LOCAL: Metrocom November 2015 by San Antonio Local Community News

ELECTIONS the recap

Changes ahead after Metrocom vote PG.18 Cibolo gets new mayor; Windcrest mayor re-elected

PG.32 BUY LOCAL

JIMMY GONZALES BASEBALL ACADEMY Batter up at new facility offering training

VOL. 3, ISSUE 5

COMMUNITY NEWS BRACKEN CIBOLO CONVERSE GARDEN RIDGE LIVE OAK SCHERTZ SELMA UNIVERSAL CITY WINDCREST

INSIDE YOUR COMMUNITY

SCHOOLS

NOV. 23 - DEC. 14, 2015

Cibolo Valley Elementary face of district’s future PG.27

AMONG STATE’S BEST PG.25 GOAL!

PG.22

New SoccerZone in Live Oak offers plenty of venues to play game

PAGES 12-17

JUDSON ISD CONTINUING EDUCATION New spring class schedule included in this issue

PG. 30 Volunteerism takes

root at Guadalupe County Community Garden

PG. 05 LOCAL COMMENTARY SUSAN YERKES Plenty of reasons for thanks

PG.22 Steele owns rivalry, but

joins Judson as state football title contenders

PG.33 EAT LOCAL

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Build now to take advantage of our Fall incentives. GIVEAWAY

Do you have a friend or family member who could benefit from hearing aids? Have they gone without these necessary devices due to cost or financial setbacks? Here is your chance to give them the perfect holiday gift! One deserving candidate will be chosen to receive a pair of hearing aids courtesy of Doss Audiology. For candidacy qualifications see our nomination application available online at www.dossaudiology.com or in our office.

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Submissions may be mailed or emailed to info@dossaudiology.com by December 7. A winner will be announced on December 11, 2015. Don’t delay. Nominate today! Doss Audiology & Hearing Center 5000 Schertz Parkway • Suite 300 Schertz, TX 78154 210.819.5002 info@dossaudiology.com www.dossaudiology.com

WE ARE KNOWN FOR THE COMPANIES WE KEEP SATURDAY NOV. 28 IS SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY. THIS DAY & EVERY DAY SHOP LOCAL. SHOP CONVERSE.

SATURDAY NOV. 28 IS SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY. THIS SATURDAY & EVERY DAY SHOP LOCAL. SHOP AUTOMOTIVE Auto Auction 4 U Auto X-Change AutoZone Auto’s My Hobby Bob Hall Motors Cars America SA Cash Bred Off Road CD Tire Shop Classic Custom Upholstery Coyote Canyon Truck Accessories Express Care Express Lube FM 78 Auto Care Center Freudenrich Auto Repair Goodyear Tire Jack’s Paint Place Michigan Motors Mikie’s Automotive Repair Motor Techtonics Nat G CNG Solutions O’Reilly Auto Parts Peruvian Auto Sales Pierce Automotive Premier Auto Group R & R Custom Cycle Ram’s Automotive Recon Cycles Scorpion Auto Designs Simmang’s Auto Service Yantis Automotive CONVENIENCE 7-Eleven Big’s Convenience Store Circle 786 Food & Gas Fancy Food Mart First Stop J’s Food Store La Villita Drive Thru Murphy Gas Station Rocket Mart Texaco Food Mart Valero Corner Store FINANCIAL SERVICES Ace Cash Express Chase Bank Check-N-Go H&R Block KL&E Bookkeeping and Tax Svcs. Midwest Finance Corp. Riley’s Professional Services

FINANCIAL SERVICES CONT. Speedy Cash Texstar National Bank Wood Forest Bank MANUFACTURING Deanan Gourmet Popcorn Featherlite, Inc. Floor Pro Network, Inc. Ingram Ready Mix Link New Tech, Inc. Meadow Burke Products Midpoint Bearing Mueller Glass Co. RJP Machining Sombrilla Awnings Signs & Shade Structures Wire-Tech Manufacturing, LLC HEALTH CARE SERVICES Brident Dental Services Center for Health Care Svcs. Comfort Dental Converse Chiropractic Crossroads Vision Care CVS Pharmacy Dr. Dental Family First Care Clinic, PLLC First Steps Nursing & Therapy Services Foot Specialist Judson Dental NE Baptist Women’s Clinic Rehoboth Health Network & Family Dentistry Under the Sea Children’s Dentist Walgreens Walmart Pharmacy Walmart Vision Center PERSONAL CONVENIENCE 78 Nail & Spa Anytime Fitness Daily Brothers Barber Shop Fantastic Sam’s FM Nails Fresh Cutz Great Clips Judson Hair & Nail Care K & B Laundry Maven Hair Studio Nell’s Alterations Regal Nails

PERSONAL CONVENIENCE CONT. River City Gymnastics & Cheerleading Sassy Style by Sarah & Co. Slangin Ink Tattoo Studio #2 Smart Style The Right Cut Tracy’s Hair Trends US Martial Arts Training Center REAL ESTATE/APARTMENTS/STORAGE American Mini Storage Clark Realty & Associates Converse Mini Storage Hamilton & Associates Kingdom Living Realty Lockaway Storage Placid Mobile Home Park Rocket Storage Shadow Creek Apartments Storage King Converse TJ Elite Properties Towne East Apartments Town Square Apartments Waterford Park Apartments RESTAURANTS/FAST FOOD/BARS 5th Ave. Liquor Baysea’s Restaurant Bill Miller BBQ Bush’s Chicken Chili’s China Express China Garden Church’s Chicken Danaby’s Snacks and More El Patio Restaurant Taqueria El Sabrosito Grady’s BBQ Lai Sinh Vietnamese Cuisine Long John Silver’s M & M Donuts McDonald’s Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt Papa Dante’s Papa John’s Pizza Pizza Hut Rocket’s Feed Sabor Latino Sonic Drive-In Sportsmans Bar Starbucks Subway Taco Bell Wendy’s

SHOPPING Armed Forces Supply AT&T A to Z Pawn Big Lots Boost Mobile Crickett Wireless Dollar General Dollar Tree Family Dollar Flowers by Carol GameStop Isabel’s Thrift Store J.R. Inc. RCI S. TX Online Equip. Auctions Sprint Store The Best Little Gift Shop in Town Walmart Supercenter SCHOOLS/DAY CARE Converse Christian School Judson Driving School Judson ISD Schools Kiddie Round-Up La Petite Academy Leslie’s Day Care Peek A Boo Hideout Daycare Room 2 Grow CDC, LLC Shady Oaks Learning Center St. Monica’s Catholic School Vamps Kids Academy SERVICES A-1 Fixit Shop Advantage Cable Services Alamo Lighting & Electric Alamo Plating & Metal Finishing, Ltd. Ambrosio Pool Plastering, LLC A to Z Rentals Aztec House Leveling Backyard Buildings Storage Solutions Big Tex Fire Protection Bluebonnet Pet Crematory, LLC Bob Oliver Enterprises Builder’s Choice Burditt Tile & Stone, Inc. Cal-Tex Enterprises

SERVICES CONTINUED Cantu Electrical Services, LLC Carmargo’s Custom Machine & Welding Converse Computer Company Converse Painting, Inc. Custom Cerakote Custom Pools, Inc. Delie’s Cell & PC Repair Delivery Made Simple Division 7 Solutions, Inc. Du-West Foundation Repair DW Coring Co, Inc Four Paws Inn Gerald’s Casino Parties Intl. Mining Supplies & Equip. Rental Jireh Granite Marble & Tile JM Insurance Services K D Logo Last Call Plumbing Liberty Builders Liquefied Propane Installation M-TAC Precision Arms MEPUSA MIKORE, LLC Millennium Window Films Northeast A/C, Heating & Plumbing One Source Car Wash Power Engineering Services, Inc. Precision Saw & Tool S&S Plumbing Contractors LLC San Antonio Masonry & Tool Supply Service Master Clean State Farm Insurance Stewart Plumbing Sudz - Z - Pup SW Electrical Contracting Services TennTex Sales and Service, Inc. The Cool Guys The Woodshop Custom Cabinets Wash Your Ride Car Wash

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FROM THE EDITOR wwright@localcommunitynews.com

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Assoc. Publisher Rick Upton EDITORIAL Executive Editor Thomas Edwards Managing Editor Will Wright News Staff Collette Orquiz and Bain Serna Contributing Writers Olivier J. Bourgoin, Lakendra Lewis, Eric Moreno, Ruben Renteria, Arthur Schechter and Susan Yerkes ART

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Advertising Director Jaselle Luna Account Manager Dawn Radick Controller Keith Sanders READER SERVICE Mailing Address 4204 Gardendale St., Ste. 201 SA, TX 78229 Fax Phone (210) 616.9677 (210) 338.8842 Advertising Inquiries dradick@localcommunitynews.com Story Ideas tips@localcommunitynews.com Website www.salocallowdown.com LOCAL Community News publications Zone 1: 78204, 78205, 78209, 78210, 78212, 78215 Zone 2: 78213, 78230, 78231, 78248, 78249 Zone 3: 78216, 78232, 78247 Zone 6: 78258, 78259, 78260, 78261 Zone 7: 78015, 78023, 78255, 78256, 78257

Reproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, 2015 Helen Publishing LLC and Local Community News LLC, all rights reserved. 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

Time for a change

exas voters overwhelmingly passed all seven proposed constitutional amendments on Nov. 3, with many immediately benefiting Metrocom inhabitants. Proposition 1 increases the homestead property-tax exemption for schools from $15,000 to $25,000 beginning with the 2015 tax year, a move returning more than $1 billion to ratepayers. Proposition 2 grants a propertytax exemption for surviving spouses of totally disabled veterans, including qualified survivors of similarly disabled vets who died before 2010. Proposition 4 allows charitable foundations of professional sports teams – such as the San Antonio Spurs – to conduct raffle benefits during all home games, instead of twice yearly. Proposition 6 recognizes the right of all residents to hunt, fish and harvest wildlife subject to laws that promote wildlife conservation. Then there’s Proposition 7, which dedicates portions of the state’s general and motor-vehicle sales taxes to the State Highway Fund. The move is projected to generate $2.5 billion to $3 billion for Texas transportation projects beginning in 2018, and millions more after 2020. Proposition 7 will directly benefit area motorists seeking swifter access to U.S. 281 North. It could lead to $300 million for non-tolled improvements on 281 and Interstate 10, and future projects planned for Interstate 35 and Loop 1604. Hailed by most city, county and state agencies and officials, the measure helps maintain current roads, acquires land for future roads and retires existing bond debt. Each proposition could have a direct impact on those who went to the polls and made their voices heard. We can only hope to see similar measures designed to benefit all Texans in future years.

WILL WRIGHT MANAGING EDITOR

ON THE COVER: When it comes to a true football rivalry, few can match Judson and Steele high schools.

Yet fans of both say they actually support each other, sharing ties through family, the military and non-school activities in their shared communities. The two schools are only nine miles apart. Read the story on page 22. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

LOCAL COMMENTARY

Thanks and giving in a time of strife by SUSAN YERKES

ach November we commemorate Thanksgiving — this country’s longest-running holiday. Back in 1621, the story goes, a bedraggled group of British colonists who arrived here on the Mayflower celebrated their first harvest with friendly natives. Although 1789 saw a Thanksgiving proclamation delivered by George Washington, it wasn’t until the Civil War when another president, Abraham Lincoln, established an official nationwide observance on the fourth Thursday of

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the month so Americans could pray to “heal the wounds of the nation.” This Thanksgiving, such a prayer is still lamentably appropriate. Mass shootings, worldwide strife, political polarization and all the issues dominating daily headlines remind us many wounds are far from healed. Thanksgiving is still very much in order. In fact, scientific research has recently proven that giving thanks and helping others are healing actions in their own right. Cultivating what some call an “attitude of gratitude” has shown to make you happier and healthier. A 2014 study in the journal Emotion, published by the American Psychological Association, indicated that saying a simple “thank you” or writing a note of thanks helps people build stronger, more positive relationships. Folks who describe themselves as frequently grateful for their blessings report fewer aches and pains, and tend to take greater care of their bodies. Gratitude reduces depression, loneliness and feelings of isolation, and improves sleep. Just before bedtime, make a list of what you’re grateful for, suggested Applied Psychology: Health and Well-

Being. Research also indicates promoting gratitude improves self-esteem, strengthens immunity and lowers blood pressure. It’s hard to maintain negative emotions when thinking positively. As a U.S. citizen, I know even my worst days are better than the best days of many across the planet – the homeless, the hungry, the physically and emotionally traumatized, and so much more. As a South Texan, I’m thankful I won’t have to shovel snow to move my car on Thanksgiving Day. I’m grateful to live in a city with such a colorful, diverse and friendly culture, and to have made many fantastic friends here. I am also pleased the city is building more and better greenways for hiking, biking and enjoying the outdoors, and that the weather is great for fun in our parks this time of year. I appreciate the Tex-Mex food, and plentiful food, period. I’m really grateful that Wurzbach Parkway is finished. And the list goes on. When you start listing positives, thanks come easy. As for the giving, recent research demonstrates generosity is good for body and soul. Those who donate time or money to help others consistently report happier sensations. This “pro-social spending,” or

contributing to charities or organizations you feel good about, produces many of the same physical and emotional benefits that gratitude sparks, and often leads to a “pay-it-forward” point of view. This Thanksgiving, locals have many opportunities to help others. You could volunteer for the 35th annual Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner, for instance. Each year, some 4,000 volunteers plan and prepare holiday meals for 25,000 guests in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. Christian Senior Services is always looking for help with its Thanksgiving Meals on Wheels deliveries to the homebound. The San Antonio Food Bank plans a big Holiday Turkey Round Up just before Thanksgiving. Through Operation Home Cooking, area families bring some 5,000 military men and women stationed here into their residences for the traditional feast. From big organized opportunities for giving to small personal acts of charity, there are a thousand ways to say “thank you” and to give of yourself. This year, I’m grateful to all who keep the spirit alive. How do you give thanks? Contact syerkes@localcommunitynews.com.

