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DEC 2015

YOU’RE IN GOOD HANDS

Allstate: Johnson Agency, Inc. Page 4

CELEBRATING THE ‘SONGBIRD’

Senior Moment Page 7

RAISING THE BAR

Student Spotlight Page 9

A PASSIONATE PROBLEM SOLVER

Physician Profile Page 12

Aurelia and Dean Johnson Allstate: Johnson Agency, Inc.

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Upcoming Events Milberger’s Nursery Christmas Open House: Saturday, Dec. 5 and Sunday, Dec. 6 Stroll among the Christmas trees and browse garlands, poinsettias, and more, while kids enjoy hot chocolate and festive activities.

210-497-3760; milbergernursery.com.

3920 N Loop 1604 E., 78247

Drive-Through Nativity at Concordia Lutheran Church—Saturday, Dec. 5 and Sunday, Dec. 6, 5-9 p.m.

Enjoy free cookies and a free CD that narrates your journey past 10 stations, as “angels,” animals, and actors tell the story of Christ’s birth.

16801 Huebner Road, 78258

Family Day with the Rampage—Sunday, Dec. 27, 4 p.m.

Stone Oak residents are invited to take in a little hockey as the San Antonio Rampage face the Texas Stars. Purchase $20 tickets by Dec. 6 with the promo code StoneOak at TicketMaster.com.

Learn more at stoneoakpoa.com/events.php.

2nd Annual Reagan Holiday Market: Saturday, Dec. 5, Noon-4 p.m.

Benefiting the Reagan High School choir, this holiday market will transform the Reagan High School cafeteria into a festive marketplace.

Take the free shuttle to the Stone Oak Winter Celebration, as well.

Start Spreading the News: A New York Christmas...from Broadway to Bethlehem— Saturday, Dec. 12, 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 13, 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

A Christmas program will take Stone Oak residents from Rockefeller Center to the manger. The Fellowship of San Antonio, 23755 Canyon Golf Road, 78258; thefellowshipofsa.org

Mays Family YMCA Art Camp—Dec. 21-23 (Session I) and Dec. 28-30 (Session II) The Happy Holidays camp for ages 5-12 runs 12:30-3:30 p.m., and the Crafty Creators Camp for ages 5-12 runs 3:30-6 p.m. For fees and registration, call 210-497-7088 or email christinak@ymcasatx.org.

13th Annual Winter Celebration—Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Santa arrives by helicopter at this family event featuring 60,000 pounds of snow, a parade, raffle, vendors selling their wares, and more.

North Central Baptist Hospital, 520 Madison Oak, 78258

Parenting Workshop: Self-Care—Sunday, Dec. 13, Noon-2:30 p.m.

This event at Parman Library helps parents develop action plans to nourish themselves. Register at mysapl.org; search for the Parman Branch Events Calendar and click Sign Up.

Send us your upcoming events to StoneOakInfo@gmail.com.

6th Annual Run for the Heights—Saturday, February 27, 2016, 8-11 a.m.

Head to Tuscany Heights Elementary School for a morning of health, wellness, and fun.

Register for a 5K, sign children up for the Kids’ Fun Run, browse the Health Fair & Sponsor Expo, and let the little ones enjoy kid-friendly activities. Proceeds benefit the Tuscany Heights Elementary PTA. To register for runs or, go to runfortheheights.tuscanyheightspta.org.

StoneOakInfo.com 3 3

You’re in Good Hands

Dean and Aurelia Johnson have embraced the Stone Oak-area lifestyle since they moved from Crystal City, Texas, more than a year ago with their four daughters—from left: Cassandra, 18, Madison, 16, Hazel, 19 (not pictured), and Alexandrea, 20. (Also not pictured, Dean’s son, Charles, 13.)

By Jennifer Chappell Smith

One of the first things Stone Oak’s newest Allstate agency owner Aurelia Johnson noticed about the company was all the families across Texas involved in the business.

