Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA)

The Military Spouse Career Advancement
Account (MyCAA) provides up to $6,000 of
financial assistance for eligible
military spouses!

--Your $6,000 will easily cover the cost of an associate degree or certificate at the Alamo Colleges

--We have more than 400 programs of study to choose from, including all the most in-demand fields

--We are now registering for spring 2010

Find out how-and why it will go further at the Alamo Colleges:
www.alamo.edu/mycaa

Online Wii Fit Conditioning Course

Mark Sanchez and Ladia Vidales receive instruction from Anna Bustamante on the proper form for executing the boxing component of the Wii Fit program. (Photo by Mario Ramirez)

PALO ALTO COLLEGE OFFERING
ONLINE Wii FIT CONDITIONING COURSE

SAN ANTONIO—Palo Alto College is introducing one of the first college-level online courses nationwide merging physical conditioning with Nintendo’s Wii Fit program for college credit during the Spring 2010 semester.

The online course is designed to familiarize the student, through active participation, with basic concepts to promote health-related fitness components and skill-related fitness components. It also allows students the opportunity to complete requirements for the course by working out from home using the popular program.

Dr. Robert Garza, Dean of Student Affairs, originally came up with the idea for the course in 2007 as an innovative approach to fitness for college students. The course promotes physical activity with the use of technology and teaches concepts related to living a healthy lifestyle, along with methods for reducing risk for chronic disease, stress-management, goal-setting, nutritional analysis, and behavioral change.

“We have seen an increase in students utilizing technology for their education and using these same skills for playing electronic games in-between classes,” Dr. Garza said. “It was only natural to integrate the two.”

According to Anna Bustamante, Academic Chair of the Kinesiology Department, the utilization of the Wii Fit program is to emphasize the development of cardio-respiratory fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and control of body fat. The program allows the student the opportunity to participate in yoga, synchronized boxing, step aerobics and other fitness-related activities.

Garza approached Bustamante to develop the online course which students can register for by requesting KINE1179, Physical Conditioning I.

“We hope this online physical conditioning course utilizing the Wii Fit will become a national model for innovative teaching and learning,” Garza said. “We plan on expanding this concept to neighboring elementary, middle and high school partners as a way to encourage more physical exercise, along with combating our nation’s obesity problem.”

Palo Alto College, one of the Alamo Colleges, is a fully accredited community college located on the Southside of San Antonio, and awards associate degrees, short-term certificates and offers non-credit continuing education classes. The campus is located at 1400 W. Villaret Blvd. at I-410 South and Texas Hwy. 16 or online at alamo.edu/pac.

Support Central Update

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Support Central Office Hours: The Support Central office will have limited hours during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Our Help Desk hours for the holiday weekend are as follows:

11-26-09 - Thursday CLOSED in Observance of the Holiday
11-27-09 – Friday CLOSED in Observance of the Holiday
11-28-09 - Saturday 12 noon – 5:00 p.m.
11-28-09 - Sunday 12 noon – 5:00 p.m.

During off hours, voice messages will be checked to address critical issues that require immediate attention. Web Services System Hours: The Alamo Colleges Administrative Offices will be closed Thursday November 26, 2009 and Friday, November 27, 2009; the Web for Students will not be available from Friday, November 26 through Sunday, November 29, 2009. Web For services will return to its normal operating hours on November 30, 2009.

Support Central Help Desk
(210) 485-0555 Opt 4
helpdesk@alamo.edu

Chorus for Holiday Luncheon

From Sharon Carson:

Time again to gather in song. Every year we gather a group to practice and perform at the holiday luncheon. This year’s luncheon will be on Friday, December 11. We have arranged some dates for the group to practice together and plan our program.

If you are interested in participating with us, it is important that you try to make one of the rehearsals, even if not the entire time (we understand about finals and teaching classes). You do not have to be an accomplished soloist to participate; just come and have fun entertaining your colleagues!

