April 2011

APRIL THE

2011

AWAR D- WI NNI NG

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MAGA ZIN E

50,000

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CONNECTING THE CORRIDOR

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HIS HERO IS WILL ROGERS

Chuck McCollough Editor APRI L T H E

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IN THE YEAR 2040…

FUTURE SCHERTZ: BEHOLD THE POSSIBILITIES! Dreaming about the future is fun, but planning for it is better.

Schertz residents, business owners and city officials did just that and WOW!

BETTER THAN DEXTER’S LABORATORY

WEIRD SCIENCE BRINGS DADS AND KIDS CLOSER

Mayor Hal Baldwin City Council Jim Fowler David Scagliola Michael Carpenter Cedric Edwards, Sr. George Antuna, Jr.

Shooting off rockets or guiding self-made sail boats on Saturday mornings is a great option to cartoons. Wilder Intermediate School offers alternatives to families.

NOT YOUR FATHER’S LIBRARY

CREATE YOUR OWN STORY AT THE SCHERTZ PUBLIC LIBRARY!

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Shhhhhh! Schertz library is providing more ways to increase patron participation through digital and other multi-media resources.

2011

AWA R D - W I N N I N G

R EA C H I N G

Retiring City Manager Don Taylor is from the same Oklahoma town as the beloved humorist. And the similarities don’t end there.

PUBLISHERS &MORE B. E. Bailey Director, Public Affairs, Publisher

“DO THE BEST YOU CAN, AND DON’T TAKE LIFE TOO SERIOUS”

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Executive Management Don Taylor, City Manager John Bierschwale, Assistant City Manager David J. Harris, Assistant City Manager

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PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE Schertz Public Affairs Office

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Alexis Souza Creative Director

M A G A Z I N E

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CONNECTING THE CORRIDOR

Schertz City Manager Don Taylor (foreground, center) is flanked by Assistant City Managers John Bierschwale (left) and David J. Harris and proudly stands with his city employees for a memorial photo. Taylor, the dean of city managers in Texas, is retiring after a 50-year career in public service.

D E PA R T M E N T Z

T A L E S

SCHERT

F E AT U R E Z

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7 Staff Speakz 9 Talk of the Townz 14 Visionz: News

from the Chamber of Commerce

19 Entertainment Extraz 21 Wilenchik Walk 22 Sweethearts: Nicole Elliot and Larissa Gruwell

25 Fitnezz 30 Tomorrow’s Water 36 It’s Spring: How Does Your Garden Grow?

39 Kessel: New Kid on the Block

45 Government

Round-Up & Calendar

Chris Matzenbacher Sales Director Mary Spence Business Manager Shelby O’Neill Copy Editor Brittany Losey Senior Writer Contributing Writers B.E. Bailey, Brittany Losey, Chuck McCollough, Kiko Martinez, Lucille Sims Thomas, Mary Spence, Julie Cooper, Ashley Festa, Carolyn Angello, Larissa Gruwell, Nicole Elliott, Melissa Uhlhorn Photographers B.E. Bailey, Chuck McCollough, Mary Spence, Mike Harris, Kiko Martinez, Ashley Festa, Diana Webb, Lucille Sims Thomas, Bryan Nguyen, Joe Herczeg, Suzanne Cummings, Donna Elliott, Linda Bruno, Peggy Jones, Hillory Halbardier, shutterstock.com Schertz Tales 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 Tales is at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. Call (210) 619-1630.

Fax (210) 619-1619. Website is schertz.com.

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

Subscriptions to Schertz Tales are free for each Schertz household.

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

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

NEWS POLICY

Schertz Tales 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.

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 Tales 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 Tales 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.

APRIL 2011 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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By Chuck McCollough, Editor

The April issue of Schertz Tales Magazine includes a hello to the future and a goodbye to a good friend.

We look at the recently held North Schertz Charrette and its possibilities for the future of Schertz between FM 3009 and Friesenhahn Road along the IH-35 corridor.

The charrette produced a vision of a mixed-use (retail and residential, rural and urban, education and entertainment, etc.) area that is walkable, enjoyable and an economic engine for high-quality development. A South Schertz Charrette will be held later this year on the IH-10 corridor area.

Then City Manager Don Taylor, a man who guided quality development and increased quality of life in Schertz for the last six years, tells magazine readers what he and wife Shirley have planned as they move into retirement mode in Schertz.

A seasonal story sheds light on how to get that spring garden going with tips for people with a green thumb and those who are all thumbs. It’s time to get your hands dirty!

Then come with us to the Schertz Area Senior Center for a look at its historic walls. Well, the walls may not actually be historic, but they display a lot of Schertz history. The Schertz Historical Commission has placed some of the history of our area from the time the Native Americans were here to the 1950s in a minigallery. It’s pretty darn interesting.

Library Director Melissa Uhlhorn helps us celebrate National Library Week with a story on all the cool things going at your Schertz Public Library.

For all that and more - like when dads and kids make science fun together- dive into the April issue of Schertz Tales Magazine.

APRIL 2011 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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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 anti-inflammatories. 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.

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 long-term 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, 2011, and I don’t want you to miss out.

TALK OF THE

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.

TOWNZ B Y B R A D E . B A I L E Y, MARY SPENCE AND CHUCK McCOLLOUGH

-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.

Easter in the Park Signals Springtime Fun!!

The Easter Bunny will take time off from painting eggs to attend the Easter in the Park event Saturday, April 23, at Pickrell Park in Schertz.

The community event is free and open to the public. Bring your Easter Basket and your camera but please leave pets at home.

There will be an Egg Hunt, Prize Eggs, Games and Raffle.

Please arrive early so you can register prior to event.

Schertz Cibolo Lions Club Go Fiesta!

A schedule of events for children by age: Diaper Derby (Crawlers) 10:00 AM Children under 3 10:30 AM. Children age 3-4

11:00 AM. Children age 5-7 11:30 AM. Children age 8-10 12:00 PM

The Schertz Cibolo Lions Club Second Annual Noche de Fiesta en Schertz will be held from 7:00-11:00 PM, Friday, April 8 at the Schertz Civic Center, 1400 Schertz Pkwy, Bldg 5. The evening will feature Casino Games, Food and Music.

Cost is $40.00 per person and prizes include a trip to Las Ve-

gas, a personal 3-hour Casino Nite Party and much, much more. Proceeds will benefit youth and senior programs in the Schertz Community. For more information call (210) 7106558 or (210) 332-2255.

Easter in the Park is sponsored by WellMed and presented by the Schertz Cibolo Lions Club. For more information call Donna Turner at (210) 722-0109.

A Leprechaun on a Skateboard!

A Wee Bit of St. Paddy Day Fun

Flip’s Skate Shop held a St. Patrick’s Skate Day behind the business at 537 Main Street that attracted dozens of young people and a few adults. Flip’s owner Phil Whalen said the event was another opportunity for the local skate community to come together and have fun.

