Rivermist - July 2013 by Peel, Inc.

The Beacon

Volume 4, Issue 7

July 2013

CASA seeking volunteers to be child advocates By Belinda Cox My name is Belinda Cox and I am the Volunteer Recruiting and Training Coordinator here at CASA. Thank you for your interest in becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate. Below is some additional info about volunteering and our trainings. Child Advocates San Antonio is the only nonprofit organization in Bexar County with volunteers sworn-in by a judge to make recommendations to the court in the best interest of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. A CASA volunteer is community member who is a court-appointed, trained and committed adult who stands by these children's side, watches over their case and advocates for their best interest. Imagine the experience of children who are removed from their parents because the people who should have protected them cannot or will not do so. These children find themselves in a world filled with social workers, lawyers, judges, and courtrooms where life-altering decisions are made on their behalf, while they remain voiceless. A CASA volunteer ensures that these children remain a priority in an overburdened legal and social service system and they may be the only guiding presence involved from beginning to end during a child's case. For these children, our volunteers will be the difference between instability and permanence, insecurity and learning to trust, invisibility and being made a priority. As a CASA volunteer advocate we ask a commitment to one specific case for at least a year. On average our volunteers spend about 15 hours per month on their case. During the course of the case, volunteers contact parents/caretakers, family members, medical/mental health professionals, legal professionals, school officials, CPS representatives, foster care and various other sources to gather information about the child or children. They also build a trusting relationship with the child or children and identify their needs as well as resources to address those Copyright ÂŠ 2013 Peel, Inc.

needs. A CASA provides these youth a voice in court, advocates for stability, ensures educational and medical needs are met, and optimizes opportunity for personal development and growth. They will prepare reports to the court based on the information they gather and on what they believe is in the best interest of the child. Essentially they will serve as the "eyes and ears" of the court; helping the judge make the most informed decision possible. The opinions of the CASA volunteers and staff members are highly valued in the courtroom and regularly incorporated into the children's service plans. The scheduling of the volunteers activities is flexible, and they will be paired with a staff professional who supports and guides them every single step of the way. CASA volunteers not only greatly improve the life of a child in need, they will also impact their own life tremendously. Many CASA volunteers often question whose life was most affected by a case, theirs or the child's. Volunteers do not need any special kind of education or experience to serve as a CASA volunteer. We provide all the training and support our volunteers will need to serve as an effective advocate and all training is completed before they work directly with children on a case. The initial training is about 33 hours and is offered at a variety of times throughout the year to include Saturday, evening and daytime trainings to accommodate all schedules.

The Beacon - July 2013

The Beacon 

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                                          2

 Beacon - July 2013 The

The Beacon Our community NNO celebration will follow the race! Please join our community in celebrating the 30th annual National Night Out!

Rivermist Homeowners Association

Presents the 1st Annual National Night Out Against Crime Family 5K Fun Run/Walk Where: Rivermist Community Park, 8203 Rock Mist Drive San Antonio, TX 78249 (parking info will be provided prior to the race) When: Tuesday, October 1, 2013, 6:30pm Cost: $25 per runner before July 31, 2013, $30 per runner after July 31st. Registration ends September 1st (maximum of 250 runners) * All registered runners will receive a goodie bag and a finisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s medal. *Packet pickup information will be disseminated in June.

NNO Celebration will include Rock Climbing Wall DJ/Dancing Child ID kits Bouncy Castle Video Game Truck from Games2U Refreshments

* A portion of the proceeds from the Run/Walk will be donated to Child Advocates San Antonio (CASA) * We will also hold a school supply drive to benefit the foster children assisted by CASA For info call Charles at (443) 812-2109

The Beacon - July 2013

The Beacon

WALKERS WANTED ! Do you have a passion for walking? Are you looking for an activity that can fun, safe, and healthy?

Take charge of your health by joining San Antonio Walks!

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San Antonio Walks! is the city’s premier walking program designed to get everyone out to walk, regardless of age, gender, or ability.

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San Antonio Walks! is the ONLY walking program initiated and sustained through the Mayor’s Fitness Council

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San Antonio Walks! is FREE ! All tracking materials, training tools, and incentive prizes for reaching specific milestones are provided to you through funding from the city’s Communities Putting Prevention to Work grant. All you have to do is register and participate.

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San Antonio Walks! provides training and all the tools you need to learn the most effective way of walking

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San Antonio Walks! is led by the nationally-ranked South Texas Walking Club, offering fitness, social, and community benefits for young & old, businesses, faith-based groups, or civic organizations.

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We want all to experience a fun and invigorating exercise. Here is your opportunity to take charge of your long-term wellness!

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AND… here’s your chance to take advantage of San Antonio’s great scenery: our parks, trails, fitness tracks, and our neighborhood sidewalks… to include our great Riverwalk!

