San Antonio Woman November / December 2021

19

Celebrating

Years

November/December 2021

CLAUDIA ZAPATA-ELLIOTT

Helping Women to Be at Peace With Their Bodies

HinppyHolidinys!

FAITH LEADERS - GIFT GUIDE - ENTREPRENEURS RUNWAY LOOKS - TAX PROFESSIONALS - BE WELL TEXAS - BARIATRIC SURGERY - SANTA FE,NM

IN THIS ISSUE

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

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21

16 Cover Story

Using diplomacy to cast diet and fitness in a positive light.

21 Feature Story

38

Faith leaders share their stories of bringing a message of hope to the communities they serve.

38 At Home

Christmas spirit pervades Lake McQueeney home.

63 Women in Business

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Meet three women business owners who have earned the coveted spot to become a Supplier, and Partner, with H-E-B.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

Stories Business

2 6 R o l e M o d e l : J a i m e L e n C o o ke 2 8 G u y t o K n o w : D o c Wa t k i n s 4 5 D o s s i e r : Ta x P r o fe s s i o n a l s 6 0 S p o t l i g h t : M o n i c a N a r v á e z Tr u s t , G u i d i n g L i g h t H o s p i c e 6 8 Wo m e n i n B u s i n e s s 8 4 Wo m e n o n t h e M o v e

Lifestyle

3 1 Fa s h i o n : R u n w a y L o o k s 34 Beauty: Lashes!

3 5 B e a u t y E x t ra : C a m e ra R e a d y !

4 2 At H o m e C u ra t e d : I m p o r t a n c e o f H a v i n g a D e s i g n P l a n 90 Introducing: Christie Cuthbert 91 Mommy Matters: Game Night!

To Your Health

50 Nonprofit Spotlight: Providence Place 5 2 T h e W h y B e h i n d M y Ve g a n J o u r n e y 54 Bariatric and Cosmetic Surgery Options 5 6 B e We l l Te x a s 5 9 We l l n e s s M a t t e r s : T h e I m p a c t o f t h e S m a l l S t e p

Food & Entertainment

86 Holiday Gift Guide 92 Destinations: Santa Fe 9 6 H i l l C o u n t r y C u ra t e d : H o l i d a y F e s t i v i t i e s 98 Dining: Frutería-Botanero 100 SA Curated: Plant Based Restaurants 102 Entertainment 1 0 3 Art Beat: Azul Barrientos 1 0 4 We d d i n g : M r. & M r s . H e c k

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C O N T R I B U T O RS Brittany Paul

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Al Rendon

David Teran

B}vv]]vSvAv}v]}UB]'v˙ exudes passion and precision behind the uXP]}}vPB]'v˙Po Photography LLC, she graduated from UTvA Rv`}l]vR}v E .oXT}˙R]`](Uu}RUv R}}PRXF]RU(u]o˙Uv.v three things she knows help her have a }(o˙XB]'v˙]o] in branding photography for businesses in the San Antonio area. She has been featured ]vuooo]}vR]˙vo}}l forward to growing her brand. If your business needs to accomplish a strategic }iR}PRR}}PR˙U˙}v B]'v˙}v˙}uX

Al photographs homes seen in San Antonio Woman magazine. “My photographs use light to bring a home’s personality to life. When I raise the camera and focus on a room’s view, I am composing to express its owners’ personality in the best light.” He has had more than a dozen major solo exhibits, and his work is in such uvv}oo}vR N}voP}]Goo˙}(R Su]R}v]vIv}vvR N}voMu}(M˘]vA in Chicago.

David, a self-proclaimed people person, is a free-lance photographer that loves to tell people “good morning!” in the Lv}}vU}˙}ulRuu]oXH vi}˙}+U}Uv`]vPo' on his 1968 German typewriter. When R]v}`]vP}R]uo(]vR R]}vU]D v}Lv(}v in a foreign country, photographing ballerinas with his 40-year-old Hasselblad camera. David has been blessed to be able to make people smile at his jokes }v(}}vvvrv}`}l`]Rv awesome team of people.

Steve Bennett

Meredith Kay

Dawn Robinette

AvT˘vUSBvv'R `]'v}UR]U and books for more than 30 years, working for the San Antonio Light, E˘rN`vvA Au]vr Statesman. Currently a freelance writer and editor, Steve makes a uvo'}(PvvR]o vvi}˙˙o]vPUB]R shows and the Dallas Cowboys.

Half Texan on her mother’s side, Meredith was born and raised in Southern California, where she graduated from Pepperdine University `]RP]v]vP A XSRR called San Antonio home for over 25 years now and is raising a son and a daughter as a single mom with a pack of rescue dogs. An incurable foodie with v]vo}(`voURR travelled the world, and is passionate }`]vPU}}l]vPUov]vPXv music of all genres. Meredith has never met a stranger, and she is always up for new adventures and experiences.

An award-winning writer, }uuv]}v˘ and founder of Tale to Tell C}uuv]}vU`v D R}]v'o}}RR stories behind the faces and places that make San Antonio shine. Despite being told by her high school English teacher that she couldn’t write, Dawn has made a career doing just that and is a regular contributor to Alamo City Moms, Rio Magazine and Texas Lifestyle Magazine.

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Janis Turk Janis is an award-winning travel writer/photographer, and author of several books and travel guides. Her culinary photography appears in the James Beard Award-nominated “Come In; We’re Closed” and in “Queens: A Culinary Passport.” Her byline has ]vv}vov ]vv}vouP]vv newspapers. Follow Janis at www.TurkTravels.com

Blithe Wiley Blithe has worked in corporate }uuv]}vvo] o}v(}u}Rvæ ˙X}o].

A `]URR produced content for websites, v`o'U]P]oulvPU }]ou]UulvP}oooU vu}XSRR`]'vo (}vu}o]}vv }Pv]}vXSRo}ov]vP about and telling the stories of San Antonio people, places, and businesses. When she isn’t working, she enjoys spending u`]RRRvvR college-age children and reading, walking, and trying new recipes.

EDITOR’S LETTER

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Cathleen Lane CREATIVE DIRECTOR & GRAPHIC DESIGN Miriam Jesaijes DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MEDIA Taylor Lane

Welcome

to the 19th Anniversary issue of San Antonio Woman! What an honor it is to meet and share the stories of such incredible women from this great city. Our cover woman for this issue is no ˘}vJ EvPU }vPU v P]}U Co] rEZ oo]}' u}] R R R R}}Ro}R.v`]RRv`}PuUSTRD]o}u˙ Diet.” Claudia looks as comfortable in a long, formal gown and Ro R } ]v iv v `X S]vP R (o spread of colorful produce in her kitchen, I believe it when she says, “Vegetables make me happy!” I hope her story inspires you to be at peace with your body - and let vegetables make you happy, too!

DIRECTOR OF SALES & PARTNERSHIPS Dale Lane dale@sawoman.com ADVERTISING SALES Cindy Jennings cindy@sawoman.com Caitlin Heck caitlin@sawoman.com WRITERS }C P`v D R}]v' SBvv'UDvv]C} U Av}v]}GUJvv˙J]UM]RK˙U SR`vP]oU`v D R}]v'U AvPoSvP}UJv]TlUD}VU Paul J. Watkins, Blithe Wiley PHOTOGRAPHY }C PB]'v˙Po J}RHl]vUS]˙MvUB]'v˙PoU Nina A. Padilla, Al Rendon, David Teran PRINTING Shweiki Media, San Antonio, Texas

Also in this issue, we are shining the light on women who create and run businesses. The three women in our Women in Business (o R v} }vo˙ (oo˙ ]o ]v have earned the coveted spot of becoming a Supplier for H-E-B.

EDITOR EMERITUS Beverly Purcell-Guerra PUBLISHED BY Las Tres Muchachas, LLC. NOMINATIONS AND ADVERTISING INFORMATION Email: info@sawoman.com

A R R}o]˙}RU I R]vl `[oo ˙ } o]'o (v } } ˙˙ }vX B } Rl } R H}o]˙ G]L G] (} }u v] v ]o P]L ]J O fashion feature showcases trends straight from the runway to help you jumpstart your holiday party looks. And our At Home (}+(o}vP]Rv]o˙G}`(}u Thanksgiving to Christmas.

Although it has been a year of stops and starts, life seems to be ]vP } (oo P]vX I R}˙}v .vu} o}` }`vvvi}˙u `]R (u]o˙ v(]v}Rv˘`} u}vRXL A ooUR[`R]u}]u}v]vo](X I wish you all a joyous holiday season!

Cathleen Editor Cathleen@sawoman.com

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ALTMRRP}}v Cathleen & Dale Lane 1150 N Loop 1604 W, Ste 108-249 San Antonio, Texas 78248 (210) 236-5834

www.sawoman.com

19

Celebrating

Years

November/December 2021

CLAUDIA ZAPATA-ELLIOTT

Helping Women to Be at Peace With Their Bodies

HDppyHolidDys!

FAITH LEADERS - GIFT GUIDE - ENTREPRENEURS RUNWAY LOOKS - TAX PROFESSIONALS - BE WELL TEXAS - BARIATRIC SURGERY - SANTA FE,NM

On the cover: Photography by Brittany Paul @brittanypaulphotography Hair˙CR]vF˙+U Makeup by Rachel Valdez, Styling & Wardrobe by Vicki oo} C (}SlF]LRvA U Jewelry by Claudia Lobao, Set Styling by Abode Interior Design, Interior by CS Designs TX

San Antonio Woman is published bimonthly by Las Tres Muchachas Enterprises (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.

SA CURATED

SA CURATED SA]vP C ˙}RvUvv}vuvUSAW}uv+(}]U

SMH Enrichment Program Coordinator Lisa Westergard

things to know, and places to be in San Antonio!

SMH Mentor Receives Nomination for Major Award

TR Dl}( ]vPR E [Ivv}vo Award USA nominated Saint Mary’s Hall (SMH) Enrichment Program Coordinator Lisa Westergard for the Po}o o}v }( ]v]}vo leaders throughout the world. She serves as SMH’s Duke of Edinburgh Ivv}vo `A LX TR Dl of Edinburgh program celebrates young people’s achievements outside }( u]X TR}PR R uv˙ ˘}vo `A Leaders in the United States, the program’s team selected WP R] }o v}u]v}v (} R UXSX O( R v}u]v}v (}u }v]U o`]oo o ˙ R Ivv}vo `A F}v}v } ] ]o }]v ovP R o](v oP˙ }( TR Dl}( ]vPR E (}uTRR}˙oM]vXTRv}u]v}v}Pv]WP[ ]}v}v}v R]`A i}v˙v (} P}]vP }v˙}v]vPOVID C rı}vR˙}vv to make progress in the program.

To learn more about Duke of Edinburgh at SMH, visit www.smhall.org/academics/upper-school

Small Business Saturday San Antonio Shops to Support This Small Business Saturday. Whether shopping online or in stores, }v ] o} o R} v } ] for beautiful holiday finds!

November 27

OrangeTheory Opens Bulverde Location

Orangetheory Fitness celebrated the grand }v]vP}(]oB ]}o}}vJTR] is the 60th Orangetheory Fitness studio }`v v } ˙ vA F]v G}ULLCvRæRo}}v]vRSv v}v]} A X vA F]v G} }`v and CEO Terry Blachek cut the ribbon to }8]oo˙ }v R ]} o} Overlook Loop, Suite 101.

Éilan Spa

Treat yourself, your girlfriends, or loved one to a day of rest and relaxation at the Eilan Hotel SPA!

Visit eilanhotel.com to check out the spa and book your visit.

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15th Annual Angel Tree Golf Tournament Be on Par December 6th as The Salvation Army hosts its 15th Annual Angel Tree Golf Tournament at The Club at Sonterra, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Angel Tree Program. Last year’s Angel Tree Program assisted over 7,000 disadvantaged children and their families with 48,000+ toys distributed to ensure them with a brighter holiday season. Without the help of community partners like you, we could not help these families.

Art of Gruene The Art of Gruene features original artwork by beloved H]ooC}v˙TR}uR]lU with words by Jenny Jurica. The P}P}}+or˙o}}l captures the essence of this charming historic town through R]l[vR(]vvP stories that tell the tales of the characters that shaped the community of Gruene.

Available for purchase at www.artofgruene.com.

BuildyourownWinterWonderland

At Sur La Table

Fo˘˙} holiday muscles with ]o}}v to create your }`vv]`]v wonderland cake. Once ˙}[.v]R˙} masterpieces, you’ll take it home to decorate your holiday table.

Ml˙}}v at surlatable.com and enjoy one of their many cooking classes.

Congratulations,

Dawn Robinette!

To}TooC}uuv]}vo]u. `]vPU u] o}v v u]Pv `]vRDoO}}u}v R} ˙ R Po] Ro}v S}]˙ of America San Antonio Chapter. Led ˙ (}v `v D R}]v'U APRU R agency also claimed the top honors in the tourism and entertainment P}˙ ]v R Au]v MlvP A}]}v[ MlvP E˘oov Awards, a category the agency has won for the last four years. A part of the SSv Av}v]} W}uv_ `]vP uU R}]v' ` vu Po] Ro}v Professional of the Year in 2020 and has been nominated to serve as PRSA San Antonio’s president in 2022.

NO VETERAN THAT FOUGHT FOR OUR COUNTRY SHOULD BE HOMELESS TR Jo]v Su]R F}v}v ] ˘] } vv}v } v Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive For Veterans! This event will be held }vN}uUVFWP}XW]v]Rv}uuv]˙ } ] ˙ }ov]vPU }vvP (}} ]u (} } vU vl} u}v˙ }v}vX Y} u˙ ul u}v˙ }v}v thejsmithfoundation.org/donate. Po R R ]v(}u}v `]R ˙}v R `}o o]l} R}` R] P(} R} R (}PR for our country! Last year we served 65 veterans, and veteran families.

This year we will provide 400 meals to our veterans! Please help us ensure that our veteran families have a great Thanksgiving! We are o}}l]vP (}` } ˙}v[ ]}vX F} u} ]v(}u}vP outreach@thejsmithfoundation.org November/December 2021

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COVER STORY `]PRUR]]l]vUPvo }R}'RoRX It can be kind, it can be gentle, it can be empowered, and it can feel good and tastes good. All of it.”

“I’m mainly focusing on women making peace with their }] L oo R ˙ X Av I (o o]l I[ .voo˙ come full circle because I originally thought I would be a diplomat.”

B}v v ] ]v L}U Z rEoo]}' 'v the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. “When I was in DC, I took up running and long-distance running. That o`˙ ]PP v ]v ]v } v]}v you’re trying to fuel for those longer races or those longer runs.”

Finding

Peace through Health and Wellness

By Dawn Robinette Photography by Brittany Paul

Wine. Chocolate. Vegetables. They all fit in the world of “The Diplomacy Diet,” Claudia ZapataElliott’s new program that helps individuals make peace with their bodies and negotiate their way to better health.

“You hear about the war on obesity and usually the war }v}}]XW[}RR]XI[}ul]vP `]R˙}}˙o}vP}vP˙}`˙}' RoRXFo˘]ov}]vUR}(oo˙Uu}`]vPX “So many women, we’re at war with our bodies, with our genes and our closets. Especially as we get older and menopause takes over. If you’re feeling defeated by ]vP v (o]vP `˙ L ˙} ` `]R (}} v

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AL P vP (}u G}P}`vU Z rEoo]}' Pv R]vP .v o X SAv u˙ ` X H said, ‘I can’t believe I paid all that money, and you’re jumping up and down all day,’” she laughs. “But I began to realize that there was such a similarity. Everything we }] ]oo˙ vP}}vU]vo]vPR}`` }R our day and the decisions we make about our health and wellness.

“Why do we make certain choices, and why do we not ul}R M S}uu ` (}P ` R R}] X_ H `}l`]RSTR D]o}u˙D] _] }u]v}v}( R ˘ v ]}v X AL ]]vP R u [ P]vv]}v(}uRUv]]˙}(IvvW} ]v U Z rEoo]}' u P] ]v in 2001. “I was the health and wellness columnist for the [San Antonio] Express News for 12 years. There was }u o}PP]vPU }u o] l]vPU }u TV R}vPU æ U I[u «vP ] oo }PR } }u (oo ]o with my career.”

She starts each day with a workout—and “just like any other woman, lots of lists, lists, lists.”

SI oo PPo `]R ul]vP u} u (} R R]vP I `v } }XI(˙} ˙ v .v R u U˙} [v} P}]vP } .v ] X Y} R } ul R u X I[u `Rv I[u v˙X I[u v} } `Rv I[u v˙X SvP R ˙U ul]vP u (} u˙o(U

‘‘ Life’s going to

throw you some curveballs, and everything is not going to go according to your plan. And that’s okay. okay.

-

”

Claudia Zapata-Elliott

November/December 2021

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whether it’s a walk or a good workout – that’s my me u X I [ v }]vuv `]R u˙o(X P}o R]vl ˙} can skip your workout, but I can’t. I choose not to.

SI o}}l (}` } R R}` L u˙ `}l} X TR [ }uR]vP } l]vP }+ ]P ]o }( `˙ o}R v R}`]vP Ru ]v R Ru v R R}` L the workout. It’s when I feel my most accomplished, my u} }v.vUvi ˙}l}vR ˙XI oo˙ v[ } uR vo I } R X_ H ]}v } `}l]vP } ˙}vP P X SI uu oo]vP }u}v R I i}]v u˙ . P˙u the age of 14. They said, ‘Wow, that’s a lot of money,” and I thought, ‘Wow, that’s a lot of commitment. That’s a lot of discipline.’ I’ve always been a gym rat, and I just vv} o] `]R} .v X I [v} } RvP]vP ˙} body or weight loss or weight maintenance or any of that. It’s about feeling good and maintaining sanity. It ul R ]+v ]v ˙} u}} X SI R]vl ] [ .v]o˙ R vu }v vrP]vP }}v }( ooX I .v]o˙ o] R ` ooU ]oo˙ `}uvU v } o]L]vP `]PR }( }u } U }u l]v }( ]v ]v]vPU i P«vP }vPX M]v]v]vP your muscle mass is so key to healthy aging. I try and ˙ v u}]o X_ SR ] R }R v]o˙ }] U }u}vP ˙U RoR˙ ] U .v U v }v wellness advice.

“I have a thing where you don’t count calories. Count colors on your plate. It’s a much easier and friendlier way to think about things.

SP}o }] RoR˙ vP `]R ] P o' and a plain chicken breast. There’s so much more to it than that. When you start preparing healthy food in a way that’s delicious, you really enjoy it, and you don’t feel like you’re missing out on absolutely anything.”

“Vegetables make me happy. I love fresh vegetables.

When you have fresh food, you don’t need a lot. You don’t need a lot of sauces. You don’t need a lot of fanfare.”

STR ]vP R]vP ] ˘RvPX TR D]o}u˙ D] ] oo˙ u} } ]vP R .PR R Rv ]v

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˙} RX TR v} ov }}vvPo}] } cheat days. You eat for health, not weight, and you know R v˙ RvP ]v ˙} }˙ }u `]R uU ] [ also about feeling good. Being at peace with our bodies.”

