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End-of-th e - Y e a r S a l e NOW EXT E N D E D T H R O U G H M A R C H © 2 0 1 3 , M e d i a g i s t i c , I n c . # 4 5 6 5 0 5MARCH 2013 sCHeRtzMAgAzine.CoM contentz Featurez Walk in the Park with Your Smartphone 18 Children Photographers Capture Nature 22 Birders of a Feather Flock Together... in Schertz 25 Check Out New Arlan’s Market 31 Guadalupe County Community Garden 34 Colorful Comic Con Coming to Schertz 39 Departmentz Talk of The Townz UPdATez 9 eNTeRTAINMeNTz Selma-Schertz 5K 15 VISIONz / CHAMBeR 17 KITCHeN KUdOz Avocado Cafe 12 Columnz FOCUzGwin: Birder Since Childhood 26 CIVIC newz Amazon.com 46 Government Updatez 48 Calendarz & Contactz 50 eDitor’z Letter Chuck McCollough, Editor Green is the color of spring and renewal and life and so much more. Come along with Schertz eco- nomic development director da- vid Gwin for tips on how to enjoy birding ranging from a beginner to the folks who spend thousands of dollars for the best binoculars. Gwin has been a birder since he was a boy. If all that birding is making you hungry, head to the Avocado Cafe in Bracken Village. As its name implies, this is one of the greenest eateries in our area. Let the Floyd family be your culinary tour guides for a menu with options including vegetarian, vegan, paleo, gluten- free, and meat-lovers. The eclectic restaurant is a palate pleasing, fun experience. The March issue also has stories about a Comic Con Convention in Schertz, kid nature photographers, the Arlan’s Market in town, and how taking your smartphone to the park is a smart idea. In the March issue of Schertz Mag- azine we have a number of green related stories. Birding - what used to be called bird watching - is a growing phe- nomenon in Schertz and nearby. And it has tremendous potential to spur more ecotourism in our com- munity. Visit with noted outdoor writer and photographer Ann Mallard as she takes us through Crescent Bend Nature Park and its riparian habitat teeming with birds and other wildlife. Sit quietly on a park bench for a few minutes and you can hear the calls or songs of birds and then see them, Mallard said. And then there is Warbler Woods Bird Sanctuary between Schertz and Cibolo where Susan Schaezler and her family have created a place visited by birders from around the world. all that and more in your Schertz magazine. The Alamo Colleges is an EOE; for any special accommodations issue or an alternate format, contact the Title IX Coordinator at 210-485-0200 alamo.edu/nlc 210-486-5000 Get Your Associate’s Degree at Northeast Lakeview College and: • Earn college credits at a fraction of the cost • Transfer credits towards a Bachelor’s degree • Get a higher paying job • Get a full college experience through clubs, sports, and more... 8 schertzmagazine.com march 2013 PUBLISHED MONTHLY BYPublic Affairs Department Linda ErvinBusiness Manager Chuck McCollough Editor Alexis Souza Art Director & Design Chris Matzenbacher Sales Director Lucille Sims Thomas Copy Editor Brittany Losey Senior Writer Contributing Staffers Erin Matlock Client Affairs Specialist Mary Spence Events Coordinator Contributing WritersChuck McCollough, Lucille Sims Thomas, Andrea Allinger, Kari Bridges, Kiko Martinez, Ashley Festa, Rudy Arispe, Taylor Tompkins, Jim Webb Contributing PhotographersChuck McCollough, Mary Spence, Mike Harris, Marc Bane, Bryan Nguyen, Joe Herczeg, Diana Webb, Andrea Allinger, Kari Bridges, Zachary Carter, Ross Dye,fontsandphotos.com 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 and schertzmagazine.com City Council Michael Carpenter Mayor Jim Fowler Councilmember David Scagliola Councilmember George Antuna, Jr. Councilmember Cedric Edwards, Sr. Councilmember Barbara Baldwin First Lady Emerita Executive Team John Kessel City Manager John Bierschwale Executive Director David J. Harris Executive Director Brian James Executive Director 9MARCH 2013 sCHeRtzMAgAzine.CoM Talk oFtheTownzmaRCh 2013 easter in the park march 30 The Schertz Lions Club and HeB pres- ent “easter In The Park” on Saturday, March 30, in Pickrell Park in Schertz, rain or shine. The free event, open to children up to age 10, starts at 10:00 AM and will include a visit by the easter Bunny and HeB Buddy, easter egg hunt, Prize eggs and sponsored games. Please arrive early so you can register prior to the event. Schedule of events for children by age: diaper derby (Crawlers) 10:00 AM Children under 3 10:30 AM Children age 3-4 11:00 AM Children age 5-7 11:30 AM Children age 8-10 12:00 PM For more information call Rhonda Williams at (210) 566-1999 native plant Society Gets Green thumb up By Nancy Masterson More than 100 people turned out for the Lazy Gardener’s Workshop at the Schertz Civic Center on Saturday February 2. Gardeners learned about soil textures, water catchment and plant selection for a low-mainte- nance native landscape. The speaker was Heather Venhaus, ASLA, an ex- pert with the national Sustainable Sites Initiative. The event was organized by the Guadalupe Coun- ty Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas. The non-profit chapter meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 PM at St. John Lutheran Church in Marion. Meetings are free and open to the public. 10 schertzmagazine.com march 2013 TalkoFtheTownz Sweethearts at Cibolo pageant Miss Schertz Kylie Middleton and Miss Friendly Katie Gibbons represented the City of Schertz during the Miss Cibolo Scholarship Pageant held on Saturday, January 26. Samuel Clemens high School project Graduation rummage Sale! Project Graduation will be hosting a Rummage Sale on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at the Samuel Clemens High School Parking Lot from 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM- For more information or if you have any questions please call debbie at (210)262- 5968. If you would like to donate items to the Rummage Sale please contact us for pick-up or delivery arrangements. BVYa opening Day Buffalo Valley Youth Association will cel- ebrate Opening day on April 6 at Schertz Ballpark, located in the Hal Baldwin Mu- nicipal Complex. The day will begin at 9 AM with the Opening day Parade of nearly 100 youth baseball and softball teams, followed by the Opening Cer- emony and Carnival. Plan to spend the day with BVYA and enjoy Head Coun- try BBQ, carnival rides and games, lo- cal sponsor and vendor booths and visit with the Remember Alex Brown Founda- tion from extreme Home Makeover, all while helping your area youth league raise funds to outfit the 3 new ball fields soon to be added to Schertz Ballpark by the City of Schertz. *For information on sponsorship or vendor booths, please email kinkade1@earthlink.net. BVYa Donation Angie Kellar of MyCommunityCoupon. com presents a $200 donation to Buf- falo Valley Youth Association Sponsor- ship and Advertising director, Wendy Kinkade. KiCK ButtS DaY StanD out, SpeaK up, Seize ControL The Guardian Angel dance Studio, Inc. in association with the Campaign for To- bacco-Free Kids will host an “It’s Cool to be Tobacco Free”, Flash Mob. The Flash Mob will be held on Kick Butts day, Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at 5:30 p.m. in front of the new Schertz Playscape. The Flash mob will help raise aware- ness about the harmful effects of smok- ing and second hand smoke on children, teens, and adults. The Flash Mob is look- ing for dancers of all ages who would like to participate. For more information on The Flash Mob or Kick Butts day, please feel free to con- tact Jacquelyn darby at (210) 782-3798 or visit the website at www.kickbutsday.org 11MARCH 2013 sCHeRtzMAgAzine.CoM TalkoFtheTownz Cub Scouts Visit Schertz magazine eight Cub Scouts from Pack 51 visited the Schertz Magazine office in the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex Tuesday, February 5, to learn how the publication is produced - with content like stories, photos, graphics and ads. At right, they pose with editor Chuck McCollough holding a copy of the February issue. Veterans plaza Site Work Starts A much anticipated project reached an important milestone Monday, January 28, when a piece of construction equip- ment moved the first dirt for the Veterans Memorial Plaza in Schertz. “The dirt work that started today is so we can build the foundation,” said Steve White, a member of the board of direc- tors for the project. “We hope to have most of the dirt work and the boards up so we can pour the foundation. Our timeline is very flexible. Look for a new sign put up in a week or so, with updated information,” he said. Here is some more information about the project: The Veterans Plaza Board in Schertz was formed with the mission of providing a memorial plaza dedicated to honoring all who serve in the uniformed services of the United States of America, past, pres- ent, and future. The Plaza will be constructed on a highly visible tract of land on Schertz Parkway. Not only was this site graciously provid- ed by the City of Schertz, but the City has committed to maintaining the Plaza once it is completed. The Plaza will be a pentagon over a star with its five tips pointing to indi- vidual monuments representing the five branches of the military. A smaller pen- tagon within the star will be the central point of the plaza and contain three flags; national, state, and POW. In front of the central pentagon will be a bronze statue of a young boy saluting a bronze Battle Cross statue situated on a small rocky hill. To keep up with progress on the project, or to donate, visit veteransplaza.org 12 schertzmagazine.com march 2013 Kitchen Kudoz Avocado Café: Where Love is Green By Andrea M. Allinger Avocado Café co-founder Felicia Floyd joyfully exclaims, “I love my job, every day,” when speaking about the refur- bished house she, her brother and moth- er transformed into the homey little café located in the