June 2012

June 2012

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Go Green Edition

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Editor’z Letter Chuck McCollough, Editor

City Council

Schertz’ Gone Green June 2012

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Schertz Magazine literally has a green feel this month. The specially printed issue underscores our community’s commitment to our environment.

The Schertz community already has a good environmental record that includes growing use of solar energy in public and private buildings, residents carpooling to work, and a city trail system - with QR code signs -- that encourages walking and healthy lifestyle.

Also in the magazine this month: *Learn about the new Baptist Emergency Hospital being built here and how it is expected to spur more growth in the local health care sector. *Read how the McKenna Children’s Museum in New Braunfels is so much fun that adults want to be kids again... and can be for a while.

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*Flag Day is June 14 and we have a story on the giant flag and giant flag pole in Northcliffe and the dedicated residents of that Schertz neighborhood who have taken care of Old Glory for 20 plus years. *And don’t miss the story of a Schertz family raising a puppy that one day will use its talented nose to keep the public safe from bad guys.

All that and more in your June issue of Schertz magazine.

So, after reading all that, do you feel the green? If not, you can!

Once you have finished perusing the pages of Schertz Magazine, why not show your commitment to keeping Schertz beautiful by dropping this copy at the recycling bins at the Schertz Public Library parking lot (798 Schertz Parkway). Did you know that every time you recycle at the library, part of the proceeds from the recyclables go towards expanding and improving services and operations! So, you can do your part and help give a little back to your community: I know I will!

FEATUREZ

24 Pratt Going “Green” 27 A Kingdom Fit For a Kid 30 Puppy Love Wanted 32 Old Glory Flies Proudly In These Parts

PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY

Speaking of the environment, be sure to read our story on Pratt Industries in Schertz - a business that touches everyone’s life because they are a box company.

And what doesn’t come in a box these days? The Schertz Pratt plant makes custom boxes for South Texas customers. It is one of the greenest companies I have ever encountered in four decades as a journalist. Read how they do it.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Brad E. Bailey Public Affairs Director & Publisher

June 2012

Alexis Souza Art Director & Design Linda Ervin Associate Publisher Chuck McCollough Editor-In-Chief Erin Matlock Client Affairs Specialist Chris Matzenbacher Sales Manager Brittany Losey Senior Writer Mary Spence Events Coordinator Contributing Writers B.E. Bailey, Chuck McCollough, Mary Spence, Lucille Sims Thomas, Andrea Allinger, Kari Bridges, Kiko Martinez, Jasmyne Douglas, Elsie Baker, Ashley Festa, Rebecca Rainer, David L. Garber

36 Baptist Emergency Hospital Coming

C O N N EC T I N G

T H E

C O R R I D O R

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Go Green Edition

ON THE COVER This month we are using all recycled paper for or magazine. Just doing our part to keep the trees.

Talk of the Townz 10 Updatez 13 Kitchen Kudoz

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16 Sweetheartz

Photographers B.E. Bailey, Chuck McCollough, Mary Spence, Mike Harris, Bryan Nguyen,.

Diana Webb, Andrea Allinger, Kari Bridges, Zachary Carter, Ross Dye

18 Momz

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

Columnz

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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

22 Focuz 34 Biz Spot 41 Hyper

Executive Management John Kessel, City Manager

City Newz

Executive Directors John Bierschwale David J. Harris Brian James

46 Civic Newz

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48 & 50 Calendarz & Contactz JUNE 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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Talk of the a Townz

Talk of the Townz

JUNE 2012

*Friends, Family, Community Salute Golla at Surprise Retirement Party How do you get a savvy banker into a surprise retirement party in the Schertz Civic Center -- with dozens of cars outside -- without him guessing the truth. Have a great story. That was the case April 27 as a room full of people surprised the retiring Schertz Bank & Trust President and CEO. The rest of the evening Golla shook hands, gave hugs and listened and laughed as his life was reviewed in word and photos for the crowd. Oh, and the cover story was he had to go to an emergency meeting.

Frost Fiesta Tacos And More Frost Bank helped the Schertz Community get in a festive mood April 26 with a Fiesta Breakfast Tacos and Mariachis event at its location on IH-35. Above, Larry Anthis, Vice President/Frost Schertz Community Leader; and Sibonae Jones, Assistant Vice President, enjoy some of the tacos.

Community Service Day Volunteers Spruce Up Parks Parents and students from the Barbara Jordan Intermediate Leadership Council volunteered Saturday, April 14 in cleaning up City parks and the municipal complex. Area residents teamed up with the City’s Parks & Recreation Department to clean, rake and prepare grounds for the spring and summer seasons; paint where needed and pick-up trash and refuse.

Students & Community Greet Wounded Warrior Riders

Marching to A Bunch of Different Drummers It was the most classic of ironies. Telling children it was OK to make noise, lots of noise....IN A LIBRARY....where it is suppose to be really silent. But that is exactly what happened (see above) at the Schertz Public Library when joyous noise was produced by dozens of kids pounding on dozens of drums supplied by 10

SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM JUNE 2012

Kevin Cooley of Drumming Around. The demonstration was part of a program on diversity and different countries around the world. The library is always having great events for kids and adults to learn. For more information go to schertzlibrary.org

More than 200 bike riders, including Wounded Warriors and their specialized bikes, rode through Schertz on April 16 on the first day of their week-long (April 16-21) Texas Challenge from San Antonio to Arlington. As they passed Corbett Junior High School, more than 400 students waved American flags and cheered the heroes.

Many of the riders put out a hand to students who did the same for a fast handslap greeting. City of Schertz employees set up sound equipment and played patriotic music for the riders and their supporters, including the students.

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Talk of the Townz

Talk of the Townz FUN FACT: If every American recycled just one-tenth of their newspapers, we would save about 25,000,000 trees a year.

Lions Fiesta Casino Party Roaring Fun Patrons of the Schertz-Cibolo Lions Club Third Annual Noche de Fiesta en Schertz event are all smiles as they try their luck, have fun and support a good cause. The event was held April 20 at the Schertz Civic Center and featured casino games, food and music.

Kitchen Kudoz

Little Piece of Heaven at Cielito Station Andrea M. Allinger

Proceeds will benefit youth and senior programs in the Schertz area. For more information, call (210) 710-6558 or (210) 332-2255.

Houston Texas mascot, Toro, visited Sippel Elementary School on April 5 to promote the STAAR test Toro entertained students with funny movements, dances with teachers and students and acrobatic moves. The popular costumed bull character also visited Sippel students last year.

Splash time is here!!

Pools Opening for Summer!

Here is the Summer Schedule for City of Schertz Swimming Pools: NORTHCLIFFE June 4– August 26 12:00-7:00 PM. Closed on Tuesdays for Cleaning (Pool closed July 3-4) PICKRELL PARK June 7-August 21 12:00-7:00 PM. Closed on Mondays for Cleaning (Pool closed July 2-4) Daily Pool Rates: Per Entry: $1.50 Daily Pass: $4.00 Pool passes sold at the pools.

For more information call (210) 619-1900

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FIVE YEARS AGO, MILTON Espinoza purchased the property that would house his first restaurant venture, Cielito Station, with high hopes and aspirations. Alongside his brother, Joseluis Espinoza, the restaurant was built from the ground up to create a “modern and comfortable feel” paired with fresh and delicious Tex-Mex entrees.

Originally from Monterrey, Mexico, Milton Espinoza said, “I missed Mexican food,” and the opening of his restaurant recreated the quality he grew

up with as well as the local recipes from Monterrey.

