LOCAL: Metrocom February 2017

METROCOM HONORS FREEDOM RIDERS

WWW.LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM FEB. 13 - MARCH 20, 2017

PG.14 Foundation, NE Partnership preserve living history

VOL. 4, ISSUE 8

PG.27 EAT LOCAL

ORANGE LEAF FROZEN YOGURT

Couple opens fourth shop serving healthy menu selections

COMMUNITY NEWS BRACKEN

CIBOLO

CONVERSE

GARDEN RIDGE

LIVE OAK

SCHERTZ

SELMA

PG.26 BUY LOCAL

URBAN AIR TRAMPOLINE & AMUSEMENT PARK

Jump into fun at venue in Windcrest

UNIVERSAL CITY

SCHERTZ

Followers, visitors throng to new Buddhist temple Converse to receive land from San Antonio PG. 12

Worship site one of biggest in South Texas PG. 20

Making waves at Schertz Aquatics Center PG. 18

Facility will be training site for Clemens, Steele swim teams

SETTING SIGHTS ON WORLD RECORD PG. 23 Cibolo runner seeks Guinness notice for most half-marathons by a woman in a month

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JISD Stadium Parking Lot 900 S SEGUIN

RAIN DATE: APRIL 1ST, 2017

SATURDAY MARCH 18, 2017 10 AM - 1 PM

The Converse EDC invites you to its 6th Annual Converse Goes Green Day! This event helps our citizens and businesses learn how to save money while conserving our precious resources. Learn about sustainability and recycle your old electronics.

Workshops will include plant care, rainwater harvesting, spring gardening and more!

Come early to receive a free drought tolerant plant and a goody bag while supplies last.

Enter to win many valuable door prizes, including a rain barrel and a grand Prize of a 15-gallon shade tree.

Have fun riding the train & bouncing in the Castle! Take a photo with Spiderman, one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja turtles and Doc McStuffins. Enjoy refreshments at the food trucks, while watching the River City gymnasts perform. Visit our sustainability booths and buy local crafts from our vendors.

You and your family will have an amazing time! No fee for parking or attendance.

For more details contact your GREEN TEAM:

210.659.9163

• ConverseEDC.com

4

FEB. 13 - MARCH 20, 2017

FROM THE EDITOR tedwards@localcommunitynews.com

President Harold J. Lees

Publisher Gregg Rosenfield

Assoc. Publisher Rick Upton

Director of Operations Jaselle Luna

EDITORIAL Executive Editor Thomas Edwards News Staff Collette Orquiz and Bain Serna Contributing Writers Noi Mahoney, Edmond Ortiz, Arthur Schechter and Susan Yerkes ART Creative Director Florence D. Edwards ADVERTISING Account Manager Dawn Radick Controller Gracie Cortinez READER SERVICE Mailing Address 4204 Gardendale St., Ste. 201 San Antonio, TX 78229 Phone Fax (210) 338.8842 (210) 616.9677 Advertising Inquiries dradick@localcommunitynews.com Story Ideas tips@localcommunitynews.com Website www.localcommunitynews.com LOCAL Community News publications Zone 1: 78204, 78205, 78209, 78210, 78212, 78215 Zone 2/3: 78213, 78216, 78230, 78231,

78232, 78248, 78249 Zone 6: 78258, 78259, 78260, 78261 Zone 7: 78015, 78023, 78255, 78256, 78257 For advertising, customer service or editorial, please call us at 210-338-8842 or write to us at: Local Community News 4204 Gardendale St., Ste. 201 San Antonio, TX 78229 Reproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, 2017 Helen Publishing LLC and Local Community News LLC, all rights reserved.

Stay vocal, stay informed in 2017

T

here are plenty of weighty issues in 2017 for residents to consider.

Elections will be held May 6 in San Antonio, among other cities, and one of the top considerations is the mayoral race. Candidates so far include incumbent Ivy Taylor, District 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg and Manuel Medina.

Meanwhile, District 9 Councilman Joe Krier and District 10’s Mike Gallagher are not seeking re-election.

In addition, city officials are putting an $850 million bond on the ballot. It pushes for upgrades and new construction for streets, bridges, sidewalks, facilities, parks and recreation, drainage and flood control, and neighborhood redevelopment.

At the state level, conservative politicians in Austin are considering limiting the annexation powers of cities and taking another look at school vouchers.

These races and issues could have an impact not only on San Antonio but its neighbors. Speak out by contacting your elected officials.

Beware of so-called fake news and rely on credible media outlets and other trusted sources, such as official town-hall meetings and public forums.

Only then can you make informed decisions to better your community.

THOMAS EDWARDS EXECUTIVE EDITOR ON THE COVER LaChandra "Candy" Richardson, an Air Force veteran and Cibolo resident, is running to make a name for herself in the Guinness World Records for the most halfmarathons by a woman in a single calendar month. Adversity led Richardson to compete as a kind of therapy, she says. See story on page 23.

Photo by Collette Orquiz

5

LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

LOCAL COMMENTARY

Taking stock at the rodeo

by SUSAN YERKES

As San Antonio counts down to the citywide tricentennial celebration next year, there’s a lot of excitement about history and heritage. A big part of the legacy comes alive every February at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.

The nearly monthlong festivities offer a living look at many of the traditions that shaped Texas and its people. The show started Feb. 4, when the Western Heritage Parade & Cattle Drive drew thousands to see a herd of

Texas longhorns move down Houston Street to the Alamo, accompanied by the Fort Hood 1st Cavalry Division and the Fort Sam Houston Caisson.

Staged in the urban heart of a booming 21st century city, it’s a memorable juxtaposition of old and new.

The same can be said for the entire Stock Show & Rodeo at Freeman Coliseum and the AT&T Center, running through Feb. 26.

Founded in 1949, the Stock Show & Rodeo, or SALE (San Antonio Livestock Exposition Inc.), originally celebrated the time-honored traditions of farming and ranching, which attracted settlers to the state in the first place.