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One has to wonder after recent highprofile accounts of young players, and even coaches, showcasing behavior that went beyond just a flag on the field. Their actions instead highlighted a culture emphasizing winning at all costs — no matter what. One episode that received nationwide attention chronicled the gridiron assault on a referee blindsided by two Jay High School varsity football players during a game against Marble Falls. The teammates later claimed they only followed a coach’s instructions when they tackled the unsuspecting official. In another case, a recent television

broadcast revealed a coach yelling at his preadolescent football players to maul their opponents. Let’s face it — losing is a part of sports; and it’s an inescapable fact of life. We can’t all be winners. Each of us is going to fail at one time or another, whether it’s during an athletic contest or in business, school, family, love or finances. The best sports programs inspire players to win, but not at the cost of their souls. Good coaches teach athletes that how you play the game is still important, and the best instructors know how you react when you lose says something about true character and the full measure of a person. Young athletes — and people in general — must learn to own their mistakes and not blame others. Accountability applies not just to sports; it also is the bedrock of most social interaction, from work to home, faith and nearly everything else. There is nothing silly or ridiculous about learning to lose gracefully and accepting responsibility for a blunder. These are essential lessons which should be taught on the gridiron, in the gym and in the locker room because they remain important for the rest of life.

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

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GOBBLE, GOBBLE – SCHOOL’S OUT Public school campuses serving the Metrocom area will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

NOV. 23-27

THANKSGIVING FUN RUNS NOV. The 2015 Comal Cops for Kids 26 Gruene Turkey Trot begins at 1281 Gruene Road in New Braunfels. The 5K run/walk is 8:30 a.m., with the ¼-mile Kids’ Turkey Chase 9:30 a.m. Proceeds benefit local charities such as Green Santa and Blue Santa. The third annual Schertz Turkey Trot 5K run/walk at Blue Bonnet Palace, 17630 Lookout Road in Selma, will be at 8 a.m. Proceeds go to orphaned children through Ags for Orphans and the Randolph Area Christian Assistance

Program. For more including registration costs for both races, visit links at https:// www.athleteguild.com/running. MORGAN’S WONDERLAND HOSTS SENIORS From April through December, let age work in your favor during “Senior Fridays” at Morgan’s Wonderland, 5223 David Edwards Drive in San Antonio. For $8, folks above age 62 can enjoy fun activities on selected dates. For more, call 495-5888 or visit www.morganswonderland.com.

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HAPPENING continues from pg. 07 extravaganza at Grange Hall, 413 N. Main St. in Cibolo, will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event features a variety of local businesses offering jewelry, cosmetics, spa products, clothing, candles without wicks and much more. Enjoy refreshments while you shop and enter to win a door prize. For more, visit https://www.facebook. com/CiboloGrangeHomeTowneShoppe. WINDCREST LIGHT-UP It isn’t Christmas in Windcrest without this annual tradition. The 57th edition of decorating homes with holiday lights carries the theme “Sleigh Bells & Cowboy Boots.” Entry forms are due at Windcrest City Hall, 8601 Midcrown Drive, by Dec. 4. Contest judging is Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. The official City Hall ceremony starts at 6 p.m. Dec. 12. Everyone is invited to drive through the illuminated neighborhoods. For more, visit www.windcrest-tx.gov.

THROUGH DECEMBER

ST. PAUL’S CHURCH FREE SUPPER During the first Wednesday of each month, St. Paul Evangelical Church,

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108 S. Main St. in Cibolo, hosts a free supper from 6-7:30 p.m. For more, call the church at 658-5874. LUNCH-N-LEARN Come to the Garden Ridge Public Library, 9400 Municipal Parkway in Garden Ridge, from noon to 1 p.m. for an informative lecture series. On December’s first Tuesday, Roger Astin of Natural Bridge Caverns will discuss the history and geography of the underground wonder. One week later, food and nutrition expert Connie Sheppard, an agent with Texas A &M AgriLife Extension Service, will emcee “Gifts from the Kitchen,” a session about food preparation and safety related to edible Christmas presents. Feel free to bring a nosh; it is lunchtime, after all. For more, call the library at 651-6570.

DEC. 2, 9

SANTA SIGHTINGS Cibolo’s 2015 tree-lighting ceremony will take place 6-7:30 p.m. at City Hall, 200 S. Main St., with Santa Claus expected to visit. You can also catch him Dec. 17 at the Cibolo Fire Station 2, 3864 Cibolo Valley Drive, from 6:30-8 p.m. For more, visit cibolotx.gov.

DEC. 3

CHRISTMAS KICKOFF Start the holidays with the Festival of Angels from 6-10 p.m. at the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex, 1400 Schertz Parkway in Schertz. A lighted night parade, music from school choirs and bands, warm food, beverages and snow make for a winter wonderland. For more, go to www.visitschertz.com.

READY, SET, GO – PART II The St. Jude’s Jingle Bell 5K, and other races, presented by the Comal Independent School District, begins at 8 a.m. at 1281 Gruene Road in New Braunfels. The annual run benefits St. Jude’s Ranch for Children. For more including registration costs, visit https:// www.athleteguild.com/running.

CIBOLO PARADE The second annual Holiday Parade will start at 10 a.m. from Everyday Christian Fellowship, 950 N. Main St. in Cibolo, and end at City Hall, 200 S. Main St. For more or to participate, call Peggy Cimics at 5666111 or email pcimics@cibolotx.gov.

SCHERTZ CHAMBER EVENTS UPCOMING The Schertz Chamber of Commerce has the following activities. For more, call 619-1950 or visit www.schertzchamber.org. Offices will be closed for holiday observances Nov. 26-27 (Thanksgiving), Dec. 24-25 (Christmas) and Dec. 31-Jan. 1 (New Year’s). December’s Special Holiday monthly luncheon is 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Schertz Civic Center, 1400 Schertz Parkway. General admission is $28, $19 for Chamber members who RSVP by Nov. 24. The Schertz Chamber Military Affairs Committee will host its second annual “SC MAC Yourself Into Shape” workshop and job fair for veterans, transitioning current military members and their spouses on

DEC. 4

DEC. 12

READY, SET, GO – PART I Be set for exercise at Blue Bonnet Palace, 17630 Lookout Road in Selma, at 8:30 a.m. The Fiscally Fit 5K run/walk and kids’ fun run benefits the Junior Achievement South Texas program and Schertz, Cibolo and Universal City students. For more, call Jennifer Lincoln at 490-2007, ext. 113 or Felicia Breaux at 490-2007, ext. 116.

DEC. 12

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM HAPPENING continues from pg. 08 Feb. 17 at Wayland Baptist University, 11550 Interstate 35 North. Topics at the free event include resumé preparation, educational opportunities, personal branding and communication skills, and dressing for success at employment interviews. A job fair, featuring local area businesses seeking employees, follows at 2 p.m. Registration commences at 7:30 a.m.; workshops begin at 8:30 a.m. For more, contact Kathleen Kiernan at 590-5607 or visit the MAC link at the Chamber website. The Schertz Chamber Toastmasters convene each Monday at 6:45 p.m. at the Comfort Inn & Suites meeting room, 5571 Interstate 35 North in Selma. TRIUMPHANT LUTHERAN CHURCH SERVICES The Garden Ridge church, 21315 Bat Cave Road, will present the Christmas cantata “One Silent Night” at 5 p.m. the first day, and 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. the following morning. Everyone is welcome. For more, call Mary Feuge at 599-4812 or visit www.triumphantlutheran.org.

DEC. 12-13

SANTA AND A MOVIE Come to Live Oak Main Park, 18001 Park Drive in Live Oak, at 6 p.m. for wintry fun. “Holiday Family Fun Night” with hot chocolate and reindeer food includes a visit from Santa Claus until 9 p.m. and a showing of the film “The Polar Express” at 8:15 p.m. For more, visit www.liveoaktx.net.

DEC. 18

CONVERSE LIBRARY CHILDREN’S STORY TIMES WEEKLY Readings are 10:30-11:30 a.m. each Wednesday at the Converse Public Library, 601 S. Seguin St. The free event gives toddlers an early start to literacy through books, music and arts and crafts. Parents are urged to arrive promptly; youngsters must be supervised. For more, call 659-4160. RANDOLPH METROCOM ROTARY The club meets WEEKLY Wednesdays at noon at the Olympia Hills Golf & Event Center, 12900 Mount Olympus St. in Universal City. For more, visit www. randolphmetrocomrotary.org.

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“Sleigh bells and Cowboy Boots” December 12-31 Free Ceremony Saturday, Dec. 12 6p.m.-9p.m. City Hall

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NOV. 23 - DEC. 14, 2015

HAPPENING continues from pg. 09

ELSEWHERE IN SAN ANTONIO

NORTHEAST ROTARY WEEKLY MEETINGS The San Antonio Northeast Rotary Club gathers 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday at The Lion & Rose British Restaurant & Pub in The Forum shopping center, 8211 Agora Parkway, Suite 112 in Live Oak. For more, visit www.sanortheastrotary.com.

KIDS’ SHOWS Larry the Cucumber, Bob the Tomato and other vegetable characters invade the Tobin Center, 100 Auditorium Circle in San Antonio, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. for “VeggieTales Live! Little Kids Do Big Things.” The high-energy musical is sure to delight children of all ages and families. Tickets are available via the center’s box office, or call 2238624, or visit www.tobincenter.org.

CONVERSE HOLIDAY ONGOING COLLECTION The Blue Santa program is a cooperative effort through the Converse Police Department and others to purchase gifts each year at holiday time for distribution to needy children and families in the community. For more, call 658-2322. GOODWILL PICKUPS ONGOING Goodwill Industries offers donation pickup services for large amounts of clothing, household items and furniture at Bexar County residences. For more, call 271-8881 or fill out pickup forms available at www. goodwillsa.org/home-pickup-services.

NOV. 27

SUBWAY KIDS ROCK As part of the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon & ½ Marathon, Subway is sponsoring a 1-mile event for kids in kindergarten through seventh grade. It starts at 9:30 a.m. at SeaWorld San Antonio and is noncompetitive. The cost is $25; to register, go to kidsrock.competitor. com and click on the San Antonio link. SeaWorld is at 10500 SeaWorld Drive.

DEC. 5

deserving family. Game tickets start at $13. For more, go to harlemglobetrotters. com, ticketmaster.com, the AT&T Center box office, or call 800-745-3000.

days. Join top bartenders, international experts and national cocktail enthusiasts as they imbibe, eat and play for charity. There will be guided tastings, parties, educational seminars, dinners and more benefiting Houston Street Charities and children’s causes. For more including ticket purchasing and specific event times, visit http://www. sanantoniococktailconference.com or https:// www.facebook.com/SACocktailConference.

WHERE IS SESAME STREET IN SAN ANTONIO? For two days and three total performances, the Freeman Coliseum, 3201 E. Houston St. in San Antonio, will temporarily transform to “Sesame Street Live – Make a New Friend.” Saturday’s productions featuring Elmo, Grover and the rest of the gang starts at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., with Sunday’s curtain rising at 1 p.m. Costs range from $17-$55. For more information, call 444-5000. To charge tickets, call Ticketmaster at 800-7453000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

FEB. 6-7

BASKETBALL FOR A CAUSE As part of their 2016 tour, the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters will bring their unrivaled show to the AT&T Center, 1 AT&T Center Parkway in San Antonio, for two 7 p.m. exhibitions. As a precursor to displaying basketball skills, trickery and tomfoolery, the goodwill ambassadors are introducing a program titled “The Great Assist.” Players want to leave a mark on the community by encouraging fans to visit GreatAssist. com to nominate a worthwhile cause or

JAN. 26, 28

SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all

the details along with your contact information two months in advance to tips@localcommunitynews.com.

ON THE HORIZON CHEERS! The fifth annual San Antonio Cocktail Conference takes place on the city’s downtown streets for four consecutive

JAN. 14-17

LOCAL IS WHERE YOU ARE LOCAL IS WHAT WE DO ONLINE EDTIONS @ WWW.SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

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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. JIMMY GONZALES BASEBALL ACADEMY, 112 Commercial Place in

Schertz, is operated by the area select-team baseball coach and professional baseball scout, and his squad of instructors. The facility, which includes batting cages and offers hitting and pitching workshops, is open 4-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 865-7337 or visit www.jimscout.com or facebook. com/JimmyGonzalesBaseballAcademy. (See story on page 32)

2. BRACKEN STORE & ICE HOUSE, 18415

Bracken Drive in Bracken, is located at the original Bracken Store Cafe venue and debuted in October offering beer and wine; on the same site is a food truck serving seafood, Cajun and home-style culinary dishes. Operator Ken Lawrence is the exowner of City Hall Grill in Selma. Hours for

BEFOR

Address of local business Name of local business

the store and icehouse are noon to midnight Sunday through Friday and noon to 1 a.m. Saturday. Uncle Mike’s Food Truck is open Monday through Friday for breakfast and lunch. For more, call 281-8853 or visit www.facebook.com/Bracken-Storeand-Ice-House. (See story on page 33)

AFTER Family Dentist Cosmetic & Dental Implant Center IN SCHERTZ

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3. AIM HIGH GYMNASTICS, FITNESS & HEALTH LLC, 1420 Schertz Parkway, Suite

150 in Schertz, offers gymnastic tutoring for youngsters ages 18 months to 13 years old, group, personal fitness and athletic training for soccer, baseball, basketball and football, as well as adult general fitness, health and wellness, and gymnastic-training programs. Open 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, and 9-11 a.m. Saturday. Open

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LOWDOWN continues on pg. 34

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NOV. 23 - DEC. 14, 2015 MESSAGE FROM THE JISD SUPERINTENDENT

Excellence is a tradition in JISD by DR. CARL MONTOYA

he more time I spend as Judson Independent School District superintendent, I get to know more about our quality teachers, students and staff members, and even learn their stories. They inspire and remind me why education is still such a rewarding experience. Eliana Parada, a former Kitty Hawk Middle School eighth-grader, now a freshman at Judson High School, represented JISD at workshops — the SkillsUSA Summer Leadership Conference in Burnet and the SkillsUSA Washington Leadership and Training Institute in our nation’s capital. The experience and leadership of Julian Acevedo, who mentored Eliana at Kitty Hawk and many other JISD students during his career, was also recently rewarded by his peers, who elected him president of the Texas Industrial Vocational Association. Judson High’s girls track team has won University Interscholastic League state championships the past two years. Renee Gerbich, who encouraged and molded the team into a cohesive unit, was recently honored as U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association’s 2015 Coach of the Year for Texas. Then there’s Bonnie Anderson, who for years has earned a great reputation

introducing the world of music to Coronado Village Elementary School students. Anderson caught the eye of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences’ Grammy Foundation, which selected her from more than 4,500 applicants as one of 25 semifinalists for its 2016 Music Educator Award. The top 10 finalists will be announced in December, but whatever happens we already know she’s one of the best teachers around. Other successes extend to accomplishments by the newest JISD schools. The 2013 bond created Copperfield Elementary School, which opened for the 2014-15 school year. Its top-notch leadership and instruction has helped reduce enrollment numbers and the need for portable classrooms at a number of other elementary schools. Along with creating new schools, maintaining and renovating older campuses and buildings is also a growing need in our district, as some facilities require the outside attention that will match the great instruction being provided inside. In meeting those needs across JISD, we’ll create an unbeatable learning environment. In coming months, we’ll be speaking with voters and outlining future plans designed to enrich educational quality and improve campus functionality for students and staffers in all JISD communities. As part of that, JISD is planning a great social event designed especially for our senior citizens. The event, scheduled Feb. 6, 2016, at Judson Early College Academy, will include live music from one of our high school jazz bands, light refreshments and door prizes. More details will come; we invite you to join us.

