Right at HOME October 2016 Issue

HOME RIGHT AT

OCTOBER 2016

A GOOD NEIGHBOR

Betsy Dippo, State Farm® Agency Page 4

Members of the Betsy Dippo State Farm® Team. (L-R) Jim Foderaro, Betsy Dippo, TikiBella, Jade Lupinski, Arlene Turner, (and in the truck), Kimberly Rivera, Jillian Davenport.

Photo by: Greg Harrison

2

5th Annual Halloween Carnival and Spooky Walk—Tues., Oct. 25, 5-8 p.m.

Parman Library kicks off the creepy fun with an expanded carnival that features familyfriendly games, crafts, music, and more. Then, starting at 6 p.m., dare to take the Spooky Walk through four “rooms” on the trail behind the library. The fun is free, but bring cash for food trucks. mysapl.org/EventsNews/ EventsCalendar.aspx?id=par#/?i=2

10/29

Donation and Dumping Station— Sat., Oct. 22, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Stone Oak Property Owners Association (POA) hosts a day to help you declutter.

A truck will collect goods you want to donate, from clothes and shoes to tools and furnishings. You also can get rid of unwanted, bulky items in a disposable trailer provided by the City of San Antonio. Check the POA website for a list of what’s acceptable and what’s not. 19210 Huebner Road; stoneoakpoa.com/events.php

HocusPocus 5K & Trick-or-Treat Trot— Sat., Oct. 29, 9 a.m.

Support the Animal Defense League at this costume contest and 5K held at Valero Energy Corp. headquarters, where trick-ortreat stations will put the “fun” in “fun run.”

Registration is $30 before the race and $40 same day. The fee includes a T-shirt and a trick-or-treat bag at packet pickup. The event website shares how people-friendly dogs can participate with owners and other details.

1 Valero Way 78249; carreraraces.com/hocuspocus.asp

10/29

10/22

Flick or Treat—Fri., Oct. 14, 6-9 p.m.

Trick-or-treat in the fields around The Mays Family YMCA at Stone Oak and then watch “The Jungle Book” on an inflatable outdoor screen. Families can enjoy food and face painting, games and more, courtesy of various vendors. 21654 Blanco Rd. 78260; 210-497-7088

10/22

10/8

Reagan Dance Clinic — Sat., Oct. 8, 7-11 a.m.

The Diamond Dancers and Silver Stars of Ronald Reagan High School will teach kinder to 9th-grade students age-level moves at this annual clinic, which has a “Dancing Through Wonderland” theme this year.

Participants can show off what they learn that night at a half-time performance during the varsity football game. The registration fee, $40, includes a T-shirt while supplies last, a Spirit Stick®, pizza, water, and a photo with RHS dancers; optional tutu, $15. ronaldreagandance.com

Run or Walk in the Paint the Parkway Pink 5K Run/1M Walk/Kids Fun Run — Saturday, October 22, 7:30-11:30 a.m.

Come to the North Central Baptist Hospital parking lot where 100% of the funds go to medical research. This year all participants receive a medal, the course runs through Independence Hill Retirement Community, and those who can’t participate the day of the race can do a virtual run. Visit www.painttheparkwaypink.com to register.

10/25

10/7-8, 10/14-15

Ocktoberfest San Antonio—Fri., Oct. 7-Sat., Oct. 8; Fri., Oct. 14-Sat., Oct. 15 It’s worth the drive downtown to celebrate all things German—including music, bratwurst, reubens, and beer—at the Beethoven Maennerchor Halle und Garten in the city’s historic King William District. 422 Pereida St., beethovenmaennerchor.com

10/14

Upcoming Events

Ready to CHEER! Clinic— Sat., Oct. 29, 8:15 a.m.-Noon The Ronald Reagan High School cheerleaders will host an annual clinic for participants from kinder through 9th grade, giving them the chance to cheer on the sidelines during that evening’s varsity football game. The clinic cost is $50 and includes a T-shirt, bow, pizza, water, a picture with the RHS cheerleaders, and admission for the participant and one adult to the football game. Register before Oct. 14 at tinyurl.com/rrcheerclinic.

Send your upcoming events to StoneOakInfo@gmail.com.

