August 2023

SCHERTZ SCHERTZ

magazine

CITY COUNCIL

Ralph Gutierrez Mayor

Mark Davis Councilmember

Michelle Watson Councilmember

Jill Whittaker Councilmember

Michael Dahle Councilmember

David Scagliola Councilmember

Allison Heyward Councilmember

Tim Brown Councilmember

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Steve Williams City Manager

Brian James Deputy City Manager

Sarah Gonzalez Assistant City Manager

Greg Rodgers Fire Chief

James Lowery Police Chief

Jason Mabbitt EMS Chief

EDITORIAL TEAM

Linda Klepper Public Affairs Director

Devan Christensen Communications Manager

Caanon Gibbons Marketing & Communications Specialist

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Linda Klepper, Devan Christensen, Caanon Gibbons, Richard Erickson, Anna Kraft, Lizzi Bertoia, Cassie Paddock, Travis Westbrook, Roz Wise

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Devan Christensen, Caanon Gibbons, Tony Morano, Stacey Lovett, Richard Erickson, Domingo Muñoz, Anna Kraft, Ryan Yosko

NEWS POLICY

Schertz Magazine encourages submission of news and event announcement items.

Publication is not guaranteed. If you would like to submit an item to Schertz Magazine, email magazine@schertz.com or call (210) 619-1600.

The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the City of Schertz. 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. Any publication of Schertz Magazine is sole property of the City of Schertz and cannot be reproduced or distributed in any way without the permission and written consent of the City of Schertz.

HEADLINES CITY

Jr. Police Cadets Take on The Academy

THIS SUMMER, THE SCHERTZ POLICE DEPARTMENT HELD ITS NINTH ANNUAL JR. POLICE ACADEMY FOR KIDS 9 TO 12 AND THE FIRST EVER TEEN POLICE ACADEMY FOR THOSE AGES 13 TO 16.

The police department hosted three youth academies, two in June and one in July. Each academy is a half-day, week-long course that educates participants on various law enforcement topics.

Some of the topics covered include, the tools of the police belt, K-9s and their roles, forensics and fingerprints, internet safety, and teamwork. Cadets also had a chance to run the obstacle course and expend their energy.

Several guest speakers stopped by the academies including representatives from Selma Police Department, Live Oak Police Department, the JBSARandolph 902nd Security Forces Squadron, and Texas Parks and Wildlife. First the partner police departments and the Security Forces Squadron demonstrated their K9 partner's skills as a drug detection dog and in a patrol apprehension. After both demonstrations, the cadets asked many questions and were amazed at the amount of training required for the

dogs and their handlers.

The next guest speaker was Warden Kathleen Stuman from Texas Parks and Wildlife. She talked to the cadets about hunting safety, boating safety, and what animals are native to Texas. She also brought several pelts and other interactive items for participants to see and touch. Don't be shocked if your child now informs you about the importance of boating safety and wearing life jackets!

During the week, the cadets also got the exciting opportunity to tour Schertz EMS and Schertz Fire Department. While visiting with EMS, the cadets learned about our EMS crews' roles and toured the AMBUS and an ambulance. EMS also discussed basic first aid with the cadets and showed them different bandages. While visiting with the Fire Department, the cadets met a few of our firefighters and got a peek inside the fire apparatus. They also had a chance to hold and spray water from the hoses.

To end the week, a graduation ceremony was held for the cadets and their family members in the Council Chambers. Thank you to the Schertz Citizens Police Academy Alumni for helping with the academies and providing the drinks and snacks and thank you to Mattenga's Pizzeria and Fully Promoted Schertz for their support as well.

Academies fill up quickly each year so make sure to follow Schertz Police on social media for details on next year's academy dates.

Follow their social media pages for details on next year's academy dates.

47TH ANNUAL 4TH OF JULY

JUBILEE BRINGS FREEDOM AND FUN IN 2023!

THE CITY OF SCHERTZ CELEBRATED THE 47TH ANNUAL 4TH OF JULY JUBILEE AT PICKRELL PARK.

The 2023 tribute to freedom and fun kicked off June 30 with ‘Project Flagline’. More than 100 volunteers joined City staff to line Schertz Parkway from FM 78 to IH-35 with American Flags. Activities on July 4 began with the “Let Freedom Run” 5K through downtown Schertz followed by the community favorite Jubilee Parade. Over 300 runners of all ages participated in the 5K and this year’s parade consisted of over 75 entries that traversed the 1.7-mile parade route along Schertz Parkway, Main St., and FM 1518.

