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BE INSPIRED October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Meet Leslie Mouton, KSAT news anchor
and breast cancer survivor/activist
AU GU ST
In this issue: Cesar’s Upholstery * Grumpy’s Restaurant * The Art of Andre Bullard * Talk of the Town * Schertz Government Round-Up
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BE INSPIRED October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Meet Leslie Mouton, KSAT news anchor
and breast cancer survivor/activist
AU GU ST
In this issue: Cesar’s Upholstery * Grumpy’s Restaurant * The Art of Andre Bullard * Talk of the Town * Schertz Government Round-Up
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Schertz Ladies Conquer Fiesta
Mayor Started Political Career Young
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April 2008
AUGUST 2011
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Editor’z Letter Chuck McCollough, Editor
Departmentz Talk of the Townz Updatez
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Sweethearts Miss Friendly City
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ENTERTAINMENTZ Wilenchik Walk Attracts Nearly 500
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VISIONZ / CHamber
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Columnz Profilez 32 RACAP Celebrates 30 Years BIZ SPOT 34 Boldly Going Where Few Businesses Have Gone Before Profilez 39 Turning Trees Into Wooden Works of Art
CIVIC NEWZ 43 Hansen New SPD Chief 45 Updatez
City Council Selects Verinder for Vacant Seat 49 Schertz EMS Visits State Legislature
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Birthdays are always fun for someone. For little kids they are magic and some older folks - tragic.
and started Yogo Stop yogurt shop next door. Check out their story.
But the birthday focus this month is on Schertz Magazine. Your Hometown Magazine is a strapping five-year-old this April. Enjoy the story of how the magazine has grown before our very eyes.
And while you are in Yogo Stop, marvel at the winding, one-of-akind bench inside. It was created by local master woodsman Fred Brockman. Read how his youthful journey to Australia got sidetracked in Schertz.
And speaking of young, read how our new mayor got the political bug at a tender age and never lost it. Continuing with our age-theme, help celebrate RACAP’s 30th anniversary serving our area. The Randolph Area Christian Assistance Program is a lifeline and helping hand for many struggling in our community. What does a driving school and a yogurt shop have in common - teenagers. That was one of the business savvy ideas Eric and Karen Givilancz had when they moved their Roadworthy Driving Academy to FM 78 and FM 3009
Also get a kick out of our coverage of the 5th Annual Wilenchik Walk 5K event. Enjoy the photos of yourself, your friends and your neighbors walking and running for a good cause on a cold Saturday morning. Help welcome a new City Councilmember and new Chief of Police to Schertz, and read about our EMS Department’s trip to the Texas Legislature.
All that and more in Your Hometown Magazine Happy Birthday Schertz Magazine.
APRIL 2013 schertzmagazine.com
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City Council Michael Carpenter Mayor Jim Fowler Councilmember David Scagliola Councilmember George Antuna, Jr. Councilmember Cedric Edwards, Sr. Councilmember Sydney H. Verinder Councilmember
Executive Team John Kessel City Manager John Bierschwale Executive Director David J. Harris Executive Director Brian James Executive Director
PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY Public Affairs Department David J. Harris Interim Director Linda Ervin Business Manager Chuck McCollough Editor Alexis Souza Art Director & Design Chris Matzenbacher Sales Director Lucille Sims Thomas Copy Editor
Talk Townz of the
MARCH 2013
Clemens Senior
National Merit Finalist Clemens High School Senior Aruna Kharod has been named a Finalist in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program. A letter from the program to Aruna said she is is one of only 15,000 students in the nation -- or less than 1 percent of graduating seniors - to receive the honor. Aruna is a member of Clemens band, International Baccalau-
reate (IB) program as well as the Gifted and Talented program and is the only senior in the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD to be named a National Merit Scholarship semi finalist and finalist this school year. Aruna Kharod (pictured to left) was featured in a February 2013 Schertz Magazine story.
Brittany Losey Senior Writer Contributing Staffers Erin Matlock Client Affairs Specialist Mary Spence Events Coordinator
Contributing Writers Chuck McCollough, Lucille Sims Thomas, Andrea Allinger, Kari Bridges, Kiko Martinez, Ashley Festa, Rudy Arispe, Taylor Tompkins, Jim Webb, Renee Schuler, Jazmin Fonville
Contributing Photographers Chuck McCollough, Mary Spence, Mike Harris, Marc Bane, Bryan Nguyen, Joe Herczeg, Diana Webb, Andrea Allinger, Kari Bridges, Zachary Carter, Ross Dye, fontsandphotos.com
Schertz Magazine is published monthly by the Public Affairs Department of the City of Schertz. Our mailing address is 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. The official publication of the City of Schertz promotes city, community, and business activities associated with the City. © City of Schertz, Texas
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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
Fundraiser for Children’s Advocacy Center A fundraiser for the Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center will be held Saturday, April 6, at 6 PM at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1015 N. Austin St,. in Seguin. The event is sponsored by the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office and County Attorney’s Office. Tickets are $50 per person. For more information call Dawn at the Sheriff’s Office - (830) 379-1224.
APRIL 2013 schertzmagazine.com
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Talk Townz
Talk Townz
of the
of the
Mitchell Earns Eagle Scout
Jonathan Mitchell, 16, of Schertz has earned the Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout Award. He was recognized at a March 6, 2013 ceremony at VFW Post 8315 in Schetrz, 1000 FM 78, Schertz, Texas. A member of Troop 512 sponsored by VFW Post 8315, Jonathan is one of approximately 4 percent of all Boy Scouts who attain the rank of Eagle. Each Eagle Scout must complete a community or church related service project (among many other things) to complete his Eagle Scout requirements. Jonathan chose to do the Soldier’s Angels Foundation in San Antonio in preparing over 100 ‘Care Packages’ for distribution to transitioning wounded US Soldiers arriving at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany. Twenty-five scouts and classmates helped raise money, purchase supplies, and pack the boxes for shipment. Jonathan has served as Senior Patrol Leader, patrol leader, bugler, and quartermaster of Troop 512. He attended the Troop’s high adventure trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico in 2011 and is a member of the Order of the Arrow.
Schertz Plaza Expanding Footprint Phase 2 of Schertz Plaza at FM 78 and FM 3009 is under way with an eye toward a midsummer opening, said Kevin Spruill of The Nova Group, the project developer. The 9,800-square-foot Phase 2 is a mirror reflection of the same-size Phase 1, which opened last fall/winter and currently contains a number of businesses including a sandwich shop, driving school, yogurt shop and dental office. “Site work started Monday, February 25, and we anticipate completing Phase 2 around July,” Spruill said during a sit10
schertzmagazine.com APRIL 2013
down interview at the Subway sandwich shop, which is always packed around lunch time. Schertz Plaza is located at the dynamic FM 78/ FM 3009 intersection. An estimated 50,000 vehicles go through the four-way traffic light daily giving the center great exposure, the developer said. A proposed third building with 3,375 square feet will be built on the other side of Phase 2 and face the parking lot instead of the street like the other two. The three buildings will give Schertz Plaza almost 23,000 square feet of space
for around 17 businesses including retail and food establishments, Spruill noted. Schertz Plaza along with Christian Brothers Automotive represent a new development interest in the FM 78/FM 3009 area in Schertz, a city where most development is closer to or along IH-35. City officials are encouraged by the private sector investment along FM 78 and say it will help attract more quality development to that area.