Richard Brooks, 16 (left) and Brandon Elliott, 18 have Irish fun at Flip’s APRIL2011 2011 APRIL

SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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TALK OF THE

Friday Night Lights In Spring?

You Bet!

TOWNZ

Friday Night Lights will shine once more for area football fans. The Gridiron Heroes Spinal Cord Injury Foundation will host the Season Five Premiere of the critically-acclaimed, Emmy Award-winning Friday Night Lights on Friday, April 22, 2011.

The event will take place from 5:30 to 9:00 PM at the JW Marriott-San Antonio Hill Country Resort, 23808 Resort Parkway.

During a ceremony at Clemens High School, Congressman Henry Cuellar (from left) presents a congratulation plaque to Gavyn Gonzales while his parents, Jennifer and David Gonzales, look on.

Firefighters Collect Funds for Wilenchik Walk…

While waiting at a red light at FM 3009 and IH-35 March 1, Schertz resident Larry Boykin gives a donation to Schertz Fire Department firefighters Kirk Timke (wearing sunglasses and hat) and Justin Schwersinske during a “Fill the Boot” fundraiser for the Wilenchik Walk For Life event. The annual walk raises money for the UT Health Science Center Cancer Therapy and Research Center (CTRC). The walk is named for Councilmember Tony Wilenchik, who lost his battle to cancer in 2009.

…And Public Works Employees Also San Antonio resident Tony Valdez gives a thumbs up after giving a donation to Schertz Public Works employees Demetrio Martinez (center) and Dillon Rowell during a “Fill the Boot” fundraiser for the Wilenchik Walk For Life event. Public Works employees manned the FM 1103/IH-35 area giving residents and visitors an opportunity to donate to the event.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the GHSCF. For more information on the event or about the foundation, its mission and resources for spinal cord injury, call (210) 849-9250, or visit www.gridironheroes.org

Anchors Away!

Clemens Student Going to Annapolis Samuel Clemens High School Senior Gavyn Gonzales is headed to the U.S. Naval Academy after receiving a nomination from Congressman Henry Cuellar. Gavyn is the son of David and Jennifer Gonzales of Schertz. Gavyn is ranked third in his graduation class of 293.

He is active in sports includ-

ing wrestling and swimming and as a member of the Clemens marching and symphonic bands. “I commend Gavyn for his hard work and dedication and I wish him the best as he initiates his career with the military,” Cuellar said.

Remembering the Fallen Mayor Hal Baldwin joins Cynthia Boeck (center) and Tammy Compton in looking at a plaque with names of former city employees, who have passed on (including Cynthia’s husband Melvin Boeck and Tammy’s husband Albert Compton Jr.) during the 15th Employee Remembrance Day Ceremony held on March 21. Relatives and friends of those being honored as well as City Council members, city administrators and employees attended the event held at a monument near the Public Works Department, 10 Commercial Drive.

APRIL 2011 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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Schertz Medical Home Ribbon Cutting Held March 16

TALK OF THE

TOWNZ

The U.S. Army set up shop in Schertz March 16 with the opening of the Schertz Medical Home clinic on FM 3009 near IH-35. Brig. Gen. Joseph Caravalho Jr., Commander of Southern Regional Medical Command and Brooke Army Medical Center, was keynote speaker at a ribbon cutting for the 10,000-square-foot facility. Schertz Medical Home will serve active duty military members and families. Caravalho said Schertz was selected because BAMC found more Army families living in ZIP Code 78154 than any other ZIP Code in the San Antonio area.

Miss Schertz Attends Charity Celebrity Event

Miss Schertz Nicole Elliott attended the Center for Family Relations Celebrity Waiter Dinner on March 10 at the Club at Sonterra. She met a number of celebrities include former Spurs players Bruce Bowen and Sean Elliott and his wife Claudia.

1

Locate the butterfly 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. A winner will be chosen February 2011.

Prize is a gift certificate for:

2

Locate the fish pictured below 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.

A winner will be chosen February 2011.

Win a Gift Certificate for a two-night stay at Plantation Suites & Conference Center in Port Aransas.

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Ribbon Cut At Schertz Area Senior Center and WellMed Clinic

TALK OF THE

TOWNZ

A giant pair of golden scissors got a workout March 4 as the Schertz Area Senior Center and the WellMed Clinic in Schertz held joint ribbon cuttings. The events symbolize the years of dreams, planning and hard work that went into making the two operations in one building possible. Officials from the Senior Center, Comal County Senior Citizens Foundation and WellMed At Schertz welcomed visitors. City Officials participating in the ribbon cuttings included Mayor Hal Baldwin, City Council members George Antuna and Jim Fowler; City Manager Don Taylor and Assistant City Manager John Bierschwale.

APRIL 2011 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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Visionz

April 2011

SCHERTZ CHAMBER LUNCHEON

The Chamber welcomed 6 new members at the February luncheon which also featured a presentation on the business trends and the economy by Wayne Looff of the UTSA/SBDC. RSVP for the April 19 luncheon (held at the Schertz Civic Center from 11:30-1:00 PM) by April 12.

Cedric Edwards Sr., of Edward Jones, will discuss “Financial Planning for Your Retirement.”

(HELPING YOUNG PROFESSIONAL ENTREPRENEURS RESOURCE)

t a g n i n e pp a H What’s r Chamber?

You er 1 rs Mix u o H r e April 2 t f n o A M :30 - 7:00 P

hYPer is a network of young professional entrepreneurs (ages 21-39) that meets bi-monthly at the Schertz Chamber offices to foster support and professional enrichment. Join Now!

m5 tery, at CBQ Ea 200 in Schertz e it u S 35 North,

Join us fro 17327 IH

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sponsored by

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al ternal & Extern hop covering “In Wednesday, ks or w Ed zBi ld ill be he The next ur Business.” w fice. Call Financing for Yo -9:00 AM at the Chamber of rs; 00 be 7: em m M fro C , to SCO April 27 spot today! Free ur yo e rv se re d an ly $10. non-members on

2011 STEVE SIMONSON COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD Do you know a Schertz resident who volunteered their time and talents to the betterment of the Schertz community? Nominations are being accepted through April 29 for the “Steve Simonson Community Service Award.” Download an application at schertzchamber. org or picked up a copy at the Chamber office.

2011 Business Expo:

52 businesses took part in the 2011 Business Expo “Ye Olde Market!”

Congratulations to the following winners for best booth:

1st Place Schertz Bank & Trust

2nd Place Today’s Promos

3rd Place Sam’s Club

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APRIL 2011 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

SAVE THE DATES!

Mark your calendars and plan ahead to participate in: Schertz Shoot-out: May 19 at the Schertz Civic Center, 5:30- 7:00 PM The Taste: July 28 at the Schertz Civic Center; 5:00-8:00 PM Golf Classic: October 21, 2011 at Olympia Hills Golf & Conference Center

Why should my business become a Chamber Member?

