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To gear up for Media Literacy week, our class did a short video about early voting and media literacy using our broadcast media scripting and shooting skills! Please watch!

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The Legend of Sallie White

The rose window of the Menger Hotel.

She walked through the halls of the hotel she tidied, delivering clean towels to guests and making sure their stay is comfortable. The bedrooms had to be organized. Each desk, table and counter must be polished to a shine. Every guest must be kept happy unlike her husband who knew of only jealousy and rage. Her hair started to slip because of the constant movement to clean. She wrapped a bandanna around her head and continued to sweat from hard work. Once in a while, someone would call her name: Sallie White; a name that is still reverberating through the Menger Hotel 150 years later.

The hotel was erected 19 years after the battle of the Alamo. Its historical connection with San Antonio is hand-in-hand to the identity of Texas history. William Menger, a German immigrant, originally wanted to open only a brewery next to the Southern battleground. He established a bar on the first floor of his building. Pulled directly from the official Menger Hotel website, “When he [William Menger] realized his guests needed a place to sleep, he and his wife, Mary, expanded into an elaborate two-story, 50-room hotel. Opening with much fanfare in 1859, decked out with wrought-iron balconies and a stained-glass-roofed Victorian lobby, the Menger Hotel was an overnight success, ushering in a new era of sophistication on the Texas frontier.” American leaders like Theodore Roosevelt stayed at the hotel. President Roosevelt gathered his Rough Riders at the bar, and they shared their cause among one another accompanied by pints of rye beer. New businesses call for new job openings. One lucky person to acquire a working position with the hotel was, of course, Sallie White. She was a handmaiden whose beauty was admired. Her husband, Henry Wheeler, did not appreciate the attention.

Ernesto Luis Malacara, public relations manager for the Menger, has worked for the hotel for more than 40 years. He knows the legends of the hotel very well and was happy to tell the story of Ms. White’s murder. “It was 1870. Henry Wheeler was discharged from the army. He was a jealous man and violent toward his wife, Sallie. He constantly accused her of having relations with the male hotel guests. Sallie hated to return home to face the wrath of her husband.”

One day, Ms. White already experienced her routine act of aggression in the morning. She worked at the hotel but when the day ended, she refused to go home. She walked to the courthouse a few blocks away and slept on the steps. The next day, she woke up and returned to the hotel only to find her husband angrily waiting outside. Wheeler screamed at her. He hit her. He threatened her. She was terrified of what he was going to do next. She knew how much he enjoyed keeping his gun at his side. She ran to the fire station hoping that someone of authority would help her. He chased after Sallie with his gun drawn. She wasn’t fast enough. 

She only ran half the distance. He fired three shots at her. Two missed but one went straight through her back and abdomen. He left her to die in the street. Officers arrived on the scene and took her to the nearest hospital. Wheeler turned himself in some time later. The law back in the 19th century was not perfect. Aggressors could not be charged with attempted murder. Murderers could not be charged either unless their victim actually dies. He was released while Sallie was trying to recuperate at the infirmary. She died exactly 24 hours after her wounds were inflicted. Henry Wheeler left the city immediately upon her news. He was never seen again. 

Sallie had no family in San Antonio that could claim her body. She wasn’t going to receive a proper burial. The hotel felt it was the right thing to do for her to be respectfully laid to rest, so for $32 they paid for her burial. “She has been walking the halls of the hotel ever since,” Malacara said. “Her spirit inhabits the 2nd and 3rd floors still taking care of the patrons.”

Book a room at the Menger Hotel in San Antonio, Texas to experience a Victorian setting mixed with a haunting history through their website or phone: [phone].  

Location of reported sightings of the ghost of Sallie White

Robert Limon

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As The Holidays Approach, Wrong-Way Driving Increases

It could happen to anyone on the road, in the blink of an eye, you won’t know what hit you. “There wasn’t much time to react, I instinctively knew what I had to do,” Gabe Gonzalez never thought he would see something like this happen.

With the holidays quickly approaching, millions of drivers will set out on highways across the nation. Most will arrive to their destination safely, others may encounter, a most likely impaired, wrong-way driver. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) “estimates that roughly 400 people die each year from wrong-way drivers.”

In June of 2015, San Antonio Native Gabe Gonzalez was traveling on the Northbound lanes of Loop 410, when he spotted a vehicle traveling the wrong way on Southbound Loop 410 near Military Drive. The SUV was ramming into multiple cars. The vehicle entered the highway on Culebra and finally came to a stop near Military Drive.

