SCHERTZ magazine SCHERTZ, TEXAS
NOVEMBER 2023
FLEX SPENDING: USE IT OR LOSE IT
HEAR FOR THE HOLIDAYS! Call today to schedule a hearing test and make the most of your insurance benefits!
SCHERTZ 645 Woodland Oaks Dr Ste 350 Schertz, TX 78154 210-819-5002
FLORESVILLE 1605 US Hwy 181 N Ste A Floresville, TX 78114 830-542-8957
www.dossaudiology.com
210-848-8012 Annette Moore, USAF Nurse
WE ALSO OFFER PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES
I LOVE REFERRALS
LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED SERVING SCHERTZ FOR OVER 20 YEARS
CALL
210-861-2858 Cyndi Broschat
SERVICES INCLUDE: • Monthly Electronic Statements • Multi-level Tenant Screening • Facilitate & Oversee Repairs and Renovations • Low Management Fees • No Excessive Fees • Regular Property Inspections
TEXAS REALTOR®, License #0496302 cbroschat@satx.rr.com
2
/
SCHERTZ MAGAZINE
Planning a holiday party?
CELEBRATE Life Events With Us
Weddings • Graduations • Quinceañeras Celebrations • Retirements • Meetings 1400 SCHERTZ PKWY
November 2023
210.619.1611
SCHERTZ.COM
T H E M O S T I M P O R TA N T NUMBERS A BANK C A N T H R O W A T YO U A R E 2 4 A N D 7.
You call and we answer around the clock, right here in Texas. Visit us at frostbank.com or call at (800) 51-FROST.
MEMBER FDIC
SCHERTZ MAGAZINE
November 2023
/
3
NOVEMBER 2023 Table of Contents 05 10 14 16 18 27
City Headlines Features Happening this Month Parks & Recreation Library Around the Community
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
ON THE COVER Retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major Franklin Bent’s career involved numerous important roles, but undoubtedly the most interesting responsibility was planning some of the country's most important ceremonies and events.
James Lowery Police Chief Jason Mabbitt EMS Chief
EDITORIAL TEAM
FEATURES
Linda Klepper Public Affairs Director Devan Christensen Communications Manager Jenna Kock Marketing and Communications Specialist
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Linda Klepper, Devan Christensen, Jenna Kock, Kira Villarreal, Jaime Cline, Miguel Vasquez, Cassandra Paddock, Lizzi Bertoia, Shari Johnson, Kathy Roberts, Anna Kraft
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Linda Klepper, Devan Christensen, Jenna Kock, Jennifer Sourdellia, Joe Herczeg, Stacey Lovett, Anna Kraft, Kathy Roberts, Domingo J Muñoz Jr.
10
Veteran’s Duty from Service to A Ceremony
SCHERTZ VISIT SCHERTZ.COM
12
scendancy Athletix Aims to A Impact the Next Generation
ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE Schertz Magazine is a monthly popular lifestyle/entertainment/ community events publication wholly owned and operated by the City of Schertz and produced internally by the Schertz Public Affairs Department. It serves as the primary dissemination source for government information for a growing city of over 43,000 residents. The magazine is mailed to 15,000+ local households and over 1,000 businesses. Our mailing address is 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. The editorial office of Schertz Magazine is located at the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex, Bldg. 2. Call (210) 619-1630 or go to Schertz.com/schertzmagazine.
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) 619-1630. 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.
CITY HEADLINES 2023
Notice of General Election Schertz-Cibolo Cemetery Receives Official Texas Historical Marker The Texas Historical Commission (THC) has recognized the Schertz-Cibolo Cemetery as a significant part of Texas history by awarding it an Official Texas Historical Marker. The designation honors this burial site as an important and educational part of local history. A dedication ceremony to commemorate this event will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Mikulski Hall, 509 Schertz Parkway. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. with music, a concurrent art show and sale, and exhibits from various sponsors. Lunch will be provided on a limited basis and, after lunch, the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee will
have speaker presentations relating to local history including the indigenous, German, and Mexican cultures. “The Official Texas Historical Marker program helps bring attention to community treasures and the importance of their preservation,” said Mark Wolfe, executive director of the THC. “Awareness and education are among the best ways to guarantee the preservation of our state’s history. This designation is a tool that will increase public awareness of important cultural resources,” Wolfe said.
The City of Schertz will hold a General Election on November 7, 2023 to elect Councilmembers for Place 3, 4, & 5. On Election Day, polls will be open from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Guadalupe, Comal, and Bexar Counties will be using Vote Centers for the November 7, 2023 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 polling locations, scan the QR code, go to Schertz. com/election, or contact City Secretary, Sheila Edmondson at (210) 619-1030.
We hope to see you there at this historic celebration!
SSLGC Honors Kenneth Greenwald On Tuesday, October 10 the Schertz/ Seguin Local Government Corporation (SSLGC) held a dedication ceremony to recognize Kenneth Greenwald for his service to the SSLGC and the critical roles he contributed to the success of the SSLGC. Kenneth Greenwald served on the Schertz City Council from 1983 through 2005 and he was a strong supporter of an alternative, reliable, long-term water supply source for the City of Schertz. Ken was instrumental in the creation of the Schertz/Seguin Local Government Corporation in 1998 and served as the City Council
Representative on the initial Board of Directors. His Service to SSLGC continued with his appointments to the SSLGC Board of Directors from 2006–2008 and 2010–2021. The
SSLGC Board of Directors proclaimed the Original Water Treatment Plant within the Gonzales Water Treatment Facility be dedicated as the Kenneth Greenwald Water Treatment Building. SCHERTZ MAGAZINE
November 2023
/
5
CITY HEADLINES Protect your Gifts from Package Theft this Holiday Season
Register for the Blue Santa Tree The Schertz Police Department is gearing up for the 2023 holiday season’s Blue Santa Program. This cherished annual program is designed to bring holiday happiness to families and children in Schertz. If you or someone you know would like to apply or nominate a family for the Blue Santa Program, please submit an application by November 17. Applications are available for pick-up at the Schertz Police Department or online at schertz.com/bluesanta. Once applications are closed, a "Blue Santa Tree" will be placed in the Police Department lobby adorned with Christmas wishes. The community is invited to visit and fulfill these wishes to bring cheer to area families. If you wish to sponsor a family or child, you can visit the “Blue Santa Tree” starting November 20 to collect a wish that’s been placed on the tree. Participants should bring unwrapped gifts to the police department by December 7. Contact Officer Anna Kraft at (210) 619-1264 or akraft@schertz.com for more information.
