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EDITOR’Z LETTER
City Council
Chuck McCollough, Editor
London hosted the 2012 Olympics but it doesn’t have a monopoly on gold medals.
Barbara Baldwin First Lady Emerita
In this month’s magazine read about Schertz-based Gold Medal Men - Jim Hrbek and Steve Rolison.
Alexis Souza Art Director & Design
Hrbek is a Judo coach and Schertz resident who is getting much credit for establishing the development program that brought home the first USA Judo gold medal. His is an inspiring tale of seeing the best in young people and helping bring it out. Rolison is a Schertz Police Officer who is just plain fast. How fast? Try five gold medals in the past two years. And two silver and two bronze. If you are a bad guy - don’t even think about running from him. Also read a story that will keep you on pins and needles - it about a cool quilt shop and be prepared to blink twice when you see a photo of a REALLY BIG PIZZA. Learn about a local business that sells golf cars, most of which aren’t use on golf courses. And how do military pilots transform into civilian flyers. We have a story that tells you. And talk about Happy Feet! We got a group of young dancers that will leave you energized. Finally, read about the City of Schertz 201213 city budget and what it contains. All that and more in your September Schertz Magazine.
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SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2012
PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY
Brad E. Bailey Public Affairs Director & Publisher
SCHERTZ
magazine
contentz
Linda Ervin Associate Publisher Chuck McCollough Editor-In-Chief Chris Matzenbacher Sales Director Brittany Losey Senior Writer
FEATUREZ
Contributing Staffers Erin Matlock Client Affairs Specialist Mary Spence Events Coordinator
From Wild Blue Yonder...
Contributing Writers B.E. Bailey, Chuck McCollough, Mary Spence, Lucille Sims Thomas, Andrea Allinger, Kari Bridges, Kiko Martinez, Ashley Festa, Rudy Arispe, Taylor Tompkins, Rick Smith
Judo Coach Trains for Gold Schertz in Plasma Spotlight Scrappy Quilter Sews Success
Photographers B.E. Bailey, Chuck McCollough, Mary Spence, Mike Harris, Marc Bane, Bryan Nguyen, Joe Herczeg, Diana Webb, Andrea Allinger, Kari Bridges, Zachary Carter, Ross Dye, Molly Shigemoto
DEPARTMENTZ TALK OF THE TOWNZ
Schertz Magazine is published monthly by the Public Affairs Department of the City of Schertz. Our mailing address is 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. The official publication of the City of Schertz promotes city, community, and business activities associated with the City. © City of Schertz, Texas The editorial office of Schertz Magazine is at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. Call (210) 619-1630. Fax (210) 619-1619. Website is schertz.com and schertzmagazine.com
Executive Management John Kessel, City Manager
Executive Directors John Bierschwale David J. Harris Brian James
26 30 38 42
10 Kitchen Kudoz: Fox’s Den Pizza 19 Entertainmentz: All the Right Moves 22 Updatez
ON THE COVER Fae Simmons poses near a large military airplane monument on Randolph AFB. Her company helps former military pilots transition to civilian flying.
34 19
COLUMNZ 34 Biz Spot: Golf Cars Etc. 40
Focuz: Rolison is Gold Medal Man
CITY NEWZ
26
40
City Unveils Balanced Budget & More 45
46 Calendarz & Contactz 48 & 50 Civic Newz Updatez
22 SEPTEMBER 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM
9
Talk Townz OF THE
Pumpkin Patch Signals Halloween Countdown One of the largest and most entertaining Pumpkin Patches in South Texas is open from 9:00 AM to sundown every day of the week starting on September 25th, 2012, and running through the end of October at Bracken United Methodist Church located just east of FM 3009 on FM 2252. This is the 11th year for this fun-filled event that features massive displays of over twelve thousand pumpkins. Special displays of costumed scarecrows and fantasy characters are arranged for taking that perfect picture of your family amidst the festival of fall colors. In the evenings and on weekends there are hayrides and the special Pumpkin Patch Express Train rides for the children During the mornings school and special children’s groups from four counties celebrate a day at the Bracken Pumpkin Patch. They participate in special entertainment centers where they paint pumpkins, sing songs, hear stories, play games and everyone goes home with their own special pumpkin. You will find pumpkins from baseball size to monsters that will take two people to carry. There will be decorated and painted pumpkins and colorful gourds of every size and description. Prices for the pumpkins start as low as fifty cents. Dress the children in Halloween costumes and take fabulous pictures of them enjoying their day in a wondrous setting of seemingly endless pumpkins. The Pumpkin Patch will be open from 9:00 AM until dusk seven days a week. The Church is located at 20377 FM 2252 located just a mile and a half north east of the intersection of FM 3009. FM 2252 is the extension of Nacogdoches Road and the Bracken Pumpkin Patch is only about five and a half miles outside of northeast Loop 1604 and Rolling Oaks Mall. For more information or directions please call Bracken UMC at 830-606-6717 10
SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2012
Talk Townz OF THE
SEPTEMBER 2012
Simonson Award Application Deadline October 19 The Steve Simonson Community Service Award is presented annually to the Schertz citizen who during the eligibility year exhibited selfless commitment to his or her community via volunteer efforts that made a difference in others’ lives. The award recognizes people who voluntarily offer their time and talent to improve the community in such areas as (but not limited to) health care, social services, youth or senior activities, the arts, education, justice, housing, nutrition, community growth and development, and community morale. Activities in support of political candidates or ballot initiatives will not be considered when evaluating nominees. The Volunteer of the Year and two Distinguished Volunteers will be recognized at a luncheon November 15, 2012 at the Schertz Civic Center. Do you know of a deserving honoree? The nomination form can be found at schertz.com under the Events catetory.. You may also pick up a packet at the Schertz Civic Center/Public Affairs Office Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 Noon and 1:00 – 5:00 PM. Nomination packages will be accepted through October 19, 2012. Selections will be made by November 1, 2012.
Schertz City Councilman Jim Fowler and wife Pat went on a 16-day group tour to Israel and Jordan and took Schertz Magazine along for the trip. The Fowlers visited a number of famous and Biblical places including the Sea of Galilee, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Bethlehem, the Mount of Olives, the old City, the temple grounds; Massada, Qumran and Amman, Jordan. Take Schertz Magazine along on your trip, have someone photograph you in front of a recognizable spot and send to events@ schertz.com. We may use it in the magazine. SEPTEMBER 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM
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Talk Townz
5K Fit For FUNds Run/Walk Sept. 22
OF THE
Schlather Parent Teacher Club (PTC) will hold a non-traditional fundraiser in the form of a 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, September 22nd. Funds raised support PTC programs and initiatives. Entry fees are $25 per person ($100 max per family) and all participants will receive a T-Shirt. Winners in each age category will receive medals. This event will be “chip-timed� and the course will be a flat, fast one. Spend the summer getting ready for the event by both training a little each day and by putting aside a little money each day to pay for the entry fee.
2012 Sweetheart Court in Marion The Schertz Sweetheart Court participated in the 76th Annual City of Marion Sausage Supper Parade Saturday, August 4. Escorted by the Citizens on Patrol vehicle, the Court waved and chatted with parade attendees during the 1 .2 mile route in downtown Marion. The event helps support the programs of the Greater Marion Area Chamber of Commerce.
Family Zone Sponsored by
Look for the Sweetheart Court at SchertzFest 2012, September 28-29, 2012 at Pickrell Park! SEPTEMBER 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM
www.visitschertz.com
13
Talk Townz
Talk Townz
OF THE
OF THE
CONTESTS & Prizez
WIN FAMILY PACK TO WURSTFEST Locate this jet pictured above in one AD somewhere in this issue of Schertz Magazine. We’ll be giving away 2 family packs (5 tickets per pack). Go to schertzmagazine.com and complete the entry form to be entered into this month’s drawing.
