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Bandera County Courier is published weekly by Gail S. Joiner, 1210 Hackberry St., Bandera, TX 78003. Subscription price $26 per year in Bandera County, TX; $36 per year for other Texas counties; $40 per year out of Texas. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Bandera County Courier, P.O. Box 1704, Bandera, TX 78003. Periodicals Postage pending in Bandera, Texas.

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The Bandera County Courier
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Items should be typed or printed and should include the name and daytime phone number of a contact person. Items submitted after deadline will be considered for that week's edition but may be held over for later publication. Photos should include information on the time and place of the event, as well as full names of people from left to right, front row to back.

Youth articles from the 2005 in the on-line edition of the Courier

Current youth articles	Youth articles from early 2007
Youth articles from 2006
Boys & Girls Club Member of the Month	Published Dec. 22, 2005
I'd rather eat bugs than do drugs...and he did DC Brown made a difference for Red Ribbon Week	Published Nov. 3, 2005
B&G Club news...	Published Nov. 3, 2005
Junior Staff of Boys & Girls Club enjoy bowling trip	Published Oct. 27, 2005
Boys & Girls Club Member of the Month	Published Oct. 6, 2005
Boys and Girls Club hosting huge sale	Published Sept. 29, 2005
Picture the future Through the faces at the Bandera Boys and Girls Club	Published Sept. 29, 2005
Boys and Girls Club of Bandera County NEWS	Published Sept. 22, 2005
Boys and Girls Club News Annual kayaking day provides fun summer's end experience	Published Aug. 25, 2005
Boys and Girls Club Happenings.............	Published Aug. 11, 2005
Boys and Girls Club News	Published July 28, 2005
Boys & Girls Club hosts CPR Class	Published June 2, 2005
Boys and Girls Club Rock for Relief yields success	Published May 5, 2005

Boys & Girls Club Member of the Month Written by Ellen Lore (15 yrs) A Boys & Girls Club Member Published Dec. 22, 2005 Ellie and Bonita help with snack at the Club. Photo Courtesy of Bandera Boys & Girls Club    When Bonita San Miguel found out that she was November's Member of the Month she was ecstatic. Bonita has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club ever since she moved to Bandera, about four years ago. When I sat down to interview Bonita she told me that she loves everything about the Club, but especially getting to work with the younger members. She enjoys being a good role model at the Club everyday, and this is evident because of her high involvement at the Club. Now that she has achieved the honor of becoming a Member of the Month, Bonita would like to take on even more responsibilities. Currently, Bonita is the President of the Kids Klub, a community service group and she is beginning the process of applying to be a Junior Staff.     "I am able to achieve so much because of my friends and family," Bonita kindly smiles. Everyone at the Club loves you and the hard work you do, and we all would like to say keep up the good work!

I'd rather eat bugs than do drugs...and he did DC Brown made a difference for Red Ribbon Week by Stephanie Logue BCC Staff Published Nov. 3, 2005    The Boys and Girls Club of Bandera County echoed with rock music-volume yells, shouts and screams on Friday, Oct. 29, as Substance Abuse Education and Prevention Specialist DC Brown, a Boys and Girls Club volunteer, ate 100 live, squirming worms. "I'd rather eat bugs than to drugs," he told the excited audience, then produced more screams when he added, "they have stiff little legs."     Brown pledged to eat a worm for every drug-free pledge that Boys and Girls Club members brought in. The cards stated, "I will be drug free" and were signed by club members and their parents. Since club members rose to the challenge and brought in more than 70 cards, Brown told them he would just go ahead and eat 100 worms. And he did. A few -- very few -- of the braver club members obtained permission from their parents to join Brown by eating a worm.     Friday's climax to Red Ribbon Week began with Brown relating the story of U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena who was kidnapped by members of a drug cartel in 1985 and tortured to death. He was 37.     Camarena, Brown told the enthralled crowd, grew up in a shack with a dirt floor and dreamed of making a difference. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps, then joined the DEA in spite of his mother's fears. He told her, "I can't not do this. I'm only one person, but I want to make a difference."     Camarena was sent to Mexico to investigate a major drug cartel believed to include Mexican army, police and government officials. He was on his way to meet his wife for lunch when he was kidnapped. A month later, his body was found in a shallow grave. He had been tortured to death. Coworkers began wearing red satin badges in Kiki's honor. Residents from his hometown vowed to keep his dream of making a difference alive and started wearing red ribbons. The idea, birthed in 1985, has now spread to more than 80 million people and has been adopted by U.S. military bases and Texas public schools. The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse committed resources to ensure the continuation of the Red Ribbon Campaign in Texas in 1997 with the goal of protecting children from the dangers of alcohol and other drugs.     Brown told Boys and Girls Club members that 80 million people care enough about them and their future to want them to stay drug free. He warned that drugs damage lives through lost productivity, unfulfilled dreams, drugged driving incidents and drug addition and urged them to help Kiki Camarena's spirit of hope live through staying drug free.     He added, "Terrorists get funded through drug trafficking. We are funding their war against us with our money. We're paying for them to fight us. Drug dealers are funding the terrorists' wars against us."     While Brown walked around with white, stiff-legged worms wiggling around his mouth, Boys and Girls Club members received sour and gummy worms for their pledges. After all the yelling, shouting and screaming ended, names were drawn for prizes.     The best prize of all was DC Brown, a man who showed by example, "I'd rather eat bugs than do drugs."

