Right at HOME Video e-Magazine June 2022

ANIMALS IN THE ATTIC? We trap, remove and seal up your house against…

RACCOONS SNAKES OPOSSUMS SQUIRRELS RINGTAIL CATS ARMADILOS INSECTS & MORE

Call about our Mosquito Barrier Treatments and General Pest Control Services

Ask about our 15-month Guarantee!

Office: (210) 201-0064 l www.CritterOne.com

Watch our customer testimonial video about Maid Brigade.

Mortgage Matters Creative Lender Helps Consumers Close

Frank and Miriam Paredez with Gauranteed Rate are pictured above with their son, Preston.

By Amy Morgan

H

ome is where the heart is – and its purchase will be the most significant expenditure you will ever make. Did you know YOU can choose who provides your loan? That choice will make a difference in making your dream home a reality.

Guaranteed Rate, a direct retail lender, can access more than 120 different lending products to offer clients mortgage options in a way that most banks cannot, said Sales Manager and Vice President of Mortgage Lending Frank Paredez. Everything the company offers involves funding residential real estate, which can include the purchase of a first home, a second home, an investment property, a build, refinancing or renovation loans. And when a potential customer calls the office they’ll be able to speak with one of the team members directly – even

on evenings and weekends, no need to wait on hold or “press 1” to be transferred.

Guaranteed Rate enlarged its footprint in the Stone Oak area last October when Frank and his wife, Miriam, Business Development Coordinator, began leading the team of six. Their office is located in the second floor of the Falcon Bank building at 19230 Stone Oak Pkwy., Suite 240. While relatively new to Stone Oak, Guaranteed Rate earned the spot as a Top Three National Retail Lender in the United States, generating a yearly loan volume of $116 billion in 2021.

Frank and Miriam bring more than 20 years of combined business experience in mortgage, banking, finance and insurance. They work seamlessly together to offer their clients and real estate agents white-glove service. Several of Guaranteed Rates’ signature products include the Power Bid, a full preapproval that strengthens a buyer’s offer and gets them one step closer to closing. “This is not just a pre-qualification – it is a full underwriting that allows a buyer to compete with a cash offer,” Frank said – a significant advantage in a seller’s market where multiple offers are common.

Frank also reminds buyers in Stone Oak to consider the renovation loan. Many of the area’s houses were built 20 years ago. Instead of passing on a dated looking home, they can use a renovation loan to modernize that old and outdated home into a new and improved home of their dreams.

The Paredez family serving at the organization Taking it to the Streets to feed the homeless.

Another product benefits those building a house.

Guaranteed Rate offers a Lock-in Build that allows families to lock in their interest rates for a year.

“Interest rates now are going up weekly,” Frank said.

Locking in can save consumers a significant amount on their overall payment. For those with equity, a refinance may be helpful to free up needed cash.

The Paredezes can empathize with their clients because, “We have been in the thick of it,” Miriam said. During Covid they bought and sold several properties, so they can relate to and help overcome the struggles and frustrations many homebuyers are facing in this current real estate market.

Miriam’s role at Guaranteed Rate is to cultivate realtor relationships. Guaranteed Rate offers the Agent Advantage system that provides cobranded marketing

materials, sharable Facebook content and live, online status updates on a loan’s progress. Having this information at their fingertips helps make the agents’ daily lives easier, Miriam said. She also provides personal support. “One agent recently lost her mom.

I prayed with her over the phone. We regularly pray for our clients’ offers to be accepted,” Miriam reported. Frank takes time to call listing agents to support the validity of a buyer’s offer. “It increases their confidence when they know how strong the offer is,” she said.

They realize “when a real estate agent recommends us to a client – they trust us to deliver. They are literally handing us their paycheck. We don’t take that for granted. We treat their client like gold,” Frank added.