6
/
SCHERTZ MAGAZINE
November 2023
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 citizens an opportunity to help stop your packages from being stolen from your porch. For the fourth year, Operation Polar Express is here to help keep the pirates at bay. Starting November 13 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 government-issued 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 Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also pick up your parcel on the following Saturdays: November 25, December 2, and December 9. Any packages not retrieved by December 23 will be returned to the sender.
SEND PACKAGES TO SCHERTZ PD To utilize this program, the address to us is: {Your Name} Attn: Schertz Police Department Operation Polar Express 1400 Schertz Parkway, Bldg. 6 Schertz, TX 78154
Coming Together as a Community for National Night Out This year’s National Night Out was a huge success yet again! National Night Out is a nationwide initiative aimed at enhancing the relationship between neighborhoods and law enforcement while bringing back a sense of community. This program provides an excellent opportunity to get police officers and neighbors together in an informal and positive environment. 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 have been invited to join in on the events, including Schertz Fire Rescue and Schertz EMS.
A total of 28 neighborhoods registered for a visit from one of our teams. Seven teams visited communities throughout the city, from as far north as Homestead to the southern end of Hallie Heights. The teams include law enforcement personnel, City Council, and city staff. National Night Out is the first Tuesday of October; this year, it occurred on October 3. Each registered neighborhood is provided a proclamation read onsite by the visiting Councilmember. We look forward to October 1, National Night Out 2024, so register your neighborhood early. We can’t wait to party with you all again!
2023 – 2024
Sewer Averaging Sewer averaging for the winter months began November 1, 2023, and will continue through March 15, 2024, for cycle billing. Water usage over this period determines your sewer charge for the next billing year, which begins April 1. The water usage readings will be averaged and the average per thousand-gallon usage per month will be multiplied by $5.09. The final calculation result will be your sewer charge for the next 12 months. If you get your bill on the 10th day of the month your calculation period will be November 1 to March 1 and if you get your bill on the 25th day your period will be November 15 to March 15.
RESIDENTS WITH AN AVERAGE BELOW 12,000 GALLONS That total will be added to the base rate of $15.46 for residents with an average below 12,000 gallons.
RESIDENTS WITH AN AVERAGE GREATER THAN 12,001 GALLONS The first 12,000 gallons will be multiplied by $5.09 and the portion of the average above 12,000 gallons will be multiplied by $11.67 and that total will be added to the base rate of $15.46 for residential use.
For more information, go to Schertz.com or call (210) 619-1100
SCHERTZ MAGAZINE
November 2023
/
7
CITY HEADLINES Councilmember Allison Heyward Named TML President-Elect City of Schertz Place 6 Councilmember Allison Heyward was recently named president-elect of the Texas Municipal League (TML) during the organization’s annual conference, which was held in Dallas October 4-6. She is the first official from the City of Schertz to serve as TML president-elect. Following a one-year term, she will become president of TML in October 2024. Heyward was first elected to the TML Board in October 2021 as the regional director for Region 7 (Alamo Region). She has served on the Schertz City Council since 2018. Heyward is a Certified Municipal Officer (CMO) as well as a member of several additional boards including the TML Intergovernmental Risk Pool Board, AAMPO Emergency Resiliency Board, and the AAMPO ATAC board. “I am honored to be elected as the Texas Municipal League (TML) President-Elect for 2023-24,” comments Heyward. “TML is an amazing organization that helps to enhance the advancement and sustainability of cities. I look forward to continuing the groundbreaking work of those who came before me. As part of the leadership team of TML, I will be poised to provide great service to Texas cities and towns, including the City of Schertz, by leveraging knowledge and expert resources that are available through TML.” The Texas Municipal League is a statewide association that represents the interests of Texas 8
/
SCHERTZ MAGAZINE
November 2023
cities at the state and federal level. TML also facilitates the exchange of information among over 1,150 member cities across the state. Guided by its purpose statement— Empowering Texas cities to serve their cities—the League provides legislative, legal, and training services to city governments. TML is governed by a Board of Directors made up of: president and president-elect; regional directors (one from each of the League’s 15 sub-state regions), affiliate directors (one from each of the League’s 21 affiliates), eight at-large directors (one from each of the state’s largest cities), all past presidents still in municipal office, and two ex-officio directors (one from each of the TML risk pools).
City Receives TML Excellence Award The City of Schertz was recently awarded a 2023 Texas Municipal League Municipal (TML) Excellence Award for the Schertz EMS Yellow Dot Program in the Public Safety category for cities over 25,000. City Officials and City Staff were in attendance at the TML Conference (October 4-6) in Dallas to accept the award. Schertz EMS launched the Yellow Dot Program to help those who may not be able to communicate their needs when involved in a traffic incident. By placing a yellow dot decal in the vehicle’s rear window, first responders are alerted to check the glove compartment for information to ensure proper medical attention is given.
The key to a new adventure. When you move into a new home at The Crossvine, you unlock a community filled with activities. Discover winding trails, playful parks, an inviting amenity center, and more. Wind up here.
