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78209 m a g a z i n e

OCTOBER 2026

When fun ends abruptly. You need an ER made just for kids. Emergencies don’t always follow a schedule — that’s why our team of pediatric experts is always ready. At CHRISTUS Children’s, we combine expertise with a gentle touch, keeping your little one calm, safe and cared for. Open 24/7 Ages 0 – 17 Walk-in access

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EDITOR’S LETTER

October has a way of bringing a little extra life to the neighborhood. Cooler evenings invite us back outside, fall calendars fill with gatherings and traditions, and around every corner, there seems to be another reason to celebrate the people, places and creativity that make our community special. In this month’s issue of 78209 Magazine, we’re highlighting a few of those stories. In our Business Profile this month, we sat down with the husband-andwife team behind Hanley Wood, taking a closer look at the people, work and local presence behind the business. It’s another opportunity to celebrate the companies and individuals who contribute to the character and vitality of our community. For ’09 Elevated, we head outdoors with Texas Deck Pros to explore a recent 78209 deck build designed around both beauty and accessibility. The project features an accessible pool spa and demonstrates how thoughtful design can create an outdoor space that is not only beautiful, but comfortable and welcoming for everyone who uses it. And, fittingly for October, our cover embraces one of San Antonio’s most visually striking seasonal traditions. Featured is one of the magnificent catrinas from the San Antonio Botanical Garden’s Jardín de las Catrinas. Towering, colorful and intricately detailed, these figures celebrate the artistry and symbolism surrounding Día de los Muertos while creating an unforgettable experience in the Garden. As the temperatures finally begin to dip and fall settles into ’09, I hope this issue encourages you to explore something new, support a neighborhood business and enjoy everything this season brings to our corner of San Antonio. Happy October!

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Photo by Jorge Tamez

Try every class. Meet the instructors. Find your favorite.

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CONTRIBUTORS PUBLISHER Las Tres Muchachas

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Taylor Lane

DIRECTOR OF SALES & PARTNERSHIPS Dale Lane

ADVERTISING SALES Dale Lane Layla Saldana

PRODUCTION | DESIGN Kimberly Pipes, PCM®, CDMP

WRITERS Bruce X. Forey Elizabeth Bobbitt

PHOTOGRAPHERS David Teran Lynn Yao For Advertising/Information (210) 236-5834 info@78209magazine.com

PUBLISHED BY A Las Tres Muchachas Production Cathleen & Dale Lane 7979 Broadway, Suite 109 San Antonio, Texas 78209 (210) 236-5834 | @78209magazine www.78209magazine.com

FEATURES 12 Business Profile

Find out what’s new at luxury gift shop Hanley-Wood as they celebrate 60 years in 78209.

16 09 Elevated

32 Around 09 Follow us on social media @78209magazine & @78209_magazine (on X)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

In the Loop

20 On the Market 21 Love of Animals 24 School News 29 Church Directory 31 Police Blotter 32 Around 09 36 Fitness

On The Cover

Featured this month is one of the beautiful sculptural statues on view at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Jardín de las Catrinas brings art, plants, and tradition together in an immersive experience. Explore eight larger-than-life Catrinas, more than 10,000 marigolds, and hundreds of living plants in this colorful fall exhibition. Created by San Antonio artist, Regina Moya, each Catrina is inspired by nature, Mexican traditions, and refranes— traditional sayings that share wisdom passed down through generations.

38 Vintage View

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR / CONNECT To view us online, visit: 78209magazine.com Contact us: info@78209Magazine.com | (210) 236-5834

Find 78209 Magazine at your local grocery and retail locations serving Alamo Heights, Northwood Estates, Oak Park, Terrell Hills, and Olmos Park as well as area Twin Liquors stores and Jim’s Restaurants.

78209 MAGAZINE is published monthly by Las Tres Muchachas Enterprises (Publisher). Reproduction in any manner in whole or part is prohibited without the express written consent of the Publisher. Material contained herein does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher or its staff. 78209 MAGAZINE reserves the right to edit all materials for clarity and space and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors or omissions. 78209 MAGAZINE does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertisements or editorial, nor does the Publisher assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Articles and photographs are welcome and may be submitted to our offices to be used subject to the discretion and review of the Publisher. All real estate advertising is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Printed in the U.S.A.

OCTOBER 2026 7

IN THE LOOP

Restore Your Cherished Family Treasures with Zapffe Silversmiths at Hanley-Wood Fine Gifts Mark your calendars for October 15th - October 17th! Zapffe Silversmiths is coming back to Hanley Wood Fine Gifts in Alamo Heights for their silver restoration event. Give your beloved family heirlooms a stunning second life just in time for the holidays. Hanley-Wood Fine Gifts, located in the heart of Alamo Heights in San Antonio, is thrilled to host the master craftsmen of Zapffe Silversmiths for their twice annual three-day Silver Restoration Event. Whether you have inherited a tarnished sterling silver tea service, a bent candelabra, or worn copper cookware, this limited-time event offers a rare opportunity to meet directly with a restoration specialist. Rather than leaving aging treasures tucked away in closets, bring them in for a professional assessment and rediscover the brilliance they once brought to your home. Craftsman Expertise Since 1919 Zapffe Silversmiths has built a historic reputation over more than a century as a trusted authority in precision metal care, structural repair, and fine restoration. During this special in-store clinic, Zapffe’s artisans will evaluate your items, answer questions, and provide expert guidance on how to properly preserve and revive pieces made from a wide range of metals:

• Sterling & Metal Repair: Expert structural repairs, dent removal, alignment, and hand-polishing for sterling silver, pewter, brass, bronze, and copper items. • Plating Services: Premium silver plating and 24-karat gold plating to completely refinish heavily worn flatware, trays, serving pieces, and decorative keepsakes. • Copper Cookware Re-Tinning: Specialized re-tinning services for vintage copper pots, pans, and culinary gear, restoring both their aesthetic appeal and food-safe functionality. Preserve Your Family Legacy Every piece carries a story—a wedding gift from decades past, a family holiday centerpiece, or a cherished culinary tool. HanleyWood invites the San Antonio community to take advantage of this unique hands-on clinic to protect those memories. Mark your calendar for October 15–17 and stop by Hanley-Wood Fine Gifts in Alamo Heights. Consult directly with the expert from Zapffe Silversmiths, receive honest assessments, and ensure your fine metals and family keepsakes continue to sparkle for generations to come. Call 210-822-3311 to make your appointment today or stop in from 10am – 5pm 10/15 & 10/16 and 10am – 3pm 10/17. We look forward to seeing you and your beautiful family heirlooms.

Santonia, a Borderland Cantina From the Team Behind Naco Mexican, Is Coming Soon to Pearl Santonia Cantina, a new restaurant from Lizzeth Martínez and Francisco Estrada, the husband-and-wife team behind Naco Mexican, is coming soon to Pearl. Santonia is the couple’s take on a borderland cantina, built around the food, drinks, culture, and hospitality that connect Northern Mexico and South Texas. The tagline says it plainly: North Mexican. South Texan. No Rules.

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Martínez and Estrada aren’t calling Santonia Mexican, Tex-Mex, or contemporary Mexican. To them, it belongs to a region with its own identity, one shaped by generations of movement, exchange, and shared traditions. The border, as they see it, was never a physical division or a line on a map. It’s a culture that starts kilometers before the Rio Grande and keeps going for miles past the bridge into Texas. Food, language,

IN THE LOOP The Santonia Experience Santonia is meant to feel like it belongs to San Antonio. Lively without being exclusive. Design-forward without being precious. Serious about food and drinks without taking itself too seriously. Open for lunch, dinner, and cocktails, it’s the kind of place where you stop in for a drink and a botana, share dinner with friends, catch the game on the patio, celebrate something big, or stay a lot longer than you planned. At its heart, Santonia is about hospitality, conversation, food, drinks, and sobremesa.

music, and family blend along the way until it’s hard to say where one side ends and the other begins. “For us, the border isn’t a line you cross; it’s a culture you live in. It begins long before you reach the bridge and stays with you long after you’ve crossed it,” said Martínez. “Santonia is very personal to us because it comes from the region that shaped who we are. Growing up between Northern Mexico and South Texas, we never saw those influences as separate. They were simply part of everyday life. Santonia gives us the freedom to celebrate that culture in a way that feels current, fun, and completely our own.” The Food The menu is bold, approachable, and meant to be shared. It pulls from cantina culture, Northern Mexican cooking, South Texas flavors, street food, and the family recipes Martínez and Estrada cook when friends come over. Think cantina bites: craveable, generous plates made for the middle of the table and a cold drink within reach. Guests can expect pork shanks, tacos filled with ribeye and other carefully chosen cuts of meat, an oversized crispy shrimp flauta, Santonia’s cantina potato crisps, ceviches and botanas, flour-tortilla tostadas, guacamole with brisket chicharrón, frijoles puercos, queso fundido, pozole, fideo, and other dishes rooted in the borderlands. The kitchen isn’t interested in rules about what Mexican food or Texas food is supposed to be. The question is simpler: Does it belong to our story, and is it delicious? The Bar The bar runs on the same philosophy. Original cocktails draw on ingredients and flavors tied to Northern Mexico, South Texas, and the landscapes around the borderlands: sotol, mezcal, tequila, tuna roja, mezquite, pecan, damiana, avocado leaf, grapefruit, piloncillo, roasted corn, chile, and coffee. Food and cocktails are being developed together as one story. And because Santonia is a cantina first, the bar sits at the center of it all: social, loud in the right way, and easy to settle into for a while. “The borderlands have always been a place of exchange, of food, music, traditions, and ideas,” said Estrada. “With Santonia, we want to celebrate that richness without putting rules around it. We want it to feel like a true cantina: great food, great drinks, great energy, and a place where people want to stay.”

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The name was chosen to feel familiar without being literal. It carries a sense of place and personality and quietly echoes San Antonio, the city where the couple’s restaurant story took root. Martínez and Estrada wanted a name that could become its own character (warm, memorable, a little unexpected) rather than one that tells guests what kind of restaurant they’re walking into. As the couple puts it: “Meet me at Santonia.” “Liz and Francisco cook from the heart,” said Ryan Howard, Managing Director of Potluck. “Santonia will be a window into their story, one that everyone is invited to peek into. Theirs is a story of food, culture and love. I can’t think of a better place to tell a story like that than Pearl.” From a Food Truck to Pearl Santonia marks the next chapter in a story that began in 2017, when Martínez and Estrada moved to San Antonio after building their lives and careers in Mexico and launched Naco Mexican as a food truck. The truck gave the couple room to develop their culinary voice and connect directly with San Antonio diners, and it became the foundation for a permanent restaurant concept that has since drawn attention from Texas Monthly, Netflix’s Taco Chronicles, Food Network and Forbes. Growth has come with a commitment to the community that supported them. Through collaborations with the San Antonio Food Bank and other local organizations, the couple has supported efforts that have provided more than 200,000 meals to people experiencing food insecurity. Their work has also taken them beyond Texas, representing San Antonio internationally through the city’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. In 2026, both Martínez and Estrada were James Beard Award semifinalists for Best Chef: Texas. Santonia is not Naco 2.0. It brings together everything the couple has learned from Mexico City and Nuevo Laredo, the food truck, Naco, international culinary exchanges, community work and years of cooking in San Antonio. Opening at Pearl, which has played a significant role in San Antonio’s rise as a culinary destination, Santonia adds another perspective to that story: the voice of the borderlands. San Antonio’s identity cannot be separated from its relationship with Mexico, particularly Northern Mexico, and Santonia gives Martínez and Estrada the opportunity to explore that relationship in a way that is personal, current and rooted in their own experiences. It is both an evolution and a homecoming. It is not about choosing between Mexico and Texas; it is about celebrating everything that exists in between.