The San Antonio natives (both products of NEISD) graduated from Wayland Baptist University and attend Grace Avenue Church. They donate $100 to charity for every loan they close – recently sharing funding with the food panty of Pursuit Church SA. Feeding the homeless remains a cause dear to their hearts. They often take their 4-year-old son, Preston, downtown to distribute tacos to illustrate the importance of giving back. In May, their team united together with the organization Taking it to the Streets to serve and feed the homeless together The office also partnered with Flags for Fallen Vets, decorating gravestones with flags at Fort Sam Houston over Memorial Day Weekend. The military connection touches them directly, as Miriam’s father was a decorated WWII Army veteran. One way the Paredezes honor his memory is by specializing in VA loans to better serve the veterans who have served in the armed forces and have earned their VA home loan benefit. They also waive veterans’ lender fees, making a VA loan one of the lowest cost loan options available for those who qualify.

The office co-sponsored a free community document shred in April and continue to expand Guaranteed Rate’s outreach in Stone Oak. Find them at www.rate.com/FrankParedez.

F R A N K PA R E D E Z S A L E S M A N AG ER/ VP O F M O R TG AG E L EN D I N G

I have helped many people achieve their dreams of homeownership. I’ll answer all your questions and outline all your options—empowering you as a buyer, while finding you your perfect loan. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, refinancing your current home or buying a second, my team and I can help you finance the home of your dreams.

BEST

ONLINE MORTGAGE SERVICE

“Frank

is

AWESOME!

He

is

very

straightforward. He will only give you facts

$116B

YEARLY LOAN VOLUME FOR 2021 1

When you work with me and Guaranteed Rate, you get: The confidence of having a top 10 mortgage lender

after running the numbers. He has great communication skills and kept us informed during the entire process. He answered our questions day and night. We were able to handle most things via email saving

97%

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION 2

time and travel for all parties. Our closing was handled and complete within 9 days.

Thanks again to Frank Paredez and his team for assisting us with the purchase of

TOP 3

NATIONAL RETAIL LENDER IN THE U.S. 3

our first home!”

CHAMISE

A team of experts on every loan The benefits of groundbreaking online tools Friendly and comprehensive service

My promise to you Constant communication, elite customer service & industry expertise.

19230 Stone Oak Pkwy., Suite 240 San Antonio, TX 78258 C: (210) 362-0064 frank.paredez@rate.com | rate.com/frankparedez

Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved for financing. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Restrictions may apply, contact Guaranteed Rate for current rates and for more information. 1. Source: Loan Volume is based on Guaranteed Rate production report for funded loans 01/01/2021-12/31/2021 2. All data is sourced from Guaranteed Rate’s Client Satisfaction Surveys (2021) 3. Source: According to Scotsman Guide Top Mortgage Lenders 2020 Top Retail Volume List Frank Paredez NMLS ID: 1628244; TX - Licensed Guaranteed Rate, Inc.; NMLS #2611; For licensing information visit nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Guaranteed Rate Inc.; NMLS #2611; For licensing information visit nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Equal Housing Lender. Conditions may apply. 20220412-1336404

REALTOR® REPORTS

Realtor® Reports Couple Runs Firm, Church Together

By Amy Morgan

R

eal estate news continues to make headlines. Interest rates are rising for the first time in years. Is it a good time to buy? Sell? Flip? Rent? Bob and Karyn Stephan, owners of Equity Property Group, can help you make an informed, confident decision. Bob and Karyn have worked together since they opened their first real estate brokerage in Houston in 2006. Bob’s the third generation of realtors in his family.

The couple moved to San Antonio to take over Bob’s parents’ company when they retired in 2010.

Equity Property Group, located at 227 N. Loop 1604, Suite 150, is a full-service residential real estate firm. They handle a complete package of real estate needs: buying and selling, investor services, evaluations, market analysis, property management. They’ll even help their clients find the information they need to protest the property tax valuation, Karyn reported.

“People are getting a shock when they get their appraisal,” Karyn said. “Values are jumping 20-30%. The more information you have, the better you can prepare. We offer this service at no charge for our clients."

The Stephans are known for their personal service. “We treat our clients as if they are friends, because they are,” Karyn said. “We make a point to be there every step of the way and keep those relationships.”

Bob and Karyn leverage their contacts and experience to serve clients beyond the obvious buying and selling of a home. Bob is an expert at market analysis. He’ll help clients select the right investment property that will produce the best return, as he knows how to balance rental income and mortgage payment.