It’s something she feels passionate about as she ages.

“Success is wisdom, and it’s wisdom knowing that you’ve P}`v }vX Y} [ o } ]vP]R `v `R} v `R u' v `R [`]PR]vP ˙} }`vX “It’s funny that your body starts checking out and o]v]vPi `Rv˙} .voo˙(oo]l˙}P ] XM˙ that’s meant to be humbling, and humility is good. I think Ru]o]˙ ] .v]o˙ }( R `]}u v R]]vP that peace. I think success is also about peace, not only with your body but peace about where you are and who you are in your journey. For me, that’s success.”

TR ]vo vo˙ ovP R R `]vP vv] ˙ `]R Rv Sv Eoo]}'U the former San Antonio Spurs player, and current broadcaster. “It feels good. We feel proud, and we feel accomplished. We have friends who have been married 40-something years, so we know there’s a long path, but

Hair by Christina Fyffe, Makeup by Rachel Valdez, Styling & Wardrobe by Vicki Cavallero for Saks Fifth Avenue, Jewelry by Claudia Lobao, Set Styling by Abode Interior Design, Interior by CS Designs TX

it feels good to reach this milestone and to know you’re in a great place.”

Together they have three grown children. Their oldest son, Tad, is currently in graduate school at Harvard University; their oldest daughter Jada works in health insurance in Minneapolis; and the youngest, in public o}v ]v Sv Fv]}X Z rEoo]}' [ (u]o˙ `]PR ]v} R (} }v RoR and wellness. “My mom has Alzheimer’s disease, which began around 11 years ago. And that one’s been R u} R l]vPX I }vv } PPo `]R ] I[u oov} `R R o}v` R XI[u .P]vP R }v } X SR [ oo o] U R [ v ]v l]v }( P (} R o R ˙ } }X I’ve also seen my dad with heart disease for the last 40 years. It’s just terrifying.”

SR o} ] (u]o˙ (} R }( R }] }RX SSv[ u}RU u˙ (o o u}Rr in-law Odiemae told me, ‘Darlin—you know, “darlin’” `]R o]'o }}R R v v[D}v[ } P]o X[ A }u}v `R} v R (}u ˙ ]v C R}o]

school, that’s not easy for me. I tend to feel guilty about ˙R]vP I }X B I .v]o˙ R]vl o«vP P} }( R P]o ] RP X I o} o] } vPX S} `R ]( ˙} overindulged last night or last weekend or all the years?

It’s okay. Every day is a new opportunity: every meal, every moment, a new opportunity to choose health.

“Unless I burned dinner, I don’t see anything as a failure.

Mistakes? Yes. I’ve made plenty of mistakes and learn from them. But no failures. I think there’s always a lesson and always an opportunity to grow.

“So no guilt about where you are in your journey and no `]vPX Wl`]vP (} ]X RWRv I P} R]U Rv I’ll be happy,’ ‘When I accomplish this or accomplish that or do this, or do that, or get to this size.’ It’s happening right now. Let go of the guilt. It’s so freeing when you do.”

“Nothing in my life went according to what I thought, according to my plans. But I’m certainly happy about where it’s taken me. And grateful.”

To book a consultation with Claudia or find out more about the Diplomacy Diet, visit claudiazapata.com.

November/December 2021

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FEATURE STORY

From a Calling to a Career Although many people can claim that they are blessed to be working in a career that is perfectly suited for them, I don’t know how many of us can claim that we felt a “calling” to our current or life-long vocation. However, for the women featured here, their calling came to them at a very young age. Each of them felt it in their souls, and they have followed a path of service to others in their careers, bringing peace, comfort, and often healing to those who need it most.

By Meredith Kay Photography by David Teran

November/December 2021

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TR D]} }( R Co]v]o P}o E }v program, Mary Davis, was so impressed with Gabriela that she encouraged her to apply for a (ooru }]}v `]R TR CR]ov[ H}]o }( San Antonio. Her interview took place on the day }(R P }vU v R ` P]v R P]L}(R dream job in healthcare ministry.

T}˙U G]o ]vP u}}vo }u(} v ]]o } } ˙}vP v v R] families throughout the hospital as a chaplain.

G]o ˙U SE R v R ]+v }˙X The child changes throughout the treatment } U R] o] + ˙ ]oov } injury. I’m honored to be the person to walk through this journey with them.”

Gabriela de Faria Lira

Pediatric Chaplain for the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio Walking Patients and Their Families Through the Spiritual Journey of Healing I [v} ˙ }Lv R ˙} R }u}v ˙ R R˙(o oo]vP}(}oo}` o o]( R child, but that is exactly what Gabriela de Faria Lira will tell you. She grew up in Recife, Brazil, where her family was very involved with their church and served on missionary trips throughout Brazil.

In 2009, Gabriela decided that she wanted to pursue a life in ministry, and she felt that this path `}o ] R } ov EvPo]RU } R o } Sv Av}v]} } v}oo ]v ESL o v 'v B Uv]]˙ }( R Au ] X SR v a full scholarship and graduated with her B.A. in Biblical Theological Studies in 2014.

G]o Rv u} v}R } A ]ov } 'v Hardin-Simmons University for seminary school, P vP `]R M }( D]]v]˙ ]v Fu]o˙ M]v]˙ ]v `R]o o} }uovP R residency with Christus Santa Rosa Health System.

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Gabriela works with the Hematology Oncology Team and acts as an advocate for bone marrow vov v v R] }v} X SR o} works with the Child Life Department to educate ˙}vP v } R } (} v L P˙X H}`U }v }( R u} ]8o aspects of her chaplaincy is her work with mothers in Labor and Delivery. It is Gabriela’s job to both o v }uu }v}o `}uv ]vP this experience. She states, “When a mother o} ˙U R v} `} X S}uu ] ] just having a spiritual presence there that brings comfort and allows a family to move through the grieving process.”

TR R}]o R}o (o u}vRo˙ (vo service for those babies who pass prematurely.

There is a ceremony in the hospital’s garden on the second Friday of each month, and then, if a family R}} } ] U R ] }uu}v P burial at San Fernando Cemetery to “honor the i}v˙ _ v o R o]'o vPo[o](X Gabriela beams when she speaks of her own family.

She met her husband, Fabio Melo de Alcantara, a professional soccer coach, when her father called her and asked her to speak to a young man at their church in Brazil who was interested in coming to T˘ } ˙X SR ] . U L R] . uvP]v U R˙ ]lo˙(oo]vo} XTR] daughter, Maria Julia Lira de Alcantara, is now R ˙ }o U v G]o }vv } P] R P } G} (} R R R R o R } San Antonio and into the lives of those youngest v `R} v R u} X

Betsy Buhler Chaplain to the City, Community Bible Church Giving Back to the Community with Grace and the Word of God Born and raised in Lebanon, Tennessee, Betsy Buhler lv` R R `v o}vR] `]R the Lord at the tender age of seven, and it was her second-grade teacher who inspired her to pursue this desire and to embark upon what she called a “faith walk.”

As a teenager, she felt that God was calling her to serve, but there weren’t many leadership roles for `}uv ]v R oP˙ R uX S}U R Pv } work behind the scenes, learning how to coordinate teams for church events that would bring the word of God to others.

F} ˙U ˙B `}l (} L](`˙ CR]v Resources in Nashville. She coordinated the worship teams and programming for large events and learned R}`}uoru]ouv}vRvRuX It was here that she became very skilled at organizing v˘vPoPro}}vX At an event in Wisconsin, Betsy met the worship leader for Community Bible Church (CBC) in San Antonio. He was impressed with her leadership and invited her to come to Texas in 2001. Betsy was reluctant to go, but her brother, Bob, reminded her that God opens doors in our lives when we least expect it.

SR`}+}]}vCB}u] v }uuv]}v uU v R X F} 18 years, Betsy led the CBC media team, using technology to reach church parishioners in new `˙ R RR }vv } P}`X SR l with pride about her team’s accomplishments over the years.

“We became the hub of the wheel, using technology to allow people to see God more clearly. We didn’t have to be on the stage to get the message across, v``o}R}o]v]+v`˙X_ As Betsy’s role at the church grew, she wanted to extend her service into the community. She had

been instrumental in working with the S.A.P.D. to coordinate several large memorial services for fallen }8U v ]v R ` ]v] } }u chaplain for the police department. She says, “My role is to be there for anyone who needs me. This is RoovP]vP}v(}}o]}8UvI[uR to let them know that God is with them.”

This community outreach has led Betsy to act as Ro]v (} o ]+v P}X SR ` R Ro]v } R WNBA S]o S vo R] departure in 2017, and she has served as a spiritual resource for C.A.S.A. In 2019, Pastor Ed Newton }`RoSCRo]v}RC]˙_}v˙B U and her mission in this new role is to “become the hands and feet of Jesus.”

Personally, Betsy’s own life has been challenging at uX SR ] `}ru ]} }( vU and in the past few years, she has lost several family members. These personal challenges have forced R}vPRv R}ovu]v}v} }vv}vRRRRL}R (}R(} her. She takes solace in the bible, but she reminds Ro(R]]v}R'oX Betsy says, “Even through our challenges, there is i}˙ ]v R i}v˙X M˙ ]v˙ ] v} v ]}XM˙]v˙]]vCR]XIuP(o(}u˙ calling and that God has given me the ability to help }R R}PR }PR uX I u P(o R I[ been directed to touch the lives of others with God’s word. I am blessed.”

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CPT Krystal Charles 'o]}v B CRo]vUUXSXAu˙R Caring for Our Soldiers Spiritually with Positivity, Love, and Light Krystal Charles was born in Dallas. Her mother i}]v R u]o]˙ L R]PR R}}oU v }PRU R ] u} `v T˘ v Guv˙ vo her mother discharged from the Army in 1995. Their next move took them to Georgia, where Krystal struggled and began to act out to compensate for her uncertainty in this new city. Luckily, her u}R }}l }v v v}oo R ]v R Y}R Challenge Academy in Fort Gordon, Georgia, a ov]vP ]v }v R ]voo u]o]˙ o } Sr]l_ vP X H U K˙o .voo˙ (o o]l she belonged to a community that accepted her (} `R} R ` U v R ˘oo UP vP`]R both her GED and an adult high school diploma.

SR Rv u} l } T˘ v 'v Navarro Junior College in Corsicana before u}]vP } J}Rv}v C]˙U Tvv U } .v]R her undergraduate studies at East Tennessee State University. She graduated with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, specializing in Physical E }vX AL P }vU K˙o (o `v } o}o Pentecostal church when her grandmother passed away. She hadn’t been to church since she was o]'o U R U SI (o o]l ] }( u˙ grandmother was there with me. I felt comfortable there, and I witnessed God at work in both adults and children alike.”

TR}PR }v}v `]R R v` }U R felt “captured” by the Spirit of the Lord and was R}o˙ L i}]v]vP R RRX TR] began her walk in faith with God, and in 2014 Krystal joined the Army in search of a career and more stable life for her and her son, Kasen.

In the military, Krystal was assigned as a Motor Transport Operator, but her heart consistently led 24

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her back to ministering to her fellow Soldiers. She u u}} v }u(}vP R}o (} others to lean on. She says, “I felt that God was using me as a servant and a leader, and I wanted to give that back and pay it forward.”

It was then that she met an Army Chaplain, who inspired her to apply to the Army Chaplain Candidate Program, and she was accepted and direct commissioned in 2017. This program, R}`U ] (R }vU}Ru} to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and enrolled in a Master of Divinity program at Oral Roberts University, P vP ]v ı `]R R}v} X She was then promoted to Captain and assigned to a reserve unit near San Antonio to become a Chaplain Recruiter for the Army. She recruited Chaplains and Chaplain candidates from seminary schools across the country. Her mission, she states, was to “bring God to Soldiers, and Soldiers to God.” K˙o v }vP ]v R (]R v }vv } minister to Soldiers as an Army Reserve Chaplain in San Marcos. As a civilian, she currently works Tov A ]]}v R] (} RoR }(]}voHCHoR A XSR(o}v.v that she is exactly where she was meant to be and R} R R }˙ `]oo }vv } ]v] }R to take the “healing hands of God” and let Him lead the way.

ROLE MODEL

Jaime Len Cooke Creating Event Experiences that Leave an Impression

For highly organized and logistics-minded individuals, multi-tasking and prioritizing are second nature. Some may refer to us as “control freaks,” but it is in our DNA to handle situations, and really, just everyday life, by tackling each item on the list in a methodical and ordered manner that achieves the end goal as seamlessly as possible. One dynamic local businesswoman has this practice down to a science.

By Meredith Kay Photography by Brittany Paul

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Jaime Len Cooke is a magnetic force to be reckoned with. When she walks into a room, she commands the space with a vibrant and outgoing energy that gets attention. Beautiful and stylish, Jaime lights up when she discusses her events planning company, how she built it, and how much she appreciates and leans on the support of her family.

She began her career as a corporate events planner for Rackspace in 2004. For 12 years, Jaime traveled the `}oU «vP v R}vP ]vvo }uv˙ v (} uo}˙ vPPuv v v}v }PuU well as conference and hospitality endeavors with clients and partners. This experience brought out a natural talent in Jaime, allowing her to create a plan that would R] R P}o }( v v ˙ (oo˙ ˘vP }uo] o}P] `R]o `}l]vP `]R u } }v(}P'ov]v˘]vX In 2008, Jaime found herself in demand outside of Rackspace, and with the blessing of the company, she started Cordially Invited, a small events planning company specializing in private, v}vr}.U v }} vX H }v P` ]lo˙U and she started to take on larger vU R]]vP + v vP o}vProvP o}vR] `]R vendors around San Antonio.

When her son Deacon (now 6) was born, Jaime did some soul searching and decided that it was u } v]}v }(]}voo˙ and focus on her own company, which would also allow her to set her own schedule and stay home more to be there for her family.

Jaime was born in Houston and lived most of her childhood in California before moving to SvAv}v]}}'vUTSAU`RRvRBXAX]v C}uuv]}vU`]Ru]v}]vC]]MvPuvXSR is married to Jack Cooke, a project manager for R.C. Page C}v}vX TR˙ u S}v`lU v (} J]uU ] ` o} . ]PRX TR˙ R v }PR (} v ˙ v}` v u] (} .U v J]u R v }o son, Aden (13). The family is very busy with sports and ]UJ]u˙(}R]]o`˙USFu]o˙.X_ Her events planning company, JLen Events, was launched in 2016. The company organizes and executes local and ]vv}vo v (} o]v o]l Gl}uU T}˙}U and Ferrari. Her team also organized 16 separate events during the 2018 Men’s Final Four here in San Antonio.

JLvvE ]o]]v}}vv}vr}.v ] o}} }( ] `}l `]R R]PRr}.ov o]l RW}oA+]C}v]oX J]u RU SI ] ]u } ˙ vPP `]R v 'vU }R ]vP R vU `RR ] ] o] v } ]o vU v L R v `]R (}oo}` }uuv]}vU v }vP}]vP }}v } ˙ connected to the company or the cause. The pandemic changed the landscape of what social and business vo}}lo]lX`A v]PRv]vuU` are looking at a more hybrid approach to event planning.

We need to provide both in-person, when applicable, and virtual elements that work in tandem to make an event successful in today’s climate.”

All of the business brought into JLen Events is referral } o}vR]rX J]u o R }(]}vo o}vR] v u]v]v strong roster of loyal clients who recognize the work her team puts into an event. Jaime feels strongly that her success has come from a consistent recipe of grit and grace. She highlights the need to educate her clients ]v}}uvP˘}v ]v .o `R v˘ ]}v v ovv } ]}`]R}v}X She says, “Events are crucial to our social lives, and engaging `]R }R ] vo (} business growth. I thrive on vP ˘]v (} v 'vXIo}]`Rvvv v}]o˙]uv someone to become passionate about something they weren’t previously aware of.”

In a normal year, JLen Events can host 4 to 7 events per week, but the pandemic has obviously changed things. vE ovv]vP ] }Lv }voX C}} v v}vr }. v v } o}` }`v v R R}o]˙U R˙u ]lo˙P]vv]vP]vJv˙U}uv] v }Pv]}v l]l }+ R v` ˙X vE ovv]vP is a fast-paced industry, but it suits Jaime’s energy level perfectly and brings joy to the clients that she values, .oo]vP R l v ]v]]vP R } (o˙ ˘ v v] v R }uv˙ }vv to grow.

Learn more about JLen Events and Jaime Len Cooke at www.jlenevents.com.

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GUY TO KNOW

Doc Watkins

San Antonio’s Resident Jazz Musician is Bringing Holiday Cheer This Season When notable jazz pianist Doc Watkins rattles off the list of music he likes other than jazz – such as rock, classical, and blues – of course, you are surprised to learn just how eclectic his musical tastes range after he mentions one in particular.

By Antonio Gutierrez Photography by David Teran 28

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“I absolutely love mariachi music,” Watkins said by phone on a recent Saturday afternoon after relaxing from a previous night of performances at his popular nightclub, Jazz, TX at the Pearl. “You’ve got these voices singing in harmony, and everyone is playing instruments. It’s beautiful.”

S]v ]]vP ]v R Aou} C]˙ ]v ˙ `˙ }(vA (}u R] vOP}vU Wl]v Ro]R vu and built an impressive career for himself locally, as `oo R}PR} R v}vo i vX H[ o˙ alongside some of the big boys in the industry, including Kevin Eubanks, Butch Miles, and the late Jim Cullum. He’s also had the pleasure of gracing the stage of New York’s famed Carnegie Hall.

Watkins has been playing the piano since age 7, so one wonders if it was by choice or if he was forced to begrudgingly l o}v L R}}o o]l many a boy and girl. “It was something I wanted to do. No one pushed me into it. I loved it from day one,” he said. “I asked my parents for a piano vo}vXIvo}}(u ]vPU ov]vP v` u]U and performing.”

An accomplished musician and successful business owner, the 40-year-old father of four is o}]l]oo]vRl]RvX It provides an opportunity to relax at home among friends with good food and a glass of wine. More on this later.

F} v˙}v `vvP } R him on stage, Watkins and his orchestra will perform a Holiday Big Band Show with all the classic Christmas songs on December 16 at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts.

You like so many types of music. What led to your interest and ultimate success as a jazz musician?

AL I ` .v]R `]R R}}oU I `v } o˙ ]v} ooRuXTR}}v]]vRo]o`}oR v `]vo]vP (} ˙X TR R]`ol R uoo v~}(}uZU}IP«vPP]Pvov]vP i } }u u} }.]v i u]]vX I ] my own bookings, and everything snowballed from there.

I(}vo}}(`}l]vR}]}}(uo˙]vPiX The jazz world is where I found my niche and success early on, and doors opened for me that had never been opened in other genres.

What do you like to cook?

