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Décor Delivered San Antonio Native Turned DIY Talent into Decoration Business
By Amy Morgan
L
ike so many San Antonians, Amy Cornwell, CEO and President of The Decorum Group, was delighted to realize that Fiesta was back on the calendar in 2021 – albeit in June rather than its traditional place in April. People are ready to get back to socializing. What better way to start than our city’s biggest party! Amy credits the influence of KSAT’s campaign to “Fiestafy” your house. “It really put the fire underneath people wanting to celebrate and decorate.” The Decorum Group capitalized on the pandemic trend to go all out on outdoor home decorations and created a new line of custom Fiesta wreaths. It’s likely Amy’s company crafted the one you’ve been admiring on your neighbor’s door. She uses vibrant colors and incorporates Fiesta’s history in a classy way. She’s also busy arranging Fiesta-themed events — the mini-Niosa has been a popular choice. The Decorum Group handles all the details of event planning — from the flow, decorations, working with caterers to craft the perfect menu — to ensure everything remains hassle-free. The Decorum Group also specializes in creating and installing custom holiday decorations. Their clients include some of the largest businesses in the South Texas area. You’ll have seen her work at Whataburger HQ, the Hyatt Regency, Red McCombs Building, SWBC and the former Tesoro building by Lifetime.
“We pride ourselves in not being cookie-cutter,” she said. Whataburger selected The Decorum Group because of Amy’s idea to incorporate the Whataburger French Fry box as the back of Santa's sleigh. “Details are important to use. Between the wishes of our clients and our expertise, we will customize something that will accentuate the building and add an elegant flair to the celebration.” When Christian Family Church decorated their sanctuary for a Christmas tree lighting event this year, The Decorum Group positioned the 14-foot tree to best advantage and hung illuminated ornaments from the ceiling. Amy’s expert eye ensured the presentation looked beautiful for both the live and online audience. The Decorum Group decorates indoor and outdoor commercial spaces. They are always looking for unique pieces like their 3-feet-tall outdoor ornaments, available in a wide range of color and designs, which give a larger-than-life look.
With a team that swells to 30 employees seasonally, Amy is pleased her company allows others to supplement their family’s income around the holidays. “We hire a variety of people — college kids, teachers, empty nesters, stayat-home moms — we have a lot of fun,” she said. When Covid slowed events and conference planning, Amy developed new business ideas targeting residential clients. She created a “Bow in a Box” concept to finally allow individuals to achieve that signature “Decorum Group look” with simple steps and a how-to video. “A client who wants the beautiful, professional holiday look can send a picture of their house, and we’ll recommend ribbons and ornaments to enhance their own treasures,” she said. Amy demonstrates that with the right products and instruction, you, too, can have the perfect tree. The Decorum Group maintains a warehouse and showroom that allows clients to purchase designer candles, hand-blown glass ornaments and unique gifts by private appointment. Amy will take the personal touch a step further, offering a limited number of guest passes to join her at market, allowing a client to find a statement piece not available elsewhere.
As a wife and mother of four children, Amy is thankful she had the courage 14 years ago to follow her heart. While there have been difficulties, the joy she is able to bring others through her work keeps her motivated. The Decorum Group is booking now for holiday decorations and events. Find Amy at https://www.thedecorumgroup.com.
Design that Inspires Since its origins in 2007, The Decorum Group has been setting the standard for hotel, commercial properties, office, and residential Christmas holiday decor across South Texas.
The Decorum Group 855-33DECOR 210-273-5019 amy@thedecorumgroup.com See our work at TheDecorumGroup.com Follow Us:
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2021 FIESTA EVENTS GUIDE
2021 Fiesta Events Guide
Fiesta! San Antonio – Thursday, June 17- Sunday, June 27. More than 100 unique events, more than half free, satisfy every taste and interest. Visit fiestasanantonio.org or click on each listing for more details.
First Tee Invitational
Fiesta® Fiesta at Hemisfair
Thursday, June 17; Tuesday, June 22, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Texas Scramble golf tournament and silent auction. 8 a.m. shotgun start. Canyon Springs Golf Club, 24405 Wilderness Oak 78258. www.firstteesanantonio.org.