Land drove the economy. In much of Texas, it still does. With nearly 250,000 farms and ranches covering more than 130 million acres, the Lone Star State leads the nation in producing cattle, cotton, hay, sheep, goats and mohair, which adds up to an economic impact of more than $100 billion a year, according to the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Living in the city, it’s easy to

A new phase with expanded greenbelts

forget such facts. These days, the closest many folks get to a pasture is pasteurized milk, and cowboy culture is all hats and boots, but no cattle.

It’s actually pretty easy to enjoy the glitz and fanfare of the rodeo and bigname band concerts without giving much thought to the future of agriculture. You can spend a weekend sampling corn dogs, funnel cakes, chili and a chuck wagon’s worth of chow, or shop till you drop in the sprawling market hall without ever seeing the inside of an animal barn.

It’s all a lot of fun, but behind it is the real reason the Stock Show & Rodeo exists – the young people who represent tomorrow’s farmers and ranchers.

Modern agriculture is big business.

Yet, family farms and ranches still survive, and many Texas children and teens are carrying on old customs and creating new ones. While a lot of San Antonio-area kids have never been to a dairy farm or ridden a horse, there are still 50 active 4-H clubs in Bexar County, in addition to FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America) groups.

TheCrossvine.com

More than 12,500 young exhibitors, and the cattle, horses, goats, sheep, pigs and poultry they raised, participated in competitions and auctions at the stock show last year, and received a record $12.5 million in scholarships, prizes and financial support. The grand champion steer alone sold for $105,000 at auction.

Over the years, SALE has given more than $170 million to help educate the future leaders of agriculture.

These are hard-working youngsters, often from families who have farmed, ranched or volunteered at the Stock Show & Rodeo for generations. Today, their education is much more complex, ranging from engineering and agrobotics to agricultural science and aquaculture.

If you’re attending this year, take a little time to visit the livestock barns or see an auction (for a schedule, go to sarodeo.com).

That’s where you’ll find an important part of Texas’ heritage — and Texas’ future. syerkes@localcommunitynews.com

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FEB. 13 - MARCH 20, 2017

OUR TURN Views and opinions about your community

Annexation reform needed

R

esidents who live in unincorporated areas targeted by a city for annexation should be allowed to vote on the matter.

It seems unconscionable such a law doesn’t already exist. However, this will change if state Rep. Lyle Larson, R-San Antonio, and Texas Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, are successful with new legislation.

Larson, during the 85th legislative session, is pushing for House Bill 299.

The annexation reform would keep home-rule cities from unilaterally usurping regions within their extraterritorial jurisdictions,

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instead requiring the municipalities to let affected residents have their say-so at the ballot box.

The effort was sparked by a recent, major land-grab proposal undertaken by San Antonio. After several protests, the measure was later scaled back, though it still includes a stretch along Interstate 10 West and a commercial corridor on U.S. 281 north of Loop 1604.

Annexation is not necessarily a bad thing. It can bring more services including fire and police, as well as additional legal safeguards to protect land and property.

On the other hand, when territories are annexed services can be delayed, additional regulations can feel burdensome and residents often face more taxation.

Locals whose land is about to be gobbled up by a neighboring city should have a say in the proceedings, not just stand by helplessly while a pen stroke adds them to the tax rolls.

-The Local Community News editorial board includes Harry Lees, Gregg Rosenfield and Thomas Edwards.

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LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

HAPPENING LOCAL

Plan your month with our calendar of upcoming events in the community.

OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH

HAPPENING KEY

FITNESS

GARDEN RIDGE PARK Come celebrate the dedication at 11 11 a.m. of a new playground for children ages 2 to 5 in Paul Davis Park, 20685 Grass Creek Road. Lemonade will be served; open to the public.

FEB.

ANIMAL LOVERS The FEB. 13 Humane Society of Live & MARCH 13 Oak meets on the second Monday of the month in the Live Oak Clubhouse, 7901 Shin Oak Drive. For more, call Shirley Linares at 551-4399.

FEB. 13, 28 & MARCH 7, 14

SCHERTZ GOVERNMENT City Council meets on the first, second and fourth

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OUTDOOR

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FOOD

Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Building No. 4. For more, visit schertz.com.

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LIVE OAK GOVERNMENT City Council meets at 7 p.m. on the second and last Tuesday of each month in Live Oak City Hall, 8001 Shin Oak Drive.

For more, call 653-9140, ext. 21.

FEB. 14, 28 & MARCH 14

GARDEN PARTY Guadalupe County Master Gardeners hold monthly meetings

FEB.

16

HAPPENING continues on pg. 08

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FEB. 13 - MARCH 20, 2017

HAPPENING continues from pg. 07 in the Guadalupe County AgriLife Extension Building, 210 E. Live Oak St. in Seguin. Gather at 6:30 p.m. for social time, followed by a 7 p.m. speaker — for February, gardening author Joe Urbach — and an 8 p.m. business meeting. Everyone is welcome. For more, visit guadalupe.agrilife.org.

MOMS’ COFFEE AND CONVERSATION Visit Morgan’s Wonderland, 5223 David Edwards Drive in San Antonio, where mothers and tykes gather the first and third Friday of every month from 9-10 a.m. at The Wharf. Price is $17 for moms; free for children ages 3-11. For more, call 495-5888 or go to www.morganswonderland.com.

FEB. 17 & MARCH 3

GO FISH! Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited 17-19 presents Troutfest 2017. The conservation event raises money for youth programs and to attract women to fly-fishing. Featured is a first-day 6

FEB.

p.m. banquet at Lazy L&L Campground, 11699 River Road in New Braunfels.

Weekend festivities include silent and live auctions, seminars and exhibitors.

The banquet costs $60; many other happenings are free. For more, including exact times, venues and to register, visit http://www.grtu.org/troutfest/.

CLEAN UP FOR SPRING FEB. Comal County residents 18 with valid identification can drop off hazardous household items such as paint, gasoline, insecticide or bleach at New Braunfels City Hall, 550 Landa St., from 8 a.m. to noon. For more, visit www.nbtexas.org/hhw.

