Right at HOME September 2017 Issue

HOME RIGHT AT

31st ANNUAL SAN ANTONIO FALL HOME AND GARDEN SHOW Page 5 ROCK YOUR RIDE CycleBar Stone Oak Page 8 PAINT THE PARKWAY PINK Page 14

SEPTEMBER 2017

10/14

Parents’ Night Out - Friday, Oct. 6, 6-10:30 p.m.

Drop off the kids at the Fellowship of San Antonio and enjoy an evening out. Fun, games, movies, activities and more. Ages nursery – 5th grade. Reservations required. The Fellowship of San Antonio. 23755 Canyon Golf Road 78258; www.thefellowshipofsa.org.

10/21

Women’s Luncheon and Style Show - Saturday, Sept. 30, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Nationally-known speaker and author Jan Tilley, President and CEO of JTA Wellness, will discuss becoming all God designed you to be. Fashions by Chico’s Boutiques. The Fellowship of San Antonio, 23755 Canyon Golf Road 78258; www.thefellowshipofsa.org.

Eva’s Heroes Poker Tournament - Saturday, Oct. 14, 10:30 a.m., check in; 11a.m.-noon, lunch; noon, “Cards in the air.” Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament hosted by Martin J. Phipps. Tournament ends when nine finalists are determined. The Paramour Bar, 102 9th St. 78215; Evasheroes.org.

5th Annual Paint the Parkway Pink – Saturday, Oct. 21, 7:30 – 11 a.m. Community event fundraising for Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Activities include a 5K run, 1-mile family walk, kids’ fun run, diaper dash and post-race health fair. North Central Baptist Hospital, 520 Madison Oak Drive 78258; jmmeachu@baptisthealthsystem.com.

10/26

Home and Garden Show – Friday, Sept. 29, 2–7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 1, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Get your projects solved at the 31st annual Home and Garden Show, with exhibits from builders to blossoms. Special guests, HGTV’s Alison Victoria and Boyce Thompson. Alamodome, 100 Montana St. 78203. To buy tickets visit www.SanAntonioHomeShows.com.

9/29-30

9/29

Parents’ Night Out – Friday, Sept. 29, 5-9:30 p.m.

Leave the kids with the staff of the Mays Family YMCA for a parents’ night out. Games and activities for kids 6 months to 13 years. Mays Family YMCA of Stone Oak, 21654 Blanco Road 78258; 210-497-7088.

9/30

9/15-16

Jazz’SAlive - Friday, Sept. 15, 5 – 11 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 16, noon - 11 p.m. Celebrate 34 years of jazz in the historic and newly renovated Travis Park. Free event features award-winning live music on two stages. Local vendors will provide 20 food booths, art, and crafts. Travis Park, 311 E. Travis St. 78205; saparksfoundation.org/events/jazzsalive/.

Chosen - Women’s Event - Friday, Sept. 29, 6:30 – 10 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 30, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Chosen Women’s Conference has been a place for women to come together and soak in God’s presence and love for them. Expect powerful worship, lots of girl time, incredible messages by guest speakers, refreshments and pampering. Summit Christian Center, 2575 Marshall Road 78259; chosensa.com.

10/6

9/15

33rd “Animal” Zoo Run Relay - Friday, Sept. 15, 6 p.m. A unique 8-mile relay run at the San Antonio Zoo. Create a four-member team, with each person running two-mile legs. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 78212; solerssports.com/33rd-animal-zoo-run-relay/.

9/29-10/1

Upcoming Events

Eva’s Heroes 2017 Celebrity Casino Night – Thursday, Oct. 26, 6 p.m. Presented by L’Oreal Paris, the fundraiser supports Eva’s Heroes, a charity founded

by Eva Longoria to enrich the lives of individuals with intellectual special needs. The Witte Museum Mays Family Center, 3801 Broadway St. 78209; Evasheroes.org.

Send your upcoming events to StoneOakInfo@gmail.com.

