PG. 22 - 25 | SALUTE TO OUR ARMED FORCES CIBOLO • CONVERSE • GARDEN RIDGE • LIVE OAK • SCHERTZ • SELMA • UNIVERSAL CITY • WINDCREST
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM | VOL. 8, ISSUE 5 | NOV. 17 - DEC. 15, 2020
HEALTH
DECISION 2020
Voters mostly return Metrocom incumbents
NOW AND AHEAD Pandemic alters SA medicine
by LEA THOMPSON
by EDMOND ORTIZ
BUOYED BY HUGE VOTER TURNOUT IN THE NOV. 3 ELECTIONS, six incumbents won their respective races in Converse, Schertz, Windcrest and the North East Independent School District.
by TRAVIS E. POLING
THE OUTBREAK OF THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS is transforming the nature of health care delivery across both the planet and the greater San Antonio area.
As providers grapple with the current disease and its staggering impact, physicians and other medical professionals are formulating plans to combat future pandemics. Edith Ambrester went through breastcancer management, chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Everything not requiring in-person consulting, from treatment-preparation instructions to
But, in the Alamo Colleges District, one board member was turned out and another heads for a runoff. Elsewhere, voters gave thumbs up to ballot measures from the municipalities of San Antonio, Universal City and Selma, plus VIA Metropolitan Transit. ELECTIONS continues on pg. 20 THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC has changed the way San Antonio-area schools conduct learning now and for the foreseeable future.
From public to private institutions, local communities face serious challenges including keeping students healthy, bringing learners back to campuses or instructing remotely, handling teacher brain drain and preparing for more shutdowns.
SPRING BREAK AND GOODBYES In Cibolo, when Watts Elementary School teacher Wendy Dylla said farewell to her second graders for Spring Break, she didn’t realize last March would be the final time she’d see them in person. “Before we left for break, (officials) told us, ‘Take your things with you because a COVID closure is a possibility,’ but we never thought ADAPTING continues on pg. 14
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that this would happen,” Dylla said. But, within days, it did. Gov. Greg Abbott eventually ordered the shuttering of statewide campuses. Summertime saw the greater San Antonio area school systems — public and private and their corresponding new online classrooms — navigate constantly changing educational and safety guidelines, struggling to ensure a safe fall reopening.
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4 STAFF NOV. 17 - DEC. 15, 2020
PUBLISHER Jaselle Luna EDITORIAL Editor
Thomas Edwards News Staff
Edmond Ortiz Contributing Writers
Olivier J. Bourgoin, Jose T. Garza III, Travis E. Poling, Arthur Schechter, Lea Thompson and Susan Yerkes ART Designer
E. Fisher Contributing Artist
Jeremiah Teutsch ADVERTISING Senior Media Representatives
Dawn Radick and Joanne Torres Multimedia Account Representative
Michael Valdelamar Controller
Gracie Cortinez READER SERVICE Mailing Address
4204 Gardendale St., Ste. 107, San Antonio, TX 78229 Phone: (210) 338-8842 Fax: (210) 465-9455 ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Advertising@localcommunitynews.com STORY IDEAS: tips@localcommunitynews.com EDITOR CONTACT tedwards@localcommunitynews.com Reproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, 2020 Local Community News LLC, all rights reserved.
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ON THE COVER – LOCAL Community News takes an in-depth look at the pandemic’s lasting effects. Reporter Lea Thompson examines how COVID-19 created serious challenges for schools. Writer Travis E. Poling spotlights new medical protocols in his story, including (top) how Nursing Assistant Fereshteh Khafaji and diabetic retinopathy screener and medical assistant Juanita Banda (bottom) screen employees, patients and visitors in the University Health System. Both stories start on page 1, with extra content soon at www.localcommunitynews.com. Education stock photo/medical: Courtesy/ Mark C. Greenberg/UHS
TALK LOCAL
Cenotaph saved IT WOULD SEEM THE BATTLE OF THE ALAMO RAGES STILL, but the Texas Historical Commission made the right call denying a permit allowing revisionists to move the Cenotaph. Members of the Alamo Management Committee, the publicprivate partnership pushing a $450 million plan to renovate Alamo Plaza, said they wanted the Cenotaph relocated to restore the mission’s true historical legacy. The Spanish Empire, in concert with the Catholic Church, built missions just like the Alamo the world over to minister to Indigenous persons. Nothing unique there. What is memorable about the Alamo is its place in history as a battleground symbolizing man’s struggle for freedom against tyranny. The Cenotaph honors the heroes of all ethnicities who fought for independence in March 1836, inspiring those who strive for liberty for generations to come. It belongs front and center on the Alamo grounds, not moved south of the shrine. In addition, the monument could be damaged should it be shifted. The Cenotaph stands as a reminder freedom is purchased through blood and sacrifice. Those who desired relocation say they only wished to tell the “full” story of the 300-year-old mission. Instead, it appears they want to minimize the most important chapter in the Alamo’s history. The LOCAL Community News editorial board includes Jaselle Luna and Thomas Edwards.
Approximately 70% of total hospitalized cases of COVID-19 are indicated to have some type of underlying condition (the other 30% either do not have an underlying condition or their status is unknown). Among these cases, diabetes is the most common, followed by heart disease and obesity.
CHANGE TODAY FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE. Make Changes • Reduce Risk • Take Control
DID YOU KNOW?
Almost 29 million Americans have diabetes – but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. About 84 million adults in the United States have prediabetes. The YMCA of Greater San Antonio and The City of The San Antonio Metropolitan Health Department have teamed up to fight diabetes from two fronts. Whether you are at risk for type 2 diabetes or if you have already been diagnosed, we have a FREE program for you! We can help you: · Make lifestyle changes to help prevent or delay the disease · Work with family members to reduce your entire family’s risk · Manage the disease if you have already received a diagnosis. We’ll teach you how you can take control of your health safely manage the symptoms of diabetes. Call 210-207-8807 or visit diabeteshelpsa.com for more information.
OPINION
6
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S NOV. 17 - DEC. 15, 2020
Giving thanks, not COVID by SUSAN YERKES
WHEN THANKSGIVING APPROACHES I make a list of things I’m grateful for. At the top this year: I’m thankful 2020 is almost over. We
may not get back to normal in 2021, but it’s got to be better than the three C’s: coronavirus, closings and chaos. Thanksgiving is the definitive all-American holiday. The Norman Rockwell image of a family sharing a big, beautiful meal doesn’t seem so cozy with masks and gloves. Giving thanks is one thing, but giving COVID-19 is something else entirely. For months, most folks I know have been plotting alternative get-togethers, from Zooming the family feast to moving outside or doing drive-by food deliveries. The good news: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, food and its packaging are low risk
for viral spread. The bad news: Saliva and breathing both increase exposure. Bummer. It’s one thing to wear a mask at the grocery store, but something else entirely to keep it on in a room full of people having a wonderful time. This year, many time-honored San
Antonio traditions of giving are canceled or altered. The Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving has morphed into a holiday-meal delivery. Air Force basic trainees at Lackland won’t enjoy turkey dinner with local families, since Operation Home Cooking is called off. Ditto the Army’s Mission Thanksgiving event. On the other hand, a Texas Thanksgiving isn’t necessarily traditional. You may have grown up with the tale of Plymouth Colony’s British pilgrims sharing a love feast with the happy Wampanoag tribe in 1621, but in these days of political correctness it’s hard to keep such a rosy scenario going, especially in light of how Native Americans ended up. In fact, if you want to talk turkey about Thanksgiving, look no further than El Paso, where true-blue Texans claim the first such feast was held in 1598, when Spanish conquistador Juan de Oñate and settlers found water and rest after a punishing trip through the Chihuahuan Desert. The El Paso Mission Trail Association commemorates the event, which has drawn controversy. A lot of things about Thanksgiving have a stormy history in the Lone Star State. In 1777, the Continental Congress declared the first national Thanksgiving, President George Washington affirmed it in 1789, and in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln officially made Thanksgiving the last Thursday in November.
(Thursday was “Lecture Day” for the Plymouth Puritans, and the start of the original, three-day celebration.) Texas went along with the national date, but from 1879 to 1882, Gov. O.M. Roberts refused to declare the holiday at all, calling it a “damn Yankee institution” and a “religious exercise.” In 1939, when President Franklin Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving up a week, to the next-to-last Thursday in November, Gov. W. Lee “Pappy” O’Daniel rebelled against the “New Deal Thanksgiving” and Texans got two celebrations. Some politicians framed the Texas Thanksgiving as a matter of states’ rights. Between 1939 and 1957 Texas observed seven years of double Thanksgivings. (Tough on turkeys, great for turkey breeders.) In 1957, Gov. Price Daniel signed a new set of holidays into law, aligning the state observance with the national one for good. Some staunch Southerners claimed treason; Daniel “went Yankee,” as one newspaper charged. Thanksgiving in 2020 may not be the same, but the spirit of the holiday has weathered plenty of changes over time. Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving or the newer “Friendsgiving” (which still seems weird to me) or both, it’s all about being grateful for what we have, and sharing. That spirit prevails. I find it “hope-giving.” syerkes@localcommunitynews.com
One of the most well-respected and award-winning journalists in South Texas, Susan Yerkes pens a column each month for LOCAL Community News. A veteran of newspapers, television, radio and online, she calls San Antonio home.