“I never thought I would ever see a wrong-way driver; it was like a punch in the gut. All I saw was a vehicle hitting multiple cars on the other side of the highway,” stated Gonzalez, “I flashed my lights and tried to wave down other vehicles on the road to stop, and they did, I was really surprised.”

Gonzalez says that he doesn’t know what caused him to get out of his vehicle, he says it was adrenaline that made him get out to make sure the driver didn’t get away, once the SUV came to a stop on the highway. He says he immediately could tell that the driver was impaired.

According to SafeAmerica.org, if you encounter a situation where you are facing a wrong-way driver, here are some safety tips:

·         Swerve to the right, because most wrong-way drivers will think they are in the far right lane to avoid being pulled over for driving impaired.

·         Look up, and look ahead to scan the freeway, when weather permits, you can see at least a quarter of a mile ahead of you.

·         Always wear your seatbelt and look out for other drivers

·         If you spot a wrong way driver, pull over and contact the local authorities as soon as possible, provide the location, direction of travel, and a description of the vehicle

For more helpful tips you can check out this YouTube video provided by the Houston Police.

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Supporting Your Local Business: The Benefits of Having Local Businesses in your Neighborhood

Do you ever walk into your favorite local Texas barbecue restaurant and immediately get taken hold of by the smell of the home-made, smoked food, the taste of the freshly brewed tea, or even the distinctive warm feel of the friendly environment? There is a certain charm about locally owned restaurants that makes them stand out among the rest of the neighborhood’s food destinations.    

One local business that has outshined other businesses is the home town favorite, Bill Miller BBQ. For those outside of the San Antonio and Austin area, Bill Miller BBQ is a barbecue restaurant that makes tasty and fresh every day. It is a twist on traditional Texas barbecue and home-style cooking which many Texas folk seem to love. These local restaurants are not only healthy for the soul but is also economically friendly.

Local businesses have always been a city’s most popular destination for locals and tourists. These businesses are often overlooked because people may think the prices are higher or they might not have high quality products like most chain stores. Supporting small businesses in your city has its benefits.

Most of these small, one-of-a-kind businesses will keep their dollars in the local economy as well as give back to the community. Customer service is more personalized and home-based. Having local businesses also creates more jobs with sometimes better wages and benefits.

Bill Miller BBQ has been around for 66 years. With a $500 loan Bill Miller opened a small poultry and eggs business in 1950, three years later they built their own fried chicken restaurant. Bill and Faye Miller ran the store while raising their four children. It continues to be a family owned business, but instead of one restaurant, there are now 72 Bill Miller restaurants.

“We are planning to open about 20 more locations all across San Antonio, New Braunfels, and Boerne, which will create more positions for managers and hourly staff,” Norbert Zuniga, Director of Training said. Not only are they creating jobs for the community with a very good salary and benefits, but also making more delicious restaurants across the community.  

Hourly employees also receive a decent amount of pay where minimum wage at Bill Miller can start off at $10 an hour and it is a great first job for anyone looking for a part time job, in which the U.S. standard of $7.50, Bill Miller is a good way to make money and have fun doing it. “I like the people that I work with! I also like how flexible the hours are, I am able to balance school and work,” explains Jijung Johnson, a Bill Miller hourly employee. That is why this company is booming the way it is. Bill Miller is known for their southern hospitality and charm which people appreciate.

 To top that off, Bill Miller also offers tuition reimbursements for their employees that are attending either a university or community college. This past year the company has raised the amount they give their employees back, so now they can receive up to $600 back when they make passing grades. This means that many driven college students will make that extra effort to deliver those grades in order to receive the college reimbursement money. This company is pushing young adults into balancing their work life, school life, and social life, in which my opinion is that they are helping these students grow.  

As well as treating their manager and employees well, Bill Miller is also known for giving back to the community. Every year they have customer appreciation day. On this day, customers receive free tea refills all day. They can come in any time of the day and refill their cup as many times as they want which everyone loves. This busy day is filled with thrilled customers eager to gulp down that sweetened tea in which Bill Miller is famous for.

Another reason why Bill Miller is so popular is because of the customer service. Their mission statement is “Make it right,” which has lead them to their success. Making the order right with great, amazing food always keeps the customers coming back. “I have been coming here for years, I love the food and the staff is so nice,” says Brandi Guevara, a regular customer. Guevara, age 30, has been coming to Bill Miller BBQ since she was just a little girl. Her family always ordering the delicious smoked brisket to go with their gallon of sweet tea. “It honestly feels like home.”