historic Bracken Village. Tripp Floyd and Gale Goodman-Floyd jumped into the business with Felicia Floyd about six months ago. “My mom has been making all of the recipes for years, everything is homemade with wholesome ingredients, and of course, love.” Felicia Floyd certainly did not plan on opening a restaurant, as she recently completed her master’s degree in adult education. But after her mother retired from the United States Air Force, the family decided to dive headfirst into the business. Floyd said that working with her family is her favorite part of the job, as “we are best friends, I love being with them, we have the same mentality.” Luckily, that mentality focuses heavily on eco-friendly principles, the Floyds even installed a compost bin to cut down on waste — the food which they cannot do- TalkoFtheTownz Gale Goodman-Floyd prepares meals for patrons. Felicia Floyd waits on customers and greets visitors to Avocado Café. 13MARCH 2013 sCHeRtzMAgAzine.CoM nate to those in need. Many of the fresh herbs are grown by the family, and they are looking into a partnership with local farmers to supply their produce. The house was built in 1910, to maintain a “classic, homey feel,” and hosted the shop Bless Your Heart for the past de- cade. All of the furnishings in the restau- rant were purchased second hand over a period of months, from garage and estate sales, a portion of the business which Floyd remembers was “so much fun,” while more importantly “reducing our carbon footprint.” everything in the café is for sale; Floyd noted that a patron pur- chased one of their tables recently, which she is excited to replace. This “green” method of business saves the Floyds money, as Floyd recounts, “we think it is more cost effective than the al- ternative,” as Avocado Café is furnished with linen napkins and tablecloths along with the up-cycled tables, chairs, dishes, and décor. The reduce, reuse, recycle way of life gives the café a unique and comfortable feel, which is purposeful- ly gained to help the customer “feel at home.” The food choices focus on more health- ful, smaller portions with options includ- ing vegetarian, vegan, paleo, gluten- free, and meat-lovers. Floyd promises that everyone can be satisfied with the menu, which includes an array of foods including the Floyd’s family recipe for artichoke dip, homemade eggs benedict with avocadoes, and the homemade soup of the day. Undecided? Order the “Sur- prise Me!” option and let the chef decide your entrée. As a mother of a three-year old, Floyd balances child care with her supportive family. As a result of the focus on fam- ily, Avocado Café has an extensive chil- dren’s menu with healthful, tasty options including PBJ or PBNutella and home- made “secret veggie” nuggets — white meat mixed with Avocado Café’s “healthy stealthy” mix of vegetables formed into fun shapes and served with fresh fruit or steamed vegetables. Avocado Café does not stop with their menu of healthful dining options, with a full coffee bar stocked with douwe eg- bert coffee and espresso as well as chai tea. For a fresher option, try a freshly Kitchen Kudoz made smoothie, milkshake, or juice (freshly squeezed with your choice of three juices). With all this healthful eating, don’t skimp on dessert. The dessert selections in- clude homemade molasses cookies, homemade cake, muffins, and cupcakes. And for those wanting to enjoy home- made cooking at their own table, loaves of bread are available for sale, and any of the menu items are available to go. Avocado Café is the perfect atmosphere for a private party such as a bridal or baby shower. A simple phone call can reserve the classic house, complete with white picket fence, for any event. Cater- ing is available. Call (210) 441-8536. Visit Avocado Café’s Facebook page at facebook.com/AvocadoCafeSA or brack- envillagesa.com for updated hours and menu items. Avocado Café is located at 18771 Nacog- doches Road in Bracken, inside Bracken Village. 15MARCH 2013 sCHeRtzMAgAzine.CoM Entertainmentz Selma-Schertz 5K Draws 400 By Jim Webb (Pictured at top)Participants, including Wounded Warriors in front row, wait for start of event. (Pictured above) From Left, Schertz Mayor Michael Carpenter, Dr. Michael Keresztes, Selma Mayor Tom Daly visit during the event. THe 3Rd ANNUAL SeLMA-SCHeRTz “Salute to Service Members” 5K Run/ Walk had lots of energy. More than 400 enthusiasts participated in this event – eager to compete and contribute to a good cause. The event raised $7,500. More than 400 enthusiasts participated in this event — eager to compete and contribute to a good cause. This activity is a joint effort by the Texas Physical Therapy Specialists and Oper- ation Comfort. The latter group works to provide adaptive sports programs and emergency financial assistance for wounded service members. The Blue- bonnet Palace owners donated the use of their facility to the organizers. Participants, ranging in age from tod- dlers to senior citizens, and support- ers gathered at the Bluebonnet soon after daylight on Saturday, January 19. Breakfast burritos, bananas, and water were available throughout the morn- ing. Selma Mayor Tim daly and Schertz Mayor Michael Carpenter greeted the crowd and wished the participants well. event director dr. Michael Kerestztes from Texas Physical Therapy Specialists welcomed all and acknowledged the many volunteers who make this event possible. Wounded warriors were the first across the starting line, followed quickly by the runners and then the walkers. Among the wounded war- riors were Marine corporals Ivan Sears and Nick Perales. This was their first time in this event but each has participated in several similar events. Ivan wants to remain in the Marines for a full career, while Nick plans a career as a petroleum engineer after his discharge from active duty. The first runner to cross the finish line was Matthew Williams with a time of 14.29 minutes! While participants were recovering from their exertion, raffle prizes contributed by area busi- nesses were distributed and awards were presented to winners in the dif- ferent age groups and to the fastest runners overall. Next year’s event will be at the Blue- bonnet on Saturday, January 18, 2014. TalkoFtheTownz MARCH CHAMBER EvENTS Biz Ed March 27th – 7:30am – 9am at the Chamber/Visitor Center, hosted by Schertz Bank & Trust. Free Breakfast. Topic: Employer Attorney Alicia Haff – Employment liability: managing your responsibilities - part 1. Call 566-9000 to RSVP your attendance. Free to Chamber members, Non Members only $10. February Chamber Luncheon March 19th @ Schertz Civic Center @11:30am – 1pm. Guest Speaker, Employer Attorney Alicia Haff on “Employment Liability – Managing Your Responsibilities” RSVP by March 12th to the Chamber/Visitor Center offices. Schertz Chamber Toastmasters Club Want to build great Communication and Leadership skills? The Schertz Toastmasters will meet at the Comfort Inn & Suites, located at 15771 IH 35 North, in Selma at 6:45pm on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month. Open to all - contact David Smith at 210-913-9288 for more details on how to become part of this exciting group! March Mixer @ Northeast Lakeview College – 5:30 – 7:00 pm. Check www.schertzchamber.org for date. 17MARCH 2013 sCHeRtzMAgAzine.CoM Want to join the ChamBer? It just makes “cents” to join the Schertz Chamber of Commerce! Unique networking opportunities, education, advocacy and more! Call us at 210-566-9000 or come by and visit at 1730 Schertz Parkway in Schertz. Help us “Build a Better Tomorrow” What’S happenin’ in Your SChertz ChamBer? TalkoFtheTownz presents March 21, 2013 Schertz Civic Center 5pm – 8pm 7LFNHWVRQVDOH12:#Schertz Chamber /Visitor Center Offices 1730 Schertz Parkway 210-566-9000 Beer Courtesy of Tri-City Distributors LIVE COMPETITION! 4th Annual Supporting Sponsors: in Live Oak Sample Local Resta u r a n t s ! Sample Local Resta u r a n t s ! Kitchen s e t u p Kitchen s e t u p provided b y : provided b y : &203(7,1*,521&+()6 vsvs THROW DOWN THROW DOWN THROW DOWN CHALLENGES!CHALLENGES!CHALLENGES! vsvs The Schertz Chamber of Commerce presents the 4th Annual “The Taste”. This year’s theme is Iron Chef Throw down! Come eat, drink and watch a live Iron Chef demonstration! See “Throw downs” and other friendly restaurant to restaurant competitions take place and they will need YOUR votes to determine the win- ners! Also participating are the Samuel Cle- mens and Steele High School Culinary Arts Classes! Free giveaways and prize drawings as well! Tickets on sale now at the Schertz Cham- ber/Visitor Center offices. Pre-sale tickets are $12 for Adults and $7 for Seniors 60+ and kids ages 2-11; day of the event ticket pricing –$15 for Adults and $9 for Seniors 60+ and kids ages 2-11. Special thanks to GVeC Home for our Iron Chef Kitchen setup, RBFCU and Tri- City distributors for beverage sponsorships. HAPPY CHAMBER ANNIvERSARY 1ST QUARTER OF THE YEAR! 8 years Schertz Auto Service KDJ Insurance Agency C & W Properties Barrett Cooper and Associates Schertz Funeral Home and Crematory Alex Hartman - State Farm Agency Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative Bexar Waste BG’s Catering and Restaurant Caliber Collision Centers RBFCU Randolph Field Realty Broadway Bank SCUCISD 7 years Barnard Donegan Insurance The Claus Team HEB Gary Inmon, Attorney Mark Penshorn, DDS Schertz Bank and Trust 6 years First Baptist Church VRTX Technologies 5 years Whitney Wiedner Graphic Designer 18 schertzmagazine.com march 2013 Featurez AS THe CITY CONTINUeS TO grow, Schertz adapts its information technology to keep up with its high rate of change. One of the city’s most prominent up-and-coming strategies in this regard is the use of QR codes. “The neat thing about these QR codes is that they’re very dynamic, very flu- id”, George