April 2012

APRIL 2012

CO NNE CTIN G

THE

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SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM APRIL 2012

April 2012

Editor’z Letter

FEATUREZ

Chuck McCollough, Editor

City Council

FOR ME, APRIL HAS ALWAYS SYMBOLIZED SPRING AND A RENEWAL OF LIFE. On April 22, my wife, Elaine, and I celebrate 40 years of marriage on a date that that always occurs at Fiesta time.

The month of April (and that particular date) along the fun of Fiesta are more than enough reasons for me to be in a festive mood. And, this edition of Schertz Magazine is just icing on the anniversary cake.

Read first about some of the Schertz Fiesta connections such as Schertz residents Ashley Mayle (Miss Fiesta 2008), Tina Flatten (manager of the Fiesta Store) and Cecila Paz (multiple winner of the Fiesta Poster contest).

Then enjoy the article on Sandra Richards, whose love of makeup as a child inspired her to become a painter of peoples’ faces (like Mayle’s on our cover) including actors and other celebrities. Rough spots in her life complete a story that is better than anything you could make up.

Also read about some of the many Fiesta events that make this one the most diverse and fun celebrations in the world.

Continue the fun with a jaunt down FM 3009 to two of the best places to fill a day with adventure and wonder. Our stories on Natural Bridge Caverns and Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch will leave you with a new appreciation for the beauty of nature, above and below ground. Where else can you find a cavern and a camel as neighbors?

Also, get an update on a number of important bond issues approved by voters including an upgraded soccer complex, new playscape, state-of-the-art animal services facility and the much anticipated aquatic center.

So grab your Fiesta Cascarónes, flowered shirts and dresses, goofy hats and a copy of Schertz Magazine, and let’s parteeeey!

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PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY

B. E. Bailey Director, Public Affairs, Publisher

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Chuck McCollough Editor Alexis Souza Cascarón Painter Chris Matzenbacher Sales Director Erin Matlock Client Affairs Specialist Mary Spence Events Coordinator Linda Ervin Business Manager

DEPARTMENTZ

Shelby O’Neill Copy Editor Brittany Losey Senior Writer

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Contributing Writers B.E. Bailey, Chuck McCollough, Mary Spence, Lucille Sims Thomas, Andrea Allinger, Kari Bridges, Kiko Martinez, Denise Marcos, Jasmyne Douglas, Elsie Baker, Ashley Festa, Kayley Carter Photographers B.E. Bailey, Chuck McCollough, Mary Spence, Robert Burton, Mike Harris, Bryan Nguyen, Joe Herczeg, Diana Webb, Andrea Allinger, Kari Bridges, Zachary Carter, Ross Dye, Curtis LaBlanc Schertz Magazine is published monthly by the Public Affairs Department of the City of Schertz.

Our mailing address is 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. The official publication of the City of Schertz promotes city, community, and business activities associated with the City. © City of Schertz, Texas The editorial office of Schertz Magazine is at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154.

Call (210) 619-1630. Fax (210) 619-1619.

Website is schertz.com and schertzmagazine.com

Executive Management John Kessel, City Manager

Executive Directors John Bierschwale David J. Harris Brian James

On the Cover

32 26

Feature Storiez

Talk of the Townz

26 Fiesta Events

10 Updatez

30 Fiesta: Celebrating for a Cause

13 Kitchen Kudoz 15 Sweetheartz 16 Wilenchik Walk 17 Momz

35 Natural Bridge Caverns 38 Natural Bridge Ranch 42 A Break from the Daily Grind

42 Columnz

City Newz

21 Focuz: Sandra Richards

46 Civic Newz

32 Profilez: True Story of Love at First Sight

2008 Miss Fiesta, Ashley Mayle of Schertz, is painted up as she prepares to join thousands of people in celebrating our historic party.

APRIL 2012

50 Calendarz & Contactz

C O N N E C T I N G

T H E

C O R R I D O R

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APRIL 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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Talk ofthe Townz April 2012

BATTER UP! Spring means baseball and wildflowers, sometimes together. Lance Foreman gets in some baseball practice with son Bryce, 10, as seen through blooming wildflowers at a city backstop near the Schertz Municipal Complex.

EASTER IN THE PARK APRIL 7

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

The Schertz Cibolo Lions Cub and WellMed present “Easter in the Park� on Saturday, April 7 in Pickrell Park in Schertz, rain or shine. The free event, open to children up to age 10, starts at 10:00 AM and will include a visit by the Easter Bunny, an Easter Egg hunt, Prize Eggs and sponsored games.

Welcome to the Schertz area! Plaza Pizza N Wings is open at 12080 FM 78 in th Lone Oak Plaza (near FM 3009) in Schertz. Owner Kurt Kowalski invites you to come by, say hello and taste their specialities. Call (210) 659-7579 or visit them on Facebook.

Participants are encouraged to arrive early so they can register prior to the event.

The schedule of times for age groups is:

Diaper Derby (crawlers) 10:00 AM Children under 3 --10:30 AM Children 3-4 -- 11:00 AM Children 5-7 - 11:30 AM Children 8-10 - noon

For more information call Donna Turner at (210) 722-0109.

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Talk ofthe Townz

Kitchen Kudoz

Talk ofthe Townz April 2012

Mecca for Mexican Meals

April 2012

LA CABANA COMBINES FAMILY, FOOD AND FUN

POOCH PARADE POUNDS PAVEMENT IN MAY

By Andrea M. Allinger

The 2012 Homes for Pets Wilenchik Memorial Doggie Dash in Schertz will be held Saturday, May 19, in Pickrell Park, 703 Oak Street. The first 400 entries are guaranteed a T-shirt. Sign up begins at 6:30 AM and the first event (the 3 K walk with or without your dog) begins at 8:00 AM. Th 11th annual Doggie Dash, which benefits the Schertz Humane Society, includes a 5K Fun Run and the 3K event. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Sponsors are still needed. For online registration and information about being a sponsor go to www.homesforpets.org.

DEMONSTRATION REALITY CHECK FOR STUDENTS Schertz Resource Officers (members of the Schertz Police Department) and the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District gave Clemens High School students a sobering demonstration Thursday morning, March 8.

A presentation called “Shattered Dreams” used a mock crash resulting from high school drivers texting while driving. Students saw “injured”, “dead” and “dying” fellow students involved in a two-car smash up caused by texting. Police, Fire, EMS, and Air Life participated in the staged accident at the back parking lot of Clemens.

SCHERTZ PUBLIC LIBRARY FUN IN APRIL Quilter’s Bee - Tuesday, April 10, in Meeting Room 2 from noon to 3:00 PM and Saturday, April 21, from noon to 3:00 PM in Meeting Room 1 for a fun afternoon of learning the art of quilting. Pre-registration is not required.

Fabric Painting Workshop - Catherine Anderson, an area resident has volunteered to teach a beginning workshop on fabric painting at the Schertz Public Library. Classes will be held Wednesdays, April 11 and April 25 from 1:00-2:00 PM in Meeting Room 2. Supplies and prep work will be required for these courses. Please visit schertzlibrary.org or call (210) 6191700 for more information and to register for the classes.

The Book Ends Book Club - Join us for a discussion of the book Killing Lincoln by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard on April 12 at 6:30 PM in Meeting Room 1.

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COME SPRUCE UP THE PARKS ON SATURDAY APRIL 14 City parks will get a face lift on Saturday, April 14, during a community service day in Schertz. Sign-in will be at the big pavilion in Pickrell Park from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM with service taking place from from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Event organizers are coordinating with the Parks and Recreation Department for this effort to beautify city parks.

Service will include trash pickup, painting and planting. There will be refreshments and a raffle for volunteers that participate. This is an opportunity to let the big and little members of your families shine.

For more information, please contact Brenda Ott at bjcrs05@yahoo.com.

LA CABAÑA COCINA Y Cantina de El Sabro offers patrons a large outdoor seating area, a full bar complete with some of the best margaritas in the area, delicious authentic Mexican food and, for the youngest patrons, an outdoor wooden playground. Can life get any better?

Roughly translated as “the cabin kitchen and restaurant from El Sabro,” the name La Cabaña Cocina y Cantina de El Sabro stems from the savory Converse café called El Sabrosito, which is owned and operated by Joyce Sanchez. Sanchez worked her way up in the restaurant business, beginning on the West side of San Antonio as a single teen mom. After years of commitment, Sanchez was able to buy what is now El Sabrosito in 1999 and has run the restaurant successfully ever since.