3

HOME OF THE MONTH

Emerald Forest Elegance!

18315 Apache Springs Dr. Make an appointment today to visit this stunning home with five bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms . Seller financing is available!! MLS# 1229690 Offered at $415,000

Also presen�ng…

24624 Birdie Ridge MLS# 1226071 $594,500

The HOWELL Group (210) 861-0188 www.kimberlyhowell.com 4

Home Improvement and How To’s

Bring out your green thumb at the San Antonio Fall Home and Garden Show’s biggest, most packed garden stage.

By Amy Morgan re you building a new home or dreaming of adding an outdoor kitchen or man cave? Get your projects solved at the 31st Annual San Antonio Fall Home and Garden Show, where you can talk face-to-face with the pros and get inspired by thousands of square feet of exhibits. The home improvement event opens at the Alamodome Friday afternoon Sept.

29, at 2 p.m., and runs throughout the weekend.

A

Author and expert gardener Judy Barrett will help bring out your green thumb at the biggest, most packed garden stage yet, San Martin said. Barrett was founding editor and publisher of HOMEGROWN: Good Sense Organic Gardening and a host of The New Garden TV series. Master gardeners will discuss container gardening, irrigation, heirloom plants, cacti and succulents as well.

You will find the latest home products and services from builders, remodelers and landscapers featuring built-in grills, decks, pools, spas, entertainment systems, storage solutions, plants, outdoor furniture, lighting, flooring, cabinets, countertops and more. While you browse and gather décor ideas, have a glass of wine or beer and get a taste of San Antonio with the many eats and treats vendors.

And it’s more than just a home show; it’s fun for the whole family: your family can adopt a four-legged friend and shop the Pet Zone for treats, daycare, obedience training, grooming and toys. Watch a Birds of Prey Show

by Last Chance Forever and enjoy the Kids’ Zone with a Home Depot kids workshop, art classes, gardening activities and more.

San Antonio boasts the largest Home and Garden Show in Texas, said Lauren San Martin, marketing director for Show Technology, with upwards of 20,000 people passing through the gates over the event’s three days. Each year the company adds new seminars and vendors to showcase industry trends, she added.

For the first time, a panel of local interior design experts will offer their expertise onstage, in conjunction with featured celebrity guest HGTV’s Alison Victoria, San Martin said. Victoria will share secrets from her high-end, interior design and luxury furniture businesses and recount experiences from her time on Kitchen Crashers.

Three students from the University of the Incarnate Word Design Challenge will decorate a 10’ x 20’ area to showcase their winning interior spaces and compete for scholarship money.

Many groups from the San Antonio community participate, including vendors from the Legacy Farmer’s Market on the pavilion upstairs. Find Texas-made gourmet food and gifts like jewelry, candles, yard art, leather goods, salsas, smoked meats, cakes, and nuts. Other locals include: • Palo Alto College Plant Sale • Warren High School Construction Careers Tiny House • Wreath Making by Pretty Petals and Succulent Globe Classes by Whimsical Gardens • Tejas Art Club Art Demos and Displays Hours run 2 -7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 29, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 30, and 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 1.

Visit www.SanAntonioHomeShows.com for information or to buy tickets.

“The students are really excited because it is typically their first opportunity to design hands on like this,” San Martin said. “A standout last year was a participant who created a ‘She Shed’ that was ahead of the trend.”

New-product specialist Boyce Thompson will make his inaugural San Antonio appearance, curating his interactive, Life-Changing Products exhibit. Thompson has made a career of scouring industry trade shows and media to identify cutting edge products – many still in prototype stage.

“Boyce finds the next newest, coolest products, which our techy showgoers love,” San Martin said. “Smart home products - being able to control many aspects of your home from your phone – are a useful, innovative trend right now.”

