redesigning the look and feel of the retail stores located at the Quarry and the Rim shopping centers. Gone is the rustic interior that has been the hallmark of this brand, and in its place is a boutique-like atmosphere complete with light, airy colors and hidden stock.

New styles have been created, including the first-ever SAS pump with a one-inch heel, the first ballet flat style and a colorful line of sandals, some of which even have “bling.”

Most are available in 73 sizes and four widths, and a line of men’s dress shoes offers

NANCY RICHARDSON, CEO, SAN ANTONIO SHOE

84 sizes from which to choose.

Although the new styles are manufactured with the same attention to detail and with the

In an SAS retail store located behind the

This family atmosphere has been a part

three pressure point cushions for which the

SAS factory, a customer approaches a sales as-

of SAS since its inception in 1976, when part-

brand is known, one of the biggest challenges

sociate and asks her for help with, of all things,

ners Terry Armstrong and Lew Hayden set

Richardson has faced in her role as CEO has

purchasing a pair of socks. Not only does the

out to manufacture a comfortable, high-qual-

been getting people on board with the pro-

denim-clad associate help the customer, she

ity line of shoes in the United States. Since

duction changes. “Initiating change can be

engages her in friendly conversation, never

stepping into the established shoe biz as

difficult, even when it is for the best,” she says,

once revealing that she is not a sales associate

CEO in March of 2012, Richardson has made

adding that she plans to keep the line evolv-

but is in fact SAS CEO Nancy Richardson.

it a priority to keep and even enhance that

ing in terms of colors and fabrics. “Everybody

One might be tempted to assume that this

family environment. For starters, this user-

loves progress, nobody loves change.”

level of service is strictly for show; after all,

friendly executive offices at the factory

And while Richardson says that you will

Richardson is being trailed by a reporter. Evi-

rather than at the office complex, and she

never see a five-inch stiletto from SAS, she

dence to the contrary is presented, however, in

maintains an “open door” policy with all em-

is committed to making sure that people un-

the form of hugs, friendly waves and authentic

ployees. She tries to steal 10 to 15 minutes

derstand that you don’t have to give up style

smiles from the real sales associates, who seem

out of every day to do something fun with

to enjoy comfort. “You can still maintain ele-

genuinely pleased to see their boss roaming

her staff, such as celebrate a birthday, an-

ments of style,” she explains. “But you spend

through the aisles of shoes, bags, and acces-

niversary or other achievement.

your entire life on your feet; you deserve to

sories, and Richardson greets them all by name.

Richardson first came to SAS in 1986 as

be comfortable.”

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UP FRONT

BRENDA VICKREY JOHNSON, PRESIDENT, VICKREY & ASSOCIATES, INC.

When Vickrey & Associates founders Ken and Norma Vickrey

Elected president of the company by the board of directors in

asked their daughter to step in and help with the family business,

1993, Johnson has worked diligently to maintain the high standards

Brenda Vickrey Johnson agreed to give them one year. That was 28

and level of excellence established by her father. In her first seven

years ago. “My sister is the one with the engineering degree who al-

years as president, she increased the firm’s business by a staggering

ways planned to take over the business,” laughs Johnson. “I’m the

400 percent, and over the course of her career the firm has received

one with the business degree.”

several awards, including four Engineering Excellence awards and

Johnson quickly learned that business knowledge is critical in run-

the distinction of becoming a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise.

ning an engineering firm, and she brought a much-needed skill set to

However, engineering is typically a man’s world, and competition

the table. She also fell in love with the business. “Every project is dif-

is steep. Johnson says that the biggest challenges she faces are try-

ferent, and I never get bored,” she says, citing an 85-acre expansion at

ing to meet the clients’ demands of faster and more efficient work,

the ARC, and the City of San Antonio’s Hardy Oak Boulevard extension

thanks to technological advances, while still maintaining high quality

as just a couple of the company’s successes.

standards. And San Antonio is growing quickly, with new companies

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W Brenda Vickrey Johnson, president of Vickrey & Associates, Inc., brought a business degree to the engineering company founded by her parents and quickly learned that business knowledge is critical in running an engineering firm.

moving into the city and forcing this small business to compete at a national level.

“It’s not enough to just be good anymore, you have to be great,” she explains. “If you stay focused on the goals and objectives and don’t listen to the chatter, you’ll be fine.”

Some of that “chatter” includes mumblings from competitors about a female as head of an engineering firm, but that just makes Johnson more determined than ever to be the best. She says that women bring a different level of communication skills to the workplace, and she uses hers to work closely with employees and clients and get to the root of an issue more quickly. She has also learned to see the big picture, a skill she says she acquired by joining the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and serving in several positions including chairman. She is only the second woman to hold that position in the Chamber’s 112-year history.

Johnson credits her family, her faith and her team of leaders for her ability to successfully steer the family company into the future.

She calls her team the best she has seen in 27 years and has full confidence in their ability to take the company to the next level.

But one of the most important contributors to the success of this dynamic mother of three is her network of female friends. She describes them as her support system and credits them for keeping her grounded. “You have to nurture your female friendships,” she says emphatically.

“When everyone is so busy, it requires an effort, but even getting together with my group of friends for an hour is rejuvenating to me.”

Johnson herself has been on the receiving end of many awards, including the prestigious Eva Rosow Award of Excellence in 2001

Supporting women in general is something that Johnson

and the 2009 Ford Tribute to Business Women Leaders Award, and

strongly believes in, and she is the organizer of Women’s Opportu-

she serves on many boards and is active in various charitable organ-

nity Week (WOW), which celebrates women leaders who are making

izations throughout the community.

a difference in San Antonio. Through WOW, more than $40,000 has

With such a strong dedication to the advancement of women in

been raised in scholarships for young women. An award in her name

business, one can’t help wondering what advice Vickrey would have

is presented to a small-business owner or CEO who has exhibited

given herself 28 years ago. “Work hard and stay focused,” she says.

outstanding business leadership and has made a significant impact

“Don’t let other things distract you, and above all, always be profes-

on the community.

sional and keep your faith.”

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UP FRONT

CRISTINA MORALES HEANEY, CEO, U.S. SAFETY SERVICES Cristina Morales Heaney was born at the Nix Hospital in San An-

blood, sweat and tears and turned things around.

tonio, and it is now where the majority of her business is done. The

“It was like the iceberg in Titanic,“ she recalls. “You couldn’t see

vivacious San Antonio native says that for her, it is like coming full

what was underneath. But I rolled up my sleeves, and for the first three

circle. “This is where I came into the world, and it’s where I have re-

years I worked from early morning until the wee hours of the night.”

turned,” she says.

With no experience in the medical field, Heaney journeyed to Cal-

The road back wasn’t always an easy one for Heaney, but this

ifornia to attend a one-month EMT training program. Then she

daughter of agricultural entrepreneurs isn’t afraid of rolling up her

worked side by side with her staff to show them and the clients that

sleeves and getting dirty. She and her brothers were raised on the

she knew what she was doing.

family’s cattle ranch, and although she says she wanted for noth-

Now, eight years later, Heaney has taken that small in-home busi-

ing, she was taught to work hard, a lesson that has served her well.

ness and grown it into an online and brick and mortar business that is

“I attribute so much of my success to the way I was brought up,”

state-compliant. She counts such large companies as the Pearl Brew-

she says.

ery, H.E.B. and the Northside Independent School District among the

Heaney began her career working with a management-consulting

many clients for whom her company provides first responder services.

group out of Houston, and when she wasn’t going to night school full

What she refers to as her “specialized staffing service” includes pro-

time to get her MBA, she was traveling with her company. Entrepre-

viding medical first responders for conventions, corporate functions,

neurship is part of Heaney’s blood, however, and when she had the

parades, Fiesta, farmers’ markets, sporting events and more. Heaney

opportunity to purchase a small, home-based EMT staffing business

says that the difference her company makes to her clients is twofold: It

run by a firefighter and his wife, she jumped at the chance. As it turned

protects and oversees the health and safety of employees and atten-

out, the business had only a couple of clients, only 20 medics and was-

dees at company events, and it allows the clients to be more efficient

n’t even in compliance with the state. Undeterred, Heaney exerted

because it keeps the workforce safe and healthy.

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UP FRONT

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CEO Cristina Morales Heaney of U.S. Safety Services has built a small, home-based EMT staffing business into an online and brickand-mortar firm providing first responder services for numerous large client companies.

Furthermore, it can save a life, as was evidenced when an attendee suffered a massive heart attack at a local sporting event. Heaney’s team was able to get to him and shock him back to life on the spot. “That’s why companies hire us to be on site,” she says. “Response time in a situation like that one is critical.”

Heaney is quick to acknowledge that her company is only as successful as her team. Therefore she strives to let her employees do their job without micromanaging their efforts.

Her approach has helped her retain 80 to 85 percent of the company’s original employees. “Success really is about whom you surround yourself with,” she says with a smile. “I am surrounded by great employees and people I love in a city I love. What could be better?”

WOMEN TAKE CHARGE According to a recent report published on the website www.catalyst.org, women currently hold 4.2 percent of Fortune 500 CEO positions and 4.6 percent of Fortune 1000 CEO positions.

Furthermore, according to the latest State of Women-Owned Business Report by American Express Open in 2012, there were more than 8.3 million women-owned businesses in the United States that generated close to $1.3 million in revenues and were responsible for the employment of more than 7 million people. That same study revealed that number had increased by 54 percent since 1997, a rate that was 1 1/2 times the national average.

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PROFILE

By JASMINA WELLINGHOFF

Photography by JOSH HUSKIN

RIVER An Affinity for the Suzanne Scott is the first woman to head a Texas water authority

When Suzanne Scott became general manager of the San Antonio River Authority in 2007, she was the first non-engineer to head SARA. She has been involved with every step of the process that has transformed the waterway into a 13-mile linear park extending from Hildebrand Avenue to Mission Espada.

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PROFILE

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an Antonio native Suzanne Scott spent her childhood and adolescence on the South Side without ever playing on or

walking along the shores of the San Antonio River.

“It wasn’t part of our lives,” she explains. “We

couldn’t go to the river because it was channelized and dangerous. It was not in its natural state.” The channelization she is referring to goes back to the 1950s, when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers forced the naturally meandering river into a straight channel to move floodwaters away from San Antonio.

Today, Scott, like the rest of us, can walk or bike for miles along the so-called Mission Reach of the San Antonio River Improvement Project (SARIP), enjoying nature, fresh air and easy access to the historic missions. But for her this is much more than just pleasant recreation. As the general manager of the San Antonio River Authority (SARA), she has been personally involved with every step of the process that transformed the precious waterway into a nearly completed 13-mile linear park extending north to Hildebrand Avenue and south all the way to Mission Espada.

The massive $358.3 million project will undoubtedly have a positive long-term impact on both tourists and residents, especially along the southern 9-mile stretch, which includes the 1-mile Eagleland and the 8-mile Mission Reach segments. No longer will South Side residents be prevented from enjoying the river. Gone is the man-made channel, replaced by the once-again meandering ribbon of sparkling water flanked by natural banks where native plants are stabilizing the soil while inviting wildlife to slowly return to its former habitat. It’s no less than a restoration of an entire ecosystem.

On a hot August afternoon Scott gives me a short tour of the Eagleland section. With the sun beating down mercilessly on us, she promises that thousands of trees will eventually be planted in several places along the shore. But it may take years before they provide any shade. That’s because these trees will be young specimens that will be given time to develop deep roots as they grow, making them resistant to floodwaters.

We cross the stream, stepping on large flat rocks that serve as a sort of bridge, and I learn that the rocks are not there just to look pretty or even to serve primarily as a footbridge. “Because water flow speeds up in between the rocks, the created

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PROFILE Suzanne and Parker Scott met while working for a firm doing marketing for a chain of River Walk restaurants and married in 1996. With them is their daughter, Genevieve.

SARIP. Though the agency is involved in water quality and flood issues on a regional basis, the river restoration is its most visible legacy to San Antonio.

Not surprisingly, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. There were moments of great anxiety along the way when progress stalled and sources of funding seemed to dry up. Public officials grumbled and even

considered

halting

the

work.

Through it all, Scott tried to keep everyone focused on the ultimate goal — the completion of the entire 13 miles — and argued in front of Commissioners Court for the addition of SARIP to the 2008 venue tax bond issue, which the voters turbulence helps aerate the water,” she

that moment focused primarily on down-

eventually approved. That money got the

explains. “That in turn helps certain

town additions and the extension of the

ball rolling again at a crucial moment. “It’s

species of insects to thrive. Fish eat

River Walk along the so-called Museum

like having a baby,” she says, chuckling.

those insects.” A little farther down, past

Reach. As the process moved forward,

“It’s painful, but as soon as you see the

newly planted grasses and wildflowers,

the city and county leaders increasingly

baby, you forget about the challenges.”

Scott also motions toward a bunch of

embraced the idea that improvements

The lion’s share of the funding came from Bexar County, but the city, the U.S.

silos on the right bank that she says the

should not neglect the South Side and

owner, James Lifshutz, is planning to

that the river should become the spine

Army Corps of Engineers, SARA, SAW

transform into a mixed-use develop-

that unites the city.

and the San Antonio River Foundation also invested in the huge undertaking.

ment. “That’s an example of how SARIP

A few years later, Scott took a job at

has become a catalyst for other kinds of

SARA “because I wanted to focus on

The citizens’ River Oversight Com-

developments,” she notes.

water issues, so flooding and river im-

mittee co-chair, architect Irby Hightower,

Back in the air-conditioned comfort of

provements were part of it. I grew up on

says that Scott was “very instrumental”

her office — which, of course, overlooks

the South Side, and I had a general affin-

in making things happen throughout the

the river — she tells me more about the

ity for the South Side,” she explains fur-

process. “She understands what needs

long process that took SARIP from an

ther. “I wanted to do what I could to help

to happen, and she makes sure that it

idea to actual realization. Her first asso-

that part of town. The river is also impor-

happens,” he says, adding that he per-

ciation with it occurred while she was

tant to San Antonio as a whole. It’s part

sonally appreciated her insistence on

pursuing her master’s in urban adminis-

of our history and our identity as a city.”

keeping the committee and the community informed and involved.

tration at Trinity University while also

The execution of SARIP was still in its

working as an intern — albeit an older,

infancy, with only the downtown part un-

nontraditional one — for Bexar County. It

derway. Scott threw herself into the job,

was about that time that SARA presented

helping SARA to develop intergovern-

Though Scott grew up with little

to the county its proposal for river im-

mental relationships beyond the county

knowledge of the San Antonio River, later

provements, suggesting that the county

and a public information office to in-

life circumstances kept bringing her in

flood tax be used as funding. Scott was

crease the agency’s visibility. And she

contact with it. Following graduation from

asked to develop a capital budgeting val-

eventually assumed a leadership role in

Texas Tech, she returned to her hometown

uation for the potential project, which at

the ongoing planning and fundraising for

to take a public relations job at the South-

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FIRST WOMAN AT THE HELM

But Scott started changing SARA much before she rose to the top position.

Back in the early 2000s, the agency was discussing improvements in flood control with the city and county, which led to a more comprehensive approach to the problem and the creation of the Bexar Regional Watershed Management Program, a collaborative partnership of 24 regional governments. Scott largely spearheaded that process. She also convinced

then-general

manager

Greg

Rothe to push for the reinstatement of SARA’s taxing authority, which had been suspended in 1980. The newly obtained tax revenue enabled the agency to take the technical lead in flood programs as well as to partially fund, operate and maintain the new river developments.

“Suzanne has been tremendously good for SARA. She’s made the public much more appreciative of SARA’s role in our community, which was not the case, say, 20 years ago,” says Hightower.

Today, Scott is already planning to embark on the improvement of 14 miles of West Side creeks through a restoration similar to the river one. And the agency has launched an educational campaign west Craft Center (now Southwest School

mary contact with SARA. It was a time

about low-impact development that also

of Art), whose campus overlooks the wa-

of transition for both entities, she says,

pertains to sustainability and the control

terway. Her next job with VIA Metropoli-

as the two tried to realign their priorities

of storm waters.

tan Transit also exposed her repeatedly to

and their mutual relationship.

As we are talking, I glance out the

the river. “I got more and more drawn to

When she took the helm of the river

window to see a small fleet of colorful ca-

it,” says the friendly executive. “It hap-

agency in 2007, Scott became the first

noes paddle merrily along. It’s a pretty

pened naturally.”

non-engineer to head SARA and the first

picture that seems to illustrate what we

Even meeting her husband, Parker

woman in Texas to run a water authority.

have been talking about regarding peo-

Scott, happened through a river con-

“People worried that I wouldn’t be able

ple enjoying the river. Though I suspect I

nection. After leaving VIA and enrolling

to keep up with the technical aspects of

know the answer, I ask Scott what is the

at Trinity, she did part-time marketing

the work,” she admits. “But what I bring

most satisfying part of her job.

work for a chain of River Walk restau-

to it is strategic thinking plus the ability

“I love seeing people out and about

rants. Parker was employed by the same

to create partnerships and the communi-

on the river. It’s been 13 years since seri-

marketing

going

cation skills to take the technical informa-

ous work started, and a lot has been ac-

through divorces at the time, and they

tion and formulate it into something that

complished,” she says. “As a public

hung out together as friends for a while

the community understands and re-

servant, I am extremely proud that we completed a project that fulfills the need

firm.

Both

were

before marrying in 1996. That same

sponds to.” She now oversees a $123 mil-

year, Scott became a full-time county

lion budget and a staff of 250, 63 of

of the public. When I see how apprecia-

employee, becoming the county’s pri-

whom are scientists and engineers.

tive people are, it’s really heartwarming.”

september/october 2013 | 27

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SA AT HOME

30 | sawoman.com

By ROBYN BARNES

Photography by AL RENDON

From East Coast Mansion to Monte Vista Manor Couple bond with 1920s residence A mile and a half from downtown San Antonio is the largest historical district in the United States. The Monte Vista Historical District was designated as a historical landmark in 1998, and it contains a mixture of small bungalows and mansions that are architecturally unique. Queen Anne, Prairie, Tudor, even Spanish Colonial Revival homes are all present in this neighborhood.

Monte Vista’s historical architecture was a main attraction for Dana Sasse and Dr. Florian Safner. The couple relocated here from Connecticut, where they had lived in a historic stone mansion. “I must say that San Antonio was a revelation to us,” says Florian.

When they pictured Texas, they thought of

boots, spurs, cowboy hats and people riding horses, not a state that offered the diversity of theater, art and culture that Texans recognize. “However, it has been such a great experience for us!” he exclaims.

Florian’s employer wanted him to relocate to San Antonio.

The company assigned a Realtor, and after a brief interview, the Realtor said they’d want to live in the Monte Vista or Alamo Heights areas because of their love of historic homes.

One day they parked on Bushnell and began walking down Elsmere Road. They were drawn to the street and the neighborhood, as well as a two-story brick home covered in ivy that had been built in 1926. “I saw this house and said if I could own it, I’d move here,” Florian says. It took several more visits and a number of months before the couple decided they really could leave Connecticut behind and begin a new life in San Antonio. The 5,500-square-foot house on Elsmere was available for sale.

“The style of this home reminded us of our home in Connecticut,” Florian says. “We walked in and knew this was the home we wanted. We immediately started bonding with this house, which bonded us to San Antonio. The people we met in the neighborhood are phenomenal and so welcoming. It’s been an enchanting experience right from the beginning.”

The living room of the Monte Vista home of Dana Sasse and Dr. Florian Safner. The chandelier, from their former home in Connecticut, and the painting over the mantel of the Provincetown shore pay tribute to their East Coast roots. september/october 2013 | 31

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SA AT HOME Dana designed the foyer floor of grain-cut marble and oak.

The staircase is of oak with a wrought iron banister.

One of the best things about the house was that the pair needed very little in the way of new furniture. “The furniture we had worked perfectly in this house,” Dana says. “What little we needed I found at Restoration Hardware, where I work.”

The home’s gravitas begins with the solid front door, which opens into a small foyer. This floor is Dana’s design, made of graincut marble and oak. The staircase to the left is of oak, accented by a wrought iron banister. Tucked into one corner is what appears to be a small chest of some sort. “This,” Florian says with a smile, “was Enrico Caruso’s chamber pot!” It’s just one of the antiques Florian and Dana have collected over 20 years, and it’s a nod to a bit of whimsy in their décor.

To the right of the entry, the spacious living room is divided into two sections by different ceiling treatments. The furnishings vary in style from a traditional sofa to an Oriental table and rug to Victorian paintings. Dana ties it all together with a masculine color palette that makes the room warm and inviting.

Dana emphasizes layers of lighting in his design. Throughout the house, chandeliers, recessed lighting, table lamps and floor lamps provide the warm glow that accents the home. The living room has its own chandelier, which came from the Connecticut house.