Pasta, gumbo, steaks and all the classic dishes. On Sundays, we’ll have friends over. I put T}v˙ Bvv' }v R } player, drink some wine, and chop onions, garlic and tomatoes and get the music going. It’s like a scene out of “Good Fellas.”

What was it like performing at Carnegie Hall?

I ` ı R . u I o˙ R L `]vv]vP v ]vv}vo ]v} }u}v v (}u classical program. Then in 2014, I performed a jazz concert with u˙]}XI [(oRooUv the audience is great. It has the vu v PU v R piano there is one of the best I’ve ever played. I’m also a huge fan of New York and love to go there for fun.

You have an unusual first name. Talk about that.

My birth name is Brent. I got my Ph.D. in music at UT vA ˙P}XALIPUu˙(]v calling me “Doc.” It stuck as a stage name, so I ran with it.

What can people expect at your Christmas show at the Tobin Center?

Our Christmas shows have been popular for the last 10 years. At Jazz, TX, I do about 30 shows between November and December, but we only have 100 seats, and the shows sell out fast. We have an opportunity to partner with the Tobin, which has 1,700 seats. We’ll do a Charlie Brown Christmas arrangement and classical Christmas favorites, including songs by Count Bassie and Frank Sinatra.

So you probably get teased on occasion with the old line, “What’s up, Doc?” TR[o`˙}u P˙ `R} R]vlR[R .}v} think of it. But he doesn’t know I’ve heard this one before.

Do you have a favorite Christmas song?

STR L]'o Duu B}˙_ ] .v]o˙ R } }( R o]UIo}o]lMoT}u[SCRvR}vP}vv Open Fire.”

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FASHION

2021 Fashion Weeks:

Vovv}

Trending on the runway

Balmain

Carolina Herrera

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2 1.

3.

4.

5.

7.

1. Wool Coat $446 Ted Baker 2.P+SoT}¤ıZ 3. Leather Clutch $145 Ted Baker 4. Lace Blouse $49 Zara 5. Dress $395 Ted Baker 6. Swarovski Boots $250 Dune London 7. Stud Earrings $35 Ted Baker 32

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]]v}

6.

CR]vS

They’re back, and better than ever - Shoulder pads! Puffed sleeves and padded tops are here for the season.

Also making a comeback - Lace!

Stepping into the 21st century as geometric cutouts, and in it’s original form.

1.

3.

2.

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Relaxed yet refined

5.

silhouettes with wide-leg pants, long outerwear, and bold accessories.

Monochrome looks and statement patterns are an effortless way to look

6.

“runway ready”!

8.

9.

1. Bracelet $29.90 H&M 2. Blazer $695 Julian Gold 3. Coat $895 Ted Baker 4. Sunglasses $390 Julian Gold 5. Sweater $175 Ted Baker 6. Wide leg pants $295 Ted Baker 7. Silk Scarf $120 Ted Baker 8. Tote Bag $250 Ted Baker 9. Boots $295 Ted Baker November/December 2021

Illustrations by Vogue Vignettes

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BEAUTY

Dior Show $29.50 Christian Dior

Jax Roberson @jaxstudio Wiggling a lash wand from the base of the lash up builds the fullness from the roots while leaving the ends long and separated (almost wispy). This in turn plants the darker pigment into the lash line creating an opening effect with the eye. Adding a little extra focus on the outer edges will lift the entire eye area. Creating a doe-like effect.

Taking a synthetic brush ( like an angled eyeliner brush) I take a little off the wand and paint the bottom lashes to emphasize the bottom lash line. The most common catastrophe I see on others is too much bottom mascara, which pulls the eye down and creates a “tired look” to the eyes. Less is always more on the bottom lash line!

Protip!

Lash Paradise $10.99 L’Oreal

Game, Set, Protip!

Dora Vera @thelookstudiohmu

Lash So Fierce

from $6.99 Revlon

Two of my go to’s are Revlon So Fierce and Lancome Monsieur Big Volumizing Mascara. If you are looking for a mascara to lengthen your lashes, not clump, and not also be hard to take off then I recommend the Revlon So Fierce. If you want Monsieur Big Volumizing Mascara from $26 Lancome 34

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something that gives you volume, definition, and is pigmented and long lasting then the Lancome Monsieur Big Volumizing Mascara is your girl!

BEAUTY EXTRA Beauty news with

Dora Vera

Dora Vera, owner of The Look | Makeup & Hair, ] Sv Av}v]} v `]R A= ˙ ]v R R] ul o]}v ]v ˙X SR `}l `]R `}uv }( oo P }v Sv Av}v]}U }+ one-on-one makeup lessons, and specializes in the “no makeup, makeup look.” thelookstudiohmu@gmail.com, @thelookstudiohmu

Camera Ready!

The Holidays are right around the corner and you

know what that means. Glitz, glam, and lots of gatherings, but most importantly, pictures! In this }ouvU I u P}]vP } P] ˙} }u }v R}` } look camera-ready without doing too much! You can create an easy and dazzling look with just three things.

In my opinion, what makes a look “camera ready” is

brows, eyes, and lips. If you already have full brows that have enough color then you can skip this step but if you v } o} }v ˙} }` o]'oU } } ˙ o˙]vP brow powder of your liking with an angled brow brush.

Be sure to not pick a color that is the same as your hair.

A shade or two darker will ensure the brows stand out without overpowering your face. Our eyes go to what’s darkest, so when it comes to our face makeup we want to make sure there is balance. Unless of course, you want something to stand out more, then you make that the darkest feature on your face.

Next is lashes. I know I know, lashes can be hard. Take some

u } (} o˙]vP Ru (} ˙X LR v o} RoovP]vP } ]l u˙ }uuv}v to everyone is either the Ardell Naked Lashes in #420 or #421. The #420’s are shorter than the #421 so depending on your eye shape and how natural you want them to look will decide the type of lashes you choose.

Ml}o˙RoRPo}RvoRo]v

in an even coat and wait for the glue to become tacky before o˙]vPXY}`vRPo}˙](}o]}v it helps ease the process of placing and securing the lashes }v˙}vooRo]vXI(˙}.v˙}o(v]vP o]'o extra assistance, Ulta carries a great tool for applying lashes!

J l }u}v `R} `}l R } Ro ˙} .v ]X

Lastly, to bring your look full circle we will focus on the lips.

I feel like applying a nice lip color is going to pull everything }PRX I }v[ R } uU i }uR]vP darker or more pigmented than your natural lip tone. If you `v}P(U˙}vP}(}]PRo]U}](˙}[ feeling dark and moody something with berry undertones may be the way to go. At the end of the day, it all depends on what you’re wearing and how those colors make you feel.

I R} R `]oo Ro ˙} (o }PR (} oo }(

the glam holiday pictures you’ll be taking! If you try out any of these tricks, tag me on Instagram @thelookstudiohmu.

I( ˙} Rv˙}v } v Ro iR }J I u here for you.

AT HOME

Holidinys onthe Lake Christmas Comes Early to a Lake McQueeney Home Christmas memories are created every year, but last year is etched in the minds of Joette Schoolcraft and her husband Alan, whose home on Lake McQueeney is the gathering place for their blended family, not just for the holidays, but throughout the year. ˙B SBvv' Photography by Al Rendon 38

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“Last Christmas was

especially sweet watching my oldest grandchild walk into the room...taking in every ornament with such appreciation”

A “12-foot, pre-lit monster,” the Schoolcraft’s “holiday tree” goes up before Thanksgiving and features Autumn rusts, bronzes and golds, which designer Nicole Roberts Winmill has augmented with “pops of color” -- deep blues and violets.

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Joette Schoolcraft uses her holiday table, set with china mostly from Anthropologie, for family Thanksgiving as well as Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Glass Christmas trees and the garland in the chandelier -- with a little brown owl peeking out -- add to the festive feel.

“Last Christmas was especially sweet watching my oldest grandchild walk into the room, see the tree, eyes opened as wide as possible, and then taking in every ornament with such appreciation,” she recalled. “Nothing could be better than seeing Christmas in a new way through a child’s eyes.”

This year promises to be even more special.

“We will have a total of three grandchildren and one on the way,” Schoolcraft said. “Our oldest grandchild, Brielle, already has her favorite ornaments on ‘JoJo and Big Al’s’ tree, and she looks for them when she comes to visit. We are blessed beyond measure.”

With designer Nicole Roberts Winmill of NR Interiors, Schoolcraft has created an elegant holiday wonderland.

“Nicole and I discussed the colors and theme for the tree and decorations five years ago, and we add as we go, but keep with the same theme,” Schoolcraft said. “The design of the house would be considered transitional with neutral colors, light blues and greens, and so we have found ornaments that complement the overall design of the house. I don’t like to use a ton of accessories, and so our Christmas decorations fall within those same guidelines. I love birds and bird-watching, so we have birds and owls throughout the tree and wreaths.”

One of those little owls can be discovered in the garland woven through the chandelier above Schoolcraft’s inviting dining table, just off the kitchen.

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With three grandchildren and one on the way, the stockings hung on the Schoolcraft’s mantle keep increasing.

“I love my table almost as much as I love my tree!” she said. “The china is mostly from Anthropologie. I set the table from the very beginning and use it for our Thanksgiving feast and for our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners. Nicole and I usually discuss new ideas each year around September, and last year we added the glass Christmas trees and the garland in the chandelier. You can barely see the little brown owl in the garland above the table, but he’s there, and I love it!”

Winmill said that Schoolcraft has built a collection of “autumn-colored” ornaments in rusts, bronzes and golds, and the designer brought in some deep blues and violets for a “pop of color.”

“Joette puts up her tree before Thanksgiving, so she uses it as her holiday tree, and this color scheme is one that is versatile to work for both holidays,” Winmill said. “Each year we have added to her collection with something new: a taller tree, custom garland for the fireplace, dining table centerpieces, dining chandelier greenery dripping with sugar crystal sprays and wreaths at the front door.

We most recently added touches of a winter woodland theme throughout, like the owls and aspen ribbon at the front door wreaths, the winter branches, nests and white woodland creatures perched amongst the branches of the tree and garlands.”

In the kitchen, the homeowner has created a festive display featuring rows of Mason jars mounted to the walls. For this time of year, the homeowner has filled them with poinsettias.

“The wall display is a piece I had added after we moved in,” she said. “I have a friend who talked to me about a job she did for a commercial building, and then I saw a similar display in a small shop in Comfort, Texas, so I put those two thoughts together. I love being able to switch out the mason jar containers to decorate for different holiday and party themes — baby showers, wedding showers, birthdays. I can use fresh flowers or decorations or both. So, it’s a lot of fun.”

The tree is the centerpiece of any Christmas celebration, and the Schoolcraft tree is “a 12-foot, pre-lit monster to put together,” she said.

“Because I keep my tree up for so long, I cannot accommodate a natural tree,” Schoolcraft said. “I am also a little OCD about keeping a tidy house, so I would not be able to tolerate all the needles falling from a natural tree.

Our kids” — Alan and Joette each had two older children when they married 10 years ago — “request for me to have Christmas put up earlier and earlier every year so that they have more time to enjoy it.”

The spirit of the Christmas season infuses the Schoolcraft home the year round.

“Christmas is a pretty big deal for us,” Joette said. “We are thankful for the role Jesus has in our lives every day of the year, but taking the time to stop and really celebrate Him during the Christmas season brings so much joy to us.”

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AT HOME: CURATED

HOW HAVING A DESIGN PLAN SAVES YOU TIME & MONEY

By Shawna Percival

You know that feeling when you run to the grocery store without a list? It’s a little exciting and a little rebellious. You see a few things that look good, and you throw them in the cart. You know you need bread and PB&J. Then you grab some cashew milk.

Maybe some granola. Oh, and that sushi looks really good, so even though it’s a bit pricey, you take it home for a quick and delicious treat.

Achieve more cohesive, impactful results.

But then you get home and everyone is hungry for dinner. There’s nothing to make, because you didn’t have a plan, and didn’t buy anything that would add up to a complete meal.

Where do you start? Well, just like you wouldn’t start looking for recipes in a cookbook you won’t like, start ˙ l]vP } `R ˙} } o]lX I( ˙} R u U ( P]v v ˙ 'v}v } `R R ˙} 'v}vXI uv} ol]vP } R]vP(} ]v]]o ] U R ˙ 'v}v } }uo ]Pv recipe that delights you.

Shoot — guess it’s time for pizza, again!

When you think about designing a room, it is exactly like making a trip to the grocery store with or without a wellplanned list. Here’s why...

Eliminate buyer’s remorse.

D ]Pv]vP `]R} ov o ˙} ]v }]}v } buy what you don’t need, like those gummy bears that looked so good at the cash register but leave you feeling bleah! Wisely save and splurge. Without a design plan, it’s hard to know which items are great investments for your lifestyle and which you’ll just plain regret later.

(True, I may not regret that sushi splurge, but it certainly didn’t serve my goals!)

M]uR (v]R]vP U }o} o' R (o }+U styles that clash... Like a cart full of ingredients that won’t make a meal, unplanned purchases for your home won’t add up to the interiors you want to see and enjoy.

Start by seeking out what you like.

Create a design plan.

Now you’re ready to create a “design plan” or work with a designer who can help you make one. Like a meal plan, everything you will “put in the cart” will have a purpose.

We know how it is going to be used, and we know how it works with the other “ingredients” in the room.

There is balance. There is harmony. There’s just enough }( ˙R]vP(} ] } U RuU(oP}} XAv ' yet, we don’t buy what will never work.

And that feels amazing.

SR`v P]o ] `}uv `]R u]]}vX H (oor ] ]v]} ]Pv .uU S˙o ˙ C Iv]} U Ro o]v ]vP (Rv U o˘}vU v uv]vP ]v} R] (u]o˙ R}u X Mv`R]o U R ] }uv˙U S} U Ro lrRP `}uv R] }`v ˙o]RU }R] R}u R}PR }(]}voo˙ ]Pv l] v ˙r}r(}oo}` v}}v ov X SR`v ] ]v San Antonio, Texas, with her husband and two kids.

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come see us in person, to view our courtyard filled with sample walls

DOSSIER

Dossier

Tax Professionals

P]vP ˘ v vvP v ˘RvPX Ov } }( R U who can keep up with all of the tax changes and complicated laws?

Thankfully, there are Tax Professionals who can help you avoid ul]vP }o˙ u]l v ( R} v R} }( ˙} u X T˘ P}(]}vo }+ }( u]v v v ov (} ˙} } make the best tax-saving decisions throughout the year. Read on to get to know some of the top Tax Professionals in San Antonio who are ready to help take the stress out of preparing taxes.

Photography by David Teran

November/December 2021

45

ADKF

Anette Flores & Ashley Brand

What sets your firm apart from others?

Our service and team approach set us apart. We always strive to treat our clients as we would want to be treated by putting them first. Our firm values are apparent in our interactions with our clients and each other. As our tagline says, we are “with you all the way,” which is why we meet with our clients throughout the year. We advise them proactively and innovatively through their personal and/or business life cycles, often multi-generational, and guide them in making wise financial and/or business decisions.

Why should an individual or business consider hiring your firm as their tax and/or audit professional?

Our tax professionals keep up with the ever-changing tax laws and regulations so that our clients don’t have to. In addition, the audits we perform can offer exceptional value to a business and stakeholders. Companies learn about their financial health as well as receive recommendations to improve accounting processes and controls.

What types of services do you offer?

We offer a broad range of services, including consulting, tax, accounting, assurance, tax controversy, and business valuation.

Our consulting services include estate, divorce, retirement, and succession planning, mergers and acquisitions, and forensic accounting/litigation support.

Our tax services include tax planning and preparation of Individual, Partnership, Corporation, S Corporation, Gift, Estate, Trust, State, and Local tax returns.

Our audit services include financial statement audits, reviews, compilations, employee benefit plan audits required by the Department of Labor, Federal/State Single Audits for organizations that expend federal/state grants, internal control evaluations, and DCAA pre-award surveys for military contractors.

What types of clients do you work with?

Our clients range from small, family-owned businesses to SEC-registered companies in a variety of industries, including not-for-profit organizations, retail and wholesale, construction, manufacturing, dealerships, real estate, oil and gas, doctors, and attorneys.

ADKF

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8610 N. New Braunfels, Ste 101, San Antonio, Texas 78217 | (210) 829-1300 adkf.com

Guerrero CPA

Edward F. Guerrero, CPA - Owner Why should an individual or business consider hiring a tax professional?

A tax professional is trained, certified, and required to complete 40hrs/CPE in their profession, thus providing a higher level of competency to complete and file business/individual tax returns each year.

What sets you and/or your firm apart from other tax professionals?

Our firm offers tax strategies and tax planners and not just tax preparers. Our Education Platform (Weekly Virtual Education show, Monday-Friday) provides the tax knowledge that clients need to improve their tax situation.

What types of clients do you work with?

Our clients are mainly Small business Owners. Fifty percent of our client base is Real Estate investors/Realtors; the remaining are Attorneys, Contractors, Services, Restaurants, and others.

What types of services do you offer?

We offer tax planning & tax preparation services, business consultation, IRS representation and correspondence services.

Do you offer tax advice throughout the year? How often do you communicate with clients?

We have a free tax check-up once a year, and our education platform is available on a weekly basis. If a client needs tax strategies, this is on a fee basis and does include multiple client meetings/sessions with our tax planners.

What should clients do now to prepare for filing their 2021 taxes?

Execute tax planning to minimize their tax liability or increase their refund.

What changes in tax laws should clients be aware of?

Wow, lots are coming down the pipeline that will be passed prior to the next tax season. Many items have been suggested to be changed.

What are your primary goals in helping your clients?

Continue our tax check-up to all clients, provide education on a continuous basis for them, and consult them in their tax strategies.

Guerrero CPA

508 W. Rhapsody, San Antonio, Texas 78216 | (210) 490-7100 guerrerocpa.com November/December 2021

47

James Family Tax Richard James, Tax Accountant

What sets you and/or your firm apart from other tax professionals?

At James Family Tax we take pride in doing things differently when it comes to tax preparation. Meaning we take a holistic approach to our client’s tax needs. We look at tax preparation as being a part of a family’s financial success.

And there isn’t one family or small business that’s the same which means there isn’t one tax situation that’s the same. We take our time in getting to know our clients and understand each client’s unique situation so that we can best serve them. We know that our clients work hard for their family and their businesses, so we treat each of our clients as valued individuals with the utmost respect, fairness, and professionalism. We also don’t expect to see our clients once a year; we enjoy building meaningful relationships and are available to serve families and small businesses year-round.

What are your primary goals in helping your clients?

Our primary goals when it comes to helping our clients are: 1) For our clients to feel cared for. We see each client as being a part of our “tax family”.

2) For our clients to trust that we have their back. Taxes take teamwork, and trust is huge for us because each client deserves honesty and transparency when it comes to their taxes.

3) For our clients to be confident in their tax filing. We believe it’s important for our clients to understand the basics of their taxes in order to make the best decisions for their families and small businesses.

What types of clients do you work with?

