local: bracken, cibolo, garden ridge, schertz, selma, december 2014

COMMUNITY NEWS

WWW.SALOCALLOWDOWN.COM

BRACKEN CIBOLO GARDEN RIDGE SCHERTZ SELMA DEC. 16 - JAN. 17, 2015VOL. 2, ISSUE 6

PG.15

Most worry new mandates might not include state funding

Area ISDs bracing for next legislative session

LOCAL COMMENTARY SUSAN YERKES

LOCAL EDITORIAL

Sells, modifies vehicles for physically impaired drivers

Family-friendly business caters to neighbors

We need to prevent diseases closer to home

Time to equip area officers with body cameras

BUY LOCAL ALAMO MOBILITY INC.

EAT LOCAL CIBOLOCOFFEE HAUS

PG. 03

PG. 04

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

COUPONS INSIDEFANTASTIC DEALS

PG.20

PG.19

PG.21

OPERATION COMFORT:SELMA-SCHERTZ RACE TO AID WOUNDED WARRIORS

WHAT'S INSIDEYOUR COMMUNITY

Revised Coach Ed program paying off locally

SPORTMANSHIPPG.13

2 DEC. 16-JAN. 17, 2015

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 News4204 Gardendale Ste. 201San Antonio, TX 78229

FROM THE [email protected]

President Harold J. Lees

VP/SalesAnna DavisEDITORIALExecutive EditorThomas EdwardsManaging EditorWill WrightNews StaffCollette Orquiz and Bain SernaContributing WritersMiranda Koerner, Eric Moreno, Arthur Schechter and Susan Yerkes

ART

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READER SERVICEMailing Address4204 Gardendale Ste. 201 SA, TX 78229Phone(210) 338.8842Fax(210) 616.9677

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LOCAL Community News publicationsZone 1: 78204, 78205, 78209, 78210, 78212, 78215Zone 2: 78213, 78230, 78231, 78248, 78249Zone 3: 78216, 78232, 78247Zone 4: 78109, 78148, 78233, 78239 Zone 6: 78258, 78259, 78260, 78261

PublisherGregg Rosenfield

Assoc. PublisherRick Upton

WILL WRIGHTMANAGING EDITOR

Switching gears, not commitment

Starting next month, the Metrocom edition of LOCAL will adjust its distribution to better serve readers and advertisers. This decision was made following months studying market trends, consumer patterns and readership desires.

The Zone 4 edition, which is mailed to readers in Converse, Live Oak, Universal City and Windcrest, will be combined with Zone 5, which is delivered to Bracken, Cibolo, Garden Ridge, Schertz and Selma. Both papers will merge into one.

As a result, some residents will no longer receive the free paper in the mail. Distribution could resume to those areas in the future as population and business trends change.

We will continue to provide news, features and happenings in each of the cities we now serve, while expanding the number of pages in each issue.

When LOCAL began serving the Metrocom in July 2013, we said the stories would focus on the news that shapes our area’s future. That hasn’t changed. We will continue to keep you informed about the events influencing our communities.

In addition, we are planning to expand our website, which will provide another avenue for readers to become more involved in the stories we pen and pursue.

Please continue to send us your ideas, notices of community and civic events and your thoughts by calling 210-338-8842 or emailing [email protected]. You can also call that number to subscribe.

ost businesses must learn

to adapt to changes in the market, and LOCAL Community News is no exception.

M

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LOCAL COMMENTARY

Ebola hyperbole: A plague of panicby SUSAN YERKES

Is anybody else out there sick

of hearing doomsday Ebola predictions?

Don’t get me wrong — Ebola is a terrible disease, and the situation in several African countries, where thousands have died, is serious indeed. Thomas Eric Duncan’s death from the disease in Dallas, and the subsequent infections (and happily, recoveries) of a couple of health care workers, have rightly spurred hospitals and medical professionals to review and revamp their protocols for diagnosis and treatment.

The fact is, here in South Texas, your chances of winning the lottery are a thousand times greater than your chances

of getting Ebola. And yet politicians continue to proselytize, and plain folks continue to worry, about the medical menace the word Ebola conjures.

“It’s human nature, that people are fascinated with things that are frightening. All the hospitals have developed detailed protocols and plans in the remote event that Ebola does show up. But there are much more pressing health problems in San Antonio, like diabetes and obesity,” said Carl Blond, a respected San Antonio physician and chief of staff at Connally Memorial Medical Center in Floresville.

This time of year, there’s another health problem we can all do something about.

“As we head into the winter months, with kids back in school and people traveling for the holidays, respiratory illnesses like influenza are a much more serious concern for us in terms of infectious disease. And many of those can be prevented by vaccinations,” said Dr. Thomas Schlenker, director of health for the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District.

Unlike Ebola, flu and other airborne diseases spread quickly, even when the carriers aren’t manifesting symptoms. Older folks and the youngest are particularly at risk. The Centers for Disease Control

recommends adults and children 6 months or older should get vaccinated every year. You don’t even have to go to the doctor to get a flu shot. They’re everywhere, from Walmart to Walgreens. All insurance plans cover flu shots, and for those without coverage, the $30 shot is a good investment in terms of potential lost time at work. Yet according to Metropolitan Health statistics, fewer than 40 percent of adults in Bexar County got their flu shots last year.

There are folks who fret about terrorists with Ebola sneaking across the border, or believe we should quarantine anyone flying to the United States from Africa. Many of them have never gotten a flu shot, and many of them get — and quite possibly spread — the flu almost every year.

Vaccines offer simple and highly effective protection from many diseases, from mumps and measles to hepatitis and pneumonia. But they only work if you get vaccinated. Pertussis, or whooping cough, manifests as a cough in adults, but can be deadly for infants. In the past few years the reported rates in Texas have increased more than fivefold. But very few adults ever get vaccinated for it.