B&G Club news... Published Nov. 3, 2005 Brian Bates drills a B&G Club member on his martial arts skills.    "Ki-aaa!" That's a familiar sound that rings throughout the building every Wednesday night at the Boys & Girls Club. This is the night we hold our weekly martial arts class, taught by our October Member of the Month, Brian Bates. Though Brian may be only 15, his martial arts skill and his ability to teach are way beyond his years.     "Brian is awesome," says Keano Jannell, a regular class member, "I love going to martial arts every week!"     This is an opinion shared by many in his class, as well as the club staff. Martial arts has rapidly become one of the most popular programs at the club. Every Wednesday members are so excited; they come off the bus yelling, "It's martial arts day!"     Not only is Brian gifted when it comes to martial arts, but he's also a very talented mathematician. For the past three summers Brian has taken a series of prep courses at local colleges, loading up on tons of math courses. You can bet the club has taken advantage of this as well. You will often find him upstairs during Power Hour, helping tutor members.     Some of Brian's future plans include becoming one of the Club's elite group of Junior Staff.     He also had the opportunity to apply at the Texas Academy of Math and Science (TAMS), a residential dual-credit program where Brian would have the chance to live on campus at the University of North Texas and take college-level math and science courses.     We would like to commend Brian on his excellent job at the club and say "Keep up the good work!"     Don't forget, the Spurs Drug-Free Basketball League deadline is Nov. 10.

Junior Staff of Boys & Girls Club enjoy bowling trip Contributed Published Oct. 27, 2005 Cody Bates, Jessica O'Kane, Joseph Bermudez, Alex Espinosa, Cindy Dever, Sara Cook and Andy Cook bowling at the Family Sports Center in Kerrville. Photo courtesy of Bandera Boys & Girls Club    What could be better than a night out with flashing neon lights, good music, great food, and the sound of pins crashing as you bowl that perfect strike? The answer is nothing, or at least not when you're in the company of the Boys & Girls Club of Bandera's Junior Staff. The fact of the matter is that you could be pretty much anywhere with this bunch of talented and amazing teens and you'd be certain to have a great time laughing and joking.     That's exactly how we spent our evening recently when we treated our hard-working volunteers to a night out in Kerrville. We started the evening off at everyone's favorite pancake house, IHOP. After chit-chatting over dinner about topics ranging from upcoming events at the Club to the completely unexplainable, the group headed off to a place we all know and love, the Family Sports Center. Though our scores may not have been so great, the two hours we spent cosmic bowling was.     We would like to send a special thanks to Brad O'Quinn and the Staff at the Family Sports Center for helping make this trip possible. We appreciate your continued hospitality.