A variety of vendors provided fun festival foods including a fleet of local food trucks alongside all the carnival classic rides and games that filled Thulemeyer Park. The entertainment continued onto the main stage as Groove Knight

played classic party music for the crowd and Councilman Scagliola performed an original patriotic song. The unique tradition of Float & Fireworks returned at Pickrell Park Pool with reservations selling out weeks prior to the event to enjoy a poolside view of the fireworks show. Families spread out through Pickrell Park and Thulemeyer Park to enjoy the activities hosted by Schertz Parks and Recreation and for more space to view the evening’s fireworks spectacular, sponsored by H-E-B. With a variety of fun for everyone, Jubilee made sure all the community favorites were available for a day of celebration, recreation, and freedom!

Thank you to our sponsors: H-E-B, Caterpillar, Slim Chickens, and Schertz Cibolo Emergency Clinic.

PARADE WINNERS

Congratulations to our winners!

CITY/MUNICIPAL

First Wreaths Across America Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

Second Schertz Historical Preservation Committee

Third Councilman Joel Hicks

BUSINESS

First The Shops at the Mill

Second Schertz H-E-B Plus!

Third JoonBug Pest Control

INDIVIDUAL/NON-PROFIT

First Off the Pavement Adventures

Second BSA Cubscouts Pack 51

Third Klassisch VDubs

HEADLINES CITY

Register Your Neighborhood

Now for National Night Out!

Starting Monday, August 7, you can register your neighborhood for a visit from one of our City “teams” at National Night Out on Tuesday, October 3. The teams visit communities that register for the event. These teams consist of a Council Member, City Management, City Staff, and an officer from the Schertz Police Department.

Please contact Officer A. Kraft at the police department to register your neighborhood. She can be reached at (210) 619-1264 or by email at akraft@schertz.com.

Please provide a point of contact and where your community will be hosting their block party. Be sure to register by September 15 to guarantee a visit. We can’t wait to see you!

Filing for Schertz City Council in the November 7, 2023, General Election begins July 22, 2023.

The City of Schertz will be holding its General Election on November 7, 2023, for the purpose of electing Council Members in Place 3, Place 4, and Place 5 for a three-year term, November 2023 to November 2026.

Any City of Schertz resident desiring to have his or her name on the Official Ballot shall file with the City Secretary an application in writing in the form prescribed by the Texas Election Code declaring themselves a candidate. The filing date is no sooner than Saturday, July 22, 2023, and no later than 5 p.m. Monday, August 21, 2023. Completed applications with filing fee will be accepted by the City Secretary’s Office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, July 24, 2023 – August 21, 2023.

Qualifications for candidacy include the following: must have attained the age of eighteen or older on the first day of the term of office for which elected, be a registered voter of the City of Schertz, and have been a resident of the City of Schertz for at least twelve consecutive months immediately preceding the deadline for filing for an application for a place on the ballot.

The Candidate packet is available in the City Secretary’s Office at the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Building 2, or online at Schertz.com. Should you have any questions, please contact the City Secretary’s Office at (210) 619-1030.

JOIN US AS WE REVIEW THE PROPOSED FY 2023-24 BUDGET

Engaged residents are a key part of the success of any City government, and the City of Schertz recognizes this. The City will be hosting two public hearings to review the FY 2023-24 proposed budget and budget highlights with the public. If you are curious about what new programs, services, or projects the City will be working on next fiscal year then join us for one of these meetings as we work together to build the best possible city for our residents.

Budget Approval Calendar

August 15

■ First Public Hearing on Budget & Tax Rate

■ First Vote on Budget & Adoption

■ First Vote on Tax Rate & Adoption

September 5

■ Second Public Hearing on Budget & Tax Rate

■ Second Vote on Budget & Adoption

■ Second Vote on Tax Rate & Adoption

October 1

■ New budget in effect

Schertz Fire Rescue Offers Business Fire Safety Training

RECENTLY, THE SCHERTZ FIRE DEPARTMENT PAID A VISIT TO ONE OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ’S BIGGEST EMPLOYER, HOLLINGSWORTH LLC, LOCATED ON TRI COUNTY PARKWAY.

