LOCAL: Bracken, Cibolo, Garden Ridge, Schertz, Selma, September 2014

METROCOM SCHOOLS’ REPORT CARDS pg.14 AREA DISTRICTS MEET, EXCEED STATE STANDARDS pg.11 Nor-Tex

fantastic deals

development set for Metrocom

coupons INSIDE Discover the city through LOCAL deals from restaurants, retailers and services in your community, and save money while you do it! PG. 23

COMMUNITY NEWS

bracken

Vol. 2, Issue 3

cibolo

garden Ridge

schertz

Schertz, Cibolo city councils approve rezoning requests

Selma

09/2014

pg.16 Northeast

What's

INSIDE

Lakeview soliciting area input

your community

pg.18 National

College partnering with community to shape future job training

Night Out unites residents, cops, communities against crime Evening events set for Oct. 7

pg. 21 EAT LOCAL

SABOR LATINO RESTAURANT Latin American, Caribbean dishes offer many alternatives to Tex-Mex

pg.17 Texas Mobile

Pack event aims to feed 4 million Goal is to supply meals to nourish starving children www.salocallowdown.com

pg.12

REUNITED White child adopted by black family unearths her roots

pg. 19 BUY LOCAL

RANDOLPH FAMILY DENTAL Cosmetic dentistry practice has new location in Schertz

2

SEPTEMBER 2014

From the editor wwright@salocallowdown.com

President Harold J. Lees Publisher Gregg Rosenfield

Currently Accepting New Patients

Assoc. Publisher Rick Upton

Editorial Executive Editor Thomas Edwards Managing Editor Will Wright News Staff Collette Orquiz and Bain Serna Contributing Writers J.E. Jordan, Miranda Koerner, Eric Moreno and Arthur Schechter ART

OUR SERVICES Diagnostic Hearing Evaluations for Children and Adults

Creative Director Florence Edwards Advertising Design Pete Morales Contributing Photographer Joshua Michael Advertising

Hearing Aid Fitting and Consultations Hearing Aid Repairs Custom Hearing Protection Tinnitus Evaluations Contact Us Today!

Doss Audiology & Hearing Center 5000 Schertz Parkway, Suite 300 Schertz, TX 78154 Phone: 210.819.5002 www.dossaudiology.com

Advertising Director Luz Moreno Account Managers Dawn Radick and Joe Rieras Controller Keith Sanders READER SERVICE Mailing Address 4204 Gardendale Ste. 201 SA, TX 78229 Fax Phone (210) 338.8842 (210) 616.9677 Advertising Inquiries rupton@salocallowdown.com Story Ideas tips@salocallowdown.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 4: 78109, 78148, 78233, 78239 Zone 6: 78258, 78259, 78260, 78261 Reproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, 2014 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 Ste. 201 San Antonio, TX 78229

Time to bench domestic violence

T

he domesticviolence case involving Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice was a hot-button story this summer. Rice admitted assaulting his then-girlfriend, now-wife, during an incident in February.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in July handed Rice a two-game suspension – a punishment that drew criticism from many who believed it too lenient. However, when TMZ released the full video of Rice’s incident on Sept. 8, the Ravens that same day released the running back and the NFL suspended him indefinitely.

The Rice incident prompted more national exposure of the serious issue of domestic abuse, specifically intimate partner violence. There’ll likely be more discussion on that topic in the days to come.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines IPV as “physical, sexual or psychological harm by a current or former partner or spouse,” and calls for measures to prevent IPV before it begins. A March research brief by the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation cited 2012 Texas Department of Public Safety statistics indicating 114 women in Texas were killed in 2012 as a result of IPV – including five in Bexar County and one in Comal County.

The Kronkosky brief also cited statistics from the San Antonio Police Department, which indicated a 2.8 percent increase in received domestic-violence calls, from 43,971 in 2011 to 45,008 in 2012.

Further statistics, along with the many aftereffects of IPV, are too numerous to list here. Thankfully, there are several hotlines and counseling services available to provide education about, and prevention of, domestic violence – nationwide and locally.

Notable in the north San Antonio area are the Guadalupe Valley Family Violence Shelter in Seguin and the Crisis Center of Comal County in New Braunfels.

Other listings are available at the Texas Council on Family Violence website.

Will Wright Managing Editor facebook.com/salocalcommunitynews

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salocallowdown.com

local letters AIR FORCE OFFICIAL PROMOTES HARMONY IN LAND-USE STUDIES

Editor: I’d like to thank LOCAL Community News and writer Eileen Pace for “Air Force Studying Urban Influence” in the August 2014 issue, which highlighted the importance of the partnership in the Joint Land Use Study between the community and Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph.

I’d like to respond to a comment attributed to Kate Silvas, Converse Economic Development Corp. executive director, who stated the following about the designation of certain areas as proposed Air Installation Compatible Use Zones: ‘“It’s akin to property-taking,” Silvas said, citing that some of the city’s private landowners had been told they would not be able to develop certain tracts.

“The federal government doesn’t have the money to buy it, but it is basically saying we can’t develop this land.

Therefore, economic development

can’t happen on that property.”’

The 12th Flying Training Wing and JBSA are working very closely with the community in the ongoing Joint Land Use Study, which is not a regulatory document or enforceable action — but a collaborative effort between residents, city and county officials, and senior military leaders to discuss what’s in the best interest of the neighborhood as it moves forward. This study reflects the interests of both the area and JBSA-Randolph, within the context of our operation.

We are offering the community a chance to work with us to protect the missions of JBSA-Randolph, to include the 12th FTW, Air Education and Training Command, Air Force Personnel Center, Air Force Recruiting Service, the many mission support organizations and more residing here.

According to the Joint Base San Antonio’s “Total Military Economic Impact Statement” for fiscal year 2013, JBSA supports and serves more than 420,000 military, dependents,

CORRECTION A story in August’s LOCAL Community News incorrectly listed the phone number for Rocket’s Feed, located at 9135 Schaeffer Road in Converse. The correct number is 263-9688.

civilians, retirees and veterans at a worth of more than $9.6 billion.

The study, funded by the Department of Defense, Office of Economic Adjustment and with contributions from Bexar County, is being conducted in hopes to allow the local community to grow while keeping in mind public health and safety while preventing future encroachment and protecting the operational missions of JBSARandolph in support of national defense.

We feel collaborative planning on development is in the best interest, not

only of our flying mission and the rest of JBSA-Randolph, but to the San Antonio metropolitan communities overall.

I speak for all of the JBSA-Randolph missions when I say we truly enjoy being part of Military City USA, and we’d like to continue to work with all of you to ensure we can maintain our operations.

Air Force Col. Matt Isler Editor’s note: Isler is commander of the 12th Flying Training Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph.

6th Annual Weston Wright “Lighting the Way” 5K/10K Run/Walk Special relay races for 5 to 10 year olds ING

BENEFIT

Blind Children’s Programs

Saturday, September 27, 2014 Wheatley Heights Sports Complex 200 Noblewood Drive

TING PRESEN OR SPONS

Chipped timed race managed by Irun

For more info or to register now

www.salighthouse.org/events (210) 531-1533 nlipton@salighthouse.org

Side by Side, There is No Hiding Who is the MoSt Qualified for Judge of County Court at law #10 Karen Crouch

Opponent

Years as an Attorney

28 years

17 years

Jury Trials throughout Texas as Lead Attorney

Over 150

Less than 14

Years Served as an ELECTED Judge

16 years

0

Years of Judicial Experience

20 years

0

Jury Trials as an ELECTED Judge

480 trials

0

10 years Managing Judge

Never Participated

COMPARE THE CANDIDATES

Courts in Schools Participation

Karen Crouch is the MOST QUALIFIED Candidate for Judge of County Court at Law #10 EARLY VOTING: October 20 - 31 ELECTION DAY: Tuesday, November 4

Crouch Karen

FOR JUDGE.