The landscape over the fireplace is by Robert Cardinal, a famous The house was in move-in condition when the couple bought

painter of the Realist and Impressionist schools. The painting is of

it. “There wasn’t anything really wrong with it, but it wasn’t our

the Provincetown shore, a nod to the couple’s East Coast roots.

color palette,” Dana says. “We started out to make only a few

“While we like landscapes, we’re also fascinated by portraits,” Flo-

changes and ended up gutting parts of the house.” Fortunately,

rian says. “We have several painted by Kathryn Becker.”

he holds a degree in interior design and served as the general contractor for the renovation.

Adjacent to the living room is a small hall that the pair calls “the terrier collection room.” Displayed on a table are nearly 50 stat-

“Dana has amazing vision for creating the right ambience for a

uettes of different kinds of terriers, all cast in metal. The hall leads

home,” Florian says. “He could see exactly what needed to be done

to the dining room, an elegant space with a cabernet ceiling.

to make this the home we needed. The result is that we love this

“When the lights are down low, everyone looks good in this room,”

house more than our beloved home in Connecticut.”

Florian says.

“The general contracting part wasn’t that hard,” says Dana. “The

Dana added white crown molding as a contrast to the red ceil-

biggest challenge was the entry floor and stairs. We went to Mate-

ing. “You’ll notice the crown molding is much deeper than tradi-

rials Marketing and found a floor we really liked. But I wanted to

tional molding,” he says. It adds a sense of elegance, as does the

change it a little, combine marble and wood. Explaining that to the

crystal chandelier over the table that seats 10. Dana framed a piece

gentleman who laid the floor was a little difficult, but he did a great

of an antique sari and hung it next to a Chinese wedding cabinet

job. I was also impressed with Alex Laytano of A Square Tile, who

that came from New York City. At the end of the room, tall win-

did all the floors, the fireplace and the bathroom tile. His people

dows look out over the serene swimming pool.

did a phenomenal job.”

The next stop is the kitchen. “We gutted this room,” Dana ssays.

“What really impressed us was that the tradesmen who worked

“It didn’t look bad, but the kitchen layout was not logical for some-

on this house really wanted to make it a special home,” Florian says.

one who cooks. The cabinetry was inefficient. We wanted a kitchen

“We’ve renovated a number of houses and never had this experi-

that was both functional and beautiful because the kitchen is the

ence before.”

heart of the home.”

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ENVIRONMENTS

Dana turned to Jennifer Hissa, a nationally recognized certified kitchen designer, of Cabinetry Designs on Broadway. Cabinetry Designs represents Wood Mode® Fine Custom Cabinetry, a custom manufacturer in Pennsylvania. Their cabinetry is of furniture quality; everything is made to order.

“I knew I wanted a custom design for the kitchen,” Dana says.

“Jennifer and I knocked out this design in a weekend. It wasn’t too hard because the design is similar to the kitchen we had in Connecticut.” After the demolition was completed and the new walls were up, the team chose paint the color of caramel and cream.

White Brookhaven cabinetry by Wood Mode was installed, with countertops of honed granite from Keystone Granite Company. A kitchen island, surfaced with quartzite, completed the cabinetry.

All the appliances were upgraded to commercial grade.

One of the most unusual features of the kitchen is the stained glass backsplash over the Viking range. “This is real glass cut into random widths,” says Gene Philipps, owner of Cabinetry Designs.

“These glass tiles are a hot product right now. They helped make Dana and Florian’s kitchen a killer. I love it!”

Beyond the kitchen is the spacious den, which Florian suspects was added in the 1940s. The room is perfect for entertaining, with its long wooden bar with a pass-through window into the kitchen.

The beadboard ceiling has a lavender tint that is an excellent com-

White Brookhaven cabinetry by Wood Mode keeps the kitchen light and bright. The backsplash behind the Viking range features real glass tiles cut into random widths. All of the appliances are commercial grade.

september/october 2013 | 33

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SA AT HOME

The dining room's cabernet ceiling and crystal chandelier cast a flattering glow on dinner guests. The dining table seats 10. plement to the gray and white tones in the room. French doors open

The master suite is one of the largest rooms in the house. The

into the backyard, and white shutters cover the windows. A large

focal point is the gas fireplace raised off the floor, so anyone lounging

rock fireplace anchors one end of the room. “Lighting is key in this

in the bed can actually see the flickering flames. A flat-screen televi-

room because it is so large and the ceilings are low,” Dana says. “We

sion is mounted over the mantel. Dana chose a palette of gray and

did major electrical work in here.”

white for the room. Built-in bookcases hold favorite novels and me-

A combination of recessed lighting, lamps and natural light from

mentos of world travels. Comfortable seating flanks the fireplace.

the windows keeps the room from looking like a cave. The lighting

The white upholstered headboard on the king-size bed adds a touch

also shows off Dana’s McCoy pottery collection and paintings by

of luxury, as do the white bed linens from Provence and the fluffy

Debra Conant and Anna Kwasnik.

white rug at the foot of the bed.

Upstairs, the four spacious bedrooms all have walk-in closets.

The dressing room between the master bedroom and bath is

One bedroom is outfitted as Florian’s home office. The gray walls

small, but every inch counts. Two stacked rods on one wall hold

are a somber backdrop for the African fertility mask and the large

the men’s suit coats. Cabinet doors were added to a storage area.

circular mask, both from the Congo; the portrait of a Tunisian gen-

One wall, a legacy from the former owner, is a padded ribbon

tleman; and the glass-fronted beehive bookcase. The wooden

board, designed to hold invitations to events. Several are already

desk has a marble top and is a mate to the credenza behind it.

tucked beneath the ribbons.

Several chairs are positioned about the room.

“We gutted the master bath,” Florian said. They tore out the old

The guest room next door is nicknamed the Asian Suite be-

shower, replacing it with glass tile like that in the kitchen. Glass

cause of its décor. The black iron four-poster bed provides a com-

shower doors and modern fixtures added clean lines to the room.

fortable place to watch the television hidden in the Chinese

Special deep mirrored medicine cabinets and the vanity are from

cabinet. The tall narrow windows overlook treetops, giving the

Restoration Hardware's 1930's Stainless Steel Laboratory line. The

room a tree house feeling.

floor has a "rug" of Carrera marble mosaic set into 6-by-12-inch tiles.

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september/october 2013 | 35

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SA AT HOME

The den is believed to be a '40s-era addition to the 1926 home. The long wooden bar has a pass-through window to the kitchen, and a large rock fireplace anchors one end of the room. McCoy pottery and paintings are displayed here.

Outside the master bedroom, down a short, steep staircase, is a surprise bedroom. “This is a teenager’s dream,” Florian says. “It has its own outside entrance and small kitchen. It has two killer closets, built-ins and a wood floor.

It has its own tiny bathroom. There’s a king-size bed and a large flat-screen television.”

The yard is meticulously landscaped and hardscaped.

Outside the back door is a large flagstone patio with two seating areas overlooking the large swimming pool and hot tub. A fire pit awaits the return of cooler weather in the fall.

The ivy growing up the red brick walls is neatly trimmed around all the windows, as are the bushes that provide privacy along the property line. Tucked into a corner is the 700square-foot guest house. This cottage has a tiny kitchen, living area, bedroom and bath.

“We never thought we’d leave the East Coast for Texas,” Florian says, “but we’re glad we did. We’ve found so much art and history to explore here, and we’ve made so many great friends. When our friends come to visit, they are always surprised at the beauty of this city, and they say our home is a perfect reflection of our personalities. Then they ask when they can visit again,” he says with a smile. “That’s how we know we really are at home in Texas.”

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By JANIS TURK

SHOPPING

Fall Lookbook

A glance at today’s latest fashions, wardrobe accessories and more

Designers across America are launching new fall lines this month that feature fresh colorful autumn styles. This time of year, each designer introduces his or her own fall “lookbook,” showcasing the newest lines, giving buyers for department stores and trend-setting boutiques, designers and fashion editors a first look at fall collections.

So, we perused look books from today’s top designers to find the coolest autumn styles and hottest shopping picks.

In July and August, many women were focusing on their kids’ back-to-school needs. But now in September and October, it’s time to consider our own wardrobes — to put away the flip-flops and swimsuits of summer and focus on fashion once more. Here’s a peek at what’s showing up this season in top designers’ lookbooks.

Marchesa fashions, from designers/founders Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, who named their line after Marchesa Luisa Casati, offer clothes of “contemporary opulence” — and steep price points.

But today that’s all changing; they’ve introduced a more affordable line called Marchesa Voyage. These new stylish daytime fashions have been described as “boho-casual,” featuring embellished denim, furs and pieces inspired by Chapman's extensive scarf collection, making today’s prêt-à-porter even prettier. We love the velvety feel of this engineered paisley top and pant set and the basic black pieces that make chic staples of every woman’s wardrobe. Available at Julian Gold. www.marchesa.com.

Echo Designs fall scarves, next page.

Nancy Gonzalez, whose name is synonymous with vibrant color and luxurious textures, is one of the most celebrated handbag designers today. Known for the innovative use of precious skins and distinct color palettes, her handbags have become instant classics.

This fall she introduces jewel-tone colored bags in luxe skins and furs that provide a glam touch to any outfit, adding a bold, dramatic accent to your fashionable fall wardrobe. Selected styles available at Saks Fifth Avenue. www.nancygonzalez.com.

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SHOPPING

Print, pattern, color — these are the hallmarks of Echo’s practical and stylish designs. We especially love their fall scarves, which women everywhere are wearing year-round as a favorite fashion accessory, giving an air of softness to the face and adding color to any outfit. Available at Julian Gold, Dillard’s, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom. www.echodesign.com.

With a distinctive flair that juxtaposes refinement with rawness and melds color, whimsy, sophistication and swank, multifaceted designer Kelly Wearstler has revolutionized modern American glamour. This fall, her focus is on lots of color. Autumn reds and golds and the azure blast of a cool blue norther shine in her chunky stylish jewelry, available at Neiman Marcus at the Shops at La Cantera. www.kellywearstler.com.

Yoana Baraschi is an innovative contemporary designer with showrooms representing her collection in New York, Los Angeles, Dallas and Atlanta. Her collection can be found in Saks Fifth Avenue, Henri Bendel, Neiman Marcus and Lord & Taylor, and in over 500 other specialty stores worldwide — many of which are right here in San Antonio. Inspired by color, pattern, and looks from cultures across the globe, Yoana Baraschi’s collection is designed for today’s independent and sophisticated woman. www.yoanabaraschi.com.

40 | sawoman.com

Pack pretty in a suitcase with spinner wheels and a bright modern color-block design.

Delsey, creator of feature-rich luggage, has just launched Delsey Helium SKY, shown here in blue.

Durable and lightweight, this accessibly priced collection offers superior maneuverability, great organizational options and a fashionable design. Why not also surprise the man in your life with a sleek black garment bag from Delsey? That way he’ll be ready for your next weekend getaway together.

Available at all Dillard’s and Macy’s department stores in San Antonio. www.delsey.com.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, and there’s no finer fashion than fashion for a cause. Isabelle Grace Jewelry shows support by donating 20 percent of sales from its Breast Cancer Awareness Collection to BreastCancer.org. As metal is forged, it becomes stronger, as is the spirit of the women who have endured cancer treatments and won, and Isabelle Grace’s Cancer Survivor Necklace was designed to esteem the incredible women who battle and beat cancer. Inscribed with the words “Survivor” and “Because I am,” the necklace also features a pink topaz honoring the pink ribbon and all who wear it. Exclusively for SAN ANTONIO WOMAN readers, take 20 percent off your purchase with code sawoman20 upon checkout at www.isabellegracejewelry.com. Isabelle Grace also designed a line of jewelry for the royals, in celebration of William and Kate’s happy union and new baby.

september/october 2013 | 41

San Antonio

FASHION EVENTS

42 | sawoman.com

September 12 Neiman Marcus Devon Leigh Personal Appearance Designer Jewelry

October 3-4 Neiman Marcus Dena Kemp Personal Appearance Precious Jewels

September 12-13 Saks Fifth Avenue Donald Huber Personal Appearance and Trunk Show Fine Jewelry

October 7-8 Saks Fifth Avenue Oscar de la Renta Trunk Show Resort Collection

September 14 Neiman Marcus Children’s Fashion Show 2013 Fall Collection 1:30 pm

October 8-9 Julian Gold St. John Trunk Show Fall Collection

September 19-20 Julian Gold Dian Malouf Trunk Show Jewelry

October 10-11 Julian Gold Ugg Trunk Show Shoes, Handbags and Accessories

September 25 Julian Gold In-Store Runway Presentation Benefiting the Texas Bio Medical Forum

October 10 Neiman Marcus Lela Rose 2013 Styling Event Designer Sportswear

September 25-27 Julian Gold Valentino Trunk Show Handbags

October 14-15 Julian Gold Zang Toi Personal Appearance and Trunk Show

September 26 Saks Fifth Avenue Ippolita Trunk Show Jewelry

October 16-17 Julian Gold Carlos Falchi Personal Appearance Handbags

September 26 Saks Fifth Avenue Manolo Blahnik Custom Order Trunk Show Designer Shoes

October 17-20 Saks Fifth Avenue 2013 Key to the Cure Shopping Weekend Benefiting CTRC Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth

September 27-28 Saks Fifth Avenue Ermenegildo Zegna Trunk Show Made to Measure

October 18-19 Julian Gold Lazaro Trunk Show Bridal Gowns

October 2-3 Julian Gold Sondra Roberts and Planet 2013 Trunk Show

October 25-26 Julian Gold Escada Trunk Show Fall Collection

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FABULOUS FINDS

PEÑALOZA & SONS

Bertolucci watches. Mediterranean Inspiration, Swiss Craftsmanship and now available with Penaloza & Sons service. See the beautiful timepiece creations now at Penaloza & Sons

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

KATHLEEN SOMMERS

100% cotton crochet from Johnny Was. The perfect jacket to spice up any outfit, anytime. Our favorite shoe from Remix, now in brown croc.

And from Chan Luu,organic found objects hung on a sterling silver necklace.

Kathleen Sommers, located in the heart of Monte Vista, carries an elegantly eclectic mix of clothing,accessories, jewelry, gift, and bath items.

2417 N.Main Ave. (210) 732 8437

STADIA MED SPA

Liposuction in San Antonio - RENEW Center at Stadia. Imagine body contouring using fully-awake and comfortable liposculpting by a board certified plastic surgeon, in a certified surgical facility, located in an award winning medical spa. At RENEW Center at Stadia, we’re turning these possibilities into realities. Plastic surgeon Dr. Garza, grafts cells of your own fat to permanently fill your lips, cheeks, laugh lines, buttocks, breasts, and deformities of the face and breast.

21 Spurs Lane, Suite 110 San Antonio, TX 78240 (210) 881-6270

ARTISANS AT ROCKY HILL

Pamela Studstill and Patricia Karr are among 80 artists represented at Artisans at Rocky Hill in Fredericksburg, Texas. Studstill and Karr create gorgeous mosaic wall panels that begin with their own fanciful, ceramic flowers and creatures and are completed with glass tile to create a true painting of color. Paradise Bouquet is 37” x 21”.

234 W. Main St., Fredericksburg, Texas (830) 990-8160 www.ArtisansAtRockyHill.com

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ENCORE FOR WOMEN

The difference between ordinary & extraordinary! Come in & experience Encore where our customers & consignors are our priority! Pictured: Black wool Oscar de la Renta dress with zipper detail on front pockets, Black suede Chanel slingback pumps.

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

AROUND TOWN

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CANCER CENTER COUNCIL’S MEMBER RECEPTION 1. Dr. Liz Conklyn, Sylvain and Tammy Mallaise with Pam Burdick

1

2. Guy and Caroline Seay with Nancy Kelley

4

3. Dr. Clint and Rena Baisden with Dale Flowers

REVELERS CLUB DINNER AND DANCE 4. Walter and Minnette Buzzini with Jean and Katherine McPherson

2

5. Jenifer and Willis Brown

5

with Tracee and J.J. Feik 6. Sandy and Mark Randol, Debi and Ray Flume, Ty and Colette Edwards with Rick and Jennifer Flume

3

6

september/october 2013 | 45

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By BONNY OSTERHAGE

MOMMY MATTERS

So how does a boy’s mom deal with navigating the shark-, uh, I mean girl-infested waters of these early preteen interactions? I am learning from my mistakes that it is best to wade in slowly, rather than dive in headfirst.

The following are a few things I have learned NOT to do:

1. If you see your son speaking to a girl, do not interrogate him for details of the conversation. Chances are he is not going to have a heart-to-heart with you about his feelings on the matter. Actually, chances are he doesn’t even know that he has feelings on the matter.

2. Do not, under any circumstances,

Growing Pains

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When your child becomes aware of the opposite sex

hen my oldest son was 3 years old, he proposed to me. “Mommy, can I marry you when I grow up?” he asked sincerely. My heart melted as I looked into his small, upturned face and explained to him that by the time he was all grown up, there would be someone else that he would want to marry much more than me.

mention any female interactions in front of your son’s friends or other family members. It can only lead to teasing and embarrassment, especially if a little sibling with big ears catches wind of it. That would be, in the words of my 11-year-old, an “epic fail.”

3. Never attempt to join in when your son is conversing with a young lady. A polite “hello” will cause enough mortification without your trying to be that “cool” mom who knows how to speak “tween.”

Now that baby boy is 11 and about to enter the middle school years. As

4. Finally, and perhaps most impor-

is natural, he is no longer interested in marrying me. In fact, he doesn’t even

tantly, never, under any circumstances,

consider me to be a “girl,” but rather some sort of genderless being who

whip out your phone to capture the mo-

exists to magically produce clean laundry and new rolls of toilet paper. I sus-

ment digitally. Nothing good can come of

pect this has something to do with the fact that he has recently become

shouting, “Hey kids! Smile!” The only possible exception to this rule is before a

more aware of girls his own age or, more accurately, they have become dance or formal event. You are expected to

aware of him!

be a little “geeky” then.

Just recently I watched in disbelief as two young ladies circled my son at a local pool like sharks in the water before finally approaching him. I stared as a trio of “tween-age” girls not so subtly paraded back and forth in front of him and his friends. Most astonishing, however, was when I witnessed an entire gaggle of girls call out his name as he made his way to the concession stand, grinning sheepishly.

Perhaps it is because my sons go to a boys’ school, or more likely because I’ve been in denial, but I really was not ready for this boy/girl interaction. I certainly wasn’t ready for it to start so early, or for the girls to do as much or more initiating than the boys. When I was in school, girls didn’t call boys, period. Now it seems that not only do they call, they text, they instantmessage, they face-time and more.

46 | sawoman.com

If you see your son speaking to a girl, do not interrogate him for details of the conversation.

MOMMY MATTERS

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All of this doesn’t mean when it comes to addressing boy/girl dynamics you should take a hands-off approach either. Here are a few things I have tried that seem to be working: • Remember that timing is everything. Rather than ask my son about the girls at the pool the second we got in the car, I waited and casually brought it up the next day. I got much more information than I would have if I had started my inquiry when he was hot, tired and likely a little embarrassed.

of topics that he will be dealing with in the very near future. By laying the foundation and defining expectations now in a relaxed and casual environment, my hope is that both of my children will know that they have a safe place to come if they find themselves in a situation that they do not know how to handle.

• Take him seriously. Last year, my son came home from a dance completely distraught because the girl that he wanted to dance with asked someone else. I listened and was sympathetic, fighting the urge to dispense such useless phrases as “there will be other dances.” It was a big deal to him so I treated it as such. Don’t dismiss his feelings if you are fortunate enough that he shares them with you.

• Answer just the question posed. I remember a lecture I attended on this topic where the speaker advised answering your child’s questions clearly but concisely and without too much elaboration. In other words, if your 7-year old suddenly announces (as mine did) that he is “confused about birds and bees,” don’t immediately go into an explanation that it is a term for sexually related topics (as I did). Why not? Because if I had simply said, “Really, why?” I would have realized that he had just watched a movie about how important bees are to the environment and wondered how birds fit into the grand scheme of things. Oops!

• Keep the lines of communication open. My oldest son and I enjoy walking and bike riding. It is during these times that we are able to have some really good and honest conversations about a wide range

Watching your children begin to see themselves in terms of how they relate to the opposite sex is not easy for any parent, but it is an inevitable part of life. If we can help them through these early stages with kindness, patience and empathy, we can hope they (and we) will all emerge a little wiser and no worse for the wear.

september/october 2013 | 47

Indeed, the day Trinity University welcomed Dirk Elmendorf into its family fold was a lucky day for San Antonio. After graduating with a BA in international economics, Dirk, along with two of his fellow Trinity students, co-founded Rackspace Managed Hosting, the world’s largest hosting and cloud company, and in doing so, put San Antonio on the “techie” map.

Not bad for a kid who grew up in Brownburg, Ind., population 6,000.

By COURTNEY BURKHOLDER

Photography by CASEY HOWELL

GUYS TO KNOW

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arried for seven years, Dirk and his wife, Annie, an amateur triathlete, have two children, and in Dirk’s words, “have happily put down roots in San Antonio.”

