November 2022

SCHERTZ SCHERTZ magazine

ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE

Schertz Magazine is a monthly popular lifestyle/entertainment/ community events publication wholly owned and operated by

City of Schertz and produced internally by the Schertz Public Affairs Department. It serves as the primary dissemination source

government information for a growing city of over 42,000 residents. The magazine is mailed to 15,000+ local households

over 1,000 businesses.

1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154.

of Schertz

Bldg. 5, Schertz, Texas 78154.

CITY COUNCIL

Ralph Gutierrez Mayor

Mark Davis Councilmember

Jill Whittaker Councilmember

Michael Dahle Councilmember

David Scagliola Councilmember

Allison Heyward Councilmember

Tim Brown Councilmember

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Dr. Mark Browne City Manager

Brian James Assistant City Manager

Adrian Perez Executive Director Sarah Gonzalez Assistant to the City Manager

EDITORIAL TEAM

Linda Klepper Public Affairs Director

Devan Christensen Communications Manager

Caanon Gibbons Marketing & Communications Specialist

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Linda Klepper, Sarah Gonzalez, Devan Christensen, Caanon Gibbons, Jaime Cline, Anna Kraft, Cassandra Paddock, Lizzi Bertoia, Rosalyn Wise

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Linda Klepper, Sarah Gonzalez, Devan Christensen, Caanon Gibbons, Anna Kraft, Stacey Lovett

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.

is at 1400 Schertz

(210) 619-1600 / Schertz.com.

A Word from the City Manager

The time has come for me to deliver my last Schertz Magazine message as your City Manager. I have been proud to serve you as City Manager for almost four years and I believe the community has accomplished many things over this period. First, I would like to acknowledge the team of Schertz employees for all the incredible work they have done and are doing for the community. Second, I would like to thank the City Council for giving me the opportunity to serve as City Manager and finally, I would like to thank the residents for the incredible spirit of community and support you have given all of us on the staff.

I leave knowing I have done my best for the community and that the City is well positioned for great success moving forward. The pandemic is largely behind us and although we are in a time of economic challenge, Schertz is doing well in many areas. To point out just a few, commercial, residential, and industrial growth is very strong with many new projects either under construction or in the planning phases. Additionally, we have made strides in our personnel area with significant salary increases; we have also maintained our employee benefit package without decreasing benefits or increasing costs to employees over the last few years. To be sure, challenges lie ahead as we have experienced high turnover rates and recruiting issues like most governmental agencies, but I am confident we will be able to overcome those as we move into the future. Perhaps the area I am most proud of is that we have preserved the quality of life for our residents as we modernize and improve our infrastructure, our parks system, and the many activities and events we offer our residents. My wife Cindi and our family wish the Schertz community all the best in the future, and we will be watching closely to celebrate your many successes in the years ahead.

Notice of General Election

The City of Schertz will hold a General Election on November 8, 2022 to elect Councilmembers for Place 1, Place 2 and for Mayor. On Election Day, polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Guadalupe, Comal, and Bexar Counties will be using Vote Centers for the November 8, 2022 Election. Any registered voter can vote at any Election Day Voting Center in their county, regardless of the precinct in which they reside.

For more election information and poling locations go to Schertz.com/election or contact City Secretary at (210) 619-1030.

Office

City Offices will be closed on Friday, November 11 in honor of Veterans Day and on Thursday and Friday, November 24-25 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Dr. Mark Browne City Manager

mbrowne@schertz.com

Offices will reopen the following business day at 8:00 a.m. We hope you enjoy your holiday and thank you to our Veterans for your service!

National Night Out

This year’s National Night Out was a huge success! National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighborhoods and law enforcement while bringing back a sense of community. It provides an excellent opportunity to get police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

As in the past, area neighborhoods were asked to contact the Schertz Police Department to register their neighborhood parties. This ensured they would get a visit from one of the teams. In keeping with the partnership, other departments were invited to join in on the events, including Schertz Fire Rescue and Schertz EMS.

A total of 22 neighborhoods registered their event for a visit from one of our teams. A total of seven teams visited communities throughout the city, from as far north as Fairway Ridge, to the southern end down in Hallie Heights. The teams included law enforcement personnel, City Council, and city staff. National Night Out is the first Tuesday of October; this year, it occurred on October 4. Each registered neighborhood is provided a proclamation read onsite by the visiting Councilmember.

We are already looking forward to National Night Out 2023, so register your neighborhood early. We can’t wait to party with you all again!

Averaging

Street Sweeping Reminders

The fall season means football, pumpkin spice, sweater weather... and fallen leaves accumulating on City streets. Regular street sweeping is an effective way to remove leaves and litter before the debris clogs storm drains or is washed into waterways by rainfall, polluting our creeks and rivers. Our street sweepers clean about 172 miles of street each month in the City of Schertz. In order to maintain all of the roadways and assist our street sweepers, the City asks that residents do not dump, push, sweep, or blow yard waste—including leaves, tree limbs, or brush—into City streets or right of ways. To remove leaves from the streets, sidewalks, and driveways, residents should blow or sweep leaves into the yard and mulch them or compost them. The street sweeper also needs height clearance to sweep freely throughout the city streets. So that the street sweeper can safely pass through the street and clean near the curbs, please ensure your trees and bushes are properly trimmed as the sweeper cannot pass with lowhanging branches. To view the street sweeping schedule, go to Schertz. com or call Schertz Public Works at (210) 619-1800.

RESIDENTS WITH AN AVERAGE BELOW 12,000 GALLONS

That total will be added to the base rate of $15.01 for residents with an average below 12,000 gallons.

RESIDENTS WITH AN AVERAGE GREATER THAN 12,001 GALLONS

usage per month will be multiplied by $4.94. The final calculation result will be your sewer charge for the next 12 months.

