September 2013 by City of Schertz

BROUGHT

YOU

THE

CITY

SCHERTZ,

magazine

S E P TEM BER

2013

TEXAS

EDITOR’Z LETTER

contentz

Chuck McCollough, Editor

FEATUREZ UFOville?

DEPARTMENTZ TALK OF THE TOWNZ 8 BVYA Hosts World Series 9 UPDATEZ

VISIONZ / CHAMBER

COLUMNZ Children’s Author

Cemetary Historian

Dog From Planet Schertz 27 UFOville?

CIVIC NEWZ UPDATEZ Calendar

COVER A baseball and a runner race to home plate as a pint-size catcher prepares to catch the ball and tag the runner. Photo by Bryan Tobias

41 43

On July 7, 1947 - two years and three months before I was born - something crashed in the lonely desert near Roswell, N.M., and changed EVERYTHING! Whether you believe it was a UFO or - like me - just love all the fun and tradition surrounding flying saucers - you will enjoy the Schertz-UFO connection in this month’s magazine. First, read the saga of Peanut, an alien-costume wearing Schertz Chihuahua that went to the Roswell UFO Fest with his owner -Mike Campos -to take part in the UFO-mania in that legendary community. It will make you smile. Then start humming the theme from the old Twilight Zone television show as the magazine looks at the multiple reports of aliens and UFOs in Schertz over the past 50 years. You know that neighbor who doesn’t look quite human, who works in his garage at 4 a.m. while lights

flicker on and off rapidly as if he (it) was working on something strange - well..... Come back down to earth for the poignant story of Gail Hyatt and her work as a local cemetery historian. Her interest in her own family history led to more research including a compilation of the area’s private cemeteries and being an active member of the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee. Notice a lot of construction around town? Some of that building is City of Schertz projects involving animals and youth sports. Read the update on Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) that will enhance our area’s quality of life. Also look for a tale of many mayors and a preview of SchertzFest, a popular fall festival among folks in these parts and beyond. All that and more in your September Hometown Magazine - Schertz Magazine.

SEPTEMBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

1400 Schertz Pkwy, Bldg. #5

(210) 619-1600

SEPTEMBER EVENTS Civic Center: Sept. 14 Armed Forces Natural Hair & Health Expo Sept. 20-21 Feed My Starving Children Food Pack Sept. 27-29 EGI Shows Intâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l -Bead and Jewelry Show

Community Center: Jazzercise M, W, TH, F various times Zumba M, W, Th 6:00pm

Book your holiday party now! Dates are filling up fast.

City Council Michael Carpenter Mayor Jim Fowler Councilmember David Scagliola Councilmember George Antuna, Jr. Councilmember Cedric Edwards, Sr. Councilmember Sydney H. Verinder Councilmember

Executive Team John Kessel City Manager John Bierschwale Executive Director David J. Harris Executive Director Brian James Executive Director

PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY Public Affairs Department David J. Harris Interim Director Linda Klepper Business Manager Chuck McCollough Editor Alexis Souza Art Director & Design

Steve Simonson Community Service Award Websters Dictionary defines a volunteer as a person who undertakes or expresses a willingness to undertake a service. Without volunteers -- those individuals dedicated to giving of themselves and their talents -- many projects, events and causes would be unsuccessful. The late Steve Simonson was just such a volunteer. Mr. Simonson came to the Schertz area via the military; the Air Force brought him and his family to Schertz in 1973. Upon his retirement from active duty, he and his wife, Carol, settled in Schertz. Soon they were active with the Baldwin, Scott, and Orinick families in volunteering with SAFES, the Schertz Area Facility for Emergency Service group. Serving the City of Schertz from 1979 to 2005, Councilman Simonson devoted himself to the growth and improvement of the City as Executive Director of the Schertz Housing Authority, City Planning Coordinator, Assistant City Manager, Floodplain Manager, and member of the San Antonio Bexar County Metropolitan Planning Organization and the IH-10 Corridor Working Group. A public servant his entire adult life, Steve Simonson was a retired U.S. Air

Force senior noncommissioned officer whose belief in “service before self” was evident in every area of his life. Do you know of a volunteer in the Schertz community who ‘fits’ the description of Steve Simonson? The city is seeking nominations for the 2013 Volunteer of the Year Award. The nomination package is available on the City website, schertz.com (Events tab), or at the Public Affairs Office, Civic Center Bldg. 5, 1400 Schertz Parkway. Deadline to nominate is September 13, 2013. Nominees, two distinguished volunteers and the Volunteer of the Year will be honored at a celebratory dinner Thursday, October 17, 2013 at the Schertz Civic Center. Tickets are $15.00 each; may be purchased at the Schertz Civic Center. The evening begins at 6:00 PM.

Chris Matzenbacher Sales Director Lucille Sims Thomas Copy Editor Brittany Losey Senior Writer Contributing Staffers Erin Matlock Client Affairs Specialist Mary Spence Events Coordinator

Contributing Writers Chuck McCollough, Lucille Sims Thomas, Andrea Allinger, Kari Bridges, Kiko Martinez, Ashley Festa, Rudy Arispe, Jim Webb, Hillory Halbardier, Tom Lovett, Teresa H. Kelley Contributing Photographers Chuck McCollough, Mary Spence, Mike Harris, Marc Bane, Michael Carpenter, Bryan Nguyen, Joe Herczeg, Diana Webb, Ross Dye,Andrea Allinger, Kari Bridges, Beverly McCollough, Catherine White, Elizabeth Leland, Rudy Ornelas, Stock Photography: fontsandphotos.com 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

SCHERTZ WANTS YOU! The City of Schertz is seeking civicminded individuals with an interest in serving the community. Service to the community is a rewarding experience that will broaden your knowledge of local government and provide an opportunity for personal and professional development. Schertz has a variety of boards and commissions offering opportunities for individuals to volunteer their time and service on significant matters. Boards and commissions may be policy-setting and/or advisory; and in all cases, members’ contribu-

tions are invaluable to the Mayor, the City Council, and the City. Positions are available on the following Boards: • • •

Library Advisory Board Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Transportation Safety Advisory Commission

If you are interested in applying for an open position, please contact the City Secretary’s Office, 210.619.1030.