Though he maintains close ties with Rackspace, Dirk left the company in 2009, ready to take on new challenges. His latest venture, r26D, brought him full circle and back to his startup roots, where he now advises other startups through the difficult and often overwhelming demands of software and business development, an area Dirk knows well. He also runs TruckingOffice, an online application built to manage small trucking companies.

Despite his impressive workload, finding time and creative ways to give back to San Antonio is hugely important to this proud transplant. Currently, Dirk serves as a trustee for the Witte Museum and is on the board for the Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corporation. Promoting education is also crucial to this polymath, and he is active in the GEMS program at UTSA and the Trinity Entrepreneurship program and serves as an ambassador for entrepreneurship and technology for the 80/20 Foundation. I caught up with the self-branded “economysizegeek” to find out a little more about his life, his passions and the many ways he puts his knowledge to good use. ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Q: In what capacity are you still involved

A: Growth hacker is a specific kind of mar-

feel like the San Antonio I came to in 1993

with Rackspace?

keter. The focus is on using technology and

and the San Antonio of today are worlds

A: Once Rackspace got bigger than the

testing tools to drive specific metrics that

apart. I'm not from here, but I've put roots

town I grew up in, I got a lot less effective at

lead to growth (hopefully exponential

down here, and I want this city to be the best

getting things done. I'm still involved in the

growth). It allows me to combine my tech-

place possible to live. I'm in the process of

onboarding program, and I participate with

nology skills and my experience with tradi-

moving downtown, and I'm excited about all

special projects when it makes sense.

tional branding/marketing. It also marks a

the potential being unlocked there. That is

Q: At r26D, you’ve chosen to share your

shift in my focus. At Rackspace, I spent most

part of the reason I got involved with the

wisdom and experience with others who

of my time working on the actual product.

Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corpo-

have their own Rackspace dreams. How

People with a lot more experience in the

ration (HPARC). I really believe that making

have the challenges changed since you were

trucking industry drive our product road

Hemisfair Park a place for San Antonians is

building Rackspace?

map. I'm focused on making sure that people

an important part of reshaping how we all

A: With r26D, my original idea was to build

discover, try and convert to our product.

think about downtown.

a small team of people who could get

Q: As the @economysizegeek, you re-

things done and then seek out opportuni-

cently tweeted this in regards to the new

ties in the startup world that had big ideas,

Legos targeting girls: "At this point all I

I was growing up, I couldn't name a single

but lacked the experience to know how to

care about is more kids building." Care

programmer. Now even my mom can name

scale them. Our path has taken a different

to elaborate?

three (Gates, Jobs and Zuckerberg). All too

turn. We do provide guidance to a number

A: Today kids are bombarded with technol-

often the people who have great success are

My second interest is in igniting a spark in kids for math, science and technology. When

of startups, but that did not turn out to be

ogy that allows them to consume (Hello,

put on a pedestal, which makes it hard for

our main focus.

iPad!), but the future belongs to the creators.

kids to see how they can achieve great

I don't know what their medium will be, but I

things. I want to change that mindset. I try to

When we started Rackspace, it was incredibly difficult to get things going. Every-

know that the more you can engage kids in

get kids to see that they are all capable of

thing about it was hard, but that ended up

thinking about how to take what they have

being world class at something. It starts with

being a great barrier to keeping competitors

before them — break it, fix it, remix it and re-

a passion and a willingness to put in the time

out. Today, you can form a business and be

build it — the better you are preparing them

and effort to become great. Those small

online in minutes. Thanks to the cloud (and

for the future. That is when they can apply all

steps can add up over a lifetime into some-

companies like Rackspace) you can scale as

the things that they end up asking, "Why do I

thing truly amazing.

you grow.

have to learn this stuff?" It isn't so abstract

Q: I understand you are a beekeeper. Any

when the problem is right in front of you.

plans for a honey startup?

That has resulted in a glut of competition for any idea. That means that every startup

I think of Legos as that first gateway into the

A: This one is still pending. I’ve been hous-

has to get really good at standing out in spite

idea that you can take a pile of abstract

ing my bees in hives I built myself as an ex-

of the noise their competitors generate.

pieces and turn them into something fun and

periment. I'm in the process of redesigning

Technology still plays a role, but branding

meaningful. Those are early lessons that pay

the hives for the hobbyist that is more like

and communication are essential to success

dividends down the road.

me — pressed for time and loves gadgets.

now. We were given a lot of time to figure all

Q: Tell me a little about the volunteer work

That may result in the first fully instrumented

that out at Rackspace, but now you have to

in which you are currently involved.

hive that lets you know what the bees are

hit the ground running.

A: I have two main thrusts to my charitable

doing even when you aren't around … or it

Q: You list your title as "growth hacker" at

work: The first is a focus on downtown San

could end in a disaster! That possibility is

TruckingOffice. What does that mean?

Antonio. San Antonio is a city on the rise. I

what makes it interesting.

september/october 2013 | 49

CSI Officer Loves Her Work Maria Gutierrez has wanted a law-enforcement career since the third grade.

BY PAULA ALLEN

Photography by JANET ROGERS

Real-life crime scene investigation is

erty room; a homicide detective opens an

tered to attend Providence High School,

nothing like popular TV crime shows, says

investigation, and if the detective decides

where her sister Anna was a student, the fol-

Maria Gutierrez, who has seen the job from

the evidence needs special processing, it

lowing fall, she agreed to go for an inter-

both sides, onscreen and off.

gets sent to the Bexar County lab and

view at Texas Military Institute (now TMI –

comes back months later.”

The Episcopal School of Texas).

So far, there’s no CSI: San Antonio program, but there is a CSI unit within the San

The true sequence of crime solving may

“I had a friend who had been going there

Antonio Police Department, where Gutier-

not always be direct, but neither was Gutier-

since sixth grade,” says Gutierrez. “Her

rez has worked for nearly five years. “On

rez’s path to her career as an investigator.

mom and mine were friends, so we decided

TV, (characters) will respond to a call, put

Growing up in San Antonio, she had planned

to take a look at TMI.” While visiting the

on a lab coat, get the crime solved and put

a career in law enforcement since third

school, which has an optional JROTC pro-

the suspect in jail, all in 45 minutes,” she

grade. After college, she would have be-

gram, Gutierrez had decided to attend as a

says, smiling.

come an Army officer if not for a serious

civilian until a member of the school’s

knee injury.

Corps of Cadets recommended the military

In reality, the process involves more people and time. “Patrol officers are the first to

“Everything happens for a reason,” she

respond,” she says. “Then they notify our su-

says. Her first experience of a sudden

ter, and then I fell in love,” she says. In her

pervisors, who are police sergeants, and

change of plans happened days before her

senior year, Gutierrez was chosen to be-

we’re sent out to collect and document ev-

eighth-grade

Blessed

come a company commander, and the

idence at the scene. We put it in the prop-

Sacrament Catholic School. Already regis-

Corps commandant encouraged her to

50 | sawoman.com

graduation

from

program. “I agreed to try it for one semes-

ROLE MODEL apply for an ROTC scholarship to college.

“I didn’t think I would get it, so I didn’t

W

Jayson “JJ” Montanio, who just started

next level, studying toward the examination

Montessori preschool at Mount Sacred

for CSI III.

want to do it,” Gutierrez says. But she filled

Heart School. Gutierrez and Montanio work

out the applications and was awarded a full

different shifts, so there is always one par-

Even

though

her

cases

don’t

get

wrapped up as fast as those in the TV police

scholarship to St. Mary’s University, where

ent available to be with their son. She works

procedurals she watches — “I admit it, I’m

she received her bachelor’s degree in crim-

days, her partner works nights, and they’re

addicted to them,” she says with a laugh —

inology in 2003.

able to share family dinners on weekend

Gutierrez views her job as an essential part

nights, when he’s off work, and she’s home

of the criminal-justice system.

In college, “I declared my major early and stayed with it,” she says. “I never dropped a

by midafternoon. During the week, they’ll

“Our job is to document the crime

class, and I would have graduated in three

take their son to school together and share

scene,” she explains. “That evidence gives

years if my ROTC commitment hadn’t re-

some breakfast tacos. Except for vacations,

the detectives the leads they need so that

quired four years.” After graduation, Gutier-

that’s it: “I’m jealous of families who get to

the person who did it can be convicted.”

rez expected to enter the military police

have dinner together seven nights a week.”

Crime scene investigators “are the outsiders

career she had worked so hard for, to be fol-

The couple look forward to his retirement

of the investigation. It’s human nature to

lowed with a transfer to the FBI, but she

in about eight years, when they’ll be one of

judge, but that’s not what we do. The evi-

suffered a knee injury that would require

those families. Meanwhile, Gutierrez is

dence speaks for itself. It’s all facts. It is

four surgeries. Regretfully, she chose not to

working toward taking her career to the

what it is.”

pursue military service.

Instead, she went on to earn a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Cincinnati. “My mother had gone through life with just a high-school degree,” says Gutierrez. “Then she went back to school at San Antonio College, finished at Our Lady of the Lake University and earned her master’s degree. She told me, ‘If I can do it with four kids, you can, too.’”

Back in San Antonio, Gutierrez was recruited for a job at Antonian College Preparatory High School, where one of her former teachers had become an administrator. For about four years, she was director of student activities, yearbook and student newspaper advisor and softball coach. “I loved my job there, loved coaching,” she says. But Gutierrez found a way back to her original ambition when she heard an Antonian alumnus speak at Career Day about his job as a crime scene investigator.

Maria Gutierrez

Encouraged by the alum, she applied and

Age: 32 was given an interview — on the same day she was scheduled to leave for a softball coaching conference. Neither date could be

Occupation: Crime scene investigator II, San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) Personal: Mother of Jayson “JJ” Montanio, age 2, with life partner, James “J” Montanio, an SAPD sergeant.

changed, so Gutierrez waited and reapplied the next year. At the end of an eight-month application process, she was told she had been selected for CSI training.

The CSI academy requires 320 hours of classroom and hands-on work, “learning to do everything we do — operate a camera, fingerprinting, sketching a crime scene,

Why she’s a Role Model: Rebounded from a serious knee injury to find a different route to the law-enforcement career she wanted; makes her family a priority while studying for advancement on the job.

Goals: To keep her family relationships as strong as possible and to become “the best and most qualified at what I do.”

Best advice ever given: From her mother, Anna Conger — “Never rely on anyone else to take care of you; be independent.”

video, collection and preservation of evi-

Believes in…“Education is the most important thing you can do for yourself. No one can take it away.”

dence, chemical processing.”

People would be surprised that I…”was a military ball sweetheart in high school.”

During her first year on the job, Gutierrez met her life partner, SAPD Sgt. James “J” Montanio. Together for four years, the cou-

What she’s reading: Three books on crime-scene investigation to prepare for her CSI-Level III examination; heavy rotation of Green Eggs and Ham, by Dr. Seuss and Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, her son’s bedtime favorites.

ple have a 2-and-a-half-year-old son, september/october 2013 | 51

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DINING

By RON BECHTOL

Following

Food Trucks

Serving up barbecue, sushi, New Orleans street food and more

Photography JANET ROGERS

Chris Cullum sells Attaboy burgers from a converted Airstream trailer on South Alamo Street, above. Several other food trucks put in regular appearances in this neighborhood.

ager, Matt Marshall, says they’ve done dozens of trucks since that first one for Wheelie

San Antonio is not renowned as a city of

food trucks lurking in some kind of taco-fueled

Gourmet, a mobile kitchen distinguished both

fast-breaking trends and unbridled innova-

twilight zone. Roaminghunger.com, a website

by smart graphics and an exotic menu with North African leanings. “We’re building four

tion. We tend to be more deliberate about

that tracks such things around the country,

things. Not since chili con carne made its ap-

counts 51 units in San Antonio. And though the

right now,” says Marshall, though none is des-

pearance in the bustling markets of mid-nine-

number is subject to constant change (and is

tined for use locally. At an average price of

teenth century SA have we been in the

likely an under-count, for that matter), it’s still

around $70,000 to $100,000, according to

vanguard of culinary creativity.

astonishing. Apart from the inevitable impetus

Marshall (who also says they have done really

Following this lead, most of us would sus-

provided by national publicity — including

simple trucks for as little as $30,000), that

pect that we have lagged behind places such

Food Channel shows dedicated to the topic —

adds up to an impressive yearly tally.

as Portland and, yes, even Austin, when it

much of our awakening can be attributed to

Davies has not been content to merely

comes to food truck culture. Yes and no. While

Cruising Kitchens, a local outfit that produces

build trucks, however; he also established the

it’s true that the proliferation, both in number

high-end food trucks at its location on Bul-

city’s first food truck park, Boardwalk on Bul-

and variety, of mobile kitchens here is a recent

verde Road inside Loop 1604.

verde (www.boardwalkonbulverde.com), adjaCameron

cent to his manufacturing facility. On a normal

that casual (and, we assume, largely unregu-

Davies, first began by building blinged-out

day, according to Marshall, there are nine or so

phenomenon, it’s equally correct to point out

Cruising

Kitchen’s

owner,

lated) taco trucks have long been a fixture at

custom cars for athletes and other luminaries,

trucks in attendance, and they range in char-

specialized locations such as construction sites.

but has since abandoned that business to

acter from Dirty Dawgs (hot dogs) to Society

Turns out we may actually have been inno-

concentrate on food trucks for San Antonio

Bakery (polite pastries), passing through

vators. Just under the radar. But no longer are

and now around the country. CK’s shop man-

burgers, chicken and comfort food along the

52 | sawoman.com

way. There’s even a truck fitted out with a brick oven for pizza — though it’s not one CK can claim responsibility for having built.

Such has been the success of Boardwalk, despite its out-of-the-way location, that wagons have been pulled into a circle (metaphorically) in several other locations around (and out of) town — and a nonprofit group has been established to support the growing community. The San Antonio Food Truck Association (www.safta.net) was put together by truckies from K-Hill BBQ, Rickshaw Stop (recently named No. 7 food truck in the United States by the Huffington Post’s thedailmeal.com), Lagniappe Today, Wheelie Gourmet and Cheesy Jane’s, and, according to Denise Aguirre, owner of The Point Park and Eats on Boerne Stage Road, “it means something to belong — though we take both members and nonmembers.” (SAFTA is also where she sends folks who call her saying, “I want to start a food truck — can you help me?”)

At The Point, Aguirre says she handles over 50 trucks (Pork U, Texasada Mexican Street Food and Crepe Nation among them) on a rotating basis, though she tries to keep a couple of “flagship” participants for stability’s sake. Juggling trucks and live entertainment ranging from indie to jazz — not to mention keeping a bar going as well — must be working.

“This is a competitive business, but The Point is a happening spot,” says B.R. Anderson of B-Daddy’s BBQ, a participant who once operated a park

Another tenant of Alamo Street is Pieter Sypesteyn's Where Y'At, serving gourmet New Orleans street food such as Shrimp Creole, above left.

on 281 N. himself.

The Point’s clientele is not the same as one would find downtown,

Among the most ambitious tenants of Alamo Street (and other loca-

says Aguirre. Accordingly, Alamo Street Eat-Bar (www.alamostreeteat-

tions) is chef Pieter Sypesteyn’s Where Y’At “serving gourmet New Or-

bar.com), run by the genial folks who have the Friendly Spot in nearby

leans street food.” Where a lot of truck owners are first-timers trying to

Southtown, calls itself an “urban gourmet food park,” and it can cer-

sound out a dream, native New Orleanian Sypesteyn started out with se-

tainly boast of hosting some of the city’s best practitioners of peri-

rious food creds. Having worked with Andrew Weissman at both Le Rêve

patetic eats. Zum Sushi, whose other locations include Rackspace

and Il Sogno, he might have been expected to make his next move to an

headquarters on Walzem Road, says it’s the city’s “first mobile sushi

executive chef position at an upscale restaurant or maybe a brick and

truck.” It celebrated a year in business this July and wisely confines itself

mortar place of his own. But Sypesteyn seems content, for the moment,

to rolls ranging in price from $7.99 to $12.99. Where sashimi on a styro

turning out soft-shell crab and grits, New Orleans BBQ shrimp and one

plate might seem out of place, the Spicy California roll, accompanied

of the city’s most profound bread puddings from his colorful kitchen on

by a crunchy seaweed salad, is perfectly at home in the setting. Equally

wheels. Even a dish as humble-seeming as crumb-coated and deep-fried

at ease are outfits such as Chris Cullum’s Attaboy Burgers, housed in a

boudin balls with spicy remoulade comes across as a culinary accomplish-

converted Airstream trailer, and Wheelie Gourmet, which puts in regular

ment. The fixed-in-place bar at Alamo Street can supply a worthy beer

appearances with the likes of the Chicka-Chicka (preserved lemon is

on tap to accompany your order from any of the trucks; the hoppy Stash

important here) in a very crisp pita.

seemed to click with both rolls and balls.

september/october 2013 | 53

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DINING

Yet another kind of clientele is being courted at a new park scheduled for a soft opening at the end of summer. The Block Food Park & Patio Bar (www.theblocksa.com) is nearing completion on Roadrunner Way just south of UTSA, and developer John Onstead, an ’09 UTSA graduate, says he’s intent on providing some of the student cohesiveness that was missing in his days there — a goal that is being furthered by the recent appearance of a football team that students will now be able to watch on a 1,500-square-foot covered patio cooled with fans and misters and outfitted with flat and projector screens. Onstead says there’s nothing around like the facility he has envisioned; not only will it have a well-outfitted bar and restrooms, but there will be room for six or seven trailers, all allowed to dispose of grey water in an environmentally responsible way.

“I started the project in 2011,” he says, “and in 2012 the city passed codes to deal with food trucks.” Unlike many who almost reflexively think the city obstructionist, Onstead considers the codes a positive development. “Before, there were just mobile vending laws, but, unlike Austin that finally woke up [to the need to regulate] at the tail end of the [curve], San Antonio has caught it on the front end. The [new] codes are what are allowing places like Alamo Street to operate.”

And the city hasn’t been content simply to pass codes. Downtown Operations (www.sanantonio.gov/dtops) coordinates vending schedules for such public locales as Main Plaza, Travis Park, Madison Park, the Weston Centre and Alamo Plaza — a site that last saw active vendors in the form of chili queens in the late ‘30s. Look for trucks such as Totally Shredded, Bite Street Bistro, Cheesy Jane’s and Wheelie Gourmet at these locations — and should you be in the vicinity of Port San Antonio, also look for trucks such as Mr. Meximum and Porky J’s BBQ, courtesy of a collaboration between the San Antonio Food Truck Association and Port SA. Knowing the locations and hours of truck parks is, of course, one way to be sure of snagging something you like at a place near you. But as many of these trucks really are “incubators” and test kitchens in transition to a more fixed operation (Texasada and The Point’s Aguirre are teaming up on a permanent location to be called Taps & Tapas that is under construction in the Five Points area, for example), the only way to really keep on top of who’s where when is to embrace Facebook and Twitter. “I live on [them],” says Aguirre. “Social networking is the lifeblood of the food truck business,” reinforced B-Daddy’s Anderson.

54 | sawoman.com

DINING

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The Smoke Shack, right, can usually be found at Nacogdoches Road and Loop 410. A typical plate, opposite, includes barbecue ribs, pulled pork, potato salad, jalapeño cream corn and a fresh roll.

Of course, non-networkers can always continue to find trucks at places they might go anyway. Saglimbeni Fine Wines on West Rhapsody hosts a single, curated food truck each Saturday to complement its weekly wine tastings. Past participants have included Spice Sea Gourmet, run by C.I.A.-trained chef Whitney Matthews, and Jason Dady’s DUK (short for Dady’s Underground Kitchen) Truck — a facility Dady considers good training experience for his chefs at Bin 555 and Tre Trattoria. Reliably stationed midday from 11 to 3 at Nacogdoches and 410 is Smoke Shack BBQ, a truck that readers of the Express-News recently voted Best Barbecue in San Antonio.

Food trucks are also parked outside The Brooklynite near downtown on many evenings as well. Operators such as The Queen of Smoke are happy to deliver your smoked prime rib sandwich inside as the perfect mate to a rummy Brooklynite cocktail, or maybe a gingery Dark and Stormy.

And at weekly farmers’ markets such as the one at the Quarry, trucks such as Winner Winner Chicken Dinner will help sustain you as you shop for farm-ripe tomatoes.

Can’t escape ‘em, so might as well enjoy ‘em.

september/october 2013 | 55

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AROUND TOWN

Rita Thompson and Sally Ball greet Jacquie Rothermel and Martha Franco at the San Antonio Bar Auxiliary Meeting.

Rose Marie Banack and Mertie Wood gather at the Gardenia and Musical Club Summer Meeting.

Dr. Kaye and Sidney Wilkins, Marshall and Shelly Harrell, Donna and Dr. Mark Gilger with Dr. Fernando Guerra get together to enjoy a special celebration.

Virginia Van Cleave (in red) chats with Linda VanGaasbeck. Anabel Rodriguez and Janet Ihfe at the San Antonio Bar Auxiliary Meeting.