NOV. 17 - DEC. 15, 2020
NOVEMBER
PLAN YOUR MONTH WITH OUR CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY.
HAPPENING
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
City Councils/ School Districts Schertz: 6 p.m. Dec. 1, 8; 1400 Schertz Parkway Live Oak: 7 p.m. Nov. 24 & Dec. 8; 8001 Shin Oak Drive Cibolo: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8; 200 S. Main St. Converse: 7 p.m. Nov. 17 & Dec. 1, 15; 406 S. Seguin Road Garden Ridge: 6 p.m. Dec. 2; 9400 Municipal Parkway Selma: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10; 9375 Corporate Drive Windcrest: 6 p.m. Dec. 7; 8601 Midcrown Drive
Universal City: 6:30 p.m. Nov. 17 & Dec. 1, 15; 2150 Universal City Blvd. Comal ISD: 6 p.m. Nov. 18; 1404 Interstate 35 North in New Braunfels North East ISD: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 14; 8961 Tesoro Drive in San Antonio Judson ISD: 7 p.m. Nov. 19; 8205 Palisades Drive in Live Oak Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD: 6 p.m. Nov. 17 & Dec. 15; 1060 Elbel Road in Schertz
NOV. 17 & DEC. 15 GARDEN MEETING
Live Oak Village Garden Club meets from
EDITOR’S NOTE: THE CALENDAR IS CURRENT AS OF PRESS TIME, BUT SOME EVENTS MAY HAVE BEEN POSTPONED OR CANCELED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS CONCERNS. ACCESS TO PUBLIC MEETINGS MAY BE LIMITED OR STREAMING ONLY. CHECK WITH THE LISTED CONTACTS FOR UPDATES.
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1-3 p.m. in the Live Oak Clubhouse, 7901 Shin Oak Drive. For updates or cancellations, call Jo Anna Wheeler at 210-6551036.
THROUGH NOV. 19
HOLIDAY MEAL BASKETS Randolph Area Christian Assistance Program will accept paperwork for its Christmas giveaway. Families requiring help due to limited or no income, are at or below federal poverty guidelines, and reside within the following ZIP codes: 78108, 78109, 78124, 78132, 78148, 78154, 78247, 78233 (Live Oak only) and 78266, may apply. Meanwhile, cash donations to cover costs are welcome year-round at RACAP offices, 307 Pfeil St. in Schertz. For more, call 210-6581613 or visit www.racap.org. HAPPENING continues on pg. 08
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L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S NOV. 17 - DEC. 15, 2020
HAPPENING continues from pg. 07
NOV. 19 & BEGINNING DEC. 5 WINDCREST CHRISTMAS
The city kicks off the holidays with a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony at Jim Seal and Crestway drives at 6 p.m. Nov. 19. The event is dedicated to local Purple Heart recipients or their survivors. Social distancing and masks are required. Then, the 62nd annual Windcrest Light Up contest commences Dec. 5 when residents illuminate their homes so motorists can admire them as they drive past. This year’s theme is “Let Freedom Ring,” a military tribute. For updates or cancellations, visit https://www.windcrest-tx.gov/190/Windcrest-Light-Up.
NOV. 21
ART FANS The Youth Building behind Live Oak Clubhouse, 7901 Shin Oak Drive, is a gathering place for art fans at 11 a.m. For more including field trips, updates or cancellations, call Kat at 210-844-5315 or visit https://www.facebook.com/LiveOakLeagueOfArts/.
THROUGH NOV. 23
HOLIDAY COLLECTION
often have invited speakers. RSVP by 5 p.m. the Friday before to David Sippel at David@DavidSippel.com. For updates or cancellations, call Liane Garrett at 210683-1169 or visit www.randolphmetrocomrotary.org or https://randolphmetrocomrotary.org/event/holiday-luncheon/.
THROUGH NOV. 23
BLUE SANTA IN SCHERTZ Less-fortunate families and children in Schertz may receive Christmas gifts if eligible for the Schertz Police Department’s Blue Santa program. Applications are available at schertz.com. For more, call Melissa Fleck or Officer Kraft at 210619-1200.
NOV. 23-27
SCHOOL’S OUT Randolph Metrocom campuses will close for Thanksgiving Break.
NOV. 24 & DEC. 8
CONVERSE LIONS CLUB The group meets at 7:30 p.m. at the Greater Randolph Area Services Program, 250 Donalan Drive in Converse. For updates or cancellations, visit https://www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/conversetx/.
Help Operation Christmas Child by bringing a shoebox filled with toys, school supplies and hygiene items to Schertz United Methodist Church, 3460 Roy Richard Drive. For exact drop-off times, updates or cancellations, visit https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/ drop-off-locations/.
NOV. 24 & DEC. 8
NOV. 23 & DEC. 14
WINDCREST LIONS CLUB
RANDOLPH METROCOM ROTARY The club meets from noon to 1 p.m. at Olympia Hills Golf & Event Center, 12900 Mount Olympus St. in Universal City. During the COVID-19 pandemic, some sessions will be conducted via Zoom. The Dec. 14 gathering is an in-person holiday celebration. Lunches, $15 per individual,
OPTIMIST CLUB
The Windcrest Optimist Club gathers at 7 a.m. in the Windcrest Civic Center, 9310 Jim Seal Drive. For updates or cancellations, call Andy Biancardi at 210-656-5117 or email apb437@yahoo.com.
NOV. 24 & DEC. 8
The group meets at 6:30 p.m. in the Windcrest Civic Center, 9310 Jim Seal Drive. For updates or cancellations, visit http:// www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/windcresttx/.
NOV. 25 & DEC. 9
SCHERTZ-CIBOLO LIONS CLUB The group meets from noon to 1 p.m.
NOV. 17 - DEC. 15, 2020
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
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at Schertz Family YMCA, 621 Westchester Drive. Free admission; bring a lunch. Newcomers welcome. For updates or cancellations, call 210-445-3980.
txtricountychamber.org or call Lisa Jubela at 830-305-6926.
NOV. 25
The Chamber (Schertz-Cibolo-Selma area) offers several monthly activities. Upcoming festivities include two 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. luncheons, Nov. 17 and Dec. 15, at the Schertz Civic Center, 1400 Schertz Parkway (Building 5). The first one is an awards banquet. Also, Santikos Entertainment, 18124 Interstate 35 in Cibolo, hosts a 5:30-7 p.m. mixer. The Chamber offices in Schertz and Selma will close Nov. 26-27 for Thanksgiving. For updates or cancellations, visit www.thechamber.info or email finance@thechamber.info. For coronavirus updates on business’ schedule changes and/or closures, call 210-619-1952 or visit https://www.facebook.com/TheChamberSCS/.
SUPPORT GROUP New Haven Assisted Living & Memory Care, 2300 FM 3009 in Schertz, hosts conversations from 10-11 a.m. for caregivers of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia sufferers. For updates or cancellations of the free event, call 210-319-4965.
THROUGH NOV. 26
CHRISTMAS IS COMING Applications for Universal City’s Blue Santa program can be found at http://www. uccpaaa.org/BlueSanta.html. They should be dropped off at the Police Department, 2150 Universal City Blvd. For updates or cancellations, visit http://www.universalcitytexas.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=3484.
NOV. 28
FAR OUT! It’s a free “Star Party” from 5:30-8 p.m. when gazing at the heavens at Crescent Bend Nature Park, 12805 W. Schaefer Road in Schertz. Bring an infrared flashlight; the San Antonio Astronomical Association provides the telescope. For more, visit https:// friendscbnp.zenfolio.com/events.
NOV. 28
MEET CONVERSE MAYOR Come at 8 a.m. to the City Hall lobby, 406 S. Seguin Road, and converse with Converse Mayor Al Suarez. No appointment necessary. During the COVID-19 outbreak, face coverings are necessary. For updates or cancellations, visit https://www.conversetx net.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
TRI-COUNTY CHAMBER EVENTS The group, cultivating business alliances across Bexar, Comal and Guadalupe counties, presents several monthly activities. For updates or cancellations, visit www.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER THE CHAMBER EVENTS
DEC. 5
CHRISTMASTIME IN SCHERTZ “Holidazzle,” the annual city celebration, is back. Enjoy breakfast with Santa; tasty treats; ice-skating, a snow angel play area; a snow globe you can climb inside; and a night parade. For a schedule and venues, updates or cancellations, visit http:// schertz.com/470/Holidazzle.