3

A Good Neighbor

Instantly clicking with clients and contributing to the Stone Oak community, longtime State Farm® Agent Betsy Dippo and her team help Stone Oak neighbors find peace of mind.

Betsy Dippo and her husband, Jim Foderaro, along with the rest of the State Farm® agency team, get to know their clients and stay involved in the Stone Oak community.

A

bright red, hot rod Chevy truck, circa 1950, will serve as the backdrop for the pumpkin patch at Stone Oak’s Paint the Parkway Pink fun run on Oct. 22. But it’s not just any color red. “It’s State Farm® red,” says the truck’s proud owner—Betsy Dippo, who opened her State Farm® agency in the heart of Stone Oak 28 years ago. “A lot of people freak out around their antique cars, but I say, ‘Let the kids come take pictures! Crawl in it, around it, on top of it!’” She even lends her prized truck—a surprise gift from Jim that commemorated her 15th anniversary with State Farm®—to Santa Claus as his mode of transportation to the Stone Oak Winter Festival each year.

Sharing her truck at local charity events is just one of many ways that Dippo and her husband, Jim Foderaro, have become an integral part of the community. They also support the Stone Oak Rotary Club, the area YMCA branches, many schools, and fundraisers such as Girls Night Out, which raises breast cancer awareness and research dollars. Their community involvement is just an extension of how Dippo’s State Farm® agency helps the individuals and families in Stone Oak.

For almost three decades, Dippo and her experienced team in the heart of Stone Oak have made selling insurance and financial services products of all kinds not just a job, but a mission. “We have a passion for what we do,” Dippo says, rattling off just some of the 152 products, from home, auto, long-term care, and life insurance to banking products and more.

When people ask if she has any hobbies, Dippo says her hobbies are her work and spending time with family, which includes children and step-children, ranging in age from 21 to 37, and her grandchildren. Work and family bring her the most joy.

Early days of Stone Oak Dippo tiptoed into the insurance and financial services business long before Stone Oak’s explosive growth. “I remember the cows,” she says, laughing. Stone Oak developer Dan Parman, whom many call “the grandfather of Stone Oak,” had some space in the homeowner association building when she first started the agency. That was back when not a single strip center existed there and many of the community’s gated communities were just blueprints.

Prior to starting her business, Dippo had worked in the health and spa business, and she likens helping people improve their insurance needs today with how she once helped people with their physical fitness. In the same way that novice gym-goers can’t see results after one workout, securing insurance or the right financial product for their family’s future improves her clients overall wellbeing.

Betsy with Jennifer Meachum from North Central Baptist pose in front of the pink Yeti Cooler that was donated at last year’s Girl’s Night Out event.

4

“It’s about intangible results,” Dippo says. “A large portion of your monthly income goes to health, auto, home, and life insurance, and you don’t see anything of it until something [tragic] happens.” But knowing that a financial foundation is secure and that insurance benefits will help loved ones gives the peace of mind her clients crave.

A trusted partner At a crossroads in her life when she decided to start her agency, Dippo could have pursued any number of new ventures—opening a boutique or going to work for someone else. Instead she hung out a shingle to become a purveyor of peace of mind. Now she and her staff deliver it in a myriad of customized ways for their clients. “You’re not going to leave my office with something you can see—a new hairdo, a new outfit, or a new pair of shoes,” she says, “but you’ll be able to sleep at night, and so will I.”

Her husband and an awesome team of other licensed colleagues work in an office run by a dedicated office manager of 18 years, Arlene Turner, who keeps the agency humming efficiently. The business has won several State Farm® awards: the Silver Scroll, Golden Triangle, President’s Club honors, and, most recently, the Crystal of Excellence Award.

Dippo can rest easily because she knows she steers people to insurance products that custom fit their needs. “[Our business] is about what is truly best for you and your family, and my office believes that. It’s what we’ve built our agency on,” she says.”

Betsy pictured with her recent Crystal of Excellence Award.

State Farm® staff shows off their ”Hope for the Cure Wreath”, decorated with pink Victoria’s Secret gift cards which will be donated this year for Paint the Parkway Pink and Girl’s Night Out.