Senior Center Swings to Summer Sounds Seniors and their guests were kickin’ it at the Second Annual Summer Nights Dinner Dance Fundraiser. Great music, delicious food and hours of dancing! Can a Saturday night be any better? That’s exactly what happened on July 28 at the Schertz Area Senior Center. Senior volunteers worked hard to make a perfect night for all. Vanessa Piez of Walgreens captured the evening with pictures. Guests sat down to a delicious meal
provided by Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant, which was served by volunteers from the Randolph Children’s Center. Fran Badrak played his saxophone during dinner. Dessert was provided by Merritt Lakeside. Following dinner, over 160 seniors and guests enjoyed the tremendous variety of music provided by our DJ, Northern Lights. In no time, the dance floor filled with people from their
20’s well into their 80’s, and stayed that way for the next several hours. What a delight it was to see so many of the younger adults present take the time to dance with our seniors! When ‘Boot Scoot Boogies’ and “The Chicken Dance” were played, every spot of the dance floor was full, and even the policeman providing our security joined in! Thanks to our sponsors, not only did we have a great evening, but we also had a very successful dance, raising over $8,500 to
help fund the operations and the hot lunches that are provided on a donation basis for our seniors Monday through Friday. For more information on how you can help out our seniors, or on the many activities and events that the Schertz Area Senior Center provides for our area senior citizens, call (210) 619-1974 and ask for Donna Thompson.
WIN TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS IN GIFT CERTIFICATES TO GRUMPYS!
Locate the margarita pictured above in one AD somewhere in this issue of Schertz Magazine. Go to schertzmagazine. com and complete the entry form to be entered into this month’s drawing. SEPTEMBER 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM
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Talk Townz OF THE
WHAT’S HAPPENIN’ IN YOUR SCHERTZ CHAMBER?
CONGRATULATIONS TASTE “AROUND THE WORLD” WINNERS:
New Friends, New Beginnings Only fifteen minutes from Schertz, Rio Terra offers a renewed focus on healthy living, terrific food and social activity. Discover how our “Resident First”philosophy can redefine your retirement.
Best Beef – Cielito Station Best Chicken – The Lion & Rose Chef’s Choice – Simply Charming Cakes People’s Choice – Abel’s Diner Best Beverage – javaNook Coffee Best Booth Décor – Pastry Bliss Best of Show – Abel’s Diner
Meet your new friends at Rio Terra today! Call (830) 221-4800 for a tour and lunch on us. Ask us about our Veterans Aid and Attendance! 2294 E. Common St. New Braunfels, TX 78130 Independent Living
Assisted Living
Memory Care
www.RioTerraLife.com AL# 101986
A Legend Retirement Corp. Community
RIBBON CUTTINGS
SEPTEMBER CHAMBER EVENTS
Biz-Ed Breakfast:
Wednesday, September 26th from 9-11am at the Schertz Civic Center, 1400 Schertz Parkway Bldg 5 (Bluebonnet Room) in Schertz. Free to SCOC Members, nominal fee for non-members. Topic “Employer Liability! Manage Your Responsibilities”. Please RSVP your attendance.
After-Hours Mixer
Thursday, September 13th from 5:30 – 7pm hosted by: DeVoir Fitness Studio, 1208 FM 78, Suite I (Schertz). Free to SCOC Members. Food, Prizes and More! Chamber Ca$h drawing.
Chamber Luncheon on Sept. 18th
Cielito Station, 720 W. FM 78 , Cibolo
Tuesday, September 18th from 11:30am – 1pm at the Schertz Civic Center. Guest Speaker: Jonathan Bean of Texas Department of Transportation “TXDOT Updates”. RSVP by Tuesday, September 11th. (Please visit our Chamber website for Luncheon policy.) Members - $18, Non-Members $28 Prepaid
WANT TO JOIN THE CHAMBER?
Want to increase your business, visibility and networking opportunities? Come join the Schertz Chamber of Commerce! Call us at 210-566-9000 or come by and visit at 1730 Schertz Parkway in Schertz. Help us “Build a Better Tomorrow”
Express Lube, 3901 FM 3009 - Schertz SEPTEMBER 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM
17
Talk Townz OF THE
Kitchen Kudoz
Super Size Pizza At Fox’s Pizza Den PIZZA, STROMBOLI, AND CHEESECAKE GALORE By Andrea M. Allinger WHEN ASKED HOW SHE feels about her job, Massachusetts native Elaine Rober describes running Fox’s Pizza Den on Cibolo Valley Drive by saying, “I absolutely love it.” Rober elaborates, “I get to work with a fantastic group of kids in the [SCUISD] school district and teach them about the food industry.” The education of the area’s youth is a plus, but did I mention how fantastic the hand tossed pizza crust is at Fox’s Pizza Den?
Rober and her late husband, Thomas, made the decision to open the restaurant five years ago after finding difficulties securing employment in the area. Thomas toured the Fox’s Pizza Den main office in Pittsburgh, and as he was an Italian German man who “always loved food,” the Robers quickly secured their independently owned franchise in Cibolo. In late 2009, Thomas Rober was diagnosed with stage four
pancreatic cancer, and despite treatment, that Elaine remembers “just prolonged his life a little,” Thomas lost his battle in 2010. He left behind his wife and two children, Rachel, 21 years old, and Nicholas, 19 year old, as well as the responsibility of Fox’s Pizza Den. After losing her husband, Rober took on full responsibility of the restaurant and throughout the past two years has made significant improvements in the menu and in add-
ing ongoing specials. Rober credits Kevin Mayfield with many improvements in Fox’s Pizza Den, including fountain machines and a POS system. Fox’s Pizza Den offers competitive pricing and a creatively innovative pizza when it comes to sizing and options, with five sizes ranging from small to Big Daddy, and gourmet pizzas such as Taco Pizza, Steak Rancher, and Hawaiian Fire.
continued on page 20
SEPTEMBER 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM
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Kitchen Kudoz
Talk Townz OF THE
Super Size Pizza CONT’D FROM PAGE 19
Along with Fox’s signature pizzas, made with hand tossed dough and a special sauce simmered after the tomatoes have been peeled—which reduces the overall acidity in the sauce—the menu offers a variety of sandwiches including strombolis, hoagies, and wedgies. Wedgies were created by the founder of Fox’s Pizza Den, and are a mixture of any meats, cheeses, or vegetables desired melted and pressed into a folded nine inch pizza crust. The menu at Fox’s Pizza Den doesn’t stop there, it also includes salads, kids’ meals, and desserts—including cinnamon sticks, cheesecake, brownies, and cookies, which are made fresh by The Sweet Spot Cakery in Converse. All menu items are conveniently available as delivery, carry out, or dine in. Rober boasted of her newly developed discount system, which thanks the men and women serving in the military, fire, police department, EMS, as well as teachers and students. Here is how it works: -Military service members are always given a 10% discount, but on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month those men and women receive a 20% discount on their orders. • -Firefighters, police officers, and EMS have an ongoing 10% discount daily, but are given a 20% discount on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. •
-Teachers likewise enjoy a 10% discount any day of the week, but are boosted to a 20% discount on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month.
•
-And best of all, Fox’s Pizza Den offers all students, elementary aged through college, a 20% discount everyday. Rober’s discount system is in place not only to thank the men and women who serve, but to be “community oriented” in a place where the Robers have enjoyed the last 15 years of their lives.
Fox’s Pizza Den can be found online at www.foxscibolo.com as well as on Facebook. Ongoing specials are posted on the site, such as the Monday and Tuesday pick up special including one single topping pizza for $7.49. Fox’s Pizza Den is open from Monday and Tuesday 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm, and Sunday from 12:30 pm to 5:00 pm and is located at 3929 Cibolo Valley Drive in Cibolo. 20 20
SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2012
Are you a screw-up? A walking disaster? Then you’re in good company around here. Join us all through September as we look at how to bring LIFE back to those areas where we feel ALL JACKED UP!
