SE PTE MBE R
QR Codes A Quicker Schertz by design
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Schedule of Events Thursday, September 22 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Family Carnival Night Carnival Only
Friday, September 23
6:00 PM – 12:00 AM TEJANO NIGHT 6:00 PM- Opening/Carnival/ Food-Beverage Vendors 6:30 PM- Dotado 8:00 PM- Cinco Doce 9:30 PM- David Lee Garza y los Musicales
Saturday, September 24
10:00 AM – 12:00 AM HERITAGE DAY 7:00 AM- BBQ Cook-off begins 10:00 AM- BlitZcreek Run (Cibolo Creek) 11:00 AM- Food-Beverage Vendors/Carnival 12:00 PM- Kidz Zone (Oak St Small Pavilion) 12:00 PM- Shake, Rattle & Roll 2:00 PM- Kris Kimura Band 4:00 PM-The Meyer Anderson Band 6:00 PM- Open/Welcome (Magic Show) 6:30 PM- BBQ Contest Award Presentation 7:30 PM- The Zack Walther Band 9:00 PM- Fireworks Show 9:30 PM- Granger Smith
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schertzmagazine.com September 2011
September 2011
Featurez 24 JoAnna Takemura’s curiosity about animation while in high school lead to a bigger interest in computer science/ multimedia in college and a degree in that field. Today, she puts those skills to good work in the Schertz Information Technology Department.
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Talk of the Townz Feature Storiez
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City Newz
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34 Profilez
42 Civic Newz
36 Z-Spot Art
45 Budgetz & Bondz
Updatez
12 Bargainz & Prizez 14 Kitchen Kudoz 15 Momz
21 QR: A Quicker Schertz 22 Geek Talkz 23 Steele Yearbook 24 Takemura Hi-Tech Connection
16 Sportz
46 School Newz
On the Cover T H E
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26 Purnell BlitZcreek 28 Fitnezz 30 Going Batty at Bracken 32 Winged Visitors
AWA R D-W I N N I N G
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47 Animalz 48 Chamber Newz 50 Calendar & Contactz
JoAnna Takemura with the Schertz IT Department holds a giant QR Code to symbolize the city’s embrace of that quick response technology in pursuit of more and more efficiency. September 2011 schertzmagazine.com
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Chuck McCollough Editor
Mayor Hal Baldwin City Council Jim Fowler David Scagliola Michael Carpenter Cedric Edwards, Sr. George Antuna, Jr. Executive Management John Kessel, City Manager John Bierschwale, Assistant City Manager David J. Harris, Assistant City Manager
PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY
Editor’z Letter
B. E. Bailey Director, Public Affairs, Publisher Chuck McCollough Editor Alexis Souza Creative Director
If you are like me, you love new and funny TV commercials like the one about a group of guys in an office using their smartphones in a bunch of crazy ways. In the September Schertz Magazine, some of our stories look at better uses for smartphones, like reading QR Codes. Read how the City of Schertz is using QR Codes along its Trailz System, including Schertz Parkway and the BlitZcreek 2011 Adventure Run on September 24. Also look for a story on Steele High School using QR Codes for its yearbook and a profile of JoAnna Takemura, the brains behind the QR revolution in Schertz. Don’t forget to use your smartphone to read QR Codes in ads and in other places in this month’s magazine. Now that is smart!
Out & About Tom and Sheryl Gates of Schertz took a visit to New York in August and brought along their Schertz Tales Magazine. Take Schertz Magazine on your next vacation and send us a photo from a recognizable landmark! We might just use it in the next edition! Email photo and info to events@schertz.com. 8
schertzmagazine.com September 2011
Chris Matzenbacher Sales Director Mary Spence Events Coordinator Linda Ervin Business Manager Shelby O’Neill Copy Editor Brittany Losey Senior Writer Contributing Writers B.E. Bailey, Chuck McCollough, Mary Spence, Brittany Losey, Lucille Sims Thomas, Eric Haugen, Mia Garza, Andrea Allinger, Elise Baker, Kari Bridges, Mark Diaz, Carolyn Angello, C.A. Mallard, Mike Harris Photographers B.E. Bailey, Chuck McCollough, Mary Spence, Robert Burton, Pat Foster, Mike Harris, Bryan Nguyen, Joe Herczeg, Diana Webb, C.A. Mallard, Leon Sposari, Andrea Allinger, Kari Bridges, Zachary Carter, Linda Brunson Schertz Magazine is published monthly by the Public Affairs Department of the City of Schertz. Our mailing address is 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. The official publication of the City of Schertz promotes city, community, and business activities associated with the City. © City of Schertz, Texas. The editorial office of Schertz Magazine is at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. Call (210) 619-1630. Fax (210) 619-1619. Website is schertz.com. schertzmagazine.com
Talk ofthe Townz September 2011
SchertzFest Ready to Rock and Run
If you want autumn’s best go to SchertzFest and be ready to run and have fun. The premier fall festival in our area, SchertzFest offers something for just about anybody and it all happens in Pickrell Park Sept. 22-24. And if you want go where the buffaloes roamed, take part in the BlitZcreek 2011 Adventure Run – the toughest 5K in Texas. For more information go to vistitschertz.com. The SchertzFest Schedule of Events Includes: Thursday, September 22 Family Carnival Night Friday, September 23 Tejano Night Carnival Food-Beverage Vendors Music, Music, Music
For more information go to VisitSchertz.com
Saturday, September 24 Heritage Day BBQ Cook-off 7:00AM BlitZcreek Adventure Run (Cibolo Creek) 10:00AM Carnival Kidz Zone (ages 6-14) Food-Beverage Vendors Music, Music, Music 9:00PM Fireworks Show
September 2011 schertzmagazine.com
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Meet the Neighbors on National Night Out Texas will celebrate National Night Out on Tuesday, Oct. 4, two months later than the rest of the nation. Schertz will observe the occasion from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. To participate in the city-sponsored celebration, contact Schertz Officer Sean Ceeko at sceeko@schertz.com. For more information about the national event, click on nationaltownwatch.org.
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Texas Tigers Finish Slam-Dunk Season
Schertz Court Sweetens Marion Parade
The Texas Tigers Basketball team (shown above) ranked 15th in the nation for AAU and finished second in the Junior Olympic Games in Las Vegas recently, according to Coach A.C. Hood. Team members are (front row, from left) Myles Boone, Alex Turner, Ernesto Castillo, Shaun Jackson, Devon Kearns, (back row from left) Coach Hood, Cayne Edwards, Justin Carter and Nathan Joseph. Of those, Turner, Castillo, Edwards, Kearns and Carter hail from the Schertz Cibolo area. “This is one of the best traveling teams in the city,” Coach Hood said. “They also participated in high school tournaments this year as eighth graders and beat high school teams.”
The Sweetheart Court was honored to attend the 75th annual Marion Sausage Supper Parade on Aug. 6. The parade was a new and enjoyable experience, and the Sweethearts had a great time spending the morning with our neighbors in Marion. The Court waved from the bed of a truck, courtesy of Jordan Ford, and were surprised by their proximity to parade-goers, who were so close that they could carry out short conversations with attendees and see the smiles on children’s faces.
schertzmagazine.com September 2011
Look for the Sweetheart Court here in town at SchertzFest on Sept. 24 as they help present prizes to the winners of the BBQ Cook-off.
Dress to Impress at Library’s Fancy Nancy Party The Schertz Public Library will host the Second Annual Fancy Nancy Party on Saturday, Oct. 8. Beginning at 2:00 PM in the children’s program room, glitter and glitz will reign as stories are read and lessons in fanciness are provided with the assistance of the Schertz Sweetheart Court. For more information, contact the Children’s Library at (210) 619- 1724 or visit www.schertz.com.