DeeAnn Simpson, Carole Dorsey Walker and Caro Canales celebrate with Siobhain Buckley, Tenchita Flores, and Norma Edwards at the Gardenia and Musical Club Summer Meeting.

Mark Richter, Kristina Mistry, Veronika Kuest and Carol Karotkin enjoy an event at the Kuest Ranch.

56 | sawoman.com

Story and Photos by DENISE EASDON

WINE

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Burgundy

Home of Red and White Wines Burgundy is a captivating combination of history and vineyards located in the eastern part of France, with historic towns, fanciful cuisine and distinct wines unique to the region.

All French wine regions have their hierarchies, which include in order of prestige and pedigree grand cru, premier cru and then the village wines.

On a recent trip to France I spent several days experiencing the essence of Burgundy, visiting vineyards, exploring the different grape varietals and

matically from an extremely light-bodied

the many different styles of wine. This was a journey through the regions

wine to a full-body tannic wine with a wide

north to south that included walks in vineyards examining soil, a special

range of aromas and flavors. Vintages will

day at the Bichot winery and a drive up to the most famous of vineyards, Romanee-Conti.

also vary from year to year as with the Bichot Pommard Red — the 2009 is a robust and hearty wine, while the 2010 is a softer, more elegant style, both beautiful wines.

The time-honored red Burgundy is a pure

As with most of the Old World, viticul-

variations of white Burgundy include a

fruit pinot noir with an elegant balance of

ture within Burgundy dates back to the

steely, fruity Chablis (the northern-most

fruit and acidity.

Greeks and Romans — the Greeks around

region), Pouilly-Fuisse (located in the Ma-

There are five regions of Burgundy that

600 B.C.; Caesar’s conquest of Gaul was in

connais region) with its richness and full-

run north to south: Chablis, Cote d’Or,

52 B.C.

Today, there are two principal

bodied style, and the soft, subtle, delicate

Cote Chalonnaise, Maconnais and Beaujo-

grapes of Burgundy: chardonnay (white)

aromatic wines of Meursault (from the

lais. All wine regions of France have their

and pinot noir (a black grape producing

Cote d’Or). The name “Chablis” has been

hierarchies, which include in order of pres-

red wine). The word pinot is derived from

borrowed for many years as a generic

tige and pedigree grand cru, premier cru

the word pinecone, as the pinot noir grape

name from Burgundy and used to label

and then the village wines. The grand cru

clusters grow in the shape of a cone. Noir

wines from around the world that are

vineyards are appropriately located at the

is the word for black, as the skin of the

nowhere near the quality of the original

very top of the hillsides with the highest

grape is black.

and only Burgundy Chablis.

landscape elevation and will often include

White Burgundy (chardonnay) offers

The primary red grape of Burgundy is

varied styles of wine. Three exceptional

pinot noir, which also varies in style dra-

the name of the vineyard or village where they are planted on the label.

september/october 2013 | 57

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WINE

One of the biggest influences on any wine is the soil. The soil of Burgundy is considered the most famous of soils known as Kimmeridge.

The two other lesser-known grapes of Burgundy are the aligote white grape varietal, and the red gamay grape produced in the Beaujolais region to the far south of Burgundy. The aligote grape is typically a medium-to full-bodied style, formerly known as Bourgogne Aligote Bouzeron, now just Bouzeron. Gamay tends to be a medium-bodied style with dried fruit flavors of red raspberry, strawberry, cranberry and cherry.

One of the biggest influences on any wine is the soil. The soil of Burgundy is considered the most famous of soils known as Kimmeridge, along with limestone. The Kimmeridge soil is from the Jurassic era of dinosaurs and ocean floor (between 135 and 195 million years ago), comprising petrified remains of sea life packed down over these millions of years. The Kimmeridge soil along with the limestone rock provides a distinctive character to the wine, a minerality component that all white Burgundy wines have and the perfect soil for chardonnay.

Romanee-Conti (RC) is the most famous wine from Burgundy. A grand cru pinot noir vineyard, located in the Cote du Nuits, a sub-region of the Cote d’Or, produces one of the most highly sought after and expensive wines in the world (a 1995 bottle priced at $1,999 and a 1978 bottle selling for $17,239). Purportedly, at an auction held in October of 2010, 77 bottles of Romanee-Conti (RC) sold for $750,609 (an average of $9,748 per bottle), and in 2013 three bottles of the 1990 vintage sold for $72,000 (an average bottle cost of $24,000).

Bichot Estate winery is one of the largest producers and oldest families in Burgundy, dating back to 1350, with the winery established in 1831. Bichot and other great Burgundy wines are easily found at wine stores throughout San Antonio. The Bichot Chablis Domaine Long-Depaquit is available at Francesca’s restaurant located in the Westin La Cantera Hotel, and the Bichot Les Vaillons Premier Cru can be enjoyed at Bistro Vatel in Olmos Park.

With hundreds of years of winemaking behind them, the French seem to be self-assured with a poised demeanor; they simply know they are the best at what they do and with good reason. So visit your local wine shop and give the Burgundy section a look.

Au revoir!

58 | sawoman.com

By ANNE MOORE

BEAUTY

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Scents &Sensibility The fragrance you wear could be the most powerful weapon in your beauty arsenal. It can affect your mood and your mind. Some women have a signature scent — a fragrance that, when whiffed, conjures up a memory of that person. That's why you should use extra care when choosing your fragrance.

There is no one-formula-fits-all way

One or more ingredients from these

for creating a fragrance. As a matter of

categories are then combined with alco-

fact, there a few hundred ingredients

hol and water to develop the desired

available to laboratory personnel for

aroma. The ratio of the base scent to the

cooking up and testing recipes for new

alcohol/water content determines the

aromas. These ingredients fall into one

strength of the final product.

of three groups or categories.

First, there are the plant substances

“A PRETTY GIRL IS LIKE A MEL-O-DY...”

such as herbs and fruits. The essences

The making of a fragrance has been

of these substances are extracted, then

compared to composing a melody. The

either pressed or distilled to give up

word “note” is an industry-related term

“A good fragrance is really a powerful cocktail of memories and emotion” —Jeffrey Stepakoff, The Orchard.

their essential oils. Animal materials are

referring to how the scent is used in the

The bottom note will be the longest-

sometimes used, such as the musk

construction — the beginning, middle

lasting scent. The final product will re-

scent from the musk deer. Then there

and ending — of a fragrance. A top note

sult from how these notes are mixed

are the synthetic scents created in lab-

represents the first impression of the

and matched. The most apparent notes

oratories where chemicals are used to

aroma that you smell.

Middle notes

determine the classification or type of

make new scents, those not occurring

usually come from a certain type of

the scent. These types help you with

naturally in nature.

scent — spicy, floral, citrus and so forth.

the selection process.

september/october 2013 | 59

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BEAUTY

Research has shown the effect scents have upon a person. Examples include:

CHOOSING YOUR WEAPON Some questions you can ask yourself to help you choose from the amazing choices of fragrance available today: What type of scent inspires you? Floral? Fresh? Spicy?

Oriental? If you choose floral, would you like a soft floral or a spicy floral note? Will you be wearing the fragrance during the day to

• Fragrance lasts longest when layered, so

looking for something to wear to a special

you might also want to purchase the body lo-

event or a romantic evening out? Do you

tion or cologne in the same fragrance. Layer

want to feel sexy? Confident? Energetic?

in the following order:

Fresh? Outdoorsy?

1. Soap, bath gel and or shampoo

If you can answer fragrance questions like Jasmine is said to help you focus and to be more productive.

2. lotion or cream

these, you can talk with the professionals at

3. deodorant

the fragrance counter who can then recom-

4. eau de parfum, de toilette

mend just the right scents for you. Mollie Calvert at Saks Fifth Avenue gives us the following tips regarding fragrances:

Florals makes you learn faster.

MORE TIPS:

lunch, for sporting events, etc.? Or are you

or cologne 5. perfume • Dab your scent on the warmest parts of

• Store your fragrances in a cool, dark area.

your body — neck, inner wrists, behind knees

• When you identify the type of scent you

— to diffuse it.

like, try several at the store. But be careful

• Since heat makes the scent stronger, it

not to spray too many, or you may confuse

might be wise to choose lighter scents in warm

yourself. Your consultant can help.

weather and stronger ones in cold weather.

• When gifting perfume, it is best to take along a sample for the recipient to try. That way, she may exchange the fragrance for another.

• High altitudes can affect the lasting power of fragrances.

• Your special diet or medications can affect the way fragrance reacts to your body

• A fragrance that has stood the test of time and is still coveted is Chanel No. 5.

• Some popular fragrances at Saks include

chemistry.

• Try this: Place those strips of perfume found on the full page ads in magazines in your

those from Carven, Jo Malone, Bond, Killian

lingerie drawer or in your purse. It's a nice “sur-

and Tom Ford.

prise” each time you open them.

Lavender calms you.

B, B AND R FACTORS Blondes have fair, sometimes drier skin, and so may require a longer-lasting fragrance.

Brunettes, on the other hand, usually have medium to dark complexions, probably oily, which allows a fragrance to linger.

Redheads, with their very light coloring, may find scents containing green notes are incompatible with their delicate skin.

Next time you visit your favorite department store, stop by the fragrance area. Sometimes just looking at the beautiful bottles provides a feeling of luxuriousness. Even if you Grapefruit makes others see a younger you!

Spicy floral scents make you feel slimmer!

60 | sawoman.com

like a scent that you cannot afford, ask if there is a smaller bottle or a cologne version.

Be sure to check around the holidays for some great gift promotions.

The most expensive perfume on record was the 10-bottle limited edition of Imperial Majesty, offered in 2006, by Clive Christian. Each of the 16-ounce Baccarat crystal bottles was surrounded by an 18K gold collar featuring a fivecarat white diamond. The price: $215,000.

W

By ANNE MOORE

HEALTH MATTERS

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. 200,000 + new cases of invasive breast cancer are diagnosed each year. 40,000 + women are expected to die from breast cancer this year.

about breast cancer Knowledge can be your key to survival

What is breast cancer? How do I get it? Is it hereditary? These are just a few of the questions you might have, especially if you hear the dreaded words, “You have an abnormal mammogram report.” We'll try to answer these questions for you to arm you with a key to survival — knowledge.

What is breast cancer? It is a malig-

screening mammogram should also be

Risk factors we can't influence:

nant tumor (collection of cancer cells)

routine. FDA has approved a 3D digital

• Age. As we age, the risk factor increases.

that formed from the cells in your breast.

breast mammogram.

What are the symptoms of breast

A “biopsy” can be performed whereby

• Family history of cancer.

• Personal history of breast cancer in-

cancer? Well, we've all heard the word

a small section of underlying breast tissue

creases the chances of it recurring.

“lump” used to describe something ab-

is taken and examined for cancerous cells.

• Menstruation starting before 12.

normal found in breasts. Other symp-

Since our lymph nodes act as filters to

• Menopause after the age of 55.

toms might include swelling, dimpling,

trap cancer cells and eliminate them from

• Race increases overall risk of white

pain in the breast or nipple or discharge

our body, a pathologist can determine if

women, while African-American women

of the nipple.

cancer cells are spreading from the tumor

have a more aggressive form when they

to other areas.

do develop cancer.

Any of these findings

should send you rushing to your physician immediately for diagnosis.

What causes breast cancer? Research

How is breast cancer diagnosed? The

has determined there are certain cancer

• Oral contraception you may have taken in the last 10 years, or the use of combined

recommended monthly self-examination

risk factors — some we can control and

hormone therapy after menopause.

many times is the first line of defense. An

some we cannot — that increase the de-

• Dense breast tissue.

annual examination by a physician and a

velopment of breast cancer.

• Childbirth after age 30 or no children.

62 | sawoman.com

september/october 2013 | 63

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HEALTH MATTERS What are the different types of breast cancer?

• Radiation therapy destroys cancer cells with high-energy

The most common types are

rays. The radiation can be admin-

ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS),

istered by beams focused onto

which has not spread from the

the affected area. Brachytherapy

duct and has a very high cure

delivers the radiation by implant-

rate, and invasive ductal carci-

ing little seeds into the breast.

noma, the type of invasive breast

• Chemotherapy treats can-

cancer 80 percent of patients

cer with medications given either

incur. It starts in the duct of the

by mouth or by injection.

breast, then grows into the sur-

medications find their way to can-

rounding tissue; invasive lobular

cerous cells via the bloodstream.

carcinoma starts in the glands of

Sometimes an antibody “engi-

the breast.

neered” to attach itself to the

The

cancer cells is used to try to slow

Factors that can reduce risk: • Breastfeeding for 1-1/2 to 2 years.

• Exercising.

• Maintaining a healthy weight.

• Limiting alcohol consumption.

What is breast cancer “staging” and how is it determined?

• Hormone therapy can be

determine the extent of cancer in

used to help reduce the chances

the body. A combination of can-

of the recurrence of cancer after

cer type and stage is used to de-

surgery.

termine the appropriate therapy

• Eating nutritious food.

and to predict chances for sur-

• Screenings, using mammogram, MRI or ultrasound.

vival. The system for staging used

• Prophylactic surgery. Women with an abnormal

in the United States is known as

BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene may be able to reduce their risk of

TNM. The T indicates the size of

breast cancer by having their ovaries removed before

the tumor. The N describes the

menopause. This very aggressive surgery could reduce

spread

breasts and ovaries are removed. The ovaries are removed

cancer cells more aggressively.

Staging is the process used to

• Not smoking.

that risk of cancer considerably. One or both healthy

cancer growth and to stimulate your immune system to attack

to

the

lymph

nodes

around the breast. And the M indicates whether the cancer has spread to other organs. The TNM

because they produce the main source of estrogen in premenopausal women. Post-menopausal women must have both their ovaries and fallopian tubes removed to reduce

matrix results are then combined into one of five staging groups, ranging from 0 to stage IV.

What about breast reconstruction?

cancer risk. This surgery is being chosen more frequently

A variety of imaging tech-

If you’re undergoing mastec-

by younger women because the younger the age, the

niques are also used to determine

tomy surgery, you may choose to

more benefit you gain.

if the cancer has spread, includ-

have a breast reconstruction by a

ing chest X-ray, mammogram,

board-certified plastic surgeon. It

Dr. Lillian Chou, of Aurora Breast Center, told me that

computerized topography (CT

is very important to talk with

even though abnormal BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes can put

scan), position emission tomog-

your doctors about restoration

you at greater risk, only about 5 percent of women with breast cancer have this abnormality. (Aurora Breast Center is a local facility for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Dr. Chou says they have the only dedicated breast MRI equipment in town.)

PAYMENT RESOURCES

If you have no health insurance, here are some government and private organizations that can help:

• The National Cancer Institute Information Services • Local department of social services • Local department of public health • American Cancer Society • Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation • Free clinics sponsored by local hospitals

64 | sawoman.com

raphy (PET) and bone scan.

and its benefits and risks before your mastectomy. For example,

What are treatment options for breast cancer?

will you have the reconstruction

Treatment depends upon the

date? Are you a good candidate

type and the staging group of

for reconstruction? Will you want

cancer that have been deter-

implants or tissue flap? Will your

mined. A partial mastectomy is a

insurance cover all expenses?

at the same time or at a later

breast-conserving procedure to

The American Cancer Society’s

remove only part of the breast. A

“Reach to Recovery” program gives

lumpectomy involves the removal

you access to breast cancer sur-

of the breast lump and surround-

vivor volunteers to answer your

ing tissue. In a mastectomy, all of

questions from diagnosis to treat-

the breast tissue is removed. In

ment to breast reconstruction. At

radical mastectomy, breast tissue,

www.cancer.org, you'll find lists of

lymph nodes and the chest wall

books and guides, including legal

muscle are removed. If you've cho-

and insurance topics. Also listed are

sen to have breast reconstruction,

other organizations, websites and

the overlying skin is preserved.

telephone numbers for reference.

september/october 2013 | 65

66 | sawoman.com

stronger, healthier babies 75 years in the making 2013

A Special Section from

The March of Dimes has been thinking about stronger, healthier babies for 75 years. As an organization, we developed vaccines that led to cures and protection, funded research that won awards and saved lives, educated women about how to have a healthy full-term pregnancy, and developed breakthroughs on many fronts that are now standards of care and compassion. With more than 4 million babies born in the United States last year, we believe our work is very important.

Board of Directors

Stronger, Healthier Babies — A Stronger, Healthier Future

Patrick Eurek, 2010; Board Chair NuStar Energy, L.P.

babies has been the focus of our volunteer and staff efforts, and 2013 was no exception. This

Glenn Errhalt, 2009; Board Vice-Chair Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union

that dates back well into the 1940s. Our 43rd walk, March for Babies, had a tremendous turnout

After 75 years our mission has expanded but has never wavered. Having stronger, healthier year we are celebrating a history between the San Antonio community and March of Dimes

Brenda Baldwin, 2009 Capital Group

with over 15,000 walkers! We are very proud of this event and the community’s participation.

Ed Belmares, 2011 City of San Antonio

in our own backyard. Thank you, San Antonio, for helping us continue to put our best feet forward in this celebratory year!

Patrina L Fowler, 2009 Community First Health Plan

in the San Antonio area. With the rise in desire and commitment to bring a free-standing chil-

Christie Goodman, 2005 Intercultural Development Research Association

We are grateful to have the support of so many, without which none of these programs would

Dr. Fernando A. Guerra, 2011 Pediatrician and Public Health Consultant Steven Krauskopf, 2009 KFW Engineers & Surveying Tammy McQueen, 2011 Accenture Martha Martinez, 2013 UTHSCSA School of Nursing John O’Keefe, 2011 Ken Batchelor Cadillac of San Antonio

Back in 1973, the walk was the very first of its kind in the country, and it took place right here

We are also very proud to announce the addition of three new hospital resource programs dren’s hospital to San Antonio, we knew this was the right time to launch these partnerships. be possible. For this, we would like to thank University Health System for being our 75th Anniversary Sponsor, as well as countless other major donors that have helped us make 2013 one of our strongest campaigns to date.

But our year is not over yet! November is National Prematurity Awareness month, and we ask you to help us cap off a wonderful 75th Anniversary year by taking part in any of the opportunities we have planned during that month. Additionally, please help us Go Purple for Preemies in November and celebrate as we recognize World Prematurity Day on the 17th. With increased awareness of just how big an issue premature birth is, we will put ourselves one step closer to the day when all babies will be born strong and healthy.

Finally, it is with great pleasure to report the March of Dimes was able to invest over half a million dollars in research grants right here in San Antonio in just the last two years. We are also pleased to report a continued reduction in the national preterm birthrate. With the support

Staff Noah Almanza CEO KJ Feder March for Babies Director Mariah Arispe Community Director

of so many in our city, we are winning the war against prematurity, one baby at a time. As we continue to celebrate this momentous year, let us not forget all the babies lost along this 75year journey. They are the reason we continue to search for answers, the reason we tirelessly work to pass legislation that protects women’s access to the best medical care possible, and certainly the reason why every spring we lace up our running shoes to take some very important steps to help more babies in every community.

This year we tried to honor our past; we attempted to celebrate the present; now we ask for you to join us as we march into the future for all babies and families in San Antonio!

Respectfully,

San Antonio Division 7410 Blanco Rd #400 San Antonio, TX 78216 Office: (210) 696-1030 Fax: (210) 694-0577

Patrick Eurek NuStar Energy, L.P. Vice President, Business Development Chairman of the Board, March of Dimes San Antonio

www.marchofdimes.com/texas

5

stronger,

bab 75 years in

1938

Started in 1938 by President Roosevelt, March of Dimes funded Dr. Jonas Salk’s research, which led to a “safe, effective and potent” polio vaccine in 1955.

1976 The first March of Dimes walkathon took place in 1973 in San Antonio.

1946

1973

March of Dimes paid for and transported thousands of iron lungs to help patients breathe.

1967 1953 James Watson and Francis Crick determined the doublehelix structure of DNA. 6

March of Dimes helped create a regional system of newborn intensive care units.

Expanded knowledge of birth defects helps educate nurses about prenatal care.

healthier

bies the making

2012

Moms-to-be learned about waiting for labor to begin on its own through the Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait program.

1984 Support groups for families eased fear and heartache of having a baby in intensive care.

Danielle Cofey was one of the first premature babies to be treated successfuly with surfacant therapy.

2010

The Prematurity Research Center is launched at Stanford University School of Medicine.

1985

1995

March of Dimes provides professional development for nurses caring for critically ill babies in the N.I.C.U.

Every baby is screened at birth for 29 or more serious but treatable conditions, thanks to newborn screening developed by March of Dimes.

2007

2003 March of Dimes launched a national Prematurity Campaign to raise awareness of premature birth.

7

Original recipe rich in

Folic Acid Amazing things happen when you give your signature. Research is done. Vaccines are discovered. Babies can simply be babies. At the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction, signatures make more than just a mark on paper.

They make a mark on someone’s life.

