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can remember most of the pets in my life from childhood to the present.
ly with the walking culture we see along Schertz Parkway and many other parts of the city.
Some of the names escape me but the joy the cats and dogs (no snakes or hamsters) brought me is a memory not soon lost.
Also in this month’s issue we look at three local female athletes who are doing our community proud with their exemplary conduct on and off sports venues.
The unconditional love our pets give sustains us in sadness and loss and elevates us in happier moments. Cats and dogs have been much on my mind as we prepared the May issue of Schertz Magazine and its focus on the new Schertz Animal Adoption Center. It is a story about a community that puts its money where its heart is - in the care of our furry, four-legged friends with funny names like Snowball, Duke, Fluffy, Scotty and Mr. Mustache. Read and enjoy how the homeless meow and bow-wow crowd now have an even better chance of finding a loving family because of the new AAC and the example it is setting for other communities. Put on your walking shoes for the next story on how Schertz is getting nearly $3 million in grant money to put sidewalks on both sides of FM 3009 from IH-35 to FM 78. The need for those sidewalks is great and they will fit in perfect-
Read how McKenzie Adams has helped the UTSA women’s volleyball program grow in wins and reputation. Then enjoy the adventures of Meighan Simmons who ventured to the Volunteer State and helped the University of Tennessee women’s basketball program over four years culminating in an exciting season that extended to the Sweet Sixteen level of the Final Four. And be inspired by Steele High School track team member Kourtney Boldt, who has used a wheelchair since age 6, following a car crash. Kourtney plays wheelchair basketball as well as competing in track. Also, look for a story and photos on BVYA ‘s Opening Day and 40th Anniversary March 29 and also an article about Journalism at Clemens High School. All of that and more in Your Source For Hometown News Schertz Magazine.
Inside...
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Clemens Journalism Animal Adoption Center Adams Career at UTSA Simmons at U-Tenn Steel Track Member Brown Making History
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DEPARTMENTZ TALK OF THE TOWNZ Updatez Visionz / Chamber
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Olivia Leuthold, 4, holds ‘Peanuts’ outside the new Schertz Animal Adoption Center where her mom, Sabrina, is a volunteer. M AY
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City Council Michael Carpenter Mayor Jim Fowler Councilmember David Scagliola Councilmember Daryl John Councilmember Cedric Edwards, Sr. Councilmember Matthew Duke Councilmember
Executive Team John Kessel City Manager John Bierschwale Deputy City Manager Brian James Executive Director Bob Cantu Chief of Staff
VOLUME 30 ISSUE 5 PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY Public Affairs Department Linda Klepper Communications Manager Chuck McCollough Editor Chris Matzenbacher Sales Director Lucille Sims Thomas Copy Editor Brittany Losey Senior Writer Contributing Staffers Erin Matlock Client Affairs Specialist Mary Spence Events Manager Graphic Design/Art Direction Alexis Souza Contributing Writers Chuck McCollough, Lucille Sims Thomas, Andrea Allinger, Kari Bridges, Jim Webb, Stan Leland, Kiko Martinez, Ashley Festa, Rudy Arispe, Tom Lovett, Kaylie Kennedy Contributing Photographers Chuck McCollough, Mary Spence, Joshua Nolden, Diana Webb, Bryan Tobias, Mike Harris, Ross Dye, Marc Bane, Michael Carpenter, Bryan Nguyen, Joe Herczeg, Andrea Allinger, Kari Bridges, Catherine White, Elizabeth Leland, Rudy Ornelas, Christopher Matzenbacher, Samuel Rhodes, Linda Klepper, Stock Photography: fontsandphotos.com Schertz Magazine is published monthly by the Public Affairs Department of the City of Schertz promoting city, community, and business activities. Our mailing address is 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. Š 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
OFFICIAL FINE PRINT 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 Magazine, 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 Magazine, 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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Former Schertz Mayor Robert Bueker (center) is shown with Schertz EMS staff members David Retano (left) and Allen Schultz during the March 11 Schertz City Council meeting.
Mayor Bueker publicly thanked the EMS crew for saving his life when he had a heart attack in January this year. Bueker served as mayor from 1973-80 and said Schertz EMS has helped several members of his family through the years.
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Community Celebrates New Schertz Skatepark The first phase of the new Schertz Skatepark got an enthusiastic welcome from young skateboarders, community members, City leaders, city staff and others on March 19th. In photo above, a number of young skateboarders join Mayor Michael Carpenter, Mayor Pro Tem David Scagliola, City Councilmembers Jim Fowler, Cedric Edwards Sr., Daryl John and Matthew Duke and Senior staff including City Manager John Kessel and other community members in cheering the opening of the skate park located on Community Circle Drive, next to the Schertz Animal Adoption Center. The skatepark could expand by two more phases in the future.
Fundraiser Honors Local Student The 2nd Annual Sweet Savanna Hog Wild Dinner and Dance will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Schertz. The Sweet Savanna Hog Wild is a non-profit organization that was set up in memory of Savanna Kindt. Savanna was a graduate of Steel High School in 2011 and killed in a car accident 5 days after graduation. Savanna had planned on becoming a large animal veterinarian. The goal of the orgazation is to keep Savanna’s passions alive. Proceeds from the event go to support the local FFA and 4-H students in Guadalupe County. Last year the organization gave $12,000 to help students who raised and will be raising animals in FFA and 4-H For more information call Diana Kindt at 210-573-4874. schertzmagazine.com
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No Fooling EMS Celebrates 40th Anniversary on April 1 A Who’s Who of EMS and healthcare officials from the state and region gathered at the Schertz Civic Center April 1 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Schertz EMS, which started April 1, 1974 under the earlier name of SAFES - Schertz Area Facility for Emergency Services.
