February 2014 78259 for web

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PublisherRussell Groomer

Director of ProductionKristin Oliver

managing editorAmanda Burris

office managerChasity Furse

Writer/Copy editorsBen Spicer

administrative assistantJulia Wickwire

Production/Graphic DesignJames Stipp

DistributionIsrael Vazquez

Contributing PhotographersChasity Furse

sales representativesPatrice LongLibby Thorman

staff WritersDebby SeguinCalvin Speer

Contributing WritersLeslie Komet AusburnMichelle BibbAmy ChandlerPage HutchinsonVelizar IlievStacy IronsJames MillerNEISDPeter OnofreRon RobbianoJulie Shore

20770 Hwy. 281 N. Suite 108-149San Antonio, Texas 78258(210) 348-8233 • Fax: (210) 497-7342Article Submissions: [email protected] Inquiries Email: [email protected]

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 ormisleading to its readers. All copy and type arrangements are subject to approval by the publisher.All stories and photos submitted become property of Welcome HomeEditorial and Advertising content of Welcome Home newspaper is protected by the U.S. copyrightlaw. Unauthorized use is prohibited.

Welcome Home Community Newspaper is pleased to offer this free service to the community. Upon submission of a story idea or photo, you give Welcome Home the right to use that submission without compensation. By submitting to Welcome Home, you guarantee that your material is sent with the express consent of the owner, and that its contents are non-proprietary and non-confidential. We cannot guarantee all submissions will be published. Welcome Home is under no obligation to use any idea, photo or article submitted. We reserve the right to edit or alter submissions for conciseness and grammar as needed and may need to prioritize certain events for any reason before publication.

The Welcome Home Community Newspaper has had the privilege of serving the community for 11 years as one of the few local papers that shines a spotlight on the good things in life – the accomplishments of our amazing youth, inspirational stories and the residents and local businesses that comprise the heart of our area. With five different papers covering northern San Antonio, Welcome Home is directly mailed to over 60,000 households and businesses as well as rack distribution.

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February is known as the month of love. Our front cover has a beautiful couple whose marriage has stood the test of

time and is a testament to all of us. Love, whether it is between two teen-agers or between two young 80 year olds is beautiful to behold. Valentines Day is this month and to honor this special day, Welcome Home has sought out some special love stories in our community to share with you. Turn to page 8 to read more on our front cover couple and page 9 for our love stories.

My daughter, Rashell, is now 17 and a senior at Reagan. She will graduate this year and begin her journey into adulthood. We were blessed to be able to take a vacation during the Christmas holidays and decided to go to Disneyworld. As I grow older and hopefully wiser, I realize it’s not the “things” you buy your children that matter but the “experiences” you share with them that have value in the long run. We spent every day there together and saw and did as many things as we possibly could. We had the best time ever and were still talking when we returned home, which is pretty close to a miracle for a father and a 17 year old daughter together day and night for 12 days. Being at the Magic Kingdom almost makes you feel like you are living in a fairy tale. You start to believe that no dream is too big to become true. It was the most incredible way to start 2014.

When I returned to San Antonio, I was on such an emotional recharge I was determined this year would be the best year ever. I decided to only focus on the many positive things happening in my life and business instead of the few negatives. One day I posted on my Facebook wall that I had

been blessed to meet someone and talk to them for hours. I said it felt great to be in the right place at the right time. A friend of mine on Facebook replied, “Have an Attitude of Gratitude. Keep it up and more of the right people at the right time will show up!”

I just loved her advice. Too often we don’t realize what we have by living in the greatest country in the world. This month we celebrate President’s Day, and there are some local campaigns taking place. Exercise your freedoms and participate in our democracy. With our beautiful San Antonio weather, get outside and enjoy the city. Live life to the fullest. I had the honor to attend an event held by The Ferrari Kid. At the event there was a 5 year old child who had 5 weeks to live. You would not have known it by the way he or his family was acting. They were having the time of their lives. They knew the value of life. They had learned to be grateful for every second they had been given. It was a very humbling experience for me.

Finally, I am so excited with all the submissions this month. We have so many wonderful children in our areas to be recognized each and every month. If you have a business in our areas that is so blessed it does not need to advertise, consider sponsoring a school page for the many different groups to be recognized. As a member of our community, remember to visit the businesses in this newspaper and let them know you saw them in your Welcome Home community newspaper.

Sincerely,

Note From the Publisherattitude of Gratitude


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By Amanda Burris

February brings Valentine’s Day –The holiday of love. During this season of hearts, flowers, chocolates and gifts, it

is important to remember that above all else, it is love that we celebrate. For husband and wife, Harry and Thelma Ferrell, this year they are celebrating their 75th Valentine’s Day together. With a love that has lasted so long, it is easily inspiring to all who meet them.

Their love extends much further than just a relationship between two people. They have experienced a lifetime of memories as they have raised a beautiful family, worked jobs and have gone into retirement, traveled around the United States and now continue to get the most from each day of their lives together. Both in their 90’s, they have had the opportunity to not only see, but to change with the history happening around them. It is through all of this that they have not only stayed together, but have grown together.

Love is not always about the fluff or the romance; Sometimes love is about the lasting dedication and promise that two people make to each other, which is what makes it so beautiful. This month, Welcome Home got the opportunity to learn this couple’s story and hear from some of their family. To read about the Ferrells who are

featured on the cover, turn to page 8. To read other inspiring love stories of those throughout the community turn to page 9.

on the Cover

Life is like a game show, very similar to Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. In place of Regis Philbin would be

my husband, asking the questions, and I, of course, am in the hot seat. With all my lifelines available, the game begins.

First question: “Why is there no green tea?” (Oo-oo-oo that’s a toughy!) “I’ll use the 50-50 please.” Which leaves A) tea farmers strike in Peru, or B) I forgot to buy it. “A—my final answer!” Next question: “How did mud get on my monogrammed brass letter opener?” (Could he mean that handy little boot scraper by the back door?) “Um-m, let me poll the audience—Kids!”

Other questions follow. “Did you see the dust on the pagoda statue? (We have a

pagoda statue?) “How long are you going to let the weeds grow by the front door?” (Sheesh! It’s nothing that a good, strong machete won’t take care of.) “When’s the last time you checked the oil?” (Hm-m, can I phone a friend?)

Anytime we purchase even the most frivolous item (food, clothing, shelter, etc) we play The Price Is Right. If its not 60 percent off, two year free financing, 10-year warranty, we don’t really need it. Of course, this never applies to anything from the Home Depot, which usually lands us right onto the set of The Family Feud.

Jeopardy is also a favorite. “I choose Male Facts for $400.” O.K. the answer is 63:1. What is the question? “What is the ratio of the number of times a man (at least the one who lives here) is wrong to the number of times he admits it?” $400!

We don’t play much Wheel Of Fortune, as some family members spell phonetically. How would it look to buy a vowel from Vanna, expecting three O’s for Jorj Boosh and only getting one? It’s just as frustrating at the grocery store when I am trying to buy pukontee soss and torteeyas.

Whether its “Home late from your date? Let’s play Truth Or Consequences.” Or, “The house is a wreck, let’s play Beat The Clock,” we savor every roll of the dice, every spin of the dial, every move of our family’s playing pieces in this sometimes wonderful, sometimes difficult, but always surprising game called Life.

Debby Seguin (who loves to play PIT) can be reached at [email protected].

Family lifeThe Game of LifeBy Debby Seguin

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Photo Credit: Chasity FurseThelma and Harry Ferrell who will be spending their 75th Valentines Day together.

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Submitted By Stacy Irons

Encino Park Girl Scout Troop 858 has been on a quest for knowledge recently. On November 13 the troop

enjoyed a trip to Stone Creek Jewelry, located in Stone Oak Village.

The Hernandez family graciously invited the girls to learn about jewelry, and the different activities that a jewelry store performs. The girls even got to learn how to detect a real diamond from a cubic zirconia. The girls also enjoyed learning about their birthstones and they each got a loupe to take home with them. The girls finished up their evening with a fun dinner at 54th Street Grill and made bookmarks and owl picture frames. They also received their awards for chocolate and nut sales.

On January 2, the scout troop visited the Texas Toyota Manufacturing Plant.

The Plant is located on Lone Star Pass

in San Antonio, Texas. The girls visited the visitor center, where they learned the history of Toyota, saw a video about the history and areas of the factory, and were able to make a “tricked-out” Toyota mock up on the computer.

They then had an amazing tour of the factory and got to see both Toyota Tundra and Toyota Tacoma trucks being made from the individual parts through quality assurance with the final product. The group got to see the machine that Toyota calls Godzilla – they learned about JIT (Just in Time) where Toyota partners with other business to provide the necessary parts exactly when needed.

The plant also showed the scouts various ways they are helping recycle and reuse, so as to minimize their footprint on the environment. The tour was very interesting and informative.

Special To Welcome Home

For the past 12 years the Brighton Center has recruited some of the most talented, passionate and tenacious

women in San Antonio to run for Queen of the Vine, an annual fundraising campaign that benefits the more than 2,700 children with disabilities or delays that are served by the organization each year.

Through a six-month campaign, these women work to raise money through a variety of avenues. The one who raises the most funds by the Queen’s Ball, the campaign’s culminating event held in February is then crowned the 2014 Queen of the Vine. As Queen of the Vine, this woman will represent Brighton Center throughout the year but primarily during Fiesta as their official royalty for the organization’s A Taste of the Northside Fiesta event.

Again this year some talented and passionate women have stepped up to the challenge. The Queen of the Vine candidates for the 2014 campaign are: Tiffany Mock Briggs, a wealth management advisor for Merrill Lynch and mother of two, ZZ Mylar, a marketing/advertising specialist and mother of six (two of which received services from Brighton), and Natalie Pfeiffer a former Director at Brighton Center and a longtime donor and volunteer and mother of two.

Their campaigns officially kicked off August 1 and they have had an explosive start to their fundraising efforts causing the Brighton Center to enlarge their fundraising goal from $80,000 to $200,000; a milestone

this year’s candidates will likely meet! Through special events, online donations

and participation at the Queen’s Ball, each candidate is working hard to secure donations for the Brighton Center and to be a part of making a difference in the lives of the children with disabilities.