Bill Miller BBQ has also donated money to many charities, schools, and organizations in the San Antonio area. “We’ll give a donation to almost any organization who asks for it,” said Brian Hays, a store manager. Bill Miller is a very generous company who isn’t afraid to give back. They have donated $1 million to the purchase of Fiesta Plaza Mall for a downtown campus for UTSA which not only made an impact on San Antonio, but has impacted the students not only to better their education, but have a beautiful pace to learn and succeed.

They have also donated $400,000 to the Good Shepard Church to build a gymnasium, which the kids of the community really enjoy. Children and adults are able to have fun, competitive matches for different sports as well as having a place for weddings and social events within the neighborhood. This has improved the area and made it an enjoyable place for people to come together as a community.

Supporting your local business can be either donating, purchasing from them, or even just getting their name out there to other consumers will help. Support your local business it will improve the community as well as help the local economy.

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Northwest Vista Women’s Basketball: The quest for excellence and a championship

Marshall Best 

10-18-18

A new semester has begun at Northwest Vista College in San Antonio and that has brought about new faces as well as familiar ones to the school.  The semester also brings about a new basketball season and tryouts for the men’s and women’s team.  The men’s team are coming back from a second consecutive championship and are looking to continue their excellence.  However, the women’s team are coming off of a tough previous season and are looking to climb to the top this season and win it all.

           The women’s team this year consists of 12 players who are held to high standards on and off the court.  They will play 24 games this year not including playoffs and about four or five of them are scrimmages.  Their coach, Daniel Johnson, holds them accountable for a higher G.P.A at 2.5 than the rest of the league at 2.0.  Johnson is also the Athletic Director for the Recreational Sports at Vista. He first took over as head coach for the team in 2005 when their coach quit midway through the season.  At the time they were only a student organization and Johnson only had the intentions to coach until the end of the season.  He ended up staying as the coach through the present day and made the women’s team a club sport under the recreational sports in 2007.

His goal for the team every year is to help his players gain confidence on and off the court to take on larger feats and to give their 100 percent at all times. Johnson also talks about how his team needs to learn how to be patient and understand the value of hard work. He summed up his view of the team with a quote by Booker T. Washington “Whatever job you got, be the best at it.” Ultimately a championship is the goal for his team but helping the ladies become successful in life and setting them up to do well at future jobs is what Johnson prides himself on teaching.

           Right now the team is 2-0 with blowout victories of defeating St. Phillips College and Palo Alto College.  Former Vista player and new assistant coach Dorothy Garcia echoes Johnson’s attitude towards helping the girls get better every day in basketball as well as striving to win a championship.  Garcia played for the team last year and enjoyed the comradery with the girls and wants to use her playing experience to help with coaching. She also wants to coach middle school girls’ basketball one day and says “The only way to be able to teach is to learn.” Garcia wants to learn all she can from Johnson and also learn some new things from her players as well.  

           The players are excited to be a part of a team and learning how to work together as a team.  Johnson does not have a designated team captain and prefers the girls learn how to step up when needed and take the initiative to help encourage each other.  Returning player Emily Castor and new player Ausset Culberson enjoy the challenge of working together with everyone and getting the team playing well.  Castor, a two year starter, has enjoyed the taste of a championship in her first year with the team and hopes to get back to the title game and win it all after a disappointing early team exit last year. Culberson is looking to help and add some fire power to the team and win in her first year.  They both take pride in stepping up to lead with Castor adding “I want to make sure the team is going to win and I will work hard to make sure that we do.”  They both believe the team has potential to be great and push hard to make sure everyone is on the same page even if some players get miffed at others.  No team goes perfectly put together, there are struggles that they must overcome.  Culberson adds that the challenge of getting everyone to work together is something she finds to be one of the greatest achievements because everyone was a complete stranger to one another.  At the end of the day the ladies do enjoy hanging out with one another outside of school.  Basketball can bring them closer throughout the season.  “Friendships with teammates have a great value to help win a championship and hopefully continue on beyond basketball” says Culberson.

           With a head coach with high expectations for his players, an ambitious assistant coach eager to learn, and a team full of players that are willing to put in the hard work and learning from each other the NVC women are prepared to take the league by storm.  They will be well disciplined and passionate about the game of basketball and hope to have promising results this year to reclaim the title.                      

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One Action Making A Big Difference

By Valerie Baker

  It is amazing how one organization can make an impact on a number of lives. A certain organization caught my eye and that is “Love Your Melon”. Love your Melon is an organization that was founded in 2012 in an entrepreneurship class at the University of St. Thomas by two friends. Which led them into Social Entrepreneurship. Social Entrepreneurship is basically businesses whose main purpose is the common good, rather than maximizing the profit for the owners or shareholders of the company.  They wanted to find a way to improve the lives of children who are battling cancer. These two friends known as Zach and Brian came up with a simple idea of wanting to put a hat on every child that is battling cancer in America. According to Zach and Brian the way the organization would function is with the “buy one give one program”. In turn, each person that bought a hat, a cancer patient would receive on free of charge. With this cool looking hat, it also provides warmth to the children who are battling cancer and might be cold in the hospital.

