TO
YOU
MARCH 2016
BY
THE
CITY
OF
SCHERTZ,
TEXAS
magazine
BROUGHT
March Events Demory Ballroom Dance Every Monday 8pm-9pm Community Center Building 3
Senior Line Dancers Every Tuesday in March Community Center Building 3
City Council Michael Carpenter Mayor
Editor’z Letter
Jim Fowler Councilmember Grumpy Azzoz Councilmember Daryl John Councilmember Cedric Edwards, Sr. Councilmember Robin Thompson Councilmember
Executive Team
By Chuck McCollough, Editor
John Kessel City Manager Brian James Executive Director Dudley Wait Executive Director Bob Cantu Executive Director Kyle Kinateder Executive Director
VOLUME 32 ISSUE 3 32 Years and counting...!
PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY Public Affairs Department Linda Klepper Public Affairs Director Chuck McCollough Editor Melissa Geedman Marketing & Communications Specialist Alexis Souza Graphic Design/Art Direction Lucille Sims Thomas Copy Editor Contributing Staffers Erin Matlock Office Manager Mary Spence Events Manager
Contributing Writers Chuck McCollough, Lucille Sims Thomas, Richard Erickson, Amanda Mercer, Allyson Ortegon, Claudia Pharr,Jesus R. Garcia, Kari Bridges, Jim Webb, Stan Leland, Wendy Kinkade, Taryn McGillivray, Aubrey Parke, Kiko Martinez, Ashley Festa, Rudy Arispe, Mike Harris, Chris Meek, Tom Lovett, Kaylie Kennedy Contributing Photographers Chuck McCollough, Mary Spence, Joshua Nolden, Mary Oakes, Diana Webb, Bryan Tobias, Mike Harris, Beverly McCollough, Ross Dye, Marc Bane, Michael Carpenter, Joe Herczeg, Kari Bridges, Catherine White, Elizabeth Leland, Rudy Ornelas, Samuel Rhodes, Linda Klepper, Amanda Mercer, Calvin True, Elysia Santoya, Alyson Garcia, Erin True, Lisa Green, Kaylie Kennedy, Mike Bowers, Fiona Scoggin, Ethan Bookout, Terrell Mitchell, Cindy Kelleher, Aaron Davis 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. © 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 events@schertz.com. For advertising information: Schertz Magazine, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154; call (210) 619-1630; Fax (210) 6191619; 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.
M
arch winds and April showers bring forth May flowers - that give us sniffles and sneezes. And South Texas weather often produces beautiful days that go from cold to hot so fast - it makes us too congested to appreciate them. So with the premise that a good number of us will be under the weather, stuck inside and need something to read - the March issue of Schertz Magazine serves up an interesting mix of stories and photos. Start with the history of Aviation Heights: the City’s first real subdivision envisioned nearly 100 years ago and started in the 1950s. Many of the Schertz’ civic and elected leaders from the last 40 years or so lived in Aviation Heights as did a growing middle class of employees
at Randolph AFB. Read how the Schertz Historic Preservation Committee (SHPC) -with backing of City Council - got a Heritage Neighborhood designation for the area near Main Street. Then read about the many other projects SHPC is working on and ones they have accomplished - including getting designations for dozens of homes, businesses, homesteads and churches as “landmark properties.” A day-brightening story in our magazine is about shadows. Say what? The shadows in this case are Clemens High School students who took part in the Job Shadow Day in Schertz and visited with various City departments and City staff about career opportunities.
Shooting Range Sharpens SPD Skills
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SHPC - Connecting Past and Future
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Crime Victim Advocate Plays Crucial Roll
P34 The program is a metaphor for the local philosophy and tradition of mentoring the next generation to keep a sustainable pool of dedicated and caring citizens. Next read about efforts to make our community safer by having the best trained police officers possible. A community partnership between the City of Schertz and Beck Landfill produced a close and convenient shooting range for the Schertz Police Department. The range, located on Beck Landfill property, is 5 minutes from the police department instead of the range 20 miles away in Seguin, which SPD had been sharing with other law enforcement agencies. Speaking of law enforcement take a look at the story of Nicole Douglass, the new regional crime victim liaison for the cities of Schertz, Cibolo, and Live Oak police departments.
When criminally injurious conduct happens, she follows up with victims to ensure they are aware of the different benefits and programs that are available to assist them during this gloomy time. For example, crime victims could be reimbursed for different medical costs for injuries associated with the crime. Crime victims also may be able to get prescription reimbursement for those same injuries. If crime victims miss work they may be able to get reimbursed for the missed work hours. Also look for stories on Trail Riders coming through Schertz, the Selma-Schertz 5K Run Walk benefitting Wounded Warriors, the Flags On Main Street program, and the upcoming Annual Spring Clean Up and the Community Volunteer Fair. All that and more in your source for hometown news - Schertz Magazine.
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FEATUREZ
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Aviation Heights Helped Launch Modern Day Schertz
DEPARTMENTZ TALK OF THE TOWNZ Updatez Visionz / Chamber
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CIVIC NEWZ Updatez
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CALENDARZ
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COVER
A young soccer player runs down the field at the newly renovated Schertz Soccer Complex. The sounds of spring sports like soccer, baseball and softball are here. schertzmagazine.com
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TALKOF THE
TOWNZ
Flags on Main Street By Stan Leland Amnesia is a common plot device for authors; just consider the Jason Bourne series where characters lost their identity when their past was forgotten. The same is true of society.
Through the course of the year, the “Flags of Honor” pay tribute to pivotal events in American history and the men and women who responded to serve their country.
When history is ignored or forgotten the culture declines and loses its way. Because of this, remembering the past is a necessary part of citizenship.
The “Flags of Honor” program is an initiative by the National VFW requiring each local post to display flags on the designated dates. A volunteer crew sets the flags out by 8:00 AM and another takes them down at 5:00 PM.