It’s good news that nearly 70 percent of children in Bexar County

have all the required vaccinations by age 3. Unfortunately, according to the U.S. Department of Health, at least 90 percent of children need to be vaccinated in order to effectively protect the population. Adults aren’t required to get vaccinations, and many don’t.

Taking care of our collective health is a task that begins with individuals, and there’s more we can do. Infectious diseases may be dangerous, but there are plenty of bigger dangers. In San Antonio, adult diabetes is epidemic, and it’s affecting younger people at higher rates than ever. Over the last decade, city planners and health professionals have worked hard to spread the gospel of exercise and balanced nutrition, and the city’s famously high obesity rates have begun to fall. But it takes time and work to change unhealthy habits, and we still have a long way to go.

So next time you read headlines about the terrors of Ebola, try not to stress. That’s enough to make you sick. Instead, think about the serious diseases closer to home, and what we can all do about them. Get vaccinations, wash your hands and practice healthy living, one day at a time.

Email Yerkes at [email protected].

4 DEC. 16-JAN. 17, 2015

OUR TURNViews and opinions about your community

Getting a clear picture on body cameras

The use of body cameras should be embraced by area law enforcement agencies

not already equipped with the devices.

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

The cameras provide a clear record of what actually transpires during an encounter between law enforcement and the public. Police should welcome the cameras, since they are another tool to help clear an officer when someone files a false complaint about police conduct.

Those on the other side of the camera should also know their every action is being taped.

Some area departments, including Alamo Heights, already use the devices. Officers there have readily adapted to the cameras.

Since March, 150 San Antonio Police Department officers have participated in a pilot program involving the cameras.

Police Chief William McManus has said the cameras are a sound move, and is making that recommendation to City Council.

The cameras, which have been around for a while, took center stage in the national spotlight after a black man was shot by a white officer in Ferguson, Missouri, sparking several weeks of civil unrest. Most of the protests might have been averted if a video recording of the encounter existed.

On the national level, leaders are also pushing for police departments to utilize the small cameras, which are easily clipped on the sleeves, vests or shirt seams of an officer’s uniform.

The decision on whether to use body cameras should be decided by local departments working with elected representatives and citizens’ groups. While there are privacy concerns that must be addressed, we live in the age of smartphones, YouTube and security cameras, so public recordings are nothing new.

Employing body cameras should become just another tool for police to do their jobs.

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HAPPENING LOCAL

H A P P E N I N G K E Y

ART TALKFITNESS OUTDOOR MUSIC FOOD

RANDOLPH METROCOM ROTARY The club meets Mondays

at noon at the Olympia Hills Golf & Conference Center, 12900 Mount Olympus St. in Universal City. For more, visit www.randolphmetrocomrotary.org.

NORTHEAST ROTARY MEETINGSThe San Antonio Northeast Rotary Club meets 6:30

p.m. every Tuesday at the Lion & Rose Pub in The Forum at Olympia Parkway shopping center, 8211 Agora Parkway, Suite 112 in Live Oak. For more, visit www.sanortheastrotary.com.

CIBOLO GRANGE MARKETPLACEThe nonprofit agricultural and civic organization hosts

a Farmers and Artisans Market each Thursday (except Dec. 25, Christmas Day, and Jan. 1, New Year’s Day) from 2-6 p.m. at Grange Hall, 413 N. Main St. in Cibolo. Homegrown produce and handcrafted items will be available from local vendors. For more, visit CiboloGrangeFarmersMarket/Facebook or email to [email protected] or [email protected].

FUNDANCERS’ CALLER SCHEDULEThe 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

WEEKLY

WEEKLY

WEEKLY

WEEKLY

HAPPENING continues on pg. 06

6 DEC. 16-JAN. 17, 2015

at the Austin Square and Round Dance Association website, www.asrda.org.

ST. PAUL’S CHURCH 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.

COWBOY KRINGLE IN GRUENE Each weekend during the holiday season, Cowboy

Kringle – Gruene’s own brand of Santa Claus – will be featured for photos with the kids in the breezeway between Gruene General Store and The Grapevine, 1610 and 1612 Hunter Road in New Braunfels. Packages will be available for purchase. For more, call 830-606-1601 or 830-629-5077 or visit www.gruenehall.com or www.holidaysingruene.com.

ST. PAUL EVANGELICAL CHURCH COMMUNITY BREAKFASTThe free event, which includes

food, door prizes and entertainment, is

8:30-10 a.m. at the church, 108 S. Main Street in Cibolo. For more, call 658-5874.

CIRCLE OF CANCER CARE SUPPORT GROUPCircle of Cancer Care, a

nonprofit, charitable organization serving female cancer patients in the Schertz, Cibolo, Universal City and northeast San Antonio areas, will host a meeting at 3 p.m. at the Schertz Public Library, 798 Schertz Parkway. For more, call 802-1740 or visit www.circleofcancercare.org.

TRIUMPHANT LUTHERAN CHURCH SERVICES The church, 21315 Bat

Cave Road in Garden Ridge, will host Christmas Eve candlelight services at 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Dec. 24, and a Christmas Day service at 10 a.m. Dec. 25. For more, call 651-9090 or visit www.triumphantlutheran.org.