New homes for sale at TheCrossvine.com.
SCHERTZ MAGAZINE
November 2023
/
9
Features
A Veteran’s Duty from Service to Ceremony IT’S NOT UNUSUAL TO MEET SCHERTZ RESIDENTS WHO HAVE SPENT THEIR CAREERS SERVING IN THE MILITARY. BUT FOR ONE LOCAL RESIDENT, A MILITARY CAREER AFFORDED HIM SOME UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES AND GAVE HIM SOME EXTREMELY INTERESTING STORIES TO TELL. By KIRA VILLAREAL
R
etired U.S. Army Sergeant Major Franklin Bent’s career spanned three decades, from 1969-1999, and involved numerous important roles across the country and overseas. He spent much of his career in Infantry and had various training and instructor roles. In addition to serving in Vietnam, he also served as an instructor at the U.S. Army School of the Americas in Panama, and was stationed in Germany, Texas, Virginia, and several other states. But undoubtedly the most interesting post in his career was his role as the Sergeant Major of the Directorate of Ceremonies and Special Events for the Military District of Washington between 1991 and 1994. In this role, which required a Top-Secret security clearance, Bent was one of the individuals responsible for planning some of the most important ceremonies and events in the country, including the funerals of several U.S. Presidents. The Directorate of Ceremonies and Special Events is the Army office with tasking authority over all ceremonial units and branches in the National Capital Region. It’s responsible for the military participation in State 10
/
SCHERTZ MAGAZINE
November 2023
funerals and those of other dignitaries throughout the U.S. In addition, the office is tasked with planning every military event in the area, including those at Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon, and the White House. “During my time, we averaged 17 funerals and about 10 musical or color guard support events a day, as well as about four other ceremonies daily,” said Bent. “In the summer, I would go through 3 sets of uniforms a day due to the heat.”
State funerals in particular required a lot of precise coordination with state and federal agencies as well as law enforcement, and active duty, reserve, and National Guard units. Bent was responsible for all the logistics, including meeting with the families and coordinating transportation, lodging, meals, and rehearsal for all involved, often under intense media scrutiny. One of the biggest challenges of his career was leading the California phase of President Nixon’s funeral,
During my time, we averaged 17 funerals and about 10 musical or color guard support events a day, as well as about four other ceremonies daily. which had about 1,800 attendees, among them President Clinton and numerous other leaders and VIPs that Bent was responsible for escorting. He recalls the immense responsibility of planning such a high-profile event and says that it led to more than a few sleepless nights. “I arrived in California before the official announcement of President Nixon’s death and I slept only three hours that night,” says Bent. ”For the next two days, I didn’t get any more sleep at all, due to the constant changes of plans and constant worries that something would go wrong .” But despite the stress that this position entailed, Bent says it was one of the most rewarding and memorable of his career. “It was an amazing experience to escort President Clinton, former Presidents, Bush, Reagan, Carter and Ford and their wives, as well as Senator Dole and Henry Kissinger,” said Bent. “And one of the saddest moments of my career was when I escorted President Nixon to his wife’s casket at the library in Yorba Linda the night before her burial and to
see him cry—that broke my heart.” Bent later moved on to other positions within the Military, one of which brought him to the San Antonio area where he settled in Schertz and later retired here. But even after his retirement, he continued working for the Directorate of Ceremonies and Special Events as an advisor until 2006 and had the opportunity to serve as an advisor for President Regan’s funeral. After retiring in 1999, Bent remained connected to the military community as a volunteer helping Veterans hospitalized at BAMC to file new or updated claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs. These days, Bent enjoys a quieter life here in Schertz, where he lives with his wife. He spends his time reading, doing yard work, traveling, volunteering, and getting some welldeserved relaxation. Looking back on his career, Bent says he feels gratitude for the opportunities he’s had. “It was a heavy load and a great responsibility, but I was really lucky to have had such an interesting career.”
SCHERTZ MAGAZINE
November 2023
/
11
Ascendancy Athletix Aims to Impact the Next Generation By JAIME CLINE
BALANCING COLLEGE COURSES AND REAL LIFE IS CHALLENGING ENOUGH. BUT TYREE FORD, KASSEN DILWORTH, AND BRYAN GUTIERREZ ALSO ARE ENDEAVORING TO CHANGE THE WORLD AND IMPACT THE NEXT GENERATION THROUGH THE CREATION OF THEIR CLOTHING LINE, ASCENDANCY ATHLETIX.
12
/
SCHERTZ MAGAZINE
November 2023
A
scendancy Athletix was created on the idea of three simple pillars—faith, growth, and inspiration. The trio brought the idea to life after the pandemic, where they witnessed their fellow classmates at Steele High School and Samuel Clemens High School struggling to navigate the social and emotional aftermath. After the group returned to in-person learning at school, they noticed a lot of students were struggling with their mental health. During the pandemic, these students had missed out on a lot of the social aspects that comes hand-in-hand with high school and that inspired the three to do something about it. An idea about creating an uplifting and motivational clothing line was born.