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2 1/2 YRS. TO 8TH GRADE Academic Excellence ~ T.C.C.E.D. accredited Leader in Technology Middle School Before and After Education Athletic Program School Care 210-658-6701 • WWW.SAINTMONICA.NET *St. Monica admits students of any race, religion and national or ethnic origin*

ADULT & COMMUNITY

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT REGISTER To enroll and pay for classes, visit the Judson Community Education Webstore at: http://judsonisd.revtrak.net Check the webstore often for new classes!

ENROLLMENT & INFO LINES 210-619-0425 or 210-619-0426 Keep thru May 2016 Register early to reserve slot

ENRICH YOUR LIFE The community education classes are provided to offer a variety of classes for your learning pleasure and fun. Classes are offered for all ages. If you would like to teach a class, please submit a proposal. The proposal form can be found on line at www.judsonisd.org. Click on “Community” and then “Adult & Community Education.” Send your class proposal to dhanz@ judsonisd.org. If you have questions, call Diana Hanz at 619-0427. Enjoy taking our classes.

WINDOWS 10 UPDATE BRING LAPTOP TO CLASS & GET HELP LOADING Bring your laptop and Digital Dave will help you install Windows 10 to get you up & running. Windows 10 is a free download until Sept. 2016 when Microsoft will start charging about

$120 for the software. If you want to upgrade to Windows 10 while it is free, then join this class now! You would be save a lot of money. The class is designed for anyone who doesn’t feel comfortable loading Windows 10 on their own. While Windows 10 is loading on your computer, Dave will show you the features of Windows 10 and answer any questions. (Min4/Max12) $39 Meets for 2 classes $39 Morning Class 10am-12:30pm (JMS) Jan 26 & 27 (T/W) Evening Class 6-8:30 pm (JLA) Feb 3 & 4 (W/Th) Dave Oliver, Instructor Judson Middle School Bldg. B-rear entrance (JMS) Judson Learning Academy (JLA) Rolling Oaks Mall -2nd level next to Sears COMPUTER BASICS PLUS This beginner class will get you started on the computer. Everyone has to start somewhere. Learn the basics of these spectacular tools & overcome your fears. From using a mouse and saving your work to email, exploring the internet, and printing. This class will provide you with the basics you need to begin enjoying the wonderful world of computers. You will learn the proper names of the computer & how they function. You will learn how to create documents, how to save them, & retrieve them later. Take the entrance ramp to the information super-highway & join us for this

hands-on learning experience. Come and learn in a relaxed atmosphere. Let Ms. Smith show you the basics so you can enjoy your computer and all that it offers. All necessary materials will be provided. Min 4/Max 10) Meets for 5 classes $99 Morning Class 10 am - 12:00 pm Sess 1: Feb 1, 2, 3, 4, & 8 Sess 2: Feb 16, 17, 18, 23 & 24 Evening Class 6:00-8:00 pm Sess 3: Apr 5, 6, 7, 12, & 13 Ryane Smith, Instructor Judson Middle School, Bldg. B – rear entrance INTRODUCTION TO MICROSOFT EXCEL 2010 – LEVEL 1 You will become acquainted with the Excel spreadsheet program used on most of the world’s computers. Learn the many labor-saving features of this application to enhance your knowledge of spreadsheets for business & your own personal use. Prerequisite: Computers Basics Plus, have keyboarding skills & familiar with the Windows operating system. (Min4/ Max10) Meets 6-8:00 pm for 5 classes $139 Sess 1: Feb 1, 2, 3, 4 & 8 Sess 2: Apr 18, 19, 20, 21 & 26 Ryane Smith, Instructor Judson Middle School, Bldg. B-rear entrance INTRODUCTION TO MICROSOFT EXCEL 2010 – LEVEL 2 This Level 2 class builds on what was covered in Level 1. Students will

CAMPUSES Candlewood Elementary 3635 Candleglenn San Antonio, TX 78244 Converse Elementary 6720 F.M. 1516 Converse, TX 78109 Copperfield Elementary 7595 E. Loop 1604 N Converse, TX 78109 Coronado Village Elementary 213 Amistad Universal City, TX 78148 Crestview Elementary 7710 Narrow Pass San Antonio, TX 78233 Ed Franz Elementary 12301 Welcome Dr. Live Oak, TX 78233

learn to create tables, charts, & learn how to manage lists of data. Create formulas and use Excel’s many built-in functions to perform complex, reliable calculations on large quantities of data. (Min4/Max10) Meets for 5 classes from 6-8:00 pm $139 Sess 1: Mar 28, 29, 30, 31 & Apr 4 Sess 2: May 9, 10, 11, 12 & 16 Ryane Smith, Instructor Judson Middle School, Bldg. B-rear entrance SECURITY ON YOUR COMPUTER How Secure are You & Your Computer? This class will assist you in securing your computer. Is the information you have stored on your computer sensitive & valuable to you? Is it secure from predators that try to gain information from your computer? You will learn what computer programs are available to help with security issues. Learn how to protect your confidential information on your computer (i.e., user names, passwords, files, photos, financial & personal information, etc.) Where is this information stored – on the web, in the “cloud,” or on the computer? If you use a wireless connection – is it secure? Learn how to be secure when on Facebook, financial institutions, ordering items online & anytime you connect to the internet. Learn

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Judson Learning Academy Rolling Oaks Mall-2nd Level next to Sears 6909 N Loop 1604 E #2010 San Antonio, TX 78247 Kirby Middle School 5441 Seguin Rd. San Antonio, TX 78219 Kitty Hawk Middle School 840 Cimarron Trail Universal City, TX 78148 Masters Elementary 2650 Woodlake Parkway San Antonio, TX 78244 Miller’s Point Elementary 7027 Misty Ridge Converse, TX 78109 Olympia Elementary 8439 Athenian Universal City, TX 78148

Elolf Elementary 6335 Beech Trail Converse, TX 78109

COMPUTER CLASSES DEMONSTRATION OF A TOUCH SCREEN & WINDOWS 10 SEMINAR The new Windows 10 was released late Sept. 2015. Should you update? How does the new Windows 10 look? Digital Dave will cover the new features with a demonstration of the new operating system on a touch screen computer. The new software works with touch screen electronics or a mouse & it is quite different from previous versions of Windows. REMEMBER – Windows 10 is a free upgrade until Sept. 29, 2016 & then it will cost $120. Dave has been involved with computers and software for many years and kept up-to-date on the latest. Come join this lively discussion and learn the latest from Digital Dave! (min7/max15) Meets for 1 class $17 Morning Class 10am-12:30pm (JMS) Jan 19 (T) Evening Class 6-8:30 pm (JLA) Jan 28 (Th) Dave Oliver, Instructor Judson Middle School Bldg. B-rear entrance (JMS) Judson Learning Academy (JLA) Rolling Oaks Mall-2nd level next to Sears

ADVERTORIAL - JUDSON ISD

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

Hartman Elementary 7203 Woodlake Parkway San Antonio, TX 78218

Park Village Elementary 5855 Midcrown Dr. San Antonio, TX 78218

Hopkins Elementary 2440 Ackerman Rd. San Antonio, TX 78219

Paschall Elementary 6351 Lake View Dr. San Antonio, TX 78244

Judson District Office 8012 Shin Oak Live Oak, TX 78233

Performing Arts Center 9443 Schaefer Rd. Converse, TX 78109

Judson Early College Academy (JECA) 8230 Palisades Dr. Live Oak, TX 78148-3186

Rolling Meadows Elementary 17222 FM 2252 (Nacogdoches Rd) San Antonio, TX 78266

Judson Education Community Center GED Test Site 102 School St. Converse, TX 78109

Salinas Elementary 10560 Cimarron Trail Universal City, TX 78148 Spring Meadows Elementary 7135 Elm Trail San Antonio, TX 78244

Judson Educational Resource Center 8205 Palisades Drive Live Oak, TX 78233 Judson Middle School 9695 Schaefer Rd. Converse, TX 78109 Judson High School 9142 FM 78 Converse, TX 78109

Wagner High School 3000 N. Foster Road San Antonio, TX 78244 Woodlake Elementary 5501 Lakebend E. San Antonio, TX 78244

OFFICE Judson Adult & Community Education Adventure Club Afterschool Program Judson Middle School-B Building 9695 Schaefer Rd., Converse, TX 78109 Call 210-619-0426 • Fax 210-619-0499 Take drive next to baseball field & drive to rear of building where you will see our signs above double doors.

ADVERTORIAL - JUDSON ISD

NOVEMBER 2015

MUSIC most popular musical instrument of choice. Guitar-like instruments can be found throughout history since ancient times. European settlers coming to the New World brought the instrument with them to America. It has evolved through the years to become one of the most popular instruments. Learn to sing along while you learn to play the guitar. Your teacher, Raquel Castillo, is young at heart & has been teaching for years. She loves to pick a tune and sing along. She will teach you how to tune your guitar. Accompany yourself with chords and learn how to play this popular instrument that has withstood the changing test of time. Bring your guitar and learn to pick a tune with our expert! Students will receive lessons to practice at home to develop their skills. This class is geared for 6 year olds & up. (Min5/max.10) Tuesdays for 6 sessions 5:30-6:30 p.m. $72 Sess 1: Feb 2, 9, 16, 23, Mar 1 & 8 Sess 2: Apr 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3, & 10 Raquel Castillo, Instructor Judson Middle School Bldg B

PIANO LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS Level 1 & 2 - Ages 6 - 12 Beautiful melodies played by pianists have entertained many generations. Has your child always wanted to play the piano? Find out if your child can develop the talent and skills to play a modern marvel that has opened the doorway to learning other instruments! Join this fun class to learn how to play a tune by ear and to learn basic music theory. Students will receive lesson handouts to practice at home. For students to develop their skills at playing the piano, it is recommended that they practice at least ½ to 1 hour per day. Students will be advanced from Level 1 to Level 2 by the instructor as their skills improve. In Level 2 students will continue learning more about the treble clef, base clef & advance to sharps & flats. Bring your keyboard to class. (Min5/max.10) Tuesdays for 6 classes 6:45-7:45 p.m. $72 Sess 1: Feb 2, 9, 16, 23, Mar 1 & 8 Sess 2: Apr 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3, & 10 Raquel Castillo, Instructor Judson Middle School Bldg B

COMPUTER CLASSES PIANO LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS Level 1 & 2 - Age 13 – Adults Have you always wanted to play the piano? You are never too old to learn! Find out if you have the talent & learn how to develop your skills to play beautiful melodies! Join this fun class taught by Raquel Castillo. She will teach you how to play a tune by ear and she will also teach basic music theory. Students will receive lesson handouts to practice at home. For students to develop their skills at playing the piano, it is recommended that they practice at least ½ to 1 hour per day. Students will be advanced from Level 1 to Level 2 by the instructor as their skills improve. In Level 2 students will continue learning more about the treble clef, base clef & advance to sharps & flats. Bring your keyboard to class. (Min5/max.10) Tuesdays for 6 classes 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. $72 Sess 1: Feb 2, 9, 16, 23, Mar 1 & 8 Sess 2: Apr 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3, & 10 Raquel Castillo, Instructor Judson Middle School Bldg B

CPR, FIRST AID & AARP DRIVER SAFETY CPR, FIRST AID, AARP DRIVER SAFETY Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Basic Life Support for Health Care Provider - American Heart Association Save the life of a friend or family member. Course covers: - CPR for adult, child, and infant including two-rescuer - Bag valve mask and pocket mask - Foreign body airway obstruction (conscious and unconscious) - Automatic external defibrillation (AED) Intended for certified or non-certified, licensed or non-licensed healthcare providers, such as: - EMT technicians - Physicians, Dentists, Nurses - Respiratory, Physical and Occupational Therapists - Medical and Nursing Students Certification is offered at completion of course & is recognized by the American Heart Assoc. guidelines. One session, 6:00-10:00 p.m. $40 per person Jan 7 (Th), Jan 19 (T), Feb 3 (W) Feb 16 (T), Mar 3 (Th), Mar 22 (T) Apr 4 (M), Apr 27 (W), May 2 (M) May 18 (W) Rod Jensen, Instructor Judson Middle School – B Bldg.

Feb 22 (M), Mar 7 (M), Mar 30 (W) Apr 14 (Th) Rod Jensen, Instructor Judson Middle School – B Bldg.