SUNDAYS at 10:00AM, 11:30AM & 1:00PM
Talk Townz OF THE
In 2008, Soliz formed his own choreography company, Soliz Dance Entertainment. Through his business, he is hired to choreograph dances for quinceñeras, weddings and other special events. In the past four years, he has choreographed unique dance numbers for clients across Texas, including in Kingsville, New Braunfels, Corpus Christi, and Houston. While Soliz knows it’s sometimes his job to teach novice dancers specific dance steps, he doesn’t usually like to choreograph easy steps for them. “I like to challenge my students,” Soliz said. “I don’t want choreography that is plain and simple. I want to do something people will remember. I want to really entertain everyone.” Soliz enjoys his role as a dance instructor and choreographer, but his passion for dance also lies in the performance aspect as well. During one of the quinceñeras he was hired for, Soliz said he jumped at the opportunity to start a new dance crew when some of the young men standing in the quinceñera court showed interest. “I didn’t really know how to dance, but I wanted to just go with it and try my best,” said Jesus Campos, 16, a New Braunfels Canyon High School student who was attending the quinceñera. “I was shy, but after I performed the first time I really got into it.” With that, the 830 Dance Krew was born. Soliz and his group of dancers are hired to keep the party going at quinceñeras. For example, if guests are bashful and don’t want to be the first ones on the dance floor, the Krew is there to inject some energy with their fast and precise moves.
Entertainmentz
All The Right Moves 830 DANCE KREW BRINGS HIGH ENERGY TO UNIQUE PERFORMANCES By Kiko Martinez SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE? It might be the title of a popular reality TV dance competition on Fox, but if you were to pose the question to the young men and women who make up the 830 Dance Krew, the answer would be a resounding, “Yes!” 22
Established earlier this year, the 830 Dance Krew has been a dream of local dancer and choreographer Demetrio Soliz. A graduate of Clemens High School, Soliz, 25, said dancing is what kept him out of trouble when he was younger. “I would stay away from all the bad in-
SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2012
fluences because all I wanted to do was dance,” Soliz said. “I started hanging out with people who wanted to do that, too.” Soliz loved to dance so much, he would claim any dance floor he could find as his own, especially if that meant performing in front of a crowd.
“I’ll admit, sometimes my friends and I would go to quinceñeras that we really weren’t invited to,” Soliz said. “But usually we would see someone there that we knew so it was cool. Only once have I ever been kicked out of a quinceñera for crashing it.”
Jose Acosta, 18, who is also a student at Canyon, said the dance crew fell into place pretty quickly. Acosta had been in a dance crew before when he was living in Mexico, but now that he moved to the U.S., he wanted a crew who could make an impact in Texas.
Originally formed as the 830 Boyz Dance Krew, the young men were open to modifying their name a bit when female dancers started showing interest in joining the group. Depending on the type of gig they’re practicing for, the group will decide what dancers will be used. This past July 4, the Krew performed as a coed for the City of Schertz’s Jubilee Celebration. The group has also volunteered to dance for a couple of local benefits. While both male and female dancers are available, most clients so far have wanted an all-male dance crew. “Sometimes I think they want something like ‘Magic Mike,’” jokes Soliz, referring to the movie about exotic dancers starring Channing Tatum and Matthew McConaughey. “But we’ll let the girls dance with us, too. Sometimes they don’t even ask. They’ll just come up and dance!” Each performance, Soliz said, is about 15-20 minutes and consists of about 3-4 songs. Most of the music the Krew dances to is Latin music, including tribal, cumbia, and bachata, but they are open to dancing other things to like hip-hop. After watching “Dancing with the Stars” over the years, Soliz said he wouldn’t mind even trying the pasodoble. Soliz, however, isn’t interested in the Krew ever going on a TV show like “So You Think You Can Dance” or “America’s Best Dance Crew.” For him, dancing shouldn’t be about competition. It’s about laying everything he has on the dance floor and enjoying what he does. “I’m not about telling someone, ‘I’m better than you’ or anything like that,” Soliz said. “It’s more about having fun than being in any kind of contest. We just want to show everyone how much we love performing.” For more information on the 830 Dance Krew and to inquire about how to join the group, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/830boyzdancecrew
“I’ve always liked to dance,” Acosta said. “Dancing is what has always kept me going.” SEPTEMBER 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM
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Back to School Back to the Y! Fall back into your fitness routine with us! Schertz Family YMCA FUN FALL EVENTS • NEW WELLNESS CONSULTATION!
Fall Sports 2012-Soccer (2-13) & Volleyball (8-14) YFL - join the team fitness challenge that will get you in shape like a pro! New Wellness Consultation to help you meet your goals! Fun family events-Fall Festival, Family Scavenger Hunt and more!
NOW OPEN in SCHERTZ Your health & wellness is our first concern. For this sole purpose, our physicians have assembled a community of services to enable the finest outcome for your care. Established. Proven. The San Antonio Orthopaedic Group was established in 1947 for the purpose of providing the highest quality orthopaedic, medical, and surgical care. Experienced. Skilled. Our surgeons are board certified, experienced, skilled, and subspecialty trained to treat the full range of musculoskeletal disorders, diseases, and injuries of upper extremity. S. Josh Bell, M.D. SPORTS MEDICINE Sports Medicine, General Orthopaedics Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon Board-Certified Orthopaedic Sports Medicine John T. Friedland, M.D. COMPREHENSIVE SPINAL CARE Board-certified Orthopaedic Surgeon Fellowship Trained in Spinal Surgery
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For membership info contact Andi Anderson at andia@ymcasatx.org or (210) 619-1900.
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Richard L. Ursone, M.D. GENERAL ORTHOPAEDICS Board-certified Orthopaedic Surgeon Christian A. Woodbury, M.D. HAND, WRIST AND ELBOW Board-certified Surgeon Fellowship Trained in Hand and Microvascular Surgery
From Wild Blue Yonder To Civilian Skies
FEATUREZ
By Kari Bridges
ATTENTION MILITARY PILOTS!! The sun is setting on your military flying career and you hope the dawn will bring the beginning of a civilian flying career. You may be asking yourself questions such as; What is my first step? How do I prepare for an interview? What are the airlines looking for? The answer is V1ROT8, a new business with an odd name dedicated to preparing military, and civilian, pilots for a future in the airline industry. What makes the V1ROT8 airline interview preparation services program distinct is that it offers individually tailored, one-on-one sessions that teach the pilot how to best share his/her unique expe26 26
riences and qualifications. Each pilot is different, and the goal at V1ROT8 is to work with each person individually so they learn how to highlight their personal strengths, explain any weaknesses and capture their unique aspects allowing them to stand out among the rest of the candidates during the interview. Business partners Fae Simmons and Mike Reagan believe in their clients and want them to succeed. They offer an intensive 4-hour training program consisting of interview and technical sessions. By limiting the number of clients they accept each month and focusing on the quality of service they provide, they believe their clients have a better chance of
SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2012 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM
being hired by the airline industry. Simmons, a Schertz resident, has always had an interest with military aviation and the complex and unique people who fly airplanes led her towards helping pilots make the transition into commercial aviation. For the past 17 years, she has been guiding military and civilian pilots through the airline interview process and considers over 1,200 pilots at all the major carriers as her clients and friends. “People want to fly for a major carrier. Our job is to get them up to speed to go to the interview be successful and go on to a career in commercial aviation,� Sim-
continued on page 29 SEPTEMBER 2012 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER
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Explanation of company name:
FEATUREZ
V1ROT8 is a play on words that any good pilot would recognize. As an aircraft is rolling down the runway, there are several ‘speeds’ that are referenced by the pilots to help them determine when the aircraft is ready to takeoff.