Karen Crouch is a former Judge in Bexar County and currently serves as a Judge sitting by assignment

KarenCrouchForJudge

Pol. Adv. paid for by the Karen Crouch Campaign, Mrs. William E. Crouch, Treasurer, 108 Lochaven Lane, San Antonio, TX 78213 in compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act.

4

SEPTEMBER 2014

OUR TURN Views and opinions about your community

Streetcar provides valuable lesson

W

hen the people speak, elected leaders would be wise to listen.

Such is the case regarding San Antonio’s aborted plans to funnel $32 million to an ill-advised downtown streetcar project.

The politicians changed their minds after a petition calling for a charter-amendment vote that could have derailed the proposal landed at City Hall with thousands of signatures.

Now the City Council under new Mayor Ivy Taylor has decided to pull its support. Meanwhile, the amendment could be on the May ballot.

In a LOCAL Community News editorial several months ago, we urged city leaders to abandon the project, which carries a total price tag of $280 million or more.

Though VIA Metropolitan Transit has pushed the project for months as part of a larger multimodal transportation

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system, it’s clear to see the 5-plus miles of tracks that would service the downtown area serve only a few, not the many.

San Antonio abandoned streetcars in the 1930s, and with good reason: Their day is long over. Today the city and a dozen surrounding communities have an excellent bus system provided by VIA. Downtown streetcars would just be a novelty to dazzle a few tourists’ eyes, but at $280 million, do we really need them?

There was never community consensus for the streetcar system, which represents a colossal waste of taxpayer money.

A better use for that money is local street repair and maintenance projects, or reallocating funding to pay for the expansion of U.S. 281 and Loop 1604, thereby replacing the use of proposed tolls.

The widespread lack of public support for the streetcar initiative has been no secret to local leaders. Opposition started growing the minute the public learned of the deal.

Any future projects of this magnitude — including streetcars and light rail — deserve a public vote, rather than bureaucrats and politicians alone deciding the issue.

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

“10 Rooms In 1”

5

salocallowdown.com

DENTAL

Happening LOCAL

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

OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH

NGOC-TUYEN ONG, D.D.S.

ART

FALL SCOUT ROUNDUP The Two Rivers District of the Alamo Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America is conducting its Fall Scout Roundup for first- through fifth-graders (ages 7-10). The Two Rivers District serves north Bexar, Guadalupe and Comal counties, representing Seguin, New Braunfels, Canyon Lake, Schertz, Cibolo, Selma and Randolph Air Force Base.

Meetings are 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at Tree of Life Church, 5513 Interstate 35 South in New Braunfels.

For more, visit www.alamoareabsa.org.

THIS MONTH

SCHERTZFEST/BBQ COOK-OFF The city of Schertz will celebrate SchertzFest 2014 Sept. 19-20 at Pickrell Park, 703 Oak St. The family-fun event features live music, carnival rides and food. The sixth annual barbecue cook-off Sept. 20 features a $10,000 purse, with the grand-prize winner receiving $1,500 and a trophy.

Sanctioned by the Texas Gulf Coast BBQ Cookers Association, spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Proceeds benefit the Schertz Parks and Recreation Foundation. For more, call Sarah Gonzalez at 619-1015 or Jutta Jacobs at 619-1153.

sept 19-20

COMAL COUNTY FAIR The annual Comal County Fair & Rodeo will stage daily events at the Comal County Fairgrounds, 701 Common St. in New Braunfels with children’s activities, exhibits, vendors, carnival rides, special attractions and nightly entertainment. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association will compete Sept. 25-27 at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit comalcountyfair.org.

SEPT 19-28

METROCOM CHAMBER ROTARY CLUB GOLF TOURNEY The Randolph Metrocom Rotary Golf Tournament will be at Olympia Hills Golf & Conference Center, 12900 Mount Olympus St. in Universal City. Proceeds from the 18th annual “Fair-Way for Kids Benefit” will aid needy children in the

SEPT 22

Providing quality dental services in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

ha p p ening k ey

fitness

TRI COUNTY

TALK

outdoor

Music

FOOD

Judson, Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City and Marion independent school districts.

Registration begins at 10 a.m. with a putting contest and box lunch preceding the 12:15 p.m. tee time. An awards dinner follows at 5:30 p.m. To register, visit www.randolphmetrocomrotary.org.

KID’S CLOSET CONNECTION CONSIGNMENT SALE The semiannual event connects sellers of gently used children’s items with buyers seeking to purchase quality goods at discounted prices. The bargains will be at Knights of Columbus Hall, 509 Schertz Parkway in Schertz, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 26 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept.

27. For more, visit www.kidscloset.biz or call Brittany Giddens at 391-9221.

SEPT 26-27

GARDEN RIDGE LIONS CLUB FISH FRY The club’s 42nd annual Fish Fry, Bar-B-Q and Auction will begin 3 p.m. at the Garden Ridge Community Center, 9500 Municipal Parkway (FM 3009). The event is the primary fundraiser for Lions Club charities, which include providing eye exams and glasses for disadvantaged children, funding the Texas Lions Camp for special-needs youngsters, providing Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets and Yuletide toys for needy families, and scholarships. The event features live entertainment, silent and live auctions and two raffles. Dinner will be served from 3-6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children.

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OCT 4

SCHERTZ CIBOLO VALLEY GENEALOGISTS WORKSHOP The group will celebrate National Family History Month with a free Family History Workshop 1-4 p.m. at the Schertz Public Library, 798 Schertz Parkway. The theme, “Saving and Sharing Their Stories,” will include chronicling methods and offering ways to explore family histories. Admission is free; door

OCT 5

Happening continues on pg. 06

www.salocallowdown.com facebook.com/salocalcommunitynews

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12 AMF Lanes Music & Games Billards 23129 IH 35 North

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TEXAS PEST CONTROL

HAPPENING continues from pg. 05

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beer samplings, and the Great Guitar Auction. For more, including tickets and information, call 830-629-5077 or visit www.GrueneMusicandWineFest.org.

prizes will be awarded. The club is also collecting nonperishable food items at the library during October. For more, call Donna Peterson at 830-609-9006 or email donna.jane.peterson@gmail.com.

GARDEN RIDGE HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE The Garden Ridge Women’s Club hosts its annual Holiday Marketplace 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Garden Ridge Community Center, 9500 Municipal Parkway (FM 3009). More than 50 vendors will offer one-of-a-kind gifts, a silent auction and raffle, and delicious food. All proceeds will be donated to local charities.

oct 11

GUADALUPE COUNTY FAIR & PRCA RODEO The 131st annual Guadalupe County Fair & PRCA Rodeo will stage daily events at the Seguin Events Complex, 728 Midway in Seguin. Included are children’s activities, exhibits, vendors, carnival rides, special attractions and nightly entertainment.

Pre-sale admission tickets to the fair and weekend rodeo are available at Wyatt Arp Dodge, the Seguin Chamber of Commerce and the Guadalupe County Fair Office in Seguin. For more, visit www.gcfair.org.

oct 9-12

28TH ANNUAL GRUENE MUSIC & WINE FEST The Americana event benefiting the United Way of Comal County features the best in live Texas tunes, food and libations at Gruene Hall and The Grapevine in New Braunfels. Each day features vintner and music events, wine, food and

oct 9-12

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SEPTEMBER 2014

CIBOLO FEST 2014 The city of Cibolo sponsors the annual event featuring carnival rides, petting zoo, 5K run, pony rides, silent auction, games, car show, food, arts and crafts booths, and live entertainment, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 200 S. Main St. For vendor information, call Peggy Cimics at 566-6111.

oct 11

oct 11

BRACKEN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL WARRIOR BASH Representatives from the

Happening continues on pg. 07

make the move noW to better senior health Care. mediCare open enrollment starts oCtober 15th

Choosing the right doCtor Can make all the differenCe in the quality of Care you reCeive.