In 2010, Sanchez combined her culinary expertise with that of her significant other, Alfredo Ruvalcaba, to create La Cabaña in Cibolo. Ruvalcaba bought the restaurant and, with the help of Sanchez’s daughter, Jenny Castro, who is also La Cabaña’s general manager, built a sensational restaurant off FM 78.

Castro calls her mother a go-getter, as she joyfully describes Sanchez’s commitment to her original restaurant, El Sabrosito. In

fact, many of the breakfast customers from El Sabrosito like to migrate to Cibolo for dinner. Not only is the food delicious and authentic, Castro said of the restaurant’s atmosphere, “You walk in here, and you sit down and feel welcomed at all times.”

Weekly lunch specials start at an affordable $4.95 Tuesday through Friday. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays feature live music (usually country performers) while Sundays bring mariachis from noon to 2:00PM and

again from 8:00PM.

6:00PM

to

Extensive outdoor seating and a large outdoor play area give parents the chance to dine in relative peace. Indoor seating is available in the cozy log cabin complete with a fireplace and quiet music.

La Cabaña is located at 170 Buffalo Place, just west of the intersection of FM 1103 and FM 78, and is open Tuesday through Friday from 11:00AM to 10:00PM and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00AM to 9:00PM. Call (210) 658-6600 for more information.

Bring in this month’s issue of Schertz Magazine for 10% off a purchase of an entrée and a soft drink or tea. Offer expires April 30, 2012.

APRIL 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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Talk ofthe Townz April 2012

Schertz Sweetheart Court

Miss Liberty 2011-2012

by Kayley Carter

MY NAME IS KAYLEY CARTER, and I am Miss Liberty in the Schertz 2011-2012 Sweetheart Court. I moved between the states of Georgia, Alabama and Texas my whole life. I live with my grandparents, my mother and my three brothers. I absolutely love the city of Schertz, and I plan on living here for a long time.

I attend Samuel Clemens High School, where I am in the International Baccalaureate program. I am currently

a sophomore and captain of the Samuel Clemens color guard, and I also play violin in the orchestra. I enjoy anything that involves performing.

Outside of school, I also enjoy taking pictures, dancing and cooking. I love to take pictures of things that many people would overlook or take for granted. Dancing has been my passion since I was very little. I danced ballet for six years, as well as tap dancing for two years and jazz for one year, before

I joined color guard. I love color guard and dance because they are great forms of self-expression.

I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the Schertz Sweetheart Court. It is a wonderful organization, and I love being a part of it. I have met so many people and made many friends through this organization. I love going to the events and interacting with the people of Schertz and other nearby cities.

APRIL 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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Wilenchik Walkers

WILLPOWER WINS

COOL TEMPERATURES AND A slight breeze were not enough to deter the estimated 500 walkers, joggers and dogs from participating in the 4th Annual Wilenchik Walk for Life event on March 3.

Therapy and Research Center (CTRC).

Teams and individuals walked along Schertz Parkway in the early morning, united in their belief that one day, soon, there will be no more cancer.

A photo library of the event is at Sponsored by HEB, the walk, named in visitschertz.com or find the Wilenchik honor of Mike “Tony” Wilenchik, raises Walk for Life page on Facebook. awareness and funds for San Antonio’s UT Health Science Center Cancer

Momz: My Take

Parenting Moments

By Elise Baker

Not all parenting moments are perfect.

In fact, many are far from it. How many times have you wished for a doover? “Ugh, there went a teachable moment!” I have often grumbled to myself after missing a golden opportunity.

Or I have chided myself, “Why didn’t I wait until we got home to unload on my child?”

Well guess what? Parenting is HARD! It’s the hardest and most selfless role we’ll ever play in life. And guess what else? In the end, love will save the day.

It’s such a simple phrase, but yet it packs so much power.

It was an 80-degree, sunny, magnificent spring day, but somehow I got overcome by events, and I didn’t take my kids outside to play. I felt like the worst parent ever. But did I love them that day? Did they know they were safe and cherished when their heads hit the pillow? Yep. Love saved the day.

Jerad Moheit from Public Works was one of few runners in the event.

My husband was away on a temporary duty assignment, and I just physically couldn’t get the kids to all their activities one weekend. One kid missed a birthday party, and I had to reschedule a playdate for the other. But they both made it to their soccer games and their Girl Scout meetings; they both practiced piano and got their homework done. We went to church together and didn’t skip any meals or miss any sleep.

And at the end of the weekend, even though we didn’t make it to everything, we cuddled and hugged, and love saved the day.

It’s so easy to be hard on ourselves as parents. It’s not always easy, though, to step back and look at the bigger picture, especially when today’s kids expect so much. But all they (and we) need to know is that love (and sometimes a long hot bath) will save the day.

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APRIL 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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Talk ofthe Townz April 2012

Schertz, Texas

MEET THE CANDIDATES

DINE +

SCHERTZ CHAMBER HOSTS Q&A

DOZE

Find out about your local candidates from Schertz, Selma, Cibolo and SCUCISD before you vote!

This Q&A session will take place Wednesday, April 25, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Schertz Civic Center.

The Ultimate OVERINDULGENCE

GUIDE restaurants cooking tips city map dining advice lodging getaway secrets

GET AWAY IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD Schertz, Texas WITH OUR ALL INCLUSIVE RESTAURANT & HOTEL GUIDE!

DINE +

DOZE

We are taking on advertisers now.

The

GUIDE

If this is a market you would like to reach, call (210) 619-1632 restaurants cooking tips for more city map information dining advice lodging before the getaway secrets June 30th deadline. sales@schertz.com

APRIL Schertz, Texas

DINE

DOES YOUR BUSINESS NEED RESOURCES, NETWORKING, ADVOCACY AND GROWTH? For more information about how to become a member of the Schertz Chamber of Commerce, call us at 210-566-9000 or email us at president@ schertzchamber.org.

Schertz Chamber of Commerce: Helping your business build a better tomorrow!

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+

DOZE

CHAMBERGUIDE EVENTS The Ultimate OVERINDULGENCE

After-Hours Mixer restaurants

cooking tips city map

dining advice

RETRO EXPO

BIG SUCCESS! Many thanks to all our exhibitors and attendees who came out for our Business Expo on February 22!

Silver Tree Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 930 FM 3009 (Schertz) Wednesday, April 11, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM Great food, fun, door prizes and more! Chamber ca$h drawing (must be present to win) lodging

getaway secrets

Chamber Luncheon

Tuesday, April 17, at 11:30 AM at the Schertz Civic Center Guest Speaker: Secretary of State Hope Andrade on Doing Business in Texas Cost: $18 Schertz Chamber Members/$28 (pre-paid) nonmembers

RSVP by Tuesday, April 10

FEBRUARY LUNCHEON CITY UPDATES FOR SCHERTZ, SELMA AND CIBOLO

Thanks to Ken Roberts, Mark Luft, Cibolo Mayor Jennifer Hartman, John Kessel and Dr. Greg Gibson for giving our members city updates from Selma, Cibolo, Schertz and the SCUCISD, respectively.

Ultimate

OVERINDULGENCE

Please visit our Chamber website for luncheon policy.

Educate your Business Cents!

Attend our Biz Ed classes every fourth Wednesday of the month from 7:30 AM to 9 AM. Next class is April 25.

Call for more information.

What’s Happening at Your Chamber?

Contact us by phone at 210-566-9000, email at nkotzur@ schertzchamber.org or on our website at schertzchamber.org.

& PRIZEZ

Sandra Richards

focuz

BARGAINZ

Focuz

MAKING UP LIFE

By Chuck McCollough

WIN A GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR a two-night stay at Plantation Suites & Conference Center in Port Aransas.

Locate the fish pictured above in one AD somewhere in this issue of Schertz Magazine. Visit schertzmagazine.com and complete the entry form to be entered into this month’s drawing.

LOCATE THE EASTER EGG PICTURED below in one AD hidden in this issue of Schertz Magazine. Visit schertzmagazine.com and complete the entry form to be entered into this month’s gift certificate drawing.

B

MILLIONS OF WOMEN put on makeup every day, but nobody does it like Sandra Richards. The Schertz-area makeup artist uses the human face as a canvas for her creative mind.

“As a girl, I loved playing with makeup, and after I grew up, I began dabbling in makeup application,” Richards said. “One day, I found out my daughter Mecayla’s best friend’s mom was a makeup artist. We began talking, and I asked her if she would be my mentor. She was very happy to guide me.

