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SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM October 2011
October 2011 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM
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October 2011
Featurez
Chuck McCollough Editor
Mayor Hal Baldwin
Editor’z Letter “Main Street has never stopped being the heart of Schertz.” Those words spoken by City Manager John Kessel capture the theme of our October issue: There is New Life in Old Schertz. Newcomers, those who have lived here for a while and lifelong residents all recognize the charm and appeal of the city’s downtown, which is the Main Street/FM 78 area. Several of our stories look at the new life in that area, like new businesses coming to Main Street, including a new coffee shop where the city manager and Mayor Hal Baldwin were spotted recently enjoying a coffee break while reminiscing about the street’s history. The coffee shop and several other businesses are in the Main Plaza Building, which has a basement and also a ghost (just in time for Halloween), according to a number of employees. Another story examines the interesting downtown history and how a number of historic buildings are still in use today, a testament to Schertz’ appreciation for the past. We also visit with Dan and Dianne Gembarowski, a talented and friendly couple who have been renovating a historic house in Old Schertz for 20 years. Call it a Labor of Love. And they are not alone. Others are restoring and renovating charming and grand houses in the area. Stay tune for more stories on those in future issues of Schertz Magazine. Also in October, read about the one-of–kind-in-Texas rowing machine at the Schertz Family YMCA and a report on the South Schertz Charrette vision for that area. And you’ll get a kick out of one mom’s ode to soccer season. All of that and much more in this issue of your Schertz Magazine.
City Council Jim Fowler David Scagliola Michael Carpenter Cedric Edwards, Sr. George Antuna, Jr. Executive Management John Kessel, City Manager John Bierschwale, Assistant City Manager David J. Harris, Assistant City Manager
PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY
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B. E. Bailey Director, Public Affairs, Publisher Chuck McCollough Editor Alexis Souza Creative Director Chris Matzenbacher Sales Director Mary Spence Events Coordinator
Departmentz
Linda Ervin Sr. Administrative Assistant Shelby O’Neill Copy Editor Brittany Losey Senior Writer Contributing Writers B.E. Bailey, Chuck McCollough, Mary Spence, Lucille Sims Thomas, Andrea Allinger, Joel Williams, Kari Bridges, Kiko Martinez, Denise Marcos, Donna Thompson, Gabby Ford, Alexis De La Garza, Elsie Baker Photographers B.E. Bailey, Chuck McCollough, Mary Spence, Robert Burton,, Mike Harris, Bryan Nguyen, Joe Herczeg, Diana Webb, Andrea Allinger, Kari Bridges, Zachary Carter Schertz Magazine is published monthly by the Public Affairs Department of the City of Schertz. Our mailing address is 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. The official publication of the City of Schertz promotes city, community, and business activities associated with the City. © City of Schertz, Texas. The editorial office of Schertz Magazine is at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. Call (210) 619-1630. Fax (210) 619-1619. Website is schertz.com. schertzmagazine.com
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31 Columnz
City Newz
10 Updatez
24 What’s Old is New Again
34 Row, Row, Row Your Machine
42 Civic Newz
29 Living History
37 Profilez: You Can Go Home Again
15 Bargainz & Prizez 16 Momz 16 Seniorz 17 Kitchen Kudoz
31 Caretakers of History
On the Cover
19 Animalz 20 Clemens Chatter
OCTOBE R
SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM October 2011
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Talk of the Townz Feature Storiez
C O N N E C T I N G
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T H E
2011 C O R R I D O R
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Steve White stands at the end of a long hall in his historic home, the former community hospital on Main Street in Schertz. The area of Old Schertz is getting more attention these days.
45 Tomorrowland Vision 46 David Gwin Named Schertz EDC Director 48 Chamber Newz 50 Calendar & Contactz
October 2011 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM
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Talk ofthe Townz October 2011
Under The Big Top Join the Schertz Family YMCA and the Schertz Public Library as we go under the big top for our Second Annual Fall Festival. Games, activities and crafts will be available for the whole family in the YMCA gym on Friday, October 21, from 5:00-8:00 PM. Walk the tightrope and brave the ring of fire for a variety of prizes. This program is free and open to the public; a YMCA membership is not required to attend. Please bring a non-perishable food item for entry.
Cibolo Congregation Celebrates Fall with Festive Fair Cibolo Valley Baptist Church will hold its Fall Festival October 31 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. The church is located at 5500 FM 1103 in Cibolo. Games, prizes, food, face painting, moon walk, dunking booth and duck pond are among the activities. For more information, call Sandra Phillips at (210) 722-6262. 10
SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM October 2011
WellMed Collecting Items for Bastrop Fire Victims The WellMed in Schertz Clinic at 608 Schertz Parkway is collecting non-monetary donations for more than 1,500 families whose homes have been destroyed by wildfires in Bastrop and surrounding Central Texas communities. Donations will be accepted through October 14 during regular business hours 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Items in great need include: • Clothing (new or gently used) • Toiletries • Paper goods • Bedding • First Aid / Medical Supplies • Non-perishable food and water • Baby items (diapers, bottles, etc.) • Pet items (food, bedding, cages, etc) Monetary donations will not be accepted at WellMed clinics and should be directed to the American Red Cross (american.redcross. org/sanantonio). Supplies will be delivered to non-profit aid groups working to help families displaced by the wildfires.
Trunk or Treat Event October 31
Be a part of the City of Schertz Trunk or Treat from 6:00 - 8:00 PM on October 31 at Pickrell Park, 701 Oak St. Schertz Fire, Police and EMS personnel, as well as area churches and businesses, will host this annual safe Halloween experience. Candy and other treats will be shared for all participants. For more information, contact John Perry at (210) 619-1300.
Pumpkin Patch at Bracken Uniited Methodist
Pumpkin Patch Has Thousands of Pumpkins... and Visitors Bracken United Methodist Church will operate a Pumpkin Patch from 9:00 AM to dusk, seven days a week, now through Halloween at 22377 FM 2252, about a half-mile north of the intersection at FM 3009. During October, more than 50 school groups from a four-county area are expected to visit the patch, which has more than 15,000 pumpkins. Special displays of costumed scarecrows and fantasy characters
are arranged for taking that perfect picture of your family, children or grandchildren amidst the festival of fall colors and characters. In the evenings and on weekends, there are hayrides and the special Pumpkin Patch Express Train rides for the children. More than 20,000 visitors are expected this Halloween period. For more information, call (803) 606-6717.
Meet the Neighbors on National Night Out Texas will celebrate National Night Out on Tuesday, October 4, two months later than the rest of the nation. Schertz will observe the occasion from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. To participate in the city-sponsored celebration, contact Schertz Officer Sean Ceeko at sceeko@ schertz.com. For more information about the national event, click on nationaltownwatch.org. October 2011 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM
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Be As Smart As Your Phone, Use Schertz QR Signs Miss Schertz, Caitlin Baumgarten, uses her smartphone to read a Schertz Trailz sign. QR code use in Schertz is expanding, bringing quicker and easier information access to residents and visitors. More about QR Trailz at schertz.com.
Clemens AFJROTC Holding BBQ For Veterans The Clemens High School AFJ ROTC is sponsoring a free barbecue dinner for all active duty and retired veterans from 5:00 to 6:30 PM on Thursday, November 10, at the Large Pavilion Pickrell Park. For more information, call Cadet Capt. Dillon Patrick at (757) 268-1337.