Logan, director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services, said. “It’s not static information. Our IT dept. works with Public Affairs and others in keeping this information up and keeping it current, changing it on a regular basis.” Schertz began using QR codes around the city as information signs in 2011. Since then, they have continued down Schertz Parkway, expanded to the Crescent Bend Nature Park, and will be implemented in future projects in- cluding additional trails. “We’re trying to introduce the concept of the QR codes on the trails to get people to learn more about the city it- self and how it runs,” Myles Clauser, director of Information Technologies, said. “You can highlight important events like Schertzfest, elections, and more.” In order to use the QR code, you must A Walk In the Park With Your Smartphone By Brittany Losey have smartphone technology and download a QR code reader applica- tion. Then, you simply scan the code with your phone, and you will be re- directed to one of Schertz’s web pag- es. The information provided will be unique to the code that you scan and often includes a map with your loca- tion. These features make the technol- ogy a perfect fit for Crescent Bend – not only will the code give you access to your location within the park, but also tips on the flora and fauna of the park. “We’ve got eight signs in Crescent Bend on the short trail, 20 on the big trail,” Logan said. “If you hit a code, you’ll go to the trail site, a website ded- icated to Crescent Bend Nature Park.” An inspiration for the Crescent Bend project came from Schertz resident, Ann Mallard, who donated her photo- graphs of the park for the site. Signs on Schertz Parkway feature these updates on current city events as well. The 30 total signs, 15 on either side of the road, also serve another important function – to promote local business. “Some hotels have bought advertising space in our magazine – so they get ad space on our websites,” Clauser said. Additionally, the novelty and practical- ity of the new technology has driven traffic to the Schertz website. “We went from about 400-500 hits a week to about 10,000-15,000 a week (on our websites)”, Clauser said. “We’ve seen a big increase in traffic to our main website because of the QR codes. It’s generated a lot more inter- est in the city as a result.” This integration of the QR codes will be key in the city’s expansion, particu- larly as the bond projects go into ac- tion. One of the most useful aspects of 19MARCH 2013 sCHeRtzMAgAzine.CoM the technology is its ability to be changed at any time, so citizens can always have the most up-to-date information (about a par- ticular bond project) at their fingertips. “We’ve done it for the Playscape; next we’ll be doing (QR Codes for) Animal Services and the Natatorium,” Logan said. Additionally, these codes will play a major role in another big project – bike trails. “We’re putting in a Northern bike route and a Southern bike route, and its’ going to be all QR coded so it won’t be like an ar- row or a line painted on the ground. You’ll walk up to a sign with a QR code, scan it, and it will tell you ‘turn right here’,” Logan said. Both trails will begin at Pickrell Park and measure between 22-25 miles to- tal. The southern trail will travel into Selma; the northern trail will feed into New Braunfels. The latter trail was stra- tegically designed to pull in traffic from the north. “There are a lot of bicyclists out there, and if we can get them one step closer to Schertz, once they hit that trail, they’ll be into it,” Clauser said. “So that’s the objective.” While the trails have been laid out, the project will likely not be complete for a few years due to some lingering safety concerns that are currently be- ing addressed. However, it is a phase project with much room for anticipat- ed expansion. “eventually we’re going to start spon- soring events,” Clauser said. “That’s continued on page 21 When: Friday March 8, 2013, 6:00-10:00pm (doors open at 5:30) Where: Alzafar Shriners Hall, 901 N. Loop 1604 West What: Catered Dinner (6:00-7:30), Casino Party (7:00-10:00), Texas Hold EM Tournament, Silent Suction, music. tickets: On sale Feb 1, 2013 on line at kneedfoundation.org or at our two office locations ----------------------------------------------------------------->> Prices: $35 advance, $40/door. Texas Hold Em Tournament entry fee $30 contact: robin e-mail at rgetter@kneedfoundation.org - 210-696-9000 21MARCH 2013 sCHeRtzMAgAzine.CoM Featurez the final goal, to sponsor bike events and things like that. We’ve talked to some local associations about this and they’re like ‘anytime you’re ready.’ We just don’t want to put anyone down these trails until we know they’re safe.” The flexible technology will help improve safety by allowing city officials to manipulate routes and pro- vide important announcements to cyclists. “We can move our trail based on safety factors, road conditions,” Logan said. “It’s pretty cool.” While the technology has innovative applications in Schertz, the city’s implementation of these codes is actually quite simple compared to its original use. “The technology started as an inventory control technique in Japan,” Clauser said. “They found that they needed more sophisticated controls, so they came up with this. It’s a type of barcoding system, but we’re using it in a very simple manner.” QR codes have found many uses in the United States, such as its seen use as a civic tool. The in- spiration for its use in Schertz came from another small Texan town. “Myles and Public Affairs went to Manor, TX and saw this program in downtown Manor,” Logan said. “It was very current with respect to smartphones and QR codes. Cities are using it and the more we have of it, the better.” Schertz’s Information Technology and Public Af- fairs departments then brought back this concept and collaborated with Parks and Recreation and Public Works to make the idea reality. “It’s a rockin’- on program as far as we’re concerned,” Logan said. A Walk In the Park With Your Smartphone continued from pg 19 (Pictured top right) Crescent Bend bird expert Ann Mallard stands next to a sign showing the park’s hours of operation. 22 schertzmagazine.com march 2013 Featurez Children Photographers Capture Nature By Jim Webb On a lovely autumn day, nine youth photographers, accompanied by parents and siblings, arrived to spend the afternoon at a Schertz treasure, privately owned Warbler Woods bird sanctuary (www.warblerwoods.org). Located at 19349 Old Wiederstein Road, it encom- passes 124 acres of widely varied habitat. It supports more than 200 plant varieties and more than 280 bird species have been spotted on or over the sanctuary. Children attending were ages 10-14. each brought their own digital camera, but the program has loaner cameras available should a student not have one. The “Picture Your World” event was sponsored by Green Spaces Alliance of San Antonio (www.greensatx. org). There is a modest fee per student for the event, but students are welcome regard- less of their ability to pay. This was the second in a se- ries of seven to be held in the 2012-13 school year. Six of the events are outings and the fi- nal one is a judging of photos students submit for the an- nual contest, which is divided into two age groups. Sherry Christensen is the manager of the program, a position she has held since 2007. Joining Christensen conducting this activity were photographer Nancy Garcia and naturalist 23MARCH 2013 sCHeRtzMAgAzine.CoM Featurez Rafael Brisita, both veterans of this project. Also assisting were several adult volunteers. Warbler Woods owners don and Susan Schaezler wel- comed the group with open arms – as they do all visi- tors. Their large garage was transformed into a class- room, and this was where the event formally got under way. Christensen greeted every- one, explained the schedule for the afternoon, and then introduced Garcia, a photog- raphy teacher at Southwest School of Art in San Antonio. At each event, she discusses with the students a particular aspect of photography. Today, she talked with the students about two important elements of successful photography, color and contrast, and how they might impact the stu- dents’ photoshoot to follow. After Garcia’s talk, naturalist Rafael Brisita gave the stu- dents information on his role and how he would help them learn about plants and ani- mals during the walk. Now began what the students clearly saw as the event’s highlight – walking through the sanctuary enjoying na- ture’s beauty and taking pho- tos of intriguing sights. Just outside the Schaezler’s garage were a bevy of plants being visited by many butterflies. All the students spent some time here, moving about to get just the right angle and light for a great photo. A bit farther down the path, Susan had marked an area where mushrooms had recently sprouted. Parker was one of several students who laid on the ground to get just the right perspective for a shot. zach and Vastian could be seen imitating skilled detec- tives as they sought just the right photo opportunity. Tay- lor and her mom had success in locating several sites that provided wonderful photo- graphic possibilities. At the same time students were in- vestigating their surroundings for that special picture, natu- ralist Brisita was pointing out interesting features about the terrain through which they were walking. each time a stu- dent or adult would shout out about a find, all the students within earshot would hurry to the spot to put their particu- lar brand on a photo of the animal or area or both. One such opportunity arose when a student discovered a lady- bug nestled among the leaves and roots. She crouched as close as her camera’s lens and the bug’s skittishness would allow and came away with a wonderful photo. Two outcomes of this photo/ exploring adventure were very evident. One