Batter Up, Mr. and Ms. Celebrity! A celebrity softball game including cast members of NBC’s “Friday Night Lights,” former NFL players and other famous figures will be held at 7:00 PM on Friday, Sept. 16, at Pickrell Park. The event, sponsored by Gridiron Heroes, includes a meet-and-greet after the game. The following morning at 8:00 AM, a co-ed softball tournament, which is open to the public, will wrap up the two-day Softball Showdown. For more information, visit www.gridironheroes.org September 2011 schertzmagazine.com
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Folks Stay Happy at Fairfield Inn and Suites Kudos to Fairfield Inn and Suites of Schertz for being one of the top three properties in customer satisfaction for the second quarter of 2011. The Fairfield Inn and Suites, which is located at 5008 Corridor Loop Road, prides itself on customer satisfaction, according to General Manager John Corona. The manager also said that Schertz Fairfield Inn and Suites ranks in the top three for guest service scores among 662 Fairfields in North America. The other two properties are in Ohio and Kentucky. “Our company standard for our guest services scores is customer satisfaction of at least 85 out of 100 percent, and we scored a 93 percent in second quarter,” Corona said with a smile. “I am very proud of our staff, and they are very proud that our property did so well. Everybody is feeling pretty good.”
Bargainz & Prizez Locate the fire ant pictured above in one AD somewhere in this issue of Schertz Magazine. Visit schertzmagazine. com and complete the entry form to be entered into this month’s drawing.
Win a Gift Certificate for a two-night stay at Plantation Suites & Conference Center in Port Aransas. Locate the fish pictured above in one AD somewhere in this issue of Schertz Magazine. Visit schertzmagazine.com and complete the entry form to be entered into this month’s drawing.
Fairfield Inn & Suites staff shown in the lobby of the Schertz property
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Seniors Dance the Night Away Great music, delicious food and hours of dancing! Can a Saturday night be any better? That’s exactly what happened on July 30 when the Schertz Area Senior Center held their first dinner-dance event, which was themed “Summer Nights.” Upon entering the Center, a photographer took every attendee’s picture on a bench in front of a beautiful decorative background of a summer night’s sky, complete with a bright moon and stars visible to all. Guests then sat down to a delicious meal of chicken cordon bleu with all
the trimmings. Not only was this meal provided by Abel’s Diner, one of the event’s primary sponsors, but Abel’s surprised everyone by announcing their staff would serve seniors at their tables. That news was received with a loud cheer by all. Abel’s crew not only did an excellent job of taking care of every culinary need guests had, but they also saved a little energy to burn away on the dance floor as well! Following dinner, the 155 senior adult guests enjoyed their choice of several scrumptious cakes provided by Costco, a second primary sponsor, while the band began to
play. The cost of having this popular band perform for the evening was provided for by WellMed, the third primary sponsors. The band knew what they were doing, and in no time, the dance floor was full. Local seniors proved they really do know how to have FUN as they twostepped, lined-danced and boogied the summer night away for the next several hours. For more information, call the Schertz Area Senior Center at (210) 619-1974, and ask for Donna Thompson.
September 2011 schertzmagazine.com
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Royal Donuts Ready for Early Risers At 2:00 AM, Toun Tan has already arrived at his shop and is rolling out donuts by hand for the day. At 3:30 A.M., his wife, Daviry, begins making kolaches, tacos and croissants. The Tans dedication to freshness and quality makes Royal Donuts on Schertz Parkway a local favorite. “At the time we came, there was nothing else here,” Daviry said. Now, much of the Tans’ business includes high school students who stop in on their way to class in the morning, as well as library patrons and others driving along Schertz Parkway. Along with the array of donuts, you can chow down on kolaches, tacos, croissants and morning beverages certain to start the day out right.
Royal Donut Owners Toun and Daviry Tan
Kitchen Kudoz
Schertz Parkway’s Sweet Spots By Andrea Allinger
In the morning rush before school, breakfast often falls by the wayside, and the student then has to scrounge at the local convenience store for a processed, preservative-stocked breakfast. Students, scrounge no more. Royal Donuts on Schertz Parkway opens bright and early at 5:00 AM on weekday mornings and offers an extensive breakfast menu of everything from kolaches to tacos to donuts, all of which are handmade each morning. And after that bell gloriously rings to mark the end of the school day? Head on over to Pastry Bliss, also on Schertz Parkway, and enjoy a handmade cupcake or French dessert in the comfort of a plush Victorian-style chair. What better way to prepare for the drudgery of homework! 14
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Royal Donuts is open Monday through Friday from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM and weekends from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Visit their location at 701 Schertz Parkway, or call (210) 659-8443. Afternoon Delight at Pastry Bliss Pastry Bliss, the newest bakery in Schertz, provides the freshest cupcakes, desserts and cakes in town. Owner Rachel Foster and her mother, Kathy Strong, toyed with the idea of opening a shop for 15 years before diving into the business world last May. Foster graduated from Le Cordon Bleu, where she gained the knowledge and experience she needed to found her own pastry shop. Working alongside her mother and sister, Foster creates unique pastries that have already become local favorites. In addition to pastries, the shop offers a wide variety of teas, coffees and sodas. Furnished with comfortable seating in a whimsical arrangement, Pastry Bliss transports patrons into a sweetly different world. With operating hours from 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM, Pastry Bliss makes the perfect stop for an afterschool snack or dessert. For more information on Pastry Bliss, visit the store’s Facebook page at facebook.com/PastryBlissLLC, stop by the location at 1420 Schertz Parkway Suite 270 (in the Parkway Village complex) or call (210) 386-2428.
Momz
Staying Busy at Home By Andrea Allinger
As a recent inductee into the fulltime stay-at-home mom scene, local kid- and budget-friendly daytime activities have become particularly poignant. The hidden gems of Schertz and the surrounding area supply indoor and outdoor fun to enrich the days of Schertz stay-athome moms and their kiddos.
outer layer of any exposed skin, which means it might be a good time to find an indoor activity. The Schertz Public Library hosts an array of storytimes for children from infant to 5 years old as well as a family storytime on Saturdays and a teen reading club on various weekday nights. Wednesdays herald a toddler story time (ages 20 months to 3 years) beginning at 10:05 AM and a preschool story time at 10:30 AM (ideal for 3- to 5-year-olds), both of which include songs, books and a short craft time for parents and children. For more information on library activities, visit schertzlibrary.org or call (210) 619-1700.
Let’s start with the parks, as it is no use mourning the closing of the City of Schertz pools as summer ended. At the top of the list reigns Pickrell Park, with multiple playscapes and bountiful hills to explore. The centralized location on FM 1518 near Main Street in Schertz may be within walking distance for some Schertz moms and is worth the A more structured playtime is drive for those further away. possible through membership in Niemietz Park in Cibolo is another a local playgroup, such as MOMS local favorite as it hosts a jogging Club of Schertz. Schertz chapter track and soccer field next to the president Julie Stewart has been play area, allowing for activities involved with the organization since among the varying age groups 2004, and she credits the club with of some families’ children. The changing her outlook on being at playscape is decently shaded home with her kids. Stewart said throughout the day, which protects that with at least three to four little legs from the scorching heat of activities on the calendar each a broiling plastic slide. The unique week, a member could almost have domed metal climber is a hit with something to do every day. pint-sized visitors as is the sand underneath and the glorious old- Meetings are broken down into fashioned swings. Niemietz Park is six to 10 people depending on the located on FM 78, just east of FM play date location and are generally organized by the children’s age. 1103 . To find out more about joining the After about 11:00 AM, the sun MOMS Club, visit their website at seems to hot enough to char the momsclubofschertz.tripod.com.
Home Alone Mom By Elise Baker
It’s that time of year again. Bittersweet? Bitter for kids and sweet for moms! It’s a new school year. The sharpening of pencils and cracking open of new books are heard ‘round the city. Teachers have organized their sparkling classrooms and are learning new faces. The kids are sizing each other up and enjoying the brief period of time in which they can find anything in their desks. Ah, the first week of school! What is a stay-at-home-mom of elementary school-aged children to do? Grocery shopping alone is a luxury! Errands? A snap without a minivan full of kids! A workout without rushing? Unimaginable! Reading a book? Now possible! Ah, yes, it was time for them to return to school. Time for me to hand them over to their amazing teachers. Their hair is slightly green from the pool, and they’re as tan as little biscuits. We’ve had an unbelievable summer, but yep, it was time! September 2011 schertzmagazine.com
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Sportz By Mia Garza and Schertz Magazine Staff
Clemens Charging Hard into New Season
Clemens hopes to start off this season on the right foot, after a rough 4-6 2010 season. The Buffs pushed through their games but due to injuries had to rotate seven linebackers and broke their tradition of making playoffs.