From Wild Blue Yonder To Civilian Skies continued
The first of these speeds is V1, otherwise known as takeoff decision speed. Pilots are trained to stop a takeoff prior to V1 if there are conditions that would adversely affect the airplane’s ability to get into the air safely.
from pg 27
mons explained. “Pilots are very unique people who are goal oriented and focused. I have always enjoyed working with them. People think that pilots going into the commercial aspect just happen, but there is a lot of competition and they aren’t used to going out and selling themselves in a job interview.” In 2006, Simmons retired as a Career/Life Change Counselor at the Randolph Air Force Base Airman and Family Readiness Center. After spending almost 20 years helping military members transition to life in the civilian world, she continues to use her experience and knowledge to help airplane and helicopter pilots from all branches of the Armed Forces successfully transition into the civilian workforce. “It is exciting to start this business. After I retired I missed the pilots and their world. I admire the energy, focus and approach to life that the pilots have. Pilots love to fly and at the end of the military career to help someone do what they love and provide for their family gives me a great feeling that money can’t buy,” she said. According to Simmons, who has pages of names of previous clients, she has helped people serving in both active duty and reserve capacities who represent different flying squadrons from US military bases all over the country, across Europe and as far as Australia to be hired as pilots for all major airline carriers. Simmons explains that different planes have different missions and the pilots have as many unique experiences as there are types of planes. She has worked with pilots flying the F-15 fighter plane, the HC-130 cargo plane, Navy and Marine F-18 pilots, U-2 surveillance pilots and former Air Force Thunderbird pilots. “Depending on the type of plane a pilot flies you will have different experiences from another pilot. How do you handle emergencies? Emergencies may be different depending on the number of years 28
of experiences you have and is reflected in the interview. If you fly fighters, your experiences will be completely different than if you flew cargo planes that fly at night with long haul international flights,” Simmons explained. With the majority of clients flying into the San Antonio International Airport, the training sessions are conveniently conducted at the nearby Drury Inn & Suites Hotel, off Jones-Maltsberger Road near the airport. Clients are offered a study guide to complete before the interview portion of the training begins and are expected to begin the session dressed professionally as they would be for an actual interview. This portion of the training focuses on how to act, behave, dress and answer questions during the interview. Business partner, Mike Reagan, is a graduate of the Air Force Academy and served 23 years during which he flew the T-37B as an Instructor Pilot working mostly in Training Command until he retired in 2004. He spent much of his time teaching students how to fly and seasoned aviators how to teach. He earned both his master’s degree and Ph.D. in aeronautical engineering through the Air Force Institute
SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2012
of Technology at Dayton, Ohio.
expansion may last several years..
As an experienced pilot he brings to the business both the technical knowledge of flying and the experience of teaching. The technical session of the V1ROT8 program focuses on technical areas that a client believes are his/her weakest link. Depending on which airline the client is interested in applying at, the session is tailored either towards basic pilot knowledge, lineoriented scenarios or a combination of the two.
“Those 5 years are up this coming December. If airlines want to maintain fleets and manning they will have to hire to replace those who are retiring.” said Reagan.
Reagan originally met Simmons several years ago when he was stationed at Randolph AFB and heard of the help she was offering pilots transitioning from military to civilian aviation and had contacted her seeking advice. “Fae was known at the time as the lady you wanted to go see if you wanted to go into the airlines. Everyone came to see her, even the Navy and Marine pilots,” said Reagan. Because of his flying experience and the interview preparation advice that he received from Simmons he soon found himself employed as a pilot with a major US carrier. Currently, he is a full-time pilot flying several days a week. He lives with his wife and daughter in Denver, Colorado. Simmons and Reagan believe that the time is right to now start their business. Reagan explained that in 2007, President George W. Bush signed into law a bill that allowed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to extend the age that airline pilots must retire from flying from age 60 to 65. He is optimistic that the hiring
As a contemporary business that works initially solely through the Internet and phone conversations, clients do not actually meet Simmons and Reagan face-to-face until the arranged day for the training sessions. Lt. Colonel Jon Counsell, a recent client, has served in the Air Force for 21 years during which his flying career has been in the F-15C “Eagle.” He is currently stationed at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas, where he is assigned to the 87th Flying Training Squadron. He plans on retiring this summer and heard of V1ROT8 from a squadron mate that had previously used their services and was recently hired to fly with a major carrier. “I was very impressed with what they provided. They made me feel very at ease at their training, customizing it to the client’s desires. Their intent was to teach the customer how to identify and market their strengths. Both Fae and Mike were very professional and it is obvious they know their business. I left their conference feeling a refreshed boost of self-confidence as I approach what can be a stressful job search process,” Counsell said. “I have already recommended them to several other friends that I know are approaching retirement.” Looking to the future, Simmons and Reagan hope their business will continue to grow and be successful. They will be considering the possibilities of expanding their business in the future to include more employees and locations around the country near other US military installations. If you, or someone you know, could benefit from the advice and experiences V1ROT8 offers find out more about their business at www.V1ROT8.com. Their business motto is “..a posse ad esse”, a Latin phrase meaning from possibility to reality. The possibilities could be endless and after you have completed the V1ROT8 program you will truly be able to reach the speed it takes to change the direction of your life, gaining the skills to lift off and soar to new horizons in a different career in aviation.
The next speed is Vrotate, otherwise known as the takeoff rotation speed. Pilots are trained to properly rotate the aircraft at Vrotate to safely get the aircraft into the air. This speed usually occurs just after V1. As a plane is rolling down the runway, the pilot not flying is watching, among other things, the airspeed and when the aircraft reaches first V1, then Vrotate, he/she calls these speeds out to the pilot flying. An example would be, “V1, Rotate.”
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Nov. 2-11, 2012
Schertz Judo Coach Lays Foundation For U.S. Olympic Gold By Rick Smith
SCHERTZ RESIDENT JIM HRBEK has spent decades helping develop a culture of discipline and competitive spirit in the U.S. Olympic Judo program that resulted in its first gold medal. “The gold medal won by Kayla Harrison at the London Olympics validates the US program. I remember seeing Kayla years ago as a youngster and I saw something special -- a drive and determination.” Hrbeck said those qualities got better under the USA Judo development program and lead to the gold medal “And the development program has gotten better and helped many youth. I am very optimistic about the USA Judo team chances in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.” In a letter to USA Judo members about the recent Olympic effort, CEO Jose Humberto Rodriguez mentioned Hrbek’s name first when praising those who have brought the program to the gold medal level. But the accolades for the Schertz Judo coach and the continuous success of the USA Judo Olympic program are not a surprise to those who have seen Hrbek inspire his young students and his dedication to the American Olympic effort. His students have grown up to become otolaryngologists, aeronautical engineers, doctors, and law students. Others are still growing up, and range in age of eight years old to 16. Like most teachers though, a few students steal the spotlight. But this spotlight is a lot different than most others – it’s the spotlight of the world. And Hrbek didn’t intend to be a teacher; he wanted to be a wrestler. With no wrestling gyms around, he tried judo, and has been coaching it ever since. “Honestly, I was a wrestler and I wanted a place to wrestle,” said Hrbek about how he began his judo career. “There were no wrestling clubs around and I took a wild shot with Judo.” His wild shot worked, and this year, he
FEATUREZ
earned the United States Olympic Committee’s (USOC) Developmental Coach of the Year for the entire country – across all sports – and is the top honor of the developmental coaches can earn from the USOC. But Hrbek has seen success across all levels, including winning the 2005 USA Judo Olympic Coach of the Year, having athletes in the 1988 and 1992 Olympics, and being the coach for Kristie Davis, an alternate for this year’s London Olympics, who holds the world record for most medals ever won by a USA Wrestling athlete – nine. “I was surprised to get the nomination,” said Hrbek. “No judo coach has ever won the USOC Development Coach of the Year Award. We were in there against track and field, basketball, tennis, etc. and the bigger, more prominent mainstream sports.” Originally from New York, Hrbek moved to South Texas in 2005 because he wanted to retire to the South. He said he spent months and months searching, and the Schertz/San Antonio area came up as the best area over and over again. Hrbek is the owner and head coach at Universal Judo (13122 Lookout Run). He currently has 50 students at his studio, and they range in age from youth to seniors. Hrbek explained that judo was created from several other forms of martial arts to make a self-defense sport. He said it stems from jujitsu, but because there were a lot of injuries, judo was created as a way to practice martial arts safely and without the fatal techniques of jujitsu. And, in judo you are one-on-one versus an opponent. Hrbek says it also has a large teamwork component to it, which is important in the development of the athlete. He said training partners are like teammates, and together, the athletes learn how to actually learn the sport and teach their body to learn new things, value of
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FEATUREZ
Judo Coach continued
repetition, thoughtful analysis, and how to break things down and analyze them. HIS OLYMPIC EXPERIENCE Although one day he hopes to be back at the Olympics as a coach, he is fond of his memories from the 1988 and 1992 games. “They [Olympic host committee] created several acres of Olympic Village with restaurants, spas, bowling alleys, etc. for athletes and other participants,” said Hrbek. “They created an artificial world for Olympians and Olympic staff. It was a great, isolated experience, and a celebration of achievement. We had 5,000 people there that all had a unique snip-it of time; and for two weeks, it was the most important thing happening everywhere.”