“So many of the employees were related—husbands and wives, parents and children. It’s truly a family company,” she says.

That sense of family—along with the Allstate employees’ loyalty—gave her confidence in her new venture. She and Dean Johnson have four daughters and moved their family from Crystal City, Texas, to the Stone Oak area 15 months ago. “The family thing was something we had talked about—opening a business together,” Aurelia says.

“And here we are.”

She gestures to the new office space on Gathering Oak, with its freshly painted, Allstate blue wall—courtesy of Dean’s handiwork. He’s stepped in to help set up the office, to get licensed to sell insurance, and to manage their teenagers’ schedule during Aurelia’s intensive training over the past few months. “She’s the boss,” he says, laughing.

4

Having supervised an oil rig for years, Dean’s on a break from the oil industry to help establish the business.

Aurelia heads up the operation, as Dean eyes an eventual return to the oil industry.

For now, Allstate is a family affair. The couple’s oldest daughter, Alexandrea, 20, does telemarketing at the agency as she works to get her insurance license. And popping in and out of the office are her three sisters— Madison, 16, who goes to Johnson High School; Cassandra, 18, who also attends Johnson and stays busy with her own family photography business, CDJohnson Photography; and Hazel, 19, who plays golf at University of Houston at Victoria.

“We really get to learn everybody’s personality under pressure,” Dean says. To manage the stress, Aurelia enjoys yoga, while Dean works out and takes Madison and Hazel on golf outings. Together, they look forward to helping the people of Stone Oak take care of insurance needs.

New in town but not new to caring about people, Aurelia Johnson wants to meet your insurance needs.

Benefit from experience and trust.

While the office is new to Stone Oak, the couple represents a long-trusted brand. And Aurelia has 14 years of sales experience, while Dean has experience with sales himself. Both see true value in the Allstate products they offer.

Part of the couple’s mission is to help young adults and growing families understand the role insurance plays in financial well-being. Take life insurance, for instance: “I wish I would have bought life insurance when I was younger,” Aurelia says, noting that no one ever explained to her that rates will never be better than when you’re in your 20’s or that you can accumulate cash with certain types of life policies.

Dean adds that helping people understand all types of insurance is a big part of their operation. “Education for the customer is a huge deal,” he says. “We’re fulfilling a genuine need that’s not going to go away. Everybody has to have insurance.”

As he’s aged and his children have grown, he’s learned that for himself: “When I turned 40, I really started thinking about insurance. You start to get a little older and wiser.”

Call for an insurance checkup.

One of the most important times for a checkup? Just after the holidays—when gifts of new cars and jewelry may require more coverage on home and auto policies. Resolve to review your coverage in the New Year. After all, it’s the foundation of your family’s financial security.

A call to Aurelia and her team can help you sleep easier, whether you verify you have plenty of insurance coverage or discover you have a gap to fill. With family at her side, Aurelia’s ready to meet the Stone Oak community. “I care about people, and I’ve always liked building long-term relationships. That’s what we plan to do as we strive to meet all insurance needs: for home, auto, business, life, and even motorcycle or boat.”

NOW OPEN Allstate, Johnson Agency, Inc. Aurelia Johnson 210-951-5557 20818 Gathering Oak, Ste. 104 San Antonio, TX 78260 ajohnson23@allstate.com

I’m proud to be a part of this community.

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6

Celebrating the ‘Songbird’ Virginia Brys’ love of music has brought her great joy over nine decades and now to the residents of Independence Hill Retirement Community.

She’s known around Independence Hill Retirement Resort Community as “Songbird.” That’s because Virginia Brys, 90, has a passion for music that helped establish the Hill Topper’s Choral Group—almost 20 residents who practice weekly and sing for residents throughout the year.

Music, it seems, follows Brys—who serves as chorus director for the Hill Topper’s.

She says that even the birds in the residence hall’s floor-to-ceiling cages start twittering outside the choral group’s practice room. “They’re loud,” she says, smiling.