The first 12,000 gallons will be multiplied by $4.94 and the portion of the average above 12,000 gallons will be multiplied by $11.22 and that total will be added to the base rate of $15.01 for residential use.

If you get your bill on the 10th day of the month

calculation period

be November

the

For more information, go to Schertz.com or call (210) 619-1100

Inaugural Leadership Development Program Recognized at City Council

The Schertz Emerging Leaders program, a new leadership development initiative for City employees, was created as a comprehensive effort to provide advanced training to budding leaders at all levels within the organization. This program was designed to challenge participants to tap into and grow their leadership potential. Graduates of the inaugural class were honored during a presentation at the October 11 City Council meeting.

The City of Schertz employees, who were selected through an application process, participated in the 8-month program which incorporated leadership concepts related to human behavior, trust, effective communication, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, team dynamics and coaching. In addition to the classroom sessions, the participants were also paired with a mentor from the organization to assist them through the program and provide counsel at regular intervals.

“We were really pleased with the outcome of this initial class,” commented City Manager Mark Browne. “The participants that completed this program will be equipped with a stronger skill set, readying themselves for career growth and opportunities that may arise. Additionally, this program will also enable the City to build a more robust succession plan with a proven strategy for passing on leadership roles.”

The second class of the Schertz Emerging Leaders is scheduled to begin in January 2023.

Congratulations to the Inaugural Class:

■ Bryce Burch, Public Works

■ Will Dalrymple, Inspections

■ Eric Haugen, IT

■ Megan Lagunas, Animal Services

■ Chad Lonsberry, Public Works

■ Demetrio Martinez, Public Works

■ Michael Reed, EMS

■ William Sutton, Police

■ Antonio Valle, Public Works

Committee Hosts Second Annual Classic Car Show

The Schertz Historical Preservation Committee held their second annual Historical Preservation Car Show on Saturday, October 15 at Pickrell Park. Over 40 cars entered the car show with 42 participants. Nearly 100 spectators, and 14 craft vendors, along with These Guys and Smoke Ring BBQ, serving as food vendors; thank you all for your participation. There were over 30 trophies handed out during the competition with the top four awards going to:

■ Mayor's choice: 1956 Chevy Belair - Owner Tim Dill from LaVernia, TX

■ Best in Show: The overall show winner: 1971 Chevy CIO, owner Ricardo Vijil from LaVernia, TX

■ People's Choice: 1986 Buick Grand National - owner David Calbillo from Schertz, TX

■ Schertz Historic Preservation Committee: 1934 Ford Coupe, owner Charles Johns from Floresville, TX

Schertz Dispatcher Earns Above and Beyond Award

On February 23, 2022, at around 8:57 p.m., Liz Tellez received a 911 call from a male that only spoke Spanish. Fortunately, Ms. Tellez speaks Spanish, and rather than transfer the call to the language line, which takes up critical time, she chose to speak to the caller in Spanish and continue to assist him directly. The caller explained that a black Cadillac was following him

and the men in the car were not letting him exit the vehicle. Ms. Tellez believed this was possibly a kidnapping scenario. Ms. Tellez had already dispatched Schertz officers, but they were unable to make it to the highway before he left our city. Ms. Tellez transferred the caller to New Braunfels dispatch; however, they did not have a Spanish speaker on duty. Ms. Tellez made the decision to stay on the line and translate for New Braunfels, again saving critical time that may have been wasted trying to connect with the language line. Ms. Tellez translated for New Braunfels the entire call while they went through New Braunfels city limits. When the caller got to San Marcos, the call was transferred to their 911 center, and they did have a Spanish speaker on duty that took over the call and Ms. Tellez disconnected. New Braunfels called back to thank Ms. Tellez and to let her know that they were able to catch up with all the vehicles involved, arrested several individuals for human trafficking, and rescued the caller and other people in the vehicles.

Lt. Joseph Robles with the New Braunfels Police Department sent a memo over to the department thanking Ms. Tellez and expressed his belief that had she not stepped up to stay on the line and translate rather than just pass it off, they may not have had the successful apprehension of the human trafficker in this case.

The actions of Ms. Tellez during this call highlight her selfless actions to not only translate for the caller but also stay on and assist for New Braunfels. This is one example of how Ms. Tellez continuously operates at a high standard of customer service for our community and represents our department & city in the best way possible.

NICE Public Safety PSAP's Finest Awards recognize dedicated individuals and team standouts in public safety emergency communications. Honorees are recognized for their Lifetime Achievements and for going Above & Beyond. PSAPs’ Finest winners are selected by an independent panel of volunteer judges from the public safety community who evaluate nominees based on their skills, knowledge, professionalism, and dedication to service in their communities.

Congratulations to Liz and we are incredibly thankful for her dedicated service to our community.

POLICE DISPATCHER, LIZ TELLEZ, RECENTLY RECEIVED NICE’S PSAPS’ (PUBLIC SAFETY ANSWERING POINTS) FINEST ABOVE AND BEYOND AWARD FOR HER INVOLVEMENT IN A HUMAN TRAFFICKING CALL.

Register for the Blue Santa Program

The Schertz Police Department is hosting the Blue Santa Program this Christmas to help spread cheer to area families. If you or someone you know would like to apply for this program you can pick up an application at the Schertz Police Department or go to Schertz.com/ bluesanta. The deadline to apply or nominate a family is Nov. 18.

If you are interested in sponsoring a child, the Blue Santa Tree will be in SPD lobby with a child’s wish placed on the tree. You can adopt a child starting Nov. 21 and bring unwrapped gifts to the police department by Dec.

5. Contact Officer Anna Kraft at (210) 619-1264 or akraft@schertz.com for more information.

Operation Polar Express

It's that time of year, and the holiday season is upon us. Unfortunately, this season brings out more "porch pirates." The police department is offering Schertz residents an opportunity to help stop your packages from being stolen off your porch. For the third year, we offer Operation Polar Express to help keep the pirates at bay.