“Hog Wild” Benefit May 4
In loving memory of Savanna Kindt, a special fund raising organization has been created to financially support children at the Guadalupe County Youth Livestock & Homemakers Show. The Sweet Savanna Kindt “Hog Wild” Dinner and Dance will be held Saturday, May 4 from 5:00 PM to midnight at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 509 Schertz Parkway. Tickets are $25 (kids 6 and under free). All proceeds will benefit 4H/FFA youth in the community. Savanna loved animals, volunteered her time with Homes for Pets, showed pigs for four years with the Cibolo Creek FFA and wanted to be a veterinarian. She died in a motor vehicle accident in 2011 For more information on the event call Vallery Mallard at (210) 725-7940 or email hogwilddinnerdance@yahoo.com
A sophomore at Clemens High School, Jonathan is active in Band, debate, and student government. He was Student Council President while attending Corbett Junior High. His hobbies include drafting building plans, playing trumpet and guitar, writing music, target shooting, hiking and camping. He is hoping to study Architectural Engineering upon graduation. Jonathan is the son of Mike and Stacey Mitchell of Schertz. The Scoutmaster for Troop 512 is Steve McNamara. He would like to thank Soldier’s Angels for all the great services they provide and all the great projects that they support.
SCUC A Cappella Choir Big Apple Bound An a cappella choir of 17 students from Clemens and Steele high schools has qualified to compete in the A Cappella Society’s International Finals in New York City in on April 19. The group is working to raise funds for the trip - estimated at $900 per student. Anyone wishing to help can contact Kathryn Dane at (210) 619-4044 or at kdane@scuc.txed.net APRIL 2013 schertzmagazine.com
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Who will be crowned?
Sweetheart Court
Miss Friendly City My name is Katie Gibbons and this year I have been blessed with the opportunity to represent Schertz as Miss Friendly City. Some of my favorite memories on the Schertz Sweetheart Court so far have been participating in the parades and singing at Autumn Winds Retirement Lodge and Silver Tree Nursing and Rehabilitation Center during the holiday season.
APPLIANCES I AC/HEATING I SOLAR & WIND GVEC Home is a subsidiary of
SALES I SERVICE I INSTALLATION
Join the City for the
2013- 2014
Sweetheart Court Pageant Thursday, May 2, 2013 5:45 PM Doors Open/Light Dinner 7:00 PM Pageant
Schertz Civic Center Ballroom
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Tickets $10.00 at Public Affairs Office 210.619.1630
I am a junior at Samuel Clemens High School and am very involved in my school. I am a member of the National Honor Society, the PALS program, Floral Club, and Student Council where I serve as the Activity and Spirit Cabinet Head. I also am a member of Meet in the Middle, a club that integrates students with and without intellectual disabilities. Through Meet in the Middle, I have been able to build relationships with some of the special needs students at our school and also help with Special Olympics events. Community service has always been something very important to me. On the weekends I enjoy walking dogs at the animal shelter. I also volunteer at Roy Maas Youth Alternative Center serving food and socializing with the youth. The relationships I have formed through my volunteer work have truly been rewarding and life changing. Once I graduate Clemens, I hope to further my education at Texas A&M University to study Veterinary Medicine. Working with animals has always been a passion of mine and I aspire to eventually open my own animal clinic. This journey has been amazing and the memories I have had with the Sweetheart Court will be something I will cherish forever. I am lucky to call Schertz my hometown and plan to continue to be involved and give back to my community.
APRIL 2013 schertzmagazine.com
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Talk Townz of the
Entertainmentz
Wilenchik Walk Attracts Nearly 500 Nearly 500 people got up early to fight cancer Saturday, March 2, at the Wilenchik Walk For Life 5K Fun Run/Walk. The event, hosted by the City of Schertz and sponsored by HEB, is named for former Schertz City Councilman Tony Wilenchik who lost his battle with cancer in 2009. Previous events together raised approximately $106,000 for the UT Health Science Center’s Cancer Therapy and Research Center (CTRC). This year’s 5K event raised more than $15,000 for UTHSC CTRC.
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Starting at 8:00 AM, runners and walkers took a new course this year; beginning on Buffalo Drive at the back part of Clemens High School, participants turned onto Schertz Parkway then turned right onto the winding Community Circle Drive and back onto Schertz Parkway at the Kramer House/Visitor Center. Up the hill past Maske Rd, with a turnaround at Woodland Oaks and back to the starting point. Two water stations, manned by personnel from Walgreen’s and SACU of Schertz, along the 5K route helped run-
ners and walkers stay hydrated. Individuals and many teams representing local businesses participated. Many could be easily spotted by their distinctive yellow or red or other color shirt. The runners and walkers passed by Signsof-Love along the route. The Signs-ofLove contained the names of loved ones who are fighting cancer or who have lost their fight with cancer.
APRIL 2013 schertzmagazine.com
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Talk Townz
Talk Townz
of the
* Zombies Needed * COME JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL 5K
KNIGHTS of the LIVING DEAD ZOMBIE RUN/WALK SATURDAY, APRIL 13th, 2013 Sponsored by Steele Project Graduation
Runners receive 4 flags and a belt. The Living Dead will be capturing your flags during the Run/Walk.
Costumes are welcomed When: April 13, 2013, 8:30am Where: Crescent Bend Nature Park Schertz - http://www.cbnp.us/
Entry Fees:
Registration Forms in Front Office & Counselor Galleries at Steele High School Early Registration by March 29th (register early guaranteed T-shirt) $25 - Individual $15 - Student (18 yrs. and younger) $50 - 4 Person Team Registration* Entry Fee after March 29th: (T-shirts available after March 29th only while supplies last) $30 – Individual/Student $60 – 4 Person Team* * Must all be register and paid at the same time. Race Day Registration begins at 7:45am on April 13th
Prizes - Crawling/Jumping/Dirty Obstacle Course Questions?– email: steelepg2013@gmail.com or Call: Joanna Mayle: 210-863-0811, Lisa Cantrell – 210-394-5690 Please leave a message and your call will be returned ASAP. 16
schertzmagazine.com APRIL 2013
of the
Faith In Action Fundraiser Hold all of your items that didn’t sell at your garage sale and gather all of usable items you don’t need anymore until Sunday, April 21st . At this time you can deliver almost everything you have to the Schertz United Methodist Church at 3460 Roy Richard Dr. (FM 3009) between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
The funds earned from the Partner’s For Good program are used to pay for project supplies, such as wood, paint, drywall, etc. Each request will be reviewed by a committee and accepted according to project limits, personal need of recipient and workers available. On April 21st , parishioners from Schertz United Methodist Church will go out The church has partnered into the Schertz community with Goodwill’s Partners For and work on all of the projGood program which is a do- ects. nation drive fundraiser. For every 26 ft. truck filled with Get ready for this year’s Faith donations, Goodwill will do- In Action. If you are a person nate $1,000 to go toward the in need and have a project church’s Faith In Action pro- you are incapable of doing gram. your self, give Pastor Linda a call at (210) 658-3202. If Faith In Action is a one-day you have questions about the event that will also be held on Partners For Good donation April 21st. Pastor Linda Mont- drive, contact Jacqui Cantu at gomery is looking for people jcantu@schertzumc.com. All in need who have small proj- donations are tax deductible ects they are unable to do around their house. The jobs Goodwill does not repair, remay include yard work, paint- finish or re-upholster. ing, cleaning, drywall work, do-it-yourself type projects.
