April 2019

TO

YOU

BY

THE

CITY

OF

SCHERTZ,

TEXAS

magazine

BROUGHT

APRIL 2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS

07 10 16

City Headlines Parks & Recreation Library

30 39 47

City Council Michael Carpenter Mayor

FEATURES

Mark Davis Councilmember Ralph Gutierrez Councilmember Scott Larson Councilmember Cedric Edwards Councilmember David Scagliola Councilmember Allison Heyward Councilmember Tim Brown Councilmember

Executive Team Mark Browne City Manager Brian James Executive Director Kyle Kinateder Executive Director Sarah Gonzalez Assistant to the City Manager

Mission Leading, improving, and serving a livable, sustainable, and financially sound community.

Vision Community. Service. Opportunity.

Core Values Treat others the way you would want to be treated.

30

A Day in the Life of a Librarian

Do the right thing.

Be the best you can.

Work cooperatively as a team.

About Our Magazine Schertz Magazine is a monthly popular lifestyle/entertainment/ community events publication wholly owned and operated by the City of Schertz and produced internally by the Schertz Public Affairs Department. It serves as the primary dissemination source for government information for a growing city of 38,000 residents.

Today, Schertz Magazine is the leading publication in the Tri County area with a circulation of 15,000 copies; including 13,000+ direct mailed and 500+ subscriptions from Austin through San Antonio and around the country (including dozens of out-of-state readers). The magazine is mailed to 12,000+ local households and over 1,000 businesses with hundreds of copies made available at local and regional banks, hospitals and clinics, schools, pharmacies, and restaurants.

34

Sound the Alarm, Save a Life

Features Around the Community Calendar

VOLUME 35 ISSUE 4 PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY Public Affairs Department Linda Klepper Public Affairs Director

H

Melissa Geedman

appy April, Schertz community.

For anyone who knows me, they know that my editor letter is the very last thing I write in the magazine each month as I like to reflect on the content tucked into the issue and find a relevant topic to highlight. In reviewing this month’s issue, I noticed many of the articles focus on service from our employees and departments.

It goes without saying that Schertz staff truly does care about the community and the residents they serve. This issue highlights that and so much more. A quote from Aristotle reads, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.” I truly believe the City is devoted to providing just that – excellence.

Read in this issue how staff not only provides excellence in the form of safety services, but also in education and knowledge. The two feature articles this month are wonderful examples of just that. The first one, A Day in the Life of a Librarian was an insightful article to write as I discovered just what it takes to run the Schertz Public Library, a place where the community can gather to expand their knowledge and have a free place open to creativity and inspiration.

I was also privileged to partake in the smoke detector replacement day with our Fire Department where we visited a local neighborhood in partnership

with the American Red Cross to replace batteries and smoke detector units in homes at absolutely no cost to the resident. It was empowering to gain insight into these services our City departments provide and see the impact it has on the community.

In this issue you’ll also read about the City’s departments that worked in the community to empower safety and stimulate trust. Our Police Department and library partnered with a local preschool to promote literacy and empowered students to read, and our Engineering Department is working with the Transportation Safety Advisory Committee and a local school to encourage bike safety with the upcoming Bike Rodeo. We also have our Community Volunteer Fair and Community Clean Up Day coming up which encourages residents and staff to work together to make positive differences in peoples’ lives.

We are very proud of the work City staff does daily to make Schertz a desirable and safe place in which to reside. As we continue to provide service to the community, just know we share a common goal of providing excellence in everything we do for everyone we serve.

Cheers,

Melissa Geedman Communications Manager

SCHERTZ.COM

Melissa Geedman Communications Manager Devan Flores Marketing & Communications Specialist _________ Contributing Writers

Melissa Geedman, Devan Flores, Linda Klepper, Sarah Gonzalez, Elizabeth Bertoia, Melissa Uhlhorn, Natalie Shults, April Toman, Lauren Shrum, Cecilia Palomo, Helen Lafitte, Stacey Lovett, Stephen Polaski, Chuck McCollough, Cary Corbin

Contributing Photographers

Melissa Geedman, Devan Flores, Stacey Lovett, Helen Lafitte, Chuck McCollough, Jennifer Ramos

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 magazine@schertz.com. For advertising information call (210) 619-1630 or 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 magazine@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.

City

Headlines

Cardboard Kids Campaign Raises Awareness for Child Abuse Cardboard figures will be displayed all over the Schertz and San Antonio areas throughout March and April, and the Schertz Police Department is joining in on the efforts to help make a larger impact. The ChildSafe Cardboard Kids campaign, in its fifth year, works to raise awareness for abused and neglected children. This campaign encourages the community to uniquely and creatively design a cardboard kid to display, each one representing one of the thousands of children who suffer abuse and neglect at the hands of adults in Bexar County every year.

April has been designated National Child Abuse Prevention Month as well as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

To raise awareness, Schertz Police Department's Regional Crime Victim Liaison, Nicole Douglass will be presenting proclamations to the City Councils of Schertz, Live Oak, and Cibolo. All three cities will be signing proclamations for Child Abuse Awareness/Prevention Month, Sexual Assault Awareness/ Prevention Month, and National Crime Victims Rights Week.

The proclamation for Schertz will take place at the April 2 meeting.

“We would like to thank the community for their continued support and efforts in helping our offices combat child abuse,” mentioned Nicole Douglass. “These cases are never easy for our

officers to respond to; however, with collaboration with service providers like children’s advocacy centers, child protective services, family violence shelters, and court appointed special advocates we all work together to help victims and families. We would encourage the community to participate in these awareness events during the month of April.”

Join the effort in creating a cardboard kid of your own. You can pick up a cardboard kid cutout at the Schertz PD to decorate. Remember to be as creative as possible!

Contact the Schertz Police Department at (210) 6191250 for questions. For more information about the ChildSafe Cardboard Kids campaign go to cardboardkidssa.com.

Schertz Magazine April 2019

7

Sippel Elementary Hosts Bicycle Rodeo The City of Schertz has joined forces with Sippel Elementary, The City of Schertz has joined forces with Sippel Elementary, Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, and Ghisallo Cycling Initiative to put on a Bicycle Rodeo to teach children the skills and precautions to ride a bicycle safely.

A bicycle rodeo is a bicycle skills event which provides an opportunity for bicyclists to practice and develop skills that will help them to become better bicyclists and avoid typical crashes. This event will help students learn basic riding and safety skills including bike control, stopping, obstacle avoidance, hand signals, and helmet fitting. This bicycle safety clinic is part of a City-wide initiative to provide a network of bike lanes for students to be able to bike to school safely on a Safe Route to School. Bicycle lanes have been added to Fairlawn Avenue and Belmont Parkway and will be added to Savannah and Woodland Oaks Drive, providing bicycle routes to Paschal, Wilder and Sippel Elementary. The Bicycle Rodeo will take place during the Sippel Elementary family event on Monday, April 22 from 5:30- 7:00 PM. Any elementary-aged (Pre-K through 4th grade) students are welcome to attend. Please RSVP to Cecilia Palomo at cpalomo@schertz.com if your child would like to attend and is not a Sippel Elementary student.

WE WANT YOUR BEST SHOT!

Follow us on Instagram at @SchertzParksandRec and use #SchertzParksandRec when posting.

STAY INFORMED!

Follow us on Facebook at cityofschertz and cityofschertzparksandrecreation

SCHERTZ PARKS WINS MAINTENANCE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD The Schertz Parks & Recreation Department took home the Maintenance Achievement Award from the Texas Recreation & Park Society Annual Institute held in El Paso on February 21. This award recognizes creativity or innovation in the development of unique equipment to solve a particular problem; the development or discovery of a material or chemical to solve a problem; or the development and implementation of a system or process to maintain a park, building, pool or piece of equipment more efficiently or effectively.

The Parks & Recreation Crew’s award-winning submittal was the conversion of an old flatbed trailer to a mobile stage complete with electrical outlets wired in, built in storage compartments, carpet-covered platform, and stabilizer jacks. The mobile stage is easily maneuvered into tight spaces and can be set up in any park in the city, which is perfect for our Music & Movies in the Park Series, where we bring entertainment to the community in all areas of Schertz.

“FIRST FLUSH” AT THE COMMUNITY PLAYSCAPE RESTROOM

Schertz Parks & Recreation is so excited to have the new restroom building officially open at the Community Playscape located at 629 Westchester Drive! The ribbon cutting and ceremonial “first flush” were held on Thursday, February 28 with City council members, Parks & Recreation Advisory Board members, and community members in attendance. The restroom construction was partially funded with a GVEC Power UP grant and a donation from the Schertz Parks & Recreation Foundation, and representatives from both entities were also on hand to celebrate the restroom’s completion and grand opening.

The restroom includes two unisex lavatories and a drinking fountain, is completely accessible, and is designed to match the existing area architecture with limestone wainscoting and a cedar gable feature. Come on out and enjoy this welcomed addition to the Schertz Community Playscape!

