local: converse, live oak, universal city, windcrest, september 2014

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Converse live oak universal City windCrest 09/2014Vol. 2, Issue 3

METROCOM SCHOOLS’ REPORT CARDS AREA DISTRICTS MEET, EXCEED STATE STANDARDSpg.12

Discover the city through LOCAL deals from restaurants, retailers and services in your community, and save money while you do it! PG. 19

coupons InsIDEfantastic deals

BUY lOcal alaMO aUtOPleXpg. 16

White child adopted by black family unearths her roots

REUNITEDpg.04

College partnering with community to shape future job training

Northeast Lakeview soliciting area input

pg.13

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

Local vehicle enthusiasts will find lots of upscale models to choose from at this Universal City dealership and service

eat lOcal saBOR latinO RestaURant

pg. 17

Evening events set for Oct. 7

National Night Out unites northeast communities against crime

pg.15

pg. 06 HAPPENING LOCAL Your monthly outlook on area events

2 SEPTEMBER 2014

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. LeesPublisherGregg Rosenfield

assoc. PublisherRick UptoneditORialexecutive editorThomas EdwardsManaging editorWill Wrightnews staffCollette Orquiz and Bain Sernacontributing WritersJ.E. Jordan, Eric Moreno and Arthur Schechter

aRtcreative directorFlorence Edwardsadvertising designPete Moralescontributing PhotographerJoshua MichaeladveRtisingadvertising directorLuz Morenoaccount ManagersDawn Radick and Joe RierascontrollerKeith Sanders

ReadeR seRviceMailing address4204 Gardendale Ste. 201 SA, TX 78229Phone(210) 338.8842advertising [email protected] [email protected]

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Will WRightmanaging editor

Time to bench domestic violence

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

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

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

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

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

Notable in the north San Antonio area are the Guadalupe Valley Family Violence Shelter in Seguin and the Crisis Center of Comal County in New Braunfels. Other listings are available at the Texas Council on Family Violence website.

he domestic-violence case involving

Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice was a hot-button story this summer. Rice

admitted assaulting his then-girlfriend, now-wife, during an incident in February.

T

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EARLY VOTING: October 20 - 31 ELECTION DAY: Tuesday, November 4

aiR fORce Official PROMOtes haRMOnY in land-Use stUdies

editOR: i’d like to thank LocaL community news and writer eileen Pace for “air force Studying Urban influence” in the august 2014 issue, which highlighted the importance of the partnership in the Joint Land Use Study between the community and Joint base San antonio-randolph.

i’d like to respond to a comment attributed to kate Silvas, converse economic development corp. executive director, who stated the following about the designation of certain areas as proposed air installation compatible Use Zones:

‘“it’s akin to property-taking,” Silvas said, citing that some of the city’s private landowners had been told they would not be able to develop certain tracts. “the federal government doesn’t have the money to buy it, but it is basically saying we can’t develop this land. therefore, economic development can’t happen on that property.”’

the 12th flying training Wing and JbSa are working very closely with the

community in the ongoing Joint Land Use Study, which is not a regulatory document or enforceable action — but a collaborative effort between residents, city and county officials, and senior military leaders to discuss what’s in the best interest of the neighborhood as it moves forward. this study reflects the interests of both the area and JbSa-randolph, within the context of our operation.

We are offering the community a chance to work with us to protect the missions of JbSa-randolph, to include the 12th ftW, air education and training command, air force Personnel center, air force recruiting Service, the many mission support organizations and more residing here.

according to the Joint base San antonio’s “total military economic impact Statement” for fiscal year 2013, JbSa supports and serves more than 420,000 military, dependents, civilians, retirees and veterans at a worth of more than $9.6 billion.

the study, funded by the department of defense, office of economic adjustment and with contributions from bexar county, is being conducted in hopes to allow the local community to grow while

lOcal letteRs

Send letters to the editor to [email protected] or snail mail them to Local community news, 4204 gardendale, Suite 201, San antonio, tX 78229. We reserve the right to edit for taste, grammar and length.

keeping in mind public health and safety while preventing future encroachment and protecting the operational missions of JbSa-randolph in support of national defense.