was that ev- ery student was enjoying both the nature experience and the challenge to snap a unique photo from the myriad of pos- sibilities provided. The other was the time the student spent talking with his or her ac- companying family members and friends, excitedly sharing their photo discovery and/or asking for assistance as they dealt with a particular photo opportunity. Project manager Christensen commented that this is a very pleasant side effect she notices on each of these “Picture Your World” activities. Though the students had a va- riety of cameras and different experience levels, they shared a genuine passion for photog- raphy and an enjoyment of spending the afternoon in a lovely natural area. One of the students, doug, was a first- place winner in the group’s photo contest last year. In fact, the camera he was using to- day was purchased with some of his prize money. Another, Andrew, earned an honor- able mention for one of his photos. Most of the students, when asked about what type of photographic subjects they preferred, responded with na- ture, or outdoor things, or an- imals. Liz was one of the few who mentioned she also en- joyed taking photos of people. Several students commented they especially liked captur- ing images of butterflies and squirrels. For more than half of the students, this was their first time at a “Picture Your World” event. Andrew was on his third outing. The day was made even more special for first-timer Mason as it was his birthday! After walking, exploring and taking several dozen photos (a nice luxury digital photog- raphy permits), the group re- turned to the Schaezler’s ga- rage for the final segment of the outing. Volunteers provid- ed a selection of snacks and cold water, and the students continued on page 24 24 schertzmagazine.com march 2013 Featurez Children Photographers Capture Nature continued from pg 23 (and the adults!) eagerly and apprecia- tively sampled the delicious and refresh- ing goodies. While folks were enjoying the refreshments, photographer/teacher Nancy Garcia loaded onto the computer the storage cards from several students’ cameras. Once the gang settled into their seats, she projected different photos onto a makeshift screen and engaged the stu- dents in a discussion of what was good about the shot and what might have been done differently. Referring back to the earlier discussion of contrast and light, she especially drew the students at- tention to these elements in their photos. The students enjoyed the praise and, evi- dence of their true interest in becoming effective photographers, paid close atten- tion to what they might have done differ- ently to improve a specific photo. Prior to concluding the event, Chris- tensen asked the remaining students what interesting things they had seen on their walk. Responses included olive trees, moss, sand cranes (a small group flew over en route to their winter home), a deer ANd a dead possum! Next, she asked what they had liked most about today’s outing. Astrid commented about the butterflies. Other answers included the walk itself and the contrast among the different leaves, roots, limbs, etc. All agreed this had been a grand experience. The Schaezlers invited everyone to re- turn when they could, and all agreed that was exactly what they hoped to do. (Pictured below) Nancy Garcia (right photo) gives a camera use presentation to young shutterbugs while a sign (left) greets the kids and parents. (Pictured right) Wildlife writer and photographer Ann Mallard captures some of the colorful birds at Crescent Bend Nature Park. Featurez Birders of a Feather Flock Together - In Schertz By Lucille Sims Thomas WITH THe POPULARITY of birding on the rise, San An- tonio area bird lovers have lots of options for seeing a wide va- riety of species. Those options include Crescent Bend Nature Park in Schertz and Warbler Woods Bird Sanctuary nearby. Located in an former housing development that was flood prone and eventually demol- ished, Crescent Bend is home to a growing number of bird species and a huge variety of other wildlife. It also attracts as large variety of birds that mi- grate through the area. After the homes that once dot- ted the park were torn down, the City of Schertz and Bexar County partnered to create a nature park at the site. Since it opened in 2009, Crescent Bend has steadily attracted more and more birds and other wildlife. It turns out that having a water element — the thing that made it a bad place for homes — makes it a great place for a na- ture park. Cibolo Creek is great for wildlife in that location, but not so much for people. Birding expert Ann Mallard visits Crescent Bend Nature Park often and can point out various birds by the sounds she hears. Her photos of birds in Crescent Bend have helped boost the park’s popularity. even though she only became an avid birder a few years ago, Mallard has already published two photo books on Crescent Bend under the name C.A. Mallard. “Over time what we’ve discov- ered is because of the habitat that’s out here — you’ve got Ci- bolo Creek, which gives you a good water source -- and then you have a wooded area, and then you’ve got open fields at the other end of the park. And then it’s surrounded by a rural area, where you have a lot of farms and everything, so it is a good area for birds.” To date, Mallard said, there have been 210 species spotted at the park with 24 of them be- ing unusual or rare birds. Most of them are traveling through the area. Some stay for a cou- ple of days and some stay for a couple of months. As rare birds are reported in the area it at- tracts more and more birders. “Crescent Bend Nature Park has become a birding destina- tion and is attracting birders from all over the country,” said Schertz Parks Manager Chuck Van zandt. “This was clearly demonstrat- ed last fall when the Ruddy Ground dove was spotted in the park. Visitation was so heavy that Public Works had to create temporary ‘one way’ traffic flow in parts of the park to alleviate congestion,” he said. Van zandt said thousands of visitors came from all over to see the rarely-seen-in- Schertz dove. The park has received attention via the National Bird- ing Registry which has helped to create the “buzz”. “Crescent Bend Nature Park, combined with the privately- owned Warbler Woods, defi- nitely enhance the image of the City of Schertz while sup- porting the onset of ecotour- ism in the this area. As you know, northwest San Antonio has long been a birding desti- nation; now the City of Schertz can tout the same thing,” the parks manager said. Crescent Bend is a Bexar County Park but is run by the City of Schertz. According to Mallard, woodpeckers are the most dominant species in the park and there are also a lot of hawks. Over at Warbler Woods Bird Sanctuary, owner Susan Schae- zler is positively giddy at the thought of getting only a few hours of sleep each night for months and having to tempo- rarily give up bridge. Starting around the end of March through the end of May, her facility experiences its bus- iest time of the year with more than a thousand people from all over the world stopping by to see what bird species they might find. Some plan their vacations each year around a spring visit to the 124-acre sanctuary, which is located on private property and operates as 501c3 nonprofit facility. “It’s a busy time and I don’t get much sleep,” Schaezler said. “But it’s fun because you get to see old visitors and new visi- tors.” “Sometimes, it gets so busy,” Schaezler said, “that we have to close the gate”. And birders never know what they will find on their spring visits as it var- ies each year. With the drought in 2011, the sanctuary attracted a greater variety of species, in- cluding 13 new ones, but last year was not as great. “We never know what’s going to happen new. You always hope for the next new bird so you’re always out there look- ing. It goes back and forth,” Schaezler said. “It is like a scavenger hunt every day. You never know what you are go- ing to get.” Spring is definitely the most exciting time of the year for avid birders but Mallard said anyone can learn to watch birds and other wildlife when they visit Crescent Bend or any nature park. “You can still walk and do bird- ing. A lot of it is training your eyes to see movement and listening to sounds,” Mallard said. Some birds are flushed out by sound and will appear if they hear something near them. The San Antonio Audubon Society offers bird walks each month all over San Antonio including at both Crescent Bend and Warbler Woods and you don’t have to be a mem- ber to participate. For more information on bird walks or birding, visit saaudu- bon.org,warblerwoods.org or www.cbnp.us. 25MARCH 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM FoCuzFOCUZFOCUZ GWIN: Birder Since Boyhood By Chuck McCollough dAVId GWIN IS ALWAYS LOOK- ing for something. As Schertz economic develop- ment (SedC) director he is on the lookout for quality develop- ment for the city and region. Away from the office you might find Gwin down at Cibolo Creek, out at Crescent Bend Nature Park or in any number of other natu- ral areas across our state, patiently looking for birds and other kinds of wildlife. “I have been a birder for most of my life. Growing up in a rural part of Central Oklahoma, it was an interest that I pursued and it has stayed with me,” Gwin said while sitting as his desk covered with SedC project folders. “The biggest changes over that time period include the hobby be- coming much more mainstream. In fact, the activity’s name has even evolved from bird watching to birding — because it is more of an action thing now. Further, the tools and the resources bird- ers have access to today have also greatly increased and improved,” he said. “The tools available have risen to match the growing number of ac- tive birders and