Visitors to the Schertz EMS anniversary line up for lunch
Among those attending the luncheon celebration were Joseph Schmider, State EMS Director at the Texas Department of Health, Schertz EMS Medical Director Dr. R Donovan Butter, Bill Waechter, CEO of North Central Baptist Hospital and a former EMT. Also in attendance were emergency medical personnel from surrounding communities. Schertz EMS Director Dudley Wait said comparing the organization’s first year of operation with the present work load is very revealing. In its first year SAFES answered 287 calls for help while today Schertz EMS answers around 8,700 annually. Schertz EMS is a regional and state leader with a national and international reputation for innovation and excellence.
Schertz Magazine in Sunny Caribbean Schertz residents Josh and Sue Moran show Schertz Magazine in St Maarten, one of their stops on a January 2014 Caribbean cruise.
Take Schertz Magazine on your next trip and take a photo of the magazine in front of a landmark or interesting background and send to events@schertz.com. We may just use it in the magazine.
r ks fo ! n a h T ong l a s schertzmagazine.com ’ u MAY 2014 takin
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The Schertz Chamber of Commerce Welcomes its Newest Members!
Fit for Work
New York Life Trel Lloyd and Ivory Freeman
Texas Physical Therapy Specialists
DanceFit @ Schertz Jazzercise
Congratulations to our Winners of The Taste: Down Home Best Appetizer: The Lion and Rose Best Soup Abel’s Diner Best Beef: Houlihan’s Best Chicken: BG’S Mexi-Soul Best Dessert: HEB- Schertz People’s Choice: Abel’s Diner Best of Show: Abel’s Diner
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“Recognized by the San Antonio Business Journal as one of the fastest growing Chambers in the area (June 2013), the Schertz Chamber promotes business networking, marketing and advocacy. Join our membership by going online at schertzchamber.org or call our offices at 210-566-9000 for more details!”
VISIONZ MAY EVENTS Chamber After-Hours Mixer Wednesday, May 7th from 5:30-7pm at El Charro Mexican Restaurant. Come join us for food, networking and a chance to win Mixer CASH! Address: 1200 FM 78, Schertz, TX. Schertz Bank & Trust presents the Schertz Chamber of Commerce Fourth Annual ‘Schertz Shoot-Out’, which takes place Thursday, May 15, from 5:30-7:30 pm at the Schertz Civic Center. Please call the Chamber offices (210)566-9000, or go online www. schertzchamber.org to RSVP for this event. General Admission is $10 and Schertz Chamber Members are free. Monthly Chamber Luncheon May 20th from 11:30-1:00pm at the Schertz Civic Center. General admission is $28.00 and $18.00 for Schertz Chamber Members. Topic: Speaker Dr. Gibson with SCUCISD presents the current status and projected growth in our school district. RSVP online or call our Chamber offices. Biz Ed Class May 28th from 7:30am -9am at the Visitor’s Center/Chamber Offices. Breakfast provided by RBFCU. For more information, or to RSVP for Biz Ed, please call us at 210-666-9000. schertzmagazine.com
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SZ BVYA Turns 40
Celebrates Opening Day
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orty years ago the first of some 50,000 children to date started playing BVYA ball. On March 29, the Opening Day for the Buffalo Valley Youth Association spring sports season attracted 91 baseball and softball teams and thousands of young players, parents, family members, friends and fans. Like a scene out of a Norman Rockwell painting, Opening Day ceremonies started with a parade lineup at Clemens High School. Row after row of trucks pulling trailers carrying kids in colorful team uniforms waited to roll out for the trip to Schertz Ballpark.
Mayor Michael Carpenter throws first pitch.
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Leading the parade was the city’s vintage 1956 fire truck carrying members of City Council and the Schertz Sweetheart Court, followed by Schertz Fire Rescue’s shiny new Quint 1 fire truck.
Spectators lined the Elbel Road, Schertz Parkway and Community Circle Drive parade route to cheer the nearly 100 parade entrants, especially the player-filled trailers - most colorfully decorated with team colors and names. The official Opening Day Ceremony started about 10 AM atop the mobile Schertz stage seen at SchertzFest and the July 4th Jubilee. BVYA President and longtime supporter Johnie McDow served as master of ceremonies and introduced local officials and guests on the stage and those standing in the sea of BVYA folks in the audience. Highlights of the ceremony including a long line of people on the stage holding a ribbon for a ribbon cutting of three new ballfields at the now seven-field Schertz Ballpark.
Three local businesses presented checks supporting the BVYA mission of providing sports opportunities to children. H-E-B presented a check for $15,000, Raising Cane’s in Schertz donated $5,000 and Gunn Chevrolet contributed $500 to the youth sports league. Opening Day included team photos, a carnival with rides, food and business booths and fire equipment and demonstrations by the Schertz Fire Rescue. Security included Schertz Police Department bicycle officers patrolling the area. The famed painter of iconic American images would have gotten a dozen painting ideas that capture the fun and energy and of a small town celebrating spring and baseball.
in their sparkling baseball and softball uniforms.They were clowning around and laughing as they rode along in a parade from Clemens High School to the ballfields behind the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex. One parade entry featured a girls softball team members with fake mustaches while others had boys making the “V” sign behind a team member’s head as cameras clicked. Thousands of players, parents, coaches and others cheered as the Opening Day Ceremony really kicked off when Mayor Michael Carpenter threw out the ceremonial first baseball pitch. After that it was “play ball” and have fun at a nearby fair. Norman would have loved it!