“We pieced the brand together to create a mindset. We want our peers to see the same mindset that we do— the work ethic, the motivation, and the drive all those aspects can be pieced together to motivate someone to be the best version of themselves," shares Dillworth. "No matter what that looks like—it could be the best entrepreneur, the best student, the best athlete, the best mom, or whatever your personal journey is. We just want to support you on being the premier version of yourself. And what better way to express that than clothing." The group has always been high achievers. All three played soccer and learned early on how to create systems to prioritize important tasks and embody a drive to get things done. They focus on setting a goal
We pieced the brand together to create a mindset. We want our peers to see the same mindset that we do—the work ethic, the motivation, and the drive all those aspects can be pieced together to motivate someone to be the best version of themselves.
and achieving it—putting forth massive effort to do so. Flexibility, trust, and communication are key pillars for the group. “I’ve always had this entrepreneurial mindset, even when I was younger," says Gutierrez. "In 8th grade, I figured out how to sell snacks to my classmates in the passing periods. After school, I would post on SnapChat what my “menu” was for the day, and I would get texts from classmates placing their orders. I made enough to buy my first car! It really sparked this interest in business for me and I liked figuring out how I could get better at things—I could leverage this in the future." All three grew up with great role models who were modeling drive, work ethic, entrepreneurial mindsets, and balancing work with their family. And it's easy to see how they adopted those mindsets into their brand. “Our parents really have given us these puzzle pieces that we’ve put to use to create our company," Ford expresses. "We’ve used the last few years to really develop the best mindset we can and be role models for those around us. We’ve all come to the conclusion that financial literacy and financial freedom are something we all want to be good at and have a good understanding of moving into the future."
Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart though. Whether it’s navigating a new drop of clothing in the coming month or trying to figure out when they can take a call from the distributor, the founders must get creative with their time management. Between FaceTime strategy sessions or planning out when they can get together to shoot some photos in between all of their college classes and soccer practice—every day is something new. Each drop of clothing pieces is unique and only available for a short period of time. And that’s intentionally done. “We have focused on creating limited exclusive one-time pieces. It drives a sense of community for our brand, and it evokes this feeling of being a part of something special at one time in our brand’s story. People can say ‘Oh this is from the first drop’ or ‘This is from the second drop’ and feel like they are part of our history,” shares Gutierrez. What’s next for the trio? They just completed a new drop of items in mid-September, are working on an Ambassador program to roll out country-wide, and are actively continuing to share their message with the world. Learn more about Ascendancy Athletix and shop their next drop at ascendancy.shop. SCHERTZ MAGAZINE
November 2023
/
13
THIS MONTH
in Schertz
NOV.
HAPPENING
STORY & SWIM Nov. 3 @ 10 – 11:30 a.m. | Schertz Aquatic Center
PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
Storytime just got better! In partnership with the Schertz Public Library, the YMCA invites children ages 7 and under to join Story & Swim. Miss April offers a short storytime followed by a craft. We end our time together in the pool with swim time with a certified swim instructor. Registration Required, sign up at the Welcome Center.
Story & Swim (Ages 7 & under)
Nov. 3 @ 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Schertz Aquatic Center
Lego Lab (Ages 5+)
Nov. 4 @ 10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
Library Program Room
Craft Your Own Memoir (Ages 18+)
Nov. 7 & 14 @ 6 – 8 p.m.
Library Meeting Room 2
Schertz Area Genealogists Meeting
Nov. 7 @ 6:30 p.m.
Library Meeting Room 1
Tell Your Life Story
Nov. 7 @ 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Nov. 16 @ 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Library Meeting Room 1
Open Mic Poetry (Ages 18+)
Nov. 9 @ 6:30 p.m.
Library Meeting Room 1
Nature Discovery Series
Nov. 11 @ 9:30 a.m.
Crescent Bend Nature Park
Sunday Afternoon Meditation for Adults (Ages 18+)
Nov. 12 @ 1 p.m.
Library Program Room
Hal Baldwin Scholarship Golf Tournament
Nov. 17 @ 9 a.m.
Olympia Hills Golf & Conference Center
Game On!
Nov. 18 @ 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Library Program Room
HAL BALDWIN GOLF TOURNAMENT
Paper Crafting Crop
Nov. 26 @ 12 – 5 p.m.
Library Program Room
Nov. 17 @ Olympia Hills Golf & Conference Center
Walk With a Naturalist
Nov. 26 @ 3:30 p.m.
Crescent Bend Nature Park
Medicare 101 Information Session
Nov. 30 @ 6 p.m.
Library Meeting Room 1
Deck the City Hall
Nov. 30 @ 6 p.m.
Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex
RECURRING PROGRAMS Senior Center Tech Help**
Second Mondays @ 10 – 11 a.m.
Schertz Senior Center
Pickleball Play
Tuesdays @ 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Pickrell Park Large Pavilion
Library Quilt Bee
Second and Fourth Tuesday and Third Saturday
Library Meeting Room 1
Honoring Mayor Hal Baldwin and raising scholarship funds, the city will host the 13th Annual scholarship golf tournament. The scholarship encourages Schertz residents who are high school seniors to consider a public service career. Questions can be directed to (210) 288-2788 or halbaldwinscholarship@gmail.com. NEXT MONTH IN SCHERTZ...
(Time varies, check online)
Toddler Storytime (Ages 20 months – 3 yrs.)
Tuesdays & Wednesdays @ 10:15 – 10:45 a.m. Thursdays @ 11 – 11:30 a.m.
Library Program Room
Preschool Storytime (Ages 3 – 6 yrs.)
Tuesdays & Wednesdays, @ 11 – 11:45 a.m.
Library Program Room
Teen Tuesdays (Ages 13 – 18 yrs.)
Tuesdays @ 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Library Program Room
Discovery! (Ages 6 – 9 yrs.)
Wednesdays @ 4 – 4:45 p.m.
Library Program Room
Walk-in Wednesday Tech Help
Wednesdays @ 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Library Meeting Room 1
Baby & Me Storytime (Ages Birth – 24 months)
Thursdays @ 10:15 – 10:45 a.m.
Library Program Room
InbeTween (Ages 8 – 12 yrs.)