the affluencey of those doing it. For example, you can spend $3,000 on a pair of the finest binoculars or you can spend $49 for some very basic ones at a local discount store. The only thing you really need is a good field guide and then you’re in the birding business.” Other new tools for birders (they don’t like to be called bird watch- ers) include field guide apps for smartphones that include photos and range maps of the 900-plus species found in an around the North American continent and even the distinct sounds or bird 26 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2013 27MARCH 2013 sCHeRtzMAgAzine.CoM calls of each. There are also apps for but- terfly watching — known as “butterflying” — also a hobby Gwin enjoys. Gwin said prior to WWII there were just a few basic field guides — books with de- scriptions of birds for those who enjoy learning about them. “Today, there are dozens of field guides covering almost ev- ery corner of the globe,” he said. He moved to Schertz for the SedC posi- tion and regards the birding opportunities in the area as a nice fringe benefit. The San Antonio region has been known for birding for a number of years because two of the three major North American avian migration flyways merge in our state. “The Pacific flyway runs along the West Coast and the Central Flyway and the east Coast flyways come into Texas and con- verge over the San Antonio region. Texas is known as one of the birdiest states in the nation,” Gwin said. The San Antonio-Schertz region is also is where four distinct ecoregions meet — the Blackland prairie, Post Oak Savannah, the Hill Country and South Texas plains. “Anytime you have a confluence of four major habitat types, you get a very diverse mix of bird species and that is very excit- ing for naturalists.” “And, with climate changes going on, Tex- as — and our area in particular — is hosting bird species normally seen much farther south. These are tropical species not usu- ally seen this far north,” he said. An example of that was the appearance of a Ruddy Ground dove in Crescent Bend several months ago. That bird is only rarely seen in the Rio Grande Valley and its appearance in the Schertz nature park drew hundreds of birders from around Texas and beyond to see the rare bird, which hung around for several weeks. The episode shows birding locally has the potential to become a serious eco-tourism attraction. A major boost to the San Antonio re- gion’s birding reputation was the reha- bilitation of South San Antonio’s Mitchell Lake from a regional wastewater facility to a major riparian wildlife refuge a num- ber of years ago. The rehab job was so good and the response of wildlife, espe- cially birds, so positive that the National Audubon Society now operates a facility at Mitchell Lake. That was an important part of an expanding local birding infra- structure to encourage more people to become active nature and wildlife enthu- siasts, Gwin said. The irony of having a job that involves development and a hobby often im- pacted by devel- opment is not lost on Gwin. “I have spent a majority of my career strug- gling to balance the hobby side and the professional side. Friends have asked me how I can be involved in both. Well, we cannot stop devel- opment, but there are smarter paths we can take to help balance that progress with nat- ural areas and the needs of wildlife,” he said. And there is grow- ing awareness among the public about balancing the need for development with the needs of wildlife. There is movement in that direction overall and specifically in com- munities like San Antonio and Schertz that value their natural areas and work with developers who feel the same way and see the financial wisdom in such a strategy. “Savvy developers know it is financially lucrative to keep trees and include nat- ural areas in their projects because it makes them more attractive and valuable to the people buying into that develop- ment. And while some development may not fit into a perfect formula for a wild- life habitat, they can help mitigate the impact on such nearby habitats. The three things needed for a good wild- life habitat are food, water and shelter (trees and brush) for wildlife, Gwin said. Crescent Bend Nature Park has all three, especially water in Cibolo Creek usually year round, and that attracts birds and other wildlife during long hot summers. “When I started in this business 20 plus years ago it was easier for a developer to knock down all the trees and work on a scraped site. That just isn’t the case any- more. Most developers understand the importance of keeping as many trees as possible because they add value to the development and help maintain connec- tivity to the local ecosystem.” contnued on page 28 Gwin stands next to the trail head for Cibolo Creek Primitive Trail, located at Schertz Cut Off Park. 28 schertzmagazine.com march 2013 FoCuzFOCUZFOCUZ The popularity and impor- tance of birding goes beyond serious birders like Gwin and those who traveled many miles to see the rare bird in Crescent Bend. “There is no one out there who cannot participate in birding or other kinds of nature appreciation. That includes people who enjoy watching birds at a feeder in GWIN: Birder Since Childhood continued from pg 27 their backyard to a person who may be restricted to one place like a retirement home,” he said. “When I lived in dallas there was a program that turned out to be a good way to engage and enrich the lives of elderly people in nursing homes who spent a lot of time with little to do keep them active. Bird feeding stations were set up and the residents reported sightings of unusual birds when they visited the feeders. It not only gave the residents something to do, it helped them feel like they were con- tributing to something impor- tant.” The data collected from those “citizen scientists” and other casual birders (like those backyard folks) was sent to ebird.org — a large database that takes each bird sighting and its GPS coordinates. That information helps track loca- tion and movement of rare bird species all over North America — including the San Antonio-Schertz area. 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Complete pair of no-line bifocals Includes frame, polycarbonate lenses, and non-glare coating. Some restrictions apply.$199 210.590.2482 www.schertztso.com �erapeutic Optometrist & Glaucoma Specialist 17460 IH 35 North Suite 412 Schertz, TX 78154 Dr. Leigha M. Nielsen 31MARCH 2013 sCHeRtzMAgAzine.CoM continued on page 32 Featurez Check Out New Arlan’s Market In Schertz By Andrea M. Allinger THe FORMeR HANdY ANdY STORe at Curtiss Street and Schertz Parkway has been revamped, remodeled, and re- named Arlan’s Market. The changes come shortly after the com- pany was purchased by Arlan’s Market founder, Ames Arlan, who started four grocery stores in the Greater Houston area before taking on nine new stores that span from San Antonio to Austin. Arlan explained that the Handy Andy business had changed hands many times during its 80 years in business and his company was ready to “go in and fix the stores up.” The takeover includes more than nine stores throughout San Anto- nio, Seguin, New Braunfels, Schertz, and Austin. Arlan began his career in high school as a sacker at the Foodarama grocery store in Houston. When Arlan left the super- market he had risen to the position of supervisor, and after six weeks of classes at a local college, he quickly returned to Foodarama. Arlan explains, “I didn’t feel like [college] was for me, I liked what I was doing and felt like I could get into management” in the grocery business. Not only did Arlan rise into management, but in 1991 at 33 years old, he was able to start the first Arlan’s in Nassau Bay 32 schertzmagazine.com march 2013 Arlan’s Market continued from pg 31 with financing from suppliers at Foodarama who believed in his potential. Arlan was “de- termined to own a store.” Al- though he called the 22 years he worked with Foodarama “the greatest years,” he want- ed his hard work to be with his own business. Arlan did not disappoint, as he rose to the challenge and became widely successful as a reputable neighborhood gro- cer, eventually opening three additional stores throughout Houston and surrounding areas, including Galveston, Crosby, Seabrook, and Santa Fe. Arlan’s wife, Karen, was a checker at Foodarama and met her husband while they were in high school together. After some time in the title business, Karen has returned to the grocery business to work at the Seabrook office with her husband. Nick Arlan, the company’s 32-year-old vice president, has been with the company since age 12. He started as a bread wrapper after school, spent summers working in the store, graduated from sacker to checker and, at 18 years old, moved into management, and then store manager by age 21. Nick Arlan believes that he’ll stay with the company for the rest of his life, as “it is what my family does. We run gro- cery stores. I stand behind every decision my dad makes and I make the projects work.” As a father of a one- year-old, Nick Arlan said his wife understands his business and supports all that he does. With the opening of the nine new stores, his future resi- dence is currently undecid- ed, although he commented, “Schertz is a cool little town with a lot going on.” The former Handy Andy on Schertz Parkway has under- gone an abundance of chang- es in the short amount of time it has been under the owner- ship of Arlan’s Market. Ames Arlan briefly went over the projects that have been completed in the Schertz store. They include new, quicker and more ergonomic check stands, produce stands, beer cases (to hold more im- ports and a wider selection), frozen food cases, and new décor. He holds true to his theory of being a “big believer that if I make profits, I have to put them back into the store.” Arlan