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JANUARY 2017

BEYOND THE NUMBERS Ed Guerrero CPA

Page 4

L-R (Front Row) Wenting Chen, Ed Guerrero, CPA, Taylor Dranowski, Mingfeng Jin (Back Row) Eduardo Marin, Jesus Salazar, Andrew Hernandez

Photo by: Greg Harrison

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2017 San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo - Feb. 9-26. Also known as San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc. (S.A.L.E.) has grown to one of the largest, most prestigious single events in the city of San Antonio, with over two million visitors entering the grounds each year. AT&T Center, 1 AT&T Center Parkway 78219; sarodeo.com.

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Chocoholic Frolic Sunday, Feb. 5, 8:30 a.m. Chip-timed 5 and 10 K, with chocolate at the finish line. Morgan’s Wonderland Toyota Field, 5106 David Edwards Drive 78233; 877-806-3987.

Chase My Shadow 5K/10K trail run – Sunday, Feb. 12, 8:30 a.m. The second in the three-part Eisenhower Trail Series sponsored by Athlete Guild. An introductory trail race, the 5K is enough to satisfy the curious, while the 10K will challenge those up to the task. Eisenhower Park, 19399 NW Military Highway 78257; 877-806-3987.

2/15-19

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Cornerstone Elementary Father Daughter Banquet – Saturday, Jan. 21, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Musical program in the sanctuary, banquet in the Life Center and a dance in the gym. Open to girls in K4-5th grade and their fathers, grandfathers or spiritual leaders. Tickets $15 dads, $10 daughters. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Cornerstone Church, 18755 Stone Oak Parkway 78258; kids@sacornerstone.org.

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1/17

Don Henley with Special Guest JD and the Straight Shot – Tuesday - Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m. Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St. 78205; bandsintown.com.

Foreigner - Thursday, Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m. Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St. 78205; foreigneronline.com.

2/5

WED’s

Java with Joe – Wednesdays, 9:10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Visit with City Councilman Joe Krier about District 9 issues. District 9 Office, Frost Bank Building, 16500 San Pedro, Suite 290 78232; 207-0954.

H-E-B Race for the Cure Community Kick Off – Saturday, Jan. 28, 11:00 a.m. – 1 p.m. Kick off the 20th Anniversary Race for the Cure with 15-year Title Sponsor H-E-B. Family-friendly rally with H-E-Buddy, food trucks, Kids Korner, photo booth, games, music, and health resources. The 2017 Race theme is CHAMPIONS. H-E-B, 300 W. Olmos 78212; komensanantonio.org.

2/9-26

sat & sun’s

Legacy Farmers’ Market Saturdays/Sundays, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Local market features produce and handcrafted wares from area farmers, artisans and cottage industries. Legacy Shopping Center, 18402 U.S. Highway 281 North 78259; legacyfarmersmarket.com.

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Upcoming Events

West Side Story, presented by the Ronald Reagan High School Theatre – Wed. Feb. 15- Sat. Feb. 18 at 7 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 19 at 3 p.m. West Side Story is a modern day version of Romeo and Juliet. On the harsh streets of New York City’s Upper West Side, two gangs battle for territory. The situation becomes complicated when a gang member falls in love with a rival’s sister. Reagan Auditorium, 19000 Ronald Reagan Drive 78258; www.reaganstage.org. Send your upcoming events to StoneOakInfo@gmail.com.

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Beyond the Numbers CPA with Heart of a Coach Mentors Students, Teaches Tax Strategies

By Amy Morgan

“Go See Ed,” is the motto of Ed Guerrero, CPA, whose business is removing pain from a visit to the taxman. “Two of the most negative experiences in life are going to your dentist or your tax preparer,” he said. “We completely change the model to empower people to embrace rather than fear the IRS.” His method is simple: rather than just preparing a client’s taxes – he works to teach comprehensive strategies to reduce taxes prior to preparation. It’s a completely different mindset, he said.

While many clients are referred to Guerrero by friends, others come after attending one of his twice weekly shows “edutainment” - a blend of education and entertainment, he said. Guerrero draws on stories of his experiences to make tax planning understandable and relatable.

“We’ll put in a tax system –the tools, checklist and action plan,” he said.