Thursdays @ 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Library Program Room
* Library spice kits for adults will be available the first week of November featuring Ground Ginger ** A membership to the Schertz Senior Center is required to attend tech help at the Senior Center
14
/
SCHERTZ MAGAZINE
November 2023
Save the Date
READING IS MAGIC Month of December
Reading is Magic! Registration for the Schertz Public Library’s Winter Reading Challenge will open Saturday, December 16 online and in-person at the library.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 • HAL BALDWIN COMPLEX GET READY TO DECK THE HALLS AND SPREAD SOME HOLIDAY CHEER, BECAUSE HOLIDAZZLE 2023 IS HERE! KICKING OFF ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, THIS FESTIVE EVENT HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.
Breakfast with Santa
Start your day off with a scrumptious Breakfast with Santa, served up by his hardworking elves from Abel’s Diner. Delicious pancakes and sausage will be on the menu for three sessions at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11 a.m. Tickets are only $10.00 each, so hurry up and grab yours before they're gone! Capacity limits will apply. Tickets can be purchased at Schertz.com/Holidazzle.
Kris Kringle Market
If you're on the hunt for the perfect holiday gift, check out the Kris Kringle Market. You'll find handmade crafts, specialty food items, and other unique offerings. The market opens at 10 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m. in the Schertz Civic Center.
Holiday Hoopla
Feeling the need for some winter wonderland fun? Head over to the Holiday Hoopla for some icy excitement! Take a ride down Mt. Schertz snow hill, play around in the snow angel area, or show off your ice-skating skills at the rink. You can even catch Santa before he heads over to the parade at 5:30 p.m. to get your picture taken. And the best part? All of these attractions are FREE for all ages and open at 4 p.m.
Festival of Angels Parade
As the sun sets, the Festival of Angels lighted night parade will light up the streets with holiday magic. The parade kicks off at 6 p.m. from Pickrell Park and ends on Community Circle Drive. Make sure to stop by and get some delicious eats and treats at the Fireside Toasting & Roasting food vendors.
If you're interested in being a vendor or participating in the parade, visit Schertz.com/Holidazzle on CivicRec or call the Parks and Recreation Office at (210) 619-1850. So, come join us for a festive holiday celebration! Keep up with all the excitement by following the City of Schertz on social media or visiting Schertz.com/Holidazzle.
SCHERTZ MAGAZINE
November 2023
/
15
Top 5 Trail Tips 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.
1
Hike with a buddy: Hiking with a friend is safer and more enjoyable.
2
Wear sturdy footwear: invest in good hiking boots or shoes with proper support and traction.
3
Leave no-trace: Respect nature by carrying out all trash and minimizing your impact.
4
Be wildlife-aware: Keep a safe distance from animals and never feed them.
5
Enjoy the Journey: Take time to appreciate the scenery and connect with nature along the way.
Deck The City Hall The tree is trimmed, the lights are strung, now join the City for some holiday fun!
Volunteers Needed Help make Holidazzle TREE-rific this year! We are seeking volunteers to assist with our holiday festivities on December 2. 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. 16
/
SCHERTZ MAGAZINE
November 2023
Kick-off the holiday season Thursday, November 30, 2023, 6 p.m. in front of City Hall with the annual ‘Deck the City Hall’ event. City staff will be on hand with a children’s craft and refreshments. Help to count down as we light the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex for the season. Connect with us on social media C ityofSchertz or cityofschertzparksandrecreation
Post a pic @SchertzParksandRec Use #SchertzParksandRec
ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD
10/15 - 12/7
Do you have
MEDICARE INSURANCE
QUESTIONS? I CAN HELP!
Roy Kygar (210) 601-9393 I have over 14 years of experience in the Medicare insurance industry.
I am contracted with UnitedHealthcare and Humana. For a full list of plans available in your area visit medicare.gov
NOVEMBER 30 • 6:00 pm Hal Baldwin municipal Complex
SCHERTZ MAGAZINE
November 2023
/
17
Adopt-a-Grandparent for the Holidays The Schertz Public Library has partnered with the Legacy at Forest Ridge Assisted Living Community to hold our 2nd annual Adopt a Grandparent Holiday Program. Many seniors do not have friends or family close by and we want them to know they are not forgotten this holiday season. If you would like to provide a gift for one of the residents, stop by the library and select a stocking containing their wants and needs list. The stockings will be available starting Tuesday, November 21. Thank you for helping us make a difference in our community. Contact the library for more information (210) 619-1700.
Holiday Magic Self-Service Gift Wrap Station Library Resource Spotlight: Udemy through Texshare Databases Did you know studies show that, on average, workers change jobs 12 times in their lifetime? That’s why it’s important to stay competitive. But how do you learn new technologies and keep up with a fulltime job? We have a solution for you. It’s Gale Presents: Udemy. With this online learning platform, users can explore thousands of continuously updated, on-demand video courses across 75 categories in business, technology, design, and more to learn anytime, anywhere. All courses are taught by world-class instructors and, best of all, you can feel good knowing that the content is fresh. Courses are updated or replaced monthly with new material on emerging topics, so learners develop skills in the most relevant, indemand areas. With this resource’s intuitive platform, finding the right course is easy. You can filter search results by course features, competency level, duration, topic, and ratings—and pave your
own learning journey. You can also see top courses and trending skills. Plus, smart recommendations provide you with suggested courses based on the previous interactions you’ve had with the platform. When courses are completed, you can download a certificate of course completion. Gale Presents: Udemy is available for Schertz Public Library cardholders through our online research platform, TexShare Databases. To gain access, ask our library staff at the circulation or information desks for a login and password, then find Gale Presents: Udemy in TexShare’s list of online resources. You will then be able to create a free Udemy account and start learning. The employment landscape may be continuously changing, but you can keep up with it. Learn anywhere, at any time, with Gale Presents: Udemy—on-demand learning for in-demand skills. *Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor, “Number of Jobs, Labor Market Experience, Marital Status, and Health: Results from a National Longitudinal Survey,” news release no. USDL-21-1567, August 31, 2021.