TRI-COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Chamber’s B2B Breakfasts

take place the first Friday of each month

HAPPENING continues from pg. 05

MONTHLY

DEC22

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DEC/JAN

DEC18

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HAPPENING continues on pg. 08

Cedric B Edwards, AAMSFinancial Advisor

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Open Enrollment:A Great Time toReview YourRetirement Plan If you work for a medium-to-large compa-ny, you may now be entering the “open en-rollment” period — that time of year when you get to make changes to your employee benefits. Your benefit package can be a big piece of your overall financial picture, so you’ll want to make the right moves — espe-cially in regard to your employer-sponsored retirement plan. Take a close look at your 401(k) or similar plan, such as a 403(b), if you work for a school or a nonprofit group, or a 457(b), if you work for a state or local government. And keep these possible moves in mind: Boost your contributions. If your salary has gone up over the past year, or if you just think you have a reasonable “cushion” in your disposable income, boost your contributions to your employer-sponsored retirement plan. Even if you can’t afford to contribute the maximum amount — which, in 2014, is $17,500, or $23,000 if you’re 50 or older — to your 401(k) or similar plan, try to put in as much as you can afford. Remember the key benefits of these plans: Your money can grow tax deferred and your contribu-tions can lower your annual taxable income. (Keep in mind, though, that you will eventu-ally be taxed on your withdrawals, and any withdrawals you take before you reach 59½ may be subject to a 10% IRS penalty.) Don’t miss the match. Try to take full advantage of your employer’s matching contribution, if one is offered. Your employer may match 50% of employee contributions, up to the first 6% of your salary. So if you’re only deferring 3% of your income, you are missing half the match — or leaving money “on the table,” so to speak. Rebalance, if necessary. You may be able to change the investment mix of your employer-sponsored retirement plan throughout the year, but you might find that the best time to review your holdings and rebalance your portfolio is during open enrollment, when you’re reviewing all your benefit options. Try to determine if your investment allocation is still appropriate for your needs or if you own some investments that are chronically under performing. And always keep in mind the need to diversify. Try to spread your money around a variety of investments within your plan, with the exact percentages of each investment depending on your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. As you near retirement, you may need to lower your overall risk level, but even at this stage of your career, you’ll benefit from a diversified portfolio. While diversification can’t guarantee a profit or protect against loss, it can help reduce the impact of volatility on your holdings. Review your beneficiary designations. Your retirement plan’s beneficiary designa-tions are important and, in fact, can even su-persede the wishes you express in your will. So if you experience changes in your life — marriage, remarriage, a birth or an adoption, etc. — you’ll need to update the beneficiary designations on your 401(k) or similar plan. It won’t take much time today — and it can help prevent a lot of trouble tomorrow.You work hard for the money that goes into your retirement plan —so make sure your plan is working hard for you.

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

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(except Jan. 2), with luncheons held the second Tuesday of each month at Blue Bonnet Palace, 17630 Lookout Road in Selma. Monthly Lunch & Learn events are the third Thursday, with mixers the fourth Thursday (except Dec. 25, Christmas Day). For more, including sites and times, call 658-8322 or visit www.txtricountychamber.org.

SCHERTZ CHAMBER EVENTS The Schertz Chamber of Commerce will be closed for

Christmas observances, Dec. 24-25, and for the New Year’s holidays, Dec. 31-Jan. 1. For more, call 566-9000 or visit www.schertzchamber.org. On Jan. 12, the Chamber will host a 3 p.m. ribbon cutting at Color Clay Studio, 17327 Interstate 35 North, Suite 202. The Chamber’s monthly mixer is 5:30-7 p.m. Jan. 15 at Interstate Batteries, 8143 Agora Parkway, Suite 125, in The Forum at Olympia Parkway shopping center. The event includes food, beverages and a Chamber cash drawing. Admission is $10; free for members. The Chamber’s January luncheon, featuring the annual State of the Chamber update, is 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 20 at Schertz Civic Center, 1400 Schertz Parkway. Admission is $28,

HAPPENING continues from pg. 06 $18 for members. Please RSVP by 5 p.m. Jan. 13. Schertz Chamber Toastmasters convene each Monday at 6:45 p.m. at the Comfort Inn & Suites meeting room, 5571 Interstate 35 North in Selma.

AFRICAN CHILDREN’S CHOIR AT TRIUMPHANT LUTHERAN CHURCH

The Asante Children’s Choir, comprised of youths from East Africa, will perform at 7 p.m. at Triumphant Lutheran Church, 21315 Bat Cave Road in Garden Ridge. The choir, affiliated with Asante Ministries International, is dedicated to spreading love, hope and joy while raising awareness of the desperate plight of orphans and other vulnerable children in Africa. Admission is free, but “love offerings” will be accepted. For more, visit www.triumphantlutheran.org.

SCOC HEALTH AND WHOLENESS FAIRHosted by the Schertz Chamber

of Commerce, the third annual free event presented by the city of Schertz, Pawderosa Ranch Doggie Play and Stay, and MedFirst Primary Care is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Schertz Civic Center, 1400 Schertz Parkway. More than 70 vendors will showcase the four aspects of health wholeness: mental,

spiritual, physical and nutritional. For more, call the Chamber offices at 566-9000.

GARDEN RIDGE WILD GAME DINNER The eighth annual event

will be held 5-8 p.m. at Garden Ridge Community Center, 9400 Municipal Parkway. Entertainment, prizes, events, a raffle and a dinner of wild game will be featured. Cost is $20, with tickets available online at www.gardenridgewildgame.com.

ELSEWHEREMUJERES MERCADO NIGHT MARKETSMujeres Mercado and Main Plaza

Conservancy present Night Markets in the Plaza 7-11 p.m. each third Saturday of the month through December at Main Plaza, 115 N. Main Ave. in San Antonio. There will be live music, food and arts and crafts booths and various other events throughout the evening. For more, including vendor information, call Cristina Martinez at 602-3291 or email [email protected].

SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all the details along with your contact information two months in advance to [email protected].

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Other specialties.Outstanding ER care isn’t the only thing Northeast Methodist Hospital is known for. The Joint Academy specializes in a complete rehabilitation program with a coordinated approach to hip and knee replacement surgery. In addition, our new da Vinci surgical system offers minimally invasive procedures — both dramatically reducing the size of an incision and recovery times.