Classic Cars Event To Support Military Heroes, Families The Forum at Olympia Parkway will host a free charity event October 15 with the 9th Annual Vettes and Classic Car Show from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. All proceeds from the event will be donated to Military Warriors Support Foundation, Fisher House, Operation Home Front and the Animal Defense League. Proceeds are derived from car entry fees, a silent auction and donations. The event, sponsored by the Alamo Area Corvette Club, will be held at the bottom of the parking lot down from Old Navy. For more information call (210) 833-5193. 12
SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM October 2011
Get Ready to Ring in the Holidays After a summer of record-setting temperatures, thinking of winter and planning for the holidays can’t come too soon. Festival of Angels, the City’s official kick-off for the holidays, is just around the corner. We are looking for parade participants for the Lighted
Night Parade to be held Friday, December 2. Pull out those mittens and scarves, and come ready to scale Mt. Schertz. For more information and to register for the lighted night parade, visit schertz.com
Diabetes Support Group Forming at Senior Center A new diabetes support group will meet from 11:45 AM-1:30 PM the last Wednesday of each month at the Schertz Area Senior Center, 204 Schertz Parkway. Cost is $20 per year and scholarships are available. For more information call Amy Harris at (830) 379-2153 or email her at akharris@ag.tamu.edu
October 2011 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM
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BARGAINZ & PRIZEZ
Momz
My Take: Ode to Soccer Season By Elise Baker
There’s nothing like it, that’s a fact. And after three years of coaching, I have the code cracked.
WIN A GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR A two-night stay at Plantation Suites & Conference Center in Port Aransas. Locate the fish pictured above in one AD somewhere in this issue of Schertz Magazine. Visit schertzmagazine.com and complete the entry form to be entered into this month’s drawing.
Want to be a Cub Scout or Boy Scout? Any boy or teen interested in being a Cub Scout or Boy Scout can visit beascout.org or call Courtney Bukowski at (210) 296-7623. It is a good way to learn to “Be Prepared.”
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SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM October 2011
Pampering For Breast Cancer Patients Offered KM Impressions and Brown-eye Girl Photography have teamed up to offer a Beauti-for-u experience for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Come in and let yourself be pampered. Call (210) 655-4624 to set up an appointment for yourself or a loved one.
LOCATE THE PUMPKIN HEAD 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 gift certificate drawing.
Youth soccer in Schertz causes quite a stir. The off-season has whizzed by in a blur. The weekend after school starts, the kids get ready. They know the next week they’re gonna get sweaty. When the coaches place that fateful call, It truly starts to feel like Fall. “Yay, I’m a Shark again!” Tommy shouts. Though moving up a division means bigger fields, more players … and some doubts. But at the first practice, the coaches welcome everyone … and we all settle in to have some fun. There’s always a kid or two whose listening skills are not up to par. Or whose parents push us coaches just a tad too far. But overall, coaching is a treat … especially when our team is the one to beat! They say it’s recreational, and we’re not supposed to play to win. To that, I just nod and grin. Before each game, we huddle up … and I see the little smiles and think, “Yup!” This is where I’m meant to be. A mom … a coach … a winner … That’s me! Youth soccer in Schertz is an amazing thing. You never know what a new season will bring Hard work as a coach pays off in amazing ways. I will look back when I’m old and realize these were the glory days. There’s nothing better than a little sweaty face who smiles up at you while you tie his cleat lace. There’s nothing better than the sight of a player trying with all of her might. Oh, soccer season … you are here again! Time for all the fun to begin. Good luck, everyone! Have a great season! Coach Elise October 2011 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM
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Seniorz
Holiday Happeningz at the Center SENIOR CENTER GETS FESTIVE FOR BIRTHDAY AND HALLOWEEN CELEBRATIONS
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210-592-1138
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By Donna Thompson Senior Center Director
August 26 was a wonderful day at the Schertz Area Senior Center as we celebrated our member’s August Birthdays. These special seniors sat at a table that was decorated and reserved just for them and were served their meal along with cake and ice cream. Costco supplied the cake and ice cream, and HYPER served our seniors. (HYPER is a group of young professionals from the Schertz Area Chamber of Commerce who want to help serve our community.) Lou Paliani entertained everyone by playing his guitar and singing. Thanks to Costco, HYPER and Lou, everyone had a great time! This day was made even more special as we set a record attendance by serving 102 lunches. Our next big event at the Schertz Area Senior Center will be a costume dance on October 29 that everyone is welcome to attend. The price is $8.00 for members and $10.00 for non-members. Get your ticket soon as they will go fast! Hope to see you there! So get that costume ready, and be ready to rock for Halloween! For more information call (210) 619-1974. 16
SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM October 2011
Kitchen Kudoz
FRESH FARE Taza’s Coffee Serves Up Baked Goods and Exotic Flavors By Andrea Allinger
Ray Ayoub and his wife, Sherry Ayoub continued on page 18 October 2011 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM
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Kitchen Kudoz
Animalz
Taza’s Coffee Serves Up Baked Goods and Exotic Flavors
A Howling Halloween
continued from page 18
PAWDEROSA RANCH PRESENTS ANNUAL HOWL-O-WEENIE ROAST By Kari Bridges
Two years ago, former car salesman Ray Ayoub took advantage of the recession and abandoned his 15-year career to open his own restaurant. Although Ayoub invests more than 80 hours each week into his Tazas Coffee, his eyes glisten when he speaks about his passion for food.
son blend up fresh coffee drinks and brew specialty teas, such as Tazas’ walnut green tea. Weekends include live music and a hookah bar, with more than 25 flavors of shisha (or flavored tobacco) ranging from French vanilla to cinnamon apple. Enjoy the quiet seclusion on the plush indoor seating, or try the large patio seating during those cool fall nights. Tazas’ hours are Monday through Thursday from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM and Friday through Sunday from 6:00 AM to midnight. Free unlimited wifi is available during operating hours.
“Most people are just making it anyway, living paycheck to paycheck, so you might as well do what you love,” Ayoub said. “When you do what you love, you’re happy.” A self-proclaimed stickler for food quality and taste, Ayoub doesn’t even cut a tomato until the order has been placed. One bite of the chicken Panini made with mozzarella cheese, pesto and grape tomatoes, and you’ll be hooked on the eatery’s freshness. The flavorful blend of high-quality ingredients offers your taste buds a welcome retreat from the world of greasy, bland food. The coffee at Tazas is wood-fired in the Texas Hill Country, and its smooth richness compliments the cafe’s 18
SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM October 2011
famously fresh-baked cinnamon rolls beautifully. Made from croissant dough left to rise overnight, topped with a vanilla glaze and baked each morning by 7:00 AM, Tazas’ cinnamon rolls create a new addiction with each bite. The cinnamon rolls are available daily on a limited basis, so get there early to catch your own warm delight. Tazas Coffee is a family
affair, as Ayoub’s wife, Sherry, and son, Daniel, can often be found smiling from behind the counter. Sherry recalled that although she didn’t plan on helping with the shop, she knew it would take up most of her husband’s time and wanted to be with him. Ayoub spends his days in the kitchen cooking up fresh-to-order paninis, pizzas and cinnamon rolls while his wife and
Tazas Coffee, which draws its name from the Spanish word for cups, is located at 3126 Pat Booker Road in Universal City and can be found at www.tazalicious.com or on Facebook. Bring this article in today, and receive a buy-one. getone-free discount on any food or beverage on the menu (excluding bakery items). Offer expires at the end of the month.
In Schertz, Halloween isn’t just for kids but for the entire family, including the dog. Owners Mike Mitchell and Kim Smith of Pawderosa Ranch Doggie Play and Stay in Schertz, a boarding and daycare kennel that offers all day play for dogs, will host their sixth annual Howl-O-Weenie Roast celebration to benefit the Animal Friends Humane Society in San Antonio. The event will be held at 120 Windy Meadows Drive, off FM 1518 between IH-35 and FM 78, on Saturday,
October 22, from 7:00 to 11:30 PM and will include live entertainment from the Texas country band Two Tons of Steel, food, vendor and information booths, casino games, human and dog costume contests and a silent auction.