Bring your gifts and best wrapping skills, we’ve got the rest! Stop by the Library and wrap your holiday gifts November 28 through December 21! 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.
ESL Volunteer Needed for Adults 18+ Classes The library is seeking a volunteer trained in leading ESL classes for the adult community. If you are interested, please email librarian@schertz. com for more information.
Connect with us on social media F acebook.com/SchertzLibrary Instagram.com/SchertzPublicLibrary Twitter.com/SchertzLibrary
FOR A COMPREHENSIVE LISTING OF ALL LIBRARY EVENTS PLEASE VISIT SCHERTZLIBRARY.ORG. 18
/
SCHERTZ MAGAZINE
November 2023
SCHERTZ MAGAZINE
November 2023
/
19
NORTHEAST LAKEVIEW COLLEGE
R K
Y O
E
A
L
E
N
L
5:30 PM 9:00 PM M
O
R
C
A
H
L A K E V I E W
C
N D L E
T
S T
G
R
E A
U R
A
O
Friday, Dec 1st
ENROLL TODAY! Now enrolling for Spring 2024 16, 14, and 8 week options, On campus, remote, and online Check out the course list at alamo.edu/nlc/courses The Alamo Colleges District is an EOE. For any special accommodations issues or an alternate format, contact the Title IX Coordinator, (210)
20
/
SCHERTZ MAGAZINE
November 2023
NIGHTHAWK WINTERFEST
AdMisSiOn is FreE : SanTa Photos: 6 pM – 8 pM FireworKs: Begin at 8:30 pM AlPacas, SanTa, VenDorS, FoOd, arTs & cRafTs, games, fireworKs, anD more.
1201 KITTY HAWK RD. : NLC PLAZA : ALAMO.EDU/NLC/WINTERFEST
City Presents Second Year of Staff Emerging Leaders Program THE SCHERTZ EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM, NOW CONCLUDING ITS SECOND YEAR, REMAINS A CORNERSTONE OF THE COMMITMENT THE CITY HAS MADE TO DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP ACROSS ALL LEVELS WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION. advisors, offering counsel at regular intervals to aid in the participants' growth and development as emerging leaders. This mentorship component added a personalized touch to the program, enhancing the learning experience and fostering strong connections within our workforce. The program is steadfast in its mission to challenge participants, helping them unlock and cultivate their leadership potential. As we wrapped up the program's second year, we celebrated the achievements of our graduates at the October 10 City Council meeting. In the second year of this program, City employees who were carefully selected through a rigorous application process engaged in an intensive 8-month curriculum. The curriculum covered a wide array of leadership concepts, including but not limited to human behavior, trust-building, effective communication, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, team dynamics, and coaching techniques. These concepts were delivered through a mix of classroom sessions and practical exercises to ensure a well-rounded development experience. Furthermore, to provide invaluable support throughout the program, each participant was paired with a seasoned mentor from within the organization. These mentors served as guides and
“We were really excited to continue with the Emerging Leaders Program for a second year,” commented Assistant City Manager Sarah Gonzalez. “We took some great feedback from the previous class and were able to make some impactful improvements to the program allowing for more growth and learning opportunities. A new aspect of the program provided an opportunity for participants to explore the inner workings of various city departments, get to know more of the leaders of the city, as well as broaden their view on
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2023: ■
■
■ ■ ■ ■
■
■
■ ■
Erin Noah, Planning & Community Development Mark Yamazi, Neighborhood Services Sean McKenna, Police Korrin Bond, IT Charis Lawry, Utility Billing Tiffany Danhof, Planning & Community Development Devan Christensen, Public Affairs Robert Dobratz, Parks & Recreation Dana Kellum, Fire Shawn Ceeko, Police
the organization as a whole and how we function.” The next class of the Schertz Emerging Leaders is scheduled to begin in January 2024.
A new aspect of the program provided an opportunity for participants to explore the inner workings of various city departments, get to know more of the leaders of the city, as well as broaden their view on the organization as a whole and how we function. SCHERTZ MAGAZINE
November 2023
/
21
22
/
SCHERTZ MAGAZINE
November 2023
DID YOU KNOW
Reminding Residents of City Provided Services and Programs
Honor Your Veteran With Personalized Brick 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. P lease contact parksandrec@schertz.com or call
(210) 619-1850 if you have any questions.
Shop Local This Holiday Season Did you know that Small Business Saturday is November 25? Small Business Saturday is celebrated every year as a day to support small businesses and give back to our local economy. 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. This year, the City of Schertz hopes you will show all our local businesses some love by shopping with them for the holiday season.
Celebrate Pickle Day At Pickleball Play Did you know that National Pickle Day is on Tuesday, November 14? Bring your A game every Tuesday through November 21 to Open Pickleball Play at Pickrell Park. Up to three pickleball nets will be set up at the Large Pavillion for you to volley, dink, and serve and all skill levels are welcome. So, we look forward to seeing you on Tuesdays. It’s kind of a big dill! F or more details, visit Schertz.com/recreation
SCHERTZ MAGAZINE
November 2023
/
23
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.
Holiday Trash & Recycling
Pickup Schedule The holidays are fast approaching, and this year’s holiday trash and recycling pickup schedule will have some slight changes. 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
HOLIDAY PICK UP DATE
Monday, Nov. 20 - Normal Service
No change in service
Tuesday, Nov. 21 - Normal Service
No change in service
Wednesday, Nov. 22 - Normal Service
No change in service
Thursday, Nov. 23 (Republic Services and City Offices Closed)
Non-service day
Friday, Nov. 24
Thursday Route Pick-up
Saturday, Nov. 25
Friday Route Pick-up
Regular Thursday/Friday service pick up will resume on the week of November 28. For any questions or concerns, please contact the Utility Billing Office at (210) 619-1100.