SAN ANTONIO AUDUBON SOCIETY The association 19 conducts a free field trip to Crescent Bend Nature Park, 12805 Schaefer Road in Schertz. Meet Sandi Wheeler at 8 a.m. in the parking lot. Nonmembers welcome. For more, email wheels5683@ gmail.com or visit saaudubon.org or www.facebook.com/saaudubon/.

FEB.

SWING YOUR PARTNER On selected Sundays, boogie with FunDancers’ Square and Line Dance Club at Community Center North, 4923 Morning Drive in Schertz, from 7-9 p.m. For more, visit www.asrda.org.

FEB. 19 & MARCH 5, 19

CONVERSE GOVERNMENT City Council meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 7-10 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 402 S. Seguin Road. For more, visit www.conversetx.net.

FEB. 21 & MARCH 7

NOT YOUR GARDENVARIETY MEETING 21 The Live Oak Garden Club gathers on the third Tuesday of the month from 1-3 p.m. at the Live Oak Clubhouse, 7901 Shin Oak Drive.

For more, call June Adair at 843-7150 or Jo Anna Wheeler at 655-1036.

FEB.

FEB.

21

SCHERTZ COUNCIL ON THE GO Elected Schertz officials will meet with residents

at Corbett Junior High School, 12000 Ray Corbett Drive in Schertz, at 6:30 p.m. For more, visit schertz.com.

RANDOLPH METROCOM ROTARY The club meets at noon in the Olympia Hills Golf & Event Center, 12900 Mount Olympus St. in Universal City. Lunches, $15 per person, often feature an invited speaker. For updates and other association gatherings, visit www.randolphmetrocomrotary.org.

FEB. 22 & MARCH 1, 8, 15

SCHERTZ-CIBOLO LIONS CLUB The group meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at Schertz Family YMCA, 621 Westchester Drive.

Admission is free; bring a lunch, if you wish.

Newcomers welcome. For more, visit http:// www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/schertzcibolo/.

FEB. 22 & MARCH 8

DINNER IS SERVED American Legion Missing Man Post No. 667, 504 Bowie

FEB.

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HAPPENING continues on pg. 09

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9 HAPPENING continues from pg. 08 Drive in Universal City, serves chickenfried steak from 5-7 p.m. on the fourth Friday of each month. Plates cost $8. Free parking available. For more, call 658-3731.

GET SET, GO IN SELMA Operation Comfort’s seventh 25 annual Selma/Schertz Salute to Service Members 5K & Kids Freedom Fun Run at Blue Bonnet Palace, 17630 Lookout Road in Selma, starts at 8:30 a.m. The same day, at 8 a.m., also in Selma, River City Community Church, 16765 Lookout Road, hosts Life is Good 5K/10K. For more on both events including registration costs, visit www.athleteguild.com.

FEB.

CHAMBER EVENTS The FEB./MARCH Chamber (Schertz-CiboloSelma area) has the following activities. For more, call 619-1950 or visit www.thechamber.info. “Race to the Taste” advance tickets are on sale until Feb. 24. Go to Chamber offices, 1730 Schertz Parkway, to purchase entry to the annual festivities set for March 2-8 at Retama Park, 1 Retama Parkway in Selma, from 5-8 p.m. The event features 40-plus food and beverage vendors.

Admission costs vary. For more, visit www. theracetothetaste.com. A “State of the Cities” Chamber luncheon is 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 21 at Schertz Civic Center, 1400 Schertz Parkway. Hear from Schertz, Cibolo and Selma city managers. Cost is $28 for nonmembers, or $18 for members who RSVP and pay by Feb. 14 (otherwise, $20 at the door). The Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee hosts its third annual “C-MAC Yourself into Shape” workshop and job fair for veterans and transitioning active-duty military members and their spouses Feb. 22 at Wayland Baptist University, 11550 Interstate 35 North in San Antonio. Seminars are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; hiring fair is 1-4 p.m. To register, visit bit. ly/cmac2017. A Chamber mixer is 5:30-7 p.m. Feb. 16 hosted by Cruise Planners at the Chamber’s offices. Admission, featuring networking, food, refreshments and Chamber Cash Drawing, is $10; free for members. Stop by the Chamber offices 7:30-9:30 a.m. Feb. 24 for a free cup of coffee and doughnuts courtesy of Houlihan’s in Live Oak. Another mixer is 5:30-7 p.m. March 16 hosted by Pinot’s

HAPPENING continues on pg. 25

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FEB. 13 - MARCH 20, 2017

LOCAL LOWDOWN Take a quick look at what’s new in the community from opening and closings to news tidbits.

Open and Opening Soon 1. URBAN AIR TRAMPOLINE & AMUSEMENT PARK, 8600 Fourwinds

Drive, Suite 8510A in Windcrest, is the “nation’s premier indoor trampoline and adventure park,” according to its website. The recreational business offers wall-to-wall trampolines, a foam pit, trampoline dodge ball, a runway, a warrior obstacle course and more. The venue can accommodate birthday parties, plus family and corporate events. Hours for open jump during the school year are 3-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon to 11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 446-1238 or visit urbanairtrampolinepark. com. (See story on page 26)

Address of local business Name of local business

2. ORANGE LEAF, 513 Cibolo Valley Drive, Suite 113 in Cibolo, is the fourth location for Richard and Alicia Kuhn.

Since 2011, the husband-and-wife team opened three previous stores in the Metrocom. The latest one debuted in December. Offerings include self-serve frozen yogurt made in-house, smoothies, snacks, froyo cake slices and more.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more, call 928-7100 or visit orangeleafyogurt. com. (See story on page 27) 3. THE YOGO STOP SALAD BAR & SWEETS, 1248 FM 78, Suite 103 in

Schertz, formerly known as The Yogo Stop, has been in business as a frozen-

yogurt purveyor since 2011, but recently retooled and added a gourmet salad bar, handcrafted soups and a bakedpotato bar. The salad bar features more than 40 fresh items, and over 30 toppings to sprinkle on self-serve frozen yogurt, soft-serve ice cream and gelato.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more, call 566-9646 or visit yogostop.com.