from pg 31
HIS ATHLETES He has a list of athletes with impressive accolades, including Nina Cutro-Kelly is a multiple National Judo Champion, US Girls’ Wrestling Association National Championships, and is a current World Bronze medalist in Sambo Aaron Walker is the current two-time Texas State High School Wrestling Champion Kristie Davis, a nine time World medalist and tied with Bruce Baumgartner for the most World level medals ever won by a USA Wrestling athlete. Kristie was an alternate for the 2012 Olympic Team.
Aleah LaFranci just won the Cadet Freestyle Wrestling Championship in Venezuela Chris Amick – No.1 Age/Weight Division Masters Competitor – USA Judo (2011) Cindy Hood – No.1 Age/Weight Division Masters Competitor – USA Judo (2011) HIS RESUME Universal Judo Club record for 2011, all levels: • 166 tournament entries with 42 First place(25.3%), 50 Second place(30.1%), 33 Third place(19.9%), for an overall placement rate of 75.3% • Senior Pan American Judo Championships - Fifth • Senior World Judo Championships Ninth • Senior World Sambo Championships - Third • France National Collegiate Championships - Third USA Judo International Gold Level Coach Certification Chief of Delegation to Vladimir Putin International Boys’ Team Championship - St Petersburg, Russia Coach – Junior/U-23 Team for competition/training – Havana, Cuba Coach – Cadet and Junior International in Harnes, France Head Coach – USA Sport Sambo Team – World Sambo Championships, Vilnius, Lithuania
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FOCUZ FOCUZ FOCUZ
Rolison
is Gold Medal Man By Chuck McCollough
For more than 20 years Steve Rolison has been chasing something. Sometimes that something is a track record and sometimes it is a bad guy or even fame itself. And now, the Schertz Police Department patrol corporal is chasing time. Rolison is a multi-gold medal winning athlete, SWAT Team member, long-time state high school track record holder and U.S. Navy veteran. At 37, he may be in the best physical shape since high school when he set the state 2A record time in the 1,600 meter (still standing after 19 years) for Itasca High School. Itasca is a small town of about 1,500 people located between Fort Worth and Waco. It is hard not to compare Rolison and the comic strip hero The Flash -- they both work for police departments and are really fleetfooted. Rolison just smiles when people make the comparison.
agent from Arizona,” Rolison said. The Texas Police Games invites state police and fire agencies to compete in athletic competitions, including running, cycling and shooting, to name a few. Rolison has been with the Schertz PD for eight years, been married for 15 years to wife Anne and they have a three-year-old daughter, Abigial. “I get a lot of support from my family - they cheer me on and put up with being away when I am training or going to events,” he said. “The City of Schertz and the Police Department also give me great support. The city paid for me going to the Texas Police Games and (Interim) Chief (Mike) Harris and Capt. (Marc) Bane and the rest of the department are very helpful and en-
In the past two years, the speedy SPD member has won five gold medals, two silver medals and two bronze medals at the Texas Police Games - an olympic-like event primarily for peace officers, but also open to firefighters and some other groups like military. “I plan to continue participating in the Texas Police Games if possible. And I also have two other goals for the near future,” Rolison said. He wants to participate in the World Police and Fire Games in Belfast, Northern Ireland next summer and one other thing more. “My ultimate goal is to participate in an Ironman competition when I turn 40 (in February 2015). That is the highest goal I have set so far because I know competing like I do gets tougher after age 40,” he said. At the 2011 Texas Police Games he won gold medals for the 5K, 800-meter and 1500-meter runs. In this year’s event, Rolison captured gold medals in the 800-meter and 1500 meter runs, silver medals in the 5K run and 6-mile bike time trial event and bronze medals for 30-mile competitive bike race and 4x4 race relay when he ran the anchor leg. “Of the other three guys on the relay, two were from Live Oak PD and one was a Border Patrol 34
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couraging,” he said. So how did Rolison get on the never ending path of running? He was a gifted athlete in high school where he played football and ran track until his senior year when he decided to concentrate on track where he was a blue chipper. “I was heavily recruited by a number of colleges and visited UT in Austin, TCU and also the Naval Academy and West Point. I ended up going to Louisiana Tech on a track scholarship because it was a smaller school and that was what I was used to,” Rolison said a few days before the London Olympics began. He had dreams of running in the Olympics but
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“A DOCTOR’S CONFESSION TO THE CITY OF SCHERTZ…”
FOCUZ FOCUZ FOCUZ
Gold Medal Man continued
said he was at a level just below that threshold. But the level he was at was good enough for him to run in national track meets for top-level high school age runners and to get a track college scholarship. “I only did two years of college because I had a lot of injuries which made it hard to compete. I joined the Navy and served from 1995 to 2000 finishing while we lived in Maine. We liked it very much there but decided to move back to this area because Anne is from Converse,” he said.
Dear Friend, I want to give credit where credit is due. So, perhaps a confession can help clear the air so there’s no misunderstanding, Before I talk about my confession, though, let me say a few other things first. Let me start by explaining the photo in this letter. You know, when I meet people in town they usually say, “Oh, yeah, I know you, you’re Dr. Martin. I’ve seen your ad with that picture of you and the two cute kids.” Well, I’m the guy in the middle. Years ago I was a college baseball player, but I developed a painful neck, shoulder and arm condition. In my case it came on suddenly. The pain in my hands was so intense that I couldn’t raise my arm above my head or even throw a baseball. I was afraid that I would lose my scholarship if it continued. I went to my trainer and medical doctor and was given anti-inflammatories. The problem with those medications is that they just mask the symptoms and in my case did not help. Finally, after steroid injections I decided against it. But, there’s more…A family member of mine convinces me to give their doctor a try. This new doctor did an exam, took some films, and then “adjusted” my spine. The adjustment didn’t hurt, it actually felt good. I got relief, and I could use my arm again. Oh, did I mention that this doctor is a chiropractor. It worked so well that I went to chiropractic school myself. Now for McKenna and Cooper, who are the cute kids in the picture. They get adjusted regularly and are some of the healthiest kids you will know. Their mom is also problem-free even with all the bending and lifting a busy mom of two does. It might seem like a small thing, but it makes a big difference to her.
It’s strange how life is, because now people come to see me with their neck, arm and shoulder problems. Also they come to me with their headaches, migraines, chronic pain, carpal tunnel, whiplash from car accidents, backaches, ear infections, asthma, allergies, numbness in limbs, athletic injuries, just to name a few. Here’s what some of my patients had to say: “I have not had a headache in months”- (Mary J.) “Mood and attitude have improved” – (Lisa A.) Several times a day patients thank me for helping them with their health problems. But I can’t really take the credit. My confession is that I’ve never healed anyone of anything. What I do is perform a specific spinal adjustment to remove nerve pressure, and the body responds by healing itself. We get tremendous results. It’s a simple as that! Forty-eight million Americans no longer have health insurance, and those who do have found that their benefits are reduced. That’s where my I come in. I have a significantly lower fee plan so that more people are able to afford the care they need. A whole week of care in my office costs what you could pay for one visit elsewhere. Studies show that people actually pay less for their long-term overall health care expenses if they are seeing a chiropractor. You Benefit from an Amazing Offer- Look, you are going to write a check to someone for your health care expenses, you may as well write one for a lesser amount for chiropractic. When you bring in this article, you will receive my entire new patient exam for $17. That’s with an evaluation and X-Rays….the whole ball of wax. But, please call right away because this offer expires on September 30, 2012, and I don’t want you to miss out.
helped him lose another 15 pounds and he is currently at his ideal weight range of 170-175 pounds.