HEARTSAVER FIRST AID American Heart Association Do you really know how to use that first aid kit in your home or office? Learn how to save the life of a friend or family member. Course covers: - General principles of first aid, medical emergencies, injury emergencies and environmental emergencies. - How to manage illness and injuries during the first few minutes of an emergency until professional help arrives Intended for all individuals who have a duty to respond to a first aid emergency because of job responsibilities

or regulatory requirements, including: - Security and Airline Personnel - Camp Counselors - Police and Firefighters - Teachers and Daycare Workers - Aerobics Instructors/PhysicalFitness Trainers - Other individuals who want or need first aid training All classes use 1 full set of manikins and equipment for every 1-2 students in the class allowing for more hands on time. One session, 6:00-9:00 p.m. $30 per person Jan 13 (W), Jan 28 (Th), Feb 9 (T)

AARP DRIVER SAFETY PROGRAM In this refresher course AARP members & non-members, veteran drivers will learn defensive driving techniques, new traffic laws & rules of the road. Drivers learn how to compensate for age-related changes in vision, hearing & reaction time. This is not a ticket dismissal course, but drivers may be able to obtain a 3 year reduction in car insurance upon completion. A supply fee of $15 for AARP members or $20 for non-members is payable to the instructor (cash or check to AARP). Bring your Driver’s License & AARP membership card (if a member). Contact AARP membership 1-888-6872277 if you misplaced your membership card. If you have special needs, please let us know when registering. The building is handicap accessible thru south doors. Online registration is not available for this course. Call 619-0426 to reserve seat. Meets for one session 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Mar 9 (W) May 11 (W) Roy Ball, Instructor Judson Middle School – Bldg B

OUR MILITARY KIDS Our Military Kids provides substantial support in the form of grants to the children of National Guard and Military Reserve personnel who are currently deployed overseas as well as the children of Wounded Warriors in all branches. The grants from Our Military Kids pay for participation in sports, fine arts, tutoring programs, drivers’ education, Community Education classes that nurture children while a parent is serving our country or recovering from injury. For information, visit http://www.ourmilitarykids.org or call 703-734-6654

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

how to wisely use a credit card online. Learn terms like: phishing, secure web site, encryption, etc. This class will make sure your “security quotient” is up to par. (Min 4/Max15) Meets once from 6-8:30 pm $29 Sess 1: Feb 23 (T) Sess 2: Mar 7 (M) Sess 3: Mar 10 (Th) Sess 4: May 5 (Th) Ryane Smith, Instructor Judson Middle School, Bldg. B SOCIAL MEDIA 101 Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Twitter. There’s so much to keep up with & so little time. Social media has made an impact & you haven’t been able to get up to date on just how to use it. This beginner’s course in social media applications will get you up to speed. All questions regarding Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & LinkedIn will be answered. Ms. Smith will give you a deeper understanding on how to use social media for its full affect & application. Come join us! (Min4/Max10 Meets for 2 classes pm $49 Afternoon Class 1-3:00 pm Sess 1: Feb 1 & 2 Sess 2: Feb 3 & 4 Evening Class 6-8:00 pm Sess 1: Mar 8 & 9 Sess 2: May 3 & 4 Ryane Smith , Instructor Judson Middle School, Bldg. B – rear entrance

CRAFTS & HOBBIES SEW YOUR OWN CLOTHES Ages 8 - Adults This class will guide you through measuring, cutting, making patterns to fit your body style, & designing an outfit made with a pattern to fit you. Designing and making your own fashion clothes will be exciting! Bring to class: thread, scissors, needles, straight pins, pin cushion, tissue paper, ruler, measuring tape, 3 yards material for a pair of pants & portable sewing machine. Additional projects will be completed as time allows for the class. For ages 8 & up. Meets Mon for 6 classes 6:30-8:30 p.m. $74 Sess 1: Jan 25, Feb 1, 8, 22, 29, & Mar 7 (no class Jan 15) Sess 2: Apr 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2, & 9 Raquel Castillo, Instructor Judson Middle School Bldg B

TEXAS ADVANCE DIRECTIVES Living Wills, Medical Power of Attorney, Out of Hospital DNR, Etc. This class will teach participants about Texas Advance Directives. You will learn documents that may be required in a medical emergency situation for anyone 18 years or older. Come learn about this before the need arises and then it is too late. Students will be able to complete these documents in class & notarization of class documents is included in the cost of the class. At the end of the course, students will be provided with a folder containing their completed original documents. (The instructor is a notary and other documents can be notarized at the end of class fee of $5 payable to instructor for documents brought in by students). Meets Thurs. 3 times from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. $89 Sess 1: Apr 7, 14, & 21 Sess 2: May 12, 19, & 26 Instructor: Sabrina Allen, MBA, LCSW, FAPA Judson Middle School – B Bldg.

SPRING 2016 GED AND ESL GED Test Center at 102 School St. Annex Bldg., Converse, TX GED (GENERAL EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT) PREPARATION PROGRAM Students must attend mandatory registration & enroll. No walk-ins after registration. GED classes assist students in preparing to take the GED exams (Science, Social Studies, Reasoning Through Language Arts & Mathematical Reasoning). Students gain academic skills necessary for the successful completion of their Texas high school equivalency certificate. Classes are structured and led by a teacher. Eligible students must be 18 years or older. Students that are 17 years old must have withdrawal forms from last school attended & accompanied by a parent or guardian. Students that are16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, present a copy of the court order & withdrawal documentation from last school attended. Registration and classes meet at 102 School Street, Converse, TX in the annex building (located next to the Judson ISD Police Station). MORNING GED CLASS GED Class Registration: Jan 11 & 12, 2016 Placement testing will take 2-3 hours ABE/GED Class Registration: Jan 13, 2016 Placement testing will take 2-3 hours From 9:00 am–12:00 p.m. Classes begin: Feb 2, 2016 Classes end: May 19, 2016 Classes meet: Tues, Wed, & Thurs From 9:00 am–12:00 p.m. EVENING GED CLASS ABE/GED Class Registration: Jan 13, 2016 at 6:00 pm Placement testing will take 2-3 hours

Classes begin: Feb 2, 2016 Classes end: May 19, 2016 Classes meet: Tues, Wed, & Thurs From 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. ESL (ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE) CLASSES Students must attend mandatory registration & enroll. No walk-ins after registration. The ESL course is for adults who wish to learn or improve their speaking, reading, and writing skills in the English language. The Civics portion provides a basic introduction to U.S. history & government as well as preparation for students applying for citizenship. Registration is first-come, first served; so come early. Bring a form of identification, i.e. driver’s license, state I.D. or social security number. Registration and classes meet at 102 School Street, Converse, TX in the annex building (located next to the Judson ISD Police Station). MORNING ESL CLASSES Registration: Jan 11 & 12, 2016 Placement testing will take 2-3 hours From 9:00 am-12:00 p.m. ADVANCED ESL Class meets on Tues., Wed. & Thurs. Feb 2 – May 19, 2016 From 9:00 am-12:00 p.m. INTERMEDIATE ESL Class meets Wed. & Thurs. Feb 3 – May 19 From 9:00 am-12:00 p.m. BEGINNING ESL Class meets Mon & Tues Feb 1 – May 17, 2016 From 9:00 am-12:00 p.m.

INVESTMENTS BEGINNING INVESTING AND RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS Where Do You Begin? Have you ever wanted to start investing some money but have little knowledge, time, or money? Have you started your own long term retirement fund? Nothing is promised when it comes to retirement pension funds. This class provides an understanding of what to expect when starting investing. It also provides a structure to build your knowledge gradually as you become familiar with finance-speak. Students will be introduced to Roth versus Traditional IRAs and how to open an investment/ retirement account. You will be introduced to securities and other products included in the “Market.” Learn how to read online tools & manipulate them to gain a historical perspective on stock performance of companies. Review industry practices & market volatility to refrain from making bad

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investment decisions. You know more than you think you do. If you want to learn what to expect when investing and how to evaluate information to select your own investments for the long term, this course if for you. Rob Saunders will help you connect the dots on investments and finances. Join this lively discussion & bring your questions to class! Handouts will be provided. Meets for 4 classes $39 Mornings 9:30 – 10:30 am Tues. Sess 1: Feb 2, 9, 16, & 23 (JMS) Sess 2: Apr 5, 12, 19, & 26 (JMS)

EVENING ESL CLASSES Beginning ESL and Intermediate/Advanced ESL Classes Registration: Jan 11 & 12, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. Placement testing will take 2-3 hours Classes begin: Feb 2, 2016 Classes end: May 19, 2016 Classes meet: Tues., Wed., & Thurs. From 5:30 pm – 8:30 p.m.

HEALTH & WELLNESS EL PROGRAMA DE PREPARACION PARA GED Y ESL/CIVICS La informacion de registracion para las clases de GED y ESL/Civics en espanol, estaran en el periodo de la Primavera. Los estudiantes se registraran en Enero para las clases de GED y ESL/Civics en espanol por la manana y por la tarde. Para mas informacion visite la pagina electronica www. JudsonISD.org.

GED TESTING CENTER INFORMATION You can register for the official GED Test series at: www.ged.com. Please note that ALL registration, scheduling and payment must be submitted online via a secure portal. The JISD GED Test Center is on the second floor of the Judson Education Community Center located

at 102 School Street, Converse, TX. The computer based testing (CBT) series is available in English and Spanish. Valid ID required. You may also visit the Test Center’s webpage under the COMMUNITY tab at www.judsonisd.org. Click the GED PROGRAM link.

ONLINE COURSES BY ED2GO

ED2GO CAREER CERTIFICATION TRAINING PROGRAMS Ed2go Online Instruction Center Are you thinking about starting a new career, a part time business, or improve skills to advance in your existing career? You’ve come to the right place! Check out our online Ed2go Career Training Programs at http:// www.ed2go.com/judson. You can start anytime and many programs can be completed in less than 6 months. All learning materials are provided for your in-depth study. You will receive personal instructor assistance. After achieving a successful passing score, you will receive a certificate of completion. The categories listed in the catalog include professions in the following: Healthcare & Fitness Business & Professional IT & Software Development Management & Corporate Media & Design Hospitality & Service Industry Skilled Trades & Industrial Sustainable Energy & Going Green

Ed2go Online Instruction Center Additionally, Ed2Go offers a large variety of interactive online courses led by expert instructors. Courses begin monthly & are 6 weeks in length. Go to http://www.ed2go.com/ judson to view the catalog or search for a specific class of interest to you. You can study at your own pace any time of day or evening. Categories include: Accounting & Finance Business & Professional College Readiness Computer Applications Design and Composition Health Care and Medical Language and Arts Law and Legal Personal Development Teaching and Education Technology Test Preparation (SAT/ACT,GED, GMAT, GRE, LSAT, etc.) Writing and Publishing

ON-LINE GED & ESL PREP COURSES BY ED2GO GED PREPARATION Visit http://www.ed2go.com/judson to register for our online “GED Preparation” course. Work at your own pace day or night.

Evenings 6:00-7:00 pm Thurs. Sess 3: Mar 3, 10, 24, & 31 (JMS) no class Mar 17 Sess 4: May 5, 12, 19 & 26 (JLA)

PREPARE FOR THE GED MATH TEST Visit http://www.ed2go.com/judson to register for our online “Prepare for GED Math Test” course. You can study the course at your convenience 24/7.

WRITING FOR ESL Visit http://www.ed2go.com/judson to register for our online “Writing for ESL” course. You can work on the course lessons according to your schedule anytime of the day. For more information visit our website at www.JudsonISD.org

Rob Saunders, Instructor Judson Middle School Bldg B (JMS) Judson Learning Academy (JLA)

GRAMMAR FOR ESL Visit http://www.ed2go.com/judson to

Check the website often for updates and new classes!

INTRODUCTION TO ESSENTIAL OILS Essential Oils have been used for thousands of years throughout history and are making a comeback! It’s great to learn how pure, therapeutic grade essential oils have modern day uses, and are more than just fragrance. Common essential oils and their practical uses will be covered. Essential oil testimonials are an effective way of learning and sharing. With this knowledge, we can take control of our own personal health. However, these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products and techniques mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information provided in class is in no way intended to replace proper medical help. Consult with the health authority of your choice. A $5 supply fee to cover cost of oils & materials is payable to the instructor at the beginning of class. This class is led by: Jean Dukes, RN, & Certified Aromatherapist. (min.5/max.15) Meets once from 6:30-9:00 pm $20 per person Jan 28 (Th), Mar 3 (Th), Apr 5 (T), May 19 (Th) Jean Dukes, Instructor Judson Learning Academy (JLA)’

MEDICARE DEMYSTIFICATION MEDICARE MONEY SAVING TIPS This class explains the basics of Medicare but more importantly it answers many common questions about Medicare as well as questions you would never know to ask. A lot of what you learn is not available on the internet, is difficult to find, or requires a serious time commitment to acquire. We will be addressing the following questions and more: When should I apply for Part B? What are the penalties for not taking Part B when it is first available? What are the benefits of not taking Part B when it is first available? What are the penalties for not taking Part D when it is first available? I’m losing my group insurance – what should I do? I have TRS, Tri-Care or VA benefits – is there anything I need to be aware of? What are the lock-in provisions of Part D plans & Medicare Advantage Plans? What are the pros & cons of Medicare Supplements & Medicare Advantage Plans? What are the rating methods used to determine the costs of supplements? What is Medicare assignment? What are loss ratios & how will they affect me? What triggers your “Open Enrollment” period? When is Medicare my primary coverage and when is it not? What are the four different enrollment periods? The choices you make when you first become eligible for Medicare will have a huge impact on your future costs, whether they escalate rapidly or increase gradually. It will also determine the quality of care as well as the choice of where you receive your care tomorrow. This class will be the last piece of information you will need in order to make informed decisions about your Medicare options. (Min2/Max20) $10 per person or $15 per couple Morning Class 10am-12noon Sess 1: Mar 9 (W) JMS Sess 2: May 16 (M) JMS Evening Class 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Sess 1: Feb 22 (M) JMS Sess 1: Apr 5 (T) JLA John Young, Instructor Judson Learning Academy (JLA) Judson Middle School-Bldg B (JMS)

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NOVEMBER 2015

KIDS & TEEN CONNECTIONS KARATE FOR ALL BY HILL COUNTRY KARATE This fun course for children is designed for self-defense purposes emphasizing safety awareness. Self-discipline, rather than aggressiveness, is promoted. A certified black belt instructor teaches various karate/self-defense techniques & forms. Visit a class for a free trial session! You may register on campus with instructor. Juniors include ages 5-12 and Adults include ages 13 and older. Uniforms are available for $35 (tax included). Nick Smith, Instructor. Ten weeks of classes or equivalent time due to holidays. $50 semester (plus additional $5 registration fee and $5 insurance fee= $60 total fee) Hopkins Elementary Gym - Mondays Sess 1: Jan 11 – Mar 21 (no class Jan 18, Feb 15 & Mar 14) Sess 2: Mar 28 – May 23 (no class May 30 holiday) Juniors 6:30-7:30 pm - Adults 7:30-8:30 pm F. Luna, Instructor Masters Elementary Gym - Mondays Sess 1: Jan 11 – Mar 21 (no class Jan 18, Feb 15 & Mar 14) Sess 2: Mar 28 – May 23 (no class May 30 holiday) Juniors 6:00-7:00 pm - Adults 7:00-8:00 pm D. Knebel, Instructor Woodlake Hills Middle School Gym Tuesdays Sess 1: Jan 12 – Mar 22 (no class Mar 15) Sess 2: Mar 29 – May 31 Juniors 6:30-7:30 pm - Adults 7:30-8:45 pm B. Breithaupt Converse Elem. Gym - Tuesdays Sess 1: Jan 12 – Mar 22 (no class Mar 15) Sess 2: Mar 29 – May 31 Juniors 6:00-7:00 pm - Adults 7:00-7:45 pm D. Fullerton, Instructor Miller’s Point Elem. Gym Thursdays Sess 1: Jan 14 – Mar 24 (no class Mar 17) Sess 2: Mar 31 – Jun 2 Juniors 6:30-7:30 pm - Adults 7:30-8:30 pm L. Hitchens, Instructor Rolling Meadows Elem. Gym Thursdays Sess 1: Jan 14 – Mar 24 (no class Mar 17) Sess 2: Mar 31 – Jun 2 Juniors 6:00 – 7:00 pm - Adults 7:00 – 8:00 pm J. Hibbard, Instructor ART STARZ Ages 6-12 Join us for a whole semester of creative FUN as we explore drawing, painting and clay sculpture. Students are taught by a professional artist and will learn basic art principles such as composition, color theory and critical thinking skills. They will paint in watercolor and acrylics; draw with pencils and soft pastels; create a clay sculpture that will be kiln fired to last a lifetime! Each session offers “new” lessons for continued creative FUN! Classes meet from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. (Min5/Max18) $89 per session Coronado Elem.– Tues. Sess 1: Jan 19, 26, Feb 2, 9, 16, & 23 Sess 2: Mar 1, 8, 22, 29, Apr 5, & 12 (no class Mar 15)

