Right at HOME Community Magazine July 2018 Issue

HOME RIGHT AT

JULY 2018

GOTTA GO! Alamo City Chevrolet Page 4

(L-R) Alamo City Chevrolet Service Manager, Roy McClure, General Manager and Vice President, Paul Osterman and General Sales Manager, Lance Knopp.

Photo by Angela Lynn Portraits

3

Gotta Go!

Alamo City Chevrolet - A Faithful Automobile Sales and Service Partner

By Amy Morgan

hink of your favorite memories of American summertime.

T Chances are, “baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet� crossed your mind. Those favorites remain memorable because

they ring true. While times have changed, some things still stay the same. One perennial winner is Alamo City Chevrolet, a trusted, family-owned business serving San Antonio since 1955.

The dealership, located at 9400 San Pedro, just outside Loop 410, is the closest, most convenient Chevrolet dealership and service center to Stone Oak. The beautiful showroom is open six days a week, Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.- 8:30 p.m.

Alamo City Chevrolet features a full line of Chevy vehicles: the functional and stylish Cruze, the ever-popular Suburban, crossovers including the completely redesigned 2018 Traverse, and even the fuel efficient hybrid/electric Chevy Volt. One of the most popular models at Alamo City Chevrolet is the Chevy Silverado 1500. This is the latest and greatest version of the dependable favorite. The 1500 includes all the bells and whistles like OnStar remote start, 4G LTE WiFi and the CornerStep rear bumper, yet offers the durability you can expect from Chevrolet.

Searching for a reliable car to send your loved one back to school?

Alamo City Chevrolet offers a large selection of certified preowned vehicles. Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified, GM trained technicians complete a 172-point inspection to check out the car from transmission to brakes, making sure it is sound,

4

explained Paul Osterman, General Manager and Vice President, who has spent decades in the automotive industry, including eight years at Alamo City Chevrolet. You can be confident purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle with its extended, bumper-to-bumper, 2-year or 24,000-mile factory warranty.

“Sometimes perception is that it is more expensive to get things done at the dealership. In this case, it is not,” Osterman said.

“We have a price match guarantee to match any advertisement whether it’s new tires, an oil change or other coupon. We have the original factory equipment to do all your service in one spot.”

The service department is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and offers early bird or late night drop off and complimentary shuttle. In most cases, they’ll complete your repair the same day, but loaner cars also are available.

So whether it’s service or sales, for all your automobile needs, you Gotta Go to Alamo City Chevrolet.

“You’ll have peace of mind knowing you are purchasing a preowned vehicle backed by warranty coverage,” Osterman said.

“We stand behind each vehicle we sell or service.” At Alamo City Chevrolet, pricing is transparent and fair, eliminating the need to haggle.

“We look at the market and price our vehicles accordingly,” Osterman added. “What’s on the sticker is the price you’ll pay. We know your time is important. Like our dealership’s motto – you Gotta Go.” If you are a member of USAA, a first responder, in the teaching profession or serving our country in the military, you are eligible for a special rate. Make sure to let a sales associate know you qualify for discounts thanking you for your service. The dealership continues to be a good neighbor, supporting local groups serving wounded warriors and American veterans.

Your relationship with Alamo City Chevrolet doesn’t end after the sale. You can book your next routine maintenance, service appointment or order Chevrolet parts from an extensive inventory at www.alamocitychevy.com. You’ll have an opportunity to earn reward points toward future service, accessories or purchases for every dollar you spend. While you wait, enjoy the comfortable waiting area with free WiFi and a coffee café, all just a few short minutes from Stone Oak. Perhaps your current car is not a Chevrolet but needs repairs.

Alamo City Chevrolet’s premier collision center is certified by USAA Star Shop, GM, Honda Pro-First, and is the only one in San Antonio certified by Mercedes Benz.

Located just inside Loop 410 at 9400 San Pedro Ave San Antonio, TX 78216 (210) 987-2134 Open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.- 8:30 p.m.

Check out the huge inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles at AlamoCityChevy.com • Transparent, fair, no haggle pricing • Discounts for USAA, first responders, teachers and members of the military • The largest parts department in South Texas • Service department open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. six days-a-week with a price match guarantee • Premier collision center certified by USAA Star Shop, GM, Honda Pro-First and Mercedes Benz.

