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6_June 2013BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE CITY OF SCHERTZ JUNE 2013 magazine EDITOR’Z LETTER Chuck McCollough, Editor contentz FEATUREZ Hidden Happiness Shady Oaks Ranch DEPARTMENTZ TALK OF THE TOWNZ UPDATEZ 9 KITCHEN KUDOZ Chicken Fingers Galore 17 VISIONZ / CHAMBER 18 COLUMNZ JP II Grads 10 Schertz Jazz 14 Court of Crowns 20 Royal History 22 That Famous Smile 32 Book of Success 35 Century Mark 39 CIVIC NEWZ UPDATEZ 43 Calendar 51 June is time of transition with the end of school and begin- ning of “real summer..” It is the month of grads and dads (Father’s Day) and for Schertz Magazine a whole lot more. Look on the cover of your June issue and let your imagina- tion follow the winding road through the “Tunnel of Trees” to Schertz’ own Shady Oaks Ranch. Read our story about the hidden green oasis of fun for picnics or any occasion and Shady Oaks’ train, miniature golf course and postcard beau- tiful scenery. Then turn the pages to a his- toric moment for John Paul II Catholic High School. The first graduating class will walk the stage and pick up their diplo- mas thus starting a tradition for years to come. Talking about historic - Schertz Bank & Trust hits the triple- digit age group this month and is going stronger than ever. We should all look so good at 100, or 90, or 80, etc. And there is more history as we go down memory lane with the members of the Schertz Sweet- heart Court from 1989 to the present. Dozens of tiara-wear- ing members of the court have represented Schertz at scores of events over the years and always with the same message - Welcome to Schertz. Continue your royal reading with the story of the coronation of the 2013-2014 Sweetheart Court. The event in words and photos helps capture the gran- deur and excitement of the pag- eant. Next read about KM Impres- sions and how it it helping Schertz put its best face for- ward. KM Impressions has worked with the Sweetheart Court and many others to look and feel their best. Find out how they do it. New author Rodney Phillips tells how to be successful - in or out of uniform. The retired Chief Master Sergeant’s book – A Practical Guide to Success in the United States Air Force – is his way of giving back. Read about the advice he gives after 24 years in uniform. Schertz resident and KSAT 12 TV personality Leslie Mouton brings readers up to date on life nearly 13 years after beating breast cancer. The uber peppy anchorwoman continues to in- spire many with her story about all life has to offer. Also look for story on how Rais- ing Cain’s is raising the number culinary choices in our area. All that and more in Your Hometown Magazine - Schertz Magazine June 2013. 3JUNE 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE CITY OF SCHERTZ JUNE 2013 magazineCOVER A tree-shaded road known as the “Tunnel of Trees” leads o one of Schertz’ hidden treasures - Shady Oaks Ranch. PUBLISHED MONTHLY BYPublic Affairs Department David J. HarrisInterim Director Linda ErvinBusiness Manager Chuck McCollough Editor Chris Matzenbacher Sales Director Lucille Sims Thomas Copy Editor Brittany Losey Senior Writer Design & Layout Souzamaphone Marketing, LLC alexissouzadesign.com 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, Jim Webb, Stan Leland Contributing PhotographersChuck McCollough, Mary Spence, Mike Harris, Marc Bane, Bryan Nguyen, Joe Herczeg, Diana Webb, Andrea Allinger, Kari Bridges, Zachary Carter, Ross Dye, Beverly McColloughStock Photography: 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 Sydney H. Verinder Councilmember Executive Team John Kessel City Manager John Bierschwale Executive Director David J. Harris Executive Director Brian James Executive Director 9JUNE 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM Talk OFTHETownzJUNE 2013 Summer Reading Clubs at the Library Groundbreaking Reads Break out your shovels, hard hats, and don’t forget your books! The 2013 theme at the Schertz Public Library Adult Summer Read- ing Cub is “Groundbreaking Reads!” This is