The Espinozas opened their restaurant in February of this year, with a grand opening for Cielito Station in March.

With the addition of a drive through window, business has boomed as quickly as breakfast tacos can be made.

Weekly specials posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page keep patrons informed, and include such deals as 99 cent tacos, $5.99 lunch plates, and free weekend meals for kids.

Many of the dishes are recipes from Monterrey, although Espinoza tweaked some of the dishes to fit into popular

Tex-Mex dining. He was careful not to offer “too many dishes, sometimes you go places and can’t decide what to order because there is too much on the menu.” The respectable selection includes the “Texas Plate,” carne guisada, two cheese enchiladas with gravy and melted cheese, refried beans, rice, salad, and homemade tortillas, topped off by a delicious iced tea for a lunch time reprieve.

Cielito Station translates to “Little Heaven Station,” and Espicont’d on page 18 JUNE 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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Talk of the Townz

What’s Happenin’ in your Schertz Chamber?

Want to learn more about joining the Schertz Chamber? Call us at 210-5669000 or come by and visit us at 1730 Schertz Parkway, Schertz. Help us “Build a Better Tomorrow.”

New Friends, New Beginnings Only fifteen minutes from Schertz, Rio Terra offers a renewed focus on healthy living, terrific food and social activity. Discover how our “Resident First”philosophy can redefine your retirement.

Meet your new friends at Rio Terra today!

Call (830) 221-4800 for a tour and lunch on us.

1 April Luncheon with speaker, Secretary of State Hope Andrade

Ask us about our Veterans Aid and Attendance!

2294 E. Common St. New Braunfels, TX 78130 Independent Living

Assisted Living

1

Memory Care

www.RioTerraLife.com AL# 101986

A Legend Retirement Corp. Community

Welcoming new Member: Grumpy’s Mexican Cafe

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CHAMBER EVENTS

hYPer BBQ raises funds for Schertz Area Senior Center

After-Hours Mixer

Thursday, June 21st from 5:30 – 7pm hosted by RE/MAX Corridor, 14791 IH 35 North, Suite 108 (Selma).

Free to SCOC Members.

Chamber Luncheon

Breaking ground for New Haven Assisted Living & Memory Care

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JUNE

Chamber Luncheon: Tuesday, June 19th from 1:30am – 1pm at the Schertz Civic Center Topic: “Social Media”. RSVP by Tuesday, June 12th Please visit our Chamber website for Luncheon policy.

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Ribbon Cutting for new Member: Friendship Pet Hospital & Wellness Center

Biz-Ed Breakfast

Wednesday, June 27th from 7:30 – 9am at the Schertz Chamber/Visitor Center, 1730 Schertz Parkway (Schertz). Free to SCOC Members.

“The Taste: Around the World” tickets on sale now at the Schertz Chamber office!!

HEB Schertz presents the 3rd Annual Taste of the Town on Thursday, July 26th from 5 – 8pm at the Schertz Civic Center.

Our theme this year is: “The Taste: Around the World”. Sample cuisines from Mexico, Italy, England and more!

Ambassador Mixer/Membership Drive Thursday, June 28th from 5:30 – 7pm at the Schertz Chamber/Visitor Center, 1730 Schertz Parkway

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Schertz Sweethearts, Fiesta Fun!

By Caitlin Baumgarten

Cascarones, confetti, the sound of tinkling Fiesta Medals, the Glitz of crowns and tiaras, gowns, beautifully adorned floats, and bright flashes of color. The 2011-2012 Sweetheart Court had the time of our lives this year representing the city.

Fiesta is so much more than just a party, it’s a chance to give back to the community; it is “San Antonio’s Party With a Purpose.”

Queen of Soul Motown fundraiser is an annual fundraiser where supporters of the organization come out dressed in bell bottoms and platform shoes, for a disco dance! It was an evening full of fun, dancing, and delicious food. And as Chelsea Richardson Queen of Soul 2011 said her final goodbyes, the Sweethearts said hello just moments later to the new Queen of Soul, Selena Mitchell, at the Queen of Soul Pageant.

The Miss Fiesta San Antonio Pageant was a gala event and was one of my personal favorites. After a night of thrilling anticipation, glitz and glamour, the coveted Miss Fiesta 2012 title was awarded to Katie Rivera!

“SHOW ME YOUR SHOES!” The Fiesta flambeau parade is the longest lighted night parade in North America. And attracting an estimated 600,000 spectators and reaching over 1.5 million television audience, it certainly was the night of my life. The theme for the parade this year was “Saturday Night at the Movies” and our float was Oscar worthy! Decked out with red carpet, spot lights, and film reels we really felt like a movie stars! And of course we all had the perfect shoes!

The Miss Fiesta Brunch was the final event that the Sweethearts attended this year. And I couldn’t think of a better way to wrap it all up. As Fiesta came to a close, we all had the opportunity to reminisce about all the events we shared together. VIVA FIESTA! SWEETHEART CORONATION: Every little girl dreams of being a princess! Thursday, May 3, the Schertz Civic Center was transformed into a lime and tangerine wonderland fit for a coronation. Seven finalists vied for positions on the 2012-2013 Sweetheart Court.

Since 1989, the City has selected high school representatives from Schertz to act as ambassadors for the City. Now a scholarship program as well, the program provides opportunities to meet and mingle with the community; travel in the surrounding area to attend parades and events; and leadership skills that will carry forward as the Court pursues higher education goals.

The coronation process involves five weeks of training, all leading to the three facets of judging criteria: personal interview, talent and evening gown presentation. Our volunteer panel of judges named Kylie Middleton as Miss Schertz; Alyssa Brunet as Miss Jubilee and Katie Gibbons as Miss Friendly City. These Clemens high school students will be seen throughout the upcoming year representing Schertz.

Congratulations Kylie, Alyssa and Katie!

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JUNE 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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Talk of the Townz

Momz “These Are a Few of My Favorite Things”

By Elise Baker All good things must come to an end, and alas, thus must my time as the Momz columnist! Our military assignment here is complete; and it is with a heavy heart, I must say goodbye to this very special community that has embraced my family for the past five years.

For the first year-plus, my husband was deployed to Afghanistan, and he left essentially just as our moving truck was pulling away. I found myself alone with two kids under the age of five in a community I knew nothing about and in which I knew no-one … surrounded by towering mounds of boxes.

As all military wives do, I allowed a few minutes to feel sorry for myself, and then I began creating a new life here in Schertz. It didn’t take long for me to realize that we had landed in quite an amazing place. When my husband eventually hangs up his combat boots for good, and we reflect upon our adventures, Schertz will no doubt rank as one of the (if not THE) best places we have ever lived.

As a tribute, I’d like to share a few of my favorite things about my experience in Schertz … from a Mom’z perspective.

PASCHAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. All the schools in this district – elementary through high school – are unquestionably top-notch. My experience, though, was solely with Paschal, and I cannot praise it enough. From Principal Miller, to the support staff, to the teachers, everyone has worked tirelessly to create a wonderful experience for my children.

A big thank you to my children’s teachers in particular, who have allowed them to be themselves and who have encouraged them to learn above and outside of the standard.

SCHERTZ FAMILY YMCA. The friendliest health facility you’ll ever find! Working out daily has become an irreplaceable part of my routine. I loved seeing the smiling faces of the staff, as well as meeting my mom-friends for a fun morning of exercise each day! The robust variety of programs offered for the kids has been such a treasure.