Under a law effective Sept 1, 2013, the Guadalupe Appraisal Review Board will be appointed by the local administrative district judge. The Taxpayer Liaison is accepting Applications and Statements of Qualification for consideration from candidates seeking appointment to Guadalupe County Appraisal Review Board (A.R.B.) for the 2014-2015 term. Applications and Statements of Qualification are available online at: www.guadalupead.org. Completed Applications and Statements of Qualification can be returned to an Appraisal District Representative located at 1101 Elbel Rd, Schertz, faxed to 830-372-2874 Attn: Mrs. Evelyn Boggess, or mailed to G.A.D. Tax Payer Liaison Attn: Mrs. Evelyn Boggess, 3000 N Austin St, Seguin, TX 78155.

Talk Townz OF THE

SEPTEMBER 2013

BVYA Hosts World Series In Schertz Ballpark Schertz Ballpark - located behind the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex - was the site of the PONY Baseball South Zone Shetland Pinto World Series, hosted by Buffalo Valley Youth Association, July 24-27, 2013. Sixteen teams from Texas, Louisiana and Florida, including the BVYA Gold All-Star Shetland Titans and Pinto Buffaloes, competed in the final prestigious event of the 2013 post-season tournament series.

SEPTEMBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

Schertz Magazine Gets Rocky Mountain High Mikaela Sebastyn, a junior at John Paul II Catholic High School in Schertz stands atop Pikes Peak, Colorado, with the July 2013 edition of Schertz Magazine. The phenomenal views from Pikes Peak inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write the words to “America the Beautiful” in the Summer of 1893.

Every story has a bead™

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824 Main Street | Schertz,TX 78154 | 210-231-0403 Open Monday - Friday 10am-6pm | Saturday 10am-5pm

Take Schertz Magazine along on your trip and photograph it in front of an iconic or unusual background and send it to events@schertz.com. We may just use it.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Wildcat Ride and Run September 21 The Our Lady of Perpetual Help Wildcat Ride and Run will be September 21, 2013 starting at 8:00 AM. The registration fee is $40 per cyclist for the 32, 59 or 91 mile ride or $20 per runner for the 5k or 10K events. The Ride and Run will start and end at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 16075 North Evans Road in Selma. All proceed go to OLPH Catholic School. Please register at www.wildcatriderun.com or call (210) 651-4567.

Talk Townz OF THE

SchertzFest 2013 What would an anniversary be without a party? Join the Schertz Parks & Recreation Foundation and the City of Schertz for SchertzFest 2013, September 2021, in Pickrell Park. Enjoy a weekend soaking up live entertainment while sampling all kinds of festival food from the many food vendors that will be on hand. Children will be more than happy to join in on the fun at the carnival; or participate in the activities at the Family Zone, sponsored by H.E.B. Included in the annual event is the 5th BBQ

cook-off, sponsored by Walker Partners and sanctioned by the Texas Gulf Coast BBQ Cookerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association. Visitors can learn about services in the area or shop the many booths of hand-made crafts in the Artisan Alley. Event information is available on page 13 of this months edition of Schertz Magazine. For complete, up-to-date information, stay tuned to visitschertz.com. HAPPY 55TH ANNIVERSARY SCHERTZ!

The Crossvine Breaks Ground in Southern Sector The Crossvine development broke ground Thursday, July 25, in Southern Schertz. The Crossvine is the first mixed-use master-planned community in Schertz and is the result of intense planning collaboration between the developer and the City of Schertz, said Chris Price, President of Schertz 1518, Ltd., the project developer. Pictured at the groundbreaking are (from left): Schertz Executive Directors Brian James, John Bierschwale, and David J. Harris; City Councilmember David Sca-

gliola; Bradford Pittenger with Crossvine; Mayor Michael Carpenter, City Councilmember Jim Fowler, Chris Price with Crossvine; City Manager John Kessel, and Roy Bechtol and Bradley Whittington, both with Crossvine. The first phase of The Crossvine will include 121 single-family homes on 50, 60

and 70-foot lots and the heart of the parks and trail system that will connect the 504acre project. Price said that David Weekley Homes and Ryland Homes will begin building houses in the neighborhood in the first quarter of 2014.

SEPTEMBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

BACK TO BASICS Healthy Families Start Here! SCHERTZ FAMILY YMCA Get back to the basics with your family this fall at the Schertz Family YMCA. We make family fun & fitness easy. We offer Youth Sports, Youth & Adult Fitness Classes, Holiday Events & free Child Care while you work out! 

Convenient month to month memberships!

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Pre-school & After School Programs!

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Access to YMCA’s across San Antonio!

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Come tour our amazing facility!

FOR INFO :

SCHERTZ FAMILY YMCA 621 Westchester Drive Schertz, TX 78154 (210) 619-1900 www.ymcasatx.org/schertz

We offer financial assistance through our Open Doors Scholarship Program!

GOLF CLASSIC TO HELP DECA

DECA helps young men and women in high school learn the skills to succeed in the business world. Help us raise scholarship funds to aid in their endeavors by playing in our annual golf classic (see below for more information.) Download registration at schertzchamber.org.

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Play today and help our future businessmen & women of tomorrow!

For more information, call us at 210210-566566-9000, or download form online awww.schertzchamber.org

Thank you Sponsors!

Supporting Sponsors:

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’ YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK FOR YOU! CHAMBER IN YOUR COMMUNITY

hYPer Member Ashley Hobbs spending time on Birthday Cake Friday with David Morrison

Biz Ed – the Schertz Chamber’s monthly business education class – held at GVEC in Schertz

Do you want to be involved in building Business, Relationship and Community? Join the Schertz Chamber of Commerce! We offer unique networking opportunities, business education, local and state advocacy and more! Call us at 210-566-9000 or come by and visit at 1730 Schertz Parkway in Schertz. Help us “Build a Better Tomorrow.”