DEC. 5-6, 12-13, 18-23 CAVERN CHRISTMAS
With thousands of twinkling lights, Natural Bridge Caverns, 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road, just off FM 3009 in the Garden Ridge area, will again be decorated for the holidays. “Christmas at the Caverns” transforms the park into a Yuletide wonderland with underground shows, carols, s’mores, zip lines, a maze, reindeer, a spelunking Santa Claus and more. Cost varies. For details and to purchase tickets, visit https:// naturalbridgecaverns.com/christmas/. HAPPENING continues on pg. 10 LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
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HAPPENING
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S NOV. 17 - DEC. 15, 2020
HAPPENING continues from pg. 09
THROUGH DEC. 8
DEC. 12
NATURE DISCOVERY SERIES
DEC. 14
Thanks to the internet, Live Oak youths can post letters to Santa Claus. Send an email with your Christmas wish list to Santaclaus@liveoaktx.net. Include child’s name and address. For more, call Courtney at 210-653-9140, ext. 2235 or visit www.liveoaktx.net.
Intended for elementary school youngsters, Crescent Bend Nature Park, 12780 W. Schaefer Road in Schertz, hosts kid scientists at 10 a.m. Preregistration is required; space is limited. For registration, topics, updates or cancellations, visit http://www.schertz.com/CivicAlerts. aspx?AID=328.
ANIMAL LOVERS The Humane Society of Live Oak meets from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Live Oak Clubhouse, 7901 Shin Oak Drive. Open to all. For updates or cancellations, contact HumaneSocietyofliveoak@gmail.com.
CAMPUS FUNDRAISER
DEC. 13
GIVE CONVERSE THE BRUSH
“Pull for the Kids” is a clay-shooting contest benefiting St. John Paul II Catholic High School in New Braunfels. The event begins at 11 a.m. at the San Antonio Gun Club, 928 E. Contour Drive. For sponsorship and registration, visit https://one.bidpal.net/pullforthekids/welcome.
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 667, 504 Bowie Drive in Universal City, hosts “Second Sunday” each month from 8-11:30 a.m. Breakfast buffets cost $7 for adults, $3 for children 3-10, younger tykes eat free. No charge for parking. For updates or cancellations, call 210-658-3731.
FROM LIVE OAK TO THE NORTH POLE
DEC. 6
CIBOLO GRANGE 1541 MEETING Adult members gather at Grange Hall, 413 N. Main St. in Cibolo, for socializing at 2:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. business discussions. Newcomers welcome. For updates or cancellations, visit www.grange.org/cibolotx1541/31-2/.
DEC. 8
AGGIE MOMS CLUB The Randolph Area Aggie Moms Club meets at 6 p.m. at Boysville Inc., Thompson Building, 8555 E. Loop 1604 North in Converse. For updates or cancellations, visit https://randolphareamoms.aggienetwork.com/.
DEC. 10
Medicare Annual Enrollment is October 15-December 7.
IMAGINE A HEALTH CARE TEAM THAT ACTUALLY WORKS TOGETHER.
MORNING MEAL
DEC. 14-18
The city, divided into four sectors, staggers monthly brush pickups. Next collection area for clippings is Zone 4. Residents should place brush on the curb the Saturday before (Dec. 12). For a map, a calendar and pile dimensions, plus updates or cancellations, visit www.conversetx.net.
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NOV. 17 - DEC. 15, 2020
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
11
DEC. 15
WEDNESDAYS & THURSDAYS
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, you can still interact with St. Nick in person, but physically distanced. This year, mandatory registration is required by 10 a.m. Dec. 8. To register and for details on meeting Kris Kringle, call Courtney at 210-653-9140, ext. 2235 or visit www. liveoaktx.net.
Family members of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder meet for a 6:30 p.m. Wednesday meal at Grange Hall, 413 N. Main St. in Cibolo. The following day, the same site and time is reserved for a dinner and talk only with service members. For updates or holiday cancellations, call 210-390-8002.
DEC. 21
CIBOLO GRANGE MARKETPLACE
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO LIVE OAK
STRUGGLING WITH CANCER? The New Life Cancer Support Team, a community-outreach ministry of New Life Baptist Church, 101 North St. in Converse, meets at 7 p.m. in the Rupp Building. Those dealing with cancer are invited for emotional and physical support. For updates or cancellations, call 210-658-1972.
MONDAYS
RAISE A TOAST The Schertz Chamber of Commerce Toastmasters Club meets from 7-8:15 p.m. via Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic; other times, gatherings are at The Chamber offices, 1730 Schertz Parkway. For updates or cancellations, visit http:// schertzchambertm.weebly.com/.
TUESDAYS FORE!
Senior golfers meet at 8 a.m. at Olympia Hills Golf & Event Center, 12900 Mount Olympus St. in Universal City. The league is for those ages 60-plus. Cost is $10, an annual pot to winners. For updates or cancellations, call Jesse Cox at 210-601-1504.
PTSD SUPPORT GROUPS
THURSDAYS
The nonprofit agricultural and civic organization showcases goods sold by area farmers and artisans from 3-7 p.m. at Grange Hall, 413 N. Main St. in Cibolo. For updates or cancellations, visit facebook.com/ CiboloGrangeFarmersMarket or contact cibolograngemarket@yahoo.com.
SUNDAYS
FARMERS MARKET Live Oak Farmers Market, 8151 Pat Booker Road, is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For updates or cancellations, visit its Facebook page at liveoakfarmersmarketonpatbooker or call 210-249-8030.
SUNDAYS
FUNDANCERS The square-dancing club assembles from 7-9 p.m. at North Community Center, 3501 Morning Drive in Schertz. For updates or cancellations, contact jimpresfundancers@ yahoo.com or visit the Austin Square and Round Dance Association at www.asrda.org.
ONGOING
JISD FOOD PROGRAM
GREATER RANDOLPH AREA KIWANIS FOUNDATION
The Judson Independent School District serves reduced-price or free meals during the 2020-2021 academic year. For more including eligibility requirements and applications, visit https://www.judsonisd.org/Page/7275.
The group meets at 7 a.m. in Jim’s Restaurant, 7000 N. Loop 1604 East in San Antonio. For updates or cancellations, email Cindy Newton at cindyn@satx.rr.com, or call 210-381-4082, or visit www.grak.org.
SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all the details along with your contact information two months in advance to tips@ localcommunitynews.com.
WEDNESDAYS
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The COVID-19 crisis created new obstacles for schools. Suddenly, teacherstudent communication needed reinvention, requiring campuses to launch online classes for the first time, as officials looked to maintain pupil safety, follow state directives or risk losing essential funding. In reality, the pandemic didn’t create disparities in local educational systems. It magnified them. “I think we’ll be learning to live with the virus until there is a widely accessible, safe and effective vaccine. In the short term, the vaccine could take months,” said Dr. Junda Woo, medical director of the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District. “On the long side, that could be years. Of course, we all
EDITOR'S NOTE
The coach at (Advanced Learning Academy) in (San Antonio Independent School District) has done a phenomenal job with creating ageappropriate activities for the remote kids. The school gave us some resources during a driveby school pickup. Each kid got a special bucket with a tennis ball, scarves, a pool noodle cut into rings and a set of drumsticks. I didn’t know what to expect. They use the drumsticks and
hope it’s not that long.” The outbreak has inordinately affected area minorities. According to Rogelio Sáenz, a professor of demography at the University of Texas at San Antonio, local Latinos are more likely to be frontline workers, live with preexisting conditions, share homes with older family members, and less inclined to have health care access. They’re also more susceptible to contract or die from COVID-19. In addition, reports show the younger Latino population is more vulnerable nationally. “Children across the U.S. have shown relatively low COVID case numbers and mortality rates, but nationwide, the death rates for Latino children are nearly seven times that of their white or Black counterparts,” Sáenz said. “These are not things that just happened today or within the last few months. These are long-term health
qualities and inequalities that have been here for years.”
PRIVATE SCHOOLS Private schools were also affected by state-mandated closures in March, with most pivoting to offer students a choice between in-person or remote education in the new grading period, semester or school year. For Jaime Len Cooke, a mother of two who owns a local event-planning company, face-to-face education was best for her family. Her sons — Deacon, 5, and Aden, 12 — attend Cornerstone Christian Schools and Keystone School, respectively. The boys were ready to return to the classroom, she said. Cornerstone initiated two critical lawsuits this past summer. In one, the institution sought to dismiss a local ordinance banning public and private schools from holding in-person classes before Labor Day, citing a violation of the campuses’ “religious
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beat the bucket as a drum, and the pool noodle to catch and work on hand-eye coordination; they use scarves to practice catching and the tennis ball to practice bouncing on the ground and try to land in the bucket. It’s a cool way to use super simple things and learn good motor skills. One day they’ll ball up a piece of paper and practice throwing, another day they’ll practice balancing in PE with yoga poses. Their teachers create innovative things to do at home with things they already have.”
NIKI BURNHAM, former elementary school teacher and stay-at-home mother to kindergarten students
The (North East Independent School) district still has all the same rules and expectations for our schools, and we wear masks every day, at all times. At Stone Oak, we have masks and sanitizing stations around the school. (There are) single-use cups next to the water fountain now, that can be disposed after. The students are very mature about following the new rules; they knew changes were coming. They still run around on the playground, except now we have stations so not everyone is playing on monkey bars or the slides all at once. Their imagination is amazing.”