INGREDIENTS FOR AN EXCITING EVENING Join chairs David and Amanda Webb at the Westin La Cantera for a great night out while raising funds, making friends and increasing awareness of the March of Dimes mission to improve the health of babies.

Mix in lead chef Heather Nañez from Bohanan’s and more than 15 top local chefs as they prepare their signature dishes — all to honor stronger, healthier babies. Add some excitement to the mix by enjoying a variety of wine, beer and spirits and whisk in your friends for a truly unique dining experience. Blend in a rousing live auction with exclusive packages (donated by our generous chefs) that may include fine dining, resort stays, spa vacations and much more!

CONFIRMED 2013 SIGNATURE CHEFS ARE: Heather Nañez (Bohanan’s), Jeff White (Boiler House), Eduardo Franco (Brio), Nedra Harris (Charthouse at the Tower of Americas), Brian West (Culinary Institute of America), Joe Carrejo (Las Ramblas at Hotel Contessa), Diana Barrios (La Hacienda de los Barrios), Geronimo Lopez-Monascal (Nao), Mike Bomberg (Spice of Life), Michelle Green (Sweet Thyme), James Moore (TBA), Steve Warner (Two Step), Dirk Troop (Westin La Cantera), and Zach Lutton (Zedric’s).

STIR UP SOME EXCITEMENT If you’re interested in attending, participating or sponsoring this event, please contact marispe@marchofdimes.com or (210) 515-4844.

Our Signature Chefs Auction’s elegant combination of fabulous food, great wines, good company, priceless auction packages and a great cause will cook up an evening to remember!

Sufficient folic acid in women’s diets before and during pregnancy can reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spinal cord known as neural tube defects. To reduce the risk of having a child with a neural tube defect, women who might become pregnant should take a multivitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid every day, in addition to eating a healthy diet rich in natural sources of folate (naturally occurring folic acid). Below is signature chef Heather Nañez’s recipe for kale and cannellini bean soup, rich in folic acid.

Pictured: Lead Chef Heather Nañez from Bohanan’s. Mensan Studios Fine Photography.

Kale and Cannellini Bean Soup INGREDIENTS: 1-2 tbs. extra virgin olive oil 3 stalks celery- diced ½ cup carrots- diced 1 cup yellow onions- diced 2 cloves garlic- minced 4 cups water 4 cups vegetable broth 6 red skin potatoes- diced 2 cans cannellini beans- rinsed and drained 1 large bunch of kale- deveined, chopped and cleaned

In a medium-sized pot, over medium-high heat, sauté celery, carrots and onions in olive oil until translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Add all remaining ingredients (liquids last to avoid splash), then season to taste. Allow to cook until potatoes are fork-tender. Serve with grilled bread.

8

september/october 2013 | 75

Photo by Scott Smith.

Marching for

Hope

You can join in the fun at March for Babies on Saturday, March 22, 2014, at SeaWorld.

10

Over 15,000 participants and volunteers converged upon SeaWorld in a sea of purple on May 11 at March for Babies. Kevin and Sandi Wolff led the charge as event co-chairs. Judge Nelson and Tracy Wolff served as honorary co-chairs.

“They stand for babies — all babies, so when we were asked to chair, it was easy to accept, as we couldn’t think of a better cause to fight for,” said Sandi.

As the Bexar County Precinct 3 commissioner, Kevin Wolff knows firsthand the importance of everyone joining in the fight against premature birth: “It is the No. 1 killer of newborns in the United States. One in 8 babies born in Texas is born preterm... and I am sad to say that with over 26,000 births in Bexar County every year, we are among the Texas counties with the highest number of preterm births.”

University Health System was proud to serve as the 75th Anniversary sponsor this year. George Hernandez, president/CEO of University Health System, shared with participants that, “We are continuously striving to improve the health and well-being of the people of Bexar County, South Texas and beyond, and we are committed to starting with the most precious lives in our community — the BABIES.“ This year’s ambassador family shared their story of how Madison Oliver was born at just 25 weeks and fought to survive right here in San Antonio. Emcees Monica Taylor from Fox News First and Jamie Martin from KJ97 provided energy and enthusiasm during the ceremonies, and their closing remarks are the epitome of the March for Babies spirit: “Let’s show San Antonio and the world that we march for those who can, and those who cannot. We march for those born full-term and healthy, and for those born too small or too soon. We march for the babies who fight for their lives before they even understand what life is all about. We march for the boys and girls who will never know their siblings and for the parents who will never hold their newborns. We march for hope.”

Thank You to our 2013 Sponsors 75th Anniversary University Health System

Silver Baptist Health System BBVA Compass Capital Group Farmers Insurance Oak Farms Dairy NuStar Energy The Greehey Family Foundation SeaWorld

Platinum HEB Gold Citi Pediatrix Clear Channel KABB Fox 29 The CW 35

Bronze Accenture COS NuStar Silver Eagle

TOP CORPORATE TEAMS 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

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HEB MISSION PHARMACAL CITI UNIVERSITY HEALTH SYSTEM FARMERS PEDIATRIX MEDICAL GROUP Baptist Health System Oak Farms Dairy SAS SHOEMAKERS Capitol Group NuStar Energy - San Antonio ACCENTURE BBVA COMPASS AT&T CPS Energy Ashley Furniture - San Antonio UNITEDHEALTH GROUP Galaxy Builders, Ltd. Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P. Superior Healthplan Bexar County Team Atlee ALLSTATE INSURANCE Becton Dickson Team BMC

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

North East Independent School District LVHS FBLA Salinas Elementary School Girl Scout Troup 1891 Top Teens - River City Chapter

1.

2.

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Prayers Granted Madison Melissa San Antonio Military Families Sagar Super Novah's Kate and Patrick Team B-Squared TeamBrae TeamElliot Team Rylan Jacob

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Bill Armwood Barbara Keelan Barry Craft Carrie Cunningham Madison Oliver Christi Castellano Alicia Grant Veena Sagar Robin Somogyi Hallie Evans

$137,375 $83,077 $66,852 $59,185 $21,767 $18,369 $17,866 $16,912 $12,943 $12,685 $12,525 $11,753 $11,443 $9,087 $6,111 $5,925 $5,693 $5,563 $5,000 $4,767 $4,970 $4,420 $4,262 $3,573 $3,498

TOP YOUTH TEAMS $2,294 $286 $130 $120 $64

TOP FAMILY TEAMS $10,910 $5,082 $3,908 $2,559 $2,276 $2,195 $2,129 $1,870 $1,755 $1,610

TOP WALKERS $4,505 $4,195 $3,840 $3,805 $3,480 $3,462 $2,655 $2,099 $1,820 $1,670

A History Worth Repeating

By KJ Feder

Four and a half years ago, I was both ecstatic and terrified to begin working for March of Dimes. My knowledge of the organization was limited to participating in a few walkathon fundraisers and some Internet research. I knew that somehow my family was touched by the mission (my aunt had polio and my sister was born premature), but I, like so many others, had no idea what an impact March of Dimes has had on our nation and even our city. Now, what feels like a lifetime later (let’s face it, we all know the blood, sweat and love that go into working for nonprofit), I have immersed myself in the history of one of the most successful organizations in our country, and I am proud to be a part of it. I say this because through its 75 years of research, vaccines, advocacy, programs and breakthroughs, March of Dimes touches the life of every child born in the U.S. Here in San Antonio, the Bexar County chapter of the Foundation for Infantile Paralysis (the not-so-catchy original name) was founded in 1941, just three years after the national organization was started by President Roosevelt. In 1973, March for Babies was started right here in San Antonio, and it was the first walking/fundraising event of its kind — ever! Numerous community grants have funded iron lungs, prenatal education programs and research. In fact, in the past two years alone, San Antonio-based doctors have been awarded over $500,000 in research grants!

As I flipped through the pages of an old scrapbook uncovered during our recent office move, I was excited by the outpouring 12

of community support during our early years. From police officers and firefighters, to teenagers and mothers; from postal carriers and businessmen, to doctors and nurses, it was as though the entire city has raised funds in support of the March of Dimes mission to save lives at some point or another. I was overwhelmed by a sense of pride in my community for its continued support.

I’m sharing this with you because it’s vital that all San Antonians get involved to help give every baby a healthy start. If you’ve read this far, I hope that means my enthusiasm for this organization is contagious. I hope you are motivated to help make a difference in our city.

I hope you will get involved in any way that you can. Whether you give of your time, talent or treasure, YOU can give families hope.

This coming November, San Antonio is planning to celebrate Prematurity Awareness Month in a BIG way! We’re repeating history, getting back to our grassroots origins and encouraging everyone to participate. With our March of Dimes Baby Supply drive, a jailand-bail event (in partnership with SAPD), our Go Purple for Preemies awareness campaign and our Signature Chefs Gala, there will be plenty of ways you can get involved. Starting today, I encourage you to visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MOD.SA to share your favorite March of Dimes memory from the past 75 years and to learn more about our upcoming celebrations. Help us turn San Antonio purple this November!

september/october 2013 | 79

14

82 | sawoman.com

By MARY ANNE COLE

DOLLARS & SENSE

W

IS INDEPENDENT CONTRACTING FOR YOU? You’ll need initiative, energy and confidence The old paradigm of staying with the same company for 40 years and retiring with a generous package of benefits is fading quickly. In the new economy, many corporations are replacing full-time workers with contract workers, which frees corporations from such bothersome details as paying for benefits, sick and vacation days, and Social Security, Medicare and unemployment taxes. But this change isn’t always bad news for employees, as being an independent contractor can work out well for those who have the right temperament and skills.

If you’re thinking of becoming — or your employer is asking you to become — an independent contractor, there is much to consider, as the work and financial life of a contractor differ in many ways from that of a conventional employee. This article provides some insights into the life of an independent contractor — someone who does work for businesses without being an employee or (usually) having employees of her own. (Given this definition, we’re not really talking about small businesses that sell products or services directly to customers.)

Given these differences, there are

AWARENESS: When an employee

(at least) five qualities you need to

finishes the work on her desk, there’s al-

the least of which is that you can leave office politics,

make the move from employee to suc-

ways more where that came from, but

staff meetings, rah-rah meetings, annual reviews and

cessful independent contractor.

contractors have to have their eyes open

UPSIDES, DOWNSIDES AND BESIDES Contract work has some pretty great benefits, not

for opportunities — and do something

the office drama behind. If you handle your negotiations right, you’ll be paid hourly, so there will be no

FLEXIBILITY: Employees generally

more 60-hour weeks for which you’re paid for 40

have plenty of people to pass the buck

hours. If you don’t have many dependents, part of

to if they need help, do a lousy job or

ENERGY: Contractors can’t coast.

your pay will no longer go to health coverage and

get sick. An independent contractor’s

No one’s going to do your job for you

other benefits for dependents you don’t have, in-

job may be different every week, every

if you’re sick, no one’s going to find the

creasing the money in your pocket. You can broaden

day or even every hour, and there’s no

next job for you if you feel like sleeping

your skills and stave off boredom or burnout by work-

one to pass the buck to. A valued

in, and no one’s going to hire you for

ing in a variety of industries, and if you don’t like a

client may beg you for a last-minute

the next job if you miss deadlines or

particular client, you can finish the job and move on.

fast turn-around when you’d planned

deliver marginal work. The effort you

Perhaps most important, you no longer fear the pink

to work on something else or are on

put in has to be consistent.

slip or feel “stuck,” as your job-seeking skills are al-

vacation, or you may have an illness or

ways sharp and your network is always up to date be-

other emergency and no one else to

cause you’re always ready to find the next gig.

do the work.

about it when they see them.

CONFIDENCE:

Employees

know

what their paycheck will be every month.

Consider whether you have what it takes to make

For the contractor, though, dry spells will

the switch successfully before you decide to do it. The

INITIATIVE: Employees are used to

IRS says an individual is an independent contractor “if

doing the work on their desks and

client will be late with a payment, or one

the payer [client] has the right to control or direct only

having

you’ve relied on for work may stop call-

someone

monitoring

their

come or work will come in unevenly. A

the result of the work and not what will be done and

progress. As a contractor, no one is

ing.

how it will be done.” This definition is important for

going to stand over you, but when the

planned for all this, but they’re also able

tax purposes, but it also gives you some insight into

deadline comes, your deliverable bet-

to deal with uncertainty and are confi-

the difference between the life of a contractor and the

ter be ready.

dent enough in their abilities to know

life of an employee.

Successful contractors will have

they can find more work.

september/october 2013 | 83

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DOLLARS & SENSE

PITFALLS AND PRATFALLS Two mistakes plague most independent contractors who are just starting out: underpricing and failing to plan well for taxes.

UNDERPRICING One of the biggest mistakes new independent contractors make is underpricing themselves. If you’ve been an employee, you probably know about how much you made per hour. A contractor should price herself much higher than that. Remember that the employer is saving a considerable amount of money by hiring you as a contractor, rather than as an employee. The employer doesn’t have to pay for your health insurance, sick days, vacation days, 401k matching or retirement benefits, life insurance, unemployment insurance or worker’s compensation. The employer usually doesn’t provide any equipment either. Who pays for all that? You do.

Some rules of thumb say to add on 50 percent to what a conventional employee would get for doing your work, but some go as high as 100 percent. At the very least, figure out the value of all the things you would be getting “for free” if you were a regular employee and add them to your hourly price. If you think you can’t possibly get that much, remember the importance of confidence: Few companies balk at contractors’ prices because they know what all those benefits are worth.

For example: If an employee’s salary is $60,000 for 47 weeks of work (52 weeks, minus two weeks’ vacation, five days of sick leave and 10 holidays), that’s 1,880 hours at about $32/hour. Add the benefit of these five weeks ($6,400) or about 10.7 percent. Add the cost of health insurance — say $700/month for you and your family ($8,400) or about 14 percent. Employees usually pay only half their Social Security and Medicare taxes, while their employers pick up the rest, so that’s another 7.65 percent. We’re already 32 percent above the original $32/hour and haven’t even added in any retirement benefits or 401k matching, life insurance or disability insurance.

It’s pretty easy to see why contractors get more per hour than employees do for doing the same work.

TAXES If you can’t manage the math to price yourself, you may want to hire a money manager or an accountant, especially considering the next common pitfall — keeping the IRS happy. Self-employed people must figure out and pay quarterly estimated taxes, and if they underpay by too much, they’re not only hit with a monster tax bill, they’ll get penalties to boot. It’s guaranteed you won’t make this mistake more than once, but avoid making it at all by setting aside at least 25 percent of every check you get to send the IRS. Taxes are also more complicated for contractors than for regular employees because you want to ensure you get every legal deduction for which you qualify. That means keeping detailed books of your business expenses and, because we can deduct sales taxes in Texas, saving every receipt — not just business receipts. (You can take a standard deduction for sales taxes, but you’ll probably get more if you keep your receipts and add them all up.) You’ll get 1099s from everyone who has paid you $600 or more, but don’t think the IRS can’t find the smaller payments as well if it puts its mind to it.

There’s a good deal more to say about how to be a successful contractor — how to find jobs, how to manage clients and so on — and the Small Business Association (sba.gov), the IRS (irs.gov) and many more have plenty of resources and advice. Understanding the required temperament and the basic financial implications of being an independent contractor gives you a good start. Independent contracting isn’t for everyone, but it’s absolutely great for those who have the initiative, energy and confidence to go it on their own.

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SENIOR LIVING

Choices in

Retirement Living Finding a good fit in a retirement community is a concern for aging seniors and their families. The number of people seeking these lifestyles is rising as our population ages. For the past several years, many families have been unable to afford the move to a community. The traditional source for paying high community fees has been the sale of a primary residence, and for many seniors, the recession and collapse of the real estate market have reduced their ability to sell their homes.

Now that the real estate markets around the country are recovering, home sales have picked up, and the recovery is slowly making its way to retirement communities, which come in a variety of lifestyles. Some communities cater to those with existing challenges and specialize in assisted living, nursing care and housing people with Alzheimer's and dementia needs. Other communities cater to a lifestyle of independent living offering convenience, security and freedom.

Independent living communities have evolved into lively and active places for seniors to pursue carefree lives. They are no longer the typical old folks’ home, but have been marked as an attractive living choice.

Many healthy and well-educated seniors are choosing to make the move earlier to an independent living community. They want to continue their active lifestyles and don't want the burdens, maintenance and expense of home ownership.

Amy Thomas is sales and marketing director at The Towers on Park Lane, an active senior retirement community.

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By AMY THOMAS

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BUSINESS WOMAN SPOTLIGHT

Marietta C. Alba Apartment & Relocation Center President/Broker

What do you do? I am president and the broker of Apartment & Relocation Center. I started the company in 1983. We provide rental relocation services for those new to San Antonio because of their employment, those selling their home and looking for a new home, interns coming to work in San Antonio, military and government and anyone living in San Antonio who needs to find a temporary or permanent multifamily rental.

Length of time at this job: Thirty years.

I started the company in 1983. I am proud of all my team who have been with me from one year all the way to 30 years of employment. They are what make Apartment & Relocation Center and me successful. I thank God, my family and friends who all have stood by me, even in the times when it was a very lean business.

What is it that you like best about your job? I love everything about my job, especially my entire office staff. Every day is different. I love the people I meet when working with a new company making a move to San Antonio. I love the Realtors®, who are great partners, and I especially enjoy selling San Antonio — how can you not love this city?

Education/Major: Mountain State University in Beckley, W.VA. What career path led you to where you are today? I worked for a property management company associated with Deanie Owens Company, Realtors®. It was then that I got my real estate license and worked as relocation director. I saw the need for rental assistance becoming a priority for corporations moving employees. My vision was to have a rental relocation center to assist these employees.

Photo By Casey Howell

When did you know that you were in the right place in your career? In 1992, we were fortunate to be part of the relocation team working to bring Southwestern Bell Telephone to San Antonio. After that, USAA moved their credit card center from Oklahoma, and the rest is history. Apartment & Relocation Center has been fortunate to assist in many group moves coming to San Antonio, such as Chase Card Member Services, Medtronic, Petco and many more. I know this is where I am supposed to be.

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Who were your mentors? My mother has been my biggest mentor. I saw her work hard to put me through college because it was something she never had the opportunity to do. She has stood by me and even worked for me for several years. Travis

Kessler, who was the CEO of the San Antonio Board of Realtors® and is currently the CEO for the Texas Association of Realtors®, has listened, given advice and encouraged the work we do for our Realtor® family and their clients. He mentored me when I was on the executive board for SABOR and when I became chairman of the board in 2010.

What person do you most admire? The entire team who work at Apartment & Relocation Center. They give it their all. They don’t hesitate to educate themselves to learn more in order to help their clients and to earn designations that will help with their careers.

What is your favorite vacation? Traveling to Europe. I love Italy the best and will go often. I am taking a pilgrimage to the holy sites in Italy with friends this fall. A girls’ Alaska cruise is happening soon with my mother and sister, and I’m looking forward to relaxing.

What do you like most about San Antonio? I love the people in San Antonio. I love the food. I love our SPURS. The weather is a bit warm at times, but like I tell my newcomers, you live and work in air conditioning. You go from your home to the car with air conditioning and the car to the office in air conditioning. It is not that bad.

What community groups or not–forprofit groups are you involved with as a volunteer? SAMMinisteries and Any Baby Can. I currently serve on the Help, Hope and Home committee for SAMM to raise $8 million. Our company has supported the DOLL Campaign for Any Baby Can for many years and proudly displays all our babies at the office. Pilgrim Center of Hope is a nonprofit Catholic evangelization ministry in San Antonio as well. I also support FaithWorks of Abilene, Inc. How do you find balance in your life — career, community and home life? It is hard when you live and breathe relocation and temporary housing. The staff is great in allowing me a break from taking weekend calls, but I still help when it is my time.

What are your goals? My hope is to see Apartment & Relocation Center continue to help in bringing new business to San Antonio — therefore, see another 30 years of success.

When I pass on the business, it will be taken care of because I know the future will be in the hands of a caring and loving person of rental relocation.

People would be surprised to know … that my first job out of college was with the CIA in McLean, Va..

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WOMEN’S WELLNESS

Invasive Cosmetic Surgery Perk up with a nip or a tuck.

Don't let your sagging make you sad. We may feel much younger than our numerical age, but our appearance can give us away. Cheer up. You can achieve a more youthful look with a plastic surgery cosmetic procedure.

Last year, over 14 million cosmetic procedures were performed at a cost of well over $10 billion, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Noninvasive treatments, like injections and the use of lasers, can offer temporary improvements. For longer-lasting results, talk with your surgeon about some of the more invasive procedures among those listed below.

• Face-lift. As our faces age, we lose elasticity, fat and muscle tone. Along with our genes, cumulative additional factors, including sun exposure, yo-yo dieting, smoking and pollution, can contribute to our face's “fallen” appearance. During face-lift surgery, a surgeon removes the excess skin and fat and tightens the underlying muscles. For optimal results, consider additional procedures like a neck lift, eyelid surgery, forehead lift, brow lift, and/or implants. You'll have a firmer and fresher appearance, with minimal pain and a short recovery time. The face-lift will last five to 10 years. $7,000-$13,000+

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By ANNE MOORE

WOMEN’S WELLNESS

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WOMEN’S WELLNESS

• Eyebrow lift. You might think you need an eyelid lift when you really need to correct those forehead wrinkles and droopy, overhanging eyelids.