said that he’ll have to “catch his breath after the first stage of remodeling,” but may later include a pharmacy and deli in the Schertz store. Ames Arlan emphasized the importance of maintaining the former employees of Handy Andy with all of their senior- ity and benefits intact. Many of the employees had been with the company for de- cades, and Arlan said the de- cision, “made it a lot simpler for us, and a lot better for the people who have seniority.” The reception has been warm in Schertz, Nick Arlan is glad to recount, as many of the pa- trons have grown up in the Schertz area and have been shopping at their neighbor- hood store for years. “It was nice hearing people compliment the way we fixed up the store,” Arlan says hap- pily. Arlan’s favorite part of the business is still “checking groceries,” he says, “if I walk into a store I don’t hesitate to jump on the register if they need help. My favorite part is striking up the conversation with the customer and getting to know them.” The restoration of the grocery store in Schertz is important to our community, as older buildings maintain and honor our history. Nick Arlan mir- rors the sentiment, saying “if there is an opportunity to tie in with the local area, we do.” The store in New Braunfels has certainly been restored to fit the historical feel of San Antonio Street, with the neon lights that parallel the look of the Brauntex Theatre down the street from Arlan’s Market. With many changes still in progress, the Arlans will stay focused on the needs and demands of their customers, who remain central to their business plan. Arlan’s Market is located at 909 Curtiss Ave, right off of Schertz Parkway in the heart of Schertz. Go by and see them. Visit Arlan’s Market on the web at arlensmarket.com or call them at (210) 658-0452. Featurez Nick Arlan poses in front of a display at the new Arlan’s Market in Schertz. 6032 FM3009 Near Wal-Mart encantogrill.com Live Music & Fun Atmosphere - $4.95 Lunch Specials - Sunday Breakfast - Catering All Occasions (210) 888 2753 facebook.com/encantogrill FREE QUESO Purchase an entrée and get one free Queso. Not cumulative with other offers or kids eat free. One per table and visit. Expires 3/31/2013. 34 schertzmagazine.com march 2013 Guadalupe County Community Garden By Kari Bridges Featurez INTeReST IN THe Guadalupe County Commu- nity Garden in Schertz has been growing at a steady pace allowing for expansion of the garden to accommodate the need for growing fresh, local produce as well as cultivating more interest in gardening in the people living in our com- munity. Four years ago, the initial idea for a local community garden was submitted and approved by the Guadalupe County Commissioners Court. This dedicated land, on elbel Road behind the Guadalupe County Tax Office building, was to be set aside for the next five years to accomplish the mission of providing horticultural educa- tion and training while serving as a resource of fresh produce to all citizens residing in Gua- dalupe County. This project was to be overseen by mem- bers of the Guadalupe County Master Gardeners (GCMG) and assisted by other mem- bers of the community. According to Linda Bruno, Chairman of the Guadalupe County Community Garden and a GCMG member, the ini- tial process of creating the gar- den was a “long and tedious process” that would eventually transform the raw grassland into a fully enclosed, nutrient rich garden with established water lines and a drip irriga- tion system connected to a wa- ter meter provided by the City of Schertz. The three-fourths acre com- munity garden now flourishes under the hot Texas sun thanks to the dedication and hard work of numerous GCMG vol- unteers who contributed over 4,200 service hours over the past four years planting, har- 35MARCH 2013 sCHeRtzMAgAzine.CoM vesting and doing the many tasks required to keep the garden producing as well as investing materials, supplies and money. Additional fund- ing was also raised from both local businesses and private individuals, Bruno said. As one of five community gar- dens in Guadalupe County, the Guadalupe County Com- munity Garden is the only one overseen by the GCMG and located outside of Seguin. Making full use of the raised beds incorporated in the gar- den design, the beds are abun- dant throughout the year with nutrient rich vegetables wait- ing to be enjoyed in homes across the county. “during 2011 we were able to donate 2,000 pounds of fresh vegetables and last year we were able to donate 3,464 pounds of fresh pro- duce, which was given back to Guadalupe County residents through the food bank,” said Travis W. Franke, County ex- tension Agent at Texas A&M “It has been wonderful for us to have fresh vegetables...” Jessie Fisher, RACAP Program Directorcontinued on page 36 36 schertzmagazine.com march 2013 Guadalupe County Community Garden continued from pg 35 AgriLife extension Service based in Seguin and Master Garden Coordinator for the Guadalupe County Master Gardeners overseeing the en- tire county of Guadalupe. A good variety of produce in- cluding squash, tomatoes, can- taloupe, okra, beans, lettuce, broccoli, radishes and greens are all grown in the Guada- lupe County Community Gar- den and then transported and donated to the Randolph Area Christian Assistance Program (RACAP) on Pfeil Street in Schertz, where it is distributed to individuals coming in seek- ing assistance, Franke said. “It has been wonderful for us to have fresh vegetables to give to our clients,” said Jes- sie Fisher, RACAP program director. “People are trying to eat healthier and they are very happy to see that we have been able to supply an added bonus of fresh produce included in the grocery orders.” According to Fisher, RA- CAP was established by local church and civic leaders to serve the unmet needs of the community. during the past three years they saw an aver- age of 1,588 clients per year, or approximately 132 families per month living in their service area that is determined by the zIP Codes of their member churches. “One of the goals of the garden is to use it as an educational tool for our programs, work- shops and seminars where people can actually come and see it grow and for com- munity interest. With more people moving into this area, the Schertz garden is the per- fect tool to allow us to reach out to people who may not be experts at gardening but are interested in learning or who don’t have the space to plant their own garden. This garden gives them the opportunity to learn about backyard garden- ing and raised-bed garden- ing,” Franke said. According to Franke, each project and/or program be- ing considered must be able to benefit the people of Gua- dalupe County and presented to him for approval. Currently, the GCMG members are in the planning phase for future con- struction of both a new gazebo and greenhouse that would of- fer additional space to enhance the programs that are currently offered to the community. He explained that both the gazebo and greenhouse would be built inside the fenced garden. The gazebo would offer a shaded place where people could get out of the sun and sit during educational programs and workshops as well as to beauti- fy the garden area. The green- house would be used to plant seeds in the winter months and then transplant them into the garden during the spring. Construction on both projects will start soon but depend on available funding. “The Master Gardener Pro- gram is open to both estab- lished gardeners and anyone interested in gardening who wants to develop their educa- tion in the field of gardening or horticulture,” Franke said. “It is a rigorous training pro- gram that begins in August and goes through december. It requires weekly dedication and 50 hours of educational training in lawn and garden, propagation and environmen- tal service before completing an additional 50 hours of vol- unteer time in any approved agriculture program or project to earn the title of Certified Master Gardener.” The GCMG program began in the early 1990s and continues to grow each year. Currently, in Guadalupe County there are 51 Master Gardener Programs reaching over 3,500 people each year. KWed 1580 AM radio station in Seguin offers a weekly one hour radio “Lawn and Garden” program each Saturday morning at 9 a.m. on various horticultural topics. The GCMG offers a Junior Master Gardener Program (JMGP) that was established to encourage young children to develop knowledge and to discover the art of gardening. The program reaches out to elementary and junior high school students and offers training for teachers on how to teach the curriculum and how to best transfer the classroom knowledge into the garden. One of the future goals for the Guadalupe County Commu- nity Garden is to utilize it for training students in the JMGP and for the Schertz 4H Group. For more information, go to guadalupecountymastergar- deners.org or call (830) 379- 1972. You can also find them on Facebook at “Guadalupe County Community Garden.” 