The VFW Post 8315 in Schertz is committed to keeping the past from being forgotten. At least 20 times a year the members of the Schertz VFW display flags along Main Street in Schertz to commemorate significant events in American history.
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The dates range from familiar holidays such as the 4th of July and Veterans Day to less recognized dates such as the start of Operation Desert Storm and Enduring Freedom.
Recognizing the origin of the VFW as a veterans organization formed after the Spanish American War, the anniversary of the Battleship Maine explosion (the 9/11 of the 1890’s) is also celebrated. The VFW is seeking to increase the “Flags of Honor” impact on the community. By doing so, Post Commander Henry Conway said the VFW is seeking to expand the flag display to Schertz Parkway. They want to display flags along Schertz Parkway from the intersection of Main Street to the intersection with Live Oak Road. Additionally, they want to install three
permanent sign brackets that would allow a description of what the flags are commemorating. Mayor Michael Carpenter has been helpful and encouraging alongside the project. Since the VFW is funding the signs and flags, there is no cost to the city to set up or maintain the program; this makes it a win/win for the city. Post Commander Conway has encountered no opposition to the idea and hopes to make a formal proposal to the City Council in the near future.
Schertz-Seguin 5K Run Just Plain Fun A sea of runners showed their support for disabled veterans and their civic pride at the 6th Annual Selma-Schertz ‘Salute to Service Members 5K run walk’ on January 23. “This annual event is another excellent way to promote Wounded Warriors and the many needs they face. An estimated 300 hundred people from throughout the San Antonio area came out to the Blue Bonnet Palace and participated in the race in one form or another,” said Robin Thompson, an avid runner and Schertz City Council member. Opening remarks were made by
Mayor Michael Carpenter of Schertz, and Mayor Tom Daley of Selma, the two cities which sponsor this annual event. The 5K event is also sponsored by Operation Comfort and groups and businesses. The early morning format and cool temperatures didn’t deter any of the participants who ranged from the very young to senior citizens.
that day. Fueling that enthusiasm, in part, is the variety of events at the 5K walk run. Professional runners and wounded warriors on racy-looking specialized bikes were at the fast end of that variety with little kids in strollers and senior citizens leisurely crossing the finish line to loud cheers.
The enthusiasm at the event rivaled that of a Super Bowl crowd and there were more smiles per miles there than just about anywhere else schertzmagazine.com
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SZ Miss Friendly City Sydney Fischer My name is Sydney Fischer and I am both honored and proud to have been a Sweetheart for these past three years, and to serve as your 2015-2016 Miss Friendly City. I am a junior at Clemens where I am a leader in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a student representative of Meet in the Middle and a Varsity Academic All-State swimmer. I am also active in class office, class president last year, HOSA, and National Honor Society. Outside of school, I spend my free time volunteering. I have been an assistant coach for the BVYA Stingrays swim team since 2012, and I enjoy working at the Schertz Library and Crosspoint Fellowship Church. Academics is my highest priority; rigorous work in AP courses has put me in the top 3 percent of my class. I hope to continue my education at Stanford University - majoring in biology - so that one day I may work to help others from a position as a medical professional. This year the Sweetheart Court has allowed me to initiate my own service project by creating the Open Hearts program at Corbett Junior High. Open Hearts is a mentorship that provides companionship and camaraderie through emphasis of volunteerism. I am very pleased with what we have accomplished as a group and am excited to further our impact next school year. This organization has shaped who I am in my most defining years and has made me proud to call Schertz, Texas my home.
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SZ In Hawaii
Joanne and Andy Zintel took Schertz Magazine with them on a trip to Kihei, Maui in Hawaii.
Schertz Magazine All Over The Map
In Honduras
Joseph and Julie Percececz took Schertz Magazine with them aboard the Regal Princess New Years Eve cruise which stopped in Roatan, Honduras.
Mosquito Control The City does respond to residents calls about mosquitoes in public areas. These are some of the steps the City takes to address those areas: depending on the location the City will first address the mowing of the area and in the case of standing water will use the BTI Briquets (Floating Sustained - Released Larvicide for long term control of mosquitoes). When these chemicals are applied the City keeps record of the area where applied, time, date, dosage, etc. These records are used so that if the City needs to do
Take your copy of Schertz Magazine when you travel and take a high-resolution photo of the mag and you in front of a recognizable place and send to events@schertz.com. You might just make it into the magazine.
Reduce mosquito breeding areas around your home You can help reduce the risk of West Nile Virus. Eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Mosquito larvae can develop in water that has been standing for more than four days. Follow these tips around your home. Keep your yard clean • remove discarded tire and clean up junk piles that collect water • cover containers or use lids to prevent water from collecting in the bottom of garbage cans • use screen or fine mesh to cover rain barrel • clean pet food and water bowls and store indoors when not in use
Always inspect swimming or wading pools and ponds • remove water that collects on pool covers • make sure the pool’s pump is circulating water • turn over wading pools when not in use • use a pump to circulate water in your pond
Eliminate stagnant water • clean up and empty water in toys, birdbaths, tires, flowerpots, wheelbarrows and other garden objects • drill holes in the bottoms of containers so water can’t collect • change water in birdbath frequently
Clean out eaves, gutters and drains • clear leaves, twigs and debris from eavestroughs, storm and roof gutters throughout the summer • make sure drainage ditch is not clogged • check flat roofs frequently for standing water
Maintain yards and lawns • fill in low depressions in lawn areas • eliminate standing water in gutters or storm drains to prevent small ponds • install screens over catch basins • grass clippings, leaves or other decaying debris such as apples or berries that fall from trees should be mulched to prevent organic matter from going into catch basins or storm sewers as food source for mosquito larvae • turn over compost frequently
Fix faucets and hoses • repair any leaks to faucets and hoses to prevent possible breeding sites • prevent water from pooling around downspouts and air conditioners
Repair window screens and screen doors • check window and door screens and repair any holes • ensure screens fit tightly into to window or door frames to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside • if you don’t have screens, try and keep windows closed between dusk and dawn • install screens on crawl spaces and attic vents
Please contact the City of Schertz Marshals Office, Environmental Health Division at 210.619.1650 for any questions or concerns.
a reapplication in the area it will know how soon to retreat. The City also has a spray method that is applied from a fogger machine.
