#spotlightonlocalbusiness Are a swimmer or parent of a swimmer? If so, you know that the gear isn't cheap and there always seems to be something that you need to get. When our girls were swimming, we found the people at Swim Freak to be very, very helpful.
Swim Freak has three locations around San Antonio and provides support for many local USA Swimming and high school swim teams. We typically used the store on Thousand Oaks. They offered everything the girls needed (and I was even able to buy corrective swim goggles so that I can see the wall before I swim into it).
http://ow.ly/Lq4L50BGHhN
#statefarmtakeouttuesday I NEED YOUR SUGGESTIONS! I cook at home and bring my lunch to work so we rarely eat out or take out more than once a week. And I'll admit, we go to the same places over and over. So it is getting harder and harder for me to come up with great places to suggest for you!
What would you like for Take Out Tonight?
I'll confess, Robin and I rarely do take out, but #StateFarmTakeOutTuesday let's me feature places we like to enjoy visiting. This week, we're going to feature Lucy Cooper's Texas Icehouse on US 281 N near Brookhollow.
As a true icehouse, Lucy Cooper's is an adult destination (21 and up only). This isn't the type of place we'd normally visit, but the combination of the atmosphere, the friends we usually go out with, and the yummy food put this place on our list.
Creative, chef-created, appetizers and entrees pair with a wide selection of adult beverages. Try the Tin Can Nachos and Clothesline Bacon as starters. And for a meal, pick any of their sandwiches, burgers, or "Sorta Pizzas." You'll have a happy stomach.
It can get a little boisterous inside so I do recommend the patio!
www.lucycoopers.com
LUCYCOOPERS.COM
HOME | Lucy Cooper's
#statefarmtakeouttuesday Allow me to introduce Brick House Tavern & Tap. Our location is on Loop 1604 just west of US 281N (at Hardy Oak).
Robin and I have dined here a couple of times and the food, atmosphere, and drinks have been very, very good. Billed as "the ideal place for friends to come together, hang out and enjoy a chef-inspired menu," it combines tasty American classics with a selection of good drinks and craft beers. Just remember, two Drunken Pork Chops is more than most people can eat in one sitting!
I would recommend dining in, rather than take-out, but I'm sure that the food and drinks will be great either way!
http://ow.ly/z2C950BrxwL
#statefarmtakeouttuesday Today we're going to head a little north to Spring Branch and The Branch Neighborhood Grill. Billing itself as "Good Food, Good Times, Good People," they certainly lived up to their motto when we visited on Sunday.
This is a casual eatery with a nice patio outside and an outdoor play area for kids. And, based on the line of cars out front when we were there, they do a good amount of curbside! They've got something for everyone on their menu of American dining standards.
If you live in far North SA, Bulverde, or Spring Branch, give them a try for takeout tonight. If you don't, take a Sunday drive out 46 and stop for lunch or dinner on a nice day and enjoy their patio. The Branch is on Highway 46 in Faithville.
http://ow.ly/WXzz50BLhWn
THEBRANCHSBTX.COM
Restaurant | The Branch Neighborhood Grill | United States
GPS is a great tool but it is always a good idea to know where you are headed.
DURANGOHERALD.COM
Following GPS route, 30-foot box truck becomes stuck on Engineer Pass
#spotlightonlocalbusiness I think it is safe to say that summer has ended. The weather has definitely gotten cooler. Now is a great time to start working on your landscaping. Fall is the time to lay sod, plant trees and shrubs, and plant bulbs. And if you need plants or advice, check out Milberger's Nursery on 1604 near Bulverde.
Looking for a good, healthy native tree? Milberger's can fix you up with a healthy one that is perfectly suited to our environment. Need advice? They've got a team that knows plants and our climate. And you get this with a competitive price too!
http://ow.ly/t51C50BTC4T
MILBERGERNURSERY.COM
Home Page | Milberger's Landscape and Plant Nursery
#statefarmtakeouttuesday Roadtrip Edition: Robin and I did some travelling this past weekend and had the opportunity to visit some local restaurants and businesses in towns across the Texas Hill Country. So today, I going to share the Llano River Creamery & Kitchen.
