You are on page 1of 18

Watch our customer

testimonial video about


Maid Brigade.

ANIMALS IN THE ATTIC?


We trap, remove and
seal up your house
against…

RACCOONS
SNAKES
OPOSSUMS
SQUIRRELS
RINGTAIL CATS
ARMADILOS
INSECTS & MORE

Ask about our 15-month Guarantee!

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


The Best Nest
North Central Baptist Hospital Enlarges, Renovates Women’s Center

The Nest's spacious rooms are outfitted with luxury linens and comfortable furnishings.

By Amy Morgan

S tone Oak is bouncing with babies. Whether


the new little bundle of joy wears pink or blue
“All the resources for someone with a high-risk
pregnancy or delivery are here. We hope you don’t
they’ll be eagerly welcomed at the Nest, North need them, but we’re leaning forward, ready to go,
Central Baptist’s Women’s Center, located at 520 if you do,” Bill added.
Madison Oak Drive.
OB/GYN physician Kelly Cuen, M.D., with
The Nest is the go-to medical destination for all Women’s Partners, appreciates the Nest’s level IV
things related to moms and babies – whether Labor and Delivery unit, as well the facility’s ability
maternal, neonatal, antepartum, or postpartum to allow NICU moms to room-in, so they don’t
care. Everything a woman could possibly need to have to leave the hospital without their babies.
make her delivery experience safe and comfortable
is located under one roof, including Baptist Health
System’s pediatric specialty physicians and access
to the health system’s highest level of maternal and
neonatal intensive care (NICU).

“We’re motivated to take care of the community,”


said Bill Waechter, North Central Baptist’s CEO.
“Stone Oak attracts a large number of young
families who need women’s services. We want to
make sure we always stay a step ahead.” He reports
the area is experiencing a baby boom. North
Central Baptist delivered 4200 babies in 2020 and
now expects an average of 430 a month. It’s 72-
bed, Level IV NICU offers first-rate maternal and The Nest offers all the resources for someone with a high-risk
neonate support, while two board-certified OB/ pregnancy or delivery.
GYN physicians are on premises 24/7.
“This creates really special memories,” Bill said,
“and allows the family members to enjoy the
delivery and not worry about trying to take
a selfie.”

Babies don’t stop arriving just because their Nest


is being renovated. “There’s no wiggle room for
cleanliness and safety,” Rachel said. Rooms will
be refurbished four at a time, with a planned
completion date of early summer 2022.
On-trend colors and artwork encourage moms to relax.
“You won’t see a ‘Pardon Our Dust’ sign,” Bill
said, because there will be no patient disruption.
“It is very scary for parents to see their little When the project finishes, labor and delivery will
ones so vulnerable and hooked up to all of those expand its 16 rooms to 22, and antepartum will
wires/machines. We have a fantastic group of increase its 6 rooms to 10, allowing more space to
neonatologists and NICU nurses who make it a accommodate those with high-risk pregnancies.
priority to communicate with parents frequently Five operating rooms will be dedicated to
to keep them informed of everything that is going women’s surgery, allowing physicians flexibility
on with their babies.” to schedule C-sections as well as accommodate
emergencies. The additional rooms also allow
Gillian Graham, M.D., with Northeast OB/GYN for gynecological surgery in space not shared by
Associates, delivers babies full-time at North other types of cases.
Central Baptist. She applauds the timing of the
expansion to increase physical capacity. She also
notes the way the Nest meets patients’ emotional
needs. The facility is lactation, postpartum and
doula friendly, with a 1:1 nursing-to-patient ratio.
New parents can enjoy skin-to-skin bonding time
with their newborn in their private suite as well
as utilize the on-site nursery to rest and recover,
she said.