That method can only control mosquitoes that are active in the area and does not control the breeding cycle.
For more information or to report any areas of concern please go to Schertz.com or call 311.
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March 2016 Library Events Poetry Open Mic: Thursday, March 31, 6:30 PM Everyone is invited to join us for an evening of original poetry and song by local artists! All area talent is welcome to perform! The featured poet for March is Barbara Lazar!
Adult Coloring Club: Monday, March 14, 12:00 PM -1:30 PM and Thursday, March 24, 6:00-7:30 PM Coloring is an activity we traditionally think of as being for kids; however, it can be very beneficial for adults as well. Coloring helps us destress because when we focus on a particular activity, we concentrate on it and not on our worries. Coloring stimulates brain areas related to motor skills, the senses, and creativity. Coloring sheets and colored pencils will be provided. Please adults ages 18+ only and preregistration is not required.
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For more information on Library events, follow them on Facebook. MARCH 2016
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The Book Ends Library Book Club Meeting: Thursday, March 10, 6:30 PM The library book club meets the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM. Please join us this month for a discussion of Shadow Divers by Robert Kurson. Pre-registration not required to attend!
Author Visit: Friday, March 18, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Local Author Marquita Dade will be at the library doing a meet and greet event from 10:00 AM12:00 PM on Friday, March 18. Marquita is the author of a book titled All About Me: The Parent’s Guide to Peace of Mind. Please stop by the library and visit with her!
Newsbank Available at Your Library! We have got news for you! Online access to local, state & national news stories including the San Antonio Express News (1990-current), the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung (3/21/01-current), the Seguin Gazette (2/1/05-current) and USA Today (7/1/87-current) via Newsbank. From the library’s web page, hover over the Electronic Resources tab and select Newspapers. You will need a library card to gain access!
SZ Mayor Carpenter throws out first softball for BVYA Open Day last year.
BVYA Opening Day March 26 Buffalo Valley Youth Association will kick off the Spring baseball and softball season on Saturday, March 26, at Schertz Ballpark. The festivities will begin with the Opening Day Parade at 9 AM,followed by the Opening Ceremony and first pitches of the season thrown out by Mayor Michael Carpenter.
Plan to join in the fun, support local youth sports and area vendors and enjoy community fellowship at the carnival. Contact Wendy Kinkade at kinkade1@earthlink.net for vendor booth information.
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SZ Trail Riders Chow Down On Schertz Hospitality
The GRA-TRAils Trail Riders and the Kerr Kountry Trail Riders don’t need GPS when they come through Schertz every February on the way to the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo. The trail riders have been doing it for many years and say they like the friendly folks in these parts and the vittles they get in the morning and lunch the same day.
After camping out at the Blue Bonnet Palace the night of February 10, the GRA-Trails riders set out the next morning for a delicious chuckwagon breakfast at Frost Bank just down the road from Blue Bonnet. The trail riders thanked the bank and its friendly employees and then had belly-warming coffee and food along with Schertz residents and others who
welcomed the cowboys and cowgirls to town. Later the GRA-Trail Riders headed to Pickrell Park to join up with the Kerr Kountry Riders for a western chow down around noon. The Olive Garden and H-E-B provided warm soup and bread. After the lunch, the trail riders and City officials said the stopover tradition is fun
for everyone. Kerr Kountry Trail Boss David Wiedenfeld and GRAY-TRAils Trail Boss Joe Coldewey presented plaques of appreciation to Mayor Michael Carpenter. The City then gave the two trail bosses plaques expressing the long running friendship between Schertz and the trail riders.
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Welcoming Our New Chamber Investors!
Welcome Wagon Schertz, Tx 78154 1-800-779-3526
Plumeyer Photography 150 S. Seguin Ave. New Braunfels, Tx 78130 830-606-1505
ActionCOACH Schertz, Tx 78154 210-386-5485
The Chamber Calendar of Events March 3rd - Chamber Mixer
Serving cities Schertz, Selma and Cibolo, covering 6 counties and over 100 miles of businesses, The Chamber of Commerce is your source for networking, marketing and advocacy. To find out how to join, stop by our office at 1730 Schertz Parkway, call 210-619-1950 or go to our website at thechamberinfo.org.
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Come on out for a time of food, fun, networking and a chance to win Chamber Cash! Mixer will be hosted by Herbalife/About Face Nutrition located at 420 Schertz Parkway from 5:30-7:00pm. General Admission is $10 and our Chamber Members are free!
March 15th - Chamber Luncheon Join us for guest speaker Andrew Glass on the topic of Social Media Marketing as well as an update on the SCUCISD. RSVP deadline is March 8th.
March 16th – Race to: The Taste Come join us at Retama Park for our 7th Annual Taste! Sponsored by HEB and presented by Retama Park, Ben E Keith and Steamers Carpet Care, doors open at 5pm and will feature over 40 vendors of the area’s best in entrees, desserts, beverages and more! For tickets, call 210-619-1950.
Shooting Range Sharpens SPD Skills
FEATUREZ
By Chuck McCollough
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FEATUREZ Shooting Range Sharpens SPD Skills cont’d from page 19
A
flood-scarred section of Cibolo Creek bottom land has become a crucial crime-fighting tool for the Schertz Police Department.