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National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive May 10 Be on the lookout for a reminder in your mailbox about the National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive on Saturday, May 10. Instructions on how to participate will be on the reminder. The program lets residents donate food items that are picked up by mail carriers and taken to food pantries like the local RACAP (Randolph Area Christian Assistance Program). The day of the food drive RACAP provides Schertz Postal Employees a free lunch. RACAP is sponsored by 24 churches in the Greater Randolph area and provides emergency food assistance to area residents. For more information about RACAP call 210-658-1613.
Fisher House Motorcycle Fun Run May 17
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The 2nd Annual Fisher House Motorcycle Fun Run kicks off at 9:00 AM, Saturday, May 17 at JW’s Bracken Saloon, 18400 FM 2252. Cost is $20 per rider/driver and $10 for each passenger. Proceeds from the event benefit the Fisher House at Fort Sam House. The Fisher House is a community partnership supporting a place where families of injured and wounded service
members can stay while their loved one is being treated. For more information call 210-363-4713 or “like’ Friends4FisherHouse on Facebook.
Raising Cane Raising Funds for Strays The Raising Cane’s in Schertz presented a check for $399.84 to Homes For Pets officials. The check was proceeds from the restaurant’s Christmas Plush puppy sales. For more information on the organization go to www. homesforpets.org. schertzmagazine.com
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May Library Events Summer is rapidly approaching which means its time for our annual Summer Reading Program at the Schertz Public Library. The library has a reading program for all ages, young, old, and in-between. The main theme this summer is science and each program will have unique activities and reading incentives that correspond to each. Below you will find more information about each program.
Adult Summer Reading Club 18 yrs and Over
Youth Summer Reading Club Birth-12 yrs
“Literary Elements” is the theme of Schertz Public Library’s 2014 Adult Summer Reading club combining science and literature in a variety of programs that are sure to pique your interest. Our annual adult summer reading club is jam-packed with reading incentives, movie showings, a creative sci-fi writing program, author visits, grand prizes, and several special events!
Our youngest patrons are invited to join the Schertz Public Library’s Summer Reading Club to read for raffle prizes and attend the fun programs and events we are planning for children ages birth to 12 years. This summer’s theme, Fizz, Boom, Read!, explores all kinds of science topics from robot building to Grossology fun and more. The programs are free and open to children of all abilities.
Teen Summer Reading Club 13-17 yrs Teens are experts at sparking a reaction from those around them. And so, this year’s teen summer library program slogan, “Spark a Reaction,” is particularly apt. Sparks will fly in more ways than one this summer as teens engage in a variety of activities. Nerdfighters are invited to join us for a Night of Awesome, Whovians are welcome to celebrate their love of all things Doctor Who, and of course there will be zombies! There should be something for nearly everyone.
Registration Open House Saturday June 7th we will be holding a one day early registration open house from 1-4 PM in Meeting Room 2. Summer Reading Club will officially kickoff June 13th and will run until August 1st! For more information, contact the Schertz Public Library at: 210-619-1700 or check our online calendar of events http://www.schertzlibrary.org/calendar
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MAY EVENTS
1400 Schertz Pkwy, Bldg. #5 (210) 619-1600
Civic Center: May 1 – Schertz Sweetheart Coronation May 3-4 – San Antonio Bead Society Bead and Jewelry Show May 15 – SCOC Schertz Shoot-Out Networking Event May 17 – OLPH CYO Casino Fundraiser May 20 – Schertz Chamber Luncheon
Community Center: May 4 – Craft/Vendor Fair May 10 – Alamo Pet Expo May 27 – Run-off Elections Zumba – M,W 6pm, Th 7pm
From the Desk of
Dr. Phallon Doss, Did you know that May is National Better Hearing and Speech Month? During the month of May, consumers are encouraged to go to their local audiologist to get their hearing checked. As the only Doctor of Audiology in the Schertz, Cibolo, and Garden Ridge area, I invite our residents to come out to my office for complimentary hearing screenings all month long. We are also unveiling our new hearing rehabilitation program where individuals with hearing loss can learn strategies to improve communication and make the most of their hearing.
Here are some facts about Hearing Loss: Over 36 million Americans suffer from hearing loss
More than half of the people with hearing loss are UNDER the age of 65 Hearing loss is the third most common health problem in the United States Hearing loss is twice as common in individuals with diabetes
Want more information about healthy hearing, hearing loss prevention, and hearing rehabilitation? Contact our office today at 210-819-5002 or visit us online at dossaudiology.com to make an appointment for your complimentary hearing screening.
5000 Schertz Parkway, Suite 300 - Schertz, TX 78154
Journalism Team Effort At Clemens By Lucille Sims Thomas
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manda Mercer is doing her best to take the journalism program at Clemens High School to the next level. The 2001 Clemens grad’s enthusiasm is quite contagious as she works to heal a program that has seen four different advisors in the past three years. In her first year as advisor for the program, Mercer is taking on a program in flux.
“It is a learning year and we are fighting an uphill battle in the sense that in one class period, I have journalism I, a newspaper staff and a yearbook staff, which is very difficult,” Mercer said. Mercer is being pulled in many different directions as she seeks to help her students learn the basics of journalism, put out a newspaper and put out a yearbook — all in the 50 minutes that she gets in a class period. “It really takes commitment beyond the class period for the yearbook staff and the newspaper staff to create these publications. They (the students) have to come in on workdays. They have a workday one Saturday a month or every other month; they come in after school, before school,” she said. And some of them spend their lunch breaks in her room working on their spreads or their stories.