Guerrero CPA hosts a lunchtime show Fridays at Perico’s on Sonterra Parkway at noon. The first Friday of the month he addresses Social Security and retirement; the second, Bizcation; the third, personal and business tax strategies; lastly, “I came across a tax lawyer in Chicago 10 years ago who taught real estate and investment tax strategies. me how to plan to reduce my taxes,” Guerrero said. “He gave me a checklist to see if I was taking all my deductions.” The number one question asked, Guerrero said, is why aren’t other tax preparers doing this? His answer: “tax strategy is a whole different model than just preparing taxes. It’s showing additional ways to save money. It’s way beyond the numbers.” Potential clients initially receive a complimentary consultation to help Guerrero understand their tax needs. His team then prepares a proposal of service recommendations: tax strategies, new incorporation service, bookkeeping service, QuickBooks, advisement. “We’ll put in a tax system –the tools, checklist and action plan,” he said.

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Ed Guerrero teaches a tax seminar class every Friday.

Every Wednesday at Perico’s at 7 p.m., he highlights his Bizcation strategy, which explains how to legitimately take opportunities to incorporate business-related activities into vacation travel; therefore making expenses eligible for tax write-off.

He is particularly proud of the opportunities his firm has given to first generation immigrants – particularly from Asia - and Mexican students.

“If you Google the word, Bizcation, you’ll find: “The blending of work and play that results in a prorated tax deduction,” he said. “It’s just a simple tax strategy change.” He delights in teaching and mentoring his clients, which he credits to his late father’s example. He remembers growing up on the Westside of San Antonio, the youngest of eight children. His dad was satisfied with his life, he said, at peace. Guerrero attributes his dad’s happiness to a decade of volunteer baseball coaching in the Little Flower Basilica Parish. “He would go around and pick up 10, 15 kids to coach. I thought, ‘Why would he want to take on more kids?’ Would I do that? Could I do that?” In 2001 Guerrero decided to explore coaching opportunities. He started Jump Start Careers to mentor accounting students, making them attractive job candidates. “I was the first in my family to graduate from college. I got my CPA in 1989. When I graduated from UTSA, my biggest challenge was finding my first position,” he said. His internship program teaches students fundamental skills: setting up and maintaining QuickBooks; how to interact with clients; taxation 101, both personal and corporate. Once they learn fundamentals, he said, they move into business and motivational strategies.

Mingfeng Jin started as a intern and is now one of Ed’s staff accountants at Guerrero CPA.

Andrew Hernandez started as an intern in Ed Guerrero’s program and is now a senior accountant at Guerrero CPA.

“We choose kids who are smart and hard workers, but they might not speak very clear English, which can hamper their interview results. I develop their fundamentals - and I’ll personally pick up the phone and help them get a job,” he added. Guerrero doesn’t think there’s another CPA in the state of Texas coaching clients and interns in the same way. And his services are poised to expand. His son, a college freshman, recently revealed he wants to follow the family footsteps; additionally, his wife just graduated from St. Mary’s Law School in December. They plan to pursue the same coaching model with a legal team.

Guerrero believes in teaching young accountants the business and takes a hands-on approach to helping them grow their skills.

It starts with a 90-day “bootcamp” at 7:30 a.m. Saturday mornings, where the students are expected to be present and prepared for pop quizzes and interaction. Guerrero works with five students each semester from UTSA, St. Mary’s, Our Lady of the Lake and Incarnate Word. In the past 15 years he estimates training more than 300 interns. “The kids are now at CPA firms, accountants, managers, or partners. They say Jump Start was a key to beginning their careers. They’ve got the practical working experience, and they understand everything a CPA does,” he said. “It’s a great feeling - giving back. We hear that all the time, but it doesn’t resonate unless you’ve really seen it,” he added.

“Go See Ed”

Contact Ed Guerrero, CPA 508 W. Rhapsody, SA, TX 78216 210-490-7100 www.GuerreroCPA.com 5

Leaky Faucets? Bet on It! Running Toilet?

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?

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(210) 651-1212

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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., Plumbing • Water Heaters • Water Softeners • Toilets, which stands for Fitness, Literacy, Attendance and Grades. “We’re working with two East Side elementary that were failing, Disposals & Faucets • Slab Leaks schools • Repair & Replacement and by helping students improve in those areas we’ve already seen great results,”• In-line says the club’s past president, Kent Kirkman, Video Inspections • R/O Systems and More! 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.