“I think we will win a lot of games. It will be a complete turn around from last year as long as we stick together and we all do what are told to do.” said James Crossland, a senior center.
“Last year is last year; all we can do is improve and make changes,” Head Coach, Greg Ferrara said. “ We are very excited about this season; we have a good upcoming senior class.”
*Bryce McCoy, Senior - 5:11” 170 lbs. Quarter Back: McCoy has proven over his three years on varsity to be a leader, even after being involved in an accident; he is ready to go and is the lead the offensive unit.
The Buffaloes will rely on returning starters to lead their offensive line including Bryce McCoy, a senior quarterback with experience to help the offense get rolling. “I feel I bring experience, stability, and composure [to the team],” McCoy said. “I’m ready to lead this team through thick and thin.” The team maintains a positive attitude about the new season. 16
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Players to watch:
*Johnny Huckobey: Senior - 6’ 290 lbs. Right Guard: A three year starter on the offensive line. He is one of the best blockers Clemens has ever had. *Dylan Shuck: Senior - 6’ 3” 225 lbs. Tight End: Shuck will have a full plate this year playing a range of positions including: Tight end, defensive tackle, defensive end, and punter. *James Crossland: Senior - 6’ 1” 270 lbs. Center: Third year starting center who is the ‘Heart’ of the offensive line.
Since the state championship game last year, the Knight team has lost key seniors, which brought depth and dynamic to the team. Not only did the seniors of 2011 leave with the satisfaction of bringing home the title, they also hold the record for the most players advancing into the world of college football; including Running Back Malcolm Brown, Defensive Tackle Marquis Anderson, and Linebacker Ryan Simmons. In dealing with the never-ending cycle of losing seniors and gaining new players Jinks says the best remedy is to stay consistent and busy. “No one is ever going to put anymore pressure on myself, the coaching staff, or athletes then we put on ourselves, we are all very driven, “ Jinks said. Here are Steele players to watch this season: *Justin Stockton, sophomore, 5’10” 185 lb (RB)A young quick player who played in the state Championship game as a freshmen is expected to carry the ball a lot. *Evan Lyons, senior, 6’0” 200 lb (DB/RB)- A physical player who brings tenacity and size to the secondary *Erik Huhn, junior, 6’3” 198 lb (DB)- An aggressive, defensive player whois versatile and can play as the fourth linebacker in certain situations.
Champion Steele Aiming High The Steel Knights are looking to repeat their success of winning the state title during their first season in 5-A ball last year, Head Coach Mike Jinks said. With the memory of 2010 championship football season still fresh in fans minds, anticipation and excitement are growing about the upcoming season. “Year in and year out we have the same goal and that’s to be the best that we can possibly be,” Coach Jinks said. “We have an un-ending and unyielding pursuit of excellence.”
*Payton Jackson senior, 6’0” 290 (Center)- A strong consistent blocker during the previous season who anchors the line.
John Paul II Expands to 11-man Football It’s not too often a team switches an offensive or defensive set in the off-season. It’s even more-rare a team will switch division. But switch continued on page 18 September 2011 schertzmagazine.com
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John Paul II Expands to 11-man Football continued from page 18
the style of football you play all together? That’s quite a task. And that’ exactly what John Paul II Catholic High School is doing this year, as they switch from six-man to 11-man football. The game we are all used to seeing is 11-man football; but there are other styles, such as sixman, that allow smaller schools to still play football. In John Paul II’s situation, 11-man football is 10% of their total student enrollment, which is 102 students, in grades 9, 10 and 11. The school opened in 2009. Coach Mark Diaz is in his second year at the school. Last year, he went 3-7. This year, he is hoping for something different. “The team has had outstanding participation numbers of the summer strength and conditioning program, and that, coupled with a year of experience, 18
schertzmagazine.com September 2011
should make for a more competitive team,” wrote Coach Diaz. Diaz points out that Chris Laskowski, their junior quarterback, rushed for over 2,000 yards last season. He also doubles as the outside linebacker, and led the team in tackles last season. Diaz believes he has what it takes to be a recruit for a division I university. JPII hopes to have an impressive spread attack that will keep defenses guessing. Other key players include: *Mike McCabe, sophomore, tight end and defensive end *Michael Rollert, sophomore, quarterback and outside linebacker *Cameron Ahrens, sophomore, offensive line and defensive end
September 2011 schertzmagazine.com
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featurez
T
The QR code, a type of matrix barcode, can already be seen up and down Schertz Parkway. “A QR code is really just an outgrowth of the old bar code,” said Myles Clauser, the information technology director for the City of Schertz. Unlike the old bar code, however, a QR, or quick response code, is much more interactive. A QR code is a collection of black and white modules associated with a particular place or product. The code can be read by a QR scanner accessible through smartphones, which then takes the viewer to a particular URL attached to the code.
QR:
A Quicker Schertz By Brittany Losey
Schertz is getting quicker by design - a funny design that looks like a giant thumbprint. The QR code concept not only creates an instantaneous link, but a dynamic one as well. The information linked to the code can be changed over time to stay current with the place or product. “It’s very flexible,” Clauser
said. “A QR code can stay out there, and all we have to do is change the information that is tied to that.” QR codes originated in Japan in the mid-1990s and have been commonly used there since around
2002. A few other countries such as Korea and the Netherlands have been quick to incorporate the technology, while the rest of the world is beginning to discover them. Schertz is following suit, implementing QR codes as a convenience to its residents, business owners and visitors. “This will be an instant update medium for us,” Clauser said. “Schertz recognizes that our primary demographic coming down the road is going to be expecting certain things from us, certain types of services. The QR codes give us the opportunity to present those services in a format that they’re going to be continued on page 22
September 2011 schertzmagazine.com
21
featurez
QR:
A Quicker Schertz
continued from page 21 You: There is a lot of talk about QR codes in this issue of Schertz Magazine. Is there a particular QR reader you would prefer over another?
familiar with.” The City implemented the concept with the Schertz Trails QR codes placed along Schertz Parkway. These codes take the viewer to a website that offers a variety of options, from a map of the trails to information ranging in topic from health to trivia. The project passed through City Council in April and took off in the summer months thanks to the cooperation of several city departments. “This is truly a collaboration between all the city departments that are involved,” Clauser said. “This wasn’t just something that IT came up with or Public Affairs or Parks and Recreation.”
The next phase of the QR code operation in Schertz will be to use the codes to identify city buildings. In this case, the codes will provide a bundle of information to residents and visitors including the title and purpose of the building, maps and hours of operation. Besides making the city more accessible to its residents, QR codes benefit another major group--local businesses. “We looked at this as an opportunity to build local businesses by incorporating them into the cycle for the QR codes for the trails so that local businesses then can help sponsor and defray some of the costs we’ve incurred to set this thing up,” Clauser said.
With its versatility and efficiency, this new technology will benefit Schertz residents as it has other parts of the nation and world. Because it is accessible and useful to so many, the future of QR codes remains bright. QR codes also are being used in Schertz Magazine to give advertisers a cutting edge tool to reach current and future customers, especially the tech-savvy ones. And the city is looking at other ways to utilize QR technology, including better customer service for city departments and marketing Schertz. “It’s a paradigm shift,” Clauser said. “It will never get stale. People will keep coming to it.”
Check out the QR Trailz at VisitSchertz.com. 22
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You: I have an iPhone, my husband has a Blackberry and my son has an Android.
You: Thanks. Are they free?
You: Can you recommend an app that create a QR Code?
You: Thanks!!
featurez Talk to a random
FUN FACTZ:
Geek
Steele High
School’s yearbook staff jumped on the QR trend for the 2011-2012 edition of The Knight’s Tale, the school’s yearbook. “It’s called convergent media,” said yearbook adviser Pam Banks. “We are giving our readers more than a two dimensional book. Including video will help tell a bigger part of the story.” The Knight’s Tale staff plans to use QR codes in lieu of the DVD yearbook.
about QR Scanning By Eric Haugen, Schertz IT Department
Random Geek: It Depends. What kind of smart phone do you have?