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

Open and Opening Soon Address of local business

Name of local business

ALAMO MOBILITY INC., 16262 Interstate 35 North in Selma, offers wheelchair-accessible motor vehicles and vehicle conversions, with special purchase plans available for veterans. Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday for sales. For more, call 718-0055 or visit www.alamomobility.com. (See story on page 20)

CIBOLO COFFEE HAUS, 3893 Cibolo Valley Drive, Suite 107, serves specialty coffees and espressos, muffins and other pastries, and sandwiches for lunch. Open 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. For more, call 566-2244 or visit www.cibolocoffeehaus.com or CiboloCoffeeHaus/Facebook. (See story on page 21)

WE CARE MOBILE HEALTH SERVICES PLLC, in Schertz, is a mobile health care clinic offering in-home treatments for acute and chronic medical problems in Schertz,

Cibolo, Garden Ridge, Selma, Converse and Universal City. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more, call 910-4186 or visit www.wecaremhs.com.

IN OTHER NEWSA CIBOLO TEEN WHO OVERCAME OBSTACLES to become a successful student with college ambitions was honored as part of Glamour magazine’s 2014 Women of the Year awards gala. Steele high school senior Katelyn “Kat” Franzen was among 10 young women globally, selected Nov. 10 at New York City’s Carnegie Hall as one of “The Bravest Girls in the World.” Franzen received recognition for defying the odds in attending school. According to officials, after experiencing domestic turmoil that left her with extreme depression and little self-confidence, Franzen moved out and found stability. Aided through Communities In Schools of South

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 12

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Schertz Area PhysiciansDr. B. Christian Balldin is a board certified orthopedic surgeon, fellowship trained in sports medicine. He treats patients aged 3 years and up for any sports-related injury as well as conditions of the shoulder, hip, and knee. His special interests include complex knee reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, and hip arthroscopy.

Dr. Kevin L. Kirk is a board certified orthopedic surgeon, fellowship trained in conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. He treats patients aged 6 years and up for conditions of the foot, ankle, and knee. His special interests include total ankle replacement, ankle instability, and deformity correction.

Dr. S. Josh Bell is a board certified orthopedic surgeon with additional subspecialty certification in orthopedic sports medicine. He treats patients of any age for a sports related injury as well as ages 11 years and up for any orthopedic condition, excluding the spine. His special interests include direct anterior hip replacement and arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, knee, and ankle.

Dr. Richard L. Ursone is a board certified orthopedic surgeon. He treats patients aged 1 year and up for all areas of the body - excluding the spine – with a focus on conditions of the shoulder and knee. His special interests include arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, partial knee replacement or resurfacing, and meniscus repair.

Dr. Ephraim K. Brenman is a board certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, specializing in the non-surgical spinal care and pain management. He treats patients aged 12 years and up for neck and back pain, with or without referred symptoms to the limbs. His special interests include osteopathic manipulation, SI joint injections, and epidural steroid injections.

Dr. Christian A. Woodbury is a board certified surgeon, fellowship trained in hand, upper extremity, and microsurgery. He treats patients of all ages for conditions of the hand, wrist, and elbow. His special interests include endoscopic carpal tunnel release, trigger finger release, and fracture care for the hand and wrist.

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Central Texas, she is preparing to graduate this spring and plans to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine. “I am so proud to stand among other young women from around the world who have overcome incredible barriers and persevered to follow their dreams,” Franzen said. “So much of my life has been marked by experiences and personal problems that left me humbled and defeated, but no more. Today I feel empowered.” Franzen said her success wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Amanda Tribble, Steele’s CIS site liaison.

SMITHSON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL’S AG SALES team recently placed third in a competition at the Future Farmers of America’s national convention in Louisville, Kentucky. The team forged a hypothetical strategy of selling fruit trees. Team members Parker Smith, Keith Shoemake, Cameron Kissling and Reva Onderdonk previously were victorious at an Agriculture Sales contest at the Texas FFA convention at Sam Houston State University in May. Shoemake also won a gold medal and $1,000 scholarship for the highest individual score in general sales knowledge at the national

competition. Onderdonk and Kissling also took gold for individual performances, which ranked among the top 15. Smith grabbed silver by finishing in the top 30. “The competition from all over the country was very tough,” Smithson Valley teacher and team coach Chelsea Miller said. “I’m very proud of what our team accomplished.”

OPERATION GRINCH, A CONCENTRATED EFFORT TO END CRIME and car burglaries at The Forum at Olympia Parkway and other high-traffic shopping areas in Live Oak, Selma and Universal City, geared up for its third season during ceremonies at the shopping center on Nov. 25. Representatives from the three police departments and other area officials discussed elements of the program, which will include additional police patrols, on-duty and off-duty officers and more detectives during holiday shopping. This year’s effort began on Black Friday, Nov. 28, and is scheduled to continue through the New Year’s holidays, in The Forum and Gateway shopping areas, Academy Sports and Outdoors and Costco adjacent to The Forum, plus other popular areas of commerce.

MORNINGSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS raised more than $2,700 during

its “Pasta for Pennies” fundraiser benefiting Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Pupils amassed $2,734.58, donating their spare change for two weeks in November. The class contributing the most was rewarded with a free lunch at Olive Garden in New Braunfels and tickets to a future San Antonio Spurs game, while second- and third-place classrooms will see the San Antonio Rampage. This is the second consecutive year Morningside has held a charity event for the organization, with students collecting nearly $7,000 total.