July Chamber Mixer at Bella Vista Homes

SEPTEMBER CHAMBER EVENTS

EVERY Monday evening and open to ALL! Schertz Chamber Toastmasters

Contact David Smith, 210-551-7656 or Jan King 210-846-9061 for info.

EVERY Tuesday and Thursday

Get Fit with SCOC! For Chamber Members 5:30-6:30pm. Call for more information.

September 17th Chamber Luncheon

Schertz Civic Center @11:30am – 1pm. Guest Presentation by Alicia Haff – “Current State of Obama Care and How it affects YOU”. RSVP by September 10th.

September 19th Chamber Mixer Hosted by DeVoir Fitness Studio @ 1208 FM 78, Suite I – 5:30 – 7:00 pm.

September 25th Biz Ed

7:30am – 9am at Schertz Chamber / Visitors Center. Guest speaker Kevin Hadas of Cartwheel Communications Topic: Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and your business. Free to Chamber members, Non Members $10. Breakfast sponsored by RBFCU.

SEPTEMBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

Talk Townz OF THE

Red Cross Gets Schertz Donations For Tornado Victims The Schertz community opened its heart and its wallet to help victims of the killer tornado that struck Oklahoma this past May. At the forefront of the effort was local community volunteer Sherrie Sharp who has friends in the affected area of Oklahoma. Sharp organized and hosted a community rummage sale at the Schertz Civic Center mid-June. The total amount raised from the sale of donated items and direct donations was $3,311.74.

Mayor Michael Carpenter (left) presented the donation to Anna Sweeden, Regional Chief Development Officer for the American Red Cross, San Antonio Area Chapter/ Southwest Texas Region on behalf of Ms. Sharp. Looking on are City Manager John Kessel and Mary Spence, City Event Coordinator and a friend of Sharp.

“The response and the generosity from the City of Schertz has been overwhelming. Every dollar has made a difference. And, for those whose lives were changed instantly by the tornadoes, (just like our

lives were changed back in the floods of 1998 & 2002) having total strangers in Red Cross vests reach out a hand and say: ‘We are here to help’ just lifts the spirit and speeds the healing process for the entire community,” Sweeden said.

GRA-TRAils Celebrating 30th Anniversary On October 4-6, GRA-TRAils will celebrating its 30th Anniversary in conjunction with the group’s 4th Annual Scholarship Ride at the VFW Hall on FM 78. The groups first trail ride and festivities in 1983 were held at the VFW hall. The primary purpose of the club is to promote the love of horses, outdoors and family life. From the first, all rides, horse shows, and play days centered around the family life.

GRA-TRAils has sponsored many fund raisers in the past, most notably, the Eddie Niemietz Memorial Trail ride and the Scholarship ride. Both of these events are aimed at supporting the youth of our community. GRA-TRAils has also supported the Lion’s Club, Rotary Club and various local Volunteer Fire Depts and Scholarships to local FFA kids.

The group’s Easter Ride has had as many as 75 kids participating, hunting eggs and enjoying church services on horseback.

and back to the VFW for Saturday supper around 6:30 p.m. and then a dance and live and silent auction. The public is invited.

The group will ride Saturday and Sunday through the back roads of Schertz, through Crescent Bend Nature Park

For more information call Joe Coldewey at (210) 889-8558.

SEPTEMBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

FEATUREZ

SchertzTales Ad.indd 1

2/19/13 12:50:35 PM

FEATUREZ

Children’s Book Characters Teach Life Lessons By Kari Bridges

CHILDRENS

BOOKS the series will progressively

author Tivy Whitlock, an active Schertz Chamber of Commerce member and area resident, has recently debuted her first children’s book titled Gimme, Gimme – dedicated to teaching life skills and developing early leadership skills in children.

With 25 years of professional experience and a certified parent educator who had opportunities to develop strong writing skills throughout her career, Whitlock has a passion for sharing her knowledge and skills in helping children to develop these valuable skills. As part of a series of 12 children’s books, this light-hearted story is inspired by her children and based on their real-life experiences. This first book introduces the main characters of Dalen, a 4-year-old boy who learns the best way to deal with Kaitlin, his 2-year-old sister who keeps taking his toys. Whitlock, who self-published the book through Amazon.com, explained that each book in 20

introduce new lessons and diverse characters and friends.

ly leadership life skills based on respect. Giving children an opportunity to learn how to think and make positive choices that will result in selfconfidence while developing skills in areas such as problem solving while developing healthy relations h i p s , strong communication skills and leadership qualities.

More than just a cute story, this paperback book stands out from other child r e n ’ s books because the goal of writing this series is to gradually teach children how to solve problems on their own while working with age appropriate skills, ideas and tools they can be p r a c t i c e d Whitlock (right) works with both inside students like Jasmine Franklin and outside the home.

Whitlock explained with the increase in violence seen both inside and outside of the home, she believes that it is important, and needed in our society, to teach children ear-

Building upon these basic skills will teach children how to make critical choices and apply those skills in a manner resulting in positive behavior at home, school and eventually transfer to adult concepts in the workplace.

SEPTEMBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

At the end of the book, Whitlock has included children’s activities and free parent guide to help parents continue the discussion with their children and learn more about brain development. The key, she shared, to begin reaching the children is to first meet parents where they are and establish respect and trust. “I felt that it was important to include a parent guide at the end of the book because I wanted to share more information on child development for this age group. It is also a tool for the parent on how to be consistent with creative ideas that will help them find out what best works for the child and the situation by connecting the material with real life applications,” Whitlock said. The book is dedicated in memory of Whitlock’s mother, Mary Bain, who Whitlock considers to have been her greatest teacher and role model in setting standards. In writing these books, it is Whitlock’s wish to be able to continue in her mother’s legacy and pass on her commitment to educa-

Since the debut of the book at area bookstores such as Barnes and Noble, Nordstrom’s Texas Bookstores and at Northeast Lakeview College, Whitlock began actively promoting her book through book signings, class visits and interactive traveling children’s shows.

tion and helping others to her own children. As a patron of children’s theatre and live arts, Whitlock brings a new twist to the book by creating and producing a live 45 minute traveling production based on the characters and story of Gimme, Gimme. This interactive performance appeals to both children and adults and includes performers dressed in colorful costumes dancing and singing fun and upbeat songs throughout the performance. Whitlock describes the process of producing a traveling performance based on the book a “family affair” and explained that her children are excited and amazed about being the subject of the book and love being included in the whole process of planning a production from the beginning to even picking out the songs that are performed. She relies on word-of-mouth promotion by colleagues, friends and family and is thrilled about upcoming performances scheduled throughout Texas and in Tennessee.