10

Schertz Magazine April 2019

SENIOR CENTER GROWS WITH NEW GARDEN EXPANSION

The Schertz Parks & Recreation team has completed a new addition to the Schertz Area Senior Center by creating two new outdoor areas – a seating courtyard on the west side of the building and a pergola and garden area on the east side of the building. The courtyard includes new irrigated landscaping that attracts birds and butterflies, decorative elements such as boulders and a bird bath, and comfortable outdoor furniture. On the east side of the building a cedar pergola was constructed with potting benches and an outdoor sink and was surrounded by raised garden beds and a small fruit orchard. The Golden Gardening program meets twice a month and is utilizing the garden area for their work. The potting benches and raised garden beds make gardening more accessible to those seniors with mobility impairments so that everyone can participate. The project was funded by donations that the seniors collected through various fundraising efforts and is being enjoyed by all of the members.

CRESCENT BEND BIRDING WALK

Join us at Crescent Bend Nature Park for the next Birding Walk on Sunday, April 14 from 8:00 – 11:00 AM. Meet in the first parking lot with leader Sandi Wheeler for a walk through the park to learn about the bird life. Bring your binoculars, cameras, water, and snacks. All levels of birders are welcome – from beginners to experts.

YOUR PARK MAINTENANCE QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

April showers bring May flowers… but they also make the grass grow like crazy! If you’ve noticed the grass looking a little tall at your neighborhood park and wondered when it will be mowed, here is a quick guide to help you understand the mowing schedule for the Parks Department.

Parks are scheduled to be mowed every 14 days, throughout the growing season March – October, and this can vary based on wet weather conditions or special events. The city campuses such as Library, Aquatic Center, Community Playscape, City Hall, etc. are scheduled to be mowed every 7 days throughout the growing season March - October. This can also vary based on wet weather conditions. Some parks are mowed through a landscaping contractor that is managed by the Parks Department, and some are mowed in-house by Parks Department staff. All City campuses and medians are mowed through a landscaping contractor that is managed by the Parks Department. The chart below details when your neighborhood park is scheduled to be mowed this month. Please call us with any questions or concerns at (210) 619-1850.

Mowing Schedule

Park or City Campus:

Scheduled the Week of:

Ashley Park Country Club Drive Medians Crescent Bend Nature Park

4/1, 4/15, 4/29 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29 4/1, 4/15, 4/29

Forest Ridge Park Gutierrez Xeriscape Park

4/1, 4/15, 4/29 4/1, 4/15, 4/29

Cut-Off Park Cypress Point Park Fire Station #2 Fire Station #3 (temporary)

Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex Heritage Oaks Park Hubertus Road Medians Legacy Oaks Parkway Medians Lone Oak Park

NATURE DISCOVERY SERIES SPRING 2019

Get your little ones outdoors to discover the exciting nature right in our own backyard. Kids are encouraged to explore, discover, and ask questions to help grow their knowledge of nature. This free program is designed for families with elementary-aged children, but older and younger siblings are also welcome. Texas Master Naturalist volunteers will lead the themed programs held at 10:00 AM at Crescent Bend Nature Park.

Upcoming 2019 dates and topics are: April 13: Discover What’s Buzzing and Blooming May 11: Discover What’s Swimming June 8: Discover a Bug’s World

Mary Whitfield Burks Park North Center Oak Forest Park Palm Park Pickrell Park Rhine Valley Park Schertz Area Senior Center Schertz Aquatic Center Schertz Ball Park Schertz Community Playscape Schertz Dog Park Schertz Parkway Medians Schertz Public Library Schertz Recreation Center Schertz Skate Park Schertz Soccer Complex The Park at Woodland Oaks Thulemeyer Park Wendy Swan Memorial Park

4/1, 4/15, 4/29 4/1, 4/15, 4/29 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29

4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29 4/1, 4/15, 4/29 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29 4/1, 4/15, 4/29 4/1, 4/15, 4/29 4/1, 4/15, 4/29 4/1, 4/15, 4/29 4/1, 4/15, 4/29 4/1, 4/15, 4/29 4/1, 4/15, 4/29 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29 Weekly 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29 Weekly 4/1, 4/15, 4/29 Bi-weekly 4/1, 4/15, 4/29

Schertz Magazine April 2019

11

ASHLEY PARK RENOVATION COMING SOON!

The Schertz Parks & Recreation Department is planning some much-needed renovations at Ashley Park this spring. The asphalt basketball court will be demolished and a new concrete court will be constructed in its place. Additionally, the large playscape equipment and swings will be replaced with new equipment. Temporary fencing will surround the court, the soccer field, and the large playscape which means these areas will be closed for several weeks. The small playscape for ages 3-5 will still be available for use as well as the picnic areas, the restroom facility, and the walking trail. The restroom facility will also undergo a renovation but will open and close intermittently. The Park at Woodland Oaks is just around the corner from Ashley Park and has play equipment and basketball courts that residents can use during this closure. Thank you for your patience and stay tuned for information on the Grand Re-Opening of the park later this summer.

Sign Up for REAN Alerts In an effort to improve communication during emergency situations, the City of Schertz encourages residents to register for the Regional Emergency Alert Network (REAN) system. Use of this system allows local public safety officials the ability to send mass notifications to registered users through both land-lines and a variety of electronic devices during a natural or man-made emergency in the area.

Traditional systems similar to this were previously limited to land-line phones. Guadalupe, Comal, and Bexar Counties have improved the system and now register multiple means of communication so that mobile contact information is included in the 911 database.

It is important to note that citizens must be registered in REAN to receive notifications. During the registration process users are able to opt-in to receive emergency notifications via phone call, text messaging, and/or email based on addresses that they specify (home, work, school, parent's house, etc.). Alerts will be disseminated during the duration of an emergency and will cease to broadcast when public safety officials deem the imminent threat has passed or activation settings expire.

The City of Schertz encourages residents to also stay informed during emergencies by monitoring local radio and television stations. In areas of potential immediate impact, the Police, Fire and EMS Department first responders may go door-to-door with information or instruction.

The City's website also provides information to the media and the public during emergency situations. This information can be accessed from a computer or electronic devices. The City of Schertz also encourages residents to stay up to date by following the Schertz Police Department Facebook page. Go to Schertz.com now to register.

Texas Municipal Library Directors Association Award of Library Excellence The Schertz Public Library recently received the 2018 Achievement of Library Excellence Award from the Texas Municipal Library Director’s Association (TMLDA). TMLDA is an affiliate of the Texas Municipal League. Each year, TMLDA confers awards for outstanding contributions to public libraries. To successfully receive the Achievement of Library Excellence Award, the applicant must exhibit excellence in providing services to under served and special populations, in enhancing services, in marketing their programs and services in innovative ways, in promoting cultural, topical, and educational programming, in providing literacy support, in providing summer reading clubs, in pursuing collaborative efforts, in supporting workforce development, in providing for digital inclusion, and in comprehensively training staff. According to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, 548 public libraries exist in Texas. Of those libraries only 51 received this award in 2018.

Celebrate National Library Week April 7-13 Libraries=Strong Communities National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. This year’s theme, Libraries = Strong Communities, illustrates how today’s libraries are at the heart of our cities, towns, schools and campuses, providing critical resources, programs and expertise. They also provide a public space where all community members, regardless of age, culture or income level, can come together to connect and learn. Join the celebration!

National Library Week is an exciting opportunity for library supporters and libraries of all types to raise awareness of their value and impact in their communities. Check out the ways you can get involved below.

Ways to Celebrate: 1. Visit your library.

Head to the Schertz Public Library, your school, or academic library during National Library Week to see what's new and take part in the celebration.

2. Show your support for libraries on social media.

Follow Schertz Public Library, the American Library Association, and I Love Libraries on social media and join the celebration on social media by using the hashtags #NationalLibraryWeek and #LibrariesTransform

Information provided by www.ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/natlibraryweek

16

Schertz Magazine April 2019

APRIL CALENDAR BOOK NERD CHALLENGE 2019

The library is starting another year-long book nerd reading challenge for ages 5-adult. The goal is to complete a book from each of the categories on the list for your age group throughout the year. Those who complete the challenge will be awarded an awesome prize in January of 2020! Registration is currently available and will remain open throughout the year, but all categories must be complete by the end of January 2020. Please contact the library with any questions about this program.

SCHERTZ LIBRARY FOUNDATION BOOK BAGS

The Schertz Library Foundation is selling Schertz Public Library book bags for $8.00. They are available for purchase now in the Read Before Bookstore.

1,000 BOOKS BEFORE KINDERGARTEN

The Schertz Public Library & the Schertz-Cibolo Lions Club have partnered to offer an early literacy initiative called 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten. This project encourages parents to read aloud at least 1,000 books with their children before they enter school. Register your child at the Children’s Information Desk at the library to receive a free tote bag. Children will earn a sticker for every 100 books read and a book when they complete the program.

DISCOVERY!

The Discovery program offers hands-on exploring for young learners in many different topics, including science, literature, technology, and more. This program is designed for elementary-aged kids, ages 5 & up, curious about the world. Come each week and discover something new! Join us Wednesdays from 4:30-5:30 PM or Thursdays from 1:002:00 PM in the Program Room. Discovery will be offered weekly in April excluding Wednesday, April 17 and Thursday, April 18.