Once an investment property has been purchased, renovation begins. Although the HGTV shows make the process look easy – reality does not always align. Equity Property Group partners with a network of trusted vendors who will do the rehab work. They’ve spent more than a decade building relationships with those who will be reliable and charge a fair price. When the home is ready to rent, Equity Property Group can screen potential tenants, manage payments and take care of maintenance.

“We’re very responsive to our owners,” Bob said. “We manage the properties as if we owned them ourselves.” Karyn enjoys real estate’s challenges. She employs creative strategies to help clients find a property in a desired neighborhood – even if nothing is officially on the market.

“We go to bat for our clients,” she said. Honesty and integrity are hallmarks of the Stephans’ business practices, not surprisingly as the committed Christians also launched and pastor Pursuit Church SA on Vance Jackson just outside Loop 410. “Our belief has always been that everything we do in the business is to fund the Kingdom,” Bob said.

A blended family of eight adult children and 13 grandchildren, the couple leads Pursuit Church SA in its vision to help people connect to Jesus, find their purpose and make a difference — in life, as well as in their business. “We genuinely care about people and want the best outcomes for everyone,” Bob added. Find out more at equitypropertytx.com.

Robert and Karyn Stephan, Realtors® 210-607-0988 info@equitypropertytx.com www.equitypropertytx.com

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Model Musician

Reagan Senior Student State Finalist in Choir, Business Competitions

By Amy Morgan

R

onald Reagan High School senior student Ana Rivera Fernandez lives the American dream after immigrating from Mexico with her family as an elementary school child. Already fluent in English thanks to her previous, bilingual school, Ana joined Vineyard Ranch Elementary School’s choir in the fourth grade. Despite reporting she doesn’t consider herself as musically gifted as her brother, Fernando, Reagan class of 2020, or freshman sister, Ema, Ana’s achieved top honors as a high school vocalist — earning a spot in one of the three 2022 All-State Choir Ensembles.

All-state choirs are revealed at the annual Texas Music Educators Association convention in San Antonio. Out of 30,000 initial contestants, only the top choral students in the state make it to an AllState choir. Vocalists must prevail through multiple auditions of singing and sightreading. Ana’s melodic voice in the lower register, along with her musical training, placed her third in the area’s Tenor/Bass division.

“I finally made it my senior year!” she said. “This is something I’ve always looked forward to. I’ve spent so much time with directors Mr. De La Cruz and Ms. Cowart, choir as an organization is my favorite part of high school!”

Ana sings Bass in Reagan’s varsity Chamber Choir and Chantez Nouvelle, the acapella show choir for which she schedules local performances. Ana also studies AP Music Theory, just one of the many AP classes that have helped her earn a GPA of 109.6, with class rank of 73/831. This winter, Chantez Nouvelle recorded a commercial for HEB in which they sang a customized version of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”

Ana plans to study accounting at UTSA in the fall.

She earned the Texas Excellence Grant, the Pell Grant and the Distinguished President’s Scholarship. “I’ve worked hard to get scholarships to make my family proud,” she said. Ana plans to join the university’s

extracurricular choir so vocal performance can continue to remain an enjoyable hobby.

Ana joined both DECA and Model UN her freshman year at Reagan. She now manages logistics as a Model UN officer. Recently, she traveled to the Central Texas Model UN Conference held at UT in Austin, as well as led a debate room at Reagan’s RUNWAY conference themed on James Bond’s SPECTRE. Ana’s competed at state all four years she’s been involved in DECA — a business-based competition organization. She participated in the Role Play section, where students are given 10 minutes to prepare to present a specific business scenario before judges. Her efforts qualified her as a State Finalist for the past two years.

“I like thinking on my feet,” she said, a quality that will serve her well in future endeavors.

MEDICAL MINUTE

Men Matter Focus on Dad’s Health this June

By Amy Morgan

T

his month we’ll recognize our dads on Father’s Day, but June is also national Men’s Health Month. For many men, health may seem like a low priority, but taking care of yourself is the greatest gift you can give back to your family.

