The Beacon
Volume 4, Issue 6
June 2013
Rovira Self Defense Classes The Board of Directors would like to thank Rivermist resident Nelly Rovira for providing personal defense/exercise classes over the past few weeks free of charge at the neighborhood park. The classes were awesome!! Chinese Kung Fu & Personal Defense Classes Goals: • To provide physical health to people of ages 5 and up, thru the teachings of Kung Fu. • To develop basic knowledge of Personal Defense techniques. • To help participants achieve optimal health and develop a healthy lifestyle, improving their overall quality of life.
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The Beacon Stage 2 Drought Restrictions in Effect Don’t let recent showers and pleasant weather fool you — watering restrictions are still in place in San Antonio. And, Stage 3 watering rules are still a possibility. San Antonio is currently in Stage 2 drought restrictions. That means watering with an irrigation system or sprinkler is allowed only once a week from 7-11 a.m. and 7-11 p.m. Deeper restrictions that may occur later this summer include: • Stage 3 – Landscape watering with an irrigation system, sprinkler or soaker hose EVERY OTHER WEEK on your designated watering day, as determined by your address. • Stage 4 – Landscape irrigation restrictions from Stage 3 remain in effect, and a drought surcharge assessed on accounts for water used or assumed to be used for landscape irrigation. San Antonio is likely to remain in drought restrictions through the end of the year, so remember to choose drought-tolerant plants for your landscape. SAWS conservation programs like the WaterSaver Landscape Rebate and other programs can help you make smarter choices for your garden. Learn more at www.saws.org/rebates.
WELCOME TO BASIS SAN ANTONIO – OPENING AUGUST 26, 2013 BASIS San Antonio will open its doors for over 500 students in grades 5 through 8 in August 2013 and move up a grade each year thereafter to grade 12. It will offer the same rigorous academic program as our legacy schools BASIS Scottsdale and BASIS Tucson, and at the same time take into account the previous educational background of all incoming students. BASIS introduces Latin, general science, and physical geography in the 5th grade, then physics, chemistry, and biology in the 6th. 7th graders have the opportunity to study Mandarin, French, or Spanish, while 8th graders take Economics. In time, we will offer all students Honors, AP, and Post AP level classes in the high school grades. We know from experience that every student can excel if they are willing to work hard and seek help from our teachers. The teachers we recruit have deep content knowledge, are passionate about what they teach, and are willing to do whatever it takes to make your child successful. Sign up on the interest at https://www.basislink.org/, if you are interested in enrolling your children in BASIS San Antonio. Please feel free to contact Tiffany O'Neill, Head of School to talk about any questions you might have. Tiffany O'Neill
[email protected]
Sign up for email alerts by registering at www.Spectrumam.com 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) 494-0659. Your Board of Directors 2
The Beacon - June 2013
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The Beacon Our community NNO celebration will follow the race! Please join our community in celebrating the 30th annual National Night Out!
Rivermist Homeowners Association
Presents the 1st Annual National Night Out Against Crime Family 5K Fun Run/Walk Where: Rivermist Community Park, 8203 Rock Mist Drive San Antonio, TX 78249 (parking info will be provided prior to the race) When: Tuesday, October 1, 2013, 6:30pm Cost: $25 per runner before July 31, 2013, $30 per runner after July 31st. Registration ends September 1st (maximum of 250 runners) * All registered runners will receive a goodie bag and a finisher’s medal. *Packet pickup information will be disseminated in June.