AFTERNOON CROCHET LESSONS

The Schertz Public Library has started a new afternoon crochet program that will teach anyone interested in learning the craft a different lesson each month. This month the groups meets on Monday, April 1 at 12:30 PM in Library Meeting Room 1. Pre-registration is required.

QUILT AS YOU GO CLASS

Are you interested in learning how to quilt but don’t know where to start? Join us this month for our new quilt as you go lessons with Patti on Tuesday, April 2, from 12:00 - 2:00 PM and Thursday, April 18 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM in Library Meeting Room 1. Pre-registration is required to attend.

NATIONAL POETRY MONTH OPEN MIC NIGHT

Celebrate National Poetry Month at the library! Join us for a relaxed and friendly open mic poetry night on Thursday, April 11 from 6:30 – 8:00 PM in Library Meeting Room 1. This open mic will give poets the opportunity to socialize and network with other writers. Everyone is invited to come enjoy the work of our local poets. Sign-up for readers will be available the night of the program. The library holds an open mic event once a month.

MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS

Join us for our first business workshop on Friday, May 3 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM in Library Meeting Room 1. We have partnered up with SCORE, a 501 nonprofit organization that provides free business mentoring services. This class offers an overview of pertinent online library resources that you can use to help with marketing your business. A SCORE representative will also be doing a how-to on creating marketing plans. Bring your questions and your computers/tablets. The first hour will be a lecture demonstration and the second hour will be hands-on computer assistance with your marketing plans.

SCHERTZ AREA GENEALOGY INFORMATION

FREE PLAY

The Schertz Area Genealogy group meets on the first Tuesday of every month, except July, at the Schertz Public Library. The meetings are from 6:30 - 8:00 PM in Library Meeting Room 1 with speakers or general discussion about worldwide research. A guest speaker will be present at the April 2 meeting to discuss how she used DNA to identify her father.

ART EXPLORATION

In 1853, Henry David Thoreau wrote Walden, a famous essay which contains a hidden code for prosperous living. During this dynamic workshop, you will unlock this code so you can harness your life’s purpose and the prosperity you deserve. Join us Thursday, April 4 at 6:30 PM in Library Meeting Room 1.

Make Saturdays fun days! Meet up with your friends at the world’s best play date. Your kids can play with each other, make new friends, use their imaginations, and just be kids. Fun for all, and no clean-up for you – a great way to end your week! Drop-in between 12:00 - 3:00 PM on Saturday, April 13 in the Program Room.

Drop in anytime between 12:00 and 2:00 PM on the third Saturday of each month for Art Exploration! Explore different art mediums each month and create something new. Join us Saturday, April 20 in the Program Room.

BOOK ENDS AFTERNOON BOOK CLUB

The library book club meets the second Thursday of each month in Library Meeting Room 1. On Thursday, April 11, join us for a discussion of The Rock, The Road, and the Rabbi by Kathie Lee Gifford beginning at 1:30 PM. Pre-registration is not required.

FROM STUCK TO UNSTOPPABLE: A VISION WORKSHOP

SHORT STORY WRITING WORKSHOP

Join veteran publishers and editors, Max Booth III and Lori Michelle, as they lead an 8-month drop-in course on writing an effective short story. The first session will be held Tuesday, April 23 at 6:30 PM. They will teach topics including characterization, dialogue, how to avoid plot pitfalls, mistakes short story writers make, and how to make your story marketable. This program is intended for adults and older teenagers ages 15 & up.

Schertz Helps Children Read Across America The National Education Association (NEA) Read Across America Day is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2, the birthday of beloved children's author Dr. Seuss. The goal of this initiative is to bring the celebration of reading and literacy into classrooms, libraries, and schools. Several cities and towns across the nation have teachers, librarians, politicians, public safety, actors, athletes, and others develop NEA's Read Across America activities to bring reading excitement to children of all ages.

This year to celebrate Read Across America Day in Schertz our Youth Services Librarian, April Toman and Special Projects Officer, Helen Lafitte joined Primrose School of Schertz for a day of literary adventures. “Primrose’s literacy goals directly align with those of Read Across America Day, and it’s our hope that celebrating this day will encourage parents to establish a regular reading routine with their children and help those in our community recognize the power of early literacy,” said Natalie O’Connor, Franchise Owner of Primrose School of Schertz.

During the schools event, April and Officer Lafitte had the chance to delight preschoolers with some of their favorite children’s books. April read Eric Carle’s From Head to Toe and Can You Make a Scary Face by Jan Thomas. "Can You Make a Scary Face is one of my favorite books to read aloud to children,” April commented. “It encourages participation and imaginative play. It is always a fun read!” She also chose to read From Head to Toe because she knew there would be a wide range of children ages 2-4 years. Officer Lafitte read one of her all-time favorite children’s books, The Monster at the End of this book: Starring Loveable, Furry Old Grover,

by Jon Stone. Lafitte commented. “I definitely wore this book out when I was young because I read it so much.”

Reading aloud to children helps with their language development, brain development, it builds literacy skills, and it instills a love of reading. Research shows that reading aloud is the single most important thing you can do to help a child prepare for reading and learning. This is why the Schertz Library puts an emphasis on early literacy programs and often participates in local events that bring literacy to our community.

Both the Schertz PD and Schertz Public Library look forward to continued participation in this program and similar programs in the future. Officer Lafitte commented, “The Police Department would love the opportunity to continue this partnership in the future. We have extended an invitation to the school to include the department in any type of event they are hosting where we are able to interact with the students and staff.” As long as the NEA (National Education Association) celebrates reading and literacy in classrooms, libraries, and schools through their Read Across America event, the Schertz Public Library will continue to be involved.

Preschoolers at the Primrose School of Schertz also collected and donated 1,258 books to local children in need in honor of Read Across America Day. The books were collected through Primrose’s annual book donation drive and were presented to Children’s Hospital San Antonio.

Get Your Schertz On! A limited supply of Schertz merchandise is now available, and we hope to see you rockin' your Schertz pride around the community!

The City officially released the special Schertz tees, tank tops, and hats at the Schertz Turns 60 anniversary celebration on Sunday, October 7.

Products are available for purchase at the Schertz Civic Center Office (1400 Schertz Parkway Bldg. 5). Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Cash, Check, and Credit Card are accepted. Supplies are limited so stop by and get your Schertz merch today!

Pricing: Adult Tees - $10.00 Tank Tops - $15.00

Kids Tees - $10.00 Hats - $15.00

Schertz Public Library Launches New Website The Schertz Public Library has launched its redesigned website as of late March 2019. The new website was developed in conjunction with CivicPlus, the same government website design firm used by the City of Schertz in October 2017 for its own revamped website.

The Library’s new website is similar in design to the City’s website for consistency and to make the user’s experience more seamless when navigating between the two. The great content and features of the old website can still be found on the new site, but the structure has been changed to emphasize functionality rather than services to specific age groups since so many of the Library’s services and resources are appropriate for everyone. The website is now more W3C compliant than ever before in keeping with the goal of accessibility to all. In addition, the new website is responsive, so visitors will get the same experience and content on all devices, whether desktop computer, tablet, or smartphone.

“We’re excited about the launch of this new site. There are so many things we want to be able to share with our customers via the web that we weren’t easily able to do on the old site,” says Melissa Uhlhorn, Library Director.

“The new design should make it much easier for users to find and use our resources, while at the same time, streamline staff ’s ability to upload content.”

Visit schertzlibrary.org and try out the improved navigation for quick access to our resources and services.

Schertz Magazine April 2019

19

Hal Baldwin Scholarship 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 this 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 2019 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 2-4-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: • Administrative Bldg. No.2 (Within the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex, 1400 Schertz Parkway) • City Hall, Bldg. No.1 • Public Affairs Office, Bldg. No. 5 • Schertz Public Library, 798 Schertz Parkway Completed applications must be received in the City Manager’s Office (Bldg. No.2) by 5:00 PM Tuesday, April 30, 2019. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

For more information, contact Sarah Gonzalez at (210) 619-1015 or by email at sgonzalez@schertz.com

Breakfast with the Blue On Saturday, February 23, the McDonald’s on FM 3009 was gracious enough to host the Schertz Police Department’s first of 2019 Breakfast with the Blue. This program allows the department to meet with community members in a more relaxed environment giving everyone the opportunity to have an open dialog. This can include items of concern for residents or just visiting with the officers and discussing whatever comes to mind.

This particular event also included the Schertz Animal Services mobile adoption trailer. The trailer was parked in the parking lot during the event allowing visitors the opportunity to meet some of the Shelter staff and visit with some of the Shelter’s available animals. While the trailer didn’t go back empty, it did have one less dog onboard. One of the McDonald’s staff adopted Nomad, a mixed breed puppy while attending the event. After the event an additional three animals were adopted.

"Partnering with local restaurants to host events such as these gives us the opportunity to build and maintain relationships with both residents and businesses. The atmosphere during our breakfast is very relaxed, and we hope this gives individuals the chance to talk to us openly about what's on their minds," commented Officer Lafitte.

One thing that never gets old at these events is the children the

20

Schertz Magazine April 2019

officers are able to interact with in a positive way. The officers are eager to shake hands or receive hugs from little ones in attendance.