In his police career, Rolison has chased a number of bad guys and said he caught some and some got away.
Rolison cherishes time with his family. “We like to take our little girl to the surrounding parks and she likes to swim. Just spending quality hours together recharges me in many ways,” he said, reflecting on one of the few occasions when he is not chasing something.
He has been on the Guadalupe County SWAT Team for five years. “At some point someone mentioned the Police Games and I became interested and started training.” At one point he weighed 205 pounds and dropped 15 pounds by the time of the 2011 Police Games. His training routine for the 2012 games included cycling in part to save wear and tear on his legs. That training regiment
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Every major vehicle system is checked so you'll know exactly what your vehicle needs.
Mon – Fri: 7am – 6pm
P.S. When accompanied by the first, I am also offering the second family member this same examination for only $10. P.S.S. Your time is just as valuable as ours, that’s why we will be with you promptly at your appointment.
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Locally owned
Rolison got into law enforcement after visiting with a friend who worked at the Bexar County Jail. Rolison got a job
-Patrick W. Martin, D.C.
By the way, further care is very affordable and you’ll be happy to know that I have affordable plans. You see I’m
from pg 35
there, went to San Antonio College to get peace officer certification and was hired by Schertz PD in 2004.
not trying to seduce you to come see me with this low start up fee, then to only make it up with high fees after that. Further care is very important to consider when making your choice of doctor. High costs can add up very quickly. Great care at a great fee…Please, I hope that there’s no misunderstanding about quality of care just because I have a lower fee. You’ll get great care at a great fee. My qualifications…I’m a Magna cum Laude graduate of Cleveland Chiropractic College and a Strength and Conditioning Specialist. I’ve been entrusted to take care of tiny babies to pro athletes that you may know. After practicing for four years in San Antonio I moved my practice to Schertz. I just have a low exam fee to help more people who need care. My Associate, Dr. Kyle Stringer, brings over five years of experience to our practice with the latest in pain-free techniques. My assistant is Melissa, and she is really a great person. Our office is both friendly and warm and we try our best to make you feel at home. We have a wonderful service, at an exceptional fee. Our office is called Schertz Chiropractic and it is at 17323 IH 35 North Ste 106, (we are between 3009 and Schertz Parkway on the 35 South Access Road). Our phone number is 210-646-6000. Call Melissa or me today for an appointment. We can help you. Thank you.
Sat & Sun: Closed
205 FM 3009, Schertz, TX 78154 (210) 658-1717 / ChristianBrothersAuto.com
FEATUREZ
In The Plasma Spotlight By Chuck McCollough
bulbs. Plasma bulbs use 40 percent less electricity and can last four to five times longer than sodium bulbs, said Public Works Supervisor Doug Letbetter. City officials and others monitored the difference in illumination on the five test streetlights over a number of nights and were impressed. “There was a big difference. The plasma lights really lit up the area ,” said Public Works Director Sam Willoughby. “It is a pretty amazing thing to see,” said Willoughby, who has pushed for the nextgeneration street lighting. Wade Wallace, manufacturer sales rep for Luxim Industries, also looked for the difference. “I went out there about 10 pm (on July 16) and noticed an improvement on the plasma streetlight side. Then I saw a group of walkers and I asked what they thought about the new lighting. They said it was brighter and made them feel safer, “ he said.
tenance and greater energy savings,” he said. John Pena with Luxim Industries said Schertz is a bright spot in the street light industry . “Luxim (which supplies the plasma light bulbs) is getting a number of inquiries about Schertz and its plasma street light use. Those calls include states bordering Texas like New Mexico and all the way to Washington state where officials have budgeted money to come visit Schertz and see the plasma lights installed on city-owned poles,” Pena said. Cities and utilities up north in colder climates are interested in how plasma bulbs do in sustained hot weather. “Those states have data on how plasma light bulbs work in cold weather. They need to see how plasma lights work in really hot weather, which is the norm in summer,” Pena said
Pena said the plasma bulbs put out about the same amount of illumination as a sodium bulb, but light appears brighter to the human eye because it is a higher quality of light. Sodium bulbs have a “sputtering” effect inside their housing case that causes it to darken the inside of the casing over time causing a “dim down” effect. “The newer technology plasma bulbs do not have that sputtering. Wallace said New Braunfels Utilities is one of the regional entities (including utilities and municipalities) very interested in the plasma street lights in Schertz. “You are going to get a lot of visitors coming to Schertz just to look at the plasma street light on Schertz Parkway,” Pena said.
Wallace said he saw another group of walkers cross from one side of Schertz Parkway to the other just to be on the plasma light pole side - a testament to plasma power.
SCHERTZ IS ON COURSE TO ENLIGHTEN A LOT OF PEOPLE ABOUT PLASMA STREET LIGHTING. As the city switches to plasma bulbs on its Schertz Parkway light poles over the next year, utilities and cities around Texas and the nation will be watching. In fact, there has been some discussion of holding a regional conference of electrical utilities and their vendors in the Schertz Civic Center in part so they can
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see the plasma street lighting on nearby Schertz Parkway. All that interest stems from several simple facts: Schertz is the first city in Texas (and one of only two entities – TxDOT the other) using plasma bulbs on street lights AND because the city is located in a warmer climate.
SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2012
Those two facts are helping shine the spotlight on Schertz as a leader in use of plasma street lighting. On, July 16 the Public Works Department installed plasma lights on one side of five poles starting at Live Oak Road and going toward IH-35. The other side of the poles had the traditional sodium
Based on that comparison test in July – which showed a crisper light from the plasma bulbs – Schertz will install the plasma bulbs on both sides of light poles on Schertz Parkway from FM 78 to Wiederstein Road over a period of time. Poles past Wiederstein Road going toward IH35 belong to CPS Energy. Willoughby said the city might ask CPS Energy to use plasma lighting on its Schertz Parkway light poles. The plasma lighting costs about twice as much as the traditional bulbs but is expected to last 12 to 15 years compared to 2 to 3 years for the sodium bulbs, Letbetter said. “The cost difference between the new plasma and sodium bulbs will be made up in three years with less main-
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GOLF CARS OF ALL SHAPES, SIZES, colors and utilities fill the parking lot of Golf Cars Etc. located off of IH 35 at exit 178. The company has been selling golf cars to the San Antonio, Austin, Seguin and other surrounding areas for over a decade. “It’s not just the San Antonio area we deal with, we sell into other states,” sales associate Larry Routh said. “Our internet site brings in a lot of people from out of state. I’ve had people call from Canada. I’ve sent cars into Costa Rica.”
Golf Cars Etc.