Steele Yearbook sponsor Pam Banks shows how QR codes will be used in the annual.
Random Geek: There are 2 different ones I would recommend that is the same on all platforms. First one is called “ScanLife” and the other one is called “i-nigma”. You may also want to check out another one called “BeeTagg” and “Google Shopper” but I think those are only available for iPhone and Android.
Random Geek: Of course.
Random Geek: There is an app for the Android that can do that and and also has a lot of other great features called “QR Driod”.
Schertz Location! 6044 FM 3009 Suite 290
210-592-1138
*FREE pizza when you click the code above!
goombaspizza.com September 2011 schertzmagazine.com
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Takemura Tech Connection By Brittany Losey
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JoAnna Takemura came to the Schertz Information Technology Department just in time to help the city boldly go where few municipalities have gone before -the world of QR (quick response) codes. The transplanted Houston native moved here last summer with her husband of three years, Shogo, and now is an IT web technician. That entails helping update the city’s websites, maintaining different
School in Houston in 2004, leading her to pursue a degree in Computer Science/Multimedia, which she received in 2010 from Eastern Oregon University after starting her college career at Navarro Junior College. As a first-generation college graduate, Takemura continues to emphasize her education, hoping to get a master’s degree in the future. “I have a few different things that I want to achieve as far as things I want to learn in this area while
“It’s pretty cool some of the things we’re going to be doing...” servers for individual departments and working on special projects such as the City’s recent QR (quick response) code launch. “It’s my first time really knowing anything about Schertz, but now that we live here, we really like it,” Takemura said. “It might be home for quite some time. I like the fact that our location is close to everything, but we still have that small community feel. You have it all in one spot.” Takemura’s interest in the computer science field peaked in high school after taking a course in animation. She graduated from Dobie High
I’m here, because there are so many things that this department does that is new territory for me,” Takemura said. “But also, just with the courses I’ve taken in the past, I have an interest with data and data mining and how application can be applied in the real world. I have just so many different areas I’d really like to get into.” In her time with the City of Schertz so far, Takemura has been a critical component in the launch of the QR code project. Takemura creates and updates the pages linked to the different codes around the city and gathers information for the pages. “We were looking for someone with
the expertise, the talent and the energy to make this thing work,” said Myles Clauser, the IT director for the City of Schertz. With her educational experience and her knowledge of Japan, the birthplace of QR codes, Takemura is the perfect fit for the job. She notes that while the United States lags behind other areas of the world in the realm of this technology, Schertz is at the forefront of the QR code movement for a municipality of its size. “We already have our testing phase up, and we’re expanding on that,” Takemura said. “It’s pretty cool some of the things we’re going to be doing with the QR codes.” QR codes represent just one recent technological innovation that Takemura hopes to share with the public. “I would like to see technology just grow,” she said. “It’s something a lot of people are scared of, but I want to make it to where people can use it for different things without that initial fear.”
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An Army doctor’s warning 34 years ago set John Purnell on a running path that led to San Antonio and his emergence as this area’s premier race organizer. His latest organized race, the BlitZcreek 2011 Adventure Run along Cibolo Creek in Schertz, will be held on Sept. 24 in Pickrell Park. “I started running in 1977 when a doctor at Walter Reed put me on an aerobic program to reduce stress,” Purnell said. “After that I started running and got hooked, and it changed my lifestyle.” Today, his life is one big race with the 60-something runner only slowing down long enough to hug his grandchildren. The San Antonio area has more than 90 races per year, and Purnell organizes a lot of them. That keeps him zooming between racing events while also serving as the running coach for a Fort Sam Houston team and working with various sports groups. That Army doctor’s advice years ago changed not only Purnell’s life, but the face of running in San Antonio.
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Purnell ran his first Marathon in 1978 in Honolulu, and to date, he has run 54 marathons, two 50-milers and nine 50Ks (which are 31 miles each).
“After a while, I began helping with races while I was in Honolulu, but was not an organizer,” Purnell said. “Shortly after I arrived at Fifth U.S. Army,
I was asked if I could put on a two-mile run. I started hosting and directing races as a business in 1980 when I was appointed as National Chairman for AAU, then the
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BlitZcreek Organizer Ready to Run By Chuck McCollough
national governing body for duathlons and triathlons.” When Purnell arrived in San Antonio, he said the only place to buy
athletic shoes was Sears or JCPenney, so he opened a speciality running store in 1981 and began sponsoring races. He closed the store 20 years later and focused
“That Army doctor’s advice years ago changed not only Purnell’s life, but the face of running in San Antonio.”
continued on page 28
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featurez BlitZcreek Organizer Ready to Run continued from page 27 on organizing races and coaching race teams. Running and working on races is a family tradition. Purnell’s son, Mark, became interested in running at a young age. “Mark has been running for 30 years off and on, mostly off in the past three years,” Purnell said. “He started when he was 13 while we were in Honolulu and later worked in my store prior to joining the Navy. He was a triathlete for several years, but his love was and still is bike racing, and he was a CAT 3 racer. “Mark works for a local radio station and announces triathlons, duathlons, and bike races that include the Tour De Gruene, where Lance Armstrong plays,” Purnell said, adding Mark also has announced the San Antonio Rock-N-Roll Marathon, which draws thousands of runners each year to the San Antonio area. “When I first heard about BlitZcreek, I got really excited,” Purnell said. “I know local runners are always looking for a change of scenery for their next race, and this fits that perfectly.” According to Purnell, the run along a creekbed will be fun and challenging for runners, whether they are running in their first race or more experienced. Throughout the race, QR Code signs along the trail will help provide useful information to runners who scan the signs with their smart phones. BlitZcreek will be more social than physical for veteran runners who will likely finish the race in under 20 minutes, but then will get to meet with other runners and walkers at the finish line, have refreshments and talk about the trail. Ideally, Purnell would like to put on three to five races a year along the same Cibolo Creek area of Schertz. “The different races during the year would be different lengths and starting and finishing points, but that virgin trail has a lot of potential and appeal to local runners,” Purnell said.
Fitnezz
SchertzFest
might as well be called SweatFest By Carolyn Angello, feelssogoodfitness.com
On Sept. 24 during SchertzFest, the Health Fair for BlitZcreek and the BlitZcreek run itself offer fun physical activities that will leave people smiling -although those smiles may be a bit weak at the end. While hundreds of runners and walkers are expected for the BlitZcreek 2011 Adventure Run along Cibolo Creek, the Health Fair will give the mostly non-runner crowd a fun workout and a way to burn off calories. Carolyn Angello will be leading the Health Fair workout and is pumped. “On your mark, get set, go!” she said in her high-energy, high-expectation voice. “It is time for a change. How about a six-week challenge to get fit, lose weight and be competitive? The challenge is calling your name. Last year, I helped 58 people change their body image by dropping a total of 1,200 pounds. On September 24 at the Health Fair, I am going to help anyone who wants to change how they feel through the boot-camp model. These will be fun, exciting and challenging workouts outside along with nutritional support, and everyone in Schertz will be cheering you on so let’s do it! “I want you to feel confident that you will be in the best shape of your life when you finish,” Angello stressed.