I trained with her for a year.

I learned about photo shoots, commercial productions and weddings. It was so exciting, and I knew that this was something I wanted to continue to pursue.”

While pursuing her dream, the make up artist decided to branch out on her own. One of her first jobs involved doing makeup for an interview with the group that sang the theme song for the Disney film “Lilo and Stitch.” She also began booking weddings and proms.

“It was so much fun,” Richards said. “I loved the feeling of making people feel good about themselves.”

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Focuz

Sandra Richards CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 A short time later, Richards found out she was pregnant and decided to take a break from full-time makeup artistry. It was in 2006 that Richards moved from Canyon Lake to the Schertz area, where she got a job at the Schertz Public Library.

“I am so thankful for the photographers who were willing to use me as their artist-in-trade for pictures,” she said. “I do a lot of weddings now, which are always fun because I am helping to make the day for the bride even more special.”

“It was an exciting time at the library, and employees were able to give opinions on colors and furniture,” Richards said. “When I am at work, I can look around and say that I helped with what has become a beautiful landmark in Schertz. I am very proud of our Library.”

She recently was a judge in the Miss San Antonio teen pageant. “I was beside myself with excitement,” she said. “That was such a great experience.”

She went back to being a makeup artist but only part-time until about two years ago when she got the itch to get back into it deeper.

“I decided to take some classes to improve my skills,” she said. “I truly believe that everything happens for a reason, and as I was looking for classes, a makeup studio in Schertz popped up in Google. I was so excited because it offered hands-on classes and I could take them on my days off of work at the library. I chose to take the airbrush class because that seemed to be the up-and-coming thing in makeup. That was all it took for me, and soon I was rearing and ready to go. For the past two years I’ve worked in my spare time on the makeup business; including creating my website and marketing myself.”

Richards has worked with several photographers in the San Antonio area that have helped her start her portfolio.

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During the past year, life dealt Richards many changes. “I went through a divorce, started a new life, and met my new husband, Jason Richards,” Richards said. “We set December 10 to be married, but just two days before the wedding I was in a head-on collision that put me in the hospital and nursing care for three weeks. My hips, legs and feet were crushed in the accident, and I am currently unable to walk or stand. I will be able walk again, but it is going to take God’s healing, time and lots of patience.”

Because of the accident, Richards has been unable to work at the Library.

On the flip side, her makeup business has picked up like crazy.

“It’s like everyone found out that I have all this free time on my hands,” Richards said. “As for me and my husband, we were married Christmas Eve at the Silver Tree Rehab Center, and we will have a wedding ceremony and celebration as soon as I can walk again.”

For more information on Sandra Richards, visit makeupexpression.com or facebook.com/ MakeupExpressions.

To contact her, email her at makeupexpressions@ymail.com.

Caring for the Eyes of Texas Leigha M. Nielsen, OD

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Call 210-658-4144

APRIL EVENTS Civic Center:

April 9 – Schertz Downtown Planning Charrette April 17 – Schertz Chamber Luncheon April 20 – S-C Lions Club Casino Night April 25 – Meet the Candidates May 3 – Sweetheart Coronation

Community Center:

April 7-8 – Alamo Pet Expo April 26 – Senior Wellness Lunch N Learn April 29 – Tropical Fish Auction

1400 Schertz Pkwy, Bldg. #5 (210) 619-1600

FIESTA CARNIVAL (APRIL 18 – 29)

If you enjoy thrilling rides, amusing games, delicious food and a good time, then the Fiesta Carnival is the event for you. Bring the kids and enjoy 12 evenings full of fun. The carnival is put on by the Fiesta San Antonio Commission and helps support Fiesta activities.

FIESTA DE LOS REYES AT MARKET SQUARE (APRIL 20 – 29)

Fiesta Events Galore

By Denise R. Marcos

S

SAN ANTONIO IS ONE of the top 10 most visited cities in the country.

Its lively atmosphere, diverse culture and rich history make this booming metro area appealing to visitors year-round.

And while the everyday hustle and bustle has much to offer during any time of year, the month of April usually sees thousands of people flocking to the Alamo city to commemorate two of the

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state’s most remembered battles. In 1891, in tribute of the heroism of those who fought at the Alamo and San Jacinto, Fiesta was born.

What started out as a single parade and a few hundred individuals has today grown to more than 100 events that collectively lure more than three million people. Local Schertz resident Tina Flatten, store manager of

the Fiesta store in downtown San Antonio, has seen the pride and excitement in the faces of those who come through the shop’s doors every day for the last two decades.

Dozens of locals and many out-of-towners venture to the Fiesta store looking for gifts and souvenirs.

Items such as pins, medals, T-shirts, caps, blinking buttons, ornaments, post cards, note cards

and, of course, posters are amongst the most popular keepsakes sold at the shop.

This year marks the festival’s 121st anniversary. The eleven days of Fiesta kick off April 18. Every official event of Fiesta benefits local nonprofit organizations throughout San Antonio and the surrounding areas.

Fiesta de los Reyes at Market Square is one of the city’s largest free Fiesta events. With more than three dozen food booths and a variety of local bands and folkloric dancers performing throughout the square, this family-friendly event offers a true taste of Fiesta.

The Market Square event is sponsored by the Rey Feo Consejo Educational Fund, which has a primary goal of assisting in educating future generations of Texans through scholarships and educational activities.

FIESTA OYSTER BAKE (APRIL 20-21)

Raw, fried, or baked--anyway you like them, Fiesta Oyster Bake has them. With more than 50 food booths, many featuring more typical Fiesta foods, you’re sure to have fun at this annual event. Packed with several things for the kids and the kids at heart and a spectacular fireworks finale, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Oyster Bake has been sponsored by the St. Mary’s University Alumni Association for the last 95 years.

All proceeds from the event support student scholarships and university and alumni associations.

ments. Enjoy traditional Mexican dishes, listen to Mariachis and be entertained.

A TASTE OF NEW ORLEANS (APRIL 20- 22)

PILGRIMAGE TO THE ALAMO (APRIL 23)

Indulge in a grand feast of Cajun cuisine and tantalizing sounds of jazz music at the A Taste of New Orleans three-day festival at the Sunken Gardens Theatre.

This family-friendly event highlights some of Louisiana’s most famed food dishes, ranging from jambalaya, gumbo, crawfish, shrimp Creole and many other favorites. The San Antonio Zulu Association hosts the annual event, and 2012 marks the 27th anniversary of sponsorship. The organization continually reaches out to the neighborhood youth, giving them the opportunity to further their education through contributing fundraiser proceeds to community organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, Salvation Army and many other worthy causes.

A DAY IN OLD MEXICO AND CHARREDA (APRIL 22 AND 29)

Round ’em up and ride ’em.

If you enjoy history, tradition and rodeo entertainment, the A Day in Old Mexico and Charreda event is a must-see. The celebration, put on by the Asociacion de Charros de San Antonio, focuses on maintaining Mexican culture and traditions and has become a favorite Fiesta event. Women wearing ranchera dresses ride side-saddle while performing choreographed move-

To honor and remember the heroes of the Alamo, large groups of historic, civic, military, patriotic and school members walk in silence to Alamo Plaza carrying vibrant floral wreaths to give as an offering to those who gave their lives in the defense of freedom.

The memorial service is put on by the Alamo Mission Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, who aim to spread the memory of those who achieved and maintained Texas independence, provide educational programs in the state, preserve historic documents and secure historic sites.

TEXAS CAVALIERS RIVER PARADE (APRIL 23)

Nearly 50 colorful floats adorned with lavish and vibrant decorations drift down the famed San Antonio River during the Texas Cavaliers River Parade, which draws thousands of spectators every year. Onlookers delight in the live entertainment as they watch dozens of local community and military floats make their way through the route.

The parade is sponsored by the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation, which has a primary focus of distributing raised funds to numerous charities throughout the city with an emphasis on assisting children in the community.

CORNYATION (APRIL 24-26)

If you want a good laugh and enjoy pure amusement, then this year’s Cornyation event is a must-attend.

Dating back to the 1960s, this comical play of exuberant stage production has grown to be a Fiesta favorite in the last several decades. Tickets typically sell out the first week they go on sale. This laughter-filled event is sponsored by Fiesta Cornyation Inc., which has donated 100 percent of the proceeds from the shows to dozens of local charities throughout the years, totaling more than $500,000 since the ‘60s.

