LOCAL: Stone Oak, Encino Park, Far North, 78258, 78259, 78260, 78261 May 2016

FAR NORTH EXPANSION

PRIMROSE SCHOOL

STONE OAK

Sports bar features hospitality, hearty fare

PG. 04 LOCAL EDITORIAL Vote of no confidence in police chief does not bode well

PG. 03 SUSAN YERKES

Property sales and retail could take a hit, critics argue

VOL. 2, ISSUE 12

BUCKLES AND BUNS

Facility opens this summer

Some worry annexation, construction could affect Stone Oak development

PG.15

PG.22 EAT LOCAL

PG.20 BUY LOCAL

COMMUNITY NEWS ENCINO PARK

FAR NORTH

The good news about area programs to improve graduation rates

78258 78259 78260 78261

APRIL 25 - MAY 30, 2016

Elections at a glance Area voters will select two North East Independent School District and four Alamo Community College District trustees on May 7 and return May 24 to decide party primary runoff elections.

Early voting for May 7 elections is April 25May 3; early balloting for May 24 runoffs is May 16-20.

MAY 7

NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT TRUSTEES I – Incumbent District 1 – Sandy Hughey (I), Chris Herring, Melissa Martinez White District 5 – Shannon Grona (I) vs. Roger Fisher ALAMO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT TRUSTEES District 1 – Joe Alderete Jr. (I) vs. Adan Hernandez District 2 – Denver McClendon (I), Elmo Aycock, Viviana Valdez Sandoval, Marc Deadrick District 3 – Anna Uriegas Bustamante (I), Joschua Beres, Anthony Alcoser District 4 – Marcelo Casillas (I) vs. Philip “Felipe” Vargas

MAY 24

PARTY PRIMARY RUNOFF ELECTIONS I – Incumbent REPUBLICAN Texas House District 73 Doug Miller (I) vs. Kyle Biedermann Bexar County Precinct 3 Constable Mark Vojvodich (I) vs. Nathan Buchanan Comal County Sheriff Brent Paullus vs. Mark Reynolds DEMOCRATIC Bexar County Sheriff Andy Lopez vs. Javier Salazar

Stone Oak Elementary celebrates 20th anniversary

PG.19

North East ISD preparing students for the future

ADAPTING TO OPEN-CARRY LAW PG.13 San Antonio government, schools

consider approach to new gun rules

CREATING A LEGACY

PG.18

Eagle Scout project at Bulverde Creek Elementary School memorializes boy, 6, who died from brain tumor

2

APRIL 25 - MAY 30, 2016

FROM THE EDITOR wwright@localcommunitynews.com

Build Now In Time for Summer!

President Harold J. Lees Publisher Gregg Rosenfield Director of Operations Jaselle Luna 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, Alejandra Casas, Jacque Crouse, Peter Moralez, Eric Moreno, Edmond Ortiz, Arthur Schechter and Susan Yerkes ART Creative Director Florence D. Edwards Contributing Photographer Rudy B. Ornelas ADVERTISING Account Manager Amber Montemayor Controller Tami Cavanaugh

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READER SERVICE Mailing Address 4204 Gardendale St., Ste. 201, SA, TX 78229 Phone Fax (210) 338.8842 (210) 616.9677 Advertising Inquiries jluna@localcommunitynews.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 4/5: 78109, 78148, 78233, 78239, 78108, 78132, 78154, 78266 Zone 7: 78015, 78023, 78255, 78256, 78257 For advertising, customer service or editorial, please call us at 210-338-8842 or write to us at: Local Community News 4204 Gardendale St., Ste. 201 San Antonio, TX 78229 Reproduction in whole or in part without our permission is prohibited, 2016 Helen Publishing LLC and Local Community News LLC, all rights reserved.

Add your voice to the city’s future

P

ublic forums and residents’ online input will play a major role in a comprehensive plan to update the city’s long-range blueprint.

The current plan to forecast city needs through 2020 is being extended, as officials predict Bexar County will add 1.1 million residents by 2040. During the next few months, City Council will consider recommendations before revising the SA Tomorrow plan, which will identify potential 2017 bond projects.

District 10 Councilman Mike Gallagher recently asked constituents for opinions.

“The (April 7) SA Tomorrow open house provided an opportunity for them to weigh in on the future growth of our community,” he said. “They were given surveys and discussed plans with city staff. These types of events are critical to empowering our residents to have their voices heard on the important projects that will shape San Antonio.”

Similar proposals drove the $596 million bond approved by voters in 2012, and should play a similar role in the upcoming bond for projects through 2022.

Ideas are being considered for the 2017 bond, which could total $800 million.

“It will be a critical tool for us (to address) important infrastructure and parks and facilities projects that are in desperate need of accomplishing,” Gallagher said. “In streets and sidewalks alone there is a need of about $2.5 billion – we need to act on every chance we can to get some of those projects done.”

Public forums are scheduled before action on SA Tomorrow this summer.

Residents should have a say in their future.

For more, visit www.sanantonio.gov.

WILL WRIGHT MANAGING EDITOR ON THE COVER: With the passage of the open-carry law that went into effect Jan. 1, the city of San Antonio and the North East Independent School District are deciding how best to follow the legal mandate. See story on page 13. Photo by Collette Orquiz

3

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

LOCAL COMMENTARY

It takes a village to educate a child

by SUSAN YERKES

T

he traditional school year begins to wind down in May, capped by graduation for some and summer break for others.

Unfortunately, nearly one in five adults in the Alamo City never experienced high school graduation – dropping out somewhere along the way.

It’s sad, and not just for those who lack many of the skills required both in the workplace and the increasingly challenging world. An educated workforce is one of the biggest assets a city has to draw and keep successful businesses,

providing more opportunities and raising the overall quality of life.

On a humane, personal basis, there’s good reason to care about giving our young people the best education possible so they can succeed. On a practical, civic basis, there’s also an equally important reason – to keep our economy healthy and competitive.

Today, things seem to be changing for the better. Citywide graduation rates have risen to over 85 percent. Even in the San Antonio Independent School District, where a few years ago less than 60 percent of students finished high school, now it’s more than 80 percent.

One of the keys to the improvement so far is a proliferation of programs aimed at helping children learn during their school years.

The Pre-K 4 SA program, which provides state-of-the-art, full-day learning, is quite strong, with some 2,000 children expected to enroll for the 2016-17 school year. The initiative is also growing beyond its four educational centers. In April, Pre-K 4 SA awarded a whopping $4.2 million in grants to area school districts, private schools and elsewhere, including the YMCA and Family Service Association, to fund their own innovative prekindergarten programs.

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More schools are finding ways – and funding – to offer individual attention to students, or extend the day with exercise and extra-learning opportunities.

Private nonprofits are pitching in, too. San Antonio’s After-School All-Stars, offering inner-city children tutoring, a tech-savvy MIRACLE program and healthy play, celebrated 15 years in April.

SA Youth, which started in the basement of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in 1984, has worked with some 60,000 children and young adults over the years, and shows no signs of slowing down.