“Break out your favorite costume, human or dog, and dance your tail off.”
Celebrity judges include Chris Duel of ESPN Radio, Kelly Kendall of Magic 105 FM and Randy Bonillas of 99.5 KISS FM. “This party is a chance for dog lovers to get together, have some fun and listen to great music while supporting a worthy cause,” Smith said.
Tickets go on sale October 1 and may be purchased ahead of time or on the day of the event at Pawderosa Ranch. Adults tickets cost $15, children 12 and under cost $5, and dogs are free. If you are bringing your dog, remember to keep it on its leash at all times during the event. October 2011 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM
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Sportz
Clemens Chatter BACK TO SCHOOL By Gabby Ford and Alexis De La Garza
Another day, another year, but this year brings new teachers, new rules and new opportunities. With the summer gone, students are once again adapting to the new school year. Major changes have taken place at Clemens; the biggest is easily our new principal, Ms. Melissa Sosa, bringing new visions to an old school and more enforcement on rules already in place. The student body’s first major interaction with Ms. Sosa was at class meetings during which the administration introduced themselves, the old rules and new rules. Class meetings were where we first learned about the immense freshmen class of almost 600 students, which was evident in the cafeteria the first week of school, leaving us able to place blame for the people 20
SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM October 2011
who cluttered the hallways. However, the number of freshmen doesn’t affect much of the school except for the halls and the cafeteria. Along with classes starting, clubs are also getting into swing. From PALS to Key Club to the Student Council, student club members are preparing for the new year by volunteering and donating their time to various community organizations, like the animal shelter and the recent wildfire relief. Despite all these changes, Clemens is still Clemens. Friday night football games still trump the rest of the week, with band kids, the dance team and students packing the stadium and cheering on and on until the season ends. October 2011 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM
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“A DOCTOR’S CONFESSION TO THE CITY OF SCHERTZ…”
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824 Main Street | Schertz, TX 78154 | 210.231.0403
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SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM October 2011
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 October 31, 2011, 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. October 2011 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM
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featurez
featurez
C
CAN OLD BE BOLD?
Schertz residents thought so when they boldly passed a $1-million bond issue last year to help revitalize and regrow downtown Schertz, which is the Main Street/FM 78 area.
WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN
A number of businesses including a coffee shop, floral shop, gift shop and event-planning firm have set up shop in Main Plaza. A grand opening for the Main Plaza Building businesses will be held October 6 at 10:30 AM.
“What better place is there to perpetuate the concept of the coffee house as a meeting place for local enjoyment?” Counts asked. “Coffee houses are neighborhood events. They are meeting
“And by steam we don’t mean more trains,” Public Affairs Director Brad E. Bailey said. “We mean working with the private sector to create an environment that preserves our history and promotes the economic vitality of our future.” The bond vote was a public thumbs-up for revitalization and counts as yet another sign that there is new life in old Schertz.
By Lucille Sims Thomas
But the private sector isn’t waiting for the planners and the bond money to kick-start the downtown area. For some entrepreneurs, the time is right to move ahead and help create something great.
Don Counts puts a little elbow grease in to his coffee shop! SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM October 2011
Don Counts has opened the Java Nook coffee shop in part because he believes the specialty coffee area is underserved in Schertz and also because he sees the upside of being part of the remaking of Main Street.
The “jump-start” project is still in its early stages, but it is part of a much larger plan to help reinvigorate the heart of Old Schertz and put some steam into business development and growth on that side of town.
Bond vote of confidence and businesses adding to new life to historic downtown Schertz
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investment in a landmark building. The former Ace Hardware store, which was built in the 1880s and is now called the Main Plaza Building, checks in at the center of a growing effort to breathe new life into the area.
The latest sign in downtown’s rebirth came with a private sector
continued on page 26 October 2011 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM
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featurez
featurez WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN
Bond vote of confidence and businesses adding to new life to historic downtown Schertz continued from page 25
places and attract people from all walks.” Counts also said that the attraction of people to his coffee shop will be an inducement for other businesses to move to Main Street. “More will come,” he said. Pat Ramirez and her husband, Simon, have owned the Main Plaza building since 2005 and are thrilled with the new activity the building has generated. The couple’s engineering design firm occupied the building until last year when the economy forced them to give up all but two rooms and take jobs with other firms. “I have been a member of the Historical Preservation Committee in Schertz for several years and see the importance of saving our history,” Ramirez said. “Schertz has a lot of history, and 26
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the downtown area on Main Street has some homes and buildings that would be a big loss to the community if they weren’t revitalized. With the city’s vision of revitalizing Main Street and the small businesses moving into Main Street, I believe we can work together to make a great downtown area for the citizens of Schertz and the surrounding area.” Main Plaza Building has 3,200 square feet on the main floor and another 3,200 square feet in the basement. In addition to the businesses already moving in, Ramirez said she is hoping to entice a boutique to open in the building. Parking has long been a problem in old downtown Schertz, and Ramirez is hoping to get some help from the city in that area to allow for more growth or to make the Main Street/FM 78 area more
pedestrian-friendly. Business owner and Schertz Chamber of Commerce President Maggie Titterington is helping push the new downtown business effort by recruiting several businesses to the Main Plaza Building. And she moved her eventplanning business, A Moment in Time, to the site. Titterington grew up in Schertz and is passionate about history and restoring the area.
“The fact that the residents were behind the passing of the bond that started this revitalization process speaks volumes about how important they think it is,” she said. No decision has been made yet on how the bond money will be spent in the area, but many observers agree that the public vote of confidence in the downtown revitalization effort is worth a lot more than $1 million because it tells private investors that
Schertz residents about the area.
care
According to Titterington, the move to Main Plaza Building is a chance to expand her business to include motherdaughter or grandmothergranddaughter tea parties. She is creating and decorating a tea room in the back part of the building and would love to offer a two-hour service for specialty parties. “It will be very unique, and there isn’t anything like it in Schertz,” she said.
David and Rubye Collins operated their dollar store business on Schertz Parkway and were struggling to attract customers to their site when they learned about the Main Plaza Building renovation and decided to move in. Their new business, which is called Rubye’s, has now branched out to sell a wider variety of items. Rubye’s will be sharing space in the building with Bud and Bloom, a flower shop run by Donna Epley. She has been in business
for six years and also was on Schertz Parkway before deciding to share space with Rubye’s to form a one-stop shopping destination for consumers. The businesses have an entrance off the parking lot in the back of the building.
“It meant so much to the mayor to see new activity downtown these days.” Epley said she needed more space and saw this as a good opportunity and a way to help with the effort to revitalize Main Street and the downtown area. “The two businesses (Rubye’s and Bud and Bloom) complement each other,” Epley said. Nancy Brewington has a new business called Hands-n-Harmony, and she is thrilled to be in an historic building for her first venture as a businesswoman. She recently became a licensed massage therapist and had been doing mobile work until moving in with the other businesses in the building.