CITY OF SCHERTZ EVENTS AND PARKS. From the festivals to the 5Ks … from Pickrell Park to Woodland Oaks Park, there was always something fun in the works and somewhere fun to hang out with the family. My kids learned to ride 18

SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM JUNE 2012

their bikes on the track at Ashley Park - one for the scrapbook! Taking them down the snow-covered “mountain” at the Festival of Angels the first year we were here is another cherished memory.

SCHERTZ LIBRARY. I will never forget my then-3-yearold struggling SO MIGHTILY to write her name on that tiny line in order to obtain her very own library card. She wanted it SO BADLY! It took several months of going back and forth trying before one day she finally did it! The day the librarian proudly handed her the card is one I will never forget! That card has seen MUCH use in the years since! We have made weekly – sometimes DAILY – trips to our beautiful library, and we are so grateful for all its resources and helpful staff.

OTHER BAKER FAMILY FAVORITES AND FREQUENTLY VISITED ESTABLISHMENTS: • HEB • Royal Donuts • Taco Cabana (Fabulous tacos and TWENTY PERCENT military discount! WOW!) • Nails Lounge (right, ladies?!?!)

• Good Shepherd Catholic Church • SAYSAT Soccer League (particularly our hard-working and brilliant coaches!)

• Girl Scout Troop 3316 and its selfless leaders • Schertz Medical Home –provided us outstanding local military health care • The City of Schertz is run by remarkable leaders who have a bright vision for its future and growth. In our five years here, the city has thrived in its mission to become THE place for families. We will always treasure the friendships and memories we have made here in Schertz. Thank you for treating us so well!

CONTESTS

& PRIZEZ WIN TWO PASSES FOR SCHLITTERBAHN. Locate the recycled rainwater drop pictured above in one AD somewhere in this issue of Schertz Magazine. Go to schertzmagazine.com and complete the entry form to be entered into this month’s drawing.

Cielito Station cont’d from page 13

noza commented that the naming of the restaurant was “the hardest part, all of the other Mexican restaurants took the good names.” The quick and delicious entrees fit the name; each bite is like a slice of Mexican food heaven.

Each dish is made fresh to order, with local favorites such as Certified Angus Beef Fajitas—made with delicious high quality meat and served up on a sizzling skillet. After a trip through Cielito Station’s salsa bar, which is complete with eight types of salsa, fresh veggies, various peppers, and juicy limes, any dish can be topped to celestial heights.

Cielito Station is located near the intersection of FM 1103 and FM 78, on 729 FM 78 in Cibolo. Business hours are 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Friday, and 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Look up Cielito Station on Facebook for periodic updates on specials and find the restaurant at www.cielitostation.com, or contact at (210) 659-1359.

WIN TWENTY DOLLARS IN GIFT CERTIFICATES

to Encanto Restaurant.

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

Focuz AS SCHERTZ GREW AND changed over the past decade, so did Joe Villarreal’s life.

“When I started here 10 years ago we had four employees and just a few buildings to look after. Now we have 15 employees and 19 buildings,” said Villarreal, foreman of the City of Schertz Facilities Maintenance Department.

That department is responsible for all city buildings including repair and basic maintenance as well as set up and tear down of tables and chairs for functions in city venues like the Civic Center and Community Center.

“Our department also helps city employees if they need assistance such as carrying boxes during a move or special jobs like working with helping set up audio-visual in the rental venues.

We also work with help during events like setting up a city stage and sound system during things like Jubilee, Schertz Fest or Festival of Angels,” Villarreal said.

Joe Villarreal - Growing With The City Villarreal & City Share Decade of Change Chuck McCollough

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buildings. We only had the Community Center in Schertz at that time for holding events. Now we have five venues in four buildings (two in the Civic Center) that the public can rent or be used for city functions,” he said. .

“I was very self motivated in my job, took the initiative and stepped up to the plate to make the job easier for everyone. My boss saw that in me and also that I get along well with others,” he said.

As Villarreal’s job responsibilities and job title changed, so did his personal life. “Over the same 10 year period I’ve been with Schertz I went from dating Lisa, to getting married, buying a house in Schertz and us having a child now three years old,” he said.

of devotion he gives his real family.

“Lisa and I like to go dancing and to concerts when possible and especially spend time with our extended family which numbers about 15 people counting both sides of the family.

One of the other great loves of Joe Villarreal is the iconic Ford Mustang. “My older brother had one and I always dreamed of getting one.

At some point I will, but right now I have responsibilities at home and work that come first. I really love living and working in Schertz,” he said.

“Lisa and I remember driving through Schertz when new subdivisions were being built and marvelling at all the growth, but never did we guess we would buy one of those houses in just a few years. So much has changed in our lives, thanks to the city’s growth and changes,” he said.

“My job is make sure all day-to-day operations are in line and to assist in special events held in or at our facilities ,” said Villarreal, who recently turned 31. His tenure with the city started just a few years out of high school where his world included his sweetheart and future wife, Lisa, and a fascination with cars.

Villarreal gave an example of how swiftly things can go a different direction. “My mother-in-law is in real estate and helped us find find a good house. We saw the house on a Monday and signed the papers that Friday. It was pretty quick,” he said with smile and yet another example of how his life is in the fast lane like the city he works for.

“I was 20 when I got a job with Schertz and started off cleaning

Villarreal said the City of Schertz is family to him and gets the same kind

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faturez

Pratt ‘Going Green’ in Schertz Chuck McCollough

Can a box company think outside the box?

“Yes,” said Marty Pate with Pratt Industries. “Our company has been doing that for years.” Pate is general manager for the Pratt converting plant in the Tri-County Industrial Park near IH-35.

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THE SCHERTZ FACILITY IS ONE of 23 converting plants (also called sheet plants) that Pratt operates in the U.S and one in Mexico. The local plant receives sheets of recycled corrugated cardboard and then cuts and transforms those into custom boxes and packaging for South Texas customers.

Pate said company founder Anthony Pratt is dedicated to doing everything possible to operate in an environmentally sound manner. And that includes Pratt helping customers to also be like minded. “We work to help our customers improve their environmental footprint and operate as green as possible,” Pate said.

“We are 100 percent green. Pratt buys old corrugated boxes from our customers, takes those to a recycling mill where the material is repulped and reconditioned before it comes to our facility,” Pate said. The company’s environmentally friendly work model means it helps protect trees and forests instead of cutting them down.

Pratt Industries is America’s 5th largest paper and packaging company with more than 3,500 “greencollar” employees dedicated to the environment and sustainability. The company was founded more than 20 years ago and, since then, has shown dramatic growth with sophisticated manufacturing facilities now in more than 20 states.

In fact, the company saves more than 17 million trees annually by recycling 1.3 million tons of paper and associated materials. That recycling also keeps 1.3 million tons of material out of landfills yearly and prevents 1 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions, the company said.

And, those plants operate “full circle” process for sustainable corrugated packaging.

The process starts with customer refuse material being collected and recycled. The recyclable materials are separated with old corrugated

“We are

100 percent

green.”

-Marty Pate

and mixed paper turned into new paper and new corrugated board.

The corrugated material is sent in sheets to the Schertz sheet plant and others where it is made into custom box products. Those packaging products are then sent to Pratt customers who use the boxes for their products.

Pratt then collects the old boxes and the process starts all over again.

tive and power tool industries, Pate said.

Pratt moved into the Texas market in 2005 and built a large corrugating facility in Fort Worth and later converting facilities in the Dallas, Houston and San Antonio areas. The company opened its San Antonio area facility in Schertz in April 2008.