For more information on BlitZcreek 2011 including registration go to VisitSchertz.com. 28
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Scheduled to appear
Celebrity Softball Game Friday September 16, 2011 7pm Celebrity Meet & Greet after Co-ed Tournament Saturday September 17, 2011 8am Mixer Party @ 8pm 703 Oak St. Schertz, TX 78154 For more information, to purchase tickets, or to sign up a team go to
www.gridironheroes.org Or contact Vivi Gregg @ 210-454-0590
Going Batty at Bracken Cave By Michael Harris
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As the sun starts to descend and many of us gather around the dinner table, some strange-looking little creatures are just awakening from their daily sleep cycle. At times, more than 20 million strangelooking little creatures, to be exact. These Mexican free-tailed bats spend most of the summer months (March through October) inside the Bracken Bat Cave, which is home to the world’s largest colony of bats. The nearly 700-acre preserve, which is owned by Bat Conservation International (BCI), serves as part of their community awareness and education program. Recently, BCI invited City of Schertz employees
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and their families out to view one of the nightly bat flights. Fran Hutchins, who works as BCI’s preserve manager for the Bracken Bat Cave and its educational bat guru, spends much of his time educating visitors. Bats are often misunderstood, and tales of bats being blind, nesting in people’s hair and sucking blood are actually myths. During a visit to the cave, groups not only learn about a bat’s diet, but they often get to find out which creatures eat bats. The raccoons, skunks, hawks and western coachwhips that live around the cave entrance will feed on bats that fly too low to the ground during
the rush of their nightly departure. Coachwhips are non-poisonous snakes that can reach a length of six feet. Visitors often forget about the millions of fluttering bats as they look intently toward the cave entrance with binoculars to see if the snakes will catch their prey. The spectacular emergence of millions and millions of bats remains nature’s way of providing an ecologically safe method of pest control for crops that are otherwise damaged or destroyed by moths. During their nightly feeding, this colony of Mexican free-tailed bats will consume approximately 200 tons of moths. For more information on bats, go to www.batcon.org.
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Editor’s Note: Assistant Police Chief Michael Harris likes caves and photography, so taking photos of bats coming out of Bracken Cave was a labor of love.
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Winged Visitors Fly into Town By C.A. Mallard
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A u t um n u s h e r s in cooler and shorter days. Nature begins her transformation to prepare for the upcoming winter. In many areas of the country, the colorful display of fall leaves will appear along the countryside. In South Central Texas, we have our own colorful displays taking place in the fall migration of birds. Fall marks the time when the bird watchers hit the trails, seeking the graceful flight and heartfelt songs of our winged visitors. Birds migrate to climates that provide better food and water sources and to habitats that secure the survival of their young. There are many migration corridors through the state of Texas. The state is ranked second in the U.S. for most recorded species with 636. It is possible that more than 400 of these species visit South Central Texas throughout the year. The fall migration will start as early as July and continue through November. Many of these species are the winged visitors stopping along the way to rest and refuel before continuing their journeys. Some species will choose to stay in Texas through the winter. The City of Schertz and surrounding areas have much to offer the migrating birds. With our new greenbelts, parks and natural areas, many winged
visitors will have a choice of where to stay and eat. Even though these areas are growing and attracting the birds, there remain those few special places where they return year after year. Crescent Bend Nature Park in Schertz is often referred to as a gem for migrating birds and continues to
crushed granite nature trail and old roads of the neighborhood offer an easy walk through the various habitats of these winged visitors. A short distance north, between Schertz and Cibolo, is the Warbler Woods Bird Sanctuary. It is a privately owned
Crescent Bend Nature Park in Schertz is often referred to as a gem for migrating birds.
grow in popularly as a hot spot. A variety of birds are attracted to the park because of the multiple habitats of woodlands, grasslands and the water source of Cibolo Creek. Since the opening in September 2009, birders have reported 175 species of birds at Crescent Bend, Mallard said. Along with the hawks, owls, kingfishers, water birds, warblers, and sparrows, there have been a few rare visitors such as the Blackthroated Blue Warbler and the Western Tanager. The
bird haven run by Don and Susan Schaezler. With many years of hard work under their belts, they continue to provide excellent food and water sources for the winged visitors. Areas of the property are being restored back to natural habitat to attract more varieties of birds. There are sitting areas along the many walking trails through woodlands and continued on page 41
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Join us Sunday mornings at 10:30
210.501.2345
discover the difference Jesus can make in your life.
lifebridgecctx.com
Schertz municipal building, bldg #5, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, tx 78154
featurez Profilez
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She waits anxiously in front of the Golden Wave Marching Band in the dark tunnel that leads on to the Floyd Casey Stadium at Baylor University. In a few moments, Emily Hudson, one of two drum majors at Baylor, will be proudly leading the 275-member band into the stadium to begin one of the many performances of the season before a cheering crowd.
Baylor Drum Major Hudson Marches On By Kari Bridges
This fall, Hudson will begin her second year as drum major for Baylor. It was in spring 2010 that she first auditioned for one of two coveted positions as drum major. In college band, it is unique for many universities to allow a sophomore to take on the role of drum major, but that is not always the case. The system at Baylor changed last year to allow sophomores to audition, according to Dr. Isaiah Odajima, the director of the marching band at Baylor University.
It was at Samuel Clemens High School where Hudson was first offered the opportunity to learn the skills and gain the experience she would need to audition for drum major at the college level. “I am proud of Emily and her accomplishments,” said Clemens Head Band Director Robert Petrisky. “She is a great example of a student who is applying her skills in a positive activity at the collegiate level.” Hudson gives teacher Ken Carnathan, the choir director at Laura Ingalls Wilder Intermediate School, credit for encouraging and supporting her, first in joining the Mighty
up,” Hudson said. “It’s something that I love to do. Being a drum major has taught me how to be a better person. I have learned how to balance friendship with responsibility.”
Buffalo Band, with which she played the alto saxophone, and then auditioning and being selected for drum major for the last two years of high school. While attending Clemens, Hudson was an active member of the National
Honor Society before graduating in 2009 and earning Baylor University’s academic President’s Gold Scholarship. “I love marching band, and when I graduated from high school, I just couldn’t give it
One of Hudson’s goals is to major in Speech Pathology and minor in Sign Language Interpretation. In addition to academics, Hudson is an active member of the Marching Band Service Sorority, Tau Beta Sigma, and the Speech Pathology Club chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA).
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was a former classmate of Wiedner’s and remembered her talent from their college years.
Whitney Wiedner’s art career began in first grade when she cheated off of a classmate by copying the drawing of his family as her own. Later that year, Wiedner’s talent was discovered when she drew the lead dogs from 101 Dalmatians freehand.
As of 2011, Wiedner begins her reign as the president of the SAAC, which she envisions as an organization that celebrates the exhibition of local artists.
The soft-spoken artist fell in love with graphic design after she saw the feature film Toy Story, and within the same year, she began painting and learning about perspective, value, colors and other principles of art. Wiedner later attended Texas State University in San Marcos and earned a bachelor’s degree in communication design, which fueled her work as a graphic designer. She creates logos and websites for small businesses, non-profits and for-profit organizations. “My work gives my clients a visual voice, a means to stand out in the crowd and let their patrons know who they are,” Wiedner said. In 2009, Wiedner joined the Schertz Area Artz Council— SAAC—while at an arts expo in the area. The SAAC president at the time, Stella Marroquin,
The Artz Council holds regular shows featuring local artists, such as the Artz ’11 exhibition this past July. The exhibit featured at least 10 local painters and sculptors, including Wiedner and her impressionistic paintings. Some of Wiedner’s paintings are currently on display at Ta’s Coffee Shop in Marion as well.
Artz
Wiedner Primed for Masterpieces at SAAC By Andrea M. Allinger
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The SAAC is not yet a non-profit organization, although the transition is in the workings. Despite this, Wiedner urges local businesses to contribute monetarily or with products to support local shows for the public. For more information on the Schertz Area Artz Council, visit www. schertzareaartzcouncil.org, or if you are an artist interested in joining the SAAC, email saacinfo@gmail.com for details.
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- Spot
Finding Inspiration at Artz ‘11 By Andrea M. Allinger
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The Schertz Civic Center was dressed to the nines for July’s Artz ’11, put on by the Schertz Area Artz Council, with paintings and sculptures from local artists lining both sides of the hallways and artists performing live in the Civic Center, not to mention free food and wine. Local sculptor Trace Gunthrie worked magic with two chunks of water-based clay, both of which quickly took form as extremely lifelike individuals by the end of the night. Gunthrie has been skillfully using his talent since 1971, when he decided to go full-time, intending to make money doing it. Gunthrie studied art at the University of Houston, a city that would later host two life-sized bronze Gunthrie originals—Oliver
Local Art Show Twist near the Miller Outdoor Theatre and a woman with a flower in the rose garden at M.D. Anderson Hospital. Schertz became home to Gunthrie in 1996, when he began working for a furniture company, saying that he essentially started over. Gunthrie worked at the company for four years creating armatures, frameworks to be filled with clay or another medium, usually to mass produce art. Presently, Gunthrie works out of his garage and enjoyed his premiere at the Artz ’11. Gunthrie currently offers beginning sculpture classes with the New Braunfels Art League. Visit www. newbraunfelsartleague. com for a class schedule, and to find a current exhibit, visit Gunthrie’s
website at www. tracegunthrie.com. The New Braunfels Art League has ongoing exhibits with a new theme each month, and Gunthrie’s work will be on display. During the show, painter Irene Taylor portrayed Gunthrie at work beautifully, while bystanders stared in amazement. Schertz Area Artz Council President Whitney Wiedner also showed off her talents with an impressionistic painting of a photograph.
