VIEWPOINT: Wentworth: Texas children in need of adoption
Thursday, 13 November 2008
By Jeff Wentworth Guest Commentary
November is National Adoption Awareness Month.
For many Texans, a month devoted to adoption awareness may have little or no significance, but for more than 6,000 Texas children, it is indeed a significant month.
These are children who are waiting and hoping to find a place in a permanent, loving home. The 6,000 abused and neglected children are some of the more than 30,000 children for whom the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) has legal responsibility.
Most of the children are in foster or kinship care and are not waiting to be adopted. For those who are available for adoption, the wait is long, agonizing and, far too often, fruitless.
Of the more than 6,000 children waiting to be adopted, about 60 percent of them are age 6 or older. Unfortunately, the older the child is, the longer the wait.
To encourage Texans to consider the adoption of an older child, DFPS has launched a “Why Not Me?” campaign. I am pleased that the money for the campaign comes from a federal grant awarded to Texas for increasing adoptions more than any other state in 2005.
You may read the profiles and see the photographs of some of these children at www.AdoptChildren.org, or you may call (800) 233-3405 for information.
The Web site includes brochures, fact sheets and other materials that will help you learn more about older children’s need for loving parents. Regardless of their age, children need the support of a real family. Without an adoptive family, children have no safety net, no place that they can actually call home, and no parent to turn to for comfort and advice.
Being the adoptive parent of an older child is not easy, but neither is being a birth parent. Whether children arrive by birth or adoption, they don’t come with a trouble-free guarantee.
In 2007, 4,023 children were adopted by Texas families. Of that number, 992 were in the San Antonio area, and 631 were in the Austin area. Together, these two areas comprise the counties in Senate District 25.
I am proud that DFPS’ Region 8, the San Antonio area, had the highest number of adoptions, higher even than the state’s other metropolitan areas of Houston and Dallas.
If you are a responsible, patient adult who is ready for the challenge of child-rearing, I encourage you to contact DFPS and talk with someone about adoption or becoming a foster parent.
If you are ready to make that commitment, please call as soon as possible. Somewhere in Texas, a child is waiting for a home, and it just might be yours.
Texas State Sen. Jeff Wentworth (R-San Antonio) represents District 25, which includes part of Bexar County. He can be reached via e-mail at jeff.wentworth@senate. state.tx.us.
UTSA finds ‘sound basis’ for expanding Boerne historic district
Thursday, 13 November 2008
This 100-year-old dwelling is among the homes being inventoried by the UTSA School of Architecture for a possible expansion of Boerne’s historic district. Photo by Linda Byrne
By Linda Byrne Editor
A survey of historical properties in a section of Boerne that could be included in the historic district is near completion.
Professors and students from the UTSA School of Architecture told the Historic Landmark Commission on Nov. 4 they will have the survey done by the end of the month.
The study area is a rectangular section of the city from the east boundary of the historic district to Turner Street and from River Road to East San Antonio Street.
The UTSA experts cautioned that some loss of historic properties already has occurred in the study area, and they are gathering precise information on the remaining properties. What they’ve found is a significant part of Boerne history, several team members said.
“We have completed, for the additional area, the field survey research work,” said Dr. Richard Tangum, professor of architecture at UTSA.
“We do find grounds for incorporating the additional area into the historic district. There’s a sound basis for doing that.”
Tangum noted some historic buildings evident on prior inventories of the area have been destroyed or removed and recommended prompt action to preserve the remaining historical structures.
“You’re kind of at a threshold point, where if there’s additional erosion of significant historical structures you’re going to lose the integrity of that area. That can be lost quickly in a short amount of time,” he said.
Tangum said the team now has moved to field work in the existing historic district, which is expected to take another two weeks. He said a full report would be delivered in January.
Field survey research work has been put into a database, Tangum told the commission, and the information will be available to the city as a resource. City Planner Paul Barwick said the information would be put online so the public can access it.
UTSA Professor of Architecture Maggie Valentine said the team is excited by the findings so far.
“What we’re discovering is how the history of Boerne is reflected in (a) progression through neighborhoods. There’s a Main Street commercial area, the historic part, and then there’s this (moratorium) area we’re looking at. We’re finding a great collection of buildings,” she said.