Boys & Girls Club Member of the Month Published Oct. 6, 2005 Josie stands with her team by their masterpiece during Odyssey of the Mind! Photo courtesy of Bandera Boys & Girls Club    Here is a fun riddle for you to figure out: Who is short, and sweet, and quick to compete? She's friendly and kind and will always mind. She shoots hoops, does karate, and is not afraid to dance or move her body.     She's always smiling with her cheeks so rosy, have you guessed it yet? She is our Member of the Month, Josie!     Josie Burnes is your typical, all-American daddy's girl. From her first day at the Club, she has always been very involved. Currently Josie participates in a number of our Boys & Girls Club programs including dance class, cultural diversity, arts & crafts, music lessons, martial arts, Kids Klub, and plans to be in our upcoming Basketball League. In addition, Josie always attends Power Hour where she completes her homework and often offers homework assistance to younger members. She is helpful by nature and can usually be found preparing snacks, leading programs and even cleaning up.     Josie has high hopes of one day holding a Kids Klub officer position and becoming a Junior Staff at the Club. There's no doubt in our mind that she will achieve all her goals. Until then, keep up the good work Josie!

Boys and Girls Club hosting huge sale Published Sept. 29, 2005 The Boys and Girls Club is a place where friends can feel safe and comfortable, even when they are just goofing around or putting on funny faces. Staff photo by Stephanie Logue    The Boys and Girls Club of Bandera County will hold its third annual rummage sale on Saturday, Oct. 1 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 715 Maple Street along the Medina River.     Brand new retail merchandise will be available at highly discounted prices, making it possible to support the local Bandera Girls and Boys Club and still find a great bargain!     If you are interested in reserving a 10x10 space for this event, please call Margo Mayfield at 830-796-9369. The fee for a covered space is $15, or $20 for a table.     Directional signs will be posted.

Picture the future Through the faces at the Bandera Boys and Girls Club by Stephanie Logue BCC Staff Published Sept. 29, 2005 Smiling faces of the kids from the Bandera Boys & Girls Club look forward to bright futures. BCC Staff photo by Stephanie Logue    They say that if they did not have the club to occupy them after school they would be home alone behind locked doors counting on the family dog for protection since their parents work hard to provide the best for their children. But these are not inner city kids -- they are some of the 65 kids a day that flow into the safe harbor of the Boys and Girls Club of Bandera at the Margaret Alkek Youth and Community Center at 715 Maple Street.     Paul Sanmiguel, who has been coming to the Boys and Girls Club for three years, says his favorite activity is skating. Yet he takes time out from sports to complete his homework during the "Power Hour."     The Power Hour gives students the time, place and adult assistance and supervision they need to complete homework assignments. Those who participate in Power Hour are rewarded with snacks.     Third grader Sydney Davis writes her own stories, then types them up on a computer. Josie Burnes enjoys the cultural diversity class because she is interested in South America and wants to visit the forests someday. Desiree Palacios likes to play with friends and complete homework. Destiny Jannell loves arts and crafts. Michaela Turner enjoys writing stories. Keano Jannell likes skate boarding.     Other members of the Boys and Girls Club explain, "the most important thing that I've learned here is don't do drugs." "I've learned that friendship is the most important thing in life. You can die of loneliness without friendship." "The way to make friends is to be good to people and treat them the right way." "I like the Power Hour so I can do my homework. I have hard trouble at home. My parents get mad at me." "I do my homework here because my parents are at work and can't help me."     Boys and Girls Club staff focus on the following programs: character and leadership, sports and recreation, health and life skills, arts and crafts and education and career development.     Youth members have their own list of the activities that they enjoy most: skates and skate boarding, basketball and baseball, arts and crafts, dance class, games, friends, snacks, web design, puzzles, fun.     Boys and Girls Club President Dan Anderson and Director Tricia Greene agree that as diverse as both the activities and the youth are, one vital function is to give kids a place where they can excel at being...themselves. "We have great kids who attend our club," Greene states. "I'm so proud of our kids and how they welcome new members. The majority of the kids have at least one family member that cares enough to make sure they have a safe place to go after school."     The Boys and Girls Club operates Monday through Friday from 3:15 to 7:30 p.m. The phone number is 830-796-8109. Donations are always needed, appreciated and welcomed.     When it opened its doors in 2002, the Boys and Girls Club had one staff member (Tricia Greene) and three youth.     This year, the average daily attendance ranges from 40 to 85 students. Greene has added three staff members.     Anderson "tears up" when he talks about the Boys and Girls Club of Bandera because he knows that it saves lives. "I'm extremely passionate about it. We provide a safe and a positive place for kids. We work with kids that would fall through the cracks if we didn't care for them. We keep them out of the sheriff's report. But people don't know we're here. Everyone gives to Katrina victims and that's good. But we have people right here in the county that need help. We have parents who can't pay the $10-a-year membership dues, so we pay it. We will never turn a kid away."     The Boys and Girls Club of Bandera could use help. Snack donations are always welcome. Volunteers are welcomed. Financial donations are cherished. The budget has remained relatively static while the number of youth serviced has nearly tripled since 2002. Personal giving has not matched the club's growth rate. Anderson made a promise to the board. "I told them that on my watch we would never turn a kid away."     Anderson loves giving back to the community. He chose the Boys and Girls Club to champion because many of the youth in the Boys and Girls Club come from single parent homes. "Parents may not be able to pick their children up after school, but they want the best for their children and they want them to have a safe place like the Boys and Girls Club. These parents may not have enough money to enable their children to participate in 4-H or the Jr. Livestock Show, but they want them to have every learning opportunity possible.     "We cover a whole different spectrum," Anderson adds. "The founding fathers of this Bandera County organization looked at a lot of different programs. We went with the Boys and Girls Club because it was the only one that catered to the entire child. We are 100 percent self-sustaining.     "This is our club. The Boys and Girls Club of America provides a framework of programs and structures and bylaws, but we pick and choose so we can mold it to fit the lifestyles of people in Bandera County. No kids are turned away."     The junior staff program enables older youth to work with the younger members. It teaches them leadership skills while they, in turn, encourage and assist younger members. Junior staffers are required to work scheduled days, which trains them for a job. They are rewarded with a T-shirt and field trips.     "Bandera County has great programs for youth like 4-H," Anderson says, "but they are seasonal. We're here year around. We offer an open environment. Great things are happening. We are literally saving lives."     Greene agrees. "It feels good to do this. It's cool to offer something where kids can find a place to fit in. I'm so proud of our kids for the way they welcome and take care of each other and new club members."