Brewington, who is also a registered nurse and an Army retiree, eventually hopes to offer health and wellness classes to the community. As a history buff, she exudes excitement about her new location on Main Street. “It’s bringing something back,” Brewington said of the revitalization effort. “Sometimes we get so far away, we start losing community and self.” Schertz Bank and Trust has been located downtown on Main Street for many years. The bank moved into a new building right next to their old one in 1974 and has expanded three times since then. Bank President Melvin Golla believes the new businesses are a welcome sign. He also thinks that infrastructure improvements like lights and sidewalks would help move things along and encourage other businesses to move there. “I believe that there are enough people in Schertz now that the city could support something like really nice retail outlets and restaurants,” he said. Golla added that the economy will play a role in efforts to give new life to Schertz’ historic downtown area. continued on page 28 October 2011 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM
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Living History
WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN
The Gembarowskis mix preservation with personality in restoring their 1890s home
Bond vote of confidence and businesses adding to new life to historic downtown Schertz continued from page 27
“You’ve got to have people come spend money at a retail facility, but at the same time, our economy in this area is not as bad as other areas of country, and I think we have enough people who could support a growing retail area here on Main Street and FM 78,” Golla said. City Manager John Kessel is excited about the downtown renaissance. “Main Street is the real Schertz, where the first City Hall was located and the original train depot, now long gone,” he said. “It is the place of many historic sites and also the place of future opportunities.” Kessel and Mayor Hal Baldwin visited the Java Nook coffee shop the first day it opened (September 12). “The mayor looked across the street where the first city hall was located and where he went to work for the city in 1974,” Kessel recalled. “He told me how city staff would go next door for a soda during breaks. It meant so much to the mayor to see new activity downtown these days.” According to Kessel, city officials have been 28
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featurez
By Denise R. Marcos
working on a planning study for the Main Street/ FM 78 area for the last few years and will get that completed. He believes that study and the bond money voters approved for improvements to the downtown area will work to best support private sector investment in the area. “Schertz Bank and Trust has never stopped believing in downtown and continues to have a presence there,” Kessel said. “The City wants to work with existing businesses like the bank and residents in the area to support and encourage the ongoing revitalization led by private investment.” The City Manager said there is a reason the city runs its Fourth of July parade down Main Street, and that reason is civic and historic pride in that area. He also added that ideas about the future of Main Street and the area include not only an increase in daytime retail and office activity, but also a nighttime sector of cafes, restaurants, eateries and other entertainment. And that would give the area not only new life but nightlife as well.
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WHEN AIRCRAFT MECHANICS and New England natives Dan and Dianne Gembarowski were looking to purchase a home, they knew they wanted an older house with a lot of character. The century-old residence they discovered in downtown Schertz was a perfect fit. And the handy couple didn’t let that gaping hole in the roof intimidate them. Instead, they saw it as their first opportunity to restore the home to its former beauty and transform it into a new masterpiece.
Situated across three lots, the 1,800-square-foot, three-bedroom home resembles a small Victorian house from the outside. Built by the Wuest family in the 1890s, the facade exuded traditional Southern charm with its neutral tones, wraparound porch and carved balusters. Following Augusta Wuest’s death in 1985, the property was sold to architect Philip Adams. Then in 1992, the Gembarowskis purchased the old Wuest residence shortly
before the couple retired from the U.S. Air Force. Some of the house’s original structure already had been altered when the Gembarowskis arrived, and since then, more changes have been made to suit the couple’s tastes. Behind the doors, you see intricate wood mouldings and stained glass work reminiscent of the Arts and Crafts era, all done by the skilled artisans themselves. continued on page 30 October 2011 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM
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Living History The Gembarowskis mix preservation with personality in restoring their 1890s home continued from page 29
“We both grew up in old homes and like the style of them,” Dan said. “It was an easy decision to buy the house even with the fixes it needed. With retirement around the corner, we knew we would have a lot of free time to spend on it. It was the ideal situation for us.” Replacing nearly every plank of wood outside, fixing the leaking roof and adding insulation counted as just a few of the alterations that needed to be done.
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restroom, extended their living area, added a deck, put in a pool and built two worksheds out back. Unlike the open floor plans of more modern residences, older houses are sectioned off and accessed through doors or walkways. With seven different spaces throughout the home, a unique look to each area works well.
“We could always see the potential of the space, but fixer-uppers aren’t for everyone,” he said. “It helps to have an understanding of how to take care of the problems you’re going to encounter. Motivation and patience are necessary traits, and we’ve come a long way since the beginning.”
Visitors enter through the former mudroom, which has been leveled out and transformed into a laundry room. The space includes lavender walls, a ceiling of refurbished planks and stained glass windows with flamingo motifs. Inspired by the sunroom trend popular a couple years ago, Dianne was motivated to design the space in that style and fittingly named it “The Florida Room.”
Prior to the Gemborwskis’ renovations, the home had five separate entrances and only one bathroom. Since then, they have closed off a few doors, added a second
The kitchen, which took two years to complete, exudes characteristics of the mid-20th century. The 10-foot ceiling highlights the bright red cabinets and black countertops. A
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checkerboard floor and 1950s-style appliances complement the space, but the mosaic backsplash and counter done by Dianne count as true works of art. Each piece of tile was carefully cut and placed to mimic stained glass windows. Each room throughout the rest of the house is decorated in a different hue, including orange, green, pink and lavender, and some even have entire walls covered in fabric or murals, making it clear that the Gemborwskis are not afraid of color. Much of the home’s original wood floors were redone to complement the refurbished pine planks Dan transformed into ornate mouldings around the home. Dianne created stained glass pieces that join nearly every room together. The most recent project, and one of the more difficult alterations according to Dan, was the addition of a deck that extends from the master bedroom out into the back lawn.
“This was the latest work of art,” Dan said. “It was hard to make a rounded porch, because making sure all the angles lined up was difficult. But it turned out well, and it’s nice to finally have something here after years of just having French doors open up with nothing to stand on.” Even with all the changes, Dianne and Dan said there are still years of work ahead. “We’ve been fixing this and that, redoing entire rooms for months at time for 20 years,” Dan said. “By the time we complete one space, something else needs to be redone. The work is never really finished.” Yet, the Gemborwskis continue to take each task in stride, adding personality to every corner of their historic home.
Caretakers of History Schertz residents lead effort in maintaining city’s past, building toward future
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NOT MANY PEOPLE can call their homes historic landmarks. But Steve White and his wife, Carolyn, have been residents of an intriguing part of Schertz history for the past 26 years. “People knock on our door all the time wanting to know if it’s OK to look
around,” said White, owner of what was once the Schertz Community Hospital back in the early 20th century. Today, the facility serves as a small seven-unit apartment complex at 805 Main St., where the Whites and six other families reside. “I’ve been here so long that I’m used to it now.”
By Kiko Martinez
continued on page 32 October 2011 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM
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featurez heart is the Children of God Deliverance Church at 201 Church St. The church is headed by Pastor Andy Goodridge and his wife, Drina. The couple moved to the area from New York with their two young sons in 1999. The Goodridges were looking for a church through which they could make a difference in the community. Little did they know that the church they found had already been serving its citizens for nearly 100 years.