This event was no exception with lots of smiles and pictures with the officers at the parent’s request.

The first Breakfast with the Blue of 2019 was a great success, and the Police Department is already looking forward to the next event.

Be sure to monitor the Schertz Police Department social media for upcoming dates and times.

City Five Firefighters Receive Promotions The Schertz Fire Department recently congratulated five firefighters who received promotions. Firefighters are promoted based on written exams and assessment activity scores. A promotional ceremony was held on February 28 where Fire Chief, Kade Long officially promoted the men who each chose a family member to pin their badge on. From left to right: Justin Schwersinske was promoted from firefighter to Fire Apparatus Operator (FAO). Benjamin Boney was promoted from FAO/Fire Inspector to Lieutenant/Deputy Fire Marshal.

Zachary Rolfing was promoted from FAO to Lieutenant. Craig Starr was promoted from FAO to Lieutenant. Patricio Wilson was promoted from firefighter to Fire Apparatus Operator (FAO).

Congratulations on your promotions and keep up the great work!

Headlines

Schertz Fire Rescue Launches 2019 Fire Academies The 2019 dates have been announced for the Schertz Fire Rescue Jr. and High School Fire Academies. The Jr. Fire Academy is open to 5th and 6th graders, and the new High School Fire Academy is open to 9th-12th graders. Both academies will be June 3-7 from 8:00 AM-12:00 PM. The Schertz Fire Rescue Fire Academies give students a chance to learn about some of the daily operations of the Schertz Fire Department while getting hands on with some fun activities. The program is open to boys and girls in the Schertz community and instils camaraderie, teamwork, leadership, and self-confidence.

Student firefighters will receive hands on training and experience of day-to-day firefighter duties. Participants will learn a variety of firefighting skills including rope rescue, fire streams, hazmat response, vehicle extrication, thermal imagery, pumping operations, fire extinguisher training, fire chemistry and fire prevention. The High School Fire Academy will offer an advanced learning experience where they will dive deeper into these skills and topics. High school students can experience what being a firefighter is like and decide if a career in firefighting is in their future.

Registration is now open, and we encourage early registration as space is limited. For more information and to register call (210) 619-1300.

City

Headlines

Get Your Schertz Fire Fiesta Medals

It's your last chance to get your 2019 Fire Fiesta medal. The Schertz Professional Firefighters Association is selling medals while supplies last. They are $10 each and the proceeds this year will benefit the local organization for the C.A.S.T. For Kids Foundation.

The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation (C.A.S.T. = Catch A Special Thrill) is a public charity that was formed in 1991 to join volunteers who love to fish with children who have special needs and disadvantages for a day of fishing in the outdoors. The Foundation became an official 501(c)3 in 1994 and currently hosts three programs: C.A.S.T. for Kids, Fishing Kids, and Take a Warrior Fishing.

Swing by Station #1 located at 1400 Schertz Pkwy, Bldg 8 or Station #2 at 19085 IH 35N (Exit 177) and purchase yours today!

Water Meter Replacement Program The City of Schertz is purchasing new water meters that will increase efficiencies in the water department and improve accuracy in reading water usage. The vote to approve the new water meters was made during the August 14 Schertz City Council Meeting.

Water utility customers will start seeing their water meters replaced as part of the City's Advanced Water Meter System project, a new service enhancement initiative to install advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) throughout the community. The city-wide installation of 14,208 new meters is projected to take 9 months. Once installed, the new meter system will provide customers with more accurate water usage data that is updated multiple times throughout the day, water budget and water consumption threshold alerts, comparative data, leak alerts and notifications from the City.

Professional Meters Inc, (PMI) will be installing these meters on behalf of the City of Schertz. Their vehicles and personnel will be clearly marked. PMI workers can be identified by wearing a neon yellow shirt and driving a PMI marked truck. PMI will be changing out all water meters located on the outside of the residents' home, and the company should never ask to have access to the inside of the house or garage. PMI will make an attempt to see if a resident is home by knocking on the door to inform the resident their meter is going to be changed. PMI will leave a yellow door hanger once the change has been completed. Your water service will see an average of 10 minutes interruption during the meter change out.

If you are experiencing any issues and need assistance, please call City of Schertz at (210) 619-1000..

Schertz Magazine April 2019

23

The Role of Code Enforcement City of Schertz Code Enforcement officers respond to a wide variety of issues across the city on a daily basis. Some issues may be simple and require little effort, while others can be more complex and require a greater amount of resources. Some of the common code violations our community sees includes tall grass/overgrown lots, low overhanging trees, falling fences, and abandoned vehicles. Managing this balance and addressing all of the needs of residents is what the division focuses on daily and weekly.

What is Code Enforcement?

Code Enforcement is the tool used by local governments to protect public health, the environment, and property values within a jurisdiction. Local governments like the City of Schertz are given certain powers by the state to self-regulate through the development of local codes and ordinances that are unique to that community. Code Enforcement is trained and versed in the local government’s regulations and works with the community to maintain compliance of city regulations. There are many examples of why one community’s regulations would be different from another’s; for example, would a municipality in South Texas have a need for an ordinance on shoveling snow, or would a municipality with a large source of water need drought restrictions? The power to create regulations specific to a community is important as it allows regulations to target relevant issues that preserve the environment, public health and property values.

Code Enforcement Process When a complaint is filed with the City of Schertz it is immediately assigned to a code Enforcement officer. The assigned officer then attempts to verify if the reported violation exists. Once the violation is verified, then contact with the violator is attempted and notice of the violation is sent. After proper notice has been given the violator has 8 days to correct the problem. If the violation is not corrected an extension or appeal may be requested. If necessary, reinspection will be conducted to follow up for proper corrections of violation(s). If no action is taken by the violator a citation can be issued and steps will be taken to abate the property at the owner’s expense. The City of Schertz's primary goal is to gain voluntary compliance when these types of violations occur, meaning once the responsible party receives notice of the violation(s) they take care of the issue without the city having to take any other enforcement action. To help achieve this goal staff works together with neighborhood HOA’s, residents, and businesses within the city to help keep Schertz looking great.

Construction Underway on Fire Station #3 Building a fire station in the rapidly-growing southern region of Schertz has been in discussion for quite some time now, and residents in the area will now see construction progress being made. Fire Station #3, located just north east of the intersection of Lower Seguin Road and Hollering Vine, will be a 12,000 square foot facility equipped with an apparatus bay for fire trucks; living quarters; and facilities such as offices, a workout room, and a large community room intended to be used for community meetings.

Designed by BRW Architects and constructed by Byrne Construction Inc., this project is unique as the structure is being built in two sections: the bay side and the living quarters side. This is done due to the construction staging and sequencing process. At this time the rough in process has been fully complete on the bay side; this means the various lines (plumbing pipes and electrical conduit) have been placed, but the final connections have not been complete. For plumbing, this would be the pipes in the walls and floors that lead to the sinks, bath, toilets, etc., but not actually hooking up those

City

Headlines

EMS Hosts CPR Training Schertz EMS holds monthly CPR/AED and First Aid classes throughout the year. These classes are open to the public and provide a certification that is good for two years and can be used in a several different professional settings. Most importantly, these classes teach a pivotal skill that you never know when you may need to use on a loved one.

Bystander CPR can be done immediately after someone collapses in to sudden cardiac arrest to save their life. For every 1 minute that someone is in cardiac arrest and does not receive CPR, their chances of survival reduce by 10%. Waiting to do anything until an ambulance arrives after the person has collapsed can decrease their chances of survival significantly. We encourage everyone to become CPR/AED trained at a minimum.

In order to take the class, you only need to be able to read and write, so even older children and teenagers are encouraged to attend. The skill itself can be incredibly easy to learn; however, this class will also give you background information as to why it is important to learn CPR and how chest compressions are effective during cardiac arrest. The class allows ample time for skills practice on manikins. fixtures. Once that is completed, it is reviewed by inspectors and proceeds to the rebar phase which entails laying large cages comprised of steel rods to reinforce the concrete to support the structure under stress and tension.

The concrete was poured and slated on the bay side midMarch preparing for the installation of the cinder block walls, or concrete masonry units (CMU), which will be installed early April. The CMUs are used on the bay side to provide energy-saving insulation whereas the living quarters will be constructed with drywall.

During this phase in the bay side, the rough in process will wrap up on the living quarters side of the station and the rebar structure will be set. Over the course of spring, the community will see the structure’s steel beams set in place as the stations gains vertical construction progress.

“We are excited to see progress being made on our new fire station. The completion of this project means better response times not only for southern Schertz but across the city. We’re looking forward to increasing our level of service for our residents,” commented Schertz Fire Chief, Kade Long.

Fire Station #3 is on track to open by Fall 2019. For more information and updates, go to Schertz.com.

The First Aid course goes over many common injuries and illnesses as well as how you can treat them at home prior to more advanced help arriving. This course offers a little bit of knowledge in a lot of different areas. We also allow time for practicing skills such as how to control bleeding during the class.

CPR/AED training will run from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and the First Aid course will run from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. The cost is $30 for one course or $50 for two. The classes are held in the EMS Training Room.