All will be held in the Recital Hall (Room 190) in the New (RED) Performing Arts Center
Monday - November 30 at 10 am
Wednesday - December 2 at 3 pm
Wednesday -December 9 at 3 pm

If possible, please email your intention to participate to vcarnes@alamo.edu.

Sharon Carson
Curriculum Analyst
Palo Alto College
1400 W. Villaret
San Antonio, TX 78224
210-486-3924
210-486-3922 fax
New email address: scarson@alamo.edu

Diabetes Testing

Diabetes Testing

Tues., Nov. 24
9 A.M. to 12 Noon

Student Center Annex

Register to win a free glucometer!

For more information call the Health Center at 486-3222.

Seeking Alumni

Does anyone know of any PAC alumni who are leaders of the community and interested in appearing in a commercial for Palo Alto College? Please let me know.

Campus Road Work

SpawGlass will be working on the storm drain across the road near the Science & Workforce building this MONDAY, November 23. Their plan is to close one lane at a time and place steel plates once complete. The actual storm drain work and backfilling will be completed over the holiday break.

Laredo Losing Major Bookstore

Here's an interesting article from the San Antonio Express-News on Laredo losing its major bookstore. The article also addresses the soon to be closed bookstore in San Antonio's South Park Mall.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/Laredoans_issue_bookstore_pleas.html

Little Palomino Gift Tree

The Little Palomino Gift Tree
2009

The Little Palomino Gift tree is decorated with the names of over 60 Little Palominos who are looking for gifts this holiday season. Stop by and pick a name from the tree and brighten the holidays of children who are in need of some holiday cheer!

If you are not able to shop for a gift for a Little Palomino, the Office of Student Life is accepting donations (unwrapped gifts, wrapping paper, clear tape,). Drop-off your donation in the Office of Student Life located in the Student Center room 100.

For more information contact the
Office of Student Life

210.486.3125
Student Center Room 100

Free Genealogy Workshop

The Sons of the Republic of Texas
The Alamo Chapter No. 30

Press Release
November 10, 2009
RE: Sons of the Republic of Texas to Host Genealogy/Membership Workshop


Event: Saturday, November 21, 2009, The Alamo Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas is sponsoring a free genealogy/membership workshop on Saturday, November 21, 2009.

Hosted by Palo Alto College, the workshop will be held from 10:00AM to Noon in the Student Center Annex of Palo Alto College, 1400 W. Villaret Blvd.

Many San Antonio Tejano families who trace their history to the founding families of San Antonio also were participants in the Texas Revolution. This free workshop will provide application forms and assistance to several families who settled in South Bexar County, including the Ruiz, Herrera, Casillas, Casias, Guzman, de la Garza, Hernandez, Navarro, Perez, and any other families who attend this open community event.

Alamo Chapter SRT seeks to increase public awareness of Texas History, including the Tejano participation in the Texas Revolution, as well as its historical and educational programs. "This is an invitation to all male descendants of the Republic era to attend and become new members of the Alamo Chapter, SRT." stated Bob Benavides, the Chairman of Historical Programs & Events.

Representatives of the Daughters of the Republic (DRT) and the Ruiz-Herrera Cemetery Association also will be present to assist attendees in learning more about their organizations and the genealogical documents that are required to complete membership applications.

To register, please email Bob Benavides at rmbtex@hotmail.com to indicate your interest in attending. Driving directions and campus map will be returned to your email box. If you don’t have access to the internet, call Ken Pfeiffer at (210) 684-4034.

All are welcome. Refreshments will be served.

Group Advising for ACT

Administrative Computer Technology
Group Advisement

THURS, NOV 19 5-7 PM/PORT 3 109A
MON, NOV 23 4:30-6:15 PM/PORT3 109A

ADDITIONAL ADVISEMENT AVAILABLE
SIGN UP WITH MS. PALACIOS IN PORT 2 117

OR
CALL MS. CARSON FOR AN APPOINTMENT/486-3924

Sharon Carson

Curriculum Analyst
Palo Alto College
1400 W. Villaret
San Antonio, TX 78224
210-486-3924
210-486-3922 fax

Gallery Building Bathroom Renovation

Please be advised that as of November 24, 2009, the Women’s and Men’s Restrooms in the Gallery & Sculpture Building (Old Fine Arts “J” Bldg) will be closed for renovation. This construction project is expected to last 90 days. There are restrooms available in close proximity in the Fine Arts Building (bldg K) for your use.