CRAFT SHOW & YARD SALE Saturday, October 1 Cibolo Bowling Club 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM 601 N. Main St-Cibolo Inquiries: Stella 830.606.0859
Art lovers were impressed perusing the art while enjoying a selection of complimentary wine and appetizers. To find out more about Schertz Area Artz Council exhibitions, visit schertzareaartzcouncil. org. September 2011 schertzmagazine.com
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Civic Center: September 9-10: Building Hearts at Home September 20: Chamber Luncheon COMMUNITY CENTER: October 1: Eastern Star Bazaar 1400 Schertz Pkwy, Bldg. #5 (210) 619-1600
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“A Doctor’s Confession to the City of Schertz…” Dear Friend, I want to give credit where credit is due. So, perhaps a confession can help clear the air so there’s no misunderstanding, Before I talk about my confession, though, let me say a few other things first. Let me start by explaining the photo in this letter. You know, when I meet people in town they usually say, “Oh, yeah, I know you, you’re Dr. Martin. I’ve seen your ad with that picture of you and the two cute kids.” Well, I’m the guy in the middle. Years ago I was a college baseball player, but I developed a painful neck, shoulder and arm condition. In my case it came on suddenly. The pain in my hands was so intense that I couldn’t raise my arm above my head or even throw a baseball. I was afraid that I would lose my scholarship if it continued. I went to my trainer and medical doctor and was given anti-inflammatories. The problem with those medications is that they just mask the symptoms and in my case did not help. Finally, after steroid injections I decided against it. But, there’s more…A family member of mine convinces me to give their doctor a try. This new doctor did an exam, took some films, and then “adjusted” my spine. The adjustment didn’t hurt, it actually felt good. I got relief, and I could use my arm again. Oh, did I mention that this doctor is a chiropractor. It worked so well that I went to chiropractic school myself. Now for McKenna and Cooper, who are the cute kids in the picture. They get adjusted regularly and are some of the healthiest kids you will know. Their mom is also problem-free even with all the bending and lifting a busy mom of two does. It might seem like a
small thing, but it makes a big difference to her.
It’s strange how life is, because now people come to see me with their neck, arm and shoulder problems. Also they come to me with their headaches, migraines, chronic pain, carpal tunnel, whiplash from car accidents, backaches, ear infections, asthma, allergies, numbness in limbs, athletic injuries, just to name a few. Here’s what some of my patients had to say: “I have not had a headache in months”- (Mary J.) “Mood and attitude have improved” – (Lisa A.) Several times a day patients thank me for helping them with their health problems. But I can’t really take the credit. My confession is that I’ve never healed anyone of anything. What I do is perform a specific spinal adjustment to remove nerve pressure, and the body responds by healing itself. We get tremendous results. It’s a simple as that! Forty-eight million Americans no longer have health insurance, and those who do have found that their benefits are reduced. That’s where my I come in. I have a significantly lower fee plan so that more people are able to afford the care they need. A whole week of care in my office costs what you could pay for one visit elsewhere. Studies show that people actually pay less for their long-term overall health care expenses if they are seeing a chiropractor. You Benefit from an Amazing Offer- Look, you are going to write a check to someone for your health care expenses, you may as well write one for a lesser amount for chiropractic. When you bring in this article, you will receive my entire new patient exam for $17. That’s with an evaluation and X-Rays….the whole ball of wax. But, please call right away because this offer expires on September 31, 2011, and I don’t want you to miss out.
By the way, further care is very affordable and you’ll be happy to know that I have affordable plans. You see I’m not trying to seduce you to come see me with this low start up fee, then to only make it up with high fees after that. Further care is very important to consider when making your choice of doctor. High costs can add up very quickly. Great care at a great fee…Please, I hope that there’s no misunderstanding about quality of care just because I have a lower fee. You’ll get great care at a great fee. My qualifications…I’m a Magna cum Laude graduate of Cleveland Chiropractic College and a Strength and Conditioning Specialist. I’ve been entrusted to take care of tiny babies to pro athletes that you may know. After practicing for four years in San Antonio I moved my practice to Schertz. I just have a low exam fee to help more people who need care. My Associate, Dr. Kyle Stringer, brings over five years of experience to our practice with the latest in pain-free techniques. My assistant is Melissa, and she is really a great person. Our office is both friendly and warm and we try our best to make you feel at home. We have a wonderful service, at an exceptional fee. Our office is called Schertz Chiropractic and it is at 17323 IH 35 North Ste 106, (we are between 3009 and Schertz Parkway on the 35 South Access Road). Our phone number is 210-6466000. Call Melissa or me today for an appointment. We can help you. Thank you.
-Patrick W. Martin, D.C. P.S. When accompanied by the first, I am also offering the second family member this same examination for only $10. P.S.S. Your time is just as valuable as ours, that’s why we will be with you promptly at your appointment.
Not applicable to Medicare Beneficiaries due to regulations. September 2011 schertzmagazine.com
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3 San Antonio Locations
Schertz . Village Drive . Stone Oak
Senior focused Healthcare Northeast OB/GYN Associates, a division of Consultants in Women’s Health, is happy to welcome our newest associates, Jean-Anthony Do, M.D. and Marianna Law, M.D. Dr. Do graduated from the Medical College of Virginia, Richmond and completed his OB/GYN residency in Akron, Ohio. Dr. Do is fluent in both English and Vietnamese. Dr. Law graduated from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville and completed her OB/GYN residency at University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston.
Dr. Do will be seeing patients at our Schertz and Village Dr. office locations and Dr. Law will be seeing patients at our Schertz and Stone Oak locations. Both physicians will be available to new patients on August 1, 2011.
210-653-5501 40
schertzmagazine.com September 2011
ne-obgyn.com
OPEN HOUSE Tuesday, September 6th & Tuesday, October 11th
2-4 pm
210.615.WELL (9355)
Accepting Medicare-eligible patients! www.WellMedMedicalGroup.com
grasslands. This is one of the best places to visit to see migrating warblers.
is very special to the endangered Golden-cheek Warbler and many western species.
Good old Texas hospitably from Don and Susan attract not only the winged visitors but many birders from across the country. A visit to the sanctuary can be requested online at www.warblerwoods.org.
Bird watching has become a popular hobby and autumn is an excellent time to join the fun of meeting our winged visitors. Some of these species can only be seen for a short time during migration. So with binoculars in hand, take a leisurely walk along a trail or sit in the cool breeze under a tree. Watch for the winged visitors as they fill the air with song and grace the sky in flight.
Many habitats in our area attract different species. During migration, you might spot a bird at one of the following locations: *Mitchell Lake Audubon Center located in south San Antonio is a haven for many water and shore birds during migration as well as all year. The center is open on Saturday and Sunday to human visitors and year-round to the winged visitors. *Located in northwest San Antonio is the rugged Hill Country habitat
Winged Visitors Fly into Town continued from page 33
with parks such as Friedrich Wilderness Park and Crownridge Canyon Natural Area. This habitat
To learn more about birding in our area, visit the San Antonio Audubon Society website at www. saaudubon.org. Guided bird walks for all levels are scheduled during the year and usually open to anyone who wishes to attend. Check the website for dates and locations.