“One of the best things we found is, it’s adjacent to Main Street. So often in historic districts, we see Main Street left intact … and then a residential district is across town. This is right at the back door. There’s a continuity there we’re really impressed with.”
Boerne City Council in August authorized a demolition moratorium for the area while the study takes place. The moratorium expires Nov. 24 but could be extended, city officials said.
CALENDAR: Thursday, Nov. 13
Thursday, 13 November 2008
Events listed in this calendar were provided by the sponsoring organizations and were e-mailed to the editor by the Friday noon deadline. For questions about events, contact the sponsoring organization. To be included in future listings, e-mail complete information to
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Ongoing
The 2008 Boerne Parade of Lights holiday lighting contest will be judged on Dec. 5 from 7 to 10 p.m. Interested Boerne homeowners can download an entry form from the document library on the Parks & Recreation Web site and turn them into the Parks & Recreation Department. Participation in this competition is free to all Boerne residents who pay city of Boerne utilities. A downloadable map of the participating homes will be posted on the Parks & Recreation Web site and the winning address will receive a sign noting the achievement. Contact Boerne Parks & Recreation at (830) 249-9511 with any questions.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 216 of San Antonio will be hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, with all the trimmings, for more than 100 veterans and staff from Audie Murphy Hospital on Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. This will be the 35th year the lodge has sponsored this event. Those veterans who are not ambulatory will be served by the Elks at the hospital.
Special recognition by the Elks will be given to three veterans who are more than 90 years of age. Boy Scout Troop 814, sponsored by the Elks Lodge, will assist in the event. Donations are now being taken to help fund the dinner. Your tax deductible donation should be made out the San Antonio Elks Lodge 216 and can be mailed to 15650 Market Hill, San Antonio, Texas 78256
Boerne Community Theatre will present Neil Simon’s comedy, “The Last of the Red Hot Lovers,” directed by Larry Beauchamp.
Performances run through Nov. 22. Reservations are recommended; call the box office at (830) 249-9166 or visit in person Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon. A credit card is necessary to reserve seats or you may pay in advance at the theatre. Thursday evening shows are at 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m.; Sunday matinees begin at 2:30 p.m.
November
Boerne Public Library in November will be honoring American veterans of all the major conflicts in the past century by showing a war movie each Monday evening at 6 p.m. Veterans, as well as the rest of the community, can enjoy a movie from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. For details, call (830) 249-3053, or visit the library’s Web site, www.boerne.lib.tx.us
Today
Messiah Lutheran Church will be holding the first meeting of a new support group tonight at 7 p.m. This faith-based support group is for families and friends who have a loved one with depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or anxiety disorders. The intent of the group is to provide support and information so we can better care for our loved ones. Participants will view the video “Creating Caring Congregations”. All information shared at this meeting will be kept confidential.
For more information call Messiah Lutheran Church at (830) 755-4300.
Saturday
Leon Springs Farmers Market is held every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Leon Springs Baptist Church, 24133 Boerne Stage Road, behind H-E-B. Vendors offer plants, herbs and a variety of edibles, from fresh produce to honey, nuts, breads, jams and jellies. Live music will be heard all morning. Call Mario Obledo Jr. at (210) 823-3393 with questions regarding the Leon Springs Farmers Market or visit www.LeonSpringsFM.com.
Cibolo Nature Center will sponsor “Building Green” on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Green building techniques will be discussed, including passive solar design, solar hot water, geothermal heat pumps and sustainable materials. Call (830) 249-4616 for details, or visit the Web site, www. Cibolo.org.
Nov. 19
Boerne Farmers Market is held Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. through Nov. 26 at Kendall Co. Fairgrounds, Texas 46 east of Boerne. Home grown vegetables, local pecans, breads, canned fruits and vegetables, plants, aromatherapy and other fresh seasonal farm products will be offered. All products are fresh and high quality. The market will not be held over the winter but will resume in March when fresh vegetables are available again.