• Eye lift. For those of us who are tired of looking tired, whose droopy eyelids are causing us to look older, angry and unapproachable, this rather simple surgery could be the answer.

• Ear surgery. Your surgeon can improve the shape, position or proportion of your ears. You can also fix those saggy, wrinkled earlobes resulting from the aging process or from wearing dangly, heavy earrings. This surgery will give you a plumper, more rounded earlobe to make you appear younger.

• Nose surgery. If you're not happy with the appearance and proportion of your nose, or you have breathing problems, rhinoplasty surgery is what you need to correct either situation. $5,000 -$12,000.

• Neck lift. Get rid of that turkey wattle, the excess fat and skin that occurs many times because of one’s genes. When you have your neck muscles altered and the excess fat and skin removed, you'll look younger, and people will think you've lost weight as well!

• Facial implants. You can enhance certain facial features through the use of facial implants. Your plastic surgeon will want to know what you want to change about your appearance and why. Higher cheeks?

More structured jawline or chin? Softer features? Your surgeon can advise you what can be accomplished aesthetically with implants.

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BODY SPECIALISTS FOR WOMEN

Delio Ortegon MD, FACS SAN ANTONIO COSMETIC SURGERY, PA

Dr. Ortegon is a Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and President and Director of San Antonio Plastic Surgery. He serves on the Clinical Faculty of the Department of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, and is the Chief of the Plastic Surgery Division at the Christus Santa Rosa Medical Westover Hills Hospital. Dr. Ortegon offers a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures, and specializes in breast and body procedures. Dr. Ortegon earned a B.A. in Microbiology from the University of Texas, Austin and received his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. He completed General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery residencies at the University Hospital, San Antonio. Dr. Ortegon is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and holds an additional Board Certification in General Surgery.

11212 State HWY 151, Medical Plaza I, Ste 260 San Antonio, Tx 78251

Tel: 210. 417. 4895 WWW.SACS-SA.COM

Michael A. Baumholtz, M.D.,FACS SAN ANTONIO COSMETIC SURGERY, PA

Dr. Baumholtz is a Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. He performs a variety of cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures. Dr. Baumholtz earned a B.A. in English from Kenyon College, a M.S. from Thomas Jefferson University, and his medical degree (MD) from Jefferson Medical College (Philadelphia). After medical school, Dr. Baumholtz completed a general surgery residency at York Hospital and is Board Certified in General Surgery. He then went on to complete a Hand and Microsurgery Fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He then successfully completed a Plastic and Reconstructive residency here in San Antonio at the University of Texas Health Science Center. Prior to returning to San Antonio, Dr Baumholtz was an Assistant Professor and staff surgeon at Temple University Hospital in the Division of Plastic Surgery and the consultant plastic surgeon at the Shriner's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. His clinical interests included: complex trauma and cancer reconstruction, hand injuries in adults and children, nerve compression and nerve injuries, post-bariatric body contouring, complex hernia repair, lower extremity reconstruction, secondary burn reconstruction, complex wounds, chest and sternal reconstruction, and cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face and body.

11212 State HWY 151, Medical Plaza I, Ste 260 San Antonio, Tx 78251

Tel: 210. 417. 4895 WWW.SACS-SA.COM

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WOMEN’S WELLNESS

• Breast augmentation. Achieving larger, firmer breasts is the No. 1 type of plastic surgery performed in the United States. The largest group of women having breast implants are in their 30s. After having the family they want, they also want their former body back. Saline or silicone? Or “Gummy Bears”? The newest (not yet approved by FDA) implants are referred to as the Gummy Bear implant because they feel like, well, gummy bears do. Made of a much thicker form of silicone, chances of leakage are minimal. Said to last 10 to 20 years, breast implants come with a 10-year warranty. $5,000 - $10,000+ • Breast lift. In this procedure, the underlying tissue is tightened and reshaped for contour and firmness, and the excess skin is removed to compensate for the loss of elasticity. $4,000 - $9,000 • Breast reduction. Yes, I said it ... reduction. Large breasts can be painful both physically and emotionally. You and your surgeon will decide the procedure and reduction amount. $5,000 - $10,000 • Arm lift. Buff arms are in. Last year, 15,500 arm lift surgeries were performed, amounting to $61 million, with 40 percent performed on women ages 40 to 54. The trade-off to consider: Removing the loose skin means there will be scarring on the back of the arm. $5,000 - $8,500 • Tummy tuck. This is a major surgery, not to be used just to lose weight. A tummy tuck involves removal of skin and fat and tightening the muscles in the abdominal wall.

If you plan to have more children or if you're planning to lose weight, you don't want to undergo this procedure. It can leave you with permanent, prominent scarring. $5,000 – $9,000+ • Buttock implant. If you’re longing for a larger, rounder butt, this might be for you. Instead of the squishy, soft implants used for breast implementation, buttock implants are solid pieces of silicone that are placed beneath the fibrous lining of the buttock muscles.

You can choose from many other procedures to repair or change almost any part of your body. The costs listed here are estimates only. Actual costs vary, depending upon location, experience and reputation of your surgeon, medical tests, anesthesia and so forth.

The most important of these factors is the choice of your surgeon. She or he should be board certified in plastic surgery, preferably very experienced in your area of interest. Just remember to go into any surgery with a positive attitude and realistic expectations.

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Story and Photos by JANIS TURK

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY GUIDE

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Say

Willkommen to FREDERICKSBURG Texans’ favorite getaway for a weekend or a lifetime

J

ust an hour northwest of San Antonio rests a historic German settlement, a serene Hill Country hamlet favored by visitors and expat city dwellers captivated by Fredericksburg’s welcoming Old World charm.

New Yorkers have the Hamptons — their go-to weekend getaway spot —

farm-to-table restaurants and bed and

from all over the state and offers a restful

breakfast inns.

retreat from the commotion of city life.

much cooler than Manhattan’s concrete

But folks in San Antonio have the

But not everyone goes to Fredericksburg

jungle and a favorite escape each sum-

best escape of all — a quick one-hour

simply to sit in a rocker and eat the juicy

mer. On the West Coast, folks flee the

traffic-free drive to Fredericksburg.

little peaches for which the area is famous.

urban sprawl to cruise the California

This

historic

German

settlement,

Fredericksburg offers a great many

wine country, places like Sonoma and

tucked away in the breeze-friendly Hill

options year-round for active families,

Napa, where they enjoy wine tastings,

Country, is a favorite destination of visitors

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TEXAS HILL COUNTRY GUIDE

Lavender farms abound in the area. Bottom left is a lovely lavender soap from Becker Vineyard’s gift shop. At left and above: Shops on Main Street Fredericksburg and at the many lavender farms along Highway 290 offer a profusion of locally sourced lavender products.

ural that Fredericksburg is home to the Texas Mesquite Art Festival, to be held Oct. 11-13 in the downtown Marktplatz deer crossings are the only traffic spots

(marketplace) square. There you’ll see col-

to consider. Historic limestone structures,

lections of sculptured wood, including

old Texas churches, a broad main street,

large

fudge shops, state parks in Gillespie

mesquite, as well as unique craft and gift

County, outdoor recreation opportunities

items, all carefully carved from mesquite.

furniture

made

entirely

from

and more make Fredericksburg the ultimate Texas getaway destination.

ROLL OUT THE BARREL

FRIDAY FUN

much more than mesquite arts, of course.

October in Fredericksburg offers so On the first Friday night of every

Founded in 1846 by Baron Otfried Hans

month, Fredericksburg’s downtown starts

von Meusebach, the commissioner general

hopping with its First Friday Art Walk

of the Society for the Protection of Ger-

Fredericksburg (the next ones happening

man Immigrants in Texas, or the “Noble-

gles. Each year, the area is home to more

Sept. 6 and Oct. 4), where friends meet to

men’s Society,” Fredericksburg proudly

than 300 festivals and special events,

visit, browse galleries, talk to local artists,

celebrates its German heritage year-round

and fun everyday activities fill the local

watch art demonstrations, nibble on

— and what better way to do that than

calendar, such as winery tours, scenic

snacks and sip wine. Fredericksburg of-

with a big Oktoberfest celebration each

wildflower drives in spring, “Sunday

fers an array of art galleries and studios

autumn? Much like those held in Germany

Haus” private lodging options, boutique

along its downtown streets. Galleries

and in cities worldwide, Fredericksburg’s

shops, art galleries and studios, day spas

open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and feature a

Oktoberfest is a big event held annually

and Enchanted Rock State Park nearby.

full day of art events, so allow plenty of

during the first weekend in October (Oct.

With fine dining, local wines, live music,

time to visit as many as you can.

4-6). The weekend festival is a community

educational museums and more, Fredericksburg makes visitors want to return often or stay a lifetime.

In this quiet town of 10,600 residents,

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celebration of family entertainment and MESQUITE TREATS

features three stages of German polka and

Shops with fine furniture and design

“oompah” music, art and crafts, children’s

elements are popular here, so it’s only nat-

activities in the “Kinder Park,” a German

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TEXAS HILL COUNTRY GUIDE

At top: Settler's Crossing B & B, just outside Fredericksburg on the road to Luckenbach. Seven charming guest houses spread over 35 acres of beautiful Texas Hill Country. Pictured above: Der Lindenbaum restaurant on Main Stree.

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biergarten (beer garden)

inviting white limestone Der Lindenbaum

tent, and even an Okto-

restaurant on Main Street, where wiener

berfest

schnitzel, jaeger schnitzel and bratwurst

Vineyard

area

showcasing local wines.

are always on the menu. Altdorf Bier-

A big chicken dance on

garten is another fine spot to sample

Main Street is sure to

good German eats. Under the same own-

bring a smile, along with

ership since 1985, Altdorf’s sits along Main

the

Street in a limestone building dating back

town’s

annual

domino tournament. Au-

to 1847, but its main draw is its shady out-

thentic

food,

door biergarten. Many men make it their

cold brews and sodas

waiting spot while wives shop downtown.

German

and nonstop music are all

They may wait a long time, for there are

part of the festivities.

more than 150 shops in Fredericksburg.

SCHNITZEL, ANYONE?

PICKERS WELCOME

But you don’t have to

Shoppers, collectors, antique buffs and

attend Oktoberfest to

local “pickers” are also sure to enjoy Fred-

get a sense of Freder-

ericksburg Trade Days, which take place

icksburg’s German roots.

the weekend of the third Saturday each

From the historic build-

month (Sept. 20-22 and Oct. 18-20) with

ings of hand-hewn white

350 vendors and six barns of antiques,

limestone and local lum-

clothing, jewelry, furniture and more. Trade

ber, to the town’s clean

Days also hosts a tented biergarten and

streets, waiters in leder-

live music.

hosen and signs with German names on nearly every business, an Old World style

SWEET ON FREDERICKSBURG

still prevails in Fredericksburg. Many chil-

Foodies also love Fredericksburg, and

dren still call their grandparents Oma and

not just because it has great beer and

Opa, and German words easily commingle

sausage and 94 restaurants. It also is

with English on the tongues of old-timers.

home to several German bakeries, includ-

Year-round, the town offers authentic

ing the oldest continuously operating

German fare in local restaurants like the

business on Main Street, the Fredericks-

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TEXAS HILL COUNTRY GUIDE

burg Bakery, founded in 1917. Those

Home to more than 400 bed and

with a sweet tooth also adore an-

breakfasts, guesthouses and inns,

other Main Street shop, Chocolat,

plus numerous other lodging op-

offering handmade liquid-filled

tions including hotels (many chil-

chocolates and other delights.

dren- and pet-friendly and most

There are also local ice cream and

boasting Wi-Fi), the area wel-

fudge shops, coffee bars and pie

comes weekend visitors. A block

shops. And with fine dining at

off Main Street sits the romantic

farm-to-table eateries like August

Austin Street Retreat, a trio of spa-

E’s, the Farm House Bistro and

cious stand-alone cottages. Out-

others, as well as wines, cigars

side town, Settler’s Crossing, set

and appetizers at Lincoln Street

on 22 acres of tree-lined, sheep-

Wine Market, epicureans will feel

filled meadows, offers enchanting

right at home.

Pennsylvania Dutch-style houses,

They’ll also love the annual

many with fireplaces and outdoor

Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fes-

patios, just a few miles north of

tival, to be held this year on Oct.

Luckenbach, Texas’ famous “ghost

26, featuring a taste of the Hill

town” watering hole.

Country’s Texas Wine Month Trail.

A unique small hotel near the

The area is home to 20 wineries

county airport is the stylish avia-

and five wine tour companies, and

tion-themed Hanger Hotel, de-

there’s even a wine shuttle on Sat-

signed to look like a WWII aircraft

urdays that allows winery guests

hanger from the 1940s. Its piano

to imbibe a bit and not drive.

bar and art deco soda-fountainstyle diner are also worth a visit.

SUNDAY HAUS STYLE Fredericksburg is perhaps best

STAY A LITTLE LONGER

known for its enchanting little cot-

Fredericksburg is not just at-

tages or Sunday Haus lodgings.

tractive to weekend visitors and

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At top: A panoramic view of Enchanted Rock State Park.

Inset: Chapel at the Trois Estate at Enchanted Rock, which features an adjacent underground grotto. Above: The Hanger Hotel Diner located immediately adjacent to the Gillespie County Airport aircraft parking ramp. From the booths you can watch airplanes come and go while enjoying your breakfast, lunch or the chef’s Blue Plate Special.

september/october 2013 | 105

wildflower lovers who drive Gillespie County’s rural roads in search of bluebonnets in spring, or those who visit nearby lavender farms in June. Many city dwellers are moving to Fredericksburg, seeking Texas-sized ranch houses, small secondhomes and a sweet town to call home. Expat Austinites, who call the town “Fred” for short, are finding it an ideal place to live or spend long vacations.

Movie producer Lynda Obst (Hope Floats and Sleepless in Seattle) is but one city slicker who left the fast lane for a slower pace in Texas. “This is my perfect life,” Obst told Texas Monthly.

“A little house in Austin with weekends in Fredericksburg.”

Many who come to the Hill Country love places like Boot Ranch, where homestead estates are carefully planned to preserve the area’s natural beauty. Surrounded by 25-mile vistas, waterfalls, ponds, trees and green pastures, Boot Ranch even features a Hal Sutton-designed championship golf course.

So whether you escape to Fredericksburg for a weekend or a lifetime, it always makes a perfect getaway.

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Influential Women Enjoy a Hill Country Retreat Boot Ranch Offers Casual Elegance

Courtesy of Boot Ranch

By ROBYN BARNES

Bunny Becker, Nancy Moorman and Courtney Simons are all busy urban women who split their time between beautiful San Antonio homes and the rolling hills of Boot Ranch. They run businesses, are wives, parents and grandmothers, each with volunteer obligations. Why would they add the complication of a home in the country to their already busy lives? If you saw Boot Ranch, you’d understand.

Courtesy of Boot Ranch

Located just outside of Fredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country, Boot Ranch is an idyllic golf community that offers members the opportunity to unplug from the technology that plagues us all and enjoy a more relaxed pace in a Hill Country haven.

Peaceful doesn’t necessarily mean inactive. The Clubhouse Village is the center of activity at Boot Ranch. Both informal and fine dining are available, as well as a popular brunch. Meeting rooms are available for corporate retreats, should members need a place to do business. The spa, fitness center and golf shop are located here, as well as the men’s and women’s locker rooms. Members have access to trap and skeet shooting, fishing and boating equipment.

Golfers can play the renowned course designed by PGA legend Hal Sutton and recognized as one of the top private golf facilities in Texas. There’s also a new pool recreation area, which offers three swimming areas and a large cabana and barbecue plaza at the new Ranch Club. september/october 2013 | 107

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HILL COUNTRY WOMEN

Courtesy of Boot Ranch Courtesy of Boot Ranch

Casey Howell

GRAPES AND GOLF Bunny Becker is a familiar name to San Antonio and Hill Country residents because she and her husband, Dr. Richard Becker, own Becker Vineyards in Stonewall, tacting suppliers and delivering product,

nice membership opportunity opened up.

Dr. Becker practices medicine in San

before the Beckers obtained a distributor.

We learned that if Richard and I became

Antonio and has always been an avid back-

She’s currently working in public relations

golf club members, our children would in-

yard gardener. Over time, his gardening

for the vineyard.

a short ride from Boot Ranch.

stantly become members, too. That meant

dream expanded to owning a Hill Country

“We’ve met so many people that we’d

getaway with perhaps a small vineyard. He

never have met any other way, simply be-

and Bunny began looking for a parcel that

cause we opened this business,” Bunny

might have a log cabin on it and ended up

says. “Several farmers asked us what

frequently goes out to Boot Ranch with his

with a thriving enterprise.

grapes they should plant on their own

wife and son. One time the staff got a

“I have to tell you that I am not the fam-

farms for us. That’s such an honor! What

babysitter for them so my son could take

ily gardener,” Bunny chuckles. “So how did

started as the Beckers’ backyard dream

his wife to dinner in Fredericksburg. They

I end up in the hot sun with our two boys

has grown into the culmination of so many

thoroughly enjoy their time at the ranch.

planting grapes by hand on 13 acres?

people’s dreams.”

That’s like doing a million squat jumps in

Golf and wine brought the Beckers to

my son and daughters could use the ranch whenever they want.

“Now my son rents a guest suite and

“The food at Boot Ranch is very nice,” she adds.

“Their executive chef, Aaron

Boot Ranch. “Richard is the big golfer in

Staudenmaier, came from Dallas and is well

Those grapes grew, and so did the vine-

my family,” Bunny says. “Over the past 20

known there. The ranch serves our wine at

yard. The first harvest, in 1995, set in mo-

years, he’s developed quite a love of golf.

many of their functions, and they are won-

tion what is now just over a 100,000-case

Someone invited him to play one day at

derful to work with.

winery. Graduating from field hand, Bunny

Boot Ranch, and he was impressed. Then

property is only 30 minutes from the win-

went on to organize the tasting room, con-

we were invited to an open house there. A

ery, we’re easily able to entertain business

the dirt!”

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And because the

Courtesy of Boot Ranch

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Courtesy of Boot Ranch

Casey Howell

guests in their private dining rooms.

some money of my own,” she continues. “It

gave all those cooking lessons, in my Boot

“All in all, it’s been a great arrange-

wasn’t that I needed it, but if I wanted to

Bunny Becker, opposite, and her husRanch home.

ment for our vineyard and our family,”

buy a gift for my husband, I wanted to pay

right. She’s written two cookbooks and is

of life for Nancy and her husband, Jeff.

well known in San Antonio for her cooking

“We’ve always had a condo in Austin,” she

band, Dr. Richard Becker, are golf club “We built the home so it’s large enough members at Boot Ranch. Wines from toBecker entertain all our family.

I have at one son, Vineyards are served many ranch functions.two Nancy three grandchildren, nieces Moorman, and a lot of above This left,isand her husband, Jeff, built friends. a gathering place for all of us. a home on an estate lot at Boot Ranch in “We try to spend about 10 days a month 2009 and try to spend at least 10 days up here,”each she continues.

“The temperature there month. They enjoy the weather andthan the at great iscooler 10 degrees cooler our golfing.

San Anto-

classes, which she began at the Southwest

says. “But over time, the city got too

nio home, and it’s different weather than we

Craft Center (now the Southwest School of

crowded, so we started looking for another

have there. I can sit on my porch here at the

Art) and then moved into her home. She

getaway in the Hill Country. In 2006, some-

ranch and watch storms roll in across the

taught lessons for years, along the way de-

one told Jeff about Boot Ranch. He toured

hills — it’s dramatic and beautiful. I enjoy

veloping international tours for cooks to

the property, picked out five estate lots and

walking the property, and I play golf. And,

study cuisine.

let me choose the one I liked best.”

of course, I cook here, too!”

Bunny concludes.

for it with money I earned. This led to great happiness for me! I found my passion for

CHEF’S RETREAT

teaching this way. It’s really who I am.”

Nancy Moorman is a chef in her own

Living in multiple homes has been a way

“This was my career,” Nancy says. “I

Nancy says there was very little built on

started doing this in the days of Julia Child,

the property at that time. Theirs was one

before there were cooking schools. I took

of the first homes completed. “We finished

lessons from anyone who would teach me.

building the house in 2009, and we love it.

When we traveled, I always asked about

We had so much fun building it. My best

how dishes were made. It was the only way

friend, Courtney Walker of Courtney &

women could learn about fine cooking then.