Thursday, June 17, 4 – 10 p.m. Kick off Fiesta with food, fashion, music, enter-tainment and family-friendly fun. Fiesta Fireworks at 9:50 p.m. Hemisfair, 434 S. Alamo St. 78205 www.fiestasanantonio.org
Taste of the Republic
Fiesta® De Los Reyes at Market Square
Thursday, June 17, 5 – 9 p.m. Culinary event highlighting the “Six Food Republics of Texas.” Marriott Plaza 555 S. Alamo St. 78205 www.Fiestasanantonio.org
Crown the King! Public Crowning of Rey Feo
Friday, June 18, 5:30-7 p.m. Watch the crowing of 72nd Rey Feo, meet members of his royal court and other Fiesta royalty, while listening to mariachi music and watching folklorico dancers. Main Plaza, 115 N. Main Plaza 78205. www.reyfeoconsejo.org
Friday, June 18 – Sunday, June 27, 10 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. Free Tejano, Cumbia, Rock and Conjunto live music along with 30 delicious Fiesta favorite food booths. Market Square 514 W. Commerce St. 78205 www.fiestadelosreyes.com
Rey Feo Crown Celebration
Friday – June 18, 7 -11:59 p.m. Celebrate with Fiesta royalty, live music, spirits and food – one of the most sought-after tickets in town. Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center 900 E. Market Square 78205. www.reyfeoconsejo.org
Fiesta Especial® Inclusion 5K and Parade
Viva Botanica
Saturday, June 19, 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. 5K and 1-mile dash inclusive to all. Followed by a vibrant, fun and festive small-town Fiesta parade. City of Windcrest City Hall, 8601 Midcrown 78239. wwwFiestaEspecial.org.
Saturday, June 19, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Explore 38 acres of nature during this family-friendly Fiesta event with hands-on activities, culinary tastings and performances. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place 78209. www.sabot.org/events/viva-botanica.
Mission Reach Flotilla Fiesta
Fiesta® De Los Niños
Saturday, June 19, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Public kayaking event allows participants to paddle the San Antonio River. Mission County Park Trailhead, 841 VFW Blvd. 78214. www.sariverfound.org/flotilla.
This Hallowed Ground
Alamo Plaza Historical Walking Tour – Saturday, June 19, noon – 1:30 p.m. Living historians present an educational walking tour of Alamo Plaza. 300 Alamo Plaza 78205. www.alamosrt.com.
Investiture of King Antonio
Saturday, June 19, 6- 7:30 p.m. Watch as King Antonio is crowned with his traditional Fiesta hat – a tradition since 1927. Alamo Plaza, 300 Alamo Plaza 78205. www.texascavaliers.org.
Saturday, June 19, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. STEM related activities for families, including an e-sports competition, robot demos and a parade at noon. Port San Antonio, 200 Goodrich 78226. www.fiestadelosninos.com.
Chanclas y Cervezas
Saturday, June 19 – 5-10 p.m. Games, activities, live music, craft beer. The Greenline, 2532 Sidney Brooks 78235. https://livebrooks.com/community/events.
Fiesta Wildflower Ride
Sunday, June 20, 8 a.m. Departing from Rolling Oaks Mall, the 20-60 mile ride is Fiesta’s only cycling event. Post ride festivities include Fiesta-style finish party. Rolling Oaks Mall, 6909 N. Loop 1604 E. 78247. www.fiestawildflower.com.
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Visit us at 21011 US Highway 281 North in San Antonio or call (210) 220-6576.
A Day in Old Mexico & Charreada
Sundays, June 20 & 27, 3-5:30 p.m. Family event with food, ballet folklorico, and live mariachi music during the season opener of the charreada. Rancho del Charro, 6126 Padre Drive 78214. www.sacharros.org.
NIOSA
The Texas Cavaliers River Parade
Monday, June 21, 7-9 p.m. The First Texas Cavalier River Parade was in 1941 and has since raised over $10 million for children’s charities. San Antonio Riverwalk, 849 E. Commerce St. 78205. https://www.texascavaliers.org/river-parade/tickets-off.