Millers Point Elem. – Weds. Sess 1: Jan 20, 27, Feb 3, 10, 17, & 24 Sess 2: Mar 2, 9, 23, 30, Apr 6, & 13 (no class Mar 16) Olympia Elem. – Weds. Sess 1: Jan 20, 27, Feb 3, 10, 17, & 24 Sess 2: Mar 2, 9, 23, 30, Apr 6, & 13 (no class Mar 16) Copperfield – Thurs. Sess 1: Jan 21, 28, Feb 4, 11, 18, & 25 Sess 2: Mar 3, 10, 24, 31, Apr 7 & 14 (no class Mar 17) Rolling Meadows Elem.– Thurs. Sess 1: Jan 21, 28, Feb 4, 11, 18, & 25 Sess 2: Mar 3, 10, 24, 31, Apr 7 & 14 (no class Mar 17) MINECRAFT MACHINERY Grades 3 to 5 - Bits, Bytes & Bots Explore the amazing world of Minecraft™ while learning about engineering, problem solving, and basic coding. Programming robots to harvest resources introduces basic coding skills. Explore logic circuitry to build complex traps and contraptions using in-game electricity (what the game calls redstone). We harness the power of Minecraft™ to help your kids write their first code. They think they’re playing a game, but you know better! (Min5/Max12) $120 Meets 2:45 – 4:15 p.m. for 6 weeks Copperfield – Weds. Feb 3, 10, 17, 24, Mar 2 & 9 Rolling Meadows – Thurs. Feb 4, 11, 18, 25, Mar 3, & 10 Chris Rodriguez, Instructor VIDEO GAME CREATION Grades 3 to 5 - Bits, Bytes & Bots Sneaky learning at its best! Capitalize on your kids’ love for video games by letting them build their own. Their imagination is the limit as they use GameMaker Studio™ software to create their unique video games. Your kids will learn programming, apply concepts they’ve learned in math, and have a blast all at once. We use drag and drop programming to create exciting and professional looking games they take home to play with friends & family. (Min5/Max12) $120. Meets 2:45 – 4:15 p.m. for 6 weeks Copperfield – Weds. Apr 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4, & 11 Rolling Meadows – Thurs. Apr 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5 & 12 Chris Rodriguez, Instructor CHILDREN IN CHARGE Babysitting, Emergencies, CPR This course is designed for children beginning at age 7 & up. They will learn the steps to take when babysitting, or alone at home when faced with an emergency. Instruction will be given in the following areas: child & infant CPR, clearing an obstructed airway, First Aid training dealing with home emergencies, fire safety, crime prevention, & telephone etiquette. $25 per child - Meets 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Rolling Meadows Elem. June 2 (Th) Rod Jensen, Instructor

DRAMA KIDS INTERNATIONAL (DKI) A Place Where You Can Be Yourself Drama Kids who take our classes have tons of fun & develop important confidence-building skills that will help them personally & academically. Activities include: improvisations, mini-scripts, speaking skills, character analysis, theater games, creative movement, etc. The spring semester ends with a final performance for all the family & friends to enjoy! If you want your child to get a jump on achievement & success, enroll them today! The Difference is Dramatic! Drama Kids classes meet after school. Visit www.dramakids.com/tx6 for more information & to enroll or call Sandy Detamore at 830-216-7222. Tuition is based on $13 per week. $50 monthly Coronado Village Elem. – Mon Ages 5-12 - Jan 11, 2016 to May 23 from 2:45 – 3:45 p.m. Salinas Elem. – Tues Ages 5-12 - Jan 5, 2016 to May 24 from 2:45 – 3:45 p.m. Masters Elem. – Weds Ages 5-12 - Jan 6, 2016 to May 25 from 2:45 – 3:45 p.m. Rolling Meadows Elem. – Weds Ages 5-7 - Jan 6, 2016 to May 25 from 2:45 – 3:45 p.m. Rolling Meadows Elem. – Weds Ages 8-12 - Jan 6, 2016 to May 25 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Converse Elem.– Thurs Ages 5-12 - Jan 7, 2016 to May 26 from 2:45 – 3:45 p.m. FRIDAY NITE LIVE Planet Kidz for Ages 6-12 Parents and Students!! Judson would like to invite you to one of our locations to enjoy a night full of exciting activities and entertainment. Events may include a live DJ, numerous sports, dancing, tournaments, contests, crafts, face painting, demonstrations and classes, give-aways and prizes!! Each Friday has a theme with a variety of activities for our kids! Parents, have peace of mind knowing your child is in a safe and secure environment. Not only do we host the event at a local school, but we provide a uniformed officer at each event, along with a trained staff to facilitate a variety of activities. Registration forms must be completed on your first visit, of each school year. Parents are required to sign their child in and out, with a valid Driver’s License. Registration forms can be downloaded from www. planetkidz.org. Concessions and novelties are available at an additional cost by purchasing tickets. Unused tickets can be redeemed throughout the year! FNL meets most Friday’s, from September through May. Our website is www.facebook.com/ FNLJ4K. You can also join our Group Page at Friday Nite Live – Judson. We update our website with the monthly Calendars, photos and more! We will also add you to our email group and send out email reminders! Closed on: Early Release Days, Student Holidays or designated Campus event days. Hours: 7:00-10:30 p.m. (Late pick up fee of $5.00)

Cost - $12.00 per child (cash or credit cards only) Concession Tickets - $0.25 each (Students spend on average $5-$8) Locations: Copperfield, Elolf, & Rolling Meadows Elementary Spring start date: Jan 8, 2016 TEE IT UP WITH TGA Premier Junior Golf TGA Premier Golf brings the golf course to your school & classes meet immediately after school! Our national, award winning, 5 level program is designed for children & builds upon the educational concepts they learn in the classroom including math & science. Fun & safety come first in every TGA class, but the curriculum focuses on improving motor skills & physical fitness as well as instilling self-confidence & life values through professional golf instruction. Students learn the fundamentals, etiquette & rules of the game in the comfortable environment of their school campus with a low 10:1 student to professional instructor ratio. Equipment and training materials are provided so children of all skill levels have the chance to come out & tee it up with TGA. Meets for 5 weeks - $99 Rolling Meadows Elem Mon. 2:45 – 3:45 p.m. Sess 1: Feb 1, 8, 22, 29, & Mar 7 (no class Feb 15) Sess 2: Apr 4, 11, 18, 25, & May 2 Copperfield Elem – Tues. 2:45 – 3:45 p.m. Sess 1: Feb 2, 9, 16, 23, & Mar 1 Sess 2: Apr 5, 12, 19, 26, & May 3 Olympia Elem – Thurs. 2:45 – 3:45 p.m. Sess 1: Feb 4, 11, 18, 25, & Mar 3 Sess 2: Apr 7, 14, 21, 28, & May 5 Parents must complete the TGA Participant Information and Waiver form which can be downloaded from the Judson website on the Adult and Community Education webpage under downloads in the left column. The information on that page must be kept current and parents must sign their child out at the end of class for their safety. Be prepared to show your identification until instructors know you. Thank you for understanding. KINDERCOMBO DANCE Grades K – 5 Students experience a beginner – intermediate level combination of Ballet, Tap & Jazz dances. Introducing children to many forms of dance, fitness & movement experiences provides a solid & healthy foundation upon which to grow. Children develop self-confidence while learning proper technique & terminology. This class is taught by a professional dance teacher with performance & teaching experience. Students must enroll 2 weeks prior to the start date of each class. Session meets for 6 weeks - $78 From 2:45 – 3:45 p.m. Converse Elementary – Wednesdays Sess 1: Jan 27, Feb 3, 10, 17, 24, & Mar 2 Sess 2: Mar 23, 30, Apr 6, 13, 20, & 27

MORE MARIMBA For Middle School Ages Advanced marimba techniques will be taught to students who have previously participated in marimba classes. However, beginning students will be able to attend with the assurance of success in the class. For new students, the marimba keys are usually made of wood and struck with mallets to produce musical tones. The keys are positioned similar to those on a piano. Students will be taught through the use of music composed by Walt Hampton and Doug Edwards. They will learn new techniques to play this melodic percussion instrument. (Min 8/Max 20) Class meets Thurs. 4:00-5:15 p.m. for 6 weeks $49 Sess 1: Jan 21, 28, Feb 4, 11, 18, & Feb 25 Sess 2: Mar 3, 10, 24, 31, Apr 7, & 14 (no class Mar 17) Sess 3: Apr 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19, & 26 Bonnie Anderson, Teacher Coronado Village - Music Room ADVENTURE CLUBS AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM – SPRING 2016 ENRICHMENT PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN AGES 5-12 Meets Mondays through Fridays Closed School Holidays & Open Early Release Days Open After School to 6:00 p.m. January 5 – June 3, 2016 All fees must be paid in advance. $35 Non-refundable Registration Fee for students. After School fee for Non-Title Schools - $150.00 per month per child (Copperfield, Coronado, Masters, Olympia, Rolling Meadows, & Salinas) After School Fee for Title I Schools$140.00 (Converse, Crestview, Elolf, Franz, Hartman, Hopkins, Millers Point, Park Village, Paschall, Spring Meadows, & Woodlake) $10 discount on 2nd sibling JISD Employee discount $10 per month per child Drop-In Rate -- $15 per day Early Release Drop-In $20 per child Late fees -- $1 per minute per child (payable when child is picked up) Online Payments available at http://judsonisd.revtrak.net Visa, MasterCard or Discover Accepted Or go to www.judsonisd.org and click on Adventure Club link. Parents are responsible for transportation. Students will receive an afternoon snack. The program includes educational academic enrichment activities, homework time, reading/quiet time, mindstimulating games, character & leadership building activities, behavioral & etiquette skills, storytelling, arts & crafts, etc. A parent handbook will be issued upon enrollment to explain the policies & procedures and describe the program in full. Space is limited so please register with payment early to hold your child’s slot. Registration forms are available at each school site or the main office at Judson Adult & Community Education. Adventure Club Office CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

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VA C AT I O N S & T R I P S

IN PERSON REGISTRATION

The Community Education office is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 -11:30 a.m. & 1:30 - 4:45 p.m. Our office is located Judson Middle School Campus in Building B at 9695 Schaefer Rd., Converse, TX 78109. Please call before coming. Payment for courses can be made by cash, check, credit card, or debit card (VISA, MasterCard or Discover). Checks can be made payable to Judson Adult & Community Education. We appreciate early registration so that we may be able to add new sections or cancel a class that has not met minimum requirements.

ON LINE REGISTRATION

Visit our on line web store at http://judsonisd.revtrak.net to enroll in classes and pay on line with VISA, MasterCard or Discover.

PHONE-IN REGISTRATION TO (210) 619-0426

Include information on classes you want to attend, along with your credit card payment for the full tuition. Please include credit card number, expiration date, 3 digit VIN (on back of card). You will only be contacted if a class is cancelled or already full.

PURCHASE ORDER REGISTRATION FOR COMPANIES

Companies/organizations enrolling staff for training can call 210-619-0426 to enroll at least 2 business days prior to the class. A company memo or letterhead with a purchase order can be faxed to 210-619-0499 or emailed to dhanz@judsonisd.org. WE TRULY APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY EDUCATION COURSES. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TEACH A CLASS OR RECOMMEND ONE, PLEASE GIVE US A CALL OR SEND AN EMAIL TO dhanz@judsonisd.org.

POLICIES AND G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N REFUND POLICY

• A full refund will be made for classes cancelled by JISD Adult & Community Ed. • A full refund will be made for student requested cancellations made no later than 2 working days before the class is scheduled to begin. • No refunds will be made after the class has begun since funds have been committed to conduct the class.

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. All JISD school holidays listed on the instructional calendar are observed; also every effort is made to offer makeup classes due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances. 2. All classes are offered to the community without regard to race, color, sex, ethnic origin, age, or handicap. 3. All classes offered have limits on minimum and maximum enrollment. 4. Classes are confirmed at time of registration. You will be notified only if the class is cancelled or if other changes need to be made to your schedule. 5. The information presented in this brochure is as accurate as possible at the time of print. JISD reserves the right to make any changes at any time. 6. To obtain a refund, reservations must be cancelled two working days before the first class meets. 7. Children interested in Community Ed. classes ages 13-15 must have an adult member of the family enrolled in the same class unless specific age groups are mentioned in the course description. 8. All policies and procedures set forth in the Judson ISD Handbook and Student Code of Conduct endorsed by the Board of Trustees are effective during Adult & Community Education classes and functions.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS OBSERVED

New Year’s Day – Jan 1, MLK Day – Jan 18 Spring Break – Mar 14-Mar 18, Good Friday – Mar 25 Battle of Flowers – Apr 22, Memorial Day May 30

Judson Adult & Community Education Department Judson Middle School, Bldg B 9695 Schaefer Rd., Converse, TX 78109 Phone: 210-619-0426 or 210-619-0425 Fax: 210-619-0499 Webstore: http://judsonisd.revtrak.net or call (210) 619-0425

Vacations by Design is an authorized Travel Agency for all major cruise lines and tour companies. Vacations by Design, a local family-owned company in the Judson district, gives back to our community. Where do you want to travel? What do you want to see? Those travel dreams can become a reality for your next family vacation, group tour or cruise. All trips offered by Vacations by Design will benefit the Judson Adult & Community Ed. If you have questions please call for friendly information (no hard sales) 210-619-0425 & ask for Nannette.