The 2014 queen candidates are inspired by the success of last year’s Queen of the Vine Campaign where four candidates collectively raised more than $180,000 for the organization – a record breaking amount for the campaign and the organization. In the closest race to become Queen of the Vine in the campaign’s history, April Ancira came out ahead and was crowned the 2013 Queen of the Vine raising more than $77,000. Close on her heels was Dr. Karen Hasty who raised a little over $76,000 and was crowned Princess of the Vine.

You might ask why these women would dedicate six-months of their lives to the Brighton Center and each will tell you a different purpose or reason.

“As a larger organization in SA, we want to be a part of creating a better community but typically it’s about writing a check,” April Ancira, current Queen of the Vine said. “This was different. Running for Queen gave me an emotional bond to Brighton that I rarely get to have with other events and organizations and it felt GREAT.”

This year’s candidates echo the same philosophy about giving back.

Natalie Pfeiffer is running because she has “witnessed first-hand the value of inclusion and encouraging others to reach

their potential.” Tiffany Briggs is running because if her

children needed services, “Brighton center would be their partner in learning what to do.”

“We give create to Brighton Center for helping our babies succeed and get the right start in life,” ZZ Mylar said, who is running because her family has benefited directly from the services.

Each of these ladies has their own reason for taking on the challenge of the 2014 Queen of the Vine but they all speak to the passion and heart that these women have for children in San Antonio and their personal desire to make a difference in the lives of children.

ABOUT THE BRIGHTON CENTER – Brighton has been serving and supporting children with disabilities and their families in San Antonio for more than 44 years. Brighton provides child enrichment and

development through a child learning center, home based therapy services, counseling, case management and family support services to more than 2,700 children annually. Every year the Brighton Center must raise more than $1,200,000 to maintain its services and the Queen of the Vine campaign is a critical piece in making this happen. Every dollar raised through the Queen of the Vine campaign directly benefits the Brighton Center and helps set a foundation for children with disabilities that set them up for a life without limits!

The Stone Oak Business Association will once again award $1,000 scholarships to Reagan and Johnson

High School students graduating in May 2014. Selection is based on grade point average, letters of recommendation and school and/or community activities during high school.

Scholarships will be paid (in the student’s name) to the college or university attended. Please note the following criteria:

Student must be a graduate of Ronald Reagan High School or Claudia Taylor “Lady Bird” Johnson High School

Full-time enrollment (12 hours or more) at an accredited college or university

Copy of application for admissions to school of choice

Incoming college freshman who maintained a “B” average throughout high school verified by high school transcript (may be unofficial)

Completed SOBA scholarship application (www.stoneoakbusiness.com)

Two letters of recommendation from individuals with direct knowledge of your abilities and potential

Applicants must also write two one-page (300-word minimum) essays on the following topics:

If you were given $10,000 to better you community, what would you do and why?

What one event or person has influenced you the most during your four years of high school? How will this influence the decisions you make as you head off to college?

On a separate sheet, list your high school involvement in the following areas (during grades 9-12):

Community ActivitiesClubsAthleticsStudent GovernmentOther OrganizationsBe specific about the length of time

you were involved and what role you played. Please give the complete name of the organization rather than acronyms.

In addition, list any honors or awards you received during high school. Send your completed application with attachments (letters of recommendation, school involvement, etc.) to: Stone Oak Business Association, 20770 Hwy 281 N., Ste 108-149, San Antonio, TX 78258.

The application can be downloaded in PDF form at www.stoneoakbusiness.com. It is located on the home page on the top right hand side. Applications and materials must be postmarked by March 31, 2014 to be considered for the 2013-2014 school year. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For more information, please call 210-348-8233.

SOBA Scholarship Applications Due March 31, 2014

Encino Park Girl Scout Troop 858 visited Stone Creek Jewelry, learning different activities the store performs.

scout troop 858 seeks Knowledge

The scout troop visited the Texas Toyota Manufacturing Plant, taking in a tour while learning the history of the plant.

Tiffany Mock Briggs, a 2014 Queen of the Vine candidate.

Local “Queens” For Children With Disabilities

ZZ Mylar, a 2014 Queen of the Vine candidate.

Natalie Pfeiffer, a Queen of the Vine candidate.


By Amanda Burris

A Lifelong Love

F inding the love of your life is not always easy. But for Harry Ferrell, 95, and his wife Thelma, 94, who have been together for 75

years, it seemed like fate.It did not take long for the intertwined couple to fall for one another. After meeting in May, when

Thelma had graduated high school, they started dating in June and got married on July 29, 1938. In just the short span of three months, they had fallen in love and committed to a lifetime that would consist of ups and downs, a family, taking adventures and above all, creating a relationship that would be inspiring to so many.

“I was with my cousins, there was about three of us, and we went up to this little store up by the naval air station in Corpus,” said Thelma. “I was from Flour Bluff and we were sitting there drinking a coke in the car and Harry drove up. I had never seen him before in my life and didn’t know a thing about him.”

Little did both Harry, age 19 at the time, and Thelma, age 18 at the time, know, but their lives would change completely on that day, many years ago.

The Ferrells, always joking with one another (especially about their age), regaled their story light heartedly with a smile.

“Well, we were dancing and he asked if I could cook or sew,” Thelma joked when asked about how Harry proposed. “He didn’t say he loved me or would you marry me until he found out! So then afterwards he asked me if I would marry him, and I did.”

Harry worked for Exxon for 38 years and the Ferrells built a life in Corpus Christi, Texas and Refugio, Texas. After retiring in 1979, the Ferrells spent their time traveling around the United States, with Alaska as their favorite trip in 1992.

Living now at Franklin Park Sonterra, the Ferrells continually stay active by working out, joining groups and spending quality time with one another. With happiness as the clear and dominant trait seen in their home, they continued their joking spirit when asked what has kept them together so long, saying it was Thelma’s bossing Harry about.

“Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t,” Harry said more seriously. “You know you argue, but you get over it.”

The Ferrells have two sons, Michael (Mike) and Billy. Both are married and have children of their own. And both have gotten the opportunity to raise families with their parent’s successful relationship as a guide.

“It is a wonderful thing to have a couple like them to look up to,” explained Linda Ferrell, Billy’s wife. “They have set the bar for our family really high and we all aspire to be people that live our lives in a manner that will make them proud.”

With children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren it is clear that the love the Ferrells share for one another has spread to their generations of family they have helped raise.

“They have experienced the past 90+ years of history,” Billy said. “They now enjoy their success with the family. They are very proud of the whole family, especially the great grandkids.”

With family, age and the everyday activities of life that 75 years has brought about, the Ferrells still make spending time together one of their priorities.

“They have been together so long, they worry about each other when they are apart,” Billy said.

His wife Linda echoed this by saying “Harry and Thelma are a team. It is hard for me to think of one without the other.”

During this season of love, it is couples like the Ferrells with their whirlwind romance who are a great example to others. Like everyone else they argue, they laugh, and experience both the good and the bad. But through all of the years together, their love holds strong and thrives.

A Lifelong Love


Local LoveL ove is in the air and many individuals in the community have their own story to tell. Whether it was how they met, what has kept them together or

what they love about their spouse, each story is beautiful and unique. From all of us at Welcome Home Community Newspaper, we would like to wish the following couples that shared their stories and the rest of the community a very happy Valentine’s Day!

By Amanda Burris

Mark & Kathy ClarkWe met on Tuesday, September 22, 1970 in San Antonio. Our first date was a picnic on Saturday, September 26,

1970. The next several weeks Mark attended a work related training class out of town. We wrote to each other several times a week. During the first week Mark sent flowers to me with a lovely message. This was the start of our beautiful relationship. A trip to the Coast, a night at the movie or an evening at home, it doesn’t matter what we are doing we enjoy being together. We were married on February 26, 1972. This year we will celebrate our 42nd Anniversary. Happy Valentine’s Day Mark, All my love, Kathy.

Tim & Bridgett DunlapThe love of my life is my high school sweetheart, Tim. I met him when I was only 15 and we were both sophomores

in high school. When we graduated from high school, we got married. Tim joined the military and we moved to Florida where Tim went to Desert Storm for almost a year. After Hurricane Andrew, we moved to Washington State where we had our first son, Cody. Although we were so young, we were very much in love. For those that said it would never last, we just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary and are still going strong. We have three wonderful boys whom we both adore. Tim works in IT at USAA (my computer nerd) and I am a teacher at Hardy Oak Elementary. We have definitely had some rough patches along the way, but I can’t imagine my life without him. He is my best friend and my forever love!

Levi & Veronica KeretiIt was the summer after college that I arrived in the Philippines. I was a young girl with fresh hopes of teaching English

and experiencing life outside of America. My goal was to commit one year of my life to serving, but little did I know that my heart would bring me back for another. In between my transition from year one to year two, Levi, a native New Zealander, arrived at the same campus I had been living to pursue his Master’s degree.

While completing his student work hours in the admin. office, he came across my file. Immediately, he was drawn in and amazed that a 22-year-old American girl had just completed a year of study and teaching at an international school. After hearing that I had fulfilled my year and returned home, he prayed, “God if you could bring this girl across my life…that’s the one for me.” Meanwhile, my flight was booked and I was ready to head back to Asia.

Our paths crossed one month later. We connected instantly with our corresponding love for education, culture, and God. We fell in love, and the rest is history. Never did we intend to find a soul mate, especially so far from “home,” but God had other plans.

Levi and I, along with our two sons, will celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary this year. When life clouds our focus, we hold tight to our remarkable story, and are reminded of our special journey when our two roads fused into one. What God brought together, no man can separate.

Mike & Kelly LepeskaI met Mike in November of 1989 when our college church choir was touring the Chicago suburbs. He had graduated,

but was still friends with many of those still in the choir. I was immediately taken with him, but never expected anything. He lived three and a half hours away. He visited the campus a few more times that year.