The Nest is in the process of a major expansion


and big facelift to create more appealing, modern The Nest is in the process of a major expansion and big facelift.
surroundings. The spacious rooms have been
refurbished with a sleek design. Neutral, on-trend
colors and artwork of Texas plantscapes create Another addition, state-of-the-art surgical Xi
a soothing ambiance that encourages moms to robots will conduct minimally invasive
relax and enjoy their special event, said Rachel surgery for hysterectomy or gynecological
Montgomery, Baptist Health System COO. cancer, providing better patient outcomes and
shorter recovery.
All the rooms, whether labor and delivery,
C-section or postpartum, are sizable and private, Great Expectations concierge dedicated labor
outfitted with luxury linens and comfortable and delivery patient navigators are unique to
furnishings on which a support person and mom the Nest. These trained professionals are
can rest. The boutique experience includes a post- available to answer any questions and ensure
delivery candlelit couple’s meal and massage for the entire pregnancy and delivery experience
mom. The Nest offers the option for photography runs smoothly.
and video to discretely capture the intimate
moments and/or take pictures of the newborn.
Navigators schedule “time to sit down with If you are pregnant or considering adding a
parents in a nice warm setting to talk about new family member, find out more about the
needs,” Dr. Graham said. Patient navigators can Nest’s amenities, care and services, located
refer expectant moms to an OB/Gyn doctor right in your neighborhood. Visit https://www.
or pediatrician, set up daddy day camps, baptisthealthsystem.com/services/obstetrics to
breastfeeding support, or handle situations like set an appointment with the navigator or take
adoption or surrogacy. “The staff at NCB make a tour.
it a point to go above and beyond to provide
individualized care to help each patient achieve
their ideal birth experience, whatever that may
be,” Dr. Cuen echoed.

If the pregnancy is high-risk or might involve a


challenging situation, the navigator will schedule
a joint consultation with the right maternal
and fetal physician specialists to coordinate a
birth plan.

“We anticipate any problems, plan and mitigate


so mom and baby have the best chance for a great Dedicated operating rooms allow for gynecological surgery by
experience,” Bill said. state-of-the art surgical robots.

Deliver Your Baby


at The Nest
The Nest at North Central Baptist Hospital
provides comprehensive services for the
women of San Antonio and the surrounding
area. Welcome your baby close to home
with access to Baptist Health System’s
highest level of maternal and neonatal
intensive care (NICU).

LEARN MORE
Stone Oak Church - Your Neighborhood Church

Stone Oak Church Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 6:30 p.m.


Sunday Service @ 10:30 a.m.
Children’s Sunday School @ 10:30 a.m.
Adult Bible Study Sunday @ 9:00 a.m.
Youth Group Meetings Tuesday @ 7:00 p.m.
20024 Crescent Oaks
San Antonio, TX 78258
(across from Stone Oak Elementary School)
210-497-7974
www.stoneoakchurch.org

Book Our Party Room or


Covered Patio For Your
Special Occasion
This Holiday Season!
Shrimp Scuzzi
MAKE YOUR
RESERVATIONS EARLY!

The Perfect Gift!


Shavano Park 4035 North Loop 1604 W. Unit 102 • San Antonio, TX 78257 • 210-493-8884

Shavano Park
HOURS: Mon-Thu 11-10pm
Fri Sat 11-11pm • Sun 11-9pm www.scuzzisitalianrestaurant.com Party Room
Community Calendar

Ford Holiday Boat Caroling – Thursday, Holiday Hunger Run – Saturday, Dec. Cowboy Christmas on the Riverwalk
4, 9 a.m. ‘Tis the season to help others. Sunday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saddle
12/2-12/23

Dec. 2- Thursday, Dec. 23, Monday


up and mosey on down to the Briscoe for

12/5
Run a 5K to benefit Provisions Outreach.

12/4
-Thursday, 6-8:15 p.m.; Friday- Sunday, 6 –
Prizes awarded for best holiday costume. holiday fun and pictures with Cowboy
9:30 p.m. Sing in the holidays with family
Bulverde City Park, 29815 Bulverde Lane Santa, arts and crafts. Briscoe Western Art
and friends from a boat on the Riverwalk.
Bulverde 78163; provisionsoutreach.org. Museum, 210 W. Market St. 78205;  
International Center Building, 203 S. St.
www.briscoemuseum.org.
Mary’s St. 78205;
thesanantonioriverwalk.com.
Concordia's Annual Drive-Thru Christmas Pageant at The Fellowship
Nativity - Saturday, Dec. 4, Sunday, of San Antonio — Saturday, Dec. 11, 7
Old West Christmas Light Fest —
p.m., Sunday, Dec. 12, 2:30 and 6:30