SALE ON ALASKA CALL NOW!! Alaska - 7 Night Cruise Princess Cruise Line: Ruby Princess Roundtrip Seattle May 15 – May 22, 2016 You will stop at Ketchikan which is known as Alaska’s “First City” because it’s the first major city that travelers arrive at as they travel north. Next is Juneau, known for its beautiful glaciers and stunning views of water & mountains. Skagway is the next stop and is known as the gateway to the gold fields. Victoria, B.C. is your next stop and known for its old world charm before returning to Seattle. Prices are per person rates based on double occupancy – Mini Suites, Balcony Cabins, Ocean View Cabins, Inside Cabins are available for booking. Vacations by Design is your ship escort. Travel Insurance is highly recommended. Call Nannette at 619-0426 for additional information & make your reservations early. Reservation/ Payment deadline: Mar. 1, 2016.

CRUISING THE CARIBBEAN IN STYLE On the Royal Caribbean-Liberty of the Seas “We Got Our Toes in the Sand” with Nannette & George April 10 - April 17, 2016 Ports of Call include: Roatan, Belize, & Conzumel. Cabin prices are per person rates based on double occupancy – Balcony Cabin: $1165, Ocean View Cabin: $899, Inside Cabin - $795, Promenade Cabin - $830. Single occupancy cabins pay double price. Prices include all government fees, taxes & gratuities. Not included: air fare, pre or post hotel, travel insurance, shore excursions, specialty dining & personal spending. Call Nannette at 619-0426 for additional information & make your reservations early. Reservation/Payment deadline: Jan 2, 2016. NEW ENGLAND CRUISE FOR 7 NIGHTS Royal Carribbean Cruise Line – Serenade of the Seas Round Trip – Boston, Massachusetts October 9 – 16, 2016

KIDS & TEEN CONNECTIONS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

Judson Adult & Community Education Department Judson Middle School – Bldg. B (Rear entrance next to softball diamonds) 9695 Schaefer Road, Converse, TX 78109 Call 210-619-0429 • Fax 210-945-6970

LOCATIONS & PHONE NUMBERS: Converse Elementary 6720 F.M. 1516 Converse, TX 78109 210-383-9038 Copperfield Elementary 7595 E. Loop 1604 N. Converse, TX 78109 Coronado Elementary 213 Amistad Universal City, TX 78148 Crestview Elementary 7710 Narrow Pass Live Oak, TX 78233 210-383-4294 Elolf Elementary 6335 Beech Trail Converse, TX 78109 210-426-6055 Franz Elementary 12301 Welcome Dr. Live Oak 78233 210-383-2151 Hartman Elementary 7203 Woodlake Parkway San Antonio, TX 78218 210-516-2384 Hopkins Elementary 2440 Ackerman Rd. San Antonio, TX 78219 210-383-9018 Masters Elementary 2650 Woodlake Parkway San Antonio, TX 78244 210-563-1347

Miller’s Point Elementary 7027 Misty Ridge Converse, TX 78109 210-516-2410 Olympia Elementary 8439 Athenian Universal City, TX 78148 210-516-2471 Park Village Elementary 5855 Midcrown San Antonio, TX 78218 210-516-2574 Paschall Elementary 6351 Lake View Dr. San Antonio, TX 78244 210-516-2617 Rolling Meadows Elementary 17222 FM 2252 San Antonio, TX 78233 210-347-6879 Salinas Elementary 10560 Cimarron Trail Universal City, TX 78148 210-516-2684 Spring Meadows 71135 Elm Trail San Antonio, TX 78244 210-516-2686 Woodlake Elementary 5501 Lake Bend East San Antonio, TX 78244 210-516-2708

Ports of Call include: Portland, Maine; Bar Harbor, Maine; St. John, New Brunswick; & Halifax, Nova Scotia. Discover the unmistakable charm of New England & Eastern Canada, a distinctive history & natural beauty gives the region an alluring appeal. There’s no better time to visit than the fall. The foliage is brilliant in every imaginable color, lighthouses dot the coastline, and there’s always an authentic lobster bake to be savored. Prices are per person rates based on double occupancy: Inside Cabin - $805 per person; Ocean View - $950

per person; Balcony Cabin - $1275 per person. Call Nannette at 619-0426 for additional information & book your reservations early. Reservation/Payment deadline: Jul 1, 2016. DISNEY WORLD Visit Mickey Mouse & The Crew! Vacations by Design, Disney Specialist, is available to book your Disney Vacation or cruise. With our specialist planning your tour, it is like having your own personal tour guide. Our specialty is making memories that you will cherish for a life time.

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S E L F - I M P R O V E M E N T, D A N C E & F I T N E S S HATHA YOGA – LEVEL I (BASIC) Hatha Yoga is an ancient form of science that consists of good body posture, deep relaxation, and breath control to revitalize the system & control the mind. Yoga is recognized in the world as a superior form of physical exercise for all ages. Yoga promotes strength, balance, focus, flexibility and relieves stress. Join this class & learn Yoga techniques from George Wood. Please bring a mat. $49 — Meets Mon. 6 times 7:00-8:00 p.m. Sess 1: Jan 11, 25, Feb 1, 8, 15, & 22 (no class Jan 18) Sess 2: Feb 29, Mar 7, 21, 28, Apr 4, & 11 (no class Mar 14) Sess 3: Apr 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16, & 23 George Wood, Instructor JISD District Office MIDDLE EASTERN DANCE Come have fun while learning the art of Middle Eastern belly dancing. You will learn basic body isolations and movements to flow together into a fundamental Middle Eastern Dance. These isolations are used to build dance combinations in the last two weeks of the class. Bring your metal coin belt to add Eastern jingle to the ambiance & inspiration while learning the dance. Experience the extraordinary excitement & beauty of the belly dance executed by a skilled professional, while transcending time & culture in an enjoyable form of exercise. Meets Thursdays for 8 weeks from 6:30-7:30 p.m. $64

Sess 1: Jan 14, 21, 28, Feb 4, 11, 18, 25, & Mar 3 Sess 2: Mar 31, Apr 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, & 19 Karen Adkisson, Instructor Judson District Office MIDDLE EASTERN DANCE - ONLINE Learn the basics of this ancient and beautiful dance, strengthen your core, and tone your entire body at your convenience and in the privacy of your own home! If you’ve always wanted to give Middle Eastern Belly Dance a chance, but have perhaps been a bit shy or have struggled to find the time, this is for you! Students will receive an email every Thursday with a link to each week’s class; and this will continue for 8 weeks. All previous classes will remain available until the end of the course, thereby making review and extra practice simple! Your instructor is Karen Adkisson. She has over 4 decades of experience teaching and performing this dance form! She spent time in the Middle East and studied this cultural dance. Karen will be available via email for any questions and clarification and will even check in with you via video message. For more information & to view a sample of the online class call 210-619-0425 or 619-0426. Weekly email sent Thurs. during 8 week course Course Cost $40 Sess 1: Feb 11, 18, 25, Mar 3, 10, 24, 31, & Apr 7(no release Mar 17- Spring Break) Sess 2: Apr 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19, 26, & Jun 2 Karen Adkisson, Instructor Online Class Instruction

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ELECTIONS continues from pg. 01

NEISD, NBISD, Comal County bonds approved by WILL WRIGHT

IBOLO – Allen Dunn is pragmatic when describing what choices lie ahead for his city.

“We’re on the right track – we still have a few issues here and there,” said the new mayor after defeating Dick Hetzel. “We still have to keep moving down the road – not just planning for the next few years, but for the next 30 or 40 years.” Dunn’s election was among several Nov. 3 choices facing Metrocom voters, who determined city and school-district candidates, plus numerous city-charter amendments and bond proposals. Windcrest Mayor Alan Baxter narrowly won a third term, while two incumbent council members lost. Voters

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Emily’s Place Coffee Shoppe in Cibolo became a gathering spot Nov. 3 as local office seekers, supporters and community members waited to learn about election results. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

also approved seven charter proposals designed to curb government operations. Al Suarez won a fifth mayoral term in Converse, which passed six bond propositions for civic improvements. Schertz voters approved two bond measures and 19 city-charter amendments plotting future growth, council representation

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and financial management. The North East Independent School District won its $499.95 million bond proposal for facilities improvements; New Braunfels ISD passed a $62.8 measure for campus upgrades; and Comal County

ELECTIONS continues on pg. 19

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM ELECTIONS continues from pg. 18 voters granted $76 million for a new jail and Sheriff ’s Office renovations. The electorate selected new SchertzCibolo-Universal City ISD and Green Valley Special Utility District trustees, while Spring Branch voters approved incorporation.

CIBOLO Dunn, unopposed in his 2013 council bid, left his District 7 seat to campaign for mayor, a post vacated in October by one-term incumbent Lisa Jackson. The civil engineer handily defeated Hetzel, who was making a third run for mayor. Dunn cited a need to attract prospective businesses to offset a tax base heavily dependent on residential properties, while shaping and managing expansion in Guadalupe County’s fastest-growing city. “We need to plan the growth that’s coming and balance it in a way we want to see Cibolo in the future,” he added. District 2 incumbent Verlin “Doug” Garrett defeated Stosh Boyle, while two other recent council appointees won permanent terms. Marchell CampGebhardt, picked to succeed Gabriel Castro in District 3, downed Andre Larkins, while

Glenn Weber, named to Dunn’s post in August, defeated ex-Councilman Joel Hicks. Voters also OK’d $3.5 million for Borgfeld Road infrastructure improvements, and amended a 2013 ordinance prohibiting alcohol sales within 300 feet of schools or churches, which many believed stifled business development. The new initiative calls for City Council to examine cases individually, soliciting public input before deciding alcohol-sales permits for businesses near those institutions.

CONVERSE Suarez defeated Place 3 Councilwoman Deborah James for mayor, a post he’s held since 2007. In Place 1, incumbent Kathy Richel defeated Everet Taylor. Place 5 incumbent Rick Davis overcame Robert Raney’s second straight attempt for a council seat, while Nancy Droneburg outpaced Earl Boutelle – both newcomers – as James’ successor in Place 3. Voters approved $19.9 million for citywide measures to improve and repair streets; acquire land for a new fire station; enhance technology for public-safety

ELECTIONS continues on pg. 20

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NOV. 23 - DEC. 14, 2015

ELECTIONS continues from pg. 19

WINDCREST

facilities; enlarge and renovate the City Hall complex; create a new animalcontrol facility; augment and expand existing city parks and create new park facilities; and city-library betterments.

SCHERTZ All City Council incumbents won reelection. In Place 3, Daryl John defeated Rosemary Scott; Place 4 member and Mayor Pro Tem Cedric Edwards beat Donald Taylor; and in Place 5, Robin Thompson, appointed last December, topped perennial challenger Bert Crawford. Voters approved both bond issues – $7 million directed to street advancements, primarily along FM 1103 and FM 1518, and $8 million for a new fire station and additional public-safety facilities improvements. All 19 city-charter amendments passed, including measures which could expand City Council from five to seven members and extend mayoral and council member terms from two to three years. Other proposals mostly amend or clarify citygovernment procedures and operations.

Voters, seemingly fed up with City Hall, made changes ousting two City Council incumbents, while barely retaining the mayor. Baxter, who survived a June recall, edged newcomer Frank Archuleta by nine votes – 786 to 777. Challenger Kim Wright ousted Place 4 incumbent James McFall by 29 votes, while Place 5 incumbent John Gretz lost a three-way race against Matt Vandenberg, with Ron Armes finishing third. Voters overwhelmingly passed seven city-charter amendments, three designed to give residents more input into government operations. Three others outlined new police, fire and public-works operations, with another specifying the term and duties of the city auditor.

SCUCISD TRUSTEES Gerald “Jerry” Perkins defeated Meredith Hernandez and Dani Salas to succeed Place 1 incumbent Scott Harrod, who declined another run. Amy Driesbach bested challengers Terence Benson and Angelina Galvez Kiser to replace longtime Place 7 incumbent George Ricks, who retired after 16 years.

Place 2 incumbent and board vice president Robert Westbrook ran unopposed, as did John Correu, who will succeed board president and Place 3 incumbent Ed Finley, who also stepped down.

NEISD BOND Sixty-six percent of NEISD voters favored the district’s latest bond measure, which outlines 69 projects to renovate and upgrade out-of-date facilities at older campuses and enhance other needs during the next five years. “We appreciate the community that went to the polls and voted,” said Brian Gottardy, NEISD superintendent. “A lot of great things are going to occur for

students at every one of our campuses.” NEISD officials said the bond wouldn’t increase taxes for at least five years. Most money will address campus improvements ($225.8 million); with the rest destined for extracurricular programs ($89.8 million); technology ($72.4 million); district operations ($60 million); safety and security ($20 million); bond-program management ($17 million); and a bondcontingency program ($15 million).

COMAL COUNTY BOND Voters approved funding a new 589-bed jail facility on county-owned land adjacent

ELECTIONS continues on pg. 21

WE APPRECIATE THE COMMUNITY THAT WENT TO THE POLLS AND VOTED. A LOT OF GREAT THINGS ARE GOING TO OCCUR FOR STUDENTS AT EVERY ONE OF OUR CAMPUSES. BRIAN GOTTARDY, NEISD SUPERINTENDENT

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to the current Fellers Law Enforcement Center in New Braunfels, and transitioning the current jail structure into additional space for the Sheriff ’s Office. County officials said the measure would cost $20 annually to the average homeowner. “We will immediately begin working to make this project a reality,” said County Judge Sherman Krause.

High School, with $5.6 million to augment adjacent Unicorn Stadium. “This bond was recommended based on the immediate needs of the district with regards to current and projected growth and the age and condition of our facilities,” said Randy Moczygemba, NBISD superintendent. “We are grateful for the support of the community and for their confidence in our recommendations for this bond program.”

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Seventy-one percent of voters who went to the polls approved the New Braunfels ISD bond referendum, which will add two elementary schools and address facility, safety and compliance needs at existing sites. Most money – $49.5 million – will be for new school construction. Another $5 million will renovate New Braunfels

By a 51-29 margin, Spring Branch voters accepted incorporation and selected Brad Hockman and Danny Moore to join new Mayor James Mayer as city commissioners. GVSUD voters selected Jill Bennett and incumbent Mary Jane Heusinger as board members from a five-person field, which included incumbent Jesse Mills.