Below are the upcoming training dates: April 6 NO MAY CLASS June 8 July 20 August 10 September 14 October 12 November 2 December 7 For more information contact EMS at (210) 619-1410.

Schertz Magazine April 2019

25

26

Schertz Magazine April 2019

City

Headlines

Annual Wilenchik Walk for Life Over the past 10 years, the Wilenchik Walk for Life has raised over $170,000 for sarcoma cancer research, the form of cancer which claimed the life of late Schertz councilman Tony Wilenchik. His spirit lives on through this annual fundraiser celebrating his life and honoring others afflicted by this disease. The Mays Cancer Center – a part of the UT Health San Antonio’s branch of MD Anderson – was one of the main sponsors of this 11th annual stride towards a cure. Additional event sponsors included H-E-B, the YMCA, GVEC, among others, all of whom had representative teams walking for the cause. Dr. Rajiv Rajani, a doctor for the center, spoke on the critical nature of fundraising for this rare form of cancer which with its unique aspects requires a great deal of funding for research. Sarcoma survivor, Sandi Mancha, shared her story and encouragement to all in attendance. About 180 participants walked beside survivors and families who know the wounds of this disease much too well. Iris Gonzales with the YMCA led a group warm up to help muscles with the brisk morning before the 5K trek down Schertz Parkway kicked off at 9:00 AM. While ultimately a race against the disease, the first, second and third place runners for men, women, and children were recognized, and all who walked or ran that day did so in remembrance of Tony Wilenchick, other friends and family lost those currently fighting, and also for the victories made. Just as the signs of support that lined the first stretch of the walk, this 5K served as that – a sign of love for all who continue to fight the fight against cancer.

1st Place Men (Run) Eric Maus 22:00

3rd Place Women (Run) Natalie Keaney 39:04:00

2nd Place Men (Run) Ralph Gutierrez 22:05

1st Place Kids Carys Ayala 30:10:00

3rd Place Men Run) Daniel Oakes 24:28:00

2nd Place Kids Abigail Levings 30:70

1st Place Women (Run) Ashley Wayman 26:50:00

3rd Place Kids Elijah & Maddy McHaney 50:00:00

2nd Place Women (Run) Pearl Gardner 27:25:00

Schertz Magazine April 2019

27

City

Headlines

Public Works Continues to Improve Roadways Schertz Public Works has been hard at work to repair and improve roads throughout the City. Throughout the past several months, the streets team has been laying new asphalt on select streets in order to preserve them and improve their surface.

In order to determine repair priority, Public Works inspects roads within the City and places them on a scheduled list. Current repair projects were also selected because of the increased traffic in the area. All of these asphalt repairs are done in-house and are funded through normal operating funds.

Major road repairs have recently been completed at the intersection of Ware Seguin Rd. and Pfeil Rd., the 7100 Blk Sheila Pond in the Reserves, and 165 Clover Leaf Rd. in Lone Oak. These major road repairs included stabilizing the sub-base and placement of a new asphalt surface, and full repaving of a section of road. These repairs will preserve the section of road for about five to seven years.

Public Works is also the process of repairing the street edges of Weiderstein Rd. and Maske Rd. These pavement edging repairs keep the existing asphalt from breaking off and creating a drop off on the existing roadway; this also prevents the area from spreading into a much larger repair.

Work is currently being done at Beacon Glen and Eagle Valley Rd. in Fairway Ridge. Several pending projects are in the works as deterioration has gotten worse and if not addressed soon the area will get larger. These pending projects include 3519 Whisper Branch in Whisper Meadow, 3502 Wensledale in Northcliffe, 415 Zuehl Street in Aviation Heights, and 672 Cotton Patch in Kramer Farms.

For more information about Public Works and other projects including the Street Preservation and Maintenance program (SPAM) go to Schertz.com. If you have any questions about these projects and repairs, please call the Public Works Department at (210) 619-1800.

City An Evening of Heritage and History On March 6, the City of Schertz and The Crossvine hosted a unique, one of a kind event to unveil Schertz Now and Then: An Oral History, a 25-minute documentary chronicling the rich history and growth of Schertz from its founding to current day. This free event included informational tables and booths setup around the library from area history groups to share their mission and resources with attendees. It also celebrated the story of Schertz through the first public showing of the full documentary and through a moderated panel discussion with Mayor Michael Carpenter, Michael Dahle, Dr. Mark Penshorn, and Dean Weirtz. Panelists regaled attendees with stories of their fondest memories of living in Schertz, and each brought with them a unique perspective on how they have seen the City grow over the years – agreeing on the importance of preserving those special bits and pieces of Schertz’ history that make it the great city it is today.

“Back when Mayor Baldwin and I started talking about creating a historical preservation effort - before the current Historical Preservation Committee was formed - we were very concerned that much of the history of Schertz was going to be lost due to a lack of capture,” commented Mayor Michael Carpenter. “Recalling that time, then seeing what has been brought forth by the Historical Preservation Committee and many partners and volunteers over the years, and then seeing the launch of the Schertz Now and Then documentary, I could not be more pleased with the progress made toward the preservation - and particularly in this video format - of so much of what has made (and does make!) Schertz an extraordinary place.”

“Schertz Now and Then: An Oral History” features interviews with former city officials, area historians and residents of Schertz whose families have lived in the area for generations, who share stories about what it was like to grow up in Schertz all through the 1900s. The original impetus for the project came from Chris Price, developer of The Crossvine, who was passionate about learning more about and preserving the

Headlines

rich history of the city. Through conversations with area historians and lifelong residents of Schertz, the project grew into its current form – a full-fledged documentary about the city with interviews and stories told by those who know Schertz best.

"This oral history video provides an important record of how the City has evolved to become a celebrated and prosperous community,” said Dean Weirtz, Vice Chairman of the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee. “It serves to provide a lasting voice of historical importance for educating the many newcomers and visitors to our community. It has been a distinct pleasure to be able to participate in the development of this project.

Our community offers its gratitude to those who produced this outstanding media presentation."

The documentary is divided into six “episodes,” each addressing a different aspect of Schertz’ rich history and growth. Topics range from Schertz’ founding by the Schertz family in the 1800s and its agricultural and German roots, to personal stories from life-long residents about what it was like to grow up in Schertz, to the impact of Randolph Air Force Base and the city’s current growth. The project began in earnest in 2016, with interviews and b-roll captured by Austin-based cinematographer Rocky Conly over the following two years.

“This has been such an interesting and rewarding project, and one that we are thrilled to share with everyone in Schertz,” said Chris Price, President of Schertz 1518, and Executive Producer of the documentary. “Schertz is truly a fantastic place for people to live, work and play in, and this documentary highlights the history, values and passion here in Schertz.”

The Schertz Now and Then: An Oral History documentary is now available for all residents to view on Schertz.com.

Schertz Magazine April 2019

29

A Day in the Life of a Librarian

P

By: Melissa Geedman eople often have preconceived notions of librarians and what they do; they organize and read books all day, right?

And of course they know the title of that book with a blue cover you read six months ago. The fact of the matter is there are many different types of librarians, with widely varying responsibilities, who play an integral role in providing resources and services to the patrons who visit their facilities daily.

Most professional librarians have a Masters degree in Library Science along with degrees, concentrations, or certifications in a wide variety of subject areas. They have training in selecting materials and managing collections, and they closely follow trends related to publishing, media and technology. Librarians are very helpful and insightful people. They aid in finding information, both in print and digital resources, and are able to analyze users’ needs in order to guide them to the most appropriate resources.

Library operation covers everything under the sun from purchasing and organizing library materials to providing credible information resources to managing a public venue to dealing with the very human needs of the people who visit the facility. The Schertz Public Library provides programs for all ages, a diverse array of print and electronic resources, and technological services to fit everyone’s needs. Within the Library’s team of twenty-one full and part time staff members, there are four librarians who direct and oversee the successful day-to-day operations of this valued community institution.

Meet your Schertz Librarians: Library Director, Melissa Uhlhorn Melissa Uhlhorn attended the University of Texas at Austin where she received her Masters of Library and Information Science with a focus in technical services. At graduation, she began working at the Cedar Park Public Library where she held a variety of librarian positions. She began her career with the Schertz Public Library in 2002 when she was hired as the library’s first full time Children’s Librarian. After a year she was promoted to Library Manager and later Assistant Director. In 2014 Melissa became the Library Director where her main responsibility is to oversee the efficient and effective operation of the library.

Melissa is in charge of the library’s administration including long-range planning, writing policy, managing library services, overseeing staff, and working to improve library facilities. Additionally, she prepares budgets, manages accounting, and works with vendors to procure services and library materials. While Melissa can trust that any disputes or challenges are professionally addressed by her staff, as Director she is responsible for handling any escalations that may occur.

Communication is a key element in being an effective Director. Melissa is the liaison between the Library and other departments, as well as the Library Advisory Board, and is the point of contact for the Library’s interlocal agreements with Cibolo, Selma and Guadalupe County. She communicates with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and regularly engages with other area library directors to better understand the challenges libraries face and to share ideas for successful services and programs. When asked what particular skill is critical in being a librarian, Melissa replied, “The ability to listen and hear what your customer is saying (and often not saying). It helps to be flexible and have a sense of humor, too.”