San Antonio Sports’ “i play!” program gives thousands of third- through fifthgrade youngsters from the Harlandale Independent School District and SAISD a healthy dose of after-school fitness and mentoring. SAISD’s Young Women’s Leadership Academy is turning out impressive graduates, and the district has opened “community schools” at Crockett and Douglass elementaries.

Thanks to a $1.8 million partnership with the University of Texas at San Antonio, university faculty, graduate assistants and staff work with students in afterschool activities from robotics and math to music groups, and help get parents and community partners involved.

There are those who suggest none of this would be necessary if schools, or parents, did a better job of bringing up their children. However, criticism hasn’t helped much in the past.

Instead, what seems to have aided the progress of San Antonio’s children is the collective will to get involved.

There are dozens of schools and literacy programs out there in need of donations, or even better, volunteers.

I recently met up with Craig Bell, a semiretired pharmacist and passionate volunteer for San Antonio Youth Literacy’s “2nd Grade Reading Buddy.” The vigorous 77-year-old, and his wife Mary, have been working with the program’s 8-year-olds since 2013, and plan to keep it up “as long as we’re able,” he told me.

SAYL always needs volunteers; it’s a great place to start (check out sayl.org online), or find another activity appealing to you through the extensive volunteer-matching program at SA2020.org. I’ve helped at several programs in the past, and writing this has reminded me it’s time to get involved again. Because it really does take a village to raise a child these days – at least, it sure helps. syerkes@localcommunitynews.com

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APRIL 25 - MAY 30, 2016

OUR TURN Views and opinions about your community

Repair rift at SAPD

T

he recent overwhelming vote of no confidence in San Antonio Police Chief William McManus by the officers’ collective bargaining association is a warning sign the highest level of command at the San Antonio Police Department could be in trouble.

To avoid further controversy, McManus should either step down or start repairing the rift at SAPD. The rank-and-file vote is undoubtedly tied to the politics of recent contract talks, but it also has much to do with a belief the chief is unwilling to support his officers.

The chief doesn’t plan on resigning; the no-confidence vote, passed by a whopping 97 percent of members, isn’t binding.

Though he’s been here a decade, McManus still came from outside

SAPD. Anyone familiar with local history knows the SAPD brethren prefer being led by one of their own, someone who paid his or her dues while rising through its ranks.

Witness what happened to Chief Charles Rodriguez in the mid-1980s after a scandal rocked the department and he stepped down. Though a competent and progressive commander, Rodriguez, who hailed from California, already was unpopular due to his outsider status.

It can be argued others faced greater challenges than McManus. During Chief William Gibson’s tenure, the city saw a record rise in homicides. A local SAPD veteran, Gibson and his team quickly developed programs — directed patrols, increased substations, more foot patrol officers — to inhibit crime rates, thereby creating a safer city.

Is it time for McManus to exit? He is a capable and competent professional who would excel in almost any field. He already left SAPD once for a job at CPS Energy, but returned to the department after just a few months’ absence.

If McManus insists on staying, he needs to mend his standing with the officers; otherwise public confidence could suffer.

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

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APRIL 25 - MAY 30, 2016

HAPPENING LOCAL

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

OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH

HAPPENING KEY

FITNESS

PAPERCRAFTING AND SCRAPBOOK CLUB Visit the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, from 1-6 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of the month for an afternoon of paper therapy. Begin with a demonstration of a technique, layout idea or project, and then work on your own paper projects such as cardmaking or scrapbooking. All expertise levels welcome. Registration is required. For more, call 207-2703.

APRIL 23, MAY 28

DISTRICT 9 NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in Stone Oak Methodist Hospital, 1139 E. Sonterra Blvd., classroom No.1. The hospital is just off U.S. 281 North. For more, call Art Downey, alliance president, at 497-8873.

APRIL 27, MAY 25

LOPEZ AMAZING RACE Lopez Middle School, 23103 30 Hardy Oak Blvd., will be the site for The Great Amazing Race at 10 a.m. With three challenge levels and race divisions, and modeled after the TV show, two-person teams will compete. Adults and kids are welcome to participate.

Cost is $48 per duo. To register, visit http://www.GreatAmazingRace.com.

For sponsorship or to volunteer, contact Sandra Curtis at scurti@neisd.net.

APRIL

ART

EVENT

OUTDOOR

MUSIC

FOOD

SEW-AND-SHUT CASE Think sewing with zippers 28 are a mystery? It’s elementary for presenter Haley Holmes. Come see her at the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, from 6-8 p.m., if you’re sew-inclined. Bring your sewing machine, if possible. Registration is required. For more, call 207-2703.

APRIL

UIL AT STONE OAK Stone Oak Elementary School 28 hosts its second annual University Interscholastic League competition for students from 3-6 p.m.

Events include spelling, social studies, art, chess puzzle, maps, graphs and charts. For more, visit www.neisd.net.

APRIL

DOG-EARED BOOKS to the Parman Branch 2 & 16 Come Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, from 4-5 p.m. and read to a dog.

Bring your favorite animal story to the Quiet Room or choose one off the shelves.

Even children who aren’t reading yet can come and narrate a story from one of the library’s wordless books. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Registration is required. For more, call 207-2703.

MAY

ENCINO PARK OVER 50 CLUB folks a half-century old, 3 & 17 For come to the Encino Park Community Center, 1923 Encino Rio St., at 11:30 a.m. the first and third Tuesday of the month for fun activities including tours, dinner gatherings and events. For

MAY

more, call Dyan Montesclaros at 481-7890.

REAGAN SCHOOL PLAY Reagan High School’s last 4-7 production of the academic year will be William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” at the Black Box Theatre, 19000 Ronald Reagan Drive. Performances are 7 p.m. For more and to purchase seats, call 356-1828 or visit www.rhstheatre.com.

MAY

BE PREPARED The Parman Branch Library, 20735 5 Wilderness Oak Road in meeting room B, hosts a seminar on severeweather and disaster-preparedness training from 6:30-7:30 p.m. St. Bernard Project representatives will lead the discussion.

For more, call Tim Johnson at 207-2703.

To register, visit www.eventbrite.com.

MAY

SPA GIRL TRIATHLON The JW Marriott San Antonio 7 Hill Country Resort & Spa, 23808 Resort Parkway, will be the home for the Spa Girl Tri San Antonio at 7 a.m.

Compete in a 400-meter swim, 10-mile bike ride and 2-mile run. For more including registration costs, visit www.spagirltri.com.

MAY

HAPPENING continues on pg. 08

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One in eight couples will struggle with infertility.

The Methodist Stone Oak Hospital Fertility Clinic can help.

Methodist Stone Oak Hospital Fertility Clinic is a private, comprehensive facility that offers a variety of procedures to meet your personal needs.

In the past year, the clinic has treated over 100 in vitro fertilization (IVF) cases and is currently 60% above the national average success rate of IVF.

There’s nothing quite as wonderful as when you find out you’re expecting, especially if conception was difficult. That’s why our expert teams of reproductive endocrinologists, registered nurses, and certified surgical technologists at the Methodist Stone Oak Hospital Fertility Clinic are passionate about what they do and work to support both your physical and emotional needs. They are fully dedicated to helping you navigate the very personal journey of conception. Because your dreams matter.