Ford Mariachi Festival
Tuesday, June 22 – Friday, June 25, 5:30-10:30 p.m. Celebrate the city’s culture with food, music and décor that transforms La Vallita Historical Arts Village into 14 distinct cultural areas for four nights. La Villita, 418 Villita St. 78205. www.niosa.org.
Tuesday, June 22 – Friday, June 25, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Free Fiesta event features boats of Mariachi bands and folklorico dancers entertaining River Walk patrons. San Antonio River Walk, 602 E. Commerce 78205. www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com.
Fiesta® Gartenfest
10th Street River Festival
Wednesday, June 23 – Friday, June 25, 5-11:59 p.m. Celebrate Fiesta German-style in an authentic, family friendly German beer garden with 20 craft beers and a dozen wines, German music and dancers. Beethoven Halle and Garden, 422 Perei-da St. 78205. www.betthovenmaennerchor.com.
Thursday, June 24 – Saturday, June 26, noon – 11:59 p.m. Live music entertains visitors on the beautiful, historic grounds of the VFW Post 76 – a 19th century mansion. VFW Post 76, 10 10th Street 78215. www.vfwpost76ontheriverwalk.org.
Fredstock Music Fest
Fiesta® De Los Spurs Run
Friday, June 25, 5-10 p.m. Virtual event featuring live local music and student artists benefiting the music business program at San Antonio College. www.fredstockatsac.com.
Saturday, June 26. Virtual event all day. Get out and run with customized routes for local parks. Keep an eye out for sneaky Coyote pop-ups. Fee includes a Spurs game ticket, exclusive shirt, coupons for free post-run food and beverage. www.spursgive.org.
Visit www.fiestasanantonio.org or click on each listing for more details.
SENIOR MOMENT
Energetic Engineer He Built Roads to Connect our Country By Amy Morgan
T
he next time a traffic snarl on 281 frustrates you, consider how inconvenient — perhaps impossible — travel would be without our freeways. Our modern highways are due in part to the work of engineers like Calvin Peevy, who spent the bulk of their careers from the 1950s-70s building the interstate highway infrastructure that connects America and makes our current freedom possible. Calvin was born in the small western Arkansas town of Alma in 1936. He busied himself from a young age working to earn funds necessary to pursue a civil engineering degree from the University of Arkansas. Upon graduation in 1958, he began work for the Arkansas State Highway Department as a project engineer developing the interstate highway system. He moved through the ranks of supervisory roles, eventually becoming State Construction Engineer, even being selected Boss of the Year out of all Arkansas State Government in 1992, and making his home in Little Rock. “There were just two lane roads through the cities, no highways then,” he said. Improved roads were the brainchild of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who noticed the highway systems in Europe while serving as a general there. “The Germans had three lanes long before we did,” Calvin said. “He wanted the same thing for the United States.” Eisenhower made sure highway legislation passed in the 1950s - laws that literally paved the way for the roads we now take for granted. Two Arkansas Senators, Dale Bumpers and David Pryor, with whom Calvin was friendly, called the interstate highway system the greatest thing America had ever built. They were not the only politicians who noticed the engineer’s work. Then Governor, later President, Bill Clinton stopped by the State Engineering Department to chat not infrequently in those days. He knew Calvin by name. Calvin remembers the time Governor Clinton supported increasing the salary of state employees by 15%. When the state only approved 9.5%, Clinton publicly noted on television that, “he was going to go back tomorrow and get the other 5.5%.” Clinton kept his word. “I told him that not only did he increase our salary, he increased our retirement pension. He was a real people person,” Calvin noted. Improved highway systems gave Americans a sense of freedom. This idea was illustrated in the words of Calvin’s youngest grandson who recently earned his driver’s license. “I’ve got a lot of freedom now. Can I take a date in my car?” That car has special meaning for Calvin — he donated the red Hyundai Tucson to his son’s family six years ago when he and his wife, Marilyn, moved from Arkansas to Independence Hill Retirement Community. Three grandchildren have driven it to Reagan High School. Calvin still drives the car that was once Marilyn’s. She passed away in September 2020 after the couple celebrated 40 years of marriage. Ironically, Marilyn was once the more enthusiastic driver of the two, piloting the couple on their many cross-country road trips that stretched into Canada. Calvin was a member of the Engineering Club in Little Rock and served as Chairman of the Administrative Board of Asbury United Methodist Church, where he attended for 38 years. He enjoys the companionship of others at Independence Hill, attending church on campus, going out on scenic rides, eating meals with his neighbors and playing bingo. For more information about the lifestyle offered at Independence Hill, call (210) 764-5260, or go to www.independencehill.com.