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Civic 16895 IH 35 North f r o s t b a n k.c o m
SFD and MDA Team Up to ‘Fill The Boot’
Schertz Firefighters and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) held a “Fill the Boot” fundraisers August 12, 19 and 26 at the FM 3009 overpass at IH35. In photo above Schertz Fire Department members Lt. Chris Meek and Firefighter Jesse Ruiz prepare to take donations from motorists.
Lt. Chris Meek and Firefighter Jesse Ruiz prepare to take donations from motorists.
“We want to thank all of the people who generous supported our annual Fill the Boot event,” said Leon Sposari, President of the Schertz Professional Firefighters L-4083. “They show how much people care about each other in our area.” Fill the Boot is familiar to Schertz area residents who, while stopped at traffic signals, generously have dropped coins and cash into boots held by firefighters many times over the years. Last year, Schertz firefighters raised over $11,000 for the South Texas District of MDA and hope to exceed that total in this year’s collections. Firefighters have raised more than $400 million nationwide by conducting Fill the Boot campaigns.
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City Newz 42 Civic Newz
Newz
45 Budgetz & Bondz 46 School Newz 47 Animalz
September 2011
48 Chamber Buzz
By Schertz Magazine Staff
“MDA’s Fill the Boot campaign is something that we hold near and dear to our hearts, and the money raised locally stays local,” said Schertz Fire Chief David Covington. Fill the Boot is a tradition that began in 1952 when a father in desperate need ran to the George Graney’s Fire Engine Company 1 in South Boston. The station immediately rounded up 20 firefighters and set in motion a door-to-door canister drive that raised $5000. In 1953, Graney launched a citywide fundraising campaign with the help of Boston firefighters and made appeals across Massachusetts on behalf of children with Muscular Dystrophy. For more local information contact Sposari at lsposari@gmail.com
Schertz EMS
Gets Large Donation
50 Calendar & Contactz
Look Online For New
200,000 Calls
City Fee Schedule
to 311 in Four Years
The City of Schertz fee schedule for Fiscal Year 2011-2012 is available for viewing at feeschedule.schertz. com.
Unlike most cities, callers to Schertz almost always are greeted by a real person instead of a machine.
The fee schedule includes such things as rental rates and development fees and are pass through costs to recoup expenses. The new fees will take effect October 1.
TSAC Volunteer Needed
There is an opening for an alternative volunteer member of Transportation Safety Advisory Commission. Schertz citizens also may apply to serve on one of many boards and commissions by contacting the City Secretary’s office at (210) 619-130 or visiting Schertz.com.
Linda Babineau and Sherry Davis are the pleasant voices heard by people wanting to know everything from where to pay their water bill to what time it is. How many calls does the 311 department get? In 2008 it was 42,705 and in 2009 it was 52, 224. In 2010 the number of calls was 54,909 and as of August 18, 2011 the 311 department answered 33,040 year-to-date. Since it started in June 2007, the Schertz 311 department has answered more than 200,000 calls in its roughly four year existence.
The estate of Lt. Gen. Walt Galligan presented a check for $10,000 to Schertz EMS during the July 26 City Council meeting. No specific reason was given for the donation but his extended family said Galligan knew that Schertz EMS does important work. Shown to the right are Bill Nash, Schertz firefighter Mac Melancon, Nora Nash, EMS Director Dudley Wait, Mayor Hal Baldwin, and EMS staffers Jason Mabbitt and Michael Consentino September 2011 schertzmagazine.com
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Civic Newz
September 2011
Annual Fall Clean Up October 8-23
Once again Schertz residents have the opportunity to Help Keep Schertz Clean! This year’s annual fall clean-up is scheduled for October -23, 2011. During the two-week clean up, Bexar Waste will pick up household waste not covered under their normal collection service; such as lumber and general trash as well as major appliances and furniture for a fee (prices start at $25.00 per load and are determined by Bexar Waste). If you have questions regarding the details, please call Bexar Waste (210) 566-5454. Schertz Public Works provides year-round curbside chipping service of brush and tree limbs on Fridays for a fee of $25 per half hour. To make an appointment for brush and tree limb chipping service, call Public Works (210) 619-1800. Chipping will be scheduled as first come, first served. Again, you must call and make an appointment. Please note: Bexar Waste picks up small bundles of brush and tree limbs (maximum length of 4 feet and maximum total weight of 50 pounds) with normal trash pickup without any additional charges. Complete details are available at schertz.com.
Civic Newz
September 2011
Special Reportz By B. E. Bailey
City presents Balanced Budget, Moves on Bond Initiatives, & Covers Schools In his first move since taking the reigns in June, Schertz City Manager John Kessel presented a $63 million balanced budget for fiscal year 2011-2012 that holds the line on maintenance and operations (M&O) at $0.2993 and proposes only a modest 3.5-cent increase in the tax rate that covers bond interest/ debt service (I&S) on four voter-approved bonds. In November 2010, voters overwhelming approved four bond initiatives including $6.62 million for a Community Swimming Pool and Aquatic Center; $6 million for Athletic/ Recreational Sports Fields (soccer and ball fields); $2.25 million for upgraded Animal Services Facility, new Adoption Space, Vaccination Facility and Dog Park; and $1 million for revitalization and improvements to
Downtown Schertz. Three of the four projects are in the planning stages. According to Schertz Assistant City Manager David Harris, the areas of the general fund seeing the biggest flux, include a 20 percent increase to cover rising fuel costs and an 11 percent increase in health insurance costs. A cost of living increase and merit pay system for city employees is proposed, as well as the addition of three emergency dispatchers, a planning manager, two school resource officers, a parttime 311 representative, an Assistant City Engineer and an Engineer in Training. The resource officers would serve the schools of the Schertz Cibolo Universal City Independent School District which eliminated its police force earlier this year. The SCUCISD is
contributing towards the cost of those officers. Several additional cost savings measures were presented by Kessel with the primary goal of keeping taxes down and maintaining the city’s AA+ bond rating, including the phasing of the voterapproved bond initiatives. Half of the nearly $16 million in bonds were sold earlier this year with a second round of sales proposed for the future. Also, while holding M&O flat, the proposed budget would return more than $250,000 to reserves and demonstrate to lenders and the market the continuing fiscal fitness of Schertz. City officials are conservatively predicting revenues to increase 6.6 percent in 2011-2012, including a $300,000 increase in sales tax
revenues. An estimated $36,000 is expected in property taxes from newly annexed businesses and properties in South Schertz along FM 1518 to IH-10 and off of IH-35 just south of New Braunfels. If adopted, the 2011-2012 tax rate would move from $0.4493 to $0.4843 per $100 valuation. In other words, a resident with a home valued at $159,691 would see a $76 increase in their tax bill from $697 in 2010 to $773 in 2011. If approved by council on August 30, the budget would take effect on October 1. Visit Schertz.com for more information about city services, meetings, and updates. To view the budget go to budget.schertz.com.
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Civic Newz
September 2011
Calendarz
September 2011 Thursday, 1 Transportation Safety Advisory Commission, 5:30 PM- Council Chambers Tuesday, 6 City Council, 6:00 PM - Council Chambers Thursday, 8 Economic Development Corporation, 6:00 PM - Council Chambers Monday, 12 Buffalo Valley Youth Association, 6:00 PM - 401 Oak St Tuesday, 13 City Council, 6:00 PM - Council Chambers Wednesday, 14 Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM Council Chambers Tuesday, 20 City Council, 6:00 PM - Council Chambers Monday, 26 Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, 5:30 PM - Bob Andrews Room Board of Adjustments, 6:00 PM - Council Chambers Tuesday, 27 City Council, 6:00 PM - Council Chambers Wednesday, 28 Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM Council Chambers ***Meeting locations may change, please visit the calendar at www. schertz.com for confirmation.***
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schertzmagazine.com September 2011
SROs Sgt. Josh Mixon and Hillary Halbadier
School Resource Officers Ready for New Assignment
Schertz Police Department School Resource Officers Sgt. Josh Mixon and Officer Hillary Halbadier are ready to work with SCUC students at campuses in the city. Mixon and Halbadier were specially selected for the job of being on Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City School District campuses in Schertz, said Police Chief Don Taylor. “Not everyone has the skills to deal with a situation a lot of young people in one area – but these two officers do. We are very confident they will do an excellent job.” The Schertz Police Department is providing officers to SCUC schools in the city after the school district disbanded its police force as a cost-cutting measure. SCUC is contributing to the cost of the officers at its campuses in Schertz, Taylor pointed out. While Mixon and Halbadier will primarily be located at Clemens High School and Corbett Junior High School, they will also be at other campuses in the city. Chief Taylor said the entire resources of the 60-member Schertz Police Department will be available for the protecting SCUC campuses in the city. “Our priority is the safety of students, faculty and staff at these schools,” Taylor noted.