12/11-12
Dec. 5, 5-9 p.m. Travel with the wise men
12/4-5
Thursdays – Sundays, Dec. 2- 24, also Dec.
12/2-12/24

though Bethlehem and enjoy the story p.m. Annual pageant shares the joyous
20-23. Weeknights, 6 – 9 p.m., weekends,
of Christmas from the comfort of your sights and sounds of the season on a
6-10 p.m. Synchronized light and music
vehicle. Seven decorated sets, more than stage decorated with 10,000 twinkling
show, lighted maze, Christmas carols,
60 actors, angelic choirs and live animals. Christmas lights. The Fellowship of San
shopping, and Santa’s Holly Jolly Herd
Concordia Lutheran Church, 16801 Antonio, 23755 Canyon Golf Road 78258;
of Texas Longhorns. Enchanted Springs
Huebner Road 78258; 210-479-1477. www.thefellowshipofsa.org.
Ranch, 242 SH46 West, Boerne 78006;
www.christmaslightfest.com.
San Antonio Rock ‘n’ Roll Races: Christmas Tea at the Rosemont
marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K – Mansion — Saturday, Dec. 11, 1:45
8 Annual Christmas on the Don
th
Saturday, Dec. 4, Sunday, Dec. 5, times p.m. Enjoy the music of talented harpist
12/3-12/19

Strange Ranch — Friday-Sunday, Dec.

12/4-5
and courses vary. Rock ‘n’ Roll San Alexis McGehee while sipping tea and
12/4-5

3 – 19; Monday-Friday, Dec. 20-24, 6 – 10


Antonio has become the famous historical mouthwatering confections.
p.m. Drive through 4.5 million dazzling
landmark-lined course that tours the The Rosemont Mansion, 7735
lights, enjoy food, drinks, shopping and
Tower of the Americas, The Alamo, Mission Mockingbird Lane 78229; https://www.
photos with Santa. Don Strange Ranch,
Concepcion, San Fernando Cathedral and eventbrite.com/e/traditions-of-christmas-
103 Waring Welfare Road, Boerne 78006;
more. Enjoy a finish line concert and live tea-at-the-rosemont-mansion.
https://www.donstrangeranch.com.
bands. Start on East Commerce St. 78205;
www.runrocknroll.com/san-antonio/. The Stars at Night Races – Saturday,
A Dickens Celebration in Boerne
Dec. 18, staggered starts 4:15-5:15 p.m.
Weihnachts, Saturday, Dec. 4, Sunday,
WinterFest San Antonio - Saturday, Half marathon, 10K, 5K. San Antonio’s
12/18

Dec. 5, starting at noon, parade at 6


Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Stone Oak festival night races at the JW Marriott Resort on
p.m. A Toast of Olde Town, movie in the
with Santa Claus, elves, rocking Christmas illuminated golf cart paths with fabulous
park, Wednesday, Dec. 8. Shopping and
12/4

music, carnival, food, and 50,000 pounds post-race lawn event. JW Marriott
wassail, Friday, Dec.10, Saturday, Dec.
of snow. North Central Baptist Hospital, Resort, 23808 Resort Parkway 78261;
11, 5-9 p.m. Kinderfest, Friday - Sunday,
12/4-12/5

502 Madison Oak 78258; https://www. starsatnighthalf.com.


Dec. 17-19. Cookie Crawl and Scavenger
Hunt. A Hill Country Christmas event of eventbrite.com/e/winterfest-san-antonio-
2021-tickets-173923769677. NEISD Winter Break -
epic proportions, Boerne’s Main Street
12/20