With more than 100 combined years of experience on site, the business is located at Huebner Road and Stone Oak Parkway, where it’s operated for the past 20 years of her 28 years in Stone Oak. “We moved into the first strip center here,” Dippo says, referring to that bustling area as “downtown Stone Oak.” The agency’s clients drop in just to chat, to have coffee, or to pay their premium or a bill in person rather than mailing in a check. That’s because Betsy and her team really get to know their clients. And because they truly care.

Developing trust with her clients has made Dippo a valued partner and friend to many in Stone Oak. She will even tell potential customers if she doesn’t have the best product package for a family’s situation. “They’ll remember, and they’ll send me [customers] because they know our philosophy is truly about how can I help people,” Dippo says.

Betsy donates State Farm® Teddy Bears to San Antonio AirLife.

Come In Today!

State Farm® Agent Betsy Dippo and her trustworthy team, with more than 100 years of combined experience, can assess your insurance and financial needs. Make an appointment for a thorough review and uncover options that will give you greater financial security.

Betsy Dippo stands next to her first business sign 28 years ago.

Betsy Dippo State Farm® Agency 19190 Stone Oak Pkwy Suite 112 San Antonio, TX 78258-3237 210-496-3276 betsydippo.com 5

HOME OF THE MONTH

This single-story beauty is move-in ready. Call to see it today!

Stone Oak – Quarry at Iron Mountain 1 story split-level home is formal yet inviting & offers STYLE, QUALITY, & VALUE with 3475 square feet, 5 bedrooms, and 4 full baths! The gourmet kitchen offers stainless steel appliances with double ovens, gas cooktop, pot filler built-in pantry & custom cabinets. The distinctive architectural open floor plan has an inviting interior with high ceilings, arches, lit niches and brick gas fireplace. Designed for entertaining with a large covered back patio overlooking the greenbelt or a sunny side courtyard. Schools include Las Lomas Elementary, Bush Middle School and Reagan High School.

Text SAHOMES to 32323 for more information and photos.

RUTH HORACE REALTOR® ABR•ALHS•CHMS•GRI•MRP•MBA

210.744.7884

LLC

Keller Williams Legacy

6

Ruth@RuthHorace.com www.Facebook.com/RuthHoraceRealEstate http://ruthhoracerealestate.kwrealty.com 1102 E. Sonterra Blvd, Ste 106 San Antonio, TX 78258

PHYSICIAN PROFILE

Building a Family

By Jennifer Chappell Smith

Fertility Specialist Dr. Erika Munch offers compassionate expertise and custom solutions for those longing to have a baby of their own.

G

rowing up in Austin, Texas, Dr. Erika Munch has known since grade school that she wanted to become a doctor, but during medical school she realized she had a passion for helping couples overcome infertility issues. “I’m doing what I can to help build families...one baby at a time,” says Munch.

Returning to Texas after a three-year fellowship in reproductive endocrinology at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Munch recently joined the team at Texas Fertility Center™ (TFC) San Antonio, a branch of the successful practice first established in Austin, Texas. She had already completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine after medical school there.

“When I was in residency, I was in a county hospital setting where infertility wasn’t treated like the disease that it truly is,” Munch says. Advances in the field have given her more techniques and treatment plans than ever before to offer couples struggling with infertility. “There are a lot of ways to build a family, and I’m glad to share those options,” she says.

“There’s a big misconception that it’s in vitro fertilization (IVF), or nothing. [IVF is] not the only tool.”

More and more couples are having pregnancies with singleton babies, rather than multiples, after fertility treatments.

And Munch is seeing help for women who suffer recurrent miscarriages, too. From freezing eggs before women age to creating fertility plans for cancer patients who will undergo chemotherapy, TFC offers patients the latest options available for a wide range of issues. “There is absolutely hope,” Munch says. “The things that we have to help couples today are well beyond the dreams of people thinking about the field even 10 or 15 years ago.”

Customized care With three locations in Austin, one in Round Rock, Texas, and the San Antonio location in Stone Oak, TFC has helped bring 14,000 babies into the world over the past 30 years. “We’re a practice that’s Texas born and bred and expanding, and I’m really excited to be a part of that,” Munch says.