Melissa was very involved in the design and building of the Library’s current facility. “I love looking around the building and at the services we now offer and I marvel at how far the Schertz Public Library has come from its early days.” She said she knows there will always be constraints in what can be offered due to the limits of the budget, but “part of the fun of this job is watching the community evolve and figuring out how the Library will evolve right along with it to best serve its needs.”

30

Adult Services Librarian, Elizabeth Bertoia Elizabeth Bertoia attended the University of North Texas where she received her Masters of Science in Information Science degree with a focus in legal and public libraries. She began her career with the Schertz Public Library in 2009 as a part-time Library Circulation Clerk. One year later the Adult Services Librarian position was established and Elizabeth was promoted into the role.

Elizabeth is responsible for the collection development and management of adult materials and resources for ages eighteen and up. She often assists patrons in obtaining information and locating library materials and provides instruction on the effective use of library technology, reference materials and equipment.

“Librarianship is all about the people and making a positive impact on the communities we serve. Libraries offer so much more than books, and I am always excited to share the many resources and services the library provides,” Elizabeth said.

Elizabeth is the liaison between the Schertz Public Library and the Schertz Library Foundation and works on fundraising efforts to include the Tee Off for the Library, an event in its fourth year. She is responsible for planning and implementing special projects such as public educational and recreational programs and book discussion groups. Some of the programs she has implemented includes literacy programs like Adult ESL (English as Second Language) Classes, Poetry Open Mic Night, and several large scale programs, such as Extreme Book Nerd Challenge, Summer and Winter Reading Clubs, and the library’s annual Local Author Fair. Elizabeth also offers an array of hands-on craft programs to include Learn to Crochet, Quilt as You Go, and Introduction to Scrapbooking. One of the outreach programs Elizabeth works closely with – and favors - is Weekly Tech Help which teaches citizens basic computer technology and troubleshooting. She provides training and assistance to patrons with computers, library databases, electronic books and audiobook collections.

“I am fortunate that my job affords me the opportunity to help others and teach people new skills they can apply in their everyday lives. I have a huge soft spot in my heart for senior citizens, and absolutely love introducing them to different types of modern technology that can be life changing for them.”

Youth Services Librarian, April Toman April Toman attended San Jose State University where she received her Masters of Library and Information Science with a focus in public libraries. In 2010 she began her career with the City of Schertz as the Youth Services Librarian where she is responsible for planning children’s programs, providing reference and outreach services, and collection development solely concentrated on youth ages zero to seventeen. She plans, prepares and presents special programs throughout the year; some of the exciting programs April has helped implement include Reading Buddies, Lego Lab, and the summer and winter reading programs. The library offers regular story times throughout the week, a favored program amongst the rest for April, and has even attended literacy nights at area elementary schools engaging with young learners and educating adults about the library and services provided.

“The most rewarding part of being a librarian is creating relationships with the youth and their families that I serve,” commented April. “It is the highlight of my day when a child runs to tell me how much they enjoyed a book recommendation and that they need another. It is satisfying to have a parent share with me that an activity we did at the library was expanded on and enjoyed at home hours after they left the library. Being a small part of instilling a joy of reading and learning is very satisfying.”

The sky is the limit, and April inspires children to learn and grow through fun, educational programming. Having a beautiful children’s area in the library, April leads a team who develop and prepare displays and decorations for the children’s area creating an inviting and imaginative environment.

April mentioned a critical skill needed in being an effective librarian was creativity. “We offer a lot of value for a limited amount of resources. It takes creativity, flexibility, and innovation to use our resources in the most efficient ways to serve our community.”

continued on page 32

Schertz Magazine April 2019

31

A Day in the Life of a Librarian cont’d from page 31 Virtual Services Librarian, Natalie Shults Natalie Shults attended Florida State University where she received her Masters of Science in Library and Information Studies with a certificate in Youth Services. She began her career with the Schertz Public Library as the Virtual Services Librarian in 2015. In this role she is responsible for managing electronic resources and library technology as well as the library’s social media, website, and Integrated Library System (ILS) circulation software.

Natalie oversees the collection development of all electronic resources and manages the local Lone Star Digital Library eBook consortium.

“My job’s sole purpose is to connect people to what they need, whether it be information or resources,” Natalie commented. “When people come to us, they trust us to give them accurate information. That privilege, to serve the public in such a capacity, is both humbling and rewarding.”

Natalie is the “tech person” of the library and is the liaison between the library and the City’s Information Technology department. She creates technology plans every 3-5 years to evaluate what equipment and software the library requires and how the resources would benefit the library’s patrons. She was heavily involved in the development of not only the City’s website but has also been influential during the planning of the library’s new website.

Natalie too has a series of programs she plans and executes to include the Podcast Brunch Club and Weekly Tech Help. She also offers employment assistance programs for adults seeking guidance in building resumes and job seeking and has even worked with area high schools to promote electronic resources while issuing digital library cards.

Natalie noted the importance of having a genuine desire to serve the community. “They are why we are here after all. The Library exists to provide services to users, and if one loses sight of that, all other operational skills they may possess are moot,” she stated.

The Schertz Public Library works diligently to provide its patrons a safe haven for creativity, learning and growth. The City is proud to have a group of talented staff devoted to making positive impacts on lives and offering a facility to expand horizons and expose oneself to knowledge. For a full list of library programs and services, go to schertzlibrary.org or visit the Schertz Public Library on social media.

S

even people die every day in home fires; tragically, most victims die in homes that don’t have working smoke alarms. The Red Cross works to do everything they can to raise awareness and provide resources to prevent these needless tragedies from occurring. In 2014, the Red Cross launched their Home Fire campaign in hopes of reducing fire-related deaths and injuries by twenty-five percent. Since its evolution, the campaign has helped save over 552 lives and have made over 670,000 homes safer. With a mission of Sound the Alarm, Save a Life, the Red Cross- with the help of volunteers from all over the nation – has been able to install over 1,600,000 free smoke alarms in high-risk neighborhoods nationwide in just four years. These efforts have saved hundreds of lives and made hundreds of thousands of households safer. They are continuing their efforts this spring with a goal to install 100,000 additional free smoke alarms, and with the help of the Schertz Fire Department, their goal is becoming reality.

Sound the Alarm, Save a Life By: Melissa Geedman

Red Cross volunteer participants work alongside fire departments and other local groups across the nation, canvassing at-risk neighborhoods to install free smoke alarms, replace batteries in existing alarms, educate families about fire prevention and safety, and fundraise for this lifesaving mission. Back in April of 2018 the Red Cross informed Schertz Fire about their smoke alarm replacement program.

This started as dropping off some smoke detectors at Fire Admin, and when citizens called needing smoke detectors these were the ones that were sent out with the crews to install. During a recent Sheltering Training Course, Schertz Fire crossed paths with

the Red Cross yet again and learned about the tremendous impact they’ve been making on neighborhoods all over the nation with their Home Fire campaign.

It took over five weeks of planning to execute the mission, but with the help of Bruce Graybill, the Red Cross Disaster Program Specialist, and Fire Chief, Kade Long they established how the two organizations could work together to provide this service to the Schertz community. The Fire Department provided the Red Cross with a number of homes in the target area, and Bruce acquired the supplies to meet their estimated needs. From there a date was chosen, and volunteers spent the morning of Monday, March 4 going out into a Schertz neighborhood as one of the Red Cross’s "Sound the Alarm" events.

Bruce provided training to the team leads that were assigned by the Chief prior to the event informing them of the proper guidelines to follow. Nourishment plans were worked out over the weekend prior, and the day of the event the Red Cross crews met briefly with the firefighters to recap the plan to prepare for the replacement program.

Crews from Fire admin and each station joined the efforts in taking on the battery replacement and installation project. Teams of two to three firefighters were assigned designated areas throughout the neighborhood and went door to door installing smoke detectors. Not

Our firefighters were excited to participate in such a great community risk reduction program. only were they providing residents free smoke detectors, but they were educating them on the importance of the units and how they save lives.

“Our firefighters were excited to participate in such a great community risk reduction program. They have seen the importance of smoke detectors waking up residents during a fire occurring, especially during the overnight hours,” stated Long.

Crews would leave door hangers at the homes in which they did not get an answer in hopes of generating call backs for more installs in the future. In just four hours, 67 smoke detectors were installed, decreasing the chances of fire-related injuries and increasing the safety of the Schertz community.

“Personally, the experience was great. The Schertz Fire Department and the volunteers that helped with this event pressed through a chilly Texas morning with the coordinated goal of helping the community,” commented Bruce Graybill, Disaster Program Manager.

Partnerships like the one with the Red Cross and the Schertz Fire Department play an integral role in attaining the goal of reducing the numbers of deaths and injuries caused by home fires. The Home Fire campaign is a wonderful opportunity for the Red Cross to partner with fire departments and other community organizations to help save lives. Part of their mission is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies.

“We have a great partnership with the Red Cross. The Red Cross has seen first-hand the devastation and loss that can occur from a home

continued on page 37

Schertz Magazine April 2019

35

Sound the Alarm, Save a Life cont’d from page 35 fire. They have responded numerous times to help citizens in our community that have experienced this type of tragedy,” stated Long.