 Love Your Melon, began with 400 hats, and since has grown immensely. Love Your Melon held their first hospital donation event. Zach stated that “seeing the smiles we created by giving the kids Love Your Melon Hats and spending time with them was an incredible experience, this is what inspired us to keep making our hats”. Currently, the organization has donated over 75,000 hats to children battling cancer and over 1.1 million dollars to pediatric research and immediate support to families.

But there is one thing that helped make this possible and a success. In addition to fundraising with their hat program, Zach and Brian took it a step further by creating a campus crew program. The action that Zach and Brain did taking tours around the country giving them the opportunity to meet individuals at colleges all over the country who wanted to get involved. With that said Love Your Melon developed the campus crew program. This allows other students to get involved in their goal to put a hat on every kid that is battling cancer.

We have a campus crew locally at The University of Texas at San Antonio. Anusha Hussain, leader of the Love Your Melon Crew describes how they got started. She said “a couple of us students saw it around other campuses, heard what it was about, and applied to be a crew”. “We  give hats to children battling cancer, doing superhero visits, and raising awareness”. They try to hold a couple of big events every semester. Anusha did let me know why she loved being part of the Love Your Melon Campus Crew at UTSA. She gave me three simple answers, “ I love getting to know new members, as well as getting to go on superhero adventures, but most important making a difference in the lives of children who are battling cancer”.

 Using the methods of business to address social, environmental, and justice needs and problems going on.

 Getting to learn more about the Love Your Melon organization has been great. Love Your Melon is a great organization. Showing and making aware how just one small action can make a big difference in the lives of children that are battling cancer. So if you would like to make a difference in a child who is battling cancer all you need to do is visit the link listed and purchase a hat.

https://www.loveyourmelon.com/pages/thestory

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Lending a Hand to those with Paws

By: Alexis Butler

San Antonio- Happiness is the love you feel for an animal. They are our best friends and true confidants. Like us, animals don’t get to choose how they are brought up. Some are brought up into unconditional loving homes, while others are brought up into hate and left stranded. The rate of animal cruelty is “on the rise “according to The Humane Society of the United States, and cities are trying to enforce no-kill. However no city has achieved that goal quite like Austin, Texas.

In 2011 Austin sustained its status as the nation’s largest “no-kill city, saving 90 percent or more of the homeless pets that enter the city’s municipal shelter” as stated in the US Official News document titled, Austin as no-kill city. It has been 5 years since Austin implemented these rights “We are committed to keep up the work that will result in continued success of saving our homeless pets,” said Interim Chief Animal Services Officer Chris Noble. San Antonio has begun the journey into trying to achieve the status of a no-kill city, but unlike Austin, San Antonio has a long way to go. According to San Antonio’s Animal Care Services quarterly performance reports, live release rates are up 3% from 2015, but the overall numbers for adoptions and live release rates could be higher.

These animals in distress, need voices that can speak up for them and hands that instead of hurting them want to help and comfort them. This is the motto a young woman named Alex Gonzales is choosing to live her life by. A San Antonio native, Gonzales when not working dedicates her time to those animals in need. It all started when she was volunteering at a local animal shelter and realized she wanted to lend a helping hand in her own way. “I want to help those who can’t help themselves” Gonzales explained, and she has been doing just that.

For the last 3 years Gonzales has been taking in stray animals and nursing them back to health, updating them on their shots, providing food, water, a nice place to live and eventually finding them a perfect home, well deserving for those once abandoned. “Even if I can help three dogs I have done my job. I’m a really dedicated foster mom” Gonzales says. She does her work all on her own and considers herself a one woman shelter, without the funding or sponsors. “I have been an avid animal lover my whole life, and wanted to see how I could make a difference and provide families or loved ones with the opportunity to be a loving pet owner. And although I am not sponsored through an organization, I do reach out to non-profits that I know work with no-kill shelters and will proceed to put animals I rescue in their good hands” Gonzales mentions. The best shelters to go to if wanting to volunteer or adopt, according to Gonzales are the San Antonio Human Society and Pets Alive. “Both of these organizations work endlessly to make sure pets are provided and protected. They work hard to make sure San Antonio becomes one of the largest cities in America to reach no-kill status” Gonzales explains.