“We are working with local wineries to help them ship their bottles,” Pate said holding up a specialty box built

“Show us your product and we can custom make a box to safely get it from point A to point B. We have a designer on staff who can that for the customer,” he added.

to hold three bottles snuggly and securely. “There is something like 150 wineries within a 100-mile-radius of our plant,” he said, pointing out the potential for serving that sector.

The Schertz facility offers a number of options for its customers including a service called fulfillment. That is where a customer, such as a clothing manufacturer, brings the prodcontinued on page 26

“This is a good location for Pratt,” Pate said. “There is a lot of industry in South Texas especially the agriculture industry that needs to ship its products and needs boxes to put them in.” The general manager said the Schertz location also offers good, easy transportation access via IH-35 and IH-10.

The local facility can make boxes and packaging material for almost any industry’s small to mid-size product.

Sectors using custom made boxes from the Schertz plant include the food, beverage, electronics, automo-

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faturez

Pratt ‘Going Green’ in Schertz

continued from page 25 uct to Pratt, which then puts the product into the boxes as it makes them for the client.

Pate said that Pratt believes in treating its employees and its customers like family.

“At Pratt Industries in Schertz the day starts at 7:00 AM with a plant wide safety/wellness meeting. Safety topics from around the company are reviewed as well as wellness tips for healthy lifestyles. At Pratt safety and wellness is the first topic of discussion daily. We offer health club reimbursement as well as reduced health care premiums for employees that have healthy lifestyles,” Pate said.

The Schertz plant has 24 employees and operates a day shift on a Monday through Friday work week. “We would like to grow to two shifts and believe there is a lot of potential for growth in this area,” the general manager said.

In September, 2007, Pratt Industries pledged $1 billion at President

Clinton’s Global Initiative conference to combat climate change through investment in recycling and clean energy infrastructure over the next decade.

faturez

In essence, the company committed to building: • 3 new 100% recycled paper mills • 4 clean energy plants • 30 Material Recovery Facilities and ancillary packaging plants • A Recycling Movement to combat climate change.

The company is already making good on that pledge with the start up of a $150 million recycled paper mill in Shreveport, La. and other investments in green technology.

For more information about

A Kingdom Fit for a Kid The McKenna Children’s Museum makes learning fun Andrea M. Allinger

Pratt Industries and its leadership role in recycling and the green business go to www.prattindustries.com.

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IN THE EARLY 1950S, H.C. MCKENNA SAW THE need for health care in Comal County and led a group of citizens into a massive fundraising campaign that included a door-to-door donation collection. After raising $500,000 from New Braunfels residents, McKenna won a monetary grant to open the New Braunfels hospital, the first in the area and which opened its doors in October 1953.

Twenty years later, the hospital was renamed McKenna Memorial Hospital in honor of the founder. The hospital has since been acquired by the Christus Santa Rosa Health System because of the board’s decision to take advantage of the “extensive resources needed to meet long-term growth of this rapidly growing community.” continued on page 28

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gym, the McKenna Parenting Program, Prescription Access and the McKenna Children’s Museum.

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The museum was originally founded in 1986 as a much smaller educational tool for children that traveled to schools but had no permanent home. In 2006, a former 19,000-square-foot grocery store became the kid’s paradise known today as McKenna Children’s Museum.

More than five years later, the museum hosts more than a dozen interactive exhibits, including the ever-popular grocery store and the museum’s newest project, a $200,000 renovation to the outdoor area that includes musical instruments and a 25-foot-tall climbing exhibit.

“The whole idea behind the interactive exhibits is that children learn through interactive, unstructured play,” said museum director Alice Jewell.

While the recommended ages for prime enjoyment of the museum are 12 months to 8 years old, children and adults of all ages can be seen enjoying any and all of the exhibits on a visit to the museum because individual creativity remains the only requirement for fun at the McKenna Children’s Museum.

The entrance to the museum leads visitors directly into McKenna’s extensive gift shop, which is stocked full of quality educational toys, including many from the Melissa and Doug line of wooden toys. Families can enjoy perusing great gift ideas before or after admittance to the museum, and many of the available items relate to the exhibits inside the museum.

A Kingdom Fit for a Kid

The McKenna Children’s Museum continued from page 27 H.C. McKenna’s sense of community service extended beyond the hospital with the opening in 2006 of the McKenna Center to address overall wellness in the community. Along the way, his outreach program has founded the McKenna Events Center, New BraunFit 28

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Walk into the museum and under a Comal River display, complete with dozens of handmade papier-mache fish courtesy of museum employees, their families and local high school students. “Directions on how to structure the fish were given, but the colors used were completely up to the individual,” Jewell said, adding that this made each fish completely unique and the display a joy to witness. And, of course, the Comal River would not be complete without a few tubers, whose tubes and feet are visible from below.

The most popular exhibit, according to Jewell, is the grocery store, which features real food boxes, miniature carts and checkout lanes. The display provides children with a role play opportunity in which every kid will do something different, from picking out foods for dinner, going right to the check out or counting out play money to pay for the next week’s groceries.

Parents enjoy the museum for various reasons. Marie,

a mother of two children from Cibolo, said, “I know my kids can have fun without breaking anything here.”

With her children, age 5 and 3, Marie visits McKenna Children’s Museum every couple of months, especially during the off-season when admission prices are reduced. Adult museum attendees can sit back and relax while their children explore with satisfaction the extensive hands-on exhibits the museum has to offer.

Children immediately flock to the Tot Spot, which features a buildable train track and wooden enclosed toddler area. Complete with foam building blocks and brightly colored developmental toys, toddlers too young to enjoy many other outings will get their admissions ticket’s worth at the McKenna Children’s Museum.

and opportunity, and the pint-sized visitors enjoy being allowed to role-play in atmospheres that are usually restricted to adults.

The Destination Space exhibit gives kids an interactive look at the planets in the solar system as well as an opportunity to ride on a NASA rocket, and after the kids are done flying to the moon, they can scurry over to the Art Room, which is stocked full of paints, life-size paper and more crayons than most kids see in their lifetimes.

The museum also hosts some live creatures, including two freshwater morlett crocodiles and two albino turtles called red-eared sliders. The aquarium is an unexpected perk for museum-goers of all ages.

As kids wander around joyfully, they will stumble upon the New BraunFit health conscious exhibit that features the lungs of a smoker and nonsmoker as well as a body fat calculator. Following in the footsteps of H.C. McKenna, the exhibit starts the health education of children in a user-friendly atmosphere, which is important to learning. Paralleling a community gym, the exhibit teaches kids the steps they can take early on to ensure a healthy life, such as brushing teeth twice a day and the names of the body’s organs and how they work.

The McKenna Hospitable, a small-scale interactive exhibit, certainly honors H.C. McKenna’s legacy with a number of exciting children’s activities, including an ambulance, a hospital waiting room, a doctor’s office and a biomedical laboratory. Leigh, an out-of-town visitor to the museum, commented, “The neat thing is that it exposes kids to science, with the hospital and NASA exhibits. I love the microscopes!”

Children can transport “patients” in the ambulance, complete with working lights and sirens. The waiting room features a full-size skeleton and a gurney, while the doctor’s office allows children to weigh and handle a “baby” while donning the apparel of a real doctor or a nurse.

The biomedical laboratory is also popular and complete with a working microscope and dozens of slides for kids to view, including butterflies and pieces of insects. Imaginations go wild when given the freedom

To see these exhibits and more, visit the McKenna Children’s Museum on 801 West San Antonio Street in New Braunfels.