He’ll showcase his top 10 finds, including smarter baby monitors, doorbells and deadbolts that help reduce package theft. San Martin said Thompson’s advice is invaluable to those building or remodeling, as being aware of new technology could preclude costly mistakes.

5

Message from Councilman John Courage Public Safety & Your FY2018 Budget After many hours spent in special work sessions, Council will be moving to adopt the proposed budget next week on Thursday, September 14th. It has been a grueling process, but one that I think Stone Oak area residents will find rewarding.

One of the primary concerns voiced by residents during our campaign was public safety, specifically getting our police department up to full strength, and I pushed this issue heavily in our budget goals session with my colleagues. I am pleased to report the proposed budget will support 40 new positions at SAPD, and will also set up 5 new academies to fill all 122 vacancies within 18 months. All SAFFE (San Antonio Fear Free Environment) officer vacancies are to be filled within the next 12 months.

Stone Oak area neighbors in particular were concerned about their lack of SAFFE coverage and the rise in property crimes. With 66% of the budget allocated for public safety purposes, and a specific focus in directly addressing our staff deficits at SAPD, I am confident that this proposed budget puts us on the right track for addressing your concerns.

6

With that said, it should be noted that you still have time to make your voice heard. You can always express your concerns to my office at 210.207.0955 or by emailing us at District9@sanantonio.gov. I would also encourage all of you to take the City of San Antonio’s online budget survey at SASpeakUp.com.

I’m looking forward to working with you as we move this city forward. Together I am confident we can improve the quality of life for our neighbors.

Yours in service,

John Courage Councilman, District 9

Committed Competitor Student Spotlight

By Amy Morgan

V

ery few student athletes reach the level of skill where they commit to a D1 college their sophomore year of high school. Reagan High School’s volleyball starter Camryn Ennis is one of those standout players. She is so focused she will graduate from Reagan a semester early in order to begin training with her team to prepare for the fall 2018 season at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.

Ennis has earned a lengthy list of accomplishments, all before her senior year, including 2016 26-6A 1st Team All District and 2016 SA Express News Player of the Year, Player to Watch, Player of the Week and Game Ball (twice). She was selected to play on the UIL State 6A All Tournament Team, the TGCA All State Team, the TGCA All Star 6A Team, the TAVC All State Team, the TAVC Pre-Season All State Team and the Adidas Invitational All Tournament Team, among others.

And lest you think Ennis’ talents are limited to the court – the pre-med major also earned 2016 26-6A Academic All District for her place in the top ten percent of her class with a GPA over 100.

“Camryn Ennis was one of the state’s top players as a junior and will lead the Rattlers this fall,” said Reagan Athletic Director Lyndon Hamilton. “Coach Carter speaks very highly of her work ethic and determination on the court. It takes a lot to be selected as an 11th grade All-State player in Texas at the 6A level.”

Volleyball is an unusual sport in that the bulk of the training and competitive play happens on the club level rather than school teams. In fact, all of the college recruiting is conducted through club and camp exposure, Ennis said. Reagan coach Mike Carter was her first club volleyball coach in sixth grade with the Alamo Club volleyball teams. He also has spearheaded Reagan’s program for decades.

The college scholarship path is stringent: Ennis began traveling and attending camps and tournaments at the age of 12, when her Alamo team went to the Junior Olympics. She averaged playing at dozens of camps and tournaments annually and crossed the country from Florida to Minneapolis.

She said she loves the time spent, having fun, hanging out with teammates and making friends. “We are all so close – I miss the camaraderie when everyone goes back home,” she said.

At 6 feet tall, the setter and outside hitter grew early, an asset to her volleyball career. “I’ve always been taller than everyone – I always think I’m normal sized when I hang out with my volleyball friends,” she laughed.

She said recruiters noticed her competitiveness, which she credits to the influence of her family: David and Diane Ennis and brother, Cody, a redshirt junior who plays tight end on Abilene Christian University’s football team. She tells of competitive family ping pong games and the support of local extended family. An attractive feature of KU’s program was its Big 12 conference schedule, which will bring her back to Texas to play at Baylor, Texas Tech and TCU, affording opportunity for her family to attend her tournaments.