Hecho a Mano Arts and Crafts

Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center Hosts 23rd Annual Hecho A Mano Arts and Crafts Market to Take Place December 18 and 19

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center’s Hecho a Mano/Made by Hand fine arts and crafts market begins Friday, Dec. 18, 2009 with an Opening Night Preview and Reception at 6 p.m., at the Guadalupe Theater, 1301 Guadalupe Street in San Antonio, Texas. Admission on Friday is $10 per person or $15 per couple.

Hecho a Mano continues Saturday, Dec. 19 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission SATURDAY is two canned foods or $2.

Local and regional artists and artisans exhibit the best from their studios and workshops for this market including painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics and exquisite handcrafted jewelry and woodwork.

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center is 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1980 to preserve, promote and develop the arts and culture of the Chicano/Latino/Native American peoples for all ages and backgrounds through public and educational programming in six disciplines: dance, literature, media arts, theater arts, visual arts and music. For more information, visit www.guadalupeculturalarts.org or call 210-271-3151.

Appointment of District 7 Trustee

From Leo Zuniga, Associate Vice Chancellor of Communications:

The Board of Trustees appointed Blakely Latham Fernandez to fill the vacant District 7 Trustee position, effective upon Ms. Fernandez taking the oath of office and fulfilling any other legal requirement.

The appointment was made necessary because of former District 7 Trustee Charles Conner’s resignation from the board effective October 28, 2009. Mr. Conner served his community as an Alamo College Trustee from June 2002-October 28, 2009. He and his wife Bonnie have retired to the Texas Gulf Coast.

Ms. Blakely Latham Fernandez will serve until the next election, May 8, 2010, at which time voters will elect the District 7 trustee, assuming more than one person applies to serve as a trustee.

Ms. Fernandez is a partner with Tuggey Rosenthal Pauerstein Sandoloski Agather LLP, practicing in the firm’s Corporate and Securities; Administrative Law; Public Finance; Environmental, Energy, Water and Transportation Law; and Governmental Affairs Practice Groups.

Ms. Fernandez is active in a variety of community and civic activities, including: The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce – Board of Directors (2007-2010), Public Affairs Council Member (2003-2008) and Council Chair (2009), Education Committee Chair (2004), Water Committee Chair (2007), and City-County School Bond Oversight Committee Chair; Leadership San Antonio (2004); Austin San Antonio Corridor Council Executive Committee and Highway Committee Chair (2006-2009); Castle Hills Elementary School Academic Enrichment Committee Founding Member (2005-2009); Lee High School 50 Year Anniversary Committee Fund Raising Chair (2008); Leadership North East (2008). .

Ms. Fernandez was recognized in Texas Monthly magazine as a "Rising Star" among Texas Lawyers in the field of Public Finance in 2006 and in Administrative Law in 2008 and 2009. She was also recognized as a “Top 40 Under 40” Business Leader in 2006 by the San Antonio Business Journal and was a recipient of the North East Independent School District Superintendent’s Award 2005-2006.

Ms. Fernandez has been engaged in education issues in Bexar County for many years – as a parent and as a business leader. As a parent, she founded and remains active in the academic enrichment program at Castle Hills Elementary School (NEISD).

Ms. Fernandez is a graduate of W.B. Ray High School in Corpus Christi, Texas; Pepperdine University in Malibu, California; and St. Mary’s University and School of Law in San Antonio. She is married to Xavier Fernandez and they have two children, Xavier (10) and Elizabeth (7).