24
/
SCHERTZ MAGAZINE
November 2023
SCHERTZ EMS
PASSPORT
TO CARE
JOIN SCHERTZ EMS PASSPORT TO CARE PLAN
Go online to Schertz.com/Passporttocare to fill out the interest form or call (210) 619-1450
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.
Join ay Tod
SCHERTZ EMS PASSPORT TO CARE is an annual EMS Membership program that allows the citizens we serve to pre-plan for emergencies. 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 potentially be 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 MAGAZINE
November 2023
/
25
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 ■
■ ■ ■
■ ■
■
■ ■
At Home
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
■ ■
■
■
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
he Schertz Police Department would like to encourage residents if you see something, say something, and T notify the police department by contacting the non-emergency phone number at (210) 619-1274. In case of emergency, call 9-1-1.
Stay Safe in the Kitchen this Holiday Season With the holiday season quickly approaching and 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. Keeping fire safety top priority in the kitchen during this holiday season even when it is a 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 tips you can enjoy time with your loved ones and keep your family safer from fire. ■
■
■
■ ■
26
Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop 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 hot food and liquids. The steam 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.
/
SCHERTZ MAGAZINE
November 2023
■
■
■
Keep matches and utility lighters out of 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 Cooking causes half (49 alarms are working. Test percent) of all reported home fires and more them by pushing the than two of every five (42 test button. percent) home fire injuries.
FACT
■
Around the Community
Home Repairs and Fellowship Help Homeowners Love Where They Live
On Saturday, September 23, a group of over 400 volunteers gathered at The First Baptist Church of Schertz for fellowship, coffee, and donuts. But they were there for another reason, a bigger and more powerful reason: to serve their neighbors in the Aviation Heights area through minor home repairs, tree trimming, and yard work. This group of volunteers, known as Love Where You Live – Schertz (LWYL), is a non-profit organization in partnership with churches and the City of Schertz, and supported by generous sponsors and volunteers, dedicated to serving homeowners in need (widows, disabled, elderly, and impoverished) in the Schertz area with free yard and minor home maintenance services. Their mission is to demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ to neighbors in need. LWYL Director, Mr. Eric Wilbur, leads this organization with a “People First, Projects Second” mantra, encouraging volunteers to show the grace, compassion, and mercy of Jesus to everyone involved. He also encourages volunteers to talk with homeowners who may be isolated and alone, and to pray with them if the homeowner gives permission to do so. A total of 69 homeowners were served
on Saturday, September 23, through yard services, painting, fence repairs, and more. One homeowner summed it up beautifully, saying, “I appreciate so much the help they gave me. So courteous, hardworking, and kind. In a few minutes they did so much and left my yard clean and looking so good. Please express my appreciation to the church and to the City of Schertz.” But just as homeowners are touched through the service work, so too are volunteers. A 14-time volunteer, Paul Richardson, shared this story about the recent service day, “This LWYL was different for me in a good way. My sons were present, helping out as much as one could expect. My 11-yearold son sat down on the patio with a homeowner, and they talked. I honestly have no idea how long -- I just know that I looked up from the work and saw my son and the homeowner on the back patio chatting. She seemed comforted in the moment to share life experiences and wisdom and told him what it was like growing up in Schertz over 70 years ago. In that moment, my son reminded me what was most important. As a result, I spent 30 minutes talking with the homeowner as she shared her life, past and present. Then before we left, we prayed with
her. My Father knew what I needed in my season, and He came through. Stories like Paul’s are touching, and thankfully, common. The word is spreading that LWYL is more than fixing a leaky faucet or mowing a lawn. Loving where you live is about a kind word, prayer, fellowship, and caring. What a beautiful thing for our community. If you are interested in learning more about LWYL please visit lwylschertz.com and their Facebook page (Love Where You Live-Schertz). You can also contact LWYL at (210) 651-5462 or info@lwylschertz.com if you are interested in becoming a volunteer or a sponsor. The next LWYL event will take place in the Spring of 2024. SCHERTZ MAGAZINE
November 2023
/
27
Around the Community
RACAP 2023 Holiday Meal Basket Program below the Federal Poverty Guidelines, will be accepted.
The Randolph Area Christian Assistance Program (RACAP) will accept applications for the Christmas holiday meal basket assistance program from now through November 17, 2023. The application deadline for the Thanksgiving meal basket program has now passed. Applications from families in need of help for the holidays because of limited or no income, who are at or
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,
Passport Night
78124, 78148, 78154, 78132, 78233 (Live Oak only), 78247, and 78266 (Garden Ridge only) and meet income qualifications are eligible. Applications are available at the RACAP office, 307 Pfeil St., Schertz, starting September 18, 2023. If anyone knows of a family in need of this special assistance, have them call (210) 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 (click on Special Programs link) to obtain the Sponsor Application. or information on how to apply F or how to help, call RACAP at (210) 658-1613 or visit racap.org.
F re e E st i m ate s | Li ce n s e d & I n s u red
CERTIFIED TREE SERVICES
The Guadalupe County District Clerk’s Office will be open after hours to accept Passport Applications. Please note the location, time and hours.
November 15, 5 – 7 P.M. Guadalupe County Justice Center 211 W. Court St. Seguin, Texas
November 16, 5 – 7 P.M. Guadalupe Annex Building 1101 Elbel Rd. Schertz, Texas
CALL (830) 303-8873 FOR MORE INFORMATION.