Company, did the interior design. I repli-

“I started this because I wanted to make

cated my San Antonio kitchen, where I

Bunny Becker, opposite, and her husband, Dr. Richard Becker, are golf club members at Boot Ranch. Wines from Becker Vineyards are served at many ranch functions. Nancy Moorman, above left, and her husband, Jeff, built a home on an estate lot at Boot Ranch in 2009 and try to spend at least 10 days there each month. They enjoy the cooler weather and the great golfing. september/october 2013 | 109

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HILL COUNTRY WOMEN

Casey Howell Courtesy of Boot Ranch

Courtney Simons and her husband, Daniel, think Boot Ranch is the perfect getaway for them and their two young children. Their Golf Membership lets them stay in a guest lodge for a weekend and access all the Facilities.

A WEEKEND GETAWAY Courtney Simons knows Boot Ranch from the ground up. She and her husband, Daniel, own Innovative Communication Systems, the telecommunications company for Boot Ranch. “We watched the community grow into the jewel it is today,” Courtney says. “We fell in love with it along the way.

“My husband is a big golfer,” she continues. “He’s crazy about the golf course and the natural beauty of the community. We chose the Golf Membership option that lets us stay in these beautiful small guest lodges for a weekend and access all the facilities. It’s the perfect getaway for us and our two young children, and it feels like a second home.”

The Lodges come complete with refrigerators, a wet bar, full bath with Jacuzzi, television and Wi-Fi. The staff is happy to shop for groceries ahead of time so The Lodge is stocked to order when guests arrive.

“With young kids, you need a getaway that’s not a far drive. Boot Ranch is far enough to get away from San Antonio but not so far that Daniel and I have to hear ‘Are we there yet? Are we there yet?’” says Courtney.

During their two-year membership, Courtney and Dan have held a golfing party and attended several events at the Clubhouse Village. “I occasionally take advantage of the spa,” she says. “The spa is really nice. Mostly I

Courtesy of Boot Ranch

enjoy sitting on our patio, reading or taking a walk on the property. It’s such

110 | sawoman.com

a relaxing place to be.”

Mothers and grandmothers, entrepreneurs and business owners, highenergy and pure Texas — these are the women of Boot Ranch. They’ve found their place to unplug and recharge in a little piece of heaven in the Hill Country.

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ARTBEAT

By JASMINA WELLINGHOFF

Photo JANET ROGERS

NOVEL EXAMINES DAMAGE CAUSED BY SUICIDE Nan Cuba’s work receiving accolades

One of the questions Nan Cuba gets a lot when she speaks to

other venues. After some 20 years of on-and-off solitary work

book groups is: How did your novel get included in O, The Oprah

on the ideas that eventually became Body and Bread, she is de-

Magazine’s “15 Riveting Reads” for the month of May?

lighted to share her experience and insights with readers. It’s

Such an endorsement is no small accomplishment for any

like talking about your child, she confides. Just a couple of days

writer, let alone a first-time novelist such as Cuba. Yet the San An-

after our interview, she was scheduled to fly to California for a

tonio author pulled no strings to lasso that coveted accolade. Her

publicity tour, with New York and Boston and more Texas cities

novel, Body and Bread, spoke for itself. O’s book editor received

scheduled for fall.

a copy from the publisher (Engine Books), read it, liked it, and

Body and Bread is a sumptuously written, multilayered ex-

that was it. What’s more, the O list was later picked up by the

amination of what happens to a family when a loved one com-

Huffington Post.

mits suicide. The story is told from the perspective of Sarah, the

Since the release of her book a few months ago, Cuba has

suicide victim’s younger sister and favorite sibling, whose life is

been crisscrossing Texas and traveling farther afield to meet with

forever changed by her brother Sam’s suicide. An anthropologist

lovers of fine literature at bookstores, conferences, libraries and

studying Aztec culture, Sarah struggles to understand the roots

112 | sawoman.com

W First-time novelist Nan Cuba is a wife, mother, writer and professor of creative writing at Our Lady of the Lake University. The frame around the bookcase is signed by former students, many of them now successful writers.

better (with each revision), and as long

which were published in literary journals

as I was getting better, it was OK with

and included in anthologies.

you. You become more committed to the

The organization, which is celebrating its

of Sam’s distress while finding refuge in

work. When a friend suggested that it

20th anniversary this year, started mod-

Mesoamerican mythology, which ulti-

was time to put (the manuscript) in a

estly enough by offering readers’ the-

mately also helps her heal.

drawer, I couldn’t do it. It would have

ater events featuring well-known actors,

been like abandoning my family.”

but quickly grew into a respected center

Cuba readily admits that Sam and

me. I felt I was working through an ap-

Most San Antonians, however, know

prenticeship. Rejection also toughens

her best as the founder of Gemini Ink.

Sarah’s story was inspired by her own

All that hard work ultimately paid off.

of literary activity, with classes for writ-

brother Paul’s suicide at age 26. While

The reviews have been “wonderful,” but

ers taught by prominent authors and

working on the manuscript, “I realized that

even more exciting were comments from

other

Sarah was trying to figure out why Sam

readers who confided that after finishing

“There was no real plan. It all happened

committed suicide,” says the author, “but

the book, they had to go back through the

by accident,” recalls Cuba. “But after a

then I also realized that I was trying to do

pages to look for clues that the author

while I realized that people were count-

book

industry

personalities.

the same about Paul. But now that the

had subtly embedded in the narrative. “I

ing on us to continue what we had

book is finished, I see that it is really about

liked that. One woman said she read the

started. We were already paying some

the damage that suicide inflicts on loved

entire book twice,” says the author.

ones. I must have been damaged by what Paul did. I still miss him, and I also get angry that he is not here.”

Of her three living brothers, only one, the youngest, contacted her after the novel came out. For her part, Cuba did not send them copies of the book. Though Sam and Sarah’s family is a fictional one, Cuba’s brothers’ behavior may very well attest to the damage that she so meticulously examined in her narrative.

A well-known personality on the San

Most San Antonians know Nan Cuba best as the founder of Gemini Ink, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year

Antonio literary scene who founded the literary center Gemini Ink, Cuba did not start working in earnest on the novel until

people to work for Gemini Ink. I had to make a choice, either to stay and commit seriously to the organization or leave. I stayed, but it wasn’t easy.”

When she left 11 years later, Gemini Ink had a staff, a committed board, a strategic plan and the support of a number of local businesses. It was time, she says, for someone “who loved administration to take over and let me return to my writing.”

Naturally, she is grateful that the center has done well under the leadership of her successors. “I am very proud of it, but I don’t expect people to remember me,”

TEACHING PEOPLE HOW TO THINK

adds Cuba. “What’s important is that

Growing up in Temple, Cuba loved

Gemini Ink has lasted and still provides the

2004, after she left the organization. She

words, books and theater. In fifth grade,

services that people in this community

devoted a year to developing her manu-

she bought a bunch of spiral notebooks

want and need.” Though toward the end

script and finding an agent. By this time,

into which she copied the entire contents

of her tenure she began to draw a small

she had already published multiple semi-

of an encyclopedia. “I ran my hand over

salary as the executive director, she first

autobiographical short stories dealing

the pages (to feel the slight indentations

worked as a volunteer, investing her fam-

with an East Texas family’s vicissitudes,

caused by her pencil), and I loved it,” she

ily’s money into the venture. At some

though none of them dealt with suicide.

recalls. “I loved the words.” After marry-

point her lawyer husband asked,“Why are

Eventually those stories served as base

ing her high school sweetheart, Don Cuba,

we still doing this?” Her reply was short

material for what became Body and Bread

at 19, giving birth to a daughter and fin-

and to the point: “Because we are teach-

but not before she put in additional years

ishing college, she taught in several ele-

ing people how to think.” For her efforts

of labor, writing and revising and receiving

mentary and middle schools here and in

she earned the Imagineer Award from the

rejections when she submitted excerpts

Dallas for nearly 15 years.

Mind Science Foundation.

and proposals. Friends started to wonder

Ready for a change, Cuba moved into

Looking back over her many endeav-

about her persistence. Even today people

the world of journalism, where she left her

ors, Cuba concludes that her mission has

ask what kept her going.

mark as the author of a series of articles

always been the same — to teach people

“I recently addressed this topic with a

about the serial killer Henry Lucas and the

how to think: “All my life, it’s been about

group in Houston,” explains the friendly

causes of extreme violence. But she

that.” Since 2005, she has been fulfilling

author while we are sipping tea in her liv-

dreamed of literary fiction. In 1987, now

this mission as a professor of creative

ing room. “My friends became con-

mother of two, she enrolled in the Warren

writing at Our Lady of the Lake University,

cerned. Are you still working on your

Wilson Program for Writers to earn an

but come summer of 2014, she plans to

book? people would ask me. But I saw

MFA. That’s when she started writing

devote herself to writing full time. A new

that my writing was getting better and

short stories, poems and essays, many of

novel is already in the works.

september/october 2013 | 113

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By JANIS TURK

EDUCATION

e g e l l o C

Prep

101

Back-to-school season means it’s time for high school students and their parents to prepare for college, even if it is still a few years away.

A family can’t start soon enough when planning for a daughter or son’s college education — financially, academically and logistically. Our handy checklist will help you and your teen know what’s required for the long road ahead toward university admission and a successful collegiate experience. Sit down with your high schooler and strategize about how to tackle the preparation process together. It’s never too late to start planning for the future — especially when that future involves an education that can change and enhance your child’s life forever and set him or her on the right course for a strong and successful career.

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Get ready, get set, GO!

Show me the money

1. Talk with your teenager about which schools he or she hopes to attend and what each would cost. List

3. Sit down with the financial aid office representatives at the schools your child is considering and talk about making a plan to pay for college. Make sure the student is present and involved in the process

the pros and cons of each choice, and visit the universities’ admissions pages online. Contact school admissions offices

too. You can also go online to estimate how much financial aid your child might

and set up hosted tours and visits over weekends and break

be eligible to receive using FAFSA4caster at www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov. Visit

days from school throughout the year. One college admis-

www.StudentAid.gov to learn more about saving for college, borrowing for col-

sions counselor told us that statistics show students usually

lege, applying for financial aid, getting tax benefits to help make college af-

end up attending — or at least hoping to attend — the first

fordable and more.

school they visit.

2. Sit down with your son or daughter to talk about the financial demands of college. Make sure the student

4. Start, and then regularly add to, your child’s college savings account. It’s never too late to begin saving — and never too early to start.

knows what college really costs — from tuition to room and board to costly textbooks and other expenses of daily life at school. Show your child the different costs associated with resident and out-of-state tuition, on- and off-campus housing and more. A student will be more sensitive to the great expense and financial toll college can place on the family and be less likely to skip class or drop courses if he knows how much you’re sacrificing to make it all possible. Talk about the possible contributions you may expect your child to make as well, be they academic or financial ones. Will your student need to work? Will your family take out a student loan? Talk about the realities of your family’s financial situation. Involve your student in these grown-up discussions and decisions.

His education about the realities of money starts here and now and begins at home.

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TMI offers a well-rounded education, including rigorous academics, athletic participation, spiritual maturity and leadership through the optional Junior ROTC program, giving students the experience and tools for success in college and beyond. College counselors at TMI work one-on-one with students, ensuring their college choices are the right fit. Last year, with their guidance, TMI seniors were offered more than $7 million in scholarships and saw a 100percent acceptance rate at four-year colleges and universities.

At Saint Mary's Hall, students are given access to a rigorous curriculum that includes 25 Advanced Placement course offerings plus a robust arts and athletic program.

These opportunities, combined with a community committed to core values, helps to prepare students academically and personally for success in college.

Our counseling staff helps students identify and gain acceptance to colleges that are a strong fit and provide appropriate challenge and opportunity.

Students leave Saint Mary's Hall prepared for college both in and outside of the classroom.

— Kelly Jorgenson Director of College Counseling

Ivy League, anyone?

5. If you’re serious about trying to gain acceptance into an Ivy League school, start early in working on your GPA — and your application. According to About.Com writer Allen Grove, “The eight Ivy League schools are among the most selective colleges in the country… A winning Ivy League application needs to present a very strong academic record, meaningful extracurricular activities, glowing letters of recommendation and a compelling application essay. Your college interview and demonstrated interest may also help, and legacy status can give you an advantage.” There are even companies that help you groom you child’s high school experience and college application process to make him or her a better candidate for acceptance into America’s top schools.

september/october 2013 | 115

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EDUCATION The greatest asset of an independent school is our independence and autonomy. Freed from the restrictions of other schools, we are able to develop specialized, mission-appropriate programs that equip our students for success in college and in life. In the 21st century, that success will require essential (and often "un-testable") skills like creativity, collaboration and time management. Our autonomy and our low student-to-teacher ratios allow us to pursue these objectives in compelling ways that are simply not plausible in other school settings.

— Thomas McLaughlin, Head of School, St. Luke's Episcopal School

Courses count 6. Sit down with your teenager and his or her high school guidance counselor to be sure that your teen is enrolled in the courses needed for college. Is he taking challenging Pre AP classes? Is he eligible for any dual-participation classes that would give him college credit? Are his electives and extracurricular activities going to win points with college admissions counselors? Most schools require three years of math, three years of science and three years of foreign language, at least. Classes in computer science and the arts are also good electives.

7. Parents, pay close attention to your child’s study habits and grades and stay involved. Hire a tutor if a student is strug-

Volunteer, work and play — it all pays off

gling in any subject if possible, enroll your student in an online course,

10. Encourage your child to work, travel, volunteer or do all three during winter and summer vacations. Life experiences, a

or set up study groups to help your teen stay on track academically.

Do all you can to encourage your student to achieve and maintain a high grade point average (GPA).

willingness to learn and to work hard in new surroundings, and a concern for one’s fellow citizens and one’s community make for wellrounded, globally conscious young people — and make your student

Keep on track—and on the field

an attractive candidate for college recruiters. If you can, allow your student to travel and study abroad with his or her church or civic

8. Keep your young scholar involved in school and community-based activities, sports, drama and debate teams, choral

guages and cultures and of geography and history. There is no greater

groups and other activities that allow him to explore interests that

learning experience than travel and hands-on learning on location.

group during the summer to gain a better understanding of other lan-

might aid him in a career one day or get him involved in college. Even sports like golf and tennis can lead to scholarships.

9. Have your young scholar make a list of his or her awards, honors, volunteer work, church involvement, clubs, Scouting and extracurricular activities. This will be helpful to have on hand when applying for college. Have your teen participate in academic enrichment programs, summer workshops and things like sci-

11. Have your student talk to his high school counselor about how to sign up for standardized tests, and what to do to prepare to take them. Look into online courses to help students learn test-taking skills and prepare for the SAT and ACT tests and more.

12. Have your students visit the offices and workplaces of men and women in careers that interest them for informal in-

ence and computer camp if possible. These will give admissions

terviews about what they did to prepare for those careers and what

counselors a more holistic picture of your child’s personality and all

advice they’d offer about how college can help a student gear toward

the positive things he or she might bring to their school.

that field.

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EDUCATION

Reading, writing and arithmetic 13. Keep reading as a main focus in your household. Insist that your young scholar get a head start on the classics or read new fiction and nonfiction that will keep his vocabulary strong. Writing and reading are a linked process — strong writers are usually already avid readers.

Have your teen read short essays and op-ed articles so he’ll understand

W

At Hill Country Montessori School in Boerne, students are taught the skills needed to excel not only in higher learning, but in life in general. Maria Montessori wanted students to love learning and saw the current methods accomplishing the opposite. The methods she developed, still used today, teach students to be independent, critical thinkers who collaborate effectively with others, are strategic problem solvers, socially adaptable and love the process of learning. Our students go on to excel because they are confident in their abilities to succeed.

the format and the tone of first-person narrative essays like the ones he or she will have to write during the college admissions application process. According to an admissions counselor for Dartmouth, “The essay is very important. It's when you get a sense of what the kid’s about. We're looking for creativity, self-awareness.”

15. Have your student read the newspaper every day and keep up with current events. Have him read The New York Times Magazine essays on the weekends. Have him watch TedTalks videos

14. Have your young scholar hone his or her basic grammar and math skills. If he still doesn’t know his multiplication tables and

(www.ted.com) by the world’s greatest thinkers and most successful people. These will give him a solid, well-rounded understanding of what

the difference between there/they’re/their or two/too/to, he isn’t ready

educated people know, talk about and care about — and perhaps he’ll

for college. It’s easy and quick to brush up on the basics.

start caring more, too.

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EDUCATION

Learn online 16. Look online for more great ideas about how to prepare for college at www.knowhow2go.org. Also, find answers to common questions about college by watching videos on the “Prepare for College” playlist at www.YouTube.com/FederalStudentAid.

17. Find out ways to manage your money and save for college from “Start Smart: Money Management for Teens” at www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/news/cnsum06/sum_06_color.pdf.

118 | sawoman.com

College counseling at The Winston School San Antonio starts prior to ninth grade and focuses on self-advocacy, knowledge of individual learning styles and successful transition.

Parents, students and the college counselor meet annually to establish personalized goals and specific plans. Students learn to use accommodations specific to their academic needs that ensure success. Students benefit from the WSSA Annual College Resource Fair, a junior-year transition course and a job-shadowing program culminating in a student-led career fair.

september/october 2013 | 119

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Entertainment & The Arts

Music

Michael Bublé AT&T Center 10/19 Sat, 7 pm

Music An Evening with Lyle Lovett and his Acoustic Group Majestic Theatre 9/11 Wed, 8pm An Evening with Ottmar Lieber and Luna Negra Majestic Theatre 9/15 Sun, 7:30 pm Josh Abbott Band Floore’s Country Store 9/20 Fri www.liveatfloores.com The Beach Boys Majestic Theatre 10/7 Mon, 7:30 pm ZZ Top Majestic Theatre 10/8 Tues, 8 pm Bon Jovi: Because We Can AT&T Center 10/15 Tues, 7:30 pm Straight No Chaser Majestic Theatre 10/30 Wed, 7:30 pm Willie Nelson and Family with Paula Nelson Floore’s Country Store 10/30 Wed www.liveatfloores.com Doobie Brothers Majestic Theatre 11/3 Sun, 7:30 pm Pink AT&T Center 11/14 Thu,

Theater Les Misérables Russell Hill Rogers Theater 10/3-11-3 www.theplayhousesa.org Young Frankenstein Woodlawn Theatre 10/4-11/3 www.woodlawntheatre.com

120 | sawoman.com

Theatre

The Book of Mormon

9/17-29 www.majesticempire.com

Dearly Departed Vexler Theatre 10/19-11/17 www.vexler.org

Music

Selena Gom AT&T Cente ez 11/1 Fri, 7:30r pm

Why We Came: The Immigration Experience Thru March 2014 MCNAY ART MUSEUM

Peter and the Starcatcher Majestic Theatre 10/22-27 www.majesticempire.com

Symphony

Pictures at an Exhibition Majestic Theatre 10/4-5 Fri and Sat, 8 pm Symphonic Dances Majestic Theatre 10/11-12 Fri and Sat, 8 pm Young People’s Concert: The Firebird and The Physics of Sound Laurie Auditorium 10/25 Fri, 9:45 am and 11:10 am 10/30-31 Wed and Thu, 9:45 and 11:10 am

Printing Perfection The Art of Beth Van Hoesen Thru 9/29 SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART Danny Lyon: The Bikeriders 9/7-12/1 Lethal Beauty: Samurai Weapons and Armor 9/28 – 1/5 2014 SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF ART Alice Leora Briggs, Roberto A Gonzalez, Rebecca Dietz Thru 11/10 WITTE MUSEUM

Halloween Spooktacular — The Composer is Dead 10/27 Sun, 2:30 – 4 pm www.sasymphony.org for location

The World Through Magic Lanterns Thru 1/2014

Dance

Events

ARTS San Antonio Diavolo Dance Theatre 10/5 Sat Lila Cockrell Theatre

CANstruction benefiting SA Food Bank North Star Mall 9/8-21

Ballet San Antonio Cinderella 10/10-13 Thur-Sun Lila Cockrell Theatre

Museums

Briscoe Western Art Museum Grand Opening 10/26-27, Sat and Sun INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES Girl Power!