On behalf of the Alamo Colleges Board of Trustees and the Alamo Colleges family, congratulations to Ms. Blakely Latham Fernandez on her appointment as District 7 Trustee.

Climate Change Presentation at the Witte

John Nielsen-Gammon, the Texas State Climatologist, will speak on climate change in Texas at the next meeting of the Sierra Club, Tuesday, November 17, 6:40 pm, at the Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. Nielsen-Gammon was appointed to his post by George W. Bush. Since then, he has embraced the concept of climate change as happening and as largely caused by humans. The meeting, as is admission to the museum, is free and open to the public. Free parking is available at the parking garage across Tuleta Street from the museum.

Free Genealogy Workshop

Palo Alto College Hosts Sons of the Republic of Texas


The Alamo Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas is sponsoring a free

genealogy/membership workshop on Saturday, November 21, 2009. Hosted by Dr.

Rafael Castillo, the workshop will be held from 10:00AM to Noon in the Student Center

Building of Palo Alto College, 1400 W. Villaret Blvd.

Representatives of the Alamo Chapter, SRT, the Ruiz-Herrera Cemetery Association,

and the DRT will be there to assist attendees in learning more about the organizations,

and genealogical documents required to complete their membership applications.

For numbers planning, please email Bob Benavides at rmbtex@hotmail.com to indicate

your interest in attending. Driving directions and campus map will be returned, or call

Ken Pfeiffer at (210) 684-4034. All are welcome. Refreshments will be served.

# # #

SAC Talent Show

To raise money for classroom technology, San Antonio College is hosting a talent show featuring acts from San Antonio College faculty, staff and students.

Hope you will attend!

WHAT
“SAC Has Talent”Talent show and silent auction benefit for classroom technology

WHEN
Thursday, November 19 7 p.m.

WHERE
San Antonio CollegeMcAllister Auditorium

TICKETS:
$10 in advance and $12 at the door.
$8 for military and senior citizens
Free for SAC Students with ID and Children under 12

Call 210 486-0856 for advance tickets This year’s show will feature more than 15 acts, including several by your fellow employees. Thanks for supporting this worthy cause!

Fiesta Store opens Nov. 30 for Holidays

Remember to stop by The Fiesta® Store, 2611 Broadway, when you're out doing your Christmas shopping this year.

The store is to be open weekdays Nov. 30-Dec. 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Special new items on sale for the first time include a Fiesta throw, a matching table runner and a wine bottle gift bag designed to look like a Santa suit.

Look for big gifts or stocking stuffers--whatever will fill out your shopping list.

Technology Education Open House

Technology Education: Your Bridge to Success

Open House and Tour
Thursday, Nov. 12

from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Performing Arts Cener

Explore Career Options in Aviation, Automation Technology, Administrative Computer Technology, Computer Information systems, Education Aide, Logistics, Landscape & Turfgrass Management, and Veterinary Technology.

For more information,

call Leandro Esparza at (210) 486-3325

Donation for Support Personnel Thanksgiving Dinner

Phi Theta Kappa is collecting donations for the Thanksgiving Dinner for Support Personnel in the Cafeteria from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.on Thursday.

If you haven't been able to catch Ginger Carnes or Veronica Rosas-Tatum, please drop off monetary donations with this student group.

Make checks payable to Palo Alto College. If you have door prizes to donate (small or large items, gift cards to Walmart/H-E-B/Target, etc.), please give them to Ana Hernandez in the Behavioral Sciences Department (GE 235) by next Tuesday, Nov. 17. They can be wrapped or unwrapped.

Recycling Totals for October

From the Viva Verde Committee:

Palo Alto College continues to ROCK at recycling!

We rescued 5,480 pounds of paper, cardboard, metal, plastic and glass during the month of October 2009,

which brings our yearly total up to

(DRUM ROLL, please)

42,399 pounds of rescued recyclables!