We help families and entrepreneurs with their taxes. We enjoy working with our San Antonio community and provide free tax & business resources on our website.

James Family Tax

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305 East Ramsey Rd., San Antonio, Texas 78216 | (210) 864-8358 jamesfamilytax.com.com

theKFORDgroup Tax Professionals

Kim Ford, Jennifer Edwards, Tracey Burke, shareholders What sets your firm apart from other tax professionals?

We believe it is our duty to understand what each client needs from their tax professional relationship and that it takes both Excellence in everything we do and Compassion, two of our core values, to make that happen.

We put ourselves in our clients’ shoes, and with our experience, ensure we are answering the questions that our clients haven’t even asked yet. Our team is small enough to take the time to get to know each of our clients and their financial concerns, and at the same time, we are large enough and experienced enough to handle intricate tax planning and compliance matters.

What types of clients do you work with?

The client that receives the most value from theKFORDgroup is one who believes in Collaboration and Innovation, more of our core values. Our team works strategically with our clients and their other advisors to come up with the best solutions for each client, business, and/or family. We know that no two clients are alike, and we treat each one individually and with great attention to detail needed to reach their financial goals.

What are your primary goals in helping your clients?

Our passion is making the financial chaos clear for our clients. We know that everyone has specific gifts and that ours revolve around understanding and articulating financial information concisely to others. Our goal is for our clients to know that our team will embody our final core value and be Responsive to their financial questions and concerns. This way, our clients are free to use their gifts and do what is most important to them, knowing that theKFORDgroup has their back and can always be depended upon for the best advice for them and their needs today and tomorrow because of the deep relationship that has evolved over time.

theKFORDgroup theKF

8620 N New Braunfels, Suite 300, San Antonio, Texas 78217 | (210) 340-8351 theKFORDgroup.com November/December 2021

49

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

From left to right: Patricia Wilson, Board Chair, Regina Murphy, COO, Judith Bell, President/CEO with a graduate of My Mariposa Home, our 18-month transitional housing program for adult female survivors of human trafficking, sexual assault and domestic violence, with her mother.

In the Spotlight:

Providence Place What is your role at your organization, and what does it entail?

As President/CEO, I am responsible (}}]]vP]v]}vooR] v]}v}RE˘ Leadership team. I’m also responsible (}ovP}vPvvv `}l]vPo}vR]`]RRB} vv]vP}v}uuv]}v about the measurement of .vv]oU}PuuUv impact performance against stated benchmarks and goals. I facilitate }ruvo}oo}}vv vPRv]vvo}uuv]}v `]R+XF]voo˙UIu}v]o for the overall success of the agency, ]vo]vP].vv]o]v]o]˙ while managing future growth.

Describe your organization’s mission in your own words.

The mission of Providence Place is to vR˙o}(Pv}vou R}PR]vv}]XT}uU our mission calls us to work with children, youth, women, and families that have experienced complex uV}}] ]} that enable survivors of complex trauma to see the next chapter of their lives.

What is a common misconception about your organization or the mission you serve?

I believe the most common u]}v}v}P}]v Po]R`oo˙v` }Pv]}vU`Rv]v(U`R been in the San Antonio community since 1895. In 2016 we streamlined our services and now focus on providing services based on the principles of Trauma Informed Care for survivors of complex trauma. Although `}]]}o]v groups of people, all of the services are connected through our mission }(v]vPR˙o}(Pv}vo uR}PR]vv}]X A $100 contribution to Providence Place provides the following: · A month’s supply of diapers and wipes for a struggling family · A counseling session for a survivor of complex trauma ·Al}(uvv](} a young adult aging out of foster care and moving into their own apartment · A month’s supply of self-care items (}]}}(}u]}ovU Ruv8l]vPU}˘oo

Judith Bell, President, CEO Providence Place

What is an upcoming way to get involved at Providence Place?

We will re-evaluate our on-campus visitor policy at the end of 2021.

However, there are several ways to get involved · Hold a house warming party for youth aging out of care and moving into their own apartment (Items needed include – pots/pan, dishes, utensils, silverware, towels, cleaning supplies, laundry baskets, etc.) · Hold a baby shower for our Beth’s Bo]vPB}V}(}(u]o] with children under the age of three (new items with tags; assists with .vv]oovv]vP]W]U car seats, baby clothes, diaper bags, developmental toys, etc.) · Sponsor a new coat drive for children through adults · Sponsor our yearly Angel Tree for children and youth · Invite us to speak at your civic groups and church groups For more information please visit: www.provplace.org

Nonprofits are the heartbeat of our community.

Nonprofits are the heartbeat of our community. Behind each organization is a dedicated team driven by a unique mission to provide a necessary service to our city. In fact, San Antonio is home to over 12,000 registered nonprofit organizations that employ almost 68,000 San Antonians each year (San Antonio Nonprofit Economic Impact Study, 2020). What are these organizations, and whom do they serve?

Who are their employees, and what work do they do? Nonprofit Spotlight will shed light on a local organization, a member of their team, and a peek behind the curtain to understand what it takes to serve our community.

Nonprofit Spotlight is curated by:

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TO YOUR HEALTH

Nutrition is considered to be a “new and changing” science; therefore, not everything is set in stone, and new ideas and new paradigms are always available.

Hi, my name is Dennise Cortés.Iu˙}PRUo}.]vvo˙}PUPvU v]uoo}UvRuv˙]vP}.v]R}vRv}}vv`]R}RXT}ov more or connect with me please send me an email dennisecf@live.com.mx and follow me on Instagram @dennisecf 52

sawoman.com

to follow to live with more awareness towards my surroundings, towards others, and towards myself.

Ahimsa, known as the non-harming, non-violence, or non-injuring principle, helped me question what I was putting on my plate and how those dietary choices were harming other living creatures without me even acknowledging the fact. It was shocking and made me change my lifestyle. I went through a vegetarian phase, still eating eggs and cheese only from “humanely and kindly raised” animals. Later on, I realized that I couldn’t be 100% sure about those statements and that I didn’t need them in my diet, and I was still contributing to keeping animals away from their real environment just to indulge my palate.

The

Why Behind

My Vegan Journey ˙B Dvv]C}

Throughout my life, I have encountered so many decisions to take; some were easy, and some were not. There is not a simple way to know how the future will present itself; nevertheless, my decisions have always felt right when I had strong reasoning behind them, and I could use the ‘why’ of my choices as fuel to keep me motivated and committed. This was particularly important when I chose to live a vegan lifestyle. I’ll walk you through my why’s, and maybe this can help you find yours.

When I started my training as a yoga teacher, I was introduced to the eight limbs of yoga, including the Yamas and Niyamas, the code of ethical rules

The next layer was the environmental impact from meat production, such as the number of resources that are needed to produce a single pound of meat, all the energy needed to process, store and deliver that pound of meat to our plates, and the pollution generated from stage one to final product. A little over 70% of all soy that is grown in the US is used to feed stock animals - all of the water and energy used to grow massive amounts of soy is not even close to feeding humans once it’s harvested.

Nutrition is considered to be a “new and changing” science; therefore, not everything is set in stone, and new ideas and new paradigms are always available.

Considering this, the idea of humans needing meat to survive doesn’t seem accurate, sustainable, and, in my personal opinion and experience, doesn’t feel true. There is a lot of research done about the benefits of a healthy and well-balanced vegan diet, information that comes from reputable doctors and experts. We all should take responsibility for our health and make informed decisions about what we are putting in our bodies. In the end, we only have one body, and it is our only true home, our sanctuary; let’s care for it!

There are many more reasons out there to follow a healthy diet, so make sure that you find yours.

Question it and read, ask and talk to others about it, because together we can enrich each other’s points of view, learn and grow to a more conscious, mindful, and aware society.

November/December 2021

53

TO YOUR HEALTH

Surgeons Combine Care to Transform

Lives

By Blithe Wiley

single anastomosis duodenal-Ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy, or SADI-S. Dr. Richard Peterson, a bariatric surgeon leading the weight loss surgery team at UT Health San Antonio, performs all three procedures.

SO]˙]v}R]vP]vGuu}˙] Rv `}v vu }( }R u]o }v]}vU ]vo]vP type II diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea,” Peterson explained. “Bariatric surgery can ]u} } v R }v]}vX O( R U R biggest health issue we address with these surgeries is type II diabetes.” oR}PR A R ]+v ]v R ˙ }( ]] surgery performed, they all create a much smaller stomach. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and the SADI-S }o}}R]vvXoo A R surgeries are }v}}oo˙ }o}}]oo˙]vPuoo ]v]]}vU `R]R o}` R ]l (} }uo]}v v o } R}}˙uu}]v]}X SB ]] P˙ ˙]oo˙ o ]v ˙ u weight loss,” Peterson said. “Also, with the bypass } U ` v P u} ] v }+ R] ] u]}v R ˙ L P˙X_ Many health insurance companies cover bariatric surgery for anyone with a BMI of 40 or above and for people with BMI}(ærı](R˙Rv]}voRoR}ouU such as type II diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea.

Dr. Richard Peterson, Chief of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery, UT Health San Antonio In the United States, increasing numbers of people are turning to bariatric surgery as a safe, effective, and often permanent treatment for obesity.

According to March 2021 data from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, approximately 265,000 people underwent bariatric surgery in 2019, a 62% increase from 2011.

There are several types of bariatric and metabolic surgeries performed today. The three most common are sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and

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UT HoR Sv Av}v]} }+ } ] (} v `R}vP} ]] P˙X SAoo }( } v }uo }vo]vP ]} } R] P˙U_ P}v ]X SW o} }+ } L P˙U ]vo]vP ]˙ v v]}vo }vo]vPU }Ro v i } R] v`o](˙oX S} P} o} ]oo (} } v } 'v (} v L R] P˙X_ Dr. Peterson is passionate about raising awareness that }]˙] . v(}u} ] X “Obesity is truly a disease – it is not a lifestyle choice,” R ]X SI vo˙]vP ]vo Pv v metabolism, which one can’t control, as well as diet and exercise. I want people to understand that obesity is not their fault and that they are not alone in addressing this disease.”

issues, such as infections in the skin folds and back pain from carrying so much excess skin.”

F]]Ru]v}u}R(}u (}v`R}[vP}v`]PRo}P˙X “We do tummy tucks, which are often circumferential, meaning it goes all around the waist. We also remove excess skin from the thighs and from the arms and perform breast and facelifts.”

Procedures can be performed in combination; however, Fries doesn’t like to do more than two of these procedures at the same time. It is not always appropriate, depending on a patient’s specific ] uv X I ] ˙ ]u} v } P] R of the body time to heal and follow the appropriate aftercare, which may include the wearing of compression garments and scar treatments. “Typically, patients may resume most light activities after two weeks and most fully recover after six weeks.”

Most plastic surgeons want patients who’ve undergone bariatric surgery to maintain a healthy weight for at least a year before having skin removal surgery. This is to optimize the cosmetic outcome from the surgery.

Fries noted that patients who experience the greatest weight loss typically experience the most dramatic results from cosmetic surgery. “We’ve seen many patients who have had their lives transformed by bariatric surgery,” he said.

Dr. C. Anton Fries, Plastic Surgeon

Many patients who lose a great deal of weight from bariatric surgery are left with large amounts of excess skin. Often, the best solution for this is cosmetic surgery. Dr. C. Anton Fries, a plastic surgeon at UT Health San Antonio, performs a variety of cosmetic surgeries for bariatric patients who have lost significant weight.

“For many of my patients, the excess skin is not simply a cosmetic issue, although of course, that is important,” Fries explained. “Excess skin can also cause medical

For many of Fries’ patients, the results of cosmetic surgery following weight loss are truly transformative in terms of their mental health and self-esteem. Fries noted that one of the biggest benefits of weight-loss cosmetic surgery is the boost in his patients’ selfconfidence and the improvement in how they look and feel.

“Cosmetic surgery is the cherry on top of the cake in the bariatric weight loss process,” Fries said. “When we, the surgeons and our teams, see our patients at the end of this journey, it is so rewarding for us.”

Dr. Richard Peterson and Dr. C. Anton Fries are accepting new patients at UT Health San Antonio, where, every day, they are doing everything it takes to make lives better.

F}u}]v(}u}vU]] UTHealthCare.org }oo}Ro}vo}vP B]]SP˙P~Zærı}PoSP˙P~Zærı November/December 2021

55

TO YOUR HEALTH clinical assistant professor and the associate medical director of the Be Well Texas Clinic.

Be Well Texas

Provides

Clinic Services For

Addiction Treatment

Without

Barriers

By Paul J. Watkins

October 1st marked the launch of the Be Well Texas Clinic, a new program offered through Be Well Texas. With a partnership with The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, Be Well Texas Clinic provides evidence-based, outpatient treatment services in the form of medication management and therapy services to individuals struggling with addiction to alcohol, opioids, stimulants, and nicotine.

Karla Ramirez, LCSW, MSSW, MSHA, associate director of Be Well Texas, says the new program ensures anyone can receive treatment. “We believe that people should have R]PRro]˙uv]ooo}}R}uPo of their ability to pay. We want to eliminate the barriers to treatment.”

B Woo T˘ Co]v] + ]vo `} }r.

R˙]]v v }v v }vU oo }( `R}u ˘]v ]v ovP v vP v `]R v]}vUo}lv}`vSv]}X_ “Substance use disorder is a treatable chronic medical }v]}v R ]v}o R ]v}v `v v ]v]]o[ u]vU (u]o˙ R]}˙ } R] PvU v their environmental experiences,” says Dr. Jennifer Papac,

Dr. Papac explains that the ways women experience v]}v]+(}uuvUoo˙ with alcohol. “Women are thought to use less alcohol v}Ro}`}(o}R}o]}vXW}uvo} v } R R]PR }( u]]}vU ]} }( u when they stop using the substance. Unfortunately, the gender gap for alcohol use disorder has been closing over R o`} ˙U uv]vP R}( o}R}o ]}v in women is approaching the rate for men.

“For women, a mental health diagnosis like anxiety or ]}vv}}]}}]v(˙]vPv ]}U_ X D P }vvX SI }u oo˙ ]u}v}]l}v]Pv}(uvoRoR}v]}v } R ` v }voo˙ R }P]}v }( – or even prevent the development of – substance use disorders in women.

“Also, women are more likely to experience trauma and PTSDX TR ] }vP }o}v `v u abuse history and substance use disorder. For this reason, we want to concurrently treat the trauma symptoms and the substance use.”

Ramirez notes that the health care professionals at the Be Well Texas Clinic want substance use disorders to be v i v}R ˙ }( R}v] u]o }v]}vX SW.PRRPu}]`]R]R}PR}] services in the clinic and through our indirect services, `R]R ]v}oouv}]vP v}v}}]X We’re hoping to change the landscape for substance use ]}]vT˘vRoRv]vvX_ B Woo T˘ Co]v] }+ ]o v ]vr}v ]] `]R }R R˙]]v v v }vU `oo }vo} v uvPX TR] ]vP]R R o]v] `]R]v R ]}v uv }uuv]˙ v oo}`R+}R }R }o ]v Sv Av}v]} v R}o]]vP]v}v]vP}uuv]X “The Be Well Texas Clinic is open, and we’re available to vU_ }voX D PX SW[oo˙ ˘] }}+]vP}]}R}uuv]˙X_

Karla Ramirez, LCSW, MSSW, MSHA

Associate Director, TxMOUD, Faculty Specialist, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UT Health San Antonio

Jennifer Papac, M.D.

Clinical Assistant Professor, Associate Medical Director, Be Well Texas Clinic Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, UT Health San Antonio

For more information, please visit www.BeWellTexasClinic.org.

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The

TO YOUR HEALTH

Impact

of the

Small Step

My name is Angel Santiago, and I’m a Transformational Coach.

Feel free to connect with me via social media under the hashtag #LifeCoachAngel.

“Slow and steady wins the race” is a well-known proverb R }+ v ]u}v ] }( ] RU ]( on, should improve one’s life. Persistent, consistent, and diligent progress, even if it is somewhat slow, will } ' o Rv ]vP ˙} `˙ R}PR R]vPUR]vo}u]lvUouo˙Uv unreliable approach.

IvRuu}(UI`}+ R }}v]˙ }( o](uX I ` hired as the Leadership and Mindset }R C F}uP}R]vP C X As you know, we are not just a wellness and lifestyle company; we actually walk the walk. But for me at RuUv}}uRX I ` `]PR]vP æ }vU vP fast food daily, and drinking a Dr. Pepper with every meal and then found myself working for a company where the break room was stocked with nothing but water, fruit, and gluten-free snacks. What was I to do? I was already working on u˙o(V ]]oo˙U u}}voo˙U v .vv]oo˙U I Rv[ v˙ o +} ]v} u˙ R˙]o `oovX I Ruo'uU]`v[}v]vXAv this was the perfect opportunity to commit fully.

L]l `]R v˙ `}R`R]o i}v˙U I lv` v ` ]XCRvP}v[Rv}v]PRU}I}}lu˙ uvuuooRvP}v˙}vX I started by replacing my Dr. Peppers with water for every meal. I allowed myself to get used to this small change before I moved on to the next. I didn’t completely stop u˙ (r(}} R] .U I ] (oo˙ ]R R (]X AL RU I u} }v } }}v }v}o v `}l }v R (} `R]oX Evoo˙U I vP much healthier, and later in my journey, I heard about ]vu]'v (vPX I ] } P] ] ˙U v R[ when I really started seeing progress.

I knew where I wanted to end up. I knew what I wanted my results to look like, but there is no way I could have ˙ RvP]vP ˙R]vP oo }v ]v v 'u to fast-track my progress. If I hadn’t taken all those uoo.UI`}oR.v]o˙(]oX WRv ] }u } ovP v P}`RU ˙} R to play the long game. If you are in a hurry to see the results and .v ˙}o( ]vP R}PR the process, you are not going to develop the discipline that is needed }l`]R]]vRo}vPRoX Also - and this is important - what is the reason you want to make a change? What is your WHY? If your }v ].]o } ]( ˙} doing it for someone other than ˙}o(U][v}P}]vP}lXIu be grounded and rooted in something ]Pv].vvuv]vP(oU}uR]vP with purpose.

You will also need the right u}}vv}v]o]˙U`R]R could come in the form of a friend, a coach, a trainer, or a mentor. Heck, maybe even a bully. It took me four years to get in the best shape of my life, and it took all the above. Yes, even the bully.

IlvU]}vUv}uu]uv} the life you desire. You must remember that becoming a ' ]}v }( ˙}o( ] } R ] o} }(v}]R}PRXY}RoovPv(]o are your comrades; they are there to support and aid your growth. “Fast” puts the reward at risk. You must R}v} v ˙} uo]vU (} ] ] ]o˙ `R `]ooR(}v}v(}XAoo˙}R}} is believe and invest in yourself.

Blessings, Angel November/December 2021

59

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Guiding Light Hospice

Monica Narváez Trust Executive Director What is the most rewarding part of your work?