In the early summer, my best friend told me to come with her to a choir get together at Mike’s family home in Wisconsin. After quite a bit of convincing on her part for me to go, I asked my parents. I never expected them to say, “yes.”

We spent much of the evening talking about everything and nothing. A few days later he called and asked me out. The night of our first date, as I had four different outfits strewn across my bed, he called and let me know what he was wearing, in case I needed help. This guy has no idea how much he gets me!

Being that I was still in college, and Mike was just out, we did not have a lot of money. So, we spent time talking, sharing our hopes and dreams, singing and playing the guitar-- just being together.

We were married a year and a day later. On Mike’s way down to the wedding, the car caught on fire. He arrived at the church within 10 minutes of my walking down the aisle. I had no idea this was happening, and all of our loved ones went through pain staking efforts to assure that I would not know until later. Though many joked that Mike should have taken that as a sign to stay away—he said it was more of a sign to remind him of what is important, and that was to marry me.

Anything can happen. In 22 ½ years of marriage, we have had four wonderful sons, lived in three different states, six different careers, had 11 different addresses, lived on opposite sleeping schedules, and lived through a deployment. Anytime we feel we are getting a little overwhelmed with whatever life is throwing at us, we take a moment to think about what is important. Love. That’s it.

Happy Valentine’s Day to my forever friend, my partner in crime, my soul mate.


Back in 2012 Winter Celebration, presented by Welcome Home Community Newspaper and the non-profit Living Through Giving, collected 85

percent of the toys for the Toys for Tots program in San Antonio, collecting over 7,000 toys for local children.

Bigger things were expected in 2013 and with the help of everyone in the community, both Welcome Home Community Newspaper and the non-profit Living Through Giving delivered.

Toys for Tots is a nationwide organization headed by the United States Marine Corps that is aimed to change the lives of local children by keeping their spirits intact. The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during the months of October, November and December each year and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to the less fortunate in the community.

This year, 11 local schools participated in the event. Johnson High School accumulated an astonishing 872 unopened toys, good for most in the contest.

Senior Christina Werckle, Student Council Secretary at Johnson, upon reflection said she was surprised to see how many students got involved.

“Every month we try to do something to give back to our community and school, so November we started planning and advertising,” Werckle said. “We had lots of organizations leading it – we got PALS, student council, all the spirit – dance & cheer, and we got the teachers involved making it a classroom contest. We really got the whole school and clubs in on it.”

Junior Rachel Gawlik, Johnson student council president said it became apparent quickly the school was onto something huge.

“We noticed it was getting big when we started picking up the toys from the classrooms,” Gaeolik said. “We hadn’t had a goal set. But next year we’re gonna try to get at least a 100 more. We want to step it up.”

As a result, Johnson was the recipient of the grand prize, a gift of $500 presented by Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union, as well as a trophy. Johnson will be allowed to hold onto the trophy for a full year until the next Toys for Tots challenge, where they will have to win it again, or give it up to the 2014 winners.

“Since it’s for Toys for Tots, it’s really meaningful,” junior Emily Ross, Johnson student council historian said. “Not all kids get toys every Christmas. When you bring in a couple toys it’s barely anything to you, but you make that kid’s Christmas… you don’t realize how much that could mean to someone else.”

Congrats to both the students and the faculty at Johnson on their outstanding work. In another interesting note, Vineyard Ranch Elementary and Wilderness Oak Elementary tallied 258 and 256 toys respectfully. The two schools were in competition with one another to see who amongst themselves could have the higher total. Well it looks like Wilderness Oak will have to wait a year to exact revenge on their friendly competitor.

Welcome Home Community Newspaper, the United States Marines, and Living Through Giving would like to thank to the following schools who contributed to Toys for Tots this year:

• Indian Springs Elementary• Rahe Elementary• Monroe May Elementary• Brandeis High School• Vineyard Ranch Elementary• Hardy Oak Elementary• Wilderness Oak Elementary• Bush Middle School• Tuscany Heights Elementary• Johnson High School• Stone Oak Elementary

Thank you to the 2014 Winter Celebration prize donators:

• Broadway Bank • Camp Gladiator • Candlewood Suites • Diane Belcher • Drury Hotels • DutchBoy Cleaners • The Egg & I • Fred Astair Dance Co. • Holiday Inn • Home Woods Suites • Hyatt Place North Stone Oak • JW Marriott • Marriott North Stone Oak at Legacy • Mays & Thousand Oaks YMCA • Nothing Bunt Cakes • Oak Haven Massage • Residence Inn North Stone Oak • Santikos • 2 Bros BBQ

Thank you to the 2014 Winter Celebration Volunteers:

• Broadway Bank • Diane Neuenschwander Schofield • Empire Enterprise • Fit Community • JJ Rodriguez • Kathy Masterson • North Central Baptist • Patty Labarbara • Reagan High School HOSA • Reagan High School Leo Club • Reagan High School students • Rick Carter • Todd Bufalino • Winston Churchill High School Students

By Ben Spicer

Toy Pick-up A Huge Success

Johnson was the recipient of the grand prize, a gift of $500 presented by Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union, as well as a trophy.

Elementary students assisted Marines with the loading of toys into the military vehicle.

Wilderness Oak Elementary Grade level representatives for the Toys for Tots pick up. Kinder: Bryce Folsom; First: Johnny Flores; Second: Aidan Richard; Third: Gianna Ayon, Fourth: Alexis Ponseti, Fifth: Allison Sandoval.


On December 14, Welcome Home Community Newspaper and the non-profit Living Through Giving teamed up to host the 10th annual

Winter Celebration, a community event filled with fun games, activities, and vendors.

More than 10 thousand people attended the event, taking in the festive atmosphere while contributing to a worthy cause. For one lucky guest, Linda Wickwire, by attending it changed her life for the better.

As part of the day’s activities, many guests donated an unwrapped toy and took part in a scavenger hunt on the grounds; those participating had the opportunity to win amazing prizes during the end of the day’s grand prize raffle drawing.

The process for the scavenger hunt was simple: go to as many vendors on the grounds as possible, and get a card stamped to prove you had visited. Each stamp equaled 1 general prize drawing ticket and every 15 stamps equaled one Grand Prize drawing ticket.

When Linda Wickwire arrived, she donated two toys for the Toys for Tots drive―one a toy Hot Wheels carwash, the other a doll sitting in a high chair. She began collecting stamps around 10:30 a.m.

Despite the difficulty of getting from vendor to vendor, (she had her grandson with her who was more interested in playing) she managed to accumulate 30 stamps for two grand prize drawing tickets.

“It was very well organized and laid out so that it was very easy to go from table to table,” Linda Wickwire said.

By the time she was done collecting stamps at 11:40 a.m., she had resigned herself to the fact that she

wouldn’t win any prize. Many others had participated, some with several more grand prize drawings tickets.

Despite the drastic odds, Linda Wickwire won the grand prize drawing. The $1000 grand prize was hers. After winning, she decided on being practical with the cash.

“I gave my grandson $100 to put in his bank and bought some well needed tires for my car,” she said.

When friends of hers found out about the winnings, they too were excited. “They wanted to know where I won it,” Wickwire said. “People (my friends) want to attend Winter Celebration next year.”

It wasn’t just Linda Wickwire who had a good day. Many others walked away with gifts making the scavenger hunt time well spent despite not winning the grand prize.

Aldolpho Alcola not only won $500 in movie passes from Stantikos, but a one night stay at a local hotel as well. The McQuin family was also extremely lucky and walked away with both a YMCA gym membership and an iPad Mini. And Dustin Ochonnor received a two night stay at Homewood Suites with breakfast. In all, more than 10 lucky guests won prizes, not including general prizes handed out throughout the day, due to the generosity of some extremely considerate vendors.

A special thank you goes out to all the participants and vendors of the event. It is with their help, that Welcome Home and Living Through Giving is able to put on such a strong community event.

“It’s a wonderful program for the children whether you win or not,” Linda Wickwire said. “It is fun time spent with the family.”

Grand Prize Winner Amazed By WinBy Ben Spicer

Grand Prize winners show off their prizes won during the Winter Celebration’s Scavenger Hunt.

Linda Wickwire with her grandson, is all smiles after finding out she had won the $1,000 cash prize.

Submitted By James Miller, Assistant Principal

Encino Park Elementary’s, McTeacher’s night, was held on Wednesday, December 11th 2014. This was a great

community event, which benefited their campus. Hundreds of families joined the school at the McDonald’s located at 281 and Evans road, as teachers and staff took over behind the counter, cooking and serving the food.

As a campus, Encino Park is always looking for fun things to do that benefit thier school and community. When the owners of McDonald’s proposed the McTeacher’s Night, it sounded great and they set the date.

The night was a total success, the school broke McDonald’s records for other McTeacher’s Nights, but the big measure of success was all the smiling faces and spending time with all the families!

The school looks forward to many more community opportunities and continuing

a partnership with McDonald’s and other businesses.

Submitted By Peter Onofre

New Life Christian Academy (NLCA) recently initiated Western riding as an extracurricular sport for their

Middle and High School students who wanted to learn to ride. New Life Christian Academy then partnered with Canaan Land Riding Academy (CLRA) in Medina County to provide the desired extracurricular activity for their students.

As a result the Canaan Land Riders was founded October 2013 with eight students. They had their first competition a month and a half later (November 23) in Amarillo,

TX. Even with this short period of practice The Middle School Beginners class from CLRA took home two 4th place, two 5th place, a 3rd place and a 1st place ribbon. While the High School Beginners class from CLRA took home two 5th place, two 4th place, and two 3rd place ribbons.

The Canaan Land Riders now compete regionally in western pleasure shows and are affiliated with the IEA (Interscholastic Equine Association- (www.rideiea.org). According to IEA rules competitors must ride horses provided for them by the Association and may not use their own tack.

