March 2017 78258 for web by Russell Groomer

T H E S O L I S I N T E R N AT I O N A L G R O U P Your NorthSide Real Estate Specialists in San Antonio and surrounding areas with over MILLION

$280

SOLD

Call us today for a free Market Analysis & Buyers Consultation. Ask about our Move-Up Program!

210-477-4891

Ruben & Mary Solis

Victor Viniegra

Claudia Viniegra

Joey Solis

Geraldina Machado

Use the cash you make from selling your current home as a down payment for your DREAM HOME!

THE SOLIS INTERNATIONAL GROUP redefines Real Estate to the highest level with Great Customer Service and Expertise by assisting National and International Sellers and Buyers in Achieving their Goals.

(210) 477-4891 | sanantoniomicasa.com 2338 N Loop 1604 W Ste 120 San Antonio, Texas 78248

www.welcomehomesa.com

Call me today to get Pre-Qualified! LINDSEY KNEUPPER MORTGAGE CONSULTANT NMLS #218728 Lindsey.Kneupper@OnQFinancial.com

C 210.215.8402

On Q Financial, Inc. is an Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #5645 LK050516068i0000002GCQ0

March 2017 • Welcome Home • 78258

BECOME A MASSAGE HEIGHTS MEMBER

massageheights.com

Experience how a custom treatment at Massage Heights can build an overall feeling of well-being that gets even better each time and truly elevates your everyday.

*Introductory rate valid for first-time Guests only. Actual massage or facial time is 50 minutes hands on. Additional local taxes and fees may apply. Rates and services may vary by location. Each Massage Heights Retreat is independently owned and operated. ©2017 Massage Heights Franchising,LLC.

Overnight Shipping Anywhere In The Country! 9801 McCullough San Antonio, Texas 210-377-0951 March 2017 • Welcome Home • 78258

4002 East Causeway Blvd Corpus Christi, TX 361-730-1514 www.welcomehomesa.com

Your bridge from hospital to home. Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Heartland Health Care Center - San Antonio One Heartland Drive San Antonio, TX 78247

210.653.1219 medbridgerehab.com

4 6519.01-WHNICU5x12.25_v2.indd

2/8/13 4:52 PM www.welcomehomesa.com

March 2017 • Welcome Home • 78258

Note From The Publisher Spring In Full Swing

odeo is a wrap and Spring Break is two weeks away. 2017 is in flight with no signs of stopping! March first also lands on Ash Wednesday for those that observe Lent. Groomer’s Seafood partnered with us this month sponsoring several pages in the paper. The promotion gave restaurants a chance to advertise during Lent. Don’t forget to turn to pages 10 and 11. On our front cover this month is a long-time friend and client of ours. Shelter Pro roofing’s own Chris Reams called on us to help him get the word out about your insurance policies and your hail damage. You can read his informative article on page 9. It is only 3 months into the new year and I feel like it has been quite the whirlwind. The greatest Super Bowl in history kicked off February, then the Rodeo, Valentine’s Day and my Grandfather’s 80th birthday. With all of that behind me I am a little afraid of March! March always makes me think of green, spring and rain. The color of life and season of renewal. Our days get longer and more productive and the weather turns warmer. Big plans for Spring Break? We would love to hear about your adventures. Welcome Home is your community newspaper, so make sure to share your news. Baseball, Softball and soccer are in full swing, literally. Let us know how your

team is doing this season. And don’t forget about Prom season! With so many amazing themes this year the photos will be amazing. NEISD’s prom is held in April and NISD in May. We are looking forward to hearing all about it. Hopefully everyone is pounding the pavement on their 2017 goals and things are going well. Here at Welcome Home we are settling into the new year with confidence. Our team is growing and we have welcomed home some of our previous staff and sent off others to pursue their dreams. March is here, so let’s embrace it! Get outside and enjoy the season of renewal and reflection. Summer will be here in no time bringing with it those one hundred degree temperatures.

BOGO WEDNESDAY Buy one pizza get one of lessor or equal value free (Limit Two Free Pizzas) Exp. 3/31/17

19141 Stone Oak Pkwy #113

(SW Corner of Stone Oak & Huebner)

210.404.1818

www.T R I L O G Y P I Z Z A .com

The Jenkins Interior Design Group

20770 Hwy. 281 N. Suite 108-149 San Antonio, Texas 78258

www.welcomehomesa.com

(210) 348-8233 • Fax: (210) 497-7342 Article Submissions: articles@welcomehomesa.com Ad Inquiries Email: ads@welcomehomesa.com

Directly Mailed To Over 60,000 Households & Businesses in 78232, 78248, 78255, 78256, 78257, 78258, 78259, 78260, & 78261 Zip Codes. Plus, 20,000 in Rack Distribution.

Welcome Home newspaper assumes no liability in advertising other than correction and reinsertion of like-size ad at no additional cost to our advertiser. The opinions stated by the writers or the information printed from other sources do not necessarily depict those of the publisher or advertisers. No liability is assumed. Welcome Home newspaper will not knowingly publish any advertisement which is illegal or misleading to its readers. All copy and type arrangements are subject to approval by the publisher. All stories and photos submitted become property of Welcome Home Editorial and Advertising content of Welcome Home newspaper is protected by the U.S. copyright law. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Publisher Kristin Oliver

Distribution Israel Vazquez

Writer/Copy Editor Alissa Reinhard

Sales Representatives Patrice Long Orlando Cardenas Don Kopper

Administrative Assistant Kerry Bustamante Dianne Grosso Graphic Design/Production Marie Ferrante

Contributing Photographer Oscar McAnally Contributing Writers April Rossmeier Cari Goodyear

March 2017 • Welcome Home • 78258

Daryn Polanco Ida Nunez John Tijerina Kelley Keener Kenneth Jarvis Kim Adamski Kim Neville Kristie Chen Laura Ureste Marcela Arreola NEISD Risa Weinberger

Jessica Jenkins, Mary Jenkins-Asquith, and Jennifer Jenkins

• • • • • •

Custom Draperies Window Treatments Mirrors & Custom Art Furniture & Custom lamp Wall Coverings Oriental & Area Rugs

• • • • •

Carpet & Flooring Artwork & Framing Finishing Touches Floral & Silk Plants Christmas Decorating Commerial or Residential

www.TheJenkinsInteriorDesignGroup.com 210.490.0161

www.welcomehomesa.com

On The Cover By Alissa Reinhard hen Chris Reams opened his business in San Antonio, he had one goal in mind – to become the top roofing company in the city. Reams is passionate about his work and he understands both sides of the business – from the insurance claim process to replacing and repairing your roof, you’re in good hands with Shelter Pro. This past spring, thousands of San Antonians sustained major roof damage due to devastating hailstorms. Storm damage is not uncommon in San Antonio, but hail and wind damage to your roof is not always visible. Reams and his team of experienced technicians know what to look for and can help you get the insurance claim process started. “We’ve been helping our customers with insurance claims for more than two decades, saving them thousands of dollars in repairs and roof replacements,” said Reams. April 2017 marks one year since the San Antonio hail storms. If your roof has sustained damage or if you’re not sure what to look for, contact Shelter Pro for a free inspection with no obligation. Once the

River Valley Real Estate Co. Real Estate Service You Deserve With People You Can Trust!

• Residential,Commercial & Land Sales • Servicing All Of San Antonio • Over 25 Years Experience • Team Of Dedicated Agents • Exceptional Client/Agent Relationships

19202 Huebner Road, Suite 100 San Antonio, Texas 78258

(210)853-5327 • rivervalleyre.com 6

one-year mark has passed, your insurance company may not cover your claim, so be sure to schedule your inspection today. “If undetected, hail damage can diminish the life expectancy of your roof and may result in water leaking inside your home,” explained Reams. “Shelter Pro has helped thousands of San Antonio residents throughout the claims process, repairing millions of dollars in damages.” Don’t wait until it’s too late! Choose Shelter Pro, your local, trustworthy and experienced roofing company, ready to meet and exceed all your roofing needs. To read more about Shelter Pro, turn to page 9.

Tips For Choosing Assisted Living

By Michelle Houriet, Executive Director Independence Hill Retirement Resort Community (210) 209-8956 he time has come when mom and/ services are provided for residents and or dad needs a little assistance with how quickly maintenance responds to medications or personal hygiene. So work orders. Discuss the particular needs where do you turn? Assisted living with of your loved one and what services can customized care levels is a great option. But be tailored to meet those needs. From help how do you choose the one best suited for with medications reminders to assistance them? First and foremost, the more involved with personal hygiene, there should be a your parents are in the search, the better. Of care plan for each resident. course you can do much of the legwork for The goal of assisted living should them, but be open and discuss with your be to help the senior continue to be as parents their desires and preferences. independent, active and involved as Visit the community you are considering possible. That’s our goal at Independence more than once. Plan one scheduled tour Hill Assisted Living. We only hire people and one or more drop-in visits. Walk around passionate about making sure our residents until you feel comfortable that you have are continuing to “live” life. We venture out seen it all and have a good understanding to movies, the theatre, scenic drives, peach of what life will be like there for your picking, museums – you name it! Because parent(s). Ensure that your loved one will our residents want to continue to learn and receive the quality of care you know they stay fit, we offer crafts, great educational deserve. Check the calendar and visit during and exercise programs and more. Our an activity. Does the staff treat the residents kitchen continually scores 98 – 100% with dignity and respect? Is there a good during inspections and we take pride in variety of events, outings and activities? providing a well-rounded menu full variety Are there opportunities to get outdoors and and special surprises. The Maintenance and enjoy some sunshine? Another great way to Housekeeping Team always are rated highly see a community in action is to plan a visit in our Resident Surveys. We welcome you at mealtime. The dining experience is very to see first hand how we strive to make important to seniors. Besides nutritional this chapter of live a great one. Call our concerns, it is a prime time for socializing. Lifestyle Specialists at (210) 209-8956 to Of course, during your visits, you will set up your personal tour. no doubt observe the level of cleanliness. Independence Hill Retirement Resort If you notice an unpleasant smell, don’t Community is located at 20450 Huebner be afraid to inquire. It could be from Rd., San Antonio, TX 78258. For more something that just happened, and therefore information, call (210) 209-8956 or visit isolated to a particular event. Ask about www.independencehill.com. how often housekeeping and laundry

www.welcomehomesa.com

March 2017 • Welcome Home • 78258

Football Star And Stellar Student Shines At Lopez

Carson was recently invited to participate in the Diamond Youth All-American Bowl in Myrtle Beach.