WellMed doctors place primary focus on total patient wellness and disease prevention. By taking a proactive approach to health care through preventive screenings, well visits, education, and focus on diet and exercise, WellMed goes beyond basic medical care and provides patient access to total overall health.

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To learn more about WellMed and our clinic locations call:

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salocallowdown.com HAPPENING continues from pg. 06 Robertson clan – including Uncle Si, Al, Jep, and Jessica – from A&E’s “Duck Dynasty” will headline the Bracken Christian School’s second annual fundraiser, beginning 5 p.m. at Leon Springs Dancehall, 24135 Interstate 10 West in San Antonio. The event includes dinner, a raffle and live auction, and a presentation by the TV family. Proceeds benefit Bracken Christian School programs. Individual tickets are $150; sponsorships, including meet-andgreet opportunities with the Robertsons, are also available. For more, call 830-2218121 or visit www.brackenchristian.com.

SCHERTZ LIBRARY BOOK SALE oct The event will be held 10 a.m.

17-18 to 5 p.m. Oct. 17 and noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 18 at the library, 798 Schertz Parkway in Schertz. Buy a bag for $3 and stuff it with a wide selection of paperbacks and hardbacks. Included are children’s books, cookbooks and vintage offerings. For more, call bookstore manager Joanne Ward at 566-0415 or email jjward75@att.net.

RITA’S GIVE BACK GALA oct The Circle of Cancer Care 18 is sponsoring the event to support female cancer patients in northeast San Antonio, Schertz and Cibolo, beginning 7 p.m. at the Schertz Civic Center ballroom, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Building 5. The gala, including dinner, live music and silent auction, costs $75 per person. For more, call 802-1740 or email circleofcancercare@gmail.com.

SCHERTZ CHAMBER EVENTS The Schertz Chamber of Commerce has the following events during September and October: The monthly Biz Ed class and breakfast, featuring “Mastering your Memory” by guest speaker Craig Krause, will be held 7:30-9 a.m. Sept. 24 at the Chamber offices, 1730 Schertz Parkway. Admission is $10; free for Chamber members.

The fifth annual Chamber/Caterpillar Golf Classic is Oct. 3 at Northcliffe Golf Club, 5301 Country Club Blvd. in Cibolo.

Benefiting DECA programs at Clemens and Steele high schools, the event begins with an 11 a.m. shotgun start, with awards, live and silent auction items as well as a raffle beginning at 5 p.m.

The Chamber’s After Hours Mixer, hosted

by Sure Point Self Storage, will be held 5:30-7 p.m. Oct. 16 at 17305 Interstate 35 North. The event features food, beverages and a Chamber cash drawing.

Admission is $10; free for members.

The Chamber’s Oct. 21 luncheon, featuring “Health Marketplace Updates,” from

sept /oct

Heather Garcia of ETC HR, is 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Schertz Civic Center, 1400 Schertz Parkway. Admission is $28, $18 for members. Please RSVP by Oct. 14.

A “Meet the Candidates Forum,” featuring city council candidates from Schertz and Cibolo, will be held from 6-8 p.m.

Oct. 23 at the Schertz Civic Center.

The forum is open to the public.

Schertz Chamber Toastmasters convene each Monday at 6:45 p.m. at the Comfort Inn & Suites meeting room, 5571 Interstate 35 North in Selma. For more, call 5669000 or visit www.schertzchamber.org.

CIBOLO GRANGE The nonprofit agricultural weekly and civic organization hosts a Farmers and Artisans Market each Thursday 2-6 p.m. at Grange Hall, 413 N. Main St. in Cibolo. For more, visit CiboloGrangeFarmersMarket/Facebook.

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

FUNDANCERS’ CALLER SCHEDULE weekly The FunDancers’ Square and Line Dance Club meets each Sunday at Community Center North, 4923 Morning Drive in Schertz. Lessons start at 5 p.m., with dances 7-9 p.m. For more, visit the club’s information link at the Austin Square and Round Dance Association website, www.asrda.org.

CIBOLO VALLEY BAPTIST AWANA CLUB weekly Cibolo Valley Baptist Church, 5500 FM 1103 in Schertz, offers Awana Clubs for ages 3 through 18. The evangelism and discipleship program actively involves parents, church leaders and mentors in training children to follow Christian principles. Meetings are Sundays from 5:45-7:30 p.m. For more, call Awana Commander Amy Long at 300-1054 or the church office at 658-0525, or visit the church website at cibolovalleychurch.org.

FIGHTING HUNGER ongoing TexasMobilePack and Feed My Starving Children are seeking volunteers to help pack 4 million meals for hungry children overseas during a four-day event Sept. 25-28. The goal is to line up 20,000 volunteers to work two-hour shifts at three local sites. For

Happening continues on pg. 08

What’s Smarter Paying Off Debt or Investing?

It probably doesn’t happen as much as you’d like, but from time to time, you have some extra disposable income. When this happens, how should you use the funds? Assuming you have adequate emergency savings — typically, three to six months’ worth of living expenses — should you pay off debts, or fund your IRA or another investment account?

There’s no one “correct” answer — and the priority of these options may change, depending on your financial goals. However, your first step may be to consider what type of debt you’re thinking of paying down with your extra money. For example, if you have a consumer loan that charges a high rate of interest — and you can’t deduct the interest payments from your taxes — you might conclude that it’s a good idea to get rid of this loan as quickly as possible.

Still, if the loan is relatively small, and the payments aren’t really impinging on your monthly cash flow that much, you might want to consider putting any extra money you have into an investment that has the potential to offer longer-term benefits. For instance, you might decide to fully fund your IRA for the year before tackling minor debts. (In 2014, you can contribute up to $5,500 to a traditional or Roth IRA, or $6,500 if you’re 50 or older.)

When it comes to making extra mortgage payments, however, the picture is more complicated. In the first place, mortgage interest is typically tax deductible, which makes your loan less “expensive.” Even beyond the issue of deductibility, you may instinctively feel that it’s best to whittle away your mortgage and build as much equity as possible in your home. But is that always a smart move?

Increasing your home equity is a goal of many homeowners — after all, the more equity you have in your home, the more cash you’ll get when you sell it. Yet, if your home’s value rises — which, admittedly, doesn’t always happen — you will still, in effect, be building equity without having to divert funds that could be placed elsewhere, such as in an investment.

In this situation, it’s important to weigh your options. Do you want to lower your mortgage debts and possibly save on cumulative interest expenses? Or would you be better served to invest that money for potential growth or interest payments?

Here’s an additional consideration: If you tied up most of your money in home equity, you may well lose some flexibility and liquidity. If you were to fall ill or lose your job, could you get money out of your home if your emergency savings fund fell short? Possibly, in the form of a home equity line of credit or a second mortgage, but if you were not bringing in any income, a bank might not even approve such a loan — no matter how much equity you have in your house. You may more easily be able to sell stocks, bonds or other investment vehicles to gain access to needed cash.

Getting some extra money once in a while is a nice problem to have. Still, you won’t want to waste the opportunity — so, when choosing to pay down debts or put the money into investments, think carefully.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Cedric B Edwards, AAMS Financial Advisor 3820 F M 3009 Suite 104 Schertz, TX 78154 Bus. 210-566-4540 cedric.edwards@edwardjones.com

8

SEPTEMBER 2014

HAPPENING continues from pg. 07 more, visit www.texasmobilepack.org or www.fmsc.org. (See story on page 17) MORGAN’S WONDERLAND HOSTS SENIORS ongoing Let age work in your favor during “Senior Fridays” at Morgan’s Wonderland, 5223 David Edwards Drive. For $8, every second and fourth Friday, there will be senior activities 11 a.m. to noon. For more, call 4955888 or visit www.morganswonderland.com.

SAN ANTONIO SCORPIONS’ SOCCER oct The team will host North American Soccer League games on Oct. 4 (vs. Ottawa Fury FC), and Oct. 11 (Tampa Bay Rowdies). Each begins 7:30 p.m. at Toyota Field, 5106 David Edwards Drive in San Antonio. Ticket prices vary. Proceeds help support Morgan’s Wonderland. For more, visit www.sascorpions.com.