The Chamber is your first point of contact for marketing to visitors and residents. Stop by our office at 1730 Schertz Parkway or call us at (210) 566-9000 to find out what the Chamber can do for you! You can also find us on the web at schertzchamber.org or email Nancy at nkotzur@schertxchamber.org

st e B e h “Do T an, You C ’t n o D d n A e f i L e k Ta ” s u o i r e Too S

Don and Shirley Taylor have a lot of family and friends to visit once he retires as Schertz City Manager.

McCollough

Their clan - children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren - includes nearly 20 members spread across Texas and Oklahoma. And the Taylors also have invitations to visit friends in the nearly 10 cities where Don previously served as a city manager in the same two states.

They both grew up in Ardmore, Oklahoma, the home town of Will Rogers, one of America’s most beloved folk humorists.

Chuck

“Do the best you can, and don’t take life too serious,” Don said, quoting Rogers, his own personal hero. “That has been our philosophy for life,” he added.

By

“A lot of people don’t know this, but a city manager doesn’t have a lot of free time and certainly doesn’t have weekends off on a regular basis,” said Don as

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APRIL 2011 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

Shirley nodded in agreement at their home about a mile from the Schertz Municipal Complex.

“So when I retire, we are looking forward to having the time for simple, little things like getting up early and having coffee while sitting in the backyard, or we may want to go to a movie at 2:00 PM in the afternoon,” Don said, adding that he plans to play a lot of golf with his family and friends.

“We thought about this for a long time before Don announced his retirement,” Shirley said. “He is such a people person and needs to be around people. Don tried retiring before but went back to work. This is a really good time for him to retire, and we are looking forward to it. Don has been so busy we really haven’t had much time to be together and now we will.”

Shirley added that visiting kinfolk in Oklahoma ranks high on their to-do list.

Nearly 20 years ago, the Tay-

lors’ son said he wanted to switch college majors from public administration to something else because of all the time Don missed with his family by being in the same field.

“That was a turning point for me, and after that, I adopted a priority list of God first, family second and the city I worked for third,” Don said. “Some cities I interviewed with were surprised at my priority list but it works.”

cities that cannot afford to hire consultants.

After 50 years in the municipal government sector, Don Taylor is ready to retire. And this time it’s for real. Don has lived each day in the Will Rogers philosophy; he’s never met a man he didn’t like.

Retirement plans for the Taylors likely will include a motor trip to the Northwest, including Portland, Ore., Seattle, Wash., and Vancouver, B. C.; an extended trip to Hilo, Hawaii, and many trips to Oklahoma and East Texas to “the kids.” The Taylors also plan to volunteer more time at their church, Oakwood Baptist Church in New Braunfels.

Don hopes to form a group of retired municipal government officials like him who can provide free mentoring to smaller

{ F O U ZZ }} C { FF O C U O Z } {

APRIL 2011 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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entertainmentz & eatz

SCHERTZ

entertainmentz & eatz

SCHERTZ

APRIL EVENTS 2:

Alamo Pet Expo

8:

Lion’s Club Casino Night

19:

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

Entertainmentz Extraz: Gotta Go-To Placez Hannah’s Country Steak House

Billy D’s Club

Harmon’s BBQ

1901 Weil Road, Marion (830) 420-3755

18424 2nd Street, Bracken (210) 651-5812 www.hangintree.com

1805 Pat Booker Rd, Universal City (210) 566-0559

100 S. Main St., Cibolo (210) 658-8889 www.hamonsbbq.com

Two Way Street April 15-16; 7:00 PM No Cover

Vinyl 45 April 15; 8:00 PM $5 Cover

The Blues Buzzards April 9; 9:00 PM No Cover

10th Anniversary Multi-Band Celebration April 16 ; 8:00 PM No Cover

Houlligan’s

Encanto Grill

Bluebonnet Palace

6032 FM 3009 , Schertz (210) 276-0066 www.encantogrill.com

17360 Lookout Road , Selma (210) 651-6702 www.bluebonnetpalace.com

B-5 April 22; 8:00 PM No Cover

DJ April 16; 8:00 PM No Cover

SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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Papa Wood April 29; 10:00 PM $5 Cover

’t listed? spot that isn te ri vo fa a om and Do you have ents@schertz.c ev to d n Se il a Send an e-m the n It could make

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APRIL 2011

APRIL 2011

13920 N. IH-35, Live Oak (210) 654-4444

SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

The Hangin’ Tree

Wilenchik Walkers Defy Wintry Weather More than 600 Wilenchik Walk For Life participants laughed at gloomy weather as they headed out on the start of the 5K event on Schertz Parkway Saturday morning, March 5. Windy, chilly conditions didn’t stop the dedicated crowd, many of whose lives have been touched by cancer. Participants, in teams and individually, took part in the annual event that raises money for the UT Health Science Center Cancer Ther-

apy and Research Center (CTRC). The walk is named for former Schertz City Councilman Tony Wilenchik who lost his fight with cancer. John Calvarese, 91, finished the entire walk distance with a friend who walked with the super senior citizen. “Tony Wilenchik was a friend of mine and I find it very appropriate to make this walk... all the way. “Tony is an inspiration to me and everyone,” Calvarese said.

Larissa Gruwell Miss Tri-County

My name is Larissa Gruwell, and I am currently serving as Miss Tri-County on the 2010-2011 Schertz Sweetheart Court. I love the City of Schertz, and I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in community events.

I am a senior at Samuel Clemens High School. I enjoy the challenge of taking Advanced Placement classes and serving as Parliamentarian in the National Honor Society. I know the experiences I have at Samuel Clemens will prepare me for college and other challenges later in life.

The City of Schertz has been a longtime supporter of Fiesta San Antonio through the Schertz Sweetheart Court. The Court has attended numerous events this spring as ambassadors for the city and plans on attending many more events this Fiesta season. Some of these events include the Miss Fiesta Pageant, Fiesta Casino Night and the Queen of Soul events.

My faith in God has been a very defining part of my life. It has helped me overcome challenges that I could not overcome alone. Faith gives me comfort for the past and hope for the future. I know that being a daughter of God makes me more of a princess than having any earthly crown.

Kicking off Fiesta, the Miss Fiesta Pageant took place February 5 at the Charline McCombs Empire Theater, where 14 finalists competed for the coveted title of Miss Fiesta. After a long night of glitter, glam and anticipation, Lauren Holt was crowned Miss Fiesta 2011.

By APRIL 2011 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

2010-2011

All of these events contribute to the rich legacy surrounding Fiesta San Antonio. But Fiesta means more than a party. Fiesta is a season of celebration for all of South Texas to enjoy. Just beware the cascarones.

APRIL 2011 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

elliott

The Schertz Sweetheart Court will participate in the Queen of Soul Reception, A Night in Old San Antonio, the Fiesta Flambeau Parade and many more events in April during Fiesta. As Miss Schertz, I will attend the Fiesta Fashion Show and Queen of Soul Pageant, representing the Sweetheart Court.

schertz

Applying for the Schertz Sweetheart Court was one of the best decisions I have made this school year. I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve the community and represent the best city in Texas!