SPECIAL

We accept all One of more than 30,000 international Rotary Clubs that emphasize “service above self,” the Stone Oak Rotary Club will raise major credit cards thousands at this annual event, but with proceeds going back to the community, it’s the City of San AntonioSAVE that will15% hit the OFF jackpot.

Texas Master Lic #TACLA00066343E Master Lic. noon #M-18631 forTexas lunch from to 1 p.m.

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Any plumbing service call.

to $150 in savings. Expires 2/15/2017 The Rotary Club of Stone Oak meets every Thursday To Limited 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 Saturday, March 4, 2017 6:30pm – 10:00pm Holy Trinity Banquet Hall 20523 Huebner Road Black Tie Optional Call 210-391-3272 for tickets. Make your Silent Auction bids online at

www.StoneOakRotaryAuction.org December 1st-March 12th

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$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

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Leading by Example

Senior Football Player Perseveres Despite Injury Student Spotlight

By Amy Morgan

J

ohn Wooden, one of the most successful coaches of all time, said, “The most powerful leadership tool you have is your own personal example.”

The phrase exemplifies senior Ronald Reagan High School student Kyle Andersen, whose quiet spirit and positive attitude have undergirded the Reagan Rattler’s football defense for the past three years. At 6’1’’, 215 pounds, middle linebacker Andersen is a formidable opponent. While maintaining a 96 GPA, he was named District MVP, First Team All-Area, and All-State Honorable mention in football his junior year, First Team All District this year and was selected to play in the San Antonio Sports All-Star Football Game January 7. He will be cheering from the sidelines, however, as he is rehabilitating from surgeries to repair his left knee and his right shoulder, both 6-month recoveries. For a boy whose heart’s desire is to follow his father’s footsteps and play football in college, discouragement might be expected: but not from Andersen. “My dream is to be able to play,” he said, adding he hopes to catch the attention of a scout or coach or walk on a team – maybe Texas Tech or Texas A&M, where his sister is a student. Andersen steadfastly continues to persevere – looking forward to the day he is cleared to resume training. He credits his coaches and parents with keeping him positive mentally. “Kyle Andersen has been a tremendous part of the Reagan varsity football team for the last three years. His impact on our team - specifically the defense - was outstanding. Kyle is a fine young man who has a bright future ahead of him,” said Reagan Athletic Director David Wetzel. Andersen attends Community Bible Church and is part of Reagan’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Winner’s Circle, a club whose members promote a substance-free lifestyle. “I’m not a big rah, rah, pump up the team guy,” he said. “I try to lead by example.”

Senior Kyle Andersen hopes to be a walk-on player at either Texas A&M or Texas Tech.

He particularly enjoys serving the community at the Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity with football team members. “We feel like we’re privileged here,” he said. “We want to give back and make a difference. It feels good to help other people.” Andersen began playing football on the Longhorns YMCA team at age 7, with his dad coaching. He credits his love of the game to his father’s calm demeanor and encouragement. “My dad played quarterback at the University of South Dakota. It was special to have your own dad say it was all right when I made a mistake It was a good time of bonding for us.” He also remembers the joy he felt running down the field scoring touchdowns at Bush Middle School with his teammates. “My takeaway from football is the friendships I’ve made with my teammates – growing up playing with my friends and building relationships through the game,” Andersen said.

Andersen was named First Team All District this year and was selected to play in the San Antonio Sports AllStar Football Game.

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Camp Bow Wow’s Photos with Santa Event Supports Bow Wow Buddies Foundation The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation is Camp Bow Wow’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing urgent medical care funds to sick and injured dogs in need. The Foundation offers a second chance to sick and injured dogs in need by providing funds to dogs who are either homeless or whose parents cannot afford to pay their veterinary bills.

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HOME OF THE MONTH

Don’t miss out on this gorgeous, newly roofed home in the sought after gated community- Estates of Alon!