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Senior Spokesperson Reagan Student Catalyzes Conversation
By Amy Morgan
P
lans in her mind for the upcoming senior year crystallize as Anna Hyslop’s feet pound the pavement in the pre-dawn darkness. The Ronald Reagan track and cross-country varsity letterman has much to anticipate, including another team district championship.
discussed literature themes. “I didn’t know how much I loved the written word,” she said. Chemistry teacher Mrs. Harrell helped walk Anna through another missed learning experience, an experiment involving liquid nitrogen. “She’s an amazing teacher,” Anna enthused.
But right now, she’s concentrating on the miles she’ll run before school resumes, on campus, in person, at least for her. Anna began running competitively in the 8th grade, although her parents introduced her to the sport in childhood. Initially, she looked on from inside a jogging stroller until she was eligible to run kids’ races herself. Shod in her favorite Brooks tennis shoes, Anna considers distance running “a relaxing experience.”
Anna’s love of robust discussion is evident in her choice of Reagan’s AP Seminar class, which included a research project and participation in Model UN. Past Reagan groups earned invitations to events in New York City and on the campuses of prestigious universities.
While on the road, her thoughts turn to ways to help her team form closer relationships. She’s considering a day hike at Enchanted Rock or a group run. Anna’s younger sister, soon to be an 8th grader at Bush, follows the family running tradition, while her brother, a rising Reagan sophomore, wrestles.
While Covid sidelined the Model UN’s conference competitions last year, Anna considers the chance to research and present a college-level project about light pollution a worthy endeavor on its own. “In-depth research experience in high school is very hard to come by,” she said.
Anna will continue to serve as a student voice on the NEISD’s superintendent’s council, which selected students to communicate with the district’s top administrative board. The group was just beginning to create cohesive Spend a few minutes in conversation with Anna, and her intelligence and enthusiasm will impress you. In fact, what goals and develop a leadership structure last year. “High she missed most during the time of remote instruction was school leadership organizations don’t always get their the loss of opportunity to engage in intellectual conversation point across,” she said. “This will be a chance to really do that.” She hopes to move forward her senior year to leave and debate with her classmates. something sustainable. In the meantime, she’s traveled a Anna’s favorite Reagan memory is of the Socratic seminars few miles closer to her goal. conducted in her sophomore English class when students
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MEDICAL MINUTE
Mighty Manager San Antonio Native Overcame Obstacles to Pursue Career By Amy Morgan
L
eslie Moreno, Office Manager of the 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics Stone Oak location at the crossroads of Stone Oak Parkway and Evans Road, personifies perseverance. Just a year after joining the locally owned and operated practice, the determined professional began leading at Stone Oak. A native of San Antonio, Leslie graduated from Brackenridge High School and married. She followed her husband’s military career for 10 years while raising their children. Shortly after delivering her son, Leslie discovered early-stage ovarian cancer. Despite health challenges, Leslie agreed to raise the son of a distant family member who had been placed in foster care. Before a family can adopt a child — even a relative — they must be licensed by the state in which they reside. Her husband was re-stationed three times, requiring Leslie to start the certification anew in each state. Xavier finally was allowed to join the family. Now 13, Xavier and her biological son are only eight months apart in age. Eventually her husband’s continual deployments became overwhelming, and Leslie and the kids moved back home. Her grandmother who raised her also was ill, and Leslie wanted to be close to support her in her last years.