Reagan High School Senior, Camryn Ennis, will graduate in December and go on to play volleyball and be a pre-med major at Kansas University.

Coaches also tell her they like her presence – that she brings a good tone and atmosphere to the game.“I’m always laughing. I don’t yell or get in people’s faces,” she said. “They say I look like I’m having fun.” Although she loves playing, Ennis remains motivated and disciplined.

“My main goal is to go to state with Reagan volleyball and win the whole thing,” she said. “Then I want to make an impact in Kansas. They have big goals there too, to go all the way.” She has forfeited much in her quest: she’ll miss her senior prom, and she’s given up free time to devote to recruiting, practice, homework and tournament travel.

Yet she counts the cost worthy as she crosses off each accomplishment. Hopefully she’ll be able to include a NCAA tournament ring … and admission to medical school, she added.

Reagan varsity volleyball player, Camryn Ennis, rises over the net to spike the ball. She hopes to lead her team to the state championship this season.

7

SERVICE DIRECTORY

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

8

SPECIAL

SAVE 15% OFF

Any plumbing service call.

Limited to $150 in savings. Expires 10/31/2017

ROCK YOUR RIDE

By Amy Morgan reaming of a way to torch calories and beat the boredom of your usual workout? Look no further than the boutique cycling studio CycleBar, located in the Village at Stone Oak, right across from Starbucks.

D

Local owners Gary and Laura Stinnett, Rick and Lynda Algea opened the CycleBar almost a year ago. Since then, they’ve seen their clientele grow to more than 600 riders a week. The Stone Oak location is the first CycleBar studio in San Antonio, and one of the first out of the now-100 nationwide.

“We wanted to start a business built on passion and community,” Gary said.

Their clientele has grown by word of mouth and on social media, in large part due to the “friends and family” feel fostered by CycleBar and their CycleStars, expertly trained instructors who are unfailingly cheerful and personable, as well as extremely well prepared. CycleBar recruited top fitness instructors to train as CycleStars, and their passion is obvious. Each one is adept at coaxing the highest level of performance from every rider without coming across as a drill sergeant.

CycleBar goes out of its way to ensure no obstacle stands in the way of a participant’s enjoyable ride. No need to bring anything but yourself; cycling shoes, water bottles, chilled water, refreshing wipes and fruit are provided at no charge. Riders will find their bike already prepared with a clean towel (you’ll need it!) There are two bathrooms, keyless lockers and two completely outfitted, individual spa shower rooms.

And your first ride is always free: just create an account on the website, select a class (including one of three free ½ hour introductions offered weekly), and arrive at the studio. The Schwinn Carbon Blue bikes are top of the line and offer four different points of adjustment to best fit each individual’s body.

Best of all, every bike is equipped with a digital display approximately the size of a large smart phone between the handlebars. With just a glance, riders can monitor their speed, “gear” - tension on the wheel, “power” - exertion, and, for those who are competitive, class rank. At the end of each class, CycleBar immediately emails each participant their CycleStats.

Melissa and Alan Utley, who ride under monikers “Lucky Duck” and “Mr. Nice Guy” respectively, are CycleBar regulars. They both enjoy the competition board.

“I take it as a personal challenge to do what I can to rise a little more each time I come,” Melissa said. “I’ve seen myself grow in the past eight months.”

“From the beginning what really impressed me was the premium, concierge service.” Alan added. “They knew my name from day one. There’s a real sense of community.”

Each class type is described on the online schedule, so a rider can select a most appealing time and theme. Classes are offered in the mornings and evenings to accommodate a variety of schedules. Participants can purchase rides individually or in a package to use at their convenience, rather than being required to buy a membership.