IN OTHER NEWS THE SCHERTZ-CIBOLO-UNIVERSAL CITY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT board received $5,000 as one of five finalists for the 2017 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, which recognizes school boards demonstrating strong community leadership. H-E-B will announce the winner in May. This is the second recognition in six months for SCUCISD trustees, who attained statewide acclaim by The Texas Association of School Administrators when designated as finalists for the state’s Outstanding School Board.

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CRESTVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IS AMONG 26 STATE public institutions nominated for national 2017 Blue Ribbon School recognition. Crestview is in the Judson Independent School District. Nominees were selected by the Texas Education Agency as exemplary high-performing campuses based on state assessments. Each school has an economically disadvantaged population of 22 percent or higher. Crestview, and others, now will complete a rigorous application process administered by the U.S. Department of Education.

Winners, announced in September, are recognized at the Blue Ribbon Schools award ceremony in Washington, D.C. CONVERSE PUBLIC LIBRARY DIRECTOR DERIKA BAILEY received a scholarship to the Texas Association for Literacy and Adult Education annual conference Feb. 2-4.

The library received $2,000 from the Texas State Library and Archive Commission Libraries and Literacy Grant Program

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 11

11

LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM LOWDOWN continues from pg. 10 through the Texas Workforce Commission.

The technology-oriented grant allows the city to purchase three laptops designated for adults seeking to improve literacy skills, digital literacy, English-language proficiency, basic education and GED diploma training, and those looking for employment.

WHILE SELMA ISN’T UNDER WATER RESTRICTIONS, officials are asking residents to continue conservation whenever possible. City leaders recommend watering by hand-held buckets and/or hoses or a properly installed drip-irrigation system.

Water runoff from property is prohibited.

THE CHAMBER, A COMMERCE ORGANIZATION SERVING THE SCHERTZ, CIBOLO AND SELMA AREAS, recently welcomed five new members — Goodwill Industries of San Antonio, Seraphim ABA Professional Team, WellMed at Schertz, Alpha Warrior, and Event Show Management Presents: Holiday Magic Festival of Lights.

THE SELMA HISTORICAL & PARKS COMMISSION IS SEEKING PICTURES, furniture, old artifacts or objects to display in the John S. Harrison House. These items can be donated or loaned to the city.

Contact Madeline Burdette at 651-6266.

SCHERTZ PARKS & RECREATION FOUNDATION PRESENTED CHECKS totaling $84,700 to community groups at a recent City Council meeting. Buffalo Valley Youth Association received $49,500, which will be used to build 12 shade structures at ball fields behind the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex. Schertz Family YMCA was given $10,000 for Schertz Aquatic Center supplies and equipment, along with $5,200 for a new mural at Pickrell Park Pool. Schertz Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department received $20,000, matching the amount from Guadalupe Valley Electric Co. used to construct a new restroom facility at the Schertz Community Playscape.

HARMONY SCHOOL OF INNOVATION STUDENTS AND STAFF COLLECTED 950 pounds of food from their holiday

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THE CHILDREN’S REHABILITATION INSTITUTE’S SECOND ANNUAL RUN FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES RACE/WALK raised more than $15,000. The December event attracted over 400 participants and contributors from the greater San Antonio area. Donations will help cover the costs of rehabilitation therapies provided by the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute on the Northeast Side to patients who suffer from neurological, muscular and skeletal disabilities.

U.S. REP. HENRY CUELLAR, A DEMOCRAT REPRESENTING Texas’ 28th congressional district, recently was appointed to the Defense Subcommittee. He will continue his role on the Homeland Security Subcommittee for the 115th Congress in the second-ranking member position. He will review funding for the Department of Defense and the Central Intelligence Agency while serving on the Defense Subcommittee.

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FEB. 13 - MARCH 20, 2017

CONVERSE continues from pg. 01

Money will be used for infrastructure

by EDMOND ORTIZ

C

ONVERSE — The city is set to expand its corporate limits by more than 5 square miles over the next seven years thanks to an agreement with San Antonio.

In phases, Converse will annex 3 square miles of unincorporated areas San Antonio dropped from its longrange annexation plan last year.

Those tracts include Camelot and The Glen, two neighborhoods in the spotlight due to blighted conditions.

Converse Mayor Al Suarez joined San

This map denotes unincorporated areas that Converse will annex in the next few years, including The Glen and Camelot, two communities that have faced various problems over the years.

Illustration courtesy of San Antonio

Antonio counterpart Ivy Taylor in a Jan. 9 news conference to announce the deal.

“I want to thank city staff, who worked diligently as we had a very long discussion on annexation, what made sense for our community and how we wanted to be good neighbors to folks

throughout the region,” Taylor said.

Converse intends to bring its fulltime municipal services, including garbage, fire, police and public works, to these communities, plus properties near Loop 1604 and Interstate 10 East.

San Antonio will transfer 2.2 square miles through boundary adjustments. Most notably, it will forfeit the Northampton subdivision.

The mayors said this move would allow Converse to better serve these neighborhoods adjacent to its borders.

They added the transaction should produce sufficient revenue to fund the basic services Converse needs to support its growth.

With more than 20,000 residents, Converse is building a new City Hall, a second fire station and an animal-control complex, plus hiring several new police officers.

“We’re not going to take the money and run like some people think,” Suarez said, referring to Converse property taxes. “We’re going to reinvest the first year, second year, into streets, sidewalks and infrastructure.”

The end of November 2016 marked the completion of a 10-year pact Converse had with San Antonio to provide emergency medical services and fire protection to Northampton.

Bexar County Emergency Services District No. 1 long has been providing EMS and fire service to parts of the unincorporated areas Converse will add.

During the past seven years, Converse and San Antonio had onand-off talks about a land transfer, but not until recently did both sides fully commit to the proposal.

“You need 100 percent participation from the City Council, city staff, San Antonio — there’s a lot of players,” Suarez noted.

Taylor said even with its own continuing expansion, San Antonio sought to help a neighbor with its growth issues.

Suarez emphasized the annexations won’t happen overnight, and residents in all affected neighborhoods will be kept informed. If all goes well, Converse will

CONVERSE continues on pg. 13

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LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM CONVERSE continues from pg. 12 officially assume Northampton in one year.