ANA RAMONES, fourth grade dual-language teacher, Stone Oak Elementary School, San Antonio
freedom.” In the second, Cornerstone deemed a Metro Health directive for both public and private schools to post COVID-19 case numbers on their website as “unconstitutional.” Cornerstone won both suits, effectively allowing all private, faith-based Texas institutions to resume in-person classes on their own timetables. While both private and public school administrators must still report all coronavirus case data to Metro Health, the agency dropped its order requiring the figures to appear on school websites. “Deacon went back, in person, on Aug. 17, and it felt almost like any other first day of school. I still cried as he walked away,” Cooke said. “The only difference is I couldn’t walk him into the classroom. All the students were wearing little masks and looked like little zombies with their arms out, walking and making sure they were 6-feet apart.” She credits her boys’ smooth campus transition with their administrations’ daily communication updates, resources to build and create new COVID-19-friendly learner
I currently teach my classes remotely, but at the end of every Zoom I tell them to take a break from the screen. ‘Don’t sit in front of the Xbox or PlayStation.’ We are in stressful times, so it’s important for them to hydrate themselves and their brains. I tell them to get outside. ‘Please, just jump outside and be kids.’ Back at school, I know they’ve created mask-free zones so students (can) step into a space, one at a time, and get in some deep breaths before recess ends.”
HEATHER THORNBLOM, third grade English language arts and reading teacher, Watts Elementary School, Cibolo
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spaces, and access to student advisers and medical professionals within the parent population. “We’ve been blessed, and we’ve had it easy, considering our schools are just so focused on safety precautions, communication throughout the processes and protocol plans. My heart breaks for the parents who can’t afford to stay home or keep up with school meetings and changes. There’s definitely a gap between the parents who can and those who can’t.”
WHO’S LEFT BEHIND? Most San Antonio-area schools began remote learning in August prior to reopening classrooms in early September. Some offered a choice of distance or face-to-face learning, following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Metro Health guidelines as they continue populating campuses incrementally. Following the initial school shutdown in March, districts struggled to reconnect with thousands of pupils citywide. In San Antonio, where one in four households lack internet access, it’s not surprising several districts have yet to account for all learners. “There’s a myriad of reasons that certainly attribute for the loss of those kids, certainly there are some who are not engaged,” said Barry Perez, a Northside Independent School District spokesman. “Early on, our fear was loss of connectivity and technology so the district has provided Wi-Fi hot spots, Chromebooks and laptops to those students that request them.” For Heriberto Castro, a science teacher for seventh and eighth graders at Bernal Middle School in NISD, the key to connecting with those missing students is a mix of persistence, engagement and understanding. Instructing more than 150 students this year, Castro uses apps such as Zoom, Google and Bernal’s learning management system to adapt lessons for the 78 he sees in person, and the remainder online.
“I’m trying to make it as engaging as possible, and I try to keep them motivated to keep them coming back,” he said.
SAN ANTONIO’S BRAIN DRAIN WORRIES Texas school districts have long struggled to retain experienced and engaged educators, even before the crisis. According to state records, one in 10 Texas teachers quits after the first year. More alarming, as the pandemic continues, the problem could deepen. Last July, the Trump administration mandated campuses to reopen nationwide. Abbott soon followed the president’s lead, urging school officials to begin plans to bring Texas’ teachers and students back to the classroom safely. Educators, health experts and parents responded with concerns. Zeph Capo, union president to the Texas chapter of the American Federation of Teachers, warned of inevitable mass resignations and strikes unless safety conditions and instructor access to personal protection equipment improved. “We’ve heard from a significant number of (Texas teachers) who say they’re just not going back, or they’re taking leave for the rest of the year, or will return to teaching once it’s safe again,” Capo said. Capo also noted an uptick in state educators ordering retirement packages — nearly 4,000 more than same time last year — ahead of the fall semester. “They haven’t all necessarily acted on them yet, but it is worrying because each teacher that’s eligible to retire is another teacher that we could lose any day now,” Capo said. While definitively determining why one leaves a profession is difficult, local records indicate that more than 40 San Antonioarea district teachers resigned between August and September 2020. Citing issues such as a lack of readily available personal protection equipment, longer workdays and increased workload, the Northside AFT union is trying to
improve communications between district personnel and instructors, plus demand the district allow more members to work remotely when dealing with preexisting health conditions or issues regarding family safety. “Things are not looking good for local education,” said Northside AFT President Wanda Longoria. “We are already seeing the loss of incredible longtime teachers in the district. COVID-19 will go away eventually, but good luck filling those positions. The thing is that these problems didn’t start with COVID; teachers haven’t been funded adequately for over a decade.”
STAYING REMOTE While NISD began welcoming students back to campuses Sept. 7, parents such as Drue Placette opted then to continue remote instruction for his kids. Placette, a venerable San Antonio tech titan, shares custody of his four children with his ex-wife. He credits their teamwork, along with his mother, a former teacher, and his wife, Debra, with making the children’s school year successful. However, he realizes living, working and learning during these times is daunting. “On the first day of remote learning, the NISD systems were crashing from an overload of students trying to log in at one time,” he said. “It’s not the teachers’ fault that this is what the school year looks like, but the constant changes and inconsistencies that happen every day make school super hard for the kids. These teachers are trying to do everything virtually, even PE, and it doesn’t always work.” Each weekday, the children undergo remote learning from Placette’s offices at CANopener Labs, a startup-friendly development space opened on the North Side in 2019. Though the district offered 10-inch tablets for students to access Zoom classes and homework, Placette’s connections allowed him to create a custom, multiple-monitor workspace for
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each kid. Ella, 4, has since begun attending local day care, while Liam, 9, Sean, 12, and Payton, 15, log in to their respective remote classes at Aue Elementary School, Rawlinson Middle School and Clark High School. Placette knows distance learning inhibits his children’s social interaction with their contemporaries, but he’s also seen how families have been devastated by COVID-19. There are still many unemployed San Antonians, and in other families, many pupils may navigate remote learning alone while parents work. “We are lucky because we have the ability to take care of the kids, and we’d rather keep them home and keep some consistency,” he said.
SPECIAL-NEEDS STUDENTS ADJUST As youngsters began returning to campuses this fall, most schools brought back struggling and special-needs students first, giving teachers more time for one-on-one questions and attention. But for some, remote learning means more opportunities to ask questions and practice skills, even if it’s outside regular school hours. Amber, 14, a freshman at Founders Classical Academy of Schertz, usually wrestles with her schoolwork. As a pupil with learning disabilities, she follows a detailed 504 plan. Federal Section 504 requires that children who do not quality for special-education services still receive accommodations for an education equal to nondisabled students. Though more than 60% of those enrolled at Founders are once again on-campus students, Crystal Moubray, Amber’s mother, wasn’t ready for her schoolchildren to go back yet. “Our family has taken nearly every possible precaution, but we still tested positive for COVID. All of us — myself, my 6-year-old son and my significant other — except for Amber,” Moubray said. “She had to get tested for the virus, and I don’t think she wants to go through that again. She would rather be home.” LEARNING continues on pg. 17 LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
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follow-up, was done by talking to doctors and nurses using a computer from the comfort of her Stone Oak home. “It was actually kind of fun,” said the 58-year-old survivor, recalling her telemedicine visits over the last few months. “I see people doing more of this in the future. It was no different than sitting in front of Dr. (oncologist Sylvia) Zubyk in an office.” Dr. Lynnette Watkins, Baptist Health System’s chief medical officer, has seen
by TRAVIS E. POLING
ALL IS QUIET IN THE ROOM where walls of screens stacked at six workstations monitor 26 vital signs of 96 intensive-care patients in a kind of mission control for the critically ill located in various hospitals. At the Baptist Health System, this electronic intensive-care unit could be the model for future remote monitoring, with software helping specially trained medics keep a constant finger on the pulse of the sickest patients. Silent alarms are triggered at the eICU, housed in an office building next to Northeast Baptist Hospital, when a troublesome trend in vital signs emerges in an ICU bed at one of five Baptist hospitals in San Antonio. Cameras can zoom in on instrument panels inside the room and staff can interact with the patient by screen or voice and notify on-site personnel quickly if something is
admission questions at hospitals and clinics change from: “Have you traveled anywhere recently?” to “Are you sick?” Routine temperature checks, triage to send people to different waiting rooms depending on possible diagnosis and masks for all could be the order of the day for a long time to come, she added. Dr. Robert Leverence at UT Health San Antonio and chief medical officer of UT Health Physicians no longer wears ties at University Hospital or the Medical Arts & Research Center. They’re not washed like scrubs and other clothing and are
amiss. The computer prompts workers’ next moves from conversations with patients to summoning physicians, eICU registered nurse Richard Jaroszewski said. While Baptist’s eICU has been around for 10 years, bulky computer monitors have given way to 40 large flat-screens and improved monitoring capabilities, both predictive and preventive. With hospital staff at times stretched to the limit during the summer, the darkest point of the COVID-19 crisis in Bexar County, the reliance on remote technology and all its promise makes the eICU look more like the future of health care. Texas only sports a handful of eICUs, and a small percentage of hospital systems nationwide have taken the leap to centralized monitoring, said Jill Scott, a Baptist RN who is the program’s supervisor. The computer network shows staffers a list of the 20 most-ill patients across all of the ICUs so they already know where to focus attention between the personal visits of ICU personnel. If something goes wrong, RNs in the eICU core can give advice and protocols to health care workers in the room. Most eICU registered nurses possess at least a decade of intensivecare experience or advanced training, and encountered more situations than most of in-hospital staff, Scott said. In overnight hours, three RNs,
now considered repositories for harmful microbes. Gone also are the handshakes among colleagues. These are all signs of the times thanks to COVID-19. By mid-October, the outbreak contributed to more than 1,200 Bexar County residents’ deaths and 60,000-plus positive cases, which hospitalized thousands and put hundreds in intensive care. “The pandemic has touched just about everything that we do,” Watkins said. Many precautionary measures from screening to conferring with patients over the internet are
a patient-support specialist and a physician known for dealing with critical patients – an intensivist – man the core. San Antonio, home of many military medical missions, is pioneering similar programs for armed-services hospitals from a nerve center at Brooke Army Medical Center. “The Military Health System is investing in the expansion of telecritical care and Brooke Army Medical Center is at the center of the expansion with the installation of monitoring systems for 66 beds,” said Army Col. Sean Hipp, director of the Virtual Medical Center. “BAMC will have the most monitored beds in a military hospital, but is also using the subject matter expertise of critical-care nurses and physicians to support other military hospitals without the same critical-care capabilities,” he said. “The goal is to give high quality and consistent critical-care oversight throughout the Military Health System.” Scott said she foresees the technology and the concept of monitoring from a core location extending into non-ICU patient rooms with the use of a mobile unit with cameras in cases where a closer eye is needed. Plus, Scott believes mobile monitoring technology might one day be in homes. “I can see it being used more and more for prevention,” she said.