Obviously, Llano is a little far to drive for a takeout meal but it is a place that I will encourage you to visit. This is a great small town on the banks of the Llano River. While you are there, drop by the Llano Creamery for a nice meal and some great ice cream! Robin had the orange-colored cookies and cream (in honor of the Llano High School Yellow Jackets).
http://ow.ly/WgHR50BXyRv
#statefarmtakeouttuesday This joint comes highly recommended by Diane and her family and David Elder of SA Live--DeeWillies BBQ at 12130 O'Connor Rd.
I'm hearing you have to try the turkey! Haven't eaten here yet, but I'm pretty confident that Diane knows good BBQ and she's been raving!
http://ow.ly/upRZ50C452W
Interesting new phishing scam involving Amazon. Watch out for fake order confirmations by email indicating that you have placed an order for several hundred dollars worth of merchandise to be delivered to "Bob" in Cape Coral, FL. These confirmations look just like a real Amazon order confirmations but the "Help Desk" phone number is not an actual Amazon Number. When in doubt, call Amazon at 1 (888) 289-4331!
If you've ever met me, you probably have figured out that Male Pattern Baldness is the least of my concerns! With this said, you probably don't know that I absolutely HATE getting my hair cut (or maybe you figured this out when you saw the mop on my head). I don't let many people cut my hair and today I would like to introduce you to one.
Our #spotlightonlocalbusiness today will be Ms. Myong Tolbert of Rios Golden Cuts in Universal City. She's one of very few people I've allowed to cut my hair and she does an awesome job! Rios Golden Cuts is a local chain of affordable hair care salons and what's special about them to me is Ms. Tolbert.
If you've got hair and don't have a person like Ms. Tolbert, give her a try! You won't be disappointed. She's at the location at 2037 Universal City Blvd (in Universal Square at the intersection of UC Blvd and Pat Booker). She doesn't work Mondays so try her on a different day.
http://ow.ly/mKPo50CcJXw
#electionday2020 Today is our chance to go to the polls and make our voices heard! If you have already voted, thank you. If you have not yet voted and are registered, please take the time to visit a polling place and exercise your right to vote.
In Bexar Co, you can vote at ANY polling place. Additionally, you do NOT need to have your Voter Registration Card to be able to vote--just proper ID. For more information about the process here in Bexar Co, please visit: http://ow.ly/iEYF50CafKl
BEXAR.ORG
Election Day Vote Information | Bexar County, TX - Official Website
Today, on the 11th day of the 11th month, we remember the men and women who have served to defend our nation. Veteran's Day began as a commemoration of the end of WWI (which was originally called Armistice Day) and has expanded to become a day to recognize ALL veterans.
Many thanks to all who have served (our Veterans) and those who are currently serving today!
State Farm is working with Whisker Labs to help develop a tool that reduces the chance of electrical fires in our homes. Many Homeowner's Insurance customers will receive a mail offer for Whisker's Ting device.
Ting is a monitor that plugs into an outlet in your home and checks for certain unsafe conditions that could lead to a home fire. As a member of the group of pilot agents, Ting has been monitoring my home for quite some time. While it hasn't detected anything, that is a GOOD thing. Other Ting devices have found MAJOR problems in homes belonging to our customers and agents. The devices have even detected issues on the utility side!
Watch your mailbox for an offer from State Farm and Whisker.
http://ow.ly/WZaq50CpucD
HOLIDAY HOURS: The office will close at 1 PM on Wednesday and remain closed until 9 AM on Monday, November 30th in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. If you require assistance while the office is closed, please contact our Customer Care Center at 210/656-3276 and follow the appropriate phone prompts. Enjoy your holiday!
#StateFarmTakeOutThursday This week, we encourage you to visit a family joint called "Mom's" or "Dad's" or something similar for some delicious turkey and all the fixin's. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
This Thanksgiving, we are thankful for YOU! We wish you a holiday filled with an abundance of happiness -- oh, and pie. What’s your favorite?
Once again!