McKenna Children’s Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is $5.50 Labor Day through Memorial Day, and $7.50 Memorial Day through Labor Day. Children under 12 months are admitted free of charge, and no children are admitted without an adult. Learn more about the museum online at www.mckennakids.org, or call (830) 6069525 for more information.

Bring in your copy of Schertz Magazine this month and receive $1 off per person on your next visit. Offer expires June 30, 2012.

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Rick is a CMSgt in the Air Force and the group superintendent at Wilford Hall Medical Center. His children, while in middle and high schools, began volunteering at the TSA kennels on base, eventually racking up hundreds of community service hours.

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“I listened to them talk constantly about all the adorable puppies who needed foster homes,” recalls Rick. “Then one day my oldest, Phillip, brought 10-week-old Gibson to my office. He looked mild-mannered enough, so we got involved. Ten months later, he was the most intense dog I’d ever seen in my life. He was ready to go to work.”

Jjackman rests after a day’s “work” at the Lowe’s in Schertz with his foster family.

Puppy Love Wanted Rebecca Rainer

“He’s very energetic,” Rick says about Jjackman. “Keeping him active is the best way to burn off some of that energy and prepare him for the job he’ll have in the future.”

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Jjackman is no ordinary dog. He was bred at the Canine Breeding and development Center at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. A division of the Transportation Security Administration, the 10-year-old program is part of a global effort to breed working explosives detection dogs.

The dogs, once they’ve been socialized in homes from 10 weeks to one year of age, will then go on to work in explosives detection at the nation’s mass transit systems.

In order to keep program officials on task and constantly reminded of the role these dogs play in our national security, each dog is named after someone who lost their life in the 9/11 attacks or soldiers who have paid the ultimate price in the fight against terrorism overseas. Gibson was named after Craig Neil Gibson, a broker who died in the World Trade Center.

Jjackman’s namesake is Brooke Alexandra Jackman, a 23-year-old bond trader who died in Tower 1. “The first thing our friends ask is, ‘How can you raise a puppy knowing you’ll have to give him up?’ explains Rick. “It was bittersweet when we said goodbye to Gibson, but it was time. It’s like sending your first kid off to college. You have mixed emotions, but deep down it’s the right thing to do.”

Dedication to Country Starts with Four Paws ON ANY GIVEN AFTERNOON OR weekend around Schertz you’ll probably see him. A 7-month old yellow Lab named Jjackman. He proudly wears his red, working-dog vest while walking next to Rick Goelzhauser, his “temporary dad,” in the parking lots of Wal-Mart, Lowe’s and whatever other errands the family needs to run.

Now on their second foster dog, the Goelzhauser’s are one of hundreds of families in the San Antonio and Austin areas who have served as foster families for 570 puppies bred since 2001. As “Puppywalkers,” these volunteers’ main responsibility is to socialize the dogs and get them used to the sights and sounds of the real world; so when they go into formal training, they aren’t distracted while on the job.

“Our dogs are bred for a very specific purpose. They have the noses, skill and determination to search for explosives in cargo areas, on airplanes and on people walking through airports,” explains Scott Thomas, program manager of the TSA Puppy Program.

“We’re able to help keep our traveling public safe because of the dedication and commitment of volunteers like the Goelzhauser family.”

Rick, his wife Debbie, and their three children first learned about the program when they moved here in 2007.

Today Gibson works with his TSA handler at the Pittsburgh International Airport. That fact alone brings peace of mind to Rick, his family, and all those involved with the program.

“Dogs are amazing at all they can do detecting this and that,” marvels Rick. “Just think if everybody helped raise one puppy how many of them we could have protecting us. I sure would feel a lot safer knowing that all the luggage on the plane I’m boarding was screened by a dog. It’s a small price to pay to give back.”

If you are interested in learning more about the TSA Puppy Program or want to be a volunteer Puppywalker, you can visit www.tsa.gov and enter “Puppy Program,” or call (210) 671-1624.

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Old Glory Flies Proudly In These Parts

Steve Gooding is a man who is not afraid of heights. He has painted flagpoles on the top of tall buildings such as the Tower Life building in downtown San Antonio, state capitol buildings, and most recently the Northcliffe flagpole.

Steve does not need a crane or power lift to accomplish his task. He

uses three pieces of rope. One of the ropes is attached to an old fashioned set of stirrups. One of the other ropes accommodates a modest board seat. With the assistance of a short ladder, to get started, and his “boson’s rig” Steve ascends a flagpole with amazing ease. Paint and tools are elevated to the work site in a 5-gallon bucket.

On the 16th of March, Steve painted the Northcliffe flagpole for the second time. He also replaced the old worn-out “truck” with a stainless steel one. A “truck” is the hardware at the top of the pole which allows the flag to rotate with the wind without wrapping around the pole. The new “truck” should eliminate the “stuck flag” problems of 9/11/10.

David L. Garber When southbound travelers on IH-35 crest the hill just south of Engle Road, the first view of Schertz they see is the U.S. flag flying from the 100-foot flagpole of Northcliffe.

“OLD GLORY” HAS BEEN PROUDLY waving above Northcliffe, with few interruptions, since the mid 1970s when U.S. Home installed it in their new golf course community. The flagpole and flag were funded and maintained by Northcliffe Country Club until 1990, when the golf course was purchased by a limited partnership group.

Residents’ associations in the Northcliffe neighborhood assumed responsibility for the flag and flagpole following the sale. Most of the labor associated with displaying the flag falls to volunteers. The Northcliffe Homeowners Association, the Scenic Hills Community Association and the Fairways at Scenic Hills Homeowners Association share the cost of flying the flag 24/7.

Costs include purchase and repair of flags, paying for the electricity and bulbs for the light that illuminates the flag at night, painting and repair of the flagpole and its mechanisms.

The Texas sun and wind take a constant toll on the fabric of the flags as well as the hardware that it takes to keep them flying. Few things draw 32

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quicker comment from patriots in the community and passersby than a tattered flag.

Maintenance of the flag and flagpole has presented a challenge to the Northcliffe community. It is hard to find a volunteer who will climb a 100-foot pole to rescue a flag stuck at the top or with paint brush in hand, to apply a new coat of paint to a weathered pole. Services are available from companies who specialize in these tasks. They have cranes or lifts and skilled people in their work force. Needless to say they don’t give their services away.

An operation to rescue a stuck and tattered flag on 9/11/2010 cost the associations over $600. While a tattered flag might have been symbolic of what happened on 9/11/2001 the flag couldn’t be brought to half-staff in remembrance without assistance.

If a community is going to maintain a 100-foot flagpole, it is most convenient if a resident of that community is a professional flagpole painter, willing to volunteer his services to the community. Northcliffe is fortunate to have such a resident.

The finishing touch to this operation was the addition of a 12-inch gold ball to the top of the pole. A ground crew assisted Steve in this operation. The ground crew included his father-in-law Melvin Grunwald and, yours truly, David Garber (“The Northcliffe Flag Guy”).

The next time you travel IH-35 or FM-1103 look up and see “Old Glory” flying proudly above the landscape, ponder that this display exists because your fellow Schertz citizens care about this city and this nation. Appreciate that it takes effort, money, and dedication to bring this treasure to our city.

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BizSpot

Brighter Future at Brighter Futures A Brighter Future, One Student at a Time Andrea M. Allinger Four years ago, with one acre of property on Borgfeld Road and a loan from Schertz Bank and Trust, Rhonda Williams began her journey as a business owner with the foundation of Brighter Futures Learning Center.