The elegant Virginia Brys, 90, serves as chorus director for the singing troupe at Independence Hill.

No music program existed at Independence Hill five years ago. That’s when Brys learned some men were forming a quartet. She helped with harmonies and, soon, the bigger choral group formed. “I wish I could explain what their singing has

brought back to them,” Brys says, noting that some haven’t sung since high school.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Brys sat with her dad at the family’s player piano when her feet couldn’t reach the pedals. She studied cello during school years and made music part of her life throughout two marriages and as she raised six children.

“I just love music, period. But not rock and roll,” Brys says, laughing as she admits adding “Jingle Bell Rock” to the Hill Topper’s holiday lineup.

She says music has helped her deal with difficult circumstances, such as recovering from surgery. “If you don’t have music in your life, you’re missing something,” she says.

She shares that love of music with the choral group’s dedicated pianist, Aurora Boliak. “I don’t know what we’d do without her,” Brys says, noting the pair hasn’t found backups for their roles. “We’re both locked in!”

A plaque honoring The Hill Topper’s Chorus thanks Virginia for her “dedication...ultimately blessing all who have delighted in her gift as the choral director.

Give yourself the gift of Fun,Friends and Freedom!

HOW?

“Nobody said I had to do it,” Brys says, adding she feels called to the role. “I really feel like God placed me here. I could have been a lot of places, but I feel like he has me here.”

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Mrs. Brys directs the choral group, while her friend and fellow resident Aurora Boliak accompanies them on the piano.

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20450 Huebner Road, San Antonio Texas 78258 www.independencehill.com

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Raising the Bar Student Spotlight

By Jennifer Chappell Smith

R

eagan High School Senior Brett Lester enjoys physics— studying it at school and applying its principles as a stellar pole vaulter He first felt challenged by the bar, set high above, him in 7th grade. “Can you defy gravity?” it seemed to ask, luring this tryany-sport kind of guy toward a less common athletic endeavor.

As Lester pursued everything from football to taekwondo (he holds a 2nd-degree black belt), he got more serious about pole vaulting, learning techniques at Elite Sportz Vaulting Complex in St. Hedwig, Texas, that helped him excel. “That’s where I discovered my love for the sport,” he says.

At a meet last summer, he flew to 14 feet, 3 inches. Now, he’s made 16 feet his goal, along with getting to the state competition next summer. Lester lettered in track at Reagan for three years, and also was named to the All District Athletic Academic Team for Track and Field. From a multisport background he has now put all of his energy into pole vaulting, and he’s eager to see what he can achieve with an exclusive focus.

His work ethic applies to the classroom, as well. No. 6 in his class, he was named a National Hispanic Scholar based on his PSAT score, as well as a National Commended Scholar, and he’s a member of three academic honor societies. Eyeing mechanical and aerospace engineering programs, he’s applying to some prestigious schools. “It has been a dream of mine to pole vault in college, if that’s what God has in store for me,” he says, but he adds that academics come first.

When he’s not studying or pole vaulting, he’s still active—wake boarding, snow skiing, bike riding, orworking out. He also mentors kids at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

And he’s enjoying a sport that’s long intrigued anyone who wonders how athletes hurl themselves on a slender pole high into the air.

“Physics,” Lester will tell you. Kinetic energy from running down the track transfers to the pole and propels the athlete over the bar, according to Real World Physics Problems.

But Lester’s own dedication, training, and discipline prove there’s much more to it than that.

9

See Clearly on the Slopes

By Dr. Monica Allison, O.D., Stone Oak Vision Source

H

ere’s a great gift idea for your favorite snow skier—or for yourself: the perfect pair of goggles. Pick the kind with prescription lenses, the ones that fit over regular glasses, or options that work with everyday contact lenses (thanks to designs that keep eyes and contacts from drying out.)