What We Gladly Take
Antiques, Automobiles, Bedspreads, Blankets, Books, Clothing, Cookware, Curtains, Dishes, Framed Pictures, Furniture, Games, Toys, Housewares, Jewelry, Lamps, Office Supplies, Radios, Stereos, Shoes, Small Appliances, Sporting goods, Televisions, and Wheel toys.
April Blooming with Fun Library Events
Cartoon Drawing Saturday, April 6, 2:00 PM
Cartoon drawing for kids age 5 and up! Join us for an hour of fun as we learn cartooning tricks and drawing tips from a professional artist. Kids will warm up with some quickie cartoons and then learn how to draw facial expressions as they produce a funny jungle scene.
National Poetry Month Event Wednesday April. 24, 6:00 PM
Please join us in our annual celebration of National Poetry Month at the library! Featured readers and local Poets include: Teresa Brown, Melba Thompson, and Chris Billlings. The last hour will be open mic for others to share their favorite pieces of poetry or original work!
Needle Crafting Group Thursday April 4, 6:30 PM Wednesday April 24, 12:30 PM
We are very excited to start our needle crafting group at the library this month! These programs are for anyone looking for a fun, social environment to crochet, knit, cross stitch, sew, etc., or for anyone interested in learning how to do needle work. We are offering two dates and times for this program each month! We hope to see you at the library for one of these meet-ups!
“The Book Ends” Library Book Club Meeting Thursday April 11, 6:30 PM The library book club meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM to discuss a book selected by one of the group members. Join us as we discuss the book titled Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jaime Ford this month.
We Do Not Accept
Auto Parts, Motors, Tires, Bathroom and Kitchen Fixtures, Bricks, Stone, Concrete, Broken/Soiled Furniture, Cabinets, Car Seats, Infant Cribs, Playpens, any type of Baby Furniture, Carpet, Carpet Padding, Guns, Ammunition, Hot Water heaters, Large Appliances, Mattresses, Box Springs, Paint, Chemicals, Scrap Lumber, Tube Type TVs, Waterbeds, Windows, Doors, Shutters.
APRIL 2013 schertzmagazine.com
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A Cinco de Mayo Fiesta!
5
5
What’s Happenin’ 5
in your Schertz Chamber? State of the Cities
Church of the Good Shepherd 40th Annual Parish Festival and Country Auction
Thank you to City Manager John Kessel of Schertz, Robert Herrera of Cibolo and City Administrator Ken Roberts of Selma, for their presentations of the State of the City for each of their respective cities at our February luncheon.
Sunday, May 5, Pickrell Park, Schertz 10am Mass Under the Park Pavilion BBQ Meal Service Begins at 11am $6.00 Plate + To-Go-Plates Available
BIG COUNTRY AUCTION AT 2PM! Trash to Treasure Market + Arts & Crafts Homemade Pastries + Cold Beverages + Raspas Hamburgers + Hot Dogs + Turkey Legs + Nachos Silent Auction + Plants + Big Drawing Live Music-In-The-Park Children’s Games & Play-scape + Free Parking
APRIL
CHAMBER Events April 24th Mixer
@ Tazas Cafe – 5:30 – 7:00 pm. Check www.schertzchamber.org for date.
Biz Ed
April 24th – 7:30am – 9am at the Chamber/Visitor Center, free breakfast hosted by RBFCU. Topic: Employment Liability: Managing your Responsibilities - part 2. Free to Chamber members, Non Members $10.
April 16th Chamber Luncheon
@ Schertz Civic Center @11:30am – 1pm “State of the State of Texas” presented by our new Secretary of State, John Steen. RSVP must be received by April 9th. Please see our lunch policy online at schertzchamber.org.
Schertz Chamber Toastmasters Club
1st and 3rd Mondays of each month. Open to all - contact David Smith at 210-913-9288 for more information.
Help us “Build a Better Tomorrow”
April Chamber Luncheon Guest Speaker – Secretary of State John Steen
Make plans now to attend our April 16th luncheon, featuring the topic “State of the State of Texas” presented by our new Secretary of State, John Steen. RSVP must be received by April 9th. Please see our lunch policy online at schertzchamber.org.
Chamber President Graduates from CCCE Our Chamber president finished her 3-year study course in Advanced Chamber Studies through the Center for Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Dallas on March 6th. She received her certificate from CCCE Chair Rich Cantillon and coordinator Heather Reichert.
Chamber in Action in Austin Board Director Kevin O’Donnell and Ambassador Chair Lauren Burns went to the Legislative session in Austin on February 25th to present white letters regarding support of House Bill 5 on behalf of Chamber Member SCUCISD.
want to join the Chamber?
It just makes “cents” to join the Schertz Chamber of Commerce! Unique networking opportunities, education, advocacy and more! Call us at 210-566-9000 or come by and visit at 1730 Schertz Parkway in Schertz. Help us “Build a Better Tomorrow” APRIL 2013 schertzmagazine.com
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With the April 2013
FEATUREZ
issue, Your Hometown Magazine is five years old in its modern, glossy magazine form.
In the April 2008 issue, Mayor Hal Baldwin wrote a letter to readers saying the 20-year-old newsletter was being given a name - Schertz Tales Magazine. Schertz Magazine in 2013 has come a long way from its humble beginning as a mimeographed, black-and-white collection of city activities to the premier publication in our region. The late Mayor Hal Baldwin’s letter first talked about the city’s 50th anniversary in 2008 and then had the following:
Schertz Magazine:
Celebrating Everything Schertz!
“The new look and feel of the magazine would not be possible without our advertisers. Because we have businesses that believe in our city and our residents, we have now reached a point where the story of Schertz can be told in a fullcolor / glossy format. “I hope you will join me in supporting the Schertz Tales.” “I also want to encourage you to submit information to the staff so that they have the information necessary to keep our residents informed about what is happening in our great city. If you would like to submit information to Schertz Tales, you can email the staff at: events@ schertz.com”
The late Mayor Hal Baldwin’s words still ring true today. The magazine is a mirror of the Schertz community and the publication’s premium look and award-winning stories, photos, and design reflect the exceptional community it serves. So let’s turn back the clock and see the evolution of Your Hometown Magazine: According to Executive Director John Bierschwale, who has been with the city since 1978, the city newsletter was started around 1988 and mailed each month with residents’ water bills.