Easy access from Loop 1604 and Hwy 281.

Across Hardy Oak from Methodist Stone Oak Hospital.

Methodist Stone Oak Hospital has collaborated with experienced and highly trained physicians to offer fertility series unparalleled in South Texas. Meet our Medical Director, Summer James, MD. With more than a decade of experience in resolving infertility, Dr. Summer James is board-certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Reproductive Endocrinology/ Infertility. Dr. James brings her patients compassionate care coupled with innovative approaches to solving the most complex infertility cases.

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APRIL 25 - MAY 30, 2016

HAPPENING continues from pg. 06 NEISD BOARD The next meeting of North East Independent 9 School District trustees will be 5:30 p.m. at 8961 Tesoro Drive. To confirm dates and times of sessions normally scheduled on the second Monday of the month, call 407-0533.

MAY

SEW BEE IT The club meets on the second Tuesday of the month 10 at the Encino Park Community Center, 1923 Encino Rio St., from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Bring a power strip or extension cord. For more, email Sylvia Jolet at sjolet@earthlink.net or call 497-3383.

MAY

PUTTING THE “HEAL” IN MAY “HEALTH” Realize your own 11 healing potential from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road. Mastering and balancing your body’s energy and keeping it flowing smoothly may result in reducing pain, breathing easier, sleeping better and gaining vitality. Learn helpful information and practice Spring Forest Qigong exercises in a supportive environment. Group sessions magnify the training. No experience necessary. Dress comfortably in nonrestrictive clothes.

Workouts can be modified for standing, sitting or lying. For more, call 207-2703.

ENCINO PARK GAME DAY Come to the Encino Park 12 Community Center, 1923 Encino Rio St., at 1:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month for various gamerelated activities. Non-Encino Park residents are welcome, too. For more, contact Dyan Montesclaros at 481-7890.

MAY

HELPING FOSTER CHILDREN MAY Christian Family Church, 12 3607 N. Loop 1604 East, hosts the faith-based initiative “Prevention to Permanency.” An educational seminar entitled, “Every Child Longs to Belong,” will take place from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Rebekah McKay-Ramirez's presentation helps understand the characteristics of reactive attachment disorder. This event highlights thousands of children and youth in San Antonio foster care awaiting a forever family. For more and to register, visit www.cfcsa.com.

CHINESE LESSON As part of Asian-Pacific American Heritage 14 Month, the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road in meeting room B, hosts an introduction to

MAY

Chinese language and culture from 11 a.m. to noon. Learn customs, traditions plus common Mandarin phrases and writing characters from instructor Xueling Xu. For more, call Monty Holcomb at 207-9180.

MILITARY WELCOME From September to June, American 14 Legion Post 10 holds a breakfast meeting 8-9:30 a.m. the second Saturday of every month at The Egg & I, 700 E. Sonterra Blvd., Suite 314. All military, active and veterans, as well as spouses and guests, are invited. For more, email Hector Cavazos, post commander, at hcavazospost10@ yahoo.com or call 325-5627.

MAY

AGE IS JUST A NUMBER The Encino Older Adults 20 Club explores the Seven Wonders of the World on the third Friday of the month at 2 p.m. in the Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road.

Admission is free. For more, call 2079250 or contact Barbara Kwiatkowski at barbara.kwiatkowski@sanantonio.gov.

MAY

CISD MEETING Comal Independent School District 26 trustees gather at 6 p.m. in the Support Services Administrative Offices boardroom, 1404 Interstate

MAY

35 North in New Braunfels. For more, visit www.comalisd.org.

KIDS LEARN ABOUT OUTER SPACE Recommended for 27 children ages 5 and under, the Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road, hosts a space-day adventure from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Take a trip on a rocket ship, explore and play. For more, call 207-9250.

MAY

SHAPING UP FOR A NEW YOU While the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, usually exercises your mind, come work your body from 10-11 a.m.

A San Antonio Parks & Recreation Department instructor will lead a class in low-impact circuit training.

The session will focus on agility and flexibility. For more, call 207-2703.

MONDAYS

HAND BEE For an afternoon of advice and conversation leaving you in stitches, the Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road, hosts experienced sewing enthusiasts from 12:30-3 p.m. The Hand Bee is a close-knit group of adults and seniors. For more, call 207-9250.

WEDNESDAY

HAPPENING continues on pg. 09

9

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM HAPPENING continues from pg. 08 TABLE TENNIS ANYONE? Pingpong for adults is available at the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road in meeting room B, from 1-3 p.m. All skill levels are welcome. For more, call Tim Johnson at 207-2703.

FRIDAYS

JOIN THE FITNESS KICK The Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road, tests your body at noon and 12:30 p.m. Learn martial arts from a third-degree black-belt instructor. This program teaches basics while improving strength, flexibility, conditioning and balance. Coordinated

by Fitness in the Park, sessions are free and families are encouraged to participate together. The 30-minute class is limited to 30 attendees. For more, call 207-9250.

SATURDAYS

CHESS FUN Whether you’re SUNDAYS just learning or a grand master, the Parman Pawn Stars invite you to play chess for free. Kindergartners to high school seniors are welcome.

The group meets at the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, from 2-4 p.m. For more, call 207-2703.

ENCINO CINEMA PRESENTS: SUNDAY MATINEE The Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road, will show a film suitable for the whole family at 2 p.m.

For movie titles and more, call 2079250 or contact Barbara Kwiatkowski at barbara.kwiatkowski@sanantonio.gov.

WEEKLY

NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN More than schoolchildren can gain knowledge. The North East Independent School District Community Education program presents a multitude of enriching courses for adults. Most classes are taught in NEISD facilities or the district’s Community Learning Center, 8750 Tesoro Drive. For more, visit https://communityed.neisd.net or call Carrie Smith, NEISD Community Education Coordinator, at 401-0140.

ONGOING

JAVA WITH JOE District 9 Councilman Joe Krier meets with the public at his field office, 16500 U.S. 281 North, Suite 290 (at Thousand Oaks Drive). Resident appointments, in 15-minute intervals, are 9-11 a.m. For more regarding selected dates and reserving time, contact district9@ sanantonio.gov or call 207-0955.

ONGOING

GOODWILL PICKUPS Goodwill Industries offers donation pickup services for large amounts of clothing, household items and furniture at Bexar County

ONGOING

residences. For more, call 271-8881 or fill out pickup forms available at www. goodwillsa.org/home-pickup-services.

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RELIGIOUS STUDIES FOR KIDS Fellowship of San Antonio, 12-15 The 23755 Canyon Golf Road, will conduct Vacation Bible School from 6-8:30 p.m. for children entering kindergarten through sixth grade. To register, visit www.thefellowshipofsa. org. For more information, call Jennifer Morgan at 326-0122 or contact jennifer@thefellowshipofsa.org.

JUNE

ELSEWHERE IN SAN ANTONIO SEVEN SEAS FOOD FESTIVAL From 11 a.m. until the park closes, SeaWorld San Antonio, 10500 Sea World Drive, hosts the second annual food and wine extravaganza.