“This is a seven or eight-year plan.

If it takes longer, we’re going to do it right,” he added. “Northampton residents will see new streets and sidewalks the first opportunity we get.”

Meanwhile, Suarez is reassuring current Converse residents their level of city services won’t suffer.

“They’re going to gain with the additional revenue that’s coming to the city,” he added.

In addition, San Antonio District 2 Councilman Alan Warrick plans to talk with neighborhood leaders and other residents to guarantee their needs are met.

“In the end, it’s all about quality of life, and for me to get behind this proposed agreement we must ensure that their lives are better tomorrow from what we set in motion today,” said Warrick, whose predominantly East Side district stretches from Government Hill downtown to the edge of Converse.

Northampton homeowners

San Antonio, as part of a boundary adjustment with Converse, is transferring land to the latter city including the Northampton subdivision. Illustration courtesy of San Antonio

Karen and Charles Forester expressed cautious optimism.

“I can see where it might be beneficial, but I definitely want to look forward to getting more information and see how all that will play out,” Karen Forester said.

“I think it makes a lot of sense as far as police, fire and EMS protection goes. They’re right there. I imagine

their response time is much faster.”

San Antonio’s nearest fire station is close to Interstate 35 and Rittiman Road, whereas Converse’s first responders have been based just over a mile from Northampton.

Resident Debbie Fassett and her son, David, are reserving judgment, but said adding Northampton to Converse is perhaps overdue.

“We’re kind of a little island, stepchildren who are left out,” Debbie Fassett said.

Some in The Glen, such as Bonnie Muller, hope Converse will soon clarify questions about services in her community, and get a full sense of what has been happening in her area in recent years.

“Throwing a 45-year-old neighborhood to Converse isn’t going to make matters better unless they understand what trials and tribulations lifelong folks have seen and been through,” Muller said. “Converse has their own history; so does The Glen. Hopefully, we can get everything back the way it should be.”

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Freedom Rider Patricia Dilworth disembarks from a Greyhound bus in Kirby's Friendship Park Jan. 14 in a re-enactment of the famous series of civll-rights bus rides. The efforts in the early 1960s of the Freedom Riders, who faced violence and arrest, helped break down racial barriers. Photo by Edmond Ortiz

15

LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM FREEDOM continues from pg. 14 passengers and burned buses; many riders faced imprisonment.

However, the violent responses to those rides helped sway President John F. Kennedy to side with the burgeoning civil-rights movement.

“I thought the Freedom Rides were a pivotal point of the civil rights movement because they gained a lot of media attention, and we were able to be a lot more successful during that summer than previously,” Petway said.

More than a half-century later, communities nationwide celebrate the Freedom Riders’ actions.

The Dr. J.R. Bowie III Scholarship Foundation and the Northeast Partnership for Economic Development organized activities in mid-January during DreamWeek to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. The events included a youth summit at Judson Performing Arts Center and a Live Oak reception.

They culminated in a Freedom

Ride re-enactment Jan. 14. Aboard a Greyhound bus, Anderson, Petway, Dilworth and Cotton traveled from Selma City Hall to Kirby’s Friendship Park.

There, gospel musicians performed, and the four present Freedom Riders were acclaimed.

Beforehand, Barbara Bowie, foundation executive director who also married the scholarship’s namesake, attended a meeting of the Northeast Partnership, a coalition of Metrocom city leaders.

The Mississippi native experienced institutionalized racism, which dominated her youth.

Her Freedom Rides talk, and the foundation’s efforts to honor civil-rights leaders, impressed Selma Mayor Tom Daly.

“She wanted to make us aware of ways that youngsters and children could learn more about the Freedom Riders,” Daly said.

The mayor recalled approaching Bowie afterwards interested in collaborating between his town and the foundation.

Daly asked her to look at the Selma

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FREEDOM continues from pg. 15

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“I told her, I can’t bring her Selma, Alabama, but I could bring her Selma, Texas,” he said. “I thought (Bowie) thought it was corny, but she liked the idea.”

Daly said the partnership and foundation could help local youths “like my son and daughter here today ... experience what the past was like and keep history going.”

FREEDOM continues on pg. 17

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LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

A Greyhound bus carrying four 1961 Freedom Riders enters Kirby's Friendship Park, accompanied by a mini-parade, on Jan. 14.

The event celebrated the courage of those seeking to end segregation in the United States using acts of nonviolent civil protest more than 50 years ago. Photo by Edmond Ortiz

FREEDOM continues from pg. 16 During this ride, Daly and area guests heard memories from the Freedom Riders.

Only Dilworth now lives in San Antonio.

Petway, then 20, rode in July 1961 with her father and brother from Montgomery, Alabama, to Jackson, Mississippi, where they were arrested.

She applauds progress made toward racial equality since 1961.

“Although it’s better on the surface, there’s a lot of work to be done,” Petway added.

Anderson became a Freedom Rider at 15, traveling from Albany, Georgia, to Jackson, Mississippi.

There, a mob of 15 white people violently confronted passengers.

“I was pretty beat up, kicked and punched and spat on,” he added.

Anderson said he was then jailed on death row for more than a month.

Bowie contacted Anderson and some other Freedom Riders about visiting the San Antonio area and sharing their experiences with students.

“We challenged them to get involved and continue telling our story,” Anderson said.

Dilworth was 18 in 1961. Seeing televised images of people beaten, incarcerated and harassed “just for the color of their skin” motivated her to act.

Scenes of segregation especially surprised Dilworth, who originally was from Arizona.

“I just had to go down and see what was so different,” she said.

Dilworth noted, years ago, she hadn’t thought to be proud of her actions, but now beams with pride.

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“I just feel happy that we’ve come this far, and I’ll do whatever we can to make sure we don’t go backwards,” she added.

Like many Freedom Riders, Cotton had extra inspiration to join the movement. His grandfather was murdered for teaching locals to read.

Cotton, like Anderson, was also put on death row for several weeks. His offense was attempting to buy a ticket at the white side of a bus station. He said the struggle for equality never really ended.