We feel collaborative planning on development is in the best interest, not only of our flying mission and the rest of JbSa-randolph, but to the San antonio metropolitan communities overall.

i speak for all of the JbSa-randolph missions when i say we truly enjoy being part of military city USa, and we’d like to continue to work with all of you to ensure we can maintain our operations.

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

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4 SEPTEMBER 2014

The City of San Antonio Metropolitan HealthDistrict and the YMCA of Greater San Antonio have teamed up to

Fight Diabetes!Whether you are at risk for type 2 diabetes or are currently

living with diabetes, we have a FREE program for you!

YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program Helping those at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to reduce their chances of developing the disease.For more information call (210) 924-8858

Y Living Program This family-based program empowers the family to obtain total wellness through enriching the Spirit, Mind, and Body. For more information call (210) 924-8858

Diabetes Self-Management ProgramThrough a series of six healthy living workshops, this FREE program empowers individuals to take control of their health and safely manage diabetes. For more information call (210) 207-8802

For more information about these programs please call today orvisit us online at: www.DiabetesHelpSA.com

REUNION continues from pg. 01

Byrd reconnects and reunites with her birth sisters by J.e. Jordan

CONVERSE – What if in researching your ancestry you discover you

weren’t whom you thought?

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

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

verda Byrd recently reunited with her birth sisters in san antonio. Photo by Joshua MichaelREUNION continues on pg. 14

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OUR GUIDE

TO YOUR MONTH

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

haPPening lOcal

H A p p E N I N G k E Y

aRt talKfitness OUtdOOR MUsic fOOd

fall scOUt ROUndUPThe Two Rivers District of the Alamo Area Council of the

Boy Scouts of America is conducting its Fall Scout Roundup for first- through fifth-graders (ages 7-10). The Two Rivers District serves north Bexar, Guadalupe and Comal counties, representing Seguin, New Braunfels, Canyon Lake, Schertz, Cibolo, Selma and Randolph Air Force Base. Meetings are 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at Tree of Life Church, 5513 Interstate 35 South in New Braunfels. For more, visit www.alamoareabsa.org.

scheRtZfest/BBQ cOOK-Off The city of Schertz will celebrate SchertzFest 2014

Sept. 19-20 at Pickrell Park, 703 Oak St. The family-fun event features live music, carnival rides and food. The sixth annual

barbecue cook-off Sept. 20 features a $10,000 purse, with the grand-prize winner receiving $1,500 and a trophy. Sanctioned by the Texas Gulf Coast BBQ Cookers Association, spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Proceeds benefit the Schertz Parks and Recreation Foundation. For more, call Sarah Gonzalez at 619-1015 or Jutta Jacobs at 619-1153.

cOMal cOUntY faiR The annual Comal County Fair & Rodeo will stage daily

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

MetROcOM chaMBeR ROtaRY clUB gOlf tOURneY The Randolph Metrocom Rotary

Golf Tournament will be at Olympia Hills Golf & Conference Center, 12900 Mount Olympus St. in Universal City. Proceeds from the 18th annual “Fair-Way for Kids Benefit” will aid needy children in the Judson, Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City and Marion independent school districts. Registration begins at 10 a.m. with a putting contest and box lunch preceding the 12:15 p.m. tee time. An awards dinner follows at 5:30 p.m. To register, visit www.randolphmetrocomrotary.org.

cOffee With cOPsThe Live Oak Police Department offers an opportunity for citizens

to meet neighborhood police officers from 7-9 a.m. at The Forum IHOP, 8107 Agora Parkway in Selma. There will be no agendas or guest speakers; just a chance to sit and talk with the officers. Menu prices apply. For more, call the Live Oak PD at 945-1700.

live OaK Pd sPOnsORing dRUg disPOsal The Live Oak Police Department

will collect old and unused prescription drugs as part of the Drug Enforcement

Agency’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back program 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Live Oak Justice Center, 8022 Shin Oak Drive. For more, call 945-1700.