CHOOSING PEACEFUL SOLUTIONS TO SOLVE CONFRONTATION was among the key themes presented to more than 40 Comal Independent School District students and campus sponsors during a Nov. 7-9 event at the T Bar M Resort and Conference Center in New Braunfels. The “Peers Making Peace” program, sponsored by the National Mediation Center and endorsed by the Department of Education, teaches students how negotiation serves as a source of conflict resolution, ways fair agreements can solve differences and other problem-solving skills. The event featured New Braunfels officials including Mayor Barron Casteel, City Manager Robert Camareno, Municipal Court

Judge Rose Zamora and Police Department officers Chris Peltier and Chris Scott.Students from CISD’s four high schools – Canyon, Smithson Valley, Canyon Lake and Alamo Colleges-Memorial Early College – participated. Backing for the program was provided through the city of New Braunfels’ Child Safety Fund, which enabled students and campus sponsors to stay at T Bar M facilities throughout the weekend. “This is the first time we’ve used the fund for anything of this nature and I think it’s a wonderful thing,” Casteel said. “I see nothing but value in teaching our youth to be good leaders and to be able to influence their peers into peaceful resolutions of any problems that may arise.”

GARDEN RIDGE ELEMENTARY TEACHER REAGAN TUNSTALL recently received a $5,000 grand prize in a “Colorize Your Classroom” campaign sponsored by Astrobrights Papers. Tunstall, a first-grade teacher, is donating the funds to enable the school to purchase additional educational tools. Comal Independent School District officials joined Garden Ridge students, teachers, administrators and board members during an October pep rally celebrating Tunstall’s acceptance of the award.

LOWDOWN continues from pg. 10

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COACH continues from pg. 01

Out of the limelight, the nonprofit organization is pursuing a mission considered no less essential – the quest to better youth sports at the grass-roots levels.

An SAS program, Coach Ed, instructs volunteer coaches on proper fundamentals and conditioning, while emphasizing role-model responsibility, child-abuse prevention, understanding legal issues and stopping and treating injuries.

Andy Seaman, the SAS’ Coach Ed program manager, said the

half-day symposiums are very important to the community.

“The NCAA Final Four – all the money generated through that – helps fund Coach Ed,” he said. “Events like the 2018 Final Four bring economic impact to the city of San Antonio. Overall, the premier sporting events that have been brought (in) by San Antonio Sports have delivered more than $460 million.”

While Coach Ed has certified more than 85,000 coaches during the past 15 years, including 1,200-plus Spurs Youth Basketball League instructors who attend annually, the course was only reaching audiences of 25 to 30 individuals.

San Antonio Sports President & CEO Russ Bookbinder wanted more and said a decision was made to enhance the clinics even before Esquire Network aired the reality television series, “Friday Night Tykes,” which depicted some unsavory tactics employed by area coaches competing in the Texas Youth Football Association.

“We would be doing what we’re doing, if that had happened or not happened,” Bookbinder said, adding there was a need to provide “the highest level of training and

Expanded program sessions to resume in Januaryby ARTHUR SCHECHTER

SAN ANTONIO – After recently helping secure the 2018 NCAA Men’s Final

Four basketball tournament’s much-publicized Alamodome return, San Antonio Sports is basking in the afterglow.

COACH continues on pg. 14

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From December through Febru-ary, many people experience a runny nose, sneezing, nasal blockage, excess tearing and itchy eyes. Others complain of itching of the throat and

postnasal drainage. Some develop asthma symptoms of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing. If you experience the above symptoms every year during these months, the chance is great that you have Mountain Cedar allergy, or “cedar fever” as it is sometimes known. In addition to making a person feel ill due to allergies, this condition can interfere in a variety of ways with carrying out one’s day to day respon-sibilities. Loss of sleep, limitation of activities, diminished productivity, poor concentration, fatigue, and prac-tical problems such as repeated nose blowing and nose rubbing, all impact negatively on your ability to carry out physical, social and work/school activities. San Antonio and its surrounding cities has a high density of natural-ly growing Mountain Cedar trees (Juniperus ashei) and also has breezy conditions common to the winter months that help distribute the pollen into the air. The cedar pollen counts can go extremely high and remain so for many days at a time. The pollen concentrations sometimes go so high that they can sometimes reach the status of an air pollutant and actually produce a slightly hazy look to the air. Many treatments are available to try to reduce the allergic reaction. Some are over the counter and others are prescription medications. If the above measures are impractical and ineffective, then you might be a good candidate for allergy shots, which have been shown to be a very effective treatment for mountain cedar allergy. If you have questions about mountain cedar allergy or other related topics, feel free to contact our office, Central Texas Allergy and Asthma, at (210) 654-0944. Our providers are well edu-cated on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with seasonal and year round allergies.

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COACH continues from pg. 13

motivation” to the local coaching fraternity.Previous sessions saw attendance only

by the handfuls, but audiences swelled in August when an inaugural, football-oriented Coach Ed symposium included an expanded curriculum with hundreds participating at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

The conference – part classroom lecture, part pep rally – not only contained basic Xs and Os, but also tutorials on topics such as why kids play and quit sports, how to effectively communicate with difficult parents, how to blend winning and losing into life lessons, and promoting and encouraging good sportsmanship.

Featured speakers included UTSA football head coach Larry Coker, American Football Coaches Association Executive Director and former Baylor coach Grant Teaff, Texas High School Coaches Association Executive Director and ex-Judson coach D.W. Rutledge, and David Wetzel, head football coach at Reagan High School.

“We could deliver a much more impactful program by gathering the coaches in a large group and bringing in top-notch speakers that can have a great influence,” Bookbinder

said. “The (attending) coaches … were so motivated to do the right thing after that.”

Attendees also received glossy go-to guides providing facts, guidance, safety tips and other information.