Recently, 315 children had the opportunity to preview the book by attending a live children’s interactive performance held at Northeast Lakeview College Performing Arts Theatre. Thanks to sponsor Red McCombs, each child who attended the performance received a free copy of the book. “All of this is new and exciting, but building fast so it’s wonderful. The great thing is that there is so much potential. I love to see kids mesmerized by their books where they are engaged and interactive,” Whitlock said. Whitlock has employed Maggie Titterington, owner of A Moment in Time Wedding and Event Planning, and president of the Schertz Chamber of Commerce to help her debut the signature event to the Schertz community later this year. “At this point in time we are still discussing and finalizing details but some of the teasers I can share with you is that we will be partnering with the Schertz Family YMCA for this event. The traveling children’s play of the book Gimme, Gimme will be performing live and we will include a few other surprises that are up our sleeve. It will definitely be a family friendly event that all will want to attend and enjoy,” Titterington said.

Whitlock trades books with author Stephen Covey “Tivy is a gifted author whose book Gimme, Gimme is sweet, effective and I feel touches a very common issue between siblings,” Titterington added. “Tivy has seen far too many times and hardships and challenges that face young parents and families as they struggle to gain the opportunities that an education can provide,” said Andi Anderson, membership and marketing director at the Schertz Family YMCA. “Her optimism in the power of family and her strength of character she inherited from a strong military upbringing resounds in the lessons she shares in her children’s books. She encourages children to share, grow and deal with conflict and adversity with caring and fortitude,” Anderson said.

Currently, Whitlock is the director of corporate training and continuing education at Northeast Lakeview College. She is also one of five students who recently graduated from the Schertz Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural six-month Leadership CORE Program that included a series of meetings and forums with civic leaders in government, industry, nonprofit and education. For more information about additional programs and services that Whitlock offers free to parents, go to www.tivywhitlock.com. Tivy Whitlock’s book is available for purchase at the Northeast Lakeview College Bookstore, amazon.com or her website.

SEPTEMBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

FEATUREZ

Gail Hyatt

Cemetery Historian Story and photos by Jim and Diana Webb

GAIL HYATT, MAIDEN NAME BIEGERT, IS A GENUINE Schertz native. She was born and raised here, and is a member of the first graduating class of Samuel Clemens High School. When she was born, her family lived in a house (still standing) on Church Street in Schertz. She and husband, Bert (from New Braunfels), live on a farm on FM 1518 that has been in Gail’s family for more than 80 years. Her mother, who still volunteers every day at Autumn Winds Retirement Lodge in Schertz, lives in the house next door. Her two sons and her two grandsons also live in the area. Gail doesn’t just lounge about on her farm. Among the animals in residence and requiring her attention are

cattle, donkeys, goats,and peacocks! One of her several informal titles is “the peacock lady.” There are about 60 peacocks in residence, including several babies. In addition to looking pretty, they also serve as excellent “watchdogs.” Gail has a passion for learning her family’s history. She traces her ancestry (on her father’s side) back to the 1840’s. His ancestors were among the Germans following Prince Solm. Her relatives include the Voges, Pfeils, and Habermanns. On her mother’s side, the lineage goes

back into the 18th century. She even discovered a connection to the Davy Crockett family. A niece of Crockett’s married one of Gail’s relatives. This interest in her genealogy fueled one of Gail’s many successful projects and contributions to the citizens of Schertz – assisting in the development of a genealogical room within the Schertz Public Library, stocked with hardcover and electronic resources available to library members wanting to explore their ancestry. Based on lessons learned while doing her genealogical research, Gail has put together a notebook on how to do such research, hoping to help others avoid continued on page 24

SEPTEMBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

Gail Hyatt

Cemetery Historian continued from page 23 many of the pitfalls she encountered initially. She also is the founder of a genealogical group that meets on the first Tuesday of each month in the library at 6:30 PM. Gail emphasized that new members are always welcome -- just show up at a meeting.

al churches in this area, with more still to be added. In the course of her research, she discovered information on some of the churches that was not known to even longtime members of the congregation.

Gail has an intense interest, as well, in the history of the Schertz area. Since she has lived in this area most of her life, except for a few years in Nebraska, and because she is friends with so many folks who also have ties to original settling families,

Another of Gailâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history related projects, and one that is still ongoing, is a compilation of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s private cemeteries, in which are buried many of the members of the founding families and their descendants, and an inventory of the people buried in each cemetery.