As for Gonzales, she just wants to be able to spread the love that’s in her heart, “No one is paying me to do what I do. I dedicate my time, money and energy into helping homeless animals because I believe they deserve and can fulfill a better destiny, unlike the one handed to them in the times I find them. I want people to understand that animals don’t have a voice and it’s up to the community to lend our hands and provide a voice to those who don’t have one” Gonzales implies. Gonzales also wants to reiterate to people to adopt don’t shop. My aunt Sabrina Hall is subject to the hard work Gonzales does and wouldn’t have her beloved dog Pepper if it wasn’t for her, “What Alex does is pure magic and I can’t thank her enough for the work she does. She found Pepper, took care of him with love and kindness, and entrusted in me to take him into my home and for that I am grateful.”

If you would like to learn more information on ways to adopt, donate or volunteer with no-kill animal shelters in the San Antonio area please visit www.sahumane.org  or www.sanantoniopetsalive.org

Lending a Hand to those with Paws.docx

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Salazar heats up the Campaign Trail for Sheriff

by: Jesus JImenez

Javier Salazar is running for Sheriff of Bexar County; he is a 23-year veteran San Antonio police officer. He is currently the Democratic nominee for sheriff in the upcoming November election. He is seeking voters to come out and support him, especially college students. Salazar is running for Sheriff because he wants to make a difference. Salazar states,” He wants to be doing what he’s done the past 23 years.” By building a foundation, he would like to have a relationship between law enforcement and its residents.  Salazar’s passion in law enforcement make him a great candidate.

Traditionally, college students have the lowest turnout among all other voters. The importance of voting in a local race is to support our community and the opportunity to make changes.

When asked on what programs he would implement for improvements in the workforce. His response, “Conduct target recruit efforts. Feature officers of both genders of LGBT.” Salazar mentioned he would revise policy and procedures, specifically with transgender people. The last day to register is Oct. 11, 2016. Early Voting begins Oct. 24, 2016 and Election Day is Nov. 4, 2016. For more information on Javier Salazar, please visit SalazarforSheriff.com

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1853 Coffee: "Harvest Hope, Awaken Love, Serve Passionately"

Hannah Head            October 18, 2016

Imagine a place where people of all ages, races and backgrounds can come together and simply enjoy each others’ company – a place filled with the scent of coffee and the sounds of meaningful conversation, where children can hang out, millennials can socialize and adults can hold Bible studies. This is the vision of 1853 Coffee

Old farmhouse that will be turned into the main coffee shop

Located off of Braun Road right inside of Loop 1604 sits an old, empty farmhouse and its surrounding buildings. This farmhouse sits on seven acres of land that were once part of the Crenwelge Braun Farm. Now this historic site has become the vision place of something much greater.

Although it is not yet open, I had the opportunity to interview one of the individuals heading up the 1853 Coffee project. George Ramirez poured out his heart and vision to me as I asked him about the property. His desire is to see this old farm land become a place of hope and peace. “We’re called to be a community. We’re called to love regardless of what we believe in, what we look like, where we come from. And so, it’s a place where people can come and be at peace,” Mr. Ramirez said.

Along with selling coffee and pastries, the idea is that 1853 Coffee would also become a non-profit community center where individuals can gather for study groups, or simply to hang out with one another. The surrounding buildings will be turned into spaces where multiple groups can gather and the property will even have a community garden and a chapel. The coffee will be local and roasted on site which will also give schools the opportunity to use 1853 Coffee as a place for fieldtrips to educate children on the production of coffee beans and coffee.

Even though the vision for this place is so clear, there are still a lot of things that have to happen before work can even be started on 1853 Coffee. According to Mr. Ramirez, the property is currently under a “lease option to purchase” contract for six months as 1853 Coffee strives to raise money to be able to purchase the property. The current owner, Henry Daughtry, is willing to work with 1853 Coffee since he also has a desire to see this property used in a way that benefits the community. This contract will end in January 2017 leaving another six month process to get approval from the city for changes made to the property since it is a historical site. After that, Mr. Ramirez calculates that it will take about another six months to redo the old homestead house and to put in a parking lot. With all of that, the current vision is to have at least the coffee shop completed and open to the local community in early 2018.

 Renovations have not yet begun on the property, but the individuals at 1853 Coffee are still finding ways to reach out to the local community by hosting event nights once or twice a month. These nights often include live music and are a place for individuals in the local community to gather together and get to know one another. This month they will be hosting a fall fest on the 29th and 30th open to all individuals.