Uc MethOdist hOlidaY faiRThe seventh annual Holiday Fair, hosted by the women

of Universal City United Methodist Church, takes place 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church, 90 Winn Ave. in Universal City. The free event will feature dozens of arts and crafts vendors, a café serving breakfast and lunch, a silent auction, a pantry with homemade jams and baked goods, and handcrafted items. For more, visit www.ucumctx.org/HolidayFair.

UniveRsal citY ‘MUnchies and a MOvie’ Universal City’s National

Night Out Committee is sponsoring “Munchies and a Movie” beginning 6 p.m. at Universal City Park, 305 North Blvd., with an on-site food truck. Other activities are planned prior to the 8 p.m. movie. For more, visit www.universalcitytexas.com/events.

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naMi 3K WalK set The National Alliance on Mental Illness will hold its annual

3K walk at the Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 200 Noblewood Drive in San Antonio. Registration for the fundraiser benefiting NAMI-area programs begins 7 a.m.; the walk starts at 8:30 a.m. For more, call 734-3349 or visit nami-sat.org.

UniveRsal citY Pet BlessingA ceremony beginning at 9:30 a.m. will be held at the

Universal City Animal Care and Control grounds, 134 Athenian Drive. The free event, officiated by area ministers, is open to the public; owners must restrain pets. For more, call Donna Charette at 658-8406.

natiOnal night OUt – live OaKThe Live Oak Police Department is registering neighborhoods

and residential groups for block parties in conjunction with National Night Out observances. For more, call 945-1700.

natiOnal night OUt – UniveRsal citYThe Universal City Citizens

Police Academy Alumni Association is scheduling police-officer visits to neighborhoods and residential groups for block parties in conjunction with National Night Out observances. For more, call 659-0333, ext. 526.

28th annUal gRUene MUsic & Wine festThe Americana event benefiting

the United Way of Comal County features the best in live Texas tunes, food and libations at Gruene Hall and The Grapevine in New Braunfels. Each day features vintner and music events, wine, food and beer samplings, and the Great Guitar Auction. For more, including tickets and information, call 830-629-5077 or visit www.GrueneMusicandWineFest.org.

gUadalUPe cOUntY faiR & PRca ROdeOThe 131st annual Guadalupe

County Fair & PRCA Rodeo will stage daily events at the Seguin Events Complex, 728 Midway in Seguin. Included are children’s activities, exhibits, vendors, carnival rides, special attractions and nightly entertainment. Pre-sale admission tickets to the fair and weekend rodeo are available at Wyatt Arp Dodge, the

Seguin Chamber of Commerce and the Guadalupe County Fair Office in Seguin. For more, visit www.gcfair.org.

ciBOlO fest 2014The city of Cibolo sponsors the annual event featuring

carnival rides, petting zoo, 5K run, pony rides, silent auction, games, car show, food, arts and crafts booths, and live entertainment, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 200 S. Main St. For vendor information, call Peggy Cimics at 566-6111.

BRacKen chRistian schOOl WaRRiOR Bash

Representatives from the Robertson clan – including Uncle Si, Al, Jep, and Jessica – from A&E’s “Duck Dynasty” will headline the Bracken Christian School’s second annual fundraiser, beginning 5 p.m. at Leon Springs Dancehall, 24135 Interstate 10 West in San Antonio. The event includes dinner, a raffle and live auction, and a presentation by the TV family. Proceeds benefit Bracken Christian School programs. Individual tickets are $150; sponsorships, including meet-and-greet opportunities with the Robertsons, are also available. For more, call 830-221-8121 or visit www.brackenchristian.com.