Groovy can be the only way to describe The Queen of Soul Motown Fundraiser held February 26. All members of the Sweetheart Court dressed the part in ‘70s outfits and danced the night away to music from the Jackson Five, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye and The Supremes. While we were outshined in the costume contest by the faux Michael Jackson and Elton John, the Sweethearts got to experience their first ever soultrain line.

nicole

I also enjoy singing and playing the viola. I am a member of the Mixed Company a cappella choir, which is a combination of students from Clemens and Steele.

I am also extremely excited for what the future holds for me. I have been accepted to my dream school, Brigham Young University and I will be attending this fall semester. I plan to major in business management and minor in music.

On February 24, the St. Anthony Hotel hosted the annual Fiesta Casino Night, full of dancing, gambling (for door prizes) and drinking (Shirley Temples). Silent and live auctions were conducted as well as salsa lessons on the dance floor. This one event raised thousands of dollars for Fiesta and, effectively, the San Antonio community.

miss

Gruwell

One of my passions is music. I began playing flute in fifth grade, and I love learning about music. I have been a member of the Mighty Buffalo Band for the past four years and have served as secretary, librarian, line leader and flute section leader. I also played piccolo this year. Band has taught me the importance of setting and achieving goals. I have been able to participate in the top 4-A All-Region Band and qualify for state in the Solo and Ensemble competition.

Larissa

Cascarones will soon fill the air with the vibrant colors of Fiesta. Since its origination in 1891, Fiesta has grown into a large part of our San Antonio heritage and engulfs the season of spring with festive parties, fundraisers and parades. Fiesta, a nonprofit organization lead by The Fiesta San Antonio Commission, ensures that all profit made from the more than 100 Fiesta events each spring is filtered back into the community through educational, health and economic resources.

This massive undertaking has given Fiesta the honor of “San Antonio’s Party With a Purpose.”

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Putting the Heart in Fiesta!

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MAKE IT A PLAY DATE Saturday, May 14, 2011 11am - 2pm

Join us on this day for fun games, activities & healthy snacks for the whole family!

Schertz Family YMCA • 621 Westchester • 210.619.1900 • www.ymcasatx.org Financial Assistance is available through our Open Doors Scholarship Program.

Zumba to He alth In my work, I see people change their lives, feel better, get in shape, have fun and get the body and confidence they always wanted.

The unglamorous part comes in seeing how exercise and movement can be so important to a person’s health. It can help with illness, depression and pain.

One of my longtime clients, Jean Alves, serves as a perfect example. She has been attending my Zumba classes since August 2010, has lost 15 pounds and dropped two dress sizes, but not until recently did she tell me how Zumba makes her feel.

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She has had fibromyalgia for seven years. At one point, she didn’t want to do anything. Some mornings she can’t get out of bed. Her friends ask her how she can do Zumba with her pain. “Carolyn turns the music on, and I don’t think about the pain,” Jean said. “Zumba makes me feel good.”

Jean said a diet and doing Zumba have combined to make a good change. She has lowered her medications from eight to two doses a day, and she no longer has to take pain medication daily. Jean hopes to lose 10 more pounds, and she wants to continue doing Zumba so she can enjoy her grandchildren.

feelssogoodfitness.com

By Carolyn Angello APRIL2011 2011 APRIL

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Future

Rendering of North Schertz Charrette concept plan

:

Schertz ...it very well could be.

Behold The Possibilities!

Imagine Schertz in 2030, 2040 or 2050!

On Saturday night, you meet a friend from Austin at the Schertz Lone Star Rail commuter train station just north of FM 3009 and walk to a coffee house across the street. While sipping cappuccinos, you catch up on things and then head off to enjoy some live music at a venue three blocks away.

Later that night, your friend catches the LSTAR train home, and you drive a relatively short distance to IH-10 and your five-acre home site surrounded by other large-lot subdivisions dotted with small blue-water lakes and green belts.

OR

On a bright spring day, you drop off a relative who works at Schertz Memorial Hospital near the rail station, then park your car and walk to the agrimarket nearby. The open air garden – operated by a family that has owned the farm for seven generations -- offers a variety of organic, locally grown vegetables. In fact, you can even pick your own veggies right off the vine for the freshest possible produce.

Then you go next door to the Comal ISD elementary school and pick up your twin grandsons for an after-school audition at the Tri-County Production and Entertainment Complex near the new community college.

Based on the first of two charrettes, Schertz in the coming decades likely will be a continuation of the city’s tradition of good land management and economic development based on the will of residents.

The North Schertz charrette, held January 31 through February 2, focused especially on the development of the area from FM 3009 to Friesenhahn Road. The charrette produced a number of goals including enhanced quality of life, sustainable economic prosperity, effective land use, creating a unique and unified identity for Schertz and sustained and consistent infrastructure (roads, drainage, sewer, communication lines, etc.) investment.

The City of Schertz hired Gateway Planning Group to help plan for quality growth options for the IH-35 North and IH-10 East corridors that are predicted to attract strong development in the next 20 to 40 years. (continued on page 28)

By Chuck

Is that really future Schertz...

Mccollough

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Future Schertz:

Just what kind of development the area will see and how compatible it will be with the vision of city and community leaders remains a big question mark. The charrettes are one mechanism for trying to answer that question by getting input from all stakeholders including residents, land owners in the future development areas, the business sector and city officials.

Behold the Possibilities (continued from page 27)

Gateway’s Scott Polikov said the charrettes are economic development initiatives to create predictability for future growth in Schertz and to attract investment for that growth from inside and outside the community. Officials would like to see that investment especially come from quality sectors like health care, higher education, entertainment and corporate interests, Polikov noted.

Photo of Tom and Debbie Hollingsworth at North Schertz Charrette “Good planning is essential to the long-term viability and sustainability of the City of Schertz” said Assistant City Manager David J. Harris.

“What we are trying to put into place is a plan that will continue to make Schertz a premier city in the region that endures for future generations.”

opment around a rail station, but not dependent on having a rail station,” Polikov said.

“The charrette gave us a good sense of what the community wants in the north area, including parks and trails and the mix of things like retail, residential and light industrial into an integrated, walkable community.”

And while City of Schertz and Gateway officials look at attracting those and other high-end sectors in the future, some have already shown up.

The March 2011 edition of Schertz Tales magazine featured the growing health care sector here, including the U.S. Army locating one of its new 10,000 square foot outpatient clinics in the city. Schertz Medical Home, which serves area active duty military personnel and their families, sits on FM 3009, directly across from the North Schertz charrette study area

Polikov said the area north of FM 3009 eventually could include restaurants, townhouses, a health care complex, business and professional areas, a fitness center and some agrarian component such as working family farms that would add to the green feel of the place.

Schertz residents Dave Reynolds, Adeline Hartmann and Tom and Debbie Hollingsworth were among the more than 200 people who attended the North Schertz charrette.

“The charrette also gave us a better idea of development along the IH-35 frontage because it opened a dialogue with land owners in that area,” Polikov said.