The most rewarding part of my work is being able to make decisions that impact and help those that need it u}]vP˙]ou]vR]o](X

Photography by Sissy Martin

What career path led you to where you are today?

I followed the path of being true to who I am and doing what I am drawn to do. Serving my community and Ro]vP}R]vR]u}(vXTRu]PRv}} it for everybody but it certainly worked for me. I have o˙(}v(o.oouv˙˙}(u˙o](XWRv˙} ]}v}ul]vP]+vv˙}`}lR R}}v]}vRuoX

What is the biggest misconception of Hospice?

TR]PPu]}v}v}(H}]]v}i(}R last few days or the last two weeks of life. Hospice is ]Pv}(}RvvP]}}R family when there is no more treatment available. It is, in fact, the “something more” for someone who has been told nothing more can be done for them.

What services do you offer?

We treat symptoms causing discomfort or distress, such R}v}(RU]vUo}XTR]]i}v }(R}]XH}]uo]]o]v˙ approach to provide a wide range of services. Doctors, v]vP+U}]o`}lU]]o}vo}U ]vUR}uRoR]UR]vuv }vo}`}l`]RvvR](u]o]XW }]R]v˙`RvooR}uX What sets your organization apart from others?

B]R]vPıA9}oo(}v`RvR N}voP]A9v`]]A9XTR l}ou}u˙vuXWu}( ˙}u]}v]v]]oR(}}vo]˙ Rv}}vo˙]voRvRv(u]o˙X

How has your family played a role in your success?

I come from very humble beginnings, and the women in my family have always worked hard to elevate their families to the next level. From my grandmother, mother, aunts, and great aunts. I have always been surrounded ˙`}uv`R}Ro}uv}v]}voo˙v have picked me up when I have failed. Most importantly R]vPR}}(u˙Rvv(oR]ov has been a blessing.

What is the best advice you ever received?

That obtaining your goals is not going always be easy.

TRu`Rv˙}iP}]vP}R} `}lR}RRuXD}v}]vu]˙ those who are smarter than you or more educated than yourself. You are in their presence for a reason.

Who has influenced you the most in your life or career?

M˙u}RR]vGvuRu}]voo}( my life. She was not a scholar or a career professional, but she was a good mother, hard worker through RoovP]vPuv]uvXSRR community and was always available to help others. Her u]v}v}}](}R(u]o˙u˙ model for serving others. When my mother passed away oN}u(}uvU]`˘]vPo˙]8o (}uu}}voo˙XvE }vRo˙UR]v} stop being a mother. She gave me more of her motherly advice. She told me, to take care of myself, my family and see the places we would never get to see together.

Io]v}`u}RvRIu}vvR legacy in serving others.

3218 Nacogdoches, San Antonio, Texas | 78217 Phone number: (210) 585-2335 - Fax: (201) 787-1962 Contact information: www.guidinghospice.com, m.trust@guidinghospice.com 60

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Womin en Business

Partnering for Success It’s no secret that Texans love their H-E-Bs. And with good reason: just last year, H-E-B was named the best grocery chain in the country by the consumer research firm Dunnhumby and by Food & Wine magazine.

With accolades like that, it’s clear that earning a coveted spot as a Supplier or Vendor to the powerhouse grocery company is a big deal. And it’s no easy feat, as H-E-B maintains a strict and extensive list of Supplier requirements as outlined in its Supplier Code of Conduct.

“To be an H-E-B Supplier, a Supplier must be diligent and have perseverance, and a vision for their business,” Crystal Royal, Supplier Diversity Manager with H-E-B said. “A Supplier must be able to be agile and have the ability to pivot when needed while also continuing to grow their business outside of H-E-B. Our suppliers become Partners with H-E-B as they mirror our company’s core values of Community and Service. They understand that they are vital to the ecosystems within the communities that H-E-B serves. Our Suppliers often contribute to Non-Profits within their communities and believe in diversity. We at H-E-B believe that successful small businesses create a strong economy in Texas, and we show that through our amazing Suppliers.”

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Marsha Morales Co-Founder, Humble House Foods Marsha Morales and her husband Chef Luis Morales, Co-founders of Humble House Foods, began selling their line of gourmet hot sauces in H-E-B stores in 2017. Prior to developing their line of all-natural hot sauces, Humble House sold its line of fresh pestos at R P o F u M l X Iu `]R R o]˙ of the company’s pestos, a representative from H-E-B approached the Moraleses about the possibility of entering the products in the “Quest for Texas Best” annual competition, H-E-B’s annual contest to select the best locally made Texas products.

“Our pestos contain no preservatives and, due to the ingredients, they aren’t really a large-scale, commercially viable product,” explained Morales.

“So, we came up with the idea of creating a line of hot sauces that would be shelf-stable. We wanted to create all-natural, preservative-free sauces, with complex flavors that would appeal to the South Texas palate and would not be overly hot.”

The Moraleses entered their hot sauces in the H-E-B SQ (} T˘ B _ }u}v ]v v ` vu T} æ .vo] X TR .vo] oo u v}v ]v H}}v } HrErB uvPuv ]v `R Marsha described as a “Shark Tank-type” experience, and the Humble House hot sauces won third prize.

Today their products are sold in approximately 200 H-EB } R X TR }uv˙ oo . ]+v sauces: Ancho & Morita; Puya & Pasilla; Poblano & Serrano; Guijillo & Red Jalepeno; and Habanero & Aji Amarillo.

Humble House’s company tagline is “Honest Food.

Honest People.” and Morales says this embodies R }u v˙ [ R]o}}R˙ }( ]vP R o]˙ ingredients with no preservatives and conducting

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their business operations with honesty and integrity.

“We feel so fortunate to be able to work with H-E-B and sell our products in their stores because H-E-B’s core values align so perfectly with ours,” she said.

“To find a grocery store that shares our values is like finding a unicorn. H-E-B puts people first in its business relationships, and that is a guiding light in our company’s philosophy.”

Morales also admires H-E-B for encouraging past “Quest for Texas Best” finalists to mentor other local small businesses. She and Luis actively mentor local companies who compete in each year’s “Quest for Texas Best” as a way of giving back and supporting these entrepreneurs’ success.

“We tell them, if you are named a finalist in the ‘Quest for Texas Best,’ you are already a winner, and you will

Yvette Robinson President, Robinson General Contractors F} Y' R}]v}vU P]v }( R}]v}v Gvo Contractors, being an entrepreneur is in her blood. Her father and uncle started a home-building business in Laredo when she was young, and she got her start in the ]v˙ov]vPRR}U`}l]vP]vR}8Uv helping with home sales.

“I learned early on that it takes a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to start a company and to be successful.”

ALR}]v}vu}}SvAv}v]}]vıURv} there was a niche market for interior remodels. She ]}o]RR]v}]v]oo˙(}}vR }}v]XT}˙UR}]v}vGvoC}v}U`R]R R v ]v }}v (} ˙U l }v u}o]vPU .v]Rr} u]vvvU v P}vr }i } Texas as well as in Oklahoma and New Mexico.

R}]v}v Pv `}l]vP `]R HrErB[ }v}v department in 2013 and today works on a variety of maintenance and remodeling projects for H-E-B around the state.

SI R]vl R }v HrErB }vv } } }uv˙ for its remodeling and maintenance projects is that we are very project-focused, and we emphasize keeping the lines }( }uuv]}v }vU_ R ]X SAo}U ` P R i} }v}vuv}vPX_ “It gives me great pride to work with a company like H-E-B,” she said. “To me, H-E-B IS Texas.”

Robinson said what she most admires about H-E-B is that R˙ P] o}o }uv] o]l R }}v]} R]v and grow.

“Just for them to give our company and me the opportunity to work with them means so much to me – especially as a `}uvvLv]vR]R]}]oo˙uor}u]v industry. My heart is full,” she said.

Robinson says that her company’s values of diversity and }vPo}o}uv]u]}HrErB[oX

“I love to honor local companies by buying local and }vP o}oX Y} R } l v }o ]v ˙} community by doing this,” she said.

Robinson makes a point to reach out to the local CRu }( C}uu ]v ] v }`v `R R company has projects to get referrals for local companies to reach out to for subcontract work. “We emphasize using local companies wherever we work to help support R} o}o }uuv] X_ R}]v}v o} ] ]l } }]v } R R v[ l oo the credit for her company’s success.

“We wouldn’t be in business for 11 years without the wonderful team we have,” she explained. “They are the ‘boots on the ground,’ and they are the people who make Robinson General Contractors what it is today.”

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Norka Nimrocks Co-Founder, Just Made Co-founders of the cold-pressed juice company Just Made, Norka Nimocks and her husband, Walter, spent a number of years living and traveling through several countries in South America before returning to the United States. One of their favorite rituals while living in South America was enjoying fresh juice every morning.

“We would see the papaya or the guava transformed into juice right in front of us,” Nimocks explained. “It was so fresh and delicious. When we moved back to the U.S., we thought it would be wonderful to share the juices we love with people here.”

In 2016, the Nimocks started Just Made in their kitchen, ˘]uvvP `]R ]} S}R Au]v i] ] v]vP]v U]vo]vP(v}vo]vP]v o]l u] (} RoR v. X Just Made entered H-E-B’s “Quest for Texas Best” }u}v ]v v ` }v }( u} Rv }v v X TR˙ ` vu .vo] R ˙ v U o U Pv oo]vP R] ]+v i] ]v H-E-B stores in 2019. The company’s juices range from Ginger Greens and Pink Guava to Turmeric Defense and Mango Moringa.

SWRv ` . oo]vP } i] ]v HrErBU our products were located in the refrigerated juice }v v R ]˙ }vU_ N]u}l ] X SB } customers weren’t looking for juices like ours there.

When we would give out samples of our juices at u R}v U }o `}o ˙ } U RI v[ .v ˙} ]v R } }vX[ W P R] ( l } HrErBU and they agreed to move our juices to the produce }v}( R] } XTR [ `Rv} o oo˙ }}l }+U_ R ˘o]v X The Nimocks consider it a great honor to have their products in H-E-B, and this opportunity has impacted how they operate their business.

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SHrErB R R R]PR ˘ }v (} ] o] U and this pushes us to maintain the absolute highest v oo u `]R P } } } X_ Nimocks also notes that Just made shares H-E-B’s }uu]uv }P]]vP l}R }uuv] ]v`R]R it operates.

SHrErB } } uR (} ] }uuv] ]v T˘ X Whenever there is a disaster, like a hurricane, they P} ]v} R + }uuv] v }] ] relief, like food and water. Just Made supports the }uuv] (}u `R ` } } } ]v Lv Au] v R C ]vX W }v æ v }( ˙ }'o }o } } o}o R}}o U R U v students in those countries. It’s our way of helping to u}` } (u]vP }uuv] v R] (u]o] X_

BUSINESS WOMAN SHOWCASE

“ I saw law as a tool for change and to truly make the world better. ”

By Antonio Gutierrez Photography by David Teran 68

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The Law

Offices Of Carol Bertsch, PC For more than two decades, attorney Carol Bertsch has been a voice for the elderly and disabled. Although Carol Bertsch originally intended to practice civil rights law, the long-time San Antonio attorney found her passion advocating for the elderly and disabled.

SI ] uo}˙ o` (} `R]oU v `Rv I oL RU I recognized that the elderly are not always treated with dignity and respect the way that others are because of ageism perhaps,” Bertsch said. “I felt like this is a }o}v I }o `]R} o]P}vI R }uv}`]Ro]P}vXTRoo˙v}o `]R]]o]}LvuP]vo]]v}}uuv]˙U so I try to be a voice for them.”

TR Su]v}oU T˘ vU `R} u } Sv v}v]} A ]v ı } 'v O L˙ }( R Ll Uv]]˙U ] ovPu]o}vR]˙XH.uUTRL`O8 of Carol Bertsch, PC, has been in business for 25 years with (}}vov]]o]˙o`XSRvR+vo˙ u}}v`UUırr(}}]o]vPUoo`]RR] o]v[ (˙ ]v u]v R }uuv]˙ }vv } grapple with the pandemic.

“Because of Covid, we wanted more space, so we could meet our clients in person and give each other breathing room,” Bertsch said.

I`]vPRuRUv]]˙}(T˘vA SR}}o}(L`U`RvR`}v]vP]vPR]v]o P}o]]o]PR'}v˙URRo]R]u she could have on society.

“I saw law as a tool for change and to truly make the `}o'U_RB ]XSS}I`}v`RvI`v} o` R}}o`v P«vP i]vP} master’s in social work. I decided with a JD I could make a ]PP]+v]vR`}oXTR[}uRRv remedying, and I know I can help.”

we discuss how we can preserve assets for the other spouse to make sure he or she has funds to support themselves.”

H]}v}Roo˙]RRRB Rv }ov`]RRoA P}S]}uuv]˙ C Board for the past four-and-a-half years. “Our goal is to } R + v˙ `˙ ` v v ]vP `v } `R oA P} S] } } Ro R community,” she said. “We also educate elders and people `]R ]]o]} R}` R˙ v }Ruo and be aware of scams.”

She also sympathizes with those who are in the trenches `}l]vP]vRo}]v˙XSWR}v `]R u } R } ] ˙]vP } } R .o workers because there’s a lot of turnover and burnout,” Bertsch explained. “They have a really hard job.”

Ho]]]RoR}uv}R}PRR THRU Project to young adults who need guidance as they prepare to embark on a new life on their own.

STR THRU P}i ] P }Pv]}vX TR˙ Ro individuals who have aged out of the foster care system,” R]XSTR}'i}v}`RvR˙ to for this age group. You’re 18 and don’t know a lot about going out into the world. In many cases, foster youth have no support network to help them once they reach adulthood. I really enjoy being a mentor as a way to give back for all I have been given.”

Bertsch also has a few words of advice for young law students and encourages them to pursue elder law, just as she did. “I advocate for elder law for everyone because I think it’s great,” she said. “My advice is to take heart in law R}}ovv}]vu]o]lI`˙u˙}(} and other students. Hold your head high.”

U}vG}v}(Ræ˙]v]URB shares that it’s those whom she serves that make her look forward to work each day. “I have the best clients,” R ]X SY} R} ] } R }o}v ˙} X F}]vvU I[u v}]}R}o}v `R} seeks the services of a divorce lawyer. Some people might ] u˙ o]v ]vP }]vPU ur}vu]vPU } curmudgeonly. But they bring me joy.”

STR`}lI}]P(˙]vPU_RXSIu}v}(R most blessed people in the world to be able to do what I }XIRi}R](o.oo]vPv`]vPUvIP} work with people who are passionate about what we do.”

F}u}]v(}u}vP L`O8O(}o C RB UPCU}`˙ B U San Antonio, (210) 892-4555 or visit https://assistingseniors.com/

Bertsch, meanwhile, also assists individuals diagnosed `]RoR]u A [}uvvR]o}}vXSF}ol `]Ruvoov}˙U_R]XSI`}l`]R families in which one spouse will need long-term care. So

November/December 2021

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BUSINESS WOMAN SHOWCASE

Liberty Rehabilitation Specialists

Front row: Dr Angela Martin PT, Lori Welter MOT CHT, Jessica Morales OTR, Dr Rebecca Cantu PT, Melissa Stack PT Back row: Dr. Amanda Munoz OT, Dr. Mary Lou Lugo PT, Dr. Erica Parazo PT, Cheryl Villaret PT

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Liberty Rehabilitation Specialists Inc was founded in 2002 with the mission to commit to a health care alliance and promote liberty from physical limitations and successful return to well-being.

Liberty’s staff are dedicated professionals with patient-centered programs while utilizing the best practices thru specialized knowledge and cuttingedge treatment.

Dr. Mary Lou Lugo PT is a graduate of The University of Texas Health Science Center 1994 - San Antonio v ] R o]v]o }} (}u RP] Uv]]˙ X H ]o]}v ]vo C .

SvPR v C}v]}v]vP S]o]U OR}] S]o] C .}vU (oo}` }( AOMPTU C} F] Lo T]vU v N. .}vX Dr. Rebecca Cantu PT is a graduate of Incarnate Word University 2017. Dr. Cantu’s experiences include pediatric therapy, high-intensity sports]. R]o]}vU v v}o}P]o R]o]}vU `]R ]o ]v ]v o R˙X H ]o]}v ]vo Pl]v}v[ Woov R}˙U B}˙rB T}} W]PRvPU ˙ vo]vP v ] o} N. C . X SR ] vo˙ ]v vP }Pu (} R Pl]v}v[ }uuv]˙X Cheryl Villaret PT CLP LANA received her Master’s P (}u R Uv]]˙ }( R P].U ııX SR R vo˙ u vo ˙ R L˙uR}o}P˙ A}]}v }( N}R Au] ]Pv](˙]vP R }uu]uv } }]]vP R R]PR oo }( ˘ v }uv˙ } R v v R] u]o }] LANArC. L˙uRu TR]X Mrs. Villaret is currently working on developing a Strength ALCvB }Pu(}o˙uRuv}vX Dr. Angela Martin PT is a recent graduate from The University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio 2019.

X D Mv R o]v]o ˘]v uvP]vP OR}] v N}o}P]o }v]}v v ] ]}v } `}l]vP `]R v `]R u}v `oo Ro XSR o] ]v u}`]vP oo`R}u she works with to take control of their own health and wellbeing and places importance on serving the community she lives in.

Melissa Stack PT is a graduate of The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio in 1983. She began

specializing in the treatment of temporomandibular i}]v ˙(v}v ]v ıı X SR PR R˙]o R˙ and dental students at UTHSCSA for years regarding R o}v v uv }( TMD v R o extensively on this subject. Although she specializes ]v TMDU R o} vi}˙ vP ]˙ }( v X Lori Welter MOT CHT graduated with a Master’s in O }voTR˙RUv]]˙}(T˘EoP}X She was awarded the Clinical Excellence Award. Her true ]}v ] Rv R˙ v u . Rv therapist in November 2020. Lori is currently pursuing }r}(]}vo }} P ]v } }vo therapy from Texas Tech University. Lori became an OT because she has a strong desire to help others achieve and reach their goals and gain more independence.

Dr. Amanda Munoz OT is a United States Army veteran `R} }uo R M [ P ]v } }vo therapy at the University of Findlay in Ohio and her Doctorate degree at Baylor University in 2019. She R ˘]v ]v } v }R}] U `}l }v]}v]vP lRv]vPU R}v] ]v }Pu U ]vv R]o]}vU }lU v uvo RoRX SR ] vo˙ ]vP R CHT .}vX Dr. Erica Parazo PT is a graduate of The University of Texas at San Antonio in 2013 with a B.S. in Kinesiology and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of C voFo}] ]v XSR] B} C . G]] Clinical Specialist. She is currently working towards her B} C .}v]vN}o}P]PR˙]oTR˙XSR] ]}v } vP }o o v u}`]vP vR}PRu}uv}o] UvPP]vPo] X Jessica Morales OTR received her Master’s in O }vo TR˙ ]v (}u R Uv]]˙ of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. She has ˘]v ]v R } v «vP lHv TR˙ «vPU vP uo}loo ]} U }R}] post-surgical, and a wide range of upper extremity ]} l]vi] X SR o] ]˙ }( uv Rv] ]vo]vPV K]v]} ]vPU ]vPU G}v IASTMU v l]oo ]v }u }R}] (]}v (} R ˘u]˙X SR ] ovv]vP }v ]«vP (} C .