BUSINESS PROFILE

Celebrating Sixty Years of Hanley-Wood By Elizabeth Bobbitt | Photography by David Teran

BUSINESS PROFILE

lthough it is only October, George and Meredith Ames have already bedecked luxury giftshop Hanley-Wood with Christopher Radko Christmas ornaments. Hand painted, miniature grandfather clock ornaments sit beside handsome nutcracker princes in blue and white tailcoats. Nearby is a display of Día De Los Muertosthemed pottery by famed Mexican ceramicist Gorky Gonzalez. His dapper “El Catrín” skeletons play guitar on a new range of tableware. “No two of Gonzalez’s works are alike,” Meredith says. “We are always looking to bring more artisan items to the store. We want our customers to find something unique when they come to the store.” On the other side of the store, a full-size dining room table is set with the delicate hues of Herend and Ginori porcelain: this season’s wedding registry display. Specializing in fine tableware, a visit to Hanley-Wood is not complete without a quick survey of these place settings, and, for most 78209 residents, it is likely they will see some familiar names among the place cards. This is a testament to Hanley-Wood’s long history in the neighborhood. Celebrating 60 years since its opening, Hanley-Wood has become a true gathering place, whatever the season or the occasion. “We feel like owning the store is a community service, and it’s such a meaningful way to be part of the neighborhood,” George says. “We’ve built relationships with our customers’ families over several generations now. When we go to market, we shop with particular customers in mind,” Meredith says. A Family Tradition At the heart of George and Meredith’s sense of community is their own family’s legacy. George’s parents, longtime Terrell Hills residents George and Annabell Ames, acquired Hanley-Wood in 1987, originally located at Dijon Plaza. Soon after, they designed and built the airy showroom that has become a familiar fixture of the downtown Alamo Heights’ landscape. Before they purchased Hanley-Wood, George’s parents were themselves customers at the store. “My parents registered at Hanley-Wood when they got married in 1967, and Meredith and I also chose our wedding china here,” George says. “We chose a German porcelain from Meissen. It has a beautiful blue and white pattern, and we use it every day.” Meredith laughs.

OCTOBER 2026 13

BUSINESS PROFILE

Visiting Hanely-Wood feels like stepping into the Ames family home, and while George’s parents have passed away, their presence is still deeply felt in the store. A wrought-iron mirror designed by Bruce Eicher that once belonged to them stands above a working fireplace, while some of Annabell’s own artwork is displayed on the shop floor. “My mother made mosaics out of all the things that would break in the store. If a plate broke, she would always save the pieces to use in her latest project,” George says. Growing up, George started working at Hanley-Wood at an early age. Since Annabell’s death in 2024, George and Meredith have taken up the mantle of the Ames’ family business with the expert support of longtime employees Barbie O’Connell, Ingrid Starling, and Willard Samuel. “Our employees are like family. We couldn’t do it without them. They love their customers, and they go above and beyond for them,” Meredith says. “Starting when I was 14, I would ride with the delivery driver and run deliveries. When I was 16, I started delivering by myself,” George says. George and Meredith’s children, Madeleine and Henry, also grew up in the store. “They used to take naps under the wrap table in the backroom when they were really little. As they got older, they have both worked here with us – especially during Christmas time,” Meredith says.

Growing up in a store specializing in fine china was not without its perils, however. “When Henry was a toddler, he walked into the store, picked up a teacup, and dropped it. He learned fast, though, and it never happened again” Meredith laughs. What’s New at Hanley-Wood As George and Meredith mark Hanley-Wood’s 60th anniversary, they are preparing to welcome Houstonbased bakery Tiny’s Milk and Cookies in their leased space next door. “Tiny’s has been a sensation in Houston. The lines there are out the door, so we are excited to help bring them to San Antonio,” George says. At the beginning of this month, Hanley-Wood will host Zapfee Silversmiths’ Silver Restoration Clinic from October 15th-17th. Looking ahead to the holidays, customers can pick up their pre-wrapped “gifts to go” starting at the beginning of November, and the store will host its annual Holiday Party the Sunday before Thanksgiving, where everything in the store will be 20% off. For the Ames, their family’s legacy at Hanley-Wood is carried on through the ways their homeware, gifts, and china patterns mark the “big” moments in their customers’ own lives. A key piece of advice from George and Meredith: “Always use the good china and don’t be afraid to break it,” Meredith says.

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OCTOBER 2026 15

09 09 09 09

Texas Deck Pros

A Deck Above: Custom Outdoor Living in Alamo Heights with Texas Deck Pros

Photography by Lynn Yao By Wendy Gratereaux

ELEVATED

Elevated

Texas Deck Pros is an award-winning deck building and installation company with more than 25 years of expertise and a portfolio of complex custom projects throughout Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills, and the greater San Antonio metro area. Recognized among the top Trex installers in the country, the company is known for creating outdoor spaces that elevate the home while standing up beautifully to South Texas living.