Even with these stringent rules, six out of the eight Canaan Land Riders came home with 12 ribbons in their first show ever. These three, fourteen year old, one twelve year old, one thirteen year old and one fifteen year old students have much to be proud of. They look forward to many other shows throughout winter, spring and summer of 2014. Currently they are preparing to compete at our very own San Antonio stock show with their own horses and against people from all over Texas.

Mr. Salazar (owner), Mr. Hinds (principal), Ronald McDonald, and Mr. Miller (assistant principal).

McTeacher’s Night

Students Succeed At Western Riding

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“He needs to focus better in my class,” “She does not want to follow instructions,” “He just

won’t pay attention.” Sound familiar?For kids, attention focus varies depending

on things as fatigue, stress, level of interest or whether your child has eaten well.

Your child can be focused for hours on his iPad, but can’t sit still for more than two minutes in church or in math class. This is because a video game can provide a stream of constant and constantly changing

stimulus that many real life situations can’t. Kids with attention and focus challenges

often don’t know they have shifted their attention. They simply haven’t developed the skills that help them identify what it feels like to be focused and what it feels like to not be focused.

Kids with true ADHD are generally very bright and often very creative. They may have good basic reading skills, but have trouble comprehending what they are reading.

So how do you teach your child to control his attention? This can be done by consistently following these four basic steps with the help of a one on one attention trainer.

1. Help them recognize what it feels like to be focused and what it feels like to not be focused.

2. Guide them in becoming aware of what they are doing when they are not focused. What is their body doing? How are they sitting? How are they breathing?

3. Identify and master whatever caused the confusion and triggered the loss of attention. Is it a pencil tapping? Is it the phone ringing? Is it kids playing outside the classroom?

4. Use a strategy or help them give themselves permission to get focused again. For example, “When I feel tired and get distracted, I will get up and stretch my legs and drink water.”

Although many problems with attention are associated with ADHD, often times an attention problem in the classroom is caused by inefficiencies in how your child processes information. If your child is having difficulty staying focused in the classroom, the smart thing to do is to assess his or her processing skills. If there is an uneven pattern of strengths and weaknesses in your child’s processing skills, then one on one attention training is the most effective way to boost your child’s attention self-control and confidence.

Leslie Jernigan is Program Director and Diagnostician at Learning Foundations Diagnostic and Learning Center in San Antonio. Email questions or concerns about your child’s learning challenges to [email protected] or call (210) 495-2626 for a Free Consultation.

“My Child Can’t Focus In Class!”By Leslie Jernigan, M.A.Learning FoundationsDiagnostic and Learning Center210-495-2626

Submitted By Amy Chandler

Students today live in a world surrounded by technology. Many aspects of their daily lives rely on

computers, but only a small fraction of students get to learn computer science – the basics of how a computer works, or how to create software, websites, or even apps.

Computer Science provides a foundation for virtually any career and everybody can benefit from learning the basics.

During Code.org’s Computer Science Education Week, this past December 9-15, first through fifth grade students at Encino Park Elementary had an opportunity to try out the basics of computer science during an “Hour of Code.”

“I learned how to program online and

it was challenging to figure how to multi-task while programming,” Megan, a fourth grader said.

Students in Amy Chandler’s Gifted and Talented classes helped make history by participating in the Hour of Code with more than 15 million students worldwide.

“It was really exciting to see every step that we put together,” Kaylee, a fourth grader said. “One thing that was kind of hard was figuring out what way would work!”

Mrs. Chandler’s first through fifth grade G/T students learned how to do simple self-guided computer science programming activities that were not only fun and engaging, but allowed students to learn about repeat – loops, conditionals, and basic algorithms.

“I like doing the code, even though I wasn’t very good. It taught me to not jump to the end and to take steps,” Ryne, a third grader said.

Students were able to use laptops, iPads, and the classroom SmartBoard to learn how to code. After the Hour of Code, many students reflected on the activities and learning that took place.

“I would LOVE to continue programming,” third grader Dylan said. “All my life I wanted to be an inventor, and that involves programming.”

Encino Park students are on their way to become successful 21st century learners! For more information about Code.org’s Hour of Code visit the website www.csedweek.org or you can visit Mrs. Chandler’s Classroom

blog at www.blogs.neisd.net/achand4. “This will really help with my dream

career – engineering. Thanks!” said Luke, a fourth grade student.

Submitted By Paige Hutchinson

True Vineyard Ministries and the Texas State Enactus team have paired up and contributed to numerous good

causes. True Vineyard Ministries is a non-

profit store in San Marcos that reaches out to the most vulnerable people in Rwanda and creates environments where they are empowered to live out their full potential at work, home and in their spiritual lives.

Those who volunteered with True Vineyard Ministries sold a variety of products in San Antonio at the Woman’s Club yearly vendor gathering. Enactus students have been volunteering at TVM for

a couple of years now and devote multiple hours each week at the store and across different cities in Texas.

Enactus students are taught the value of business and are enabling themselves, as well as others, to prepare for a better future. As one of the biggest projects, Enactus truly loves volunteering with TVM and allowing their business skills to help better the lives of women in Rwanda.

True Vineyard Ministries welcome each and every widow along with her own unique healing journey before her. Many are rape survivors from the 1994 genocide, are suffering from HIV/AIDS, or have experienced marginalization, hunger and

lack of other basic necessities. These women are also mothers to multiple children.

Enactus is a global, non-profit organization that is literally changing the world through highly dedicated student teams on more than 1600 university campuses in 40 countries. Enactus offers these students the opportunity to develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills through learning, practicing and teaching the principles of free enterprise, thereby improving the standard of living for millions in the process.

The Texas State Enactus is one of the leading collegiate teams within the United States. Enactus has been helping others

achieve their dreams through free enterprise education for more than 25 years. Today, Enactus is the world’s prominent and largest university-based free enterprise organization.

If you would like to learn more about Enactus please visit the Enactus website, www.business.txstate.edu, or contact Sam Walton Fellow, Vicki West at [email protected] or 512-245-3224, Enactus President, Zachary Goss at [email protected] or 281-785-9189, or Paige Hutchinson at [email protected] or 210-618-8011.

By NEISD

Tejeda yearbook advisers Mikel Brand and Clair Hicks would like to thank the Legacy yearbook staff from the

2012-2013 yearbook for all their hard work. The students worked very hard throughout last year to produce another award winning yearbook.

At the end of the last school year, the Legacy yearbook was submitted in four major competitions: American Scholastic Press Association (ASPA), National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA), Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA), and Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC). The theme for the 2013 yearbook was “Unlocking” the memories.

Different doors around campus were used to mark each section of the book. The use of the color red was used throughout the book to make the “UN” prefix stand out in the text and particular fonts were assigned to different areas of text. The tradition of producing an award-winning book continues! The 2013 Legacy yearbook received the following awards for the 2013 Legacy yearbook:

ASPA—First Place with two Special Merit Awards 2013 Most Outstanding Middle School Yearbook 2013 Most Outstanding Theme

NSPA—First Class with two Marks of Distinction Writing/Editing Photography

CSPA—Silver MedalistILPC—Award of Achievement

Students as part of Computer Science Education Week were taught how to write basic computer code.

Encino Park Demonstrates Hour Of Code

Enactus Making A Difference

The Legacy Yearbook Does It Again


The gift of clear, accurate sight can bring wonder, beauty, excitement and increased functionality into our lives. However, over time, vision needs and

concerns may change. Dr. Monica Allison at Vision Source Stone Oak has been treating patients with all vision needs in the Stone Oak community since 2005. Her passion to help each patient see clearly, regardless of their age or vision concern, is reflected in her growing practice.

Dr. Allison always envisioned running her own optometry practice, helping families with their vision needs in a personable setting. In order to provide her patients with such an intimate level of care with the added benefit of access to the latest technology, she decided to partner with Vision Source, the country’s premier network of private practice optometrists. Her partnership with Vision Source has allowed her to tailor an advanced level of care to each individual patient.

“Vision Source is a franchise, but each office is individually owned,” explained Dr. Allison. “We get to use their buying power. There are more than 2,300 offices and thousands of doctors, so we get better deals on things. The industry is always introducing new technology and other new things through us. Vision Source also emphasizes licensing to the highest level.”

Dr. Allison ensures that her practice is equipped with the latest pieces of advanced technology and the best treatment options available for her patients. To document diseases of the eye, Stone Oak Vision Source uses a retinal imaging system that captures images of the back of the eye. They also have a digital refracting system in every doctor’s lane that is linked to their software and lab to ensure the most accurate prescriptions. Another technology is the Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).

“This is an instrument that obtains sub-surface images of translucent or opaque materials at a resolution equivalent to a low-power microscope,” Dr. Allison said. “It is effectively ‘optical ultrasound,’ imaging reflections from within tissue to provide a straightforward method of assessing macular degeneration, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis and other conditions.”

Stone Oak Vision Source also includes on-site labs that can generate prescriptions the same day―even for non-glare lenses.

“We get comments all the time about our high-tech office,” said Dr. Allison. “Every test has a function and we make sure and provide the most comprehensive care possible for our patients. It’s great to share information with patients about preventative measures that we can do to protect and preserve vision long-term.”

New options for contact lens wearers―or those interested―have also exploded onto the optometry scene.

“We have daily use lenses that over 90 percent of people surveyed cannot feel in their eyes, even at the end of the day,” Dr. Allison explained. “Dailies Total 1 offers a revolutionary lens design that has never been on the market. For people with astigmatism or needing help up close, there have been tremendous strides in contacts for astigmatism and multifocal options. We fit a large amount of post-surgical patients in specialty lenses as well and there are some great options available, even if you’ve been told you cannot wear contacts, there may be a choice now.”

Dr. Allison is also passionate about is Orthokeratology or Ortho-K. Ortho-K is a non-surgical process, which actually reshapes the cornea of the eye using contact lenses. The patient wears the lenses overnight, while they sleep, and upon waking, enjoy clear vision all day long, without the assistance of contacts or glasses.“Ortho-K has been shown to slow down nearsightedness in children,” explained Dr. Allison. “My own daughter actually benefits from Ortho-K. It’s a great option for children because they’re not having to worry about their lenses during the day.”

