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y Hannah StrattonBA25 Year Anniversary of the Bulverde Area Rural Library Districts we welcome 2025, the Mammen Family Public Library embarks on a year-long celebration marking asignificant milestone: the 25th anniversary of the Bulverde Area Rural Library District (BARLD).Although our library has been a cornerstone of the community since 1985, the establishment of BARLD in January 2000 marked a pivotal turning point. This forward-thinking initiative, supported by a community-approved half-percent sales tax, transformed the library into a sustainable and dynamic resource for the entire area.The creation of the Library District wasWBy Greg Uhlighen we get into trouble andneed help, we are inclined toworry, lose sleep, work harder, figure it out, or just give up and some evenchoose to pray for a Sign from above.My story about a Sign began in 1999 when several of us decided to launch a boat manufacturing company in Seguin. We thought we had planned for everything, a business plan, capital, labor sources, renowned marine architect; however, almost nothing went as planned. After months with little progress, prayers are whatBy Lou Duggan“Every single day nine people are reported missing in San Antonio,” states the Dec.15, 2024, San Antonio Report. “According to police records, at least 2,770 people have been reported missing in the city since January. Another 583 people were reported missing in Bexar County over that same time period. In 2024, San Antonio was among the top 10 cities in the U.S. for unresolved missing persons cases, along with Houston and Dallas, according to a report by the National Missing and Unidentified PersonsSystem.”In October, a significant humantrafficking operation was dismantled in Houston. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), along with local and federal law enforcement agencies, conducted a series of raids on nine area nightclubs suspected of human trafficking. These operations, part of “Operation Bad Traffic,” resulted in the rescue of 84 potential victims, including minors. Four suspects were arrested on charges related to human trafficking and prostitution. The investigation revealed deplorable conditions within these establishments, with hidden rooms behind the bars and clubs where victims were subjected to horrific treatment and sexual abuse.Efforts to combat human trafficking in Texas are indeed making a difference, butmore than an administrative change— it was the start of a new chapter. With increased support and resources, the library blossomed into a vibrant community hub, offering a wide range of programs and services for all ages. From children’s story hours to adult literacy programs, workshops, and cultural events, the library has become a place where knowledge, creativity, and community flourish. This success is a testament to the incredible power of a united and engaged community.To honor this milestone, we are hosting a series of special events throughout the year, beginning with a 25th AnniversaryReception which was held on January 25. Additionally, we’re launching two special 25th-anniversary-themed reading challenges in 2025, available on Beanstack and via paper trackers. In addition to these reading challenges we will also have a challenge that will explore all the unique ways you can use your library, and another that will highlight your creativity with a photo contest! Keep an eye out for more details on these and other exciting activities. These are just a few of the many ways we plan to celebrate this incredible anniversary. Don’t forget to take advantage of the library’s extensive resources, programs, andservices. Visit us online at mfplibrary.org or in person at 131 Bulverde Crossing (across from Home Depot).Let’s celebrate 25 years of community, growth, and learning—together!about human trafficking can be submitted to Comal County Crime Stoppers: 830-620- 8477 or 1-800-640-8422.Have You Ever Received The Sign?I turned to because of past experiences. While driving on Hwy 46 from New Braunfels to Seguin one Saturday morning at about 5:30 am, while the road was under construction with just two lanes open, I noticed a figure walking toward New Braunfels on the other side of the road. It took me five seconds to overcome the confusion because what I saw was a person wearing a tunic and sandals with a walking staff but I did not see his face. I was totally puzzled, made a quick U-turn, and drove back to confirm what I had witnessed. Tono avail, I drove back and forth, but nobody was there.I know what I witnessed, and do not blame you for your skepticism, but that was my Sign which I had been praying for. This Sign kept me positive and faithful for another 4-5 years despite continuous setbacks.Greg Uhlig, MBA, CPA, is the Business Manager of a large church in San Antonio, Instructor at Webster University and Former President of two companies and Former University of Texas at Austin Lecturer.Human Trafficking Updatethe crime remains a significant challenge. While there have been notable successes in arrests and victim rescues, human trafficking continues to be a prevalent issue. The Texas Human Trafficking Prevention Coordinating Council and Task Force, along with various law enforcement agencies, are continuously working to address this problem.Illegal immigration and human trafficking are closely connected. Traffickers often exploit the vulnerabilities of migrants, promising them safe passage or employment, only to subject them to forced labor or sexual exploitation. Migrants, especially those without legal status, are at higher risk because they fear deportation and may not seek help.There are approximately 1.6 million undocumented people living in Texas. The state has one of the largest undocumented populations in the U.S. — second to California — making up about 15% of the state’s immigration population. This undocumented population represents roughly 8% of the state’s workforce, according to a Pew Research Center report. This remains a complex issue that requires ongoing vigilance and collaboration among the public and law enforcement agencies. Increased awareness and training programs have helped, but there is still much work to be done.In the San Antonio area, if you see orsuspect human trafficking in progress call 911 or if it is not a life-threatening situation call non-emergency SAPD at (210) 207- 7273. In Comal County anonymous tipsLife Balance and Weight GainBy Keyuna MilamT he formula of how to have a happy life looks different for everybody. This is also the samefor maintaining a healthy lifestyle.Lack of balancing life’s demands can be added to why you are not getting rid of the weight that you would like. What seems easy to do for some isn’t the same for all. Maybe your work schedule makes it difficult for you to be able to meal prep, causing you to always look for quick, possibly less healthier options. It could be that it’s a struggle to carve out time to exercise regularly because of your life obligations. There must be balance. Even with life’s demands you must include yourself in the schedule. Time to rest, exercise and do the activities that help to make yourself the healthiest version ofyourself.Creating ways to prepare, pick up or schedule delivery for your meals in your schedule is huge. Eating is a MUST. This is something that cannot be avoided or the result is constantly eating out causing more weight gain. Use the latest technology tofind quick recipes, meal prep services or if you are able someone that helps with the domestic duties of the home. Older children, a spouse or a hired person help to assist in the running of your daily activities. However you do it, just do it.Find ways to be regularly physically active without making an additional chore to get in your needed daily activity. For example, every time that you need something from upstairs turn it into a fitness break. Run the steps for 1 min, climb two at a time intervals, pushups...something. You were going up the stairs anyway. You don’t like it when people give you excuses so, don’t accept them from yourself.Be Well Friends!8www.bsbhighlights.comFebruary 2025