A TASTE OF THE NORTHSIDE (APRIL 25)

Want to experience some of the finest cuisine in the Alamo city? Step inside A Taste of Northside event, which features more than 50 local northside restaurants, and savor some of the best fare, wine and beer in South Texas. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Brighton Center, which has been dedicated to serving more than 2,000 children with developmental delays and disabilities and their families for nearly 50 years.

CORONATION OF THE QUEEN OF THE ORDER OF THE ALAMO (APRIL 25)

Witness beauty and opulence at its finest at an evening of the Coronation of the Queen of The Order of the Alamo. Adorned in some of the most elaborate continued on page 28 APRIL 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

27

For more information regarding Fiesta, visit www.fiesta-sa.org.

Fiesta Events Galore CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

dresses of one’s lifetime,

dozens of women don extravagant gowns featuring intricate beading and craftsmanship from local dressmakers. Able to express their true talents in this once-a-year celebration, these artisans work diligently all year long to give tribute to the Battle of the Alamo.

FIESTA GARTENFEST (APRIL 25) Do you like beer and bratwurst? Experience German cuisine at the Fiesta Gartenfest at the Biergarten for an evening of live entertainment and dancing. The event is sponsored by the Beethoven Maennerchor, which has a goal of preserving German song, music and language in Texas.

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BATTLE OF THE FLOWERS (APRIL 27) Battle of the Flowers was the event that kicked off what Fiesta is known for today. In 1891, as a patriotic celebration for those who had fallen at the Alamo and in the victorious battle of San Jacinto, Ellen Maury Slayden (the wife of Congressman James Slayden) had the idea to honor the fallen with the parade of flowers.

Elaborately adorned with vibrant colors and lights, each float display symbolically recognizes the heroes of the Alamo. Military units march ahead, engaging onlookers with precision drills. The 121-yearold tradition is sponsored by the Battle of Flowers Association, a nonprofit civic women’s organization dedicated to teaching Texas history.

NIOSA (A NIGHT IN OLD SAN ANTONIO) (APRIL 24-27) Every NIOSA, large swarms of people crowd the streets of the historic La Villita downtown.

The thousands of colorful streamers that dangle off street posts and the tantalizing aromas of Fiesta’s fabulous foods that linger in the air make this decades-old tradition irresistible to locals and visitors alike.

More than 250 food, drink and atmosphere booths, 20 musical performances, décor, souvenirs and children’s games are spread out throughout 15 locations. NIOSA is sponsored by the San Antonio Conservation Society and is the top fundraiser for historic preservation in the country. Proceeds from the annual event support

the organization’s mission to restore and maintain historic landmarks throughout the city and surrounding counties.

FIESTA FLAMBEAU PARADE (APRIL 28) Dozens of floats decorated with tens of thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the streets of downtown San Antonio every April.

Military drill teams, dancers, bands, cars and horses trek along amongst the illuminated floats, creating an atmosphere that seems almost magical. The Fiesta Flambeau Parade is the largest light parade in the country, attracting more than half a million spectators in the 2.6-mile route and an additional million watching through TV broadcasts.

Pics from L to R: Cecilia Paz, Schertz artist, with 2011 Fiesta Poster; Tina Flatten, Fiesta Store Manager; John Melleky, Fiesta Commission CEO, Ashley Mayle, Schertz resident, winning Miss Fiesta 2008

FiestaCelebrating for a Cause SAN ANTONIO AREA’S FIESTA PAYS TRIBUTE TO TEXAS HISTORY AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

By Denise R. Marcos

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THE MONTH OF APRIL marks a historic time for Texas.

The anniversaries of the Battle of San Jacinto and the Fall of the Alamo, in which Alamo defenders bought precious time for Sam Houston’s Army to regroup and then defeat Santa Anna, is the reason for San Antonio’s annual Fiesta celebration. In 1891, in tribute to those battles for Texas Independence, Fiesta was born.

For more than 120 years, Fiesta has grown to be one of the largest celebrations in the United States. While many of the festivities remain within the San Antonio

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metropolitan area, the popular events continue to expand outside of the Alamo City every year.

Recently appointed Fiesta CEO John Melleky said that the 2012 edition has already indicated promising benefits for local charities, and with the growth of Fiesta events reaching to the outer areas of Bexar County and beyond, the impact will only grow larger over time.

“This year, we’ve added about five events to the Fiesta calendar, which is great,” Melleky said.

“We’re also expanding out to the northern part of Bexar County. It’s a great way to bring Fiesta

to other places surrounding San Antonio. Fiesta will continue to reach into the city’s outskirts throughout the years.”

The pride and patriotism associated with Fiesta continues to be strong for Schertz residents.

Schertz resident Ashley Mayle, the 2008 Miss Fiesta, loves to participate in several Fiesta events each year.

“It was my job and passion to serve my wonderful community and really immerse myself into the events,” she said. “Every event that filled my calendar as Miss Fiesta was special to me, and I felt blessed to be a part of it all. I participated in a va-

riety of visits to schools, hospitals and nursing homes, which were some of my most touching experiences and provided me with some of my most wonderful memories.”

Some of Mayle’s favorite events include the Pilgrimage to the Alamo, NIOSA, Charreada and the Flambeau Parade.

“I loved the Pilgrimage to the Alamo because I was able to reflect on the reason we celebrate Fiesta and how grateful I was for the sacrifices of those who died so long ago,” she said. “I was glad to have the opportunity to honor our fallen heroes. And while Fiesta represents something so solemn, it

is also a time for boastful celebration and lots of fun. NIOSA is one of my favorite events because it is full of flare and flavor.

As soon as you step onto the grounds of La Villita, you are swept away by the high energy of the crowd, the smells of good food and the sounds of fantastic music.”

Another Schertz resident, Fiesta Store Manager Tina Flatten, also enjoys the flamboyant celebration.

“NIOSA is a great event,” Flatten said. “I have volunteered in past years.

Talking to the visitors is fun, but above all, my favorite thing about Fiesta is not an event,

but my job at the Fiesta Store. Customers return every year to add to their collection of pins and medals, caps, T-shirts, koozies and posters. They have returned from out of town and out of state for more than 20 years now.”

For multiple-time Fiesta poster contest winner Cecilia Paz of Schertz, she couldn’t be happier to take what she loves and turn it into something that represents her state, her community and most of all herself.

and artisans is quite a treat. I enjoy the opportunity the fair provides to not only see local art, but also see new art from out of town and even out of state. The fair also does a wonderful job in exposing kids to the arts and crafts world through the Children’s Art Garden. I feel it is so important for children to experience art and expand their creativity and seeing the excitement and joy on their faces when they have created something is a delight in itself.”

“As an artist, it is no surprise that the Fiesta Arts Fair is among my favorite Fiesta events,” Paz said.

“This impressive gathering of colorful art, artists

Every event of Fiesta benefits local nonprofit organizations. Melleky noted that Fiesta announced in January that the commission will donate

$385,000 to area charities—an unprecedented contribution to the community.

“Fiesta is such a unique model of how this twoweek-long event impacts the people of this community,” he said. “All these events touch a part of the community, several of which many may not know of or even pay attention to for the rest of the year, but during Fiesta they do. It’s a great example of people coming together to accomplish the mission of these nonprofits organizations.”

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profilez

EVEN IF YOU DON’T THINK love at first sight is real right now, the story of how Harry and Alba Richburg met will make you a believer.

Longtime Schertz resident and businessman Harry Richburg was serving in the United States Air Force in November 1954 on a special duty assignment in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, when a military friend, Louis Johnson, asked him if he wanted to see the most beautiful girl in the world.

The answer, of course, was a nobrainer for Harry. So they set out on a short walk, two or three blocks down the street from the hotel on the beach where he was staying at the time.

“I saw her and thought, ‘She’ll never talk to me,’” Harry recalled.

That girl lived up to the hype; in fact, she later won a state beauty pageant in 1955 and ended up as a top-five finalist for the Miss Brazil competition. She went home with the Miss Congeniality title.

That was the day Harry saw Alba for the first time. But it wasn’t until one month later that he had the chance to meet her.

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True Story of Love at First Sight

HARRY AND ALBA RICHBURG ENRICH THE LIVES OF THE COMMUNITY AND EACH OTHER

By Ashley Festa 32

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It was just a coincidence that he knew and befriended Alba’s brother Newton, who was in the same unit as Harry. Because Harry was one of the few people her brother knew who didn’t drink alcohol or smoke, he wanted to introduce him to the family and invited Harry home for dinner.