36 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2013 6000 FM 3009 Ste. 202 Schertz, TX 78154 OPEN: Monday - Friday 9:00am to 6:00pm (in front of the Super Wal-Mart on FM 3009) • Polos & Dress Shirts • T-Shirts • Caps & Hats • Uniforms • Promotional Products • Personalized Gifts • Screen Printing • Athletic Apparel • Vehicle Lettering • Banners • Window/Door Lettering • Real Estate Signs • Trade Shows • Logo Design • Custom Graphics • Posters ENERGY USE IN THE HOME APPLIANCES I AC/HEATING I SOLAR & WIND SALES I SERVICE I INSTALLATION SchertzTales Ad.indd 1 2/19/13 12:50:35 PM 39MARCH 2013 sCHeRtzMAgAzine.CoM Featurez MARCH IS ABOUT TO GeT as crazy as a March Hare. This month, pop culture hits Schertz in its first ever host- ing of the LoneStar Comic Con. For those unfamiliar with the event, Mike Roberts, talent manager for d-Mented entertainment, explains. “It’s like a pop culture gather- ing,” Roberts said. “It’s every- thing that is popular or stuff COlORFul COMIC CON Coming to Schertz By Brittany Losey that you grew up with. And we’re just trying to get it all in one place so that people have a chance to meet up with the celebrities. It creates a great atmosphere.” Comic Con, a common name for what started as comic book conventions but has expanded into a much larger cultural phenomenon, is a widespread event that takes place all over the country. They are put on in differ- ent major cities by different companies with similar goals of providing cool activities, performances, and celebrity access for those who attend. LoneStar Comic Con is spon- sored by d-Mented enter- tainment of dallas, and this is the largest convention of its type to come to the San An- tonio area. Anyone who attends LoneStar Comic Con at the Schertz Civic Center March 22-23 can expect to see a wide se- lection of activities that will meet the interests of anyone, any age. There will be VIP performances, gaming tour- naments, unique vendors and exhibitors, costume contests, and general cosplay (costume play) in which attendees can dress up like their favorite characters. One of the biggest continued on page 40 Featurez Colorful Comic Con continued from pg 39 draws to the convention is the celebrity component. “When you get over to the ce- lebrities, we have a service we provide for more professional- type photos,” Roberts said. “They’ll do a Q and A type panel, 45 minutes with each celebrity about what they’ve been doing. It’s a unique type of experience because you feel like you’ve connected with each celebrity.” Celebrity appearances are one of the main components of Comic Cons, and LoneStar will be no different. Actors and actresses such as Betsy Rue, known for her roles in the film My Bloody Valentine and HBO’s True Blood, and Robbie Rist, the voice of Mi- chaelangelo in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series, will be among the stars fea- tured at the convention. Renae Jacobs, another voice from the Teenage Mutant Nin- ja Turtles series, Alexis Iacono, a voice character in the 2011 World of Warcraft Cataclysm video game, and Rob Wiethoff, the voice of John Marston on the best-selling game Red dead Redemption, will also be among the many current pop culture icons at LoneStar Com- icCon. The celebrity guests are available for a wide range of interactive fan activities. So why was Schertz chosen to host all of these stars – why not have LoneStar Comic Con in a larger city? “Most hit the major cities like dallas and Houston,” Roberts said. “But the thing is those towns don’t need the attrac- tions. If we do it there, we’re just another convention.” The entire San Antonio area has often been overlooked for these types of conventions, he said. Roberts notes that at the last Comic Con he attended in Austin, 85 percent of attend- ees were actually San Antonio residents who made the trip north. For Roberts, Schertz is a convenient location for this fan base, but it also appeals to his small town roots. “I come from a small town in North Carolina, so I try to bring it back to that,” Roberts said. “I see Schertz kind of like my hometown. Schertz is a pretty amazing town and the city has really been above and beyond helpful in accommo- dating with this convention.” Roberts appreciates the city’s cooperation in hosting the event, and he hopes that the benefits of the matchup will be mutual. expected traffic for the convention is high, which should stimulate many sectors of local business. 40 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2013 41MARCH 2013 sCHeRtzMAgAzine.CoM “People would be coming from all over the country,” Roberts said. “Tickets have been sold in California, New York, etc. We’ve got people coming to Schertz that typi- cally wouldn’t be coming through there. People are go- ing to be spending money in their restaurants, hotels. So far, it’s looking like a hit.” In addition to the many ce- lebrities, vendors, and other standard attractions, LoneStar Comic Con will have a few new points of interest com- pared to past conventions. “One of the things we’re do- ing differently is we’re having an outdoor stage for concerts and stuff,” Roberts said. Generally, the events of the convention are promoted for all ages – in fact, children 12 and under are admitted free with an adult. Another tip for saving money at LoneStar Comic Con is to plan ahead. “For people who are trying to save a little bit of money, if they purchase their tickets online ahead of time, you save $10,” Roberts said. “Good idea to buy tickets in advance. It’s automatic, emailed via PdF, print it out bring it in – it’s that simple.” Roberts hopes that Lone Star Comic Con will be a great fit for the City of Schertz and the two can continue their rela- tionship in the future. “The larger the convention gets, we may require switch- ing to a different location, but some way or another, we’ll al- ways keep Schertz involved,” Roberts said. “The people of the City of Schertz have been so gracious and accommodat- ing. We’re definitely looking forward to meeting everyone and creating something that’s good enough for the commu- nity.” “I see Schertz kind of like my hometown." Mike Roberts D-Mented Entertainment For more information visit www.lonestarcomiccon.com. SPECIALIZED CARE—QUICK RECOVERY—BEST OUTCOMES Oce Hours: Monday - Thursday 7 AM to 7 PM Friday 8 AM to 5 PM (210) 659-0222 www.schertzparkwaypt.com All major insurances accepted including Tricare, Medicare and Medicaid 1420 Schertz Parkway, Unit 100 Schertz, TX 78154 Common Conditions We Treat: • Muscle/Joint Pain • Balance Disorders • Sport Injuries • Total Hip/Knee Replacement • Stroke Rehab • Spine Injuries • Doctor of Physical Therapy • Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist • One-on-one Physical Therapy Care • We Will Accommodate You SCHERTZ PARKWAYPHYSICALTHERAPY 43MARCH 2013 sCHeRtzMAgAzine.CoM Drop off at Bexar Waste Site Items dropped off here will be free of charge to residents as a service paid for by the City of Schertz. Drop-off site will be open March 2 – 17, 2013. (See below for hazardous items drop off times) Drop offs may be made at Bexar Waste’s temporary collection point, 2221 F.M. 3009 (Near Live Oak Road) between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. eNTry TO THIs sITe Is ONLy aVaILaBLe TO resIDeNTs DUrING CITy sPONsOreD sPrING aND FaLL CLeaN-UP eVeNTs. annual spring Clean Up March 2-17 Please remember 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 determined by Bexar Waste). If you have questions regarding the details, please call Bexar Waste (210-566-5454). residents are able to drop off brush and limbs at 2221 FM 3009, free of charge, DUrING THe 2 WeeK CLeaN-UP eVeNT ONLy. What you need to know: The Spring Clean Up is restricted to Schertz residents only. Waste delivered must be separated by type of material by the resident. Spring Clean Up activities do not apply to commercial/rental property clean ups, large property clean up, lot or acreage clean up, or lot and property land clearing. Commercial tree trimmers are not eligible for this service. LIMITs: Household waste and yard waste only. Maximum of 3 pick-up truck loads per household or a maximum of 2 trailer loads per household, trailers are not to exceed 16’ long x 4’ high in size. a current water bill or tax statement and proper identification are required when making a drop off. Commercial waste will not be accepted. Trail Riders Chow Down at Schertz Chuck Wagon 45MARCH 2013 sCHeRtzMAgAzine.CoM Civi cn ewzMarch 2013 Trail Riders Chow Down at Schertz Chuck Wagon Mayor Michael Carpenter is flanked by Greater Randolph Area Trail Rid- ers (GRA-TRAils) Trail Boss Joe Col- dewey (left) and Kerr Kountry Trail Riders Trail Boss david Wiedenfeld at Pickrell Park Tuesday, February 7, as the two trail rider groups made their annual stop for food, fun and fellow- ship in Schertz. The mayor presented plaques of appreciation to the trail bosses who reciprocated with plaques of appreciation to the city and city staff and volunteers served a lunch of hearty stew. Help size ‘YOuR’ Schertz Residents and business owners of Schertz, your time and talents are needed. We are seeking po- tential Board and Commission members to fill two year terms beginning in May 2013. These opportunities include serving on one of the following: • Animal Services Committee • Board Of Adjustment • economic development Corporation • Historical Preservation Committee • Library Board • Parks & Recreation Advisory Board • Planning & zoning Commission • Transportation Safety Advisory Committee do you enjoy attending events such as our Ju- bilee Celebration, SchertzFest or Festival of Angels? We are also seeking volunteers to help with those events. Finally, do you have ideas or suggestions to improve events and services? Staff representatives, current Board/Commis- sion members and event volunteers will be on hand to answer your questions and provide in- formation. You are invited to learn about City events, ser- vices and how you can serve on a City Volun- teer Board/Commission/Committee. Join the City April 25, 2013 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the Schertz Civic Center Ballroom, 1400 Schertz Parkway (Bldg. 5). Contact the City Secretary’s Office, 210.619.1030, for additional information. Major Amazon.com Facility Rapidly Rising By Chuck McCollough most obvious is because the company employs many for- mer military members and we have a large retired mili- tary community. Amazon.com connects with our city’s cul- ture.” “When a prosperous compa- ny like Amazon.com - in this challenging economy - moves to Schertz, it is an affirmation that we have prepared our- selves to grow properly,” the mayor added. Amazon.com (No. 56) joins other Fortune 100 companies like Sysco (No. 