Much of the work at TFC focuses of diagnosing the problem so doctors can find solutions. “We really try to hone in on what the issue is, if it’s hormonal or mechanical, such as a blocked Fallopian tube,” says Munch, who delights in developing customized treatment plans for her patients. A mother herself, she also recognizes the emotional component involved, along with the financial realities that come into play as couples choose treatment plans. She presents options to let couples decide what’s right for them.

Munch notes that education about fertility issues is a crucial factor to achieving a viable pregnancy, as women today often delay pregnancy while they establish careers and long-term relationships. “Age is the biggest factor in predicting future fertility,” Munch says. “There’s a biological clock that no one can argue with.”

Dr. Erika Munch, a fertility specialist at Texas Fertility Center San Antonio, offers hope to couples who want to grow their families.

And while it’s painful to see couples struggle, Munch says that the joy of successful pregnancies often outweighs the sadness that may come with the fertility journey. “I’ve seen couples come out on the other side,” Munch says, “and I see...how full of joy they are when they’ve been able to build the family they’ve always dreamed of.”

And that’s her goal for every patient. “I know that for the vast majority of couples, we can get them there,” she says. “It comes back to making sure you’re treating the actual problem and really customizing the treatment.”

Overcoming Infertility Fertility Specialist Erika Munch, M.D., recently joined forces with Reproductive Endocrinologist Summer James, M.D., at Texas Fertility Center (TFC) San Antonio, located at 18707 Hardy Oak, 78258, Suite 505.

The clinic offers:

• Reconstructive surgical procedures • Ovulation induction • Controlled ovarian superovulation with intrauterine insemination (IUI) • In vitro fertilization (IVF) • Fertility preservation services

Call 210-370-3800 or visit FertilitySanAntonio.com.

7

St. Thomas Episcopal School PTF Pumpkin Patch October 9th-October 31st | Open daily 9:00AM-5:00PM

Activities:

• Storytelling • Hay Maze • Corn Tub • Face Painting • Pumpkin Decorating • Bean Bag Toss and other games • Field trips are available, please email pumpkins@sts1604.org

Cost:

• Admission to the patch is free • Pumpkins range from $3-$55 based on size.

• Baked Goods and snacks- prices vary • Some special weekend activities may require a fee

Payment Options: Come enjoy Flamingo Rey’s Island Ice on these nights at the pumpkin patch.

Sunday, October 9th 11AM-4PM Shaved ice only

Credit/debit card, check, cash or money order.

Monday, October 10th 10AM-4PM Full Menu Friday, October 28th 11:30AM-2PM Full Menu Saturday, October 29th 11AM-4PM Shaved ice only Sunday, October 30th 11AM-4PM Shaved ice only Monday, October 31st 2PM-4PM Shaved ice only

8

St. Thomas Episcopal School 1416 North Loop 1604 East San Antonio, TX 78232

Leaky Faucets?

Running Toilet?

Noisy Pipes?

Water Pressure Problems?

For Expert Service and Repair

(210) 651-1212

www.christiansonco.com Plumbing • Water Heaters • Water Softeners • Toilets, Disposals & Faucets • Slab Leaks • Repair & Replacement • In-line Video Inspections • R/O Systems and More!

We accept all major credit cards

Texas Master Lic #TACLA00066343E Texas Master Lic. #M-18631

SPECIAL

SAVE 15% OFF

Any plumbing service call.

Limited to $150 in savings. Expires 11/15/2016

9

FINANCIAL FITNESS

Boomers to Millennials – Are You Talking to Your Grandchildren?

Question: Ever wonder what makes one generation different from another? Try this with your family: Ask, “When I say “NASA”, what comes to your mind?” For Boomers it’s probably Neil Armstrong stepping on the moon in 1969. To Gen Xers, it might be Viking 1 touching down on Mars. Millennials may think of the International Space Station or the Hubble Telescope.

Each generation is loosely defined by thoughts and attitudes created through shared life experiences, usually the ones from our teens.

Often, I hear complaints about what the youth don’t know, so I decided it’s up to us to teach them. Through education we build trust and prepare them for their future. Remember, a Millennial may be running the White House one day — so start engaging your family today! *Estimates developed by Paul Schervish and John Havens, of the Center on Wealth and Philanthropy at Boston College, 2013.

So what have we learned about Millennials? Born between 1982 and 2004, they are conservative in nature and the least trusting generation.