You’ll find all sorts of brands, styles and lens colors (some even change colors as light conditions change). But beyond fashion, goggles can: • Protect against injury from terrain. Goggles protect eyes as you zoom past tree branches, brush and boulders.

• Eliminate glare. Polarized lenses help absorb up to 98% of the blinding glare bouncing off snow.* • Lessen UV ray risks. The Skin Foundation recommends goggles with at least 99% UV protection to protect eyes, eyelids and delicate surrounding skin—all vulnerable to cancer risks due to the high altitude and strong sun. See skincancer.org for more.

• Prevent injuries from shattered lenses. Unlike plastic or glass lenses, those made from materials such as polycarbonate Make an Appointment! make a safer choice.

Call 210-495-9020 The right goggles help skiers see better on fast downhill runs, Monday through Friday, ensuring they can clearly distinguish a blue slope from a black!

9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; So come in and visit with me or my associates, Lindsey Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Denison, O.D., and Kim Ip, O.D., before you hit the slopes.

Dr. Monica Allison, O.D.,

*Source: sporteyes.com/skiing

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PHYSICIAN PROFILE

A Passionate Problem Solver

A

A Stone Oak allergist finds real joy in helping people breathe easier and feel better.

native of Beeville, Texas, Dr. Amanda Trott-Gregorio knows the South Texas climate well. She grew up in its rural landscape—crowded with cedar, bushes and brush emitting the allergens that send many of her patients to see her today.

An allergist at Stone Oak Allergy, Dr. Trott takes genuine joy in diagnosing and solving each patient’s problems. “It’s so rewarding,” she says, noting that the upcoming winter allergy season will keep her busy. “Some doctors are in fields where they can only put a Band-Aid® on things, but I get the chance to really make a difference.”

She talks about the reward of manipulating immune systems to bring relief to her patients, as well as getting to know them personally. “Meeting every patient is a big event for me,” she says. “I want to think of every possible angle of how to help someone.”

Dr. Trott’s parents moved from Beeville to Boerne when she was at Texas A&M, but she says San Antonio is really starting to feel like home since she started practicing here three years ago. She finished her advanced training in pediatric and adult allergy and immunology at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., in 2012.

Raising two daughters in the Alamo City makes it feel more like home, as well. She and husband Jason, a surgical pathologist, have Juliana, 4, and Alli Gray, 18 months.

When Dr. Trott’s not in the office, she’s going for a run, talking Aggie football, taking Juliana to gymnastics or vacationing somewhere she can scuba dive. “I was a little worried about raising kids in this big, old city, being from a small town,” she admits, “but it feels like a small town in a lot of ways. And in a small town, I wouldn’t be able to see so many patients.”

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Bet on It!

Attendees can’t lose when they support this glamorous, wintertime fundraiser sponsored by the Stone Oak San Antonio Rotary Club.

There’s the Casino Royale of James Bond lore and the actual Casino Royale in Vegas. But there’s also a Casino Royale that raises money for scholarships and charitable needs right here in Stone Oak. The Stone Oak Rotary Club hosts its 8th annual Casino Royale: Wine Tasting and Casino Party this February, and tables and tickets are still available.

The Stone Oak Rotarians will make over the banquet hall at Holy Trinity Catholic Church so that ticket holders enjoy 007-worthy glamour, an international menu of foods and wines, and gaming excitement. Guests can try their hands at craps and poker, blackjack and more. A silent auction and several raffles offer more chances to leave as big winners.

Black tie is optional, but who wants to miss a chance to feel like they’re in a James Bond film?

Attendees also don’t want to miss a chance to help raise money for the club’s causes—like its signature school program, F.L.A.G., which stands for Fitness, Literacy, Attendance and Grades. “We’re working with two East Side elementary schools that were failing, and by helping students improve in those areas we’ve already seen great results,” says the club’s past president, Kent Kirkman, who’s now serving as the club’s secretary and membership chair. He reports the group also will donate 36 bicycles to the schools this year.