ELECTIONS continues from pg. 19

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To all the people who shared their journey with me and my family! We have laughed a whole lot, cried some and most importantly we have learned and moved forward. Each person who has entrusted me in their care has enriched me and played it forward for the next person. Physical therapy is a sharing profession. It takes the physical therapist and patient to work together to fulfill the patient’s goals. For those who passed on in spite of your best motivation, thank you for sharing your journey with me and know that you are missed. For their families thank you for sharing them with me and including me in your goodbyes. I am so blessed and grateful to this profession and each of you and your families. Thank you and happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your journey and be kind to all living beings. Enjoy every breath you take, every muscle that twitches and every nerve that fires. Enjoy every sight you see and every sound you hear. Be thankful for everything you feel. Some feel nothing, see nothing, hear nothing, cannot move and cannot breathe on their own, yet they inspire us with their courage, motivation and ability to write, paint, and create. We are incredibly made and the human spirit is one of its kind!

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NOV. 23 - DEC. 14, 2015

FOOTBALL continues from pg. 01

Teams setting standard for S.A. area football excellence by WILL WRIGHT

CHERTZ – Rain, thunder and windy conditions set the stage for the critical District 25-6A contest Oct. 23 between Judson and Steele at SchertzCibolo-Universal City Independent School District’s Lehnhoff Stadium. Football fans for both Metrocom teams – totaling more than 10,000 – braved intermittent thunderstorms before being allowed into the venue 75 minutes before the kickoff featuring the top two San Antonio-area high schools. Steele’s Knights, the new kid on the block dominated by the Rockets in recent decades, would defeat Judson 20-13 – in a

contest featured as Fox Sports Southwest’s statewide DQ Big Game of the Week – to remain unbeaten in their six-game history. Steele finished the 2015 regular season 10-0; Judson was 9-1. Both entered the playoffs ranked in the Associated Press’ Texas top 10 and seem primed to build upon past successes en route to appearances in Class 6A state title games Dec. 19 at NRG Stadium in Houston. As the postseason evolves, Judson and Steele players and fans are rooting for each other. “It’s a friendly rivalry,” said Milton Hope, longtime Judson football announcer. “Both teams went to the semifinals last year – they’re two great powerhouses that have become respected and feared in the state of Texas.” Judson has won six of 11 state title games, Steele one of two. The Rockets, launched in 1962, went meteoric in 1977 tallying the first of a now state-record 39 consecutive winning seasons. Under Frank Arnold, D.W. Rutledge and Jim Rackley, they captured state championships in 1983, 1988, 1992, 1993, 1995 and 2002. Steele opened in 2005 in Cibolo. Mike

FOOTBALL continues on pg. 23

In the top photo, Judson cheersquad members, donned in pink to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, lead Rockets fans in the school song prior to the game against Steele Oct. 23 at Lehnhoff Stadium. In the picture to the left, Judson coaches (center) deliver instructions to defensive players during the Rockets’ 20-13 loss to Steele. Photos by Rudy B. Ornelas

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM FOOTBALL continues from pg. 22 Jinks, a Judson product, led the Knights from their first varsity season in 2006 and guided them to a state title in 2010 and two additional deep playoff runs before exiting for the college ranks after 2012. They’ve stayed formidable via head coach Scott Lehnhoff, with state quarterfinal and semifinal appearances in two coaching seasons. Lehnhoff is the son of former SCUCISD athletic director Robert Lehnhoff, for whom the stadium is named. “I think their records speak for themselves,” Steele football announcer Ken Witt said. “They’re rivals – separated by 15 or 20 minutes from each other. They know each other pretty well and are involved in a lot of community stuff.” Despite their enrollments – Judson has 3,731 students and Steele 2,227 – there are other parallels between the schools, with campuses nine miles apart. Many are the children of military parents – primarily Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph – with players often competing in youth sports together, some even related. “Judson has been a traditional state power – one with so much history, tradition and success,” said veteran sportswriter Ben

On Oct. 23, Steele coaches (center) deliver instructions to offensive players during the Knights’ 20-13 victory over Judson at Lehnhoff Stadium. Photo by Rudy B. Ornelas

Baby, who works at a local daily newspaper. “Steele has followed in Judson’s mold and has become so successful in recent years – their (2010) state championship is the most recent in San Antonio.” Baby noted the Knights’ swift ascension might be perceived as a passing of the torch from Judson to Steele. Yet, he doesn’t count out the Rockets, who

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entered 2015 amassing more than 450 victories including 24 10-win seasons. “So many people are moving into the Steele area, which has been building the success there. Judson is holding on to it with so many talented players,” Baby added. “This (game) has become a cherished game in the community and San Antonio area.” Ability is another common

factor contributing to both schools’ continued excellence. Judson’s young team boasts offense, led by quarterback Julon Williams, running backs Mi’kel Jackson and Jay Miller, and receivers Isaiah Gibson and Dreshon Govan. Defensive lineman Alton Robinson and linebackers Xavier Morris and Shane Calvin anchor the defense. Stinginess personifies Steele’s defense with linebacker Jayden Jackson, defensive back Isaiah Fields, and Mark Jackson, last year’s 25-6A defensive MVP and all-state defensive end. The offense claims stalwarts in quarterback Xavier Martin, running backs Bryson Denley and Travell Lumpkin, and receivers C.J. Williams and Antoine Cox-Wesley. The schools’ October contest had little bearing on the playoff picture, as enrollments placed the institutions in different 6A divisions. Steele, the overall 25-6A champion, will compete in the Division II bracket while district runnerup Rockets will vie in Division I. Both teams made significant playoff pushes last year. The Knights defeated MacArthur, Brennan, Weslaco East and

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FOOTBALL continues from pg. 23 Brandeis before falling 27-20 in overtime to Katy in the 6A-DII semifinals. The Rockets bested Churchill, O’Connor, Laredo United and Reagan until losing 38-31 to Houston Cypress Ranch in the 6A-DI semifinals. After the defeat to their neighbors this year, the Rockets rebounded on Oct. 29, trumping New Braunfels Canyon 48-16 on Senior Night at Rutledge Stadium, clinching yet another playoff berth. “We bounced back and are now looking

forward to getting to state,” Williams told telecasters after throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for two. Second-year Judson coach Sean McAuliffe – a lineman on Judson’s 1992 state title squad – dedicated the victory to his veterans. “It’s for the 39 seniors who have been a big part of this program and left a legacy of hard work and dedication,” he said. “I couldn’t be more proud of them – they’re a special group of kids. … They believe in the system that’s been in place since I played here.”

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Facilities can also be rented for parties, meetings by RUBEN RENTERIA

IVE OAK — The developers behind a new multisport facility with an indoor soccer field and other attractions are hoping to score with area athletes and fans alike.

SoccerZone Live Oak at 8020 Pat Booker Road is a 46,800-square-foot complex fully equipped to provide athletes the opportunity to have fun while they learn the game of soccer, the developers said. The doors opened in mid-October, with a grand opening Oct. 31. The Metrocom location is the third for the franchise. The first arena kicked off April 1, 2008 with a south Austin venture, followed by a Jan. 1, 2013 Cedar Park entry. Plans for a fourth are in the works for west San Antonio. Soccer is growing in popularity across

the nation as more U.S. cities adopt professional teams and others, such as San Antonio, seek an MLS franchise. SoccerZone is part of the trend, said Esteban Bayona, a former pro player who manages the establishment. “It’s more in demand to play soccer,” said Bayona, who spent time locally with the San Antonio Scorpions of the North American Soccer League, and overseas playing in Iceland and soccer-mad Brazil. Soccer can help adults and kids stay active — a need addressed head-on by the facility, said the 31-year-old ex-striker. “We want to get them outside of the house, learning, kicking the ball around; having fun,” Bayona said. “Come have fun, break a sweat.” The indoor, 29,700-square-foot portion will feature the soccer field, a training area, all-purpose fitness-training equipment, an inflatable bounce house, concession stand, bleachers, a sports bar, picnic tables, party rooms, three bathrooms and multiple high-definition televisions. Outside, the facility has a larger field and two beach-volleyball courts. The project, originally estimated at

Esteban Bayona (left), a manager at the new SoccerZone in Live Oak, is all smiles with owner Darren Brown (middle) and Evan Brummett. director of the Soccer Cubs and All-Star Sports Camp. The facility offers a range of training for players. Photo by Leland A. Outz

WE WANT TO GET THEM OUTSIDE OF THE HOUSE, LEARNING, KICKING THE BALL AROUND; HAVING FUN.

GOAL continues on pg. 26

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SOCCERZONE LIVE OAK

$3.3 million, has increased $200,000 because of additional improvements. For spectators, the soccer campus has an upper deck extending the length of the main field, with windows allowing comfortable viewing for any game. Darren Brown, 36, is the owner of SoccerZone Live Oak and its two sister locations. He originally came on board as a property-tax attorney and later became an investor. After graduating from the University of Texas in Austin with a law degree and playing seven years of Arena Football, Brown joined two former business partners in 2007 on a path headed to SoccerZone. Managing Director Sarah Berry, 43, said the soccer facility’s goal is outstanding customer service. Aside from soccer, the property will accommodate dodgeball, beach volleyball, lacrosse, flag football and other sports. With a phone call, customers can reserve spots for birthday parties, religious ceremonies, wedding receptions, corporate events and field rentals. “If a specific sport, company or group has a need for our field and we

8020 Pat Booker Road in Live Oak Hours are 9:30 a.m. to midnight Monday through Saturday. For more, including schedules, call 816-2244 or visit www.SoccerZoneLiveOak.com

have the space available, we’re going to work with you,” Berry said. Athletes of all ages can participate in various beginner, intermediate and advanced leagues, tournaments, pickup games, classes and clinics. An informative session called Soccer Cubs enables children 18 months to 6 years old to kick-start a lifetime in the sport. There is also advanced-training classes for kids from 5 to 10. “We are trying to give them what they need at a price that fits in everybody’s budget,” Berry said. Evan Brummett, 24, is the director of both the Soccer Cubs and All-Star Sports Camp. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to midnight Monday through Saturday. For more, including schedules, call 8162244 or visit www.SoccerZoneLiveOak.com.

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District officials planning similar schools to meet growth by WILL WRIGHT

IBOLO – Seeing the excited faces of students at Cibolo Valley Elementary School, one might think they come for fun instead of learning.

But that’s hardly the case, as SchertzCibolo-Universal City Independent School District’s eighth primary campus at 4093 Green Valley Road blends both in the goal of achieving a well-rounded education for students, prekindergarten through fourth grade. Opened in August, the $34 million facility, designed by O’Neill Conrad Oppelt Architects Inc. and Pfluger Associates Architects, and managed by

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Bartlett Cocke General Contractors, spans 18.5 acres and serves as a prototype for future SCUCISD schools. “We are pleased with how Cibolo Valley Elementary School was built,” said Wayne Pruski, the district’s executive director of facilities planning and development. “It was all done on time and on budget.” He added, “Everyone worked hard to make it a success, including the contractor, the city of Cibolo to get the infrastructure needed, and school district employees who worked right up until the day before school started to make sure everything was ready for the first day.” The 153,000-square-foot campus – which began construction in April 2014 – debuted with an array of aesthetic and internal features. Clemens High School graduate Veronica Goldhorn, a 23-year district veteran, was named Cibolo Valley’s first principal in June 2014 after serving seven years in the same post at Green Valley Elementary School. “This is home to me – I was born and raised here and went to school here,” said Goldhorn, who received her undergraduate degree at the University

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CIBOLO VALLEY continues from pg. 27 of Texas at San Antonio and master’s at Trinity University. “I think this is a pretty fantastic district – it’s a great place to be.” There are 37 teachers at the school, which will eventually house up to 47 classrooms. Goldhorn said Cibolo Valley provides many functions, including alleviating swelling enrollment at the other SCUCISD elementaries, primarily Sippel, and serving as an additional hub for the district’s elementary bilingual-language schoolchildren. The conceptual design entices pupils to learn, educators said. Indoors, there’s a stateof-the-art library and a computer laboratory, as well as a wide-open, high-ceiling gymnasium divided into two sections. Goldhorn says the school’s openair spaces are designed to create a well-formed teaching environment. The Discovery Zone is located in an outdoor area within the school, designed for students to absorb and experience new ideas in an expansive setting. On one side, a fresh-water cistern feeds nearby planters to aid in potential experimentation; the other features seating in a small amphitheater flanking enclosed classrooms on two decks.

“It’s a place for students to do experiments, activities and other things,” Goldhorn said. “It’s a place that’s very new and interesting for us.” There are two campus playgrounds; the larger one for bigger kids. Both feature sleds and swings and are grounded in spongy artificial turf surrounded by natural grass. Planned adjacent to both are small grass areas for soccer and football. Returning indoors, boys’ and girls’ bathrooms fronted by sinks for washing hands flank the entry into a spacious cafetorium. For performances, a stage in the rear provides access from music and choral rooms. During lunch periods, kids eat while monitored by staffers or parent volunteers. Cibolo Valley, formally dedicated Sept. 10, debuted with 725 students, but enrollment has risen to 750. It can hold 990 to 1,200 students. As attendance climbs, additional facets will open. The school was funded by the district’s 2013 bond, which was based on longrange projections putting SCUCISD‘s growth at 3.9 to 4.3 percent annually through 2018. The district foresees constructing a ninth elementary while

CIBOLO VALLEY continues on pg. 29

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CIBOLO VALLEY continues from pg. 28 planning for a 10th from 2017 to 2023. “(Cibolo Valley) is testament to what happens when a community and a school district work together. The voters approved it and then kept our feet to the fire ... to ensure it finished on time,” said Greg Gibson, SCUCISD superintendent, who praised Cibolo city officials for finishing utilities and road access on schedule for the school’s opening. “We feel great about relieving the overcrowding at Sippel Elementary School and building a facility that is designed to help our school district

deal with the fast growth we are continuing to experience,” he said. Future Cibolo Valley students selected the school’s colors – navy blue, Columbia blue and silver – last year, Goldhorn said, and a white tiger was picked as the school mascot. “Our staff was flexible and gracious in helping out, as we didn’t start with all of the supplies we needed,” Goldhorn said, “and the same goes for our parents, as several of them are volunteering and are helping out with (various) duties, but we want all of them to know we have an open-door policy and want all of them to help us as we try to (establish) the Cibolo Valley way.”