In addition to all of that, the students on the staff of The Correspondent, the school’s newspaper, compete in University Interscholastic League (UIL) events in categories such as editorial writing, headline writing, feature writing and news writing. Ideally, the newspaper would come out once a month starting in about September or October, but so far this school year, the staff has only been able to get out one edition. “I am learning and now trying to grow the program. I have reached out to the principal just requesting that next year the classes be separated so that we can continue to grow, and we can really groom these kids to follow through with some kind of journalistic career,” Mercer said. As the school recently played host to a UIL event, there
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Pictured to Left: Teacher Amanda Mercer Pictured Above: Senior Jessalyn Custro
were some budding journalists on hand with some competing and some selling snacks in the cafeteria to raise money for their program. Some of them took time away from their various tasks to give their thoughts about the future of journalism. Clemens student Ashley Rodriquez, 15, is a freshman who said she wants to work behind the camera at a television station. She has not really given much thought to where she wants to go to school but said she plans to continue taking journalism classes at Clemens. Sophomore Julia Leon, 15, also is in journalism I and wants to work behind the camera as a producer at a TV station. She hopes to get a mass communications degree from the University of North Texas and currently works on the yearbook staff. She’s pretty sure yearbooks will remain popular in book form but thinks the future of newspapers may not be as rosy. “I think it (newspapers) will disappear but I think there will be more jobs with social media so people can work on it there,” Leon said.
Freshman Jalen Alexander, 14, speaks during an interview and it immediately becomes obvious that he has a great radio voice. But the journalism I student doesn’t really know what he wants to do as career right now.
Asked what she likes most about journalism Castro said: “I just like how it all flows together whenever you’re writing a story and you’re the one putting it together, and that’s what other people read.”
“I can’t say I’m too sure — it’s (journalist) a fun thing to do — you get to run around the world and meet a lot of people. It’s a lot of work though. It’d be a very fun career to follow but I’m not too sure on it. I still have to decide,” Alexander said. He dabbles in being a musician but said he plans to remain in the journalism program at Clemens and “see where it gets me.”
Mercer previously taught English before deciding to take two years off to open a home day-care after her son was born. She said she is glad to be back to teaching and journalism, “which I love.”
After competing in the editorial writing category at the UIL event, senior Jessalyn Castro, 18, took time to discuss her future. She hopes to attend Midwestern State University with a possible double major of mass communications and video production. She was supposed to be editor of the school newspaper but her schedule did not allow her to be in the class. She works on the paper as a staff writer during whatever free time she has during her day.
“It is the perfect fit for me and I feel I’m very much in my niche with teaching.” Her journalism I class that started the year with eight students is now up to 14, so things are moving in the right direction. “Next year will be better — the following year will be even better and so on and so on – I don’t plan on going anywhere,” Mercer said.
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Purring and Tail Wagging Central Schertz Animal Adoption Center By Chuck McCollough
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“The measure of a society is how it treats its weakest members.� Anonymous As defined by the saying above - the new Schertz Animal Adoption Center, or AAC, is a heart-warming testament to the caring community that built it.
In 2010, Schertz voters approved a number of quality-of-life bond issues including spending more than $2 million for a state-of-the art facility for stray cats and dogs - among the weakest members of our society. How was that a quality-of-life issue for stray cats and dogs? The answer is in the name of the new facility - adoption. The old facility was called Animal Control. The new one is all about finding homes for healthy kittens and cats and puppies and dogs. And a loving pet brings its own qualityof-life to its family. “The completion of the new Animal Adoption Center marks a milestone in furthering our commitment to ongoing quality of life projects in Schertz,” said Mayor Michael Carpenter
“We had around seven adoptions our first week. That’s pretty good considering people were still finding us in our new location,” said Shanna Roman, City of Schertz Animal Services Manager.
a soft opening on March 26 and a festive grand opening on April 15 that included local pet vendors with booths to provide information about area services for new and current pet owners.
The Schertz Animal Adoption Center located at 800 Community Circle - had
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“We have a ‘pet shop’ feel that differentiates us from the typical animal control operation.” -Shanna Roman
“The title alone is reflective of our attitude toward animals and the people who care for them. No longer is this the animal control building or the proverbial ‘dog pound.’ The connotation is one of caregiving and innovation - the new facility allows us to make that strong statement and directional change with a very loud voice,” the mayor added. And that voice is heard, according to the response to the new facility. Shanna Roman, Animal Services Manager, in front of the new Animal Adoption Center.
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Adams Has Stellar Career at UTSA By Brittany Losey
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Photo Courtesy of Jeff Huehn Photography
chertz native McKenzie Adams has had quite an athletic career – and adventure – since her days as a first-team, all-state honoree on the Steele High School volleyball team. The 6’3” outside hitter trekked to the University of Virginia to start her college career. While there, she broke program records and was named NCAA East Region, Atlantic Coast Conference, and Virginia Sports Information Director’s Freshman of the Year. But even after all of her first-year success, Texas called her back home. “I really missed my family, and the coach and I didn’t always see eye-toeye on things,” Adams said. “With the move, my family could come and see me play. To be around my family is very important to me.” Adams chose a school closer to home – The University of Texas at San Antonio. With several competitive options in the region, Adams explains how she decided to become a Roadrunner.
“Many things could be done at UTSA. At first I turned my nose up to it because it was so close to home, but then I took a visit there. I saw what they were doing to the campus, to the sports program overall. I was so amazed by it, and I wanted to be a part of something that was going to be a big thing.”
“There were a few things. Because of the fact that they had just gotten a football program, I knew there would be a lot more changes,” Adams said.
Since making the move, Adams has found even more success in her volleyball career. Aside from setting several team and career records for Roadrun-
ner volleyball, Adams has received countless conference honors. As a sophomore, she was named Southland Conference Newcomer of the Year and first-team All-Southland. She became the program’s first national honoree in almost 30 years of program history. However, one of her most personally significant honors came her junior year when she became the first All-American player in program’s history. continued on page 30 schertzmagazine.com
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Adams Has Stellar Career at UTSA cont’d from page 29
“Being named All-American was a huge honor, especially since people don’t think of UTSA as a very big school. So it was very big for me but also for the volleyball program.” Another award that McKenzie takes pride in was being named San Antonio Sportswoman of the Year.