28
/
SCHERTZ MAGAZINE
November 2023
DETAILED P RUNING & SH AP ING CUT DOWNS & STUMP GRINDI N G S E RV I C E S START AT $9 0
210.650.4629
20% OFF FOR SENIORS & MILITARY
GVEC Schertz Community Room Dedicated as the Lewis C. Borgfeld Community Room On September 14, 2023, the GVEC Community Room, located within the Schertz Customer Service Office, was newly recognized as the Lewis C. Borgfeld Community Room in honor of Borgfeld’s 36 years of service as the GVEC Board President. GVEC leadership and employees, as well as friends and family of Borgfeld, gathered for a reception to formally dedicate the well-known complimentary meeting space for non-profit organizations serving the Schertz area.
GVEC Board President Gary Birdwell remarked “Lewis has had a remarkable career in support of the organization, the Schertz and Cibolo communities, and the membership of GVEC. The new plaque outside this community room represents his true commitment to the people and community he serves.” GVEC General Manager and CEO Darren Schauer supported that statement commenting, “This recognition of Lewis is welldeserved for the countless hours of leadership he has contributed to GVEC throughout his unprecedented tenure.
Borgfeld was first appointed to the GVEC Board of Directors as an advisory director in 1973. In 1974, he was appointed as the District 2 Director and became Board President in 1986. He stepped down from his leadership position in July 2022 while maintaining his position as District 2 Director. 2023 marks the milestone of Borgfeld’s 50th year on the GVEC Board of Directors.
LADIES’ AUXILARY COUNCIL 6358
Holiday
CRAFT SHOW LOCALLY MADE ARTS & CRAFTS! BAKED GOODS AND LUNCH FOR SALE + DOOR PRIZES ALL DAY
NOVEMBER
11 th
9-3PM
$1 ADMISSION / 12 AND UNDER FREE MIKULSKI HALL 509 SCHERTZ PKWY. SCHERTZ,TX
I have always been able to rely on him to be a stable voice in the many challenges we have faced in our time together at GVEC. I am happy to extend this honor to him as a true trailblazer, mentor, and friend.”
thank you
This mont h we wa nt t o sa y t hank yo u t o o ur ama z ing co mm unity f or giving us the op po rt unit y t o be y o ur insur ance t ea m! If y ou a re ne eding an Au to , Ho me , o r Life insur ance quo t e g iv e us a cal l! We’d lov e t o help yo u!
STEVEN GARZA, AGENT
210-658-6264
SCHERTZ MAGAZINE
November 2023
/
29
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! Hannah Holt Brad, Pam, and a pe, Pennsylvani visited Jim Thor ine. az ag M rtz he and took their Sc
k llard too Cheryl A d n a to k e ic Derr agazin hertz M their Sc hmore. s u R Mount
k her iranda too Glenna M e way th ll a e agazin Schertz M a , Canad . to Ontario
Briella Gomez vis ited Tokyo, Japan with her Schertz Magazin e.
LOOKING BACK
Schertz Texas
Something To Think About . . . “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
Schertz History Religious affiliations of early Schertz settlers varied. The Schertz family was of Catholic French origins, while many of the town’s other German immigrants were of Protestant origins (exception Comal Settlement). As time went by, religious affiliation sometimes changed within families. In the early years, religious services were conducted in private homes and often in the native language of the congregation (German or Spanish). As soon as feasible, church buildings were built. Wilbur Friesenhahn, a fifth-generation German descendant and member of the well known and very disbursed (Comal and Bexar Counties). Friesenhahn family, notes that in the early settlement days the churches were the dominant influence in keeping families together
and their heritage alive and passed along to the next generation. William Schneider donated an acre of land for the construction of a Methodist Church (known as Emanuel Methodist Church, 201 Church Street), was constructed and dedicated in May 1904.
Texas History In 1876, citizens of Texas adopted the Constitution of 1876. They ratified it by a vote of 136,606 to 56,652. The document is the sixth constitution by which Texas has been governed since declaring independence from Mexico. Among the longest of U.S state constitutions, the Constitution of 1876 reflects the earlier influences of Spanish and Mexican rule. Despite having been amended more than 230 times, it remains the basic law of Texas today.
If you would like to share your memories living in Schertz before 1970, please submit to Rozwise@aol.com, Schertz Historical Preservation Committee. Information presented by the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee (SHPC) in the interest of historical perspective and community awareness of local historical legacies.
Official City Meetings and Office Closures NOV
1 NOV
2 NOV
6 NOV
7 NOV
10 NOV
11 NOV
14
Animal Svcs Adv Comm 6 p.m. | Schertz Animal Services
NOV
Transp Safety Adv Comm 5:30 p.m. | Council Chambers
NOV
Library Advisory Board 6:30 p.m. | Meeting Room 1
NOV
Election Day All Day
NOV
20
Veterans Day Observed (Offices Closed)
23
Veterans Day (Offices Closed)
24
City Council Meeting 6 p.m. | Council Chambers
27
* Meeting dates, times, and locations are subject to change.
15 16 16
NOV
NOV
NOV
Planning and Zoning Comm 6 p.m. | Council Chambers SSLGC 1:30 p.m. | SSLGC Admin Bldg Economic Dev Corp Board 6 p.m. | Council Chambers City Council Meeting 6 p.m. | Council Chambers Thanksgiving (Offices Closed) Thanksgiving Observed (Offices Closed) Parks & Recreation Board 5:30 p.m. | Bob Andrews Conf Rm
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
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
Library
(210) 619-1700
Municipal Court
(210) 619-1500
Neighborhood Services (210) 619-1650 Parks & Recreation
(210) 619-1850
Planning & Comm Dev
(210) 619-1780
Police (non-emergency) (210) 619-1274 Police Records
(210) 619-1200
Public Affairs
(210) 619-1630
Public Works
(210) 619-1800
Trash & Recycling
(210) 619-1100
Utility Billing
(210) 619-1100
VISIT SCHERTZ.COM
Public Affairs Department 1400 Schertz Parkway Schertz, Texas 78154