Rita’s give BacK galaThe Circle of Cancer Care is sponsoring the event

to support female cancer patients in northeast San Antonio, Schertz and Cibolo, beginning 7 p.m. at the Schertz Civic Center ballroom, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Building 5. The gala, including dinner, live music and silent auction, costs $75 per person. For more, call 802-1740 or email [email protected].

cattle BaROn’s gala “Camo Conquers Cancer” is the theme of this year’s fundraiser

for the local American Cancer Society, which is 7 p.m. to midnight at Rio Cibolo Ranch, 1101 Ulrich Road in Marion. Chris Story and headliner Kix Brooks will perform, and there will be a “Bulls, Barrels and Blackjack Rodeo.” Raffles and auctions are also on tap, along with specialty bars and plenty of food. Individual tickets are $250, with tables for 10 starting at $2,500. For reservations, contact Renee Silber at 595-0249 or [email protected]. Information and a ticket-purchase link can also be found at www.cattlebaronsgala.org.

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Toepperwein DentalThe family dentist that serves the Kitty Hawk, O’Connor,

Crestview Drive and Live Oak Communities.11901 Toepperwein Rd., Suite 1104, Live Oak TX 78233“Dr Kenneth Livingston, I presume?”

www.toepperweindental.com 210-946-(GRIN)4746• Crown and bridge• Treatment for gum disease• Emergencies welcome• Dentures, partial and Implants

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Save The DatesNational Night Out

Tuesday, Oct. 7, 20146 p.m.- 8 :30 p.m.

Takas Park – 9310 Jim Seal Dr. Free food & drinks – family fun – music

HalloweenTrunk or TreatFriday, Oct. 31, 2014

6 p.m.- 9 p.m.City Hall – 8601 Midcrown Dr.

Safe fun – Candy & Treats

210-655-0022windcrest-tx.com

Facebook.com/TheCityofWindcrest Twitter.com/CityofWindcrest

City of Windcrest8601 Midcrown

Windcrest, TX 78239

UcUMc life enRichMent centeR OPeningUniversal City United

Methodist Church’s Life Enrichment Center will celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony during the 11 a.m. worship service at the church, 90 Winn Ave. in Universal City, followed by a center tour. The facility will house several of the church’s ministries, classes and children’s and music programs. For more, call the church office at 659-5555 or visit www.ucumctx.org.

UniveRsal citY PUBlic liBRaRY The library, located at 100

Northview Drive, will close Oct. 1 to prepare for the move into a yet-to-be-determined temporary facility. The last day for checkouts and returns was Sept. 10 and Sept. 17, respectively. Meanwhile, “Basic Internet Use,” a free seminar on navigating the Internet, will take place 10-11 a.m. Sept. 20. Adults must accompany children under 12. Contact the library for registration details. For more, call 659-7048.Friends of the Universal City Library, which offers used-book sales at their bookstore

behind the library will close Oct. 31

tRi-cOUntY chaMBeR Of cOMMeRce The Chamber’s B2B

Breakfasts take place the first Friday of each month, with luncheons held the second Tuesday of each month at Blue Bonnet Palace, 17630 Lookout Road in Selma. Monthly Lunch & Learn events are held the third Thursday, with mixers the fourth Thursday. For more, including sites and times, call 658-8322 or visit www.txtricountychamber.org.

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


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REAL. LOCAL. SAVINGS. See how much you could save on car insurance today.

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Homeowners coverage is written through non-affiliated insurance companies and is secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Boat and PWC coverages are written through Seaworthy Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and through other non-affiliated insurance companies, and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2014. © 2014 GEICO.

J.R. WIlliams | 210-658-6268 | 3126 Pat Booker Road | Universal City

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New MessageSeries

16765 Lookout Rd.Across from Retama Park(210) 490-5262

Contemporary Worship MusicDynamic Children’s &

Youth MinistriesPractical Bible Teaching

Weekend Services:Saturdays at 5pm

Sundays at 9 & 11am

Food Stations! Beer! Wine! Live Entertainment! Silent Auction!

FREE VALET Parking Something for everyone!