The City of Schertz (representing SPD) and Beck Landfill have formed a unique partnership to create a much needed shooting range for the department’s officers, including the SWAT team.
Chief of Police Michael Hansen said SPD having its own shooting range will benefit the department in many ways - mostly by providing more training time and closer access. “Firearms training is an important aspect for our officers,” Hansen said. “The state requires officers to qualify annually but we qualify quarterly. Our officers train monthly and our SWAT team trains twice a month.” Hansen said getting SPD its own shooting range has been a goal since he came to Schertz in March 2013. “Our officers have been going to a shooting range that the Seguin PD graciously lets us use.” The distance and time spent going to Seguin made it valuable for Schertz to have its own firing range.
“What could be an easy two or three hour qualification at our own range took up the better part of the day at the Seguin range. And our officers had to drive 30 minutes there and back,” he said. Driving past the Beck Landfill regularly, Hansen thought the area might work out well for a range. The chief called on John Bierschwale, a former Schertz deputy city manager and former police officer, to contact Beck Landfill about use of a section of sloping, low land along Cibolo Creek. “When I approached Ben Davis (Beck Landfill President) about using the land for the police department he was immediately good with the idea. I have seen the city develop many partnerships and this is certainly a
good one for all parties,” Bierschwale said. Located deep in the 400-acre Beck Landfill facility, which is bordered by FM 78 and FM 1518, the shooting range has been a challenging project that included lengthy legal activity and an overnight blast of Mother Nature fury. After months of thoughtful and deliberate negotiations to make sure all legalities were addressed, Beck Landfill and the SPD carved out a shooting range last fall. It is a convenient five minutes
from the police department instead of the range 20 miles away in Seguin which SPD had been sharing with other law enforcement agencies. SPD Firearms Instructor Richard Banduch, said the shooting range was operational by mid-Fall last year, and it even had creature comforts like - several metal structures - that could be used as shelter from the heat. “One week we celebrated the shooting range becoming functional. The next weekend it was devastated by a flood cont’d on page 22
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This shooting range is going to help our police department and that is good for the whole community. Ben Davis, Beck Landfill President
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FEATUREZ Shooting Range Sharpens SPD Skills cont’d from page 20
in November,” Banduch said, shaking his head at the memory of the stunning reversal of fortune. But the determination and resolve of SPD and Beck Landfill wasn’t deterred and the shooting range was back in operational mode in a matter of weeks. Beck Landfill Director Of
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Operations, Grant Norman, said the company is excited about being able to help. “We all looked at the piece of low, flat land down near the creek. It was overgrown with vegetation and had a natural slope on one side that could be part of a berm.” After all legal matters were worked out, Beck Landfill and SPD staff worked to get
the site ready, which included Beck Landfill staff using heavy equipment to enhance natural berms that catch and hold spent bullets. Banduch and Norman spent a lot of time at the site getting it built the first time and once again after the flash flood in late November. On Friday, January 15, nine SPD officers joined Banduch, who oversees shooting practice, for some daylight and nighttime practice. A Schertz Magazine writer and a photographer were allowed to observe.
The officers, eight men and one woman, paired up to do tactical shooting at posters showing bad guys on one side and civilians on the other. SPD officers used shoulder-fired weapons and handguns as the posters switch back and forth quickly - testing the peace officers alertness, reaction time and most importantly ability to ID a credible target quickly. The practice session started in late afternoon for officers to get daylight practice. As the sun was setting and then in darkness, officers skillfully used their flashlights cont’d on page 24
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FEATUREZ Shooting Range Sharpens SPD Skills cont’d from page 23
and weapons in sync. Officers faced the posters -changing for bad guy side to good guy side swiftly -- and made split-second decisions of when to pull the trigger. At times the night shooting was surreal as muzzle flashes from the weapons created eerie silhouettes of the officers and posters.
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The officers went from completely focused on the shooting to a relaxed, exchange of light banter when not shooting. Officers learned to make adjustments from ordinary events to serious events in the blink of an eye. Training helps sharpen the officers’ skills.
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Banduch said he has recieved good feedback from Schertz officers who used the shooting range and they look forward to the opportunities to train more often. Hansen said before SPD started using the shooting range the department reached out to residents living in the area to let them
know what was going on. “The residents around the shooting range and the whole community have been very supportive of this project,” he said.
FEATUREZ
Schertz Historical Preservation Committee Connecting The Past and Future By Jim and Diana Webb
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he Schertz Historical Preservation Committee (SHPC) is one of 10 boards, commissions, and committees on which interested citizens serve and share their time, talent and experience. SHPC was founded in 2006 and Walter and Lula
Mae Schertz were among the committee’s original members. The resolution to create the committee stated its purpose was to “create a committee to preserve the treasured history of the city.” The group’s initial tasking was threefold: create a city museum to house/display photographs and other historical artifacts, obtain grant
money to support historical preservation, and designate qualified homes and other structures as historic. The committee reports to the mayor and City Council and meets quarterly (in January, April, July and October) on the fourth Thursday of the month at 6:30 PM.
SHPC may have up to 14 voting members, each appointed by City Council. There also may be nonappointed members, who participate in committee activities but are not able to vote on committee actions. Residents desiring to become voting members can submit a formal request to the City Secretary. People wanting to be non-voting members can contact Committee Chairperson Dean Weirtz. The City’s liaison to the committee is Executive Director Brian James. SHPC hopes to eventually get a museum to showcase the City’s history. In 2010, Schertz voters approved a number of projects, but the museum was not among them. Though that effort was not successful, the committee does display
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historical photos and artifacts at several sites throughout Schertz, such as in the Visitor Center and the Senior Center. The committee has made notable strides in the designation of historic properties. As a result, the City Council has designated dozens of homes, businesses,
homesteads and churches as “landmark properties.” Per the committee’s bylaws, a landmark property is one that represents a unique feature of the area/ community history and whose preservation is significant to our cultural identity. There are no legal restrictions placed on properties designated as landmark.