Gail is very much an area historian in her own right. She puts this interest and knowledge to good use in a variety of ways. She collected and placed in the library a collection of yearbooks from Schertz-Cibolo/Samuel Clemens High School. With a few exceptions, the collection now includes books from 1948 to the present. She is an active member of the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee and researched and put together a booklet on the history of sever-

Working with the indispensable help of her longtime friend Beverly Ackerman Jobe, the two have taken photos of the cemeteries and the graves. When the inscription on the grave marker is in German, they have included an English translation. Gail and friends are in the process of inputting this burial information on various pertinent internet sites to assist

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people seeking such information. An interesting skill Gail acquired in the course of this activity is using a divining rods to locate graves when no marker is present. One issue Gail has become acutely aware of is the need for families with relatives buried in these cemeteries to create, with the concurrence of the owner of the property on which the cemetery sits, an association to manage the cemetery. This facilitates maintenance of and access to the cemetery for the future. In the 1970’s, and much to her mother’s consternation Gail reports, she was elected to the Schertz City Council. One of her many civic accomplishments in this role was to spearhead the development of a citywide 4th of July celebration in the Pickrell Park area, where residents could come together, in a safe environment, to relax and socialize with family and friends, and

enjoy the park and the pool. The first Schertz Jubilee was held in the bicentennial year of 1976 and, Gail notes very proudly, continues today as one of the most popular local events. During her time as a council member, a new city hall, a new fire station and the library were built. Also, the city annexed land along IH-35 to enable proper planning of the use of that area. Gail is pleased to see how that area has developed to include the new Amazon.com facility, the Baptist Emergency Hospital, and dozens of other businesses. Gail is a woman of many talents, a loving daughter, wife, mom, grandma, involved citizen -- and someone who every day approaches that day’s activities with enthusiasm and joy.

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FEATUREZ

The Dog From Planet Schertz By Chuck McCollough

PEANUT CAMPOS LIKES TO TAKE IT EASY.

Photos and videos on owner Mike Campos’ Facebook page show the chunky Chihuahua snoozing or resting a lot. But Peanut has a secret identity - complete with costume - and showed it off in July at the Roswell UFO Festival in New Mexico. Roswell is near the site of the July 7, 1947 desert crash of an object many believe was a flying saucer. The event forever changed human culture and gave birth the UFO phenomena - including sci-fi pop culture and entertainment. The small New Mexico town fully embraces its Out-Of-This-World connection including the annual UFO fest held around the date of the legendary crash. Campos, a Schertz resident, and his friend Rachelle (Ra-shell) George and Peanut stopped at the UFO festival as part of a larger trip to points of interest in several western states. “I have been interested in Roswell and UFOs since I was 14 and always wanted to visit the city,” said the 59-year-old Campos. “We looked on the UFO festival website, saw they had an alien costume

contest for pets and people. We registered for the pet contest.

UFO themed locations .... including on the hood of a UFO mock up.

“Later, we got an invite from the UFO Festival folks to come over. They said they don’t get many visitors from Texas and wanted to encourage more tourism from our state,” he said.

“When people saw us holding up a Schertz Magazine and taking photos they asked if Schertz was a town in Germany. We told them no, it is in Texas near San Antonio and that city in the 1960s was featured on TV for its famous speed trap. They immediately said ‘Selma’,” Campos said, laughing at the fact people remember that after all these years. continued on page 28

Like many proud Schertz residents, Campos took a copy of Schertz Magazine and photographed it in front of several

SEPTEMBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

Miss New Mexico Outstanding Teen Jaden Smith and Peanut

The Dog

From Planet Schertz continued from page 27 “Rachelle and I talked to a number of people interested in Schertz because they had heard about it. And we met a couple who used to live in Schertz and that was fun,” he said. “On the Alien Costume Contest registration form the festival officials said to get silly and have some fun. The form asked for a bio of the alien pet such as name, age, planet it is from and special powers,” Campos said with a chuckle. “I wrote down that Peanut is five years old, from the Planet Schertz and likes to eat cats and pick fights with Pit Bulls and Doberman Pinschers.” In his alien raptor looking costume, Peanut went up against 39 other dogs - and one cat - to compete for best alien costume. The cat charmed the judges who selected the feline as costume winner. But Pea-

nuts charmed Miss New Mexico Outstanding Teen, Jaden Smith, (yes, same name as Will Smith’s son) who cuddled the not-soenthusiastic-about-wearing-acostume Chihuahua. Campos said his group thoroughly enjoyed the UFO festival, which also included seminars on UFOs, speakers and lots of fun things like fireworks displays. “I am definitely going back next July for the 2014 UFO Festival. Roswell is having a Halloween costume contest and I am thinking about going to that one in a couple of months.” Peanut, the Dog from the Planet Schertz, didn’t have an opinion about a return to Roswell trip -he was too busy taken a nap as the Schertz Magazine interview came to an end. For more information on the Roswell UFO Festival, visit ufofestivalroswell.com.

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Welcome to Earth, Mr. Spaceman By Chuck McCollough

IN SCHERTZ, UFO COULD The next UFO reported in stand for Unidentified Funny- Schertz was on June 1, 1986 looking Objects. and the incident was reported 15 years after the event, accordStarting nearly 50 years ago, a ing to NUFORC. series of UFO and alien sightings -- including a possible alien The report quoted a homeowner abduction -- have been reported who said: “A large round object in and over Schertz. hovered over my house very late at night, with lights all around it Being next to Randolph AFB that faded as I looked.” means aircraft are in the skies over Schertz a lot and they Nine years later, on January 1, could be misidentified by ordi- 1995, another UFO sighting renary folks, especially at night. portedly took place in Schertz, according to the Mutual UFO However, most of the sighting Network or MUFON, which got times for the Schertz UFO re- the report 15 years after the alports happened when few, if any, leged incident. RAFB aircraft would have been flying. The report described: “Two oval silvery objects, large and hoverThe first of nine so called “Close ing. No lights or identifying Encounters” in Schertz was on marks.” April 1, 1965, a date that raises immediate suspicion. The event In this case, the witnesses said was reported 33 years later, ac- the objects were seen near the cording to the National UFO intersection of Schertz Parkway Recording Center or NUFORC and Live Oak Road

“We never reported this to anyone because Mom thought people would think we were crazy. I pointed out that we both saw it, not just one of us. The funny thing is, she swears we got out of the car and walked to the fence line, but I don’t remember ever getting out of the car. I would remember something like that since I have a physical handicap that required her help to get out of her low vehicle. That’s the only discrepancy in both our stories.” It would be 11 more years before ET and friends returned to Schertz. On August 31, 2006, a UFO was seen at 5:02 AM, MUFON reports. There was no description given. Two years later, on July 7, 2008 (the 61st anniversary of the Roswell crash) a “quick object overhead San Antonio/Schertz” was reported at 12:35 AM by NUFORC.