ON THE HORIZON ALAMO CITY MILITARIA EXPO oct Military antiques and collectibles 25 from a variety of dealers and individuals will be sold 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 509

Schertz Parkway. Event admission is $6 for adults; free for ages 12 and under.

For more, call 843-6012 or 512-7317093; or visit www.acmemilexpo.com.

WURSTFEST IN NEW BRAUNFELS The 54th annual “Salute to Sausage,” will be held over 10 days at 178 Landa Park Drive in New Braunfels with a variety of daily events, food booths and activities. Wurstfest opens 5 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

For more, including ticket and schedule information, call 830-625-9167, 800-2214369 (toll-free) or visit Wurstfest.com.

nov 7-16

ELSEWHERE NAMI 3K WALK SET The National Alliance on Mental Illness will hold its annual 3K walk at the Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 200 Noblewood Drive in San Antonio. Registration for the fundraiser benefiting NAMI-area programs begins 7 a.m.; the walk starts at 8:30 a.m. For more, call 734-3349 or visit nami-sat.org.

oct 4

Submitting events: Email all

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

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

Open and Opening Soon RANDOLPH FAMILY DENTAL, 3900 FM

3009, Suite 104 in Schertz and 651 S. Walnut Ave., Suite B in New Braunfels, offers cosmetic dentistry services. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, by appointment only on Wednesday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each second and fourth Saturday at the Schertz location (call 658-9031). Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and closed on Thursday at the New Braunfels location (call 830-625-1400). For more, visit www.randolphfamilydental. com. (See story on page 19)

SABOR LATINO MEXICAN CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT, 9260 FM

78 in Converse, dishes out a variety of original Mexican and Caribbean foods. Open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday and Saturday. For more, call 566-6989 or visit SaborLatinoConverse/ Facebook. (See story on page 21)

Address of local business Name of local business

MATTENGA’S PIZZERIA, 6044 FM 3009, Suite 290 in Schertz, is a family-owned and operated pizza parlor. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more, call 592-1138 or visit www.mattengas. com or MattengasPizzeria/Facebook.

STRONG RESPONSE, a client-based service offering affordable education and training options in basic self-defense, CPR, first aid and safety, recently opened in Garden Ridge, but they come to your place of choosing for lessons. Classes can be scheduled any time on any day of the week. For more, call 8591824 or visit strongresponsetraining.com.

IN OTHER NEWS TEN CANYON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS are among the new class of Youth Leadership New Braunfels, comprised of

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 09

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salocallowdown.com LOWDOWN continues from pg. 08

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this year’s area sophomores and juniors.

The pupils – Gregory Bielke, Sara Brooks, Rachel Carroll, David Churchwell, Sophie Machalec, Logan Magnusson, Conner Morawiec, Abigail Newland, Logan Piner and Shelby Steinbach – will assemble once a month in six-hour sessions from October-April. The meetings will cover city government, economic development, social needs, personal skills and other key neighborhood topics. The program, sponsored by the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, trains students in leadership techniques and awareness issues, and factors which could shape the community’s future.

DIGNITARIES ACROSS THE METROCOM recently participated in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge to promote awareness and raise funds against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

With no known cure, ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, affects the brain and spinal cord. The philanthropic endeavor raised over $100 million during a six-week span this summer via trendy videos where participants pour freezing water on their heads. The doused then challenge others’ mettle. On Aug. 21, Guadalupe County Constable Michael Skrobarcek, Selma Mayor Tom Daly, Selma Councilman Kevin Hadas, Schertz Mayor Michael Carpenter, Schertz Councilmen Daryl John and Cedric Edwards, Cibolo Mayor Lisa Jackson and Cibolo Councilman Jim Doty accepted the drenching, facilitated by fire department members from all three cities, at Blue Bonnet Palace in Selma. Comal Independent School District employees, led by CISD Superintendent Andrew Kim, also took the challenge Aug. 25.

Included were numerous administrators, teachers, faculty and several members of the district’s board of trustees.

RANDOLPH METROCOM ROTARY CLUB seeks candidates for its Volunteer of the Quarter program, recognizing outstanding area contributors. Nominees must live, work or volunteer in Cibolo, Converse, Garden Ridge, Kirby, Live Oak, Marion, Schertz, Selma, Universal City or Windcrest.

Winners will be announced during ceremonies held in October, and in January, April and July of 2015. Email nominations to Liane Garrett at Liane@MadWomen.biz.

The Rotary’s board of directors will review submissions and select quarterly winners.

7th Annual Holiday Fair Sponsored by the Women of Universal City United Methodist Church

Saturday, October 4th from 9 am to 3 pm 90 Winn Avenue, Universal City (210-659-5555) www.ucumctx.org/HolidayFair • Huge Silent Auction Café Serving Breakfast & Lunch • Many Arts & Craft Vendors • Handcrafted Cards & Gifts • The Book Nook with CDs & DVDs • Plants & Outdoor Décor in the Gardening Galore Shop • Home & Holiday Boutique • Gently Used Treasures • Pantry with homemade jams & baked goods •

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LOWDOWN continues on pg. 10

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SEPTEMBER 2014

David Lindow (center), pastor of First Baptist Church of Universal City, helps pack meals for malnourished children during a recent TexasMobilePack event. See story on page 17. Courtesy photo

LOWDOWN continues from pg. 09 CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF SAN ANTONIO recently received a $4 million donation on behalf of Valero Energy Foundation and the Klesse Foundation. The gifts – $3 million from Valero and $1 million from the family of Valero Energy Corp. Chairman Bill Klesse – will go towards construction of the new Children’s Hospital of San Antonio. The gift from the Valero Energy Foundation will be recognized in the pediatric hematology/oncology outpatient center. The money from the Klesse Foundation will be applied to an area within the Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

GUADALUPE COUNTY PRECINCT 3 CONSTABLE Michael Skrobarcek and his deputies are on the lookout for kids on bikes – and they have tickets! Don’t fret – it’s a good thing. Officers are distributing “citations” to children observed wearing helmets while riding bikes, scooters or skateboards, obeying traffic laws and traveling in safe locations. The riders, ages 12 and under, can redeem citations for free desserts at the Chick-fil-A, 6038 FM 3009 in Schertz. “Through this program, we are looking for opportunities to reinforce safe riding, reach out to and interact with young riders and their parents, families and friends, and help keep our community safe,” said Skrobarcek, who cited statistics indicating ages 5 to 24 have the highest rates of nonfatal bicycle-related injuries, which comprise nearly 60 percent of bikerelated injuries requiring hospitalization.

The American Academy of Pediatrics found bike helmets could prevent up to 88 percent of serious brain injuries caused by bicycle collisions and falls.

CANYON HIGH SCHOOL’S VOLLEYBALL TEAM earned the American Volleyball

Coaches Association’s Team Academic Award for 2013-14, for the third straight year. The squad compiled a combined 3.75 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale. The team also enjoyed a 39-11 overall record, advancing to the regional quarterfinals.

“I’m very proud of our girls,” head coach Heather Sanders said. “We want our players to not only be successful on the court, but to be leaders in the classroom and community. This honor is a great example.”

ATHLETES PARTICIPATING IN COMAL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT sports get free entry into all district home contests at the middle and high school levels in 201415, with $10 yearly all-event admissions for other students. Adult all-sports passes, $65 for the year, includes any Comal Independent School District home event, including varsity football games. Passes can be purchased through athletic offices at Canyon, Smithson Valley and Canyon Lake high schools or via the “C-Tix” link at the district’s website, www.comalisd.org.