Dec. 20-31, 2021


transforms into a vintage Christmas
experience complete with great shopping, Nutcracker Under the Stars –Saturdays
and Sundays, Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 13, 18,
12/4-12/20

visits with Santa Claus, children’s craft


activities, unique vendors, food trucks, 19, 20, 6:30 p.m. The San Antonio Youth 2021 Valero Alamo Bowl Game
Ballet performs the famous Nutcracker December 29, 8:15 p.m. Watch the
12/29

snow on Main Street, ice sculpting, music,


Suite live in an outdoor, drive-in theater. college football match-up between the
theatrical performances and an amazing
Watch the stage or onscreen. Mission number one contendors from the Big 12
60-foot snow slide for sledding. Main
Outdoor Theater, 8069 Challenger Blvd. and Pac-12 conferences. Alamodome,
Street, Boerne 78006;
78235; www.sanantonioyouthballet.org. 100 Montana St. 78203; https://www.
www.dickensonmain.com.
alamobowl.com/tickets.
Christmas at the Caverns — Saturdays
and Sundays, Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19.
12/4-12/23

Weekdays, Dec. 20- 23, 4:30-9 p.m. 30-


foot Christmas tree, 1/3 mile trail of lights,
Santa “Spelunker” Claus, 500 square-foot Send your upcoming events
outdoor maze, live music, s’mores. Check to StoneOakInfo@gmail.com.
the website for hours for specific activities.
Natural Bridge Caverns, 26495 Natural
Bridge Caverns Road 78266;
www.naturalbridgecoverns.com.
MEMBER FDIC

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

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

Don't Delay
Dental Benefits Expire December 31
By Amy Morgan

D ecember is the month for


holiday parties, gift-giving,
and dental check-ups. What?
Dental check-ups? Who wants
to visit the dentist in such a busy
month? You do, because you've
worked hard all year to pay for
your dental benefits. If you don’t
use them by the end of the year,
they will go to waste.
To make it easier for you to fit in care for your whole family, 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics is open
from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. This year, Christmas and New Year’s Eves both fall on
Fridays, so the office located at the corner of Stone Oak Blvd. and Evans Road will be open for
normal business hours until 7 p.m. As an added incentive, 7to7 Dental will provide a free tube of
tooth-whitening gel to each patient after cleaning. What better way to ensure your smile looks its
best for your holiday events? “We want to be there for our patients to make sure their benefits are
maximized,” said Travis DeZuba, Director of Marketing. “We’re open even all the way to 7 p.m.
New Year’s Eve!”

7to7 Dental upgraded its membership plan to make dental care even more affordable for existing
and new patients alike. Unlike traditional insurance that expires on the calendar year, 7to7 Dental’s
in-house plan allows patients to begin anytime.

“It starts when you are ready and continues for a year from that date,” Travis said. Individuals and
families who might have missed an employer’s enrollment period or changed jobs can sign up and
be treated immediately. “There’s no waiting period or annual maximum,” Travis added.

Patients can consider which of the three plans best fit their family. Monthly payment is easy. Sign
up for a bank draft or credit card charge just like for your gym membership.

7to7’s Dental’s plans cover cleanings as well as fillings, extractions, crowns, implants and
orthodontics. Businesses who aren’t able to afford the cost of traditional coverage for their
employees can set up a private link through Travis to offer a 10% discount.
 
Contact Travis at DentalCoverage@7to7Dental.com to compare the value of 7to7 Dental’s plan
with the cost of current dental coverage. The results of your gym membership don’t necessarily
show up on those Zoom meetings, but your healthy smile does. Don’t put off investing in your oral
health today!

The professionals at 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics care about your oral health and are available 7
a.m.- 7 p.m., seven days a week, for dentistry for the whole family and emergencies. 7to7 Dental
is a local business grown in 13 years from the practice of one dentist and six staff, which now
employs 240 San Antonio community members. Co-Owners Tiffany Winburn, D.M.D., and Justin
Coke live in Stone Oak with their families and are part of the community.
Don't Throw Your Hard
Earned Dollars Away!
We Have Appointments Available 7 Days A Week

DENTAL
& ORTHODONTICS
210-495-2000 www.7to7Dental.com
Facebook: 7 to 7 Dental & Orthodontics Instagram: @7to7Dental
MEDICAL MINUTE

Holiday Hazards
Physicians Premier Cuts Time to Emergency Treatment

By Amy Morgan

C rash! The creaky ladder you were using to hang


your Christmas lights cracked, sending you
tumbling. How do you determine if more than
the bulbs are broken? After carrying heavy boxes
of decorations down from the attic, you feel short
of breath. Just the result of too many helpings of
pumpkin pie, or something more concerning?