NNO Celebration will include Rock Climbing Wall DJ/Dancing Child ID kits Bouncy Castle Video Game Truck from Games2U Refreshments
* A portion of the proceeds from the Run/Walk will be donated to Child Advocates San Antonio (CASA) * We will also hold a school supply drive to benefit the foster children assisted by CASA For info call Charles at (443) 812-2109
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The Beacon Summer Safety Tips Submitted by Greg Sedbrook It's summertime, and that means it's time to go outside and enjoy the weather. The return of warmer temperatures brings thoughts of freedom, relaxation, exploration, and being closer to nature. Whether you're relaxing in the backyard, turning up your garden, enjoying the pool, or exploring the great outdoors, here are some ways to help keep you and your family healthy this summer. First of all be sun-safe. We’ve all heard the statistics on skin cancer and the damage the sun can do. Following these few guidelines can reduce those risks and damage. Keep in mind the sun is strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Remember that UV rays bounce off sand, concrete, and water. Keep very young children (6 months or less) out of the sun. Sunscreens need to be applied liberally and evenly over all exposed areas. Apply a sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher whenever you're outdoors. For children a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher is necessary. Reapply often. Provide complete sunscreen coverage for your skin, including neck, ears and lips. For people with thin or thinning hair, apply sunscreen to the scalp as well. And remember to stay in the shade whenever possible. Reduce the chances of heat related illnesses such as heat-stroke and dehydration by making sure you drink the proper amounts of the right fluids. Drinking sports drinks along with plenty of water helps to replace electrolytes lost by sweating. Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol, as these fluids dehydrate the body rather than hydrate like water and sports drinks. In hot and humid conditions, a person can become dehydrated in just 15 minutes. A few symptoms of dehydration are dry lips and tongue, apathy and lack of energy, and muscle cramping. If left untreated dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke that can be deadly. The main symptoms for these include fatigue, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, headache, rapid and shallow breathing, high temperature, rapid heartbeat and decreased alertness or complete loss of consciousness. If you experience these symptoms it is critical to stop activity immediately and cool down in the shade or an air-conditioned building. Insect activity is also increasing at this time of year. When outdoors protect yourself from mosquitoes, ticks and other disease-causing pests with the proper insect-repellent. Eliminate all sources of stagnant water to reduce mosquito activity. Regular indoor and outdoor pest control services can also greatly reduce unwanted pests. I will continue the theme of summer safety tips in next month’s article. Until then, be safe, enjoy the outdoors and remember now that school is out to watch for children at play. 4
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CASA seeking volunteers to be child advocates By Belinda Cox My 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 (Continued on Page 5) Copyright © 2013 Peel, Inc
The Beacon (Continued from Page 4) 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.
Health Briefs Older adults express anxiety in different ways While there are several factors that can cause anxiety in older adults, it can be difficult to identify because they express anxiety in unique ways, according to an expert at Baylor College of Medicine. According to Dr. Melinda Stanley, professor in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at BCM, common types of anxiety disorders in adults include: -Generalized anxiety -Specific fears and phobias -Social phobias -Post-traumatic stress disorder Anxiety symptoms that older adults and their family members should watch for include: -Shortness of breath -Increased heart rate -Dizziness -Difficulty sleeping -Muscle aches and pains Anxiety is not a normal part of aging and can be treated. The first important step is to have a physical exam. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a treatment option that teaches learning skills to manage anxiety. Skills that can help reduce anxiety include relaxation, changing thoughts, facing fears, learning how to solve problems and learning behaviors to improve sleep.
Private Tutoring *Improve grades, test scores and self confidence *$25/per hour *Grades 3-8 all subjects *Tutor is a Texas certified teacher and has a Masters of Education Degree
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The Beacon Come see what your neighbors are talking about. Join Nextdoor Rivermisthoa, the private website for your neighborhood.
To join, visit: rivermisthoa.nextdoor.com/join Your neighbor, Charles Hasberry, invited you to join.
Nextdoor Rivermisthoa
Charles (Rivera Cv) writes: "We are coming together online as a community. Join us on Nextdoor. This will help us share crime/safety info as well as help us get to know each other. " To accept your invitation, visit:
rivermisthoa.nextdoor.com/join Your flyer code: XEIGAR
Nextdoor Rivermisthoa
Get to know your neighbors • Share local recommendations • Lend, borrow and give away • Keep the neighborhood safe • Stay informed
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The Beacon - June 2013
Copyright © 2013 Peel, Inc
The Beacon Dear Homeowner,
Pro Tree Care r o b r A
Ross Hosea, Owner ISA Certified Arborist #TX-3811A Texas Oak Wilt Certified San Antonio native with more than 20 years experience Trimming ● Removal ● Planting Free Estimates
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. Green Community Manager Office: 210.494.0659 www.spectrumam.com
(210) 912-4869 or
[email protected]
Check us out on the web at www.rivermisthoa.org Our community website is a treasure trove of information regarding community events, community safety and other helpful items. Sincerely, Your Board of Directors
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