“This year we are also celebrating the anniversary of the Schertz Tales Magazine. And, as part of the celebration, I am pleased to present to our readers the New and Improved Schertz Tales! For the first time ever we have put in place a team of writers, designers, and photographers that have been given the mission of telling the story of Schertz. Unlike publications that target one group or another, our magazine will focus on the people, the groups, and the businesses that make Schertz such a wonderful place to live. We want to celebrate everything Schertz!” Pictured: (to right) Cover for April 2008. (below L to R) Covers for May, June and July, August & September 2008. The July 2008 Cover (flags) was the first of 13 international awards the Magazine won since 2008.
FEATUREZ The newsletter had community news including planning and zoning updates, City Council agendas, library goings on and youth sports results. The word “newsletter” was used through the June 2001 issue and changed to Schertz Tales the next month to showcase the transformation to more of a lifestyle format with feature stories, photos, and a more eye-pleasing design. continued on page 24
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Happy Birthday Schertz Magazine! By Chuck McCollough BE INSPIRED October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Meet Leslie Mouton, KSAT news anchor
and breast cancer survivor/activist
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V O L . 2 6 I S S U E 7
In this issue: Cesar’s Upholstery * Grumpy’s Restaurant * The Art of Andre Bullard * Talk of the Town * Schertz Government Round-Up V O L . 2 5 . I S S U E
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FEATUREZ
Schertz Magazine continued from pg 23
Though still just four pages, the fledgling publication was morphing to match the growing community Between 2001 and mid-2005 the publication added color photos, a snappier look and a greater variety of information and stories. In the August 2005 issue, Schertz Tales transformed from a newsletter to a magazine with a cover photo of Jerry Jeff Walker, news of his concert and other items. The ambitious change came about because the long-running fourpage format restricted the amount of information needed for residents of the burgeoning Schertz Community, a commentary in the publication said. The city worked with a private company to produce a full-color publication with more pages and advertising sold by the company. A little less than three years later, in April 2008, Schertz Tales Magazine adopted the full-color/glossy format former Mayor Baldwin talked about in his letter. That issue had 28 pages and five years later Schertz Magazine (with a shorter name but bigger job) averages 52 pages a month to help capture the innovation, energy and leadership of its namesake city.
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The magazine has won local, state, national and international accolades and has been featured and praised in the Congressional Record. But more importantly, Schertz Magazine readers consider the publication a member of the family. They have ownership in their Hometown Magazine with stories and story ideas, photos and photo suggestions, sometimes criticism, but most often praise. And Schertz community members take Schertz Magazine on their travels around the globe (and bring back photos of the mag in that location) and in so doing - tell the Schertz story to the world. (Pictured below and to right) Various covers for magazines over the last five years. (above) Former City Attorney, Mike Spain, sends in a picture of the magazine from his adventures. (Far left) Printers’ Loupe against the color matching done while printing.
J A N U A RY
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THE AWA R D- WINNING M A GA Z INE R E A CHING OV E R 50,000 R E A DE R S
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The Mayor Who Started His Political Career Young By Chuck McCollough
Story begins on page 28 APRIL 2013 schertzmagazine.com
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Mayor Started Political Career Young continued from pg 27
M ayo r M ic ha e l
was able to participate in. The entire election process was fascinating to me,” he said.
“I was president of my kindergarten class. To some degree, that kicked off my interest in politics,” he said with a laugh during a recent Saturday morning sit-down interview in the Mayor’s office.
These days the 44-year-old mayor is busy presiding over one of the busiest suburban cities in Texas. Carpenter elected Mayor on November 6 - is now nearly five months into his term and said he sees some significant differences from being a council member.
Carpenter is a born politician - well almost.
When he was in the second grade, the Memphis native said he tried to convince his parents to vote for Gerald Ford over Jimmy Carter in the 1976 presidential race. “Ford won the mock election at my school. I queried my mom and dad - ‘you are going to vote for Ford, right?’ but they would not answer,” the Mayor said. “Four years later I tried to convince them not to vote for President Carter and support Reagan instead. I think my parents voted for (third party candidate) John Anderson; so while I hope I influenced them, I am not sure I got the outcome I was seeking!” “I was a politically active kid - the day I turned 18, I registered to vote, and I voted in every election thereafter that I 28
“There are more and different demands for your time when you are mayor. I am the same guy as before - with very little change, if at all. But people respond to you differently when you carry the title,” Carpenter said, while restringing the first of several guitars he worked on during the interview. The mayor said many people have their own vision of what is means to be mayor. “My vision of the mayor’s role is to lead the council. Sometimes, in a very neutral way, sometimes, in a very partisan way, especially when there is a need to provide alternative views or ideas. The greatest duty of the job is to serve as a good steward, so that future mayors and councils have a wide variety of freedoms, choices and tools with which to work.”
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Carpenter got his bachelor’s degree from the University of Memphis and in July 1996 moved to San Antonio with his wife Missy to pursue a master’s degree at St. Mary’s University. “I wanted to be a clinical psychologist, and my studies were going well, but at the end of the first year. I felt I needed a break and got a temporary job in the world of IT (Information Technology). The next thing I knew my wife was pregnant with our first child. I suddenly needed to have a real job, so I parlayed the temp job into a full time position. It was never my intention to go into IT, but that is how it worked out,” he said. The Carpenters were on their way to visit friends in Austin one day in 1998, taking a leisurely drive there when a billboard on IH-35 about new homes in Schertz caught their eye. They decided to check it out, taking a right turn off the interstate. “We turned onto Schertz Parkway, then onto Savannah Drive, to look at a model home. It turned out to be in our price range and in gated community – two things that really appealed to us!”
The couple also drove around the community and liked what they saw. “Simply stated, Schertz looked like a great place to raise a family. We ended up putting a down payment of $1,500 that same day on the house – that was a lot of money for us at the time - and that is how we came to be in Schertz,” the Mayor said. Carpenter said there already was a family connection to the San Antonio area. “My father was born in San Antonio because my grandfather was in the Army Air Corps during World War II and stationed here.” he said. Even though he enjoyed politics, Carpenter didn’t get involved locally until six years after moving to Schertz. “In 2004 I went to my first City Council meeting because I wanted to see what was happening in my community. I didn’t go sooner because we had another child and were very busy.” After his second child was around three years old, the young Tennessee transplant felt the urge to wade into a local political arena.
Taking part in a June 2011 historical marker for St. Joseph’s Church were (from left) Rev. Anthony Pesek, Monsignor Albert Hubertus, then Mayor Hal Baldwin, then Councilmember Michael Carpenter and Councilman David Scagliola. Not Pictured is Dean Weirtz.
“At that first meeting I noticed almost everyone on council was a retiree and only one member had a school age child and that one was in high school. There was no one up there from my demographic; a young person with young children. I thought we needed someone like that on Council to represent that point of view and I figured, why not me?” Carpenter decided to run and selected councilmember Steve Simonson. “I just randomly selected Steve as an opponent and I didn’t know he was sick at the time. I lost by 27 votes - in the end I was glad I lost, because Steve was a great guy whom I got to know well on council. He inspired me with his courage – I miss him.” “My wife was not thrilled that I ran in 2004 and was kind of pleased I lost - she wanted me to finish my MBA before I took on something else,” Carpenter said with a laugh.