Photo Courtesy of Jeff Huehn Photography
“There are some huge names in that award,” Adams said. “Lynn Hickey, athletic director of our school, won it. Destinee Hooker, who now plays on the U.S. Olympic team has won it. There are multiple names on it that are very important, so to be in that category meant a lot to me as well.” Along with her on-court success, Adams has stepped up to new and unexpected challenges along the way. “This year we had a new assistant coach, Pat Stengel. He came in and kind of turned the whole program around. The freshmen felt like freshmen, but the seniors felt like freshmen as well, so we all kind of started out at the same level, which is frustrating because you go into your senior year thinking you know what’s going on, that you’re going to be able to help your other teammates, but then it all gets turned around on you. But as much of a challenge as that was, I think we all accepted it and it obviously paid off.” The changes did pay off for the Roadrunners as they swept Conference USA in the 2013 season.
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“We did very well in volleyball this past year; we won our conference and the conference tournament.” Individually, Adams found even more success her senior year, being named by the NCAA as the 2013-14 Division I statistical champion for kills per set. After her accomplishments in volleyball, Adams took on an entirely new challenge – playing Division I basketball. It’s not often that athletes at this level are able to be multi-sport competitors, but Adams was up to the challenge. “I had just got done with volleyball practice one day and the assistant coach called me over and asked ‘How would you feel about playing basketball?’”, Adams said. “I used to go and shoot around on my free time. That was the first sport I really got into, that I thought I was going to play in college.” Adams had previously ended her basketball career due to injury. She was able to transfer her scholarship from volleyball to basketball to play for one season. “Now five years later, I’m playing in my last year of college. It has been a true blessing and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it at UTSA.” Adams aspirations continue to grow with her. “I really want to see the world,” Adams said. “Hopefully after I’m done with basketball, I’m going to start talking to some agents to go play volleyball overseas after I graduate in May. I don’t know where I’ll go yet – since I’m playing basketball still, I’m not allowed to talk to agents. Hopefully I will get that taken care of and do that for a while. I would really like to come back and coach at a DI (Division 1) school for volleyball.”
Simmons Shines at U-Tenn EDITOR’S NOTE; Meighan Simmons was selected in the WNBA draft by the New York Liberty on Monday April 14. She ended her career at Tennessee with 2,064 points, finishing No. 5 in all-time scoring at the school. By Brittany Losey
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ormer Steele basketball player Meighan Simmons has taken her athletic career to new heights in each of her four years at the University of Tennessee, culminating in a recent honor her senior year – being selected as player of the year on the Associated Press All-Southeastern Conference women’s basketball team. “She deserves it,” Steele head basketball coach Kari Wallace said. “What a great tribute to her four years of hard work and the way she’s helped rejuvenate that program.” Along with this honor, Simmons was named to the Associated Press All-SEC first team as well as the Coaches All-SEC first team. Simmons received these honors in 2013 as well. Clearly, the 5’9” guard is no stranger to the limelight. In her first year at Tennessee, Simmons was named the Associated Press Newcomer of the Year 2011 as well as the Coaches SEC Freshman of the Year 2011. “Winning the regular season my freshman year and winning the SEC Tournament are two great memories, for sure,” Simmons said. “It’s really been a fun ride. I wouldn’t trade it for the world for everything that I have experienced here at the University of Tennessee.” Simmons came to the University of Tennessee straight from Steele High School where she was coached by head coach Kari Wallace. Even from her first day on the court there, Wallace and everyone else knew Simmons would achieve great things. continued on page 32 schertzmagazine.com
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FEATUREZ Simmons Shines at U-Tenn cont’d from page 31 “At our first practice when we decided to scrimmage, there was no doubt that lady belonged on varsity. That was clear to her coaches and her teammates,” Wallace said. Simmons went on to start on varsity as a freshman and continued to excel as a Lady Knight basketball player. “She had a fantastic high school career,” Wallace said. “She was all-time leading scorer in San Antonio. She still leads the city for career scoring record.”
Mexican cuisine
HAPPY HOUR 4-6 Weekdays
Wallace describes Simmons as a “fantastic shooter” with an outstanding overall knowledge of the game from a young age. Both of these attributes helped Simmons lead Steele to three consecutive final fours, the road to which included a competitive game that Wallace remembers fondly. “One of her biggest highlights was during the regional finals. She made a game winning 3-point shot against Corpus Christi. She made it at the buzzer from three feet behind 3-point line.”
www.facebook.com/encantogrill 210-888-2753 - 6032 FM3009, Schertz
In fact, Simmons currently holds the University of Tennessee record for most
three-point shots made in a game. In her career, she hit 255 three-pointers and attempted 740, ranking fourth and first, respectively, in school history. Simmons developed several of these key basketball skills at Steele, but her high school career also helped prepare her for other important aspects of being a competitive college athlete. “She did not play junior high basketball because she went to a school on a military base – she just played AAU. I think this helped her understand school, tradition, and school pride. It helped her understand how important that is to a community. She definitely helped create that at Steele High School.” As Simmons has expanded her career as a Lady Vol, she continues to recognize the importance of school and tradition. “I think I will always remember the tradition, the reputation and standard of being a Lady Vol,” Simmons said. “It is very humbling to receive all of the good things that have come my way during my time here. The fans, of course, are a big part of that, and just being part of a great program where everyone wants us to succeed as not only basketball players but as women in life. I am really grateful for that.” At Tennessee, Simmons acquired numerous honors including ESPNW National Player of the Week (2012-13), SEC Player of the Week (2012-13), and several continued on page 38
FEATUREZ
Steele Track Member Profile In Courage By Kristen Hobbs Steele High School Student Journalist
Steele High School junior Kourtney Boldt was paralyzed from the waist down in a car crash when she was six and has been in a wheelchair since then. She began playing wheelchair basketball this past September and plans to compete on the school’s track team as the first wheelchair bound student
to compete against ablebodied athletes. Later Boldt plans to attend the University of Texas at Arlington and play on their women’s wheelchair basketball team and try out in 2016 for the United States Paralympics team. Boldt also plans to walk again.