Although the name speaks of coffee, the vision behind 1853 Coffee says so much more. Mr. Ramirez summed it up best by saying: “We realized that, as a ministry, Christ hung out at coffee shops. Back then they were wells, right? He hung out at the well and met people on their place, you know, where they were doing life. And so this coffee shop is like that; it’s the central part of where people come do life and there’s so much more that people will get when they walk on this property.”

Inside the old farmhouse

One of the barns that will be turned into a chapel 

Inside the building that will eventually become a chapel

Shed/cellar that will be used to roast coffee beans on site

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Vista Student Wants to get more people involved with UTSA football

Marshall Best

COMM 2311-003

9-20-16

Northwest Vista College student attends UTSA football game

  On Friday, September 16, 2016 at 6:00 pm, the University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners got set to take on the Arizona State Sun Devils in a football game at the Alamodome.  Many excited fans came out to see this game dressed in their UTSA jerseys and some people even had festive navy blue and orange beads around their necks.

  The Roadrunners are 1-1 after a tough loss to Colorado State last weekend and hope to bounce back from that loss with a win over a good opponent in Arizona State.  A fan named Adriana Williams is optimistic about their chances to win.

  She attends Northwest Vista College and has a brother and a best friend on the team who both play on the defensive side of the ball.  Williams got season tickets for the games and said “If I didn’t have anyone I knew on the team I would still go to the games.”  She wants to get Vista students involved with the games and come show support for the team.

With only two games gone by in the season Williams believes the coaching staff of UTSA has what it takes to propel the Roadrunners to have a good ecord this year and become bowl eligible for the first time in school history.

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Artpace, An Art Major’s Classroom

Located in San Antonio, Texas, Artpace works with college students to provide them with internships during Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters.

Artpace is a non-profit contemporary art gallery founded by Linda Pace in 1995. It is one of the top galleries in the world that features innovative art work from local to international artists.

Artpace is generous enough to provide non-paid, eight week internships as well as one two-month, paid internship for a graduate student during June and July. Some internship opportunities include Archives, Business/Accounting, Photography, Exhibitions, and much more. Students will be able to gain credits and transfer them to institutions and universities.

At Artpace, the staff truly wants to see young minds come alive. Their goal is to give art students the chance to learn and make something great out of their own ideas, creativity and eventually make a career out of it.  

Artpace also works with the community arranging events like Chalk It Up which is which is free to attend. This event allows people to create whatever they desire using chalk. “It is important for the community to get involved with Artpace because it allows creative minds to come together as well as making our surroundings a more beautiful place to live in,” explained Joshua Marines, a UTSA art major.    

As well as the internships, if you are just an art appreciator or haven’t reached the college years yet, Artpace provides tours which each individual person can customize their tour to their liking. Tours can include an in-depth look at the Archives, the Library, even look at what careers can be achieved. “I loved doing the tour, I learned a lot,” said Marines. He said if given the chance, he would’ve done it again, maybe even the internship.

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Brain Science Festival in San Antonio, TX

Trinity University held a Brain Science Festival Sunday, Sept. 18th, at the Laurie Auditorium, sponsored by the Mind Science Foundation.

The festival contained various activity tables that tested the brain power of visitors. Games like memory card-matching and scent recognition were part of the fun offered. Each station tested a specific region of the brain. 

According to an article written by Dr. C. George Boeree of the Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania for general psychology on the webspace.ship.edu website, the cingulate gyrus within the cerebrum part of the brain “seems to be for focusing attention on emotionally significant events, and for associating memories to smells and to pain.” Participants of the sniffing game reacted differently to the smells contained within black capsules on the activity table. One child commented how the sweet odor reminded him of Halloween candy. When his mother inhaled the scent, she was reminded of her mother’s chocolate chip cookies when she was her son’s age. 

Emily Boice, PhD, is the Communications & Programs Director for the Mind Science Foundation. Trained as a scientist, she oversees the successful operation of all events along with the help of volunteers such as students from Trinity University, UTSA and UIW. She stated, “Once a year we have a free festival for the public.” For a fee, one can become a member of the foundation who hosts lectures and events regarding topics of the mind. Jad Abumrad, host of NPR’s Radiolab, a show about understanding the human potential through science, sound and modern journalism, was the guest speaker for the festival.

“It’s never been a dull moment working for the Foundation,” Boice said. “I want people to understand that neuroscience is mind-blowing but not mind-blowingly hard.”

From the foundation website, Thomas Baker Slick Jr. was the creator of not only that foundation but also the founder of the Southwest Research Institute and the Texas Biomedical Research Institute. Established in 1958, Slick’s purpose for the research program is to explore the tremendous unexplored potential of the human mind. The human consciousness is a vast ocean of mystery that researchers have yet to fully understand. Studies at the foundation explore the entire spectrum of the brain from neuroscience to ESP (extrasensory perception).