Weekly themed classes often include post-ride beverages: Wine Down Wednesdays, Happy Hour Fridays, and the popular Brunch Ride Sundays encourage riders to mingle and socialize.

CycleBar will host and publicize fundraising rides for non-profit groups or individuals in the community: Spin2End MS, Ayden’s Angels, and Pets Alive, among others. CycleGiving can be specific for a person or general for a cause.

“Part of the corporate philosophy of CycleBar is to give back,” said Gary. “It is truly the best part of the business.”

CycleBar Stone Oak owners pictured left to right, Laura and Gary Stinnett and Lynda and Rick Algea.

Interested in giving CycleBar a try? Go to stoneoak.cyclebar.com and use the promo code: HOME for a free class.

Rock Your Ride!

Try a CycleBar Stone Oak class FREE today.

Go to stoneoak.cyclebar.com and use the promo code: HOME for a free class.

22602 U.S. Highway 281 North across from Starbucks in the Village at Stone Oak. 9

San Antonio Contractor of the Year Award Winner for the 5th year in a Row!

$20 off

Air conditioning repair Minimum purchase of $200 Offers cannot be combined.

Expires 10/31/2017

Limited Time!

Trane and TEX-PERTS are offering up to

For you safety, all of our employees are background checked and drug tested. We do not use subs.

We Do Plumbing Too!

www.TexpertsAC.com Se Habla Español

Military Senior, Service & Public le Availab CALL ABOUT OUR PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE s t n u o Disc NO EXTRA CHARGE FOR AFTER HOURS & WEEKENDS

210-599-1200

72 Months 0% Financing!

W.A.C. Payment Options under $100/Month! Call for Details

NEW CUSTOMER SPECIAL Air Conditioning Tune-Up for only $59

(Regular price of $79, limited time offer.

Must schedule service by 10-15-17. 80 item checklist)

Going The Extra Mile To Make You Smile!

10

TACLB#17590E M-41057

SENIOR MOMENT

Dazzling Dancer

By Amy Morgan

M

adonna Kerness had been waiting all her life to ballroom dance. Despite her husband Victor’s prewedding promise to dance with her, it wasn’t until his death three years ago that she was able to follow that dream.

She waltzed into the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Stone Oak and signed up for classes.

“People were just so nice,” she said. “They never did ask my age (on record – 76). I learned a lot of things that are helpful - I learned about my core and how to stand on one foot and not fall over.”

She began classes with instructor Farenc Kiss from Hungary, whose Eastern European accent has been a source of much amusement. “He kept telling me to use my ‘heeps’ she laughed. I didn’t know what my ‘heeps’ were!” Growing up in the Midwest in the 1950s, nice girls were taught how to move WITHOUT using their “heeps,” she added.

Subsequently, Kerness has become a star pupil at the Fred Astaire studio, taking classes twice weekly, and has even traveled across the state to compete in dance competitions. She says she has really nailed six dances – among them the Tango, Foxtrot, Waltz and Rhumba. – but not the Texas two-step, one of the only dances of which she is not fond. She’s learned how to carry herself, to keep her frame and never let her feet leave the floor, but glide in special suede-soled dance shoes.

“I’ve met so many nice people. It is a lot of fun,” she added. When KENS-TV needed a senior citizen to feature in its Keep Moving spot last spring, Kerness was the natural choice. She and friend Helen, a fellow resident at Independence Hill Retirement Community, also exercise with the Mays YMCA Silver Sneakers group.

Kerness has lived at Independence Hill Retirement for a little more than a year. She and her family are very pleased by the community it affords. Although she lives autonomously in a comfortable apartment with her 9-year-old Shih Tzu, Betsy, she has friends and fellow residents for companionship and staff members upon which to call in case of emergency.

“I love knowing that somebody is going to check on me; it is a sense of comfort,” she said.

“When Victor was gone, most of the people in the apartment complex where I lived worked and were away all day. There was no one to help when I broke my wrist. Here I feel safe, and there are all kinds of things to do.” Kerness’ other hobbies include playing golf and bridge and working crossword puzzles in ink.