By Alissa Reinhard n order to excel both inside the classroom and on the field, a successful student athlete must be dedicated, responsible and passionate about both academics and their sport. Lopez Middle School sixth grader Carson Greene embodies these traits and in recognition of his hard work, he was recently invited to participate in the Diamond Youth All-American Bowl in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Approximately 600 of the country’s top athletes in grades three through nine from 48 different states were represented at this event. Carson was the only sixth grader to represent Texas and his youth football team, the Jr. Barons, from the Texas Youth Football Association (TYFA). He was chosen as a team captain and played running back, linebacker, tight end, wide receiver, and safety. Carson discovered his love for football at an early age while watching his older brother,

Jordan, play. “When I was four years old, my dad and mom signed me up for my first TYFA Flag Football team, the North Carolina Gunslingers,” said Carson. “That’s where Coach Kumalo Bogan taught me my first basic football fundamentals and that hard work beats talent.” Carson’s parents quickly realized that their son had a real talent for the game. “He was very attentive to Coach Kumalo and did exactly what he said,” explained Heather, Carson’s mom. “And they started winning. Carson wanted to learn more every time he went to practice.” In addition to being a star on the field, Carson is also a straight-A student at Lopez Middle School. In elementary school, he was in the Gifted and Talented program and is now currently enrolled in all Pre-AP classes. “Carson gets up every morning at 5:30 a.m. to work out, he studies not only his

March 2017 • Welcome Home • 78258

Sixth grader Carson Greene is a standout athlete and student at Lopez Middle School.

school work, but also his football videos, plays and football history,” stated Heather. Carson’s football knowledge is remarkable for his age. He admires other collegiate student athletes including Alabama commit Najee Harris, one of the best-ranked running backs in the country. “My favorite college teams are Alabama and Oregon,” added Carson. “I aspire to play for Alabama one day and be just as good if not better than Najee Harris when I am his age.” After Carson’s stellar showing at the Diamond Youth All-American Bowl, he returned home from Myrtle Beach only to turn around the next weekend and play in the 2016 CFPO Texas State Football Championship where he played three games. Then, on January 8, Carson competed in the Next Generation All-American Combine at the Alamodome during the US Army All-

www.welcomehomesa.com

American Bowl where elite athletes from 38 different states demonstrated their individual talent on the field. During a 7-on-7 event, Carson was one of a handful of sixth and seventh graders that was recognized as one of the top players in the country. “Carson is special because he strives to be the best at every thing he does academically and athletically as well as being a good person,” described Heather. “He has an ability in the classroom and on the football field to bring people together to make them feel a part of a team. Carson is very humble; he does not always think he is the best on the field, he feels as though he is a part of a team that is the best. Carson’s leadership ability really shines on the field; when the game is tough and his team is down, he picks up their spirits and finds a way to lead them to victory on most occasions.” Carson received a special invitation to attend the Diamond All American Bowl in Virginia Beach on Memorial Day weekend where he will once again play against some of the nation’s top youth football players from across the United States. He also earned a ticket to complete in the nation’s largest football showcase in June 2017 - “The Show.” In addition to all of these accomplishments, he also earned a spot as a running back on San Antonio All Stars in the 2nd Annual Texas Youth Football All Star 2017 Showcase where he competed against the best 11U football player’s in the region in McAllen, TX in mid-February 2017. Carson Green is the definition of a student athlete and thanks his parents, coaches and teachers for their guidance and mentorship.

How Hormones Can Help You Think And Cope

By Donna Becker, D.O. Enhancement of Life (210) 545-5224 he menopausal woman who cannot remember where she put her keys, the name of a commonly used item, or song title, may be experiencing symptoms of dreaded brain-fog. The best time to start hormones to preserve cognitive function is at the beginning of menopause. Young women given estradiol after a hysterectomy performed better on memory tests as compared to hysterectomized women not given hormones. Estradiol causes both physical and chemical changes in the brains of humans and rats. (Hormones &

Behavior Vol 86, September 2014, pages 602-618). Thus, in order for estrogen to exert positive effects on neural functioning, hormonal replacement must be given close to the initiation of menopause. (Hormones & Behavior Vol 86, September 2014, pages 602-61) Although the majority of women do not develop depression after menopause, for those who do, hormone therapy significantly decreased depression scores in a doubleblind trial, meaning no one knew who got the estradiol capsule versus the blank capsule. Eighty percent of subjects receiving the real

Welcome To Spring! By Monica Allison, O.D. Stone Oak Vision Source (210) 495-9020 tone Oak Vision Source will host two Spring Frame Showcases at our NEW Stone Oak location at 810 Knights Cross on March 24 and March 31 from 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.! If you haven’t yet visited our new location, we would love to see you! Just stop in and say hello.

Representatives from Michael Kors, Emporio Armani, Tory Burch, Vogue, and Costa Del Mar will be in attendance with their entire collections. We will also offer special discounts and promotions on these frame lines. Stop by the office and enjoy some complimentary drinks and snacks

hormone capsule showed improvement or resolution of depression after three weeks, while only 22 percent of the placebo group reported an improvement. (Obstet Gynecol 183:414-420) I have observed this improvement in mood over 10 years of hormone replacement therapy in which I have treated over 3,000 patients. Estradiol, progesterone and testosterone in the right combination can help women sleep, stop hot flashes/night sweats, restore sexual desire, and rejuvenate the vagina. An enhanced quality of life and an inner feeling of peace and contentment commonly prevails. However, if you are experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts, you need to see a good psychiatrist and undergo a full physical, laboratory, and mental evaluation. Depression is treatable. Intense physical exertion also relieves depression in some people. A great read extolling exercise for mood disorders is the book “Spark” by Dr.

Ratey. Switching to a vegan diet can also help. Another great book on that subject, “How Not To Die” by Dr. Greger. Hormones are not for everyone. Many physicians believe and some studies show that hormones can trigger reproductive cancers, stroke, and heart attacks. However, there are other studies showing that hormones may be beneficial as we age. We also know that persons who do not take hormones may still suffer from reproductive cancers such as breast, ovary, and uterus, heart attacks, and strokes. Hormone replacement is a lifestyle choice, not a necessity, and the decision should be made only after careful consideration of the risks and benefits. Donna Becker, D.O., Board Certified in Emergency Medicine. Enhancement of Life is located at 14603 Huebner Rd., Suite 2601, San Antonio, TX 78231. For more information, call 210-545- 5224 or visit www.antiagingsa.com.

while viewing these exciting new releases for spring! March 24 – Michael Kors, Emporio Armani March 31 – Tory Burch, Vogue, Costa Del Mar (we now carry the ophthalmic line of Costa Del Mar as well as their sunglass line!) Our new doctors are all settled in and already getting to be old timers around here! And our new location features a larger optical space clinic area enabling us to be more efficient with our patient care. If anyone in your family needs eye care, please give our office a call and we will be happy to get an appointment scheduled. In

addition to specials on frames, we have an assortment of new contact lens trials on hand as well. For students athletes, contact lenses are a great option to give a wider field of view and less obstruction than a sport frame. All of our doctors are very comfortable working with first time contact lens wearers. If you have any vision questions or are looking for a family eye doctor, please visit Stone Oak Vision Source online at www.visionsource-stoneoak.com or call 210-495-9020. Visit us at our new location 810 Knights Cross, Ste 101, at the NE corner of Knights Cross and Stone Oak Parkway (behind the Excellence ER building).

Get Your Life Back With

All Natural Hormones Focus of Treatment: • Weight Loss • Hot Flashes • Vaginal Dryness • Insomnia • Loss of Libido • Thyroid Issues Treatment Plan Includes: • 3 Pages of Blood Work • Detailed Analysis Guide • Individualized Treatments

• Erectile Dysfunction • Weakness • Brain Fog • Vitamin Deficiencies • Bone Loss • Men & Women Anti-Aging Side effects, risks & benefits addressed & tailored to you.

w w w.antiagingsa.com San Antonio ME 2642 210.541.4050 elementsmassage.com/san-antonio

ENHANCEMENT OF LIFE CENTER

North San Antonio ME 2495 210.497.7770 elementsmassage.com/northsanantonio

Call to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Becker

(210)5 45 – 52 2 4

14603 Huebner Rd., Suite 2601(Huebner & NW Military)

www.welcomehomesa.com

March 2017 • Welcome Home • 78258

SAN ANTONIO’S ROOFING EXPERTS www.shelterprocontracting.com Last spring, hailstorms blew through the San Antonio area, causing over a billion dollars in damage. With hail reported the size of grapefruit in some areas, homeowners across the city sustained damage to their homes and automobiles, prompting a flood of insurance claims. While some damage was obvious – broken windows, skylights and damaged siding– roof damage may be less apparent unless you know what you’re looking for. The experienced technicians at Shelter Pro can quickly identify whether or not your roof has sustained damage and guide you through the process honestly and with integrity. Chris Reams, Owner and President of Shelter Pro, has worked both sides of the business –as both an independent roofer and a certified adjuster for some of the largest insurance companies in the nation. Reams’ background in both insurance claims and his ability to recognize hail and wind damage on roofs has allowed Shelter Pro to help thousands of homeowners through the claims and roof replacement process. “I opened Shelter Pro with the goal of becoming the top roofer in San Antonio, providing the best customer service and overall product in the area,” explained Chris.

“I am passionate about the business and helping people get the highest quality product for a fair price.” April 12, 2017 marks one year since the devastating hailstorms. This is an important anniversary because if you unknowingly sustained hail damage to your roof and are unaware that you need to file a claim, your insurance company might not honor a claim if damage is discovered later down the road. It’s important to schedule an inspection now, before it’s too late. Shelter Pro offers free inspections with no obligation. “Storm damage is not uncommon in San Antonio,” explained Chris. “Hail and wind can cause damage on your roof that is not always visible. We know what to look for and we have a lot of experience working with insurance adjusters. We’ve been helping our customers with insurance claims for more than two decades, saving them thousands of dollars in repairs and roof replacements.”

“A Shelter Pro roof inspection is quick, thorough and free. ” March 2017 • Welcome Home • 78258

By Alissa Reinhard

210-735-ROOF(7663) You will receive an estimate within 24 hours from an expert in storm restoration, hail damage repair, and claims adjustments. “If you are unsure whether or not you have hail damage, it’s important to contact us as soon as possible for an inspection.” When choosing a roofing company, it’s important to do your research and choose a company that you can trust. Shelter Pro offers industry-leading labor warranties on all roofing systems, the highest quality products, and the utmost respect for your property and busy life. In addition, Shelter Pro has earned an A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau and a five-star rating on Home Advisor.