One of more than 30,000 international Rotary Clubs that emphasize “service above self,” the Stone Oak Rotary Club will raise thousands at this annual event, but with proceeds going back to the community, it’s the City of San Antonio that will hit the jackpot.

The Rotary Club of Stone Oak meets every Thursday for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. To learn how to get involved, contact Kent Kirkman, 210-325-1333 or visit www.stoneoaksarotary.org.

The Stone Oak Rotary Club presents…

Wine Tasting & Casino Party Friday, February 26, 2016 6:30pm – 10:00pm Holy Trinity Banquet Hall 20523 Huebner Road Black Tie Optional Call 210-325-1333 for tickets.

Make your Silent Auction bids online at

www.Stone Oak RotaryAuction.org February 1-March 4th

$85 per person or $150 per couple

(Includes wine, hors d’oeuvrs, silent auction and casino chips)

Table Sponsors: $600 (8 tickets)

Please make checks payable to: Stone Oak Rotary Club 19141 Stone Oak Parkway Suite 104-168 San Antonio, TX 78258

Event benefits local charities and scholarships 135

Puppy Love I

There’s nothing cuter than a puppy under the tree on Christmas morning.

Use these tips to start training the fluffy little guy from Day One.

t’s exciting to add a puppy to the family, whether you’re a first-time dog owner or adding a new pup to the household. But puppies can be a lot of work. Follow these tips to get a good start.

• Start your pup off with a wellness check with your veterinarian and get started on a vaccination schedule.

• Think about where your puppy will sleep. A crate with bedding is a great start for added safety and designated sleeping spot.

• Establish a feeding schedule. This will be a big help to you when it’s time to potty train.

• Be prepared to give frequent supervision and potty breaks to avoid accidents. Using a chart to track eliminations after their meals will help determine how long it takes for your pup to do his business.

• Walk your pup daily.

• Start socializing the puppy by signing up for training classes or planning play dates with other pups. Once they’re old enough, doggie daycare can keep them socialized, too.

Overall, just like kids need parents to guide them into responsible adulthood, puppies need their owners to guide them into becoming wonderful adult dogs. The more consistent you are now with training, exercise, and attention early on, the better off they— and you—will be in the long run!

• Provide plenty of chew toys so puppies don’t reach for your socks and shoes. Choose toys that won’t shred or tear easily so the dog won’t swallow pieces or choke.

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Avoid Rush Why Itthe Can Be Smart to Sell During the Holidays

How ahomeowners typical slow down real estate season work to sellers' Once decideintothe sell, they maymarket rush toduring stake the thatholiday “For Sale” signcan in the yard.

Maybeadvantage. they’ve made an ith so many family activities and distractions that come with the holidays, December may seem like offer on a new house that’s contingent on selling their old one. Or they need to relocate quickly or want to the get worst kids list your home for sale. You’re super busy, buyers have no time to be shown houses, and no settledpossible at theirtime new to school. one wants to add onto their plates the stress of dealing with negotiations, contracts, inspections, repairs, etc.

But if you want to sell quicker and get the best price, take time to prepare your home for the critical eyes of Given all that, there are actually some pluses to selling this time of year. Sure, it’s a hassle to keep your home ready prospective buyers. to show, but a December listing can work to your advantage. Here’s how.

1.

Makefewer repairs.

Anticipate theduring home the inspector mayyours find.should Examine your roof, • With houses on the what market holidays, stand out more and receive more interest. water and other systems and not weigh it’s worth anything that’son another.

In a heater crowded market, buyers may seewhether your home beforefixing submitting an offer broken.

• Capitalize on the season’s emotions. Decorate your home tastefully with a beautiful tree prominently 2.displayed.

Pack awayBe mementos.