“We were truly grateful to be a part of their proactive smoke detector safety campaign. I believe that we will see lives saved not only in our community but across the country because of this program.”

This campaign provides a unique opportunity to reach out to the community and better prepare and educate them about disasters.

“Not only do we get to install free smoke alarms into homes, we provide residents with what could be life-saving information like home fire escape plans and more,” commented Libby Castillo, Regional Communications Director, American Red Cross Serving Central & South Texas.

The Red Cross recommends replacing smoke detectors after 10 years, regardless of whether or not they appear to be working and testing them monthly. It is also highly encouraged to replace batteries every six months, or as a rule of thumb, every time clocks are changed for daylights savings. The Red Cross will continue to supply smoke alarms to the Schertz Fire Department for requests, and there have been conversations about a future smoke alarm replacement day.

“We do plan to work with the Red Cross again to provide new smoke detectors to homes in our community. There is now a push to replace

smoke detectors that are over 10 years old so that will be our focus in the next neighborhood that participates,” said Long.

The American Red Cross Serving Greater San Antonio will be hosting a smoke alarm installation event on May 11 and they need 500 volunteers to install 1,000 smoke alarms in one day. Visit SoundtheAlarm.org for details.

AROUND THE

COMMUNITY Area Students Become Muttin Bustin’ Champions Area students held on to the runaway sheep to become Muttin Bustin’ champions at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. Schertz residents Madalyn May, Skyla Pearson, and Cibolo resident Colby Ledwik were among the champion Muttin Busters at the 2019 San Antonio rodeo.

These students took home the treasured trophy, shiny belt buckle, and got to meet Miss Rodeo Texas. Congratulations to these awesome students!

The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo was held February 7 – 23, and Mutton Bustin' takes place during every rodeo performance, excluding the Finals. Mutton Bustin' is a crowd favorite rodeo event as little cowboys and cowgirls between the ages of 4 and 7 saddle up and try to hold on to sheep for as long as possible. The crowd goes wild as these little rodeo contestants take a thrilling ride under the big lights of the AT&T Center.

Go to sarodeo.com for information on next year’s stock show and rodeo.

Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center Increases Services in the Area The Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center (GCCAC) strives to provide all the necessary resources for those facing child abuse and neglect.

The center provides a homely environment for children as well as partners with local law enforcement, Child Protective Services, the County Attorney's office, as well as medical and mental health professionals.

The GCCAC recently opened an office in Schertz located at 301 Main Street, Schertz, TX 78154. This Schertz office now offers a more convenient opportunity for Schertz, Cibolo, and Marion parents and children to obtain services from the GCCAC. In addition to the Schertz office expansion, the GCCAC will be holding a grand opening for the new nearly 10,000 square foot headquarter office in Seguin on Sunday, April 7 from 3:00 – 5:00 PM. With this new facility they will be able to increase services, ensure confidentiality for clients while in the building, provide space for team interactions, and hold their growing staff.

On Thursday, May 9 the GCCAC will be holding their annual Designer Purse Bingo fundraiser at Mikulski Hall, 509 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, TX 78154. Doors open and dinner will be served at 6:00 PM and the games will begin at 7:00 PM. Tickets are $40 in advance or $45 at the door. Contact Michele Meehan at (830) 303-4760 or mmeehan@ccac.net to reserve your spot as a sponsor, purse, or door prize contributor.

The mission of the Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center is to advocate for and provide services to abused children and their families in the investigation, prosecution, treatment, and prevention of child abuse, and to reduce the trauma to children by coordinating a multi-disciplinary approach. The GCCAC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and age in the delivery of services.

For more information about the Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center go to gccac.net.

Schertz Magazine April 2019

39

AROUND THE

COMMUNITY

Twin City 5K Event Reflects Community Spirit The 9th Annual Selma-Schertz Salute to Service Members 5K run/ walk did not let dark clouds and strong winds interrupt one of the most popular event of the year. A large crowd of people gathered at the Bluebonnet Palace on Saturday, February 23 to show solidarity with local and area wounded veterans, members of the military, community members and others.

In excess of 500 participants, family members and supporters braved what looked like rainy weather, but strong winds cleared the sky for the highly anticipated February put on by Operation Comfort.

The organization’s founder and Executive Director, Janis Roznowski commented “We had 430 online registrations and many more people registered as walk-ins to give us a record crowd. The race has grown ever year and we expect a really big one our 10th year 2020."

“This is one of our two fundraisers we have each year, and it is very important in helping us provide local programs to local veterans in a local place,” Roznowski said. She added that the number of wheelchair racers and other specialized bikes used by wounded veterans has significantly increased this year.

Schertz Mayor, Michael Carpenter and Selma Mayor, Tom Daly said the annual 5K event reflects the community’s patriotic tradition and military-civilian heritage. “It feels like just yesterday we had the first 5K and the Bluebonnet Palace was the only thing out here among a lot of open land. Now a lot of businesses and jobs are out here and symbolize how our two cities come together for important things like this event and helping wounded veterans,” Carpenter said.

Daly was instrumental in getting the event started nearly a decade ago.

“The 5K run shows how a community with a strong military tradition can do some good and joyful for wounded veterans, their families and people who want to honor veterans,” Daly said. One of those wounded veterans at the 5K was Nicholas McCoy of Boerne who has participated in the event from the beginning. "Janis Roznowski and Operation Comfort have done a lot for me and support me and I am here to support and help them,” he said.

The event included races for kids, runners, walkers, and wounded warriors in specialized bikes.

According to RRP Timing, which managed the race, the first contestant to cross the finish line was Alfred Lopez, race No. 258, in a recumbent bike with a time of 12:55. Overall male runner winner was Samuel Garcia, race No. 155, with a time 16:45. Overall female runner winner was Kalea Ajei, race No. 11, with a time of 21:06. Garcia is on the Churchill High cross country team and said this was his first time in the Selma-Schertz event. “I really liked this race and what it stands for,” he said.

For more information on Operation Comfort got to www.opertioncomfort.org or call 210-826-0500. For race results go to rrptiming.com.

Schertz Magazine April 2019

41

AROUND THE

COMMUNITY

Hanson Aggregates – Servtex Quarry Sixth Annual Food Drive For many school-aged children in the area, summer is a time of hunger.

That’s because when school is out, many children don’t have access to the regular, nutritious meals that schools provide.

For the sixth year in a row, Hanson Aggregates – Servtex Quarry is helping to ensure all children in the area have enough to eat by organizing its Food Drive for RACAP (Randolph Area Christian Assistance Program), taking place April 22 – May 3. RACAP is a Schertzbased food pantry serving portions of Guadalupe, Comal and Bexar counties.

Healthy Kids Day

To meet the increased demand from families with school-aged children during the summer months, RACAP is asking for donations of 1-2 lb. bags of rice and dried beans, canned soups, canned pasta and meat, boxed meat helpers, ramen noodles and other shelf-stable items.

Healthy Kids Day, a free community event presented by the Schertz Family YMCA, will be held Saturday, April 27 from 9:00 AM - noon at the Schertz Family YMCA. The event will include games, healthy snacks, and healthy vendors.

Hanson Aggregates –Servtex Quarry is coordinating the food drive with help from other community partners. During the week of the food drive, food will be collected at city halls in Garden Ridge, Cibolo, Schertz, Selma and Universal City, along with participating schools in these communities. Residents of these communities are asked to donate nonperishable food items at their local city hall, where Servtex Quarry will collect the food and deliver items to RACAP.

The YMCA supports families in their effort to teach healthy habits and keep kids active and learning, preparing them for a brighter future.

Last year, Servtex Quarry worked with area communities and schools to collect more than 9,600 pounds of food to help fill RACAP shelves.

RACAP relies solely on churches, businesses and individuals to help stock its pantry and does not receive any government funding. Services provided to clients include food, rent assistance, and help with prescription medications and utilities.

Servtex Quarry, located in Garden Ridge, produces several million tons of crushed stone a year, which is used mainly for road, residential and commercial construction in San Antonio, South and East Texas.

For more information or to learn how to help, please contact Hanson Aggregates – Servtex Quarry at (210) 658-7461.

Healthy Kids Day is a kick-off-event for a sustained initiative that helps kids stay healthy and achieving all summer long. For more than 20 years, Healthy Kids Day has celebrated kids’ health and continues to teach healthy habits for kids and families, encourages active play and inspires a lifetime love of physical activity.

For more information contact the Schertz Family YMCA at (210) 619-1900.

Schertz-Cibolo Lions Club Encourages Higher Education The Schertz-Cibolo Lions Club is offering scholarships to high school seniors, to encourage higher education or training and assist the applicants’ achievement of personal goals.

The Schertz-Cibolo Lions Club works as a service club organization and partners with the Schertz-Cibolo Lions Foundation to raise money for worthy local causes such as this scholarship program.

Up to five scholarships of $1,000 each will be awarded on a competitive basis. Eligible students must be currently enrolled high school seniors (including home-schooled students), have a graduation date in May or June of 2019, and live in Schertz or Cibolo.