On April 9, 2012 a person reported “Driving Down I-35 toward exit 178 heading south and seeing lights land,” according to MUFON, which said the event occurred at 11:20 PM in Schertz. On September 12, 2012 a person reported “Driving home from Austin to San Antonio, listening to music when all of a sudden (in Schertz) I see this huge silvery, shiny, spinning cloud then a huge disc appeared. I was amazed, not scared, happy, felt like they were trying to communicate, was divine -- I felt like family,” MUFON said of the 2:15 AM event. It was reported the following February 27.

On October 22, 2012 at 11:20 PM a person reported: “It appeared and disappeared several times. Appeared like a flock of birds would in the sky, but looked more like balloons, mylar reflecting light, then yellow light The report said: A “flying disc And one of witnesses had this 2012 was a busy year for UFOs bulbs, then disappearing and was seen approximately 150 feet spooky comment that suggests over Schertz with three re- reappearing several time over above ground near Randolph memory being erased. ported. Maybe they were house 3-4 minutes,” according to MUAFB at 3:30 PM.” hunting. FON, which said the incident 30

SEPTEMBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

trying to duplicate what I had captured the day before. Nothing in the new pictures comes close to that face image.” “My feelings are that I would like to try and find an answer as to what is really in the photograph. I am hoping that maybe someone with better digital equipment can analyze the image to try and find out if it is indeed a trick of light and shadow or a real object. I did not see an object just something in my photograph,” Richards said.

happened at midnight. Perhaps the strangest UFO/ alien event reported in Schertz happened on January 6, 2013 in Crescent Bend Nature Park. City of Schertz Parks & Recreation Department worker Gary Q. Richards took some photos in the morning. It wasn’t until later in the day that Richards noticed what looked like an alien face hiding in the treeline. According to the Mufon report Richards said: “I was taking nature photographs in a park. I stopped to take a picture of a tree with sunlight on it. When I first shot the image I did not notice anything unusual. I just checked my flip LCD to make sure the tree image was captured. “Later in the day I uploaded my image files to my computer. As I was looking through them I noticed the tree picture had an unusual alien-like face peering

Is that an Alien Face in the tree line of Crescent Bend Nature Park? out from the base of the tree.” “I enlarged the image trying to figure out what it was. I thought maybe it was a trick of light and shadows making an illusion of some sort. I still think that is a possibility.”

“My wife and I went back to the park to find the tree where the image was taken. We could not find an explanation for the face.” “Later, with a co-worker, I went back over to the park and took additional pictures of the tree

“I have given the alien image a name of - Homochromy - which is a zoological term meaning to blend into the environment,” Richards said, adding he posted the image on his website www.g_richardsphotography. fototime.com and has made it available as a T-shirt. For more information on UFOs and Schertz visit the Mutual UFO Network website, mufon.com or nuforc.org

SEPTEMBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

Civi cn ewz September 2013

Wilenchik Walk Has Raised $120,000 for CTRC

During the July 23 Schertz City Council meeting, officials with the Cancer Therapy & Research Center (CTRC) at the University of Texas Health Science Center, received a

$16,204 check with money raised at 5th annual Wilenchik Walk for Life on March 2. From left are: Mary Spence, Schertz Events Coordinator; Elizabeth Diaz with CTRC;

Valerie Wilenchik, widow of former City Councilmember Tony Wilenchik who underwent treatment at CTRC and for whom the event is named; Dr. Steve Weitman with

CTRC; Schertz Executive Director John Bierschwale; and Mayor Michael Carpenter. The Wilenchik Walk has raised more than $120,000 for CTRC over the years.

Councilman Fowler Sworn-In As Mayor Pro Tem Mayor Michael Carpenter (left) swears in City Councilmember Jim Fowler as new Mayor Pro Tem during the August 6 City Council meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Fowler will serve in that position for the next six months. He replaces Councilmember Cedric Edwards Sr. who served as mayor pro tem since February this year.

SEPTEMBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

30th Annual National Night Guadalupe Co. No. 4 Out In Job Growth in Nation October 1

CNN/Money Magazine: Guadalupe County and its economic engine cities of Cibolo, Schertz and Seguin posted double-digit job growth for a two-year period to earn a place at the head of the pack.

consolidate and move its engine plant there in 2009, adding 1,465 jobs and prompting other big businesses to take a look. Amazon.com followed with a $166 million distribution center.

Fortune 500 Giants like Amazon, Caterpillar and Sysco have found a home in Guadalupe County and its businessfriendly cities.

Continental Automotive recently added sensor production to its Seguin plant, a $113 million investment that’s creating hundreds of jobs. All this activity is perking up the local housing market and bringing more business to area shops.

Below is CNN/Money Magazine story.

4. Guadalupe County, TX Towns include: Cibolo, Schertz Job growth (2010-2012): 12.2%

Business in Guadalupe County is making the earth move, literally. Fortune 500 giant Caterpillar invested $180 million to

To encourage even more moving around, a 41-mile extension of State Highway 130 -- which stretches from Seguin to Georgetown -- was completed last year. The 85-mile-per-hour toll road helps distributors bypass costly congestion, and shortens the trip to the San Antonio or Austin airports to a mere 45-minute drive.”

Schertz EMS Gets Stuffed Animals Stuffed animals are more than trophies or consolation prizes from a carnival. They can be a soft, cuddly and reassuring friend to a scared or hurt child. Members of Schertz EMS and children and adults from Christ the King Lutheran Church Vacation Bible School pose with dozens of stuffed animals donated to EMS on July 30. EMS members Michael Cosentino, Kellie Scurlock, and Todd Kaiser gave a presentation to the kids about 34

being Good Samaritans when they see somebody who is ill or injured. The youngsters also learned about calling 9-1-1 and some minor first aid basics and then they got to tour an ambulance. Later the children presented the stuffed animals to the crew. “When we transport young children who are scared or apprehensive, we give them a stuffed animal to comfort them and it really works,” Cosentino said. “We appreciate donations like this.”

SEPTEMBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

Texas will celebrate National Night Out on Tuesday, October 1, from 6-8:30 PM. NNO, a yearlong community building campaign, is designed to: 1) heighten crime prevention awareness 2) generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs, 3) strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and 4) send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. Schertz residents and neighborhoods wishing to participate can register with the Schertz Police Department. Contact Corporal Shawn Ceeko (210) 619-1253 or by email sceeko@schertz.com Along with the traditional outside lights and front porch vigils, most cities and towns celebrate National Night Out with a variety of special citywide and neighborhood events such as block parties, cookouts, visits from local officials and law enforcement, safety fairs, and youth events. Schertz elected officials and City staff will be visiting block parties. NNO 2012 involved 37.5 million people in 15,704 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide.

Civicn ews

Are You Ready for the

November 5 Election? Regular voting for Schertz City Council places 3, 4 and 5 will be on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 from 7 a.m. to 7 pm. Early voting and regular voting locations will be announced later. The term of office for these three positions is two years and is from November 2013 to November 2015.

Important Dates First Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail – Friday, September 6, 2013 Last Day to apply for ballot by mail – Tuesday, October 29, 2013 (Received – not postmarked) Last day to register to vote – Monday, October 7, 2013 First Day of Early Voting – Monday, October 21, 2013 Last Day of Early Voting – Friday, November 1, 2013 Last Day to Receive Ballot by Mail – November 5, 2013 (Election Day) at 7:00 p.m. (Unless overseas deadline applies) The City will post on the website the early voting locations and times as well as Election Day precinct locations. Important to note that Senate Bill 14 created a new requirement for voters to show photo identification when voting in person. Voters can no longer present their voter registration certificate, or other previously acceptable forms of identification that only showed name/address of the voter. Here is a list of the new identification requirements: 1 . Texas Driver’s License issued by the Department of Public Safety (“DPS”) 2. Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS, 3. Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS, 4. Texas Concealed Handgun License issued by DPS, 5. United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph,

With the exception of the U.S. citizenship certificate, the identification must be current or have expired no more than 60 days before being presented for voter qualification at the polling place. Exemptions Voters with a disability may apply with the county voter registrar for a permanent exemption. The application must contain written documentation from either the U.S. Social Security Administration evidencing he or she has been determined to have a disability, or from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs evidencing a disability rating of at least 50 percent. In addition, the applicant must state that he or she has no valid form of photo identification. Those who obtain a disability exemption will be allowed to vote by presenting a voter registration certificate reflecting the exemption. Please contact your voter registrar for more details. Voters who have a consistent religious objection to being photographed and voters who do not have any valid form of photo identification as a result of certain natural disasters as declared by the President of the United States or the Texas Governor, may vote a provisional ballot, appear at the voter registrar’s office within six (6) calendar days after election day, and sign an.affidavit swearing to the religious objection or natural disaster, in order for your ballot to be counted. Please contact your county voter registrar for more details.

6. United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph, or 7. United States Passport

SEPTEMBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

Guadalupe County Cities Unite For Bigger Voice By Chuck McCollough

A good idea, like a wildfire, can spread quickly if there is enough fuel.

wanted to know about our new association,” Jones said with enthusiasm in his voice.

The fuel in this case is curiosity and a hunger for better ideas by Texas cities and counties.

In late June, mayors from many of the cities in Guadalupe County gathered in Seguin to form a group that would allow them to talk about common issues like water and transportation and also exchange experiences regarding growth -- a topic knocking on the door of even the smallest communities.

The Guadalupe County Regional Mayors Association is a new and informal association that had only two meetings before Guadalupe County Judge Larry Jones knew it was a homerun idea. “At a recent probate conference in Austin, I talked to 12 county judges from around the state -- including one in the (Texas) panhandle and another in East Texas -- who

“Shortly after Schertz Mayor Michael Carpenter and I were elected to our respective positions in November, we began talking about ideas. Mayor Carpenter’s vision for our region included a group of

Civicn ews mayors meeting to pool talent and experience -to learn from each other,” Judge Jones said. A second meeting was held July 18 in Schertz and attended by nine mayors and presided over by Judge Jones. In addition to Mayor Carpenter, mayors attending were: Jennifer Hartman, Cibolo; Don Keil, Seguin; Gale Pospisil, New Braunfels; Glenn Hild, Marion; Tom Daly, Selma; Gilbert Merkle, New Berlin; Jeff Hunt, Santa Clara; and Eddie Daffern, Staples. Mayor Hunt had a broad smile on his face as he waited in the Schertz City Council Chambers conference room for the July 18 meeting to begin. “We are a small, rural community of 725 people. Our City Hall is open on Mondays from 4:30-7:00 PM and closed the rest of the week. People reach me on my cell phone - which is open all the time and gets lots of calls,” he said with a chuckle. Mayor Hunt said Santa Clara incorporated to keep space

between it and neighboring cities and because Santa Clara did not want residential development with less than 5-acre tracts. “The new mayors group we formed lets our little city get help from some of those same neighboring cities. They have offered to let us ask their development managers questions we have regarding development in our area. That helps us avoid some of the same mistakes the bigger cities might have made. “I believe this new group lets all our cities - big and small work with and learn from each other and with the Guadalupe County. It gives us a chance to cooperate on common issues,” the Santa Clara mayor said. Mayor Carpenter concurred. “Right off the bat, we saw an example of how the cities in Guadalupe County can agree on an important issue - a county wide, region wide issue - when I asked them to sign a resolution opposing a proposed landfill,” Mayor Carpenter said.