Hand Therapist next month.

For more information, email Marylou@liberty-rehab.com, info@liberty-rehab.com or visit the website or www. liberty-rehab.com

Please visit one of our 3 offices:

415 Embassy Oaks dr Suite 202, SA Tx 78216 2130 NE Loop 410 suite 212, SA TX 78217 3138 SE Military Dr Suite 113F, SA Tx 78223

November/December 2021

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Women in Business

Lesa Dillon

MSN, RN, CALM, CDP

Memory Care Director ldillon@fpliving.com

Miranda L. Rankin LVN, MA, PhD

Assisted Living Director mrankin@fpliving.com

Lisa McGuire

Director of Sales and Marketing lmcguire@fpliving.com

Franklin Park 230 West Sunset Road San Antonio, TX 78209

FranklinPark.org

Lesa Dillon I became a Registered Nurse in December 2000 and began my nursing career in McAllen, TX. I worked in

R }vP}}u v PACU D}} [H}]o Rv]v (}u } X D]vP R uU I achieved my BS in Nursing and my MSN for FNP. I also worked to help fellow nurses from Puerto Rico pass the State Board through Lamar University. Once I arrived in San Antonio, I began working in Psychiatry with adolescents and the intellectually disabled. My career has led me back to what I love best, being a nurse and }vP(}RP]]}o}vX

Miranda L. Rankin

I am the newest Director of Assisted Living to join the Franklin Park Alamo Heights family. I have a rich R]}˙}(]vPv]}vR}u}ovo}uvv}Rvr}(ro](]XIv u˙ o]v }}vo v ]v v }uo u˙ }}o ] ]v æX M˙ ˘]uv (} v]}]`Ru}u}]vv(u]o]Fvlo]vPlJ Lisa McGuire IPvu˙i}v˙l]vP]vRXALPvP(}uUTSA`]RBXSX]vB]}o}P˙UI`}l RUTHSCXI}ovv]vPR}uUv]]lo˙uvRu˙o}(}v]}` }uR]vPI`v}(ooruX I have now been in senior living for 26 years, the last 12 with Franklin Park. I have had the amazing opportunity }`}looRSvAv}v]}}uuv]U`]RRo.Aou}H]PRXO]}o˙UIPo˙vi}˙ working for Franklin Park. With gorgeous surroundings and amazing residents, what’s not to like?

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Debbie Margozewitz Your San Antonio Designing REALTOR®

“I MAKE IT ALL ABOUT YOU” Debbie Margozewitz is a San Antonio native with a proven track record of Top Performance throughout her real estate career of over 40 years.

In 2019 she was awarded one of the Top 500 Realtors in San Antonio out of 13,000 agents.

Debbie’s personal gift is helping her clients find a home that reflects their style both inside and out!

She has also worked in the Interior Design and remodeling business for over 43 years, offering her sellers expertise in home staging and offering her buyers her creativity, remodeling knowledge, and contacts. She has all the contacts you need, from plumbers to painters. Debbie is often told by her clients that she goes “above and beyond” to make their moving experience smooth and successful.

Debbie is well-known as a REALTOR® with a fantastic eye for design who truly makes it “ALL ABOUT YOU.” As the San Antonio area continues to grow, Debbie prides herself on involvement throughout the community. She is currently very active in the Alamo Kiwanas Group, whose proceeds go to children’s groups.

Photography by Nina A. Padilla

She is an accredited “Luxury Home Specialist,” certified Home Marketing Specialist, Senior Real Estate Specialist, and Certified Home Stager. She is a member of the San Antonio Board of Realtors, San Antonio Botanical Gardens, Conservation Society, member of TEXAS REALTORS®, National Association of REALTORS®, and a member of Alamo Heights Methodist Church.

She has continued to keep her career in real estate flourishing with the help of all her wonderful clients and friends who have been loyal in choosing Debbie as their realtor year after year.

For gorgeous furnishings and beautiful gifts, I recommend my clients to visit my favorite store Joyeux on 5007 McCullough Ave., Olmos Park, TX 78212.

Debbie Margozewitz 6061 Broadway, San Antonio, Texas 78209 C (210) 365-1387, Debbiem@phyllisbrowning.com November/December 2021

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Women in Business

Brooklynn Chandler Willy President & CEO

Texas Financial Advisory 20650 Stone Oak Pkwy , Ste 100 San Antonio, Texas 78258 O8~Zærı

]v(}˘.vv]o]}˙X}u ˘.vv]o]}˙X}u

T˘ A F]vv]oA]}˙U`]o]]vR}o]}R}`oRuvPuvRl}}u] Rv˙}(Ro]v[.vv]oP˙`]RRP}o}(Ro]vPRuvRvR].vv]o `oor]vPX W ˘o ˙ vP v ˘]v R ] ]v ul]vP ]v(}u v ]]}vX A]}`}lo}o˙`]Ro]v}.vR].vv]oP}o˙}o]v]vPR(}R]uvUo]]vP R] ]o} TFA R}u } F]vv]o C}v.v ]v } } Ro Ru R R] .vv]o (X T˘ F]vv]o A]}˙ } u }( }(]}vo `]R .L˙ro ˙ }( }u]v ˘]vU }]]vP}˙}(]`]Rv}`(}XO(}]]uo˙R]V]vPR.uRo]v v}o]]vuvP]`lv}`˙}]vuo˙X

Join Brooklynn Chandler Willy every Sunday at 10 a.m. on WOAI 1200 AM or at 1 p.m. on KTSA 550 AM. Each week, Brooklynn shares what she’s learned over 10 years of helping retirees and pre-retirees prepare for financial well-being.

Ivuv]}˙]}+˙QvBA]}ULLCT˘F]vv]oA]}˙X Ivv}}+˙T˘F]vv]oA]}˙X 74

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Women in Business

Leesa Harper Rispoli President, Broker/Owner

Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper, REALTORS® 18756 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 102 San Antonio, TX 78258 (210) 483-7004

Photography by Sarah Brooke Lyons

www.cbharper.com

A }v v ] 'o vR[ PRU L HrR]}o] ] R }v Pv}v } ˙ }v R oP˙ }( R ]}v] u}RU D[Avv HX C}v]vo˙ R ˙ R v } ˘}vU L ] `oo ] `]R R P] v `}l R] } X A P]v v B}l }( }v]P }lP (}v ]v ıU ]o]]vP ]v }u ] v ˘]vU L 'o (} v}R]vP oX C}o`oo Bvl D[Avv HU REALTORS ~CBDHRZ ˘v R o R}PR ] ı }8U o PvU v oo ] ]]]}v ]vo]vP Go}o L˘˙U P}˙ MvPuvU C}uu]oU Fu v RvRU v `r`]vv]vP Ro}}v uU and above all: by serving the community with a servant’s heart, through countless community service programs.

IvP]˙ v ]o ]v ovP R ]PR vX TP]v`]R R C}o`oo Bvl vX F}v ]vı UC}o`ooBvl]R}o vu} o]R ]voo (vR]]vN}RAu]XO the years, we have consistently received many awards, including Best Places to Work and Family-Owned Business }( R Y ~Z ˙ R Sv Av}v]} ]v B J}vo v v}voo˙ vl ˙ RoTv æU o]vP } of real estate analysis. We have received the coveted Coldwell Banker Chairman’s Circle award for over 35 years ]v }`X A]}voo˙U } P]vlB}l ] }v TR Ro˙ Aoo]v B} ~ v`}l }( N}R Au][ o] o .uZ v ` }Pv] R B}l }( R Y ˙ R Sv Av}v]} B} }( REALTORSX

W]R} ]oo]}v]v oURvu }v.u`R}P]˙R }Pv]}R R v CBDHR is a family-owned, woman-owned real estate brokerage that knows how to sell real estate.

November/December 2021

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Women in Business

Tiffany Winburn, DMD

Chief Clinical Officer & Co-Owner of 7 to 7 Dental

7 to 7 Dental O8~Zıær FB: 7 to 7 Dental & Orthodontics IG: @7to7Dental

Designed Around Your Life 7 Days A Week

WRvX D T]+v˙W]vvi}]v}Dvo]v ıUR`}vo˙]˘uo}˙v(}voR]XT}˙U R]vRP}`v}]vo+}(uo}˙vo}}vR}PR}SvAv}v]}`]Rv]PRR }8}v]vP]vDu}(}uTRF}u}vIHræL}}X X D W]vvU`R}u v]vU]R}(}Dvo}]o]vPR }v Rv[˙o](˙oUlv}`]vPR˙}Lvv[lu}+]vPv}uo`}lR}}i}}˙`]R }R}uu]uvURR}}oU]vPR˙˙v}vXTR]]`R˙}Dvo]}v extended hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 7 to 7 Dental also }+v+}ovo}P}}v(}R}`]R}vo}P}R}R`}oo]lu} }PRvR˙vo˙}+XD]o}vR}DvoMuR]v(}v www.7to7Dental.com 7 to 7 Dental provides same-day walk-in service for people experiencing an emergency or who can’t get an appointment }R]PovXSW˙vul]˙}]o(}}v}vU especially if they have a dental emergency.” Dr. Winburn said Iv]}v}}vvoU}Dvo}+}R}}v ](}}o}(ooPU]vo]vPIv]o]Pv (}R}`R}Ruov]]˙}}v[`v}`]}voX(A }vo}v]]voXSWo]l to see kids around 7 or 8 although the vast majority of kids at that age aren’t ready for braces,” Dr. Winburn said. “But R(`}v]}vR](`RRuRuv(oo˙} }u]PR]P˙oXS} we like to see them early.”

H]vP v ]v (} u} Rv `} UX D W]vvU u}R }( `} `R} o} l Gv Sv]RU }vv } .v R i} `]vP }( R } R Sv Av}v]} C]}o} }uuv] R R}`vX You can see more of what Dr. Winburn & her team at 7 to 7 Dental provide the community on their website and on social media!

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Photography by Nina A.Padilla

www.7to7Dental.com

Women in Business

Robbie L. Ward Attorney

Robbie Ward Law 530 Lexington Ave San Antonio, TX 78215 O8~Zær

Photography by David Teran

robbiewardlaw.com

B}v]vOUT˘UR}]`PRRo}(o}˙o˙UR`}lUv]}vvo˙P˙RvX H (}}v(ov]u]vo(vXR}]Rv˘uo˙(o]v(v]vPR} accused of federal white-collar crimes, drug crimes, as well as those accused in State court of aggravated robbery, PPoU(u]o˙]}ovoU˘ooUvP}+vX AL PvP (}u SX M˙ [ Uv]]˙ SR}}o }( L` R}] Pv R R B˘ C}v˙ D]] '}v˙ A [ O8U `R R ˘ ]o o`˙ v R } Fo}v˙ P}}X SR ` Rv ]FoP}}`]RRUv]S'}v˙ A [O8(}RWvD]] }(T˘XHv˘ R]PRroo }u}}v ` F] A ]v ]v R E} C}v˙ '}v˙ A [O8 `R R ] v v R }8 (} o ˙X W]R R v]}v l } Sv Av}v]}U R}] vC]u]vo D(v L` v ]v o}o (v .u (} (} ˙U R R] v P ˙ o]vR v] ˘]v }R }} v(v'}v˙X N}`]v ] UR}] }vv} R o]v RR]PR ooU]v }uuv]˙RR }vo v}(]}vo}XA}}UR`R}v}R}}`v}(}P]vXN}`C]u]vo Defense Lawyer, she is the go-to Lawyer for those who have been arrested or accused of a crime in either federal or state court.

SR v B} }( D]} }( R Sv Av}v]} C]u]vo D(v L`˙ A }]}vU ] v Mu }( TCDLA v NACDLU v R v }Pv] ]v ı L`˙ }( D]v}vU v T} D(v '}v˙ A ˙ '}v˙ A v P MP]vU v SA Sv T} C]u]vo D(v L`˙X

November/December 2021

77

Women in Business

Misty Rose Lopez, J.D.

REALTOR®

Twin Brother Property Group Keller Williams Heritage 1717 N. Loop 1604 E San Antonio, TX 78232

u]˙`]v}R}X}u IG: @themistyroselopez

A v }( Aou} C]˙U u}vP R Sv]R u]]}v v o}vvU M]˙ R} L} ` }v v ] in San Antonio, Texas. As a loving mother of two, she understands the importance of family and has made real }v }( R } ]}]X AL PvP `]R BRo} }( S]v ]v C]u]vo J (}u Ivv W}Uv]]˙UR'vFolvL``RR}]vRJ]D}}X .A u]}]vB˘C}v˙U`]RlP}v]voPo}uo]vvvl]vPVM]˙R}R]voo lv}`oPRo˙`]R˙o]vXHv'v}v}]ovoR}(oo˙vP} v}v } }v]vo˙ }]v R vPX F]v]vP ]}v (} o U M]˙ R} L} R u }(`]vv]vPX B]vP (}u M]o]˙ C]˙ UXSXAXU `oo PR}( v A] F} Vv R R }vP } R u]o]˙ }uuv]˙XSRvvR}`]8o]v(} r˙u]o]˙vR](u]o]U}u}(}u}v }v } R v˘ X Ro R }u R ]}vU `R R `}l oo˙ } ulR ˙ }( o]( changes as simple as possible.

Uo]]vP }(]}vou}] R]o˙UM]˙R}R}` RR}u}v oo}uXTR]v ]voR}uP]vPU`oo}vP}vIvPuUF}}lUvv]l˙Y}T]R`}l}v with the Twin Brothers Property group.

B]vPv+ }uuv]}]]o`Rv «vPRo]v } ]}]˙XM]˙R} ]R}}PRU ]or oriented, and will be with you every step of the way. This can include working with contractors such as plumbers }o]]v}v]vP]vRo]vP]v}v`]RR]˙XF}uR]v[v} [UR`]oouo]v the buying and selling process, making it easy for you and your family to call somewhere home.

Misty treats her clients with the utmost respect and kindness as if they are a friend or a family member. She’s an }U v v uR˙ ul]vP v }Lvu ]8o } ˙X WRv ˙}[o}}l]vP } buy or sell a home, think Misty Rose Lopez.

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Photography by Nancy Beale Canseco, www.kingportraits.com

O8~Zræı

Women in Business

Monica R. Khirallah Criminal Defense Attorney

BRCK Criminal Defense Attorneys 12703 Spectrum Dr Ste. 103 San Antonio, TX 78249 O8~Zır

monica@bcpdefense.com BRCKdefense.com

O]P]voo˙(}u}v B UI'vRUv]]˙}(oo D `RIuvu]u˙RvU]D XT}PRU` 'vo`R}}o AM] ]v NoU Fo}](}u}]vP}oo D `RIu˙X L A o ˙}(]vP v}RU u˙ Rv v I ]} ]o }u R}u ]v }v B `R} }˙˙D U v]oA D =UG]oUvRo] C }ovi}˙R}v˙o](X A(}uR]( C P}}UIu˙Rv}v D }v˙ C ]] D '}v˙ A [O8XWRvIi}]vRAD }8]vU.Lv}}`]Pv}R]u]vo}Uv}(R.LvU}vo˙`}`uvXIv`R }v`}u]vvo˙uo.oUI`}lo}vP]}u}(R(uo}}IR}u}X I am a Partner at BRCK Defense where I have the privilege of working alongside other incredible lawyers, paralegals, v]vv`R}ooRu˙P}ov]}v(}Ro`.uXIo}}vu]vP}]'}v˙vu N]}o'SvU`R}Iu˘]}uv}X Oo`.uRvo]u]vo}vo˙U`}v[}]}}]vXIRo`˙o]]v]o]}v ]vRoPo.oU}}vR]vPUv}]'Rvv˙}voXWR}8]vSvv}v]} A US}RT˘UvR Hill Country with plans to expand further.

RC B K[P}o ]}}]vuRv +}o oPov}vX N} o]vR}o (o Sl_ R˙ vv}+}}u}v}o}o˙vRu]v}XTR˙v'}v˙`R}}RuvR }ooo}vvRRu˙R}vR](u]o˙UR]i}UvR]o](X I have been selected as “Texas Rising Star” and “Texas Super Lawyer” for 2020 and 2021 by Thomson Reuters and o]R]vT˘M}vRo˙XIRo}voST}UvK˙TRN}voT]oL`˙}]}v A (} 2018-2020. Most recently, I was recognized by Scene in S.A as a Top Criminal Defense Lawyer in San Antonio.

November/December 2021

79

Women in Business

Dr. Phallon Doss Clinical Audiologist

Doss Audiology & Hearing Center

645 Woodland Oaks Drive , Ste 350 Schertz, TX 78154 (210) 819-5002 1605 US HWY 181 N, Ste A Floresville, TX 78114 (830) 542-8957

www.dossaudiology.com Dr. Phallon Doss graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas Woman’s University and received her Doctorate in Audiology from the University of North Texas. She has extensive experience in a wide range of audiologic }v(}u]vP ] R}Ro . ]uov}v ]v SRU T˘X SR ` vu San Antonio Business Journal 40 under 40 award winner in 2019 and a Healthcare Hero in 2017. Dr. Doss has also v]v ( vu}o]}v]vo]vPSO_R Oprah Magazine, Fortune, and Entrepreneur Magazine.

Doss Audiology was twice named the Best Audiology Clinic in San Antonio by Senior Resource Guide. Dr. Doss u]v]v R o]v]o C .}v C (}u R u]v A SRrLvPPrH]vP}]}v A v] Foo}` }( the American Academy of Audiology.

Dawn Lafreeda

President/CEO

Den-Tex Central Inc./Denny’s Restaurants

P.O. Box 690730 San Antonio, TX 78269 (210) 694-0707

www.dennys.com Dawn is one of the largest restaurant franchisees in America owning over 110 restaurants in career. She }PRR.(}uDvv˙[vvo˙}`v 80 of their restaurants and employs over 3,000 in her r}}vX She has been featured in countless radio interviews, podcasts, and publications, such as Entrepreneur, The Wall Street Journal and Multi Unit Franchisee.

She has received numerous awards and is involved in many charities.

Dawn was a recurring judge on the web-series “Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch” which provides entrepreneurs a chance to pitch their idea in a 60 second elevator ride to a board of successful investors who will help them take their business to the next level.

She is the largest female employer in San Antonio as well as one of San Antonio’s largest private companies.