Recently, the Schertz Fire Department paid a visit to one of the City of Schertz’s biggest employer, Hollingsworth LLC, located on Tri County Parkway. As the summer months turn hotter and potentially more dangerous, our fire department provided fire extinguisher training as well as instruction on dealing with heat stress. During the training, employees learned about the acronyms P.A.S.S. (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) and R.A.C.E. (Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish). They received instruction on the different types of fires along with the appropriate fire extinguisher usage.

“This was a great learning experience,” said Ryan Yosko, Hollingsworth’s

Corporate Health and Safety Manager. “It not only gave our employees the ‘touch’ and ‘visual’, but it also helped foster the feeling of community between family of employees here at Hollingsworth and the Schertz Fire Department.”

Assistant Fire Chief, Dan Kramer, expressed the Schertz Fire Department’s goal to be extremely proactive in the safety of our community and businesses. “We covered safety topics ranging from safe practices, fire extinguisher use, basic first aid and CPR,” said Kramer. “Employers can make requests for these demonstrations through our website. We are happy to get out into the community and interact with our businesses.”

If you are a Schertz business and you’d like to request a fire safety demonstration with the Schertz Fire Department, scan the QR code to fill out a request.

To learn more about fire safety, please visit the Schertz Fire Department website at Schertz.com/Fire.

Guadalupe County Appoints New Precinct 3 Constable

Texas State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Major in Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement. In 2009 Large married his wife, Erica Vandenberg, a graduate of Samuel Clemens, who is currently an RN Clinical Manager at North Central Baptist Hospital in San Antonio. They have two children Lindsey, who is 12 years old, and Ryan, who is 10 years old, both students in SCUCISD.

he have always desired to work in law enforcement and serve his community. In 2019 Large decided he couldn't wait any longer to chase his dreams. He attended a law enforcement training academy for one year before being commissioned as Deputy Constable at Guadalupe County, Pct.3.

The Guadalupe County Commissioners Court recently appointed Precinct 3 Deputy Constable Jeffrey Large Jr. to take over office after Constable Michael Skrobarcek’s retirement. Large has served as a reserve and a part-time deputy constable in Strobarcek’s office since July 2020.

Large grew up in the Schertz/Cibolo area and attended SCUCISD where his mom was employed for 20 years during all of his schooling. He graduated from Samuel Clemens High School in 2005 and attended

For most of his adult working career, Large managed his family's business, Champion Floors, which is headquartered in Schertz. Despite having a great job working for the family business,

“This community has helped raise me and my family and supported my family's business; I couldn't imagine a better place to serve as a law enforcement officer,” Large comments. “I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to not only go out and serve my community to try and make it a better place for everyone but to lead a group of experienced deputies that share that same passion for service as I do. I want to make sure that this community is one that I can continue to be proud of and where my children can safely grow up. I am honored to be in a position where I can genuinely give back to a community that has done so much for my family and me.”

I am honored to be in a position where I can genuinely give back to a community that has done so much for my family and me.

– CONSTABLE JEFFREY LARGE JR.

Learning Never Gets Old

SCHERTZ RESIDENT HAZEL BRODY FELDMAN

HAD ALWAYS DREAMED OF EARNING A COLLEGE DEGREE, A DREAM FINALLY REACHED IN MAY WHEN, CLAD IN HER DARK BLUE GRADUATE GOWN, SHE ACCEPTED HER ASSOCIATE DEGREE FROM NORTHEAST LAKEVIEW COLLEGE AT 97 YEARS OF AGE.

By RICHARD ERICKSON

It was on my bucket list that I wanted to do that, to get my degree,”

Feldman, a slender, smiling woman with bright eyes, explained during a recent interview at the Schertz Area Senior Center. “But either I couldn’t afford it, or my children came first. I had a family to raise, but college was always something I wanted to accomplish.”

Feldman, who was born in 1926 in “a small village” in New Jersey, not far from Philadelphia, graduated from high school in 1943, in the midst of World War II. Her husband-to-be was in the Army and had been assigned to U.S. forces in Europe three days before the Allies invaded France.

When he came home in 1946, they married and had four children, two girls and two boys. “I’m very proud of all of them,” Feldman said. “They have all gotten college degrees and my daughter Marjorie has a doctorate. Because they all had them, I said I had

to go get one too. They were an incentive for me.

“In fact, in our family, we have 50 degrees between children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. And I make 51.”

Her initial efforts to advance her education began more than 30 years ago, she added. Her children were grown and had left home when, in her sixties, Feldman began attending Camden County College in New Jersey, taking courses in psychology.

