The University of Texas at San Antonio Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering will host the “Fall Senior Design Demonstration Project Day” from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. today in the Biotechnology, Sciences and Engineering Building First Floor Atrium on the Loop 1604 campus. Free and open to the public, the event, held twice a year, features UTSA Electrical and Computer Engineering students who have spent the semester developing, building and designing their own projects for review. The featured projects include an improvised explosive device jammer designed to prevent explosions in war zones by saturating frequencies with electromagnetic noise to disrupt communications. Additional projects include wireless baby monitors for respiratory and heart rate conditions on infants preventing crib death, underground human location systems to locate people buried in debris and an autonomous lawnmower that mows with a beacon and microcontroller that controls direction. One of the four departments in the College of Engineering, the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering currently has 631 students enrolled in bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs.

Today and Friday

The San Antonio Chapter of OASIS is offering tutor training classes for the Intergenerational Tutoring Program at the OASIS Center in Macy’s Furniture Galleries, 6161 N.W. Loop 410. Participants can tutor in a neighborhood school. Training for placement in Northside and San Antonio Independent School Districts will be held today and Friday, 10:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. The Intergenerational Tutoring Program, which began 13 years ago in San Antonio, pairs a senior with a child in first to third grades to promote success in reading. Seniors spend one hour a week with the same child throughout the school year. No prior teaching experience is required; all materials are provided and hours are flexible for vacations and appointments. The tutoring program gives adults, ages 50 and older, the opportunity to involve themselves in the community and share their love of reading. Contact Gloria Jennings at 256-2335 or 647-2546 to register or for more information.

Saturday

Join Government Canyon State Natural Area park interpreter Laura Cauley as she discusses the unique qualities of both the Edward’s Aquifer and Government Canyon. Learn how the aquifer was formed, why it is so special to residents of San Antonio, Government Canyon’s role in aquifer protection, and what you can do to help protect this very important resource. The class will feature a lecture portion and then participants will be able to take a guided hike within Govern-ment Canyon to see features of the aquifer. The lecture will last about an hour and the hike component will be about two hours.  Participants should dress appropriately and wear sturdy hiking shoes; bring plenty of water and a snack for the 9 a.m. to noon event. This program is by reservation only; group size is limited.  Participants should be at least 12 years of age or older. No pets will be allowed. Reservations are accepted by e-mail only, at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , until noon on Friday. Be certain to include on the reservation the complete name, phone number(s), and e-mail contact information for each reservation. Hiking component subject to cancellation depending on trail conditions; entry fees apply. 

The Maverick Library invites everyone to a holiday celebration on Saturday. The fun begins at noon with storyteller Mary Grace Ketner, a member of the San Antonio Storytellers Association. Mary Grace will entertain the whole family with holiday and seasonal stories from around the world. Afterwards, stop by the open house table for refreshments and a chance to win a free prize. The next program, at 2 p.m., invites children and their families to make and decorate holiday cards. For more information, call the Maverick Library, 8700 Mystic Park, at 680-9346. Library programs are free and open to the public.

The San Antonio Area Widowed Persons Service (SAAWPS) is teaming up with Care Improvement Plus to host the Jingle Bell Ball for San Antonio’s widowed men and women. The semi-formal event will feature a seated dinner, cash bar, and dancing. Admission is an $8 donation in advance or $10 at the door.

The ball will be held 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday at The Meadows, 730 Babcock Road. For more information and tickets, call 734-1167.