5

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

Exemplary Education

The Buckner Fanning School at Mission Springs Celebrates Two Decades

As a compliment to Core Knowledge and a fabulous Fine Arts program, BFSMS also incorporates STEM as part of the curriculum. Because BFSMS as a private school is not bound to state testing constrictions, more time can be taken to nurture the whole child. Students are afforded many opportunities to participate in Fine Arts, Technology lab, Library, P.E., as well as Gardening and social service projects. Newman emphasized she has witnessed great positive growth in children’s development through exposure to Fine Arts.

By Amy Morgan

D

id you know The Buckner Fanning School at Mission Springs (BFSMS) will celebrate its 20th year this fall? Opened in 1998 by renowned Reverend Buckner Fanning, the school is currently enrolling students Pre-K3-High School for 2018-2019. The private, non-denominational Christian school located in the middle of Stone Oak provides rigorous academics, rich Fine Arts and small class sizes in a beautiful, Hill-Country setting. The entire campus contains approximately 200 students, with an average student/ teacher ratio of 12:1. “Families, teachers and administrators form meaningful, lasting relationships,” said Head of School Sharon Newman. Most teachers have more than 20 years of experience, and all are dedicated to their students’ success and happiness.

Sharon Newman is largely responsible for making the school the unique, rigorous and positive environment it is today. Newman spent her career in public education, both as a teacher and an administrator, which included opening Hardy Oak Elementary and serving as Principal for ten years. After retiring, she joined BFSMS as Head of School and has worked tirelessly with her faculty to implement a well-rounded curriculum, helping to educate the whole child.

Under Newman’s guidance, BFSMS has adopted the E.D. Hirsch, Jr. Core Knowledge Foundation’s curriculum, which is a project based, integrated curriculum. For instance in 1st grade, the students may learn about Modern Day and Ancient Mexico. This subject is clearly covered in History and Geography but is also woven into Science, Language Arts, in Music, teaching the students traditional Mexican songs and in Art, creating pieces of Mayan and Inca art.* This approach enables students to make connections and thoroughly understand content. “Core Knowledge brings the world to life in an exciting and meaningful way in the classroom by fostering a hands-on learning approach,” said Newman.

“We know time spent in Drama, Music and Art help children grow immensely and blossom in their confidence,” she said. “That carries over to academic performance. Our students have the opportunity to explore, uncover and develop their gifts.”

There is also a non-traditional high school model on campus. “This provides a place for kids who don’t fit into the big box experience, a growing national trend,” Newman noted. The high school furnishes a teacher on campus full-time who supports students’ online curriculum.

Students who have found this option attractive compete in activities that require training during the traditional school day.

BFSMS’s solution provides accountability and social opportunities.

During their time on campus, students can receive instruction, interact with others and participate in service projects. “Many homeschooling parents find it tricky to provide all the advanced classes like Physics, Biology and English during the high school years,” Newman said. “Our first high school graduate last year was admitted to Texas A&M, so that testifies to the effectiveness of our program.”

There is truly a place for everyone here from 3-year-old children entering school for the first time, all the way to seniors in high school. “We want the children to dream very big dreams, which we will help them accomplish,” Newman added. She encourages you to contact the Director of Admissions to schedule a tour and get a feel for the school, curriculum, review test scores (all several grades above level) and ask questions.

“We are very thankful for the opportunity to work here with the children and to do what we believe we are called to do,” Newman said. *(Source: Adapted from E.D. Hirsch The Core Knowledge Foundation)

BUCKNER FANNING SCHOOL AT MISSION SPRINGS

975 Mission Springs San Antonio, TX 78258 P:(210) 721-4700 Email us: info@tsams.org www.tsams.org Your Child’s Success is Our Mission.

6

SENIOR MOMENT

Enjoying her Golden Years

By Amy Morgan

T

he infectious smile and sunny attitude of new resident Kyungcha “Margie” McGuire belie the hardships of her childhood in war-torn Asia. Since moving into her spacious apartment located close to the koi pond at Independence Hill Retirement Community, Margie has charmed everyone from dining table companions to staff. Never one to sit around, she’s a regular at exercise classes and social events.

Margie grew up in Korea, the second of many children. Her family moved to Japan in the early 1940s for her father to work mining coal, while her mother cooked for the miners. One of Margie’s earliest memories as a very young child was awakening to a bomb blast. She remembers being terrified as the building shook, windows blew out, and she hid to escape glass shards flying around her. Later she realized what she had experienced was the aftermath of one of the atomic bombs dropped in 1945. Thankfully, she was far enough away that she escaped any residual effects.