“I’d say a prayer that we can be strong and that we are able to continue,” he added.

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SCHERTZ continues from pg. 01

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The Schertz Aquatics Center, built after voters approved a quality-of-life bond issue in 2010, recently opened to provide swimming and other resources to the community and the swim teams at Clemens and Steele high schools. Photo by Collette Orquiz

“I feel so very blessed for the opportunity to be a part of this great community partnership between the city of Schertz, the YMCA and (SchertzCibolo-Universal City Independent School District),” said YMCA Aquatics Director Deseret Dawkins. “We now have

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SCHERTZ continues on pg. 19

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LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM SCHERTZ continues from pg. 18 Clemens and Steele high school swim teams will practice there.

“I am thrilled the swimmers from Steele and Clemens high schools now have access to training in the Schertz Aquatics Center,” said Steele swim coach Maria Fain. “The facility is a muchneeded asset for the area’s high school swim programs that include over 80 athletes. We look forward to our district’s swim programs growing even more.”

Dawkins and the center’s staff also “look forward to serve as a resource for aquatic education and safety.”

Voters approved the new structure as part of the 2010 bond issue. A collaboration involving Schertz, the school district and the YMCA, the total project cost $8.45 million, with $2 million funded by the association and $1.65 million from SCUCISD. “Out of four quality-of-life bonds that were passed in 2010, the aquatic center became more than a dream, it became a reality,” Dawkins said.

“Over the next few years, the project went through many different stages and construction started in 2015.”

The natatorium features a community pool, a 25-yard eight-lane lap pool, an additional leisure pool, bleachers, locker rooms and family restrooms.

Other amenities include year-round swim lessons and water-aerobic classes for YMCA members, plus water-safety options for all ages.

Local high school personnel are appreciative of a fresh training site near school.

“The SCUCISD finally has a place to call home,” Dawkins said. “Clemens and

Steele high schools no longer have to travel into San Antonio for practices — they can go into their own backyard now.

(The schools have) access to the pools Monday through Friday during the school year and will have the opportunity to host swim meets at the aquatic center.”

The venue is also convenient for students, Fain said.

“The facility has helped our program by creating an opportunity for our swimmers to have a great training pool close by, thus maximizing workout times and eliminating out-of-district travel time,” Fain said. “All of our swimmers are very excited for this opportunity and enjoy the new facility.”

Clemens’ swim coach Cameron Cuda thinks the building is perfect for aquatic competitors.

“It definitely gives us more opportunities for the athletes that are in the area community,” Cuda said.

“Swimming is a huge priority in our minds. ... This is a place we can call home now and it opens up doors for other sports, not just swimming, and it gets kids healthy. For those who want to stay healthy and fit throughout the entire community, they now have something they can use.”

Aquatic fitness is beneficial for folks young and old, and all skill levels, according to Dawkins.

“Water exercise can increase muscle strength and also increases flexibility,” she said. “It’s a low-impact exercise that alleviates pressure on the joints, burns calories, reduces blood pressure and is a great pastime for families.”

To learn more about the center, call 619-1900 or visit www.ymcasatx.org/schertz.

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TEMPLE continues from pg. 01

Festivals attract visitors from across the state

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These days, with a 4,500-square-foot monastery recently completed adjacent to the old one in Schertz, monks who run Wat Saddhadhamma said they attract hundreds of people for religious festivals — and more newcomers seeking to learn about Buddhism.

Tagrudthong said the monks came

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to Live Oak around 1994 because there was a small, but growing, community of Asian immigrants in the San Antonio area who wanted a place to worship.

“Having a temple has helped because (for) many people coming to the United States far from home, the temple is a place people can come clear their mind, bring the community together,” Tagrudthong said.

Most of those who visit Wat Saddhadhamma are from Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand or Myanmar.

Wat Saddhadhamma is located on 5.8 acres at 8000 FM 1518. The new structure was completed last summer and is one of the largest Buddhist temples in South Texas, officials said.

When the land was first purchased, it was empty. There was no shelter for praying or a residence for monks.

For several years, a rented house in Live Oak hosted services.

Along with Tagrudthong, other founding monks included Win Tonklan,

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LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

Buddhist monks gather in front of the new Wat Saddhadhamma temple in Schertz for the Sart Thai ceremony last year. It is a time to honor deceased relatives with prayers, rituals and good deeds, or merit-making.

Photo by Noi Mahoney

TEMPLE continues from pg. 20 Monkol Yodthpong and Punya Singthong.

On May 19, 1995, Wat Saddhadhamma was officially recognized as a nonprofit.

“We began collecting money from the community to start building the first temple,” Tagrudthong said.

“That temple opened in 1997.”

Sawai Sangharaksa is a monk from Thailand living at Wat Saddhadhamma since 2001.

“America is a good place, no problems, everyone is so nice,” said Sangharaksa, who is in his early 60s.

He said the San Antonio-area Buddhist community has grown with time.

“We can get around 300 members when

we have big Thai festivals like Loi Krathong and Songkran,” Sangharaksa said. “People come from San Antonio, Austin, Lackland Air Force Base, sometimes Houston.”

The first temple served as living quarters, as well as for worship and ceremonies. Over the years, as the number of Buddhist followers in the region grew, the monks said they saw the need to build another temple on the grounds.

The new building was also funded by donations from the local Buddhist community, and took about four years.

Tagrudthong and other volunteers bought the supplies and constructed it themselves.

The temple gives inhabitants and Buddhist followers more space

TEMPLE continues on pg. 22

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TEMPLE continues from pg. 21 to conduct services, chanting and the traditional sharing of food, which is part of the activities.

“Now, we get up to 500 people for the bigger festivals,” Tagrudthong said.

Wat Saddhadhamma has some 350 active members supporting the temple.

Monks there practice Theravada Buddhism.

Everyday groups of local Buddhists gather to pray and meditate with the monks, who are always clad in brilliant orange robes.

Upon entering the temple, shoes are removed and three bows are made to the clerics.

The monks always sit at the front of the room facing worshippers, with a shrine to Buddha beside them.