State Farm
Yesterday at 9:05 PM ·
A big thank you to our customers! We're honored to help protect your families with life insurance.
Some of life's most beautiful moments call for a fresh look at your insurance needs. Here are seven key milestones when we should chat: ow.ly/A5B450Czn4o
At our office, we understand how busy life can be and nowadays, some people would prefer to keep their distance. We can discuss your insurance needs and options in a safe, secure and easy virtual meeting with Good Neighbor Connect™. Have you considered meeting virtually? Let’s meet…where you are.
On December 1, 2003, we opened our doors as Rick Cantara, Agent--State Farm Insurance. The last 17 years have been interesting to say the least! Today, I am extremely grateful for everyone who has made our success possible. I'm not sure that we'll go another 17 (we'll see as that's a little past my full retirement age) but I'm not planning to go anywhere soon!
We have a new product beginning today--Trupanion Pet Medical Insurance!
Pet Medical Insurance is exactly what it sounds like, medical insurance protection for your pets. With a Trupanion policy, you only pay 10% of the cost of your dog's or cat's medical expenses for injuries or illnesses once a deductible is met. There is no limit to the amount payable for a condition, the deductible is per condition and payable for that condition only once in the pet's lifetime, and you can use ANY veterinarian you would like.
For more information, please visit the Trupanion page on our website. For a quote, give us a call today!
http://ow.ly/LL9L50CzmHF
STATEFARM.COM
Why Should You Consider Pet Medical Insurance - State Farm®
2020 has certainly been interesting. From “don’t mess with my discount” to the “Roger’s rate,” we’ve seen our advertising team do more and now they are getting recognized. Always great when our marketing and advertising helps us find customers we can help!
NEWSROOM.STATEFARM.COM
State Farm selected as a marketer of the year
Merry Christmas--Holiday Hours
We will close at noon on Christmas Eve
We will close at 3 PM on New Year's Eve
We will be closed Christmas and New Year's Days
Due to rising Covid case counts and positivity rates, we will be making some changes to office operations effective immediately.
1. The office door will be closed and locked at all times.
2. Visits to the office will be by appointment, or with prior notification only,
3. Cash will no longer we accepted. It is our preference that all payments be made by phone or at http://ow.ly/qRJ350CT9rh. There are no additional fees associated with alternative payment methods.
4. If you are visting the office, please call us at (210) 656-3276 upon arrival.
Please join us in taking steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from this virus. We continue to be in the office and working daily. Both a limited number of face-to-face and virtual appointments are available.
STATEFARM.COM
Auto, Life Insurance, Banking, & More. Get a Free Quote - State Farm®
Each State Farm Agency is locally owned by some one like me. Interestingly, for a company the size of State Farm, there are a lot of families with many members all working for our customers. My wife refers to this particular agent as “Stevie” because he’s her cousin. His sister is a team member in her husband’s agency and Robin’s brother and wife both work for corporate. Pretty large “family” biz!
Steve Rabach - State Farm Insurance Agent
December 20 at 6:24 PM ·
Steve & Annie's family at the Packers game last night. (Their son works at the Hall of Fame.)
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season.
Happy New Year! Wishing you and your family peace and happiness in 2021.
I had a rude surprise this morning! Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 closures, we have a difficult situation that will impact how we can handle customer payments. The bank that handles my agency's funds has closed most of their local branches. This leaves me with no way to deposit customer payments for transmission to State Farm. As a consequence, we can still accept payments by phone though the office but we cannot accept CASH, or MONEY ORDERS. We can also accept payments in the office using Credit and Debit Cards and Electronic Funds Transfers.
As always, payments made be made by mailing them to the company, using www.statefarm.com, using the State Farm Mobile Application, or by phone both during and outside of our normal office hours. Thank you for your understanding and please take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from this disease so that we may return to normal as soon as possible!
STATEFARM.COM
Auto, Life Insurance, Banking, & More. Get a Free Quote - State Farm®
Once again I've been reminded of a basic FACT of being a State Farm agent: Life Insurance is the most important protection we offer.