“After my car accident, I had to learn how to do everything all over again,” Boldt said. “I had to learn to brush my teeth because I couldn’t stand over a sink. I had to learn to get in and out of my wheelchair and to sit up. I had to relearn how to move from chair to chair without using my legs and how to get in and out of my bed.”
Boldt was with her grandmother and great aunt on their way to visit her father when they veered off the road and hit a tree at 60 MPH. Boldt was stuck in her seat, nobody knows how long. She suffered a broken neck and back as well as serious internal bleeding from continued on page 39
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Schertz Animal Adoption Center cont’d from page 27
Large crowd that turned out for the opening watches as the official ribbon is cut. Comparing the old Animal Control facility on Borgfeld Road to the new one is the difference between night and day. “Our Animal Adoption Center has 12,000 square feet - more than twice the size of the old facility - and kennel space to hold 90 animals compared to 44 max at the Borgfeld site,” Roman said. But more room is just part of
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the big difference. The new facility was planned with input from Animal Services staff, local animal rescue groups like Homes for Pets and others. The result for AAC is a quantum leap in animal care and reflects the city’s resolve to find homes for as many cats and dogs as possible. “When we moved the animals to AAC they looked bet-
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ter, they looked happier. And staff was so self-motivated about getting here we moved ourselves instead of using a professional mover and we did it ahead of schedule,” Roman said.
ing through the building,” Roman said.
“We have isolation rooms that will potentially save many lives by preventing the spread of illness and disease. Our HVAC system is state of the art and will prevent airborne diseases from spread-
Glass enclosures at the front of the building allow people visiting after business hours a chance to see a cat in one window and a dog in the other they may want to adopt.
Two of the unique features of the Animal Adoption Center is all-hours showcasing of a particular cat and dog.
FEATUREZ “People love that window display!” Roman said. “It is a very good design on the city’s part. We have a ‘pet shop’ feel that differentiates us from the typical animal control operation.” One of the biggest differences between the old and new facilities is the better comfort for animals and staff. Animals in kennels at the old location were impacted by the weather because the cages were open to the elements. At the new AAC the cats and dogs are in a climate-controlled environment for better comfort. AAC also offers more room for staff to do their jobs and has dedicated space for veterinarians to do on-site spay and neuter operations and for people to visit and socialize with an animal they are considering for adoption.
For instance, it is twice as big as the old facility but takes half as long - two hours - to clean at night,” Roman said.
days-old kitten with an eyedropper as Olivia sat on the floor gently holding another, somewhat older kitten.
So far several other cities have visited or called about visiting AAC to do research on improving their own animal control service, Roman noted.
“Olivia just loves animals and gets a chance play with
a number of them and also help out,” the mom said as the little girl flashed a big smile and cuddled her little new friend.
AAC was not only designed and built with input from the public, its operation is aided by volunteers from the public. Sabrina Leuthold and fouryear-old daughter, Olivia, are two such volunteers. “We love coming here,” Sabrina said while feeding a tiny,
Animal Adoption Center features a unique, pet shop feel..
On either end of the AAC building are fenced, grassy areas for dogs to get exercise and just be a dog. On one end of the building, animals are received, evaluated and processed for movement to the other side where they are candidates for adoption. “Our new facility allows us be more efficient in what we do.
You can find the staff and animals of the Adoption Center behind the Schertz Chamber of Commerce, at 800 Community Circle, Schertz, TX 78154, or call (210) 619-1550 for more information.
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FEATUREZ Simmons Shines at U-Tenn cont’d from page 32
Photo Courtesy of Tennessee Athletics Photography
all-tournament teams. She averaged 14.4 points per game and is one of only five players in University of Tennessee history to score more than 2,000 points (Simmons boasts a career total of 2,064
points). But as Simmons notes and Wallace agrees, there is much more to life than just what happens on the basketball court. “Meighan is a fantastic young lady on and off the court,” Wallace said. “I’m very proud to have coached her. She helped me as a coach a lot. You don’t realize it until they’re gone for a few years. Now to watch her grow through college, to be able to watch her live out her aspirations, it’s heartwarming to see it all.” More even than her athletic success, Wallace is proud of Simmons’ academic career.
“She’s going to get that degree,” Wallace said. “It’s very important because you can’t play basketball forever.” However, Simmons does hope to keep playing for at least a few more years. “To go into the WNBA is definitely one of her goals,” Wallace said. “And I think she’ll go fast – in the top five. They need people to score and that’s what she can do.” Simmons adds, “It’s always been a dream of mine. It’s one of those things that when you have a goal, everything in your life has to become a habit. Since I started playing, I think I created some really good habits and built a strong work ethic and mentality that if I put my best foot forward and continued to work hard, I could put myself in a position to make those dreams a reality. I’ve been very blessed to be in this position, where playing in the WNBA can be an option for me.” Whatever her future may hold, Simmons creates a legacy wherever she goes. “She got this town excited about girls’ basketball,” Wallace said. “The cities of Schertz and Cibolo have done great following and supporting her.”