Hartman said she has property in the North Schertz charrette area and hopes a hospital can be part of a mixed-use development. “I didn’t know all this activity was possibly coming to our area,” she said. “I sure like it that the city keeps us in the loop.”

“The North Schertz charrette is a look at options for creating a mixed-use village-like devel-

Schertz Mayor Hal Baldwin agreed. “The North Schertz charrette is the best thing we have done in a long time,” he

said. “We think property owners got our message: Alone they will get whatever price they can when they sell, but if they come along with the city in this planning process, the value of their property can be maximized and development of that property will fit into a

master plan of quality development. We cannot afford to wait until spot development pops up all along IH-35 and IH-10 frontage, and there is no longer any frontage space for large quality development.”

What’s in your future?

Thoughts on the Charrette

“I came here because I am mainly interested in the possibility of a Schertz commuter rail station,” Reynolds said. “I rode the Metro train system in Washington, D.C., and I believe the LSTAR would be really beneficial for everyone and help attract businesses.”

The Hollingsworths are part of a family that has had land in the North Schertz charrette area since 1887. “Our kids are the seventh generation of the family,” Debbie Hollingsworth said, adding that she would like to see a train station near her family land.

“It is always better to have a comprehensive plan for development of an area than piecemeal development,” Tom Hollingsworth said.

“That is what this process is trying to do, and we support that.”

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www.tri-countytitans.com Our program services the Schertz, Cibolo and Universal City Communities providing Flag football, Tackle football and Cheer.

Our program fosters the development of young athletes while reinforcing self confidence, competition and discipline.

Players will keep the game jersey at the end of season. Cheerleaders will keep their uniforms.

Age Groups Flag Football for 5 - 6 Year olds Tackle Football for 6 - 11 years olds Cheerleading for 5 - 13 year olds

Save 10% if Registered

by May

Register online or in person at Academy sports and outdoors from May - June. Check the website for registration dates, locations and times.

Tomorrow’s Water: Water

With the formation of the Cibolo Valley Local Government Corporation (CVLGC), Schertz is once again combining its efforts with others cities and thinking about the future and its water well-being.

Similar to the Schertz-Seguin Local Government Corporation (SSLGC), in which Schertz shares the cost with Seguin to pump water from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer in Gonzales County, the CVLGC will partner Schertz with four other area cities including Cibolo, Converse, Seguin and Selma. Once plans are finalized, these cities will be another step closer to tapping into additional water from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer in Guadalupe County.

“It’s very expensive to seek water outside your area and then pipe it into your town,” said Schertz Mayor Hal Baldwin. “Not only can we split the cost with the CVLGC, but the new corporation will certainly help wean the cities involved off the Edwards Aquifer as well as give them a sufficient water supply for whatever growth they have.”

Quick growth in the Schertz area is a major reason the CVLGC has been formed. Baldwin said in the original SSLGC plan, Schertz and Seguin would have a sufficient water supply for a combined 100,000 people in both cities. The plan estimated the two cities would have water from the SSLGC for about 50 years.

“We’re going to reach that goal sooner than we anticipated,” Baldwin said. “In a few short years, the water we have already contracted for in Gonzalez County will be exhausted.”

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“If this was only Schertz and Seguin, we’d be taking on a bill of about $30 million over the next several years, which is more debt on our citizens,” Bierschwale said. “It’s nice to have these partnerships because now we are working at this regional-type system.

Martinez

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Kiko

Schertz Secures Source for Future Growth

By

According to Schertz Assistant City Manager John Bierschwale, the CVLGC should be official by April. The addition of three more cities will help spread the cost of the supplementary water supply.

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S d r i e W

A whole lot of huffing and puffing and blowing and cheering rocked Wilder Intermediate School recently, but no houses blew down. Instead, some energetic fifth-graders tried desperately to get their homemade boats to the finish line.

These students were doing more than just having a good time. These kids spent time with their fathers and some brothers, uncles, granddads and moms - as part of the school’s Science Saturday. The project, now in its third year, aims to increase male parental involvement while also preparing the youngsters for the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) test.

Bringing Dads and Kids Closer

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APRIL 2011

Sims

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Lucille

Teacher Donna Weir and son Jeremy manned the Phiz Rockets area. Designed to demonstrate chemical reaction, the outdoor lab was a real blast. After filling small canisters with water and Alka-Seltzer, participants placed them upside down and waited for liftoff and then were thrilled by the flight.

Echo Nguyen and dad Ricky Turner participating in the owl pellet lab.

By

At the sailboat racing area, Evan O’Berg and Christopher Cephas frantically propelled their self-made boats forward. O’Berg won the race, which demonstrates force and motion. Some students realized too late that boats with bigger sails could be more difficult to move and instead would drag the sides of the canal.

sales@schertz.com

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The labs held on Science Saturday’s get dads and other father figures actively working with their children while also reinforcing the idea that learning about science can be fun. Three of the four labs took place strategically across the school’s cafeteria with one involving rockets being conducted outside.

Andrew Hamilton, who diligently scooped and mixed ingredients with son Todd at the Oobleck lab, said he always spends a lot of quality time with his son. “It’s what we do,” Hamilton said. “It’s me and him all the time.”

We are your ticket to reaching this area!

Andrew H am lab at Wild ilton helps his son er Interme Todd with diate Sch ool’s Scie the Ooblek nce Saturd ay

Principal Julie Knox said that while mothers play an important role in a child’s education, they tend to be at the school more often than dads. “I believe that it is important to involve dads at every opportunity,” she said. “I chose this science activity as a way to involve dads in a fun educational experience.”

Russ Bennett and son Cody decided to make their first stop the Oobleck lab, which demonstrates physical properties of matter. The father and son had a great time pushing gooey stuff around in a bag in the name of science education.

Are you serious about advertising?

(210) 619-1630

: e c n e i c

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Create Your Own Story

at the Schertz Public Library!

Schertz Public Library has expanded its services with downloadable audiobooks, eBooks, music and video, all available from the library’s new service Lone Star Digital Library. Library cardholders can check out and download digital media anytime, anywhere by visiting http://lonestardigitalibrary.lib.overdrive.com.

Melissa

Schertz

Uhlhorn

Public

Libraries are places for new beginnings. Whether you are getting your first library card, learning new computer skills or planning a trip, the library can be the place where your story begins. In celebration of National Library Week (April 11-16), we share the Schertz Public Library story and a few of the ways we can become a part of yours.

New Beginnings, New Spaces The Schertz Public Library truly can create new beginnings. The current library building was built with city bond funds less than two years ago because our community feels strongly about the need for library services.

There was no city library before 1978, but a public push and City Council backing got the ball rolling. The first library began in a 1,500-square-foot building with APRIL 2011 2011 3434 APRIL

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Library

Manager

5,000 donated books. Over time, the library grew in space and number of books and finally settled in its current 30,000 square foot home.

Technology was embraced and incorporated into the building.