Services usually consist of processions, prayers, hymns, offerings to the monks and symbolic gestures. After chanting for sometimes 30 minutes, food brought from worshippers is given to the monks, and once they’ve finished consuming, others eat, too.

Tagrudthong stopped being a monk about 16 years ago and works in the airconditioning business now, but he’s still a part of the Buddhist community. Today, there are three monks residing at the temple, including Tonklan, Sangharaksa and Pramot Permpol. Tonklan is the abbot.

Wat Saddhadhamma is open to everyone. Services are held daily at 8 a.m. and up to 9 p.m. Sometimes classes on Buddhism and meditation are offered.

For more, visit www. watsaddhadhamma.org.

THE TEMPLE IS A PLACE PEOPLE CAN COME CLEAR THEIR MIND, BRING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER. SOMSAK TAGRUDTHONG

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IBOLO — Turning pain into passion, runner LaChandra “Candy” Richardson is aiming to put her name into the sports annals beginning with Guinness World Records.

She’s under consideration for finishing the most half-marathons by a woman in a single calendar month. In December, Richardson ran more than two dozen official, certified 13.1-mile races.

“According to the Guinness World

RUNNER continues on pg. 24

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RUNNER continues from pg. 23 Record website, when I submitted my application, the previous record for the most half-marathons in a month by a female was 10,” Richardson said.

“I completed 25. I may also apply for the most consecutive half-marathons.

There is conflicting information on that record, however. I completed 17 consecutive half-marathons in 16 days.”

For nearly a decade, Richardson has been dashing to finish lines; to date, she has competed in more than 150 half-marathons, many outside Texas.

Hailing from Virginia, the 20year Air Force veteran — who retired in 2014 — often registers for “I Ran Marathons” frequently held in the San Antonio area, with marathons, half-marathons, 5Ks, 10Ks and ultramarathons.

A December IRM racing series called “21 Run Salute,” featuring three weeks of daily 13.1-mile challenges, enabled Richardson to accumulate about three-quarters of

her tally toward a world-record bid.

“Candy is a strong and intelligent woman and it has been my pleasure to watch her reach so many goals in the past five years, “ said IRM founder and race director Parvaneh Moayedi. “She ran her first series of consecutive races in 2013, including six half-marathons and a marathon, shortly after she ran her first ultra 50K (more than 31 miles) with IRM races.

When she sets her mind on reaching a goal nothing can get in her way.”

Moayedi, too, has a fervor for running, participating in more than 1,000 marathons and ultramarathons, and claims two Guinness World Records.

Richardson considers her a mentor.

“Parvaneh Moayedi played an integral role in my achieving the halfmarathon record,” Richardson said.

“Her annual Christmas series, 21 Run Salute, made it possible for me to break the record. No other race series that I’m aware of has so many weekday races, especially in the month of December.”

Richardson’s feat hasn’t come easy,

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Eventually, the 3 miles turned into more miles. I dedicated my very first halfmarathon, the Marine Corps Historic Half, in 2008 to him. I attribute each running milestone to Jayden because, without his impact on my life, I would not have started running long distances.”

Richardson said running has saved her, both mentally and physically.

“After a surgery to alleviate abdominal issues, a resultant infection May 2010 confined me to a walker,” she said. “While undergoing months of physical therapy in order to walk and perform other routine tasks, running again became my goal and mantra. Even without such severe medical trauma, running can benefit

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other people’s lives in similar ways. I try to spread my love, joy and benefits of running, especially to our youth.”

The half-marathoner has become involved in coaching as a way to drive and encourage others, and family, including children Alexis, 14, and Derrian, 7, inspires her to go the distance.

“I want to show them what we can achieve if we just set our minds to do so,” she said.

Richardson said the fellow joggers she trains and races with are like extended family.

“The best part of setting the record was the last race on Dec. 31, 2016, and sharing this achievement with my running family, several of whom were setting records, personal and otherwise, on the same day,” she said.

“The hardest part was the physical demands on my body — getting up day after day to complete 13.1 miles.”

The process to verify a claim for Guinness World Records can take several weeks, officials said.

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LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM HAPPENING continues from pg. 09 Palette, 6051 FM3009, Suite 223 in Schertz; same pricing as February’s.

TRI-COUNTY CHAMBER FEB./MARCH EVENTS Texas Tri-County Chamber of Commerce, cultivating business alliances across Bexar, Comal and Guadalupe counties, has several upcoming events. For details, including membership and event information, visit www. txtricountychamber.org or call Lisa Jubela at 830-305-6926.

SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS FEB./MARCH Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District trustees meet at 6 p.m. Feb. 16 in the boardroom at 1060 Elbel Road in Schertz. For more, visit www.scuc. txed.net. North East Independent School District trustees assemble 5:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at 8961 Tesoro Drive in San Antonio. Call 407-0533. Comal Independent School District trustees convene 6 p.m. Feb. 23 in the Support Services boardroom, 1404 Interstate 35 North in New Braunfels. For more, visit www.comalisd.org. Judson Independent School trustees meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 16 in the ERC boardroom, 8205 Palisades Drive in Live Oak. For more, visit www.judsonisd.org.

PRESCHOOL OPPORTUNITY BEGINNING Triumphant Lutheran MARCH 1 Church, 21315 Bat Cave Road in Garden Ridge, opens fall registration for tykes ages 3 to 5. To enroll, go to the Fellowship Hall from 8:30 a.m. to noon or visit www.triumphantlutheran. org or call 651-9090, ext. 2.

ST. PAUL’S CHURCH SUPPER During the first Wednesday 1 of each month, St. Paul Evangelical Church, 108 S. Main St. in Cibolo, hosts a free dinner from 6-7:30 p.m. For more, call 658-5874.

MARCH

PUTTING THE “FRY” IN “FRIDAY” St. Matthew’s 3, 10, 17 Episcopal Church, 810 Kitty Hawk Road in Universal City, will hold a 4-6:30 p.m. fish fry every Friday during Lent. Customers can eat in or take out.

For more, call 658-5956 or 651-0359.