Caretakers of History Schertz residents lead effort in maintaining city’s past, building toward future continued on page 32 While the history of the City of Schertz can be dated back to the early 19th century, when Karankawa, Lipan Apache and Comanche Indians inhabited the region, some of the most fascinating history centers on old establishments like the former hospital on Main Street and the surrounding area. For example, did you know Sippel True Value Hardware building at 705 Main St., which is also home to the Randolph Masonic Library and Museum, was the town’s first mercantile store? Did you also know that Schertz Bank and Trust at 519 Main St. was once the site of a complex that housed a two-story hotel, hospital and drugstore? “I think every city needs to preserve their history,” said Mayor Hal Baldwin. “For Schertz, a lot of our history is in the Main Street area. If we can continue to restore some of those old buildings, then Main Street can get 32
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back in full bloom and start to bring visitors back into that area.” That’s exactly the idea Schertz residents had in November 2010 when they approved four bond initiatives, including a $1-million bond to revitalize the downtown/ Main Street area in hopes of attracting more development. According to White, who is also the former president of the Schertz Economic Development Corp., the issue appearing on the ballot last year came as the result of about 15 years of bartering with city management to do something substantial on Main Street. “There had never been enough interest,” said White, who credits a brand new subdivision he is helping develop on FM 78 behind Randolph Air Force Base, as one of the catalysts for a newfound interest in the area. “We’ve seen growth at IH-35 and IH-10, but now it’s time to refurbish the Main Street/FM 78
“When we bought the church, we started to learn about its past,” said Pastor Goodridge. “We were really proud we walked into a piece of history.” area and make it more user friendly.” White, who is actually the eighth owner of the old hospital, has done all he can to preserve his home and the history that came with it back when he bought the property in 1985. “When we were planning on buying it, my wife and I had done a little research on the hospital to figure out what it was and what we could do with it,” White said. “We learned a whole lot more after we bought it.” In 1916, a nurse named Cora Karbach purchased an acre of land from
Ferdinand Schertz, son of Sebastian Schertz, one of the city founders, and hired a contractor to build a hospital. The hospital, which was a five-bed ward with 12 private and semi-private rooms, two nurses’ rooms, an office, a kitchen and an operating room, was approximately 5,500 to 6,000 square feet. A manually operated rope-pull elevator made by the Otis Elevator Company around 1908 is still in working order and continues to be one of the pride setpieces of the facility. Ownership of the property transferred to Edmund Pfeil in 1927, and the building continued to serve as a hospital through 1938. Other owners include Dr. F.L.
Kliefoth, Anton T. Pfeil and Bobby and Mary Smith. “My wife and I don’t consider ourselves owners, business people, historians or anything like that,” said White, adding that he is looking to sell the property to someone who can continue its legacy. “We’ve been caretakers for history for a long time. By adding to Main Street, we’re keeping the history and the ambiance of the area.” Over the years, Mayor Baldwin believes Schertz has lost some of that important history, but he assures citizens that the city is taking a proactive approach to preserving as much of that history as possible in the future. Whether it’s
been blacksmith shops, little railroad stations or the actual home of Sebastian Schertz that has slipped by in decades past, Baldwin is firm that the city’s history will no longer be taken for granted. “Some of those things have gotten away from us, and there’s no way to bring them back,” Baldwin said. “You lose it, and it’s gone forever. I don’t think back then people realized the value of it at the time and let progress take over.” One historical landmark in Schertz that is both developing and keeping its history close to its
by the Goodridge family was completed. Earlier this year, the church was deemed a historical landmark by the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee. “I think the history of this church causes us to have a greater pride because this building continues to be a church after all these years,” Goodridge said. “Over the years, it could’ve changed into anything, but it hasn’t. I think there will always be a church on this corner.”
In 1896, work began to construct what would be known at the time as the First Methodist Church of Robert Lee, Texas. It was led by Rev. E.L. Bates. Funds to build the church were donated by locals as well as a $300 donation from the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
Continuing to lead the city in its efforts to maintain its history is the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee, a group of volunteers whose focus is to safeguard the historic remnants of Schertz’s rich past, which dates back to the mid-19th century and the arrival of the first European settlers to the Cibolo Creek Valley. The group maintains a historical archive collection and designates specific places around the city as landmarks.
Circa 1906, the church was moved to the back of the lot and a larger building was built and used as the primary place of worship until April 1927 when it was destroyed by a storm. Later that month, a special conference was held in which a building committee was formed. The following year, the church currently owned
“When we recognize something as historically significant to the city, we hope that will bring attention to the area,” said Gail Hyatt, a member of the committee for the last three years. “Hopefully, that will spread positive feelings across the community, and we can get Main Street back up and running again for Schertz.” October 2011 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM
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fitnezz Fitnezz
Row, Row, Row Your Machine
sport of rowing.” The computerized Indo-Row machines can tell users how many calories they are burning and how far they are rowing. If done properly, Indo-Row also provides a great abdominal workout and helps with spinal flexibility. “You are basically doing crunches the entire class,” Collazo said. “Will they be huffing and puffing? Absolutely. Will they be out of breath? Will they stop several times? Yes, but it is doable.”
Indo-Row classes bring the outdoors inside at the Schertz YMCA
Collazo also adds that you will likely be sore the next day, but she still encourages anyone looking for a good group workout to try IndoRow. Because all fitness levels are welcome, she thinks Indo-Row classes will spread across the rest of Texas and eventually become like spinning classes were 15 to 20 years ago when that craze first started.
By Lucille Sims Thomas
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THE FLUSHED FACES SAY IT ALL. These eight women, motivated by a peppy instructor, get a good fatburning cardiovascular workout while seated at a rowing machine — and they do it all in sync and as a team, offering encouragement to each other as the upbeat music blares. This is Indo-Row, a low-impact, full-body fitness class that works 60-percent legs, 20-percent integrated core work and 20-percent arms. The Indo-Row machine simulates rowing on water, but prior rowing experience is not necessary. You can find some of the only IndoRow classes available in Texas at the Schertz Family YMCA. IndoRow, the brainchild of former Olympic rowing champion Josh Crosby and renowned fitness program director Jay Blahnik, is used by the U.S. Olympic Rowing Team in their off-season.
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When the Indo-Row class ended, the eight women picked up their machines and placed them against the wall with ease, a testament to how lightweight the equipment is.
Schertz Family YMCA Health and Wellness Director Amber Sanders demonstrates how Indo-Row exercise machine works
In Indo-Row, the participants simulate rowing on water as a team, making it a great form of group exercise. Class participants offer encouragement to each other when things get tough, giving their fellow rowers incentive not to give up. Nikki Collazo, a fitness instructor for seven years, can’t say enough good things about the workout. In her classes, she pushes Indo-Row participants to achieve their best.
“I’ve literally seen this program change people’s lives,” Collazo said.
things you tend to notice,” Collazo said.
According to Collazo, people of any fitness level can do Indo-Row, and often people who are overweight do quite well because their legs are strong from carrying extra weight. Leg muscles are very large and require more calorie consumption, which is what makes this form of exercise such a huge calorie burner.
People tend to get comfortable with the movement after about four to 10 classes, depending on fitness levels, and then it becomes second nature as muscle memory kicks in.
“The legs and the lungs are the two
“Once you get the muscle memory going, you can really take it to the next level for your workout,” Collazo said.
Indo-Row is easy on the joints, and, depending on fitness level, participants can burn 400 to 800 calories per hour. The fitness craze originated in Santa Monica, Calif., in 2004 and counts as the only machine that simulates water for its resistance. “It is the closest thing to rowing on water without getting wet,” Collazo said. “That natural resistance from the water creates the most authentic workout to the Olympic
The Schertz Family YMCA started offering the classes about 10 months ago, and both 30-minute and one-hour Indo-Row classes are available. Classes are held in the morning and the afternoon. For people who think the machine would be a good addition to their home gyms, it is available for purchase at indorow.com and various other websites. For more information or to try a free IndoRow class at the Schertz Family YMCA, call (210) 619-1900. October 2011 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM
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profilez
Profilez
You Can Go Home Again Dawn Southwell returns home to build future, improve community By Joel Williams with Chuck McCollough
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YOU MAY HAVE SEEN DAWN Southwell at the Schertz Jubilee over the Fourth of July weekend. Or it may have been the Homes for Pets Wilenchik Memorial Doggie Dash in May. Or maybe some other community festival. Or was it a business expo or something else involving the Schertz Chamber of Commerce? Southwell, 27, can be found at many Schertz community events, and she’s not there just because of her job as community relations representative for the Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative. She really enjoys getting involved in the community where she grew up. The 2002 Clemens High School graduate learned to appreciate Schertz even more after going away to college at Howard Payne University in Brownwood. She played basketball there, which is not a surprise, given her height of six feet. Southwell then came home and finished her degree in communications with a public relations emphasis at the University of Texas at San Antonio while working at GVEC. Initially, Southwell started at GVEC in customer service, then moved into the marketing department and later received a promotion to the community relations position. After settling in Schertz, she became committed to strengthening the sense of community in a city where many residents work elsewhere. “Now that I’m here, I realize how great it is here,” said Southwell, whose husband, Mark, also is from Schertz and graduated from Clemens. “I wanted to be part of the community, get involved and volunteer at community events, not just live in it.”