Starting November 7 to December 23, if you purchase an item weighing less than 50 pounds, you can choose to send your package to the Schertz Police Department. When you arrive to pick your item up, bring a governmentissued identification card and the package's tracking number. The

person's name on the box must match the name on the identification card. By mailing your package to the police department, you will have one less thing to worry about.

There will be certain times you can pick your package up. Those times are as follows: Monday – Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can also pick up your parcel on the following Saturdays: November 19, November 26, December 3, December 10, and December 17. Any packages not retrieved by December 23rd will be returned to the sender. To utilize this program, the address to us is:

{Your Name} Attn: Operation Polar Express 1400 Schertz Parkway, Bldg. 6 Schertz, TX 78154

Holiday Trash & Recycling Pickup Schedule

With the holidays fast approaching, we would like to remind you of this year’s holiday trash and recycling pickup schedule. Trash and recycling collection by Republic Services will not occur on Thanksgiving Day. If your regularly scheduled pickup falls on Thursday or Friday, the collection will run one day behind during the week of Thanksgiving.

REGULAR PICK UP DATE

November 21-23

Thursday, November 24 - Thanksgiving Day (Republic Services

Friday, November 25 (City Offices Closed)

City Offices

HOLIDAY PICK UP DATE

No change in service

Friday, November 25

Saturday, November 26

Your regular Thursday/ Friday service pick up will resume on the week of November 28.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Utility Billing Office at (210) 619-1100.

SCHERTZ

PASSPORT TO CARE

BECOME A SCHERTZ EMS PASSPORT TO CARE MEMBER AND GET THE CARE YOU DESERVE

Nobody ever plans to have an accident or medical emergency and needs an ambulance. These events are usually accompanied by unplanned and often very expensive medical costs. The City of Schertz EMS has a plan to help you avoid some of these expenses.

SCHERTZ EMS

TO CARE PLAN

If you have insurance that covers ambulance transportation and are transported by Schertz EMS, you will pay nothing out of pocket for that transport with Passport to Care. Without Passport to Care, you are responsible for the difference that insurance does not cover.

If you do not have insurance or your insurance says the transport was not necessary, you will receive an automatic 50% discount off of your ambulance bill with Passport to Care, and with our average transport bill of approximately $1,500, this is a potential over $700 savings.

So, for the low price of $50 to $75 per

year, price varies based on insurability, dependents, and time of year you join, you can now rest assured that if you or a member of your family has a medical emergency, transportation to the hospital will be potentially taken care of with no cost to you. That's right, no co-pay, no deductible, and no out-ofpocket costs (as long as your insurance deems it medically necessary).

This plan is available to everyone who resides or works in our service area, regardless of your insured status with the lone exception of Medicaid recipients. The State of Texas does not allow Medicaid recipients to participate in an EMS Membership plan because Medicaid does not come with any

out-of-pocket expenses deeming the plan unnecessary for Medicaid recipients.

Schertz EMS brings you the latest in Pre-Hospital Emergency Care each and every time you call 911. Serving a multitude of Metrocom cities including Live Oak, Universal City, Selma, Schertz, Cibolo, Garden Ridge, Marion, and Santa Clara as well as Guadalupe County, Comal County Emergency Services District#6, and JBSA-Randolph. We have worked since 1974 to bring you the highest levels of compassionate care while remaining connected to each and every community we serve.

SCHERTZ EMS PASSPORT TO CARE is an annual EMS Membership program that allows the citizens we serve to pre-plan for emergencies.

A Day in the Life of K9 Medor

By CAANON GIBBONS

Our beloved K9 is rounding the corner on his eighth year with the Schertz Police Department, but he started out as a Poland pup training to be one of the bravest and baddest of narcotics dogs.

K9 Medor is certified by Pacesetter and The National Narcotics Detection Dog Association (NNDDA) to detect 4 main narcotic drugs: marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and meth. Each year Medor is required to recertify with both organizations. Having recent certifications in both organizations gives credibility to Medor’s performance on the job and allow his credibility to uphold in a court of law.

On his average workday, Medor works 12-hour shifts full of drug tracking, paperwork, and begging all Schertz Police Officers for dog treats and scratches. He starts his workday with a big stretch and patrol around the backyard before he makes his way to his first meal of the day. From there, Medor and his handler, Corporal Hanley, get suited up and make their way to the Police Department to begin their shift. Medor sits in on roll call and shift assignments before taking his work to the streets. From then on, for the rest of the shift, Medor is out on the town sniffing out drugs and crime throughout the community.

Medor keeps his detecting skills sharp by training a minimum of 4 hours a week. His training consists of mainly narcotics training. “We put the drugs

out. We train with real drugs that are provided to us by a Federal agency for the sole purpose of training,” stated Corporal Hanley. Medor trains by practicing real-life scenarios around the community. During this training time, Hanley and Medor like to spend some time on tracking training, as well as staying up-to-date on any legal changes that might affect their work.

“Our mission is to detect and locate illicit narcotics and to track people,” said Corporal Hanley, “Majority of the time, we are locating narcotics. Whether it’s going through doing school checks, being out on the street, or even assisting in search warrants.”

Medor might be seven years old, but he still does his job like he is just out of training. In 2021, Medor’s stats spoke for themselves. He was called out for over 40 canine deployments working with the Schertz Police Department, as well as surrounding police departments that value his work. Although Corporal Hanley and Medor are the only K9 unit with the Schertz Police Department, they are well respected within the community and the surrounding cities.

During these canine deployments, Medor was called out 40 times for narcotic detections and two times for tracking of person(s). Medor was able to locate over 1,000 grams of different narcotics leading to 12 total arrests in 2021.