Madonna Kerness had been waiting all her life to ballroom dance. Recently, she waltzed into the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Stone Oak and signed up for classes.

Live Life to the Fullest at

She developed her love of dance growing up as an only child in Indiana. Although her family was not wealthy, she had the opportunity to take tap and ballet lessons, social dancing at 12, as well as water ballet at the YMCA with her best friend Sharon.

She was a twirler with the Anderson Pirates and still remembers their state fair performance and costumes.

She carried on those traditions with her own daughters, Lynne, who lives in Stone Oak, and Leslie, a teacher in North Texas. She shares a close relationship with her girls and the five grandchildren with whom she has been blessed.

When her girls were small, Kerness supported the family doing clerical work as a Kelly Girl temporary worker. She and Victor met later in life and had 14 happy years together despite their different backgrounds. Kerness loved to surprise Victor with her spontaneity and zest for life and adventure.

She describes herself as a born-again Christian who attends Cornerstone Church. She likes Pastor Hagee because “he tells it like it is,” and is grateful the church is located so close to her home in Independence Hill.

Leave the housekeeping and cooking to us as you enjoy your days and new adventures in a community surrounded by people who share common interests and are available to “play!”

Sign up today and let us start spoiling you! $0 Rent until november 1st, 2017

Madonna Kerness has lived at Independence Hill Retirement for a little more than a year. She and her family are very pleased by the community it affords.

on upstairs cottage apartments.

Lic #100102

Start living the life you deserve!

(210) 764-5260

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

Full Service Apartments, Assisted Living and Neighborhood of Homes

11

PET TIP

Back to School Survival

S

ummer has ended. Your family is back in your school-time routine, which may mean more time alone in the house for Fido. After a long summer of family togetherness, your dog may feel separation anxiety.

Sudden changes in schedule can leave him bored and lonely, with plenty of time to cause mischief: scratching doors or windows, chewing furniture or your favorite pair of shoes, or making a potty mess on the floor. The following are some ideas to keep your furry family member content and your homecomings less prone to unpleasant surprises.

1) Before you leave, take your pet for as long a walk as you can find time for.

He’ll be more relaxed having released some energy, and the exercise will be good for you, too.

2) Turn on the radio or television when you leave. The sound of a human voice can be soothing. Research has shown dogs hear and respond to different types of music – jazz and classic rock being favorites. And check out the new television channels created just for canines.

3) The best way to keep your home and pet safe is to crate your dog when you are not present. You can breathe easier upon return knowing you will find both as you left them. Think of his crate as a playpen for your dog, not a punishment. They like the security of having their own den. The ideal size is big enough for him to stand, turn around and stretch out in.

4) Enlist the kids to intentionally play with their pet after school. Supervised games like tag, Frisbee and hide-and-seek will help both furry and nonfurry family members burn energy and improve behavior.

5) Locate your nearest dog park (Stone Oak has several) and plan to visit as the family schedule permits. Several studies show increasing aerobic activity by as little as 30 minutes a day reduces signs of separation anxiety in dogs.

6) Hire a dog walker. Maybe there’s an older student or neighbor who would like some spending money or be willing to trade favors. You can connect through a neighborhood message board. Arranging for your dog to get out, relieve himself and stretch his legs during the day can be a tremendous help in balancing the needs of the dog with the demands of the family schedule.

12

7) Or you can assuage loneliness by dropping your pets at a doggie daycare where they can meet and interact with others of their kind under the care of a watchful supervisor. Some might even be able to help with training while you are away.

Rules about vaccinations and behavior expectations apply, so check before you bring Fido in for his first visit.

Remember to make the most of the time you have with your furry family member. Just like with kids, quality time matters. Whether its walking, playing or lounging on the couch together, make sure to reconnect with your pets at the end of a busy week.