Culinary delights from a dozen countries are represented in more than 65 chefcreated dishes, unique wines, craft cocktails and beers. Cooking demonstrations, food artistry and live family entertainment, too. Prices start at $19.99. For more, visit https://seaworldparks.com/ en/seaworld-sanantonio/sevenseas-food-wine-festival/menus.

RETIRED TEACHERS MEETING MAY The North San Antonio 18 Retired Teachers Association conducts a 9:45 a.m. conference on the third Wednesday of the month at San Pedro Presbyterian Church, 14900 U.S. 281 North. Attendees are updated with information useful to former educators.

For more, call Michele Bibb at 494-8197.

WEEKENDS THROUGH MAY 15

ART IN THE DARK The sixth annual event 23 benefiting blind children’s programs from San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind & Vision Impaired at La Quinta Inns & Suites San Antonio Riverwalk, 303 Blum St., will provide a unique perspective. Local artists will donate pieces for auction, which will be draped. No peeking. Tickets are $35 in advance; $40 at the door for the 6:30-9 p.m. benefit. There will be appetizers and music, too. For more, call 531-1533 or visit www.salighthouse.org/events.

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JUNE

FELINE FRIDAYS The first 50 feral (and 30 owned) cats dropped off 7-9 a.m. at The Animal Defense League of Texas, 11300 Nacogdoches Road, will receive spaying or neutering. For more including costs, visit adltexas.org.

WEEKLY

SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all

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

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APRIL 25 - MAY 30, 2016

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. PRIMROSE SCHOOL AT BULVERDE ROAD, under construction at 18207

Bulverde Road, is a private, accredited preschool facility offering early childhood education. The school is expected to open this summer. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more, call 494-9900 or visit www.primroseschools.com/schools/ bulverde-road. (See story on page 20)

2. THE RIGHT SUPPLIES, 22502 U.S.

281, Suite 107 in the Village at Stone Oak shopping center, is an educationalsupplies store. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more, call 538-2500 or visit www. therightsupplies.net. (See story on page 21)

3. ESKIMO HUT, 18866 Stone Oak

Parkway, Suite 105, offers frozen daiquiris, margaritas, craft beers, wines and other beverages in a convenience-store setting.

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

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through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, and noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday. For more, call 9196124 or visit www.eskimohut.com or facebook.com/EskimoHutSanAntonio.

(See story on page 23)

4. BUCKLES AND BUNS TEXAN SPORTS BAR, 18740 Stone Oak Parkway, offers “great food, great ambiance and a great time,” according to the owners. The venue has daily drink specials, happy hours and a Texas-restaurant menu featuring pulled-pork sandwiches, chicken-fried steak, po’boys, fajitas and an array of burgers. Hours are 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Happy hour is 3-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

For more, call 233-1430 or visit www. bucklesnbuns.com. (See story on page 22)

IN OTHER NEWS

DISTRICT 9 COUNCILMAN JOE KRIER

said it's time to nip the North Side’s oak-wilt problem in the bud. “I’ve heard from many District 9 residents who are concerned about oak wilt, a fungus that attacks the roots of oaks and can kill the trees within a few weeks,” Krier said in a recent newsletter. “Oak wilt has a foothold in north San Antonio, but the city doesn’t have a strong enough plan to contain it.

I want to change that.” Krier and staff are working on an ordinance to shift city brush collection so it doesn’t occur from Feb. 1 to July 1. “Springtime is the period when fungal mats are most likely to form on oaks and sap beetles, which spread the fungus, are most active,” Krier said. “Experts agree: Avoid tree trimming in that time period. I’ve also sought to increase public awareness of the problem, which threatens our city’s tree canopy, property values and our quality of life.”

ENCINO PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS got an in-person thank-you from the Spurs’ Danny Green and Patty Mills, who mingled with schoolchildren at Morgan’s Wonderland March 31 taking part in this year’s Team Up Challenge. As obesity rates are 38 percent higher for children with disabilities, selected pupils in Encino Park’s

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 11

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM LOWDOWN continues from pg. 10 Fun Fit Club partnered with disabled peers to encourage healthy-activity participation.

The club sponsored several events, most notably its Buddy Blizzard program, which enlisted help from area community service organizations and businesses. The Silver & Black Give Back program, co-sponsored by the Spurs and the San Antonio Rampage, recognizes and rewards area pupils who develop projects addressing community needs. Encino Park is one of several North East Independent School District campuses in the Silver & Black Give Back program, which in April will present five area schools with $20,000 awards to continue service-learning projects.

NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT JROTC programs, including at Johnson and Reagan high schools, were recognized for orienteering and marksmanship achievements during the 2016 Bexar County JROTC Championships.

Bexar County Precinct 3 Commissioner Kevin Wolff acknowledged cadets during a Bexar County Courthouse ceremony March 8. Besides Johnson and Reagan, competitors from MacArthur, Lee and Roosevelt took top honors at the Jan. 27 orienteering championships at Camp Bullis,

and the Feb. 24-26 air-rifle championships at the NEISD Air Rifle Range. Individual category winners received medals; team victors were awarded the Commissioner’s Cup. Sponsored by the Bexar County Commissioners Court, the inaugural events were co-hosted by NEISD’s JROTC Department, Northside ISD’s Clark High School Air Force JROTC and Marshall High School Navy JROTC. JOHNSON HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC TEACHER Jarrett Lipman is one of eight San Antonio-area educators named as finalists for the 2016 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, which honors top Texas educators. Six teachers received $1,000 checks for themselves and $1,000 for their schools; two principals received $1,000 checks and $2,500 for their institutions. The area finalists join other Texas competitors vying for $430,000 given to category winners during a May 12-13 event in San Antonio. After personal interviews conducted by a statewide panel of judges, H-E-B will award the winners – two principals, six teachers, two school districts, a public-school board and an early-childhood facility – during a celebratory dinner May 13.

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APRIL 25 - MAY 30, 2016

LOWDOWN continues from pg. 11 STUDENT COUNCIL MEMBERS AT REAGAN AND CHURCHILL HIGH SCHOOLS RECENTLY partnered on a donation to the regional Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The councils’ teamwork raised $1,574.51 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central & South Texas. Reagan students joined their peers at Churchill to present the money during a March 22 ceremony.

The funds benefit Make-A-Wish’s Kids for Wish Kids program. The annual campaign has become tradition at the two institutions, which this year included 61 students from both campuses combining to aid local children with potential lifethreatening medical conditions.

REAGAN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT DREW NEELY in early April was among the finalists in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s INSPIRE competition, the country’s first involving high school students’ research abilities in topics focusing on the humanities, arts and social sciences.

Launched in 2015, INSPIRE solicits student inquiry and input on a unique topic among 13 disciplines. The finalists will display research findings for feedback from field experts. Drew was among 100 nationwide finalists – including five from

Walk-In Injury Clinic Offers Urgent Care Access Without the Extra Charge The San Antonio Orthopaedic Group (TSAOG) has opened a second location for its OrthoNow WalkIn Injury Clinic in the Stone Oak area. With hours from 11:30am until 7:30pm Monday through Friday, the clinic is open to anyone with an urgent musculoskeletal need (from acute muscle pain, sprains and strains to sports injuries, fractures, and minor dislocations).