But after her husband died, she stopped attending classes and eventually, she moved to Texas to be close to her daughter Marjorie Brody, a Schertz resident for more than 40 years.

Feldman worked for a psychotherapy practice in the Alamo City for 13 years as an office manager. “I started the computer use in that office,” she noted, “because they always had used

paper before then. And it came in handy, especially for billing and patient coding.” Retiring from the firm, she moved to Marjorie’s home in Schertz. “That’s when I decided I had to do something,” she said.

Feldman started by enrolling online at Northeast Lakeview College, a unit of the Alamo College District, taking one class at a time “because, at my age, I didn’t think I could remember everything,” she chuckled.

She decided not to physically attend classes, Marjorie explained, “because of COVID and that she wouldn’t have fit in socially, being like everyone’s grandmother.”

“Great-grandmother,” Feldman jumped in.

Marjorie laughed, adding, “And, it was more difficult for her to walk around campus than to be able to sit at home and do the work there.”

But that had its own challenges. “It wasn’t easy,” Feldman said. “I had to learn how to do all of that online. Although I worked on computers, I wasn’t tremendously computer literate.”

The college’s online learning program included communication between students so that they could comment on each other’s work, send in reports, “and sometimes Mom had to do videos and online chats with her professors,” Marjorie said. “She studied and read and reread all of the books constantly, underlining and highlighting. She put a lot of effort into it.”

Along the way, Feldman learned of a district program to provide qualifying students with credit for their life experiences.

“Life experience was part of the narrative used to fulfill the requirements of board policy as it pertains to honorary degrees,” explained Kathleen Labus, Director of Marketing and Strategic Communications for Northeast Lakeview College, in an email. “Criteria used was outstanding public service to the community and to the State of Texas.”

In the documentation for the degree, the justification was clear. “Her message to future generations is one of hope and encouragement. She reminds us that it is never too late to pursue our goals and reach for our dreams. With the chancellor’s support, we hope to celebrate Ms. Feldman’s unwavering spirit, her commitment to lifelong learning, and her advocacy for higher education to help her realize her dream of earning her degree.”

The application was approved, and, on May 11 at the Freeman Coliseum,

Hazel Feldman was presented with a medal and a diploma for an honorary associate of arts degree in liberal arts. That was followed by her speech to the graduating class.

She said she’s often asked what she’s going to do with her degree, now that her dream has come true.

One thing, she said, was to take a cruise to Alaska that is scheduled for the fall of 2024. “I’ll be about 99 then,” she mused.

“I’m just going to live now,” Feldman added after a few moments. “I’ve retired and I’m just going to enjoy life. I’m going to live to 100, maybe 102.”

“That’s my mom,” Marjorie said, shaking her head. “Always wanting to go a bit further, do a little bit more.”

Her message to future generations is one of hope and encouragement. She reminds us that it is never too late to pursue our goals and reach for our dreams.

– KATHLEEN LABUS

HAPPENING THIS MONTH in Schertz

GAME ON!

Aug. 19 @ 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Library Program Room

Families join us on the 3rd Saturday of the month to learn a new game or play an old favorite.

PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

& Friends Seminar (Ages 18+)

Game On!

Aug. 12 @ 1 p.m.

Aug. 19 @ 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Paper Crafting Crop Aug. 27 @ 12 – 5 p.m.

Owl Prowl Aug. 27 @ 8:30 – 10 p.m.

Medicare 101 Presentation Aug. 31 @ 6 p.m.

RECURRING LIBRARY PROGRAMS

Meeting Room 1

Program Room

Bend Nature Park

Meeting Room 1

SUNDAY AFTERNOON

MEDITATION

Aug. 6 @ 1 p.m. | Library Program Room

Join us one Sunday afternoon each month for a guided meditation practice.

NEXT MONTH IN SCHERTZ...

Save the Date

S.P.A.R.K. Family Workshop Tuesdays @ 6 – 8 p.m. (starts Aug. 22) Library Meeting Room 2

Walk-in Wednesday Tech Help Wednesdays @ 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Power Hour with Geared Fitness for Adults Thursdays @ 1 p.m.

Library Quilt Bee Second and Fourth Tuesday and Third Saturday (Time varies, check online)

FREE LEGAL ADVICE CLINIC

Meeting Room 1

Program Room

Library Meeting Room 1

Senior Center Tech Help** Second Mondays @ 10 – 11 a.m. Schertz Senior Center

* Library spice kits for adults will be available the first week of August featuring Sesame Seeds

** A membership to the Schertz Senior Center is required to attend tech help at the Senior Center

Thursday, Sept. 21 @ 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Schertz Public Library

The library has partnered with Central Texas Dispute Resolution Center to offer another free legal advice clinic for non-criminal legal issues.