“We pride ourselves on offering the best customer service in the business,” added Chris. “We won’t sell you things you don’t need.” If you have been denied by your insurance company, you can also contact Shelter Pro for an inspection. If damage is uncovered, Shelter Pro will submit photographic evidence to your insurance company and can work with you, step by step, on your claim. “Shelter Pro has helped thousands of San Antonio residents throughout the claims process, repairing millions of dollars in damages,” stated Chris. “When hiring a roofing company, it’s important to look for a local company with a stellar reputation. And remember, your roof is only as good as the company that backs the warranty. Don’t become the target of a high-pressure roofing salesman.” Shelter Pro offers a variety of high-quality roofing systems and the expert technicians can help you choose the right one for your home. Residential services include Asphalt Composition Roofing, Cedar Shake Roofing, Metal Roofing, PVC Roofing System, Torch-Down Roofing System, and more. If you suspect roof damage from last year’s storms or if you have any questions about your roofing needs, contact Shelter Pro today. And don’t forget the April 12, 2017 deadline to file your claim. Don’t take the risk of losing thousands of dollars that you may be entitled to from your insurance company.

www.welcomehomesa.com

Groomer’s Seafood – Your Hometown Seafood Experts

Photo credit: Oscar McAnally

Groomer family L to R: Richard Groomer, Blake Groomer, Patriarch Gilbert Groomer, Michael Groomer. Back Row: Russell Groomer. Not pictured: Family Matriarch (and the glue that binds), Susie Groomer.

By Alissa Reinhard here are many challenges to operating a successful business. Add the element of “family-owned” to that business, and you’ve elevated these challenges to a whole new level. But what you’ve also done is added passion, purpose, humility, and a myriad of other traits that are often missing in a larger, corporate run businesses. Groomer’s Seafood has been family owned and operated since the 1800s and is widely known for procuring and producing the highest quality seafood in the nation. Today, Groomer’s has grown to be one of the largest fresh seafood suppliers in the country, but they have never lost sight of where they came from or the passion for what they do. The Groomers have saltwater in their veins. First comes family, and then comes fish…and crawfish, lobster, shrimp, crab claws…the list goes on and on! “Anyone who has a family business can tell you that it’s a daily sacrifice,” said Michael Groomer, CFO of Groomer’s Seafood. “Every family member needs to work hard, be humble, forgiving, flexible, and always willing to listen to the opinions of the others, yet always work for the greater good of the company. When the family is successful, the company is successful. This is why we work to be the best seafood company we can…because it’s a reflection upon ourselves and our family.” The history of Groomer’s Seafood dates all the way back to the late 1800s in Port Isabel, Texas where Great Grandfather Bernando Perez fished the Lower Laguna Madre Bays of the Gulf of Mexico. Through selling his catch to the local population, the inception of the family business had begun. Bernardo was the father of eight children, one of which was Hortensia Perez. Hortensia married George Groomer, father of Gilbert Groomer, the patriarch of Groomer’s Seafood today. Gilbert’s Uncle Rodolfo, Hortensia’s brother, taught him how to fish the flats of the Lower Laguna Madre, just as his father had taught him. Gilbert became a skilled fisherman, married Susie, and had four sons – Rick, Mike, Russell and Troy. He moved Groomer’s Seafood from South Texas to San Antonio in 1982 so that the business could be more centrally located and supply seafood across the state of Texas. “Another uniqueness you experience at Groomer’s Seafood is hands on ownership and experience of the family,” explained Michael. “The family Patriarch, Gilbert Groomer, has been in the industry since he was a teenager. His experience in the industry is unmatched.” Chefs and caterers looking for premium seafood were Groomer’s original targeted clients, but locals began to seek out their services as well. “Prior to 2009, we were a relatively small seafood operation,” explained Michael. “But we have worked hard and always strive to be different. We are not your small retail store, but we are also not your large corporate seafood company that will not let the public see what goes on behind closed doors. We want everyone to see our daily operations – packaging, processing, and shipping. Our customers always

get the best quality seafood, just like the most expensive restaurant in the area.” Whether a customer is ordering just one pound of fish for dinner on Friday night, or 100 pounds for an area restaurant, they are treated like family. With wholesale already booming, today, retail sales account for one quarter of all of Groomer’s sales. During a special LobsterMania event in the summer, Groomer’s sold 15,000 lobsters in six hours. During crawfish season, they sold over 10,000 pounds of crawfish…in one day. And over the last seven years, Groomer’s has averaged a 20% growth rate each year. “No one is going to stay in business long without a commitment to providing the best customer service possible,” explained Michael. “Groomer’s Seafood would not be where we are today without having a reputation for providing our customers with the freshest seafood products available. Visit our retail store and you will see the difference right away. Your shopping experience will combine the freshest seafood anywhere with the down home feel of a neighborhood market. And a member of the family is always around to greet you.” Groomer’s reputation and relationship with their customers, both locally and worldwide, as well as their experience on the operational side of the business has served them tremendously and allowed them to expand their business. “Seafood is a world commodity which means that Groomer’s competes with other nations for our product,” explained Michael. “And product can be affected by natural disasters like volcanoes, earthquakes, droughts, and floods and also world events and politics. Because of this, relationships play a big part in the ability to get top quality seafood on a regular basis. We not only sell the seafood, but at some point in our lives, we were also the fishermen that caught the seafood. We know about shrimping, bay fishing and the production side of the business.” In September 2014, Groomer’s opened a location in Corpus Christi, a vital move for the company. This allowed them to be stationed directly on the coast and deal one-onone with the fishermen and maximized the potential to bring the freshest products to customers at the best prices. Next up is a location in Austin, estimated to open in September 2017. “Austin is the natural extension of our growth,” stated Michael. “It will allow us to distribute to Central and South Texas with same-day capabilities. When dealing with a perishable product, distribution is vital. We already deliver to Austin, but the time has come to bring the city it’s very own Groomer’s Seafood market.” With exciting new opportunities on the horizon, the legacy of Groomer’s Seafood is just beginning, but San Antonio will always be home. “We’ve been a part of this community for almost 40 years,” stated Michael. “And the people here have supported us through all those years, more than welcoming our family. San Antonio is a big city with a small town feel. Groomer’s Seafood has so many loyal customers, many of whom are

www.welcomehomesa.com

Richard Groomer, CEO of Groomers Seafood, talks to a customer while he is deciding what to purchase.

now our friends.” Groomer’s Seafood is your hometown seafood expert. From fresh fish fillets including Amberjack, Chilean Sea Bass, and New Zealand Salmon to Gulf Coast Brown Shrimp, Jumbo Scallops, and Texas Gulf Oysters – there’s Gilbert Groomer, Patriarch of something for every seafood Groomer’s Seafood, is a customer favorite. Many customers come by just lover. You can always count to hear about his many adventures in on healthy, fresh options in the seafood business. a place where you’re made to feel like family – part of the Groomer family, the first family of seafood! For more information about Groomer’s Seafood, visit www.groomerseafood.com where you can find in store specials updated weekly, recipes, shipping information, and more. Like Groomer’s on Facebook and follow them on Instagram for daily updates. Call 210-377-0951or visit their 3,000 sq ft retail space located at 9801 McCullough Avenue.

9801 McCullough San Antonio, Texas 78216 210.377.0951 4002 East Causeway Blvd. Corpus Christi, Texas 78402 361.730.1514 Austin Coming Soon 801 Ruby Dr. Austin, Texas 78757 March 2017 • Welcome Home • 78258

Eat More Seafood! Healthy, Fresh, Sustainable Options Available At Groomer’s

By Alissa Reinhard ost of us strive to stick to a healthy diet filled with plenty of fruits and vegetables, healthy grains and proteins, and limited amounts of fats, oils and sweets. But what about seafood? There are many reasons why it’s important to incorporate seafood into your diet. Seafood is considered a lean protein with a variety of nutrients beneficial to brain and heart health. The USDA/HHS Dietary Guidelines actually recommend that Americans eat at least two servings of seafood each week, but unfortunately, only approximately 1 in every 10 people follow this guideline. So are you ready to incorporate more seafood into your diet? With a host of feasts and celebrations right around the corner, now is the perfect time to find out how! Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, marks the beginning of the busy season for seafood markets like Groomer’s Seafood, one of the nation’s largest seafood suppliers, located right here in San Antonio. Groomer’s is committed to providing fresh, premium seafood items for local families, restaurants, caterers and more not only during the Lenten season, but year round. For many celebrating Lent, it’s a time of reflection, sacrifice and prayer. Catholics are also encouraged to abstain from eating meat on holy days and Fridays throughout Lent, thus making seafood a healthy and viable option. If you’re looking for delicious, healthy meals to prepare for your family this Lenten season, look no further than Groomer’s Seafood. As a family business established in the 1800s, Groomer’s views the sea and it’s bounty

as more than just a resource. The privilege to harvest, process and supply thousands of pounds of this precious commodity is something the Groomers don’t take lightly. The family business is a legacy that they hope to continue passing down for generations. Groomer’s and their Texas Gulf commercial fishermen are deeply committed to the principles of sustainability – meeting today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to in turn, meet their needs. The long-term health of the fishing environment and the livelihood of those who depend on that environment are never forgotten nor taken for granted. During the Lenten Season, several sustainable species of fish are available at Groomer’s including Texas Gulf Black Drum – a flaky, but firm, whitefish perfect for blackening, baking, grilling, or battering and frying. There’s nothing quite as good as beer battered Texas Gulf Black Drum with a side of tartar or aioli sauce and some fresh lemon. Another sustainable option is the Texas Gulf Red Snapper. Red Snapper is the prize of the Texas Gulf with a wonderful, mild flavor, a nice, flaky flesh and high quality meat. And finally, the Texas Gulf Grouper, a delicious option with a mild flavor not considered very “fishy,” and a fantastic texture. All three of these fish selections are considered a “good alternative,” meaning that they are available in abundance and responsibly harvested without harming the environment. When choosing any seafood selection, it’s always good to consider sustainability and to feel comfortable with your choice. At Groomer’s, you will always know where and how your fish was caught and how sustainability played

an important role. The highly trained seafood experts and fishmongers at Groomer’s are more than happy to answer your questions. So as you prepare for the Lenten season, consider Groomer’s for your seafood needs. Make your Fat Tuesday celebration a little more special this year by incorporating a seafood dish or two into your feast. And each Friday during Lent, when you’re forgoing meat, try a sustainable fish option fresh from Groomer’s. There’s no better time than now to discover what fresh seafood options are available to you locally during Lent and year round!

Rendering of Groomers Seafood Austin. Projected opening end of 2017.

March 2017 • Welcome Home • 78258

www.welcomehomesa.com

Join us every Friday during Lent

Open Daily for Lunch & Dinner • Brunch Served Saturday & Sunday Happy Hour • Private Dining for Special Occasions Fresh Mexican Food • Refreshing Margaritas

Stone Oak Pkwy @ Hardy Oak

IH10 West @ Dominion Dr.

(210)494-0561

(210)698-9700

(Behind Subway)

(Next to Silo)

www.aldacosrestaurants.com

LENT SPECIALS $20 ONLY

• Chicken Saltimbocca w/ linguini • Beef Tenderloin tails, Garlic mashers, Peppercorn sauce • Scottish Salmon, Crayﬁsh risotto, Champagne sauce Sunday thru Thursday until 3/30/2017 Not valid with any other marketing offer.