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Women in Business

Tracie S. Hasslocher

Licensed Real Estate Broker/Owner

Hasslocher Boutique Real Estate

8520 Crownhill Blvd.

San Antonio, TX 78209 O (210) 568-9595 C (210) 863-2629 tracie@09boutique.com hasslocherrealestate.com

Memberships: San Antonio Board of Realtors, Texas Realtors, N}vo}]}v A }(Ro}X ]Pv}v D PM[P D ]vR]voRoE MlvP}l B MvPuvU Ro} B }(rANCSUU.C L˘˙H}uMlvP S]o]U.C R]voS]o]U.C R]voP} S]o]UG}(Ro}IvULR]T]v]vPG

Tracie has been selling real estate in San Antonio since 2005 in ˘B U }uo C U Kvoo }v˙ C U}A v M]v}vX H R]o}}R˙ ] } }] ˘}vo ]U o]vP R v }( R o]v . } R] R] ] P}o ˙ providing her professional advice based on her knowledge of the current market.

RoRvP}v˙}˙]v}v]v important component of Tracie’s business. She is also involved at the San Antonio Board of Realtors and currently serves as 2021 Chair elect on the Board of Directors and she will serve as Chair beginning 2022.

Kathy Ripps REALTOR®

Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty

4 Dominion Drive, Building 2 San Antonio, Texas 78257 C (210) 240 -4464 kathy.ripps@kupersir.com kathysa.com

San Antonio Realtor Kathy Ripps has dedicated much of her life to giving compassionate, dedicated care to her clients. With a background as a professional counselor and ˙}(˘]v]vo]vvPv}˙ uvPuvU KR˙ u vov]}v}o Pvvo˘˙R}u]o]}+]vP]}v vvv]vP}˙v}vX KR˙ v ˙]v R}v ˙u . ]o}v R v Rv }vo} for middle and high school students. This extensive background has given her a strong ability to understand and relate to the needs of others, allowing her to truly }Pv]R]Pv].v]u˙]vP}oo]vPR}u has on a person’s life. Kathy looks forward to serving you with integrity, honesty, and transparency in your homebuying experience!

November/December 2021

81

Women in Business

Brenda Stewart

President

Reaching Neighbors 16719 Huebner Rd, Bldg 2 San Antonio, Texas 78248 O8 (210) 496-6352 Mobile (210) 387-3210

www.reachingneighbors.com Brenda Stewart founded Reaching Neighbors 20 years ago in order to help clients of all industries and sizes implement consistent, high-value direct mail communications to strengthen and lengthen their customer relationships. Over the years, the company has developed a special emphasis on customer relationship management for professionals in the real estate, mortgage, and insurance industries. Their top-level customer care team has a unique flair for implementing strategies that enable clients to mine their customer relationships for value, referrals, and recurring revenue over the long term.

Why focus on your customer database? Because relational selling is EVERYTHING! Whether you are a realtor, lender or small business owner, your customer database is your best asset. Call today to find out how Reaching Neighbors can help turn this asset into GOLD!

Megan Coley

Kathy Bonner

Phyllis Browning

Phyllis Browning

6061 Broadway San Antonio, Texas 78209 O (210 824-7878 C (210) 788-3636

6061 Broadway San Antonio, Texas 78209 O (210 824-7878 C (210) 286-5712

mcoley@phyllisbrowning.com www.phyllisbrowning.com

kbonner@phyllisbrowning.com www.phyllisbrowning.com

REALTOR®

82

REALTOR®

MPv C}o˙ ] (}R Pv}v Sv Av}v]v v Alamo Heights resident. Real estate is in Megan’s blood and she is driven to succeed. She received a Master’s }( S]v P ]v OPv]}vo Do}uv v Leadership from The University of the Incarnate Word while simultaneously taking real estate classes.

Kathy Bonner has spent the last 35 years in San Antonio, L ]]vP BS ]v C}uuv]}v (}u R Uv]]˙ }( T˘U vA X Ivv}v }(oU R ]vP }vP l]oo } o L o]vP v}vo ]v o}uv (} NYC o˘˙ women’s apparel companies for 25 years.

MPv R ˘}vo v v vP}}v l]oo and understands the value of being responsive with all R o]vX W]R }vP lv}`oP }( R ]r] areas, it is her desire to make luxury living simple for those who choose to do service with her.

Kathy delivers results with a goal-oriented mindset P}uv˘]]uv(}oo R o]v ovP ]v } ¤æ u]oo]}v o }ou ]v J KR˙}] lv}`oP v ]vP]˙U }+]vP }uu]uv}˘oov`]R˙v}vX

sawoman.com

Women in Business

Rachel Reuter

Owner

Reuter Law Group, PC

112 East Pecan St., Ste 2920 San Antonio, Texas 78205 O (210) 812 - 4239 C (210) 284 - 8866 rachel@reuterlaw.com www.reuterlaw.com

RRo R] }B .C ]v Fu]o˙ L` ˙ R T˘}B }( LPo S]o]}vX W]R }˙ of experience, she established Reuter Law Group, PC }(u]o˙ o` .u ]v Sv v}v]} A U T˘]v divorce and child custody disputes. Understanding that R o]v R]+v vU RL` G}` u](u]o˙o`.u}]}]]vP ]v]]o]'v}v}Ro]vXWRvo]vR] Reuter Law Group, they can expect to be heard.

At Reuter Law Group, Ms. Reuter has assembled a hard`}l]vPu RR]vP]˙U]˙U v]}vX TR RL` G}u .PR(}R]o]vv understands how important their families are to them.

Molly Sowry Vice President

Virtuoso Builders

2161 NW Military Hwy, Ste 202 San Antonio, TX 78213 (210) 525-8750

Molly Sowry is Co-Owner of Virtuoso Builders, San A v}v]} [ u] ]vo u}o]vP .u `R]R } R}u}`v `R} ] LuvR]U o]˙U v ]PvX M}oo˙ Rvo R ˙r}r˙ }}v}(V]}}B]o`R]RRooSu]]}v control.” Molly joined her husband Mike in 2006 when R]]o˙˘v]vP]voo(}}Pv]}vo ovv]vPUulvPUvP]o}uvX Molly is the current President of their Remodeler 20 CoU }vr}(rrl]v uv} P} }( } ˘ R}PRRN}voA}]}v}(H}u]oXTR group consists of up to 20 Builders from all parts of the U.S. and Molly is the only female in the group. Molly is also the incoming First Lady of the Greater San Antonio B]o A}]}v `R R Rv M]l `]oo the 2022 President.

Watch Mike and Molly’s monthly Behind the Drywall and Remodel Your Thinking series on YouTube!

Photography by Melissa Raelynn Photography

info@virtuosobuilders.com www.virtuosobuilders.com

November/December 2021

83

WOMEN ON THE MOVE

Daniela Lopez

S}]o M] S]o] U N}]˙ Tu D]P]o Po] Ro}v

v]o D L}R}8]oo˙i}]vRN}]˙Tu]P]o D Po]Ro}v team as the agency’s new Social Media Specialist. In this role, Daniela will }}vv}vvRo}uv}(P]}vo]vulvP campaigns for a wide variety of agency clients. A recent graduate of Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, Daniela received a B.A. in Economics and ]v B `]Ru]v}uR]]v}uuv]}v C MvPuvX

Silvia Rojas

Account Coordinator, Noisy Trumpet Digital & Po] Ro}v As the new Account Coordinator for Noisy Trumpet Digital & Public Ro}vAPv˙US]o]R}i`]oo}]}vP}]vPu]v] }}}v˘XF}uR}}iu]vvvU S]o]`]ooRou]v]vo]vo}vv]`]R}vP}]vPvX A graduate of Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, Silvia received a BRo}}(S]v]vB]vAu]v]}v`]R}vv}v]v MlvPvP}o]oS]vX

Rachel Goldsmith

CR]( OvP O8U MR}] H}]o v MR}] Children’s Hospital RRoG}ou]RRvvuCR](OvPO8~COOZ at Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital, beginning N}uUXG}ou]Rv}MR}]H}]oL]vP as COO for Methodist Hospital Northeast. Her strengths include both }Pv]}vol]o]vP}`RU`oouo}˙vPPuvv o}vR]r]o]vPX

CR]( Huv R} O8U T˘ Pv B vl

Patti Wilson

P«W]o}vRvo˙vvuCR](HuvR}O8 at Texas Partners Bank, whose members include The Bank of San Av}v]}UT˘H]ooC}v˙BvlUvTRBvl}(vA XP«i}]v Rvl]vvoPRA=˙}(˘]v]vRuv }vuo}˙o}v}RouvPvR]u P}`XP«]}voo˙RSvAv}v]}}uuv]˙B} Chair for Providence Place and is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management.

Georgette Lothian

Assistant Director of Spa & Wellness, Éilan Hotel & Spa The Éilan H}oS]}}`o}uG}P'L}R]vR]v` A]vD]}}(SWoovXALv]vPRR]vo]v ]vv(o]vRR}]o]˙]v˙UG}P' ]vPRlv}`oPv]}v(}vPv]P˘]v to her new role. She looks forward to raising awareness for the Éilan Spa while encouraging self-love, kindness, and wellness to spa guests and the }uuv]˙XG}P'vRu]}u}`]vPR }Rv(}]vP}}v]}P}`X Congratulations to these amazing women making moves in their industries!

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T”eGiftGuide2021

1.

ALL OUR

SAN ANTONIO

FAVORITES

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T”eGiftGuide2021

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5. G]}v B}R D]oo˙ ul R .v U RvL }}v `R]l˙ u}v˙ v ˙X I [o`˙ v P R}o]˙ garrisonbros.com/shop 6. Carol Devereaux, “Mother and Child”, graphite and white pastel. Available at feldergallery.com P]L (} (]v v (u]o˙U } ˙}o(X PR }vo]v

7. Texas Made outdoor apparel by McKenna Quinn. A variety of colors and styles for the adventurous woman in your life. Chambray shirt $188, visit shopmckennaquinn.com 8. A Rvu o]PR (} ˙ J B}v U Gv U B v U N` B v(o A vX SR]]vP v}v`] U ficklepickles.com 9. BounBoun Bag! Shop at BounBoun.comU u} ]v(}u}v Roo} }v}vX}uU }v}vP or (210) 709-2800

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10.

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10. Any three services for $79, excludes IV drips and injectables.

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buffcitysoap.com

13. G]RP]L}(o(rJATR}u}vSP]L]R(P]L}P]}l(}˙}o(X Thompson San Antonio Riverwalk, 115 Lexington Ave, (210) 942-6010 14. H}o]˙ P]L]vP ] ]v R P `]R R] ˙o]RU ˙o] }}] o RvPX OR ˙o v }o} ]oo X Frosted Home, 5800 Broadway, Suite 101, (210) 826-1993 - frostedhomestyle.com 88

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INTRODUCING: CHRISTIE CUTHBERT ]X SL]'o ] I lv}` u˙ `}o v]}v ]v} }uR]vP ]+v v v u} (o.oo]vP }uX_

Local

Author and

Mom

Shares Purpose Through

Storytelling For the last 18 years, Christie Cuthbert has been a journalist and professional storyteller, but her career really began back in middle school thanks to a karaoke machine her parents bought her one Christmas.

“My best friend and I would record ourselves for hours, pretending we had our own radio talk show,” R]XSWRI`}oP]}.vR}X_ Throughout her years working as a reporter, she ]v]` ]v]P]vP .P o]l R (}v }( the Hell’s Angels, covered visits by former President George W. Bush, and did stateside embedding assignments with the 101st Airborne. It was a career R`v]U˘]vPUv]+v˙]vPo day. But when she found out she was pregnant with ]oU]`u}Rv}v(} on her growing home front.

“I loved my work so much but knew there was no `˙ } } ] (oo u v] (} o]'o }˙U_ R 90

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While at home with her babies, Tommy, Teddy and NU v R }o }vU J}RvU R Pv `]vP a monthly column for her local newspaper about oo R R} R ]]vP (} o]'o }˙ X SR }o R o }( KrR}]vP u }+ uvv]v TPU R}]vP Pv}o ]v VDD o˙U }]vP v }+ `]v}` `R]o 'uvP }}(r} v U v u}X H work resonated with moms deep in the trenches of motherhood and went viral on the Today Show’s social media channels.

SIv u˙ ˘]vU ]vP Rv `]R }R ] how we as humans really connect,” Cuthbert said.

“Especially when you’re going through a rough u ]v ]]vP l]X Y} }v[ `v } } R}` }u}v[ R]o o} } loX P(}v ] vv}˙]vP v vo]X Y} `v} R } their chaos. It makes you feel less alone in the }oo} }( R vvP i}v˙ v oo}` you to give yourself grace.”

Iv CR o]R R . }}lU SM}uJ I Farted in Church” One Type A Mama’s Journey Learning to Laugh and Let Go. Part-memoir, part }u]l}vvvP]UR}}l] P ] v}v`]X Iv U R ovR her children’s book series, “The Mischief Makers,” which is loosely based on the shenanigans of her boys, but also focuses on issues that kids today are (]vP o]l ov]vP ]+v U v˘]˙U R building, and more.

“No one becomes an author to be rich or famous, you do it because you love to share and connect, and for me, I love the impact I know my books have,” Cuthbert said. “When I get an email from a parent whose child is struggling with ADHD or dyslexia, and R˙ ˙U RL ]vP R }}lU (} R . u ever my child felt proud of who they are,’ well, that’s basically the greatest feeling in the world.”

F}u}]v(}u}v]] christiecuthbert.com

MOMMY MATTERS

G ames

For the Love of the Family Game Night Reconnects Friends and Families

By Jenny Jurica

Last year, when we spent so much time at home, many families became joyfully reacquainted with the concept of “family game night.” But now that life feels a bit more normal, people are back in the office and kids back in the classroom, and free time is again in short supply. Some families, however, are still making a habit of hosting a regular game night and the benefits of this time spent connecting with family and friends stretch far beyond just an evening of fun.

It’s Not All Just ‘Fun and Games’ Research indicates that children who come from families who regularly have game nights or family dinners benefit in many aspects of their development. In fact, these studies show that children who are part of regular family gatherings have larger vocabularies, better relationships with friends, and a more positive perception of parentchild relationships. So, family game night isn’t just fun-it’s developmentally important!

Marin, a local mother of two, says, “We usually have a dedicated family game night every Friday night, and the kids enjoy fun drinks like Shirley Temples or hot chocolate.

My kids are ten and eight, but they are pretty good at strategy and card games since we have been doing this for several years. Games are so great for problem-solving skills and critical thinking for the kids.”

“We also never ‘let’ them win, and they often beat us!

Playing together as a family, they can learn to win or lose and understand how to appropriately handle the emotions that go with either,” Marin added.

Game night isn’t just for older kids, though. Little ones and those with developmental differences can get in on

the fun, too. Games like Memory, Cootie, and Chutes and Ladders don’t require reading to play, and these games are fun for all ages. Families with fewer than four members might find games such as Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza and Uno can have as few as two players and are loads of silly fun.

Adults-Only Game Night My neighbors and I try to make a point to have at least one adults-only “Family Game Night” every few months or so. We usually choose a less-family friendly game to play than we would play with our children, but the results are the same. We get to connect with each other, get to know one another better, and just get silly for a night. We usually all bring an appetizer and beverage of choice and just hang out for a casual, kid-free evening.

Board Games that Don’t Break the Bank Having a large board game collection sounds fun, but games can be expensive. Local blogger and business owner Amy Lynn likes to shop at thrift stores for board games. She shares that you can find great games, still in good condition, for a fraction of the price of buying new.

Also, check your local public library for games that can be borrowed. This is a great way to try out a game to determine if it’s something that your family would enjoy before purchasing it.

Family game night is an engaging way to gather the whole gang to spend time together and let off a little steam.

Since last year was spent largely trying to avoid gathering with others, now feels like a great time to organize a good, old-fashioned game night. So, order some pizza, turn off the tv, collect everyone’s phones and make an evening out of getting back to the basics with those that you love the most.

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DESTINATIONS Haven’t you heard? New Mexico’s capital city, with ] ]v v ] Po} ]o } R]U R v ou} uPv `X Iv (U many even feel an instantaneous, even spiritual, }vv}v } R] Po}]} R]PRr u}v]v R]`˙XW]R}o}v}(}UUSv F]}Lv}v]}vR˙}( }˘U `]vP U LuvU u]]vU v R}`R}Ro]vPX A G}P] O[K+ ]U SA }}v I ` ]U that was my country. I’d never seen anything like it (}U].'}u˘o˙X_ Sv F . uU }}P ]oo˙ (} P]o(]v P`˙U }uv `lvU } }v `]R }R}oXO[K+ooR]oo]vPovSTR F`˙U_oo˙USvF]i]lG]PR from San Antonio or a day-and-a-half away by car. A Sv]R }o}v˙ 'o ]v U ] u]v R}u } ]v]Pv} ]o }uuv] v ] ]v(}u v inspired by their colorful art and culture.

WHERE TO STAY IN SANTA FE?

Santa Fe erene

Visit the City Different for a Divine, Sublime Getaway Santa Fe is a unique and alluring city.

Smaller than you may expect, above all, it’s serene. Aptly nicknamed “The City Different,” it offers a transcendent and sublime getaway.

By Janis Turk

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Downtown is anchored by the shady Main Plaza, `Rvi`o˙uloo}]v ]o U oR P}}U .v U v u}X A favorite hotel nearby is La Fonda on the Plaza.

Rvo˙ v}U ] }+ ˙o]RU oPU ovU }u(}o }}u ]v v ˘]] S}R`v hacienda with an enclosed central courtyard restaurant, La Plazuela. Built in 1922 on the site }( v ]vv vP } U L F}v ] uR gallery as historic hotel, showcasing its $300-million }oo}v}(S}R`vvAu]vIv]vX Even if you’re not a guest, you can stroll through R ]o]vP } vi}˙ R U } ' ˙U i}]v complimentary, docent-led art and history tour.

Ao} o} } R Po ] R ' Inn & Spa at Loretto, near the Loretto Chapel, known for its legendary spiral staircase with 360-degree turns and no visible means of support. (Some suggest it was built by a heavenly visitor, Saint Joseph). For a pricey .r˙U }}l o˘]} o}P]vP Inn of the Five GracesX F} or } R}o `]R S}R`v R v }vo rates, the Hotel St. Francis ] .v R}]X I [o} located next to a Gruet RuPv vP }}uX V}vvoR}uo}}+v]`˙}R a house with friends and live like a local.

WHAT TO SEE & DO IN SANTA FE Peruse the shops near the Plaza, and see jewelry vendors in front of The Palace of the Governors on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Then stop for a margarita, guacamole, and chips at La Casa Sena restaurant. The Cantina at Casa Sena features ]vP]vP `] ovP } }`˙ B R}` v most weekend evenings—a fun night out.

Then check out Canyon Road, with more than 100 art galleries, shops, studios, and restaurants along a slender street. Enjoy the Museum of International Folk Art, the New Mexico Museum of Art, the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, and the Georgia O’Keeffe MuseumX W]R }LrRvP]vP ˘R]]U R SITE contemporary art museum building in the Railyard District ] ]oo˙ vP R inside. Like all things weird and wonderful? Visit Meow WolfU ]voo}vU ]v museum, part play place.