And it is the policy that most customers want to discuss the least! Please allow us to assist you with this important protection. It is how you can be there for your loved ones financially when you can no longer be there for them.
On this day of service, let’s find ways to help our community and honor Dr. King’s legacy together.
After many years of hard work, Herb and DL Watts have their sauce on the shelf at HEB. Two flavors-Mesquite and Hickory. Please join me in supporting these great people by picking up a bottle or two or six!
If you fly out of SA on Southwest, you probably already know Mr. Watts as “Herb from the curb.”
I'll admit it, I enjoy history. And I think American History is fascinating and poorly taught and understood today. With February being Black History Month, it is time to share stories of how Black Americans have made important and interesting contributions to our country's development.
Let's start with the Buffalo Soldiers: http://nmaahc.si.edu/blog-post/proud-legacy-buffalo-soldiers
These men fought with courage and bravery for their country, a country that largely didn't fully appreciate them. Let's remember and learn from them.
NMAAHC.SI.EDU
The Proud Legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers
To get your surprisingly great rate, give me a buzzzzz.
If you're not always sure where your money goes, these useful tips can help you better understand current spending habits: ow.ly/JNbu50DkLQk.
Please allow me to introduce you to one of my favorite athletes of all time, Mr. Major Taylor. Major Taylor was "The World's Fastest Man," but, because of the color of his skin, his biggest challenges were often encountered off the bike.
http://ow.ly/B1nX50DsNoQ
There is a thin sheet of ice on the Green Mountain overpass this AM. Remember, bridges and overpasses ice first!
On Monday, Feb 15th, there is a Special Enrollment Period for Individual Medical Insurance on the Healthcare.gov exchange. This enrollment period allows individuals and families to purchase individual medical insurance between Feb 15th and May 15th in an attempt to increase the number of people covered by insurance in response to COVID-19. You do not need a qualifying event and you do not need to be eligible for any premium subsidy to take advantage of this Special Enrollment Period. Let us know if we can help.
Today is Friday, Feb 19. At this time, I am in the office and phones are working. If you are calling the office and we are not answering, I am on the line with another customer. Please leave a message and your call will be returned shortly. I hope to have additional team members available in the office shortly.
If you have a broken pipe, please take the following actions:
1. Turn off water,
2. Try to remove as much water as possible from your home to prevent additional damage,
3. If you need assistance drying out your home, contact a company that specializes in Water Loss Mitigation like ServPro--I have contacts.
4. File a claim with our office or at 800-SF-CLAIMS.
HO policies generally cover damage from water that escapes from frozen pipes and assistance with drying the home. Take pics and keep receipts.
At this time, the office will remain closed for the day. Calls to the office are being handled by our Customer Care Center. If you have an emergency, you may attempt to reach me at 210/656-3276 but please realize, cell service at my home is almost nonexistent if we do not have power.
Good morning! At this time, it is snowing here at the office. Please stay off the roads if you can.
Info you may not have seen:
A map of areas of San Antonio that are currently without water service
https://www.saws.org/water-outage-map/
And, SAWS currently has the city under a Boil Water notice--even if you currently have water service, the utility is recommending that you boil tapwater before using for drinking or cooking.
SAWS.ORG
Water Outage Map - San Antonio Water System
Weather conditions will prevent me from opening the office this morning and, possibly this afternoon. At this time, road conditions are poor and many local roadways are closed. Additionally, much of the state of Texas is currently experiencing rolling blackouts to help reduce energy demand. We encourage you to stay home, stay warm, and enjoy a rare, Texas Snowday!
Good news!
San Antonio Water System
February 23 at 8:00 PM ·
‼️BREAKING: SAWS has ENDED the boil water notice for ALL of #SATX & its service area. Boiling water is NO LONGER required.
While the notice has been lifted, we still recommend that customers flush household pipes, ice makers and water fountains prior to using for drinking or cooking. More instructions here: https://www.saws.org/saws-expands-areas-cleared-of-boil-water-notice/
____________________________________________________
‼️SAWS ha finalizado la orden de hervir el agua en TODAS sus áreas de servicio. Ya NO es necesario hervir el agua.