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Texas – selected to participate in the two-day competition, organized by MIT’s School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

TOP SAXOPHONE STUDENTS FROM North East Independent School District campuses performed at the North American Saxophone Alliance biennial conference, March 10-13 at Texas Tech University. The event showcased the world’s top saxophone teachers and performers, featured high school and collegiate competitions, and jazz and classical saxophone concert performances. Eight NEISD high school pupils played including Reagan seniors Bryant Anderson and Robin Brown; juniors Josh Milford-Rosales and Nick Koutras; sophomore Ryan Montemayor and freshman Brayden McCormick. They joined Gavin Kohlenberg (Madison) and Aldo Aguilar (Roosevelt) in NASA’s closing concert, which included more than 50 graduate students and professionals.

LINDA FLEETWOOD, DIRECTOR FOR VISUAL ARTS in the North East Independent School District, was named for the second time in two years as the National Art Education Association’s Texas Art Educator of the Year. The award honors significant NAEA contributions

to art education on the state and national levels. The 25-year art educator is currently TAEA’s state Visual Arts Scholastic Event Director. Fleetwood received her award March 18 during NAEA’s national convention in Chicago. “Linda Fleetwood exemplifies the highly qualified art educators active in education today – leaders, teachers, students, scholars, and advocates who give their best to their students and the profession,” said Patricia Franklin, NAEA president.

COMAL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT TRUSTEES recently finalized the 2016-17 academic calendar. John Montelongo, CISD’s executive director of secondary education, said results from an online survey led to two calendar options considered by a committee of parents, teachers, students, administrators and central-office staffers. The school board considered more than 3,300 responses, conducted Jan. 29-Feb. 5, on possibilities, which only differed on winter-break vacation dates. They unanimously approved a schedule setting Aug. 23 as the first day of school. Extended holiday periods for Thanksgiving, winter and spring breaks are Nov. 21-25, Dec. 19-30 and March 13-17, 2017, respectively. A link to the calendar is at www.comalisd.org.

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM OPEN CARRY continues from pg. 01

School districts considering approaches to open carry

by EDMOND ORTIZ

T

hough Texas now allows licensed residents to openly carry a handgun, city officials and far North Side campuses are grappling with how to adapt when it comes to public meetings and public workplaces.

The law, which went into effect Jan. 1, allows licensed handgun holders to carry their weapon in visible holsters on their shoulder or hip. Previously, residents could only obtain a concealed-handgun license.

Senate Bill 273, which the Legislature passed last year, has had more of a direct impact on municipalities. Open and concealed carrying of firearms can be prohibited at any meeting that

follows the Texas Open Meetings Act, including City Council and North East Independent School District sessions.

The city of San Antonio has modified existing rules for its facilities.

Licensed handgun owners can enter public areas of city properties and walk along city streets and sidewalks or any area that is open to any other member of the public. For example, a licensed holder can enter a public lobby or customer service area of a city building.

“You can pull a permit, go to the library, go do something with the City Clerk’s Office,” said John Peterek, assistant to the city manager.

However, a licensed handgun holder can be prohibited from bringing a handgun into secure or nonpublic areas of San Antonio city buildings, according to posted signage.

Also, anyone with a firearm, including handgun-license holders, is prohibited by state law from carrying the weapon into facilities where court proceedings, school activities and sporting events take place.

In the case of City Hall, the city set up a city clerk kiosk on the first floor.

Gun holders can do their business at the kiosk instead of going into the full City Clerk’s Office on a higher floor.

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APRIL 25 - MAY 30, 2016

OPEN CARRY continues from pg. 13 The entryways to City Hall and the annex across the street have metal detectors and security personnel during business hours.

“The state law was pretty clear about what we can and cannot do,” said Jeff Coyle, San Antonio’s intergovernmental relations director.

School districts also are addressing open carry. NEISD is still developing a policy.

“The district wants to have absolute consistency when it comes to school activities at all campuses and lay out specific parameters about how we are going to follow the law,” said Superintendent Brian Gottardy. “Developing a policy to address open carry will help create a calm environment so that all schools know how to handle any situation should it arise.”

Castle Hills resident Chris Bird, a former reporter who has written books on concealed carry and offers training for handgun owners, said municipalities should be aware of the open-carry signs they post.

Because SB 273 “puts teeth” into the open carry law, people who feel a government entity is posting open-carry signage erroneously can challenge it by writing a letter to that governmental body, Bird said.

If that local government does not respond, the complainant can seek action

THE DISTRICT WANTS TO HAVE ABSOLUTE CONSISTENCY WHEN IT COMES TO SCHOOL ACTIVITIES AT ALL CAMPUSES AND LAY OUT SPECIFIC PARAMETERS ABOUT HOW WE ARE GOING TO FOLLOW THE LAW. BRIAN GOTTARDY, NEISD SUPERINTENDENT from the state Attorney General’s Office.

For a first offense, the entity can be fined $1,000 and $10,000 for subsequent offenses.

Bird said he does not recommend open carry, especially in an urban setting.

“You’re basically pasting a target on your back,” he added. However, he backs the principle of open carry as a deterrent.

“If we want to cut down on (mass shootings), we need to get rid of gun-free zones. They only exclude law-abiding citizens,” he added.

Richard Briscoe, legislative director for Open Carry Texas, said the gun-rights advocacy organization hasn't heard of

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Briscoe said cities have a right to use SB 273 to their advantage to prohibit guns in certain areas of a local government facility.

But, he added, if the state Capitol can allow open carry, so could city, county and school district buildings and meeting venues.

Briscoe said licensed handgun holders are not just concerned about the possibility of violence in a public meeting or venue, but also after a meeting.

“Sometimes, those council meetings run long. You have to get back to your car. You want to be prepared,” he added.

Photo by Collette Orquiz

State Rep. Diego Bernal, D-San Antonio, who voted against open carry, said the law forces a “culture change” on environments, such as major urban centers, that have not had to deal with people openly carrying guns in public.

“One of the unfortunate parts is that both laws acting together actually make things less flexible for cities,” Bernal said.

He also is worried about a lack of uniformity in how cities implement open-carry policy, because the interpretation may finally be up to a district attorney who could exercise his or her political opinion on the issue.

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM RETAIL continues from pg. 01

Observers say expanding U.S. 281 is area’s top priority

by WILL WRIGHT

F

uture highway construction and possible annexation are causing hand-wringing for some concerned about the impact on the booming U.S. 281 commercial corridor north of Loop 1604.

Developers say the area has exploded in recent years with the proliferation of businesses ranging from retail outlets and restaurants to hotels and other establishments. Few want to see its growth wane during work on 281 or the city’s acquisition of new property.

“Businesses are sort of waiting to decide whether they should (locate) along the route,” said Duane Wilson, North San Antonio Chamber president and CEO. Wilson predicted decisions regarding

future development would hinge on both issues currently lacking schedules.