WHERE TO FIND GOOD EATS Start at the Santa Fe Railyard district, home to a yearround Saturday farmer’s market, as well as shops and restaurants, like Tomasita’s, featuring New Mexican cuisine and big sopapillas. Closer to the Plaza, enjoy the colorful Café Pasqual’sU (]vP . }( G} }v ] v]vP l(U ovRU v ]vv menus. For dining in a casual yet upscale Santa Fe «vPU R Cv˙}v R} } The Compound, CR( Ml K]8v[ o]PRo }vvvorur S}R`v }}l]vP v .oo `]R .v art. No visit would be complete without a divine dinner at GeronimoU Po˙ R .v ]v]vP restaurant in the Southwest, earning numerous }o v Ju B v}u]v}vX CR( Soo]v C oo R] SPo}o o_ uvU v R restaurant’s ambiance is elegant yet understated.

O’Keeffe Country For one of the Southwest’s most scenic drives, head north toward Abiquiú to the Georgia O’Keeffe Welcome Center for seasonal tours of O’Keeffe’s Home & Studio ~} l }vo]v u}vR ]v vZUvRv o]'o(Rv}RU]] Ghost Ranch Education & Retreat Center, a ranch where O[K+o]v]vUv`Ruv˙}o u}] ` .ouX O R ] R}PR L} Alamos to Bandelier National Monument, with

33,000 acres of rugged canyonlands, rocky mesas, v]v o]+ `oo]vPU v }Po˙RX Sl] o} love to hit the slopes at Ski Santa Fe in winter and spring. The Ski Mountain area is also a great place to R}oP}ovAv]vuvv.vP}} campsites in summer.

The highlight of any Santa Fe stay is a spa treatment at Ten Thousand WavesU ]v] ˙ R .v Japanese mountain hot spring resorts, and including not only its legendary spa but also restaurant Izanami and lodging at Houses of the Moon. Perched along on the road to the Ski Mountain, hidden away in the pines, it’s a serene place to soak in a private outdoor R} } vi}˙ u]}v v u] ]v R vZ R}}uLuP}(]oX Y} R]˙ }o v (oU ivvP getaway, so why not experience the transcendent v]˙}(SvFMI [u(}o]u}v in a city sure to draw you back again and again.

For more information vistit SantaFe.org November/December 2021

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Tomasita’s

Ghost Ranch - City Slickers movie cabin Santa Fe overview

Ten Thousand Waves, Spa

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Loretto Chapel

HOLIDAY RECIPE

Chef’s Favorite: Tim McDiarmid Tim The Girl Catering

ay olid HTurnip Puff

PREP: 20 min BAKE: 25 min MAKES: 4 servings

Ingredients: 6

cups turnips, diced & mashed

4

tbsp butter, melted

2

eggs, beaten

3

tbsp flour

1

tbsp brown sugar

1

tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt & pepper 1/2 cup bread crumbs Grated Nutmeg

1. Preheat oven to 325 F. Butter the casserole dish. Dice turnips and boil in salted water until tender (about 10-15 minutes).

2. Mash cooked turnips and mix in 2 tablespoons of melted butter, eggs, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt and pepper. Gently spoon into a buttered casserole dish.

3. Combine the bread crumbs and 2 tablespoons melted butter to top the turnip mixture.

4. Sprinkle to taste with grated nutmeg. Bake in the oven at 325 F for 25 minutes.

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HILL COUNTRY CURATED

Our Hill Country Favorites:

Dickens on Main Ao}v(oo}(R]ov[]Uo] performances (including holiday favorite “Bah Humbug: A One-Man Christmas Carol,”) horse-drawn carriages, food merchants, and more. Venture to a vintage winter wonderland, complete with snow on Main Street, ice sculpture shows, photos with Santa, a 60-foot snowslide, and of course, holiday shopping!

Boerne, TX November 26 - 27

Holiday Musical “Scrooge” In 1970, Leslie Bricusse adapted the classic Charles Dickens tale “A Christmas Carol” into the hit screen musical “Scrooge.” This stage version, based on the .ou`]R]˘v`}vPU`]ooFTCF}vJ˙o Hoover as the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, who repents his past life when visited by three successive Christmas spirits.

Fredericksburg, TX December 10 - 19

Holidiny Festivities!

Wurstfest AT˘(}]UW(]l]vJAv] o}v]R]vGuvoXEvi}˙P}}(}}U u]Uv]vPU˘]vPv]o]vPuU GuvUT˘vUv}uU]ovUv R.v]vAo]vv]v B S˙oEv]vuvX T]l]X New Braunfels, TX November 5 - 14

Lights Spectacular The twinkliest town in the hill country celebrates its 31st annual Lights Spectacular. Johnson City transforms ]o((}uo}`rU]voR}u}`v nestled on the banks of the Pedernales River into a bright beacon of light like a guiding star welcoming visitors with good old-fashioned Christmas cheer.

Johnson City, TX November 26 - January 2

DINING

Frutería-Botanero San Antonio’s friendliest chef, Johnny Hernandez, reboots his Southtown Fruteria and bets on a botanero to bring in casual cocktail crowds and bring back old friends.

By Janis Turk

There’s no smiling face I’d rather spot in a crowd than that of Johnny Hernandez.

N}}˙u]R˙U friendly, sincere, and kind R] ˙U o}o celebrity chef.

So it’s no wonder that Hvv[ v] v }( ˘v v Rv]˙ would welcome diners the moment they step into his newly revamped and reimagined Frutería-Botanero. Enter this happening Southtown spot and instantly behold bursts of vibrant }o}U R R R˙ R' }( }uU vi}˙ R o]vl]vP }( Po ]v }U v P `R]+ }( ]v]vP aromas from the kitchen.

For the past 9 years, Hernandez’ Frutería was mostly a morning juice place and lunch and dinner spot with an ˙ Lv}}v u]vX Hvv v }}l u on a hard-hat tour as he built it. But now, following a v}}vv}v}}UR]v` botanero leans into sundown, with a larger bar area and a super-casual ]vv ]X W]R ]U v`o˙ vo} l]RvU fresh menu with stand-alone plates to share with family and friends, it’s a good place to nosh the night away. If you imbibe, be sure to sip frutería-inspired cocktails, and try the classics, too.

So what exactly is a frutería or a botanero?

In Mexico, a frutería is a fruit stand/juice bar that also may }+ (R (] U licuados (smoothies), tortas, and } (} l( v ovRX A ]}vo M˘]v botanero, though, is like a hybrid bar/restaurant: a place } .v ˙ (}} v (R]vP P `]R} barroom feel or the formality of a restaurant. Botana is Spanish for snacks, like tapas in Spain, usually shared with friends over a drink. It may be anything from a mushroom

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]oo~J}Rvv˙[o}}lu} like empanadas inspired by ]oo }( M˘]} C]˙Z } R ]RX Hernandez had fun fusing his two concepts and reimagining the space. He even turned his alley into a garden.

Start with a margarita, of course. Nobody makes one ' Rv J}Rvv˙X F}v or on the rocks, Hernandez makes his house margarita `]R(Ro˙ro]uU]voUv}vPi]U C}]vUvEoJ]u}T]oXTRo}]v( margaritas with fresh lime, pineapple, orange juice, P}vC]ZvPL]Uv˙}R}]}(]yuoU Jimador Blanco and berries, or a spicy Seis Chiles }}v with Jimador Blanco, red and green peppers, habanero, vioy}XO˙ Los PepinosU(}(R}}o}}v made with cucumbers, lime juice, and a Pepinos Vodka ]v(]}vX Hvv o} }+ R .v H vi} ]oX S } o Sv Av}v]} `}uvU R L˙ Lv ] o˙ `]R o]] ov }o}U lemonade, vodka, fresh lavender, and gin. My new favorite drink, though, is the Sol de Nayarit, made with }}v `U oG}`U Pvv (]U uo ou}vU v P]v ]vlo `]R lo]vP ]o Po]' } add surprising shimmer. If Carrie Bradshaw lived in South Texas, she’d call this the “San Antonio Cosmo.”

As in all 10 of Hernandez’ eateries (with others soon to open at Brooks City Base and beyond), the focus at Frutería-Botanero is on dynamic food inspired from ]}voG}}(CvovS}RvM˘]}X SWR ` }+ ]v[ }u (v˙ }u} uoU individual dishes,” he says. Friends will feel they’ve shared a special evening experience exploring new G}U }]vP }o (}]U v vi}˙]vP R]vP R˙ never dreamed they’d love.

For instance, I tend to dislike moles: In my experience, they }Lv iR]l}`v R]o] v R}}oro smothering otherwise good food. Not Johnny’s.

“I wanted to create a new mole with pistachios and roasted pineapple to complement the hot-seared salmon I serve it with.” Colorful, light, and refreshing, it provides the perfect G}}.o}oR.RX Another outstanding dish is the house ceviche. Hernandez even visited Peru, where it originated, to learn more about how it’s made. “In Peru, they don’t serve it with tostados, but rather they toss in large kernels of toasted corn for that added crunch. They also use a specially made leche de tigre ~SP [u]ol_}Z ]X_ Get friends to share Johnny’s Guadalajara-inspired carne asada en su jugoU 'r}LU R]orU CR}] ]˙U savory beef broth, nopalitos, and charred onion. I also adored the guacamole with its oversized sombrero of a cheese crisp on top.

TR R }}} } ]v]vP } (}v R v v`o˙]vRvr]voUv]v}}Rl`oo features a mural inspired by a colorful Mexican sarape. Near the bar stands the colorful tree art sculpture of the original F_U v (}u R ]o]vP G} v ]voo}v }( }o}(oRuu]vP]`]R}R`]vPooG'X Closed Mondays, open for dinner Tuesdays through Thursdays and Sundays from 4-10 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to midnight, this is sure to be our “new, old-favorite” Johnny Hernandez hangout.

With any luck at all, we’ll see Johnny’s smiling face there to greet us. Of course, he may be busy at one of his La Gloria restaurants, Burgerteca, food trucks, True Flavors Catering, } }]vP (}} Puv (} v}vo o]]}v R}`X Hernandez even has a new line of heat-and-serve dishes in H-E-B stores.

If you do see him, tell Johnny I sent you. He’s sure to sit down for a minute and make you feel at home.

Frutería-Botanero 1401 South Flores Street, Suite 102 ```XRB}Rvv˙RvvX}u

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SA CURATED: DINING

Our SA Favorites:

Green Vegetarian Cuisine

Conveniently located at the Alon and Quarry Market, Green Vegetarian Cuisine serves a wide range of plant-based bites from kale miso broth ramen to hearty bowls and eggplant parmesan.

Check it out on Sundays for BRUNCH from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm!

255 E. Basse Road 10003 NW Military, Suite 2115

T”eLookStudio

Hair & Makeup Specializing in makeup for the female entrepeneur.

Makeup to get your camera but still feel like yourself.

San Antonio, TX thelookstudiohmu@gmail.com (210) 723 - 5793

Earth Burger N((}}.˘R`}v[ul˙}(oP]o˙M Earth Burger is taking over the fast-food market with U(RUvRoR]ovRo} Rv}ovrXOv}(Rv}v[. ovr]rR}+]vPRoR˙Uo}`ro}] take on fast food for those on the go.

818 NW Loop 410 2501 Nacogdoches Rd 20821 U.S. Hwy 281 N, Suite 102

PlantBinsed

Project Pollo P}i P}oo} ` ]o }v ]PR}` u]]}vU RoovP]vP R]lv ˙ «vP }o } }. v }+]vP }oo} `]R } X W]R u]]}v } .v }vu R]} ˙ }+]vP }vv]v U o]˙U v ]]o]˙U P}i P}oo} R +}o v o]]} }}v (} every community.

723 N Alamo 9519 San Pedro Ave 18730 Tuscany Stone 303 San Pedro Ave 1019 Culebra, Suite 122

Miss Chickpea’s Bakeshop A vegan bakery serving savory breakfast kolaches, sweet treats, whole cakes, and all of your favorite guilty pleasures with a delectable plant-based upgrade! Now, every day can be a “cheat day”!

8002 Callaghan Rd, Suite 106

ENTERTAINMENT

Doc Watkins and his Orchestra Holiday Show One night only! Join Doc Watkins and his Orchestra for an v(}P'ov]PRRT}]vCvXD}`]oo(}u new arrangements of Holiday Big Band favorites, along with o]o}v(}uCRo]}`v B CR]uX Thursday, December 16 F}u}]v(}u}v]]P

tobincenter.org

The Nutcracker December 3 - 5th, and 10 -12th TRR}o]˙v[}uovo˙}˘]vR magic of Ballet San Antonio’s The Nutcracker, originally commissioned by Ballet San Antonio for Ballet San Antonio and choreographed by Easton and Haley Smith. With live music performed by the San Antonio Symphony and a Children’s Cast of over 100 children, Ballet San Antonio’s The Nutcracker has become a uP]o]}v(}R}uuv]˙}(SvAv}v]} and their families!

F}u}]v(}u}v]]P

tobincenter.org

Lightscape November 19, 2021 - January 2, 2022 San Antonio’s newest holiday event, Lightscape, is making its Texas debut. Guests will be enchanted by uP]oo]PR]o˙o}vP(oo˙]oou]v one-mile path winding through the Botanical Garden.

TRvP]oou]v}v`]oooRvU vRR}``]oo}o˙]vo]voo}vv]} T˘˙o}ov]vv}voX F}u}]v(}u}v]]P

sabot.org

Whataburger Zoo Lights San Antonio Zoo When the animals tuck in for the evening, San Antonio Zoo v(}u ]v} `]oU `]v `}vov .oo `]R i`r dropping array of twinkling lights. Bigger and brighter than before, Whataburger Zoo Lights is a must-see for families and is sure to put everyone in the holiday spirit! Guests can see life-sized animals from the savanna, including a 15-foot oo ]oou]v P]+ ]v S˙ S(] P v }oo v v] ]o˙ }( o]PRU } [u}U } }}l] with Mrs. Claus, and visit Santa. Featuring pixel technology }u]v `]R }u }vlU R] vP R}` `]oo get guests dancing to their favorite Christmas tunes along with Lv]v]}vPJ 102

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November 19, 2021 - January 2, 2022 F}u}]v(}u}v]]P

sazoo.org

ART BEAT

Azul Barrientos Photography by Josh Huskin

Azul Barrientos is an acclaimed musician dedicated to conserving the cultural influences and interconnections between Latin America, Africa, Europe, and Mexico. Born in Mexico City, Azul moved to San Antonio, Texas as a young woman, where she developed a reputation for building bridges between Mexicana and Chicana cultures. Her career has focused on preserving traditional songs from Latin America and exploring their diverse musical histories. Azul rejoices in her Latina roots, giving new life to the rhythms and stories of previous generations.

As the daughter of two musicians in Mexico City, Azul was introduced to Latin America’s traditional and folkloric songs at an early age. This legacy drives her passion for reviving lost cultural traditions and uncovering each song’s unique history and significance that she performs on stage.

Azul’s work to uncover the diverse influences on Latin American music reflects a deep appreciation for her own cultural roots – both indígena (indigenous) and Española (Spanish) – and her identity as both a Chicana and a Mexicana.

Over the last 15 years, Azul has performed for audiences of all sizes through nonprofit organizations, museums, universities, cultural centers, festivals, and more. Her audiences have ranged from small parties for government officials to outdoor venues and prominent theaters reaching thousands.

In 2007, Azul became the Artist-in-Residence for the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center in San Antonio, where she began to develop the Noche Azul de Esperanza concert series. Through this series, Azul has produced and performed over 100 original multimedia performances exploring themes in Latin American music, history, and culture.

Each Noche Azul performance features unique musical selections, cultural and historical research, set design, multimedia projection, and diverse guest musicians. The sounds and genres of Noche Azul have included boleros, rancheras, tangos, folk, jazz, Afro-Latino, and much more.

Azul has been co-presented with musical legends like Grammy award-winner Lila Downs, Susana Baca, Eugenia León, Tania Libertad, and others.

Her latest released album released in 2016, Nuestro Corazón, celebrates Latin America with a beautiful rendition of Spanish, Indigenous, and African rhythms.

In 2018, she had the pleasure of performing for King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain during their visit to San Antonio.

Shows

Saturday, Nov 27th & 28th: Noche Azul - Livestream - online on FB and Youtube facebook.com/azulmusica - instagram.com/azulmusica - youtube.com/user/Azulmusicachannel November/December 2021

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WEDDING

Mr. & Mrs. Heck

Februinry28th,2021

What was the most memorable moment of your wedding day?

Oo] [ }v `Rv I `ol }`v the aisle. He doesn’t like to show his u}}v U v ` i}l } R}` ` would both cry in that moment.

Oliver truly surprised me and melted the moment I walked down. He made most people at the ceremony cry `oo R] }v ` } genuine. It was the most amazing thing ever. So many people approached me Lv ]R`R o }v R˙ R vX What was the most stressful part of your wedding day?

WP} u] R `lv L the big snowstorm - and our wedding bands were in another state and didn’t make it to the ceremony due to the mail delays. The day before, we went to James Avery and bought wedding bands, just so we could have them at the ceremony.

What are your Honeymoon plans?

W[ ovv]vP }]o }v (} our one-year/honeymoon plans!

Did you have “His & Hers” Cocktails?

No, but we did have a his & hers Ro} lRo}' ˙X W v a giant airbnb and all of our friends & family came down the week of the `]vP v ` R R u J What was your first dance song, and why is it significant?

One Woman by Randy Rogers - Oliver chose this song for us. We both love Randy Rogers and we had one of } . }v}v } P«vP u] L ` ` R] }v X

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Wedding date: February 28, 2021 Bride: Caitlin Clemenson Groom: Oliver Heck Photographer: Jo Spivey Videographer: Emilee Guidorzi Venue: Kendal point Wedding Dress: I do the dress I do Engagement Ring: Travis Park Jewelry Wedding Bands: Travis Park Jewelry Hair and Makeup: Adore Makeup Salon Planner: Scarlet Rose Events Bar & Catering: Bartenders4u/Jimmy Lyn’s Catering Florist: Root and Wilde Cake: Cakes by Cathy Rentals: Scarlet Rose Collective DJ / Band: 5150 Productions November/December 2021

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FINAL THOUGHTS

There is time for everything in life. You must embrace every moment, the joy, the sadness, the anger, the happiness because only then are you living. Don’t just exist; make sure you live every day of your life as if it was the last one.

Painting by:

Gio DiZurita ”Eclipse” Mixed Media, 36” x 48”

G]}vv D]Z ] ] M˘]vrAu]v R ` ]v} } R `}o }( ˙ R v S}. X F}u R R]oR}} ˙ U R uu R}` R }˙ v u]v o`˙ R (]vvP `}o }( o]v v ]o X SR u ˙ ]vvP v` v oo}`]vP R } (oo ]v o} `]R X “Art is happiness without boundaries. So make your life art and become a walking masterpiece.”

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