Rivermist - November 2012

Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc. The Beacon - November 2012 1

The Beacon

Volume 3, Issue 11 November 2012

Want to be healthier this fall & winter? Then don’t abandon your exercise routine you worked so hard on this past summer. Statistically, year after year, people start to abandon their workout routines and head indoors. So this fall and winter, let’s all make a pact: We’re going to exercise our way through it.

Fall and winter exercise has been found to bolster the immune system, making people who keep on exercising through this period of the year less susceptible to the dreaded cold and flu season. Speaking of the upcoming flu season; this is the perfect time to get that flu shot if you haven’t already gotten.

The best time was the beginning of last month, but it is still not too late.People who exercise often are also less prone to stress and anxiety;

which can come in handy if your in-laws plan to visit for a week! Sleep apnea also increases in the winter, which can be mitigated by regular exercise. And then there’s SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder, which

affects more and more people. Next to purchasing a sun lamp, working out is one of the best ways to beat the feelings of sadness and depression as

the daylight shortens with each passing day.Of course there is the other problem we all face at this time of the year;

winter weight gain, often blamed on too much Halloween candy, pie, holiday cookies, egg nog, and of course that AWESOME Thanksgiving meal. Pounds gained during the colder months can be avoided or reduced by sticking with that exercise routine. We often use the old excuse, ”I’ll get back in shape next spring!” And each coming spring, it just gets harder and harder to whip that body back into shape. Winter weight can often be very difficult to shed in the long run.

It’s pretty easy to find excuses to break that exercise routine as other, more fun indoor activities start to pick up. But fighting the urge to abandon your sneakers and stay parked on the couch can be fall and winters best medicine. Do yourself a favor this season and stick with your workouts. I promise to if you all do! Get outdoors and enjoy the changing of the seasons…the fall colors and the crisp, cool air. Stay warm, be safe and everyone have a great Thanksgiving!

Don’t Abandon Your Exercise RoutineArticle provided by Greg Sedbrook

2 The Beacon - November 2012 Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc

The Beacon

Thanks to the generosity of Operation Home Cooking participants, Air Force basic trainees and technical school students get the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving Day with caring families in our local communities.

Now in its 37th year, families participating in Operation Home Cooking continue to generously open their homes to trainees and servicemembers, recognizing that many of them are away from home for the first time. Last year, more than 4,800 servicemembers were invited to share in a traditional Thanksgiving Day feast, and approximately 5,600 are eligible again this year. Come join us and be a part of this great Air Force holiday tradition.

Beginning October 29, 2012, families can call the following telephone lines, Monday thru Friday between 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. (CST), to sponsor a trainee: (210) 671-5453/5454/3701.

GENERAL RULES AND REQUIREMENTS1) Only trainees/airmen in the 2 - 8 week of training are eligible

to participate in this program. 2) There are two types of requests: “By Name” request and

“General” request. Families within the San Antonio metropolitan area may invite two Airmen/trainees as a “General” request by calling 671-5453. To request an Airman/trainee under the “By Name” request program, you must be an immediate family member (e.g., Spouse, Mother, Father, Brother, Sister or Grandparents) and live in the San Antonio Metropolitan area. Exception will be for Airmen in the 8th week of training. To request an Airman/trainee using the “By Name” request you can call the same numbers as listed above.

3) Trainees must be picked up at the BMT Reception Center (Bldg. 7246) between 7-11 a.m. EXCEPTION: All “By Name” request trainees will be picked up at the trainee’s respective squadron.

4) When you sponsor a trainee, you will actually be receiving two trainees.

5) Trainees must be back at their squadron by 7 p.m. Plan accordingly for traffic.

6) Trainees must remain within the San Antonio metropolitan area.

7) Only two trainees will accompany each sponsor. 8) If dining out, the host pays for all meals. 9) No financial transactions of any kind may occur between

trainees and the host. 10) Sponsors must have their driver’s license and proof of

insurance when entering the gate. 11) Sponsors must bring photo identification. 12) Trainees are prohibited from smoking, operating motor

vehicles, wearing civilian clothes (must stay in uniform at all times), and consuming any kind of alcoholic beverage.

HOSTING AN AIRMAN Beginning October 29, 2012, families can call the following

telephone lines, Monday thru Friday between 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. (CST)

to sponsor a trainee:(210) 671-5453 (210) 671-5454(210) 671-3701Note: When you sponsor a trainee, you will actually be

receiving two trainees. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Note: You must be in the local area to participate in this program! Trainees are available on a first come, first serve basis.

Trainees will not be assigned on the basis of sex, race, religion, or ethnic group.