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Dawn and Mark Southwell represent a growing trend in Schertz of young adults, single and married, returning home to become the next generation of community and civic builders and leaders. The Southwells got a jump on building their dream in Schertz when they purchased a small fixer-upper house in an established neighbor in March 2007. Four years later, the fixing up is done, and the house is a showcase of creativity and extended family effort. “For the first two months, we didn’t move in because we worked on the house,” Dawn Southwell said, adding that her in-laws, Mark and Jill Southwell, really pitched in. “My father-in-law is very handy with tools and helped tremendously with things like flooring and also finishing and trimming work,” she said. “In fact, Mark and I learned a lot from his dad about how to renovate a house. Right after we bought the house, we spent almost every night and weekends for that first two months working on the house. It became a family affair. More than once, we ate pizza while sitting on the floor in the unfinished kitchen with the cabinets pulled out.” Dawn Southwell credits her mother-in-law with helping to decorate the inside of the house to reflect the taste of the 20-something owners. “Most people are surprised when they walk into the house and see it looks different from what they might have seen in other houses in the neighborhood,” she said. Southwell thinks it is nice to have family members in the same city, including her mom and dad, Sharon and Gerald
Haecker, and sister, Nichole. Her mom owns a hair salon in Selma, and her dad is a senior project manager for Walker Engineering, an electrical engineering firm. Southwell’s brother, Justin, lives in Houston. One reason Southwell moved back to Schertz was because there was going to be a new addition to the family -- a baby sister. “I decided to come back and experience that event with my mom and my family,” she explained. “I also missed the small town feel
with the big city amenities all around it. My sister is now seven years old and the third sibling in my family to go through the local school system. Having a sister that age gave me a chance to develop parenting skills when I helped take care of her when she was little.” She believes her parents have been incredible role models. “Mom and dad set such a good example in many ways,” Southwell said. “They instilled a work ethic in me that has helped my career and life overall. And they have a great marriage that inspires me and Mark.”
Dawn and Mark Southwell like the location of their house, which is within walking distance of the Schertz Family YMCA, Schertz Area Public Library and a number of other businesses, including the local GVEC office and Handy Andy. But the young couple is looking to sell their former fixer-upper and move to another house in the future. “We want to start at family and will need a bigger house,” she said. “The next house we get, we are going
to live in for a long time.” She devotes much of her community involvement to the Schertz Chamber of Commerce, which her employer helps sponsor. Southwell’s presence in the Chamber Ambassadors provides opportunities to participate in Chamber member events, such as groundbreaking ceremonies, ribbon-cuttings and other activities. Back in May, the Ambassador group held a mixer aimed at recruiting more Ambassadors and signed on several new members at that event.
The GVEC job also gets Southwell out into the Schertz community and elsewhere in the region, where she may speak on a range of topics, including energy conservation and safety. “I really like my job,” she said. “I feel really fortunate that I wake up every morning and do something I love.” She especially likes working with local schools and draws on her own experience in the same school system for ideas.
In her spare time, Southwell and her husband enjoy hunting, water sports, playing volleyball, cooking and caring for their two dogs, boxers named Bella and Maximus. The couple enjoys living in a city with a hometown feel, but also with the conveniences of an urban area. “I want to have a family and raise them here,” she said. “And I want to make sure that Schertz is always a nice community, a familyfriendly place.”
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sportz
college football is time management. Presently, he has begun his junior year of study and believes that he has figured out the formula for being successful in sports and in the classroom. The Clemens grad said coordinating an academic schedule and playing football has become a balancing act. He has to make time for everything he wants to accomplish so it falls into place and he won’t feel rushed. His schedule includes time for studying both academic classes and football play books, watching football films, studying with tutors, running and lifting weights, eating, relaxing, sleeping and, of course, practice. Sportz
Saturday Night Lights
“Sean Porter has really come on at the outside linebacker spot,” said Tim DeRuyter, the defensive coordinator for Texas A&M. “I believe he understands the schemes much better this year and has become more of a leader.
Attention All Medicare-eligible Seniors!
Get your flu shot at no cost to you or Medicare*
Month of October Every Thursday 2 pm - 4 pm
608 Schertz Parkway, 78154 Call for information (210) 491-8179 *Flu vaccine provided by WellMed.
From Clemens High to Texas A&M, Sean Porter is living his dream of football glory
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IN 2009, SEAN PORTER graduated from Samuel Clemens High School, eager to start the next chapter in his life. While growing up, he always dreamed of attending Texas A&M University. Porter got the chance to do just that when he accepted the university’s offer to play football for the Aggies. Now, he’s studying Sports Management in class and playing defensive linebacker on the grass.
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By Kari Bridges
Porter believes that what he learned at Clemens from his teachers and coaches prepared him to meet the challenges that lay ahead in college, and he wants to share that advice with future student athletes. “Don’t be lazy,” Porter said. “It’s all about who puts in the effort and who wants it more.” Clemens Head Football Coach Greg Ferrara remembers Porter as
a hard worker and true student of the game who never accepted defeat and was a great leader both on and off the field. “Sean was a one of a kind as a player,” Ferrara said. “He was like having a coach on the field. He led by example, and he pushed his fellow teammates to get better all the time. He was a joy to coach. Sean is doing great, and he comes by when he is in town to tell us how things are going. He is texting our coaches all
the time and is very close to Coach Rodney Williams. We are very proud of his accomplishments.” As a college freshman football player, Porter, who proudly wears jersey number 10, held court as the only one out of seven freshmen players to have played in all 13 games and finished the first season strong, ranking third on the team. Porter believes that the most difficult part of
“It is tough to lose a player,” he continued, referring to Von Miller, the No. 2 overall NFL selection in the 2011 draft, “but what I have tried to stress to our guys is this is a chance for everyone to step forward and lead. Sean has taken that as a challenge and is really working hard in camp. I look for him to have an outstanding year and hopefully he can stay injury-free.” When preparing to play football in front of a cheering crowd, Porter tries to relax by taking deep breaths to clear his mind and talking to his teammates. As for what the future may bring, Porter sees himself playing the game in some capacity for the rest of his life. For now, he is happy to be enjoying the opportunity to represent the university he dreamed of attending when he was just a kid.
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CIVIC CENTER:
OCTOBER 18 – SCHERTZ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LUNCHEON OCTOBER 20 – NEW RESIDENT ORIENTATION NOVEMBER 3 – TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ENVIRONMENTAL SUMMIT
COMMUNITY CENTER:
NOVEMBER 5-6 – ALAMO PET EXPO
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1400 Schertz Pkwy, Bldg. #5 (210) 619-1600
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Civic Newz
City Newz 42 Civic Newz 45 Tomorrowland Visionz 46 Calendarz 47 David Gwin, New EDC Director 48 Chamber Buzz
October 2011
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By Schertz Magazine Staff
City Holding Newcomers Open House OCTOBER 20 Are you a new resident or business owner in Schertz? The city is holding a newcomers open house from 5:30-7:00 PM on Thursday, October 20, at the Schertz Civic Center, 1400 Schertz Pkwy., Bldg. 5. Please stop by and get to know City Council and City staff and become familiar with the services and opportunities that each department in the City provides to you as a new resident or business owner. We look forward to visiting with you.