AS WILLIAMS SITS ON A PINT sized chair in a large activity room of the learning center, she speaks of the success she’s had opening a business in Schertz with misty eyes and remembers, “the community showed a need for quality care. . .I didn’t plan on growing so fast,” as the wait-list for spaces grew rapidly by the end of 2009.

After speaking with her business advisor, David Baenziger, Williams decided to begin construction on the expansion of the learning center just after Labor Day 2011. With the assistance of Porfirio Hernandez with Sal-Tex General Contractors and Shawn Willis with Acuform Architecture, the expansion was complete in five months, costing over one million dollars.

The extra capacity was nearly filled as soon as the expansion was opened in February 2012, the center accepts children from 6 weeks of age to 12 years old--an extensive array of extracurricular activities are available, including computer classes, karate, gymnastics, and dance, as well as busing to and from school.

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At the ribbon cutting ceremony for the expansion last March, Williams’ mother, Carolyn Muras, teared up as she spoke of her daughter’s accomplishment. She recalls that Williams had a difficult time “getting her kids into a decent daycare,” which sparked the initial founding of Brighter Futures. Muras laughs that she was in “shock and awe of the new facility,” that had been added on to the original building.

“We hope we represent Schertz the way it should be—a good place to live and a good place to raise a family,” said Williams’ husband, Rodney Williams at the ceremony The family fosters a strong sense of community and togetherness—qualities that are apparent in the Brighter Futures Learning Center, along with Rhonda William’s genuine dedication.

Rhonda and Rodney Williams were high school sweethearts who have been together for 21 years and married for 10 years. Rodney currently works as a football coach at Samuel Clemens High School.

The best part of her job, Williams relates, is “putting a smile on a child’s face,” and as Brighter Futures Learning Center is licensed for 185 children, a lot of smiles go around. Williams credits her “wonderful staff” with the success of her business, relaying, “I can’t say how much I appreciate them.”

Williams and Brighter Futures have an active role in the community, involved in such organizations as the Schertz Chamber of Commerce, the National Association for the Education of Young Children, Adopt-AHighway, and the Schertz-Cibolo Lions Club, modeling good citizenship for the children who attend the learning center.

Brighter Futures Learning Center is open from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm Monday through Friday and is located just off of FM 3009 at 1213 Borgfeld Rd, and can be found online at www. brighterfutureslc.com or by phone at 210-566-1999.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Not applicable to Medicare Beneficiaries due to regulations.

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Baptist Emergency Hospital Coming Travis E. Poling with Chuck McCollough

When Baptist Health System and medical developer Emerus announced they would build a freestanding emergency hospital in Schertz, it came as little surprise to those who knew the demographics.

in the Schertz community can only help overall healthcare development including bringing more specialty doctors.

WITH 33,000 PEOPLE AND unit broke ground in June 2009 just A close emergency room is not only additional population growth in smaller surrounding cities, health care services are flocking to Schertz.

Baptist will operate the emergency room on the ground floor of the $11 million, 20,000-square-foot facility and clinics will fill the upper floor for numerous medical services. It will be one of several emergency hospital Baptist is planning for the north San Antonio area.

“The demographics are very good here with military families and a great school district,” said David Gwin, executive director of the Schertz Economic Development Corp. The population is mixed with an average age of 35 and average household income of $75,000 a year. “We’re all getting older, so the need for health care is getting more pronounced.”

Carey Birmingham has been developing the Schertz Parkway Professional Plaza steadily since the first 36

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off Interstate 35 at Schertz Parkway, and has been steadily expanding as doctors, clinics and other medical services seek out a piece of the Schertz pie.

Birmingham said he had asked Baptist to come into his 19,000-squarefoot phase 3, a two-story development on the back of the property, but added that the healthcare system wanted its own frontage on a major street or roadway for more visibility.

SPPP Phase 3 is now half pre-leased and will break ground after the rest of the prospective tenants sign on, he said.

Northeast OB/GYN Associates was the first major tenant in 2010 and endocrinology, pediatrics, dental, radiology, orthopedics, nephrology and dermatology followed soon after, Birmingham said.

Birmingham said Baptist’s presence

good for young families with sick children, but is a benefit to older residents, officials said.

In fact, the $25 million Merritt Lakeside Senior Village is slated to open in late 2012 providing apartment living for senior citizens on Borgfeld Road near FM 3009.

“The entire IH-35 corridor between San Antonio and New Braunfels has been closing in with jobs spurring population growth,” said Chris Kean, chief operating officer of San Antonio Orthopaedic Group. “Now the businesses are following them.”

The group has an entire building in Schertz Parkway Professional Plaza and moved in doctors, physical therapy and casting services. Only three months in, Kean said, “I already feel like it might be too small.”

With that much growth, Kean said, the Baptist ER is a major positive

for the community and San Antonio Orthopaedic hopes to augment those services as soon as the emergency situation is stabilized. “We wanted to be in a medically focused area,” and healthcare providers follow one another as that sector grows so Schertz is well on its way to exploding as a medical center, she said.

For Baptist, the emergency center helps capture not only the immediate business of a growing community, but also builds relationships that can feed their nearby full-service hospitals such as Northeast Baptist.

With nearby choices like North-

east Methodist south of Schertz and Christus Santa Rosa in New Braunfels for elective surgery or other non-emergency treatment, the strategy gives Baptist a helping hand in competition.

Methodist Healthcare System adapted this philosophy when it opened the area’s first freestanding ER in Boerne with accompanying medical office buildings. Now Baptist is opening several in the San Antonio area and Christus Santa Rosa is following suit.

The ER is promising 15-minute wait times.

“Our mission at Baptist Health System is to be an innovative leader in providing quality and accessible health care to the people of San Antonio in a way that best meets our patients’ needs,” said Graham Reeve, CEO of Baptist Health System, in a written statement last year. “Minutes matter in an emergency situation and improving access to emergency medical care is crucial to the health and well being of our growing communities. We believe that these freestanding emergency facilities will make a difference in people’s lives.” continued on page 39

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NOW OPEN in SCHERTZ Your health & wellness is our first concern.

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

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continued from page 37

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The hospital’s new and innovative concept in emergency care treatment fits well with the diverse and specialized health care sector in Schertz. In just the past two or three years, that sector has grown to include: • Schertz Parkway Professional Plaza - a campus setting of freestanding buildings housing medical and dental offices.

• Schertz Medical Home - A new-generation, outpatient facility for U.S. military members located out where many U.S. service personnel and their families live in the SchertzRandolph AFB area.

• The WellMed in Schertz - located at 608 Schertz Parkway in the same building as the Schertz Area Senior Center.

Another major component of the local health care sector is Schertz EMS - the city department that provides ambulance service and associated health services like immunizations for Schertz and its neighboring communities. EMS is expected to make a lot of runs to the new emergency hospital.

The evolution and diversity of the health care industry in Schertz can be seen in the influx of new, young medical and dental professionals.

They complement and reinforce doctors and dentists who have served the Schertz area for many years.

The health care sector in Schertz consists of between 20 and 30 health care locations employing hundreds of professionals. And that will grow

with Baptist Emergency Hospital and other health care providers it attracts to Schertz.

It has been said that a healthy community is best measured by the availability of nearby health care. By that definition Schertz is getting better and better. Every year more specialized medical and dental offices here are offering more procedures closer to home.

The word is out in the healthcare community of South Texas, Schertz is the place to be.

schertz@tso.com

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AS A YOUNG GIRL GROWING UP ON the family farm in New Berlin, Texas, Lauren Burns, developed a passion for the outdoors, animals and strong family values. She has a confident, easilygoing personality and her enthusiasm for life shines through her smile. She is proud of her family’s long established Texas heritage and to be able to contribute her part in continuing to keep her grandfather’s legacy alive in following in the footsteps of her family’s business.