RESERVATION REQUIRED PLEASE BRING THIS AD WITH YOU

Signature Cocktails Live Music Thursday Friday & Saturday Happy Hour 4-7pm 24116 IH-10 West (Boerne Stage Road) • (210)698-8797 www.leonspringsgrill.com 12

• Lunch Special 7 Days from 11:00am to 4:00pm. • Reverse Happy Hour Friday to Saturday from 9:00pm to 11:00pm Bar & Patio Only. • We Specialize in Private Dining, Events, Catering and Delivery.

www.welcomehomesa.com

4035 North Loop 1604 (210) 493-8884

scuzzisitaliangrill.com

March 2017 • Welcome Home • 78258

Crawfish Season Is In Full Swing

By Blake Groomer Groomer’s Seafood (210) 377-0951 reak out the corn on the cob and your potatoes, crawfish season is in full swing! Don’t be the only house on the block not taking advantage of this year’s crop of world famous Louisiana mudbugs! Right now we’re about to enter the “peak” of the season. Late February, March, April, and May have the ideal temperatures and rain amounts for our guys to harvest the best crawfish there is to find, and Groomer’s Seafood trucks them straight to our store for you to pick up for your weekend boil. Before you get too excited and start sending pre-orders for this weekend in, let’s go over a few pointers and the proper way to eat this Cajun delicacy. HOW TO EAT: 1. Invite the family and friends! Crawfish isn’t meant to be a solo meal! Don’t be shellfish and invite the the crew! 2. Pre-order your crawﬁsh. You will eat A LOT of crawfish. Trust me. I can plow through 5 pounds like nothing, but your typical eater will eat about 2-3 pounds. Our sacks average at about 34 pounds so they will feed around 12 or so people. 3. After the crawﬁsh have been boiled and you’re staring face to face with your bright red mudbug, slow down and grab a bib. Things are going to get messy. Once you’re properly protected, pinch the head of

Join Us For Your Fridays During Lent & Enjoy . . .

the crawfish between two fingers with one hand and hold the tail with your other hand. Then twist the head. 4. This is where casual crawﬁsh eaters are separated from serious Cajuns, if you’re serious suck the juices from the head of the crawﬁsh. There’s a ton of flavor in there, if you think you’d rather pass, no worries, skip this step or harvest all the heads for your true Cajun buddies at the meal. 5. Peel the shell off the tail. This is where most of the meat is. Pinch the shell that covers the tail to crack it and then remove. The more you do this the faster this process will get. So don’t worry if the first few take a little while. 6. Don’t eat that tail just yet! Clean it off first. Hold the tail with one hand and peel back the outer layer of skin from the top of the crawfish meat with your other hand. This will remove the undesirable bits in one swift motion. 7. Repeat steps 3 through 6 until royally stuffed. Peel whatever you don’t eat and save to make gumbo, etouffee, or even crawfish fettuccine! Alright that’s it! Now you’re a true mudbug eatin’ expert so get on making that pre-order. Either give us a call at 210-377-0951 or visit our website www. groomerseafood.com to find out how to place your order today! We look forward to seeing you soon!

Rolled RolledSalmon Salmonwith with Spinach, Spinach,Mangos Mangos&&Feta Feta

Red RedSnapper SnapperIn Inaa Butter ButterCaper CaperSauce Sauce

Fresh FreshCeviche Ceviche &&Shrimp ShrimpTacos Tacos

210.494.5084

13421 San Pedro (Corner San Pedro & Bitters) w w w. E l J a r r o . c o m

TWO LOCATIONS

LIVE MUSIC

www.twosteprestaurant.com www.tiusteppis.com 9840 West Loop 1604 N • 210-688-2686 9910 West Loop 1604 N • 210-688-9885 17230 Bulverde Road • 210-592-8645

March 2017 • Welcome Home • 78258

Bulverde Rd.

HWY 281

I-10

Braun Rd.

Loop 1604

OPEN EVERYDAY Sunday thru Thursday: 11-10:00 Friday & Saturday: 11-11:00

www.welcomehomesa.com

Clothing And Compassion By Alissa Reinhard athy Hamilton, a volunteer with Child Advocates of San Antonio (CASA), has spent five years advocating for children in foster care. Her selflessness and dedication to these children who need a loving support system and friend is unmatched by most. However, her compassion does not end there. Through her work, Cathy observed that most children and teens entering the system entered with only the clothing on their backs. They didn’t have access to quality clothing and other essentials. This was especially true for teenage girls. Cathy began researching programs that provided clothing and other products to deserving teens in other states and cities. At the same time, her current case with CASA was a teen girl. “I saw first hand how she wasn’t getting the things she really needed,” explained Cathy. “So I started networking and joining various groups to talk about an idea for a space where teen girls in foster care could shop, year-round, for free.” It took Cathy about a year, beginning in November 2015, of networking and joining various groups to discuss her idea, garner up support, and most of all, find a free space where she could set up shop. “I started fundraising online, accepting donations and my house began to fill up with clothing and more,” she explained. Cathy held two pop-up shops so that others could see her concept come to life. Then, in December 2016, Boys Town Texas

offered Cathy a donated space in their facility and her vision began to take shape. Sherwin Williams donated paint, and to her surprise, also came and painted for free. She received donated fixtures, artwork, curtains and more so that the empty space began to feel more like a boutique. “It has been surprising and exciting,” stated Cathy. “Through the power of social media and our community members and the retailers who have supported our boutique with donations, we have seen over 500 teens in just one year.” San Antonio Threads was born! Other charitable organizations and non-profits hold clothing drives and offer a shopping experience to children and young adults a few times a year, but San Antonio Threads is the only boutique that is open MondayFriday, by appointment, year round. The boutique is organized just like any other store, with clothing hung neatly and displayed on racks, changing rooms, and even a beauty bar stocked with toiletries and other essentials. Many of the items are brand new. The girls can even shop for jewelry, accessories, shoes, and seasonal items. “Our teens are surprised and excited when they come to shop,” said Cathy. “It’s about raising self-esteem, empowering and giving our teens support and hope when they need it most.” San Antonio Threads is now also accepting donations for teen boys including clothing, boxers, socks, etc. The target age group is 12-21 including teens in foster care, aged out of care, homeless teens and others

A teen shops the beauty bar at San Antonio Threads, a San Antonio Threads provides teens in foster care a boutique for teen girls in foster care. unique shopping experience while helping to boost selfesteem and self-confidence.

in need. “I hope that in the future we can continue to grow and also create a volunteer program where our teens can volunteer and earn service hours, job experience and life skills,” added Cathy. San Antonio Threads is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization ran by all volunteers, many of which have been or are also CASA volunteers. If you would like to get involved or donate, please visit www. sanantoniothreads.com. “After teens come to shop, we ask that

they leave a note about their experience and provide suggestions,” said Cathy. “Many times, the notes are funny and thankful. They read, ‘Thank you for caring about teens in foster care,’ or ‘Thank you for being so nice.’ Some read, ‘This experience changed my life, thank you for doing this for all of us,’ and ‘This must be what it’s like to have a Christmas.’ It’s very humbling and moving to operate this boutique for our teens.”

QUENEDIT BALLET SCHOOL Catalina Garza & Ernesto Quenedit Artistic Directors

UTILITY & GOLF CARS Sales • Rentals • Service • Parts

SUMMER INTENSIVE PROGRAM Audition March 4, 2017

• Tires • Batteries • Accessories

We Are Yamaha Golf Car Dealers www.YamahaGolfCars.com

210.263.7210 • 210.338.5446

6469 Talley Rd (outside 1604, close to 151) www. SanAntonioGolfCars .net 14

Chaithanya Mallikarjun, MD

Desh Sharma, MD

Suzanne McGregor, FNP/GNP – BC

Stone Oak Gastroenterology Quality care with excellent physicians in the state-of-the-art facility for your Gastrointestinal, Liver & Pancreatic Disorders.

• Colon Cancer Screening • Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Inﬂammatory Bowel Disease • Acid Reﬂux

• Abdominal Pain • Liver Disease

19284 Stone Oak Pkwy, #102 • 20540 Hwy 46, #103 (Spring Branch) Scheduling: 210.268.0159 • www.stoneoakgi.com • 210.268.0124

HUGE inventory on parts, ALL the brands! • Controllers

Seema A. Dar, MD, FACG

LEVELS 1–6

June 19 – July 28

Optional 3-week Available Performance Opportunity July 28

Summer Program Information & Preregistration: queneditdance.org

210.535.4165

www.welcomehomesa.com

March 2017 • Welcome Home • 78258

How Can I Get My Child To Focus? By Leslie Jernigan, M.A. Learning Foundations Diagnostic and Learning Center 210-495-2626 he school year is nearing its home super-focused for hours on his iPad, but stretch and while most parents are can’t sit still for more than two minutes in starting to plan their summer, you’re math class. One reason for this disparity is still burdened with phone calls and emails that a video game can provide a stream of from the teacher. “If he would only focus constant and constantly changing stimuli better.” “She does not want to follow that many real life situations cannot. Leading Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity instructions.” “He just won’t pay attention.” Disorder (ADHD) expert Russell Barkley Sound familiar? A child’s ability to focus can be has suggested that ADHD might better be influenced by any number of things: the time termed Attention Dis-regulation Disorder of day, type of activity and level of interest, because these students have difficulty fatigue, stress, even what the child has eaten regulating their attention and can seem to for breakfast. Johnny may be active and veer between inattention and hyper-focus. So is it your child’s fault that she engaged during his morning science class, but tune out during his social studies class can’t seem to pay attention? Is it YOUR that’s right before lunch. A child may be fault? The answer is neither. A child with

attention challenges often is unaware that she has shifted her attention. These shifts of attention are not intentional. Kids with true ADHD are often bright and highly creative. I frequently hear from parents that their son or daughter is smart and seems to understand the material, but just can’t manage to get the schoolwork done. Although having the ability to process multiple trains of thought does lead to creative thinking, it also makes it difficult to focus and follow through with one idea. When attention is focused inward, the tracking of time may be lost on children with ADHD. They may appear slow, irresponsible or inconsiderate of your time, but it is likely that they are simply unable to

judge time accurately. So how do you teach your child to control his attention? Help her begin to recognize what it feels like to be and not be focused. Guide her in becoming aware of what she is doing when she is not focused on the task at hand. What is her body doing? How is she sitting? What does her breathing feel like? Identify what triggered the loss of attention. A tapping pencil? The ringing of a phone? Children playing outside the classroom? Help her develop a strategy for regaining focus. For example, “When I feel tired and get distracted, I will get up and stretch my legs and drink water.” Leslie Jernigan has a Masters Degree in School Psychology and is Director of Assessment at Learning Foundations Cognitive Training Center. If you have a child that is struggling in school, contact (210) 495-2626 or visit www. learningfoundations.com/adhd for more information on how to get help for your child.