EAT * DRINK * REPEAT

Benefiting:

For Tickets and more information: Visit TasteoftheHeights.com

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

21st Annual Taste of the Heights Thursday, September 25th 7pm-10pm

On the grounds of the Witte Museum

shopping center, 8211 Agora Parkway, Suite 112 in Live Oak. For more, visit www.sanortheastrotary.com.

childRen’s stORY tiMesConverse Public Library, 601 S. Seguin St. holds free story

times 10:30-11:30 a.m. each Wednesday, where toddlers can get an early start to literacy through book readings, music, and arts and crafts. Parents are urged to arrive on time; children must be supervised. For more, call 659-4160.

fighting hUngeR TexasMobilePack and Feed My Starving Children are seeking

volunteers to help pack 4 million meals for hungry children overseas during a four-day event Sept. 25-28. The goal is to line up 20,000 volunteers to work two-hour shifts at three local sites. For more, visit www.texasmobilepack.org or www.fmsc.org.

neisd cOMMUnitY aRt PROgRaMsThe North East Independent

School District’s Community Education department wants your creative side to shine.

Choose a jewelry-making tutorial or express yourself putting color to paper. Many classes are taught at NEISD high school campuses or at the district’s Community Learning Center, 8750 Tesoro Drive in San Antonio. Some sessions began in September, others later in autumn. For more, visit communityed.neisd.net, or call NEISD Community Education Coordinator Carrie Smith at 407-0140.

MORgan’s WOndeRland hOsts seniORs Let age work in your favor during

“Senior Fridays” at Morgan’s Wonderland, 5223 David Edwards Drive. For $8, every second and fourth Friday, there will be senior activities 11 a.m. to noon. For more, call 495-5888 or visit www.morganswonderland.com.

san antOniO scORPiOns’ sOcceR The team will host North

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


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Cibolo Fest 2014 Oct. 11th, 2014-Saturday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm 200 S. Main Street, Cibolo, TX Carnival Rides, Petting Zoo, 5K Run Pony Rides, Silent Auction, Games, Car Show, Craft and Food Vendors Entertainment and more!

For Vendor information please call Peggy Cimics at 210-566-6111 or [email protected]

SEE YOU THERE!

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For all the things that move you

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call Jenny Bingham(210) 590-5000 office(210) 646-2727 Direct(210) 710-5003 [email protected]

enjoy having a cup of coffee with Jenny when purchasing a new home!

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On the hORiZOnalaMO citY MilitaRia eXPO Military antiques and collectibles from a variety of dealers and

individuals will be sold 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 509 Schertz Parkway. Event admission is $6 for adults; free for ages 12 and under. For more, call 843-6012 or 512-731-7093; or visit www.acmemilexpo.com.

WURstfest in neW BRaUnfelsThe 54th annual “Salute to

Sausage,” will be held over 10 days at 178 Landa Park Drive in New Braunfels with a variety of daily events, food booths and activities. Wurstfest opens 5 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays. For more, including ticket and schedule information, call 830-625-9167, 800-221-4369 (toll-free) or visit Wurstfest.com.

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


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facebook.com/salOcalcOMMUnitYneWswww.salocallowdown.com

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 citY aUtOPleX, 1717 Pat Booker Road in Universal City, offers high-quality luxury vehicles and sports cars. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. For more, call 945-9000 or 885-7933; or visit www.alamocityautoplex.com. (See story on page 16)

saBOR latinO MeXican caRiBBean RestaURant, 9260 FM 78 in Converse, dishes out a variety of original Mexican and Caribbean foods. Open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more, call 566-6989 or visit SaborLatinoConverse/Facebook. (See story on page 17)

live OaK liQUORs, 12107 Toepperwein Road, Suite 6, offers liquor, tobacco products, novelties and U-Haul rentals. Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more, call 714-0036 or

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in OtheR neWscOnveRse and live OaK RecentlY selected new city managers. Following the resignation of Shawna Burkhart, a four-month search culminated in the hiring of Lanny Lambert as Converse’s new city manager. Burkhart, who held the office since 2011, resigned effective April 4. Serving as interim city manager was Police Chief Rick Jamison. Lambert, who previously served in the same position in Leon Valley and since 2010 in Kyle, began his new gig Sept. 9. Elsewhere, Live Oak Assistant City Manager Scott Wayman was promoted to city manager effective Sept. 1. Wayman, who served 13 years in his previous role, succeeds the retired Matt Smith.