Treating children is a large part of Dr. Allison’s practice. She participates in the InfantSEE® program – a free public health program for infants between six and 12 months to determine if the baby is at risk for eye or vision disorders.

Although school-aged children often have their vision checked at school or by their family physician, it is not uncommon for reading, focusing or other vision problems to go undetected.

Through comprehensive eye examinations, Dr. Allison checks eyes, inside and out, for glaucoma, cataracts, and all other eye diseases. However, the eye also provides a picture into an individual’s overall health and can indicate whether he or she may be suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, reaction to medication, or other systemic diseases.

“Looking into the eye is like looking into your body,” explained Dr. Allison. “It gives us a clear picture of the arteries and veins and what’s going on with your health.

With the changes in the healthcare industry, Dr. Allison has embraced her new positioning as a type of primary care physician. She wants her patients to feel that they can contact her in the case of an eye emergency, even after hours.

“All major medical insurance will take care of problems with the eye, but places like the emergency room won’t have the equipment that we have,” Dr. Allison said. “We take call after hours and treat all kinds of eye problems including infections, injuries and dry eye.”

Vision Source Stone Oak is also one of only two providers in San Antonio of Lafont eyewear, sophisticated, classic, beautiful styles handmade in Paris.

Dr. Allison enjoys finding the perfect solution to her patients’ vision needs. From contact lenses and glasses to medical eye care and LASIK surgery consultation,

she is available to those who desire treatment from a confident professional with years of growth and experience.

“I love meeting new people and visiting with the returning patients and seeing the children grow up in all of our families here,” said Dr. Allison. “The smile of a child putting glasses on for the first time, or the joy of the new teen contact lens wearer never stops being a thrill. Vision is so important and it is a joy to help preserve and protect it for all of our patients.”

Vision Source Stone Oak 19202 Stone Oak Pkwy, Ste 106210-495-9020www.visionsource-stoneoak.com

I love meeting new people and visiting with the returning patients and seeing the children grow up in all of our families here. The smile of a child putting glasses on for the first time, or the joy of the new teen contact lens wearer never stops being a thrill. Vision is so important and it is a joy to help preserve and protect it for all of our patients.”

– Dr. Monica Allison, Vision Source Stone Oak

Open Your Eyes To The Best Option In Vision Care:

By Amanda Burris

Lindsey Denison, O.D. and Monica Allison, O.D.


The first published papers written on male menopause was in 1939 by Dr. August Werner, Assistant Prof. of Int.

Medicine at St. Louis U. “It seems reasonable to believe that many

if not all men pass through a climacteric period somewhat similar to that of women, usually in a less severe but perhaps more prolonged form,” said Dr. Werner.

At that time, treatment consisted of 10mg of testosterone propionate 3x a week. The standard treatment today (depending on labs) ranges between 100-200mg injections

once a week. Dr. Werner then wrote a paper describing the effects of 30mg (low dose by today’s standards) testosterone replacement as “marked increase in erectile capacity and sensitivity of penis…their previous despondency gave way to definite elation.”

But what is male menopause? Is it purely a laboratory value? No. Rather, it is a constellation of symptoms plus comprehensive laboratory analysis consisting of sex hormone binding globulin, estradiol, testosterone and more. Sex hormone binding hormone (SHBG), which increases with age, binds the active form of testosterone. So to merely measure

total testosterone without measuring SHBG means that the active portion of the testosterone, free testosterone, is missed along possibly with the diagnosis of low testosterone.

True stories of men I have successfully treated over the past 10 years:

One patient’s urologist gave him a 200mg injection of testosterone once a month. He told me that the last week of the month, he cried every night. I measured his levels, gave him a high potency compounded cream, which he applied daily. Happy, powerful and grateful, he no longer had crying spells.

“The testosterone in Mexico doesn’t work, I took one injection and still felt weak and unable to perform,” said another patient. I told the nice gentleman that he needed to take a series of injections once or twice a week for several months, to fully appreciate the increase in muscle strength in the pelvis for the full wonderful effects

of testosterone replacement to manifest. I also told him that the muscles needed time to grow in the perineum and body under the influence of testosterone. I encouraged him to lose weight, exercise and take his injections faithfully every week. With my gentle encouragement, he experienced a return of strength over the next few months.

Side effects and contraindications: Of course there is cancer of prostate

or breast contraindication to testosterone. Blood levels need to be checked and closely followed. An urologist should perform a prostate exam to check for nodules or masses on the prostate.

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.

Male Menopause, Yes That’s RightBy Donna Becker, D.O.Enhancement of Life(210) 545-5224

By Leslie Komet Ausburn

The Ecumenical Center for Religion and Health has received a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission to

provide counseling services on a sliding scale to members of the military and their family.

Available to active duty, their dependents and retired veterans, this grant will provide much needed access to counseling services. Some members of the military who return

home from deployment need assistance coping with PTSD or other trauma. Children whose parents are in the military may also experience the stress of a returning or absent parent and will benefit from the service.

“Historically, counseling available to our veterans maybe limited or have restrictions,” said Mary Beth Fisk, CEO of the Ecumenical Center for Religion and Health. “In some cases, certain benefits are not available to spouses or children. This

grant will provide timely services to anyone who has served in the military, along with their families, and will allow the healing process to begin faster.”

The program, which took effect on January 1, 2014, will cover aid for individuals, families, group therapy, play therapy, neurofeed back (for traumatic brain injuries or ADHD) and spousal therapy. Services will be available on a first come / first serve basis and while funds last.

The Ecumenical Center, located at 8310 Ewing Halsell Dr., provides high quality, faith-based counseling and education to help people find healing, growth and wellness. The Center remains committed to this goal and the grant from the Texas Veterans Commission provides the means to stand up and help families achieve their life mission.

For more information and to access this program, contact the Center at 210-616-085 or visit their website at www.ecrh.org.

Submitted By Ron Robbiano

A San Antonio High School Mountain Bike team has been

registered with NICA National Interscholastic Cycling Association.

For years, several high school aged athletes have been competing independently in the Texas Mountain Bike Racing Association (TMBRA). Now, there is a race series specifically for high school aged cyclists, with teams formed in Austin, Houston, Laredo and Waco.

The Texas High School Mountain Bike League was organized in 2010 to provide competitive mountain biking programs for students in grades 9 to 12. This year will be the first year San Antonio competes against other schools in the state under the NICA Sanctioning body.

The 2014 race season includes: the Reveille Peak Round Up February 8-9, the Rocky Hill Rampage February 22-23, the Reveille Peak Reversal March 22-23, (In conjunction with the Texas All Bike Festival) Race #4 April 12-13, and the state championships at the Tangle in Troy, May 10-11.

With the cooperation of local race organizers, partners and sponsors, the Texas MTB league is able to provide a high quality mountain racing experience.

The League is committed to teaching safe riding practices. They believe forming high school teams is the best way for students to learn how to ride safely. To learn safe riding technique or learn how to teach these skills, join our next rider camp or coaches conference. For up to date news and info join the e-mail list, or send an e-mail directly to [email protected] and let them know how you’d like to get involved.

The Texas MTB league is a Non Profit organization. Riders can express their interest or sign up to race by contacting Ron Robbiano at [email protected].


The following members of the Claudia Taylor Johnson High School Band will perform with the Texas All-

State Bands and Orchestras in San Antonio, Saturday, February 15, 2014 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center as part of the 2014 Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention:• Caitlin Greeson, Grade 11, Flute;• Philip Sitterle, Grade 12, French Horn; *Two Time All State Band Member• Briana Chavez, Grade 12, French Horn;• Jacob Houser, Grade 12, Tenor Trombone;• Nat Hsu, Grade 10, Tenor Trombone;• Aaron Sanchez, Grade 12, Bass Trombone; *Two Time All State Band Member• Evan Jose, Grade 10, Percussion;• Maxwell Fang, Grade 12, Percussion

These students were chosen for this honor through a competitive process held this year across the state at District, Region and Area levels. In addition to instruction from Band Directors Jarrett Lipman, Alan Sharps, and Jordan Stern, these students study with private instructors who include Emily Gurwitz (Flute), Kay Southerland (Flute), Marc Lumley (French Horn), Ilan Morgenstern (Trombone), Joe Dixon (Trombone), and Manny Maldonado (Percussion). All three Johnson Band Directors are members of the Texas Music Educators Association, an 11,000+ member organization headquartered in Austin.

With eight band members selected, Johnson High School had one of the highest number of All State Band Members in Texas, and the North East ISD had one of the top number of total all staters (band/choir/orchestra) in Texas.

High school students selected to perform in the All-State concerts have competed through several levels of auditions beginning in the fall of 2013 to arrive at the state level. All-State is the highest honor a Texas music student can receive. Over 1,500 students are selected through a process that began with over 60,000 students from around the state vying for this honor to perform in one of 14 ensembles (bands, orchestras and choirs). Texas Music Educators Association sponsors the Texas All-State competition. This competitive process begins throughout the state in auditions hosted by 28 TMEA Regions. Individual musicians perform selected music for a panel of judges who rank each instrument or voice part. From this ranking, a select group of musicians advances from their Region to compete against musicians from other areas in seven TMEA Area competitions. The highest-ranking musicians judged at the TMEA Area competitions qualify to perform in a TMEA All-State music group.

These All-State students participate in three days of rehearsals directed by nationally-recognized conductors during the TMEA Clinic/Convention. Their performances for thousands of attendees bring this extraordinary event to a close. For the All-State concert schedule and conductor information, go to www.tmea.org/convention.

The Texas Music Educators Association is an association of over 11,000 school music educators dedicated to promoting excellence in music education. Go to www.tmea.org/convention for more information.

Students Selected As Texas All-State Musicians

Counseling Grant For Military Members

Cammie Robbiano competes at a USA Cycling National event in Idaho the year she claimed the state champion title.

MTB Team Competes Against State’s Best


Import vehicles are popular on our roads, and it’s no wonder. They can be sleek and stylish and energy efficient.