SCPAAA Makes Bastrop FIRE RELIEF DONATION The Schertz Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association recently donated $150 to the Bastrop fire relief effort, said President Richard Dziewit. “We want to help the victims of that terrible tragedy in any way we can,” Dziewit added. “Donations of any size to the folks in Bastrop are appreciated.”
Rene Zarate was one of many of city employees who donated blood.
Schertz Fire Prevention WEEK IS OCTOBER 9-15 By Fire Chief David Covington
October brings fall colors, cooling temperatures, ghosts and goblins. But it also brings us a message of prevention. The week in which October 9 falls is the time we celebrate Fire Prevention Week across the nation. It started in 1922 and was meant to commemorate one of the most notorious fires in our history, the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Rumor has it the fire started with the kick of Mrs. O’Leary’s cow, knocking over a lantern while being milked. Some 250 people died and 100,000 were left homeless in a fire that burned 17,400 buildings, which is about the size of Schertz. While the guilt of the cow is disputed to this day, there
Schertz EMS
HOSTS SUCCESSFUL BLOOD DRIVE
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is no argument with the fact that there were actually two great fires that day. Besides the Great Chicago Fire, a wildland fire called the Peshtigo Fire erupted in Northeast Wisconsin. Still the largest wildland fire in American history, the Peshtigo Fire devoured 16 towns and 1.2 million acres and killed 1,152 people. Each October reminds us of how fragile we are when it comes to fire, and each year, Schertz Fire Rescue, like so many other fire departments across the country, will gear up for Fire Prevention Week by giving public talks and visiting schoolchildren
EMS exceeded its goal of 25 pints during an August 29 blood drive in front of City Hall. The South Texas Blood and Tissue Center sent a bloodmobile for the
to get the message out. This year the message is: “It’s Fire Prevention Week. Protect your family from fire.” The Schertz Fire Department will focus on home fire safety and protecting families. More information is available by going to nfpa.org and using the search words “Fire Prevention 2011.” The week begins October 9 and continues through October 15. Our firefighters will be visiting every elementary and intermediate school and daycare in Schertz Fire Department’s response area beginning October 3 and continuing through October 15. As always, officials will be bringing instruction materials, toys and reminders of how to avoid fires in the home and to stay safe if a fire does occur. Officials also visit with as many neighborhood organizations as possible during National Night Out, which takes place on October 4.
drive. “We beat that goal with 27 pints donated,” said Director Dudley Wait. “The Blood Bank was overwhelmed and grateful for all of the support from the City of Schertz!”
TML Region 8 Group HEARS BRAC REPORT The Base Realignment and Closure Commission process has been especially good to the San Antonio area, including suburban cities, members of the Texas Municipal League Region 8 group heard at a monthly lunch meeting held September 16 at the Schertz Civic Center. Brent Boller with Joint Base San Antonio gave the presentation to about 30 current and retired
officials from area municipalities. “The presentation was informative and showed all of us once again the importance of our military to our community,” said Scott Wayman, Region 8 Vice Chairman and Live Oak Assistant City Manager. Region 8 covers a large part of the San AntonioSouth Texas region stretching to the Mexican border.
EMS To Give Flu Shots IN OCTOBER Flu shots and pneumonia shots are expected to be given the second week in October. We will bill Medicare part B. Contact Schertz EMS at (210) 619-1400 or visit schertz.com. October 2011 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM
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Civic Newz
Be safe this Halloween! GO TO SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM FOR SAFE HALLOWEEN TIPS!
October 2011
Annual Fall Clean Up
Sewer Averaging WILL AFFECT RESIDENTS’ 2012-2013 SEWER BILLS
OCTOBER 8-23 Once again Schertz residents have the opportunity to Help Keep Schertz Clean! This year’s annual fall clean up is October 8-23. During the two-week clean up, Bexar Waste will pick up household waste not covered under normal collection service; such as lumber and general trash as well as major appliances and furniture for a fee. Call Bexar Waste at (210) 566-5454 for more information. Schertz Public Works provides year-round curbside chipping service for brush and tree limbs on Fridays for a fee of $25 per half hour. To make an appointment for brush and tree chipping service call (210) 619-1800. Complete details on the Annual Fall Clean Up are available at Schertz.com
Mayor Baldwin poses with Cathy Newton of Sysco.
McGruff Visits Schertz ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Schertz School Resource Officer Hillary Halbadier and McGruff the Crime Dog visited Schertz Elementary School on September 6 to encourage students to practice good safety, like never talking to strangers. Halbadier gave students gold Schertz Police Junior Officer Decals. Halbadier and Sgt. Josh Mixon are the new SROs assigned to SCUCISD schools in Schertz. They are backed up by the entire Schertz Police Department, said Chief Don Taylor
Sysco Central Texas GETS ECONOMIC IMPACT AWARD Mayor Hal Baldwin poses with Cathy Newton of Sysco Central Texas, who is holding the Austin San Antonio Corridor (ASA) Economic Impact Award. The award was presented to Sysco Central Texas at the October 2
Austin Business Journal annual Growth Summit in San Marcos. Sysco was cited for the impact of its new facility under construction in Schertz. That facility resulted from the consolidation of Sysco plants in San Antonio and north of Austin.
Sewer averaging for the winter months begins on October 24 and continues through March 6 for cycle billing. Meter readings taken over this period determine your sewer average for the next billing year, which begins April 1. The readings will be averaged, and that average will be multiplied by $2.65 for residents with an average below 12,000 gallons. For residents with averages over 12,001 gallons, the average will be multiplied by $2.84. That total will be added to the base rate of $3.75 for residential use. That average will be your sewer charge for the next 12 months. For more information, visit schertz. com or call (210) 619-1100.
Tomorrowland Vision CHARRETTE GIVES GLIMPSE INTO SOUTH SCHERTZ’ FUTURE By Chuck McCollough
Clemens students visit CITY OF SCHERTZ DEPARTMENTS Clemens High School freshmen Joseph Barth (left) and Kenneth Miess hold up certificates of appreciation from the City of Schertz after visiting city offices recently. Mayor Hal Baldwin and City Manager John Kessel visited with the two teens, whose interest in city government started at Corbett Junior High School when they studied municipalities as part of a national program.
Schertz Police Officer HONORED FOR INVESTIGATION Cpl. Michael McGuire received a uniquely decorated thank you message -- the word “Hero” written in Chinese --from Wendy and Richard Clifton, who own a local business. McGuire helped the business owners build a case against and get prosecution of a man who stole money from them. Wendy used her calligraphy skills to make the colorful appreciation note, presented during the September 13 City Council meeting.