Our former Schertz K9, Rambo, recently passed away at the age of 12 years old. Rambo retired from our police department in 2017 after faithfully serving our community for three years. Over his years of service, Rambo was active in over 30 arrests, recovered over two pounds of Marijuana, three ounces of Methamphetamine, and 15 pounds of Cocaine, and seized over $56,000. The City of Schertz sends our deepest condolences to Rambo’s family during this difficult time, and we will forever be grateful for his service to our community.

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHAT A TYPICAL DAY LOOKS LIKE FOR OUR SCHERTZ POLICE K9?

DISPOSING OF GREASE AND OTHER HOUSEHOLD ITEMS DOWN YOUR DRAIN CAN BE DETRIMENTAL TO YOUR PLUMBING SYSTEM AND ULTIMATELY YOUR BANK ACCOUNT.

Follow the below recommendations to help keep your drains clear and the city’s wastewater system operating efficiently:

■ Hot grease seems easy to pour down the drain, however, when grease temperatures lower, it solidifies, forming a clog in your pipes that is difficult to remove. Always place your hot grease in a container to allow it to solidify then throw it away in a sealed container.

■ Most people assume that coffee grounds are small enough that they won’t stick or clog your pipes, but

that’s not the case. In fact, most plumbers say that coffee grounds are one of the most likely sources of a clog in your kitchen pipes.

■ Produce stickers can also cause big problems inside your pipes. They may not seem like a big deal, but even the little bit of adhesive that’s on them can be enough to cause them to stick to the insides of the pipes. If they make it past your pipes, they can also get caught in wastewater treatment pipes and filters, causing problems with the equipment which can lead to costly repairs.

YOUR LOCAL HEARING EXPERTS

Schertz Says Farewell to City Manager

By LINDA KLEPPER

City Manager Dr. Mark Browne will be retiring from the City of Schertz at the end of November 2022.

The Schertz City Council formally accepted Browne’s retirement letter at a City Council meeting in March 2022.

Mayor Gutierrez commented, “I want to sincerely express my gratitude to Mark Browne for his service to the City of Schertz as our city manager. His dedication and passion have been evident in everything he has done. I wish him and his family the best of luck in their future endeavors.”

Browne’s career in government spans over 40 years, including over 26 years in the Air Force, and 17 years in municipal government. For the past three years, he has faithfully served as the City Manager for Schertz. “It has been my honor and privilege to serve as the City Manager of the City of Schertz. I have enjoyed providing quality public service to the community and am gratified by the many accomplishments made by everyone,” commented Browne.

During Browne’s time in Schertz, he has overseen the construction and opening of Fire Station 3, the renovation and opening of a new state-of-the-art fleet facility, increases in staff wages, and perhaps most notably he led the team through unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and winter storm Uri. “I am especially indebted to the wonderful staff who work so hard each day to carry out the City’s mission and to them, I owe a huge thank you for their tremendous efforts,” said Browne.

“Working together we have made Schertz a better place and I wish staff great success in the future.”

“I would also like to thank the City Council for their support and

guidance as we have gone through a period of dramatic change with the pandemic. I thank them for their service and appreciate all they do for the community,” commented Browne.

Browne has served as Schertz City Manager since January of 2019. Prior to his time in Schertz, he served 7.5 years as City Manager of Alamo Heights and 6 years as City Manager in Terrell Hills.

I am especially indebted to the wonderful staff who work so hard each day to carry out the City’s mission and to them, I owe a huge thank you for their tremendous efforts.

FOLLOWING A LONG AND SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE, DR. BROWNE IS FOCUSING HIS ATTENTION ON THE THINGS HE ENJOYS MOST AND SPENDING MORE TIME WITH FAMILY.

Local Veteran Participates in Honor Flight

By JAIME CLINE

Judi

Olson is a peacetime veteran, an active life member of the local VFW Post 8315, and recently participated in an Honor Flight to Washington DC honoring her service in the United States Air Force as one of the original Women in the Air Force (WAF).

The Honor Flight Network is an organization that brings World War II, Korean, and Vietnam veterans from all over the country to our nation’s capital to share in a day of honor at the nation’s memorials. The trip is all expenses paid for the veteran, a trip many might not otherwise be able to take. By participating in the trip, the veterans are able to share the experience with other veterans, remember friends and comrades lost, and to share their stories and experiences with others.

“I respect and honor our flag, nation, and our veterans. I hold it all close to my heart and am very honored to have been selected for this event. Seeing all the monuments up close is so impactful. It’s such a small world—my roommate for the trip was my old high school classmate!” explains Olson.

Judi Olson has spent her life in service to others and her connection to our nation’s military began at an early age. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, she joined the USO and quickly accrued over a thousand hours volunteering with them before she ultimately made the decision to join the Women in the Air Force (WAF) in 1958. This program was designed to bring women into limited roles within the United States Air Force. All were encouraged to fill a variety of ground duty roles during this time period—mostly those in the clerical

and medical arenas. Women were later accepted into the Air Force on an equal basis with men in 1976 and the WAF program ended.

“I did my basic training in Texas during the months of May, June, and July. We marched out in the open and only stopped when the temperatures would reach over 95 degrees. I swore after I left basic training that I was never going to step foot in San Antonio, Texas again. Never say never,” she shares with a laugh.

“GOD, COUNTRY, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS—THESE ARE WHAT I HOLD MOST DEAR TO ME,” SHARES LOCAL VETERAN AND LONGTIME SCHERTZ/ CIBOLO RESIDENT JUDI OLSON.

Olson was assigned to McCord Air Force Base in Washington and worked in the service club and the hobby shop in a support staff role. She then met her husband Bob, an Airman 2nd class, who was an aircraft mechanic.

“We got married at 5:05 p.m. on the 5th of May. I was five minutes late to the chapel, so I had to stand outside at attention in my wedding gown for retreat to be played,” she laughs.

Shortly after their wedding in 1959, she left the Air Force to become a military wife of 53 years.