likely here to stay. While this infection is considered a once-in-several-lifetimes event, increasing population density and new pathogens mean humanity could see similar emergencies stretching the health care system to crisis levels more often. “You can’t predict any of this. We have to rely on science to drive policy” and stay prepared, said Dr. Ian Thompson, president of Christus Santa Rosa Medical Center. “As humans, we are incredibly resilient and adaptive. A lot of this will be short and intermediate impacts.” Without ongoing vigilance, however, “we will have to learn all over again in 10, 20 or 100 years,” he said. Fifteen San Antonio doctors, nurses and health care executives surveyed by LOCAL Community News outlined what things could look like for the next few years. The consensus was health screenings upon entry, wearing masks – especially at flu season– and employing telemedicine, are here to stay.
98.6 DEGREES AND 6-FEET APART Screenings with instant-read thermometers have been used since March to detect fevers, which could be a telltale coronavirus symptom. Such
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measures are likely to remain even past the pandemic, especially during flu season, medical professionals said. “The hospital is a safe place,” Watkins said. “That vigilance won’t let up. Besides controlling spread of infections, screenings and preadmission or visit questions need to persist so patients can trust the care.” Because those with other ailments postponed doctor appointments or treatment, due to fears of contracting COVID-19, “we’ve seen a rising severity of patients with heart attack or other issues,” she said. Dr. Katherine Whiteley, who practices at University Health System’s Family Health Center-Southwest, said folks should know they could safely tend to preventive procedures such as mammograms, bonedensity tests and colonoscopies. After arriving at a clinic or hospital, patients and visitors are often directed to one of several waiting rooms, depending on the condition. These spaces are no longer a sea of chairs separated by an occasional end table filled with magazines, but appropriately distanced seating with those symptomatic sent to another area. In some clinics, guests fill out paperwork on computer tablets and stay in cars until called. While screenings won’t stop, and forms will more often be done beforehand over the internet, Whiteley hopes parking-lot waiting disappears as the pandemic dissipates. At University Health System’s ExpressMed clinic at the downtown Robert B. Green campus, front-door analysis determined if the visitor was a candidate for a telephone conversation where prescriptions could be made, or whether future tests needed scheduling. Maintaining two separate lobbies allowed staff to put those with COVID-19 symptoms into immediate isolation to be seen by a doctor in full protective gear, while non-COVID-related patients went to another area. “This is going to leave a footprint for
a long time,” said Dr. Bhoja Katipally, ExpressMed medical director. Plus, wiping chairs, counters and exam-room surfaces likely will linger for some time. To limit exposure with one another, physicians call patients after tests to discuss results and next steps, even if the patient is still on the grounds, Katipally said. “I think this (protocol) may continue. I can’t tell you how long,” the physician added. The clinic now employs an online app check-in process, which lets providers know when patients are en route, how long until arrival and assigns them a time to minimize waits. An atrium kiosk has been installed for registration without staff contact. Implementation of electronic medical records and providing a seamless transition from clinic to hospital emergency room, and then, if necessary, to an inpatient bed, was already envisioned as a streamlined UHS service. “We had to close all the gaps to make all the parts move more quickly and efficiently,” Katipally said. “The patient experience is the heart and soul of all of this. It didn’t happen overnight and we didn’t plan it for the pandemic,” but it was put to the test to relieve the extreme stress on the system from as many as 250 patients a day, just coming through the downtown clinic. When hospitals were pushed to the brink with most beds full, the governor ordered all elective surgeries halted. Christus Santa Rosa-Alamo Heights, a 36-bed surgical hospital, took on the role of performing necessary surgeries that couldn’t be put off while COVID-19 patients went to Christus Santa Rosa Hospitals in the South Texas Medical Center and Westover Hills, said administrator Sherry Fraser. “This hospital is growing, and we remain a safe-services site,” Fraser added. While hospital systems with multiple locations were able to establish some facilities as sites without COVID, developing
freestanding contingency infirmaries to keep elective surgeries going in future epidemics is unlikely. Thompson said staffing such a facility would be a stretch. More likely is a continued effort to build patient rooms to quickly transform into intensive-care unit beds as his hospital did, expanding from 14 ICU patients to 52 over the summer.
DOCTORS GO DIGITAL Military medicine has long been on the cutting edge when it comes to adapting technology fully, often after being tested in battlefield conditions and training a massive medical staff across many countries. Telehealth was no exception when it came time to put it to use on a larger scale for more patients at Brooke Army Medical Center. “Like many other facilities, we expect to be able to translate lessons learned around the use of telehealth to stay in place for the foreseeable future,” said Air Force Col. Dr. Heather Yun, deputy commander for medical services at BAMC. “While we were using telehealth before the pandemic, this has greatly accelerated utilization across the disciplines and has enabled us to reach patients in ways that are efficient, convenient and effective for them.” Air Force Col. Dr. Patrick Osborn, deputy commander for surgical services at BAMC, said they’ve increased virtual health visits 50-fold since the pandemic’s start “and it is not going to go away.” Yun said after the crisis, the use of telehealth will continue to evolve and become even more convenient for patients so they don’t have to travel to the hospital or clinic and take time from work, school or family. “As we continue to refine our use of telehealth, we expect it will translate into an increasingly patient-centered experience,” she said. The Methodist Healthcare System, with hospitals and clinics throughout the
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city, saw doctors use telehealth methods sparingly in January. However, by April, they conducted 10,000 remote visits, and year-to-date through September, the number swelled to 55,000. While online scheduling to mitigate waiting-room crowds and interactive registration for an ER visit has helped, virtual conferences have been an important part of the mix for medical personnel and patients, said Brandon Webb, senior vice president of strategy and business development for Methodist. Fields employing online visits the most were cardiology and primary care, which combined accounted for 96% of telehealth utilization, Webb said. Most of those were existing scheduled patients or follow-ups after discharge. For in-person guests, Methodist is adding more access points to the system, which will make for distanced isolation from potentially sick patients and shorten waiting-room downtime. That includes the acquisition earlier this year of five freestanding ERs. After remodeling, each will have seven to nine treatment rooms with on-site pharmacy and lab rooms. “These are a little bit smaller, so we’re spending a lot of time on workflow and patient flow through the clinic,” Webb said. UT Health’s Leverence said that while telehealth has been around in some form since the 1980s, the technology has only been good enough to make it work well for the last decade. Access to a good online connection and a video device such as a smart phone, tablet or laptop also has grown by leaps and bounds across the city. “The next step is to add more tools,” such as inexpensive stethoscopes with connectivity to computers for patients to transmit heartbeats or breathing to doctors, Leverence said. The same could be done with at-home otoscopes to let physicians see inside a baby’s ear via computers. For medical professionals meeting with ADAPTING continues on pg. 17 LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
LOWDOWN
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TAKE A QUICK LOOK AT WHAT’S NEW IN THE COMMUNITY FROM OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS TO NEWS TIDBITS.