The committee’s efforts have led to the designation of two areas as “Heritage Neighborhoods.” The first is the area south of
First Street at FM 78. The second, approved in January 2016, is the area known as Aviation Heights. Visitors to the areas will eventually
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FEATUREZ SHPC - Connecting the Past and Future cont’d from page 27
see distinctive banners announcing it as a Heritage Neighborhood. The SHPC played a key role and, in many instances, the key role in obtaining state and national recognition of select properties to include placing St Joseph’s Chapel (on FM 482) on the National Registry of Historic Places, and receiving a Texas Historical plaque for the area known as Comal Settlement (in the vicinity of FM 482 and Old Nacogdoches Rd). The newest committee initiative is a partnership with the Schertz-CiboloUniversal City School District (SCUCISD), which seeks to connect students with area history and, in cooperation with City Secretary Brenda Dennis, the operation of city government.
Working closely with Becky Williams, the district’s social studies coordinator, and with help from other district faculty and staff, the group developed a multi-faceted plan aimed at involving students in area history and government. Activities undertaken to date include an annual art and essay contest, a field trip to area landmarks, students recording oral histories from senior citizens, and students participating as mayor and City Council members for a day. Another major contribution the committee makes is through its writing and publications. The SHPC has published three books on the area’s history, including a detailed written history of Schertz and, most recently, a pictorial history of Schertz. [This latter publication, published in October 2015,
is available for purchase at various locations in the city.] The committee has a brief column in each edition of Schertz Magazine that highlights a local, state and national historical event. The committee also produces quarterly articles, entitled “Remembrances,” which provide information on local items of historical significance. These articles are available to the public on the city’s website, Schertz.com, by clicking on the link to the Historical Committee. The committee also maintains a continuing relationship with a sister historical society in Riedisheim, France. Riedisheim is the area where the Schertz family lived before emigrating to Texas. While visiting the Alsace area in 2007, the SHPC chairperson had a chance encounter with members of the Riedisheim Historical Society. Since then, the two groups have developed an excellent working relationship, leading to frequent exchanges of information and ideas. In fact, in its annual bulletin, the Riedisheim society includes information about
the activities of its Schertz counterpart. In turn, the SHPC has provided the Riedisheim society with detailed information on the Schertz family after their arrival in Texas. Another project of the SHPC was to develop a coat of arms for the City of Schertz. A committee member who is an artist and had experience in developing and analyzing coats of arms, created a draft image of a coat of arms. After making adjustments based on input from committee members, he produced a revised design that was presented to City Council for consideration. The council had the design put on the city website to allow for public comment. After receipt and consideration of this public comment, the council approved a final product. Residents interested in joining or learning more about the SHPC should contact chairperson Dean Weirtz at 210-651-0394. Weirtz is also the contact if you have historical artifacts you might be willing to share with the committee.
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FEATUREZ
Regional Crime Victim Liaison Plays Crucial Role By Lucille Sims Thomas
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n an unheralded cooperative move, three cities have banded together to share the services of one person whose job is to make the lives of crime victims a little easier. Nicole Douglass is the new regional crime victim liaison for the cities of Schertz, Cibolo, and Live Oak police departments. If criminally injurious conduct has happened, she follows up with victims to ensure they are aware of the different benefits and
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programs that are available to assist them during this gloomy time. “I work alongside the officer who’s been responding to their incident or assigned to their criminal investigation and explain what they should expect to happen next. This is probably not something that happens to them all the time and so they’re most likely not familiar with what will happen,” Douglass said. She also tries to raise awareness to the public
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about crimes that affect not only victims but those closest to them and the community. It’s mandated by the State of Texas that all law enforcement agencies must designate someone to provide victim services. But often someone who is already working for a town’s police department is given the additional duty of being the crime victim liaison. “This is just a more adequate way to serve the
victims in our communities – a way to give a more personal and direct approach in offering that type of assistance. It’s not just ‘here’s a piece of paper; read through this and this is what’s available to you’. It’s me actually explaining all the things that are available,” Douglass said. Most people hope to never become crime victims so they don’t give a whole lot of thought to needing a liaison to offer help in that area. But if you do become a crime victim, what you
For example, crime victims could be reimbursed for different medical costs for injuries associated with the crime. Crime victims also may be able to get prescription reimbursement for those same injuries. If crime victims miss work, they may be able to get reimbursed for the missed work hours. Douglass gives crime victims this type of information and more. She also helps surviving family members of homicide victims try to get assistance with funeral expenses, travel and time off for the bereavement. Crime scene clean-up assistance is also available as is a lot of counseling referrals and nearby service providers that offer counseling. Prior to becoming the regional crime victim liaison for Schertz, Cibolo, and
Live Oak, Douglass, who grew up in Lake McQueeny and graduated from Seguin High School, worked in the same position for the city of Seguin. A graduate of Texas State University, she has been doing this type of work for the past five years. She is married and has a young daughter. “I’m very happy to have made the move here. I’m doing the same thing — but it’s broadened my reach in helping people in a tri-city and county area,” she said. Douglass is in the process of developing a volunteer training program that will equip people in the local community with the skills needed to offer assistance to crime victims. Some people may not want assistance after a crime but Douglass is not daunted. “It’s our job to offer it — not to expect them to want it. It’s somebody at least giving them the information.”
Nicole Douglass, right, talks with SPD Officer Helen Lafitte.
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don’t know can be costly since there are different types of assistance available for the asking.
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FEATUREZ
Aviation Heights Helped Launch ModernDay Schertz By Jim and Diana Webb
EDITOR’S NOTE - Aviation Heights is generally defined as the area bordered by Curtiss Avenue and Wright Avenue on the South, Pickrell Park/Oak Street on the West, Aviation Avenue on the North and Schertz Parkway on the East.