When he arrived, Harry was surprised to realize he recognized the house. Lo and behold, the most beautiful girl in the world lived there.

“I spoke very little Portuguese, so I had to learn fast,” Harry said. “I took a class.”

His effort was not wasted. The young couple got engaged March 8, Alba’s birthday, and were married four times in two days (July 15-16, 1955). “We had wedding ceremonies at the American government and Brazilian government facilities, then a civil wedding and a church wedding,” Harry said with a smile.

And after 56 years, three children, six grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren, they are still as in love as ever.

Harry still can’t explain how he talked the beauty queen into marrying him (“It just happened,” he said), but it didn’t hurt that he took her dancing on one of their first dates. “I picked up Latin American dancing quickly,” he said.

Alba wasn’t allowed to go on a date with him without an escort, so they were accompanied by a family member everywhere they went together. When Harry decided he wanted to marry her, he needed to get some help asking Alba’s father for her hand in marriage. Newton helped with the translation.

It was the start of a strong relationship with his father-in-law.

Some have even said that Alba’s father loved Harry as much as his own sons.

That could be because Harry did whatever it took to provide for his family. Only 10 months after they were married, the Richburgs’ first daughter, Adele Eva, was born.

Harry’s salary from the Air Force wasn’t enough to raise a family, so he worked two other part-time jobs to make ends meet. While

he was stationed in Lake Charles, La., Harry worked at a fast-food hamburger joint, and by night, he was a stock manager at a grocery store.

Alba was able to return to Brazil almost each year to visit her family while Harry worked. When their first daughter was a year old, their second daughter, Catary, was born in Brazil. But when Harry’s term of service in the Air Force was complete, he re-enlisted so the couple could remain in the United States. One year later, he was stationed in Tampa, Fla., and their third daughter, Guiomar, was born.

The Richburg family traveled all over the United States and around the world with Harry’s work in the Air Force. They lived in England for three years, and later Harry developed the RED HORSE (Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers) package to go to Vietnam. He presented it to the Pentagon, which accepted the whole package.

In 1966, the U.S. Army accepted Harry’s application to become a warrant officer, and in February 1968 he moved to Vietnam without Alba and their three daughters. It was a rough year for the family.

“It was terrible,” Harry said of the year he spent away from Alba. “It was hard on her and the kids. We didn’t have the same communication we have today.”

So, the couple wrote daily letters to each other to stay in touch.

Before returning to the U.S. and moving to El Paso, Texas, Harry was awarded a Bronze Star, an Air Medal with many other ribbons. continued on page 34 APRIL 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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True Story of Love at First Sight CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

“I was fortunate to not get a Purple Heart,” he said of making it through the Vietnam conflict without injury.

After a brief two-year stay in the U.S., the family moved again, this time to Germany. Shortly after, Harry received orders to return to Vietnam, but only one month later the order was voided. Instead, the family moved to Korea in 1970.

time, the city’s population was only about 7,000 people, and most of the city’s major services, such as police, fire department and EMS, were all volunteer.

Meanwhile, as Harry was serving the city’s economic needs, Alba served its humanitarian needs. As a volunteer herself, Alba delivered food to area elderly through the Senior Meals on Wheels program and later took over cooking duties. She started in 1986 Alba got to know the Brazilian and then turned the cooking reins ambassador in Korea, and the over in 1997, but she continued to couple attended all the Embassy deliver meals for several years. parties. When Harry’s commander found out, he allowed the Richburgs “It was a lot of work, but I enjoyed to use his car and driver, so they it,” Alba said. “I loved every one of could arrive at the parties in style. those ladies.”

The couple also took charge of the Senior Citizens Holiday Craft Bazaar at the City Community Center, an event they’ve been helping organize for more than two decades. Every November, seniors are able to have a table to display and sell their handmade crafts.

Underground Wonders

“It’s something to help keep their hands busy over the years,” Harry said.

NATURAL BRIDGE CAVERNS STILL ATTRACTING EXPLORERS 48 YEARS LATER

By Kiko Martinez

Like those seniors, Alba and Harry, have clearly kept their hands busy with their many projects in Schertz.

After undergoing quadruple bypass surgery in 1999, suffering an aneurysm in 2008 and receiving a pacemaker in 2011, Harry now receives treatments for skin cancer that he believes was caused by Agent Orange, but he doesn’t let it slow him down.

“I’ve had a few surgeries, but I can still dance,” Harry said with a laugh. “We’ve been dancing all our lives. Our three daughters can’t keep up.”

In 1980, city officials asked Harry to serve on the Schertz Economic Development Commission to help build the city, and he served as the board’s first chairman. In that position, Harry helped develop tax incentives to entice businesses to move operations to Schertz. At the 34

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Photo by Mike Harris

But a few years after living the high life on the other side of the globe, Harry, Alba and the girls moved back to Texas and landed in San Antonio. Harry retired from the military in 1974 and began working in real estate. He started his own real estate company, and the couple built their home in Schertz in 1977.

AS 7-YEAR-OLD LORI MILLER walked along the underground pathway with her family during the Natural Bridge Caverns Discovery Tour, she pointed out all her favorite cave formations. The tour group descended further through the cave’s passageways and into magnificent rooms filled with stalagmites, stalactites, flowstones and columns, one even reaching more than 50 feet high. Entering the part of the cave known as the continued on page 36 APRIL 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM APRIL 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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Underground Wonders CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35 Castle of the White Giants, Miller couldn’t contain her excitement anymore.

“That’s the prettiest thing ever!” she squealed, confirming to her mother that she had chosen wisely when deciding which family activity could be fun for a Saturday afternoon. Natural Bridge Caverns is pretty, yes, but it’s also one of the most renowned show caves in all of Texas. Located 17 miles north of San Antonio (and a few minutes down FM 3009 from IH-35) in the Texas Hill Country, the site attracts more than 250,000 visitors each year.

Discovered in March of 1960 by St. Mary’s University students Orion Knox Jr., Preston Knodell, Al Brandt and Joe Cantu, the cave is designated as a state historical site and registered national natural landmark. Fascinated by the area at first by a 60-foot-long limestone bridge, which would soon become the namesake of the tourist destination, the four students had made many attempts to find the underground passages they knew were under their feet. It wasn’t until their fourth expedition that their theory was proven true and an amazing discovery was made.

According to Natural Bridge Caverns officials, the cavern formed over the years when rainwater moved slowly through cracks and pores within the limestone and slowly dissolved it. In time, the original cracks enlarged to form huge underground passages. The water eventually moved lower and formed another level even deeper within the earth. Natural Bridge Caverns is listed in the National Register of Historical Places (NRHP), a designation given by the U.S. Department of Interior to sites that contribute to preserving cultural history.

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On July 3, 1964, the Discovery Tour was opened to the public and dedicated by Texas Gov. John B. Connelly, who called it a “jewel in the crown of Texas’ attractions.”

The Discovery Tour will lead you 180 feet below ground to see things like Pluto’s Anteroom, named after the Roman god of the underworld; Sherwood Forest, featuring a series of stalagmites that look like trees; and the Castle of the White Giants, a large formation that includes a column called the Watchtower.

Natural Bridge Caverns has since expanded its tours to include a Hidden Passages Tour, Lantern Tour and two different Adventure Tours.

Schertz Assistant Police Chief Mike Harris explores Natural Bridge Caverns

During the 70-minute-long Hidden Passages Tour, visitors can see some of the cave’s most rare and delicate formations, including long “soda straw” stalactites and waves of “cave ribbon.” At one point in the tour, all the lights in the cave are turned off so guests can experience how dark it can get underground. On the 75-minute-long Lantern Tour, which is only offered once a day at 9:00 AM, visitors can explore the cave passages by carrying cave lanterns like the ones the original discoverers had back in the 1960s.

If even more adventure is what you crave, taking one of the Adventure Tours might be the answer. The first, the Hidden Passages Adventure Tour, is a challenging three to four hour tour in which participants will be outfitted with caving gear and lowered by rope through a 160-foot well shaft. Once inside the cave, adventurers will be able to climb, crawl and rappel with only the light of their helmet for guidance. The second, a three-hour Discovery Adventure Tour, will lead explorers half a mile through wild passages of the system as guests don caving gear and maneuver through various obstacles.