“We have lived all over the world, Alaska, France, Saudi Arabia, Panama, and with Bob being a Texan ended up back here even though I swore I’d never come back after those sweltering months in basic training,” she says with a smile. Bob retired in 1979, after 23 years of active duty USAF, and became a military contractor which afforded the family adventures in traveling and seeing the USA.

“My son Chuck was born in Alaska, Jeani and Rodger were born in Texas, and Randy was born in France. Life in the military gives you that opportunity that you might not have otherwise—to see the world and to travel. Every state has something nice and unique about it. Bob and I have visited and spent time in 49 of the 50 states—the only one I haven’t been to yet is Hawaii,” she explains.

Judi has spent the last 47 years with Schertz/Cibolo VFW Post 8315 Auxiliary as a valuable member. She was the president when the hall was built in 1986 and her hope is to be able to be at the ceremony in 2036 when they open the 50-year time capsule. Her love for our nation and its veterans is apparent. She’s enjoyed working as a patriotic instructor, volunteering at many events, and acting as a trustee for over 20 years.

She enjoys traveling, time with the family, cruises, singing karaoke, the

50’s genre (“What a Wonderful World” & “Angels Among Us” are two of her favorite songs to sing) and she likes art and jigsaw puzzles. Since 2012 when her husband passed away, she has continued to volunteer and spends time in Colorado taking care of a dear friend of 67 years.

“I was an only child and now I have the large family I used to dream of,” she shares.

All four of her children went to Samuel Clemens High School and now the family is on their third generation at Clemens—and a few are in the teaching profession. Her children, just like their parents, are very civically minded— choosing careers as first responders or in various services fields and volunteering within their community.

“I have 17 grandchildren and 38 greatgrandchildren,” she explains. “Our family is pretty big now and I love getting to see them grow up.

What’s next on her bucket list?

“I need to plan a trip to Hawaii, as it’s the only state I have left on my list! I have 13 years—yes, I plan to live to be 100—to get this trip done and my many trips between Texas and Colorado,” she says with a laugh.

I respect and honor our flag, nation, and our veterans. I hold it all close to my heart.

E-resources

Creativebug.com has thousands of award-winning art & craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists. Create a free account and log-in with your library card to find a project for any occasion. Topics include art & design, sewing, quilting, paper, knitting, crochet, food & home, jewelry, holiday & party, and classes for kids. Watch videos anytime, anywhere. Since classes never expire, you can start and stop projects at your own pace. Please contact the library (210) 619-1700 if you have any questions about Creativebug.

Library Card Account

Did you know, you can check your account online? Once logged in to your account, you can…

■ See what you currently have checked out, including titles and due dates

■ Place renewals

■ Pay online if you have fines/fees

■ Place holds on materials

■ Browse your reading history

■ Create saved title lists to view later

Teen Book Bundles – Available in November

Looking for a good book to read? Sometimes you don’t know what to read next. Teen Book Bundles can help you find your next favorite book! We’ve made finding your next teen read easier by bundling books together by theme or topic. Great for teen readers who don’t know what book to read next. Check out a Teen Book Bundle today. Give each book in the bundle a try. Don’t like it? There’s another book in the bundle waiting for you to try. We’ve made it easier for you to find what you like to read.

Schertz Public Library Holiday Magic Gift Wrap Station

Bring your gifts and best wrapping skills, we’ve got the rest! Stop by the Library and wrap your holiday gifts at our selfservice gift wrap station, November 28 through December 22! We will supply wrapping paper, tape, bows, gift tags, and plenty of space for you to work. The gift wrap station will be set up at a table right as you enter the library.

Gone Pumpkin Pickin’

The Schertz Family YMCA, along with Schertz Parks & Recreation, held the 5th annual Dunkin’ for Pumpkins event on Saturday, October 8. Pumpkins of all shapes, sizes, and colors were dunked into the pool for this twist on a typical pumpkin patch at the Schertz Aquatic Center. Participants bobbed and splashed around to pick their favorite pumpkin before visiting one of the outdoor pumpkin decorating stations. The sponsors who helped make this year’s floating pumpkin patch happen were Schertz Parks & Recreation, Schertz YMCA, Raising Cane’s, and HEB.

Volunteers Needed

Help make Holidazzle TREE-rific this year! We are seeking volunteers to assist with our holiday festivities on December 3rd. There are a variety of positions available throughout the day at Breakfast with Santa, Holiday Hoopla, and the Festival of Angels Parade. Visit Schertz.com/volunteer for more information or to sign up.

CivicRec gives you the ability to view, register, and reserve Schertz Parks & Recreation activities, events, facilities, and manage your account all in one place. Payments for programs and rentals can also be made on CivicRec.

Once you create an account and sign in, be sure to verify your address and contact information and update your contact preferences. Check out the Catalog to view recreation programs, special events, volunteer opportunities, pavilion rentals, and more.

Go to Schertz.com to log on to CivicRec today to join in on all of the FUN to be had!

Take A Hike!

Break out your most comfortable hiking shoes and get ready to explore, because November 17th is National Take a Hike Day! Get outside and take advantage of the cooler weather by traversing some of the 25+ miles of walking trails in Schertz. It’s a great way to get that heart pumping and experience the outdoors.

Connect with us on social media CityofSchertz or cityofschertzparksandrecreation

Post a pic @SchertzParksandRec Use #SchertzParksandRec

ACTIVITIES.

HAPPENING THIS MONTHin Schertz

PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

Schertz Area Genealogists Meeting Nov. 1 @ 6:30 p.m. Schertz Public Library Meeting Room 1

Medicare 101 with Texas Medicare Solutions Nov. 3 @ 6:00 p.m. Schertz Public Library Meeting Room 1

Lego Lab Nov. 5 @ 10:15 – 11:15 a.m. Schertz Public Library Program Room

CPR & First Aid Training Nov. 5, 9:00 a.m. –4:00 p.m. EMS Training Room

Library Quilt Bee Nov. 8 & 22 @ 12:00 p.m. Nov. 19 @ 10:00 a.m.