-Robert L. 

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The Search Is Over For San Antonio’s Best Margarita

By: Janine N. Williams

Local San Antonio restaurants and bars competed in the 34th Annual Margarita Pour-Off, which took place at the Sunken Garden Theater on Saturday, Sept. 17th.

The punishing heat did not stop margarita connoisseurs from attending San Antonio’s Annual Pour-Off.

For the second year in a row, Two-Step Restaurant & Cantina took home the 2016 title for San Antonio’s Best Margarita.

Two-Step Bar Manager, J.R. Courchesne, presented a twist on their popular Silver Spur margarita, creating a refreshing Cantaloupe Crusher Margarita which contained premium tequila, brandy, organic agave, freshly squeezed lime juice, garnished with Grand Marnier-infused honeydew melon, and you guessed it, freshly squeezed cantaloupe juice, “Which took forever to squeeze,” Courchesne chuckled.

Courchesne said he noticed a spike in business after last year’s first place win.

“For at least a good two to three months, we were selling El Jefe’s like they were going out of style, and I kinda knew that would happen, so I ordered a little heavier than I normally did.”

The margarita Two-Step presented for this year’s Pour-Off was one of a kind, you currently cannot order the Cantaloupe Crusher Margarita at their restaurant. However, Courchesne thinks it might show up on their menu in the future, “. . . We might have it in the store next week, who knows.”

Tickets were $15 in advance for a 21-and-up crowd. The Pour-Off is presented annually by local rock station 99.5 KISS, San Antonio’s Founding Heritage, and sponsored by Jose Cuervo.

In red, J.R. Courchesne, Two-Step Bar Manager, and bar staff.

First place margarita ingredients for the Cantaloupe Crusher.

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Students’ Lives are Being Changed Right Here in San Antonio

Hannah Head      September 20, 2016

 Students and staff singing “Marvelous Light” 

Students worshiping God at Chi Alpha at UTSA

For over 50 years Chi Alpha Campus Ministries has been making a difference in the lives of students all over the world and they continue to make  a difference in the lives of students right here in San Antonio through people like Olivia Schmelter.

           Schmelter came to know Christ through Chi Alpha during her freshman year at the University of Texas at San Antonio and enjoys the role that she now has as a small group leader. She says, “Through leading a small group I have seen more of God’s heart for the lost, and how desperately He wants a relationship with each of His children.”

           Schmelter has seen firsthand how Chi Alpha has impacted students in San Antonio not only through her own experiences, but through a multitude of others. “There are so many stories of people who have found a life of worth and purpose through Jesus Christ after learning more about God in small group and our large group meetings,” Schmeter says. She then adds that one of those individuals is a close friend of hers who has experienced freedom from anxiety and depression after joining Chi Alpha and surrendering her life to Christ.  

           Chi Alpha at UTSA continues to grow through events hosted on campus and also simply through students who continue to invite friends to come and experience Chi Alpha with them. Every Thursday night several hundred students will crowd into the Main building at UTSA to worship God together through music, experience fellowship with one another, and listen to teachings about how to live a Christ-centered life.

Chi Alpha team leading students in worship

Olivia Schmelter (far right) worshiping with the girls in her small group

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Students’ Lives are Being Changed Right Here in San Antonio

Hannah Head      September 20, 2016

 Students and staff singing “Marvelous Light” 

Students worshiping God at Chi Alpha at UTSA

For over 50 years Chi Alpha Campus Ministries has been making a difference in the lives of students all over the world and they continue to make  a difference in the lives of students right here in San Antonio through people like Olivia Schmelter.

           Schmelter came to know Christ through Chi Alpha during her freshman year at the University of Texas at San Antonio and enjoys the role that she now has as a small group leader. She says, “Through leading a small group I have seen more of God's heart for the lost, and how desperately He wants a relationship with each of His children.”

           Schmelter has seen firsthand how Chi Alpha has impacted students in San Antonio not only through her own experiences, but through a multitude of others. “There are so many stories of people who have found a life of worth and purpose through Jesus Christ after learning more about God in small group and our large group meetings,” Schmeter says. She then adds that one of those individuals is a close friend of hers who has experienced freedom from anxiety and depression after joining Chi Alpha and surrendering her life to Christ.  

           Chi Alpha at UTSA continues to grow through events hosted on campus and also simply through students who continue to invite friends to come and experience Chi Alpha with them. Every Thursday night several hundred students will crowd into the Main building at UTSA to worship God together through music, experience fellowship with one another, and listen to teachings about how to live a Christ-centered life.