Pre-registration is open now at Schertz.com/adultcalendar.

Paws in the Pool

The dog days of summer are still hanging on so it's time to get your pup’s paws in the pool and cool off! It's gonna be a funfilled day gone to the dogs! Let your furry, four-legged friend take a swim in Pickrell Park Pool on Saturday, September 9 for Paws in the Pool! Admission is $3 per person and 2 dogs per person are allowed. Capacity is limited to 60 humans per 90-minute session and pre-registration/payment is required. Sessions are at 12 p.m., and 2 p.m. All dogs must be on a leash outside the pool facility and must wear a collar they can swim in. All humans must show proof of dog vaccinations at the gate and must clean up after their dog. Any aggressive dogs will be asked to leave. The small dog area is in the wading pool and the large dog area is in the main pool. Lawn chairs and dog toys are allowed. For more information and to register for one of the sessions, visit Schertz.com.

Discover Nature This Fall

There will be no Nature Discovery Series event during August, but we will be back in September to discover nature this fall! Get your little ones outdoors to discover the exciting nature right in our own backyard. Kids are encouraged to explore, discover, and ask questions to help grow their knowledge of nature. This free program is designed for families with

elementary-aged children, but older and younger siblings are also welcome. Texas Master Naturalist volunteers will lead the themed programs the second Saturday of the month held at Crescent Bend Nature Park. Class will begin at 10 a.m., but please arrive early and meet at the first parking lot near the restroom building and the trailhead. Upcoming Fall 2022 dates and topics are:

Sept. 9 Discover the World of Insects

Oct. 14 Discover Early Texans

Nov. 11 Discover Horns and Thorns

Pre-registration on Schertz.com.

Owl Prowl

If you missed our first two Owl Prowl’s of the summer, no worries! We have two final Owl Prowl’s this year on August 27 and September 24 at 8:30 p.m. Come take a nighttime stroll with our Guadalupe Master Naturalists and see which animals come out at night. Inspired by the interests and observations of those who attend, the naturalists will expand one's knowledge on all types of nature from soil, plants, insects, mammals and birds, talking about their dependence, interaction and place in preserving the nature around us. Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required. Register at Schertz.com. Meet at the first parking lot near the restroom building and trailhead.

Ed-Zoo-Cation

Our final Ed-Zoo-Cation of the year is September 16! Come hear from the San Antonio Zoo Center for Conservation and Research to learn about Texas Horned Lizards, harvester ants, the history of animals, and their importance. If this program is not already cool enough, there is also an opportunity for appearances from live animals/lizards from the zoo! Meet at the 1st parking lot near the restroom building and trailhead.

Kickball League

The game you loved to play in 3rd grade is back and better than you remember it. Take the field in this fun classic game with 5 regular season games and end of season playoff tournament for top teams. Games are played on Sunday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. Sign up with a teammate or individuals can be placed on a team. Registration is $25 per person and includes a team t-shirt.

Cornhole League

Make your weekday feel like a weekend by playing in our 5 regular season games and end of season playoff tournament for top teams. Games are played on Tuesday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. at Pickrell Park. Sign up with a teammate or individuals can be placed on a team. Registration is $20 per person and includes a team t-shirt.

Connect with us on social media

CityofSchertz or cityofschertzparksandrecreation

Post a pic @SchertzParksandRec

Use #SchertzParksandRec

Schertz Public Library Becomes FamilySearch Affiliate Library

If you want to be part of the popular ancestry search trend, you may not need to look any further than the local library. The Schertz Public Library is now a FamilySearch Affiliate Library, which means it has access to more genealogy resources to help you make more family discoveries. FamilySearch is a world leader in family history.

There are only a few hundred affiliate libraries in the country. The designation means local library patrons will now have greater and more convenient access to the wealth of genealogical resources available through FamilySearch. “Libraries are wonderful local gathering places for learning. We are excited to have Schertz Public Library as our newest FamilySearch Affiliate Library. It will help FamilySearch expand opportunities for fun, personal discoveries, and family connections to the local community,” said Paul Nauta, FamilySearch Public Relations Manager. The popular web service has over 6 billion searchable names and 2 billion images of historical genealogical records—and you get the helpful assistance of library staff.