WALMART AND SAM’S CLUB customers and members recently concluded a sixweek campaign raising funds nationwide for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

Children’s Hospital of San Antonio partnered with 57 locations across San Antonio, Victoria and Laredo amassing $403,226 to help provide inpatient care for more than 10,000 children, 70,000 emergency-department visits and more than 100,000 outpatient visits yearly. Nationally, through donations accepted at cash registers and in-store fundraising, Walmart totaled more than $40.2 million for the 170 hospitals comprising Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, assisting patient care for more than 10 million youngsters annually.

11

salocallowdown.com NOR-TEX continues from pg. 01

Construction on mixed-use properties to begin in 2015

by WILL WRIGHT

C

IBOLO – The Schertz and Cibolo city councils recently approved rezoning for Nor-Tex HQ Farms’ 677-acre mixed-use development, which will straddle Guadalupe and Comal counties between Interstate 35 and Schwab and Green Valley roads.

San Antonio-based Denton Communities, the developer, is planning 1,330 lots on 512 residential and 132 commercial acres. That includes 25 acres for a future Schertz-CiboloUniversal City Independent School District campus, with plans to provide dozens of acres for parks in the area.

Wayne Pruski, SCUCISD executive

director of facilities, planning and development, said the school district purchased the property from NorTex Farms in December 2013. It spent $1,701,682 – portions of land-acquisition funds approved by voters in its 2013 and 2006 bonds – to close on the 25-acre tract.

“More than likely it will be either an elementary or middle school campus,” Pruski said. “I don’t know when we would build on that; it would depend on (population) density and enrollment in that area of the district.”

Roughly two-thirds of the Nor-Tex development is situated in Schertz, with the rest in Cibolo. Denton officials project construction for Schertz will begin within nine months, with building in Cibolo slated for 2019.

Denton officials had no further comment on the project. However, despite planning and zoning commission public hearings held in Schertz and Cibolo from late 2013 through early 2014, only recently did some residents voice their opposition to the project during council meetings in both cities this summer.

Schertz’s council unanimously approved Denton’s rezoning request in June. In August, members of Cibolo’s

council – split over concerns about the project’s traffic impact on FM 1103 – narrowly passed rezoning by a 4-3 vote.

Cibolo has scheduled a $13.8 million bond for November, in which voters will be asked to OK funding for improvements along 1103 and Haeckerville Road, and add a firefighting facility over a fouryear period. Cibolo voters approved a $2.8 million bond issue to upgrade two major intersections and Fire Department facilities last November.

Requests by LOCAL Community News for comment from Cibolo council members and City Manager Bob Herrera were unsuccessful.

Dan Kossl, Denton’s vice president of development and land acquisition, said the developer will donate $100,000 to Cibolo for 1103 improvements and upgrades to Green Valley Road leading into the Landmark Pointe subdivision. Denton officials said Nor-Tex Boulevard, set to connect the I-35 frontage to Green Valley Road, would be constructed to serve as an alternate route to alleviate traffic on 1103.

Schertz’s Planning and Zoning Commission held public hearings on the proposed project in December and January. On May 2, the city mailed 134

notices to residents living within 200 feet of the project in a residential area near the I-35 frontage and Covers Cove.

Fourteen of the 18 written responses opposed the project, most of them citing concerns it might decrease residential property values and increase traffic.

However, Schertz’s P&Z board on May 14 voted 6-1 to recommend rezoning to the City Council, which voted to approve the measure during its June 17 meeting.

Brian James, the city’s executive director of development, made it clear that changing rezoning from General Business to Planned Development District is only the first step in a process that has a long way to go.

James said that Nor-Tex’s initial plans, which include the dedication of 14-plus acres for a city park near the SCUCISD school site, fits into the city’s plans for managed development.

“We’re in a growing economy and this area is doing as well as any other in the state,” he said. “This is one of a number of projects that are coming into the city. We’re trying to be thoughtful about development so it fits into the vision of the kind of community that residents in Schertz want to have.”

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SEPTEMBER 2014

REUNION continues from pg. 01

Byrd reconnects and reunites with her birth sisters

by J.E. jordan

C

ONVERSE – What if in researching your ancestry you discover you weren’t whom you thought?

Seven decades ago, Ray and Edwinna Wagner, a childless African-American couple, adopted Verda Wagner Byrd before her second birthday. Byrd, a Caucasian, spent her entire life believing she was African-American. Now, after recently reuniting with her white sisters, Byrd proudly calls herself “interchangeable.”

“I had always, always – until this past February – thought I was black,” said Byrd, 71, “but then I got my birth certificate and complete adoption papers, and there it was – white.”

It’s been a long personal journey for

After discovering her true roots, Converse resident Verda Byrd recently reunited with her birth sisters in San Antonio. Photo by Joshua Michael

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Byrd, a child of one race unknowingly raised by parents of another ethnicity.

Though uprooted, Byrd feels comfortable in her own skin.

She grew up an only child in Newton, Kan. Ray Wagner was a porter on the Santa Fe Railway, a well-paid responsible position.

“That was one of the criteria for adopting a child; $250 a month was good money for any job in those days,” Byrd said.

The 1940 U.S. census indicated Newton’s population numbered just over 11,000 residents. Byrd remembered the racial mix as “90 percent white, 5 percent AfricanAmerican and 5 percent Hispanic.”

Attending integrated schools and an African-American church, Byrd was brought up thinking she was, in her word, “black.” However, she always thought she was adopted.

“Edwinna had told me when I was 10 to 12 years old,” Byrd recounted. “I didn’t know what it meant. Maybe I was naive, but I never thought any more about it. Edwinna was very strict, so whatever she said was OK with me. So, it didn’t print in my head what the definition of adoption was.”

In fact, Byrd said the idea she might have another family somewhere, “never, never, ever crossed my mind.”

In 1974, after the Wagners died, Byrd was sorting through their possessions and found her adoption records. She learned she was born as Jeanette Beagle and her birth parents were Earl and Daisy Beagle. Yet, her race was not mentioned. Her curiosity about the Beagles and her life before adoption went no further at the time.

“I thought, ‘OK, so what?’” she recalled, saying she simply put the information aside. Nearly 30 years passed when she came across the revelation again. This time curiosity prevailed.

Recently at a Jim’s Restaurant, Byrd related an account of her other branches in her curious family tree. Reaching into a colorful tote bag containing documents and photos, she depicted the story behind her birth family and her adoption.

By 1943, Earl had left the family, and Daisy – a 27-year-old mother of five – was critically injured when she fell down and was struck by a trolley car. Spending a year in the hospital, her children were dispersed – four into welfare facilities and baby Jeanette, placed separately, into foster care with the Wagners.

The older kids reunited with Daisy

reunion continues on pg. 13

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salocallowdown.com REUNION continues from pg. 12 when she recovered. However, when Earl briefly returned, the parents signed papers allowing the Wagners to formally adopt Jeanette. In 1944, a new birth certificate was issued in the name of Verda Ann Wagner.

More surprises ensued. In 2013, she unearthed Daisy Beagle’s obituary, revealing she had borne 10 children in all – nine daughters and a son. Within months, Byrd found contact information for three of Daisy’s children – Sylvia Panko, 76; Debbie Romero, 56; and Kathryn Gutierrez Rouillard, 59.

Upon receiving a letter from Byrd, Panko, thinking it a hoax, contacted her sisters. Romero called Byrd and was almost immediately convinced the connection was genuine.

In August, all three of Byrd’s surviving siblings, spread across the country, rendezvoused in San Antonio. For Panko, the reunion was 70 years in the making, as for the others, a first opportunity to hug Byrd.

Rouillard recollected her mother speaking of a child she had to give up.

“Mother had told me she had a daughter that she put up for adoption and always wondered if she was all right,” she said. As Byrd learned more about her first family,

she asked why they moved so often and was told their parents were “drifters.”

After all, Byrd said she is grateful the Wagners raised her.

“They provided good for me; better than my birth parents did for my sisters,” she said. “My upbringing, my schooling – my everything, ... (if) I had stayed with my birth parents, I know I wouldn’t have had the opportunities I had.”