Veterans Day Ceremony

VETERANS DAY CEREMONY

PAC STUDENT CENTER ANNEX

WEDNESDAY, NOV 11

11 A.M.

Please help us honor our students, faculty and staff who have worn our Nation's uniform in peacetime and at war.

Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair

PALO ALTO COLLEGE
HOLIDAY ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR

Wednesday and Thursday

NOVEMBER 11 & 12

9 A.M. - 2 P.M.
Student Center

Jewelry, Novelties, Unique Handmade Arts & Crafts

Shop early for the Holidays!

For more information contact Student Activities at 486-3125,
or come by the Student Center, Room 100.

Free PC Clinic

When technology glitches have you stumped, who can you turn to?

Alamo Colleges faculty, staff and students are invited to attend this month's free PC Clinic at the Advanced Technology Center.

Troubleshooting and technical support will be provided by students and instructors of Palo Alto College's CompTIA A+ Computer Repair Certification Training Program.

The PC clinic will be held at Port of San Antonio (formerly Kelly AFB), at 312 Clarence Tinker Drive, on Saturday November 14th, from 10 AM to 3 PM.

Anyone who is interested in bringing a computer(s) for servicing should read, complete and sign the PC Clinic Trouble Sheet, which is downloadablefrom the following location . . . http://www.accd.edu/pac/htm/Community/ce/pdf/CompTIA/PC_Trouble_Ticket.pdf You will need to bring the completed trouble sheet, the main computer box and your software, especially your Windows, Microsoft Office and driver disks.

Work areas will already be set up with monitors, keyboards and mice.

Note that you will need to bring the appropriate power supply and cord for laptop or notebook computers.
Due to the large number of attendees each month, our technicians may not be able to service every computer at Saturday's event. This is especially true for participants bringing multiple computers.

For more information about the free PC Clinic or the CompTIA A+ Certification Training Program at Palo Alto College, contact Aaron Ellis by phone at 486-3412 or via e-mail at aellis43@alamo.edu.

Current and Upcoming PC Clinic Dates
November 14, 2009
December 5, 2009

Meet Reyna Grande

You are cordially invited to the monthly meeting of the Society of Latino and Hispanic Writers of San Antonio will be tomorrow, Monday, Nov. 9 at Barnes and Noble, San P:edro Crossing, at 7:30 p.m. This month's guest author is REYNA GRANDE!

Reyna is traveling to San Antonio--on her own dime--from her home in Los Angeles, to exclusively speak to our Society members. She is promoting the recent release of her second novel, Dancing with Butterflies. The book was reviewed in today's editon of the San Antonio Express-News by Yvette Benavides. In case you missed it, here's the link: http://www.mysanantonio.com/entertainment/books/Grande_explores_folklorico_dance.html

Please join me in thanking Reyna for her appearance tomorrow by attending Monday's meeting. This meeting is free and open to the public. Reyna will be signing copies of her book after the meeting.

Finally, don't forget to bookmark our Society blog site on your computer: http://slhwnotes.blogspot.com/

See you Monday night (Nov. 9)!

Veterans--Mark Your Calendar!

Veterans and Active Duty Military eat free on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Check website: http://www.applebees.com/vetsday/

Cynthia Sanchez--EOM

Congratulations
Cynthia Sanchez
Selected November 2009 Employee of the Month

Title: Statistical Research Specialist
Dept: LRC

Honoree’s package:
· Cake celebration on campus
· Engraved Trophy
· Large traveling trophy filled with candy
· Parking space at her choice of location
· Picture posted on the Staff Council Bulletin Board & Television Screens around campus
· Certificate for the Employee of the Month
· Eligible for District Employee of the Month

Thank you for your continued support.

Once again, Congratulations, Cynthia!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR… Cake celebration is scheduled for:

Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Place: OZU 206
Time: 2:30-3:30pm

Animals on College District Premises

PROCEDURE C.2.1.3 - Animals on College District Premises

We all know how important animals can be for service, protection and companionship. But what are the rules for animals on campus? Check the procedure (click the PROCEDURE C.2.1.3 link above) and the following FAQ’s.