Open and Opening Soon
RED FEATHER HEALING, 2041 Universal City Blvd. in Universal City, offers “holistic all-natural and handcrafted products” including salt lamps, sage fans, gemstone jewelry, scrubs, lotions, herbal teas, tinctures, chakra candles, soaps and more, according to a release. Holistic practices include psychic mediumship, tarot and oracle card reading, Reiki, access bars, sound healing and more. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 210-541-4071 or visit www.rfhealing.com. (See the story on page 25)
EVO ENTERTAINMENT, 18658 Interstate 35 in Schertz, is opening a paintball and airsoft course in late November, according to a release. The 10-acre park will feature five courses within two different play environments. The outdoor
Accepting Medicare-eligible patients!
AT S C H E R T Z
WellMed at Schertz 1739 Schertz Pkwy, Schertz, TX 78154 (210) 491-8179 WellMedHealthCare.com | facebook.com/WellMed
*NOTE: To help provide care for COVID-19, Medicare has expanded its coverage of telehealth services. Medicare beneficiaries can temporarily use telehealth services for common office visits, mental health counseling and preventive health screenings with no co-pay. WellMed does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in its health programs and activities. ATTENTION: If you speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Please call 888-781-WELL (9355). ATENCIÓN: Si habla español (Spanish), hay servicios de asistencia de idiomas, sin cargo, a su disposición. Llame al 888-781-WELL (9355). 請注意：如果您說中文(Chinese), 我們免費為您提供語言協助服務。請致電：888-781-WELL (9355)。 REV_20-4012_WM_FPAD_COVID_SA_MGE_C033120
paintball and airsoft parks will be noncontact, allowing guests COVID-19 safe play. For more, visit www.evocinemas.com/paintball.
IN OTHER NEWS:
THE SCHERTZ AND SEGUIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS TEAMED up to celebrate Manufacturing Day Oct. 2 by virtually showcasing Caterpillar Inc.’s operations in both cities. Officials wanted to inspire local students, including those at SchertzCibolo-Universal City Independent School District, to pursue a career in manufacturing.
SELMA RECENTLY STARTED WORK ON A NEW PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING and an expansion of the City Hall complex. The public works facility, to be located on Lookout Road near O’Reilly Auto Parts, replaces its current home, the oldest portion at the City Hall complex. The new spot will have more space for staff and equipment. The expansion of City Hall will centralize customer service for residents and merchants, and add several offices, allowing Development Services personnel to move from the Stage Stop Visitors Center, officials said. Completion on both projects is expected by summer 2021.
SELMA’S SMALL BUSINESS REINVESTMENT PROGRAM PROVIDES UP TO $5,000 in grants each to help qualified local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the program’s implementation in June, more than $50,000 in assistance has been issued to more than 10 applicants. For more, visit www. ci.selma.tx.us for details.
FOR A SECOND STRAIGHT YEAR, Judson Early College Academy received GreatSchools.org’s 2020 College
Success Award, which recognizes and celebrates high schools demonstrating excellence in ensuring students are prepared to succeed in college and ultimately careers.
TEXAS STATE LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES COMMISSION RECENTLY awarded a $24,702 grant to the Schertz Public Library under the TSLAC CARES Grant Program. The library will use the money to expand virtual programming, offer additional digital services, plus provide technical support to both staff and patrons.
GARDEN RIDGE IS UPGRADING FROM ITS AUTOMATED WATER meter-reading system to Advanced Metering Infrastructure, designed to improve accuracy and availability of information, officials said. Installation is slated to begin in December.
WINDCREST OFFICIALS AND RESIDENTS took part in a car parade earlier this fall to honor Municipal Judge Stephen Takas for 40 years of public service.
THE SAN ANTONIO PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM MOVED INTO PHASE 3 of its COVID-19 reopening plan Nov. 4, expanding services at all branch locations, including Semmes and Pruitt at Roosevelt High School. Offerings include using computers by appointment and continuing contact-free pickup for holds during standard hours. Wi-Fi service outside 29 branch venues is still available 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily. For more, visit guides.mysapl.org/ covid-19/how-to. Find LOCAL Lowdown at www. localcommunitynews.com.
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online clients, the process is better if there’s an existing relationship, said Dr. Hilda Draeger, a rheumatologist at University Family Health Center behind North Star Mall. “Once they know each other from a personality standpoint, then they prefer telehealth,” she said. “Patients are more relaxed and they’re more talkative.” Also, the doctor can see the patient’s in-home environment and know if it could have had an impact on the client’s condition. Telehealth is less successful if there are a lot of complicated issues and possible causes need to be individually eliminated, Draeger said. In-person visits also are key if folks are downplaying chronic diseases, such as arthritis. Lorri Dinkins, a registered nurse who is an oncology nurse navigator for the Baptist Network for Cancer Care, assists breast-cancer patients to maintain treatment plans, connect with community resources, provide emotional support during the caring process, and act as liaison between patients, family, doctors and other providers. In the last six months, all this has been done mostly online. “The technology has proven itself, but people have been reluctant,” Dinkins said. “COVID changed a lot of things, though. I don’t know why it took a pandemic.” While some of the visits are over the telephone, she prefers to do them in a virtual face-to-face online meeting, such as Zoom, so she can see if the patient is upset or pensive about something. Telehealth won’t completely replace in-person connections for those who need physical reassurances, but the tradeoff is a more efficient system for patient and provider. “Not being able to give that big hug to a woman in my office crying just breaks my heart,” Dinkins said, “but we’re able to help so many more people now.”
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As the family recovers, Moubray is able to oversee the remote-learning process. She was surprised how drastically Amber’s grades improved via distance learning. “At home, Amber doesn’t have the anxiety of worrying about what everyone around her is doing. She doesn’t have to read out loud; she isn’t wondering, ‘Am I the last one done?’ She can take breaks throughout the day,” Moubray said. “It works for her; she’s getting A’s in subjects that she’s never gotten before.”
WHAT COMES NEXT There’s no end in sight for the pandemic. In fact, a Texas Education Agency recent public-health notice stated, “there will almost certainly be situations that necessitate temporary school closure due to positive COVID-19 cases in schools.” The warning urges parents, teachers and administrators to continue enforcing strict health and safety actions to mitigate and prevent the spread, but those recommendations could change in the months ahead. “It’s hard for the (Schertz-CiboloUniversal City Independent School) district to anticipate what’s going to happen next, but we’ve worked hard to create a plan for any event,” Dylla said. “My hope is that we can keep the kids on campus here and keep remote learning available for others through the end of the year.” Dylla realizes San Antonioarea teachers must be flexible if a coronavirus spike forces another round of closings. She believes the district and schools are prepared, and students have everything they need to succeed remotely. “Still, they tell us to take our laptops home with us every day just in case that happens,” she added. LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
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18
PUBLIC SAFETY
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S NOV. 17 - DEC. 15, 2020
City management undermining Converse police group, members say by EDMOND ORTIZ
CONVERSE — A crackdown by City Hall on an organization representing rank-and-file officers has created low morale and an exodus at the Police Department, group members said.
The Converse Police Officer’s Association and the Texas Municipal Police Association said “politically motivated” investigations of CPOA members are taking a toll and raising more questions than answers.
Municipal officials said at this time they have no statement on internal matters. According to City Attorney Felix Arambula, Mayor Al Surarez and other city leaders “will not be commenting on personnel issues.” TMPA has stepped in to support the officers who feel they’ve been targeted, said James Bono, a spokesman. The statewide umbrella group often offers legal backing to defend “the rights and interests of Texas peace officers,” according to its website. “One of the key tasks that TMPA is charged with is ensuring our members can perform their duties as peace officers without worrying about poor leadership, reprisals and losing their
The Converse Police Officer’s Association said city management’s recent actions have led to low morale, questions and even departures among the rank and file. City officials say they won’t comment for now on personnel issues. Courtesy photo/Don Thiggy Photography/ Converse police
jobs because of political infighting,” Bono said in a statement. He added CPOA and TMPA hope “a new chief and other changes will bring a better command climate and foster better relations with the city of Converse.” CPOA officials said troubles began when the group started organizing during fall 2018. The nonprofit isn’t a labor union, but promotes the Police Department and furthers public safety, members said. Its leaders noted a formal announcement in 2019 about the group’s creation led to a reprimand for then-Police Chief Fidel Villegas, later rescinded. Villegas wasn’t responsible for CPOA. He resigned about nine months later, association officials said. The city hired his replacement, Ruben Saucedo, in May 2020, from Leon Valley, where he was assistant police chief. CPOA officials said Saucedo’s actions and management style, and the speed of his hiring, rubbed employees the wrong way. A survey of officers conducted by CPOA during Saucedo’s tenure indicated many had concerns
Celebrat h Holida Seaso wit Universa Cit Universa Cit Tre Lightin Universal City Municipal Bldg. Tuesday, December 1 @ 6 PM - 8 PM
Fir Statio Pancak Breakfas Universal City Fire Station Saturday, December 5 @ 7 AM - 11 AM
Visit www.UCTX.gov for more information and Covid restrictions
NOV. 17 - DEC. 15, 2020
PUBLIC SAFETY
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
about pay and morale, plus a lack of confidence in Saucedo. Meeting with their boss often proved difficult, association officials said. Converse’s top cop tendered his resignation Sept. 21 after only about four months at the helm. “Circumstances with my family will not allow me to dedicate the time necessary to fulfill the requirements of this position,” he wrote in a resignation letter. Pam Hunt is currently the highestranking police officer. According to CPOA and TMPA, several officers were investigated internally during Saucedo’s first two months on the job, including President Erik Sanchez. Most probes went nowhere, but a LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
couple produced reprimands for policy violations, according to CPOA. About the same time as Saucedo’s resignation, CPOA noted on its Facebook page six officers were leaving Converse at month’s end and neither pay nor benefits were the reasons for their departures. Councilwoman Deborah James heard questions and rumors from residents about turmoil at the Police Department, and a briefing was held Oct. 6. City Manager Le Ann Piatt told council members, by then, the burg had five officers join a neighboring town’s department. “My understanding is the city of Schertz has been short 10 officers for a long period of time, so they went out to
aggressively recruit,” she said. Piatt said Converse’s pay package for police is competitive with lawenforcement agencies in neighboring cities. She told the council other area towns lost some sworn personnel to Schertz. “Losing five (officers) speaks well that we produce great officers because of what our officers handle here,” she said. According to Piatt, two replacements have been hired, with job offers extended to another pair of
19
applicants. The department has about 40 officers, officials said. Piatt also squelched whispers of night, weekend and holiday assignments going unmanned. “That is absolutely not true. We have those shifts covered,” she said. Bexar County sheriff’s deputies from the nearby substation also answer some service calls initially received by Converse. Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.