The resolution - opposing the proposed Post Oak Clean Green Landfill in eastern Guadalupe County and adjacent to the important Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer water source - was signed by all nine mayors at the second meeting. Mayor Carpenter said: “When our cities are united on an issue, we speak with one voice that is louder than any one individual city voice. And we got this kind of unity at only our second meeting - that is tremendous,” the Schertz Mayor said. Mayor Carpenter said there is a consensus that what affects one city or part of Guadalupe County impacts all other cities and parts of the county. “Some of the smaller cities are having the same issues and challenges the bigger cities had 20 or 30 years ago. They are concerned about development but they don’t have an EDC or Parks and Recreation Department to advise them. So our Economic Development Corporation and Parks Departments can visit with the smaller cities and share

our experience and lessons learned,” Mayor Carpenter pointed out. “There is a lot of enthusiasm among our cities to work together.” The Guadalupe County Regional Mayors’ Association also benefits the relationship between Guadalupe County and its cities. “We can come together as a group and help determine what our priorities are as cities regarding the county. It gives county commissioners a different perspective - a group perspective - that can be useful to county leaders,” the Schertz Mayor said. And, just as the Northeast Partnership for Economic Development started out as a small group of suburban cities in the 1990s and today is a regional economic and political power, the fledgling mayors group might follow the same path. “NEP is a good example of what our mayors group could become -- an effective force and voice for our region in Austin and Washington,” Mayor Carpenter said.

Guadalupe County Judge Larry Jones (head of table in background) and Schertz Mayor Michael Carpenter (left of Jones in photo) and eight other mayors from cities within the county met in Schertz.

SEPTEMBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

Civicn ews

CIP Progress All Around By Chuck McCollough

Construction seems to be everywhere in Schertz. From private projects like the almost finished giant Amazon. com building and the just starting 504-acre, The Crossvine master-planned community, to public projects like the IH-35 reconstruction, Schertz looks like a boom town. While all the projects are exciting, a series of City Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) are perhaps the most interesting because they are in the Quality of Life (QoL) category. One QoL project - The Playscape - recently opened and is getting good use in its location next to the Schertz Public Library. The other projects coming along are: The Animal Adoption Center, more baseball fields, soccer complex upgrade, a dog park, a skate park and the aquatic center.

Animal Adoption Center The adoption center is slated to open around the first of the year, said Phil Gaudreau, the person overseeing the CIP projects for the City of Schertz. “We have been delayed about 38

14 days because of rain but the project is picking up momentum,” he said in his office while looking at a diagram of the the nearly $2 million stateof-the art animal care facility. The center, located on Community Circle Drive at the back of the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex, is a major improvement over the much smaller current facility on Borgfeld Road. “The new building has a different function than the current building operated by the Animal Services Department. The new center is purely for adoption and with some holding capacity (for captured pets waiting for their owners). The smaller current facility on Borgfeld Road is used in the more traditional manner (mostly holding animals and pushing adoption),” he said. “The current facility has kennels on the outside while the new center is a different environment with inside kennels, less outside noise coming in and greater animal comfort. It will be very user friendly,” Gaudreau said.

Schertz Baseball Fields Dirt work on the three new baseball fields behind the municipal complex started in mid-summer with the

fields slated for completion in spring in time for the 2014 baseball season. “The baseball fields will take about nine months to finish from date of commencement. You can see the work crews grading the area where the new fields will go - between the existing fields and the drainage ditch,” Gaudreau said. The project increases capacity from four to seven fields at the complex, where the Buffalo Valley Youth Association (BVYA) and its hundreds of youngsters have been playing ball on the existing fields for a number of years. BVYA’s growth mirrors that of the city and helped pushed support for expanding and upgrading city sports facilities - including soccer.

Schertz Soccer Complex The soccer complex project will address some major issues, Gaudreau explained. “There are really two projects going on - the fields and the concession building/parking. We have been hauling dirt to the site as part of improvements to the 12 fields,” he said. A giant mound of dirt, scooped out of the ditch behind the municipal complex during a

SEPTEMBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

pipeline project and stored nearby, is being reduced in size as the dirt is trucked to the soccer complex. “Using that dirt is helping us reduce costs at the soccer complex, because dirt can be expensive.” Work on on installing utilities at the complex started in August. Gaudreau said the concrete slab and steel framing for the concession building with restrooms is slated to start in September. “The irrigation system for the soccer fields will be installed around February of next year with topsoil and turf installed in early spring. The entire project, including the hard surface parking and the concession/ restrooms building should be completed late summer/early fall,” he added.

Skate Park The design work on this project is about 50 percent complete, Gaudreau said, with construction expected to start in the next six months. The skate park will be located in the same area as the dog park along Community Circle Drive,” Gaudreau said.

The Dog Park “We are conducting drainage studies and other preliminary work before design plans are final. The City will be running lines for water and electricity from the Animal Adoption Center building to the dog park,” Gaudreau said.

The Aquatic Center The much-anticipated project, also called a Natatorium, currently is in the design state. “It is an evolving project for the betterment of the citizens. The City is talking with potential partners about increasing construction funding, which will allow us to build a much better facility,” Gaudreau explained. “The envisioned project will include a state-of-the-art competitive pool that is NCAA compliant, meaning any records set there during tournament will be recognized by the NCAA,” he said.

SEPTEMBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

Tuesday, 3

Monday, 23

Tuesday, 10

Tuesday, 24

Wednesday, 11

Wednesday, 25

Monday, 16

Thursday, 26

City Council, 6:00 PM—Council Chamber

Board of Adjustments, 6:00 PM – Council Chambers

City Council, 6:00 PM—Council Chambers

Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM - Council Chambers

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, 5:30 PM Bob Andrews Room

Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM - Council Chambers

Economic Development Corporation, 6:00 PM - Council Chambers

***Meeting locations may change, please visit schertz. com for confirmation.***

Tuesday, 17

City Council, 6:00 PM—Council Chambers

CITY CALENDARZ

September 2013

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#info City of Schertz Elected Officials Mayor: Michael Carpenter

Council Members:

(210) 619-1045

Jim Fowler David Scagliola George Antuna, Jr. Cedric Edwards, Sr. Sydney H. Verinder

(210) 658-1442 (830) 606-1130 (210) 627-9297 (210) 566-4540 (210) 204-2750

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

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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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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. 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) 619-1630. 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.

SEPTEMBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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