MARCH

WILENCHIK WALK FOR LIFE The annual event, named in 4 memory of former Schertz Councilman Tony Wilenchik, will feature a 5K fun run and walk. Proceeds benefit cancer research. The race begins at 8 a.m. from Clemens High School, 1001 Elbel Road in Schertz. For more including registration costs, go to visitschertz.com.

MARCH

RUNNING FOR A CAUSE MARCH “Get Your Rear in Gear 5K 5 Run/Walk,” a fitness fundraiser for colon-cancer awareness, starts (and finishes) from the Tortuga Bay pavilion in Morgan’s Wonderland, 5223 David Edwards Drive in San Antonio, at 8 a.m. For more, including registration costs, visit www.athleteguild.com.

CIBOLO GRANGE 1541 MEETING The first Sunday of 5 the month, adult members gather at Grange Hall, 413 N. Main St. in Cibolo, for socializing at 2:30 p.m., and a 3 p.m. business discussion.

Newcomers welcome. For more, visit www.grange.org/cibolotx1541/31-2/.

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SELMA GOVERNMENT City Council meets the 9 second Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m., 9375 Corporate Drive.

For more, visit www.ci.selma.tx.us.

MARCH

WHO DOESN’T LOVE BARGAINS? Garden Ridge 11 Women’s Club’s 35th annual Garage Sale is 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Garden Ridge Community Center, 9500 Municipal Parkway. More than 70 vendors, inside and outside, will be present.

Admission and parking are free. For more, email Jeanie Springer at jbbk01@yahoo.com.

MARCH

GOING GREEN From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Converse “Goes Green 18 Day” in the parking lot of the Judson Independent School District stadium, 900 S. Seguin Road. Learn how to save money while conserving resources.

Free parking and activities for the kids.

For more, call 659-9163 or visit ConverseEDC.com.

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FEB. 13 - MARCH 20, 2017

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Launch into good times at trampoline park

by COLLETTE ORQUIZ

W

INDCREST — Young in age or young at heart, Urban Air Trampoline & Amusement Park is fun for everyone, according to owners Dale Fedewa and Chris Rhett.

“It’s a one-stop shop, great family entertainment, great activity for the kids,” Fedewa said.

The business held a ribbon-cutting Dec. 16 at 8600 Fourwinds Drive, Suite 8510A; first responders and their families were invited to jump

for free as a sign of gratitude.

“The city of Windcrest has been phenomenal in helping us. They’re really rejuvenating the area; they’re putting a lot of effort in bringing world-class organizations here. It was a mutual attraction,” Fedewa said.

Dec. 17 marked the official grand opening.

The park has several attractions, most incorporating trampolines. There’s a large space for jumping, dodge ball, a Soft Play Tubes Playhouse for children under 7, a slam-dunk zone for shooting hoops, a battle beam to test balance and strength, and a warrior obstacle course similar to those seen on television.

In the left photo, Connor (left) and Corey Jordan enjoy the foam pit at Urban Air Trampoline & Amusement Park. Kadence Connor (right) moves through the park’s obstacles. Photos by Collette Orquiz

Visitors release energy in a very positive, safe and affordable way, Fedewa said. “(We offer) the ability to come and take two, three, four hours out of your day and to do just fun, family entertainment. It’s physical activity, physical entertainment and exercise,” Fedewa said.

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URBAN AIR TRAMPOLINE & AMUSEMENT PARK 8600 Fourwinds Drive, Suite 8510A in Windcrest For more, call 446-1238 or visit urbanairtrampolinepark.com

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EAT LOCAL Learn about the newest neighborhood places for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks

Preschool Registration

for the 2017-2018 School Year is March 1, 8:30am – 12 noon in the church Fellowship Hall, and will continue thereaft fter t 9:00am - 12 noon in the Preschool Off ffice f until classes are full. Triumphant Lutheran off ffers f a licensed Christian Preschool for 3 to 5 year olds. Our goal is to provide a safe and exciting learning environment for your child while preparing them for Kindergarten.

Enrollment paperwork is on our website.

Mother’s Day Out Registration

Alicia and Richard Kuhn have opened their fourth Orange Leaf frozen yogurt-shop (above) in the Metrocom, this one in Cibolo. Plenty of tasty toppings are on hand (below). Photos by Collette Orquiz

Orange Leaf aims to spread happiness through yogurt

by COLLETTE ORQUIZ

C

IBOLO — Alicia and Richard Kuhn left their previous careers in 2011, with the couple opening four Orange Leaf frozen-yogurt shops to spread cheer using sweet treats.

“It’s happiness. That’s why we opened it because most everybody that walks in there is happy. I wanted happiness in my life,” Alicia Kuhn said.

Starting six years ago, the Kuhns debuted franchises in Selma, Converse, Rolling Oaks Mall and most recently 513 Cibolo Valley Drive, Suite 113. They attribute their success to great employees.

Offerings include self-serve frozen yogurt made in-house with more than 40 toppings, froyo — or frozen-yogurt dessert — cake slices, blended yogurt with toppings or Swizzles, fresh-fruit smoothies, and snacks such as chips or granola bars.

“We have 16 different flavors here. All you have to do is try something, you’re going to like something here... there’s so many good flavors,” Richard Kuhn said.

Flavors change every two weeks,

but the store keeps popular staples such as cheesecake, strawberry, pineapple, vanilla and chocolate.

Froyo is low-fat, but also comes in dairy-free and sugar-free. Orange Leaf will soon add coffee, with pourover, cold brew and affogato — or coffee-based dessert — options.

The store offers catering, and party boxes serving 12 to 50. Staffers recently booked a wedding calling for enough froyo for 300 guests.

“The Kuhns never say no. We’ll try anything or do anything,” Alicia Kuhn said.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

for the 2017 Summer Session will begin on Monday, April 3, in Heimer Hall, and continue through the month of May. Registration for the Mother’s Day Out 2017-2018 school year will begin on Monday, April 3, and continue through the month of August.

We accept ages 6 weeks to 4 years.

21315 Bat Cave Rd. Garden Ridge 78266 SATURDAY WORSHIP 5:00pm Casual Service

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