...WE PRODUCE GREAT OFFICERS.” LE ANN PIATT, CONVERSE CITY MANAGER
20
DECISION 2020
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S NOV. 17 - DEC. 15, 2020
ELECTIONS continues from pg. 01
Sixteen Converse residents competed for three City Council seats. When the dust settled, two incumbents — Deborah James and Marc Gilbert — were reelected. “I want to thank the citizens for believing in me,” James said. Also, Kate Silvas outpaced six other office seekers and reclaimed the Place 4 seat after her removal by a council vote in 2019. In Schertz, Jill Whittaker, a real estate agent and Air Force veteran, defeated former Councilman Cedric Edwards to succeed outgoing Place 3 Councilman Scott Larson. “I am excited about the opportunity to serve the people of Schertz for the next three years,” Whittaker said. Place 5 Councilman David Scagliola fended off a challenge by civil service retiree
Gwen Jones. Windcrest offered one of the area’s closest races. Place 3 Councilman Greg Turner won a second term, defeating his opponent, George Alva, by 21 votes. Place 2 Councilwoman Cindy Strzelecki beat challenger Alice Vargas Relkin to serve a second term. “My sincere thanks to the residents of Windcrest for the honor of their continued support,” Strzelecki said. NEISD District 4 Trustee David Beyer foiled a run by Joseph Hoelscher. Gloria Ray, a federal civil service retiree,
I WANT TO THANK THE CITIZENS.” DEBORAH JAMES, CONVERSE COUNCILWOMAN
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ousted ACD District 2 Trustee Jose Macias Jr. A December runoff election will settle the ACD District 9 contest where attorney Leslie Sachanowicz fell short of the 50% threshold while leading incumbent Joe Jesse Sanchez on Election Day. Michael John Good placed a distant third. Selma voters reauthorized a onequarter of 1% sales tax to help fund road maintenance. The electorate in Universal City approved selling 32 acres of parkland near the intersection of Universal City Boulevard
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and Kitty Hawk Road. San Antonio’s two sales-tax initiatives passed. One redirects a 1/8-cent share to support workforce development and training for residents struggling due to the pandemic. The other reauthorized a 1/8-cent sales tax to maintain the Pre-K 4 SA program for another eight years. Nearly 68% of voters approved VIA’s proposal to let the agency collect from San Antonio’s 1/8-cent allotment for the job-training program. This revenue will be available for long-range transit improvements starting in 2026. “An additional 1/8-cent sales tax will move us closer to our goals and toward ELECTIONS continues on pg. 23
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Meet Ja'Mecha of Willow Peak Wellness. Ja'Mecha is an AF Veteran. She is also a Reiki Master, Intuitive Intimacy Coach & a Body Care Enthusiast. Ja'Mecha's Mantra is Peace, Love, Serenity and Kick Ass Energy. Ja'Mecha is from the Dallas area and in the process of moving to Universal City. She is in the store every other Thursday for now and when she is fully moved will be expanding her hours. Ja'Mecha is giving 5 Veterans 25% off her services. Please contact her by 11.22.20 to make an appointment & take advantage of this discount. Call 512.815.3849 or email willowpeakwellness@gmail.com.
Red Feather Healing provides on site Psychic Mediumship, Tarot and Oracle Card Reading, Reiki, Access Bars (coming soon), Sound & Crystal Healing, and Dr. Dream Singing Bowls
Text BWGK-LCN to 90407 for updates, deals and steals
Locally Veteran Owned Small Business
RFHealing.com • 210-541-4071 • 2041 Universal City Blvd
River of Life
Christian Ministry
Sunday, December 6, 2020 at 6:00 P.M.
D Dr. Springs: Guest speaker at Church of the First Born’s 19th Church Anniversary 909 FM 1518, Schertz, TX 78154
The Church Where the Spirit of God is Pouring Out! - John 7:38
We are a community dedicated to seeking God and serving people!
NOV. 17 - DEC. 15, 2020
Metrocom veterans groups reopen sites by JOSE T. GARZA III
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5624 Randolph Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78233 210-773-4430 • TheRiverSA.Com • msprings@satx.rr.com
AS AMERICANS IN NOVEMBER recall the sacrifices made by U.S. armed forces, Randolph Metrocom veterans groups have reopened facilities after COVID-19 closures.
American Legion Post 667 in Universal City started operating at 50% capacity Oct. 23 once Bexar County officials gave local bar establishments the OK to resume business during the pandemic. The building at 504 Bowie Drive is one of the three veteran-catered canteens based in the Metrocom area. Others are Post 593, 326 Legion Drive West in Converse, and Cibolo Valley Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8315 at 1000 FM 78 in Schertz. The organizations fill a void for many of the region’s warriors, past and present. “What veterans need is someone to show they care,” said James Johns, American Legion and VFW service officer and a retired Army sergeant. Efforts must also be increased to recruit new members, he added. To join a legion, vets must still be active in the armed forces or honorably discharged. VFW eligibility requires participation in a war, campaign or expedition on foreign soil or hostile waters. Like most, the Legion has felt COVID19’s pinch financially. An official estimated the Universal City canteen has seen a $50,000 reduction in food and beverage sales this year, which go toward donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Eagle Scouts. Those funds also send high school students to Texas Boys State, a mock government to train teens about civics. The pandemic also prevented Legion volunteers from visiting vets at the Audie
L. Murphy VA Hospital, Johns said. “A lot of us were fighting against the (canteen closure), because they grouped the American Legions and the VFWs with the bars,” he said. “And, it’s a lot more than a bar. It’s a veteran’s support place.” Of late, military officials have expressed concern COVID-19 pandemicinduced stress might contribute to an already alarming rate of suicides among active-duty service members. Reports recently revealed an increase to 25.9 per 100,000 troops in 2019, up from 24.9 per 100,000 the year prior. The pace has steadily risen since 2014, officials said. Retired Marine Master Sgt. Pat Rozelle ran the local “Buddy Check” program during a fall event. Under the initiative, calls are made to veterans to verify their well-being. “Some of them just want to talk and are lonely,” Rozelle said. “Some of them need help, so we refer them to the chaplains and the service officers.” Johns makes it a priority to communicate with those suffering posttraumatic stress disorder. He believes constant checkups can prevent suicides. “I’d rather have someone call me and
VETERANS SPECIAL SECTION
Discover the plan that may give you more.
22
VETERANS SPECIAL SECTION
NOV. 17 - DEC. 15, 2020
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
23
William (Trey) Chase,CPA
US Tax Court Practitioner 19115 FM 2252 Suite 20 , Garden Ridge, TX 78266 keep me awake all night long than get a phone call from someone saying that a veteran killed themselves because he didn’t have someone to reach out to,” Johns said. Retired Army Chief Warrant Officer Elaine Goliday battled the feeling of isolation after the shutdown of the canteen, which she has frequented 11 years. The place was a sanctuary for her to discuss her experiences with peers. “And, we don’t have the avenue to get it out,” said Goliday, a Converse resident. “When you are cooped up in the house, it is not fun. If you live by yourself, it’s worse. (Veterans) understand and relate to what you’ve done.” As the youngest veteran associated with the Legion’s local chapter, Johns, 41, aims to recruit fresh-faced service members and assist others in dealing with physical and mental anguish. He noted younger vets only make up 5% to 10% of the entire chapter of 300. To attract additional numbers, Johns said he has to change the canteen’s aesthetics and offer new music. “The American Legion is going to be nonexistent if we don’t get the younger vets in here,” he said. “We have to step up our recruitment and adapt. We got the older veterans who are like, ‘Ah, I don’t like that crazy music that they listen to. They are too loud and rowdy.’ But, what they don’t understand is that we got to bring those people in, or eventually, the American Legion is going to fold, and they are not going to have any members.” Some things are returning to almost normal. For more information on Post 667, call 210-658-3731 or visit https:// missingman667.com/. To reach the Converse post, call 210658-1111 or go to www.post593.org/. For the VFW, call 210-658-6325 or visit vfwpost8315.com/. Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.