Animalz
A Tale of Wagging Tails By Kari Bridges
Animal Services Officer Scott Buchanan holds up one of the shelter’s dogs named Fraizer
Since 1993, the staff and volunteers at the Schertz Animal Control Shelter have provided a quality service to the community from their location on Borgfeld Road. The shelter, which is operated by the City of Schertz, offers rabies and disease control programs, animal adoptions, care for homeless animals, community outreach and educational programs that work to improve the quality of coexistence between people and animals. According to Animal Services Supervisor Zack Douglas, the animal shelter tries to help any animal in need brought to the facility. Each month approximately
100 to 110 animals are brought into the facility by staff or through voluntary surrender by their owners. Douglas encourages all pet owners to be responsible for the safety and health of their animals by taking two important steps. First, purchase a city license and/ or microchip for your animal, and second, have your animal spayed or neutered. Despite the current economic downturn the shelter has experienced a 38 percent increase in pet adoptions over last year. “The more animals that we save while doing our job is what makes this worthwhile,� said Douglas. He encourages anyone who is thinking
of adopting a pet to spend time researching what types of breed traits would best fit with their family environment. He stresses the importance of spending time with the animal before you make a decision about adopting it. Last November a $2.5-million bond issue was passed by Schertz voters for the renovation and construction of an animal shelter facility and dog park. That issue is currently in the planning and design phase. Anyone who is interested in volunteering at Schertz Animal Control Shelter or helping in other ways should call (210) 619-1550.
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“What’s Happening at Your Chamber” Contact us by phone at 210-566-9000, email at nkotzur@schertzchamber.org or visit our website at www.schertzchamber.org.
July Chamber Luncheon Our guest speaker at our July Luncheon was John Kessel, Schertz City Manager, who updated members of current and future projects for Schertz. Also, President Maggie Titterington spoke on the topic “What are YOU getting for your Membership?”
Welcome New Chamber Members: VIP Staffing1, Edward Jones Investments – Christian Pliego2, and Primerica3! 1
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Does your business need resources, networking, advocacy and growth? Join the Schertz Chamber of Commerce! We are the first point of contact for marketing to visitors and residents within the community. Through our Chamber website, monthly luncheons, mixers and educational courses, we strive to provide for all your business needs. Stop by our office at 1730 Schertz Parkway and pick up an application today! Schertz Chamber of Commerce – Helping your business build a better tomorrow.
After-Hours Mixer Frost Bank, 16895 I-35 North in Schertz Thursday, Sept. 22, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Great food, fun, door prizes and more! Chamber ca$h drawing – Must be present to win.
September Luncheon: Tuesday, Sept. 20 @ 11:30 AM at the Schertz Civic Center Cost: $15 Schertz Chamber Members/ $25 (prepaid) Non-Members RSVP by September 13 Please visit our Chamber website for luncheon policy.
2nd Annual Chamber Golf Classic to benefit DECA Program Olympia Hills Golf & Conference Center on Friday, Oct. 21. Registration @ 11:00 AM; shotgun start @12:30 PM. Thank you the following sponsors: Phil Mickelson - Brandt Engineering, Bubba Watson – Schertz Bank & Trust, Frost Bank, and GVEC! Contact the Chamber for sponsorship opportunities. A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the DECA Program at Clemens and Steele High Schools.
Tailgating at The Taste HEB in Schertz sponsored our 2nd annual taste-themed Tailgating at the Taste on July 28, which drew a record crowd of 840 people! Mascots, cheerleaders and attendees dressed in various team jerseys packed the Schertz Civic Center and enjoyed fabulous food from our vendors. Even the Spurs Coyote stopped by to enjoy our tailgate party and hammed it up with the crowd! Many lucky winners walked away with great door prizes donated by our wonderful businesses. Thanks to our returning judges Schertz Mayor Hal Baldwin, Mark Roberts of Schertz Auto Service, Laura Mallum of Fairfield and Hampton Inn & Suites and our celebrity guest judge Leslie Mouton of KSAT 12 News, for the difficult task of choosing the winners: Best Ribs CBQ Eatery; Best Wings - HEB; Best Kabob - All Occasions Catering; Best Theme - BG’s Catering; Best Dessert - Pastry Bliss; Best of the Best - CBQ Eatery; Taster’s Choice - Graceland Assisted Living; and Best Booth - HEB. Thank you to our Board, Ambassadors, hYPer Group and Kari Bridges for making this such a great event!
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Important Schertz
Phone Numbers City of Schertz Elected Officials Mayor: Hal Baldwin
210-658-6466
Council Members: Michael Carpenter Cedric Edwards, Sr. Jim Fowler David Scagliola George Antuna, Jr.
(210) 619-1045 (210) 566-4540 (210) 658-1442 (830) 606-1130 (210) 467-7914
City Departments: City of Schertz (210) 619-1000 Animal Control (210) 619-1550 Business/Utilities (210) 619-1100 City Manager (210) 619-1000 City Secretary (210) 619-1030 Civic Center (210) 619-1600 Customer Care/311 (210) 619-1000 Economic Development (210) 619-1070 EMS (non-emergency) (210) 619-1400 Fire (non-emergency) (210) 619-1300 Human Resources (210) 619-1150 Information Technology (210) 619-1180 Inspections (210) 619-1750 Marshal Services (210) 619-1666 Municipal Court (210) 619-1500 Parks & Recreation (210) 619-1850 Planning & Zoning (210) 619-1780 Police (non-emergency) (210) 619-1200 Public Affairs (210) 619-1630 Public Library (210) 619-1700 Public Works (210) 619-1800 Records (210) 619-1030 Website schertz.com Send queries about articles or photographs to Schertz Magazine at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. Subscriptions to Schertz Magazine are free for each Schertz household. Subscriptions for residents and businesses outside the City of Schertz are $19.95 annually. Call 210-619-1630. For advertising information: Schertz Magazine, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154; call (210) 619-1630; Fax (210) 619-1619; email sales@schertz. com.
NEWS POLICY
Schertz Magazine encourages submission of news and event announcement items. News and event announcements must include contact name and contact phone number. All news and event items must be for activities that occur inside the Schertz city limits. Publication cannot be guaranteed. If you would like to submit an item to Schertz Tales, email us at events@schertz.com or call us at (210) 619-1630. The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the City of Schertz. All products and services advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental handicap, political affiliation or other non-merit factor of purchaser, user or patron.
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Articles that appear in Schertz Magazine do not necessarily reflect the official position of the City of Schertz and does not constitute an endorsement therein. The appearance of any advertisement in Schertz Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the goods or services advertised. Any publication of Schertz Tales, whether draft or final is sole property of the City of Schertz and cannot be reproduced or distributed in any way, whether in print or electronically, without the express permission and written consent of the City of Schertz. schertzmagazine.com September 2011
FAMILY, FUN & FITNESS The YMCA offers five different membership types, all with NO CONTRACTS and a 30-day-money-back guarantee! Take a tour of the Schertz Family YMCA today! Scan Code above or see page 20 for FREE DESSERT
Enjoy Family Time together at the YMCA - JOIN TODAY! • Member Barbeques • Monthly Family Activities • Movement & Motion Toddler Class • KidFit • Youth Sports • Kids ages 7+ welcome to use fitness equipment* • Youth encouraged to participate in wellness classes • FREE Childwatch – up to 2hrs • And Much More! *With an equipment orientation class
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT
ymcasatx.org or call 210.619.1900. 621 Westchester • Schertz, TX 78154 Financial Assistance is available through our Open Doors Scholarship Program.
Office of Public Affairs 1400 Schertz Parkway Schertz, Texas 78154