"I was given away at birth to my grandmother; part of the reason why I adopted my son; I knew what it was like to be given away. My grandmother was both my mom and grandmother. She sadly lost her battle to both dementia and Alzheimer’s three years ago. She is honestly the reason why I am the mom I am today, why I went to school, heck, the reason why I can cook a darn meal.” As a single mom, Leslie remembered the professional classes in which she had excelled in high school. She bought a house and attended college at night, earning a degree in Psychology from Incarnate Word University. “I’m a strong survivor,” she said. “I want to show my kids anybody can do anything.” Leslie joined the 7to7 Dental family in June of 2019 as a treatment coordinator at the Braun location, where she enjoyed relating to patients. “I’m a people person, and making that personal connection has always been my thing,” she said. “The elderly patients especially remind me of my ‘mom’.” She’ll never forget the day Co-Owner Justin Coke asked her to consider becoming a manager at Stone Oak. “My daughter was in getting braces that day,” she said. “I was surprised!” 7to7 Dental remains committed to promoting from within. Senior management had noticed Leslie’s customer-service focus and work ethic, and they knew she’d be a fit for the Stone Oak team. “I love a challenge and a new opportunity,” she said. “We don’t want to be just an average office. We care about every single patient who comes in. We want people to want to come back.” To celebrate 7to7 Dental’s 13th birthday, the office used its social medial platforms to provide patients with electronic toothbrushes, tumblers, Ring doorbells and Ray Ban glasses. “We wanted to thank patients for being part of our family for 13 years,” Leslie said. “We have an amazing team, an amazing company. Justin and Co-Owner Tiffany Winburn, D.M.D., treat us like we are family.” 7to7 Dental is a local business, grown in 13 years from the practice of one dentist and 6 staff members, which now employs 220 San Antonio families. Dr. Winburn and Justin Coke live in Stone Oak with their families and are very involved in community activities.
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PET TIP
Pack Your Pooch
Dog Friendly Travel
By Tamara Wetegrove
W
e’ve all felt the lure of the open road this year. With the country opening up and kids home from whatever version of school they attended, your thoughts might be turning towards vacation. You don’t necessarily need to leave your furry family member behind. Destinations across the country are catching on that people want to travel with their pups and are making adjustments to include Fido in the fun. In fact, dog-friendly accommodations are springing up faster than you can say, “Go Fetch!” How do you find the right spot? Start by perusing websites that list itineraries both you and Fido will enjoy, complete with dog-friendly restaurants, suggested activities and lodging recommendations.
TripAdvisor recently highlighted a dog-friendly visit to Albuquerque, New Mexico, within reasonable driving distance from San Antonio. The site suggests hiking “the La Luz trail, which offers incredible views of the Sandia Mountain Range,” then grabbing a bite at The Backstreet Grill’s dog-friendly patio, or The Grove Café and Market. “The Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown is centrally located and pet-friendly.” Or pop up to Austin for pet-friendly activities closer to home. Try Red Bud Isle Park for its off-leash area where you can also hike or kayak. The Domain downtown shopping neighborhood is almost completely dog-friendly. Historic Scholz Garden’s outdoor beer garden allows dogs. And pups are welcome at the Omni Austin Hotel Downtown. Don’t want to fuss with lodging or not quite certain of Fido’s tolerance for travel? Start with something closer — try a festival or a day trip to one of Texas’ many state parks. Make sure you check the rules before you go. Some places restrict where pets are allowed. You don’t want to arrive and be disappointed when your pup is not enthusiastically received. Find inspiration from these sites:
BringFido: Pet Friendly Hotels & Dog Travel Directory www.bringfido.com
Pet Friendly Travel & Vacation Guide — Pet Friendly Travel www.petfriendlytravel.com
BringFido is the world's leading pet travel site and lifestyle brand. Explore over 250,000 pet friendly places to stay, play, and eat with your dog. Our directory includes the best pet friendly hotels, vacation rentals, outdoor restaurants, dog parks, and much more.
Traveling with your pet is easy with our pet friendly travel guide to lodging in the U.S. and Canada, including pet friendly vacation rentals and hotels. We offer quality accommodations that welcome pets, including RV resorts, boutique hotels, bed & breakfast inns, cabin rentals and camping cabins, dog-centric retreats and more!
GoPetFriendly www.gopetfriendly.com GoPetFriendly is the nation's fastestgrowing pet friendly travel planning platform, with more than 1 million trips booked every year. Their unique content provides loads of inspiration, and their best-in-class database provides all the information you need to plan a memorable pet friendly experience.
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