09 09

This approximately 600-square-foot project was designed with every detail in mind. The deck features Trex Enhance Naturals in Foggy Wharf, paired with a Trex Enhance Clamshell picture frame for a crisp, tailored finish. That Clamshell accent appears throughout the project, including the step risers, deck perimeter, ramp, and custom framing around the swim spa. The deck was also skirted in Trex Foggy Wharf, giving the structure a polished, architectural look from every angle.

ELEVATED

Of course, beauty is only part of the story. Trex’s advanced heat-mitigating technology helps keep the surface cooler while offering the freedom of a low-maintenance material built to resist fading, staining, splintering, and warping. In other words, this is outdoor living designed for enjoyment, not endless upkeep.

ELEVATED

78209Magazine.com

ELEVATED

n Alamo Heights, a well-designed outdoor space is never just a deck. It is the place where morning coffee stretches a little longer, evenings linger under soft lighting, and the backyard becomes one of the most lived-in rooms of the home. For one 78209 family, Texas Deck Pros created exactly that — a custom outdoor retreat that is equal parts refined, functional, and built for real life.

09 ELEVATED

The project also includes a white composite handrail system, a built-in swim spa, a custom umbrella platform, and integrated electrical work throughout the deck. Whether the family is stepping outside for a quiet afternoon or gathering after sunset, the space is ready to meet the moment. One of the most meaningful features is the handicap lift, thoughtfully incorporated to support the homeowner’s son’s therapy needs. It is a reminder that truly custom design is not just about how a space looks, but how well it serves the people who live there. The finished result is a deck with depth: elegant, accessible, durable, and distinctly personal. For this Alamo Heights home, Texas Deck Pros did more than build an outdoor space — they raised the level of everyday living. *This deck was professionally cleaned and styled by Chad LeFever with The Dexpert Stain and Coatings, a custom coatings company specializing in cleaning, sealing, staining, and finishing outdoor surfaces. The Dexpert team is the trusted resource Texas Deck Pros calls for cleaning and coatings services, helping ensure each completed project looks polished, protected, and ready to enjoy.

OCTOBER 2026 17

09 ELEVATED

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ON THE MARKET

The Hidden Mortgage Strategy That Could Make San Antonio Homeownership a Reality in 2026

Most San Antonio homebuyers don’t know this strategy exists — and it could save them hundreds of dollars every month. A VA assumable loan allows any qualified buyer — not just veterans — to take over a seller’s existing VA mortgage at their original interest rate. With today’s 30-year fixed rates still hovering near 7%, assuming a VA loan with a 2% or 3% rate is a game-changing advantage that most buyers simply overlook. Realtor.com’s Downpayment Diaries featured Army veteran Haider Ejaz who used exactly this strategy to purchase a 2,250-square-foot, three-bedroom San Antonio home for $295,000 — with a monthly mortgage payment of just $980. At today’s rates, that same loan would cost more than twice that amount monthly. Roughly 40% of VA-financed homes are eligible for assumption, making San Antonio — one of the nation’s largest military cities — a prime hunting ground for these opportunities. Active military personnel frequently choose 20

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By Bruce X. Forey, REALTOR®

78209 for its ideal location just minutes from Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. If today’s mortgage rates have you sitting on the sidelines, a VA assumable loan may be the key to getting you into a home. Source: Realtor.com, Brooke Morton, Reporter 78209 Real Estate Market Update: August 2026 The 78209 real estate market showed mixed signals in August, reflecting the typical late-summer slowdown as families wrap up vacations and back-to-school season takes priority over house hunting. Closed sales dipped to 29 in August, down from 42 in July, pulling total dollar volume to $26.2 million from July’s $34.5 million. The median sale price also softened to $500,000 from $632,750 — though the average sale price told a different story, climbing to $903,065 from $822,083, suggesting high-end properties drove much of August’s activity.

Inventory tightened modestly to 161 homes from 170 in July, while days on market stretched to 46 from just 30 — a sign that buyers are being more deliberate in their decision-making. Housing supply edged up to 6.4 months from 5.6 months the prior period. One bright spot: sellers captured 98% of their last list price in August, slightly ahead of July’s 97.8%, and price per square foot held steady at $299. 78209 remains one of San Antonio’s most resilient and sought-after markets. Ready to sell or buy? Contact bruce@bruceforey.com to discuss your unique situation. Important Update for 78209 Short-Term Rental Owners: Permit Fees Are Going Up If you own a short-term rental property within the San Antonio city limits — including the 78209 zip code — take note of upcoming permit fee increases taking effect October 1, 2026. The City of San Antonio’s Development Services Department has approved the following changes as part of its adopted fee schedule: • Owner-Occupied (Type 1) permits — new and renewal fees increase from $300 to $450 • Non-Owner-Occupied (Type 2) permits — new and renewal fees jump from $450 to $1,000 • Land Development Surcharge — an 8% surcharge will be added to all Land Development fees The good news: applications submitted before October 1 will be processed at current rates. If you’re approaching a renewal, remember that you can apply up to 90 days before your permit expires — so acting now could save you money. For questions, contact the City’s Short-Term Rental Team directly at dsdshorttermrentals@sanantonio.gov.

Bruce is a skilled real estate agent serving 78209 and beyond. He excels at helping clients market and sell their property, find a dream home or discover investment opportunities. He offers advanced training in luxury and historic homes, military relocation and more. bruceXforey.com email: bruce@ bruceforey.com.