College Tutors Educator Of The Month

t is our pleasure here at College Nannies + Sitters + Tutors to announce the College Tutors Educator of the Month for March. The purpose of this award is to highlight and recognize a local high school educator that acts as a role model to our students. The award recipient, determined by input from the school administration, recognizes educators in our area high schools that personify the three core values

of College Tutors: “Can Do, Results Matter and Leave It Better.” This March, we are pleased to honor Martha Rodriguez of Ronald Reagan High School. Martha is new to Reagan. She is an energetic presence committed to giving her all to her students in the classroom and beyond. Martha teaches with the heart of a servant. Her students at Reagan look up to her as a true role model.

The owners of College Nannies + Sitters + Tutors of San Antonio established this recognition with the support of Welcome Home Community Newspaper in order to recognize and honor the educators in our schools for their efforts with our local students. We firmly believe that the quality of education in our community is primarily a direct reflection of their daily efforts as role models for our students.

For more information on this award, or to submit a nomination, please contact College Nannies + Sitters + Tutors at 210-2020303 or stoneoaktx@ collegenannies.com. Martha Rodriguez.

Everyone’s ENT & Sinus Center

Christine Gilliam, MD

David Ward, AuD

At Everyones ENT & Sinus Center you will undergo a comprehensive exam & evaluation. We will evaluate you for all contributing factors to ensure a total head & neck health plan. • 15+ yrs & 1000’s of otolaryngology/head & neck surgeries performed • In oﬃce endoscopy of the nose, sinuses, throat & voice box • Comprehensive allergy testing • Newest techniques from balloon sinuplasty, sublingual drops, in oﬃce septoplasty, pillar procedure & much more

Bianca K. Ramos, PA-C

• Balloon Sinuplasty • Sinus Surgery • Sublingual Immunotherapy • Allergy Testing • Audiology/Hearing • Hearing Aids • Rhinoplasty • Snoring & Sleep Apnea • The Pillar Procedure • Pediatric ENT

• Full service ear & hearing center in oﬃce

502 Madison Oak Dr. Ste. 140

210.647.3838

www.EveryonesENT.com March 2017 • Welcome Home • 78258

www.welcomehomesa.com

Making Your Deck Last By Barry Hagendorf Deck & Patio Care (210) 822-9147 Q: Why should a wooden deck be sealed? A: Different woods have different chemistry. Treated Yellow Pine is a water base wood. When it becomes wet, it expands and when it dries, it shrinks. A 10 lb. board shrinks to 7 lbs. This constant movement

with weather will cause treated yellow pine to warp, split, and crack. To stop expansion and contraction it has to be sealed with an oil base penetrating sealer designed to look for dry cell structure allowing the sealer to move through the wood. Q: Why seal limestone, ﬂagstone, and rocks? A: These surfaces are porous and allow deep penetration for water, as

It’s Grilling Season! By Cotton Clark Jeff’s Backyard (210) 342-4760 kay, it’s always grilling season in South Texas, but March is typically when you begin to take inventory of your backyard equipment and wonder, “What if…?” Well, if that “what if?” leads to the purchase of a new cooker, please consider the Genesis II® grill that Weber® introduced right before Christmas. Sure, you can choose from other grill makes and models, but why not go with the latest evolution from the market leader? And, why not choose a company with one

of the best warranties around? Weber started some 65 years ago and still has the biggest market share of backyard grills in America (34 percent), yet they do not rest on their laurels as number one. Weber® continues to be an innovator and provider of quality cookers for the backyard, and dollar-fordollar it’s one of the best investments you can make for your grilling season. I should know. I still cook on my Weber Genesis Gold C® gas grill that my sons gave me for Father’s Day some 14 years ago. What really makes me an avid fan, though, is

Q: Why seal a wooden fence? A: Wooden fence deteriorates quickly for a number of reasons. 1. The bottom of the board acts like a straw, sucking the water into the board. 2. The boards are thin allowing moisture penetration from all six sides. 3. The wood has tannic acid and when the acid comes to the surface and the sun shines on the board turning the tannic acid gray or black. Sealing a fence can eventually double it’s life. As a Welcome Home reader, please take advantage of the $59 discount located in this paper.

Weber’s warranty. You see, I tortured my grill when I first got it with way too much heat and not enough cleaning. Result? I permanently and severely warped my cook-box due to overheating (and grease fires), and it resulted in my grill grates cratering into the cook-box itself. I called Weber’s customer service, and once they determined that it was still under warranty they sent me a new cook-box, no charge and no questions asked. Recap: I abused my Weber grill for 10 years, I didn’t take care of it, I caused the grease fires, yet Weber still honored its warranty. Put another way: my two sons gave me the grill when they were in elementary school, yet by the time they were in college Weber still honored that original purchase. Can you say the same about your grill? So, when you’re looking for a new gas grill, consider the Genesis II® grill from Weber. It comes in 2, 3, 4, and 6 burner

configurations. It’s iGrill 3 ready and has tons of other features. One more thing – Jeff’s Backyard is a member of the elite Weber® Alliance Dealer Network, which means we have access to the complete line of Weber grills, parts, and accessories. What this really means is that on some models we provide over $150 in upgrades over the basic Weber line you will find in big box stores, all for a very modest up-charge. (One of these upgrades is a considerably longer warranty.) Look at our ad below which has a coupon for a FREE delivery if you purchase your new Weber® Genesis II® gas grill in March, a $75 value! From our yard to yours, Jeff’s Backyard! For more information, call 210-3424760, or email jeffsbackyard@att.net. Better yet, come visit at 435 West Nakoma, San Antonio, TX 78216.

Deck & Patio Care

From Our Yard To Yours,

Jeff’s Backyard!

water temperature moves the direction toward freezing that water expands. When temperatures of rock moves in the direction toward freezing, the rock contracts. So as temperatures change through out the day, the water and rock move in opposite directions, this causes cracking and flaking. Q: Why should pebblestone be sealed? A: We seal pebblestone for two reasons. 1. To protect the surface, keeping the rock from popping out. 2. For an enhanced look. The construction of pebblestone leaves a concrete film on the rocks. Acid washing the rock will remove this concrete film. Sealing the stone with acrylic will give a permanent wet look.

Family Owned & Operated Since 1995

Cleaning & Sealing Decks for 28 years in San Antonio

Introducing Weber® Genesis II®!

• 4-burner model shown, SE-410 • 2, 3 & 6 burner models available • Includes 10-yr warranty on most parts of the grill

59 OFF $

Before

ANY SERVICE

After

Our proprietary Oil-Based Penetrating Sealers are designed to STOP Rotting, Warping & Splitting!

• We’ll show you how to get 30 to 40 years life out of your deck! • We clean & seal FLAGSTONE to stop chipping and flaking • We clean & seal PEBBLESTONE to golden wet look • We CUSTOM BUILD: DECKS • ARBORS • PATIO COVERS • OUTSIDE KITCHENS • FIRE PLACES

by Barry Hagendorf

For Weber® gas grills purchased in March, bring this ad to get FREE delivery within our local area. Expires 3/31/17.

210.342.4760

435 W Nakoma, #104 • (Near West Ave) www. JeffsBackyardStore .com 16

SEALING WOOD, FLAGSTONE Call (210) 822-9147 deckandpatiocare.com & PEBBLESTONE

www.welcomehomesa.com

March 2017 • Welcome Home • 78258

Reagan Aquatics Defends Champion Title

Reagan swimmers preparing for a meet with their team cheer.

Reagan Aquatics won first place in both girls and boys divisions at the Regional Championships.

Submitted By Kristie Chen uring the first weekend of February, the weather was hazy at the Josh Davis Natatorium. Regional flags waved in the wind, school buses packed the parking lot, and the line to get into the pool was long and slow moving. But inside, the air was filled with exhilaration and nervous energy. The 2017 Region VII-6A Swimming and Diving Championships were about to take place. Aquatics teams from over 20 schools across many districts were there to compete for the title of Regional Champion. Reagan Aquatics team, with 64 swimmers, is one of the largest aquatics teams in NEISD led by three captains, Nick Jozwiak, Samantha Antonacci and Rachel Rodriguez. Leading up to the intense competition of Regionals, Reagan swimmers and divers trained for months on end practicing four to six days a week. Under

the guidance of Coach Mike Sansavera, the athletes worked to perfect their technique, build muscle, and increase their stamina, all in preparation for the championship meets. Many of the swimmers swam over 10,000 yards a day, for three to four hours at a time. Leading up to championships, the swimmers participated in many duel competitions, emerging victorious. They learned to work with one another and how to fully devote their time and energy to the sport. Coach Sansavera always encouraged his athletes to swim faster and work harder. Finally, at the end of January, championship season had arrived. The team’s first championship meet was Districts. At this competition, the top six competitors for each event advanced to Regionals. After a long season of rigid training, every swimmer was excited and ready to compete. During prelims on

Step Into Decorating

By Mary Jenkins- Asquith The Jenkins Interior Design Group, Inc. (210) 490-0161 he cold is finally gone and we can Just like glitter has entered our adult begin to bring life back into our plants manicures and pedicures, it has also entered and decorate our homes. our fabrics, upholstery as well as drapes. The markets this year are filled with Mirrors, mirrors and more mirrors remain bling and glitter. popular with furnishings and accessories.

Better Than Real

By Mike & Molly Sowry Virtuoso Builders (210) 525-8750

ardwood flooring has been popular among homeowners for hundreds of years because of its beautiful, classic look as well as its durability. However, many homeowners are beginning to use porcelain wood tile as a superior alternative. Advanced printing techniques give the tile planks the appearance of wood that has been weathered, aged, and even burnt. Consumers are recognizing the benefits, coupled with the most innovative 3D printing technology,

as superior to the “real” thing. While the possibilities are almost limitless, our suppliers have told us that wood tile has become one of the most frequently requested flooring materials amongst homeowners. We are now installing wood tile in almost every one of our remodels. Here’s why: 1. Design Flexibility – Porcelain wood tile is incredibly versatile in terms of aesthetics.

March 2017 • Welcome Home • 78258

January 27, the teams’ goal was to advance as many athletes to finals as possible. Coach Sansavera was there to motivate and coach the swimmers, making sure everyone was warming up properly and getting to their races on time. District finals began with a parade of athletes recognizing all seniors on the different teams. The crowd cheered with encouragement. Soon after the parade, the races began. At Districts finals, the competition was very close. In some races, first and second place was determined by only hundredths of a second. The divers also competed during the meet contributing to the team’s point total. In the end, Reagan girls walked away with first place and Reagan boys came in second to Churchill. Collectively, the team placed first and broke three district records. The following weekend, February 2-4, the team traveled to Regional Championships. At Regionals, the top 16 teams would advance to finals, but only the top two would make it to State. Everyone suited up in their fastskins for an intense and energetic competition. The stands were crammed with supportive parents from the different schools, buzzing with anticipation

Coach Mike Sansavera with senior captain Samantha Antonacci after girls win Districts.