JUdsOn schOOls aRe Benefiting fROM cPs eneRgY, which is encouraging area school districts and multi-building organizations to participate in its Demand

Response program, which provides monetary incentives to commercial customers’ power conservation during seasonal peak hours. Last year, the Judson Independent School District received a $45,000 rebate from CPS by cutting 750 kilowatts from its summer power load. This year, district officials said JISD’s goal is 2,340 kilowatts, which could result in an expected rebate over $100,000. Administrators said they hope to apply any returns towards lighting upgrades in district facilities and fund constructing a new solar center at Judson Middle School.

RandOlPh MetROcOM ROtaRY clUB seeks candidates for its Volunteer of the Quarter program, recognizing outstanding area contributors. Nominees must live, work or volunteer in Cibolo, Converse, Garden Ridge, Kirby, Live Oak, Marion, Schertz, Selma, Universal City or Windcrest. Winners will be announced during ceremonies held in October, and in January, April and July of 2015. Email nominations to Liane

LOWDOWN continues on pg. 11

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Garrett at [email protected]. The Rotary’s board of directors will review submissions and select quarterly winners. For more, contact Garrett at 683-1169.

dignitaRies acROss the MetROcOM recently participated in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge designed to promote awareness and raise funds against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. With no known cure, ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, affects the brain and spinal cord. The philanthropic endeavor raised over $100 million during a six-week span this summer via trendy videos where participants pour freezing water on their heads. The doused then challenges others’ mettle. On Aug. 21, Guadalupe County Constable Michael Skrobarcek, Selma Mayor Tom Daly, Selma Councilman Kevin Hadas, Schertz Mayor Michael Carpenter, Schertz Councilmen Daryl John and Cedric Edwards, Cibolo Mayor Lisa Jackson and Cibolo Councilman Jim Doty accepted the drenching, facilitated by fire department members from all three cities, at Blue Bonnet Palace in Selma. Comal Independent School District

employees, led by CISD Superintendent Andrew Kim, also took the challenge Aug. 25. Included were numerous administrators, teachers, faculty and several members of the district’s board of trustees.

JUdsOn eaRlY cOllege acadeMY stUdent Hannah Hinojosa was recently

nominated to attend the Congress of Future Medical Leaders, a nationwide program designed for high school honor students seeking to become doctors or research scientists. Dr. Connie Mariano, the medical director of the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists, chose Hinojosa to represent Texas at the three-

david lindow (center), pastor of first Baptist church of Universal city, helps pack meals for malnourished children during a recent texasMobilePack event. courtesy photo

day event Nov. 14-16 in Washington, D.C. Hinojosa will join other students to meet Nobel Prize laureates, National Medal of Science winners and deans from Ivy League schools and top medical institutions.

JUdsOn high schOOl’s fUtURe faRMeRs Of aMeRica chaPteR was recently recognized as one of the top FFA chapters in Texas. The organization received the FFA’s Golden Horizon award and was presented with the Golden Emblem rating, honoring the top 10 percent of the state’s FFA divisions. Both commendations are based on how branches employ FFA mission and strategies focusing on student, chapter and community development. Several Judson FFA chapter members were honored for their work in the program. Jordan Trees was named as a candidate for the American FFA Degree, which recognizes individual achievement in instructional, practical and leadership efforts. Tyler Bledsoe, Josh Borg, Jocelyn Cochran, Rachel Cochran, Tyler Hill, Renee Perez and Jason Templeton were recipients of the Lone Star FFA degree, the highest honor bestowed to individual FFA members by the state organization. Judson’s FFA will advance to the national chapter level in October.