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Aviation Heights is where Schertz really began to become a large city. It was the people of Aviation Heights who formed what is going on today. It is the most historic section of the city and most deserving of becoming a historic district. The Late Mayor Hal Baldwin
T
hese comments are from Schertz’s longest serving mayor, Hal Baldwin. His evaluation of the importance of Aviation Heights in the development of Schertz was validated
earlier this year when the Schertz City Council designated Aviation Heights as a Heritage Neighborhood. The land that became known as Aviation Heights was a part of the 307-acre
Sebastian Schertz family farm, purchased in 1866. Following Sebastian’s death in 1890, farm ownership passed to his sons. Ownership of the portion of the farm that included the Aviation Heights
area eventually passed to Sebastian’s grandson, Walter J. Schertz. Walter J. was a prominent Schertz citizen during the time discussions were underway for the development of Randolph
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FEATUREZ Aviation Heights Helped Launch Modern Day Schertz cont’d from page 35
Field adjacent to Schertz. In the late 1920’s, believing that civilian housing would be needed by the military and civilian personnel to be assigned to Randolph, Walter J., along with two other prominent citizens, Herbert P. Thulemeyer and C.W. Koch, created a land development project that was called Aviation Heights because of its relationship to the new airfield. To further solidify the relationship of Schertz with Randolph and the military, new streets in the development were named after aviation pioneers such as William Randolph, Glenn Curtiss, Billy Mitchell and Charles Lindbergh. Randolph Field was formally dedicated in the summer of
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1930. However, the impact of the Depression and the slower than expected growth of pilot training in the ensuing decade resulted in the Aviation Heights project simply languishing. Eventually Walter J.’s partners withdrew from the project, leaving him as the sole owner. Following Walter J.’s death in early 1940, control of the project fell to his son, Walter A. Schertz. The project remained on the back burner during World War II while Walter A. served on active duty in the U.S. Army. After his return home, Walter A. became interested in reviving the Aviation Heights project. He believed that the end of the war, the growth of Randolph Field that occurred during the war, and the advent of the
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GI Bill with its provision for low-cost housing loans for veterans signaled a renewed need for affordable housing in the Schertz area.
However, Walter A. soon discovered that VA/FHA loans were not being made available to veterans in the Schertz area, primarily because the water supply
system was privately owned – by the Schertz Family Water Works. After making repeated appeals to then-Senator Lyndon B. Johnson, Walter A. received an opportunity to make his case with the leaders of the VA/FHA. He succeeded in convincing them that his family’s water system met all the standards set down by the VA/FHA, and this led them to grant VA/FHA loans to qualified applicants
In early 1950, requests for building permits increased noticeably. The first and most active builder in the neighborhood was G. S. Idelbach, doing business as Standard Homes. He converted his plant in Flatonia, which had been building prefabricated shipping containers for the military during the war to building walls and trusses for new homes. Several hundred homes, many of which still stand today, were built over the next ten years or so. Most of these houses are small-tomoderate in size and reflect the minimal traditional
architectural style of the post Great Depression and the mid-twentieth century. These type homes were around 800 square feet, constructed of quality materials, but with few built-in’s and with detached garages, if there was a garage at all.
Another interesting facet of this community is that several of the homes were catalog or kit homes, a concept made popular by Sears, Roebuck and Company, and sold through mail order. Typically shipped by railcars, these kits included cont’d on page 38
who wanted to live in the Schertz area. Shortly thereafter, the selling of lots in Aviation Heights to private individuals and to builders such as Standard Homes and Cibolo Valley Lumber began.
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FEATUREZ Aviation Heights Helped Launch Modern Day Schertz cont’d from page 37
almost everything needed to build the house. In many cases, these homes were put together by the homeowners themselves, although some were completed by builders or by groups of neighbors, in an event similar to oldfashioned barn raisings. The development and popularity of Aviation Heights fueled the growth of Schertz. Citizens living in this area led the drive for the incorporation of Schertz, which occurred in 1958. Interestingly, Aviation Heights resident and the first mayor of the newly incorporated city was H.P. Thulemeyer, identified earlier as one of the original members of the group behind the idea for Aviation Heights. Many of the key players in the growth of Schertz, to include future mayors Jack Stomackin Sr. and Earl Sawyer, had homes in Aviation Heights. In comments made at a meeting of the Schertz Historical
Preservation Committee, former Mayor Baldwin acknowledged that, while the foundations for the city of Schertz resided in the original neighborhoods centered around the train depot and Main Street, the impetus for its growth into a modern, very effectively run city came from the people living in Aviation Heights. He described these folks as community-minded citizens, possessing a can-do attitude and a spirit of volunteerism, whose energies and passions sparked the city’s development. Today, Aviation Heights remains an important Schertz neighborhood. Its residents reflect a mixture of ages and backgrounds, and it still is the home of active and retired members of the military -- the audience the original developers hoped would form the nucleus of buyers attracted to Aviation Heights.
CIVIC NEWZ
Baldwin Scholarship Application Deadline April 29
YOUR EXCLUSIVE SOURCE FOR NEWS FROM THE CITY OF SCHERTZ
The Hal Baldwin Scholarship encourages young people to consider public service and is named after the Schertz mayor who gave 30 years of service to the city. As Schertz residents beginning in the 1960s, Mayor Baldwin and wife Barbara saw the city grow from 5,000 residents to more than 30,000 and become San Antonio’s largest suburban city. Baldwin, a retired Air Force Senior Master Sergeant, served Schertz as an assistant city manager, civic volunteer, city councilman and then mayor (for nearly 17 years). In recognition of Baldwin’s long service, the Schertz
City Council established his namesake scholarship to encourage high school seniors (public, private, or homeschooled) who are residents of Schertz to consider public service as a career path. The 2016 scholarship will be awarded on a competitive basis. The scholarship may be used for tuition or other fees or expenses for any postsecondary school that is accredited by a state, regional, or national accreditation agency and is a traditional 2 - or 4 - year institution or other educational institution offering courses, degrees, or other training suitable to a public service career.