ELECTIONS continues from pg. 20
parity with peer transit agencies in other major Texas cities,” VIA President/CEO Jeffrey Arndt said. Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.
WINNERS IN OTHER
RACES U.S. SEN. JOHN CORNYN, R-San Antonio U.S. REP. VICENTE GONZALEZ, D-McAllen, Congressional District 15 U.S. REP. JOAQUIN CASTRO, D-San Antonio, Congressional District 20
210-462-9200 • trey@treychasecpa.com
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U.S. REP. CHIP ROY, R-Dripping Springs, Congressional District 21 U.S. REP. HENRY CUELLAR, D-Laredo, Congressional District 28
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U.S. REP. LLOYD DOGGETT, D-Austin, Congressional District 35 FORMER STATE REP. ROLAND GUTIERREZ, D-San Antonio, Texas Senate District 19 STATE REP. JOHN KUEMPEL, R-Seguin, Texas House District 44 STATE REP. KYLE BIEDERMANN, R-Fredericksburg, Texas House District 73 STATE REP. LEO PACHECO, D-San Antonio, Texas House District 118 ELIZABETH “LIZ” CAMPOS, D-San Antonio, Texas House District 119 STATE REP. BARBARA GERVINHAWKINS, D-San Antonio, Texas House District 120 STATE REP. STEVE ALLISON, R-San Antonio, Texas House District 121 TRISH DEBERRY, Republican, Bexar County Commissioners Court Precinct 3 BEXAR COUNTY SHERIFF JAVIER SALAZAR, Democrat COMMISSIONER KEVIN WEBB, Republican, Comal County Commissioners Court Precinct 3
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THE CHURCH ON THE HILL
Whose Mission Is To Love God, Love Others, Reach the World 5500 FM 1103 - Schertz, TX Mail Address : PO Box 703, Cibolo, TX 78108-0703 (210)658-0525 www.cibolovalleychurch.org
COME WORSHIP WITH US SUNDAY MORNING
9:00 AM Traditional Service 10:15 AM Bible Study on Sunday Morning- all ages 11:30 AM Contemporary Service 9:00 & 11:30 AM Children’s Church
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4:00 PM AWANA - classes 3yr old to 12th grade WEDNESDAY SERVICE 9:00 AM Prayer Team - all are welcome 6:00–7:00 PM Small Groups 7:00–7:30 PM Prayer-nursery always provided / no charge
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Northeast Clinical Research of San Antonio is conducting research trials for men and women with Diabetes AND/OR require treatment for high cholesterol. Participants with or without Cardiac Events are welcome. Type Ty y 2 Pediatric/Adolescents also welcome. If you are eligible to participate in these research studies you will receive the following at no cost:
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We are looking to fill multiple positions with growing companies throughout the San Antonio and the Schertz area.
Available Positions: • Food Production Workers • Forklift • General Warehouse • Packing • Assembly • Sewing Machine Operator
Text SFJobs to 797979 to complete job application prior to arrival or visit us online WWW.STAFF-FORCE.COM INVITED BY: ANNETTE USAF NURSE –R 210-848-8012 420 SCHERTZ PARKWAY MON-FRI 0700am - 3:00pm SAT – 1000am - 3:00pm Call to schedule an evening Virtual App People who use Herbalife® Formula 1 twice a day as part of a healthy lifestyle can generally expect to lose around half a pound to 1 pound per week.
6900 San Pedro Ave #154 San Antonio, Texas 78216 (210) 828-6220
Don’t forget your Social & ID Card
NOV. 17 - DEC. 15, 2020
LEARN MORE ABOUT NEWEST PURVEYORS OF GOODS AND SERVICES IN YOUR AREA. HOURS ARE CURRENT AS OF PRESS TIME, BUT CHECK WITH THE BUSINESS FOR UPDATES.
BUY
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
Veteterans create a place for healing by OLIVIER J. BOURGOIN
UNIVERSAL CITY — Veteran-owned Red Feather Healing provides products and services to help folks reach their greatest potential on life’s journey, the owners say.
Robert and Jerri Dexter recently opened the business at 2041 Universal City Blvd. The married couple served in the Army, reaching the ranks of E5 and E3, respectively. Military service runs in the family’s DNA. Daughter Mercedes is a U.S. Air Force Academy grad and a captain. Another child, Tabatha Marie Sipho, spent 13 years in the Air Force. She died of metastatic breast cancer on Aug. 17, 2019, at age 36.
The shop is dedicated to her. Besides attaining the rank of E6, she was also a certified “seidr,” the Norse concept of a seeress or trained shaman, her parents said. “It’s a very old type of spiritual and holistic healing that finds its roots in
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Scandinavia with written records referring to it as far back as during the age of the Vikings,” her mom said. The establishment offers essential oils, crystals, salt lamps and all-natural handcrafted candles infused with gems. Others may use store space to “sell their wares and crafts like handmade jewelry, incense, etcetera … and to practice their skills,” Robert Dexter said. The novel coronavirus outbreak and canceled trade shows were actually signs to launch the shop, he added. “Opening a business is always a challenging proposition. Doing it during COVID was even more so,” Dexter said. “But, there’s always a need for spreading healing energy around and people are in need of healing more than ever.” Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Find this BUY Local at www.localcommunitynews.com.
RED FEATHER HEALING
2041 Universal City Blvd. in Universal City For more, call 210-541-4071 or visit www. rfhealing.com
LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
City C ty of o Windcrest Wind res 62 d Annual 62nd Annua Light Ligh Up
ne a L e n y Ca d n a 12 C r e b Novem y Drive a w d n in i W
6pm start time for all events
Purple Hea rt Tree Dedication Ceremony November 1 9, 2020 Crestway Tr ee
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VETERANS SPECIAL SECTION
What Families
are saying about Retirement Community... “The one bright spot for me during this quarantine is knowing y’all are taking such good care of my mom. Thank you.” — Brenda “Thank all the staff for making this quarantine friendly for the residents. You have let them all know they are loved and not alone. Nice to see the quality care these seniors are getting. Prayers for all of you. Stay safe and healthy!” — Linda “It is nice to have confidence that our loved ones are safe, cared for and entertained in spite of the quarantine. Thank you.” — Laura
Ready to join the Independence Hill Family? Call today for more information and Virtual Tours!
210) 526-8602
20450 Huebner Rd., San Antonio, Texas 78258
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4825 FM 3009 • Schertz,TX 78154 (Next to Bush's Chicken) • www.schertzhealth.com
L O C A L C O M M U N I T Y N EW S . C O M
Dr. Kimberly Stewart,
Dr. Trevor Lim,
Medical Director/Radiation Oncology
Radiation Oncology
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WE ARE SAFE AND OPEN TO CARE FOR YOU.
We are forever grateful for and proud to support our military as you work to make our community a better place. Visit us at 16895 IH 35 North in Schertz or call (800) 51-FROST.
Thank You to our Militaryy, Civilians and their Families! As an Air Force brat, I am honored totreatourmilitarythroughTricare, the Veterans Administration and other insurances/payors. There is a comradery amongst military families that I was blessed to be a part of. It did not matter where my father was stationed, we were all Americans. At Ramstein AFB, Germany we had the pleasure of the Canadian Americans also living on base. When I graduated from Physical Therapy School in 1979, I chose to practice as a civilian, wanting to experience that realm. I have had the pleasure of experiencing both aspects. I am thankful for both our military and civilian cultures. The blend has enriched my life both professionally and personally. Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving! Count your many blessings! Focus on the positives for your health and wellbeing. Thank your wonderful body, which journeys you through daily life! Call us if your body needs phyysical therapyy.
Garden Ridge Physical Therapy And Wellness Center, P.C.
210-651-4826 Fax 210-651-4862
Dr. Diana Castro Schonhoff PT, DPT, DN cert, AASOT
MEMBER FDIC
18945 FM 2252, Ste., 107 Garden Ridge, TX 78266 gardenridgephysicaltherapy.com
Happy 22nd Birthday Garden Ridge Physical Therapy & Weellness Center
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Happy 22nd Birthday Garden Ridge Physical Therapy & Wellness Center
VETERANS DAY
27 Happy 22nd Birthday Garden Ridge Physical Therapy & Wellness Center
HONORING ALL WHO SERVED
Happy 22nd Birthday Garden Ridge Physical Therapy & Wellness Center
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BMW of San Antonio
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The all-new BMW 530e iPerformance with EPA estimated 72 MPGe maximizes efficiency by affording you the ability to power your drive using all-gas, all-electric or an intelligent combination of both. Plus, with features like eBoost Instant Acceleration, and the ability to upload directions and precondition the cabin climate remotely from your smartphone, you can take charge of the road, the office and beyond from behind the wheel.