69) and Cat- erpillar (No. 46) that have recently made major invest- ments in Schertz. The fulfillment center will be the largest single-phase devel- opment in Guadalupe County history. “We are glad that Amazon.com has chosen Gua- A GIANT IS RISING IN Schertz. The massive Ama- zon.com “fulfillment” center going up on 96 acres near the intersection of IH-35 and Schertz Parkway is one of the busiest construction sites in the area with dozens of me- ga-size earth moving vehicles zooming around. When it is completed later this year, the 1.3 million-square foot building will be the larg- est in Guadalupe County and one of the largest in the great- er San Antonio area. Amazon recently announced it would also build new ful- fillment centers in the North Texas cities of Coppell and Haslet in addition to Schertz. Amazon said the centers will use advanced technology to quickly fill customer or- ders. The company said the 1.3 million-square-foot site in Schertz and the 1 million- square-foot site in Coppell will handle larger items such as TVs. The Haslet facility will handle smaller items like books, small electronics and dVds. “We look forward to putting more than 1,000 Texans to work at our new fulfillment centers in Schertz, Coppell and Haslet,” Mike Roth, Ama- zon’s vice president of North American fulfillment, said in the company’s recent press re- lease. “We appreciate the state and local elected officials who have helped us make this ex- citing investment in the state of Texas.” Work on the Schertz project started soon after the Schertz economic development Corp. (SedC) joined the City of Schertz, Guadalupe County and the Schertz Planning & zoning Commission on November 6th to approve various development compo- nents of the project. Once complete, Amazon.com will have invested more than $166 million in new capital and created at least 350 new full- time jobs. These jobs will minimally generate $11 mil- lion in new annual payroll in the community. The Schertz facility will be Amazon.com’s 43rd fulfill- ment center and one of the first to have a state-of-the-art, multi-million dollar inven- tory management system to handle the incredible volume of orders which pour in con- tinuously. Mayor Michael Carpenter said: “Amazon.com is an ex- cellent fit for Schertz for many reasons, but one of the Civicn ews 46 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2013 dalupe County,” said County Commissioner Jim Wolverton. “Amazon.com is a globally recognized company and we are thrilled they want to make this level of investment in our county.” To secure the investment, the SedC worked with Guada- lupe County and the City of Schertz to develop a perfor- mance-based package that helped attract Amazon.com to Schertz. City Manager John Kessel said: “Very quickly, all three public entities and Amazon. com were able to work to- gether to develop a project beneficial for everyone. This is yet another strong demon- stration of the public and pri- vate sectors working together to make great things happen.” SedC executive director david Gwin said: “Over sev- eral months, the SedC, and City staff, worked tirelessly to move this project quickly through the process. The fa- cility is working under a very aggressive schedule to help ensure that Amazon will be up and operational as quickly as possible.” That aggressive schedule is part of a much broader ef- fort to help Amazon.com re- alize its strategy of providing expedited purchase deliver- ies by increasing accessibility to customers throughout the San Antonio-Austin region and beyond. “Amazon.com chose Schertz because it just made good business sense all around,” Gwin said. 47MARCH 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM 48 schertzmagazine.com march 2013 Civicn ews Sewer Averaging will Affect Residents’ 2013-14 Sewer Bills Sewer averaging for the winter months began on October 24, 2012, and continues through March 6, 2013, for cycle billing. Meter readings taken over this period determine your sewer average for the next billing year, which begins April 1. The readings will be averaged, and the average will be multiplied by $2.65 for residents with an average below 12,000 gallons. For residents with averages greater than 12,001 gallons, the av- erage will be multiplied by $2.84. That total will be added to the base rate of $3.75 for residential use. The resulting average will be your sewer charge for the next 12 months. For more information, visit Schertz.com or call (210) 619-1100. Become a Sweetheart! The scholarship program is open to Schertz residents in grades 9-12. application deadline is friday, march 15. Coronation to be held Thursday, May 2, 2013 Program information and application is available at VisitSchertz.com Edwards New Mayor Pro Tem Mayor Michael Carpenter (left) swears in City Councilman Ce- dric edwards Sr. as new Mayor Pro Tem during February 4 City Council meeting. Mayor Pro Tem edwards will serve in that po- sition for the next six months. He replaces Councilman George Antuna Jr. who was Mayor Pro Tem for an extended period of time until voters elected the new mayor in November. (Photo by Chris Matzenbacher.) Absolute Jazz Soundz and Sipz! Saturday, April 20, 2013; 1:00 – 10:00 PM Pickrell Park, 703 Oak St, Schertz Fun for the whole family: Listen to the smooth sounds of jazz, sample some of the area’s wine & craft beer and enjoy tasty treats from select food- truck vendors. Information is at www.visitschertz.com or call 210.619.1000. 49MARCH 2013 sCHeRtzMAgAzine.CoM Become a Sweetheart! The scholarship program is open to Schertz residents in grades 9-12. application deadline is friday, march 15. Coronation to be held Thursday, May 2, 2013 Program information and application is available at VisitSchertz.com PlANT & PlAY DAY AT THE PlAYSCAPE Saturday, March 23, 2013; 8:30 – 11:00 AM Behind the Library and the Recreation Center Bring your gardening gloves, trowels, and knee pads and help make the playscape beautiful! Plants will be provided; All ages are welcome to assist. City of Schertz Community Budget Meetings The City of Schertz will hold community meetings for the early stages of the City’s FY 2013-14 budget. The first meeting will be held at the Schertz Council Chambers on Wednesday, March 20 at 6:00PM The second meeting will be held at Schertz Unit- ed Methodist Church on Thursday, March 28 at 6:00PM. These meetings are to provide information to residents and get input from the audience. For more information go to schertz.com or call 311. 1213 Borgfeld Rd. Schertz, TX 78154 Phone (210) 566-1999 Fax (210) 569-5115Open M - F 6:30 am – 6:30 pmbrighterfutureslc@yahoo.com Brighter Minds for Brighter Futures Building www.brighterfutureslc.com •Licensed Childcare Center •6 Weeks - 12 Years Old Accepted •Enriched Learning Curriculum •Extracurricular Activities Offered •CCS Accepted 50 schertzmagazine.com march 2013 City of Schertz Elected Officials Mayor: Michael Carpenter (210) 619-1045 Council Members:Jim Fowler (210) 658-1442David Scagliola (830) 606-1130George Antuna, Jr. (210) 467-7914 Cedric Edwards, Sr. (210) 566-4540 City Departments:City of Schertz (210) 619-1000Animal Control (210) 619-1550Business/Utilities (210) 619-1100City Manager (210) 619-1000City Secretary (210) 619-1030Civic Center (210) 619-1600Customer Care/311 (210) 619-1000 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. Send queries about articles or photographs to Schertz Magazine at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, texas 78154. for advertising information: Schertz Magazine, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, texas 78154; call (210) 619-1630; fax (210) 619-1619; email sales@schertz.com. NeWS PoLicySchertz 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. 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. #info City Departments: (cont’d) Economic Development (210) 619-1070EMS (non-emergency) (210) 619-1400Fire (non-emergency) (210) 619-1300Human Resources (210) 619-1150Information Technology (210) 619-1180Inspections (210) 619-1750Marshal Services (210) 619-1650Municipal Court (210) 619-1500Parks & Recreation (210) 619-1850Planning & Zoning (210) 619-1780Police (non-emergency) (210) 619-1200Public Affairs (210) 619-1630Public Library (210) 619-1700Public Works (210) 619-1800Records (210) 619-1030Website schertz.com SChertz.Com oFFiCiaL Fine print March 2013 Ci t Y C a Len Dar z tuesday, 5 City Council 6:00 PM Council Chamber thursday, 7 Transportation Safety Advisory Commission 5:30 PM- Council Chambers tuesday, 12 City Council 6:00 PM—Council Chambers Wednesday, 13 Planning & zoning 6:00 PM - Council Chambers monday, 18 Parks & Recreation Advisory Board 5:30 PM - Bob Andrews Room tuesday, 19 City Council 6:00 PM—Council Chambers monday, 25 Board of Adjustments 6:00 PM – Council Chambers tuesday, 26 City Council, 6:00 PM Council Chambers Wednesday, 27 Planning & zoning 6:00 PM Council Chambers thursday, 28 economic development Corporation 6:00 PM Council Chambers ***Meeting locations may change, please visit schertz.com for confirmation.***  Spring Youth Sports Soccer (2-12 years) & Volleyball (8-14 years). Registration is now open.  Gillman Subaru St. Patty’s Day Concert & Festival Jay Eric & The Bleeders Creek Band Benefits the Y Partners Scholarship Program • Bluebonnet Palace March 16 • 12p-2a • $10 Tickets on sale now!  Shake Your Shamrock! Zumbathon & Parent’s Night Out • March 22 6-10 p • Register now! GROW WITH US. SCHERTZ FAMILY YMCA Join us as we grow in spirit, mind and body! Like us on Facebook or find us on our website at www.ymcasatx.org/schertz. YMCA Mission: To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. 621 WESTCHESTER DR•SCHERTZ. TX•78154 210-619-1900 OFFICE OF PuBLIC AFFAIRS 1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY SCHERTZ, TExAS 78154 PRESoRT STAnDARD US PoSTAGE PAID PERMIT #744SAn AnTonIo, TX