Important: Before calling to host a trainee, please gather the following REQUIRED information: Sponsor’s First Name, Sponsor’s Last Name, First Name of Sponsor’s Spouse, Hotel Name(if applicable and arriving from out of town), Hotel or Home Address, City, Phone.

For those participants requesting a “By Name” request, you must have following REQUIRED information in addition to the information listed above: trainee’s full name, wingman’s full name, squadron and flight number. (Note: Both the trainee and his/her wingman MUST be from the same squadron and flight.)

BACKGROUND CHECKS Background checks apply to non-DOD card holders ONLY.Due to DoD-wide increased security measures, a background

check must be accomplished on all visitors accessing Lackland Air Force Base. Anyone applying to participate as a host for Operation Home Cooking MUST ensure they include their driver’s license number (or state issued ID number) as well as the name of the state issuing the license or ID.

DENIAL OF VISITOR ACCESSAll collected information is considered “law enforcement”

sensitive and is not disclosed to non-law enforcement personnel. Some of the more common reasons individuals are denied installation access include: • Currently on parole and/or probation,• Registered sex offender,• History of gang affiliation or extensive criminal history, • Identified on the Terrorist Watch list,• Currently have an active warrant• Currently barred from any U.S. military installation,• Any felony conviction for murder, assault, sex offense, etc.

The above list is not inclusive. Other situations may be discovered that warrant access denial.

Refer questions via e-mail to Lackland AFB Police Services at [email protected] .

OPERATION HOME COOKING 2012

mailto:[email protected]


The BeaconVolunteer with Child Advocates San AntonioMy name is Belinda Cox and I am the Volunteer Recruiting and

Training Coordinator here at CASA. Thank you for your interest in becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate. Below is some additional info about volunteering and our trainings.

Child Advocates San Antonio is the only nonprofit organization in Bexar County with volunteers sworn-in by a judge to make recommendations to the court in the best interest of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. A CASA volunteer is community member who is a court-appointed, trained and committed adult who stands by these children's side, watches over their case and advocates for their best interest.

Imagine the experience of children who are removed from their parents because the people who should have protected them cannot or will not do so. These children find themselves in a world filled with social workers, lawyers, judges, and courtrooms where life-altering decisions are made on their behalf, while they remain voiceless. A CASA volunteer ensures that these children remain a priority in an overburdened legal and social service system and they may be the only guiding presence involved from beginning to end during a child's case. For these children, our volunteers will be the difference between instability and permanence, insecurity and learning to trust, invisibility and being made a priority.

As a CASA volunteer advocate we ask a commitment to one specific case for at least a year. On average our volunteers spend about 15 hours per month on their case. During the course of the case, volunteers contact parents/caretakers, family members, medical/mental health professionals, legal professionals, school

officials, CPS representatives, foster care and various other sources to gather information about the child or children. They also build a trusting relationship with the child or children and identify their needs as well as resources to address those needs. A CASA provides these youth a voice in court, advocates for stability, ensures educational and medical needs are met, and optimizes opportunity for personal development and growth. They will prepare reports to the court based on the information they gather and on what they believe is in the best interest of the child. Essentially they will serve as the "eyes and ears" of the court; helping the judge make the most informed decision possible. The opinions of the CASA volunteers and staff members are highly valued in the courtroom and regularly incorporated into the children’s service plans. The scheduling of the volunteers activities is flexible, and they will be paired with a staff professional who supports and guides them every single step of the way.

CASA volunteers not only greatly improve the life of a child in need, they will also impact their own life tremendously. Many CASA volunteers often question whose life was most affected by a case, theirs or the child’s. Volunteers do not need any special kind of education or experience to serve as a CASA volunteer. We provide all the training and support our volunteers will need to serve as an effective advocate and all training is completed before they work directly with children on a case. The initial training is about 33 hours and is offered at a variety of times throughout the year to include Saturday, evening and daytime trainings to accommodate all schedules.

2012 - 2013 NEW VOLUNTEER INFO SESSIONS

Tuesday, December 18, 20129:00 am - 10:00 am

Tuesday, January 22, 20135:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Saturday, February 23, 20139:00 am - 10:00 am

Thursday April 18, 20139:00 am - 10:00 am

2012 - 2013 NEW VOLUNTEER TRAINING SCHEDULE

November 3, 6, 10, 13 & 17, 2012Saturdays: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

And Tuesdays: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

January 8 - 24, 2013Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays:

9:00 am - 1:00 pm (three consecutive weeks)

February 5 - 21, 2013Tuesdays & Thursdays:

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm (three consecutive weeks) And Saturday, February 9: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

March 9, 12, 16, 19 & 23, 2013Saturdays: 9:00 am - 4:00 pmTuesdays: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

May 7 - 23, 2013Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays:

9:00 am - 1:00 pm (three consecutive weeks)


The BeaconThe Rivermist National Night Out celebration was a huge success!! Thanks to everyone who came out to

support the event. We were joined by members of the SAPD, SAFD, San Antonio FBI, Animal Defense League,

Allstate, Vivint Security, CASA and others. District 8 Councilman, Reed Williams, also stopped by to take part

in the festivities. Please enjoy some of the photos from the event on the following pages.