While not ready to do either of the adventure tours on his trip to Natural Bridge Caverns with his Ft. Worth-based family, Ian Davalos was excited to go on the Adventure Tour for the second time in his life. He was only four years old the first time he journeyed through the passages, but says he remembers it vividly. Now, with two kids of his own, he hopes they will cherish the trip as much as he did.

“We just wanted to do something as a family that was a little different than going to Sea World or the Alamo,” Davalos said. “The whole family loves doing activities outdoors, so we thought this would be a great way to get right into the middle of nature and have some fun.”

For Stacey Travis, visiting Natural Bridge Caverns was about immersing herself in the beauty of the Texas Hill Country.

“I’ve always enjoyed coming here because the caves seem different to me every time I do this tour,” Travis said. “It’s like you’re coming back for the very first time every time.”

For more information on specific Natural Bridge Caverns tours, prices and hours of operation, visit the official website at naturalbridgecaverns.com.

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Hill Country Exotic MEMORIES WAITING TO BE MADE AT NATURAL BRIDGE WILDLIFE RANCH

By Kiko Martinez

I “The drive through the ranch started well.”

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IT WAS 1985 THE FIRST TIME I experienced the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, a 400-acre drivethrough safari tour in the scenic Texas Hill Country, which is known for its similarities to the South African landscape. The ranch had only opened the year before and, as a wide-eyed 5-year-old kid, I was extremely excited to feed the animals my cousins told me would literally walk up to your car and eat right out of your hand. This would be different than any old petting zoo, I thought. This would be a real safari adventure!

The drive through the ranch started well. Animals whose names I couldn’t pronounce (I just assumed they were all different types of deer) made their way to our family’s little Ford Sierra and stuck their heads inside the car windows, hoping to get one of the tiny morsels of food I carried in a bag resting on my lap. Each deer wandered by and claimed its small reward for being just so darn cute.

Even though there was a mile-long line of cars behind us filled with kids doing the exact same thing I was, I felt special. Without me, all these weird-looking creatures straight out of my Dr. Seuss books might starve. I was a modern-day animal activist!

Suddenly, stepping out of the brush, a bizarre bird I had never seen before, with legs as long as broom handles and a neck

that swayed like a serpent, came stalking toward the car window on dinosaur-like feet. I reached into my bag of brown pellets and pulled

a single one out, hoping it would be enough to satisfy his appetite so he could move on to the next vehicle.

In one fell swoop, he snapped at the food and at my little hand and ended up biting my thumb. Now, mind you, ostriches do not have teeth, so the actual “bite” was more of a harmless gumming, but the shock of the incident caused me to let out a high-pitched girly shriek that, I’m sure, cleared all the birds from the surrounding trees.

It also forced me to reevaluate my relationship with the ostrich. It was still a fun trip overall, but I never returned to Natural Bride Wildlife Ranch again, despite being invited a number of times over the last 27 years. The ostrich was just too much of an intimidating species to meet again. Until now…

At 31 years of age, I hopped into my car for a trip to the Texas-style safari last month to face my fears and also see how the ranch had changed over the years. I wanted my wife and 4-month-old daughter to join me, but didn’t think the little one would appreciate the trip at such a young age. So, away I went on a solo quest, like Fran Sandham, who in 1997 took a 3,000-mile walk alone from Africa’s Skeleton Coast to the Indian Ocean. Only differences were that I’d be in an air-conditioned car and my oneway journey was only four miles long. Talk about roughing it!

In my possession: a 16-page “Adventure Guidebook” to help me identify all the animals I’d be seecontinued on page 40

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Hill Country Exotic CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39 ing on the tour and two bags of delicious brown pellets to feed them.

I only asked for one bag, but the woman at the gate politely insisted I take two. I’ll explain why that was a good idea in a bit.

on the ground for them by visitors.

Some aoudads wandered up to cars for extra helpings. Others ignored passersby and had a been-there-

As I slowly pulled into the entrance of the wildlife ranch, I read the first sign on the gate: “Welcome! Your wildly adventurous safari begins!” I thought about my nippy ostrich from years back and wondered if he might be lurking in the trees this fine afternoon.

Through my research, I learned ostriches have a lifespan of 40 to 45 years, so it was technically possible he was waiting inside, ready to ask, “How’s the thumb?”

The tour began in the Tatonka Range, where a number of species known as aoudads (similar to goats) walked along the rocky path. The aoudad is one of the 40 different species among the 500 animals in the park.

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done-that attitude. Also along the trek were 1,500-lb. Mexican-bred Longhorns known as watusi and other various-sized horned animals

including the springbok, kudu and formosan sika. Some animals like the scimitar horned oryx are highly endangered species protected by the ranch.

In the Kenyan Preserve and Kilimanjaro Overlook, visitors found themselves in the presence of other amazing animals including wildebeests, Bactrian camels and Damaraland zebras. Since the zebra is considered “very aggressive in nature,” my guidebook informed me it would be best to drop pellets on the ground and not feed the zebras by hand.

The first zebra that stepped up to my car didn’t give me the option. He stuck his head into the window, grabbed the entire bag of pellets with his flappy lips and walked away with it between his big teeth. I was glad I had taken the second bag of food or my feeding days would’ve been over halfway through the tour.

Upon entering the Massai Savanna, I realized I had not yet come face to face with my ostrich nem-

esis. Maybe he got wind of my arrival and decided to stay as far away from the visitors as possible. His absence from the trip didn’t bother me. I was happy in the savanna. The Sicilian donkey made me laugh with his stubbornness. He didn’t want to move from the front of my car. The three-toed rheas ran around almost like chickens and hung out in the shade.

Before I knew it, it was almost the end of the safari tour. Maybe, I thought, I had lucked out and avoided a subsequent meeting with an ostrich.

Eluding the ostrich, however, was not meant to be, and before I came to the exit, the giant feather duster crept into my field of vision and stared me down from afar with his big glassy black eyes. I doubt it was the same ostrich that gnawed on me 26 years prior, but I kept my window rolled up anyway. Maybe his reluctance to visit me at my car was a sign I was the dominant species. Who knows what tales they have told about the young boy who visited back in 1985 with a scream that could evacuate the South Texas Serengeti?

For more information on prices and hours of operation at Natural Bride Wildlife Ranch, visit their official website at wildliferanchtexas.com.

A Break from the Daily Grind COUNTS AND HIS javaNOOK COFFEE HOUSE OFFER MORE THAN A CUP OF JOE

By Kari Bridges

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SCHERTZ RESIDENTS AND employees of local businesses can rest assured that they no longer have to look across town to find their favorite hot beverage. The javaNook Coffee House, which serves up locally roasted coffee and traditional espresso, offers more than a hot cup of joe. The javaNook also serves the community as a comfortable and relaxed place where people can catch up with friends and neighbors, discuss business, hold meetings or get some work done on their laptops.

After months of extensive renovations to the Main Plaza Building off Main Street, people can now walk through the front doors of the century-old building and find an open and inviting space with freshly painted walls, natural lighting from large front windows and refinished hardwood floors that retain the character of the building.

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Air Force Base. Pictures include Captain William M. Randolph, a native of Austin and graduate of Texas A&M University who was killed on February 17, 1928, in a plane crash and whom the base was named after. Other photos include the official dedication of the base on June 20, 1930, which was attended by 15,000 people and a fly-by of 233 aircraft.

Today, the javaNook Coffee House and several other independent small businesses call the Main Plaza Building home. Patrons can decide to sit in either the smaller outdoor seating area in front of the building or in one of three large indoor seating sections that offer a homey and relaxed atmosphere with soft music playing in the background.

Don Counts, owner of javaNook Coffee House, explained that being a neighborhood coffee shop of choice is achieved by providing opportunities for people to participate in the community in unique ways that reflect who they are. He accomplishes this by offering space at his coffee house as a venue for promoting the talents of the people of our community and also by renting out space to people that sell specialty items.

Counts donates a large foyer wall of his coffee shop to displaying an array of art work supplied by local artists that is all for sawl. Original hand-blown barosilicate glass crafts made at Schertz Blown Glass Studio and Gallery have also been displayed in the coffee shop.

“An artist putting their work in public is always a good opportunity,” explained Counts. “Musicians have come to play music in the coffee shop for free, and there is more opportunity for open mic events

such as poetry reading and karaoke.

We have some flexibility that other businesses don’t have that we can change things around as people like.”

As a true barista, Don Counts has researched the coffee business and become an expert in the art of preparing the perfect cup of coffee as well as lattes, espressos and cappuccinos.