Councilman Michael Carpenter (right) in 2007 with then Mayor Hal Baldwin (left) and former Mayor Earl Sawyer.
The next year Carpenter ran again, and again randomly picked a council seat - this time Place 5 - and was elected.
He was re-elected to Place 5 in 2007 and 2009. In 2010 he ran unsuccessfully for Mayor against incumbent Hal Baldwin and lost. He remained on council because his term was not up until 2011. Carpenter was re-elected to Place 5 in 2011. “I never drew an opponent as the incumbent in Place 5. The only time I have had an opponent is when I chose to run against an incumbent” he said.
-- including life-experienced retirees, business owners, and parents of school age children - plus a well-educated and involved population - are helping steer the city in the right direction toward a continued, bright future.
desire for a city that has focus on our families, not just economic development and maintenance of service levels” the mayor said. And Carpenter hopes the current and near future councils continue that tradition and legacy.
“The exceptional decisionmaking of mayors and councils that have served before us, in planning and providing excellent city services, has allowed recent councils the opportunity to focus on presenting quality of life initiatives to voters - voters who approved most of them in recent years. Our beautiful library, our highly-utilized recreation center (housing the YMCA), improvements to parks, and more, reflect this community’s
“Our job as councilmembers is to forward our position; to make strong, sustainable progress toward the goals we have set for ourselves as a community. We are also charged to make as few mistakes as possible while garnering as many successes as we can. If we do things correctly, future mayors and councils will be positioned to act decisively and deliberately when great opportunities come their way. continued on page 30
Mayor Carpenter receives a certificate as the Honorary Commander of the 12th Maintenance Directorate. The Honorary Commander program pairs local civic leaders with Air Force leaders, helping civic leaders gain further understanding of missions, policies, programs and people while Air Force leaders learn the workings of the civilian community. Making the presentation is Bob West, 12th Maintenance Directorate Director.
Carpenter is the city’s eighth mayor since it incorporated in 1958 and the first new mayor in 30 years after long tenures by Mayors Earl Sawyer and Baldwin. The Mayor’s nearly eight years on council and the legacy of Mayors Baldwin and Sawyer are providing Carpenter valuable experience as the city heads into its next growth phase - from a community of 33,000 to 50,000 in the nottoo-distant future. Carpenter said the City Council’s mix of voices, points of view and diverse backgrounds
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FEATUREZ
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Carpenter with his wife Missy and their sons in 2009 adopting a dog from the Schertz Animal shelter.
Mayor Started Political Career Young
continued from pg 29
“They won’t have to scramble to gather resources to secure those opportunities because councils before them - including the present one – will have provided the tools, the foundation, and the fiscal freedom to make it obvious Schertz is the right place for those great opportunities to land,” Mayor Carpenter said. 30
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“Our goal is to ensure that those future councils have all the tools they need, right at their fingertips, to be successful – and to have them point back to good decisions made by councils that preceded them, including this one, that supported their wins.” Carpenter said one of his great regrets is not having the wisdom of Mayors Baldwin and Sawyer to draw on. “I truly wish they were here for me to seek their counsel, bounce ideas off them, or just talk. It would have been a blessing to still have Hal and Earl, who left us a year ago, to go to for their perspectives. “Even after Hal passed on I had hoped to have this same contact with his wife Barbara – I know she would have had so much experience to share, but her poor health didn’t make that possible. What a great reservoir of experience and introspection Barbara had. She was Hal’s confidant and partner through so many changes and challenges in this city - together they guided this city to the premier status it enjoys today” the Mayor said.
FEATUREZ
RACAP
Celebrating Service By Kari Bridges Thies, RACAP charter board member and volunteer.
This spring will mark 30 continuous years that the Randolph Area Christian Assistance Program (RACAP), a nonprofit Christian Ministry, has been making a difference in the lives of low-income people living in the Randolph MetroCom area.
Jessie Fisher, RACAP program director, explained that RACAP’s services are provided to clients who specifically live in the RACAP service area that is determined by the designated ZIP codes where the sponsoring member churches are located and include: Cibolo, Converse, Marion, Universal City, Schertz, Selma, and portions of New Braunfels, Live Oak, San Antonio and Garden Ridge.
Throughout the years, RACAP has been a shining example of what can be accomplished when dedicated people come together to help meet the needs of local citizens while building a stronger community. In celebration of this lifetime achievement, RACAP would like to invite the community to recognize the many volunteers and supporters of RACAP and celebrate with them as they host an open house on Saturday, May 4th, from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at the RACAP Office, 307 Pfeil St., in Schertz. Refreshments will be served and attendees are encouraged to bring canned food items to donate. Since opening its doors, RACAP has helped thousands of people each year without receiving any government funding. Currently, 24 sponsoring churches, individuals, local 32
Food and other goods collected b y the National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive at RACAP.
organizations and businesses work together to support and maintain the local food pantry ministry by supplying volunteers, food donations and financial donations.
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In 1983, the RACAP food pantry was invited by the Schertz Housing Authority, which owns the property, to house the pantry free of charge as a community service, said Paula
“During the past three years we saw an average of 1,588 clients per year, or 132 families per month. I tend to see a lot of single parent households and what is considered the working poor, where it’s sometimes two incomes but close to minimum wage. Since I have been here, the number of clients we serve has dramatically increased since 2008 because of the down turn in the economy. More people lost jobs and I see a lot of people who are working but with the price of groceries going up people are having a harder time making ends meet,” Fisher said. Fisher explained that poten-
tial clients will be interviewed to ascertain what assistance they are requesting and to review the client’s mandatory documentation to determine eligibility. Eligible clients are provided with food assistance once every 6 months, and if eligible for financial assistance, once every 12 months. Family size, including the number of children and their ages, is also a factor in determining the amount of assistance given. Documentation items include: photo identification, Social Security cards for everyone in the household, proof of residence within the service area and proof of all income and benefits for everyone in
then either put on shelves or in one of the two refrigerators and five freezers that have been donated to meet this specific need.
conducted at Thanksgiving and Christmas and includes everything a family needs to prepare a holiday meal, based on family size.
“In addition to our member church contributions, individual, and school student/ faculty organized food drives there are also all the local community or civic organizations who have donated to us at one time or another,” Fisher said. “There is always a need for donations no matter how much food comes in it goes out just as quickly. We also accept financial donations as well as donations of food and toiletry items.”
Qualified clients can sign up to receive a Holiday Meal Basket for Thanksgiving and/ or Christmas. The Christmas application also includes an opportunity to apply for toys or gifts for the children in the family. RACAP coordinates outside sponsors who assist with providing the food and/ or gifts for their assigned family or families. In 2012, the Holiday Meal Basket Program provided, along with outside sponsors, 259 Thanksgiving holiday meal baskets and 316 Christmas holiday meal baskets at a cost of approximately $8,600. Clients who qualify for assistance through the pantry may also qualify for assistance in purchasing new shoes for their children each school year. Qualified applicants
are given a one-time-use gift card that can be used at any Payless Shoe Store. For children’s shoes the maximum amount on the cards is limited to $20; for adult-sized shoes the limit is $25. The cards are labeled to be used exclusively for school-age children for one pair of shoes per card. In 2012, this program served 426 children in 187 families at a cost of approximately $7,000. Fisher, who has worked diligently for over six years as program director, indicated that the program has received a lot of positive feedback and she loves what she does. “I feel blessed to be able to get up, come to work and help people every day,” she said. If you would like to help by making a tax-deductible donation, volunteer or would like more information, please contact Jessie Fisher at 210658-1613 or recap@att.net. Or visit them on the web at www.racap.org.