FamilySearch adds over 300 million free genealogical records and images online yearly from all over the world and manages the famous FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City. It has amassed billions of birth, marriage, death, census, land, and court records from more than 130 countries to help you discover and make family connections.

Parenting Workshop

S.P.A.R.K. (Supporting Parents and Reaching Kids) will host an eightweek family workshop to build better lives through knowledge, support, and enrichment at the Schertz Public Library. Parents, grandparents, extended family, and providers of children (prenatal through 17 years) are invited to join us as we look at research-based information. Discover answers to the age-old question; why do they do that? Topics include understanding their behavior, your child’s growing mind, becoming the parent you want to be, is my child’s behavior normal?, raising emotionally healthy children, strategies and skills for positive behavior, stress, and more. Contact Sonya Mollicone via email to register, smollicone@boysvilletexas.org. Free dinner is provided. This eight-week workshop begins Tuesday, August 22 and continues Tuesdays evenings from 6 – 8 p.m. through October 10 in Library Meeting Room 2.

National Alliance on Mental Illness Family & Friends Seminar

One-on-One Tech Help Appointments

Can't make it to our Walk-In Wednesday Tech Help? You can now schedule a 30-minute One-On-One Tech Help appointment! We can assist with many basic tech-related topics like mobile devices/apps, online resumes, e-books & e-audiobooks, and more. Visit Schertz.com/2122/Tech-Help or call the library at 210-619-1700 to schedule your appointment.

NAMI Guadalupe County will present a Family & Friends seminar on Saturday, August 12 from 1 – 5 p.m., at the Schertz Public Library. This free program informs people who have loved ones with a mental health condition how to best support them. Registration is available now at namiguadalupecounty.org.

2 0 2 3 - 2 4 S

APPLICATIONS

N O W O P E N !

Schertz Young Leaders provides high school students an opportunity to learn about their community more in depth and promote personal growth Students will interact with community leaders, decision makers, and professionals to increase students’ community awareness and prepare them to make positive impacts in the future.

DID YOU KNOW

Reminding Residents of City Provided Services and Programs

Schertz EMS Community Health Courses

Did you know Schertz EMS offers a variety of different community health courses to help you and your family stay safe and prepared for emergencies that might arise? From CPR & First Aid courses to Child & Babysitting Class, the Schertz Community Health team is always interested in helping keep citizens safe and trained to respond to emergencies. Public training courses are held regularly throughout the year or specialty group classes may be coordinated.

Schertz Young Leaders

Did you know or should we say have you heard about the Schertz Young Leaders program? Schertz Parks and Recreation is excited to announce the second year of the Schertz Young Leaders program. High School students are invited to apply to learn about our community and develop key leadership skills in this eight-month program. Students will hear from area leaders, tour facilities such as the Randolph Air Force Base, and get a closer look behind the scenes of how a city operates.

Applications open August 1 and close on September 15. Learn more or apply at Schertz.com/youngleaders.

Go to Schertz.com/communityhealth or call (210) 619-1410 for more information.

Follow Us on Social Media

Did you know that you can keep up with all things City of Schertz on social media? That's right, folks! Not only can you keep up with the latest news and events on the city's Facebook page, but you can also soak in the Schertz charm through the visual delights of our Instagram account. But wait, there's more! If you're in the mood for some entertaining videos showcasing the city's awesomeness, head over to our YouTube channel. And guess what? The city has now jumped on the latest social media trend—Threads! Yup, Schertz is threading its way into your hearts with byte-sized updates, so you can stay in the loop. So, grab your phone and follow the City of Schertz on all these platforms, because who wouldn't want a daily dose of city shenanigans alongside their morning coffee?

Connect with us @cityofschertz

Planter Boxes

Low-Impact Development Series

Continuing the Low-Impact Development series, planter boxes are the fifth of the nine low-impact development practices. Previously mentioned practices are bio-retention, bio-swales, permeable pavement, and wetlands. Practices to look forward to are sand filters, vegetated filter strips, vegetated swale, and rain barrels. This series offers methods to capture and treat stormwater runoff with a low environmental impact.

WHAT ARE PLANTER BOXES?