Unfortunately, though, people think that finding a repair facility to fix these cars can be difficult. Because foreign made vehicles require specific knowledge and parts, people often feel that taking it to a dealership is their only choice. The good news is that Belden’s Automotive & Tires is an import specialist!

Belden’s has made a concerted effort

to bring in factory-trained technicians that specialize in foreign cars like Volvo, Acura, BMW and Mercedes, to name a few. These technicians have extensive knowledge of a broad range of European and Asian imports, and we provide them with the latest diagnostic equipment as well as continuous foreign vehicle training. Additionally, we are proud to be a Bosch Service Center, which aides us in providing our customers with complete care. Customer satisfaction is

a top priority for all of our technicians.Because Belden’s can provide all the

services that the dealerships do, we can be the one-stop shop for all major factory recommended services, such at the 30, 60, and 90K services. People often think that they must get their cars and trucks serviced at the dealership in order to maintain their factory warranty, but this is not true. Having scheduled maintenance at Belden’s can extend the life of your vehicle, while not affecting your factory warranty.

Having factory trained and ASE certified technicians is of the utmost importance to us. The technicians are qualified to perform quality vehicle inspections and all minor and major repairs from brakes, belts, hoses, radiators, to simple tune-ups. All of our work is guaranteed for 18 months or 18,000 miles, which beats dealerships that warranty their work for 12 months or 12,000 miles.

We look forward to seeing you and your foreign or domestic vehicle at one of our locations, including our newest location Belden’s Alamo Garage located at Lockhill – Selma and NW Military. Thanks for allowing Belden’s Automotive and Tires to be your dealer alternative for your foreign car repair needs.

Don’t forget to check us out on the web for coupons and specials at www.beldensautomotive.com. Buckle up, Drive Safe and Remember at Belden’s Automotive & Tires “We Keep You Rolling!”

Belden’s Automotive & Tires has Five Locations: San Pedro: 210-494-0017; Medical Center: 210-690-1100; Alamo Garage: 210-366-1122; Boerne: 830-981-9700; Bulverde Rd.: 210-481-3330. For more information, call one of the locations or visit www.beldensautomotive.com.

We Keep You Rolling

By Rusty Belden, V.P.Belden’s Automotive & Tires(210) 494-0017

Making Your Clothes Last Longer; A Practical GuideBy Pat Gardner

It has been proven that regular cleaning prolongs the life of your wardrobe. At Dutch Boy Cleaners, we are committed

to the proper care of your clothing and

household textiles. This is our business and we are very good at what we do. Dutch Boy has been working with its’ customers for over 32 years and has seen it all from changing fashions to changing fabrics. The fabrics used to manufacture many of today’s garments need specialized cleaning and handling. One thing we have found is that there is more than one way to clean a particular garment. Most dry cleaners are restricted to one method of cleaning which isn’t good news for your clothing. Our cleaners are experts at proper fabric care. For example, there are times when certain garments need to be cleaned in water even when they say, “dry clean only”. We have specialized detergents and controls for doing this and the results are always fabulous. This

commitment to your clothing is what we are all about. If you have a special garment or stain problem, we will work with you on a proper care procedure. Whether you bring us a St. John, Armani, Vera Wang or a pair of jeans from Wal-Mart, Dutch Boy Cleaners has the right methods to care for those garments.

Dutch Boy is a full service cleaner. That means whatever you have to clean we can take care of it for you. Wedding dress preservation, leathers, furs, drapes and comforters are welcomed and cleaned professionally. Our in house seamstresses perform alterations and minor mending. There are so many ways that we can help you to maintain your wardrobe and keep you looking and feeling great.

Dutch Boy Cleaners has various locations: 19202 Stone Oak Parkway; 21770 Bulverde Road; 192 FM 1863 @281: See the ad in Welcome Home for discount coupons and specials. Call 210-494-7966 or visit www.DutchBoyCleaners.com for more information.

ExpEriEncE ThE DUTCH BOY DiffErEncE


Ian’s Foundation was formed in memory of Ian Fincke who passed away tragically at the age of 16 in October 2008 as the

result of a traumatic brain injury sustained during a skateboarding accident.

The foundation was formed to advance the safety and welfare of San Antonio youth through education and scholarship awards.

To date over $20,000 in scholarships has been awarded to deserving San Antonio students. Ian’s Foundation also promotes helmet safety in the San Antonio surrounding area and supports STRAPS (South Texas Regional Adaptive and Paralympic Sports). STRAPS was inspired by Ian’s Foundation as a way to allow anyone in San Antonio with physical disabilities to enjoy the game of soccer. You can read more about the foundation and ways to help at www.IansFoundation.org.

Ian’s love for the game of soccer also inspired the creation of the Fincke Cup, an annual soccer match played between Johnson High School and Reagan High School Varsity Boys and Girls Soccer Teams. The school with the highest aggregate score for the night receives the coveted Fincke Cup Trophy and bragging

rights for the year. A scholarship is awarded to a boy and girl from each team for a total of four scholarships annually.

The annual Fincke Cup Soccer Match will be held on Tuesday, February 18 at the Blossom Athletic Center West Field with the girl’s game starting at 5 p.m. and the boys’ soccer match following at 7 p.m.

A soccer clinic for the youth of San Antonio is the main fundraiser that supports the scholarship awards and allows the local high school players an opportunity to teach soccer skills to the youth of San Antonio.

There will also be local soccer club trainers, as well as a presence from the SA Scorpions professional soccer team. The clinic is open to players new to the sport as well as experienced club players. Participants will be grouped according to age/level of play.

The 2014 Fincke Cup Soccer Clinic will be Sunday, February 9 from 2-4 p.m. at the Mays YMCA with registration beginning at 1:30 p.m. (a rain date of Sunday, February 16 has been arranged if needed). You can register for the clinic at www.FinckeCup.com.

The cost of the clinic is $25 if pre-registered and $30 the day of the clinic. The

cost includes a two hour clinic as well as a 2014 Fincke Cup T-Shirt. T-Shirt orders also can be placed online at www.FinckeCup.com, and they will also be available for purchase at Soccer City starting Saturday, February 8 as well as at the Soccer Clinic and Beefy’s Backyard on Sunday, February 9.

New this year a soccer equipment donation will be set up at the clinic. Donate used soccer equipment such as balls, cleats,

shin guards, etc. to be given to the YMCA and distributed to inner city kids in their program.

Beefy’s Backyard, has offered to contribute a portion of the sales on Sunday, February 9 to Ian’s Foundation. (Please let them know you are there to support Ian’s Foundation/Fincke Cup upon placing your order). Come out after the clinic or just stop by and support Ian’s Foundation and the Fincke Cup between 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Johnson High School was the winner of the Fincke Cup trophy and bragging rights for the 2013 year.

Student’s Legacy Lives Through Soccer

Submitted By Michelle Bibb

The North San Antonio Retired Teachers Association will be having its monthly meeting on Wednesday,

February 19.NSARTA meets the third Wednesday

of each month at San Pedro Presbyterian Church located at 14900 San Pedro. Come

by at 9:45 a.m. to enjoy a “Meet and Greet” complete with light refreshments.

The guest speaker will be Dr. Deborah Valdez, Executive Director of the Bexar County Family Justice Center. The BCFJC consists of a multi-disciplinary team of professionals who work together in one centralized location to provide services to

victims of family violence. The Bexar County Family Justice Center

provides comprehensive services in the areas of law enforcement, employment and education assistance, child therapy, life coaching and providing professional clothing assistance. All partners work together to fulfill the mission of assisting

victims of domestic violence in their journey from “survivor to thriver”.

Please join the February meeting, NSARTA loves welcoming guests and new members!

NSARTA Hosts Director Of Family Justice Center


The eye is a complex part of our body and maybe that’s why our insurance to cover the eye can be complex at

times. There are two different insurances that “cover” the eye.

The first is vision insurance and this covers routine exams. The second is your major medical carrier- and this covers eyes with a medical complaint, but sometimes can have a routine benefit too! The important thing to know is that vision plans only cover routine visits. At Stone Oak Vision Source, we are credentialed for both vision plans and medical plans.

If you think you may need glasses because you are experiencing blurred vision, or you are currently a glasses or contact lens wearer and want to update your prescriptions, you should use your vision plan. If you are not having any eye problem and just want a routine check-up, this is also the insurance for you. Not everyone has a vision plan. We can check to see if you have one as they are usually attached to your major medical carrier. They usually have a copay for the exam portion and an allowance to go towards hardware (eyeglasses or contact lenses). Every plan is different and some offer discounts but some pay a significant amount towards your eyeglass or contact lens purchase.

The next kind of insurance is your major medical. As previously mentioned, your medical insurance might cover routine eye exams too. Some plans even have allowances for hardware as well. Most likely though, the medical plan covers eyes with a medical complaint. This means if you get something in your eye and need help getting the foreign body out, if you get pink eye, or if you have any eye condition that is not routine, your medical insurance covers this.

Our staff will be happy to help you determine which will give you the best coverage for the exam you receive. If both policies have allowances for hardware, you could use one for contacts and one for glasses or consider getting a prescription sunglass with one. You definitely want to maximize your benefits- you’ve earned them.

At Stone Oak Vision Source we want to be your personal benefits advisor when it comes to your eyes. Remember, we do treat

eye emergencies and can file these with your insurance. If you don’t have insurance, we have many other forms of payment we accept.

All of the doctors at Stone Oak Vision Source are certified to treat and manage eye disease. If you are experiencing any eye concerns, we provide comprehensive eye care for the whole family.

Drs. Monica Allison and Lindsey Denison practice at Stone Oak Vision Source located at 19202 Stone Oak Pkwy, Ste. 106. All of the doctors are members of Vision Source, the nation’s number one network of private practice optometrists. Founded in 1991, the Vision Source network includes more than 2,100 offices in all 50 states and Canada. If you or a loved one needs to find a family eye doctor, please call (210) 495-9020 or visit www.visionsource-stoneoak.com.