“I like the people, the product and the atmosphere,” Counts said, referring to the reason why he wanted to pursue becoming a barista and opening his own small business. “I am able to provide a good product with good service at an affordable price.”

The javaNook Coffee House offers local residents and employees of local businesses an opportunity to sample many different coffees, espressos, blends, flavors and hot teas from 10 different countries of the world. It is open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Monday through Friday and from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays. In addition to specialty hot beverages, the shop serves a selection of freshly made baked goods from Schertz City Bakery, breakfast items, sandwiches, wraps and cold beverages to customers from behind new counters.

Counts chose to open his business in Schertz last September because he believes the Schertz community benefits from a local coffee shop that would offer local people a good cup of coffee without traveling to the IH-35 corridor.

“It is a unique concept of having a coffee shop mixed with four or five other businesses (in the Main Plaza Building ,” said Counts, who employees 11 people who help

him with the daily running of the business. “I think it’s a wonderful location and it has everything necessary to be the coffee shop for Schertz. I have great people working for me on a team, and it’s of course the people that make it successful.”

In 2005, Counts retired from USAA and became the Operations Manager with FEMA during Hurricane Katrina, which hit southeast Louisiana, killed almost 2,000 people and caused approximately $8.1 billion in property damages in late August of that year. Counts was based out of Kelly Air Force Base and worked between Baton Rouge and New Orleans before deciding to go into business for himself and opening the javaNook In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Jennie Shaw, an associate professor at the Health Science Center – School of Nursing in San Antonio. He has also volunteered as Chairman of the San Antonio Public Library Board of Trustees from 1997 to 2005 and has helped set policy and make decisions that eventually opened four new library branches in San Antonio. He is currently a member of the San Antonio Feral Cat Coalition to provide a no-kill option for feral cats.

So whether you grab a cup of hot coffee and relax with a book in one of the comfy chairs, put together one of the large boxes of puzzles, meet a client or work on your laptop enjoying free wireless Internet, remember to stop by the javaNook Coffee House and see how it can take the daily grind out of your busy day.

JavaNook is located at 509 Main St. For more information call (210) 659-4414.

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“A DOCTOR’S CONFESSION TO THE CITY OF SCHERTZ…” Dear Friend, I want to give credit where credit is due. So, perhaps a confession can help clear the air so there’s no misunderstanding, Before I talk about my confession, though, let me say a few other things first.

Let me start by explaining the photo in this letter. You know, when I meet people in town they usually say, “Oh, yeah, I know you, you’re Dr. Martin. I’ve seen your ad with that picture of you and the two cute kids.” Well, I’m the guy in the middle.

Years ago I was a college baseball player, but I developed a painful neck, shoulder and arm condition. In my case it came on suddenly. The pain in my hands was so intense that I couldn’t raise my arm above my head or even throw a baseball.

I was afraid that I would lose my scholarship if it continued.

I went to my trainer and medical doctor and was given antiinflammatories. The problem with those medications is that they just mask the symptoms and in my case did not help.

Finally, after steroid injections I decided against it. But, there’s more…A family member of mine convinces me to give their doctor a try. This new doctor did an exam, took some films, and then “adjusted” my spine. The adjustment didn’t hurt, it actually felt good. I got relief, and I could use my arm again. Oh, did I mention that this doctor is a chiropractor. It worked so well that I went to chiropractic school myself.

Now for McKenna and Cooper, who are the cute kids in the picture. They get adjusted regularly and are some of the healthiest kids you will know. Their mom is also problem-free even with all the bending and lifting a busy mom of two does. It might seem like a small thing, but it makes a big difference to her.

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It’s strange how life is, because now people come to see me with their neck, arm and shoulder problems.

Also they come to me with their headaches, migraines, chronic pain, carpal tunnel, whiplash from car accidents, backaches, ear infections, asthma, allergies, numbness in limbs, athletic injuries, just to name a few.

Here’s what some of my patients had to say: “I have not had a headache in months”- (Mary J.) “Mood and attitude have improved” – (Lisa A.) Several times a day patients thank me for helping them with their health problems. But I can’t really take the credit. My confession is that I’ve never healed anyone of anything. What I do is perform a specific spinal adjustment to remove nerve pressure, and the body responds by healing itself. We get tremendous results. It’s a simple as that!

Forty-eight million Americans no longer have health insurance, and those who do have found that their benefits are reduced. That’s where my I come in. I have a significantly lower fee plan so that more people are able to afford the care they need. A whole week of care in my office costs what you could pay for one visit elsewhere.

Studies show that people actually pay less for their longterm overall health care expenses if they are seeing a chiropractor.

You Benefit from an Amazing Offer- Look, you are going to write a check to someone for your health care expenses, you may as well write one for a lesser amount for chiropractic. When you bring in this article, you will receive my entire new patient exam for $17. That’s with an evaluation and X-Rays….the whole ball of wax. But, please call right away because this offer expires on April 30, 2012, and I don’t want you to miss out.

By the way, further care is very affordable and you’ll be happy to know that I have affordable plans. You see I’m not trying to seduce you to come see me with this low start up fee, then to only make it up with high fees after that. Further care is very important to consider when making your choice of doctor. High costs can add up very quickly.

Great care at a great fee…Please, I hope that there’s no misunderstanding about quality of care just because I have a lower fee. You’ll get great care at a great fee. My qualifications…

I’m a Magna cum Laude graduate of Cleveland Chiropractic College and a Strength and Conditioning Specialist. I’ve been entrusted to take care of tiny babies to pro athletes that you may know. After practicing for four years in San Antonio I moved my practice to Schertz. I just have a low exam fee to help more people who need care.

My Associate, Dr. Kyle Stringer, brings over five years of experience to our practice with the latest in pain-free techniques.

My assistant is Melissa, and she is really a great person. Our office is both friendly and warm and we try our best to make you feel at home. We have a wonderful service, at an exceptional fee.

Our office is called Schertz Chiropractic and it is at 17323 IH 35 North Ste 106, (we are between 3009 and Schertz Parkway on the 35 South Access Road). Our phone number is 210-6466000. Call Melissa or me today for an appointment. We can help you. Thank you.

-Patrick W. Martin, D.C. P.S. When accompanied by the first, I am also offering the second family member this same examination for only $10.

P.S.S. Your time is just as valuable as ours, that’s why we will be with you promptly at your appointment.

Not applicable to Medicare Beneficiaries due to regulations.

Mother’s Day Event | MAY 3-6 • Gift of one Trollbead* with the purchase of any three Trollbeads • Receive a sterling silver bracelet with the purchase of a decorative clasp • Receive $25 off a silver Fantasy Necklace or $50 off a gold Fantasy Necklace *Free bead of equal or lesser value.

Best Friendz

825 Main Street | Schertz, TX 78154 | 210.231.0403 Corner of Schertz Parkway & Main Street

APRIL 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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CivicNewz April 2012 Online Voting For Transportation Funding

AVAILABLE DURING EXPO The San Antonio–Bexar County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has 73 proposed projects, including two for FM 1518.

Online voting for funding specific projects was available at the Business Expo on February 22. Voting ended March 2. MPO is using public hearings and online voting to determine which projects the public considers most important.

MPO will use the public meetings and online voting to help prioritize the projects.

Schertz Hosts Videoconference ON FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT GRANTS Law enforcement officials in the Schertz region gathered at the Schertz Civic Center on Feb. 28 for a videoconference sponsored by U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, seen on three TV screens in the Civic Center.

law enforcement personnel. The videoconference allowed officials in scattered areas of the Texas 28th Congressional District – including Schertz, the border area and deep South Texas – to tune in and hear information on the grants.

Representatives from Schertz, Seguin and Selma were among those in attendance

Cuellar’s office said it plans to sponsor videoconference once a month to inform constituents of available funding sources within a specific topic (low-income housing, rural development, education, etc.).

The Federal Law Enforcement Grants Videoconference briefed officials on funding opportunities for 46

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Visitors to the Business Expo had a chance to vote online for two projects totaling $53 million for FM 1518. The online voting was arranged by the City of Schertz. The Business Expo was hosted by the Schertz Chamber of Commerce and the Randolph Metrocom Chamber of Commerce.

Civic Newz April 2012

Deadline for Hal Baldwin Scholarship APRIL 30

The Hal Baldwin Scholarship encourages young people to consider public service and is named after the Schertz mayor, who has given 30 years of service to the city.