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Produce donated to assist local charitable causes by LAKENDRA LEWIS

CHERTZ — Master Gardener Dale Odvody will always remember the day a troubled teen walked through the Guadalupe County Community Garden’s gate and left with a renewed purpose.

It was summer 2013 and the 16 year old, accompanied by other juvenile probationers, arrived for communityservice duty. The adolescent had been expelled from four different schools. Odvody, construction co-chairman for the Guadalupe County Master Gardeners, was digging a trench. The young man, tall and muscular, watched Odvody for a while, then asked if he could help. The Master Gardener was pleasantly

surprised by his enthusiasm and allowed him to finish the backbreaking task, which took three laborious hours. As the boy left the garden to return to the Guadalupe County Juvenile Detention Center, he turned to Odvody. “He said he had decided to go back and finish high school because he didn’t want to dig ditches the rest of his life,” Odvody said. “That just floored me. To hear something like that, if I never experience it again, makes coming out here worth it.” Week after week, since 2009, the community garden located behind the County Annex Building at 1101 Elbel Road has been planting seeds of inspiration in the many volunteers and passersby who have entered. This year is proving to be no different. The volunteers — a mix of association members, residents and adult and juvenile probationers — faithfully maintain the land which yields produce donated to the Randolph Area Christian Assistance Program and the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church’s food bank in Marion. Twice weekly, Tuesdays and Fridays, the bounty is harvested, bagged, weighed and

ROOT continues on pg. 31

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ROOT continues from pg. 30 hand-delivered to the two agencies, recipients of more than nine tons of fresh provisions since partnering with the garden in 2011. Jessie Fisher, RACAP program director, said being able to hand out quality fruit and veggies has been a blessing for the charity, which last year provided groceries to more than 1,300 area families. “It’s been a huge benefit for our clients because it means we can always provide them with something fresh, and that’s important,” Fisher said. The community garden first took root at the suggestion of the Guadalupe County Master Gardeners, a nonprofit educational and volunteer program offered by the AgriLife Extension Service of the Texas A&M University System. With the assistance of Guadalupe County Precinct 3 Commissioner Jim Wolverton — himself an avid green thumb — three-fourths of an acre was set aside for cultivation near the annex. The spot currently contains 24 raised or elevated beds and 14 ground beds. The raised beds are demonstrations — or “demos” — to show folks what can be grown. “We put (raised beds) in to show people you don’t have to be able to crawl or bend over to have a vegetable garden,” said Odvody who, along with his wife Ann, are 20-year Master Gardeners. The area isn’t open to the public to grow their own plots, but volunteers who want to cultivate existing demo beds 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Fridays. “If you want to help us plant, weed and harvest, we will accept that,” said Mary Bowe, a Master Gardener and co-founder of the community garden. “People drop by all the time. Everybody’s welcome to come in when we’re there.” John Lewicki, a 26-year Air Force veteran, has been lending a hand for nearly three years. After retiring, Lewicki decided to

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pursue his love of gardening, a passion passed on to him by his grandmother who harvested her garden to feed the family during Lewicki’s youth. “I never really had a chance to garden, but I’d always enjoyed it,” said Lewicki, a Cibolo resident, “and now it’s something I do with my grandkids.” Another volunteer, Dan Kjolhede of Universal City, wanted to learn about horticulture so he could grow his own vegetables and frequent the nearby farmers markets. “Gardening has made me very aware of how buying locally impacts the global environment. It’s better for you and better for the community,” he said. In addition to sustaining the community garden, the Guadalupe County Master Gardeners’ 140 certified members host a seminar each fall for aspiring horticulturalists wishing to join their ranks, and also holds classes for the YMCA and seniors during the summer. For more, visit guadalupecountymastergardeners. org or call 830-372-3940.

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the more than 5,000-square-foot former cabinet shop – where Gonzales said it took weeks to clean out the sawdust – serves serious-minded ballplayers searching for improvement. “It’s not a place we’re going to have birthday parties, play dodgeball in the back and stuff like that,” said the major league scout and crosschecker. “We’re going to try to teach them the right way to play – respect the game, the fundamentals of the game.” Gonzales dislikes the phrase batting cages. “It’s a training facility, is what it is. We’re not going to put a bunch of machines in here and let your kid just go all wild,” he said. With a staff deeply knowledgeable about the sport, “We’re going to get in there and throw it to him, and throw live, and do the

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omfort-food guru Ken Lawrence has done it again with Bracken Store & Ice House in Bracken.

If you lived nearby during the early 1990s, you might remember City Hall Grill on Interstate 35 North in Selma. Once home to the municipal complex, courthouse and town jail, Lawrence transformed the building into a restaurant, eventually selling to Hooters in 1998. “My sister and I were partners in that venture,” said Lawrence in a telephone interview, “and today I still have the same

sidekick chef with me, Mario Campos. When we sold (the grill), he went to work at Randolph (Air Force Base) at the mess/ dining hall. He was the head baker there at Randolph for 15 years and we reunited. I wouldn’t want to do it without him. He can bake and cook and do everything.” Lawrence’s latest project, Bracken Store & Ice House, 18415 Bracken Drive, opened in October. The 1938 structure was once a grocery and meat market, and some old gas pumps are still visible. “We took over the building from the previous tenant. They had been operating the Bracken Cafe here, but they moved,” Lawrence said.

Bracken Store & Ice House features beer and wine, while Uncle Mike’s Food Truck in the back offers stick-to-your-ribs meals such as hamburgers (left) and red beans and rice with sausage (above). Photos by Collette Orquiz

“Right now, the bar is open and we serve beer and wine,” he added. “We have a big-screen TV, pool table, jukebox and our food truck is open.” Breakfast fare includes tacos, biscuits, kolaches and sausage with gravy. A limited lunch menu offers gumbo with red beans, rice and sausage and a cheddar-and-bacon burger. “We need more time, but we are going to be adding more seafood and a steak night on the patio,” Lawrence said. “We have a really nice patio with picnic tables.” Live music is also planned.

“It’s a nice venue for the evening and family friendly with an area for the kids to play,” the restauranteur added. Hours for the store and icehouse are noon to midnight Sunday through Friday and noon to 1 a.m. Saturday. Uncle Mike’s Food Truck is open Monday through Friday for breakfast and lunch.

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IN OTHER NEWS TRUSTEES COULD SOON CONSIDER A NAME CHANGE for Judson Independent School District’s newest high school, which recently was titled for former Superintendent Willis Mackey. Supporters of removing Mackey’s name petitioned the JISD board Oct. 15 asking the school be renamed after someone “more deserving,” according to language on change.org. Mackey retired last year after leading JISD for seven years. There’s been backlash since the board’s Sept. 16 decision to name the facility under construction near Nacogdoches and Evans roads, which is slated to open in August 2016. JISD officials said the board was scheduled to hear additional public comments during its next scheduled meeting Nov. 19. CORONADO VILLAGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MUSIC TEACHER Bonnie Anderson is among 25 national semifinalists for the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences’ Grammy

Foundation’s 2016 Music Educator Award. She was selected from more than 4,500 applicants, narrowed to 213 quarterfinalists earlier this year. The award recognizes educators – from kindergarten teachers to college instructors – who, during the past year, made significant contributions in music education and embodied the academy’s mission of preserving music education in schools. The top 10 finalists will be announced in December. The winner and school will both receive $10,000 grants; with $1,000 each awarded to the remaining finalists and schools. Anderson, a longtime Judson Independent School District teacher, has become known for her students’ marimba concerts, and her ensembles are staples for musical performances at district events. She attributes success to an environment that utilizes her unique instructional style that engages students and passes on a love for music. SAN ANTONIO RECENTLY DELAYED HEARINGS on a decision to annex five unincorporated Bexar County areas into the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. If all are annexed, they could add 70 square miles and 120,000 residents to the Alamo City. Three areas – Stone Oak, the Interstate 10

West corridor northwest of Loop 1604, and between Interstate 35 and I-10 on the county’s eastern end, are the first considerations. Two others – Alamo Ranch on the far West Side and the I-10 corridor near U.S. 90 – follow early next year. City Council postponed public sessions on the first three by resetting I-10 East annexation discussions for Dec. 2, Dec. 19 and prior to a potential final determination Jan. 14, 2016. Hearings regarding the Stone Oak/U.S. 281 North annexation were rescheduled for Jan. 13, Jan. 20 and before the council’s projected final vote Feb. 11. STATE SEN. JOSÉ MENÉNDEZ, D-SAN ANTONIO, HOSTED HIS FIRST GETTOGETHER for District 26 constituents, who braved rainy conditions to attend the Oct. 24 event at San Antonio College’s Loftin Student Center Fiesta Room. The town-hall meeting elicited input from residents to prioritize district priorities for the next Legislature. “My legislative agenda is shaped by conversations I have at H-E-B, neighborhood associations, and community gatherings like these,” Menéndez said. “Saturday’s event was so important because it allowed us to hear

the concerns of our neighborhoods and how we can work together to strengthen them.” The meeting also featured representatives from agencies such as CPS Energy and San Antonio Water System, providing additional information and answers to attendees. “My goal is to help solve the problems that affect people’s dayto-day lives,” Menéndez said. “I asked CPS, SAWS and others to attend the gathering because if a constituent had an issue we wanted to work to find a solution right away.” Menéndez said he plans similar future events for residents in the district, which includes Windcrest and parts of San Antonio, Converse and Live Oak. THE NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT’S newest middle school magnet program held a ribbon cutting Oct. 7 at White Middle School, where NEISD’s Design and Technology Academy was celebrated by district administrators, DATA staffers, students and families. The DATA facility will offer lessons on coding, computer programming and informational technology, said district officials, who labeled it an “innovative

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM LOWDOWN continues from pg. 34 program that has never been offered to middle school students before.” More than 145 sixth-graders enrolled in the middle school DATA program, soon available to seventh- and eighth-graders. Students at nearby Roosevelt High School, which has a DATA program, joined area technology business leaders in the opening. H-E-B RECENTLY AWARDED GRANTS TO Clemens High School and Wilder Intermediate School programs as part of its new 3 Double-O Nine restaurant’s sweepstakes for local nonprofits and schools. Opened in April, the eatery in the renovated H-E-B Plus at FM 3009 and Interstate 35, gave $5,000 to aid Clemens’ English Language Learner program. Wilder’s $2,000 will go toward purchasing new gymnasium mats. FOURTH-GRADERS FROM EACH SCHERTZCIBOLO-UNIVERSAL CITY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT campus enjoyed the sounds of the San Antonio Symphony during performances at Steele High School Oct. 21. The school-day programs were designed to meet Texas Essential

Knowledge and Skills objectives in fine arts. The orchestra opened with an overture from “The Barber of Seville,” followed by a recitation of “Peter and the Wolf,” performed to music. CONVERSE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP. OFFICIALS sponsored Sebastien de la Cruz, of “America’s Got Talent” fame, at the International Council of Shopping Centers’ recent meeting in Dallas. De la Cruz performed at a Nov. 5 reception at the three-day event, which allowed retailers and developers to exchange ideas and future sites for business expansion and development. Several Converse businesses helped promote de la Cruz’s appearance, billed as “Converse Has Got Talent!” “We are so thrilled that Sebastien will join us for this special event,” Kate Silvas, Converse EDC executive director, said prior to the gathering. “We have attended this convention in the past and really wanted to create additional visibility for Converse at the show.” THE COMAL COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICE RECENTLY RELOCATED to newly renovated confines at the ex-Goodwin Elementary School in New Braunfels.

The health office closed for a week in late October to move from the Landa Building at 178 E. Mill St. downtown to its new annex at 1297 Church Hill Drive, Suite 102. The county spent $400,000 to transform an 8,000-squarefoot wing of the former school into new offices for its human resources, purchasing, indigent health and veteran’s administration departments, as well as overflow facilities for the Sheriff ’s Office. “We are excited to be able to offer our services to Comal County residents in a larger, more accessible space,” said Gwen Mills, Comal County public health director. “This move will help us provide health screenings, vaccines and other services quicker and more efficiently.” THE STATE BAR OF TEXAS and the Texas District and County Attorneys Association recently named Comal County District Attorney Jennifer Tharp 2015 Prosecutor of the Year. Bell County District Attorney Henry Garza nominated Tharp, elected in 2010. County officials said the TDCAA board recognized Tharp’s work as a victim’s rights advocate. “From day one Jennifer has exhibited the best qualities of a prosecutor – dedication, courage to

do the right thing and the work ethic to get the job done,” said Robert Kepple, the association’s executive director. “She has earned the respect and admiration of her peers.” Added Tharp, “It was a great honor to receive this award from my peers, whom I respect immensely. I am grateful for the support of the citizens of Comal County – I truly love serving this community as their criminal district attorney.” COMAL COUNTY AND BULVERDE OFFICIALS RECENTLY OPENED Kleck Park, a 43-acre, heavily wooded site that features 1.2 miles of hiking, biking and horse-riding trails and 16 marked and numbered birdhouses. Land for Kleck Park, located east of Bulverde on Stahl Lane, about 1.5 miles north of FM 1863, was donated to the county by the Helen Kleck Vivian Living Trust in 2014. Last summer, county commissioners approved $14,000 for constructing trails at the park, which joins Curry Nature Center, Jumbo Evans Sports Park and Hidden Valley Sports Park as the Comal Countyowned parks and recreation areas. GOT A NEWS TIP? SEND IT TO TIPS@ LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.

Do You Have Type1 or Type 2 Diabetes? Do you have a diagnosis of Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes with inadequate glycemic (blood sugar) control? Northeast Clinical Research of San Antonio is conducting a research trial for people with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes on diet and exercise alone or taking a single or multiple diabetes medications. We are seeking men and women, 18 years of age or older, with the above profiles to participate in a research trial. Participants with and without CARDIAC EVENTS are welcome. Subjects may receive investigational product, while others may receive a placebo (a tablet without active medicine). If you are eligible to participate in this research study you will receive the following at no cost: • • • •

Physical Exams Laboratory Testing Research Related Care Glucose Testing Supplies

• You will receive money for travel expenses • Flexible scheduling is available

For more information please contact: Northeast Clinical Research of San Antonio, LLC DR. LAURA AKRIGHT 5000 SCHERTZ PARKWAY, SUITE 200 SCHERTZ, TEXAS 78154

(210) 581-0045

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