Understanding Your Benefits for Eye CareBy Monica Allison, O.D.Stone Oak Vision Source(210) 495-9020

Submitted By Velizar Iliev

Farrah Lee-Elabd, representing Team USA3, won the gold medal in the team competition at the 2013 Cadet

European Cup in Klagenfurt, Austria on October 26.

Her team won the preliminary round against Ukraine (45-43), and then defeated Serbia (45-38). In the semi-finals, they came up against another American squad, Team USA2, where the San Antonian and her teammates pulled off a 45-38 upset win.

In the gold medal round Farrah and her teammates faced Romania. When Farrah stepped into the fencing strip as team anchor (the last team member to fence), her team was losing (37-40). However, with great

focus and determination, she was able to reverse the losing score to win the bout 45-43.

The following day, Farrah competed in the women’s individual event and placed 13th out of 174 fencers, losing in the quarter final round (12-15) to the Ukrainian Inna Brovko, who ended up taking the gold medal. With this result, Farrah earned enough points to move from 11th to 5th place in the Cadet Women’s Epee national ranking for ages 17 and under.

Farrah, a sophomore at Saint Mary’s Hall, also won a Gold medal in Cadet Women’s Epee division for 17 years and under on Sunday, December 15.

There she competed against 102 of the

top female cadet epee fencers in North America, and in the finals she beat Kasia Nixon (Los Angeles, CA), who is currently the number one US rated fencer in the division.

Farrah has qualified to compete with Team USA at the 2014 European Cadet Cup in Gothenburg, Sweden next month.

Saint Mary’s Hall sophomore Robin Cheong represented Team USA and competed at the 2013 Cadet European Cup in Chalons, France on November 23.

Robin participated in the men’s individual event and placed 15th out of 170 fencers. Robin is currently ranked number 7 in the nation in Cadet.

Both Farrah and Robin at age 15 have

goals to move into the top three in the nation so they can qualify for the 2014 Cadet World Championships in Bulgaria.

London Olympic medalist Kelley Hurley (San Antonio, Texas) won her fourth individual gold medal on Friday, December 13 in Dallas at the 2013 North American Cup which included fencers competing in Division I, Cadet, and Veteran events.

Kelley, a two-time Olympian, claimed the title for Division I Women’s Epee by defeating Isabel Ford (Salem, OR) by a score of 15-9.

Claudine Barjak, another Olympian Fencing club competitor, took the 5th place finalist medal in the Veteran-40 Women’s Epee.

Submitted By Julie Shore

In the month of November, the Johnson High School Student Council donated $400 to the San Antonio Food Bank. The “Jag Shack,” Johnson’s school store

managed by Student Council officers, set aside all of the November profits planning to give them to a local organization.

“We chose the SA Food Bank because we know how much food is appreciated during the holidays,” sophomore StuCo officer Mack Moncada said.

Not only did Johnson’s Student Council help the Food Bank, they also presented every member of the Johnson custodial staff

with a frozen turkey, a ham, and a $50 HEB gift card.

For December, the Johnson Student Council and Dance programs led their school and community in donating toys for Toys for Tots. Spreading the word about the fundraiser was just the beginning of the holiday spirit in the Johnson hallway atmosphere. Teachers received tall wrapped boxes, and created friendly competitions within their classes.

“It was so incredible to see how willing and excited the student body was,” senior officer Christina Werckle said.

On December 12 the toys were collected,

counted, and delivered. Joyful smiles grew as the count skyrocketed; 874 toys in total! From bicycles to books to baby blocks to DVDs, students donated toys for all ages.

“Toys for Tots was a huge success and our goal is to make it bigger and better every year,” junior officer Rachel Gawlik said.

Johnson’s Student Council said there is much more in store for this school year as well as in the years to come.

“We love giving back to our community,” junior officer Emily Ross said. “These opportunities are great blessings to our program.”

By NEISD

Throughout the month of November, Encino Park Elementary School undertook its second annual school-

wide project that pairs its students’ interest in spelling with its spirit of giving.

Using the materials provided by those that sponsor the Scripps National Spelling Bee, the students of Encino Park participated in the Great American SpellCheck. Each student received a list of fifty grade-specific spelling words to practice to prepare for the event. The students also collected pledges from family and friends for every word that they spelled correctly on the Great American SpellCheck test.

The goal was to raise at least $2,500 for the Smile Train Organization, a group that

provides surgeries and medical support (for as little as $250 per child) to children across the world that have been born with cleft lips and/or cleft palates. This condition affects the appearance of the child’s face and roof of the mouth and causes the child to have difficulty eating, swallowing, breathing, and talking.

Encino Park went above and beyond in doing its part to help change the lives of those affected by this condition, as the school was able to raise $3,000. This will fund surgeries for twelve children. The amount collected will also be matched through Smile Train’s special double matching program that is offered at various times throughout the year, so Encino Park’s efforts will go twice as far!

“We appreciate the time, effort, and financial assistance that helped make this

experience a success, and we are all very proud of the generous support of this endeavor,” said Vicki Craig, teacher at Encino Park and program coordinator. “The event prompted a total school effort from

kindergarten through fifth grade.”

Local Fencers Find Gold

Johnson High School Student Council shows off their 874 toys collected for the Toys for Tots drive.

JHS Donates To Food Bank

Encino Park students stand in front of their Smile Train wall.

Encino Park Fundraiser

The students exceeded their goal of raising $2,500 by being able to raise $3,000 to help children born with cleft lips and/or cleft palates.


Medical Professional&DIRECTORYFamily Allergy & Asthma SpecialistsDr. John Mastrovich20650 Stone Oak Pkwy., Ste. 106Board Certified in Allergy/Immunology342-6200 • www.faasonline.com

Southwest Allergy & AsthmaMartin • RodriguezBoard Certified in Allergy/Immunology155 Sonterra Blvd., Ste. 101494-0690 • swallergyasthma.com

Enhancement of LifeDr. Donna Becker, D.O.14603 Huebner Rd., Ste. 2601545-5224 • www.antiagingsa.comExpert Hormone Replacement for Women & Men

San Antonio General SurgeryJorge L. Rincon MD, FACS1162 E. Sonterra, Ste. 210587-7744www.sageneralsurgery.com

William R. Thornton, M.D., F.A.C.S.Ophthalmic/Facial Plastic & Reconstructive SurgeryCosmetic Eye Lid & Facial Surgery15316 Huebner Rd., Ste. 101576-5150 (by appt)

Canyon Dental CareJeff Beal, DDS & Justin Rich, DDS3111 TPC Pkwy., Ste. 114, San Antonio, 78259424-3611www.dentalworks.com

Dr. Perry E. WoodFamily Dentistry, Cosmetics & Orthodontics16616 San Pedro (281/Thousand Oaks)491-9898Accepts most insurance

Garrison Family DentalAustin J Garrison DDS, Gary J. Garrison DDS22100 Bulverde Rd., Ste. 114494-7222www.garrisonfamilydental.com

Internal Medicine of Stone OakLubna Naeem, M.D.19272 Stone Oak Pkwy., Ste. 105490-3800Laser treatment, Botox, Skin care available

Alamo City Eye Physicians, P.A.J. Mark Berry M.D.William T. Walton M.D.19026 Stone Oak Pkwy., Ste. 216491-2020

Lynnell C. Lowry, M.D.Alamo Eye InstituteBoard Certified Ophthalmologist18720 Stone Oak Pkwy., Ste. 119697-3821

Texas State OpticalRenee Dunlap, O.D.21019 U.S. Hwy. 281 N., Ste. 832490-EYES (3937)www.stoneoak.tso.com

Schatz OrthodonticsEric Schatz, DDS22610 U.S. Highway 281, Ste. 201272-7129www.alohasmiles.net

Stone Oak Pediatric DentistryDr. “Susie” S. Hayden, DDS, P.A.20322 Huebner Rd., Ste. 103491-4141www.drsusie.net

Speech & Language Center of Stone OakBarbara A. Samfield19272 Stone Oak Pkwy., Ste. 108495-9944www.stoneoakspeech.com

Fossil Creek Urgent Care Clinic22250 Bulverde Rd. (Corner of Evans Rd.)401-8185 • www.fossilcreekurgentcare.comOpen Late and WeekendsFamily and Pediatric Medicine

Allergy & Immunology

Allergy & Immunology

Anti-Aging

Colon & Rectal Surgery

Facial Plastic Surgery

General Dentistry

General Dentistry

General Dentistry Optometrist Urgent Care

Speech TherapyOphthalmologist

Pediatric DentistryOphthalmologist/Optometrist

Orthodontics For Adults/ChildrenInternal Medicine

NO SEASON HAS TO BE

ALLERGY SEASON!

Amanda Trott-Gregorio, MDSpecializing in allergy, asthma, and immunology diagnosis, testing, and treatment for adults and children.

Same day appointments available. Call today!

Stone Oak Allergy155 Sonterra Blvd., Ste. 101

San Antonio, TX 78258

www.stoneoakallergy.com • 210.494.0690

Caring for the Eyes of Texas since 1936 • www.stoneoaktso.com

Dr. Renee T. Dunlap Therapeutic Optometrist • Optometric Glaucoma Specialist

Board Certified Optometrist by the American Board of Optometry

Dr. Kara Farmer Therapeutic Optometrist • Optometric Glaucoma Specialist

21019 US Hwy 281 North • San Antonio, TX 78258(In Stone Ridge Market • PetSmart) 210-490-EYES (3937)

Sweetheart Special!Try on our great selection of red, pink and white frames!

(During February mention this ad for a special gift.)

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By Ben Spicer

Two local business associations demonstrated their holiday spirit by giving back to local communities this

past December.The Stone Oak Business Association

as well as its sister association the 10 West Business Association, came together on December 5 at the Knife and Fork Gastropub on Stone Oak Parkway to give gifts to the Toys for Tots drive.

Spirits were high as roughly 30 colleagues, coworkers and their spouses shared drinks and conversation while taking in the holiday season.

“Collecting toys made this a worthwhile event,” Julia Wickwire, SOBA and 10 West Business Association organizer said. “Giving back is so important during the holidays.”