Samuel Simpson, M.D., Emergency Medicine Physician with Physicians Premier, shares a few tips to make this year your healthiest.

1) Make good lifestyle choices.

Limit the amount of alcohol you drink and make a decision to decrease or stop tobacco use. Dr. Simpson recognizes quitting can be difficult and suggests you discuss strategies with your doctor to determine the right option for you.

Get enough sleep. The CDC recommends seven or more hours a night for adults. Sleep helps your brain reset and your cells regenerate. You’ll know you’ve gotten enough rest when you wake up feeling refreshed in the morning, Dr. Simpson says.

3) Stop mental health’s stigma.

Anxiety and depression can cause serious health problems, Dr. Simpson says, as the body and mind are interconnected. Extreme fatigue can be a sign of depression. If recharging doesn’t alleviate symptoms like low mood, anxiousness or lethargy, don’t hesitate to consult a professional.

4) See your doctor regularly.

People come in different shapes and sizes. Get a check-up to decide if your weight’s right for you and schedule screenings and bloodwork.

Individuals older than 50 should get a routine physical every year, (and a colonoscopy every 10), those younger at least every three years. Issues are easier to treat when caught earlier, and you’ll have a better chance for successful recovery.

Even simple choices like wearing your seatbelt in your car – every time – can make a difference, especially when the car ahead of you stops suddenly or an animal jumps out into the road. As an emergency physician, Dr. Simpson sees the worst of what can happen when we don’t follow Small lifestyle changes are cumulative and can impact your health’s trajectory over the course of time. Improve your chance to be around to recommendations. “For many of us, health is something celebrate Father’s Day with your family for many years to come. we just take for granted until we don’t have it anymore,” he says.

Physicians Premier, a free-standing emergency room located west of Highway 281 on Highway 46 near the HEB Plus, allows patients to access 2) Establish a healthy diet and exercise routine. the care they need when they need it, saving time, money, alleviating Maintain an appropriate weight and watch your waistline. concern and allowing for a healthier patient and community. Find them at MDpremier.com.

No cheating by buckling your belt lower! Your overall waist circumference is more of a risk factor for diabetes or heart disease than BMI or body weight, Dr. Simpson says.

He recommends regular exercise – 150 minutes over the week is all it takes.

Eat a diet high in lean protein, fruits and vegetables and low in saturated/trans fats and refined or added sugars.

Include whole grains, nuts and seeds. Consider switching one meal a week from a hamburger to grilled fish tacos.

Samuel Simpson, M.D. Emergency Medicine Physician

EMERGENCY CARE 24/7!

20475 Highway 46, Suite 100 Spring Branch, TX 78070 (830) 438-6911 MDPremier.com

Community Calendar Presented by Frost

Single Professionals Networking Meeting – Wednesday, June 8, 5-7 p.m. Join other 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature professionals for conversation, libations and food in a relaxed, social setting. Embers Bar and Grill, 819 N. Loop 1604 E. 78258; www.spn-sa.org.

Concordia Vacation Bible School – Monday, June 13 - Friday, June 17, 9 a.m.- noon. This free week of MONUMENTAL fun shares the love of Jesus with children ages 4 years – 5th grade through games, crafts, worship, and more.

Concordia Lutheran Church, 16801 Huebner Road 78258; www.concordialutheranchurch. com.

Tejas Rodeo – Saturdays through November, 5 p.m. – 1 a.m. Enjoy live rodeo action: bronco riding, team roping, barrel racing, mutton bustin’ and calf scramble.

Live music at 9 p.m. Tejas Rodeo Company, 401 Obst Road 78163; www.tejasrodeo.com.

Immersive Van Gogh - dates and times through Sept. 5. A digital art experience that invites audiences to enter the works of van Gogh. 221 Burleson 78202. www.goghsanantonio.com.

Stone Oak Rotary Club – Tuesdays, noon -1 p.m. Guest speakers weekly. Dona Tota, 923 Loop 1604 W. #115 78232; www.stoneoaksarotary.org.