BRUCE X. FOREY

Bruce X. Forey REALTOR ©

Expert Real Estate Management – Sell, Buy, Invest. Complimentary Market Report of Your Property Connected to Our Community: 78209 Resident Local Volunteer Luxury Home Specialist - Military Relocation Professional - Pricing Strategy Advisor 78209 Magazine Real Estate Market Report

bxforey@kw.com (210) 551-1625 bruceXforey.com OCTOBER 2026 21

Foster Program at the Animal Defense League

FOR THE LOVE OF ANIMALS

Why Foster? Foster parents provide temporary homes for pets too young for adoption or need time to recover from a health issue. Fostering a shelter pet can be a very rewarding experience! Placing these pets into foster homes helps with their growth and recovery, and it opens kennel space, allowing us to save even more pets. Our network of fosters helps save the lives of over 1,000 pets a year! Upon completion of the foster term, all foster pets are to return to ADL where our adoption team will work diligently to find each pet their forever home. What it Takes: The ideal foster care provider possesses basic knowledge of pet care and a desire to provide a loving temporary home for a needy pet. ADL trains those who would love to help but may lack experience. Those who foster will provide pets with food, water, shelter, loving attention, and trips to our hospital for vaccines and medical treatment when necessary. ADL provides ALL essential supplies and materials. Foster Program - EmBARK Foster EmBARK pets are fully vetted – spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and ready for adoption! We provide everything a foster volunteer needs. We don’t expect volunteers to help find an adopter for the pet unless they choose to market their foster. Foster Program - Medical/Neonatal Foster We’re always looking for new foster parents (18 or older) to join our Medical/Neonatal foster program. In most cases, our pets stay in foster care for 2-4 weeks. We will provide everything you need to care for the pet, including food, medication, bedding, litter, a crate, etc. To become a foster, visit adltexas.org/foster-application

Johnny Kothmann, DVM Chris LaBrie, DVM 1051 Austin Highway, San Antonio (210) 828-3935

October National Pet Wellness Month October 29: National Cat Day OCTOBER 2026 23

SCHOOL NEWS

2026 EXCEL Award Winner Alamo Heights Junior School School PE Coach Olivia Tacker is the 2026-27 EXCEL Award winner for Alamo Heights ISD. Tacker was surprised in the girl’s gym and presented with an apple trophy and $2,000 check. She has been teaching for 9 years and currently serves as Girls Athletic Director, PE Coach, and department chair. “Coach Tacker represents what we want an educator and campus leader to be,” says her Principal Dr. Stu Guthrie. “Her impact extends well beyond the classroom, gym, or playing field because she takes the time to know students, listen to them, encourage them, and help them recognize their own potential. As her principal, I see the steady influence she has on students, coaches, and colleagues every day. She leads without needing attention or recognition, and she consistently puts students first.” Coach Tacker is an Alamo Heights HS graduate and attended the Junior School, making her work deeply personal. “The opportunity to give back to the community that helped shape me has made the greatest impact on me as a teacher,” says Coach Tacker. “It is meaningful to now serve the same community and help students grow into confident, responsible young people.”

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Her teaching philosophy is “Students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” “I believe relationships are at the heart of teaching and coaching, and when students know someone genuinely believes in them and wants them to succeed, they are more willing to take risks, learn from mistakes, and push themselves,” says Tacker. The EXCEL Award is sponsored by KENS 5 and Credit Human and representatives from both organizations came to celebrate Tacker along with her Principal Dr. Guthrie, and Superintendent Dr. Dana Bashara. The story aired on KENS 5 on September 29 at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

SCHOOL NEWS

Powering the Profile – Alamo Heights High School

La Rhon Fields, Business Incubator teacher at Alamo Heights High School, was recognized at the September Board Meeting for Powering the Profile and embodying the AHISD Profile of a Learner. He empowers students to “communicate and collaborate.” “Mr. Fields empowers students to communicate and collaborate not only with each other, but with our coaches and mentors who volunteer to serve in our Business Incubator program,” says AHHS Principal Cory Smith. “Students learn real world applications in presentation, communication, and entrepreneurship.” The Profile of a Learner is a guide that articulates the knowledge, skills, and attributes students will need to pursue individual dreams and positively impact the world upon graduation.

Alamo Heights Learners: Develop a Healthy Sense of Self Seek Knowledge and Understanding Think Critically and Creatively Communicate and Collaborate Employ Skills for Life Engage Socially and Globally Throughout the year, the District highlights educators who instill these attributes in students at all campuses and all grade levels.

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SCHOOL NEWS

The Star Room’s 350-Book Challenge at the Circle School! This year, the Star Room has a big challenge: 350 different books by the end of the school year! Ms. Elizabeth has challenged the kindergarteners to fill their year with stories, new ideas, and lots of time with books. And because they’re the Star Room, every book gets a special rating! After each story, students give it 1–5 stars based on how much they enjoyed it. We’re tracking not only how many books they read, but which ones become classroom favorites! Reading a wide variety of books gives young children opportunities to hear new vocabulary, build background knowledge, explore different people and places, make connections, and learn about the world around them. These rich language experiences help build a strong foundation for literacy and learning that reaches well beyond kindergarten. And when the Star Room finds a book they love? They’ll read it again—and again! Rereading familiar stories gives children opportunities to notice new details, practice new words, strengthen comprehension, and grow their confidence as readers. Throughout the year, we’ll watch their book count grow, see which stories earn the most stars, and discover which books become Star Room favorites. Who will earn the coveted 5-star rating? Different books read: 35 / 350 Current Star Room favorite: The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak

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CHURCH DIRECTORY ALAMO HEIGHTS BAPTIST CHURCH 6501 Broadway St. San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 824-9539 Services: Sunday 11:00am Wednesday 6:30pm Praise and Prayer ALAMO HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN CHURCH 6435 N. New Braunfels Ave. San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 828-5728 alamoheightscc.org Services: Sunday: 10:50am ALAMO HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 6201 Broadway St. San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 824-0271 alamoheightspres.com Services: Sunday 8:30am and 11am ALAMO HEIGHTS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 825 E. Basse Road San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 826-3215 ahumc.org Services: Sunday 8:30am, 9:30am and 11am CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 510 Belknap Place San Antonio, TX 78212 (210) 736-3132 cecsa.org Services: Wednesday 11:00am, 6:00pm Sunday 7:30am, 9am, 11:00am, 5:00pm CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH 6720 Broadway St. San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 822-3394 clcah.org Services: Sunday 8:30am and 10:30am MOUNT CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH 308 Mt. Calvary Drive San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 824-8748 mtcsa.org Services: Sunday 8:30am and 11am NORTHWOOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 518 Pike Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 824-7238 Services: Sunday mornings at 11am

NORTHROCK CHURCH MIDTOWN Meets at San Antonio Academy 117 E. French Place San Antonio, TX 78212 northrocksa.com Services: Sunday mornings at 10am, 11:30am PEARL STREET CHURCH 400 Pearl Parkway San Antonio, TX 78215 (210) 504-8897 Services: 9:00am, 10:30am,12pm, 1:30pm ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH & SCHOOL 722 Robinhood San Antonio, TX 78209 standrews09.org 210-824-2465 Services: Traditional 9:15 Contemporary Worship 9:30 & 11:00am ST. ANTHONY DE PADUA CATHOLIC CHURCH 102 Lorenz Road San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 824-1743 stanthonydepadua.org Services: Monday thru Friday 9am, Saturday 5pm Sunday 7:00am, 8:30am (Spanish), 10:30am, 12:30pm ST. DAVID’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND SCHOOL 1300 Wiltshire Ave. San Antonio, TX 78209 saintdavids.net (210) 824-2481 Services: Sundays at 8am & 10:30am ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 11 Saint Luke’s Lane San Antonio, Texas 78209 slecsa.org - (210) 828-6425 Services: Sunday 8am, 9am, 11am and 6pm Wednesday Eucharist at 8am during the school year ST. PETER PRINCE OF THE APOSTLES CHURCH 111 Barilla Place San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 822-3367 stpeterprinceoftheapostles.org Services: Saturday Mass 5:30pm Sunday 9am, 11am, and 5:30pm Tuesday and Thursday 7am Wednesday 5:30pm, Friday 8:00am ST. PIUS X CATHOLIC CHURCH & SCHOOL 3303 Urban Crest Dr San Antonio TX 78209 (210) 824-0139

spxsa.church Services: Saturday - 4:30pm Sunday - 8:00am, 10:15am, 12:00 pm, 1:30pm (Sp), 5:00pm Daily Masses: Monday - 6:30pm Tuesday-Friday - 8:15am TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH 319 E. Mulberry San Antonio, TX 78212 (210) 733-6201 trinitybaptist.org Services: Mulberry Service 9am Bible Study 10:15am TriPoint Service 11:30am UNITY CHURCH 8103 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209 unityofsa.org (210) 824-7351 Services: Sunday 11am Children’s Church 11am If you are unable to make it to a service, check your church website and see if they are livestreaming so that you can worship from home.

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ALAMO HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT SERVICES Solicitors Information The new city ordinance regulating peddlers, itinerant vendors, hawkers, solicitors, and canvassers was passed and approved on April 24, 2017. The following information is being provided in order to assist the residents of Alamo Heights in preserving their privacy. The changes in the new ordinance are a result of legislation and court rulings challenging over regulation of peddlers, etc., but allowing balance to the interests of peddlers and homeowners alike. Click here to download all forms and information. Crime Prevention Programs A Police Officer can inspect your home or business and discuss various methods of burglary, theft, and robbery prevention. This service is free of charge to residents and businesses in Alamo Heights. Vacation Watch Citizens who will be leaving their homes unattended while on vacation or during extended trips may request additional patrols. Officers will stop by your residence periodically during your absence and will report suspicious findings to your designated contact person. Submit Form. Fingerprinting The Alamo Heights Police Department only provides fingerprint services to residents and businesses of Alamo Heights. Requestors who do not live in Alamo Heights or are not employed by a business in Alamo Heights may be referred to the San Antonio Police Department, the law enforcement agency in their jurisdiction or to Region 20 Education Service Center.

LINCOLN HEIGHTS

Fingerprint services are available on Wednesday from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. There is a $10 fee for each fingerprint card processed. Requestors must provide their own fingerprint cards. The Alamo Heights Police Department is not equipped for electronic fingerprint submissions. Residents in need of this service should contact the San Antonio Police Department or Region 20 Education Service Center. For more information about any of the listed Police Service Programs, please contact the Police Administration Office at (210) 822-6433 or email gleal@alamoheightstx.gov.

Just a Reminder: Please Don’t Drink & Drive. Download these apps for your local ride sharing services at the App Store or Google Play.

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Living the Life at Experience Versi The Salon & Spa, San Antonio’s only Soap Bar Spa!

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Conveniently located in the Carousel Court of historic Alamo Heights— Versi is a full-service salon and spa designed to support your self-care routine. We offer more than a traditional spa experience.