Preview set at James Kiehl River Bend Park
Thursday, 13 November 2008
James Kiehl River Bend Park is 24.47 acres with 1,627 feet of Guadalupe River frontage. Photo by David Basarich
Special to the View
A one-day park preview in honor of Veterans Day is set on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kendall County’s first park, James Kiehl River Bend Park.
The Kendall County Parks Department, with the help of Kendall County Partnership for Parks, is sponsoring the event.
Located at 138 River Bend Road near Comfort, the park was named in tribute to Army Spc. James Michael Kiehl, of Comfort, who was the county’s first fallen soldier serving in Iraq. Kiehl was killed on March 23, 2003.
He was 22 years old and left behind his wife, Jill, and infant son, Nathaniel.
A monument acknowledging and thanking all Kendall County servicemen and women has been donated by Kendall County Partnership for Parks and will soon be placed in the park.
The public is invited to learn more about what James Kiehl River Bend Park will offer to outdoor enthusiasts when formally opened.
A short drive into the country will allow county residents to immerse themselves in nature and preview the park’s 25 acres of native habitat and 1,600 feet of scenic Guadalupe River frontage.
Nature trails, wildlife viewing, birding and fishing are some of the recreational activities that will be available on Saturday. Park manager and naturalist Steve Lowe and KCPP volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about the park system.
Master Naturalists will educate visitors on plants, animals, and natural resources found in the park. Information about volunteering, donating park amenities and supporting the parks will also be provided.
To honor county veterans, James Kiehl River Bend Park will be opened for this one day preview. Attendees are urged to bring the family, a picnic lunch and have fun at the first park in the Kendall County Park System.
Farmers market emphasizes local variety
Thursday, 13 November 2008
Hanna Gritton and Linda Darst show off one of their specialty shopping bags offered at the Leon Springs Farmers Market on Saturdays. Photo by Joni Simon
By Joni Simon Contributing Writer
When talking about the Leon Springs Farmers Market, founder Mario Obledo likes to point to the families who are walking from stall to stall on a Saturday morning. Building memories is as much a part of the market as the produce, he says.
Obledo started the market in 2007 at the Leon Springs Dance Hall, where it stayed for almost a year. Now the Leon Springs Baptist Church hosts the event. “It’s been very good for the residents of the local area,” Obledo said. “There’s room to grow. It’s visitor- and kid-friendly. It’s worked out well.”
Anyone who might want to set up a booth can contact Obledo, who says he decides if a product fits in with his market concept.
“We’ve had a lot of arts and crafts folks inquire about setting up booths, but we’re not at the point for an arts and crafts fair. Maybe some time down the road, but right now, I’m trying to cultivate a green market,” Obledo said, adding he rather likes the current close-knit feel of the place. “We’re like a family out here. All the vendors care for each other, help each other.”
Shoppers might not find quilts or afghans at the market, but there is a booth with handmade, reversible, reusable shopping bags. Obledo calls the creations stitched by Linda Darst and Hanna Gritton, a mother and daughter team, “The official Leon Springs market bag.”
“They’re really concerned about the area, the development,” Obledo said. “They fit right in.”
Their bags are addicting, he said; once you buy one, you want another. Shoppers fill them with fruits and vegetables. Every bag is unique, Obledo says, not mass-produced, but made in Leon Springs and Grey Forest.
“They’re reversible. They hold three to four grocery bagfuls of food,” Darst said, pointing out the plusses of the bags that sell for $10 to $12 each. A good price for a sturdy bag, she said. “We have a lot of repeat customers.”
Their cottage business started when they were looking for bags for themselves and couldn’t find anything they really liked.
“We wanted something cute and we wanted something U.S.-made,” Darst said. “It’s turned into a great cottage industry for us and it’s a way we can pay back the community.”
Other vendors come from as far away as Alice, Seguin and San Marcos to sell freshly baked bread and jars of jalapeno peppers and the like.
The market is a part of Obledo’s whole philosophy that includes a green lifestyle. He says a renewable festival is in the works for the area.
“It’s a green festival. It’s going to be educational,” Obledo said. “It’ll provide information in terms of a greener, healthier lifestyle from food to home products like solar panels and rain catchment.”
Obeldo said he does what he does out of love for the area where he’s seen the population double, maybe even triple in growth over the last couple of years.