Reagan Rattler Sports Camps and Strength and Conditioning – From Tuesday, May 31 – dates and times vary by sport and age. Grades 3 – 12. Football, wrestling, volleyball, girls track, throwers camp, softball, soccer, cross country, basketball, baseball. Stone Oak Campuses including Bush and Lopez Middle Schools; www.rattlersports.com/now-openregistration-for-reagan-summer-camps/.

Summit Christian Learning Center Summer Adventure Camp – MondayFriday, June-August 6:30 a.m.- 6:30 p.m.

Field trips, outdoor play, sports court, daily devotional, art, science exploration, music.

Summit Christian Center, 2575 Marshall Road 78259; www.summitsa.com.

Mays YMCA Summer Sports Clinics and Leagues – beginning June 13. Clinics and leagues for kids 3-14. Days/times vary by sport and age. Soccer, soccer agility, baseball, football, basketball and outdoor volleyball. Mays Family YMCA of Stone Oak, 21654 Blanco Road 78258; 210-497-7088.

Junie B. Jones: Toothless Wonder – Saturdays, June 4, 11, at 2 p.m., 5 p.m., Sundays, June 5, 12, at 3 p.m. Live theater production featuring beloved children’s book character Junie B. Jones. The Magik Theatre, Low-Cost Health Screenings – Friday, June 17, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. LifeLine Screening 420 S. Alamo St. 78205; will offer affordable, non-invasive and painless www.magiktheatre.org. preventive health screenings to identify risk for stroke, heart disease and other chronic Fellowship of San Antonio Vacation conditions. Fellowship of San Antonio, 23755 Bible School – Sunday, June 5 - Thursday, Canyon Golf Road 78258. To register call 1-888June 9, 6 – 8:00 p.m. Make Waves with fun activities, engaging lessons and God’s Word. 653-6441 or www.llsa.social/HS. VBS for entering kinder through 6th grade.

Single Professionals Networking Fellowship of San Antonio, 23755 Canyon Meeting – Friday, June 17, 5-7 p.m. Join other Golf Road 78258; 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature www.thefellwoshipofsa.org. professionals for conversation, libations and food in a relaxed, social setting. Cover 3 patio, 1806 N. St. Thomas Episcopal School Kids Loop 1604 W. 78232; www.spn-sa.org.

Summer Camp – Monday-Thursday, June 6-23, July 11-28, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Creative art, painting, outdoor play, language immersion, SARR Carrabba’s Run – Saturday, June 18, 7:30 a.m. 21st SARR 5k, ½ marathon and 4 DIY slime, STEM for kids 5-11. St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 1416 North Loop 1604 E. person-1/2 marathon relay, followed by food from Carrabba’s. McAllister Park, 13102 Jones 78232; Summerfuncamp111@gmail.com.

Maltsberger Road 78247; www.runsignup.com/ carrabbas?remMeAttempt=.

Cornerstone Vacation Bible School – Tuesday, June 7 - Thursday, June 9, 8 a.m.

Single Professionals Networking - 4:30 p.m. Jurassic VBS activities include Meeting – Friday, June 23, 5-7 p.m. Join other Bible lessons, songs, entertainers, games, 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature hands-on activities, free lunch and snacks professionals for conversation, libations and food for children ages 5 through 6th grade. in a relaxed, social setting. Vallarta Bar & Grill, Accessible for deaf/HOH. Cornerstone 14814 Jones Maltsberger 78247, Entertainment Church, 18755 Stone Oak Parkway 78258;

by DJ Paul Davis; www.sacornerstone.org. www.spn-sa.org.

Send your upcoming events to StoneOakInfo@gmail.com.

MEMBER F

Get the best of both worlds with online banking, mobile banking, 1,200+ ATMs and a banker who answers the phone when you call.

Visit us at 21011 US Highway 281 North in San Antonio or call (210) 220-6576.

DENTAL DIGEST

Helpful Hygienist Dental Lead Writes Children’s Book Demystifying Office Visit

By Amy Morgan

N

othing motivates Mandy Dennis more than inspiring others. A registered hygienist with more than 24 years of dental experience, the Director of Hygiene Operations for 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics hires and trains staff in 7to7’s core values. “We are a customer service business that just happens to do dentistry,” she said.