Both the foyer and drive-up book drops use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and readers to automatically check in materials as they slide through the chute. The same technology also can be found at the circulation desk to check materials in and out.

For the do-it-yourself crowd, three self-check circulation stations can be found near the front entrance. These stations also use RFID technology to speed customers through the checkout process. The building also offers WiFi for those who bring laptops or other portable devices.

Library Collections and Services Even in this age of digital information, books have strong appeal. Books can evoke strong emotions and provide an entrance into worlds far beyond our everyday lives. And very few things in life can be quite as satisfying as sharing a special story at bedtime with a child you love.

The library’s print and media collection has grown by about 13,000 items since the move to the new building. The library houses more than 75,000 items, including books, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, movies, documentaries and music.

The Schertz Library Foundation recently purchased more than 1,000 picture books; beginning readers, juvenile and teen fiction titles for the library. New items are added to the collection all the time.

Computers The Schertz Public Library has 55 computer terminals at which the public can access the Internet or create documents, spreadsheets and presentations. All the public terminals can be used to print black and white or color documents. One of the terminals was provided through a grant and is specially outfitted with software for job-seekers. On it, customers can practice interviewing, create and submit resumes and search job websites. In addition, the library has four computers in the children’s area that are loaded with children’s educational software so our youngest customers can create music, draw pictures or play math, geography or reading games.

Programming Story time for the preschool crowd remains popular, and we have

always provided programs for that age group. But we also offer programs for infants, toddlers, elementary students, tweens, teens, and adults. Looking for very basic computer classes? We have them twice a week! We have a rotating roster of classes that cover topics such as Facebook, e-mail accounts, word processing, online shopping, medical information, database and Internet searching.

Over the last several months, we have had a poetry reading, author visits, financial planning seminars, a funeral arrangement seminar, a quilt display and various other programs. The library has a monthly calendar of events available on its website, schertzlibrary.org.

Electronic Resources Over the last few years, the library has added several web-based products to our collection. Customers can now carry out genealogy research through Ancestry.

com, get a sneak preview of about-to-be-published books or join an online book club with DearReader.com, learn more than 30 different languages with Mango Languages and access current and archived newspapers from all over the country through Newsbank. Patrons can do research in more than 60 databases through our TexShare Database program provided by the Texas State Library. The TexShare databases cover topics in business, health and medicine, literature, history and genealogy, the military, science and technology as well as general interest topics.

So What’s Your Story?

Our library story begins and ends with you, the members of our community who use our services and support our work. The library has something to offer everyone.

A Lone Star Revolution: Schertz Library Goes Digital

By

Users can browse the library’s Lone Star Digital Library website, check out titles with a valid library card and download to PC, Mac and many mobile devices. To get started, users will need to install the free software OverDrive Media Console.

In addition, some eBook formats will require Adobe Digital Editions. Titles can be enjoyed immediately or transferred to a variety of devices, including iPod, Sony Reader and many others. Some audio titles can also be burned to CD to listen on-the-go. Titles will automatically expire at the end of the lending period. There are no late fees!

With hundreds of popular fiction and nonfiction titles to choose from, this new, growing collection is guaranteed to have something for everyone. You can download bestselling novels, well-known classics, self-improvement guides and much more.

This new service, powered by OverDrive, is free with your library card. To get started downloading audiobooks, eBooks and more, visit the library’s website today!

OverDrive is a leading full-service digital distributor of eBooks, audiobooks, music and video. OverDrive delivers secure management, DRM protection and download fulfillment services for hundreds of publishers and thousands of libraries, schools and retailers serving millions of end-users.

If you have questions concerning Lone Star Digital Library, contact Lizzi Blase, Adult Services Librarian, at (210) 6191700 or at librarian@schertz.com.

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It’s Spring !

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Still thinking about planting that spring garden in the backyard but haven’t gotten around to it yet? Well, it’s not too late, but you do need to start digging.

Timing can be very important.

The average last freeze date for the San Antonio area passed last month. But some plants, such as tomatoes and cucumbers, won’t bud if you wait until it gets too hot to put them into the ground. Okra, on the other hand, loves the heat.

Sims

Thomas

According to Linda Bruno, chairman of the Schertz Community Garden, popular plants to put into local gardens this time of year include bush and pole bean, cucumbers and squash. It’s also time to put in tomato and pepper transplants and a good time to get ready for cantaloupes, pumpkins and watermelons.

Lucille

Just starting a garden and looking for the right place in your yard?

drought-tolerant. Carol Smith of Landscapes of Texas in Schertz said early spring is the perfect time to plant drought-resistant landscaping. Trees that like the hot Texas summers include Live Oak, Cedar Elm, Monterrey Oak, Mountain Oak and Crepe Myrtle.

“Remember, plants don’t like to sit in mud,” Bruno explained.

“It stresses them.” According to her, the golden rule for gardening is composting, which loosens the soil and allows it to breathe and drain better.

Planting areas should be heavily mulched to help with drought resistance. “Thick layers of mulch will not only help to retain moisture, but will also retard weed growth,” she said.

You can find the Schertz Community Garden, which started in 2009, at 1101 Elbel Road behind the county annex building. The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners oversee the garden with help from volunteer groups, and produce grown becomes donations to three food banks in the Schertz/Cibolo area.

The GCMG has donated $3,000 to the community garden. The nonprofit organization accepts tax-deductible donations. According to Bruno, once everything is complete at the garden, they will discuss opening up extra beds for individual use.

Locals looking for landscaping ideas may want to think

Large shrubs that do well in South Texas include elaeagnus, bottle brush, oleander and esperanza. Dwarf shrubs that are popular include bulbine, autumn sage, Mexican heather, lantana, rosemary, sedum, hamelia and Mexican mint marigold.

Plants with different needs than South Texas soil can provide include azaleas, camelias, gardenias, hostas, hydrangeas and dogwood.

“With proper planting techniques as well as proper watering and fertilizing during the initial establishment period, most plants will be strong enough by mid-summer to survive our hot summer,” Smith said.

Going Green!

Veggies, Flowers, & Tools Information to help both experienced and new gardeners, including workshops and demos, are being offered. Classes will be held at the Schertz Community Garden, located at 1101 Elbel Road at the back of the Guadalupe County Annex. If weather turns bad, the events will be held inside the county annex building.

April 23 Elaine McIntyre and Linda Bruno with Guadalupe County Master Gardeners will lead a composting workshop at 9:00 AM. Learn the best methods for making compost and how to build a simple compost bin.

May 28 Pedro Schambon of My Father’s Farm, a certified organic vegetable producer, will discuss which vegetables grow best in the Texas summer heat. He’ll also talk about some of the organic practices he uses. The event starts at 9:00 AM.

For more landscaping tips, visit Landscape of Texas at 125 Pecan Drive in Schertz, or call (210) 659-4736.

Every Tuesday, weather permitting, is a workday in the Schertz Community Garden. The fun starts at 8:00 AM. Currently, they need a gazebo or some type of covered structure and a storage shed.