San Antonio has delayed plans to annex five Bexar County communities, including residential and commercial areas in Stone Oak and Encino Park, until studies that could lead to a final decision on limited-purpose annexation are considered, possibly not before early 2017.

More consternation centers on the proposal to improve 281, observers said.

Still without a timetable is the $532 million planned expansion north of 1604 to the Comal County line, as Texas Department of Transportation officials receive and evaluate environmental reports before scheduling construction.

Plans to possibly add high-occupancy vehicle lanes for VIA Metropolitan Transit buses and other multi-passenger autos have also sparked outcries.

Outgoing Planning Director John Dugan estimated if all goes as expected, work could begin within 18 months to two years. He said TxDOT’s decision in formulating a construction rundown could well determine the futures of enterprises along 281.

“It will be a challenge, as existing businesses will need (frontage road) access,” he said,“ but getting federal

RETAIL continues on pg. 16

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RETAIL continues from pg. 15 funding requires additional studies.”

Dugan and others agree enhancing 281 is the top priority over annexation.

“It would help foster improvements along that corridor, as the plan calls for more frontage roads and interchanges that don’t exist now,” he said. “Those would afford better business access and increased opportunities (to improve) vacant properties.”

Supporters say the move is essential to reduce roadway congestion.

REOC San Antonio, a commercial real estate company, that sells and leases space for office, retail and industrial properties, charts and compiles quarterly reports on significant commercial lease developments. The company’s latest update on happenings in its Far North Central zone, which includes the Stone Oak area, indicated steady increases in leased office and retail space since 2013.

“In general, the Far North Central sector has seen tremendous growth over the past decade, and commercial development has followed residential growth,” said Kim Gatley, REOC’s senior vice president for research. “The Stone Oak area has, and continues to be, a highly desirable area.”

Meanwhile, city permits for new and

Business is booming along the U.S. 281 North commercial corridor north of Loop 1604, as shown by the establishments of Planet Fitness, Bill Miller Bar-B-Q and others, but experts worry that growth could be slowed once construction to expand the highway begins. Photos by Rudy B. Ornelas

existing commercial renovations, additions and expansions in the region have slightly dropped. San Antonio’s Development Services Department indicated 215 permits were issued in 2014; 204 in 2015; and 36 issued through the first quarter of 2016.

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“Commercial activity in this area of San Antonio has been stable the last few years, and is a trend that continues through today,” said Rod Sanchez, department director.

Notable regional undertakings include Planet Fitness, a 20,000-square-foot

venue, opened last November adjacent to the H-E-B at 20760 U.S. 281 North; and JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa’s $16 million expansion

RETAIL continues on pg. 17

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SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM RETAIL continues from pg. 15 and upgrades of tourist attractions and other amenities adjacent to the TPC golf course at 23808 Resort Parkway.

“You’re seeing a lot of smaller operations go up near Wilderness Oak (Road), and I know a lot of land parcels are being sold (along 281) before to Bulverde Road,” Wilson said. “The new Bill Miller’s there has been a boon, and I know there will be more businesses going in out there.

“But, I really feel they’re waiting to make decisions until they know when construction will really start (on 281). Once it begins, it will be a headache for a little while.”

Though analysts agree the recent $8.8 million project on Hardy Oak Boulevard between Stone Oak Parkway to Knights Cross Drive eventually will spur future commercial and residential opportunities, they emphasize fixing 281 – not city annexation plans – will ultimately chart the course for future commercial development.

“There is so much need for the route to be improved,” Wilson said. “There’s been

conflicting stories on what annexation might do, and how much it will cost the city, but I think it’s going to happen, but not in the way the city originally planned.”

Tom Tunstall, senior research director of the University of Texas at San Antonio’s Institute for Economic Development, said corridor businesses would take a temporary hit during the period involved in 281 expansion – but he and others add it takes precedence in determining the region’s economic future.

“The U.S. 281 corridor is a major path of growth,” Gatley said. “Traffic issues are a concern for residents, commuters and businesses in the area, and relief is needed.”

Eric Lehman, sales associate with Coldwell Banker Commercial-Alamo City, noted commercial leases rebounded well since the 2008-09 recession – especially in the 1604/281 corridor. He said construction’s short-term negatives would reap rewards down the road.

“Traffic in the area needs to be remedied – and when it’s corrected, it will benefit everybody,” Lehman said.

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APRIL 25 - MAY 30, 2016

May is Older Americans Month May is a month of fresh beginnings. Perennials bloom once again, blazing a trail of bright color. May is also when we celebrate Older American’s Month (OAM), acknowledging the perennial contributions of older adults to our nation. The 2016 OAM theme is Blaze a Trail. The Administration for Community Living and The Village at Incarnate Word will use this opportunity to raise awareness about important issues facing older adults. We will also highlight the ways that older Americans are advocating for themselves, their peers, and their communities. All events are FREE and open to the public. Kindly RSVP to (210)829-7561, ext. 114.

Monday, May 2 - Presentation: “Why Should I Exercise?”

10:00 a.m. CHRISTUS Heritage Hall at The Village at Incarnate Word It’s important to exercise - know the facts of how exercise affects our mind and body.

Presented by Andrea Tercero, MS, Certified Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer at The Village.

Tuesday, May 3 - Recital

2:00 p.m. CHRISTUS Heritage Hall at The Village at Incarnate Word The Village at Incarnate Word welcomes Trinity University Clarinet Studio for a recital.

Students of Stephanie Key will perform.

Johnson High School student and Scout Corey Clemons poses by a pergola he created at Bulverde Creek Elementary School to commemorate Isaac DeHerrera-Ramirez, a kindergartener who died from a brain tumor in 2014. The pergola is part of the Scout's Eagle badge project.

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Thursday, May 5 - National Day of Prayer

10:45 a.m. Main Dining Room at The Village at Incarnate Word Please join our residents and staff in praying for our country and its leaders. Theme: Wake up, America!

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7:30 a.m. - Transport begins from The Village at Incarnate Word to Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium 8:00 a.m. - Walk begins!

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Tuesday, May 17 - Movie: Divide and Concord

3:30 p.m. CHRISTUS Heritage Hall at The Village at Incarnate Word An entertaining story that follows the efforts of a fiery octogenarian environmental activist to promote a grassroots movement to eliminate the sale of single-serve plastic bottles of water in her hometown. Set in the land of Henry David Thoreau and the start of the American Revolution, Concord, Massachusetts becomes a battleground. The 2015 film provides a view of true democracy in action. Sponsored by Headwaters at Incarnate Word.

Friday, May 20 - Talk: Growing Old “Grace-fully”

2:30 p.m. CHRISTUS Heritage Hall at The Village at Incarnate Word Presented by Sister Brigid Marie Clarke, CCVI. The talk will reflect the graces and blessings that come with our advancing years - when they are lived with faith and hope and love.