Is your accident or troubling symptom worth braving


the traffic and a potentially hours-long wait in a
hospital emergency room, especially during the
holidays?

There’s a better option. Drive north just 15 minutes


on US Highway 281 to Physicians Premier, a free-
standing emergency room located west on Highway
46 near the HEB Plus. Physicians Premier offers all
the capabilities of a hospital emergency room without
the wait or the crowd.

In an emergency, timing is crucial, according to “You only have a certain window of time to save the heart muscle,”
seasoned emergency room veteran Dr. Lonnie Dr. Cerna added. Physicians Premier is staffed by board-certified
Schwirtlich, Physicians Premier founding partner. emergency room doctors, unlike many urgent care facilities, and
He describes a “golden hour” — the first hour when nurses with years of emergency training will immediately triage
treatment is optimized for best outcome. You don’t each arrival.
want to waste that time sitting in a waiting room.
“We’ve all worked busy hospital ER’s,” said Nurse Manager Aaron
“Falls are common during the holidays,” agreed De La Paz. “Here we can look out for the interests of the patient
Sebastian Cerna, M.D., an emergency medicine and family.” Rather than spending time waiting, patients are seen,
physician who’s worked with Dr. Schwirtlich since treated, and on their way.
Physicians Premier opened their first facility in
Corpus Christi in 2014. He recommends not using The physician-owned and operated facility accepts all insurances
kitchen chairs (with their tendency to break) as and commits to work with the patient to make sure charges are
stepstools. If you must get on a ladder, make sure billed appropriately with the least amount of out-of pocket expense.
someone holds it steady and stands ready to help if They also offer a discounted self-pay rate. Physicians Premier has
something does go wrong. secured temporary authorization for Medicare and Tri-Care due to
the COVID emergency. “We are
If a slip results in potential broken bones or numbness proud to take care of our veterans
in the extremities, call 911 for assessment and and heroes in the military,”
transportation. Physicians Premier can handle any Dr. Schwirtlich said.
type of traumatic injury or illness, both pediatric and
adult. The facility includes on-site X-rays, CAT scans, Physicians Premier allows patients
a full laboratory and ultrasound. to access the care they need when
they need it, saving time, money,
Broken bones, including ribs, can cause internal alleviating concern and allowing
bleeding or puncture vital organs, Dr. Cerna said, for a healthier patient and
and head and back trauma should be evaluated for community. Find them at
concussion or spinal cord injury. Blood work can tell MDpremier.com.
the story of whether shortness of breath is related to a
cardiac problem. Sebastian Cerna, M.D
EMERGENCY CARE 24/7!

20475 Highway 46, Suite 100


Spring Branch, TX 78070
(830) 438-6911 MDPremier.com
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Passionate Performer
Student Inspires Through Music
By Amy Morgan

M ozart’s Canon in D is easily recognized in its first


few notes. The classical piece scores commercials
and starts weddings. But how many 17-year-olds
would consider it their favorite? Music drives the
passion and purpose of Ronald Reagan High School
senior Michelle Cervantez, who participates in Varsity
Orchestra and serves as president of the school’s Texas
Music Educators’ Club. Michelle was inspired by music
the first moment she heard a worship team practice at
church. She chose the violin as her primary instrument
when she started orchestra at Lopez in the sixth grade
because its sound most closely mimics the human
voice. (Michelle also plays guitar, piano and sings).