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FEATUREZ Steele Track Member Profile in Courage cont’d from page 33 the crash. Both her great aunt and grandmother were killed. A man cut Boldt out of her seatbelt and rescued her from the car. She was then airlifted to San Antonio where she received multiple blood transfusions to make up for her lost blood. Boldt almost bled out and doctors say she was lucky to survive the crash. Doctors were baffled that Boldt could even move after breaking her back and neck and say it’s a miracle she’s alive. “Over the years, I’ve gained back the use of my muscles, and I am working toward being able to walk again. I’m going to physical therapy for it, it’s just a matter of getting stronger,” Boldt said.
hard to think about walking,” Boldt said. “I was so little when it [the accident] happened I don’t really remember what it was like to walk.” Boldt has learned to overcome her disability and says she doesn’t regret being in a wheelchair. “The accident has taught me a lot and even though it’s hard for me sometimes, I’m glad it happened. It has definitely changed my life and the way I see people and myself,” Boldt said. It has taken courage and strength to adjust to life in a chair. Boldt says she’s intimidated by competing against able-bodied people but happy to be able to say she competed against them in a wheelchair.
In 2009, Boldt traveled to Germany where she received stem cell treatment for her spine. The doctors pulled 6 million stem cells from bone marrow in her hip bone and injected the cells into her spinal cord. The cell treatment is supposed to rejuvenate dead cells and hopefully repair them. In June 2013, Boldt began moving her feet; currently she can stand and walk using a walker. Boldt plans to strengthen her muscles so she can walk again. “It feels strange because I’ve been in a wheelchair for so long that it’s schertzmagazine.com
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CIVIC NEWZ YOUR EXCLUSIVE SOURCE FOR NEWS FROM THE CITY OF SCHERTZ
Baldwin Memorial Plaza Dedication May 10 Three new flag poles are in place at the Hal Baldwin Memorial Plaza in front of City Hall. The flag poles replace the single flag pole that was previously located there. The middle flagpole is taller and will fly the American flag. The other two flag poles will fly the Texas and City of Schertz flags. Flags are placed on the poles using stateof-the-art interior cabling instead of a traditional exterior rope and pulley system.
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Schertz Honors Former City Workers in Solemn Ceremony The 18th Annual Employee Remembrance Day at noon Thursday, March 20, carried on the City tradition of honoring former coworkers, friends and family on the first day of spring. The symbolism of spring – a time of celebrating life anew in nature and remembering the lives of loved ones now gone – is a perfect backdrop for the event.
Join the City of Schertz in the Dedication of the Hal Baldwin Memorial Plaza Saturday May 10, 2014; 10 AM In front of City Hall
Among the hundreds of City employees, family members and friends attending the event were Mayor Michael Carpenter, Mayor Pro Tem David Scagliloa, City Councilmember Jim Fowler and City Manager John Kessel.
Photographed Above: Mayor Michael Carpenter reads the names on the memorial – including Jo Ann Ferguson added this year – to end the ceremony.
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Schertz To Get $2.8 Million Grant for FM 3009 Sidewalks By Chuck McCollough
T
he long-sought goal of sidewalks along FM 3009 took a big step forward recently. The Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) awarded the City of Schertz a $2.8 million grant for sidewalks on both sides of FM 3009 east of IH-35. The agency - previously known as the San AntonioBexar County Metropolitan Planning Organization - on March 25 allocated more than $109 million for 19 transportation projects spread across a multi-county area. “I am very pleased that the MPO approved funding for sidewalks along FM 3009. Over time, the need
for them has grown, and the potential threat to public safety created in their absence has emerged as a public safety reality,” said Mayor Michael Carpenter. “Earlier in the history of the city, the idea was that pedestrian traffic on FM 3009 needed to be discouraged due to the heavier traffic patterns that were emerging as the population slowly increased. Now the traffic is at its historical heaviest, and the pedestrian traffic continues to grow. The dirt paths worn on the sides of 3009 are testament to the frequency of foot travel. At this point, we cannot stop pedestrian traffic, so it is incumbent upon us to make it safer.” Mayor Carpenter said the
“I am so pleased and excited we got this funding...” -Mayor Michael Carpenter
FM 3009 sidewalks are not costing Schertz taxpayers any new money because TxDOT has picked up the City’s local match. “This will get us a sidewalk connection on both sides of FM 3009 from Interstate Highway 35 all the way to FM 78. Essentially, it addresses our challenges and concerns in full without additional taxpayer expense” he noted. One of the pedestrians on FM 3009 is Schertz resident Brandon May, 22. He has a 30-minute walk along FM 3009 to get from his apartment complex near FM 78 to his job not to far from IH-35. His journey involves walking in drainage areas and around many things. “Sidewalks will really help and make walking along 3009 a lot safer and more pleasant. I haven’t had any close calls with traffic since I have been walking this route, but it is still kind of scary sometimes,” May said.
Brandon May walks along FM 3009 on the way home.