The first thought many have when hearing the term planter boxes are raised garden beds. Usually made with cedar wood containing desired plant life. This would be an accurate statement visually, but internally, planter boxes are specifically designed to help manage stormwater runoff. Planter boxes are an option for developers and homeowners to reduce stormwater pollutants, flows, and volume entering natural waterways. Using layered materials to filter, contain, and transport stormwater, planter boxes are sized appropriately depending on the site conditions.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF PLANTER BOXES

There are two types of planter boxes designed, infiltration and filtration. Infiltration planters are utilized to allow stormwater to be captured and drained directly into the soil. This reduces the stormwater runoff into the public drainage systems such as, street conveyance, culverts, and stormwater detention ponds. Filtration planters are designed to pipe and transport the captured runoff into the public drainage systems. Each method provides stormwater treatment with low impact to the site development.

PLANTER BOX DESIGN

Planter boxes are typically designed for capturing stormwater runoff along the sides of buildings, sidewalks, and driveways. The sizing of a planter box is relative to the adjacent impervious areas draining into the planter box such as roofs, asphalt, and concrete. A quick way to calculate the volume in cubic feet needed for the planter box is to follow this equation. This will provide the amount of stormwater runoff in cubic feet during different rain events. For example, for a 10ft x 10ft roof and a 1in rain event, the calculation would be = 8.33 cubic feet of stormwater. The planter box is required to have layered sand, gravel, and topsoil to filter pollutants while providing nutrients to planted vegetation. These layers are often referred to as filter media. The filter media will occupy most of the volume of the planter box which needs to be accounted for to determine the proper size of the planter box. A safe assumption is 80% of the planter box will be the filter media and vegetation. This means 20% of the planter box needs to contain 8.33 cubic feet of stormwater. The total size required would be 8.33ft^3/0.2=41.65 cubic ft. or a planter box approximately 4ft long x 3ft wide x 3.5ft deep = 42 cubic feet. This is a basic design example of the sizing requirements for planter boxes.

Planter Boxes are a great way to contribute to the best management practices for stormwater control. If you have any questions about stormwater prevention, contact the Engineering Department at engineering@schertz.com .

The Low-Impact Development (LID) series is designed to teach methods to capture and treat stormwater runoff with a low environmental impact.

Back to School Safety from the National Safety Council

Whether children walk, ride their bicycle or take the bus to school, it is extremely important that they take proper safety precautions. Here are some tips to make sure your child safely travels to school:

WALKERS

■ Review your family's walking safety rules and practice walking to school with your child

■ Walk on the sidewalk, if one is available; when on a street with no sidewalk, walk facing the traffic

■ Before you cross the street, stop and look left, right and left again to see if cars are coming

■ Make eye contact with drivers before crossing and always cross streets at crosswalks or intersections

■ Stay alert and avoid distracted walking

BIKE RIDERS

■ Teach your child the rules of the road and practice riding the bike route to school with your child

■ Ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, and in a single file

■ Come to a complete stop before crossing the street; walk bikes across the street

■ Stay alert and avoid distracted riding

■ Make sure your child always wears a properly fitted helmet and bright clothing

BUS RIDERS

■ Teach your children school bus safety rules and practice with them

■ Go to the bus stop with your child to teach them the proper way to get on and off the bus

■ Teach your children to stand 6 feet (or three giant steps) away from the curb

■ If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, teach them to walk on the side of the road until they are 10 feet ahead of the bus; your child and the bus driver should always be able to see each other

DRIVING YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL

■ Stay alert and avoid distracted driving

■ Obey school zone speed limits and follow your school's drop-off procedure

■ Make eye contact with children who are crossing the street

■ Never pass a bus loading or unloading children

■ The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them to safely enter and exit the bus

TEEN DRIVERS

Car crashes are the No. 1 cause of death for teens. Fortunately, there is something we can do.

■ Teens crash because they are inexperienced; practice with new drivers every week, before and after they get their license

■ Set a good example; drive the way you want your teen to drive

■ Sign the New Driver Deal, an agreement that helps define expectations for parents and teens

THE MOST IMPORTANT NUMBERS A BANK CAN THROW AT YOU ARE 24 AND 7.

10 minutes to

preparedness

Disasters happen everywhere, and every member of the family can prepare. Preparedness for the future starts today. Here is a checklist of tools and information to help before, during and after disasters for kids, teens, a parent or loved ones.

PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST

Build a Kit

Build an emergency supply kit with enough food, water and supplies to last for several days.

Prepare Now

Make a plan now so that you will know what to do and how to communicate in an emergency.

Know how you'll contact each other and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that is familiar and easy to find.

Practice, Practice, Practice!