Some Information provided by the American Kennel Club and PetsNewsandViews.com.

Fostering Friendships and Family time

By Amy Morgan

risten and Eric Atchley are typical parents of young children.

They prioritize time with their family and search for activities K they can enjoy together with their 9-year-old son, Alexander, and 4-year-old daughter, Tiffany.

The Club at Sonterra provides the ultimate answer to their familytime questions. Eric is an avid golfer (handicap an impressive 3).

Alexander is part of the club’s junior golf program and can join dad on the links. They all love to cruise the course in the family’s golf cart, splash in the pool together and order their “usual,” beef fajita nachos at the 19th Hole grill.

In fact, the Atchleys are so pleased with the club’s atmosphere, they chose to move their home within its gates in 2013, residing just steps from the golf course in the Estates of Sonterra.

“We were always going to live on a golf course,” Eric said. “Sonterra is convenient to everything, with easy access to 1604 and 281.”

“It has a really good family vibe,” Kristen added. “We’ve surrounded our life around this place now. We joke that it’s ‘the compound,’ but there’s really not much you need outside here other than HEB and school.”

In the past few years, the Atchleys have noticed the club catering even more to their age group - Gen X’ers - with Saturday night events, wine and food pairing nights and family-oriented activities including holiday-themed parties for the kids. They are especially pleased with the revamped Kids Club, where Alexander and Tiffany can meet friends and play with trained, fun “camp counselors” – college-age students who actively interact with the kids.

Their children enjoy pizza parties, ice cream socials, water balloon fights, making crafts and slime, and playing outside. Recent additions to the Kids Club include a new playground, WiFi and an air hockey table.

A quality Kids Club is extremely important to the family. “If the kids are unhappy, we can’t be at the club, doing things we want to do there,” Kristen said.

Eric plays golf with a competitive group Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings, where the more challenging North course is his preference. Because he’s on campus, the kids can enjoy time with their friends at Kids Club while Kristen competes with the Show String horse jumping team or volunteers as a wish granter for the Make a Wish Foundation. And when Eric’s at work as owner and CFO of Synergies 3 Tec Services, Kristen and the kids can spend time at the pool. The Club at Sonterra’s amenities allow each family member to pursue their varied interests, then reconnect with a minimum of stress.

The Atchleys enjoy quality family time at the Club at Sonterra.

Pictured from left to right are Kristen, Alexander, Tiffany and Eric.

2 Fore 1 Membership Deal

Join with a friend and split the initiation fee of $1500 down the middle. (Just $750 each) Receive the full club amenities for both members.

Mention this ad to receive the offer.

Active Military Discounts

They often meet up at the grill for a relaxing meal, where it’s likely they’ll run into friends and neighbors. The family enjoys the convenience of the prepared soup and salad bar available every night in the newly renovated Ivy Room.

“Why go to Wendy’s when I can pop up to the 19th Hole – it’s healthy, and it’s already ready,” Kristen said. “I don’t have to put the kids in the car and go anywhere.”

Camaraderie ranks high as the Atchleys favorite aspect of their Sonterra membership. Although the couple grew up in North East San Antonio, several moves around Texas with Eric’s business early in their marriage disconnected them from old acquaintances. Living on property provides many opportunities to meet and develop friendships – whether among families of Eric’s golfing buddies, other moms from the new moms group or staff at the club.

The Atchleys feel the Club at Sonterra membership is a good investment for their family. “They have started doing wonderful things the past couple of years,” Kristen said. “There’s always somebody having a get together. We are here every day – it’s our home.”

~ 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

~ Social Activities ~ New Year’s Eve Gala Quarterly 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/ ClubatSonterra

13

Saturday October 21, 2017 • 7:30 am NORTH CENTRAL BAPTIST HOSPITAL Madison Oak Parking Lot

An official Baptist Breast Center ‘Think Pink’ Campaign Event

5K Run/1Mile Walk TO FIND A CURE • Race Registration Includes T-Shirt • Awards for top 5K finishers • Survivor VIP Tent • Post Race Health Fair & Free Health Screens • Pink Pet Costume Contest • Diaper Dash • Medals for All Finishers • Kid’s Fun Run • Virtual Run • NCAA Basketball Final Four Trophy Stop 100% of proceeds go to Susan G. Komen medical research...