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San Antonio Walks! will come to you! For more details, visit our © 2013 Peel, Inc Copyright website – www.FitCitySA.com (under Walking) or contact SA Walks director, Bert Pickell, bpickell@satx.rr.com or (210) 273-7983.

The Beacon - July 2013

The Beacon Come see what your neighbors are talking about. Join Nextdoor Rivermisthoa, the private website for your neighborhood.

To join, visit: rivermisthoa.nextdoor.com/join Your neighbor, Charles Hasberry, invited you to join.

Nextdoor Rivermisthoa

Charles (Rivera Cv) writes: "We are coming together online as a community. Join us on Nextdoor. This will help us share crime/safety info as well as help us get to know each other. " To accept your invitation, visit:

rivermisthoa.nextdoor.com/join Your flyer code: XEIGAR

Nextdoor Rivermisthoa

Get to know your neighbors • Share local recommendations • Lend, borrow and give away • Keep the neighborhood safe • Stay informed

The Beacon - July 2013

The Beacon

WELCOME TO BASIS SAN ANTONIO â&#x20AC;&#x201C; OPENING AUGUST 26, 2013

BASIS San Antonio will open its doors for over 500 students in grades 5 through 8 in August 2013 and move up a grade each year thereafter to grade 12. It will offer the same rigorous academic program as our legacy schools BASIS Scottsdale and BASIS Tucson, and at the same time take into account the previous educational background of all incoming students. BASIS introduces Latin, general science, and physical geography in the 5th grade, then physics, chemistry, and biology in the 6th. 7th graders have the opportunity to study Mandarin, French, or Spanish, while 8th graders take Economics. In time, we will offer all students Honors, AP, and Post AP level classes in the high school grades. We know from experience that every student can excel if they are willing to work hard and seek help from our teachers. The teachers we recruit have deep content knowledge, are passionate about what they teach, and are willing to do whatever it takes to make your child successful. Sign up on the interest at https://www.basislink.org/, if you are interested in enrolling your children in BASIS San Antonio. Please feel free to contact Tiffany O'Neill, Head of School to talk about any questions you might have. Tiffany O'Neill tiffany.oneill@basissanantonio.org

Viruses Still Present During Summer Many viruses are still frequent in the summer so good hygiene remains important Some viruses present in the summer include: -Enteroviruses can cause symptoms such as sore throat and diarrhea, and can even lead to viral meningitis and inflammation of the heart and liver. -Hand, foot and mouth disease, is characterized by ulcers in the back of the throat and a rash on hands and feet. This is common in babies and young children. -Adenovirus, which can cause respiratory problems. -Parainfluenza can cause croup, a loud cough; bronchiolitis, swelling and mucus in the small air passages in the lungs; and bronchitis, inflammation of the main air passages to the lungs. These viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics, but it's important to get enough fluid and rest. Seek treatment immediately for high fever for more than three days, vomiting for over 24 hours, diarrhea, severe headaches or chest pain. Those with weak immune systems should consult their physician if they have any symptoms associated with these viruses.

Sign up for email alerts by registering at www.Spectrumam.com Our management website is a treasure trove of information regarding neighborhood policies, community events, community safety and other helpful items. You can pay your assessment fee online and can also sign up to receive email updates/alerts that are sent out by the Board of Directors and site managers. If you need help registering or need to have your password reset, call our site manager, Jason Green at (210) 494-0659. Your Board of Directors 6

The Beacon - July 2013

The Beacon Dear Homeowner,

Pro Tree Care r o b r A

Ross Hosea, Owner ISA Certified Arborist #TX-3811A Texas Oak Wilt Certified San Antonio native with more than 20 years experience Trimming ● Removal ● Planting Free Estimates

Here at Spectrum we strive to make the transition to our company as seamless and problem free as possible. This article is just a reminder on the different ways you can pay your homeowner association dues. The most traditional method of coming to our office to pay is available. Our address is 17319 San Pedro, Suite 318, San Antonio, TX 78232. You can also register at www.spectrumam. com and login to pay your dues by e-check or credit card. We accept payment from Mastercard, Discover and American Express. On this site you can also setup recurring payments, view current reports of any ACC requests, Violations, governing documents, upcoming events and other information. For your security, we do not take credit card payments over the phone. If you ever have questions on how to register or how to review something on the website, please feel free to contact us. Our policy is to return all calls and emails the same day. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Regards, Jason M. Green Community Manager Office: 210.494.0659 www.spectrumam.com

(210) 912-4869 or rosshosea@hotmail.com

Check us out on the web at www.rivermisthoa.org Our community website is a treasure trove of information regarding community events, community safety and other helpful items. Sincerely, Your Board of Directors

The Beacon - July 2013