Si bien el aviso se ha levantado en estas áreas recomendamos que los clientes descarguen las tuberías domésticas, las máquinas de hielo y las fuentes de agua antes de usarlas para beber o cocinar. Mas información disponible en www.saws.org/freeze/?lang=es
SAWS is stepping up to help people with frozen pipes.
KSAT.COM
SAWS Community Pipe Repair Fund to help San Antonio residents with plumbing damage after winter storm
We hope that things are getting back to normal at your home. A few water related updates:
1. Some parts of the area, primarily north of 1604, remain under a boil water order as of this morning. More info at www.saws.org.
2. Because of the boil water order, SAWS is distributing water at several locations nearby. The closest to the office is at Rolling Oaks Mall. Drive up and they will give you a case of water this week. The location is at the back of the mall near Macy's.
3. The aquifer has dipped below 660' and watering restrictions have been triggered. We are currently under Stage 1 watering restrictions. Please make appropriate adjustments to your watering schedule and automatic sprinkler timers.
SAWS.ORG
Home - San Antonio Water System
Although COVID-19 case numbers and hospitalizations have improved in our area and the statewide mandates are largely being eliminated, we will continue to take precautions to protect ourselves and our customers.
MASKS REMAIN REQUIRED in our office! If you need to visit the office, please wear a face covering. Also, when entering the office, please wait in the front, "lobby" area until directed to come back by a team member.
The use of face coverings DOES make a difference in reducing the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19. While the governor has eliminated the mandate, he is still encouraging people to follow guidance from health authorities like the CDC with respect to social distancing and the use of face coverings.
Due to COVID-19 and the recent weather, the San Antonio Food Bank is experiencing huge levels of demand. Please consider donating to help feed our city and surrounding areas. They can turn each dollar received into SEVEN meals.
safoodbank.org/donate/
SAFOODBANK.ORG
Donate
This is a once in a lifetime event (or at least I hope) and our claims and operations teams are looking for ways to work smarter and faster!
WFAA.COM
State Farm adjusters go virtual as more than 34,000 claims roll in for Texas winter storm
One year ago, my family and I headed off to Colorado for a Spring Break ski trip not realizing that things were about to change. For many area schools, Spring Break 2021 starts at the end of the schoolday today. As we head in to Spring Break, caution is the word of the day. Please take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones while getting the break that you need!
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/12/travel/spring-break-pandemic.html
NYTIMES.COM
Spring Break’s New Look: Older and Socially Distant
Due to COVID-19 and the recent weather, the San Antonio Food Bank is experiencing huge levels of demand. Please consider donating to help feed our city and surrounding areas. They can turn each dollar received into SEVEN meals.
safoodbank.org/donate/
SAFOODBANK.ORG
Donate
This is a once in a lifetime event (or at least I hope) and our claims and operations teams are looking for ways to work smarter and faster!
WFAA.COM
State Farm adjusters go virtual as more than 34,000 claims roll in for Texas winter storm
One year ago today, everything changed due to COVID-19. Over the last year, many more people than usual have experienced food insecurity which has placed tremendous demands on local food banks. Please consider helping. The San Antonio Food Bank can benefit from your time, voice, and money. To see what you can do, please use the link below.
https://safoodbank.org/ways-to-help/
SAFOODBANK.ORG
Ways to Help
When Governor Abbott declared a disaster, some important changes to property taxes for 2021 were triggered. While we are fortunate we haven't seen a lot of homes with very large amounts of damage, there is property tax relief available.
http://www.bcad.org/data/_uploaded/file/PDFs/2021%20DisasterInfoAndApp.pdf
BCAD.ORG
www.bcad.org
One year ago, my family and I headed off to Colorado for a Spring Break ski trip not realizing that things were about to change. For many area schools, Spring Break 2021 starts at the end of the schoolday today. As we head in to Spring Break, caution is the word of the day. Please take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones while getting the break that you need!