Mandy believes hygiene is the foundation of the office. Patients build their relationship with their dental office through regular cleaning visits. “Full body health starts in your mouth,” she said.

"We want people to have a great experience ensuring their gums, bones and teeth have a healthy foundation.”

She strongly advocates patients visit every six months. "Coming to get cleanings is just like taking a car for an oil change - you wouldn’t wait 15,000 miles,” she said. “The mouth is the same way. We can identify if something is not healthy and address the problem before it gets bigger,” she said. Regular X-rays can reveal spots on the teeth where the enamel is not as strong. The dental professional can apply fluoride and re-mineralize the teeth. This may prevent cavities and the need for a filling. “If we do need to fill, we still can prevent a crown or a root canal,” Mandy added.

The 7to7 Dental team realizes people lead busy lives and getting the family to the dentist is not always convenient. They designed their business model around the needs of their patients. Their location at the corner of Stone Oak Parkway and Evans Road includes 12 chairs so patients can schedule multiple family members for comprehensive dental care at the same time.

Mandy reports summer calendars are open. “Don’t forget the college-age kids. Get them in now so they can come back in six months over their winter break,” she said.

7to7 Dental’s Stone Oak location dedicated an entire Saturday in April to initial orthodontics appointments. Several patients started with bands that very day. “I loved being part of that,” Mandy said. “We don’t want people to have to come back for another visit if there’s something we can do for them while they are already here.”

Mandy recently published a children’s book, I Spy with My Little Eye … at the Dentist, to reassure the youngest patients. The book captures what children see from their perspective as they come to the office (7to7 Dental starts “happy visits” at three). The book describes how children climb into the chair, clip on the “super guy” cape, and use the “super straw” to suction water out of their hand. Mandy reports writing the book was a bucket list opportunity of which she is professionally proud.

The professionals at 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics care about your oral health and are available 7 a.m.- 7 p.m., seven days a week, for dentistry for the whole family and emergencies. 7to7 Dental is a local business, grown in 14 years from the practice of one dentist and six staff. Co-Owners Tiffany Winburn, D.M.D, and Justin Coke and many of the 250 staff members live in Stone Oak with their families and are part of the community.

We’re proud to work with the VERY BEST financing groups in the business! This ensures you and your smile are well taken care of!

210-495-2000

www.7to7Dental.com

Facebook: 7 to 7 Dental & Orthodontics Instagram: @7to7Dental Call or book online with ease

PET TIP

Give for Good

Charity Provides Emergency Relief, Supplies to Ukrainian People and Pets For those who remain, the charity has been providing food and supplies at shelters and camps inside Ukraine. “Unfortunately, many civilians who escaped had to leave their beloved pets behind.

Those surviving pets end up in overpopulated shelters, unable to receive the care they need,” according to Greater Good. The organization has arranged for additional sheltering for pets outside the region until they can be reunited with their families. They’ve also activated their pet foster software for rescue groups to help provide temporary homes for displaced pets.

Photo Credit: www.greatergood.org

By Camp Bow Wow Staff

W

e all watched in horror when Russia invaded Ukraine. News reports show people walking or waiting at train stations with all their worldly possessions in a suitcase, often carrying their cherished pets.

What if the unthinkable happened and you were forced to decide whether to flee with your furry family member or try to find a safe place to leave your precious pup? It’s heartbreaking to even contemplate! Unfortunately, that harsh scenario has become reality in Ukraine. More than 11 million people are believed to have fled their homes since the conflict began, according to the United Nations, with 5.1 million leaving the country entirely.

Organizations with connections in the region are helping. Greater Good Charities has a team on the ground responding to the immediate needs of Ukrainian people and pets, according to the organization. For those who leave, “the journey is daunting with many Ukrainian families and their pets traveling for days without food,” the website reported. Greater Good Charities have been able to support people and pet evacuations from Chernihiv and northern Kyiv regions and work thorough partners in Poland like Fundacja Kooperacja to distribute nourishing meals at border crossings and lease warehouse space.