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Burns’ enthusiasm for the outdoors and animals was encouraged and developed by her mother who enjoyed raising and breeding horses, and also raised pigs, chickens, and Nigerian dwarf goats on the family farm.

When Burns was 14-years-old her mother offered her an opportunity to raise a 6- week- old American Paint Horse whose mother had suddenly died. She became completed devoted to her beloved horse she named Will, bottle feeding him until he was old enough to survive on his own.

In time she would saddle break him and with the help and guidance of both her mother and neighbor, trained the horse to show him at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. Burns enjoyed competing at horse shows as well as ranch rodeos in the surrounding San Antonio areas in events such as barrel racing, goat tying, reigning, western pleasure and halter.

Burns graduated from Marion High School where she was active in the school’s volleyball and golf teams and raised show pigs through the Future Farmers of America (FFA). Together she and Will participated in the Guadalupe County Miss Round-Up Competition two separate years and Burns was chosen by the other contestants both years to receive the Miss Congeniality Award.

“Being on the Miss Round-Up Court wasn’t about just walking around with a crown on, you had to represent the county at various functions and pa-

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rades for the whole year,” said Burns.

“The experience taught me a lot about learning to communicate with other people and with animals better, as well as self-presentation and how people perceive you.”

Burns’ strong Texas heritage can be traced back 5-6 generations on both sides of her parents’ families. One of her great-great-grandmothers was born and raised in Florence, Texas. The other side of the family was originally from Louisiana where they owned a plantation and eventually relocated from Louisiana to San Antonio in the 1920s. One of her great-grandma’s were part of the Daughters of the American Revolution. In 1959, her grandfather was elected to serve in the House of Representatives’ 56th legislature for San Antonio District 68-1.

Burns has many fond memories of her experiences growing up and feels fortunate to have had a childhood that offered many different types of experiences and opportunities that allowed her to learn about life. She grew up with one older sister but has a large extended family and grew up living next door to her grandparents as well as her aunt, uncle and cousins.

Burns is an ambitious person who describes herself as someone who enjoys finding new things to get involved in and who has a lot of interests. During high school she worked part-time at the New Berlin and Feed Store loading feed and then as a waitress at Next Door Restaurant. After high school she attended Blinn Junior College in Bryan, Texas, where she trained as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

During that time, Burns also enjoyed working at a local pet store selling pet supplies and on weekends worked on landscaping and maintenance at her family’s business, Vallance Security Systems, a locally owned and operated residential and commercial security system business. continued on page 42 JUNE 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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Up&

Coming

Home Security Everyone’s Job

Family Security Business Secure

Kari Bridges

continued from page 41 In 1954, her grandfather founded Vallance Security Systems in San Antonio and then moved the business in 1992 to its present location in Schertz, near Commercial Place off FM 1518. It was during her childhood that Burns grew up helping in the business and learning job skills; first beginning with stuffing envelopes to eventually helping in the bookkeeping department.

For many years, Burns believes she grew up resisting becoming part of the family business. Several years after graduating from high school she would come to the realization that she wanted to be part of her grandfather’s legacy and changed the course of her life. She decided to attend San Antonio College and began taking classes related toward the family business eventually earning her Associates Degree in Business Administration. During her time at San Antonio College, Burns was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, an honor society for 2 year colleges and also received part-time honors.

“Security and the safety of others have been in my family for several generations starting with my great-grandfather who was a night patrolman for neighborhoods in San Antonio,” Burns explained.

Burns is an active member, as well as an Ambassador Representative, of the Schertz Chamber of Commerce and also belongs to their young professionals group known as hYPer – Helping Young Professionals Entrepreneurs Resource. As one of 16 members of the 42

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Ambassador Committee, Burns represents the Schertz Chamber of Commerce and serves as a link between the Chamber board, staff and the general membership. This connection gives her the opportunity to network and develop relationships with other local business people and leaders in the Schertz community. Last November, Burns was honored by the Chamber to receive the Volunteer of the Year Award for her participation in city and chamber events that took place throughout the year.

“I like Schertz and I think it’s a great area to be in. It has a small town feel in a sense, yet it is still a city. I became involved with the chamber because it allowed me to do something constructive with my spare time and become more involved with the community It’s a great opportunity to meet people and learn from them. Everyone has a life, or work, experience that I can learn from. I think hYPer is an amazing opportunity for anybody who is looking to develop professional relationships with businesses in the community. It is a rapidly growing group. We are in the process of developing fundraising opportunities to get more involved with the community “I really like helping people and it usually ends up being so much fun that it doesn’t feel like you’re working,” she explained.

Burns wanted to follow the example of her grandfather, who was active in the San Antonio community for many years, by becoming involved in the Schertz community where she has

been employed for the last nine years.

Today, she enjoys working in several different capacities at Vallance Security Systems from customer service, account managing and human resources.

As a family operated business, Burns looks forward to working on a daily basis with her family members including her grandfather who works part-time at the business. Each member of the family and staff plays a vital role in the day to day functions and continued success of the business.

As Burns looks toward the future she plans her March 2013 wedding, on Texas Independence Day, to her fiancé, Eric, whom she has known since her earliest elementary school days.

They chose that date to represent the love that they both share for the state of Texas and couldn’t imagine living their life together anywhere else. Together they enjoy hunting and fishing in the South Texas area.

“I love fishing; it’s nice to have bonding time with family and close friends.

I’d rather go fishing with the guys then shopping with the girls anytime, I’m that girl,” said Burns.

Schertz requires an alarm permit for every alarm site in the city.

Permit applications are available at the Schertz Police Department or online at schertz.com.

Call (210) 619-1200 for more information.

IF YOUR RESIDENCE OR BUSINESS has a security system installed, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you are taking advantage of the safety benefits the system offers. In the event of a medical, fire, safety, or other emergency your alarm system will notify the monitoring services which then contact local emergency services to respond. It is crucial to have your system connected to a monitoring service and have it tested regularly to ensure the system is functioning properly.

It is important to test your alarm system on a monthly basis with their alarm company to ensure that the equipment is working properly and avoid a break in the system that could go undetected.

The simplest and most effective way to test your security system may be to call your alarm company and indicate you would like to test your system, then set off your alarm, wait a few minutes, then call the central station and verify that they received the signal. Most systems have an internal test that allows the security system to test the connection between the panel and the monitoring station on its own. However, it is still important to test the system manually.

Home security systems range from basic to sophisticated methods. An effective security system will include one or more of the following components depending on your security needs. These include an audible alarm that is intended to frighten away burglars before they enter your home.

Motion detectors monitor both indoor and outdoor areas and will alert you if an intruder is present. Outdoor motion detectors may trigger floodlights and an

alarm, while an interior version will set your regular alarm system off.

Monitoring services will call you when your alarm has been sent off and is good reassurance if you are often away from your home.

Video surveillance lets you monitor extensive grounds or property from one screen.

Remember to keep the alarm permit current. If you are uncertain if you are required to have an alarm permit you should contact the authority that would respond in the area, county or city that you live in.

Keep in mind that the age of the security system, or a recent change in phone service provides, can affect the reliability of the system. Reasons why your security system may fail to send a signal to the dispatching station may have nothing to do with your alarm company. Changing the wiring of your phone system, upgrading to voice over or the cable company’s phone service can unintentionally disengage your alarm panel. Adding DSL Internet service can also interfere with your alarm panel functionally if not setup properly. It is important to contact your alarm company before you make any changes to your phone or data service.