They remember the 9/11 attacks, the economic downturns, and have benefited least from the economic recovery. Seventy-five percent consider wealth a very important attribute — good, considering they stand to inherit over $30 Trillion before 2044.* But my concern is how they will handle it. So I ask, is this a discussion your family is having?

To me, financial legacy and literacy go hand in hand. We need to open Jennifer L. Scroggins, the lines of communication and prepare our families.

Investment Advisor Representative

Office: (210) 998-5010

Three years ago I had an idea of how I could impact the Millennial Cell: (210) 789-2003 Generation. I began inviting groups of teens/young adults to a threeEmail: jscroggins@jhnetwork.com month series on life planning and being financially fit. The classes www.jenscroggins.com were interactive. I took them through an imaginary family of four. We looked at what average income, expenses, and savings goals looked Registered Representative/ Securities like. We addressed protection needs and the importance of life and and Investment Advisory Services are disability insurance. They envisioned themselves as adults, with offered through Signator Investors, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC, a Registered responsibilities, goals, and dreams. They were asked to “act out” how Investment Advisor.

Platinum Wealth they would feel if they couldn’t meet their goals and how it would Solutions of Texas, LLC is an independent firm affiliated with Michigan Financial ultimately impact their family. This was an eye opener! They learned Hancock Financial about banking products and investments, what risk tolerance means to Companies-John Network. 28411 Northwestern Highway, Suite 1300, Southfield, MI 48034. (248) them, and the power and importance of saving early and setting long 663-4700. 225-20160203-274742 term goals.

C.A.M.P.

Christianson Annual Maintenance Program

Receive One Heating Check in the fall and One Air Conditioner Check in the spring for

Just $89 A $110 value!

(Additional units can be added)

C.A.M.P. includes: • 12 point check of your system twice a year to keep your HVAC unit working properly and at its peak performance and efficiency.

• 10% Off any repairs • Priority Scheduling

FREE estimates on equipment replacement.

(210) 651-1212

We accept all major credit cards

.

Texas Master Lic #TACLA00066343E

10

SPECIAL $15 OFF any repairs Not valid with any other discount.

Expires 11/15/2016

A Spooky Deal 20079 Stone Oak Pkwy San Antonio, TX 78258 210-497-1900 Like us on Facebook at Jet’s Pizza of San Antonio Buy a Large Pizza up to 3 toppings and get a

FREE SMALL DEEP DISH for $10.99

Expires: 11/1/16. Extra for premium toppings, substitutions, extra sauces and dressings, tax and delivery additional.

Must present coupon. Prices subject to change without notice. STONE OAK LOCATION ONLY.

O rde r o n lin e at j e t s p iz z a .co m • P ick up or D elivery

Madame President: A Leader Among Leaders

Ronald Reagan High School’s Student Council President Karissa VanCleave was elected with one primary goal: sharing the responsibility of leaving the school a better place.

Student Spotlight

By Jennifer Chappell Smith

K

arissa VanCleave had just one minute. One minute to give a speech before 31 of her fellow, top student leaders. One minute tell them why they should elect her president. “Giving a speech wasn’t the hard part,” says the Ronald Reagan High School senior. “It was writing down the right words and making sure every word in there was important. I wanted each word to portray who I was.”

All of the leaders had passed a three-part selection process: a paper application, an interview with the Student Council sponsors, and vetting by the sponsors with the students’ teachers. Now they sat together as peers, and VanCleave and one other student wanted to take the helm. “I basically told them it’s not all about me, that I [would] lead the entire council, but I don’t tell them what to do,” VanCleave says.

“I told them, ‘It’s about what you want and how I can help you get there.’” After a quick electronic vote, she won the role.

Now she’s got the rest of the school year to help the group achieve ambitious goals.

The six committees that comprise the council will strive to complete 50 projects each. That’s 300 initiatives, more than the council ever has accomplished. Efforts will range from smaller to larger ones, such as planning Homecoming week and running a holiday toy drive for underprivileged kids. Last year, Homecoming proceeds bought new sleepwear for each child at Reagan’s sister school, Camelot Elementary. VanCleave remembers how excited the kids became as they opened their pj’s. “Projects like that can just really humble you and make you realize that you’re a small part in this world, but you can do so much,” she says.