Schertz Public Library Meeting Room 1

Open Mic Poetry Nov. 10 @ 6:30 p.m. Schertz Public Library Meeting Room 1

Nature Discovery Series Nov. 12 @ 10:00 a.m. Crescent Bend Nature Park Sunday Afternoon Meditation Nov. 13 @ 1:00 p.m. Schertz Public Library Program Room

Building for Retirement Nov. 17 @ 5:30 p.m. Schertz Public Library Meeting Room 2

Star Party Nov. 26 @ 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Crescent Bend Nature Park

ADDITIONAL LIBRARY PROGRAMS

Total Body Strength Class for Adults

Teen Tuesdays (Ages 13-18)

Storytime

Walk-in Wednesday Tech Help

Discovery! (Ages 6-9)

Storytime

Mondays, 10:30 a.m. Schertz Public Library Program Room

Tuesdays, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Schertz Public Library Program Room

Tuesdays & Wednesdays, Toddlers @ 10:15 – 10:45 a.m. Preschoolers @ 11:00 – 11:45 a.m.

Select Wednesdays, Nov. 2 & 16, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Nov. 9 & 30, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Schertz Public Library Program Room

Schertz Public Library Meeting Room 1

Wednesdays, 4:00 – 4:45 p.m. Schertz Public Library Program Room

Thursdays, Baby & Me @ 10:15 – 10:45 a.m. Toddlers @ 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Schertz Public Library Program Room

VETERANS DAY COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

November 11 @ 9:00 a.m. Cibolo City Hall Plaza, 200 South Main Street, Cibolo, TX 78108

HAL BALDWIN GOLF TOURNAMENT

November 18 @ 9:00 a.m. Olympia Hills Golf & Conference Center Honoring Mayor Hal Baldwin and raising scholarship funds, the city will host the 12th Annual scholarship golf tournament.

DECK THE CITY HALL

December 1 @ 6:00 p.m. City Hall

Come out and join us for the annual tree lighting at City Hall on Thursday, December 1 at 6:00 p.m. In addition to the traditional Holiday tree lighting, we will be lighting the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex! Enjoy the night with music, hot cocoa, and light snacks.

NEXT MONTH IN SCHERTZ...

We are ready for the magic of the holidays, and Holidazzle 2022 promises to bring the holiday cheer for all ages to enjoy! Join us on Saturday, December 3 as we kick off the holiday season with a full day of fun. The Schertz Holidazzle promises a cheerful time for all ages to enjoy. We hope you join us for the holiday celebration!

Holly Jolly Entertainment

Holly Jolly Entertainment will be held throughout the grounds of the McDow Sports Complex. While you enjoy the entertainment, make sure to check out the Fireside Toasting & Roasting food trucks for a special treat!

Holiday Hoopla!

The snow and ice sure will be plentiful at the Holiday Hoopla! Activities include the Mt. Schertz snow hill, snow angel play area, and ice-skating rink which will provide plenty of great photo opportunities! These attractions open from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. and are FREE for all ages.

Kris Kringle Market

Haven't started your holiday shopping?

The Kris Kringle Market offers a unique shopping experience of hand-made crafts, specialty food items, and independent consultant products. The market will be open from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. in the Schertz Civic Center.

Breakfast with Santa

Santa’s elves are cooking away to bring you a magical Breakfast with Santa. Warm and delicious pancakes and sausage will be served. Sessions for breakfast are 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. Tickets are $10.00 each. Capacity limits will apply. Tickets can be purchased at Schertz.com/Holidazzle. Call the Parks and Recreation Office at (210) 619-1850 for more information.

Festival of Angels Parade

The community favorite Festival of Angels lighted night parade will dazzle the crowds lined along Schertz Parkway and Main St. The parade kicks off at 6:00 p.m. from Pickrell Park and concludes on Community Circle Dr.

Food and craft vendors and those interested in participating in the parade can register at Schertz.com/Holidazzle on CivicRec. Call the Parks and Recreation Office at (210) 619-1850 for any questions. For more information, follow the City of Schertz on social media or go to Schertz.com/Holidazzle.

Holiday Safety Reminders

Schertz Police Offers Holiday Safety Tips

The holiday season is an opportune time for potential criminal activity such as theft and robberies. Schertz Police Department would like to remind everyone of some holiday safety tips you can take to protect yourself, your family, and your property.

While Shopping

■ Stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you

■ Try to avoid shopping alone; there is safety in numbers

■ Avoid carrying large amounts of cash

■ Be alert, criminals look for "high-dollar store" shopping bags with your purchases

■ Watch your belongings if eating in mall food courts

■ Have your car keys ready in hand before leaving stores

■ Keep your purchases out of sight and stored in the trunk

■ Park in high-visibility areas

■ Shop early and leave early to avoid evening darkness

The Schertz

At Home

■ Keep your home well-lit with doors locked and curtains closed

■ Don't display gifts beneath the Christmas tree that can be seen from windows or doors

■ After the holidays, don't advertise the gifts you've received by posting on social media or placing boxes out for trash collection

■ Leave a radio or television on so the house seems occupied

If Traveling

■ Get an automatic timer for your lights

■ Ask a neighbor to watch your home, collect mail, and park in the driveway

■ Ask to have your newspaper delivery stopped

by contacting the non-

Stay Safe in the Kitchen this Holiday Season

For most, the kitchen is the heart of the home, especially during the holidays. From testing family recipes to decorating cakes and cookies, everyone enjoys being part of the preparations. So keeping fire safety top of mind in the kitchen during this joyous but hectic time is important, especially when there’s a lot of activity and people at home. As you start preparing your holiday schedule and organizing that large family feast, remember, by following a few simple safety tips you can enjoy time with your loved ones and keep yourself and your family safer from fire.

■ Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove top so you can keep an eye on the food.

■ Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.

■ Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay three feet away.

■ Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.

■ Keep knives out of the reach of children.

■ Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.

■ Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.

■ Never leave children alone in a room with a lit candle.

■ Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.

■ Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

DID YOU KNOW

Reminding Residents of City Provided Services and Programs

Honor Your Veteran

Did you know you can purchase personalized pavers at the Veterans Memorial Plaza in honor of your loved ones who have served? Personalized pavers are available for purchase throughout the year, and engraving/placement of the pavers will take place in March and September of each year. Personalized pavers are $75.00 each and can be purchased on Schertz.com.

Please contact parksandrec@schertz.com or call (210) 619-1850 if you have any questions.

Join Our Team!

Did you know the City of Schertz is hiring? You can find a wide variety of job opportunities with the City of Schertz by going to Schertz.com/Jobs. Questions? Please call (210) 619-1150 or email HR@schertz.com. Apply today and join our team!

Visit Schertz.com/Jobs to apply today

Water Usage Data

Did you know you can monitor your water usage online? Residents can view and pay utility bills, monitor consumption history, and set leak and consumption threshold alerts all in one place! Log on to municipalonlinepayments.com/schertztx to access your usage data and set up email, voice, or text alerts for potential leaks or abnormal usage. If you have questions about your bill, contact the Utility Billing office at (210) 619-1100 or email businessoffice@schertz.com.

For more Utility Billing information go to Schertz.com/utilitybilling.

Around the Community

RACAP Holiday Meal Basket Assistance Program 2022

The Randolph Area Christian Assistance Program (RACAP) will accept applications for the Christmas holiday meal basket assistance program through November 16, 2022. Applications from families in need of help for the holidays because of limited or no income, who are at or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines, will be accepted. RACAP is seeking financial donations to cover the cost of its Holiday Meal Basket Program. Donations from churches, businesses, groups, or individuals are greatly appreciated and are being accepted now. Please make all donations payable to RACAP and designate

on the check that the donation is specifically for the “General Fund”. Donations designated for the “General Fund” allow RACAP to use excess funds in any area, once the Holiday Program is fully funded. Please visit racap.org to donate or obtain further information. Families who reside in our zip code service areas (78108, 78109, 78124, 78148, 78154, 78132, 78233 (Live Oak only), 78247, and 78266) and meet income qualifications are eligible. Applications are available at the RACAP office, 307 Pfeil St., Schertz, starting September 19, 2022. If anyone knows of a family in need of this special assistance, have them call 658-1613.

Churches, businesses, groups, or individuals who would like to sponsor a family/families for Thanksgiving and/or Christmas should contact RACAP or visit racap.org to obtain the Sponsor Application. For information on how to apply or how to help, call RACAP at (210) 658-1613 or visit racap.org.

When you buy local approximately $70 of every $100 you spend stays in the local economy. Our local businesses bring new jobs, pay local taxes, and often source goods locally as well. Shopping local expands the opportunities where you live. Additionally, shopping local means running into friends and neighbors at the store and enjoying the lively hustle and bustle of the community. In fact, communities with more local businesses are generally very tight-knit with increased engagement in civic affairs. This year the City of Schertz hopes you will show all our local businesses some love by shopping with them for the holiday season. And when friends and family come to town, be sure to take them to your favorite local eatery for some delicious bites.

LOCAL BUSINESSES ARE MORE ACCOUNTABLE TO THEIR OWN COMMUNITIES.

They’re owned by people who live in the community and are invested in the community’s future.

LOCAL BUSINESSES ARE THE LARGEST EMPLOYER NATIONALLY.

The more you invest, the more jobs become available in the community.

WE KNOW THAT SHOPPING AT YOUR FAVORITE ONLINE RETAILER HAS ITS CONVENIENCES, BUT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, REMEMBER THE MANY BENEFITS OF SUPPORTING THE LOCAL BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORT THE PLACE WHERE YOU LIVE, WORK, AND PLAY.

Holiday Happenings

Schertz Senior Christmas Bazaar

Join our area seniors for the Senior Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, November 19 from 9 – 3 p.m. at the Schertz Community Center (1400 Schertz Parkway Bldg. 3). Get your holiday shopping done and check out all of the beautiful one-of- a-kind handmade items for sale.

Admission is free and food and drinks will be available. Door prizes will also be offered. For more information call (210) 658-2466.

Knights of Columbus Ladies' Auxiliary Craft Show

Join the Knights of Columbus Ladies of Schertz on Saturday, November 12 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. for their Holiday Craft Show. There will be over 40 vendors with handmade items and unique gifts for the entire family and friends. The event will take place at the Mikulski Hall located at 509 Schertz Parkway. For more information email kcladiescraftshow@gmail.com.

Main St. Commons Holiday Market

Main St. Commons Holiday Market is an outdoor vendor event where you can shop local vendors, artisans, and services. Drop by, grab a latte or hot chocolate, take a photo with the Grinch, have lunch at the new Kind Kitchen, shop local and be entertained! DJ Lil B and Chrissy Rae’s Dancers will be performing! Come have fun on December 4 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at 816 Main St, Schertz, TX 78154.

Cibolo Main Street Market

Check out the Cibolo Main Street Market on Saturday, November 12, or Saturday, December 10 to enjoy a variety of vendors and artisans. You're sure to find something you’ll love while supporting local businesses. This event will take place from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. each day in the Noble Center Parking Lot (203 S. Main St., Cibolo, TX). For more information email cibolomainstreetmarket@gmail.com.

Garden Ridge Market Days

Join Garden Ridge Market Days every second Saturday for the largest FREE, family-friendly pop-up market in the San Antonio area! Enjoy 150+ local vendors, sweet treats, live music, free kid's activities, and more. The market runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is located at Northeast Bible Church (19185 FM 2252, Garden Ridge, TX). For more information visit gardenridgemarketdays.com.