Boys and Girls Club of Bandera County NEWS Published Sept. 22, 2005    The Boys & Girls Club of Bandera County has been providing "A Positive Place for Bandera's Youth" for over three years now. Through its summer and after-school programs, the Boys and Girls Club has served approximately 450 youth over the past year. The Club is committed to meeting the increasing and changing needs of our most precious resource, our children.     But we need your help!     The Boys and Girls Club gives Bandera's youth a safe, supervised and affordable place to go every day after school. Caring, adult staff provide characterbuilding, educational, and recreational programs for the kids. The goal of all programs is to teach responsibility while making friends and having fun.     To continue this work, and reach more children and families, we need the support of the entire Bandera Community -- especially those who are in a position to give back. Your support of the Boys and Girls Club is an investment in the future of our youth as well as the future of our community.     We are about to embark on a "Friends" fundraising campaign directed toward individuals in the community who want to make a difference in the lives of our local Youth. We are in need of your financial support. The average annual cost to provide programs and services to one youth is $350 dollars. Boys and Girls Club members pay only $10 for a year membership (scholarships are readily available). Although there are some government and private grants that support the Boys and Girls Club, the majority of financial support comes from individuals and businesses that believe an investment in our youth is an investment in our future. Will you make a difference in the future of a child and the future of our community?     All support is greatly appreciated. You can send your tax deductible gift to:     Boys and Girls Club     of Bandera County     P.O. Box 3155     Bandera, TX 78003     If you would like to visit the Club or speak with a representative from the Boys and Girls Club of Bandera County please call 830-796-8109.

Boys and Girls Club News Annual kayaking day provides fun summer's end experience Published Aug. 25, 2005 Club members improve their kayaking skills.    After a summer of swimming, learning and playing in the hot Texas weather, we could not think of a better way to wrap up the season and cool down than to do our annual kayaking day.     As the kids made their way to the river, they saw a familiar face from the previous summers, Mr. Ben Nolen. This was the fourth year in which Mr. Ben has taken time from his busy real estate schedule to provide our Club members with a fun kayaking experience.     Excitement mounted as the members hurried to get their life jackets on. Some quickly jumped into the kayaks while others gave them a friendly shove off the bank of the river and waited patiently for their turn.     Last summer's members took to the water naturally, while the newbies fumbled around. However, by the end of the afternoon everyone seemed to be one with the water, gliding along steadily.     It was a fun and relaxing time on the river. We are already looking forward to having Mr. Ben back next year.     We would like to send a special thanks to Johnny Boyle and Ben Nolen for consistently supporting our Club by providing this unique opportunity for our members every year.