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/12/travel/spring-break-pandemic.html
NYTIMES.COM
Spring Break’s New Look: Older and Socially Distant
Due to COVID-19 and the recent weather, the San Antonio Food Bank is experiencing huge levels of demand. Please consider donating to help feed our city and surrounding areas. They can turn each dollar received into SEVEN meals.
safoodbank.org/donate/
SAFOODBANK.ORG
Donate
This is a once in a lifetime event (or at least I hope) and our claims and operations teams are looking for ways to work smarter and faster!
WFAA.COM
State Farm adjusters go virtual as more than 34,000 claims roll in for Texas winter storm
One year ago today, everything changed due to COVID-19. Over the last year, many more people than usual have experienced food insecurity which has placed tremendous demands on local food banks. Please consider helping. The San Antonio Food Bank can benefit from your time, voice, and money. To see what you can do, please use the link below.
https://safoodbank.org/ways-to-help/
SAFOODBANK.ORG
Ways to Help
When Governor Abbott declared a disaster, some important changes to property taxes for 2021 were triggered. While we are fortunate we haven't seen a lot of homes with very large amounts of damage, there is property tax relief available.
http://www.bcad.org/data/_uploaded/file/PDFs/2021%20DisasterInfoAndApp.pdf
BCAD.ORG
www.bcad.org
One year ago, my family and I headed off to Colorado for a Spring Break ski trip not realizing that things were about to change. For many area schools, Spring Break 2021 starts at the end of the schoolday today. As we head in to Spring Break, caution is the word of the day. Please take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones while getting the break that you need!
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/12/travel/spring-break-pandemic.html
NYTIMES.COM
Spring Break’s New Look: Older and Socially Distant
Due to COVID-19 and the recent weather, the San Antonio Food Bank is experiencing huge levels of demand. Please consider donating to help feed our city and surrounding areas. They can turn each dollar received into SEVEN meals.
safoodbank.org/donate/
SAFOODBANK.ORG
Donate
This is a once in a lifetime event (or at least I hope) and our claims and operations teams are looking for ways to work smarter and faster!
WFAA.COM
State Farm adjusters go virtual as more than 34,000 claims roll in for Texas winter storm
Between the Winter Storm and COVID-19, there are some important changes to tax filing deadlines this year:
1. All taxpayers have until May 15th to file their Federal Income Tax Returns,
2. Texas taxpayers, as well as taxpayers in some other states where a disaster was declared due to the winter storm, have until June 15th to file their Federal Income Tax Return.
Since most of you are in Texas, this means you have extra time (just like last year).
www.irs.gov/newsroom/victims-of-texas-winter-storms-get-deadline-extensions-and-other-tax-relief
IRS.GOV
Victims of Texas winter storms get deadline extensions and other tax relief | Internal Revenue Service
One year ago today, everything changed due to COVID-19. Over the last year, many more people than usual have experienced food insecurity which has placed tremendous demands on local food banks. Please consider helping. The San Antonio Food Bank can benefit from your time, voice, and money. To see what you can do, please use the link below.
https://safoodbank.org/ways-to-help/
SAFOODBANK.ORG
Ways to Help
When Governor Abbott declared a disaster, some important changes to property taxes for 2021 were triggered. While we are fortunate we haven't seen a lot of homes with very large amounts of damage, there is property tax relief available.
http://www.bcad.org/data/_uploaded/file/PDFs/2021%20DisasterInfoAndApp.pdf
BCAD.ORG
www.bcad.org
One year ago, my family and I headed off to Colorado for a Spring Break ski trip not realizing that things were about to change. For many area schools, Spring Break 2021 starts at the end of the schoolday today. As we head in to Spring Break, caution is the word of the day. Please take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones while getting the break that you need!
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/12/travel/spring-break-pandemic.html
NYTIMES.COM
Spring Break’s New Look: Older and Socially Distant
Due to COVID-19 and the recent weather, the San Antonio Food Bank is experiencing huge levels of demand. Please consider donating to help feed our city and surrounding areas. They can turn each dollar received into SEVEN meals.
safoodbank.org/donate/
SAFOODBANK.ORG
Donate