RACAP officials preparing for busy 2012 holiday season.
the household. To receive assistance people must come to the RACAP office between 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. RACAP has approximately 70 volunteers who provide assistance in greeting clients, establishing and maintaining client files, processing food and toiletry donations and filling grocery orders for clients. The food pantry area is made up of two main rooms where food items are organized by expiration date and
RACAP offers limited financial assistance to help with rent and utilities, prescription medications and gasoline for emergency medical transportation. In addition to the food pantry, RACAP has also established additional special programs that are administered separately and offer seasonal assistance. These programs include the Holiday Meal Basket Program and the Back-ToSchool Program. The Holiday Meal Basket Program is
A USPS worker unloads a truck at RACAP with donations from the public during the 2012 National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive.
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their all-new frozen yogurt shop a few weeks later on November 23. Many may remember Roadworthy at its previous site on Schertz Parkway where it opened in 2004. “We spent eight years at that location,” Eric said. “The only complaint we ever had about our business was parking. The move has really helped our enrollment and the added visibility has increased walk-in traffic.” Constant updates to curriculum, highly qualified instructors, and advanced technology have kept Roadworthy a trusted name in driver’s education for the past decade. Cars are maintained routinely and simulators frequently updated.
Boldly Going Where Few Businesses Have Gone Before By Brittany Losey The many recent updates to FM 78, a booming corridor between Schertz and Cibolo, creates prime opportunities for local businesses. Two local businesses recently making the move to this area include Roadworthy Driving Academy and The Yogo Stop, both owned and operated by Eric and Karen Givilancz.
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“We decided to make a bold move during a slow time,” Karen said. The couple moved the already established driving school to its new location at FM 78 and FM 3009 on November 5, 2012 and
“We are state-of-the-art driver’s ed.,” Karen said. “We have the state-of-the-art simulators that really help in our training program. I don’t think there’s anyone that does more than we do. Our program is top, it’s the place for driver’s ed.” Instructors utilize smart technology in every aspect of classes. With high-tech simulators, students can be safely exposed to situations such as inclement weather and blowouts, giving
them hands-on experience without the danger. “We can introduce them to emergency situations and teach them how to face those,” Karen said. “The computers allow us to set up those situations and give them experience. It’s real, but it’s safe.” The issue of texting while driving is a hot topic right now, particularly among teenagers learning to drive. “Teens now are very seldom without their cell phone and that is becoming a leading cause of accidents,” Eric said. “They have a very false sense of ability since they’ve always had cell phones,” Karen added. “They really feel that they are able to text and drive. Sometimes we’ll let them text during the simulator and they do really poorly. It’s a real eye opener for them.” With a background in education, Eric and Karen both put students first. Eric has appeared before Congress to speak about bills that he believes promote the best driver’s education.
continued on page 36
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Boldly Going Where Few Businesses Have Gone Before
continued from pg 35
Karen and Eric Givilancz in their yogurt shop.
“We stay active in legislation,” Eric said. “I’ve spoken both in the House and Senate. I spoke for the first time in 2009, and again in 2011, and I will be there again this year.”
The Givilanczs wanted to open a business that would match the kids at the driving school. They considered many options before finally settling on frozen yogurt.
The Yogo Stop is independent and family owned – not part of a chain. Additionally, the Yogo Stop truly embraces what it means to be a community-oriented small business.
So with a prominence in the world of driver’s education, what explains the Givilanczs’ need to open a yogurt shop?
“We had thought maybe a coffee shop,” Karen said. “We figured it should be something related to food. Then we went into a yogurt shop – our kids were hammering us to go. It’s a simple business and Schertz didn’t really have anything like it.”
“We’re mom and pop with the yogurt and the driving school. We try to use local businesses to put together ours. We try to give back by buying and doing everything local.”
“We’ve always talked about diversifying our businesses,” Karen said. “Driver’s ed is a high-maintenance, highly regulated business.” Eric said he has always had an entrepreneurial spirit inspired by his family and his dedication to education and hard work. “I grew up in a family where my dad and brothers all had their own businesses, so I had that entrepreneurial experience,” Eric said. “I looked for something that would incorporate my background in education.”
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Though a simple concept, the startup for The Yogo Stop was tougher than it was for Roadworthy. “It’s just different for us because the driving school was a low-risk investment,” Karen said. “The yogurt stop has been more expensive to start up.” Eric added, “We had no backing of a corporation or franchise.”
Everything in the shop comes from other local Schertz businesses from the retro, checkered flooring to the geometric seating to the yogurt supplies. Even at Roadworthy, the Givilanczs do maintenance and repairs locally. They keep a lot of their profit in Schertz as well. “We really like to give back to the community, too,” Eric said. “We give back to many of the high school programs.”
They also provide a shuttle service to Clemens and Steele high schools to transport students to Roadworthy after school for classes. “It’s just a convenience factor for the parents,” Karen said. “Plus, the students can be done at 6:30 and still get their homework done early.” The Givilanczs efforts continue to build a safe, educated, and happy community for many kids, including their own who are 7 and 12. For more information about Roadworthy Driving Academy call 210-945-7600. For more information about The Yogo Stop call 210-5669646.
“We’re just local Schertz people,” the couple said. “We shop here, we live here, we work here.”
PROFILEZ
Turning Trees Into Wooden Works of Art By Chuck McCollough When Schertz master woodsman Fred Brockman looks at a felled tree his eye beholds what beauty it can be - in the form of custom furniture. The Illinois native has been making highly sought, high-end custom furniture since making a “temporary” stop in Schertz to visit his sister on the way to Australia in 1970. “They still had homesteading in Australia at that time and I was going to work my way there on a steamer out of California.”