The family returned to Korea not long after WW II ended, but their situation was little improved. While her older brother was able to attend school for a time, Margie needed to work to help the family make ends meet. Margie sold apples in the street market in the town of Pusan. Later, she sewed in a factory. Always resilient, she taught herself how to read and write. Life was hard, and Margie left home early. It was in Seoul where her life changed. In 1959 at age 20, she met John McGuire, who was stationed at Camp Carroll Army Base in Waegwan. They overcame many obstacles to secure official documents so they could marry and leave the country together.

Korean war bride displays mementos and family photos in a beautifully carved cabinet from her native country.

Margie and son, George, stayed with John’s family in Freeport, Texas, while John was stationed at Fort Hurd. She remembers his parents as being “sweet Christian people.” This was the first of several times Margie was welcomed in their home as John’s 20-year Army career necessitated several postings without dependents.

Margie, George, and daughter Mary did accompany John to Germany for two years, where youngest child, Marline, was born.

Margie remembers Germany as being cold, how they shared only one room in a German house and decorated their Christmas tree with popcorn.

When they returned, they stayed once again in Freeport while John went to Vietnam. Margie taught herself English and learned to drive in 1967.

During John’s postings, Margie and the children were able to visit Korea, where she reconnected with many of her family members.

Over time, three brothers and a sister joined her in the states. Like Margie, they are all hard workers. One of her brothers ran a tailor shop in Houston that was patronized by George and Barbara Bush.

Margie cooked in a restaurant in Freeport, cleaned houses and worked in the church nursery until she turned 80. She was still volunteering for Vacation Bible School and watching grandchildren until her San Antonio move.

John retired as a first sergeant in 1979, then took a job as a maintenance supervisor at the Texas Department of Corrections.

Their children grew up, married and had children of their own. The couple was married 40 years, until John’s death 18 years ago. Margie and John proudly watched George graduate from Texas A & M University, pursue a military career, and retire himself as a lieutenant colonel from the U.S. Army. It was George and his wife who encouraged Margie to join them in San Antonio.

I Can’t Wait To Be a

Senior!!

No matter the age…

The desire for a fun-filled life is always there. You’ve retired so let us do the work and you focus on

“playing!”

(210) 764-5260

20450 Huebner Rd, San Antonio, TX 78258 www.independencehill.com

“My daughter-in-law told me I should do some fun things in my golden years instead of taking care of the house and cutting the grass,” Margie said. So she packed up her favorite mementos and moved to Independence Hill. Now with free time, she goes out shopping, plays games and talks with new friends every day. And she’s still planning to help out in the church nursery in San Antonio.

77

PARK.RIDE. SMILE. With the opening of our new Stone Oak Park & Ride location, business commuters can enjoy service to the Medical Center and Express Service to Downtown.

That means more time closing deals and less time stuck behind the wheel.

Now ! n e p O Stone Oak Park & Ride Located at the corner of Stone Oak and US 281 Express Route 7 and Route 503

8

9

Better Care. Better Health. Best Doctors.

STARTING JULY 17th 20821 US Hwy. 281 N., Suite 122, TX 78258 (Stone Ridge Shopping Center)

(210) 546-1600 Aaron A. King, M.D. Board-Certified Family Medicine

Same Day Appointments

Late Hours Available

Accepting Most Insurances

NOW OPEN!

10

Going The Extra Mile To Make You Smile!

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Eagle Scout Serves Community

By Amy Morgan

F

or most students at Ronald Reagan High School, active participation in its award-winning marching band coupled with high academic achievement would leave little room for other activities. But Benson Meadows also has found time to complete an Eagle Scout project – and one that incorporates his faith and passion for helping others.

Benson has been a member of the Boy Scouts of America since elementary school. He was attracted by the promise of outdoor activities but has gained life and leadership skills. Eagle Scout is the highest honor bestowed on a scout. Its final requirement is to plan and complete a community project that benefits a local organization. Only four percent of scouts make it to Eagle, Benson said.

“I’m glad I stayed in scouts because I learned numerous skills that I will be able to use forever,” he said.

For his project, Benson chose to work with SA Heals, an outreach in an Eastside community that supports families and children. The ministry has renovated a building called “the Rec” close to the Freeman Coliseum. The Rec provides a safe place for kids and offers private schooling, discussions about Christianity, and activities.