Greater Good Charities sent Centaurus Foundation a grant to provide fuel for convoys, building materials for additional and enhanced enclosures, and veterinary supplies to help the refugee pets in their care, they posted. As of late-April, “Centaurus Foundation’s main facility in Szczedrzykowice was currently holding 200 animals in quarantine, with another 100 on the way from other shelters.” In another facility in Medyka, there was no running water and no grid electricity to run lights, heaters and medical refrigerators.

Greater Good established a distribution network to move large quantities of pet food directly to the people and pets who need it. Board Member Dr. Julie Ryan Johnson, DVM (Associate Director of Shelter Programs for Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc.), was on the ground providing veterinary care for pets crossing the border into Poland from Ukraine.

Other partners include U-Hearts and The Animal Rescue Site, which purchased truckloads of emergency food to send to shelters caring for pets within Ukraine and distribution centers in neighboring countries helping refugees with pets.

As of April 22, the first batch of 1.5 million pet meals funded by generous donors headed into Ukraine, according to the organization.

Information about the activities of Greater Good Charities came from greatergood.org. Find updates, ways to help, pictures and videos on their website.

Watch Our Video! "Greetng from Camp!"

FREE

Sniff & Seek Enrichment with the purchase of (2) enrichment services.

20475 Highway 46, Suite 100 Spring Branch, TX 78070 (830) 438-6911 MDPremier.com

The Good Neighbor of the Month presented by Travis Slaydon State Farm Insurance

Somebody Did Something Good Neighbor Gathers Team to Remove Unsightly Brush, Trees and Trash Along Evans Road

By Amy Morgan

N

ow that vegetation has greened up, trees that didn’t survive last year’s deep freeze are even more apparent. Dead, broken branches blight our scenic neighborhoods. Somebody should do something! But who, exactly?

One local resident, Eric Mapes, had seen enough of the ugly trees on Evans Road. He was dismayed to realize that the City of San Antonio will not cut down dead trees unless they endanger a home or power line. The hulking shells were there to stay… unless Somebody would do something. Eric decided to invest in the project.

“I’m just that somebody who finds a way if something needs to be fixed,” he said.

Eric tapped into social media and organized a group of 40+ neighbors to cut down and clean up dead trees, brush and trash along Evans Road the last Saturday of April. Volunteers from Tejeda Middle School, Encino Park Elementary, Johnson High School and adults from neighborhoods along Evans Roads began cleaning at the Sprouts at Caliza and Evans Roads, working their way through the Pinon Creek area up to Tejeda Middle School.

A handful of men wielded their own personal chainsaws to cut down approximately 14 dead trees. Others hauled unsightly undergrowth or gathered trash to fill 20 bags.

Although the city didn’t send a work crew, Eric connected with District 9 Councilman John Courage’s office, which did furnish dumpsters, a brush-lifting crane and paid for the off-duty deputy to patrol a perimeter as volunteers worked at the street’s edge.

Eric chased a paper trail to make the clean-up idea a reality. He secured a permit from the city to cut down the trees, purchased safety vests and gloves for volunteers, reached out to local schools and posted the event on Facebook and Nextdoor to recruit workers.

Just 24 hours after the last of three dumpsters drove away, Eric’s posts had already generated close to 100 positive responses. Kyle Miller posted, “I’m very happy with how much we got done!” Sarah Gilbert also was inspired, “It’s great when a community joins together for a common goal.” Anthony Gallegos agreed, “Good ole community activism at work with real and tangible results… the area looks great!”

Eric and his wife, Cindy, are no stranger to community activities. They’ve actively promoted National Neighborhood Night Out in the Fox Grove Community from which the family’s two daughters attended Johnson High School. An avid gardener, the Mapes’ efforts won them the coveted Yard of the Month title last spring. Eric also serves as a deacon at San Pedro Presbyterian Church, which the family has attended for more than two decades.

Eric published the Streets of San Antonio, chronicling the lives of early San Antonio founders like the Maltsburger, Coker and Isom families, information he recently presented to the Encino Park Women’s Club. He’s also written two Journal Books filled with touching stories from his daughter’s lives. His current title chronicles the histories of the cities that line US Highway 281 from Mexico to Canada. Eric hopes to expand his neighborhood efforts to service projects several times a year – providing much needed activity and connecting new friends to strengthen the community. What a good neighbor!