Bookbinder described the handbook as “an extremely comprehensive youth-sports training manual,” and added, “Education is a critical piece of any vocation that you’re in. If I spend four hours being trained, and I read the material, I’m going to have some checks and balances on my behavior.”

Local child therapist Michael Berler, who’s not affiliated with SAS, endorsed the information and communicative skills contained in the curriculum. He said many coaches know how to guide on-field talent, but also must realize players have mental, social and psychological needs.

“Eight- and 9-year-olds aren’t little adults; they have to be taught in a way that their brain is capable of digesting,” Berler said.

Alamo Heights Little League baseball coach Scott Kohler isn’t a Coach Ed graduate, but the veteran instructor realizes its potential benefit.

“It’s probably much needed in the realm of youth sports with all that’s going on (with) some of the bad stories that are out there,” Kohler said.

Seaman, who is also a Windcrest Little League baseball instructor, said WLL’s complete complement of 73 volunteer mentors earned Coach Ed certification.

“They took the course in order to improve their knowledge of coaching, in general, as well as the sport,” Seaman said. “How the coaches interacted with the kids before training, and seeing the coaches implement the training we taught them, was a cool deal.”

Seaman said interpersonal techniques – especially how instructors communicated with players, parents, umpires and opposing coaches – improved the league.

SAS is always seeking to further advance the area’s youth-sports community through its clinics.

“We do see a void; we do see a need. There’s a long way to go before we achieve the goals that we would like to achieve,” Bookbinder said.

Coach Ed trains and certifies volunteers in football, basketball, baseball and cheerleading programs, with soccer on the horizon. Its next large-scale conference – designed for youth-basketball coaches – is slated for mid-January. Sessions, big or small, cost $25, including materials.

For more on Coach Ed seminars, visit a link at the SAS website, www.sanantoniosports.org.

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ISDs continues from pg. 01

Local control over academics, wealth management preferredby WILL WRIGHT

Public school districts in the Metrocom are pondering how to handle the fiscal

and academic consequences that could arise after the Legislature convenes in January.

In August, the Texas Education Agency issued report cards to the state’s public school districts, based on data received during the previous school year.

Each independent school district in the Metrocom – Judson, Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City, Comal, North East and Randolph Field – passed with flying colors.

However, recent history has proven that nothing is safe from the actions of state lawmakers. During the 2011

session, legislators cut an estimated $5 billion in funding from all Texas districts, which resulted in a current funding plan declared unconstitutional in August.

Though some funding was restored in 2013, more than 600 Texas school districts have since sued the state, claiming the system not only didn’t fairly distribute money, but had rules that kept some districts from raising revenues.

In the meantime, administrators from SCUCISD, NEISD and Comal ISD have their worries about what might happen during the next legislative session, which begins Jan. 13.

“I suspect they will not take up school finance until the Supreme Court weighs in on the lawsuit,” SCUCISD Superintendent Greg Gibson said. “I think they will set aside enough money during the session to address what could be the result of that lawsuit, which is making sure that school finance will be more equitable and adequate.”

While most area districts are not part of the main lawsuit filed by their financially strapped brethren, each is grappling with how to accommodate and instruct increasing numbers of students in light of House Bill 5. The measure, passed in 2013, substantially changed the state’s curriculum ISDs continues on pg. 16

and graduation requirements and assessments, but did not provide funding for districts to carry out the new mandate.

New laws have trimmed the number of state-mandated tests students must take, but also establishes curriculum changes that help steer students toward a vocational education or to college.

Although area superintendents are optimistic about their HB 5 plans, they remain apprehensive about changes and additional edicts that could arise from the next legislative session.

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Their districts, just now recovering from the massive budget cuts of the 2011 session, are trying to deal with additional academic and other measures established during the 2013 session.

Because the 2013 measures were largely unfunded, administrators are unsure how they will implement the latest state mandates under already strapped budgets. Those include meeting higher Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills requirements and raising the bar for students in English Language Learning programs.

They want to have the time – and local control – to set their own schedules and procedures to satisfy the additional challenges. That could have the greatest impact on the area’s faster growing districts.

Gibson and NEISD Superintendent Brian Gottardy are two of several members serving on the steering committee of the Fast Growth School Coalition, which has its own legislative agenda.

Gibson said his district is focused on two of the coalition’s top three

priorities, which are also contained in a similar game plan outlined by the Texas Association of School Administrators.

Gibson said restoring the New Instructional Facilities Allotment, which provided funds for each student attending the first two years in a new facility, is paramount. The program, capped at $26 million annually, lost revenue beginning in the 2011-12 school year. A decrease in funding provided through the Existing Debt Allotment program – which also bolsters the ability of fast-growth districts to meet financial needs – has led those districts to find other ways to compensate for shortfalls.

That worries SCUCISD, which projects student enrollment to rise by 6 percent over the next five years.

“We’re slated to gain 600 additional students each year – a total of 3,000 students,” said Gibson, who estimates it could cost SCUCISD an additional $1 million to $3 million annually to implement HB 5 mandates at the high school level. “We really feel strongly about it. If the state is not fully funding schools with average growth, then

ISDs continues on pg. 17

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they are substantially underfunding schools with fast growth. We need them to be even – and provide additional funding for fast-growth schools.

“Our students don’t care whether we’re a fast-growth district or not. They just want to be able to learn what they can learn to be ready for their next stage in life.”

The NEISD board is considering other priorities, which include adjusting basic allotments to account for inflation and the need to set guidelines on how districts can raise additional funds to compensate for budget shortfalls.

“The current funding system does not fully account for inflationary costs, nor does it enable locally elected school boards to raise sufficient revenue to meet

inflationary cost pressures,” said Aubrey Chancellor, an NEISD spokeswoman. “The current formulas do not adequately capture all districts costs and increases due to growth and inflation.”