Beautifully designed with tons of upgrades; this open floor plan home has it all! When you walk into the entry way, you are met with soaring ceilings and beautiful wood floors. The spacious family/ living room features a gas fireplace. This dazzling kitchen features an extended granite top island, butler’s pantry, double ovens and a cozy breakfast nook. Lovely, dark cabinetry with pull out drawers allow for tons of storage. The large master bedroom, located downstairs, offers tray ceilings with crown molding and an amazing, luxurious master bathroom with double sinks, a large, walk-in shower and huge walk-in closet. The secondary bedroom is downstairs and offers a private bathroom. All bathrooms feature granite countertops and cabinetry above the toilets for extra storage. There is an Office/study located downstairs and a beautiful loft/game room upstairs. Relax on the outdoor patio/cabana w/ built-in grill. This amazingly landscaped home at 2723 Sonata Park, in the Estates of Alon is in the NEISD. The home has 3640 square feet, 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths and was recently reduced to $659,000. It is also available for lease at $4800 a month. MLS #1208317

The Pinnacle Team San Antonio Real Estate and Property Management

TERRI SAARI, REALTOR®

210-610-1729 210-887-3477

TerriSellsSA@gmail.com www.WelcomeHomeToSA.com

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BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

Foundational Financial Strategies Timeless Advisement for the Long Haul

By Amy Morgan

J

ohn O’Reilly, owner of Fit Financial, named his independent financial services firm in 2008, ahead of the trend of fit foods and Fitbit. He wanted to emphasize the relationship between fiscal and physical health and remind people of the importance of putting energy toward both. “Live healthy and invest wisely,” he said. “You need health to enjoy your money, but also you need enough money to enjoy your health.” O’Reilly learned financial practices and investing at the knee of his father and grandfather, business owners and investors in his hometown of Arlington, Mass. “They took a risk on themselves and put their money to work,” he said. “I always loved that they owned their own company.” Their entrepreneurial spirit inspired him to open Fit Financial in 2008, leaving his Division Manager position at the firm with which he had worked for almost 20 years. “If I had realized how much I loved starting my own company, I would have gone independent sooner,” he said. “It is so much better for my clients. I have the ability to choose anything out there in the universe for them – I’m not restricted to any company or plan. It is truly the best scenario.”

John O’Reilly Jr. Fit Financial

832-498-3219

www.fitfinancial.com

O’Reilly said his practice is all about core fundamentals: saving, insurance and then investment. He echoes the advice of wellknown financial celebrities in his saving-first emphasis. “Build your emergency fund – it’s the first block of your foundation,” he said. “Next comes insurance. Do you have enough to cover if something happens to you? Then invest, because investments are historically designed for the long term.” He emphasizes the asset of time in saving and investing. “If you have children – start saving when they are born. It’s not the amount – it’s the time. If a 20-year-old will start putting a little aside, (he) could have a million dollars at 65. Twenty year olds never think they’ll be 30; thirty year olds never think they’ll be 50, and Fifty wonders, ‘what happened to all my time?’” Time has been on O’Reilly’s side in his relationships with his clients – some now stretching back 28 years. The longevity of relationships is one of the greatest testimonies of his abilities; one he values most. “I love the people. After 28 years, many of them are not just clients I have helped; they are friends.” He visits Massachusetts annually to visit clients advised for decades, and he continues with those he established while in Houston from 1993-2001, before he opened an office in San Antonio. “It is a great feeling when you’ve helped people achieve a goal you helped them set,” O’Reilly said. O’Reilly has two college-aged children and enjoys sports.

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Live Healthy, Invest Wisely

The first of the year is a perfect time to review your financial “health” and well being! At FitFinancial I provide a unique balance of financial experience and personal service.

John O’Reilly Jr. 832-498-3219 www.fitfinancial.com

• Retirement • College • Investments • Insurance • Savings • Peace of Mind

Securities and advisory services offered through Signal Securities Inc 700 Throckmorton St Fort Worth, Tx 76102 Member: FINRA, SIPC All investment-related information presented is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or offer to sell securities, investment advisory services or insurance services.

SENIOR MOMENT

Blu Calls Her Red Carters Celebrate 60 Years of Chemistry Together

By Amy Morgan

er youngest grandchildren call Elaine Carter, Red, (including the grandson named Blu, short for Blucher). Their granddaughter and eight grandsons, ranging in age from 30-12, are the jewels in H the crown of she and her husband, Ned’s, colorful life story. The couple celebrated 60 years of marriage in December, thirteen of which they have resided at Independence Village in Stone Oak, the fantastic and upbeat neighborhood of resort-style homes for adults 55+.