6000 FM 3009 Ste. 202 Schertz, TX 78154 (in front of the Super Wal-Mart on FM 3009)
OPEN: Monday - Friday 9:00am to 6:00pm
• Polos & Dress Shirts • T-Shirts • Caps & Hats • Uniforms • Promotional Products • Personalized Gifts • Screen Printing • Athletic Apparel
• Vehicle Lettering • Banners • Window/Door Lettering • Real Estate Signs • Trade Shows • Logo Design • Custom Graphics • Posters
“It was so mild when I got here (Schertz) I felt like I had died and gone to heaven. Just days earlier I was back home driving in ice and slush on a trip that took four and a half hours to go 100 miles. I have been here ever since,” he said. Brockman said he was always good at fixing things and soon found work repairing and refurbishing old chairs that were then sold in antique shops. His reputation for restoring old things - from ice boxes to furniture - spread and his customer base just kept growing. Brockman got a boost from a neighbor - Ottomar Dietz -- who encouraged the young man from Illinois and later rented a house to him. Brockman later bought the house. Eventually Brockman got into the antique business himself and made
frequent trips back to his hometown in Illinois and returned with up to 100 old, broken chairs to be restored and resold under the name of his business “Old Town Antiques.” After doing that routine from 1970 until 1982, he grew weary of the long drive to and from his hometown and decided to stop. “I had enough of owning my own antique store and decided to put all my efforts into making custom furniture and I had enough customers to keep me busy,” he said. After he started making custom furniture, Brockman had several well-known antique shops in San Antonio and Fredericksburg that showcased his work. He also benefitted from a growing market at that time for custom-made early Texas antique furniture reproductions. Brockman’s reputation has only grown wider over the years and his custom-made furniture can be found in a number of South Texas ranch homes owned by wealthy and well known people. Brockman will not mention their names but said one such family had him build 13 custom beds for a hunting lodge.
furniture and Brockman takes it from there. In a number of cases the people return several times to have the master woodsman custom build more furniture. “About 90 percent of my work is done on referral from my customers to new people,” he said. Brockman cuts most of the wood himself from felled trees that can be seen behind his workshop. “The whirring sound of a saw from that workshop is akin to the birthing cry of a new baby as each custom piece of furniture comes to life. In some cases it is not Brockman on the saw, but his daughter Rachel, has worked with her dad since she was 7 and has a true love of working with wood. Brockman’s showroom gives potential customers a sense of the beauty he can pull from wood. An example of his work can be found in the incredible twisting benches at the the new Yo-Go Yogurt Shop next to Roadworthy Driving Academy in the Schertz Plaza shopping center on FM 78 and FM 3009. For more information, call Fred Brockman at 210-658-0486.
In other cases, people will come in with a drawing or photo of what they have in mind for a piece of
At left Fred Brockman holds a Spalted Pecan Bowl he made. It can be used for a number of things like for eating a salad or to holding fruit.
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Civi cn ewz April 2013
Barks of Approval For Council Action Mayor Michael Carpenter (center) stands with Carolyn Keiser of the “Train a Dog/Save A Warrior” program during the March 5 City Council meeting. Council passed a proclamation of appreciation for the free program that matches trained and formerly abandoned dogs with wounded warriors as a “Home Battle Buddy” to help the warriors. Also shown are warriors and their dogs who supported the proclamation.
Fond Farewell for a First Lady Family and friends gathered at Holy Cross Cemetery on Monday, February 25 to say goodby to Schertz First Lady Emerita Barbara Baldwin, who passed away February 19. The beloved wife of former Mayor Hal Baldwin touched many lives with her kindness and goodness. Mayor Baldwin passed away in April 2012.
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Civicn ews Michael R. Hansen,
a 35-year career law enforcement officer, is the new City of Schertz Police Chief. Hansen started his new position March 18. He previously served as Deputy Chief of Police in Conroe, north of Houston. Hansen succeeds Chief Don Taylor who retired in July 2012. Assistant Police Chief Michael Harris served in the interim. Chief Hansen was with the City of Conroe as it grew from a population of approximately 25,000 in 1984 to more than 55,000 today. His experience as part of that growth will be crucial as the City of Schertz and its police department grow over the next decade.
Hansen New Schertz Chief of Police By Chuck McCollough
While in Conroe, Chief Hansen was instrumental in establishing curriculum for and the running of a police academy, now in its fourth year of operation. Chief Hansen has a proven record as a team builder within a police department and a bridge builder between the department and the community it serves and protects. Mayor Michael Carpenter said: “I am excited about what our new chief will bring to Schertz and I look forward to working with him.” “Chief Hansen’s experience and personality are exactly what we were looking for in a chief to serve our police department, the city organization, and the whole commu-
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nity,” said City Manager John Kessel. In fact, the community took part in selecting the new chief from a list of highly qualified applicants, Kessel said. “Chief Hansen was the successful candidate out of a highly inclusive and rigorous assessment process, a process that has set the standard for how we should hire key positions within the city,” he said. The assessment process included a local judge, business owner, school district administrator and two area police chiefs, in addition to key city leadership. ”Chief Hansen has the right personality from drive to team building to working with the community to developing a progressive yet family-oriented police department with the goal of becoming a leading department across the state over the next 10-20 years,” the city manager said. Kessel said Chief Hansen hit the ground running and will have a shorter learning curve because of the Schertz Police Department’s already established regional leadership and top quality officers. The city manager thanked Assistant Chief Harris for his leadership in the interim time, praising the department for their accomplishments and successes as the city went through the search for its next police chief. Chief Hansen said he is excited about the move. “Schertz’s growth brings enormous opportunities with its challenges. I look forward to both. I am
honored and humbled to have been provided this opportunity to join both the city government and police department teams.” The new Schertz Police Chief added: “I truly hope that my experiences in another rapidly growing community will provide some insight as our teams evolve to meet the ever increasing needs of this community. “I look forward to working with the men and women of the Schertz Police Department as we continue to provide service that is a source of pride to the community. I come with an open mind and a passion for community service, professionalism and ethics,” he said. Chief Hansen served in various positions with the Conroe Police Department since 1984 including: SWAT Team Commander, Patrol Division Commander, Support Services Commander and Professional Services Commander. The veteran officer also previously worked for the Houston Police Department and the Southside Place Police Department. Chief Hansen holds a master’s degree in criminal justice from Sam Houston State University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. Chief Hansen has received numerous awards and honors including being named Conroe Police Department Officer of the Year.
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Councilmembers and other present checks to 2012 Baldwin Scholarship winners.
Civicn ews
Baldwin Scholarship Application Deadline April 30 The Hal Baldwin Scholarship encourages young people to consider public service and is named after the Schertz mayor who gave 30 years of service to the city. As Schertz residents beginning in the 1960s, Mayor Baldwin and wife Barbara saw the city grow from 5,000 residents to more than 30,000 and become San Antonio’s largest suburban city. Baldwin, a retired Air Force Senior Master Sergeant, served Schertz as an Assistant City Manager, Civic Volunteer, City Councilmember 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 2013 scholarship will be at least $1,000 and awarded on a competitive basis. The scholarship may be used for tuition or other fees or expenses for any postsecondary school which is accredited by
a state, regional, or national accreditation agency and which may be a traditional 2or 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: •
Within the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex, 1400 Schertz Parkway • • •
•
Administration – Bldg. No. 2 City Hall – Bldg. No. 1 Public Affairs Office – Building No. 5
Schertz Public Library, 798 Schertz Parkway
Completed applications must be received in the City Manager’s Office (Bldg. No. 2) by 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, 2013. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Applicants must attend at least one City Council meeting in April (if they did not attend at least one in March), sign in with the City Secretary and follow the agenda from beginning to end. Council meetings are held on Tuesday and start at 6 PM. in Bldg. No. 3 Applicants must write two essays: • One that says what meeting they attended and discusses a topic that was on the agenda. • Second essay that discusses what the applicant believes is the biggest hurdle faced by local public servants and why.