The Student Council members will write up each project in a binder that will be judged at the Texas Association of Student Councils convention. Reagan’s council consistently wins a blue ribbon, and that’s this year’s goal. “But we want to go above and beyond,” VanCleave says. Unlike schools where council activities get relegated to after-school hours, Reagan gives its student leaders 7th period to focus on their work. “We can leave every day feeling we’ve accomplished a lot,” VanCleave says.

Her previous leadership positions as an officer on Reagan’s Diamond Dancers team and as a student ministry leader at her church helped prepare her for this role. An A student and member of the National Honor Society, she’s aiming to make the top 10% of the senior class academically and to win scholarship money from colleges where she’s applied. Baylor University and Oklahoma University top her list, but she’ll participate in student government wherever she enrolls. “I just think it’s so great to get your voice out there and to better the community where you’ll be spending four years,” she says.

Ronald Reagan High School Student Council President Karissa VanCleave says she wants to help students have fun and the school to make a positive difference in the community.

CLIMATE CONTROLLED UNITS

FOR HEAT & HUMIDITY SENSITIVE ITEMS

COMPUTER CONTROLLED ENTRIES AND SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS

IDEAL FOR RECORD STORAGE MONTH TO MONTH OR LONG TERM LEASING VARIETY OF SIZING OPTIONS

Photo by Denise Photography

The youngest of three siblings and now poised to leave the nest, Karissa VanCleave says she’s cherishing moments at home with her parents during her senior year.

11 15

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

A Family That Knows Flooring

Since 1948, Atlas Floors Carpet One has served San Antonio homeowners, providing superior selection and service by building great relationships with customers.

New flooring throughout a home provides a blank canvas for homeowners. Whether they choose premium hardwood, laminate, vinyl, or custom tile, San Antonio’s Atlas Floors Carpet One has ideas, options, and expertise. “People are upgrading their homes,” says Billy Mahone, the third-generation general manager of this family-run business established in 1948.

“We’re a full-service flooring business that wants to help.”

Members of the Carpet One cooperative since 2001, the company remains independently owned, but gives local customers access to exclusive products, programs, and special pricing. “People sometimes think they’ll have to pay a premium to support a local business,” Billy says, “but through Carpet One we have the buying power of over a thousand stores, and we pass the savings on to our customers.”

Decades of experience As Billy manages Atlas Floors Carpet One, he benefits from family heritage and wisdom. His aunt, Jessica McCarthy, operates the showroom on Highway 281, where her children sometimes help out. His dad, William Mahone Jr., once managed the business and still oversees the W. Loop 1604-area showroom after he and his sister literally grew up in the original business location—an old home off Hildebrand Avenue where William Mahone Sr. founded the company. “The family lived in the back, and the showroom was in the front,” says Billy, who recently married and could one day teach a future generation about the flooring business. “[My dad’s] a great sounding board for me.”

Billy and his staff know top residential flooring trends—No. 1: carpet in bedrooms and hard surfaces everywhere else, and No. 2: hard surfaces throughout for a cohesive look. They also stay up on the newest products, such as wood plank composite (WPC), for instance. Billy explains that WPC offers the look of rich wood flooring, but it’s waterproof. Denser than laminate options, it helps reduce the noise of foot traffic. And it also offers customers a price break on installation since it doesn’t require a layer beneath it called an underlayment.

Atlas Floors Carpet One has been family owned since 1948. Family members Jessica McCarthy, Billy Mahone III and Bill Mahone, Jr. are active in the stores today.

“There is no perfect floor out there that fits everybody,” Billy says, adding that Atlas’ certified interior designers and flooring experts can help assess interiors and make recommendations.

Showroom staff will help understand clients’ needs and decode their preferences, so homeowners can make confident choices.

For Carpet One-branded selections, Atlas Floors Carpet One offers The Beautiful Guarantee™, which promises a complete replacement if customers don’t love the outcome. “These are floors that we have to stand behind,” Billy says.

A company that cares Beyond serving customers, the family behind Atlas serves the community, too. “We’re proud San Antonians,” Billy says. “We take pride in giving back, and not just by offering high-quality products and installations.” The company has provided flooring for the KENS 5 Mi Casa Makeover project for families in need.