Applications for the Baldwin Scholarship can be downloaded from schertz.com or picked up at the following locations: •
Administration Bldg. No. 2 (Within the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex, 1400 Schertz Parkway)
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City Hall – Bldg. No. 1
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Public Affairs Office – Building No. 5
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Schertz Public Library, 798 Schertz Parkway
Completed applications must be received in the City Manager’s Office (Bldg. No. 2) by 5 p.m. Friday, April 29, 2016. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
For more information, contact Sarah Gonzalez at 210-619-1015 for by email at sgonzalez@schertz.com
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Community Budget Meetings March 3rd 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Schertz United Methodist Church March 9th 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Sippel Elementary School Schertz City Manager John Kessel
March 10th 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Corbett Middle School
Edwards Sworn in as Mayor Pro Tem Mayor Michael Carpenter (left) swears in City Councilmember Cedric Edwards as new Mayor Pro Tem for a term of one year. As Mayor Pro Tem, Edwards will fill in for the mayor whenever he is unavailable. schertzmagazine.com
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Job Shadow Day Gives Students Experience The City of Schertz and area businesses hosted junior and senior high school students from area schools as part of Junior Achievement’s annual “Job Shadow Day”. The event was sponsored by SA Works and HEB and organized by Junior Achievement. The half-day event was geared toward providing career awareness opportunity for over 1,700 students throughout the San Antonio region. The event was well participated by public, private and nonprofit employers. “Workforce is often the number one issue faced in economic development. Job Shadow Day provides an opportunity for the City of Schertz to participate with our local employers to help develop a future workforce,” said Kyle Kinateder, Executive Director for the City of Schertz Economic Development Corporation. The criminal justice class from Samuel Clemens High School was hosted by the City of Schertz to experience how city departments work together to provide community services. The students gained exposure to potential careers in municipal government, court, law enforcement, and other supporting departments. Throughout the day, the students were taught how to find, apply and interview for jobs. “One of the major benefits of participating in this event was the ability to give back to the community through the coaching and mentoring of our future workforce and inspiring them to seek out employment opportunities within our community. Other benefits include helping identify workforce gaps to address long-term workforce development for specific industries within our region,” Kinateder said. As part of the Job Shadow Day, the Clemens Culinary Arts class was hired to prepare lunch for the event. Through this opportunity students were hired to create a menu, provide a competitive cost estimate, and deliver the order at a specified time. “I was impressed by the quality and service of the lunch that was prepared by the Culinary Arts Class”, said Patty Horan of the City of Schertz Economic Development Corporation. “The students were very professional and everything was carefully put together.” schertzmagazine.com
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PROVIDENCE COMMUNITY CHURCH
Proclaiming the Gospel, Embracing the Doctrines of Grace
Proclaiming the Gospel, Embracing the Doctrines of Grace
City of Schertz Offers Chipping Service
Join Us this Sunday Sunday School: 9:30 am | Worship Service: 11:00 Currently Meeting at the Schertz Civic Center: 1400 Schertz Pkwy, Building #5 Schertz, TX 78154 210-858-8503 | pcc_schertz@yahoo.com
www.pcc-schertz.com A reformed church and member of the SBC.
The City of Schertz provides a Curbside Chip service during the year for Schertz Residents. Chipping service will be performed on Fridays during normal business hours. It is the responsibility of the Resident to contact Public Works at 210.619.1800 or online to schedule appointments. Appointments for the week must be made by Thursday, at 3:00 PM. Appointments made after this time will be placed on the next week’s service. In the event of overload or inclement weather chip jobs not done Friday will be completed the following Monday. •
All Brush and Tree limbs must be at the front of the curb and stacked neatly for easy access (Parked Vehicles cleared of Brush Pile) with ABSOLUTELY NO TREE STUMPS PLACED ON TOP OF LIMB
•
Stumps must be cut 18 inches in length in order for pickup and must be placed in a separate pile along curb. Stumps will not be chipped, but must be accessible and able to be lifted by a person in order to be removed from location. These guidelines must be followed or stumps will not be removed.
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City employees will not go onto private property to drag brush and or tree limbs to front of house, they will not enter alleys to chip brush NO EXCEPTIONS!
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This is a Residential Service Only!
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Any work performed by hiring of a contractor from resident will be the responsibility of resident to have contractor remove all limbs and debris. NO EXCEPTIONS!
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No lumber will be picked up or chipped. Chips will not be shoveled out of truck or shot into resident yard with chipper.
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A fee of $25.00 per half hour will be assed for pickup and chipping (charge will appear on customer water bill).
ANNUAL SPRING CLEAN UP DATES: MARCH 5-20, 2016 Roll up those sleeves! It’s time to clean out the garage, attic and closets. The Annual Spring Clean-up will run March 5-20 with hazardous material dropoff on the weekends of March 12-13 and March 19-20 only. During this time, residents may drop off items not covered under normal collection services. Tree limbs may be dropped off free of charge at 2221 FM 3009 (near Schertz Funeral Home).
Drop off at Bexar Waste Site
Items dropped off here will be free of charge to residents as a service paid for by the City of Schertz. The Drop off Site will be open March 5-20, 2016. (See below for hazardous items drop off times) Drop offs may be made at Bexar Waste’s temporary collection point, 2221 F.M. 3009 (Near Live Oak Road) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. ENTRY TO THIS SITE IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO RESIDENTS DURING CITY SPONSORED SPRING AND FALL CLEAN UP EVENTS.