Golf cars can be used for a variety of jobs and events according to Margie Crenshaw, warranty manager. “There is
no common situation for every golf car,” general manager Paul Pollard said. “It’s all vehicle specific, they are all different. We do rentals for weddings, parties, golf course events. We sell cars for the beach and do work for government and military. Every car has specific applications but those applications can be stretched. It’s a complicated business to say the least.” Golfing is a small percentage of the sales, Routh said. The store sells cars for residential, commercial, industrial, and hunting use. Colleges such as Angelo State and Texas State have bought from the shop as well as area hospitals and apartment communities. Businesses with cli-
ents or patients with limited mobility use the cars to help them become more mobile and easier to transport, Routh said. “Most of our business is referrals, word of mouth,” Routh said. “I’d like to say we have a good relationship with our clientele. Word gets around that they were treated right and got a fair price.” The average day can see sales of two to six cars ranging from the smallest residential cars to the most expensive vehicle on the lot- a 14,000-dollar loaded, four wheel drive hunting cart. “The thing about our golf car dealership is that we are as close to an automotive
dealer ship as you can get accept five times more complicated,” Pollard said. “Not only do we sell the cars but also the accessories that go with it, where as, car dealerships basically just sell the cars and then there are other accessory stores. We do all of that stuff in house. “ Crenshaw said that the store also does full service on cars as well as selling parts. They ship parts all over the United States, she said. Accessories can also be installed onsite. They are the only authorized Club Car and Yamaha dealership in the region, according to Pollard.
Routh said that golf carting can be a family activity, with the availability of back seats.and stereo systems that can be installed. “I’m a golfer, I’ve been around golfers most of my life,” he said. “I’ve been doing this for over two years. It’s a fun business. People are trading in their four wheelers and mules for golf cars. My favorite part is just working with people. We have a lot of good clientele. It’s not just golfers, it’s the whole community.” http://www.golfcarsetc.com 22340 IH 35 (exit 178) New Braunfels, TX 78132 Tel: 830.609.7600
Hits Hole-In-One with Customers By Taylor Tompkins
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FEATUREZ
Scrappy Quilter Sews Success One Stitch At a Time By Kari Bridges
CONTEMPORARY INTEREST IN
quilting reaches across the nation and across the globe where it has developed into a huge industry, continually growing and introducing new products to meet the demand of quilters who create beautiful quilts into works of art. Avid quilters from all over the South Texas Region are passionate about fabrics, color, design and detail and are “buzzing” with the news that there is a new quilt shop in Schertz. In April 2011, Lisa Aguirre, owner of The Scrappy Quilter, moved into Lone Oak Plaza at the intersection of FM 78 and FM 3009, opened the doors for business and achieved a lifelong dream of going into business for herself. “I have been sewing since I was 12-yearsold, said Aguirre, a self-taught quilter. If you are going into business for yourself, you need to be passionate about what you are doing.” Aguirre explained that she saw a need in the local community for quilters who did not have any local shopping available. This full-service quilt shop offers quilting fabrics and supplies, various classes, custom orders and longarm machine rentals and services. It is open Tuesday – Friday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, Saturday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm and by appointment only on Sunday and Monday. The Scrappy Quilter currently offers more than 500 different bolts of 100 percent cotton fabrics in a large variety of styles and patterns. Aguirre plans to increase supply of fabric up to 1,000 bolts and expand the quilt shop as her customer base continues to grow. “I could quilt 24/7 for the rest of my life and not learn everything because the industry is always changing and coming up
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“If you are going into business for yourself, you need to be passionate about what you are doing.” with something new and different,” said Aguirre. “We are constantly bringing in new things we find or things that people have asked for and we let people know through our newsletter, Facebook page and website so information is easy for folks to find.” “Quilters will go to all of the local quilt shops, but we want someone to come into the shop because we carry something different,” she continued. “We have had regular customers visit our shop from all over the San Antonio area, New Braunfels, Seguin, La Vernia, Floresville and Stockdale. Fabrics for Halloween, Fall and Christmas are already out in order to give enough time for people to complete their projects,” she said. “The closer it gets to Christmas the busier we get because people want to get projects done for Christmas gifts.” The Scrappy Quilter is unique in that it offers more than a variety of fabrics, pre-cut fabric quilt kits, quilting supplies, tools and novelty items that are typically found inside the doors of any quilt shop. It offers the opportunity to learn both how to piece a quilt top together with a personally owned sewing machine and also quilt the top piece, batting and backing layers together using the APQS Millennium longarm machine, a quilting machine lovingly referred to as “Millie” by Aguirre and her business associate,
Michelle Baker, who owns her own business, One of A Kindness, longarm machine quilting services that leases space through The Scrappy Quilter. Various classes are held each month from beginner to advanced skill levels to teach how to make quilts, tote bags, placemats, table tops or runners and pillowcases. Groups of 6 – 8 students are held in the adjacent classroom complete with a large design wall, giving quilters an opportunity to layout the different quilt blocks and borders of a specific pattern and arrange them before sewing the pieces together. “We are letting our classes be started by what the community wants,” stated Agu irre. Popular classes have included; Tshirt and memory quilts using recycled materials from T-shirts, dress shirts, ties, baby clothes or your wedding dress, she explained. “We wanted to bring a longarm machine into the shop for people who want to be able to quilt their own quilts but are not able to afford it. A lot of quilt shops will sell longarm services but not necessarily do assisted rental. We are there to help as much or as little as the customer wants,” said Aguirre. People can either bring in any of their completed projects whether it’s a quilt, a table runner, placemats or Christmas Stockings and they can either have it quilted for them on “Millie,” or they can learn how to use it and rent the machine themselves, explained Baker.
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Scrappy Quilter continued
from pg 43
In order to get certified to use “Millie,” you will need to schedule a one hour class, teaching how to set up the machine, become familiar with it, and how to prepare your pieced quilt top and backing to pin onto the longarm machine. The machine rents for $25.00/hour and your time begins when you start the quilting process. The certification class is valid for 3 months.
We are working for you, Schertz!
Civicn ewz
September 2012
You can select from 4 different types of longarm quilting methods including: edge to edge free motion; stippling; pantograph, a pre-printed pattern that spans the length of the machine that you trace over with the laser light that follows the pattern; or custom quilting Aguirre believes in supporting the local community and has started different projects that contribute to benefiting the lives of the people, and animals, that live in the Schertz/Cibolo area. “I wanted to open my shop in Schertz because I wanted to support my local community,” she said. She would like to expand her support to help the local community by donating quilts to raise money for schools, organizations, and auctions. This year, Aguirre made and donated a T-shirt Quilt, incorporated from different T-shirts donated from the Steel High School Athletic Department, to the winner of the 2012 Project Graduation. Another way she supports the community is by purchasing homemade bakery items from The Schertz City Bakery to provide as refreshments for groups of guests visiting her shop for project demonstrations or field trips. Aguirre and Baker also regularly cut up practice quilts used in longarm machine quilting classes and recycle them turning them into either dog blankets or beds and then donating them to local animal shelters. Twice a month Aguirre offers an email newsletter that includes the class schedule, photos or new fabrics, new tools or patterns, and links to other sites. As The Scrappy Quilter continues to grow, Aguirre plans to provide additional classes, activities and events to her customers. For all the latest information go to www.thescrappyquilter.com or call (210) 281-8667, to find out how you can get involved today.
Baldwin Scholarship Winners Honored During the May 22 City Council meeting two Hal Baldwin Scholarship checks were presented to Schertz high school seniors. Caitlin Baumgarten received a check for $2,500 while Brandi Brinkman got a check for $1,250. The scholarship, named for former Mayor Hal Baldwin, is opened to any Schertz high school senior considering a career path in public service. SEPTEMBER 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM
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City Unveils Balanced Budget, Progress On Bond Projects By Brad E. Bailey with Chuck McCollough SCHERTZ CITY OFFICIALS INTRODUCED the proposed $59 million FY 2012-13 budget to city council August 7, includ ing a General Fund budget of $21 .5 mil lion. The proposed budget representS a 2.6 percent increase over fiscal year 2011-12, and holds the Maintenance and Operations expenses (cost for day-to-day operations) firm at $0.2993.
Schertz City Manager John Kessel explained that the budget met the city’s priorities and goals, including keeping the city’s Maintenance and Operation Tax rate flat; replenishing the city’s reserves an additional $372,250; providing for employee health care insurance and merit; implementing the City strategic plan goals; and increasing our community’s commitment to public safety. Kessel went on to explain that the goals established for this year’s budget were set early and included ensuring a financially sound and balanced budget that was both conservative and responsive to community needs. Maintaining or ex panding services offered by the city and focusing on certain key areas were also high priority goals.