Chi Alpha team leading students in worship

Olivia Schmelter (far right) worshiping with the girls in her small group

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Winesdays With A Twist

Imagine yourself on a Friday night, with the girls, or even your significant other, enjoying your favorite bottle of Merlot, while creating a personal piece of art for your home. As a native from San Antonio, Texas there is always fun things to do in the city. One of those things brings together, friends, family, parties, and even communities. Painting with a Twist has become one of those places to go to experience all of that, with anyone and everyone.

First developed in 2007 in Louisiana, after Hurricane Katrina, two women – Kathy Deano and Renee Maloney - came together to bring the community back after the devastation. The first class was taught in Cathy Deano’s barn in Mandeville, LA and was called Corks n Canvas. The general idea of the business was not only to bring the community together, but also to allow those to express themselves in an artistic form with a little help of liquid courage.

 The concept was later franchised as Painting With A Twist and the first franchised opened in Lafayette, LA in 2009. Within that first year, 24 locations opened up.

I had a chance of catching up with Linda Aviles, 21, who is an instructor for the company at the new San Antonio Alamo Ranch location. Located at 11019 Culebra Rd. These classes offer lasting memories between communities, families, and friends by being able to hang their work of art up at their home making it a lasting memory. Aviles describes the most rewarding part of the job by stating, “its about how we give back to the community, and how we can bring not only friends together but families too. We have a little bit of everything for everyone, even the kiddos.”

 Since the expansion of Painting With A Twist there have also been other businesses that have tried to create a similar experience. For example, there is Paint the Nite, a competitor that offers the same painting experience, however they don’t allow you to bring any outside food or beverages. “One thing our experience offers, compared to the others is that we allow our guests to bring their own food and beverages. That way the can unwind, and enjoy their experience the way they want, and we handle the rest.” Linda mentions that it’s a rewarding feeling as an instructor to see the end product of her students, “No two pictures are the same, and that’s art at its best.”

 For more information on how to participate in one of these classes go online to Painting With A Twist and find the closest location near you. On their website they have a calendar for each location, with times, and previews of the pictures that you would paint. Classes usually run about $35 per person, but include everything you need to create your beautiful masterpiece. Outside food and drinks are accepted, so feel free to bring your favorite bottle of wine, kick back, and relax.

Finished peacock painting.

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(Johnny Juke Box)

If you have ever been to one of his shows you would know how talented of a musician Johnny is. He delivers a performance full of energy and a variety of R&B, Electric, and Pop songs that can make anyone feel more upbeat – one thing you will feel is connection!

Jayren Griffin, “aka” Johnny Juke Box in the music scene, is an aspiring music artist and local of San Antonio. He was just recently featured at the University of Incarnate Word radio show KUIW, where he was interviewed with radio host, Stephanie Gomez. He is dedicated to his music and always meticulous about his appearance! I encourage you to visit his blog so you can see for yourself what this “Experimental Pop” artist has to offer! I linked up with Jayren, I mean Johnny, at one of his favorite spots to eat, Sushi Zushi. He’s a casual guy, with a big heart, and a lot to say; but there’s something special and magnetic about his personality that makes you want to know more – let’s begin!

(Host) : What genre do you consider yourself to be as an artist?

(JohnnyJukeBox) : It’s more of a mix or blend of R&B, Hip-hop, and Electronica. I call it “Experimental Pop” but if I have to narrow it down to the origin Alternative R&B.

(Host) : Where do you see yourself next year musically?

(JohnnyJukeBox) : I visualize myself on a better platform; reaching a larger audience, not only here in S.A. but in other cities as well. My newest album “Adonis” features this song “Touch” that has been my biggest hit yet; it was featured in The Current magazine as best local R&B song, so I’m definitely taking in all the positive feedback I’ve received and I will be putting more songs out there with videos for you all to check on! I realized this year that I need to be more active; not just on social media but in the public. My manager Z is working on getting shows lined up for me so you all be looking out!

(Host) : When did you start taking an interest in music?

(JohnnyJukeBox) : In middle school is where my love for music began. I was in one of those wannabe bands and my yearning for music never stopped - it’s a part of my daily routine. When I’m in the mood to make a song or edit one I get into the zone and won’t stop or come out of it till hunger hits and then I’m back at it - I live and breathe music, it’s who I am.

All right guys you heard it from the horse’s mouth Johnny Juke Box is ready to be live! Take all of this in then go check him out on social media: Instagram @Johnnyjukebox, Twitter @Johnnyjukeboxx, and Spotify! We enjoyed the conversation Johnny, you have our support here at Northwest Vista Alamo College!