By the time the night was done, a full collection box of gifts had been accumulated, showcasing the generosity of those people in

attendance.The two business associations would like

to thank the Knife and Fork Gastropub and their staff for their willingness to host the event.

The Stone Oak Business Association is an organization that provides the growing community with networking opportunities, the free exchange of information and mutual support. The organization holds monthly networking events for companies to become

more involved in the business community. SOBA is always looking for new ways to

bring its members together each month while providing fun, working opportunities that will benefit all types of businesses.

To find out more about the Stone Oak Business Association, the 10 West Business Association, or the monthly meetings visit www.stoneoakbusiness.com, e-mail [email protected] or call 210-348-8233.

SOBA And 10 West Give During Holidays

February is the shortest month of the year, but many people have no idea why that is. February is the only month

to have fewer than 30 days, but there is no scientific reason behind that distinction, though there have been various changes to the calendar throughout the centuries, and eventually February became what it is today.

The Romans developed a 10-month calendar that began with the Spring equinox in March and ended in December. There is belief that what is now February was overlooked when this calendar was created, as winter weather had little to do with the harvest in the northern hemisphere, where Rome is located. Romans essentially considered the winter a period of time with no distinctive months.

When the second king of Rome, Numa Pompilius, took to the throne in 713 BC, he had plans to make the calendar more accurate by synchronizing it with the actual lunar year, which is roughly 354 days long. Thus, two new months, January and February,

were added to the end of the calendar. Both January and February had 28 days.

At the time, even numbers were considered bad luck, and these months were not looked upon favorably by the king. So he decided to make changes once more and added a day to January to make it 29 days long. February was left untouched, remaining an “unlucky” month and one devoted to honoring the dead and performing rites of purification, as the word February comes from februare, which means “to purify.” February remained the last month of the year for roughly 200 years until the calendar was reevaluated and February was reassigned as the second month, with January being the start of the New Year.

This new 355-day calendar simply could not stay in sync with the seasons because it did not account for the amount of time it takes the Earth to orbit the sun. Therefore, an extra “month” of 27 days was added after February 23 each year to play catch-up. Sometimes this extra month was overlooked or not scheduled in time, continuing the

calendar conundrum.Julius Caesar was responsible for tackling

calendar problems further when he was in power. He wished to make the calendar solar-based, like the one Egyptians used, instead of the older lunar-based calendar. This led to the creation of the Julian calendar. Ten days were added to the calendar year in various months, and February was increased every four years (leap year) to 29 days to coordinate the calendar year to the solar cycle of roughly 365.2425 days.

February remains the shortest month of the year. Through the years there has been no widespread attempt to reorganize the calendar once more to even out the months and give extra time to February. As a result of the shorter number of days, February has some unique attributes. In common years, February can pass without a single full moon. The next time this will happen is in 2018. Once every six years, February is the only month that has four, full seven-day weeks.

February starts on the same day of the week as March and November in common years, and on the same day of the week as August on leap years. February ends on the same day of the week as October every year. In leap years, it is the only month that begins

and ends on the same weekday.People born on a leap year technically

celebrate their birthday only once every four years, but most observe it on the 28th. Celebrities born on February 29 include Tony Robbins, Antonio Sabato, Jr., Mervyn Warren, and Dennis Farina.

Despite its status as the shortest month, February is packed with many events, including Valentine’s Day and Groundhog’s Day. Americans celebrate the birth of two presidents in February, as well as Black History Month. Mexicans celebrate Flag Day in February, while residents of St. Lucia celebrate their Independence Day. February is also a time for families, especially in Canada, where Family Day is celebrated on the third Monday of the month in many provinces.

February is also an important month for sports fans, as two teams will face each other in the Super Bowl on the first Sunday of February.

No one really knows for certain why February was relegated to the shortest month. However, with so much trivia and special events surrounding the month, it is still a special time of year.

Fun Facts About February

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For the Love of DOG!

In December I spoke about working on your mental game and stepping out of your comfort zone if you wanted to

achieve higher goals. In January I spoke of stepping out of your house and getting healthy with your pet. Have you done anything yet? It’s February, man, how time flies! But don’t despair. February is the month of love, so focus this month on learning to LOVE what we can do with our pet.

Did you happen to get a puppy during the holidays? Are you back to your regular routine and finding the house destroyed when you return? Here are some things to try that will tie into the last couple of months and help with any love lost due to your newest addition.

First off, be sure your pet gets lots of exercise before you leave the house. This is a great way for you to incorporate your own New Year’s resolution if it was getting in shape. Most of us hate mornings, but if you can kill two birds with one stone by taking your pet on a 30 minute walk before you get ready for work you both will benefit from it.

Next, focus on your goals. Whether you

want to compete with your pet or just make them into a better mannered housemate you need to put work into that. You’ll achieve your goals much faster if you plan them out. Set up mini accomplishments so it’s not so overwhelming. One week focus on sit-stay and down-stay only. Once you have success at least 80 percent of your training sessions, move on to the next goal. The bigger the goal the more you need to plan and step up. If you want to compete with your dog, don’t wait until problems have manifested and you spend more time and money fixing them. Get with the best trainers you can find (us), start early and commit hard. You’ll LOVE your success rate.

If you’re having trouble getting started, sign up for a class in obedience, agility, or trick training and PAY FOR IT IN ADVANCE. Once you’ve paid for it, you’re less likely to bail before it starts because “something came up.” Classes or private lessons are a fun way to work on all three things I was focusing on: your goals, getting in shape, and most importantly, falling in LOVE with your pet.

K9 Country Club is located at 31305 Oak View, Bulverde TX 78163. For more information, call (830) 980-8476 or visit www.k9countryclub.net.

By Catherine LariaK9 Country Club(830) 980-8476

K9 Corner

K9 Country Club& Training Academy

•DayCamp•Overnight

Boarding•Grooming

(830) 980-8476 • 31305 Oak View, Bulverde • www.k9countryclub.net

Agility Herding Obedience Boarding

•Training•Cattery•BeachClub•PetBakery

“Be My Valentine” Boarding SpecialStay overnight Friday, February 14 and Saturday is FREE with late pick-up from 5 PM – 8 PM.

Want an extra day? Stay all weekend with pick-up from 4 PM – 6 PM Sunday and only pay for two days!!Space is limited so call 830-980-8476 to book today! Mention coupon code BMV2014 to receive your FREE DAY.


S • O • B • A

Stone OakBusinessAssociation

Thursday, February 20, 2014 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Franklin Park Stone Oak 21802 Encino Commons

SOBA Members: $15 Non-Members: $20 Door: $25

When:

Where:

Cost:

To RSVP: 348-8233 E-mail: [email protected]

Stone Oak Business Associationpresents:

Small Business Tax PreparationJoin us and guests speakers Judith Kenton & Cassie Meuth of ATGK, on Thursday, February 20, as we discuss key tax topics related to running your business. For just over 30 years, ATKG has specialized in tax, accounting, and advisory services for a select client base of closely held businesses and large family groups.

Stone Oak Business Association Presents

To RSVP: 210-348-8233 E-mail: [email protected]

2014 Business Expohosted by Ronald Reagan High School

The 2014 Stone Oak Business Association Expo is excited to be welcomed back to Ronald Reagan High School for the 12th annual EXPO. This well attended event benefits both Reagan and Johnson High Schools. As a vendor your business will gain exposure to the community, parents, teachers and students. All funds raised from the Expo will help the SOBA Scholarship Program to award scholarships to outstanding seniors graduating from Reagan and Johnson High Schools. Donated raffle items are also needed and appreciated.

CALL TODAY AND RESERVE YOUR SPACE! Go Rattlers!!!

Thursday, April 24, 2014 5:30 to 8:00 PMRonald Reagan High School Cafeteria 19000 Ronald Reagan Dr. San Antonio, Texas 78258

$85 for Members | $125 for Non-Members

When:

Where:

Cost:

S • O • B • A

Stone OakBusinessAssociation

Ronald Reagan H.S.

Lady Bird

JOHNSON H.S.


50% OFF Dry Cleaning(Max discount $10)

Wearing apparel only. Not valid on household item, leather, or suede.

Coupon must accompany incoming order. Not valid w/other discounts or 3 pant special.

One coupon per day. Exp. 2/28/14 NC

$10 OFF Dry Cleaning(Min order of $40)

Bring this coupon and receive $10 OFF with $40 of drycleaning.

Coupon must accompany incoming order. Not valid w/other discounts or 3 pant special.


$5 OFF Cleaning

(Bedspreads & Comforters)Coupon must accompany incoming order.

Not valid w/other offer.


4th Men’s Shirt FREE LaundryBring this coupon with 4 shirts

and get your 4th shirt FREE.Coupon must accompany incoming order.

Not valid w/other discounts. Men’s shirts only.


Now in-network with Aetna,

Tricare, Prime, Humana, Cigna,

BCBS, Community First and Medicaid

NOW OPEN

At the corner of Blanco and 1604 in the Vineyard Shopping Center1207 N Loop 1604 W. Suite 115

New HoursSat, Sun & Mon: 8:30am – 10pmTue, Wed, Thr & Fri: 2pm – 10pm

210-479-FISH (3474)Walk-ins Welcome | No Appointment Necessary

On-site X-Rays and LabsInteractive, Touch-Free Waiting Room

www.RedFishBlueFishUrgentCare.com

NOW ACCEPTING United Healthcare Insurance!Effective June 1, 2013

LOCATION:Ice & Golf Center at Northwoods(behind Northwoods Theater)17530 Henderson PassSan Antonio, TX 78232

SERVICE TIMES:Sunday Worship 9:30 – 10:45 AMChildren’s Sunday Ministry 8:45 – 9:45 AMWednesday Bible Study 7:00 – 8:00 PMWednesday Youth Group 7:00 – 8:00 PM

“I have loved you with an everlasting love.”

– Jeremiah 29:11

Pastor Russell & Dr. Linda Howelton Founder, Skybridge Community Church

www.skybridgechurch.org

This Valentine’s Day,fall in love with

Jesus Christ!

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