More than 400 residents, business owners and other stakeholders got a sneak peek into the possible future of Schertz south of FM 78 during a Planning and Design Charrette on August 29 and 31 at the Schertz Civic Center. And most attendees gave that charrette a thumbsup, including Schertz Forest Developer Henry Christopher. “I am encouraged by what I heard during this charrette because among its goals are quality development and maintaining the look and feel of this area,” Christopher said. Schertz Forest, located near FM 1518 and WareSeguin Road, is often mentioned as the type of larger-lot residential development most desirable in South Schertz. The South Charrette looked at the area from FM 78 to IH-10 and along FM 1518. It was the second of two interactive planning and design sessions the city has undertaken with Gateway Planning Group to build a vision for the best possible future development in major areas. The North Schertz Charrette was held earlier this year and focused on the area from FM 3009 to Friesenhahn Road and included a vision of what the area could like with or without a commuter train station. continued on page 46 October 2011 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM
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Civic Newz October 2011
Tomorrowland Vision CHARRETTE GIVES GLIMPSE INTO SOUTH SCHERTZ’ FUTURE continued from page 46
The August 29 session gathered input from stakeholders in the South Schertz area, which is mostly rural with a farming and ranching heritage. Preservation of that culture and rural beauty is a primary goal of the stakeholders, including city officials. Other governmental stakeholders are the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City School District, Bexar County and the San Antonio River Authority. Gateway Planning President Scott Polikov and his staff asked a series of questions covering topics including roadways and types of future development stakeholders would like to see in the area. Members of the audience used keypad voting devices to express their preferences. Based on the results of that voting, the Gateway staff at the August 31 meeting presented a framework for possible future development. The Framework Plan looked at the existing street network, parks, floodways and open space network and showed possible improvements, including better road connectivity, park and open space connectivity and flood control and drainage. Also during the August 31 session, the Gateway staff described a number of “character zones” that could be set up to protect, enhance and better define areas, much like the current restricted land-use zones around nearby Randolph Air Force Base. Those character zones include a “green campus” that resembles a college campus or business center campus that is heavy on trees and other greenery for a natural look. Another character zone is “countryscape,” which would likely be a transitional area that helps a visitor or traveler easily understand they are moving from rural to suburban or urban areas. According to Gateway and City of Schertz officials, such character zones are a way to protect, preserve and build appreciation for the rural beauty and agricultural heritage of the South Schertz area. For more information about the South Schertz Charrette, go to schertz.com. 46
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Calendarz
October 2011 Monday, 3 Library Advisory Board, 7:00 PM - Schertz Public Library Tuesday, 4 National Night Out Thursday, 6 Transportation Safety Advisory Commission, 5:30 PM- Council Chambers Monday, 10 Columbus Day -City Holiday (Offices Closed) Wednesday, 12 Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM Council Chambers Tuesday, 18 City Council, 6:00 PM—Council Chambers Monday, 24 Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, 5:30 PM – Bob Andrews Room Board of Adjustments, 6:00 PM – Council Chambers Tuesday, 25 City Council, 6:00 PM—Council Chambers Wednesday, 26 Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM Council Chambers Thursday, 27 Economic Development Corporation, 6:00 PM-Council Chambers ***Meeting locations may change, please visit the calendar at www. schertz.com for confirmation.***
DAVID GWIN, DIRECTOR OF Economic and Community Development in College Station announced that he was accepting a position as Economic Development Director with the City of Schertz. He replaces John Kessel who held the job before being promoted to City Manager on June 1. When the Schertz EDC post opened up, Gwin didn’t hesitate, energized by the challenge of working in a rapidly growing region of Texas with a proven track record for working closely with business prospects. Gwin was selected from a field of 40 candidates and his experience working for four Texas cities is tailor made for helping Schertz, especially in the area of revitalization. “When I look at Schertz I see great opportunity, a committed community and an exciting city doing things,” Gwin said. “Everything is there in Schertz. All we have to do is roll up our sleeves and get to work.” Schertz Mayor Hal Baldwin said Gwin was the strongest candidate in a field of talented applicants. “We are fortunate to have attracted someone with his background and experience to help us manage the growth Schertz is experiencing.” Gwin has been the City of College Station Director of Economic and Community Development for five years and is expected to take over the Schertz post on October 3. “His role here will require him to take a strong leadership role in Schertz,” said Schertz City Manager John Kessel. “And that requires building relationships and working
with local residents and leaders to determine what type of community we want to be in the future.” The Oklahoma native said there is so much potential and positive energy in Schertz compared to many other municipalities that are hunkering down in this slow economy. “Schertz is stepping up and saying now is our time to forge forward and make our future. I am extremely excited about my new city and eager to be a part of it,” he said. As he looks ahead to his first days in Schertz, Gwin says it is critical to focus on the existing businesses and the city’s development environment. “Before we do anything else, we need to educate the community about economic development, and focus on balancing economic development needs with the desire to preserve the community’s character.”
dential redevelopment. 3. Neighborhood reinvestment programming. 4. Financial, economic and demographic analysis. 5. Promotion, marketing and special events. Before going to College Station, Gwin worked for the cities of Garland, Arlington and Carrollton, all large suburban cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He started out as an urban analyst in 1992 then became a planner but he wanted to have hands on experience out in the field. That took him into world of economic development especially the area of finishing large new projects and breathing new life into
older facilities or areas with community support and capital resources. “My career has been built on the belief that I need to know that the project I am working on is having a positive impact on the community. I feed off the energy of strong community support for a project. And that is what I want to do in Schertz,” Gwin said, adding he is looking forward to being part of the regrowth effort of the downtown area.
Gwin has an impressive resume that lists nearly 20 years of experience in economic development, urban planning, community reinvestment and neighborhood services. In that time, he has worked on projects totalling hundreds of millions of dollars. His largest project to date is a $130 million capital investment in College Station for a major medical/healthcare campus slated to open in late 2013 and bringing 600 high paying jobs to the home city of Texas A&M University. Gwin’s other speciality areas include: 1. Public/private development partnerships. 2. Retail/commercial/resi-
David Gwin Named Schertz EDC Director October 2011 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM
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Does your business need resources, networking, advocacy and growth? Join the Schertz Chamber of Commerce!
“What’s Happening at Your Chamber”
Connect with the community and your target audience through our Chamber website, monthly luncheons, mixers and educational courses. We strive to provide for all your business needs. Stop by our office at 1730 Schertz Parkway, and pick up an application today! Schertz Chamber of Commerce – Helping your business build a better tomorrow.
Contact us by phone at 210-566-9000, email at nkotzur@schertzchamber.org or visit our website at www.schertzchamber.org.
After-Hours Mixer
3009 Storage 17305 I-35 North in Schertz Wednesday, October 12, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM Great food, fun, door prizes and more! Must be present to win the Chamber Ca$h drawing.
October Luncheon:
Tuesday, 18th, at 11:30 AM at the Schertz Civic Center Cost: $15 Schertz Chamber Members/ $25 (pre-paid) Non-Members RSVP by October 11 Please visit our Chamber website for luncheon policy.
Biz Ed Breakfast: SBA/SCORE will lead the next series of Business Basics on Wednesday, October 26 from 7:30 to 9:00 AM. Breakfast will be provided by RBFCU. Free to SCOC members; non-members only $10. Space limited to the first 10 people!
2nd Annual Chamber Golf Classic to benefit DECA Programs at Steele and Samuel Clemens High Schools Thanks to our sponsors -- Brandt Engineering, Schertz Wal-Mart, Schertz Bank and Trust, Frost Bank - Schertz and GVEC. 48
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2nd Annual Chamber Golf Classic to benefit DECA Program Olympia Hills Golf & Conference Center on Friday, Oct. 21. Registration @ 11:00 AM; shotgun start @12:30 PM. Thank you the following sponsors: Phil Mickelson Brandt Engineering, Bubba Watson – Schertz Bank & Trust, Frost Bank, and GVEC! Contact the Chamber for sponsorship opportunities. A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the DECA Program at Clemens and Steele High Schools. October 2011 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM
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IMPORTANT SCHERTZ
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) 619-1030 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 210-619-1630. 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.
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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. SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM October 2011
210.501.2345
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Schertz municipal building, bldg #5, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, tx 78154
OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS 1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY SCHERTZ, TEXAS 78154