Byrd graduated high school and earned degrees at Metropolitan State College in Denver. She has been married 35 years to Trancle Byrd, an African-American and an Air Force master sergeant. When her husband retired, they moved to Converse.

Rouillard said when Byrd asks about their mother, “I would tell her what I felt. ‘Mama put you up for adoption, and look, you had a wonderful life.

That was mama’s blessing to you.’

“I don’t care what color she is.

It never bothers me at all. She can say whatever color she wants to say she is. I’ll accept her as she is.”

The four sisters plan another reunion, in Dallas, over the year-end holidays.

What matters most to Byrd is she has found her roots and her family’s petals.

“We are all Daisy’s daughters,” Byrd said.

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SEPTEMBER 2014

REPORT continues from pg. 01

Enhanced academic, vocational programs wave of future

by WILL WRIGHT

R

ecently released ratings show five Metrocom school districts have met or exceeded state standards for accountability, according to the Texas Education Agency.

eral Home & Crema n u F to Pet

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They include Judson, Schertz-CiboloUniversal City, Comal, North East and Randolph Field independent school districts.

TEA issued preliminary report cards to the state’s public school districts in August, based on data received from the 2013-14 school year. Each area district passed the first set of accountability ratings, garnering “acceptable” designations for performance tied to state standards.

“We’re very proud of the work of our administrators, teachers and students in this rigorous testing environment,” said

Jennifer Porter, Comal ISD’s assistant superintendent for curriculum and academic services. “Their efforts definitely promote growth and achievement. Whenever you achieve a level of success, it’s a team effort.”

All Texas school districts in 201415 are continuing efforts to meet standards established by House Bill 5, which became law in 2013. The measure substantially changed curriculum and graduation requirements and increased assessments and accountability.

HB 5 has reduced and de-emphasized testing, previously a significant player in determining accountability standards.

Now, school districts have the flexibility to direct students down multiple career paths — called endorsements — that range from arts/humanities, business and industry, multidisciplinary, public service or STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).

Lawmakers have said school districts are recognizing that not all students want to go to college, and the education system should prepare them for a future that best fits their skills.

In the latest assessments, districts and schools were assigned five TEA overallratings categories: met standard; met alternative (school) standard; improvement

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required; not rated, and not rated due to data-integrity issues. Each district earned performance index points in four categories: student achievement, student progress, closing performance gaps and postsecondary-readiness.

Each earned 89 percent or better in the system safeguards assessment based on: performance, participation and graduation rates, and meeting federal limits on alternative assessments.

Randolph Field ISD met all 45 of its requirements for a perfect mark. In attaining 76 of 78 indicators, SCUCISD scored 97 percent; and NEISD and CISD both tallied 96 percent with 81 of 84 and 74 of 77, respectively.

The five Metrocom districts’ individual schools earned distinction designations from results in most of the following areas: English language arts/ reading; math; science; social studies; student progress; closing performance gaps; and postsecondary-readiness.

NEISD schools received 128 distinctions for its 67 schools in the assessment.

Campuses achieving the highest percentage of indicators included the International School of the Americas and Northwood Elementary (6 of 6); Krueger and Nimitz middle schools

(6 of 7), and Hardy Oak and Oak Meadow elementary schools (5 of 6).

“We are very proud of all our schools for the progress they continue to make and we are especially proud of ISA and Northwood for meeting every single distinction, which is very difficult to do,” said NEISD spokeswoman Aubrey Chancellor.

Comal ISD’s 28 schools received 29 distinctions, led by Alamo CollegesMemorial Early College High School (5 of 6).

“We are obviously very pleased with our ratings,” said Andrew Kim, Comal superintendent. “There is always room for improvement no matter how highly you’re rated, but to have every one of our campuses meet TEA’s rating standards shows a level of excellence.”

JISD’s 26 schools totaled 40 distinctions, topped by Judson Early College Academy (6 of 6) and Crestview Elementary (5 of 6).

SCUCISD’s 15 campuses received eight distinctions.

RFISD’s three schools merited eight distinctions, spearheaded by Randolph High School (5 of 6).

Only two area schools were given improvement-required designations: NEISD’s Olmos Elementary and JISD’s Kirby

REPORT continues on pg. 15

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salocallowdown.com REPORT continues from pg. 14 Middle School. Preliminary assessments, issued Aug. 8, won’t be finalized until TEA reviews school-district appeals in November.

Kim said Comal ISD is also pursuing other long-term goals.

“While the accountability ratings are impressive, it’s important that we continue to focus on instilling levels of critical thinking, (a) strong work ethic and engaged communication skills in our students,” Kim said. “We want them to be lifelong learners.”

According to HB 5, school districts have been granted a higher level of control in resetting their graduationprogram paths. As local districts fortify postsecondary-readiness programs, they’re also enhancing vocational training for students opting to skip college.

“In addition to college-readiness (programs), which is a focus we’ve always had – we will ensure that students at each high school have access to numerous endorsement opportunities,” NEISD’s Chancellor said.

Kim said guidelines in HB 5 have provided his planning with “a level of flexibility.”

“One has been to reduce the number

of standardized course exams from 15 to five,” he said. “On top of that, HB 5 also emphasizes the need for our school district to ensure that students are aware of their future, as far as not only collegereadiness but career-readiness.”

CISD and other districts are busy trying to offer students more of the latter.

Kim said other CISD programs are being constructed enabling students to gain certification in occupations such as health, pharmacy and emergency medicine.

CISD board president David Drastata said tightening collegeadmission requirements helped direct students down this road.

“Not every kid wants to go to college,” he said. “The service industry is growing and there are jobs waiting for these kids who have the skill set. There are jobs waiting for them in South Texas, if they’re willing to go.

“It’s more important than ever to provide that training for those students who are willing to work right off the bat.”

The goal is giving students enlightened career paths.

“We want to not only set the bar but raise the bar in terms of providing the overall educational experience,” Kim said.

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In this day and age, more than 22 million Americans age 40 and older have cataracts, and according to the National Eye Institute, by age 80, more than half of all Americans will either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. However, perhaps one of the most concerning aspects of these impactful statistics is the fact that there are currently no medications or treatment options besides surgery to correct cataracts making it the most frequently performed surgery. While most people who are affected by cataracts will not usually begin showing symptoms until at least age 40, cataracts can also occur among young adults or children. Risk factors that can lead to developing cataracts at a younger age include certain diseases, hereditary influences, eye injuries, eye disease, smoking and more. While cataract surgery is a very delicate, detailed operation, it is also one of the safest operations done today. The procedure is extremely quick and non-invasive, and more than 95% of surgeries are successful.

Plus, because cataracts are now removed under a local anesthetic, patients are able to go home the same day and most people only experience a minor discomfort following surgery. In many cases, patients can see well enough to resume their normal activities a few days after having cataract surgery, while their vision will continue to improve over the following weeks. Because there is no definite cause of this disease, there is currently no way to prevent age-related cataracts. The best chance a person has for preventing cataracts is to avoid certain risk factors that have been proven to increase your risk of developing this vision problem. These risk factors include a family history of cataracts, certain diseases, such as diabetes, long-term steroid use, long term exposure to UV rays and excessive sunlight, smoking, unhealthy eating habits and certain eye injuries or diseases. Cataracts are easily treatable through today’s advanced technology. During a cataract surgery procedure, a surgeon will remove the clouded lens of the affect eye, then replace it with a new intraocular lens (IOL). Doing this requires a small incision at the edge of the cornea. The surgeon inserts a small ultrasonic probe that breaks up the clouded lens into a bunch of tiny parts, which are then suctioned out of the eye.

From there, an intraocular lens is inserted to replace the cataract.

This is then perfectly aligned by the surgeon resulting in the return of vision. Stitches are usually not needed for this surgery. So if you or someone you may know has questions or concerns about cataracts, please call to set up an appointment to talk to Dr. Klufas about this common condition.