For more information on the Schertz Community Garden, contact Bruno at (210) 363-8380 or e-mail her at jlbruno@gvec. net.

Websites offering helpful gardening information include guadalupecountymastergardeners.org and aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu.

By

“Do your research,” Bruno said.

“You want an area that gets sun all day, although in July and August, a little bit of afternoon shade won’t hurt. No planting under trees.” She also suggested finding an area that drains well.

You may want to consider a raised bed garden. Bruno said these gardens allow you to get into the garden when it is raining or after a rain without getting muddy. The beds also allow for better drainage when it rains over a long period of time.

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KESSEL: New Kid on the Block

When John Kessel moves from McKinney to Schertz it will be like going back to the future.

“When I started at McKinney (a city near the Dallas-Fort Worthy area) the population was 34,000 people, just about what Schertz is today,” said Kessel, who has been hired as the new Schertz Economic Development Director.

He served as Executive Director of Development Services for the City of McKinney, which has a current population of 132,500. Kessel started with McKinney in 1997 and was credited by officials there with being instrumental in the city’s growth.

Schertz City Manager Don Taylor said Kessel’s experience stood out among a group of qualified candidates. “Those of us doing the interviewing were very impressed with John Kessel and his enthusiasm.”

And Kessel, who starts his tenure with Schertz in April, was impressed with Schertz and its residents after a first hand look here.

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“And it is special,” Kessel continued, “for more than just its location on two major interstate highways. Schertz is beautiful, diverse, and it has close ties to the military and San Antonio. It is a strong and healthy community with a good sense of its history and plan for the future.”

Kessel said strengthening the city’s economy is more than just attracting businesses to the area, it is about building the community and building pride.

McKinney will always be a very special place to me and I hope that my contributions will continue to make it a better place in the future. I am most proud of helping to maintain the small town charm and heritage while managing development in one of the fastest growing cities in the nation.”

Chuck McCollough with B. E. Bailey

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“I was impressed by everyone’s desire to keep making sure things get better and hearing their vision for the future. So, after I got home I thought to myself; ‘Schertz must be a special place.’”

“As Schertz EDC director, I have to engage our citizens and work with our residents to determine the city’s maximum potential. And, then we use that as our baseline and plan from there. My job will be to work with our team (city officials, business and community leaders) to create added value in the community and help make this a place where people enjoy living. That is how you build a community,” Kessel said.

By

“I grew interested in Schertz for several reasons. I have been to the community a couple of times and really enjoyed its people and his-

tory. And I attended the (North Schertz) planning charrette and listened to what was being said by the residents, the mayor, and the consultants.

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Baldwin Scholarship Encourages Public Service Career

GOVERNMENT

ROUND-UP

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

Employee Blood Drive held March 22 exceeded expectations!

In recognition of Baldwin’s long service, the Schertz City Council established his namesake scholarship to encourage high school seniors (public, private, or home-schooled) who are residents of Schertz to consider public service as a career path.

Schertz EMS set a goal of 20 people giving blood and 30 plus donors stepped into the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center bloodmobile parked in front of city hall. The drive was open to city employees, their families and members of the public.

The $1,000 annual scholarship is awarded annually on a competitive basis.

High school seniors seeking the scholarship can find an application online at www. schertz.com/events or they can pick up the application at the following locations:

honoring the best in public service

•

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)

Bond Projects Making Progress

Schertz Donors Pack Bloodmobile at City Hall Drive.

Christi Gautreaux, Schertz Police Department records manager, donates blood with the help of phlebotomist Sherri Doyle.

City Engineer Larry Dublin presented City Council members an update on 2010 Bond Projects during their February 22 meeting.

*Athletic Facilities design work will be completed in August and construction finished in June 2012.

Dublin said: *Natatorium design work will be completed in December and construction finished in February 2013.

*Animal Shelter design work will be completed in December and construction wrapped up in October 2012.

*Playscape Relocation design work will be done in August and construction finished in February 2012.

*Main Street planning session will be held in February 2012.

GOVERNMENT ROUND-UP

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 2- or 4-year institution or other educational institution offering courses, degrees, or other training suitable to a public service career.

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GOVERNMENT

ROUND-UP BEE Careful Pleazzzzzzz!

Bees must be taken seriously because stings can be more than painful - they can be life threatening. If you or someone you know call poison control at 1-800-222-1222 or call 9-11 to determine whether the sting can be managed at home or needs medical attention.

Normally, people and bees can coexist; however, experts say that a variety of factors can cause an increase in bee incidents. Bee attacks usually occur when bees are swarming or if they are protecting their hive. If someone tries to remove the bees or a hive, agitates the bees by swatting at them, or startling them with the noise from power equipment such as lawn mowers or blowers, a stinging emergency can happen.

Do not try to remove the bees yourself, and DO NOT call 9-1-1 unless the bees are attacking and someone is in a life-threatening situation.

Contact a bee removal expert for swarm and hive removal.

The City of Schertz DOES NOT handle bee removal. However, if bees have made their home in a City-owned water meter, a City-owned water valve box or around a fire hydrant, the City will take responsibility for their removal.

That is the only instance in which the City will remove non-threatening bees on private property. For more information or to verify whether a water meter or valve box is City-owned, please call 3-1-1.

JOIN US FOR WORSHIP EASTER SUNDAY AT 10:30am Schertz Municiple Building, Bldg #5 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, TX 78154 (210)-501-2345 www. lifebridgecctx.com

Residents should regularly inspect their home and yard for signs of bees. Swarms look for holes in trees, eaves and walls as potential nesting sites. These openings should be filled or covered with a solid cover or fine mesh screening. Bees are also attracted to debris such as tires, wood piles or overturned flower pots.

When removing any debris, always look before you place your hand under or into something.

Use the same caution when working around air conditioners, coolers, electrical boxes or water meters.

Residents of Schertz can contact Biz-zz Bee Farms for bee removal/extermination at (210) 655-6028 APRIL 2011 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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Schertz Police Chief Steve Starr stands behind a line of officers after saying a few words during an earlier Police Memorial Remembrance Day event

GOVERNMENT

ROUND-UP

Creative

painting

FUN

vendors

jewelry gifts

Open A I R Market

Entertainment

A R T

S c h e r t z , T gifts X

food Create CERAMICS

Creative C R A F T S Texan Open AIR Market

p SCrafts o c pottery C tthe R Schertz Market e r A Dayz r tz F ceramics y, T food

FREE ADMISSION

& FREE PARKING

TS X Outdoor

FUN

ArtMarket

Schertz Market Dayz Music

April 16, 2011 September 18, 2010 10:00 AM AM to to 4:30 4:30 PM PM 10:00 Under the the Pavilion Pavilion in in Pickrell Pickrell Park Park Under *Many Booths of Handcrafted Items *Raffle Tickets *Delicious Food RAIN OR SHINE! *LIVE Music

Sponsored by Schertz Area Artz Council and City of Schertz

LIVE PAINTING!