National Night Out 2011
Meet the Neighbors on National Night Out Texas will celebrate National Night Out on Tuesday, Oct. 2, two months later than the rest of the nation. Schertz will observe the occasion from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. To have the City of Schertz visit your neighborhood block party contact Schertz Police Corporal Shawn Ceeko at sceeko@ schertz.com or 210-619-1253. To have city representatives visit your party it is first come first serve ,however you can still have a block party as the true purpose of National Night Out is for neighbors to meet fellow neighbors in an effort to stamp out crime in our community. For more information about the national event, click on nationaltownwatch.org. 46
SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2012
New City Fee Schedule Online The City of Schertz fee schedule for Fiscal Year 2012-13 is available for viewing at feeschedule.schertz.com. The fee schedule includes such things as rental rates and development fees and are pass through costs to recoup expenses. The new fees take effect October 1 .
Among the key areas put forth by Kessel were four new traffic safety positions in the police department, a new evidence technician position, and five new vehicles with equipment. Initial funding for a new ladder truck fire truck for the fire department as well as funding of equipment for two new ambulances on order from FY 2011-12 budget are also proposed. Other high priority items include the addition of an employee to the public works department’s stormwater management program, and an employee to oversee all public infrastructure construction including new water lines, roadways, etc. That position will be funded through fees charged to developers whose new projects are located in the city. Addition
al monies are also proposed for higher fuel and electrical costs. Voters went to the polls in 2010 and approved a number of community projects, including the Aquatic Center, Ball Fields and Soccer Complex, Animal Services Center and Dog Park, Playscape, and Main Street reimaging. Those voterapproved bond projects are moving forward and play a key part in the proposed budget which includes a 2.5-cent increase in the I&S (interest & sinking fund) tax rate $0.1850 to just over $0.21 per $100 of valuation to cover their costs.
Council members on August 7 voted on first reading to approve the maximum tax rate at $0.5095 (M&O and I&S) to ensure that no further increases would be permissible in the upcoming fiscal year that starts October 1, 2012. Adoption of the tax rate and 2012-13 budget is slated for September 4. For more information about the proposed city budget visit schertz.com
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September 2012 Monday, 3
Labor Day, City Holiday, Offices Closed
Tuesday, 4
City Council 6:00 PM—Council Chambers
Thursday, 6
CITY CALENDARZ
Transportation Safety Advisory Commission 5:30 PM- Council Chambers
Monday, 10
Library Advisory Board 7:00 PM - Schertz Public Library
Tuesday, 11
City Council 6:00 PM—Council Chambers
Wednesday, 12
Planning & Zoning 6:00 PM - Council Chambers
Tuesday, 18
City Council 6:00 PM—Council Chambers
Monday, 24
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board 5:30 PM – Bob Andrews Room
Don’t Mess Up Schertz! Clean Up October 6-21 Schertz residents can all help keep our city shining by taking part in the Annual Fall Clean Up October 6-21 . During the two-week clean up, Bexar Waste will pick up household waste not covered under their normal collection service, such as lumber and general trash as well as major appliances and furniture for a fee (prices determined by Bexar Waste). If you have questions regarding the details, please call Bexar Waste (210) 566-5454. Schertz Public Works provides year-round curbside chipping service of brush and tree limbs on Fridays for a fee of $25 per half hour. To make an appointment for brush and tree limb chipping service, call Public Works (210) 619-1800. Chipping will be scheduled as first come, first served. Again, you must call and make an appointment. Please note: Bexar Waste picks up small bundles of brush and tree limbs (maximum length of 4 feet and maximum total weight of 50 pounds) with normal trash pick-up without any additional charges. Residents are able to drop off brush and limbs at 2221 FM 3009, free of charge. For more information go to schertz.com.
Come one, come all! Residents and business owners of Schertz, your time and talents are needed. The City is looking for interested residents to join the various Boards/Commissions/Committees. These opportunities include serving on one of the following: Animal Services
Library
Board of Adjustments 6:00 PM – Council Chambers
Board Of Adjustment
Parks & Recreation
EDC Board of Directors
Planning & Zoning
Tuesday, 25
Historical Preservation
Transportation Safety Advisory
City Council 6:00 PM-Council Chambers
Wednesday, 26
Planning & Zoning 6:00 PM - Council Chambers
Thursday, 27
Economic Development Corporation 6:00 PM - Council Chambers
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***Meeting locations may change, please visit the SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2012 calendar at www.schertz.com for confirmation.***
Do you enjoy attending events such as our Jubilee Celebration, SchertzFest or Festival of Angels? We are also seeking volunteers to help with those events. Finally, do you have ideas or suggestions to improve events and services? Staff representatives, current Board/Commission members and event volunteers will be on hand to answer your questions and provide information. You are invited to learn about City events, services and how you can serve on a City Volunteer Board/Commission/Committee. Join the City for a Volunteer Fair and Open House Monday, September 17, 2012; 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the Schertz Civic Center Ballroom, 1400 Schertz Parkway (Bldg. 5). Contact the City Secretary’s Office, 210.619.1030, for additional information.
SEPTEMBER EVENTS Civic Center: Sept. 17
Schertz Volunteer Fair and Open House
September 18
Schertz Chamber Luncheon
Community Center: Sept. 8-9
Alamo Pet Expo Upcoming: October 5-6 – Alamo Square and Round Dance Assoc. Conference
1400 Schertz Pkwy, Bldg. #5
(210) 619-1600 SEPTEMBER 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM
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OFFICIAL FINE PRINT
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Subscriptions to Schertz Magazine are free for each Schertz household. Subscriptions for residents and businesses outside the City of Schertz are $19.95 annually. Call 210-619-1630.
City of Schertz Elected Officials Mayor Pro Tem:
Send queries about articles or photographs to Schertz Magazine at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. For advertising information: Schertz Magazine, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154; call (210) 619-1630; Fax (210) 619-1619; email sales@schertz.com.
George Antuna, Jr.
Council Members:
(210) 467-7914
Michael Carpenter Cedric Edwards, Sr. Jim Fowler David Scagliola
(210) 619-1045 (210) 566-4540 (210) 658-1442 (830) 606-1130
City of Schertz Animal Control Business/Utilities City Manager City Secretary Civic Center Customer Care/311
(210) 619-1000 (210) 619-1550 (210) 619-1100 (210) 619-1000 (210) 619-1030 (210) 619-1600 (210) 619-1000
City Departments:
City Departments: (cont’d) Economic Development (210) 619-1070 EMS (non-emergency) (210) 619-1400 Fire (non-emergency) (210) 619-1300 Human Resources (210) 619-1150 Information Technology (210) 619-1180 Inspections (210) 619-1750 Marshal Services (210) 619-1650 Municipal Court (210) 619-1500 Parks & Recreation (210) 619-1850 Planning & Zoning (210) 619-1780 Police (non-emergency) (210) 619-1200 Public Affairs (210) 619-1630 Public Library (210) 619-1700 Public Works (210) 619-1800 Records (210) 619-1030 Website schertz.com
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SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2012
NEWS POLICY Schertz Magazine encourages submission of news and event announcement items. News and event announcements must include contact name and contact phone number. All news and event items must be for activities that occur inside the Schertz city limits. Publication cannot be guaranteed. If you would like to submit an item to Schertz Tales, email us at events@schertz.com or call us at (210) 6191630. The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the City of Schertz. All products and services advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental handicap, political affiliation or other non-merit factor of purchaser, user or patron. Articles that appear in Schertz Magazine do not necessarily reflect the official position of the City of Schertz and does not constitute an endorsement therein. The appearance of any advertisement in Schertz Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the goods or services advertised. Any publication of Schertz Tales, whether draft or final is sole property of the City of Schertz and cannot be reproduced or distributed in any way, whether in print or electronically, without the express permission and written consent of the City of Schertz.
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