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REpORT continues from pg. 01

Enhanced academic, vocational programs wave of futureby WiLL WrigHt

Recently released ratings show five Metrocom school districts have met

or exceeded state standards for accountability, according to the Texas Education Agency.

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

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

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

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

All Texas school districts in 2014-15 are continuing efforts to meet standards established by House Bill 5, which became law in 2013. The measure substantially changed curriculum and graduation requirements and increased assessments and accountability.

HB 5 has reduced and de-emphasized testing, previously a significant player in

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

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

In the latest assessments, districts and schools were assigned five TEA overall-ratings categories: met standard; met alternative (school) standard; improvement required; not rated, and not rated due to data-integrity issues. Each district earned performance index points in four categories: student achievement, student progress, closing performance gaps and postsecondary-readiness.

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

Randolph Field ISD met all 45 of its requirements for a perfect mark. In attaining 76 of 78 indicators, SCUCISD

scored 97 percent; and NEISD and CISD both tallied 96 percent with 81 of 84 and 74 of 77, respectively.

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

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

Campuses achieving the highest percentage of indicators included the International School of the Americas and Northwood Elementary (6 of 6); Krueger and Nimitz middle schools (6 of 7), and Hardy Oak and Oak Meadow elementary schools (5 of 6).

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

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

andrew Kim (right), comal independent school district superintendent, congratulates educators during a recent event at canyon high school. Photo by Joshua Michael

REpORT continues on pg. 18


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INpUT continues from pg. 01

Another listening session on tap this fallby J.e. Jordan

UNIVERSAL CITY – Northeast Lakeview College administrators are

continuing to hold public-input meetings to gauge neighborhood and business needs so students can be prepared for the jobs of the future.

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

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

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

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

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

“They were quite interested in learning about what we are doing – understanding what we do and how we can work in tandem,” he said. “We want to understand what the future looks like in terms of employment development.”

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

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

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

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

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

As for NLC’s value to the area, the consensus centered on affordability, accessibility and technical training.

“We do know it will play a part,” Follins said. “Health care will be a factor in the future, and career education (programs) will be something to look at. We also looked at essential skills students will need – the ability to show up to work on time, utilizing critical-

thinking skills, engaging in project-based activities, and working with other individuals and groups to find solutions to problems.”

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

“We find that many of our students are woefully unprepared in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields,” he said.

In 2013, NLC joined with Judson Independent School District’s Judson Early College Academy in a program allowing high school students to attend college simultaneously and receive their associate degrees for free.

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

“There was a consensus by at least two or three people (at our table) that we are pretty affected by the fact that high schools are doing away with vocational programs,” said Joy Brown of Ecko Construction. “We are very much keyed in on vocational jobs. Not every kid is geared for college. Schools

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It’s been a long personal journey for Byrd, a child of one race unknowingly raised by parents of another ethnicity. Though uprooted, Byrd feels comfortable in her own skin.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The older kids reunited with Daisy when she recovered. However, when Earl briefly returned, the parents signed papers allowing the Wagners to formally adopt Jeanette. In 1944, a new birth certificate was issued in the name of Verda Ann Wagner.

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

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

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

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

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

was told their parents were “drifters.” After all, Byrd said she is

grateful the Wagners raised her. “They provided good for me; better

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

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

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

“I don’t care what color she is. It never bothers me at all. She can say whatever color she wants to say she is. I’ll accept her as she is.”

The four sisters plan another reunion, in Dallas, over the year-end holidays. What matters most to Byrd is she has found her roots and her family’s petals.

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


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Schertz, Cibolo, other cities staging block partiesby bain Serna

CIBOLO – Metrocom communities are gearing up to tell criminals to take

a hike during the annual National Night Out observance on Oct. 7.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“We have individuals having a block gathering and inviting all of their neighbors; a neighborhood getting together at one of the area parks and inviting all of their residents; and we have Grange Hall,

which is having a gathering and inviting anyone that wants to come by and have something to eat and congregate to discuss community issues,” White said.