Atlas also has donated product to silent auctions that benefit charities and has provided carpet for area school classrooms.

“We really care,” Billy says. “Our customers are our friends, and we want them to have a floor they can be proud of.”

Get Help With Your Flooring Needs

SAVE $100 OFF any purchase of $1499 or more!

Not valid on previous purchases or sale items. Cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotional offers.

Atlas Floors Carpet One has earned an: • A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

• Angie’s List’s Super Service Award three years in a row.

Choose the location that’s most convenient for you: Northwest SA 10242 W. Loop 1604 N. San Antonio, TX 78254 Phone: (210) 298-5006

North Central SA 7100 San Pedro Ave. San Antonio, TX 78232 Phone: (210) 496-5006

www.atlasfloors.com

12

SENIOR MOMENT

A True Survivor

Carolyn Carter, a 22-year resident at Stone Oak’s premiere retirement and assisted living communities, looks back at 10 decades of living.

By Jennifer Chappell Smith

urrounded by counted cross-stitch samplers and needlepoint pillows, Carolyn Carter has lived in this comfortable suite at Independence Hill Assisted Living since last June. But she’s one of the S longest tenured residents to ever reside at this acclaimed network of neighboring facilities for retirement living.

She and her third husband, Tiller, moved to a cottage home at Independence Hill Retirement Resort Community back in 1994, and she’s always enjoyed the community’s amenities. “We did everything they offered,” she says, remembering shuttle-bus excursions, social activities, and shopping trips. “It turned out to be the perfect move for us.” Carolyn later moved to an inside apartment at Independence Hill before relocating to the Assisted Living community, needing a little extra care as she approached her 100th birthday on September 20th. “I love how open and airy the Assisted Living common areas feel, with atriums and spacious hallways,” Carolyn says.

She attributes her endurance through a long life filled with love and inevitable losses to her strong Christian faith. “I couldn’t have done it without my belief,” she says. Carolyn has lost three husbands, her only daughter, friends, and card-playing companions. Though dimming eyesight keeps her from reading and needlework, she finds joy every day as she listens to books on tape and reminisces over a scrapbook made on her 90th birthday. She even strolls to the facility’s common area to have a go at the waist-high shuffle-board table, knocking a weighted, metal disc across a slippery surface. “That’s 1 point,” she says as the game piece comes to a stop.

More than one love story Carolyn first spied her future husband, Tiller, when she was 8 years old and saw a tow-headed 13-yearold farmhand on her grandmother’s Texas farm. “He was out there working for the summer,” she says.

Tiller grew up in Luling and she, in Lockhart, so their paths crossed, and they even briefly dated. “But we drifted apart,” Carolyn remembers. It took the couple decades to reunite after both found themselves widowed.

Carolyn’s first husband, Royce St. John, moved with her to San Antonio, where they raised their daughter, Mary Nell. He died after 19 years of marriage. She married her second husband, John Turner, gaining a step-daughter, and the couple enjoyed eight years of marriage until he died. “That’s when Tiller came back into the picture,” she says. “One afternoon there was a knock at the door, and there he was.”

At Independence Hill Assisted Living, a table-top shuffleboard game helps residents keep reflexes sharp.

Knowledge is Power!

Informational Seminars you won’t want to miss...

After Tiller retired, the couple took road trips across the U.S., traveled to Europe, Alaska, and Hawaii, and enjoyed the houseboat community on Austin’s Lake Travis. They lived in a retirement community near the lake until discovering Independence Hill in San Antonio, where they moved to be near Carolyn’s daughter and Tiller’s son and daughter. Tiller died in 2001, but they enjoyed 32 years together. “We had a good time,” Carolyn says.

Medicare 101 Everything you need to know

Beware of Elder FrAuD

Get the latest information on Medicare coverage from the experts who can answer all your questions.

Tips to protect yourself from fraud presented by a Bexar County District Attorney Elder Fraud Prosecutor.

Thursday, October 27th 10:00am

Thursday, November 3rd 10:00am Reserve your seat today at

(210) 764-5260

From childhood in Lockhart, Texas, to today at Independence Hill Assisted Living, Carolyn Carter has always been surrounded by loving people who care for her.