Boys and Girls Club Happenings............. Published Aug. 11, 2005 Sara Cook, Cindy Dever, Andy Cook, Cody Bates, Alex Espinosa, Cullen Fields, Joseph Bermudez, and Stephen Bermudez were all able to attend the Junior Staff field trip to Kerrville for racquetball. Courtesy photo.    A popular phrase used by the Boys & Girls Club of Bandera County's Junior Staff this past Thursday night was "duck!" This was because we ventured into unknown territory to try something newracquetball.     Though the balls may have been flying around uncontrollably, the racquetball courts were alive with the sounds of laughter.     We were able to take eight Junior Staff to the Family Sports Center in Kerrville. After a summer of cleaning, preparing snacks, and, most importantly, being a positive role model, it was one of the most well deserved trips for our Junior Staff members.     This summer we were able to induct five new members to the program. Also, we were able to bring on a few "summer kids" who generally don't participate during the school year. But now that they have committed to the Junior Staff program we are sure they will help to make our After School Program stronger.     Thanks to the Family Sports Center for working with us on this trip.     And a special thanks to all our Junior Staff for making this trip a fun success. Keep up the hard work!

Boys and Girls Club News Published July 28, 2005    A select few have been featured on the Boys & Girls Club's member of the month board and even fewer have achieved this accomplishment in less than three months of becoming a club member. Somehow, the hilarious and helpful Andy Cook managed this feat in minimal time. There's just something about this unique fellow -- the Boys & Girls Club mission is natural to him, thus earning him the honor of becoming July's Member of the Month.     Andy can be picked out of a crowd, not just because of his bright orange hair, but also because he is a "kid magnet." He is the crazy guy running around the pavilion with five or so kids hitching a ride on his back. Kids love him and think he's the coolest thing since sliced bread. But it's how he handles this celebrity status that impresses the staff. Andy knows that his number one job at the club is setting a good example for the kids. He holds himself to that high standard everyday.     He is great with the kids and also great with getting in and doing the dirty work. Andy is not afraid to tackle the overflowing garbage cans or to fend off the creepy crawlers on the pavilion. His willingness to participate in both the fun and in the not-so-fun work has won him acceptance into the junior staff program. That acceptance means he will so be taking classes to become a certified lifeguard for the club.     So, congratulations, Andy, on achieving so much in such a short amount of time! We look forward to seeing what you have up your sleeve to wow us with in the future.

Boys & Girls Club hosts CPR Class Published June 2, 2005    What would you do if you found a child lying on the floor unconscious? Well, thanks to Jack Massa, a certified CPR and First Aid training instructor, four Club members are now trained to respond in an emergency situation such as this.     Going to class the first day of summer may not appeal to most students. However, Amber Danner, Andrea Barrera, Joseph Bermudez and Stephen Bermudez came to learn how to save a life or maybe just render aid to someone in need. These four members were chosen for training not only because they have demonstrated responsible behavior throughout the year, but because of their willingness to provide assistance in all areas of the Club. Though we hope to never have to use these techniques, we realize that emergencies can happen.     We would like to thank Jack for coming to teach this class, and thank all four of you who took it. We are happy to be able to provide you with opportunities to learn skills that may help you, not only at the Club, but at your own home or school as well.

Boys and Girls Club Rock for Relief yields success Contributed Published May 5, 2005    The Boys and Girls Club of Bandera County’s Teen Club became movers and shakers after the success of their April 22 "Rock for Relief" party held to support victims of the tsunami tragedy.     Tom Lynds and Keystone Club from the Lackland AFB Boys and Girls Club in San Antonio provided the DJ and special lighting. Karaoke, billiards and video games were other popular activities providing a safe, fun event for high school students. The Teen Club thanks Lynds and his Keystone Club and all the volunteers that made the event both possible and successful.     This was the first dance hosted by the Boys and Girls Club. Because of its success, dances will be held on the third Friday of the month starting on June 17. "We want to give teens in Bandera somewhere close to their homes where they can go and have fun without having to worry about them drinking, doing drugs or getting hurt," drug-alcohol prevention specialist D.C. Brown said.