Please Remember
Bexar Waste will pick up household waste not covered under their normal collection service, such as lumber and general trash as well as major appliances and furniture for a fee (prices determined by Bexar Waste). If you have questions regarding the details, please call Bexar Waste (210-566-5454).
A maximum of three pickup-truck loads per household or a maximum of two trailer loads per household are permitted. Trailers cannot exceed 16 feet long by 4 feet high. There also is a combined limit of 20 gallons for paints/stains and a combined limit of 20 gallons for automotive/cooking oils.
Residents are able to drop off brush and limbs at 2221 FM 3009, free of charge, DURING THE 2 WEEK CLEANUP EVENT ONLY.
What you need to know:
The Spring Clean Up is restricted to Schertz residents only. Waste delivered must be separated by type of material by the resident. Spring Clean Up activities do not apply to commercial/ rental property clean ups, large property clean up, lot or acreage clean up, or lot and property land clearing. Commercial tree trimmers are not eligible for this service. A current water bill or tax statement and proper identification are required when making a drop-off. Commercial waste will not be accepted.
Schertz Public Works provides yearround curbside chipping service for brush and tree limbs on Fridays for a fee of $25 per half-hour. To make an appointment for this service, call 210-6191800. For more information, contact Bexar Waste at 210-566-5454 or visit schertz.com
1.
Couches, refrigerators**, stoves, computer/monitors, anything and everything that IS NOT HAZARDOUS OR TIRES can be dropped off, free of charge, during the clean up, Monday through Sunday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. 2. Materials WILL BE sorted by customer, NOT BY Bexar Waste employees. **Appliances will be ACCEPTED FREE ONLY IF Freon tank is removed; if Freon tank is still attached there will be a $35.00 fee at time of drop off. Any questions concerning the Freon tank removal, please contact Bexar Waste.
Hazardous Items/Tires and Drop off Times
HAZARDOUS ITEMS and TIRES may be dropped off ONLY on the weekends of March 12-13 and 19-20, 2016. 3. Tires are limited to eight (8) per household. 4. Hazardous waste includes but is not limited to: •
LIMITS: Household waste and yard waste only. Maximum of 3 Pick-up truck loads per Household or a Maximum of 2 Trailer loads per Household, trailers are not to exceed 16’ long x 4’ high in size.
The Spring clean-up is reserved for Schertz residents only. A current water bill and proper identification are required when making a drop-off.
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Insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, chemicals, cleaning and bleach products, swimming pool cleaners and chemicals Enamel and latex paints in cans and aerosol dispensers, varnish and stains, paint thinners and
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•
•
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removers, acetone, etc.These items will have a combined 20 gallon limit per household. TIRES are considered hazardous Tires on rims, or wheels, commercial vehicle tires, tractor tires, and heavy equipment tires WILL NOT be accepted. Hazardous waste such as used automotive and cooking oils, filters and batteries- Oils will have a combined 20 gallon limit per household. Empty propane tanks up to seven (7) gallons – VALVE MUST BE ENTIRELY REMOVED. Mercury WILL NOT be accepted.
---------------------------------------------The City of Schertz and Bexar Waste are not responsible for damage to vehicles or injury to citizens during this event. The City of Schertz and Bexar Waste reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for not following the rules of the clean up.
Looking Back March
Quote of Note “History preserved is a lesson not forgotten and offers a means of maturing the mind, sprit and soul.” Author – Unknown
Local History
By March 1850, Joseph Franciscus Schertz first founder of New Braunfels, moved to a farm near Schertz that is now a part of Universal City, Texas. Joseph Franciscus was the son of Joseph and Anne Marie Schertz and brother of Sebastian Schertz. Joseph Franciscus died of a snake bite while walking in the area of what is today Randolph Air Force Base.
Texas History March 6, 1836 Texas defenders were defeated at the Battle of the Alamo. March 7, 1840 Massacre of the Penateka Comanche Chiefs at the Council House of San Antonio which extended the Indian Wars by three decades. March 30, 1870 Texas was readmitted to the Union.
Presented by the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee in the interest of historical perspective and community awareness of local historical legacies.
CITY
CALENDARZ
March 2016 Tuesday, 1
#info
City Council, 6:00 PM Council Chambers
Annual Events:
Thursday, 3
March
Monday, 7
Wilenchik Walk for Life 5K Saturday, March 5
TSAC, 5:30 PM Council Chambers
Library Advisory Board, 7:00 PM Library Meeting Room 1
Community Budget Meetings (See page 41) March 3 March 9 March 10
Tuesday, 8
April
Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM Council Chambers
Movie in the Park - The Sandlot Saturday, April 2 Jazz N’ Blues in the Park Saturday, April 9 Volunteer Fair Thursday, April 14
May
Sweetheart Coronation Thursday, May 5
Be sure to check out visitschertz.com for more event info!
City Council, 6:00 PM Council Chambers
Wednesday, 9 Tuesday, 22
City Council, 6:00 PM Council Chambers
Wednesday, 23
Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM Council Chambers
Tuesday, 22
City Council, 6:00 PM Council Chambers
Wednesday, 23
Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM Council Chambers
Thursday, 24
EDC Board, 6:00 PM Council Chambers
Monday, 28
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, 5:30 PM Bob Andrews Room
Monday, 28
Board Of Adjustment, 6:00 PM Council Chambers Meeting locations may change, please visit the calendar at www.schertz.com for more information.
Schertz City Council Mayor: Michael Carpenter
Council Members: Jim Fowler Grumpy Azzoz Daryl John Cedric Edwards, Sr. Robin Thompson
(210) 619-1045 (210) 658-1442 (210) 488-4214 (210) 204-2750 (210) 566-4540 (210) 204-8649
City Departments:
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
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT 1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY SCHERTZ, TEXAS 78154