The Carters grew up in Kingsport, Tennessee, a small community where everyone knew each other, most babies were delivered by family doctor T.B. Yancey (Ned’s grandfather) and high school Christmas formals and Saturday night dances at the Episcopal church hall were the highlight of the teenage social scene. Elaine is the eldest of three girls; Ned the eldest of three boys. Ned’s younger brother, Locke, and Elaine were school chums. He convinced Ned and Elaine to double date with him and her sister Janet, whom Locke eventually married. “Although our experiences were different – Ned rode horses – and I roller skated and rode bikes in town – our values were the same,” she said. Ned was a chemistry major at the University of the South at Sewanee, Tennessee, and a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, while Elaine was an English major at East Tennessee University and a Kappa Delta sorority member. After their Christmas wedding in 1956, Ned continued his education at the University of Tennessee, teaching freshman chemistry while earning a Ph.D. in organic and physical chemistry. In 1961, Ned earned a post-doctoral degree following research for Oak Ridge Laboratory, where atomic energy had been developed. He was inducted into the Sigma Xi Honorary Society for outstanding researchers worldwide.

Ned and Elaine Carter have lived in their Independence Village home for 13 years.

Elaine went to work in the advertising department of Rich’s Department Store, which rivaled Neiman Marcus in the South, she said. She wrote advertising copy and radio ads. She remembers going to work in a hat and heels and always being ready to stand in if the ad team needed a model or someone to display a product. Elaine said she still can’t stop critiquing commercials. Their first two children were born during their time in Knoxville. After completing Ned’s studies, the Carters moved to Longview. Ned worked as a chemist at Texas Eastman Chemical, where he researched how to use the natural resources of oil and gas to create products for the film industry – specifically catalysts for film and plastics, he said. He personally holds many patents from the research he developed during his 40 years with the company. His chemical research formed the backbone of products with which many might be familiar today. They were active parishioners at Trinity Episcopal. Elaine had their youngest child and volunteered in many community capacities: serving as president of the Longview Junior League and working with the Longview Museum, school board and city council. Being aware of the needs of others was a lesson she learned from her mother, Elaine said, who, was always ready with a casserole to help someone in need. Recently, the couple returned to the Carter family farm, NedALocke, named after the three Carter boys, where 50 Yanceys and Carters gathered at the more than 100-year-old farmhouse. The reunion continued Elanie’s tradition, started in the 1970s, of designing special monogrammed “comfort cups” – a forerunner to today’s personalized Yeti. In their spare time, Ned enjoys golf and reading, and Elaine is an avid bridge player.

Open House Breakfast and Tour of Homes Meet our friendly residents and see why they Love the Independence hill Life! We look forward to seeing you on

thursday, January 26th 9:00 aM Kindly RSVP by January 23rd

(210) 764-5260 20450 huebner road san antonio, texas 78258 www.independencehill.com

Elaine Carter does some photo modeling for the Independence Village ads.

Lic #100102

Full Service Apartments, Assisted Living and Neighborhood of Homes

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Ten New Year’s Resolutions for Your Eye Health By Monica Allison, O.D., Stone Oak Vision Source ecause your eyes and vision are vital to most, if not all, of the resolutions that people make, it makes sense to have a list of New Year’s Resolutions for Your Eyes and Vision:

B

8. Change your contact lens case monthly. Contact lens cases can contain micro-organisms that are very difficult to remove. The best remedy is to start fresh with a new case.

1. Make sure that you have your eyes examined. Vision changes can be gradual, and you many not realize you are having a problem. Many conditions, such as glaucoma, start with no symptoms. Also, diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure are frequently first detected with a dilated eye exam.

9. When you work at the computer, read, or play handheld games, take visual breaks to limit eyestrain. Remember the “20/20/20 Rule:” Look up from your work every 20 minutes to an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This is can keep you more comfortable and efficient.