Write down contacts and plans, and make sure everyone in the family has copies in a safe place. Play games to practice preparing for before, during, and after disasters.

Around the Community

Schertz YMCA Community First Summer Camp Checks Out City Hall

students were selected as Mayor and Councilmembers while the remainder of the group played the role of engaged citizens participating in a public hearing. The goal of the mock council session was to have the ‘Council’ evaluate three programs proposed by staff, hear feedback from the citizens, and ultimately make the decision of which program to fund.

The Schertz Family YMCA recently held their annual summer Community First Camp for children ages 9-14. Students enrolled in this camp had the opportunity to learn about the community, city government, and even organized a service project.

On Thursday, July 6, students visited the City of Schertz Council

Chambers and were welcomed by various City staff as well as Schertz City Manager, Steve Williams, and Mayor Ralph Gutierrez. During the visit, students learned how a City operates, participated in a quiz to learn more information about Schertz, and ended the session with the fanfavorite activity - participating in a mock City Council meeting. Six

Students from the camp were actively engaged throughout the entire program and were excited to participate in the mock city council session. While they came to a consensus on the vote, the students who played the part of Council agreed that it can be difficult to vote on something as a team.

The Community First camp is a great opportunity for students to learn leadership, communication, volunteerism, and community pride. For more information on the Community First Camp contact the Schertz Family YMCA.

GOOD LUCK TO OUR LOCAL TEAMS

Shane & Kristy Wallace grabbed their Schertz Magazine and travelled to Munich, Germany for their 20th Anniversary!

Bring your Schertz Magazine along during your travels and send us a high resolution photo of you and your magazine to magazine@schertz.com. You may see your photo in an upcoming issue of Schertz Magazine!

Cindy Fossum, Mike Ontko, Curtis Jenkins, and Jan Jenkins took their Schertz Magazine along for the trip as they travelled to St. Thomas Virgin Islands!

Neil & Idie Johnson travelled on an Alaskan Cruise to Juneau and made sure their Schertz Magazine also made the voyage!

Sharon & Timothy O’Neil went on the Carnival Vista Cruise Ship and packed their Schertz Magazine to join the fun!

LOOKING BACK Schertz

Something To Think About . . .

“Do not let making a living prevent you from making a life.”

John Wooden

Schertz History

Men and children worked the farms while the women tended to the daily household chores. Women were often separated from the men at social gathering such as at the Casino Club functions. The local saloon was a popular gathering for the men with an occasional fight for entertainment.

Music was a part of the social scene and every community had a local musical group that played for dances in town and school halls. Music was also a family pastime. Sunday afternoons were set aside as the “Lord’s Day” and reserved for picnics at the grandparent’s farm houses. Shooting clubs and ninepin bowling were popular pastimes among men. Shooting competitions were held between town clubs with trophies and prizes awarded to the best marksmen. Women occupied their time with weaving, quilting, needlepoint, and church social/charity clubs.

Texas History

El Camino Real de los Tejas is one of the oldest (18th century) and most significant routes in Texas. The trail connected important Spanish towns, missions, and forts between Los Adeas (now a part of Louisiana) with Monclova. Mexico. One of the trail’s main routes passes through northern Schertz along FM 482 and Old Nacogdoches Road (former Comal Settlement area).

Schertz history content is taken from the “Schertz, Texas A Photo History” book published by the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee (SPHC). Follow along with the story of Schertz from the photo book that may be purchased at the Schertz Library and/or Visitor Center both located on Schertz Parkway.

Information presented by the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee (SHPC) in the interest of historical perspective and community awareness of local historical legacies.

If you would like to share your memories living in Schertz before 1970, please submit to Rozwise@aol.com, Schertz Historical Preservation Committee.

Official City Meetings

CITY COUNCIL

Ralph Gutierrez Mayor (210) 619-1040 ralphgutierrez@schertz.com

Mark Davis Councilmember (210) 376-9141 markdavis@schertz.com

Michelle Watson Councilmember 210-419-8472 mwatson@schertz.com

Jill Whittaker Councilmember (210) 846-8768 jwhittaker@schertz.com

Michael Dahle Councilmember (210) 419-9337 mdahle@schertz.com

David Scagliola Councilmember (830) 606-1130 davidscagliola@schertz.com

Allison Heyward Councilmember (210) 608-9543 allisonheyward@schertz.com

Tim Brown Councilmember (210) 608-2381 timbrown@schertz.com