Silent Art Auction

North Center Re-Grand Opening Held at Facility in Northcliffe The past, present and future came together February 16 during a Grand Re-Opening of the North Center, 3501 Morning Drive in Northcliffe. The North Center officially opened for business April 2009.

Cutting the ribbon for the ceremony was Mayor Hal Baldwin and City Council members David Scagliola, Jim Fowler and Cedric Edwards Sr. The mayor welcomed area residents who shared stories and memories from the Center’s past. The North Center facility housed the Northcliffe

Volunteer Fire Department until the City of Schertz annexed the Northcliffe area in 2002, moving the city limits closer to New Braunfels.

Along with the Schertz Civic Center and Community Center Central, the North Center is available for rent to the public.

The facility is available for banquets, birthday and anniversary parties, meetings and training sessions. For more information, contact the the Public Affairs Office at (210) 619-1611 or visit them on the web at www.schertz.com.

Police Memorial Remembrance Day will be May 18 in Schertz The Schertz Police Department will observe Police Memorial Remembrance Day at noon, Wednesday, May 18 in front of the police department. The event is part of Police Memorial Week 2011 May 15-21. For more information visit www.nleomf.com/programs/policeweek.

government GET UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ABOUT CITY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES AT:

schertz.com

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Schertz Firefighters Take Part In Tower Climb Schertz Fire Rescue and the Schertz Professional Firefighter Association Local 4083 put together a five-man team to participate in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation “Climb & Run” at the Tower of the Americas on Saturday, February 26, 2011.

Clint Williams who organized participants from the Schertz Fire Department , while Local 4083 sponsored the entries.

Other local Firefighters participating were Matt Hamilton, Justin Schwersinske, Dane Anderson, and Jesse Ruiz.

Climbing to the top of the Tower with their peers from San Antonio Fire Department, and other area departments, was hard but rewarding, said Schertz Fire Lieutenant Carl Berghofer.

Schertz Firefighters have a strong history of supporting charities. “Our Firefighters are proud to support this worthy cause and plan to add it to our annual list of organizations we help,” said Williams.

Schertz Firefighters currently support the Muscular Dystrophy Association , the Wilenchik’s Walk for Cancer Research, and the Little Fighter Foundation. The foundation began with Schertz Firefighters raising funds for the Reid Smith Cancer program and is scheduled this year for this June at Pickrell Park in Schertz.

Berghofer has a personal connection with local resident, attorney and friend Jodi Head Lopez who’s two children Diego and Hannah both live daily with Cystic Fibrosis.

“They are part of who we represent and honor by climbing the tower,” he explained.

A major planner for this event was team leader Lieutenant

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{ P R O F I L E Z }

A Home for

By

julie

Cooper

History

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The Schertz Area Senior Center at 608 Schertz Parkway has found its home in the former public library and now also serves as the home for the historic memorabilia of the City of Schertz that decorates the center’s walls.

The senior center held a ribbon cutting March 4, but the center has been serving seniors and the public since January. Dean Weirtz, chairman of the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee, partnered with Ida Hardy, senior center director, to create a minigallery of early Schertz history.

The display space came as a compromise of sorts after Schertz voters defeated a proposed historical museum in November. The exhibits needed a home, and the senior center had blank walls; thus, a three-year search for a home for artifacts found a place to land and now can be viewed by the public.

The exhibits range from the time of Native Americans to the 1950s. A series of exhibits in two historical periods, “Republic of Texas Years 1835-1845” and “Settlement Years 1850-1890,” detail the

founding of Schertz. A special exhibit honors the AlsaceLorraine area of France, home to three of the city’s founding families: Schertz, Mergeles and Rittimanns.

“I think those exhibits will stay permanently there at the senior center,” Weirtz said.

His interest in Schertz history began when he went to the Alsace region to explore his own family history in Riedisheim.

On that trip, Weirtz, an Air Force retiree, discovered the connection to Schertz – his new home. He received a warm greeting from the city fa-

thers of Riedisheim and a copy of the marriage certificate of Joseph and Ann Marie Schertz (circa 1844). Upon returning home, he contacted Mayor Hal Baldwin who said he was starting a historical committee.

Also on display along the senior center’s walls visitors will find photographs and narratives that explain the life and times of Schertz settlers from the turn of the 20th century through the arrival of Randolph Field to the growth of the business and school community. Other exhibits can be seen at the Kramer House

Visitors Center and Schertz Chamber of Commerce.

At the Schertz Public Library, Weirtz points out a copy of “Schertz Texas: The story of Great Ancestry, Legacy & Development,” written by the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee. He explains that the naming of Schertz continues to be the source of some controversy. Some say the railroad chose the name, while others say the post office dubbed the town in 1882.

the railroad depot,” Weirtz said.

“The town’s original name was Cutoff. It could just have easily become Schneider, but they came after the Schertz family.”

The senior center is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Mondays through Thursdays and from 10:00 to 5:00 PM on Fridays. For information, call (210) 659-1970.

“The name came when the Schertz family donated land for

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CITY DATES TO KNOW

MONDAY, 4

Library Advisory Board, 7:00 PM, Library

TUESDAY, 5

City Council, 6:00 PM, Council Chambers

THURSDAY, 7

THURSDAY, 14 Economic Development Corporation, 6:00 PM, Council Chambers

MONDAY, 25

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, 5:30 PM, Bob Andrews Room Board of Adjustments, 6:00 PM, Council Chambers

MONDAY, 11

TUESDAY, 26

Buffalo Valley Youth Association, 6:00 PM, 401 Oak St

City Council, 6:00 PM, Council Chambers

TUESDAY, 12

Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM, Council Chambers

WEDNESDAY, 13

Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM, Council Chambers

WEDNESDAY, 27 THURSDAY, 28

Historical Preservation Committee, 6:30 PM, Council Chambers Conference Room

***Meeting locations may change, for up-to-date information visit schertz.com***

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APRIL 2011 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

ROUND-UP

IMPORTANT SCHERTZ

Citizens Police Academy Alumni 7:00 PM, Police Department Training Room

City Council, 6:00 PM, Council Chambers

GOVERNMENT

PHONE NUMBERS City of Schertz Elected Officials Mayor: Hal Baldwin

210-658-6466

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

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

City Departments: City of Schertz (210) 619-1000 Animal Control (210) 619-1550 Business/Utilities (210) 619-1100 City Manager (210) 619-1000 City Secretary (210) 619-1030 Civic Center (210) 619-1600 Customer Care/311 (210) 619-1000 Economic Development (210) 619-1070 EMS (non-emergency) (210) 619-1400 Fire (non-emergency) (210) 619-1300 Human Resources (210) 619-1150 Information Technology (210) 619-1180 Inspections (210) 619-1750 Marshal Services (210) 619-1666 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) 619-1000 Website schertz.com

400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY.SCHERTZ.TEXAS.78154

SCHERTZPUBLIC AFFAIRS

CITY OF SCHERTZOFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS 1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY - SCHERTZ, TEXAS 78154