Family andon kiddecorations, drawings make yourvary. houseTry your home. careful not to go photos overboard as tastes a traditional wreath on the front But you want buyers to imagine themselves in the space. door and calming lights to make your house shimmer with holiday nostalgia. When done right, it can win a 3.a“Stage” home. That means clearing away clutter, even if you have to rent a buyer’syour heart. storage unit to hide accessories, furnishings and theare boxes thattend fill your • Though buyers may be few andsmall far between, those that looking not closets. to be the casual“staged” types looking to upgrade or downsize.

No, most areand serious buyers!

Homes by accredited staging professionals sell inof11these daysfolks or less for 17% They're looking nowhave because they need a house more.* But you don’t to hire a pro if you use aand little imagination. Strive to present theyinteriors need it quick.

Thatofmakes the holidays the perfect your as a series showrooms on display. time of year for bringing together motivated sellers and Terri Saari, Realtor ®® When that happens, it can feel like a holiday *Source:buyers.

A study by The International Association of Home Staging 21251 Gathering Oak, Suite 100 Professionals® and StagedHomes.com® miracle!

San Antonio, TX 78260 As you can see, listing your house for sale in December or (210) 887-3477 keeping it out there on the market could be a very good or (210) 954-1797 move. Good Luck and Happy Holidays!

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237 Winding Path, Boerne TX, 78006 237 Windingmaintained Path, Boerne TX, 78006 Beautifully 4 Bedroom 2.5 Bath home in the highly FOR SALE & FOR LEASE $293,000 / $2,750 rated & highly sought after Boerne School District.

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New HVAC systemsup. installed (over&$20K) 2014. Don't forget2 New HVAC systems (overcountertops, $20K) in 2014.

Don'tpatio forget the Gorgeous kitcheninstalled with granite covered the granite covered andGorgeous sprinkler kitchen system! with Home backscountertops, up to a greenbelt in apatio quite and sprinkler system! Home backs up to a greenbelt in a quite neighborhood Convenient Convenient to to I-10 I-10 & & downtown downtown Boerne.

Boerne. Eligible Eligible neighborhood for USDA USDA Financing Financing -- 00 Down!neighborhood Down! for Convenient to I-10 & downtown Boerne. Eligible for USDA Financing - 0 Down!

7445 Paraiso, Point Boerne TX, 78015 17819 Camino landscaped Grande, Sanand Antonio, TX 78257 Professionally beautifully maintained single FOR $23002 bath with office in Boerne! Upgrades include storyLEASE 3 bedroom/ Don't miss out on this first time rental in the quiet & perfectly wood & tile floors in common areas, crown molding, chair located Presidio Heights! Gorgeous, model like, 2 story 3/2.5 railing, trayoffers ceilings, rounded and decorator paint. bath home 2 eating areas,niches, 2 living areas and beautiful Kitchenwith is complete cabinets, kitchen granite w/42'' counter tops andtile anbacksplash, abundancewhirlpool of cabinet appliances, over-sized breakfast andoflarge pantry. space.

All bedrooms upisland, w/ wood floors nook & plenty extra storage Location is great for authentic dining,light Guadalupe State space.

Master Bedroom has lotslocal of natural and huge master Parkwithseparate and Fredericksburg trips.double Nestedvanity in amazing Boerne School bath tub/shower, & large walk-in closet.

Backyard has huge deck w/ pergola and mature trees!

District!

USDA Approved Apply now! MLS# 1147447

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World-class healthcare that’s not a world away.

The latest medical technologies and many of the nation’s leading specialists from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, providing the highest level of care in an environment that is warm, welcoming and promotes healing – that’s University Hospital.

U.S. News & World Report ranks University Hospital #6 in Texas and best in San Antonio.

For you, that means advanced medical care for even the most complex illnesses. The level of care and service we would all want for ourselves, and our family members - that’s the University Difference.

UniversityHealthSystem.com

UHS_US News_Stone Oak Info.indd 1

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11/12/2015 2:45:49 PM

19141 Stone Oak Parkway, Ste.104-79 San Antonio, TX 78258 Call 210-325-1333 to advertise in our January 2016 magazine.

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