The University of Texas at San Antonio’s College of Education and Human Development hosts its inaugural African-American

studies symposium 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Denman Room of the University Center on the 1604 Campus. Speakers will discuss the state of African-American studies in higher education. The symposium is free and open to the public. The first 45 registrants will receive a free boxed lunch. Call Lenora Perry Perry Samaniego at 458-4376 or e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

AARP is sponsoring free tax preparation assistance at different locations through April 15. Aides are available 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays at the Cody Public Library, 11441 Vance Jackson Road; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays at the Bob Ross Senior Center, 2219 Babcock Road. Call 207-5300 for an appointment.

Grey Forest Farmer’s Market is held 3 to 6 p.m. at the Scenic Loop Playground Club, 18249 Sherwood Trail, off of Scenic Loop Road. The event is held the first and third Fridays of each month.

Teamability holds a fundraiser at Pedrotti’s North Wind Ranch located on FM 1560 North in Helotes. A silent auction begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner and dancing to music provided by San Antonio’s own Tish Hinojosa and her musicians. Proceeds benefit Teamability’s services to children with severe multiple disabilities. Tickets may be purchased online at www.teamability.org or by phone at 733-9050.

Saturday

“A Golden-Cheeked Warbler Hike” 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Government Canyon features Martin Reid, world-famous birder and tour leader, taking you into the backcountry of the natural area on a hike to see this endangered species whose only nesting grounds are in Texas. The hike is open to ages 10 and older who are physically able to hike four to six miles on rugged terrain. Group size limited. Reservations are required by Friday.  Call 688-9055, ext 292.

“It’s All About Water!” features Government Canyon park interpreter Laura Cauley, 9 a.m. to noon, discussing 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, our role in aquifer protection, and what you can do to help protect this very important resource. The class, which features a lecture and a two-hour guided hike, is open to ages 12 and older. Reservations are by noon Friday. Call 688-9055, ext 292.

The 10th annual San Antonio Highland Games and Celtic Music Festival will be held 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Helotes Fairgrounds, 12210 Leslie Road. Includes traditional Scottish sports, live Celtic music, Scottish and Irish dance, arts and crafts, living history exhibits, Sheepdog herding trials, children’s activities and contests. Admission: $8 adults; $5 children, seniors, military. Visit www.sahga.org for more information.

A book signing and discussion for the book “Chicken Soup for the Latino Soul” will take place at 2 p.m. at Barnes and Noble Booksellers, Interstate 10 West and De Zavala Road.

Sunday

Low-cost vaccinations for dogs and cats are offered 9 to 11 a.m. Sunday at two area H-E-B stores: Bandera and Guilbeau roads and at Potranco Road and Loop 1604. Another slate of low-cost vaccination clinics will follow 12:30 to 2 p.m. Sunday at two other area H-E-B stores: 1604 and Culebra Road and at 1604 and Bandera.

College basketball coach-turned ESPN analyst Digger Phelps will discuss and sign copies of his autobiography, “Undertaker’s Son: Life Lessons from a Coach,” at 2 p.m. at Barnes and Noble Booksellers, Interstate 10 West and De Zavala.

Monday

Spay-Neuter Assistance Program will offer low-cost neuters and spays for cats and dogs Monday at H-E-B, 7951 Guilbeau and Mystic Park. Another low-cost spay/neuter clinic will be held April 10 at Fatso’s Sports Garden, 1704 Bandera. Pets should be dropped off by 7:30 a.m. in a pillowcase or carrier. Call 673-7722.

Wednesday

Cavender Chevrolet 2008 Live Music Series at The County Line is held 6 to 10 p.m. each Wednesday at County Line Bar-B-Q, Interstate 10 West between Wurzbach and Huebner roads. Brandon Rhyder is today’s featured performer. Rich O’Toole will open. Attendees are asked to make a monetary or food donation to benefit the San Antonio Food Bank.

April 11 and 12

The annual Helotes Garden Club Plant Sale and Raffle,

9 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, is at the 4H Building on Leslie Road across from O’Connor High School. Plants include German bearded irises, canna lilies, ferns, geraniums, bougainvilleas, hibiscus, trees and century plants, as well as vegetables and herbs. A raffle drawing will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are available at most shops in Helotes and at the sale. Funds from the raffle go to the O’Connor horticulture scholarship fund.

April 12

Leon Valley Market Days is held 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Leon Valley Community Center, 6427 Evers Road. The event, which features vendors of crafts, handmade clothing and foodstuffs, is held the second Saturday of each month.

Scenic Loop Road clean up volunteers will meet at the Scenic Loop Playground Clubhouse building at 8 a.m. for each clean up. A brown bag lunch is planned after this month’s clean up. Anyone who would like to help organize a group of volunteers to adopt portions of Scenic Loop Road may contact Freda Hoffman by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  

The Casa Helotes Senior Center holds a rummage sale 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The center is accepting

take all donations except clothes, shoes and electronics. For more information, call 695-8510.

The Earl Warren High School Warrior Band Boosters holding their annual Spring Barbecue at the Zachry Middle School cafeteria parking lot to raise funds for the band.  Plates include two sausage wraps, beans and coleslaw. Drinks, roasted corn and desserts are also for sale.  For more information, call 843-6970.

Join the Friends of Government Canyon volunteers for a guided hike on one of the many trails at the natural area. Open to ages 13 and over, minors must be accompanied by an adult; group size limited to the first 10 people. Dress appropriately and wear sturdy hiking shoes; bring water and a snack. Meet at the Visitors Center by the rainwater harvesting tower at 8:30 a.m. No pets please. For more information, call 688-9055, ext. 292.

“Spring Blooms in the Canyon” Come experience the abundance and variety of wildflowers at the natural area. Paul Cox, long time plant expert at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens, will share the contents of his “fun box,” then lead you on an informative hike to identify spring flowers and plants. Group size limited; wear sturdy shoes and weather appropriate clothing; bring water (one liter per person) and a snack. Event begins at 9 a.m. to noon. Reservations required and are now being accepted, and will end at noon on April 11.  Please include names of each participant, age if under 18, and e-mail address and telephone number. 688-9055, ext. 292.

Babies “R” Us hosts an “On The Go” Gear Expo 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at locations including: Ingram Park Mall, 6955 N.W. Loop 410; behind North Star Mall, 819 E. Rector; and at The Rim Shopping Center, 176100 La Cantera Parkway.

The expo will teach parents tips on traveling with baby that will help simplify every lifestyle. Activities and resources include information from travel expert, product demonstrations and educational seminars.

For more information, contact Babies “R” Us at 681-2229, 337-2229 or 694-4583.

April 13

Kite Day presented by The Children’s Ministry at Grace

Grace Point Church, 9750 Huebner Road, will be having its annual Kite Day after its 9:30 and 11 a.m. worship services. Outdoor activities including a rock wall, a giant slide, a moon bounce and kite flying begin at 12:30 p.m. Pizza, salad, drinks, and dessert will be served in the grass lot closest to Huebner Road. Bring your blankets and eat your lunch on the grounds. Then enjoy the activities! Advance tickets now available for

$4 for adults, $2 for kids. The day of the event tickets are $5 for adults,

$4 for kids.