“I’m inspired by Charlie and Jen Foltz’s mission in the community,” Benson said. “Their activities start after the other after-school programs end so kids have something to do in the evenings.”

Eagle Scout Benson Meadows’s project benefits San Antonio’s Eastside.

Benson noticed that although SA Heals had renovated the Rec building, the grounds needed work. His project was to landscape, install drainage, add a privacy fence, and build planters – in short – create a usable outdoor space that incorporated a memorial for a child who had passed away. Not only did he transform the grounds, Benson solicited material donations to keep the project within budget.

“This project was a great opportunity not just for Eagle, but for the help it now provides SA Heals,” Benson added.

Benson’s community involvement does not end with Eagle Scout. He serves on the Youth Program SALT (student leadership) team at First Presbyterian Church.

He has led middle schoolers on a local mission trip, “Urban Plunge.” Last year he traveled to South Carolina with the high school group. His favorite activity was working with kids with special needs.

At Reagan, Benson serves as a line leader in the band and plays in the Wind Ensemble. Benson was inspired to play trombone by his middle school Band Director Andy Post. A big highlight was performing in the Rose Parade in January.

“Marching in the parade was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, which I am so glad to have shared with the extraordinary Reagan Band,” he said. Benson also is involved in the Chemistry Club, NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, Health Occupation Students of America club and is in the top six percent of his class. He hopes to study neuroscience. He has a junior sister, Annie, and his brother, Blake, is a 7th grader at Lopez.

11 11

SERVICE DIRECTORY

12

Summer Sensations at The Club at Sonterra

By Amy Morgan

an Antonio summertime – temperatures are scorching, but families at The Club at Sonterra are keeping it cool and enjoying Sa sensational season.

Members and guests just celebrated our nation’s independence with an all-day party July 4th. The Club at Sonterra invited the entire Stone Oak community to join the fun. The day kicked off with a pool party, complete with games, food booths, and carnival activities. Friends started laying towels on the grass by the driving range as early as 3 p.m. to reserve their spots for the evening’s festivities. Music began at 5 p.m., and adults enjoyed a beer garden. The kids could hardly wait for the skydivers who parachuted in at 7 p.m. To add to the excitement, children individually selected and placed plates on the range before the planes flew over. Everyone could hardly wait to see onto whose plate each skydiver landed. Those chosen won a special prize. A 30-minute fantastic fireworks show began at 9 p.m. Neighbors throughout Stone Oak eagerly anticipate the annual display, which can be viewed from miles around.

And there’s still plenty of time left for summer fun in July and August.

The Cub at Sonterra’s beautifully landscaped, 25-meter outdoor swimming pool with a diving well and children’s wading pool are open with lifeguards through Labor Day weekend. Swimming lessons are still available – so sign up your tots to ensure they’re water safe. Tennis camps are ongoing through August 17, and run on a weekly basis. You can tailor dates and times to your family’s schedule and interests. All of these activities and lessons are available to the community, although guests won’t be privy to the perk of members-only pricing.

Are you running short on ideas to keep your kids occupied? Why not try the Kids Camp at the Club at Sonterra. Professional camp outfitters Kids enjoy plenty of supervised splash time at the Club at Sonterra’s summer camps.

KE Kids, an experienced company that specializes in running camps at country clubs, has been retained this summer to provide a first-class experience for children ages 5-12.

“We wanted to make sure our camps are stellar and out of this world,” said Deborah Routon, membership director at the Club at Sonterra, “so we selected a company that specializes in kid fun. KE Kids camps are active and creative, with fun theme weeks. Their whole focus is camp and kids.”

KE Kids, established in 1999, brings a small, traditional day camp experience that is fun, active and safe to a familiar country club setting. They have served more than 5,000 campers at 100 camps in 30 states. Participants learn golf and tennis skills, sing songs, splash in the pool, eat lunch and snacks and grow personally in sportsmanship, mindfulness, inclusion, leadership and enthusiasm (SMILE). “Our campers look forward to being recognized for demonstrating these awesome values,” according to KE Kids.

Where friends invite friends!

Ask a member how to join today.

Active Military Discounts

Each week includes a Wacky Wednesday with a different festive theme that is eagerly anticipated. Themes still to come this summer at the Club at Sonterra– Winter Wonderland, Barnyard Bash, Rock’n’Roll, Superhero Spirit and World of Wizards.