Chancellor said the NEISD board favors providing alternate testing options to meet State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness requirements for ELL students whose English language deficiencies make it hard for them to master standards in proficiency.

North East prefers to provide English I and II end-of-course exam alternatives for students, who begin their U.S. school educations in eighth-grade and beyond.

The district’s preferences fall under what’s called “local control” – the

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need for districts to set their own academic standards, while being given the time – and the funding – to create their own agendas.

“We’re all saying the same thing,” Gibson said. “In the last legislative session, they approved HB 5, which outlined the foundation educational program and endorsements. We’re saying we need time to implement those correctly without (legislators) making many or any changes to them.

“These are not small items – we’re talking about completely retooling our high schools and that takes years to do. We don’t need them to change as we’re trying to do that.”

While those needs are shared by many of his fellow superintendents, Comal ISD’s Andrew Kim is concerned about the possibility some of the wealth attained by his district could be subject to recapture under the current funding plan.

“We would like to see our tax dollars stay within our school district,” he said. “In the near future, we could be subject to recapture under what’s known as the Robin Hood plan (where portions

ISDs continues from pg. 17 of taxes from property-rich districts go to poorer districts). We’d like to make legislators mindful that ISDs should benefit from their own growth, rather than being penalized for the growth happening within their school districts.”

Kim said he prefers CISD teachers gauge their lesson plans to enable students to delve deeper into subject matter, instead of state mandates that dictate covering a broader range of topics within the curriculum.

“We certainly want rigorous standards and we embrace accountability, which is important,” he said. “But we certainly want to make sure we can (maintain) the appropriate standards on the things we want to teach, instead of the surface-level coverage within a given school year – which has become very limited with the number of things school districts are now required to take care of.”

He said that means scheduling additional preschool seminars to educate teachers on new rules that came out during the summer.

“We’re now being asked to buy furniture meant for a five-bedroom house to fit into a two-bedroom house,” Kim said. “We’re still driving a two-door car but being asked to take on more junk in the trunk – and we’re running out of space.”

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Norton Rose Fulbright O'Haver Contractors Randolph-Brooks FCU Red McCombs Toyota Ryder Transportation San Antonio Credit Union Schertz Bank & Trust Schertz Family YMCA

Security Service FCU Service King Collision Center SWBC Time Warner Business Class University of the Incarnate Word Wal-Mart

EmbroideMe & Signarama of Schertz, TX Eye Care Centers of America Preston Pest Control Retama Park SYSCO Central Texas Total Lawn Care, LLC Washtub, The WellMed of Schertz 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics AAA Auger Plumbing Air Force Federal Credit Union Alamo City

Medical Group Autumn Winds Retirement Lodge Baptist Emergency Hospital Bella Vista Homes CertaPro Painters Christian Brothers Automo-tive CPS Energy Dahill Diamond K Eyecare Fantastic Sam’s Fashion Affair Fish Window Cleaning Fit For Work Fox’s Pizza & Tap Room

Hanson Aggregates Hanson Brick Rockstar’s Place SCUCISD State Farm Texas State Optical Holiday Inn Express -Selma Jazzercise Schertz Fitness Center Legacy Oaks Apartments Mama Margie’s Mexican Café Manco Structures Merritt Lakeside Senior Village MyCommunity-

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1st Source Digital 34 Foundation A Moment In Time Event Planning ABC Enterprises, AVON Abel’s Diner Abiding Hope Christian Counseling ADP Advocare – Laurie Crites Alex Hartman State Farm Agency Alamo Kidsports & Velocity Sports Performance Allstate Insurance – Vince Trevino & Associates American Bank of Texas Anytime Fitness Apache Construction Army Residence Community AshLynn Rose August

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Christ Church San Antonio Cibolo Coffee Haus Cibolo Creek Physical Therapy Cibolo Dental CIMA Hospice Clark & Gossett Implant and Oral Surgery, PA Claus Team Keller Williams Realty Clear Blue Car Wash Coldwell Banker, D'Ann Harper, REALTORS Color Clay Studio Comal County Habitat for Humanity Communities in Schools of South Central Texas Contreras Flowers and Gifts Cost Segregation Services, Inc. COSTCO Whole-

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The Schertz Chamber of Commerce extends wishes of a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to Our Members and encourages the community to Support the Businesses that Support their COMFORT continues from pg. 01

For the first time, Operation Comfort, a San Antonio-based nonprofit, will partner with the city of Selma to host the event, which begins and ends at Blue Bonnet Palace, 17630 Lookout Road. There will be 5K, 10K, 1-mile races and walks, plus a kids’ run, with proceeds benefiting neighborhood military-rehabilitation facilities and OC-sponsored programs.

“The (vets) asked to do this,” Janis Roznowski, OC founder and executive director, said of the race, which annually includes veterans and community members. “They like participating, and events like these help us serve the guys that serve us. Everyone here wants to work to make their lives better and easier because of what they do for us.”

Roznowski said such proceedings help raise necessary funds for wounded military with both mental and physical scars. Several years ago, the former American Airlines flight attendant brought cookies to soldiers recuperating at Brooke Army Medical Center and asked what they wanted or needed.

Many expressed desires to work on cars or participate in sports. Thus, the inspiration for Operation Comfort was born.

“When I was (recovering at BAMC) in 2004 after (being wounded) in the Army, there wasn’t anything like this,” said Chris Leverkuhn, a former veteran and amputee who is now OC’s program manager. “Janis came directly to us and asked what we wanted. She’d say, ‘We’ll get it done. I don’t know how, but we’ll get it done.’ And she always did. She helps the guys any way she can. It’s her passion. Everyone can see how much she cares.”