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

“As in years past, we will divide up into several teams, which consist of, but are not limited to, city executives, City Council members, the mayor, police, fire and EMS, as well as members of the Schertz Citizen’s Police Alumni Association and Citizens on Patrol,” Schertz Police Department Cpl. Shawn Ceeko said. “We will visit many of the National Night Out block parties around the city.”

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

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

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are only teaching for college, and that’s just not the way all of them are going to go.”

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

“We talked about how schools are not getting (students) ready (for college), even in finances,” she said. “They may be going to college, but everybody needs to know practical skills.”

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

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

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There may be a multitude of local car dealerships catering to motorists’ desires, but at Alamo City Autoplex, 1717 Pat Booker Road in Universal City, owner Trey Crea said he and his staff go that extra mile.

“We specialize in selling the highest-quality and cleanest luxury vehicles and sports cars in the area,” said Crea, who opened his establishment in

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Alamo City Autoplex serves as a boutique showroom for discerning area customers. While relatively small, the lot is full of BMWs, Mercedes-Benzes and Ford F-150 pickups. The business also offers free Carfax reports and extended warranties available with each vehicle sold.

“We generally sell newer models, 2010 and up, but we also want to meet the demands of our customers,” Crea said. “If one of my customers comes to me, or to one of my salespeople, asking for something in particular, we do our best to go and find it for them. Since

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alamo city autoplex features a vast array of luxury cars and trucks, backed by service after the sale, in Universal city. Photo by Joshua Michael


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515 NORTH ST., CONVERSE, TX 78109Just 2 miles west on FM 78 from Randolph AFB.

eat lOcalLearn about the newest neighborhood places for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks

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

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

Caribbean food is less spicy, not infused

Sabor Latino boasts taste of Latin America, Caribbean

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

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

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

“Caribbean food and Latin American food were really being underserved in

this area,” Munoz said. “What we offer anyone is to have quality, fresh food that is expertly prepared and at a good price. It’s a taste you don’t normally get, and you don’t have to go far to get it.”

Hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

by eric moreno

CONVERSE — Richard Munoz toiled in the restaurant business a long time when

he noticed something missing.

saBOR latinO MeXican caRiBBean RestaURant

9260 FM 78 In ConverseFor more, call 566-6989,

or visit SaborLatinoConverse/Facebook

RIChARd Munoz, oWnER,SABoR lATIno MExICAn

CARIBBEAn RESTAuRAnT

I wanted to have a place where

people could go and try other

latIn foods besIdes MexIcan.

a variety of latin american and caribbean dishes are offered at sabor latino Mexican caribbean Restaurant in converse. Photos by Joshua Michael

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

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

SCUCISD’s 15 campuses received eight distinctions.

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

Only two area schools were given improvement-required designations: NEISD’s Olmos Elementary and JISD’s Kirby Middle School. Preliminary assessments, issued Aug. 8, won’t be finalized until TEA reviews school-district appeals in November.

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

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

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

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

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

“One has been to reduce the number of standardized course exams from 15 to five,” he said. “On top of that, HB 5

also emphasizes the need for our school district to ensure that students are aware of their future, as far as not only college-readiness but career-readiness.”

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

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

CISD board president David Drastata said tightening college-admission requirements helped direct students down this road.

“Not every kid wants to go to

college,” he said. “The service industry is growing and there are jobs waiting for these kids who have the skill set. There are jobs waiting for them in South Texas, if they’re willing to go.

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

The goal is giving students enlightened career paths.

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

AndREW KIM, CoMAl ISd SuPERInTEndEnT

whIle the accountabIlIty ratIngs are IMpressIve, It’s IMportant that we contInue to

focus on InstIllIng levels of crItIcal thInkIng.

REpORT continues from pg. 12

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