Wacky Wednesday is followed by Thankful Thursday. In true camp spirit, campers give back to their community by working together on a simple, fun and rewarding community service project. Upcoming projects include creating cards for kids who are hospitalized, go green awareness, Relay-a-thon for Project Morry, packing lunch bags for Meals on Wheels and participating in Cards for a Million Thanks.

~ Our Amenities ~

~ Social Activities ~

Camps continue weekly at the Club at Sonterra through August 10.

Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with options of complimentary drop off as early as 8:30 a.m., and late pick up extending to 5:30 p.m. Community members are welcome as guests.

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

Don’t let this summer pass you by. Enjoy splendid solutions for active fun for the whole family at the Club at Sonterra.

Deborah Routon | Director of Membership | drouton@ClubAtSonterra.com

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

901 Sonterra Boulevard • 78258 • 210.483.4292

www.ClubAtSonterra.com • Facebook .com/ ClubatSonterra

13

PET TIP

Boarding Your Pup

• Plan ahead! Most kennels require all furry guests to be up-to-date on their vaccinations before they are allowed to play or stay. Make that appointment with your vet now to ensure no disappointments later.

• Schedule your pup for a daycare visit at the boarding facility in advance to familiarize him with the staff and place. This will ease his transition before he stays for a longer period of time.

• Keep feeding your dog his usual food on his regular schedule to ease anxiety and avoid any stomach upset. You can help by pre-packaging his meals in advance in zip lock bags. Label the bags with dates and times of each feeding.

• Do the same for any medication. Pre-package pills, drops or ointment and clearly label with administration instructions as well as your pup’s identification.

• Although Fido may love his big dog bed at home, somehow those beds have a tendency to turn into a big chew toy when boarding. Consider taking a light blanket with no stuffing, or even one of your old t-shirts to help your pup settle with the smell of home. Some facilities offer complimentary beds and blankets too, so check ahead.

• The same can be said for you pup’s favorite toy. A better choice to send might be one to which he is not quite as attached. Messes happen, and the toy may not be returned in the same shape in which it came.

• Check Fido’s collar. You’ll want one that closes with a snap, rather than a buckle, to avoid injury if he’s going to be in a play area with other dogs while boarding.

By Courtney Crowley

ummer is here! And what says summer more than vacation?

S Whether you are traveling by air or hitting the road with the family, not every vacation destination is a good fit for Fido. If

• Recruit a family member or neighbor to serve as a local backup contact during your vacation, in case there is some sort of emergency with your pup.

your trip does not include your furry family member, and you are • Lastly, stay cool and collected when you drop your furry family member at planning to board your pup, here are some tips to make sure his the kennel. He’ll respond to your emotional cues, so the calmer you are, the vacation is as successful as yours. more he’ll be able to enjoy his staycation while you are away.

BORED? CAMP TO THE RESCUE! GETPremier MORECarePLAY IN YOUR STAY. With No Hidden Fees.

FIRST DAY FREE!* ALL DAY PLAY PET CPR & FIRST AID CERTIFIED FLEXIBLE CHECK-IN/OUT LIVE WEB CAMS

ASK ABOUT OUR

MONTHLY MEMBERSHIPS!

14

ANY SERVICE

*new customers only

20% OFF

SAN ANTONIO CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER! www.texpertsac.com Se Habla Espanol

210-599-1200 All New Central AC Systems Include:

Limited Time!

Basic Install Outdoor Slab Electrical Disconnect Electrical Whips Programmable Thermostat Sealing of duct work at the plenum Drain Pan with float switch

Tex-pErts is offering up to 60 months 0% financing on various new central AC systems W.A.C. Payment Options under $100/Month! Call for Details

Going The Extra Mile To Make You Smile!

AND www.texpertsac.com Se Habla Espanol

210-599-1200

Maintenance Plans New Customer Special Join our Tex-Perts Comfort Club

$120 per year

WATER HEATER SALE! SAVE $100 off a NEW Water Heater. All sizes and Includes basic Install!

Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. Expires 7/31/2018

or

$830 per month

Includes: •1 Cooling Inspection •1 Heating Inspection •1 Plumbing Inspection •10% OFF of Plumbing Repairs •15% OFF of AC Repairs •Priority Service Expires 7/31/2018

$25 OFF

ANY PLUMBING OR AC REPAIRS OVER $150

Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. Expires 7/31/2018

Financing Available for Equipment and Repairs Call for Details.

TACLB17590E M41057

15