On May 14, 2013 City Council will select a winner. On May 21, 2013 City Council will present the winner at the council meeting. APRIL 2013 schertzmagazine.com
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Civicn ews City Secretary Brenda Dennis swears in new Councilmember Sydney H. Verinder
Help Size Your Schertz Residents and business owners of Schertz, your time and talents are needed. We are seeking potential Board and Commission members to fill two-year terms beginning in May 2013. These opportunities include serving on one of the following: • Animal Services Committee • Board Of Adjustment • Economic Development Corporation • Historical Preservation Committee • Library Board • Parks & Recreation Advisory Board • Planning & Zoning Commission • Transportation Safety Advisory Committee
Do you enjoy attending events such as our Jubilee Celebration, SchertzFest or Festival of Angels? We are also seeking volunteers to help with those events. Finally, do you have ideas or suggestions to improve events and services? Staff representatives, current Board/Commission members and event volunteers will be on hand to answer your questions and provide information. You are invited to learn about City events, services and how you can serve on a City Volunteer Board/Commission/Committee. Join the City April 25, 2013 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the Schertz Civic Center Ballroom, 1400 Schertz Parkway (Bldg. 5). Contact the City Secretary’s Office, 210.619.1030, for additional information.
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Firefighters Leon Sposari (center) and Craig Star visit with the host of San Antonio Living.
Schertz FR Show Culinary Skills on TV When WOAI Channel 4’s San Antonio Living morning show wanted some firehouse chefs to show they called the Schertz Fire & Rescue. And just as it does with any call for help goes out, SFR responded. Firefighters Lt. Leon Sposari and Craig Star gave a cooking lesson on how food is fixed at the fire stations in our city. They made Seafood Linguini and brought it back for SFR co-workers who watched the show.
Welcome Verinder to Council The Schertz City Council recently selected Sydney H. Verinder to fill the vacant Place 5 seat on council. The seat was previously held by Michael Carpenter and became open when he was elected mayor in November.
Council members praised the number and quality of applicants saying it shows that Schertz residents are ready and willing to help improve their community. The other applicants were urged to serve on the various city boards and commissions.
Verinder was sworn in at the February 26 City Council meeting. He was selected from a field of 13 applicants.
Verinder’s appointment brings City Council up to full strength after nearly 11 months. With the passing of Mayor Hal Baldwin last
April the mayor’s seat was vacant until the November election of Place 5 Councilman Michael Carpenter to mayor. The Place 5 seat was vacant until Verinder’s swearing in. He is a business consultant and previously served as a council member in the town of Vienna (Fairfax
County), Va. Verinder also served as chairman of the town’s planning commission. Verinder has lived in Schertz since 2010 and has a master of science degree from the Texas A&M University Department of Recreation, Park & Tourism Sciences.
Council members praised the number and quality of applicants saying it shows that Schertz residents are ready and willing to help improve their community. APRIL 2013 schertzmagazine.com
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Tuesday, 2
Tuesday, 16
City Council 6:00 PM Council Chamber
City Council 6:00 PM—Council Chambers
Monday, 22
Thursday, 4
Transportation Safety Advisory Commission 5:30 PM - Council Chambers
Tuesday, 9
City Council 6:00 PM—Council Chambers
Wednesday, 10
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board 5:30 PM – Bob Andrews Room Board of Adjustments 6:00 PM – Council Chambers
Wednesday, 24
Planning & Zoning 6:00 PM - Council Chambers
Thursday, 25
Economic Development Corporation 6:00 PM - Council Chambers
Tuesday, 23
City Council 6:00 PM—Council Chambers
Planning & Zoning 6:00 PM - Council Chambers
City Calendarz
April 2013
Civicn ews
***Meeting locations may change, please visit schertz.com for confirmation.***
Schertz.com
Send queries about articles or photographs to Schertz Magazine at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. For advertising information: Schertz Magazine, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154; call (210) 619-1630; Fax (210) 619-1619; email sales@schertz.com.
#info Schertz EMS Visits State Legislature By Dudley Wait, Schertz EMS Director Schertz EMS participated, along with other EMS agencies and hospitals from around Texas, in EMS and Trauma Day at the State Capitol in Austin on Tuesday, February 26, 2013. Reimbursement and funding were the hot topics of the day among all the participants as they walked the halls and met with their representatives and senators. That includes asking for more dollars from the Driver Responsibility Fund 50
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to be allocated to its intended purpose -- funding uncompensated EMS and trauma care across the state. In addition, there was discussion about resolving outstanding Medicaid issues for EMS agencies from the last legislative session. During the day, participants were recognized in the House of Representatives and the Senate and the state’s new ambulance buses were on display. Schertz EMS had their ambus there along with
City of Schertz Elected Officials Mayor: Michael Carpenter
San Antonio Fire Department, Austin/ Travis County EMS and Atascocita Fire Department from the Houston area. Legislators were impressed with the equipment and the preparations that had been made over the last 2-3 years.
Schertz EMS 2013 Golf Tournament May 20 at Olympia Hill Call 210-619-1400
Council Members:
(210) 619-1045
Jim Fowler David Scagliola George Antuna, Jr. Cedric Edwards, Sr. Sydney H. Verinder
(210) 658-1442 (830) 606-1130 (210) 467-7914 (210) 566-4540 (210) 619-1000
City of Schertz Animal Control Business/Utilities City Manager City Secretary Civic Center Customer Care/311
(210) 619-1000 (210) 619-1550 (210) 619-1100 (210) 619-1000 (210) 619-1030 (210) 619-1600 (210) 619-1000
City Departments:
OFFICIAL FINE PRINT 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.
City Departments: (cont’d) Economic Development (210) 619-1070 EMS (non-emergency) (210) 619-1400 Fire (non-emergency) (210) 619-1300 Human Resources (210) 619-1150 Information Technology (210) 619-1180 Inspections (210) 619-1750 Marshal Services (210) 619-1650 Municipal Court (210) 619-1500 Parks & Recreation (210) 619-1850 Planning & Zoning (210) 619-1780 Police (non-emergency) (210) 619-1200 Public Affairs (210) 619-1630 Public Library (210) 619-1700 Public Works (210) 619-1800 Records (210) 619-1030 Website schertz.com
NEWS POLICY Schertz Magazine encourages submission of news and event announcement items. News and event announcements must include contact name and contact phone number. All news and event items must be for activities that occur inside the Schertz city limits. Publication cannot be guaranteed. If you would like to submit an item to Schertz Tales, email us at events@schertz.com or call us at (210) 6191630. The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the City of Schertz. All products and services advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental handicap, political affiliation or other non-merit factor of purchaser, user or patron. Articles that appear in Schertz Magazine do not necessarily reflect the official position of the City of Schertz and does not constitute an endorsement therein. The appearance of any advertisement in Schertz Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the goods or services advertised. Any publication of Schertz Tales, whether draft or final is sole property of the City of Schertz and cannot be reproduced or distributed in any way, whether in print or electronically, without the express permission and written consent of the City of Schertz.
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