The Team: Our highly organized team is made up of skilled specialists who focus on delivering expert care in each service area. Services: Hair & Hair Treatments, Nails, Skin Care, Spa Body Care, Day Spa Packages and Massage Therapy. At Versi, we are living the life! SO CAN YOU!

Aladdin Cleaning & Restoration The Art of Taking Care

Open Wed-Sat 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 210-995-0720, 210-828-8725 Jenda Lynn LeCroy, LMT 5000 1844 Nacogdoches, San Antonio, TX 78209

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In a neighborhood where homes have stories to tell and furnishings have been loved for generations, taking good care of what we have is part of the charm. For nearly 70 years, Aladdin Cleaning & Restoration has been helping San Antonio families do just that. Founded in 1956, the locally owned company has become a trusted resource for everything from carpet and upholstery cleaning to tile and grout care, wood-floor cleaning and air-duct services. But perhaps one of Aladdin’s most fitting specialties for a community like 78209 is its work with Oriental and area rugs - those beautiful, often sentimental pieces that become part of a home’s character. At Aladdin’s San Antonio facility, rugs receive specialized attention from trained and certified rug specialists, with professional cleaning, repair and restoration services available to help preserve them for years to come. The company operates 32

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South Texas’ only fully automated rug-cleaning facility, bringing serious expertise to an item that is often anything but ordinary. And because life, and homeownership, doesn’t always go according to plan, Aladdin also offers 24-hour water, fire and smoke restoration services. When the unexpected happens, having a familiar, local team to call can make an overwhelming situation feel a little more manageable. After decades in San Antonio, Aladdin understands that cleaning is about more than making a room look fresh. It’s about preserving the places where life happens and the pieces that make a house feel like home. For the families of 78209, where heirlooms, historic homes and well-loved interiors are part of the neighborhood’s personality, that philosophy feels especially at home: take care of the things you love, and they’ll keep telling your story.

OCTOBER 2026 33

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Uniquely You-- Fusion Massage at Versi the Salon and Spa

xperience “Living the Life” with Fusion Massage Therapy, an advanced therapeutic treatment that blends Eastern, Western, and Modern Mindfulness techniques into one personalized session. Rather than following a one-size-fitsall approach, your therapist selects methods that best support your body’s unique needs, helping relieve tension, promote relaxation, improve mobility, and encourage holistic healing. This specialized therapy may include Swedish Massage, Foot Reflexology, Acupressure, Trigger Point Relief, Hawaiian LomiLomi, Myofascial Release/Unwinding, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Intuitive Touch, Energy Work, and/or heated bamboo for fascial release. The result is a high-quality massage experience tailored just for you. Intuitive touch is a skilled approach based on compassionate listening and close attention to the body’s subtle signals. Developed through years of practice, it works with the body’s natural rhythm and uses techniques such as intentional pacing, precise pressure, and deep kneading to ease tension and help restore energetic balance. Energy Work allies with the meridians and chakra energy centers of the body to bring both restoration and balance. A Fusion Massage Therapy session at Versi the Salon & Spa is completely tailored uniquely for you and can incorporate a combination of specific approaches from this diverse list of East/West/Modern techniques: Western European and United States Influences 1. Swedish Massage: Uses long, flowing strokes, kneading, and friction techniques to relax muscles and enhance circulation. 2. Deep Tissue Massage: Uses slow, firm strokes to reach deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, helping relieve chronic pain and stubborn knots. 3. Trigger Point Therapy: Applies focused, sustained pressure to muscle knots to release tissue restrictions and ease referred pain. 4. Myofascial Release Unwinding: Uses gentle, sustained stretching of the fascia to reduce pain and restore range of motion. 5. Lymphatic Drainage: Uses light, rhythmic strokes to stimulate the lymphatic system, reduce swelling, support toxin removal, and promote relaxation. Eastern & Energy Modalities 6. Japanese Shiatsu: Uses rhythmic finger and palm pressure along traditional energy pathways, or meridians, to restore balance and ease stress.

78209Magazine.com

Written by Jenda Lynn LeCroy, LMT

7. Acupressure: Applies pressure to key neuromuscular points to ease tension, improve circulation, and support the body’s natural healing process. 8. Energy Therapy: Techniques such as Reiki Energy or Vortex-healing Divine Energy focus on restoring the body’s energy systems to support mental, emotional, and physical balance. 9. Reflexology: Applies pressure to targeted zones on the hands, feet, and ears to support overall wellness and organ function. 10. Lomi-Lomi: An advanced bodywork technique that uses the therapist’s forearms and elbows to apply broad, deep pressure. 11. Heated Bamboo: Uses gently warmed bamboo sticks of varying lengths to knead and stretch tight muscles. The deep heat helps dilate blood vessels, release tension, and boost circulation more effectively than hands alone. 12. Hot/Cold Stones: Also known as contrast therapy, this technique alternates heated basalt stones with chilled marble stones to improve circulation, ease muscle tension, and reduce inflammation. The combined effects help revitalize the body and provide deep relief. Modern Mind/Body & Mindfulness 13. Cymatics: Crystal or metal singing bowls produce healing sound vibrations that may encourage cellular harmony. Expanded by physician Peter Guy Manners, Cymatics Healing Theory suggests that each cell has its own frequency, and its exposure to higher vibrations may help restore balance and natural rhythms. These frequencies travel through the body’s tissues and fluids, helping ease tension, calm the nervous system, and support circulation. 14. Relaxation Response: A stress-reduction technique that blends relaxation and meditation practices. Introduced by cardiologist Dr. Herbert Benson in the 1970s, it is described by the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine to counteract the “fight or flight” stress response. 15. Guided Imagery and Sacred Geometry: Combines visualization with universal patterns to encourage deep relaxation, cellular repair, and spiritual alignment. This practice aims to align personal energy with the natural rhythms of the universe. In summary, Fusion Massage therapists improvise by blending techniques like intentional pacing, accurate pressure, and deep kneading to address specific areas of tension and to identify energy imbalances and establish a therapy curtailed for that individual.