2. If you have children, make sure you have their eyes examined. The recommended age for the first eye exam is 6 months. Children who are in school should have their eyes examined every year. 3. If you should be wearing glasses for driving, and you’re not, just do it. This is especially true at night, when vision is more difficult and bright lights make it harder to see. 4. If you smoke, quit. It has been clearly established that smoking can increase the risk of development of conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. 5. Make sure your eyes have adequate UV protection.Your regular glasses, sunglasses, and contacts can all have UV protection. Limiting UV exposure reduces the risk of skin cancer of the eyelids, cataracts, and other conditions. 6. Wear your contact lenses no longer than recommended. If you are sleeping in your contacts and your eye doctor did not explicitly fit you in contacts for this purpose, stop. 7. Never “top off” contact lens solutions. Use only the solutions recommended for you. Start each night with fresh solution. The majority of serious contact lens-related infections come from not taking care of them as recommended.

10. Ask your eye doctor if nutritional supplements are a good idea for you and your eyes. There have been scientific studies that have shown that certain supplements can be appropriate for certain eye conditions, such as macular degeneration. They might be right for you, but they should only be of high quality and should be recommended by a doctor who knows about your overall health and the medications that you take. If you need help with any of these, feel free to call us at 210-495-9020 or visit us at our NEW location at 810 Knights Cross. Visit us online at www.visionsource-stoneoak.com. Be Well in 2017!

Make an Appointment! Monica Allison, O.D. Lindsey Denison, O.D. Kim Ip, O.D. Joshua “Jed” Martin, O.D. Victoria Perez, O.D. Call 210-495-9020 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Monica Allison, O.D.

P ut t he S Potlight o n Y ou A nd Y our g ueStS .

From our intimate Wine Tower to the Sun Room featuring a snug fireplace to our gracious outdoor patios, we will provide the cuisine, ambiance and stellar service to make your wedding or next event superior. ksalazar@joesfood.com paesanos1604.com 3622 Paesanos Parkway (210) 493.1604

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Grill Fires Up By Amy Morgan

New Renovations, Menu Delight Patrons at the Club at Sonterra

D

iners at the Club at Sonterra will enjoy an entirely new experience this January with a reinvigorated, upscale menu in the 19th Hole Grill. The Grill now offers patrons a dining experience on par with any fine dining establishment in town, along with the personal service and sense of community that is the hallmark of the country club.

Although fairly new to the Club at Sonterra, Chef Roman brings more than 35 years of culinary experience, heading up teams with Club Corp., which runs properties at more than 200 sites worldwide. He counts culinary training in Napa Valley among his credentials. The lunch menu has changed as well. Along with a great burger, grilled Panini, or a steak sandwich, diners eager for a healthy option after a game of golf or tennis can find a new chopped salad bar in the Grill, where fresh produce and add-ins will be assembled and chopped on demand. Hot breakfasts daily offer sustenance for a casual business meeting, and on weekends, a cook-to-order omelet station is added, Chef Roman said. “We are really listening to member suggestions and making changes they’ve requested,” said Julie Golla, CMP, club director of membership. “Last year the owners became personally involved in the internal management of the club. It’s a good thing. We are much more autonomous and can tailor the club to the unique preferences and tastes of our members,” she said. For example, the chopped salad bar in the more casual Grill environment has been a huge success. That growth has led to a need for more room in the Grill. Expansion efforts have begun, with the wall separating the Ivy Room slated for removal, as well as other renovations to open the space to accommodate more seating. Those not yet a member of the Club at Sonterra are welcome to come try the experience. Contact Julie Golla at 210-483-4292 for a guest pass to meet Chef Roman and dine. You’ll recognize the value of a first-class meal, beautifully served, in a comfortable atmosphere among friends who will soon feel like family.

Executive Chef Mario Roman looks forward to the new menu and expansion plans for the 19th Hole Grill. No longer a buffet experience in the dining room, the 19th Hole Grill now offers a la carte selections of steaks, lamb and seafood, among others, prepared to order by Executive Chef Mario Roman using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Need to accommodate a food sensitivity or dietary restriction, or desire something extra spicy or mild to accommodate a taste preference? Just ask, and Chef Roman will personally consult tableside to make sure his dish delights. He is happy to facilitate any special request or menu substitution. In fact, he offers “off-menu” seasonal specials that change weekly. “I like to do a mixture of Italian and Mediterranean food, along with wines to compliment the menu,” said Chef Roman. He wetages the tenderloins and rib eyes in their own juice for at least 22 days to create an extra tenderness, he added.