Operation Comfort began by remodeling waiting rooms at BAMC. As the program expanded, individual and corporate sponsors began contributing to help wounded veterans who served in Afghanistan and Iraq.

OC programs for wounded veterans include handcycling, swimming, amputee surfing and financial assistance for families, and proved instrumental in the U.S. Paralympic Ice Sled Hockey success this

Selma officials predict event will grow in popularityby MIRANDA KOERNER

SELMA – One of the area’s biggest annual fundraisers for veterans is almost afoot

as Operation Comfort organizes the Selma-Schertz Salute to Service Members Run/Walk Jan. 17.

COMFORT continues on pg. 22

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BUY LOCALLearn more about newest purveyors of goods and services in your area

The late Powell M. Smith, a retired Army colonel, founded Alamo Mobility in 1992, said his stepson, Ralph Boles, who is the company’s president. Smith’s widow, Anita, is owner and CEO of the business, with locations at 6473 De Zavala Road in San Antonio and 16262 Interstate 35 North in Selma.

“As an automotive dealership, we are specially equipped and trained to provide solutions to the transportation needs of

individuals with disabilities,” Boles said. “Helping people with disabilities address their transportation needs is what we do, and it is our privilege to do just that.”

Alamo Mobility’s features and services range from installing high-tech, hand-operated controls and wheelchair ramps to other modifications providing users with easy access and vehicle command, Boles said.

“The ingenuity and engineering of the products being delivered by our manufacturers is amazing,” he said. “Today’s mobility solutions also do not take away from the aesthetics of the vehicle.

“When coupled with the skill and dedication of our technicians, there are not many situations in which we can’t help (those with disabilities) realize their transportation goals,” he added.

Boles said the company takes great pride assisting impaired military veterans.

Alamo Mobility’s sales and service departments are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday for sales.

Alamo Mobility offers flexibility for impairedby BAIN SERNA

SELMA – Dedicated to meeting the automotive and transportation requirements

of the physically challenged, Alamo Mobility Inc. sells, services, modifies and rents accessible vehicles.

ALAMO MOBILITY INC.16262 Interstate 35 North in Selma

For more, call 718-0055,or visit www.alamomobility.com or

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Alamo Mobility Inc. installs wheelchair-accessible ramps and other modifications to accommodate mobility impaired drivers and passengers. Photo by Joshua Michael

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

by ERIC MORENO

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For more, call 566-2244,or visit www.cibolocoffeehaus.com or

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“What we enjoy most about our location is that it is in our hometown,” said Don Thomas, president and co-manager. “We are a family-owned business, and both of us are retired Air Force. We’re residents of Cibolo, and we’re excited to be afforded the opportunity to open our business here.”

Aside from a variety of coffees, espressos and teas, Cibolo Coffee Haus also produces

a line of Fun Frosty Drinks, which are slushy, iced, non-coffee beverages. In addition, the menu includes baked goods such as muffins, bagels, croissants and pastries, as well as lunch items.

“We offer several gourmet coffee selections, hot tea and hot chocolate,” said Paige Thomas, vice president and co-manager. “We also offer an awesome Savory Smoked Chicken Salad Sandwich. The sandwich is offered a la carte, or as a combo with a soda and chips for just $5. This is a daily special.”

Added Don Thomas: “We offer great customer service and wonderful coffee in a clean and inviting atmosphere. We also offer 10 percent discounts to all military, firefighters, teachers and police officers.”

Hours are 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Cibolo Coffee Haus brews up treats for neighbors

CIBOLO – In January, Cibolo Coffee Haus started the year by opening its doors

at 3893 Cibolo Valley Drive, Suite 107. With a simple goal in mind, owners Don and Paige Thomas wanted to offer their community a family-friendly, neighborhood coffee shop.

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A variety of baked goods, coffees and lattes are featured at Cibolo Coffee Haus. Photo by Joshua Michael

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year. In March, the team captured gold in the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.

Local players Rico Roman, Jen Yung Lee and Josh Sweeney – who scored the game-winner against Russia in the final contest – realized goals, on-ice as well as land-based, thanks to OC contributions.

Last year, OC opened an “automotivation” workshop behind Grumpy’s Mexican Restaurant in Bracken. There, veterans repair cars and other vehicles as part of their occupational therapy, with OC helping many find employment in the automotive field.

Grumpy Azzoz, a businessman recently elected to the Schertz City Council, said he donated the land and warehouse for the operation out of his love for veterans.

“They’re the best folks in the world,” he said last year. “They fought – some of them lost their lives, some of them lost limbs and we need to recognize them. I have the greatest respect for all of them.”

Leverkuhn began as an OC volunteer in 2006. He said it wasn’t until he started working in the automotivation program, where he and other amputees learned how to change tires and oil, that he began to really see the difference the

program made in veterans’ lives.More than 600 runners, walkers

and veterans participated in last year’s Selma-Schertz race, which is expecting nearly 1,000 participants in 2015.

Selma Mayor Tom Daly said the concept was born from residents who wanted to help current servicemen and servicewomen in the community, and he hopes the race will become an annual tradition.

“Every year, I talk to a few veterans and they’re so happy they live here,” Daly said. “I love to see them crossing the finish line. You never know who shows up. I’d love this to be the race that’s like the San Antonio Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, one people always put on their calendar. That would be nice to see.”

Selma Councilman Jose Silva said he appreciated the efforts of volunteers, who begin planning the event months in advance.

“The support is hard to explain. This is the best way to salute our troops, by walking and running alongside them,” Silva said. “I love the way (the community) supports each other. Even for those racing in wheelchairs, the race isn’t done until the last person comes in. I’d like for everyone to come join us.”

The event begins at 8 a.m. For more, visit www.operationcomfort.org or register through a link at www.active.com.

COMFORT continues from pg. 19

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