Rugs are coming in with a lot of color and a lot of texture. We have been very busy with organizing Magical Makeovers and remodeling. Clients are updating their homes with new accessories as well as new colors. Orange and lime green are hot, as are hot pinks and hot blues. Clearing your space and making changes is something that might not be fun. However, we open the good chi into our lives by doing this. What are you trying to achieve in your decorating? What new mood? Who are you entertaining? Are you ready for change?

Please call us and we can come over and assist in developing your new design and decorating plan. Your Home is Your Castle! For more information, contact Mary Lozano-Jenkins, Registered Interior Designer at mjkg1@aol.com or 210490-0161 or Jessica C. Jenkins, Interior Decorator at jessicacjenkins@gmail.com or 210-464-1519 or Jennifer Jenkins, Interior Decorator at jennjenkins720@ aol.com or 210-325-3772. Visit Jenkins Interior Design Group online at www. thejenkinsinteriordesigngroup.com.

The tiles can be made to look like any style wood you want, from dark hardwood to a vintage, complete with knots and gnarls. You’ll have to look more than twice to know whether or not it’s the real thing. 2. Long-Term Costs – Porcelain wood tile is highly durable resulting in limited maintenance required, which means little money needed for upkeep or repair. 3. Cost of Ownership – Hardwood floors can be quite pricey depending on the variety of wood you choose. Porcelain wood tile can be a more affordable option. 4. Durability – Porcelain is a type of ceramic tile that is much tougher and scratch resistant than hardwood, not to mention it’s more durable and resistant to stains. Hardwood floors need to be sealed on a regular basis in order to be stain resistant. In addition, using wood tile gives the

appearance of a hardwood floor without the worry of warping, rotting, or any other aggravations associated with real wood. It’s not just the floor that’s getting the hardwood treatment. Wood tiles are common on walls too, mostly in the bathroom. As an added perk, wood tiles can better withstand the heavy traffic and high moisture, where real wood wouldn’t last as long. And while real wood wouldn’t survive as bathroom flooring or a kitchen backsplash, tile can. Virtuoso Builders is an award winning remodeling firm raising the professional standards in the San Antonio home remodeling industry. For more tips on home improvement, subscribe to our newsletter at www.virtuosobuilders.com

www.welcomehomesa.com

and excitement, in the hopes that their athletes would advance to State. The roaring cheers were deafening at times, especially during the tight events. Reagan girls and boys fought harder than ever to defend their title as last year’s Regional Champions. Although the team had lost a lot of seniors the previous year, they trained hard and were able to hold their own. Reagan left the meet with both boys and girls winning first, three new Regional records, and eight individual and four relay Region champions. Along with all of these notable victories, Hannah Feng, a junior, and Zach Yeadon, a senior, were named girl and boy swimmers of the year, respectively, for the Region. Reagan swimmers are advancing to State with optimism and anticipate even more good news to share. Throughout their entire season, the team was immensely supported by the school, their principal, their parents, and an incredible coach. The athletes could not be more thankful for the assistance of all of these individuals and the wisdom of Coach Sansavera.

Equal Opportunity In The Real Estate Industry

By Bill Barkley, Owner/Broker River Valley Real Estate (210) 853-5327 e’ve all heard the saying, “Bigger Internet. is Better,” and sometimes, it With the introduction of the World Wide holds true. For the longest time, Web, the playing field was leveled. Even when marketing was dominated by print the one agent office working from home advertising, bigger was better in the real could now market their listings 24 hours a estate industry. National brands held a day, seven days a week, and equally reach distinct advantage over smaller independent qualified prospective purchasers. With the firms due to their extensively larger assistance of sites like zillow.com, realtor. advertising budgets. But then came the com, trulia.com and homes.com, marketing

exposure was no longer limited by a company’s financial marketing budget. So, how can Internet marketing help you select a Realtor when listing your property? First, it allows you to focus on service and experience. Selling your home is personal and so should be the relationship with your Realtor. Trust is what you need to look for in your Realtor. Trust that, first and foremost, they are working on your behalf. Trust that they will provide you with the best possible information so that you can make an educated decision. Trust that they will get the property sold, closed and funded. Trust that they truly care. If you can be assured of such trust, how could the service provided be anything but exemplary? We would like the opportunity to earn

Reagan Students Receive All-State Honors

Growth Planned for BexarBulverde VFD

Submitted By Kim Adamski or the first time in ten years, two Reagan High School Orchestra students, Jared Lange and Jenny Zhang, earned seats in the All-State Orchestras, the highest honor a high school orchestra student can achieve. In addition to receiving the honor, the students performed in the All-State music group alongside the best musicians Texas has to offer. The Texas Music Educators Association is the largest music educators association in the country dedicated to music education excellence. TMEA sponsors the annual All-Region and All-State auditions where 64,000 Texas students submit blindrecorded auditions in string orchestra, philharmonic orchestra, and symphony orchestra. All-State students participated in a three-day rehearsal with a nationally recognized conductor and then performed at the close of the convention to thousands of attendees. Jared Lange, on bass, and Jenny Zhang, on violin, represented the Reagan High School Orchestra at the TMEA Clinic and Convention. “Students who participated in the process are subject to the pressure and stress of the audition while practicing to deliver a performance representative of one’s skill level,” said Lange. “Success depends on

one’s ability to stay focused on an ultimate goal. To be accepted into the All-State Orchestra was immensely gratifying for all of the effort invested into the process.” Mr. Sixto Elizondo, Reagan High School Director of Orchestras, couldn’t be more pleased with his students’ accomplishments. “We are so proud of our two All-State musicians,” he stated. “Their achievement is a culmination of months of practice and years of training.”

your trust. If you are thinking about listing your property for sale or purchasing a new property, allow River Valley Real Estate Company to interview as your Realtor.

Reagan students Jared Lange, on bass, and Jenny Zhang, on violin, represented the Reagan High School Orchestra at the TMEA Clinic and Convention.

Reagan Students Honored For Carpentry Skills

Submitted By Marcela Arreola n early February, Reagan High School students took home honors in carpentry and cabinetmaking. The students in the competition were given a prompt and required to build a structure in a two to four hour window. Reagan students Mike Chunut took home first place in Cabinetmaking and Stockton Harker was awarded first place in Carpentry. Thomas Dowell placed second in Carpentry. These talented students have now earned the right to participate in the Skills USA State competition located in Corpus Christi where they will take part in an eight-hour build off against other regional champions.

The River Valley Real Estate team.

Reagan students Mike Chunut, Stockton Harker and Thomas Dowell recently took home honors in carpentry and cabinetmaking.

The winners will receive scholarship money and tools of their trade.

BBVFD firefighters must be ready for a wide variety of emergencies. Here firefighters extinguish a fire that started in an outbuilding.

Submitted By Kenneth Jarvis esidents of the Bexar-Bulverde Volunteer Fire Department (BBVFD) in north-central Bexar County have more reason to be grateful to live in that district. Because of improvements made by the Fire Department, individual homeowner insurance costs may be reduced. The BBVFD was recently evaluated by the nationwide Insurance Services Office (ISO) and their rating improved from a Class 3/3Y to a Class 2/2Y, with Class 1 being the best score on the scale of 10. According to Fire Chief Jerry Bialick, “We are now rated within the top 1.8% of over 48,000 departments in the nation rated by the ISO.” This rating will become effective in March of 2017. Residents should check with their homeowners’ insurance carrier to see what the cost benefit will be. One of the many improvements the BBVFD is planning is the construction of a new fire station on Canyon Golf Road. “This will give us three stations and continue to improve our services to those who live in the north-east part of our district,” said Chief Bialick. “We plan to break ground on this new station in the spring.”

www.welcomehomesa.com

Construction will start this spring on the new BBVFD fire station on Canyon Golf road.

The Chief also noted that they are looking for land to build a fourth station and an order for two additional fire engines and another brush truck was recently placed. In addition to planning for the future, the BBVFD recently celebrated 50 years of service to the district. “We’ve grown from very humble beginnings,” said Chief Bialick. “From a few homes we now provide fire and rescue services to over 62,000 residents and neighborhoods with over $8.5 billion in assets.” Chief Bialick pointed out that their district includes a major resort hotel and golf course, schools, multi-story apartment complexes, churches and businesses.

March 2017 • Welcome Home • 78258

“You’re always set for a sitter.” No really – local business owners Lynn & Steve Johnson mean it.

Celebrating 3 Years! By Alissa Reinhard teve and Lynn Johnson have worked with youth in the San Antonio area in a volunteer capacity for over a decade when they felt a calling to bring a family oriented business to the community. So, in 2014, they did just that and opened the doors to College Nannies + Sitters + Tutors in San Antonio. They have been growing ever since and now serve the entire north San Antonio area and surrounding communities. “The last three years have been amazing!” Lynn said, summing up the couple’s excitement. “We have served over 900 families with childcare or tutoring services. We have opened two community centers that provide a great environment for tutoring students and training of our staff.” Even while managing their growing business, the couple still finds time to give back to the community. They support monthly educator recognition in area high schools and provide free full-length practice SAT or ACT tests to local high school students on a regular basis. They also support community youth groups by donating services regularly to organization silent auction events.

College Nannies, Sitters and Tutors has made our lives much easier, knowing that when we need a nanny or sitter, we will have someone we can trust. I’ve been really impressed by the quality of the sitters—all smart, conscientious, and hard-working! We’re really spoiled now—I don’t know what I would do without them!” – Mary “It is important to us that our business be a good and supportive community member,” explained Steve. “Part of that is giving back where we can.” Their growth has been fueled by high quality, consistent and caring service for families in both childcare and tutoring. They deliver all this through an easy and convenient customer experience. “First and foremost is delivering the best, high quality nanny, sitter or tutor experience to a family,” explained Steve. “The icing on the cake is the convenience of use our service provides for our busy customers.”