Christmas at the Caverns Christmas at the Caverns returns for the 2022 holiday season combining the sights and sounds of the holidays with its underground world of natural beauty and amazement. Join Natural Bridge Caverns on December 3-4, 10-11, and 16-23 for unique holiday offerings including the Trail of Lights, Storytime with Santa, and Christmas Campfire. During this season of giving, “Christmas at the Caverns” continues its support of the San Antonio Food Bank with a portion of ticket sales. For more information visit naturalbridgecaverns.com.

Crosspoint Church Kids Crazy Community Party

Join Crosspoint Church on Sunday, December 11 for the Kids Crazy Community Party. Meet one of the World’s Top 3 Ball Handlers, Robyn Slain, and enjoy snow sledding, inflatables, and games. The party will take place at Crosspoint Church (2600 Roy Richard Dr). There will be a session for kids only from 4:00 - 7:10 p.m. and another session for family sledding at 7:15 p.m. Cost is $5/ kid and parents are free. Space is limited. Visit crosspoint247.com/party to sign up.

Love Where You Live Transforms Aviation Heights Neighborhood

What a sight as 310 volunteers descended on the Aviation Heights neighborhood on Saturday, October 15, to serve 74 neighbors by mowing lawns, trimming bushes/ trees, and performing minor home maintenance/repair. As one of the oldest neighborhoods in Schertz, Aviation Heights was selected for the neighbor-serving-neighbor semiannual event known as Love Where You Live (LWYL). It was an inspiration to see LWYL volunteers serving our community by helping those who have no one else to call upon.

Big thanks goes to volunteers and sponsors from Beck Companies, CertaPro Painters, Chick-fil-A Schertz, Cibolo Valley Baptist Church, City of Schertz, Community Bible Church, Duncan Donuts, First Baptist Church of Schertz, First Baptist Church of Universal City, JB Goodwin Realty, Journey Fellowship, Northeast Bible Church, Patriot Plants & Trees, Physicians Premier/AccessMed Clinic, The Purpose Church, Republic Services, the San Antonio Council for Alcohol and Drug Awareness (SACADA), & Trail Life.

If you, your family, church, business, school, and/or civic organization are interested in learning more about LWYL and/or their upcoming events, please go to lwylschertz.com and follow Love Where You Live-Schertz on Facebook. Contact LWYL at (210) 651-5462 or info@lwylschertz. com if you interested in becoming a sponsor. The next big LWYL event is tentatively scheduled for Saturday,

Misha celebrated her 45th birthday with friends at Hotel Riu Las Americas in Cancun, Mexico and brought her Schertz Magazine.

Mikki Austin brought her SchertzMagazine on a trip to EdinburghCastle in Edinburgh, Scotland

Rose and Charles Ervin took their Schertz Magazine on a trip to Cozumel, Mexico.

Lidia Martinez visited her mom in Nicaragua and brought her Schertz Magazine along for the trip.

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!

LOOKING BACK

Schertz Texas

Something To Think About .

Schertz History

Many indigenous Texas tribes hunted buffalo along Cibolo Creek, and one of those early tribes were the Lipan Apache. The Lipan were a nomadic people and had several strongholds (kó ka e) where they would hunt, camp, or seek protection from other warring tribes. Since first contact in the 1500’s, documents have recorded the presence of the Lipan around Bexar County. Alliances were formed with the Republic of Texas by Chief Cuelgas de Castro and his sons, Ramon and Juan. The government formally recognized the Lipan with the signing of the Treaty of Live Oak Point in 1838, and by 1846, this area of Schertz was a known “settlement area called “the Lipan’s old Town” by Robert S. Neighbors, Texas Indian Agent”. Conflicts soon occurred after the arrival of European Immigrants and then as Texas implemented Policies of Indian Removal, the Lipan migrated to safer lands. Ramón and Juan Castro attempted to establish a cooperative relationship between the Lipan and

the Texas government. Chief Ramón Castro signed the Tehuacana Treaty of 1844 with the Republic of Texas and once Texas became a state, Chief Juan Castro signed the San Saba Treaty of 1851 with the United States.” Over time, Ramon Castro and his people, the Sun Otter Band, returned to Schertz and surrounding areas to become part of the Indigenous families that contributed to the founding and prosperity of the city of Schertz, and descendants of the Lipan Apache are still here today!

Texas History

In September of 1836, the citizens of the new Republic of Texas elected Sam Houston as their first president, Mirabeau B. Lamar as Vice President, and Stephen F. Austin as Secretary of State. Waterloo was chosen to be the Texas capital which later changed the name to Austin in honor of Stephen F. Austin, who passed in 1836 at the age of 43. Houston was believed to be too far from the original Texas settlements for the capital.

CITY COUNCIL

Ralph Gutierrez Mayor (210) 619-1040

ralphgutierrez@schertz.com

Mark Davis Councilmember (210) 376-9141

markdavis@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

CITY DEPARTMENTS

City of Schertz/311 (210) 619-1000

Animal Services (210) 619-1550

City Manager (210) 619-1000

City Secretary (210) 619-1030

Civic Center (210) 619-1600

Economic Development (210) 619-1070

EMS (non-emergency) (210) 619-1400

Fire (non-emergency) (210) 619-1300

Inspections (210) 619-1750

Municipal Court (210) 619-1500

Parks & Recreation (210) 619-1850

Planning & Zoning (210) 619-1780

Police (non-emergency) (210) 619-1274

Police Records (210) 619-1200

Public Affairs (210) 619-1600

Public Library (210) 619-1700

Public Works (210) 619-1800

Records (210) 619-1030

Official City Meetings

Planning

Trash & Recycling (210) 619-1100 Utility Billing (210) 619-1100

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