As president of the educators' club, Michelle arranges


for speakers to enlighten students about teaching
careers in music. “I want to help young people fall
in love with music like I did,” she said. Michelle
plays second violin in Reagan’s Chamber Orchestra.
She looks forward to playing a few pieces with the Michelle plans to study music education at college.
San Antonio Symphony and attending national Oral Roberts University and Incarnate Word have
competition, held this year in New York City in March. both offered her scholarships.
The trip’s expensive, so she created a website called
Michelleviolinist to raise funds by playing private
engagements like weddings, bridal showers, romantic Reagan teachers Mr. Sharplin and Mr. Elizondo have
dinners and quinceañeras. “It’s really taking off,” she played a big part of her musical journey, “mentoring
said. “I’m able to put to work the thing that I love.” me and pushing me to be the best player I could be,”
she said. Prior to moving to Stone Oak, Michelle’s
Others know Michelle through Cornerstone Church, father’s job took the family to the Bahamas, where
where she plays in the main sanctuary on Sunday she attended the private international school Lyfor
nights, for the women’s ministry worship team and Cay, best known for teaching the children of pop star
sings for the youth ministry. “I had a really good Shakira. Michelle sang the National Anthem at the
mentor who helped me grow into the different musical Memorial Day Remembrance for the Customs and
styles of worship,” she said. Border Protections Embassy in the Bahamas while only
in the fourth and fifth
Michelle and her family currently travel monthly grades! This year, she
to the border of Mexico, where they minister at the repeated the anthem on
Nueva Creation church. She’s been able to share music violin for an event that the
at the worship night and encourage bullying and embassy live-streamed
suicide prevention. The close-knit family considers nationwide.
it important to give back, as they are “living the
American dream.” Michelle’s father, once a migrant
worker, serves with the Customs and Border Protection
Office. He and Michelle’s Mexico-born mother met at
Uvalde Southwest Texas junior college.
PET TIP

Pup Pleasers Ten Holiday Gifts to Help Fido


Beat Boredom

By Camp Bow Wow

O ne way we show our affection and care is by giving gifts.


Don’t forget your furry family member this holiday
season. Fido’s been by your side through thick and thin. But
with rubber, so it is virtually indestructible. BPA free and
dishwasher friendly. $12.99.
5) Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy looks like a cute and cuddly
with in-person activities returning, our pets may feel a little companion for your lonely pup, but it mimics the comfort of a
lonely. What better time to take advantage of the holiday deals real cuddle because it warms to touch and includes a heartbeat.
and splurge on double duty items that demonstrate love and $39.95.
keep your pup occupied while you are out? 6) Doggie Pal Crab Interactive Toy almost defies description.
The toy looks like a red stuffed animal crab, complete with furry
Jenny Hollander wrote on marieclaire.com that most of the mohawk and claw mittens. Switch it on, and it will squeal and
items on this list passed the test of the best for both she and her jump around when Fido tries to pounce. Jenny swore it became
pup. Find them on Amazon or through patch.com. her pup’s BFF. $16.95.
7) The treat toy from Diggsdiggs.pet will make crate time more
1) Wickedbone Smart Bone – an interactive dog toy that plays enjoyable for your pup. It attaches through the wires like a giant
with your pup when you can’t. The smart robot toy “jumps rubber popsicle pacifier. You can stuff it with treats, freeze it, or
away when your pup chases” and “teases” Fido when he stops fill it with peanut butter to keep Fido happy when you are away.
playing. $69.99. $32.00.
2) Dual Layer Bone by Playology. Although they look and 8) Food Network suggests an Interactive Nosework Feeding Mat.
feel like a normal toy, dog-pleasing scents like cheese, peanut Your pup will be so proud to follow his nose to find the prize of
butter, beef or chicken are embedded in the fiber of the toy to treats at the end. Machine washable, so cleanup is easy. $30.99.
entice your pup to keep chewing. $16.98. 9) The turquoise dragon goDogDragon squeaker toy is made
3) Furbo Dog Camera – The HD camera perched on a treat with Chew-Guard technology so even the most persistent pup
reservoir tower allows you to keep an eye on your pup while will have a hard time tearing it apart. Soft fleece and floppy feel
you are away and remotely reward him by shooting out goodies make it irresistible. $13.59.
from afar. $168.00. 10) Interactive Puzzle Game Dog Toy by Outward Hound Dog
4) Wild One by Bolt Bite is another treat-loadable bone, with was created by longtime dog puzzle maker Nina Ottosson. The
a twist. Billed as “the ultimate chew toy for dogs,” the ends are food-safe toy boasts three treat-hiding compartments with
hollow, so you can stuff it with treats. The middle is reinforced different access keys to provide hours of enjoyment. $14.32.
Watch Our Video! "Greetng from Camp!"

FREE
Sniff & Seek Enrichment
with the purchase of
(2) enrichment services.
Watch Our Project Videos.

You might also like