Construction will not happen for a while as TxDOT goes through a federal design process that usually takes about a year. After that, construction will proceed in four phases over the next few years. Mayor Carpenter said as Schertz slowly draws closer to the 50,000 population mark in the next 10 to 15 years, the ability of residents to visit local and neighborhood businesses and services without using a vehicle will be an integral part of the city’s transportation reality. “As Schertz gets closer to the 50,000 population figure, we have both a need and a desire to be a more pedestrian-friendly community. And that necessarily includes a
broad spectrum of non-vehicular traffic - walking, jogging, riding a skateboard, riding a bike and even riding a motorized wheelchair or scooter. We want to be deliberately multimodal – not arriving at intelligent mobility merely by happenstance or blind luck - in our approach to future, intra-city movement. With this grant, the MPO recognized our intent and stated their agreement with us on that point,” he said. “Our community has gone for decades without sidewalks on FM 3009 and the need is critical,” said City Manager John Kessel. “I’ve seen runners, walkers, a mom pushing a baby stroller as well as students from schools along FM 3009 using the sides of the road to get to
their destinations,” he said. Kessel said he also saw a bike rider using the center turn lane of FM 3009 instead of trying to navigate the drainage ditches and other obstacles found along the sides of the road from IH-35 to FM 78. Schertz has a walking culture and walking tradition as seen daily along Schertz Parkway and other areas where sidewalks are available, the city manager noted. Kessel said city officials have met with neighborhood groups up and down FM 3009 and found strong and broad support for sidewalks on the state road. Because the cost of such
sidewalks is in the millions of dollars, it appeared it would take a number of years get the sidewalks built. “The MPO grant makes it possible to get the sidewalks much earlier and helps our city expand and improve our pedestrian mobility and walkable areas,” he said. Kessel praised City employees - including City Engineer Kathy Woodley, Engineer-In-Training Larry Busch, Public Works Director Sam Willoughby, Superintendent of Fleet/Streets Doug Letbetter - who spearheaded the sidewalk project along FM 3009 and worked on the successful grant application.
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Schertz No. 5 on List of Texas
“Cities On The Rise”
San Francisco-based NerdWallet, a consumer advocacy website, recently conducted a study to find the fastest growing cities in Texas – and Schertz ranked fifth. To compile this ranking, NerdWallet evaluated 126 cities, towns and census-designated places and examined the following variables: • Population growth • Employment growth • Income growth “Schertz’ strong employment growth won it a spot on our Top 10 list,” NerdWallet analyst Maggie Clark said. “The percentage of residents in the workforce grew by 7% between 2009 and 2012, according to U.S. Census data. At the same time, the city’s population grew by 17.8% and median incomes increased by 4.8% to $37,558.”
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Schertz is the largest suburb of San Antonio and is part of the Randolph Metrocom, a group of cities northeast of San Antonio with close ties to Randolph Air Force Base. Schertz is surely tied to the base: 24.2% of people employed in Schertz work for the government, according to U.S. Census data. Still, it’s private companies that are driving job growth in town: the Schertz Economic Development Corporation announced that GE Oil & Gas would add 175 new jobs to the community and hundreds of area workers have found jobs at the new Amazon fulfillment center located in town. The SchertzCibolo-Universal City Independent School District expects enrollment to increase by at least 600 students each year from now until 2022.
Schertz isn’t just a great city for business but it tops for homeownership as well—it was NerdWallet’s number five pick for best cities for homeownership in Texas, the company said. “The City of Schertz has a strong vision to be a top city in Texas. We continue to experience a tremendous level of success ranging from the recent opening of four Fortune 100 companies to a new Master Planned Community, The Crossvine, to new baseball and soccer fields, a skate park, and a beautiful new Animal Adoption Center,” said City Manager John Kessel. Other places in the top 20 include The Woodlands near Houston, College Station, and McKinney in North Texas.
CITY CALENDARZ
Annual Events: May
Sweetheart Coronation; Thursday, May 1 Police Officer Memorial Day; TBD National EMS Week/Golf Tournament; May 18-25
May 2014 Thursday, 1
Transportation Safety Advisory Commission, 5:30 PM Council Chamber
Tuesday, 6
City Council, 6:00 PM Council Chamber
Tuesday, 13
Doggie Dash; Saturday, May 10
City Council, 6:00 PM Council Chambers
July
Wednesday, 14
September
Monday, 19
4th of July Jubilee; Thursday and Friday, July 3-4
Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM Council Chambers
SchertzFest; Friday and Saturday, September 19-20
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, 5:30 PM – Bob Andrews Room
October
National Night Out; Tuesday, October 7
Board of Adjustments, 6:00 PM Council Chambers
Fire Prevention Week; October 5-11
Tuesday, 20
Trunk or Treat; Friday, October 31
City Council, 6:00 PM Council Chamber
November
Thursday, 22
Hal Baldwin Scholarship Golf Tournament; Friday, November 7 Turkey Trot 5K; Thursday, November 27 Steve Simonson Volunteer of the Year/ Board and Commission Recognition; TBD
Economic Development Corporation, 6:00 PM Council Chambers
Monday, 26
City Holiday Memorial Day (offices closed)
December
Tuesday, 27
Be sure to check out visitschertz.com for more event info!
Wednesday, 28
Festival of Angels; Friday and Saturday, December 5-6
#info
City Council, 6:00 PM Council Chamber
Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM Council Chambers Meeting locations may change, please visit the calendar at www.schertz.com for more information.
City of Schertz Elected Officials Mayor: Michael Carpenter
Council Members: Jim Fowler David Scagliola Daryl John Cedric Edwards, Sr. Matthew Duke
City Departments:
(210) 619-1045 (210) 658-1442 (830) 606-1130 (210) 204-2750 (210) 566-4540 (210) 204-8649
City of Schertz (210) 619-1000 Animal Control (210) 619-1550 Business/Utilities (210) 619-1100 City Manager (210) 619-1000 City Secretary (210) 619-1030 Civic Center (210) 619-1600 Customer Care/311 (210) 619-1000 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
IMPORTANT SCHERTZ WEBSITES schertz.com visitschertz.com schertzmagazine.com Like us on Facebook
AirLife Lands in Schertz for EMT Class In photo above, EMT students in a Schertz EMS class gather around a University Health System AirLife helicopter that landed in a field behind the Animal Adoption Center on Saturday, March 29. According to Mike Consentino, Schertz EMS Public Education Community Outreach Coordinator, the AirLife visits Schertz about three times a year when EMT classes are nearing their end. The AirLife crew talk about the requirements to do their type of work as well as the type of patients they generally transport.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT 1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY SCHERTZ, TEXAS 78154