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SEPTEMBER 2014

INPUT continues from pg. 01

Another listening session on tap this fall

by J.E. jordan

U

Northeast Lakeview College representatives and area leaders recently held community listening sessions designed to shape future curriculum. Photos courtesy Northeast Lakeview College

On June 26, the college partnered with the Schertz Chamber of Commerce to hold the first of three communitylistening sessions. All are part of an initiative by NLC President Craig Follins to take the pulse of the community.

“We were looking at, and projecting out, five years for what kinds of skills and, really, occupational clusters, that we could be a part of, and making sure that our students would be trained for jobs that would be part of the future,” Follins said.

More of the invitation-only events are set for September and October, all involving elected officials, community and business leaders and economic-development representatives. The plan is to formulate academic and workforce-training programs based on current and anticipated needs.

Established in 2007, NLC serves 6,000 students from 10 Metrocom communities, northeast San Antonio and Bexar, Comal and Guadalupe counties.

The first session provided Follins – who assumed his new role earlier this year – a chance to get acquainted with local decision-makers.

“They were quite interested in learning about what we are doing – understanding what we do and how we

can work in tandem,” he said. “We want to understand what the future looks like in terms of employment development.”

Follins said the information will enable the college to better foresee area needs in advance. NLC will then create academic plans and programs reflecting those necessities.

The first session, attended by representatives of several Schertz-area businesses including construction, banking and other professional fields, seemed to hit the right note.

“I really think it was the right thing to do. Kudos to (Follins) for doing so much so quickly,” said Maggie Titterington, president of the Schertz Chamber, of the initial session also attended by Guadalupe County commissioners Jim Wolverton and Judy Cope, Selma Mayor Tom Daly and Schertz Mayor Michael Carpenter.

Following Follins’ forum address providing an NLC overview, Gary Ergish, the college’s vice president for academic success, presented a review of academic programs.

Facilitated by NLC instructors, participants were then divided into small discussion groups and asked to consider the college’s value to the community, identify the region’s greatest educational needs, and recommend ways NLC could increase program awareness, reach underserved individuals and entities, and

NIVERSAL CITY – Northeast Lakeview College administrators are continuing to hold public-input meetings to gauge neighborhood and business needs so students can be prepared for the jobs of the future.

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best meet future needs of the community’s emerging industries and residents.

As for NLC’s value to the area, the consensus centered on affordability, accessibility and technical training. Follins said rapidly burgeoning technology has made it difficult to accurately project future employment needs.

“We do know it will play a part,” he said. “Health care will be a factor in the future, and career education (programs) will be something to look at. We also looked at essential skills students will need – the ability to show up to work on time, utilizing critical-thinking skills, engaging in project-based activities, and working with other individuals and groups to find solutions to problems.”

The college president also cited the need for better-prepared undergraduates.

“We find that many of our students are woefully unprepared in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields,” he said, adding students must improve in those areas before commanding high-paying occupations.

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To meet the needs of the community’s industries and occupational areas during the next five years, session participants said the college’s focus should be on developing skilled-labor trades, health care and robotics, and information-technology programs.

“There was a consensus by at least two or three people (at our table) that we are pretty affected by the fact that high schools are doing away with vocational programs,” said Joy Brown of Ecko Construction. “We are very much keyed in on vocational jobs.

Not every kid is geared for college. Schools are only teaching for college, and that’s just not the way all of them are going to go.”

Jill Carpenter, vice president of Broadway Bank in Schertz, agreed.

“We talked about how schools are not getting (students) ready (for college), even in finances,” she said. “Kids come out of school and they don’t even know how to write a check. They may be going to college, but everybody needs to know practical skills.”

Once data from each communitylistening session has been compiled, the college plans to stage an Economic Development Day. NLC officials have pledged to participate in more local events and create a social-media campaign to promote workforce training. An advisory council, comprised of session participants, will assist Follins with future planning.

NLC conducted another forum Sept. 11 at the JISD Education Resource Center. The third, hosted by the Northeast Partnership for Economic Development and the TriCounty Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for 4-5:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at the Olympia Hills Golf and Conference Center, 12900 Mount Olympus St. in Universal City.

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salocallowdown.com HUNGER continues from pg. 01

FMSC spearheading worldwide charitable effort

by MIRANDA KOERNER

U

NIVERSAL CITY – When members of First Baptist Church of Universal City began discussing volunteering for a charity, they had two requirements: Do more than just write a check, and find something where all could participate.

Feed My Starving Children and TexasMobilePack are staging several meal-packing events designed to benefit malnourished children across the world. Courtesy photo

The churchgoers found their holy grail in TexasMobilePack. The Christian nonprofit, Feed My Starving Children, will host the event at three locations in the San Antonio area Sept.

25-28, with up to 20,000 volunteers packing 4 million meals for hungry children overseas. “(It) is the largest-scale event we’ve ever done,” said Julie Gaubert, TMP leader and FBCUC member. “We were looking for a

nonprofit to help hunger where we could actually do something. This allowed us to have people of all ages and physical abilities volunteer, from 5 years old to the elderly.”

Feed My Starving Children has coordinated get-togethers since 1987 where good Samaritans assemble, package and ship boxed food to feed malnourished children in more than 70 countries. Now an FMSC affiliate, MobilePack hosts weekly events around the country to supply meals.

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MobilePack was created when current CEO Matt Crea rented a truck, packed it with food and drove to a Christian youth gathering in Kansas, where 300 folks participated in a fun service activity.

“That’s when mobile packing began,” said Allison Schwartz, FMSC communication team member. “Every day, nearly 6,200 children die from hunger-related causes.

That number has dropped from 18,000 in 1990, but it is still too large.

“Volunteers are essential, (they) enable FMSC to keep sending more and more lifesaving meals to precious children around the world. The volunteers pack all of our meals and donations pay for them, because FMSC doesn’t receive any donated ingredients or government aid.”

According to its website, nearly 800,000 FMSC volunteers packed 191,600,000 meals

HUNGER continues on pg. 22

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SEPTEMBER 2014

NIGHT OUT continues from pg. 01

Schertz, Cibolo, other cities staging block parties

by BAIN SERNA

C

IBOLO – Metrocom communities are gearing up to tell criminals to take a hike during the annual National Night Out observance on Oct. 7.

For more than three decades, National Night Out has been celebrated annually in thousands of neighborhoods across the country. Police say the event sends a clear message that neighbors are banding together with police to keep homes and businesses safe.

Over time, the event has evolved into spirited gatherings featuring block parties, cookouts, visits by local law enforcement and emergency-services personnel, parades and other fun and family-friendly events.

“National Night Out is the community coming together to get to know one

another,” said Tom White, the Cibolo Police Department’s community initiatives officer. “A community can be as small as a block, or as large as the city.”

According to White, National Night Out events in Cibolo and other Metrocom towns will promote neighborhood and lawenforcement solidarity. White said many residents come and go without ever getting to know their neighbors – leading some to isolate themselves inside their homes due to fears of becoming crime victims.

“Those are all reasons that NNO was developed,” White said. “At least one evening a year you unlock the door and go outside and meet and get to know your neighbors. In Cibolo, where we have only minor criminal issues, we are trying to keep our community strong and safe.”

NNO participants remain active in efforts to fight criminal activity by organizing their communities, White said.

National Night Out, which seeks to include different ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds, will feature an array of festivities designed to thwart evildoing and enhance togetherness, including in Cibolo.

“We have individuals having a block gathering and inviting all of their neighbors;

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a neighborhood getting together at one of the area parks and inviting all of their residents; and we have Grange Hall, which is having a gathering and inviting anyone that wants to come by and have something to eat and congregate to discuss community issues,” White said.

“All are ways for the citizens to get out and get to know their neighbors.”

National Night Out is also meant to reinforce the bonds and trust between residents, local emergency-services units and community-watch groups.