The deadline to apply for this scholarship opportunity is Tuesday, April 30. For more information and to complete the application, go to e-clubhouse.org/sites/schertzcibolo/calendar.php

42

Schertz Magazine April 2019

Schertz Magazine All Over the Map Bring your Schertz Magazine along during your travels and send us a high resolution photo of you and your magazine to magazine@schertz.com.

You may see your photo in an upcoming issue of

Schertz Magazine!

(Above) Leticia and Ruben Pascual went to Budapest, Hungary with their Schertz Magazine.

(Above) Don and Sherry Snyder took their Schertz Magazine to Godafoss Falls in Northern Iceland.

(Below) Karen Carbon, Irina Weibe and Ingrid Hoffmann took Schertz Magazine to Bernkastel-Kues, Germany.

(Above) Jackie Gonzalez and her son Steven Berber traveled to Parque del Buen Retiro, in Madrid with their Schertz Magazine.

(Left) Bob & Trudy Brink went on a cruise to the Caribbean with their Schertz Magazine.

Schertz Magazine April 2019

43

Spring Ha

Cibolo Creek FFA Booster Association Spring Fundraiser

Come out and support the Cibolo Creek FFA Booster Association during their spring fundraiser on Sunday, April 14 from 12:00 – 3:00 PM at the Niemitz Park Pavillion, 618 FM 78, Cibolo, TX 78108.

Funds raised during this event will benefit the Cibolo Creek FFA students of both Steele and Clemens High Schools. Enjoy fun for all ages including a cornhole tournament, barbeque plate sale, purse bingo, and more! Purse bingo cards are $25 with 9 games per card which means 9 chances to win! Each additional card is $15. Go to cibolocreekffa.org for more information.

Lone Star Reptile Expo

The Lone Star Reptile Expo will be held at the Schertz Civic Center, 1400 Schertz Parkway Bldg. 5, Schertz, TX 78154, on Saturday, April 13 from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Sunday, April 14 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. There will be a huge selection of snakes, frogs, toads, turtles, lizards, insects, invertebrates, mice, rats, and other kinds of herps from around the world. Weekend passes are $10 for adults and $5 for children 7 – 12. Go to lonestarreptileexp.wixsite.com for more information.

EGGStravaganza at River City Community Church

Bring the entire family out to River City Community Church, 16765 Lookout Road, Selma, TX 78154 on Saturday, April 20 for their EGGStravaganza. This free family fun event will include kite-flying, 40,000 eggs, multiple egg hunts, raffles, games for all ages, food booths, live bunny photos, face painting, and a special needs egg hunt. Gates will open at 10:00 AM and will close at 1:00 PM. Go to reallife.org for more information.

Revolution Church Egg Grab

Join Revolution Church, 9360 Corporate Drive, Selma, TX 78154, for their Easter services and Easter egg hunts. Services will be held on Saturday, April 20 at 6:00 PM, and on Sunday, April 21 at 9:00 AM, 10:15 AM, 11:40 AM, and 1:00 PM. Invite your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to experience this fun event. Everyone is welcome. Egg grabs for the kids with candy will be held after every service. Over 20,000 egg will be up for grabs this year! For more information contact info@revyourlife.com or call the church office at (210) 679-1001.

River City Believers Academy Fiesta 5K Glow Run

River City Believers Academy is hosting their 3rd annual Fiesta 5K Glow Run on Friday, April 26 at River City Community Church, 16765 Lookout Road, Selma, TX 78154. Enjoy an evening out with the family, and support Christian Education. River City Believers Academy provides affordable Christian education for grades Pre-K - 12th. Proceeds support the continuing mission to partner with parents to prepare students for Real Life. For more information and to register go to rcbaonline.com.

ppenings Guadalupe County Children's Advocacy Center 5K Superhero Dash

The Guadalupe County Children's Advocacy Center in partnership with the Guadalupe County Child Welfare Board is sponsoring the 5K Superhero Dash to benefit the children of our community. The run/ walk will be on Saturday, April 6 at Max Starcke Park East Pavilion, 650 River Dr W, Seguin, TX 78155. Snacks and water will be provided.

Come dressed as your favorite superhero! For more information go to gccac.net and register online at athleteguild.com.

Steele Project Graduation Fundraisers

Come support Steele High School Project Graduation at Spirit Night at Chick-fil-A Schertz, 6038 FM 3009, Schertz, TX 78154, on Wednesday, April 10. Enjoy a great night of food and fun! A percentage of all sales from 5:00 - 9:00 PM will be donated to help fund the Steele High School Project Graduation.

Steele High School Project Graduation will also be hosting their Fiesta Fun Run on Saturday, April 13 at Byron P. Steele High School, 1300 FM1103 78108 Cibolo, TX 78108. Register now at Active.com.

M1103 78108 Cibolo, TX 78108. For more information follow Steele Knights Project Graduation 2019 on Facebook.

Lace Up Sneaker Show

The Lace Up Sneaker Show will be held on Sunday, April 21 from 1:00 – 5:00 PM at the Alamo City Sports Plex, 11471 E Loop 1604 N, Universal City, TX 78128. Buy, sell, and trade sneakers, visit with 40+ vendors, play in the video game tournament, and enjoy food trucks, special guests, live music, and free giveaways! For more information and to purchase tickets go to laceupsneakershow.ticketleap.com.

Easter at Schertz UMC

Join Schertz United Methodist Church for their Easter events this month. On Sunday, April 14 they will be hosting their Easter Egg Hunt at 10:15 AM at the church located at 3460 Roy Richard Dr. Schertz, TX 78154. They will also be hosting their Good Friday Cantata "Reflections on the Seven Last Words of Christ" on Friday, April 19 at 6:30 PM. Easter services will be held on Sunday, April 21 at 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:15 AM and 6:45 PM. Breakfast will follow the 7:00 AM service and there will be a butterfly release at 10:15 AM. For more information go to schertzumc.com.

Word of Life Fellowship Church Easter Eggstravaganza

Word of Life Fellowship Church will be holding their Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 13 from 1:00 – 3:30 PM at the church located at 213 Coy Lane, Cibolo, TX 78108. Come enjoy the fun including Easter egg hunts, bouncy house, food trucks, games & prizes, raffles, and activities for the whole family! For more information go to wordoflife4u.com.

LOOKING BACK

April QUOTE OF NOTE

“Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer, but wish we didn’t.”

Erica John

LOCAL HISTORY

The April 21, 1985 business section headline of the San Antonio Light Newspaper reported: “Once-remote village becomes developer’s dream on IH 35 corridor”. The article went on to report that thirteen separate high impact investor/reality groups had purchased ownership in the Schertz industrial corridor along IH 35 and that the Schertz community was poised to benefit tremendously from the business growth that would be coming to the area.

TEXAS HISTORY

On April 6, 1968, HemisFair, the first officially designated international exposition in the southwestern United States, opened in San Antonio. It celebrated the cultural heritage shared by San Antonio and the nations of Latin America. It ran from April to October and attracted 6.3 million visitors. More than thirty nations participated with pavilions or exhibits. It also changed the face of the city. Structures at the fair that remained after the event included the Institute of Texan Cultures, the Convention Center and Arena, and the 622foot Tower of the Americas.

Presented by the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee in the interest of historical perspective and community awareness of local historical legacies.

IMPORTANT SCHERTZ

PHONE NUMBERS Schertz City Council Mayor:

Michael Carpenter (210) 619-1045 mcarpenter@schertz.com

Council Members:

Mark Davis (210) 376-9141 MarkDavis@schertz.com Ralph Gutierrez (210) 376-9231 ralphgutierrez@schertz.com Scott Larson (210) 376-9835 scottlarson@schertz.com Cedric Edwards, Sr. (210) 566-4540 cedwards@schertz.com David Scagliola (830) 606-1130 davidscagliola@schertz.com

Allison Heyward (210) 608-9543 Allisonheyward@schertz.com Tim Brown (210) 608-2381 Timbrown@schertz.com

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

SCHERTZ.COM

APRIL 1

Library Advisory Board, 6:30 PM Schertz Public Library

7

8

14

15

21

22

Movin’ on Main

Palm Sunday

Easter

28

29

2019

CITY CALENDAR 2

City Council Meeting, 6:00 PM Council Chambers

9

3

4

5

6

10

11

12

13

18

19

20

25

26

27

City Council Meeting, 6:00 PM Council Chambers TIRZ Board, 4:00 PM Bob Andrews Conference Room

Planning and Zoning Meeting, 6:00 PM Council Chambers

16

17

Council on the Go Meeting

23

City Council Meeting, 6:00 PM Council Chambers

24

Planning and Zoning Meeting, 6:00 PM Council Chambers

Transportation Safety Advisory Commission, 5:30 PM Council Chambers Conference Room

Community Volunteer Fair

SSLGC Meeting, 1:30 PM SSLGC Administrative Building

Economic Development Corp 6:00 PM, Council Chambers

Underwater Egg Hunt

Good Friday

Historical Preservation Society Meeting 6:30 PM, Bob Andrews Conference Room

30

Be sure to go to Schertz.com for more event information. Meetings are subject to change.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT 1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY SCHERTZ, TEXAS 78154