Friday, May 27 - Presentation: Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research

2:30 p.m. CHRISTUS Heritage Hall at The Village at Incarnate Word For centuries, we’’ve known that the health of the brain and the body are connected. But now, science is able to provide insights into how to make lifestyle choices that may help you keep your brain and body healthy as you age. Join us to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging. Ginny Funk, Director of Programs & Advocacy - Alzheimer’’s Association, San Antonio & South Texas National Chapter.

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SCOUT continues from pg. 01

Child’s favorite hero, Batman, part of pergola design

by ALEJANDRA CASAS

W

ith plenty of hard work and a little fundraising savvy, a Scout working on his Eagle badge project has created a lasting tribute to a boy he never knew while ensuring the community never forgets.

For his task, Johnson High School student Corey Clemons, 15, chose to honor Bulverde Creek Elementary School kindergartener Isaac DeHerrera-Ramirez, 6, who died of a brain tumor in 2014.

Corey raised funds to build a pergola and seating area surrounding a memorial bench for Isaac in the school’s garden, which overlooks the playground. On March 11, he joined Isaac’s family and classmates to dedicate the memorial during a campus ceremony.

“We always talk about leaving a legacy here at Bulverde Creek and Isaac has done that and I feel that this area of the school, this bench, will continue his legacy and to tell future students about him,” said Jennifer Montemayor, Isaac’s kindergarten teacher. “He’ll live in our hearts forever and now part of him will be here at our school forever.”

Corey, a Bulverde Creek Elementary School graduate, first learned about the child when his younger brother attended the school at the same time Isaac battled cancer.

The Scout has been helping out with charitable causes for years.

Manning lemonade booths since the age of 3, Corey about eight years ago began donating profits to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. The organization raises money for childhood-cancer research and treatment.

The young businessman was able to amass $800 and $1,000, in successive years.

After learning of Isaac’s story, Corey decided to build the pergola above the bench bought by the school’s kindergarten teachers, which had not been situated in the campus’ garden.

After months of planning and fundraising, Corey began constructing the memorial area in January.

SCOUT continues on pg. 19

19

SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM Corey Clemons (front, left), Natalie DeHerrera (middle) and Irvin DeHerrera (right) pose with Bulverde Creek Elementary School kindergarten teacher Jennifer Montemayor (back, left), Principal Michelle McCoy (right) and classmates after a ceremony to dedicate a pergola to Natalie DeHerrera's son, Isaac DeHerrera-Ramirez, a student who died from cancer. Corey built the pergola for his Eagle Scout project.

Photo by Collette Orquiz

SCOUT continues from pg. 18 “We wore Isaac T-shirts last year and sold cookies and lemonade,” Corey said about the efforts.

He paid close attention to detail, going so far as to incorporate Batman, Isaac’s favorite superhero, into the design.

“People are going to see the bench and see ‘In memory of Isaac,’ but then they’ll see the Batman and it’s Isaac,” said Natalie DeHerrera, the boy’s mother. “It incorporates everything that he loved.”

Isaac, whose name means laughter in Hebrew, was joyful, rambunctious with a contagious smile and an insatiable love of

learning, said those familiar with him.

DeHerrera wishes visitors to the pergola will use the spot for meditation and reflection.

“I hope that they take time to remember that there’s so much more going on in life than just what’s happening now in their lives,” she said. “I hope that they realize that everyone has their own struggles that they go through, and I just want them to remember that everybody needs to be shown love because you don’t know what anybody is going through inside.”

DeHerrera said living fairly close to the school will afford her many opportunities to go by the bench and pergola often.

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STONE OAK continues from pg. 01

Elementary schools set to benefit from technology improvements

by WILL WRIGHT

A

March 6 gala commemorating Stone Oak Elementary School’s 20th anniversary not only featured a who’s who of past and current administrators, but also a reminder of what’s to come.

Staffers, students, residents, principals and North East Independent School District officials attended the Sunday celebration.

“We have very hardworking students and supportive families,” second-year Stone Oak Principal Elisabeth Krimbill said. “Our kids have really shined in leadership and creativity, and are always looking for ways they can help other people. Every year, each grade level does a community-service project outside of the

classroom to help people in need. That’s something very special about the kids.”

Such civic sensibility embodies both the school and overall goals contained in NEISD’s Transforming the Future program, officials said. Launched in the 2013-14 academic year, it’s a five-year outline designed to inspire students toward higher academic achievement, technical skills and involvement in citizenship activities.

Terri Chidgey, Stone Oak’s first principal, is now the district’s executive director for school improvement.

Chidgey, who remembered when test scores served as the prime barometer to judge educational methods, said Transforming the Future involves a different approach by getting inquisitive minds to understand today’s world.

Plans call for achieving more elementarystudent involvement in community-service projects, as teachers obtain more flexibility in tailoring state-mandated curriculum benefiting schoolchildren’s individual needs.

“It gives the students the choice to make it fit their learning style,” Chidgey said. “It’s a transformation – one that gives a voice to students, rather than it all being voiced by teachers.”

As part of Stone Oak’s curriculum,

STONE OAK continues on pg. 24

20

APRIL 25 - MAY 30, 2016

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New Primrose School to nurture children’s growth, owners say

by ERIC MORENO

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he Primrose School at Bulverde Road opens this summer to offer a premier early-education and child-care experience, said franchise owners Kenny and Donna Glorioso.

Serving children and families, the facility is part of a national system. The couple already operates the nearby Primrose School at Cibolo Canyons, with their latest debuting at 18207 Bulverde Road.

An exact opening date has yet to be announced.

“We’re a private preschool that

specializes in structure and curriculum similar to what a child will experience in public schools,” Kenny Glorioso said. “We are nationally accredited and we primarily (see) infants through prekindergarten students. We also do an after-school and summer-camp program.”

The Balanced Learning curriculum, designed to prepare youngsters to enter public school and pave the way for continued academic success, separates Primrose Schools from the pack, the owners added. The syllabus combines teachings from educational theorists such as Maria Montessori, Jean Piaget, Arnold Gesell and Lev Vygotsky and pairs their philosophies with proven, modern child-development techniques.

The existing Primrose School at Cibolo Canyons, operated by Kenny and Donna Glorioso, mirrors what will be the look of their new early childhood education center, The Primrose School at Bulverde Road, which opens this summer at 18207 Bulverde Road. Courtesy photo

“One thing that sets Primrose School apart from everyone else is the people we have,” Glorioso said. “We’re all really passionate about what we do.

Also, our facilities … are really stateof-the-art in every manner. Everything from safety to the surfaces of our playgrounds (is) top-of-the-line.”

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New store offers students, teachers ‘right supplies’

by PETER MORALEZ

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ased on lessons learned from her own career as an educator, the coowner of a new school-supplies store says she knows just what pupils and teachers need.

“As a former instructor I want to make sure that there is a location that both teachers and the parents of students can shop that provides the high-quality school supplies that they want, and at an affordable price that they deserve,” said Sheryl Moss of The Right Supplies, 22502 U.S. 281 North, Suite 107 in the Village at Stone Oak. “We are a business that is keenly

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aware of the demands that are placed on today’s educator, and we stock our store accordingly,” she added.