“As in years past, we will divide up into several teams, which consist of, but are not limited to, city executives, City Council members, the mayor, police, fire and EMS, as well as members of the Schertz Citizen’s Police Alumni Association

National Night Out is the community coming together to get to know one another. A community can be as small as a block, or as large as the city.” tom white, cibolo police department’s community initiatives officer

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and Citizens on Patrol,” Schertz Police Department Cpl. Shawn Ceeko said. “We will visit many of the National Night Out block parties around the city.”

During those celebrations, Schertz city officials will read and present proclamations to organizers at each event, Ceeko said, touting the overall value and importance of National Night Out festivities in the neighborhoods.

“This allows the resident to get to know those who serve the community and address concerns, provide information and, in general, work together,” he said.

To learn more about the nationwide National Night Out observance, visit www. natw.org. For more on area National Night Out events, visit the websites of local cities or contact a local law-enforcement agency.

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Randolph Family Dental now open in Schertz

by ERIC MORENO

S

CHERTZ – Randolph Family Dental, two fullservice area practices specializing in cosmetic dentistry, is headed by owner Fortuna Vardeman, who has practiced dentistry for more than 16 years.

Vardeman operated clinics in New Braunfels and Universal City, along with a special practice in her native Philippines.

She still maintains the facility at 651 S. Walnut Ave., Suite B in New Braunfels, but recently moved her Universal City practice to 3900 FM 3009, Suite 104 in Schertz.

“One of the main reasons we moved to our new office in December was because we were growing due to the

new implant procedures we were doing,” said Del Blair, Randolph Family Dental’s office administrator and Vardeman’s assistant. “This is a great space for us now and we are in a great location.”

In addition to dental implants, the business features an in-house laboratory, as well as bone-grafting procedures, sleep-apnea treatments, porcelain onlays and veneers, and traditional cleanings and fillings. It also offers sedation dentistry for reluctant clients.

“We really try our best to make our patients happy and comfortable when they come to see us,” Blair said. “Our customer service is something we are very proud of. We have great facilities in good locations, and we offer everything anyone could want in a dental office.”

Needing more space for specialty procedures, Randolph Family Dental recently moved into a larger facility in Schertz. Photo by Joshua Michael

Randolph Family Dental, in Schertz, is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, by appointment only on Wednesday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each second and fourth Saturday.

In New Braunfels, it is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and closed on Thursday.

RANDOLPH FAMILY DENTAL 3900 FM 3009, Suite 104 In Schertz Call 658-9031 651 S. Walnut Ave., Suite B In New Braunfels Call 830-625-1400 or visit www.randolphfamilydental.com

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Sabor Latino boasts tastes of Latin America, Caribbean

by ERIC MORENO

C

ONVERSE — Richard Munoz toiled in the restaurant business a long time when he noticed something missing.

I wanted to have a place where people could go and try other Latin foods besides Mexican.

Although Mexican restaurants in the San Antonio area are plentiful, very few tout flavors of other Latin American and Caribbean locales. So in August, he opened Sabor Latino Mexican Caribbean Restaurant, 9260 FM 78.

“I wanted to have a place where people could go and try other Latin foods besides Mexican,” he said. “We serve Mexican dishes, sure, but we also serve Puerto Rican, Dominican and Cuban dishes. … All over Latin America.”

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with chili pepper. Fried plantains are served, but absent from the table are area diners’ accustomed side of tortillas.

“The meats are also marinated and seasoned a little differently in Caribbean food,” Munoz said. “I think if people try it, though, they will like it. We have a mix of foods here. It gives us the chance to introduce them to people, to let them try something new.”

Enchiladas are one of Sabor Latino’s popular dishes. Also offered are customary Puerto Rican cuisines such as mofongo (mashed, fried plantains) and sancocho (a traditional Latin American stew).

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SEPTEMBER 2014

HUNGER continues from pg. 17 in 2013, with each meal costing 22 cents.

Schwartz said 525,000 children received daily meals through efforts of MobilePack, with 208,911 helpers packing more than 50 million meals during 206 events in 38 states.

“Through MobilePack, new neighborhoods experienced the power of volunteering and serving others,” Schwartz said. “The impact is real! Volunteers pack meals. Kids get fed. Lives are changed.”

At the upcoming TexasMobilePack, volunteers will also form teams to amass funds for future meals. Gaubert noted helpers, donating a couple of hours of their time, don’t have to be church members.

“It’s a great opportunity to impact world hunger without leaving San Antonio,” she said. “In two hours, each volunteer will pack a box with enough food to feed a child for 7 1/2 months. Over four days, we’re going to pack enough food to feed 11,000 every day for a year.”

More than half of meal-packing volunteers are under age 18, Schwartz added, with the organization on track to pack its one-billionth meal this year.

“It’s just such a blessing to be able to help,” said Karen Becker, FBCUC member

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and TexasMobilePack volunteer. “We saw the video at church and couldn’t wait to sign up and volunteer.”

While TMP has a goal to wrap 1.25 million meals in Houston and 1 million in Dallas in a six-week span, joining San Antonio’s efforts are several volunteers from FBCUC, including Bridget Richter and her 15-year-old daughter.

“As a mom, I wanted to work with my kids and serve and know we were making a difference,” Richter said. “It really felt like MobilePack was something our community could do together and something the whole city could do together.

“You’re taking part in actually saving lives. Little kids and elderly people are literally working together to save lives. My kids think it’s amazing.”

For more information, visit www. texasmobilepack.org; to sign up, contact Julie Gaubert at info@texasmobilepack.org.

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708 MAIN STREET SCHERTZ, TEXAS 78154

QUALITY AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE SINCE 1971 • Suspension – Struts And Shocks • Tires – 30-60-90K Interval Services • 2 Master Certified Technicians • Tow Services

• Bg Services • 24 Month, 24,000 Mile Nationwide Warranty • Maintenance/Repair – Oil Changes – Brakes • Engine Diagnostic – Drive-Ability Concerns

Main Street Garage is a husband and wife business in Schertz, Texas, Henry (UTSA 03) and Melissa (UTSA 95, UT Austin 99) have owned Main Street Garage since December 2010.

Melissa – President and Full time Licensed Pharmacist that believes is World Class Customer Service and fixed with integrity. Henry, VP, runs the daily operation of the business and adheres to family values and Military-style work ethics and gives 110 Percent and then some for each customer.

FREE ALIGNMENT CHECK

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$

.99

OIL CHANGE For 1st Time Customers

(210) 659-3020

Mon-Friday 7:30am – 6:00pm Saturday 8am – 2pm

All Repairs

All Custom Designs

FREE Jewelry Inspections Visit

www.mrgoldus.com For Online Specials

Mr. Gold

~fine jewelry

Since 1989

5524 Walzem Rd, San Antonio, TX 78218 Shop online at www.mrgoldus.com

Jewelry and Watch Repair Jewelry Appraisal Service, (G.I.A.) G.G

We Buy Gold Tue-Sat: 10:00-5:00

210-590-3645

LOCAL DEALS

“FAST RELIABLE SERVICE”

Find more LOCAL deals online at salocallowdown.com

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salocallowdown.com

*****ECR WSS Postal Customer Prsrt Std US Postage Paid Permit 6450 San Antonio TX

We’ve Moved!

Please visit us at our new location.

SERVICES: • Same or next-day appointments

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• Physical exams and well woman care

• Lifestyle modification and care for chronic conditions

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• Immunizations and preventative care

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• Schools, sports and camp physicals

Schertz

• Osteopathic manipulative medicine

Victoria S. Chang, DO Board-Certified Internal Medicine

Blaine Carmichael, PA

Kirsten Fikes, PA

Call (210) 656-5600 or go visit Med1st.com to learn more about us and schedule an appointment today.

6/6/14 3:04 PM

COMMUNITY NEWS

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4204 gardendale Ste. 201 SAN ANTONIO, TX 78229

An affiliate of Baptist Health System

MedFirst Schertz 16977 IH 35 North, Suite 210 Schertz, TX 78154 (210) 656-5600