Since 1954, the CBA has channeled its collective passion into distributing over $33 million for local Bexar County children’s charities. Driven by dedicated volunteers, the organization maximizes monetary and material impact. 100% of all donations directly fund local youth agencies.

This life-changing support is delivered through three precise financial pathways:

The Annual Grant Funding Cycle: Providing vital annual financial support to vetted local organizations.

The Children’s Opportunity Fund: A year-round emergency lifeline for previous grant recipients facing time-sensitive needs.

The Significant Impact Gift (SIG): Transformative awards ranging from $500,000 to $1,500,000, distributed every few years to anchor major capital projects. We are pleased to announce the Significant Impact Gift will be distributed in December of 2026.

the annual Patron’s Campaign At the heart of these efforts is our 100% tax deductible donation campaign, the Annual Patron’s Campaign. This runs alongside the highly anticipated CBA raffle. This year, the legendary prize lineup features a Rolex from Lee Michaels, premier shopping sprees at Julian Gold, Kelly Wade Jewelers, and Neiman Marcus, and the grand prize: an all-electric Cadillac Optiq, generously donated by our long time supporters, the Cavender Auto Group. To join the mission and learn more about our efforts, visit www.CBAofSA.org or scan the code to donate to the Patron’s campaign or try your luck in the CBA raffle.

“CBA’s unparalleled passion and dedication has transformed hundreds of thousands of tiny lives.” —Shannon Gilliland Nisbet, Family Service Association

FITNESS

The Hidden Cost of Losing Strength At 46, Barrett was already juggling more than enough: business owner, attorney, husband, father, and active member of his community. Like many busy professionals, taking care of himself kept slipping lower on the priority list. He wanted to feel stronger, healthier, and more confident in his body again, but fitting fitness into an already packed schedule felt nearly impossible. Everything came to a head during a family ski trip over spring break in 2025. Barrett didn’t feel physically confident enough to spend the day on the slopes with his wife and kids. Instead of creating memories alongside them, he found himself sitting on the sidelines. That moment became a turning point. Not because he wanted six-pack abs or extreme workouts, but because he wanted the strength, energy, and confidence to fully participate in the life he had worked so hard to build. Maybe Barrett’s story sounds familiar. Perhaps you’ve had to sit out meaningful experiences with the people you care about—whether it’s golf, tennis, travel, hiking, or simply keeping up with your kids. Being healthy enough to enjoy these moments requires more than good intentions. It requires strength. A strong, capable, and resilient body allows you to do what you love with the people you love, whenever you want. While building strength comes naturally in your 20s and early 30s, things change after 40. Life gets busier, recovery takes longer, hormone levels shift, and old injuries often start making their presence known. Many men and women find themselves wondering how they’re supposed to train now. The reality is simple: getting stronger isn’t optional. The hidden cost of losing strength is losing the ability to fully enjoy the life you’ve worked so hard to build. Fortunately, strength training has become one of the most effective tools for adults over 40. Research consistently shows that lifting weights several times per week can increase muscle mass, improve bone density, boost energy levels, and reduce the risk of chronic disease, while also helping manage stress and body fat. 36

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If you’ve never been a gym person—or it’s been years since you’ve exercised regularly—that’s okay. Strength training is highly adaptable and can be tailored to any age, fitness level, or starting point. The key is following a program that matches your current abilities and supports your goals. To build and maintain full-body strength, every workout should include these five fundamental movement patterns: 1. Lower Body Push (Squat Pattern) Strengthens the thighs, hips, knees, and core. Examples: squats, lunges, step-ups. 2. Lower Body Pull (Hinge Pattern) Targets the glutes and hamstrings while improving posture and athleticism. Examples: Hip thrusts, glute bridges, hamstring curls. 3. Upper Body Push Develops the chest, shoulders, and arms. Examples: push-ups, chest presses, shoulder presses. 4. Upper Body Pull Essential for posture, shoulder health, and activities like golf, tennis, and yard work. Examples: rows, chin-up variations, rotator cuff exercises. 5. Core Training Creates the stability needed for every other movement. Examples: planks, sit-ups, suitcase carries. Check these five boxes consistently, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming stronger, moving better, and feeling more confident in your body. Six months after starting his strength training journey, Barrett got his redemption. On a family ski trip to Colorado, he wasn’t sitting on the sidelines anymore. He was the one carving down the mountain, fully trusting his body, and creating priceless memories with his wife and kids.

VINTAGE VIEW

1948 Parks Commissioner Henry Hein drove a miniature golden spike in 1948 to launch Brackenridge Park’s first miniature train, a steam locomotive with four coaches near the Joske Pavilion. Concessionaire David Martin was the engineer.

FREE COMMUNITY EVENT

Friday, October 30 | 4-6 p.m. Entertainment | Balloons | Treat Bags Follow the smokestacks to our Halloween bash. Children dressed in boo-tiful costumes are invited to collect treats from participating stores and restaurants. Pick up a free treat bag near by Learning Express Toys, while supplies last. For more information visit QuarryMarket.com.