The Right Supplies has school-related products ranging from arts and crafts to teachers’ resources and tools. An array of items gives buyers the potential to match the individual tastes of any schoolchild.

“I had the opportunity to educate students in Florida, and again when I relocated to Texas,” Moss said. “When I opened The Right Supplies, I envisioned a store that was willing to work with teachers, and truly recognize the sacrifices they make by rewarding them, whenever possible, with items such as gift cards that help to minimize their frequent out-of-pocket expenses.”

According to Moss, who operates the store with husband Greg, many educators reach into their own wallets prior to the beginning of the semester — sometimes in excess of $500 — to provide essential classroom materials.

“Let’s face it,” Moss said, “in today’s computerized environment, it is imperative that teachers find a way to reach each and every student, and I feel that The Right Supplies gives instructors, from pre(kindergarten) to eighth grade, the opportunity to do exactly that.”

Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Monday through Saturday.

Sheryl and Greg Moss (far left), are owners of The Right Supplies, a store that caters to the educational needs of area schoolchildren while providing teachers with a variety of resources (above). Photos

by Collette Orquiz

THE RIGHT SUPPLIES 22502 U.S. 281 North, Suite 107 For more, call 538-2500 or visit www.therightsupplies.net

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APRIL 25 - MAY 30, 2016 Patrons at the new Buckles and Buns Texan Sports Bar (left) can satisfy their appetites with hearty fare including the pulled-pork sandwich (far left), which features braised barbecue pork, pickles, onion rings and red onions on a kaiser roll. Photos

by Collette Orquiz

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

Buckles and Buns promises Texas-sized fun

by JACQUE CROUSE

I

f you’re seeking a sports bar to kick back, enjoy a game and grab some casual fare served by friendly staff, then look no further than Buckles and Buns Texan Sports Bar.

The Stone Oak-based bar and restaurant at 18740 Stone Oak Parkway opened not long ago near Loop 1604.

Assistant General Manager Jim Blankenship said the eatery offers drink specials and a wide range of foods including burgers, brick-oven pizzas made from scratch, chicken-fried steak, fajitas, pulled-pork sandwiches and more.

The online menu also suggests bites to partner nicely with drinks, including fried dill pickles and Guinness onion

rings, as well as treats for sugar lovers — chocolate chip cookies, churros, apple cobbler and ice cream sundaes.

Blankenship said Buckles and Buns really tries to excel in making patrons feel welcome; cheery waitresses are decked out Texas style in cowboy boots, shorts and crop tops.

“The unique thing about Buckles and Buns is that it is not just a great place to watch sports events – we strive to have the ultimate in hospitality,” he said. “The Buckles and Buns girls are the essence of hospitality, and they really connect with our customers and

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make it a great experience to visit.”

There’s a full bar with some unique locally themed drinks such as the Stone Oak Traffic Light, a fun showstopper that comes in shades of red, green and yellow.

Hours are 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

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

Eskimo Hut brings the chill to Stone Oak area he opened the San Antonio locale because he wanted a lifestyle change.

“It’s not that I didn’t like what I was doing. It was rewarding, but it was stressful, and it just wasn’t what I wanted to do anymore,” Smith said.

He attended the University of Texas at San Antonio and was surprised there wasn’t an Eskimo Hut in the Alamo City like back home.

“It’s a really cool concept and I fell in love with it,” Smith said.

The hut offers 28 flavors, which can be mixed to create an almost endless number of concoctions. The focus is on daiquiris, Jell-O shots and gummy bears soaked in alcohol, but there’s also a large selection of beer with many locally produced craft varieties.

“There is no shortage of great breweries between here and Austin,” Smith said.

by OLIVIER J. BOURGOIN

W

ith some of the coldest togo libations around, the Lubbock-based Eskimo Hut is cooling down the far North Side just as the weather warms up.

The latest franchise outlet, which planned to open mid-April, is at 18866 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 105.

Unlike other locations in the chain, this store — just under 2,000 square feet — has no drive-thru feature.

Started in 1962, the business has been likened to a market specializing in readyto-go frozen daiquiris and margaritas.

Franchise owner Jansen Smith, a Lubbock native who worked several years in the body-shop industry, said

The Eskimo Hut at 18866 Stone Oak Parkway offers to-go daiquiris, margaritas, local beers and other libations in a convenient store setting.

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APRIL 25 - MAY 30, 2016

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Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Stone Oak Elementary School are North East Independent School District Superintendent Brian G. Gottardy (top, left) and former superintendent, Richard A. Middleton; and NEISD trustees Shannon Grona (bottom, left), Sandy Hughey, Sandi Wolff and Letti Bresnahan. Photo courtesy/NEISD

STONE OAK continues from pg. 19

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Krimbill said her kids create their own activities, stimulating thinking and social consciousness.

“They participate in what we call ‘20 Percent Projects,’ which serve as sort of independent studies,” she said. “They choose projects that are interesting to them – they have researched robots, the history of pianos, and others based on life experiences in other countries. They can engage in subjects they’re passionate about.

“It goes totally above and beyond their regular class expectations. They’re finding more work for themselves.”

Other programs engage students in the world-learning experience. Stone Oak is expanding its dual-language learning curriculum next year to be more inclusive.

“This year we had it for kindergarten; next year we’ll have it in both Spanish and English for students in kindergarten through fifth grade,” Krimbill said.

It’s important to teach adapting to a changing international landscape, she added.

Chidgey said the plan also enhances districtwide technology, as more learners will access tablets, online textbooks and other devices.

Tom Johnson, NEISD’s executive director of technology services, said the district reviewed its existing tech services as part of NEISD’s 2011 bond plan. Another analysis will precede proposals for the district’s $499.95 million 2015 bond, which designates $72.4 million for technology upgrades.

“Based on the decisions and purchases made in the last bond, we really feel we’ll be able to increase the number of devices

and technology available for all students throughout the district,” he said. “We’re going to make sure that improvements will be disbursed in an equitable fashion throughout all district schools.”

The study will determine other technological improvements.

“Before the end of the summer, we’re looking to complete installation of Lightspeed amplification systems in classrooms that are currently without them,” Johnson said. “Regardless of a child’s ability to hear or where they’re sitting in the classroom, they’ll be able to hear everything – as if they were sitting in the front row.”

From the 1970s through the 1980s, the Stone Oak area transformed from a primarily agrarian vicinity dotted by ranches north of Loop 1604 into a neighborhood filled with planned communities and booming business districts.

When the elementary school opened in 1996, the population of the U.S. 281 corridor north of 1604 totaled 20,000 residents. Now, it boasts more than 75,000.

For the region, NEISD has 11 elementary schools in the Vineyard Ranch, Roan Forest and Canyon Ridge residential areas, including four middle schools and two high schools. Among those, the district’s latest and probably last middle school — “Tex” Hill — debuted in August 2014.

In 1989, Encino Park Elementary was NEISD’s first elementary north of 1604.

District and campus administrators said they’re closely eying future growth.

“With the focus on independent study, creativity and academic enrichment, the sky is the limit for our students,” Krimbill said.

“They will be the future leaders of the world.”

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