Q. My cat had kittens last night and I need to keep an eye on them today. Can I bring them in a box And keep them under my desk?

A. No – the only animals allowed on Alamo Colleges premises (property owned or controlled by the Alamo Colleges) are service animals, domesticated animals used in instructional classes/programs as part of the course curriculum, and law enforcement animals.


Q. My therapist agrees with me that having my dog with me when I have an anxiety attack is very helpful. My dog is small, quiet, and well behaved, and I take her everywhere with me. Can she be classified as a service animal?

A. Service animals include guide dogs, signal dogs, and other animals trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. If you have a question about whether an animal qualifies as a service animal, contact the office of the Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (Associate Vice Chancellor for Employee Services) for assistance.


Q. One of my students has informed me that he has a disability and wants to bring his service dog with him to class. He’s new to the college and needs to know what to do.

A. He should contact the college disability support office and talk to them about his request to bring the service dog on campus.


More questions?

Contact your college disability support office for information about service animals related to students, the Associate Vice Chancellor for Employee Services (485-0200) for information about service animals related to employees, and the District Safety Coordinator (485-0768) for other questions about animals on campus.

Blue Star "History of the Future" Panel Discussion

Blue Star Contemporary Art Center
Presents:

Contemporary Border Issues:
The History of the Future Panel Discussion

Panel:
Michael Berman
Julian Cardona
John Philip Santos

Moderator:
Dr. Ana M. “Cha” Guzmán
President, Palo Alto College

Wednesday, Nov. 4
7 p.m.

Blue Star Contemporary Art Center
116 Blue Star

Free and open to the public

Shuttle Service to begin in Atascosa County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alamo Regional Transit (ART) Shuttle Service to begin in Atascosa County

JOURDANTON [October 30, 2009] – The Alamo Area Council of Governments’ (AACOG) Alamo Regional Transit (ART) will be expanding transportation services to the residents of Jourdanton, Pleasanton, and Poteet with the introduction of a Commuter Shuttle Service linking these cities to San Antonio’s Palo Alto College and the VIA Transit Center near IH-35 and South Zarzamora. The shuttle is proposed to run Monday through Friday and will make pick up stops in the morning in Pleasanton, Jourdanton, and Poteet before heading to the Madla Transit Station and Palo Alto College. Riders will be dropped off early enough to make transfers into VIA’s system which goes throughout San Antonio and in plenty of time to get to classes on the Palo Alto Campus or to work locations nearby. The shuttle will return to San Antonio to pick up passengers and return them home to Atascosa County at mid-day and in the late afternoon/early evening. Schedules with exact pick up locations and times will be available soon. The fare for a trip into San Antonio on this shuttle is $5.00 per person each way.

Primary funding for the Atascosa Commuter Shuttle has been provided by a grant through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) program. This program is designed to provide transportation services for low to moderate income individuals needing to get to places of employment, training or continuing their education. JARC qualified riders will be eligible to ride the Atascosa Commuter Shuttle for half-fare.

Public Transit is an economical alternative to driving alone and offers many time and money saving advantages as well. Passengers can spend their commute time reading, checking email, catching up with friends, preparing for the day, or just taking some time to relax. All residents of Atascosa County who are interested in learning more about this new service are encouraged to attend one of three Community Awareness Meetings scheduled in the next two weeks from 5:30p.m. to 6:30p.m. :

--Workforce Solutions Alamo Center - 206 North Smith Street, Pleasanton, TX – Thursday November 5, 2009

--Poteet High School Cafeteria - 1020 FM 1470, Poteet, TX – Tuesday November 10, 2009

--Atascosa County Courthouse - #1 Courthouse Circle Drive, Jourdanton, TX – Thursday November 12, 2009

For more information, contact René Chadick, Economic Development Specialist – Transportation, AACOG at (210) 362-5286.

Review: In the Sun's House

Here's my review of In the Sun's House, which appeared in yesterday's San Antonio Express-News