In Partnership with Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas Thru 9/29

Fotoseptiembre: Innocent Age and Stitching Time

By Kathy Vargas Rendon Photography and Fine Art 9/1-30 www.Alrendon.com Jazz’SAlive Travis Park 9/21-22 Sat and Sun www.saparksfoundation.org/jazzsalive Wildlife Festival and Plant Sale Mitchell Lake Audubon Center 10/19 Thu, 9 am – 3 pm BOOtanica and Plant Sale San Antonio Botanical Garden Society 10/26 Sat, 10 am – 2 pm

september/october 2013 | 121

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RESTAURANTS American

BIGA ON THE BANKS BIRD BAKERY BOARDWALK BISTRO 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 STONE WERKS VINEYARD ZEDRICK’S

203 S. St. Mary’s 225-0722 5912 Broadway 804-2473 4011 Broadway 824-0100 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 385 N. Loop 1604 W. 494-3371 555 E. Basse 824-0275 400 E. Josephine 224-6169 15900 La Cantera Pkwy 877-5355 1111 S. Alamo 227-1187 300 E. Travis 227-4392 902 N.E. Loop 410 828-1470 2442 Nacogdoches 826-8303 7929 Pat Booker Rd 653-2002 517 N. Presa 223-3297 25615 Boerne Stage Rd. 687-1818 1133 Austin Highway 824-8686 483-8989 434 N. Loop 1604 Broadway at Basse 823-3508 27315 FM 3009 (830) 980-8033 5231 Broadway 824-6000

Cajun/Creole

ACADIANA BOURBON STREET SEAFOOD PAT O’BRIEN’S

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

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

BIG’Z BURGER JOINT BOBBY J’S BUCKHORN SALOON BURGER BOY CHRIS MADRID’S CHEESY JANE’S CHESTER’S HAMBURGERS 733-8473 340-7944 340-7944 828-9988 615-7553 615-8282 674-2577 828-2273 366-4508 366-1033 692-5262 805-8111 615-1288 822-3253 507-1000 507-6500 340-7808 691-3332 472-2900 826-8500 545-6100 366-3012 403-3316 344-8366 524-9908 341-4461 829-7345

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

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 .

555 S. Alamo 218 E. Olmos 4011 Broadway 150 E. Houston 18402 Hwy. 281,#114 3920 Harry Wurzbach 515 Villita 7701 Broadway 14439 N.W. Military #100 2015 N.E. Loop 410 204 E. Houston 112 College 728 S. Alamo 5148 Broadway 842 N.W. Loop 410 700 E. Sonterra Blvd.

125 E. Houston 923 N. Loop 1604 E. 234 Riverwalk

229-1000 828-3141 824-0100 227-9700 491-4480 821-5454 224-1976 828-9050 888-1500 655-6171 476-8600 518-1000 224-7555 822-7673 798-4154 798-5466 227-5853 690-5811 229-9299

Hamburgers

Hsiu Yu 8338 Broadway St San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 828-2273 741 W. Ashby Pl 10103 Huebner Road 4531 N.W. Loop 410 1011 N. E. Loop 410 9030 Wurzbach 8822 Wurzbach 8230 Marbach 8338 Broadway 6905 Blanco Rd. 1031 Patricia 8440 Fredericksburg 4051 Broadway 7959 Fredericksburg 4901 Broadway 255 E. Basse 15900 La Cantera Pkwy 1810 N.W. Military IH-10 W. and Wurzbach 203 S. St. Mary’s 999 E. Basse 18720 Stone Oak 2211 N.W. Military 18802 Stone Oak 445 McCarty 126 W. Rector 9405 San Pedro 1146 Austin Highway

674-0019 545-0666 212-8698

European

Asian

BIG KAHUNAS CHINA BISTRO DING HOW FORMOSA GARDENS FUJIYA GOLDEN WOK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

555 E. Basse 111 W. Crockett Loop 1604 at N.W. Military 255 E. Basse 5703 Evers Rd. 16019 Nacogdoches 7400 San Pedro 4035 N. 1604 W. 4003 Broadway 401 S. Alamo

828-5191 227-2782 493-1604 832-0300 647-5524 946-5518 377-0022 493-8884 805-0333 223-0401

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

Pizza

CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN FLORIO’S PIZZA GRIMALDI’S PIZZA GUILLERMO’S MISS ELLIE’S SORRENTO TRILOGY PIZZA BISTRO VOLARE GOURMET PIZZA

11745 IH-10 W. 255 E. Basse Rd. 7701 Broadway 330 E. Basse, #101 618 McCullough 903 E. Bitters Rd 5146 Broadway 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy.

5054 Broadway

699-4275 424-2014 805-8646 832-8288 223-5587 499-1258 824-0055 404-1818 828-3354

Seafood FISH CITY GRILL FUSION SEAFOOD, STEAK LANDRY’S SEAFOOD PAPPADEAUX SEAFOOD OSTRA ON THE RIVER WILDFISH SEAFOOD GRILLE

18130 Hwy. 281 N. 11703 Huebner Road 517 N. Presa 76 N.E. Loop 410 212 W. Crockett 1834 N.W. Loop 1604

495-3474 694-4201 527-1845 340-7143 396-5817 493-1600

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

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

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

EL CHAPARRAL 15103 Bandera 2838 N. Loop 1604 EL JARRO DE ARTURO 13421 San Pedro EL MIRADOR 722 S. St. Mary’s EL MIRASOL ALTA COCINA 13489 Blanco FRIDA’S MEXICAN CUISINE 3023 Thousand Oaks IRON CACTUS MEXICAN GRILL 200 River Walk LA FOGATA 2427 Vance Jackson LA FONDA ON MAIN 2415 N. Main LA FONDA SUNSET RIDGE 6402 N. New Braunfels LA FONDA OAK HILLS 350 Northaven LA HACIENDA DE LOS BARRIOS 18747 Redland Rd. LA MARGARITA 120 Produce Row LOS BARRIOS 4223 Blanco MAMACITA’S 8030 IH-10 W. MI TIERRA CAFE AND BAKERY 218 Produce Row ORIGINAL MEXICAN 528 River Walk PALOMA BLANCA 5800 Broadway PALOMA RIVER WALK 215 Losoya PAPPASITO’S CANTINA 10501 IH-10 W. PERICO’S BAR AND GRILL 10820 Bandera 1439 E. Sonterra Blvd.

PICANTE GRILL 3810 Broadway PICO DE GALLO 111 S. Leona RIO RIO CANTINA 421 E. Commerce ROSARIO’S 910 S. Alamo SALSALITO’S 14535 Nacogdoches 11523 Bandera SAZO’S LATIN GRILL 101 Bowie SOLUNA COCINA MEXICANA 7959 Broadway TOMATILLOS CANTINA 3210 Broadway URBAN TACO 290 E. Basse, #105

Enhance your listing!

Call (210) 826-5375

CALIZA GRILL CANYON CAFE FRANCESCA’S AT SUNSET ORO RESTAURANT AND BAR 222-2362 877-0600 691-8827 495-2233 222-0561 494-0561 225-5550 225-6718 930-9393 545-6965 695-8302 490-8302 494-5084 225-9444 479-8765 496-3023 224-9835 340-1337 733-0621 824-4231 342-8981 497-8000 227-7140 732-6017 341-5424 225-1262 224-9951 822-6151 212-0566 691-8974 684-5376 402-6006 822-3797 225-6060 226-8462 223-1806 646-8088 558-6788 223-1000 930-8070 824-3005 332-5149

420 W. Market 225 E. Basse 16641 La Cantera Pkwy.

705 E. Houston

224-6500 225-0722 558-6500 225-5100

Soul Food MAMA LEE'S SOUL FOOD

6060 Montgomery

653-6262

Steaks Chama Gaucha 18318 Sonterra Place San Antonio, TX 78258 (210) 564-9400 Fleming’s 255 East Basse Rd. San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 824-9463 ANTLERS LODGE THE BARN DOOR BOLO’S ROTISSERIE GRILLE CHAUMA GAUCHA FLEMING’S STEAKHOUSE GREY MOSS INN KIRBY’S STEAKHOUSE LITTLE RHEIN STEAKHOUSE MORTON’S STEAKHOUSE MYRON’S STEAKHOUSE OUNCE STEAKHOUSE THE PALM PERRY’S STEAKHOUSE RUTH'S CHRIS

9800 Hyatt Resort Dr. 8400 N. New Braunfels 9821 Colonnade 18318 Sonterra Place 255 E. Basse 10901 Scenic Loop 123 N. Loop 1604 E. 231 S. Alamo 849 E. Commerce 10003 NW Military 1401 N. Loop 1604 W. 233 E. Houston 15900 LaCantera Pkwy 7720 Jones Maltsberger 1170 E. Commerce

520-4001 824-0116 691-8888 564-9400 824-9463 695-8301 404-2221 225-1212 228-0700 493-3031 493-6200 226-7256 558-6161 821-5051 227-8847

for more information

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David Sixt David Sixt

Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Arthur DeAngelo (Allison Daye Clark) May 18, 2013

Straughan Photography

Mr. and Mrs. Blake Michael Hall (Suzel Siller) May 11, 2013

Mr. and Mrs. John Charles Korbell, Jr. (Ashley Louise Eversberg) May 4, 2013

David Sixt

Mr. and Mrs. Alexander John Rokowski (Elizabeth Marie Gragg) April 13, 2013

Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Allen Singleton (Courtney Leigh Carter) March 23, 2013

David Sixt

Mr. and Mrs. Daniele Santini (Amy Elizabeth Blakeway) March 16, 2013

David Sixt

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WEDDINGS

Parish Photography

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Knofczynski (Grace Wickersham) June 8, 2013

Parish Photography

Mr. and Mrs. Neal Dunn (Melinda Edwards) June 29, 2013

Parish Photography

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Bradley Owen (Elizabeth Anne Carson Moody) June 23, 2013

Mr. and Mrs. Britt Campbell (Ashley Feik) May 18, 2013

Straughan Photography

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Patrick Moczygemba (Lauren Ashley Smith) June 1, 2013

David Sixt

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Grant Weiler (Kristen Michelle Murphy) May 18, 2013

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Alamo Heights Chamber of Commerce

20th Annual Taste of the Heights September 13 Witte Museum (210) 241-2922

Down Syndrome Association

South Texas Buddy Walk September 28 Heroes Stadium (210) 349-4372

September / October San Antonio Botanical Garden

Gardens by Moonlight October 12 San Antonio Botanical Garden (210) 207-3250

Alzheimer’s Association

South Texas Blood and Tissue Center

St. PJ’s Children’s Home

The Race to Remember September 14 Woodlawn Lake (210) 201-2055

Red and White Ball September 28 Marriott Rivercenter (210) 249-4498

4th Annual Great Pumpkin Run October 12 St. PJ’s Campus (210) 531-8592

American Cancer Society

Family Services Association

Ranch Chic Fashion Show September 19 JW Marriott Resort (210) 595-0249

Don Harris Golf Classic September 30 The Club at Sonterra (210) 299-2409

Women in Medicine and Law

Carver Community Cultural Center

National Alliance on Mental Illness

Cavalcade of the Stars Fundraiser September 20 Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center (210) 207-7211

NAMI Walks for the Mind of America October 5 Morgan’s Wonderland (210) 734-3349

Morgan’s Wonderland

Spay SA

Free to Soar Gala September 20 Morgan’s Wonderland (210) 495-5888

Casino Night 2013 October 5 Dominion Country Club (210) 481-1200

Opera Piccola of San Antonio

Any Baby Can

Father Guido Sarducci’s Opera And Pasta Night September 21 Leon Springs Dance Hall (210) 314-6696 WINGS

14th Celebration of Life and Hope September 21 JW Marriott Resort (210) 946-9464 Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas

Trefoil Luncheon Honoring Carri Baker Wells September 26 Grand Hyatt (210) 349-2404 American Red Cross

Red Carpet Gala September 28 Valero Headquarters (210) 224-5151

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Style Show October 9 Pearl Stable (210) 227-0170 Masters Leadership Program

10th Anniversary Celebration October 10 Pearl Stable (210) 352-7000 Eva’s Heroes

Celebrity Casino Night October 12 Elian Hotel (210) 694-9090 SA Northwest Rotary Foundation and Any Baby Can

Jeans & Jewels Jubilee October 12 Pedrotti’s North Wind Ranch (210) 576-5475

American Cancer Society

Cattle Baron’s Gala October 26 JW Marriott Resort (210) 595-0249 American Sunrise

For the Cure October 17 Holy Trinity Banquet Hall (210) 494-4747

11th Annual Gala and Song Slam October 26 Hyatt Regency (210) 224-7222 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

Go Rodeo Round-Up October 26 Freeman Grounds (210) 225-5851 Boys & Girls Club

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Light the Night Walk October 19 La Villita (210) 998-5400 North Central Baptist Hospital and Baptist Breast Center

Paint the Parkway Pink October 19 North Central Baptist Hospital (210) 297-7005 St. PJ’s Children’s Home

My Princess and Me October 20 JW Marriott Resort (210) 531-8592 Witte Museum

43rd Witte Game Dinner October 21 The Witte Museum (210) 357-1905 YWCA

Women of Influence Awards Luncheon October 22 The Bright Shawl (210) 228-9922 x232 American Heart Association

Heart Walk October 26 Nelson Wolff Stadium (210) 617-2615

Casino Night November 1 Rosenberg Sky Room (210) 436-0686 American Heart Association

Eating Healthy Day November 6 City Wide (210) 617-2600 San Antonio Food Bank

First Annual Wine, Women and Shoes Event November 6 Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum (210) 431-8306 March of Dimes

Signature Chefs November 8 Westin La Cantera (210) 515-4844 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

65 Roses Gala November 9 Westin La Cantera (210) 829-7267 San Antonio Express-News

Book and Author Luncheon November 12 Marriott Rivercenter (210) 567-1206

AROUND TOWN

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San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalist Scholarship & Awards Gala

Sherry McNeil, Beverly Pace, and LouAnn Noll at the Friends of Hospice Poinsettia Ball planning meeting at Los Patios.

Helen Pohly, Mary Carmack and DeeAnn Simpson at the Military-Civilian Luncheon and Meeting.

Monica Navarro with daughter Monica and Tom Hernandez.

Denny Ware and Deborah Moore meet with David Kinder and Kathy Rafferty at the Installation of Officers celebration hosted by the Symphony League.

Susan Harwell-Ferguson and Margaret Tips Houston with Betsey O’Connell and Carolina Canales at the Military-Civilian Luncheon.

Lynette Nelson with Michael and Deborah Moore at the Symphony League End of Year and Officer Installation celebration.

Susie Martin joins Weldon Hammond in celebrating the establishment of a distinguished Professorship in Hydrogeology in his name at UTSA.

Tuesday Bridge Club members meet, (front) Marcia Harris, Valerie Guenther, Betsy O'Connell, Rose Marie Banack (back) Susie Martin, Linda Hammond, Sue Storm, Margo Olson.

Rose Marie Banack, Dr. Harriett Romo and Margo Olson at the reception honoring Weldon Hammond at Club Giraud.

Nora Lopez and Josh Martinez.

Judge Peter and Rachel Sakai.

Mary Alice and Henry Cisneros.

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WOMEN ON THE MOVE

Dr. Jane Appleby

Trudy Frantzen

Cynthia Hamilton

Jane Appleby, M.D., FACP, has been appointed chief medical officer for Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital. She has practiced internal medicine for over 20 years and is board certified in internal medicine and in hospice and palliative medicine.

A graduate of the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, she has been chief quality officer for Methodist Healthcare for five years.

Trudy Frantzen has acquired ownership of Artisans at Rocky Hill, an art gallery in Fredericksburg.

Born in Fredericksburg, she grew up on a family ranch dating to the 1800s.

Her love of art began early, when she gathered natural materials on the ranch for her own special collections.

She will continue the Artisans’ tradition of presenting fine art and crafts.

Cynthia Hamilton has joined the San Antonio Symphony as executive vice president of development and marketing. She earned an MBA from Texas A&M, Commerce, and brings more than 20 years of corporate and small-business experience to the Symphony’s senior team. Her nonprofit management has included the San Antonio Area Foundation, The Arc of San Antonio and other local charities.

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Melissa Kelley Melissa Kelley has been promoted to senior manager and partner-in-training at Padgett Stratemann.

With more than 10 years of public accounting experience, she is part of the firm’s manufacturing, retail and distribution, real estate and professional services teams. She also provides support with tax credits and incentives for entities involved in research and development and international business. She earned accounting degrees at Texas A&M University.

Kelly Perez

Kristin Popowich

Padgett Stratemann announces that Kelly Perez has been promoted to manager in the tax department’s private client and professional services niches. She has more than 20 years’ public accounting experience, specializing in partnership income taxation, individual taxation, payroll reporting and compliance for high-wealth individuals and family-owned businesses. She earned a degree in accounting and finance from UTSA and is a member of the AICPA and TSCPA.

Security Service Federal Credit Union announces the promotion of Kristin Popowich to area manager of its south district. She is responsible for member service, business development and meeting area goals for the branches. A graduate of San Diego State University, she joined SSFCU in 1994 as a member service rep and has held positions of increasing responsibility, most recently as a branch manager.

ASTROFORECAST

By LANCE K. RODRÍGUEZ

VIRGO August 23-September 22 September starts out with your having to cross the t’s, dot the i’s and make sure all calculations are correct. Your finances are due for an overhaul as the balancing of the banking account gives you reason to make adjustments in your expenditures. Pay attention to close relatives, especially siblings, as developments may bring about some crises involving them. You’re never at a loss for analysis, yet there are mysterious foibles beyond comprehension.

LIBRA September 23-October 22 You are quick to provide excellent advice and counsel to those who would pay attention; alas, some people aren’t ready to pay attention to anyone, much less you. Avoid taking this as rejection, as your self-esteem can plummet.

In the end they will appreciate what you offered, but it will be too late for them to do anything. Those Libras who are serious about addressing physical weight issues can really apply themselves; you will just need great enthusiasm!

SCORPIO October 23-November 22 Corporate/management issues are stirring the frustration pot, but remain cool as a cucumber as your patience is being tried. You have the wherewithal to hang in for the long term, but when will these mishaps turn for the better? In mid-October the “team” will respond in unexpected ways and provide ingenuity and innovative solutions to what all the fuss is about. Realize you have the “luck of the draw”’ on your side and remain humble without gloating.

SAGITTARIUS November 23-December 20 A close friend of yours could be experiencing family and domestic issues. Are you there for this friend only as a cheerleader, or are you going to make a difference by showing this friend an alternate perspective? Let this friend know there have to be priorities and goals with definitive results to be manifested — otherwise this friend tailspins into chaos. Your maturity and psychological insights are the counter ballasts to that “dreaded sinking feeling.”

CAPRICORN December 21-January 19 Be quick to respond to office memorandums, as time is of the essence. Mid-September there are challenges that spring up unexpectedly, and the normal chain of command is thrown asunder. In spite of the turmoil created, you may be the “Rock of Gibraltar” to some people, and they realize you have contingency plans to counter the zany, helter-skelter behaviors overwhelming all. October will be a month for you to focus on future financial planning.

AQUARIUS January 20-February 18 You are meant to define and clarify all your relationships, particularly those that have somehow frustrated you because of willfulness on either side. You are passionate about your personal projects, so gently persuade other people to cooperate with you, and they will see your sincerity without a doubt. Remember that you attract support with honey instead of vinegar. Mid-October you have tremendous energy for any research/investigative assignments.

PISCES February 19-March 20 It’s the season for wine and roses. Romantic interludes, distant exotic locations, expressions of joy and ecstasy are for the making as you are entering a period of enchantment. Yes, you can have this and more, just for the asking.

First of all, have absolute faith and believe in yourself; if you don’t, you are harboring a fantasy and not manifesting a reality. Second of all, be confident that you can create the very world that you long for now!

ARIES March 21-April 20 You are no stranger to natural leadership, so be sure to enrapture your audience with your confidence and creativity. Be sure to make lasting positive impressions especially with individuals in positions of authority and clout. Reach for the highest peak performance levels as you separate from the pack and make inroads left and right. Agree to disagree with some individuals who challenge your perspectives. “Divine Providence” is with you in October.

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TAURUS April 21-May 20 You are famous with your proverbial round-the-clock patience. It will be tested during these months by domestic/family issues in addition to partnership issues. On the domestic/family side, who is demanding attention and creating a lot of melodrama? On the partnership side, who is bitter, sour and regretful? On either side of these dilemmas what are the motivational factors and where are the compromises? It takes two to tango; make music and harmony.

GEMINI May 21-June 21 Create beauty in your life as the interior designer within you inspires you to think up new approaches and new styles. The entire month of October is a period of adjustments because of changes involving the day-to-day workplace routines, protocols, procedures and policies. Someone is sitting on some private/secret information that will not be immediately revealed, and no matter the cajoling, the individual will remain quiet.

Remain patient above all.

CANCER June 22-July 22 That’s right, rub your eyes several times, as you can’t believe that the best is unfolding before you.

How lucky can you get? You have some long-term events that are slowly yet definitively working in your favor. Maintain an attitude of gratitude, and even more will come to you. All of this prosperity is good for the spirit, so when you are able, be generous to charities or those individuals who deserve your magnanimity. Your mantra: I attract the best!

LEO July 23-August 22 You are in a once-every-twoyear cycle that commands attention naturally to you, as you’re ready to make lasting impressions on people who know you as well as on total strangers.

Dare to do something new and fresh in your life, as they will invigorate you beyond your wildest imagination. Physical exercise is excellent now. Spontaneity with new ideas that engage your pioneering, entrepreneurial and enterprising spirit will have a great liftoff.

Lance K. Rodríguez is a professional Astrology/Tarot Consultant as well as a Usui/Karuna® Reiki Master. He can be reached at AstroLance.net.

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LOOKING BACK

1962 This 17-year-old San Antonio woman was just 4 years old when she appeared on the 1949 National March of Dimes Poster.

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