March 2017 • Welcome Home • 78258

We had a Nanny, Madelyn, from College Sitters for a week. She was so awesome. My 3 year old and 5 year old loved her. She was extremely attentive and she even scheduled their day. She made sure they had craft time, play time outside, downtime, etc. She even baked cookies and cupcakes with them. One day she took boxes (we had just moved) and she turned them into cars and made our living room a drive in theater. She made the girls movie tickets and popcorn buckets out of construction paper and they watched a movie at the “drive in theater”. She constantly played with them and kept them occupied. She was caring and responsible. She was really world class. My kids had a great week.” – Erin For example, this convenience is illustrated in their College Sitter business through their industry leading My Sitters ® App. The app allows families to schedule their favorite sitter whenever they need it from the convenience of their smart phone. Their sitter program has grown significantly in the last year due in large part to the adaptation and ease of use of the app. “Our families love it,” stated Lynn. “They can literally be having coffee with a friend, decide to go out, pull their phone out, book care with their favorite sitter and have a confirmation all before finishing their cup of coffee.” For all their services, they maintain a personal touch that starts with a complementary family meeting. At this meeting, they sit down with the family and get a good feel for their individual needs. This one-on-one customized approach helps the company match the right caregivers for nanny or sitter services or the right tutor role model for a students’ tutoring. Morgan Everett, their Role Model Manager, explains. “We build stronger families,” she stated. “And we use our core values of ‘Can Do’, ‘Results Matter’, and ‘Leave

www.welcomehomesa.com

Rubi did many activities with my children. She did arts/crafts, played soccer, took them on a walk, played games, and much more. It was refreshing and wonderful to see that a caregiver would do all of this instead of allowing them to watch TV all day. We are deﬁnitely requesting her again in the future!” – Cheri It Better’ as guiding principles for our team in working with the families we support.” Both Steve and Lynn credit their growth to the hard work and dedication of their role model nannies, sitters and tutors. “At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is the quality of the services we provide,” emphasized Lynn. “The feedback from our regular follow up communication on our care and tutoring continues to provide us with the best indicator of the families’ satisfaction with our services. That satisfaction is what is driving our growth.”

College Nannies + Sitters + Tutors Stone Oak 20079 Stone Oak Parkway Suite 1104, San Antonio, TX 78258 Northwest 9110 N Loop 1604 W Suite 110, San Antonio, TX 78249 210-202-0303 www.facebook.com/ CNTSanAntonio www.collegenannies.com 19

Stone Oak Elementary Hosts Heavenly Hat Parade

Reagan Silver Stars Place Sixth In The Nation

The Reagan Silver Stars earned sixth place in Hip Hop at UDA Nationals Competition in February. Stone Oak Elementary students participated in a Hat Parade and made donations to Heavenly Hats, a foundation that provides hats to children who have lost their hair due to illness or treatment.

Submitted By Ida Nunez tone Oak Elementary School has a stylish way of giving back to those in need. The students chose to offer their community support to an organization called Heavenly Hats. Heavenly Hats provides hats to children who have lost their hair due to illness, treatment or disease. On January 13, students were invited to bring a special hat to school and wear it throughout the day. The youngest students then participated

in a Hat Parade in which they traversed down the hallways showing off their special hats to the older students. Three Stone Oak students received a gift of five hats from Heavenly Hats. Two are students in remission who will be able to wear these new hats with pride and always remember the support and love of their school family. Students also made donations and all money collected was sent directly to Heavenly Hats - $842! A very special thank you to third grade teacher, Donna Turbyfill, for organizing this entire event.

Innovation. Trust. Partnership.

Submitted By Cari Goodyear n their first ever National competition, the Reagan Silver Stars Drill Team earned an impressive sixth place finish in Florida this February. The Reagan Dance teams traveled to the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex for the Universal Dance Association (UDA) National Dance Team Competition. The Silver Stars team held competition tryouts earlier this year and the top 20 members were selected as the Nationals Junior Varsity team. These young ladies spent many hours learning and perfecting a competitive Hip Hop routine which included strenuous acrobatic headsprings. Congratulations on an outstanding performance by the following Silver Stars at the UDA National

competition: Colonel Katelyn Gutierrez, Lt. Colonel Bailey Kennedy, Lt. Colonel Alanis Mireles, Senior Captain Natalie deBonoPaula, Junior Captain Emma Wood, Olivia Birchard, Annabelle Blaylock, Sutton Bristol, Ana Garza, Nicole Garza, Isabella Haua, Andrea Lee, Eva Lorenz, Mackenzie Magness, Diana Ocman-Chavez, Natalie Ravlin, Karly Riggs, Caroline Rockwood, Marcela Servigon, and Madeline Townsend. The Varsity Diamond Dancers also represented Reagan High School at UDA Nationals facing stiff competition in the challenging Hip Hop and Jazz categories. Best of luck to all of the dance teams as they head to their state and regional competitions.

Girl Scouts Install Buddy Bench At Huebner

A Lucky Dog Gets to Stay AT K9 COUNTRY CLUB

Jana Dowling, REALTOR® Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper, REALTORS® 18756 Stone Oak Parkway San Antonio, TX 78258 (210) 483-7542 ofﬁce (210) 422-2445 mobile (210) 483-4595 fax jdowling@cbharper.com www.whylistwithus.com/658071

15% OFF

Get 15% off nail trims during the month of March! Plus, get a free dog cookie with a purchase of a nail trim or grooming service. Love your pet all month long! • Day Care • Overnight Boarding • New Classes in March • Training

830-980-8476 • Bulverde, TX • k9countryclub.net

Troop 3171 installed and dedicated a Buddy Bench at Huebner Elementary to encourage friendship on the playground.

LEBRATING 15 YEARS WE’RE CE

• Cattery • Grooming • Beach Club • Pet Bakery

Submitted By Daryn Polanco irl Scout Troop 3171 dedicated a Buddy Bench to Huebner Elementary on February 3, 2017. Former and current students from Huebner came together to build the bench. They were inspired by a student, Christian Bucks, who created a similar bench on his home campus at

www.welcomehomesa.com

Roundtown Elementary in York, PA The girls created the bench to encourage friendship on the Huebner playground. They wanted to put something in place that will help eliminate loneliness at recess and create friendships that will last for years to come! Thank you Troop 3171! To find out more about Buddy Bench, visit www.buddybench.org.

March 2017 • Welcome Home • 78258

Lopez Honors Educators, Celebrates Students

Lopez’s future class of 2021 celebrated their 2017 Cotillion at Pedrotti’s North Wind Ranch in Helotes.

Submitted By Kim Adamski and Kim Neville t takes a village to raise a child,” is a saying that may not hold much meaning until one begins raising children of their own. Lopez Middle School has an internal structure composed of a very strong group of men and women solely dedicated to providing education, values, and the life skills necessary to become wellrounded individuals.

“I

For members of the Lopez school community, it’s comforting to know that their children spend their days with such commendable role models. Nominated for their outstanding contributions to the welfare of their students, the Lopez community would like to congratulate the following individuals on their success and commitment with the Texas PTA Honorary Life Membership Award:

Rattler Battalion Drill Teams Excel At Regional Competition!

Lopez honored educators from its school community for their contributions to the welfare of their students. Lopez Middle School students Natania Olsen and Kate Olson competed and took home awards from the Alamo Junior Academy of Science in January.

Eric Wernli – Principal Mona Kemper – Special Ed. AU Teacher, member of the NEISD since 2011 Katie Brown – President Julie Neer – Vice President For all that you do, all that you’ve done, and all that our future holds, thank you for dedicating your time to the future generation! In other Lopez news, on January 20, the class of 2021 boarded a bus from Lopez blazing a trail to Pedrotti’s North Wind

Ranch in Helotes, TX for an incredibly fun night of “Boots and Bling!” Known as the 2017 Cotillion, the students enjoyed a grand night as they danced under the faded lights strung above the dance floor. On January 28, Lopez students Natania Olsen and Kate Olson also competed in the Alamo Junior Academy of Science. Kate Olson received the highest award in the category of Behavioral and Social Sciences for her project on “Determining the Most Visible Color for Crossing Guard Vests.” Natania Olsen received Fourth Grand Prize for her project “Extrasolar Planets: What’s Out There.” Congratulations Panthers!

Stone Oak Elementary Celebrates Lunar New Year

Stone Oak Elementary teacher Mrs. Lam and students in front of a Lunar New Year display.

Submitted By Ida Nunez n January 28, Stone Oak Elementary celebrated the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Rooster. The celebrations are based on the traditional lunisolar calendar. Many southeastern Asian countries celebrate the Lunar New Year including China, Korea, Mongolia, Tibet, and Vietnam. The Lunar New Year Festival in Vietnam is called “Tet.” On the first day of the New Year, children wear new clothes and spread best wishes to their parents and the elderly. They then receive red envelopes in return. These red envelopes contain “lucky money” or “li-xi.” Stone Oak Elementary principal, Dr. Krimbill, was excited to receive a red envelope on Friday in celebration of the Lunar New Year. It is also believed that the first person to enter the house after the stroke of midnight on the first day of the year will have an

The Rattler Guard and Diamondback Drill Team both excelled at the 5th JROTC Brigade Drill Championships in February.

Submitted By John Tijerina he Reagan JROTC Department would like to congratulate the Diamondback and Rattler Guard Drill Teams for their outstanding performances at the 5th JROTC Brigade Drill Championships held February 4th at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. The regional competition encompasses an eight state area as teams converge on downtown San Antonio, the headquarters for the 5th ROTC Brigade, and compete for dominance. The Rattler Guard, under the command of Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Curtis Lopez,

received second place in the Exhibition Drill category and sixth place, overall. The Diamondback Drill Team, commanded by Cadet Captain Natalia Vazquez, received fifth place in Inspection, first place in Regulation Drill, first place in Exhibition Drill, second place Overall, and earned an invitation to return to the JROTC Army National Championships in Louisville, Kentucky, the second in as many years. Both teams are a credit to the Reagan JROTC Department, Ronald Reagan High School, and the Stone Oak community. Great job, Rattlers!

March 2017 • Welcome Home • 78258

www.welcomehomesa.com

important influence on the household. On the second day of the New Year, people visit their relatives to exchange good wishes, red envelopes and gifts. On the third day, they visit their friends and neighbors. The festivities continue through at least the fifth day. The Stone Oak campus enjoyed partaking in many of these new traditions. Stone Oak would like to thank Mrs. Trang Lam for the beautiful display that she set up for the Stone Oak students to enjoy in the school rotunda. Mrs. Lam also serves as a dedicated library volunteer and teaches classes about her family traditions and culture. Three Stone Oak volunteers also talked about their New Year family traditions on the school’s morning news program “Bobcat News.” The next Lunar New Year will begin on February 16, 2018, The Year of the Dog. Stone Oak would like to wish a Happy Lunar New Year to all!

Stone Oak Elemtary Hosts UIL NEISD Students Advance In Competition Robotics Competition

Stone Oak Elementary 2016 UIL winners and staff.

Submitted By Ida Nunez tone Oak Elementary will host its Third Annual UIL competition event for students on Friday, April 21 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Stone Oak was the pilot elementary school to start UIL two years ago and is the only elementary school in the school district hosting this competition! The UIL competition is a collaborative effort with Bush Middle School’s UIL team and Principal Gary Comalander. Bush Middle School students attend the competition to administer and help proctor while Stone Oak students are testing.

This year, Stone Oak Elementary students will be participating and competing in the following areas: Spelling, Social Studies, Art, Chess, Puzzle, Maps, Graphs, and Charts. In previous years, Stone Oak students have stated that the competition has helped build their confidence and allowed them to strengthen relationships with their UIL coach and fellow students. They have learned that practice pays off all while being challenged academically. Great job Bobcats!