Full Service Apartments, Assisted Living and Neighborhood of Homes www.independencehill.com

Refreshments Served

20500 Huebner Road San Antonio, Texas 78258 Lic #100102

13

PET TIPS

A Season of Transition for You and Your Pet

Shorter days and cooler weather is on the way. Here’s how to help your pet adjust.

By Tamara Wetegrove

S

adly, summer is coming to an end, and while it’s still rather warm in Texas, there are important things you can do to help prepare your pet for cooler weather. Keep these tips in mind as autumn approaches: Refresh basic training. Many dogs have not been as active outdoors because of hot summer days, so make sure you and your four-legged friends practice some basic training. It is essential to give them a refresher on the “come” command, for instance, which can save your dog’s life if you are spending more time outside and there’s an imminent threat to your dog.

Work up to longer walks. If you and your pup haven’t been on long walks in a while, build up stamina before embarking on lengthy strolls. Start with shorter walks and gradually increase the distance day to day.

Continue Heartworm and Flea Control preventatives.

Most often, owners stop flea and heartworm preventatives programs during the first drop in cooler to freezing temperatures. In our area, however, the mercury doesn’t

14

drop that often or stay well below freezing long enough to kill the pesky pests that harm our pets.

Watch out for toxic chemicals. Antifreeze, fertilizers, and rodent killers are frequently used in the fall, but they can be deadly to your pet. If your pet does get into something, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has a 24-hour animal poison control hotline at 888-426-4435.

Moving Day: Stone Oak Vision Source Come see us in our new location later this month! We’re excited to invite old and new clients to check out our fantastic new space.

By Dr. Monica Allison, O.D., Stone Oak Vision Source e’re moving! After much planning and preparation, the staff of Stone Oak Vision Source is thrilled to finally transition out of our current location to a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility just down the road. Our new location will be at the corner of Stone Parkway and Knight’s Cross.

W

Moving Date We’re making the big move Fri., Oct. 21, and Sat., Oct. 22 so that we’ll be open for business on Mon., Oct. 24. A couple of weeks later we’ll host a Grand Opening celebration on Friday evening, Nov. 4. Once we’re settled, we’ll put on a Frame Showcase event on Fri., Dec. 2. Pencil that in on your calendars so you can check out the very latest lines of fabulous frames that we’ll have in stock.

Our selections will be better than ever before!

Not only will our new office be gleaming and new, we will enjoy more space to accommodate our patients and have more doctors available daily to take appointments. While our current location on Stone Oak Parkway and Huebner Road has the capacity for just two doctors to see patients every day, our new venue will allow three doctors to work daily. That means you can get an appointment faster and that we can address eye emergencies with same-day service more easily. With more space, we’re thrilled to welcome Joshua “Jed” Martin, O.D. to our group, as well.

Make an Appointment!

A move is always time for reflection. We’re grateful to have developed relationships with so many residents of Stone Oak over the past few years, and we’re excited to meet even more of you in years to come at our new address.

Stone Oak Vision Source’s New Location: 810 Knight’s Cross, 78258 Suite 101 Key Dates: Moving: Fri., Oct. 21-Sat., Oct. 22 Open in New Location: Mon., Oct. 24 Grand Opening Evening Celebration: Fri., Nov. 11 Frame Showcase: Fri., Dec. 2

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

Dr. Monica Allison, O.D.,

A New & Superior Level of Personalized & Comfortable Dental Care

$0 ForCleanings!

Insured Patients.

If you have insurance where a co-pay is not required, your exam, x-rays & cleaning will be at no cost to you. Cash, check or credit card only, or your insurance may cover.

If your insurance requires a co-pay, you must pay a small out-of-pocket cost.

0% Financing Available No Insurance?

Ask About Our Affordable Dental Coverage Less Than .55¢/day

FREE Whitening For Life Call for details.

Five Convenient Locations!

Cibolo

113 Rodeo Way

Stone Oak

2339 East Evans Road, Suite 100 ®

Northwest San Antonio 10103 West Loop 1604 North, Suite 104

DENTAL

Potranco Road & Loop 1604

7to7Dental.com

23611 West Interstate 10, Suite 105

& ORTHODONTICS

10730 Potranco Road, Suite 111

Our New Location!

Now Open 7am–8pm & Sats & Suns!

15