RivermistNational

Night Out


The Beacon

The Rivermist National Night Out School Supply Drive was a success!! Our Board President, Charles Hasberry delivered the collected items and a monetary donation to the CASA Headquarters building. Thanks for Kona Ice for donating 20% of their NNO sales to CASA!!

THANK YOU!


The Beacon


The Beacon

The San Antonio Food Bank’s The Great Turkey Challenge is a chipped, timed 5k Run/Walk Fundraising Event. Guests can register to participate in the event and support the San Antonio Food Bank’s efforts to place turkeys on the tables of needy families in our area by fundraising. Only $30 to walk/run until 10/31/12, $35 until 11/21/12, $40 day of registration. Plus kids under 12 are always FREE, sign up today & bring the family! Register online or at Soler’s Sports. You can find information on participation, volunteering or donating at the following website.

http://www.thegreatturkeychallenge.org/index.html

Volunteers will be needed Thanksgiving Morning, November 22, 6 a.m. – 1p.m. Register here to volunteer!

See all the volunteer opportunites below!General Set Up: 20 Volunteers (Will set up tables, chairs and tents)Registration: 30 VolunteersProtein / Water Line (Before the run): 10 VolunteersWater Station Volunteers (Three Stations): 15 Volunteers, 5 per stationParking / Traffic Assistants: 30 VolunteersCheer Squad: Volunteers to cheer on runners on routeFirst Aid: 5 Volunteers (CPR Certified, EMS/EMT Certification Preferred)

The mission of the San Antonio Food Bank is to fight hunger in Southwest Texas through food distribution, programs, education,

and advocacy.

Our management website is a treasure trove of information regarding neighborhood policies, community events, community safety and other helpful items. You can pay your assessment fee online and can also sign up to receive email updates/alerts that are sent out by the Board of Directors and site managers. If you need help registering or need to have your password reset, call our site manager, Jason Green at (210) 705-1121.

Your Board of Directors

www.Spectrumam.comSign up for email alerts by registering at

. PET CORNER .CAN I GIVE MY DOG

THANKSGIVING SCRAPS?Submitted by Kristen West

We know it’s tempting, but most Thanksgiving scraps are not safest treat for your pets. Cooked turkey bones are a big no-no as they can splinter and result in a trip to pet ER. Additionally, overindulging your pet in other fatty foods can lead to stomach upset, diarrhea or even life-threatening pancreatitis. Other items to avoid are onion, sage, garlic ... and please, don’t ever give your pet alcohol.

If you can't turn away from those puppy-dog eyes, a bite or two of pet-safe veggies like plain broccoli, sweet potato or car-rots, or a small taste of plain turkey is usually OK. Put the treats in a Kong or other puzzle toy while you sit down to eat with your family so that your furry begger is happily preoccupied!

Happy Thanksgiving!

http://www.thegreatturkeychallenge.org/index.html

http://www.Spectrumam.com


The Beacon

Ross Hosea, OwnerISA Certified Arborist #TX-3811A

Texas Oak Wilt CertifiedSan Antonio native with more than

20 years experienceTrimming � Removal � Planting

Free Estimates(210) 912-4869 or [email protected]

ArborPro Tree Care

Dear Homeowner, Here at Spectrum we strive to make the transition to our company as seamless and problem free as possible. This article is just a reminder on the different ways you can pay your homeowner association dues. The most traditional method of coming to our office to pay is available. Our address is 17319 San Pedro, Suite 318, San Antonio, TX 78232. You can also register at www.spectrumam.com and login to pay your dues by e-check or credit card. We accept payment from Mastercard, Discover and American Express. On this site you can also setup recurring payments, view current reports of any ACC requests, Violations, governing documents, upcoming events and other information. For your security, we do not take credit card payments over the phone. If you ever have questions on how to register or how to review something on the website, please feel free to contact us. Our policy is to return all calls and emails the same day. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

Regards,

Jason M. GreenCommunity Manager Office: 210.494.0659 www.spectrumam.com

Check us out on the web atwww.rivermistsa.com

Our community website is a treasure trove of information regarding community events, community safety and other helpful items. You can sign up to receive email updates/alerts that are sent out by our talented webmaster.

Sincerely,Your Board of Directors

http://www.spectrumam.com

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Rivermist - November 2012