Canyon Ridge Keeps Up The Pace

Stella S., Hailey R. and Rebecca R., members of the Hidden Forest Elementary robotics team “The Creative Thinkers” team, won first place in the second annual Wonder League Robotics Competition.

Second graders Taylor Kirk, Yakshwag Raju, and Lynette Li from Vineyard Ranch were also named the Texas Champions for the Wonder League Robotics Competition for the 6-8-year-old bracket.

Submitted By NEISD tudents from Hidden Forest and Vineyard Ranch Elementary School recently participated and advanced in the second annual Wonder League Robotics Competition hosted by the Wonder Workshop. The Wonder League is a worldwide community of clubs inspiring creators of tomorrow through robotics and coding. Every year, clubs participate in the Wonder League Robotics Competition, where they design solutions to real-world science and technology challenges. Competitions took place throughout the months of October through December and four Hidden Forest robotics teams competed in the competition. These teams consisted of eager second and third graders like participants Stella S., Hailey R., and Rebecca R., who are members of “The Creative Thinkers” team. Their team won first place in the state and have now qualified for finals. Only 30 teams from around the world were chosen to compete

in the finals and they were one of them. The team is now working on their final mission, to compete and win at the world championship competition in February. Second graders Taylor Kirk, Yakshwag Raju, and Lynette Li from Vineyard Ranch were also named the Texas Champions for the Wonder League Robotics Competition for the 6-8-year-old bracket. They also ranked in the top one percent of all registrants in the world. These students met in the library two hours weekly during the school day to complete challenges created by Wonder League. They exhibited exemplary problem solving and coding skills. Wonder League invited the students to compete in the Finalist Challenge due February 24, 2017, for the chance to win a $5000 grant. They are very excited to work toward their next goal, World Champion! Congratulations to all of the NEISD participants of the Wonder Workshop for their hard work!

Technology And Research Collide At The Ranch

Submitted By Kelley Keener hird grade students at Vineyard Ranch recently participated in student-led research on rapid changes in the earth’s surface. They had the opportunity to learn about tornadoes, tsunamis, landslides, hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanoes. After learning about these natural disasters, each student chose one to research. During their research, all third graders created discovery boards in the computer lab. Several students in each class were chosen for an extended learning day in the library. These students then selected a way to present the information they had learned. Some students built models of Third grade students at Vineyard Ranch Elementary recently volcanoes, earthquakes, or landslides. participated in a hands-on, technology driven research project Other students programmed the Dash examining changes to the earth’s surface. Robots to act as snowplows with iMovie and then voice recorded over the parents and the entire Vineyard Ranch coding. Others used a shadow puppet app student body could see their work. This was to add pictures and voice recordings to the a wonderful, creative, and student-driven projects. All projects were video recorded learning opportunity for all third graders at using iPads with a link on YouTube so “The Ranch.”

Canyon Ridge teacher Mrs. Marsh with her students and a Watch D.O.G.S. dad volunteer on Martin Luther King Day during a school wide walk.

Submitted By Laura Ureste ach month at Canyon Ridge Elementary, the staff and faculty facilitate a walk around the campus in order to promote a focus on school wide health and wellness. The walks are usually centered around holidays or other special events.

E 22

The morning of January 13, students, faculty and staff began a Martin Luther King walk around the school. Despite the weather being a little misty, the students were invigorated. Several of Canyon Ridge Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of great Students) helped keep the students moving. Way to go, Canyon Ridge Coyotes!

www.welcomehomesa.com

March 2017 • Welcome Home • 78258

Ribbon Cuttings And Grand Openings Gonzalez-Commercial Sales, Giovanna Chapa-Life & Health Specialist, Mauricio Cendejas-Asset Protection, Connie RhindSr. Account Manager, Michelle EnglertPersonal Lines Account Manager, RJ McMinn-Controller, and Rosie CantuOffice Manager. Global Insurance Agency, Inc. is located at 3512 Paesanos Parkway, Suite 100 or visit them online at www.giausa.com

Board and Brush

Global Insurance

The Stone Oak Business Association welcomed Board and Brush San Antonio to the community on February 2, 2017. Owner, Kimberly Hodge and her husband stumbled across the business idea on Facebook. Kimberly’s location at 19178 Blanco Road suite 107 is the first in San Antonio. Board and Brush is a DYI wood shop studio specializing in wood décor signs for your home. Each workshop is two and a half to three hours long and her team will take you from raw wood to a finished project ready to display. All registration is done online with everything you and your party needs ready for you when you walk through the door. Board and Brush is the perfect spot to host a gathering, enjoy Sunday with friends or a little you time during their open workshops. To find out more about Board and Brush San Antonio visit https://boardandbrush.com/ sanantonio/ or give Kimberly and her staff a call at (210) 303-9972.

The Stone Oak Business Association welcomed Global Insurance Agency, Inc. on January 26, 2017. Based in San Antonio, TX Global Insurance Agency provides risk management and insurance related services. They have been serving families and businesses in Central and South Texas into Mexico and South America since 1987. With products ranging from Life Insurance to Home & Auto for individuals and families to a full line of coverages for your business and commercial needs, Global provides essential products and services. No matter what your insurance need is or what your insurance question may be Global Insurance Agency is there to assist you. Global Insurance Agency, Inc. has a team of experienced employees dedicated to serving their customers. They focus on providing and delivering the highest level of service. Stop in and meet their team: Matt Garza-Sales & Marketing, Javier Reus-Commercial & Luxury Lines, Pablo

My Emergency Room 24/7

The Stone Oak Business Association welcomed My Emergency Room 24/7 on February 9, 2017. Located at 5431 North Loop 1604 West, San Antonio TX, 78249 next to Top Golf off 1604 & Vance Jackson My Emergency Room 24/7 is a physician owned and operated free standing emergency room. A free-standing emergency room is not your average urgent care facility. My Emergency Room can handle any emergency you throw at them and can hold a patient up to 23 hours. Their close connections to local hospitals

make a transfer, if needed, seamless and quick. Free-standing ERs get rid of long wait times and provide the patient with the fastest care possible. My Emergency Room24/7 is set apart from the competition because the doctors that care for you are the doctors that started this business. Dealing directly with the owners as your attending physician brings your experience to a whole new level. This is My Emergency Room’s second location in South Texas. To learn more about this newest location visit them at http://www.myemergencyroom.com/sanantonio/ or give them a call (210) 272–7199.

To have the Stone Oak Business Association assist you with your Grand Opening Celebration Call 210.348.8233 or visit stoneoakbusiness.com

Wilderness Oak Elementary Hosts Third Annual Spelling Bee Submitted By April Rossmeier t took 21 rounds and 402 words to do it, but Wilderness Oak Elementary student Cassidy Reynolds is Wilderness Oak’s spelling champion! Cassidy emerged victorious over her counterparts from the school’s 22 other contenders. “When Cassidy puts her mind to something, she is determined and committed to see it through to the end,” said her mother, Leighanne Reynolds. “She has been in love with books and stories since she was three years old.” “The win was the result of a lot of practice,” 10-year-old Cassidy also revealed. Cassidy moved on to the Express

News citywide spelling bee held at San Antonio College on February 18. Only one representative from each school can advance to the citywide spelling bee, and there was most certainly some tough competition. This year, Wilderness Oak fourth and fifth graders competed for spots in the final spelling bee with a classroom spelling bee earlier in the school year. The classrooms chose the top two spellers from each class to enter in the competition. Fifth grader Shawn Hernandez fought hard and ended up taking the second place spot, followed by Michael Sikorski with a close follow up in third. The other fourth graders elected to participate in the spelling

bee were Isabella Quinene, Shawn Zhang, William Qian, Mia Gutierrez, Tyler Ellis, Loren Radich, Alexandria Wolf, Lydia Portlock, Amrutha Konduru, Ava Hilliard, and Jathan Agrawal. The fifth grade runners up included Troyce Stephens, Michael Jeffords, Royce Wood, Eugenio MoralesTijerina, Preston Kroon, Jacob Alemeshet, Shloka Valavalkar, and Ivette Tellez. Each and every student who participated worked very hard to represent their class and did an amazing job! Wilderness Oak is proud to be sending one of their very brightest and best on to the citywide bee!

Cassidy Reynolds was named Wilderness Oak Elementary’s spelling champion and advanced to the citywide spelling bee in February.

Girls Scouts Enjoy Magical Movie Morning Submitted By Risa Weinberger agic was in the air as over 100 Girl Scouts and their moms filled the largest theatre at Stone Oak Alamo Drafthouse for the annual Mother Daughter Movie Morning on January 28. This year, the theme was “magic.” All in attendance enjoyed a special viewing of “Disney’s Descendants.” The girls were dressed to match the theme, wearing decorated crowns with magic wands in hand. As the lights lowered, you could feel the excitement. Moms and daughters were given the option to order breakfast and other snacks from the Alamo Drafthouse kitchen while enjoying the show. With the event now even closer to home, it was very well received by the troops in

Community “U” and Community “V” (78258/78260 and 78259/78261). “I love coming to this event with my girls,” stated one of the moms as she checked in early Saturday morning. “This is always a fun event to plan for the girls and their mothers,” added Risa Weinberger, Events Chair for Community “U.” “It’s a special morning that the girls will remember for a long time. Working with the management and staff at the Alamo Drafthouse this year made the planning even easier.” Thank you to all the Girl Scout troops and families who attended this annual event.

March 2017 • Welcome Home • 78258

Girl Scout Troop #566 pose with the “Disney Descendants” movie poster at the annual Mother Daughter Movie Morning on January 28.

www.welcomehomesa.com

*21 oz fountain drink only. Additional charges for extras. Plus applicable taxes. May not be combined with other offers, coupons or discount cards.

19202 Stone Oak Pkwy (@ Huebner Rd)

(210)491-4344

2607 TPC Pkwy

20079 Stone Oak Pkwy

(210)497-5055

(210)481-3478

(across from Villages of Stone Oak)

(@ Hardy Oak)

There’s always room for improvement. (The hard part is ﬁguring out how to get there.)

3/31/17

3/31/17 We all have individual style but let’s face it, change can be a good thing. At Virtuoso Builders, we recognize the importance of alluring living spaces and understand the complex process of remodeling. We have a sincere interest in enhancing our clients’ lifestyles by creating design-superior, functional spaces that reﬂect individual needs and personal style. We specialize in: Kitchens | Baths | Whole House Remodels | Home Additions

210.525.8750

www.VirtuosoBuilders.com Look for our “Home Improvement” article each month in Welcome Home.

Uniquely Dif ferent . E xceptionally Qualified. 24

www.welcomehomesa.com

March 2017 • Welcome Home • 78258