Be sure to do a manual phone test of your alarm system after any telephone, Internet, cable or other wiring wok is completed on your home. Test the system while the technician is still on-site so any issue can be resolved quickly and you can insure your system is functioning properly.

Lauren Burns, of Vallance Security Systems, near Commercial Place off 1518 in Schertz, has come up with 10 eye-opening ideas on how to better prepare yourself and family from burglars.

Expensive children’s toys left outside could indicate that you may have an expensive gaming system or electronics inside your home.

If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don’t let your alarm company install the control pad where it can be seen.

A good security company alarms the window over the sink and the windows on the second floor, which offers access to the Master Bedroom, and your jewelry.

It’s not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

Remember that burglars don’t take the day off for bad weather. Remember to always lock your doors and secure your home before you leave.

Burglars sometime will check to see if you are home by knocking on your door for some made up purpose to see if you will answer your door.

Burglars will look for homes that have newspapers piled up on the driveway.

They may leave a flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.

Burglars will always check in dresser drawers, the bedside table and the medicine cabinet.

They will almost never go into kid’s rooms.

They may not have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables, but if it is not bolted down they may take it with them.

A loud TV or radio can be a great deterrent. If you are reluctant to leave your TV on while you’re out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a time and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. Find it at www.faketv.com

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JUNE EVENTS Civic Center: June 19

Schertz Chamber Luncheon

July 20-22

Community Center: June 9-10

Alamo Pet Expo

Arts, Crafts and Jewelry Show

1400 Schertz Pkwy, Bldg. #5

(210) 619-1600

We are working for you, Schertz!

CivicNewz

May 2012

Sweet Victory City Council Jim Fowler (in Stars and Stripes shirt) celebrates his reelection victory at his home Saturday night, May 12.

Those in attendance included Mayor Pro Tem David Scagliola, who also was re-elected, and City Council members George Antuna and Cedric Edwards.

City Council Honors City Secretary Mayor Pro Tem David Scagliola read a proclamation declaring April 29-May 5 as Municipal Clerks Week during a City Council meeting May 1. Looking on are City Secretary Brenda Dennis, left, and Deputy City Secretary Cindy Raleigh. Not shown is Traci Paprocki, Records Coordinator and a member of the City Secretary’s staff.

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Council Proclamation Urges Motorcycle Safety And Awareness City Council on May 1 presented a proclamation declaring May as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness month in the city. Present for the ceremony were area riders from the Confederation of Clubs and Independent Riders.

From left are motorcycle enthusiasts Keith Wall, Sentinels Bubbles, Southern Cruisers Rooster, and Ron “Rocky” Zuniga and Mayor Pro Tem David Scagliloa, who presented the proclamation.

FUN FACT: MOTOR OIL NEVER WEARS OUT, IT JUST GETS DIRTY. Oil can be recycled, re-refined and used again, reducing our reliance on imported oil.

JUNE 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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Calendarz

CivicNewz Schertz Represented at Sysco Celebration

June 2012 Monday, 4 Library Advisory Board 7:00 PM - Schertz Public Library

City of Schertz officials on Saturday, May 5, attended a Sysco Central Texas employee open house and Schertz Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting at the giant, 600,000-plus square foot facility at Schwab Road and IH-35 North in Schertz.

Tuesday, 5 City Council 6:00 PM - Council Chambers

From left, are: City Manager John Kessel, City Council members Cedric Edwards Sr. and Jim Fowler; Sysco Central Texas President and CEO Bill Fisher and Executive Vice President Stephen Higgs, and Mayor Pro Tem David Scagliola.

Thursday, 7 Transportation Safety Advisory Commission 5:30 PM - Council Chambers Monday, 11 Buffalo Valley Youth Association 6:00 PM - 401 Oak St. Tuesday,12 City Council 6:00 PM - Council Chambers Wednesday,13 Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM - Council Chambers

The Fourth Annual Wilenchik Walk for Life, held March 3 and sponsored by HEB, raised $23,000 for UT Health Science Center’s Cancer Therapy and Research Center (CTRC)

Tuesday, 19 City Council, 6:00 PM—Council Chambers

The event, which drew about 500 participants this year, is named for former City Councilman Tony Wilenchik who lost his fight with cancer.

Monday, 25 Parks & Recreation Advisory Board 5:30 PM – Bob Andrews Room Board of Adjustments 6:00 PM - Council Chambers Tuesday, 26 City Council, 6:00 PM - Council Chambers Wednesday, 27 Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM - Council Chambers Thursday, 28 Economic Development Corporation 6:00 PM - Council Chambers ***Meeting locations may change, please visit the calendar at www.schertz.com for confirmation.*** 48

Wilenchik Walkers Raise $23,000 for CTRC

SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM JUNE 2012

During the May 1 City Council meeting Mayor Pro Tem David Scagliola presented a check for $22,951.06 to Dr. Steve Weitman, Director of CTRC’s Institute for Drug Development. The donation brought to $106,000 the amount raised for CTRC in the four years the event has been held.

Also taking part in the check presentation was Wilenchik’s widow, Valerie Wilenchik; Vicki Shapiro, Sarcoma Support Group; Mary Spence, Schertz Events Coordinator; and Sheri Ortiz, CTRC Director of Development.

HEB’s sponsorship of the Wilenchik Walk helped offset operating expenses so that funds from registration and the Signs of Love go directly to the CTRC. photo - Holding the the check presented to CTRC are, from left, DeeAnn McFarlin and Connie Jones from HEB; Valerie Wilenchik; Dr. Steve Weitman and Sheri Ortiz from CTRC; and Vicki Shapiro from Sarcoma Support Group.

Special Visitor

Other City officials attending included Schertz Economic Development Board members President Harry Whitney and members Tim Brown and Rosemary Scott.

Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade visits with City Manager John Kessel and Executive Director of Support David J. Harris at the Schertz Chamber of Commerce Luncheon April 17 in the Civic Center. Andrade was guest speaker for the chamber event.

City Honors Melvin Golla’s Many Contributions The City of Schertz honored a pillar of the community on April 27 with a proclamation honoring retiring Schertz Bank President and CEO Melvin Golla. A proclamation signed by Mayor Pro Tem David Scagliola said it does “hereby proclaim and recognize Melvin Golla for his service of 39 years to Schertz Bank and Trust and commend him for his contribution to the growth and viability of the citizens and businesses of the Schertz area.”

From left are Mark Sunderman, new Schertz Bank President and CEO; Mayor Pro Tem David Scagliola; Melvin Golla; and bank chairman Roy Richard, Jr. JUNE 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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IMPORTANT SCHERTZ

#info PHONE NUMBERS City of Schertz Elected Officials Mayor Pro Tem: David Scagliola

(830) 606-1130

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

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

Council Members:

City Departments: City of Schertz Animal Control Business/Utilities City Manager City Secretary Civic Center Customer Care/311

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(210) 619-1000 (210) 619-1550 (210) 619-1100 (210) 619-1000 (210) 619-1030 (210) 619-1600 (210) 619-1000

SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM JUNE 2012

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

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

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 210619-1630.

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

NEWS POLICY Schertz Magazine encourages submission of news and event announcement items. News and event announcements must include contact name and contact phone number. All news and event items must be for activities that occur inside the Schertz city limits. Publication cannot be guaranteed. If you would like to submit an item to Schertz 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 nonmerit 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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OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS 1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY SCHERTZ, TEXAS 78154

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