TO FIND A CURE RACE SPONSOR

WALK SPONSOR

KID’S FUN RUN SPONSOR

For Registration & Sponsorship Information, visit www.painttheparkwaypink.com

Founding Sponsors 14

Nursing at the Level I Trauma Center

By Amy Morgan

t takes a special person to work with trauma patients,” said Susan Gerhardt, M.S.N., R.N. “No one walks out of the house in the “I morning and says, ‘pick me for a trauma.’ They were planning on having a great day but, instead, they are experiencing the result of a big, unforeseen event like a car crash or serious fall.”

Gerhardt has seen a lot in her 25 years as a University Health System nurse. She’s the executive director of the Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the Trauma Acute Care Unit (ACU) at University Hospital. She is responsible for the 200 staff members who take care of some of the most critically injured patients who arrive at the hospital’s Level I trauma center from all across South Texas.

“With trauma patients you never know exactly what type of injuries are going to be discovered. Our ICU doctors have completed critical care fellowships and get very familiar with the ways people can be hurt. For example, many people in car accidents have seat belt trauma – so those patients need a good abdominal exam in addition to care for their obvious injuries.”

Inpatient trauma care moved to its new location in 2014 with the opening of University Hospital’s Sky Tower. The entire 6th floor of the new tower is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art trauma care and includes 30 ICU and 42 ACU beds.

“A trauma patient has experienced a shock, and so has his or her family,” she said. “They are struggling to make sense of the event or cope with the life changes that may come with their injuries.”

In addition to ensuring injured patients receive the highest level of care, Gerhardt also serves on several managerial teams. She was one of the founding members of the organ donor process improvement team.

“So many people are dying because they cannot get organs,” she said.

“We want to make the process easier.”

She also helped start the annual Tree of Life Ceremony at the hospital.

The tree honors those who gave the gift of life through organ donation at University Hospital. The idea for the program, which has now been replicated across the country, came from an ICU nurse who was inspired the day two patients with unsurvivable injuries passed away on the unit. One was a young father, the other an older child. She said watching the families as they made the decision to proceed with organ donation brought home the message that they needed to do more to recognize families who choose to save the lives of others – people they don’t know – even as they grieve the loss of their loved one.

As part of the Sky Tower construction, an artist was asked to create a Tree of Life sculpture for the main garden. During the ceremony family members place a metal leaf inscribed with their loved one’s name and date of their generous gift of life on the tree, where it remains permanently as a memorial.

One of her favorite aspects of her job is mentoring and growing the next generation of nurses.

Susan Gerhardt, M.S.N., R.N., is the executive director of the Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit and the Trauma Acute Care Unit.

Gerhardt poses in front of artwork donated by Jane Swanson, a local San Antonio artist and past ICU patient at University Hospital.

“I like being available and taking care of my people,” she said. “What I actually enjoy most is when a nurse comes in with something they want to share. I tell them, ‘I’m going into mama nurse mode,’ and advise them on school choices, life choices, or if they want to vent about something. I enjoy helping them spread their wings and do bigger and better things.

“I have hired every single person in ICU except one,” she added.

“Some med-surg techs are now nurses; some who started as new graduate nurses are now case managers or nursing directors. It’s rewarding to see people growing toward something and doing their best.”

Gerhardt has personal experience with encouraging growth. She’s raised four children, now in their 30s, and enjoys spending time with her two school-age grandchildren. She gardens with her husband and loves to cook the fruits of their labors.

How’s Your Health?

Take our free online health risk assessments to find out!

CheckMyHealthSA.com 15