Guest Invitation

Contact Julie Golla at 210-483-4292 for a guest pass to meet Chef Roman and dine at The Club.

901 Sonterra Blvd. San Antonio, TX 78258 www.clubatsonterra.com

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Join the Club this Month and Receive a Reduced Golf Initiation Fee! Mention this ad for details.

~ Our Amenities ~

Two 18-hole Championship Golf Courses Men’s & Women’s Golf Associations Jr. Golf Programs 25 Tennis Courts Tennis Leagues & Junior Clinics Jr. Olympic Swimming Pool Fitness Center Kids Club Camps

Active Military Discounts

~ Social Activities ~ New Year’s Eve Gala Bi-monthly Member mixers Valentine’s Dinner Breakfast with the Easter Bunny Brunch every Sunday Wine & Liquor Tastings Summer Music Series Kids Club with Mini Camps Clubs within a Club

Julie Golla | Director of Membership | jgolla@ClubAtSonterra.com

901 Sonterra Boulevard • 78258 • 210.483.4292 www.ClubAtSonterra.com • Facebook .com/ SonterraCC

Living Abundantly at Lifehouse Stone Oak’s foursquare church supports families, missions

By Amy Morgan

Lifehouse Church, located at 20825 Wilderness Oak between Parman library and Wilderness Oak Elementary School, has been inspiring and supporting families in Stone Oak since 2004. Services are Sundays at 9:15 and 11:00 a.m.; music is contemporary. Senior Pastor Ryan Coffey took the helm of the foursquare congregation ten years ago. Although growing, with weekly attendance close to 400, the church still retains a family and family-friendly atmosphere. “The key word is family. Stone Oak is a transplant community. A lot of people are without extended family here, we try to be that for them,” Coffey said. To undergird its family focus, Lifehouse will offer a free parenting conference, open to the community, Saturday, Feb. 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dialogue will be led by Dr. Mark Jones, LMFT, founder and president of Liberty Alliance Group and holder of a doctorate in pastoral care.

The Lifehouse Church staff serves a growing congregation of 350+ members each week. Pictured (L-R), Jeremy Pummel, Deb Herron, Cindy Bostick, Luci Williams, Anna Ochoa, Julie Davis, Kelly Coffey, Pastor Ryan Coffey, and Alex Well.

Jones will explain cognitive development, learning stages and explore effective parenting techniques for early-age children. The biblically-based curriculum emphasizes ways to set up kids for future success, Coffey added. Childcare and lunch are provided, all are welcome to attend, but please pre-register at lifehousesa.com/events as space is limited. Lifehouse also offers a workshop the first two Sundays of the month called Lifetrack Connect and Discover. The class helps people connect to God as well discover and understand their personalities and spiritual gifts to use them for the purposes God intended. “We try to come alongside and show people how to use the way God has wired them to participate in a community in purpose and service,” Coffey added. Classes are held immediately following the second worship service. The next Lifetrack begins Jan. 8, which is also the kick off of the church’s 3rd annual 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting in January. “We commit the first of every year to God,” Coffey said. “It’s a reset coming out of the holidays and focusing on what God wants to do in our lives in 2017. It’s a way to hit the ground running spiritually in the New Year.”

Lifehouse church also emphasizes missions and giving, combining the two uniquely in Colombia, where the church fulfilled a need in the community of Cienaga de Oro for a church plant from which Compassion International could base another child development center. Not only did they construct, they got “first dibs” Coffey said, to sponsor 90 children in the community. “Thirty percent of our church members sponsored a child,” he said. “Last April we took a team of 20 down to spend time with the children we sponsor. We are gong back this April,” he said. “There’s nothing like that connection you make face to face.” He said Compassion’s policies allow resources and relationships to be channeled through the local church, making it the central hub for the community and streamlining visits. The congregation of Lifehouse supports this mission financially, along with a medical eye care mission to Colombia, as well as sending funds to several San Antonio ministries. Coffey and his wife of 19 years, Kelly, share their love of travel with their three children, ages 15, 12 and 7, whom they homeschool to provide opportunity for family time.

Services are Sundays at 9:15 and 11:00 a.m. Music is contemporary. Lifehouse Church 20825 Wilderness Oak San Antonio, TX 782 www.lifehousesa.com

(210) 499-5775

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