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 $2,500 scholarship is awarded annually 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 may be a traditional 2- or 4-year institution or other educational institution offering courses, degrees or other training suitable to a public service career.

High school seniors seeking the scholarship can pickup the application at the following locations: • City Hall (1400 Schertz Pkwy., Bldg. 1) • Administration Building (1400 Schertz Pkwy., Bldg. 2) • Public Affairs Office (1400 Schertz Pkwy., Bldg. 5) • Schertz Public Library (798 Schertz Pkwy.)

For more information go to Schertz.com.

APRIL 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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Civic Newz April 2012

2010 Bond Projects

Brian James Joins

MOVING FORWARD

Four bond projects totaling nearly $16 million and approved by Schertz voters in November 2010 are moving forward, each at its own speed, bond manager Phil Gaudreau told City Council on February 28.

“Each project is at a different status level,” said Gaudreau, whose firm, Jackson A&E Associates Inc., is overseeing implementation of the bonds. “For instance, the soccer complex and animal care facility projects are in the design and development phase. At this time, we don’t have start or completion dates for the projects.”

Here are the projects, dollar amounts and statuses: Animal Control Renovation/ Expansion The design contract was approved

by City Council on Dec. 20, 2011.

Currently the schematic design has been approved and the project is in the beginning of the design development phase. A preliminary budget has been prepared that is within the approved $2.25 million. A three-month design period in anticipated.

SCHERTZ STAFF

Gaudreau and other city staffers working on the project propose temporarily relocating Animal Services during the construction period to allow the contractor to perform the work in one continuous operation rather than a phased approach. Gaudreau said he is confident any additional cost associated with the temporary relocation will be realized in construction cost savings.

Soccer Complex Renovation This design contract was ratified by Council on Dec. 20, 2011. City staff is currently reviewing three concept schemes from which a final layout will be selected and then the design team will be able to proceed with final design documents. Staff anticipates design will take four to six months from concept selection.

A preliminary budget has been prepared for this project that is within the approved $6 million bond amount, Gaudreau said.

Aquatic Facility A Request For Qualifications (RFQ) was issued on Dec. 12, 2011, and six firms responded on Jan. 26, 2012.

A review and selection committee is being formed to review these firm’s qualifications and create a ranking based on the information provided. The City has established a 60- day selection time period.

A preliminary budget has been prepared for this project that is within the approved $6.62 million bond amount.

Playscape Staff is investigating three manufacturers as potential suppliers for the new playscape. It is the intent to capture the main architectural elements currently represented by the existing structure using modern materials that conform to the prescribed Codes.

Main Street The Main Street $1 million bond is pending the outcome of the sector study by Gateway Planning.

Bond Project Manager Phil Gaudreau (right) and Parks and Recreation Director George Logan look over the Schertz Soccer Complex, which is slated for renovation.

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Brian C. James has been named Executive Director of Development for the City of Schertz. He oversees a number of departments, including Planning, Inspections, Engineering, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Parks and Recreation and the Capital Improvements Program.

is working on so many initiatives does mean that it will be a lot of hard work, but that also makes it very rewarding to be part of the success that is to come. I think my backgrounds and experience will allow me to make a positive contribution. “

Previously, James worked for the City of San Antonio for more than two years and held three positions, all dealing with improved development or redevelopment in the city.

James served as a redevelopment officer for the City of San Antonio’s Center City Development Office. In that role, he worked to revitalize San Antonio’s Eastside by focusing on improving delivery of city services and development of catalytic reinvestment projects.

“I am very excited about joining the City of Schertz. Having worked in growing communities in the past, I understand how important it is to maintain the unique sense of place that attracted people to Schertz in the first place,” James said.

“I really look forward to being part of the team in Schertz that is doing so many great things,” James continued. “The fact that the City

Previously, he was Deputy Director of Development Services for the

City of McKinney near the DallasFort Worth area. He worked in McKinney from March 1998 to December 2009 and held several positions including Planner, Senior Planner and Director of Planning.

James is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. James, a San Antonio Clark High School graduate, earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 1992, his Master of Public Administration from UTSA in 1997 and is currently pursuing his Ph.D. at the University of Texas at Dallas. James lives in San Antonio with his wife and two children.

Officials Attend TxDOT TRANSPORTATION FUNDING EVENT

From left; City Councilman Jim Fowler, Executive Director of Operations John Bierschwale, and Planning and Zoning Commissioner Jake Jacobs attend a Transportation Funding meeting in Stone Oak sponsored by TxDOT. The three Schertz officials as well as other Schertz visitors voted to fund two FM 1518 improvement projects. TxDOT will use the votes and input from public meetings to decided which projects get funded.

MARCH 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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IMPORTANT SCHERTZ

PHONE NUMBERS Calendarz

April 2012 Monday, 2 Library Advisory Board 7:00 PM - Schertz Public Library Tuesday, 3 City Council 6:00 PM—Council Chambers

(210) 619-1045 (210) 566-4540 (210) 658-1442 (830) 606-1130 (210) 467-7914

Articles that appear in Schertz Magazine do not necessarily reflect the official position of the City of Schertz and does not constitute an endorsement therein. The appearance of any advertisement in Schertz Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the goods or services advertised. Any publication of Schertz Tales, whether draft or final is sole property of the City of Schertz and cannot be reproduced or distributed in any way, whether in print or electronically, without the express permission and written consent of the City of Schertz.

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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.

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Schertz Magazine encourages submission of news and event announcement items. News and event announcements must include contact name and contact phone number. All news and event items must be for activities that occur inside the Schertz city limits. Publication cannot be guaranteed. If you would like to submit an item to Schertz Tales, email us at events@schertz.com or call us at (210) 619-1630.

210.281.9595 www.tsaog.com

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***Meeting locations may change, please visit the calendar at www.schertz.com for confirmation.***

NEWS POLICY

5000 Schertz Pkwy Suite 600

8 151 FM

For advertising information: Schertz Magazine, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154; call (210) 619-1630; Fax (210) 619-1619; email sales@schertz.com.

Subscriptions to Schertz Magazine are free for each Schertz household. Subscriptions for residents and businesses outside the City of Schertz are $19.95 annually. Call 210-619-1630.

John T. Friedland, M.D. COMPREHENSIVE SPINAL CARE Board-certified Orthopaedic Surgeon Fellowship Trained in Spinal Surgery

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Board of Adjustments 6:00 PM – Council Chambers

Thursday, 26 Economic Development Corporation 6:00 PM - Council Chambers

S. Josh Bell, M.D. SPORTS MEDICINE Sports Medicine, General Orthopaedics Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon Board-Certified Orthopaedic Sports Medicine

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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 Send queries about articles or photographs to Schertz Magazine at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154.

Wednesday, 25 Planning & Zoning 6:00 PM - Council Chambers

Experienced. Skilled. Our surgeons are board certified, experienced, skilled, and subspecialty trained to treat the full range of musculoskeletal disorders, diseases, and injuries of upper extremity.

City Departments:

Monday, 23 Parks & Recreation Advisory Board 5:30 PM – Bob Andrews Room

Tuesday, 24 City Council 6:00 PM-Council Chambers

Established. Proven. The San Antonio Orthopaedic Group was established in 1947 for the purpose of providing the highest quality orthopaedic, medical, and surgical care.

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Tuesday, 17 City Council 6:00 PM—Council Chambers

Michael Carpenter Cedric Edwards, Sr. Jim Fowler David Scagliola George Antuna, Jr.

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Wednesday, 11 Planning & Zoning 6:00 PM - Council Chambers

Council Members:

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Tuesday, 10 City Council 6:00 PM—Council Chambers

210-658-6466

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Monday, 9 Buffalo Valley Youth Association 6:00 PM - 401 Oak St.

Hal Baldwin

Your health & wellness is our first concern.

For this sole purpose, our physicians have assembled a community of services to enable the finest outcome for your care.

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#info

Thursday, 5 Transportation Safety Advisory Commission 5:30 PM- Council Chambers

City of Schertz Elected Officials Mayor:

NOW OPEN in SCHERTZ

Richard L. Ursone, M.D. GENERAL ORTHOPAEDICS Board-certified Orthopaedic Surgeon Christian A. Woodbury, M.D. HAND, WRIST AND ELBOW Board-certified Surgeon Fellowship Trained in Hand and Microvascular Surgery

PRESORT STANDARD

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OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS 1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY SCHERTZ, TEXAS 78154

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