Surprisingly great rates that Do You Know Someone fit any budget.

Doing Good In Your Neighborhood?

Nominate them for our Good Neighbor of the Month presented by Travis Slaydon State Farm Insurance

Email your nominations with their full name, phone number and email address to: StoneOakInfo@gmail.com

don, Agent Oak Parkway Ste 112 o, TX 78258 6-3276 n.mv2l@statefarm.com riday 9:00 - 5:00 s by Appointment stomer Service

Su I can help you bundle your gre home and auto insurance, fit at a rate that may surprise Surprisingly great rates you. Call methat for a quote today. fit any budget.

Travis Slaydon, Agent 19190 Stone Oak Parkway Ste 112 San Antonio, TX 78258 Bus: 210-496-3276 ® travis.slaydon.mv2l@statefarm.com Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00 After Hours by Appointment 24 Hour Customer Service

Like a good neighbor, Surprisingly State Farm is there.

Surprisingly Travis Slaydon, Agent I can help you bundle your 19190 Stone Oak Parkway Ste 112 great rates that al Automobile Insurance great rates that home and auto insurance, San Antonio, TX 78258 at a any rate thatbudget. may surprise fit Bus: 210-496-3276 Individual premiums and budgets will vary by fit any budget. mnity Company travis.slaydon.mv2l@statefarm.com you. Call me for a quote today.

nd Casualty Company Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00 al Insurance Company After Hours

by Appointment 24 Hour Customer Service

Travis Slaydon, Agent a Insurance Company Company I can help you bundle your State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company ® State Farm Indemnity Company State Farm Fire and Casualty Company State Farm General Insurance Company Bloomington, IL

customer. All applicants subject to State Farm Like a good neighbor, underwriting requirements. Availability and State Farm is there.

State Farm Florida Insurance Company Winter Haven, FL amount of discounts and savings vary by state. ®

I can help you bundle your

Individual premiums and budgets will vary by State Farm Indemnity 19190 Stone Oak Company Parkway Ste 112 home and auto insurance, State Farm Fire and Casualty Company customer.

All applicants subject to State Farm 12 San Antonio, TXInsurance 78258 State Farm Company home andGeneral auto insurance, requirements.

Availability and atunderwriting a rate that may surprise Bloomington, IL Bus: 210-496-3276 amount of discounts and savings vary by state. at a rate that may surprise y Mutual Company you. Call me for a quote today.

StateInsurance Farm Florida Insurance Company travis.slaydon.mv2l@statefarm.com Winter Haven, FL for a quote today.

Call me m you.

Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00 State Farm County Insurance Company After Hours byMutual Appointment s of Texas Like a good neighbor, Lloyds 24State Hour Customer Service Like a Farm good neighbor, ® Richardson, TX

State Farm is there.

2101550 State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance ®

®

State Farm is there.

Company Individual premiums and budgets will vary by State Farm Indemnity Company Individual premiums and budgets will vary by customer. All applicants subject to State Farm® State Farm Fire and Casualty Company State Farm Insurance Company customer.

AllGeneral applicants subject to State Farm® underwriting requirements. Availability and Bloomington, IL

State Farm County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas State Farm Lloyds Richardson, TX 2101550

WEBSITE

I can hom at a r you.

Like State

Individu custom underw amoun

Stone Oak Church - Your Neighborhood Church

Stone Oak Church Sunday Service @ 10:30 a.m.

Children’s Sunday School @ 10:30 a.m.

Adult Bible Study Sunday @ 9:00 a.m.

20024 Crescent Oaks San Antonio, TX 78258 (across from Stone Oak Elementary School) 210-497-7974

www.stoneoakchurch.org

NEW WEBSITE Launch

DOWNLOAD YOUR FAVORITE Issues

COMMUNITY EVENTS DIGITAL DOWNLOADS ONLINE MEMBERSHIP NEW STORIES

Browse OUR BUSINESS DIRECTORY

STAY Connected TO YOUR COMMUNITY

CLICK

Here

Watch Our Project Videos.