a free reading club open to anyone over the age of 18. There are three prize levels based on the number of minutes you read. The grand prize is a Kindle Reader! Sum- mer Reading Club runs from June 8-July 27. Registration begins Friday June 7. Dig into Reading “Just dirt?” you say? Dig a little deeper and you’ll discover there’s a world of interest- ing things beneath your feet. Join the Schertz Public Library’s summer reading program beginning Saturday, June 8. Read- ers from birth through age 12 will explore our under ground theme, Dig into Reading with stories, music, crafts, and more. Reg- istration begins Saturday, June 8. Visit the library to pick up a calendar of summer events. Beneath the Surface Area teens are encouraged to participate in “Beneath the Surface,” the Schertz Pub- lic Library’s teen summer library program, from June 8 to July 27. Teens are invited to come to the library and read for prizes as well as to take part in special events offered throughout the summer. Special events this summer will include Shark Week and our third annual Zombiefest. The grand prize for teens this summer is a Kindle eReader! S-C Lions Make Schertz Vegas For A Night When San Antonio turns into Fiesta City then Schertz turns into Vegas, at least for one night. The Schertz-Cibolo Lion Club Fourth Annual Noche de Fi- esta en Schertz turned the Schertz Civ- ic Center into a fun party house Friday, April 19, complete with casino games for prizes. Proceeds from the event benefit youth and senior programs in the Schertz area. A 5k Fun Run/Walk to Benefit the Veterans Memorial Plaza in Schertz Thursday, July 4th at 9:15am Let’s kick off the Schertz Jubilee Parade! Register at www.active.com. Registration fee is $20 For sponsorship inquiries contact Gail Douglas at 210-619-1712 10 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM JUNE 2013 This spring, John Paul II Catholic High School will watch its first graduating class walk across the stage. “We started in 2009 with just a freshman group,” Principal Andrew Iliff said. “Now they are graduating and heading off to college. It’s our first graduation – it’s a very exciting time.” The school has about 150 students. The current graduating class contains 23, while approximately 30 students are ju- niors, 45 are sophomores, and 50 are freshmen. TalkOFTHETownz Front row (left to right): Mary Glatt, Valerie Wood, Erin Macleod, Hannah Curry, Sarah Clester, Cassidy Zgabay, Kasia Lewanski, Lindsay Mechtel, Aline Blasizzo. Second row: Alex Wainscott, Flavio Navarro, Brandi Berger, Mary Grace Gagnon, Clare Friesenhahn, Daniel Martinez, Tristan Monsisvais. Third row: Paul Mueller, Anastazia Gilman, Hannah Musser, Joe Knotts. Top row: Jordan Gross, Sean Pierce, Jacob Sorgi. JP II MilestoneFirst Grads By Brittany Losey continued on page 13 11JUNE 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM GVEC Donates $20,000 to Schertz Veterans Memorial Plaza The check presentation is part of the “Power Up Grant” Pro- gram and took place on May 8 as work continues on the project estimated to cost about $220,000. The GVEC check brings total donations to about $150,000 as of early May. The Veterans Memorial Plaza is being built in phases and the GVEC check helps move the project to the next phase. Also attending the check pre- sentation were officials from the City of Schertz, Guada- lupe County, other members of the Plaza committee and O’Haver Contractors, which is building the plaza. For more information or to make a donation, visit the web site at veteransplaza.org. TalkOFTHETownz Lewis Borgfeld (center right) GVEC President, hands Ruth Tienor (center left) with the Schertz Veterans Memorial Plaza committee, a check for $20,000 toward completion of the project. 12 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM JUNE 2013 APPLIANCES I AC/HEATING I SOLAR SALES I SERVICE I INSTALLATION GVEC Home is a subsidiary of Fellow senior Brandi Berger has particularly appreciated the academic advantages at John Paul II. “It’s obviously smaller here, but I think it’s benefited us because we’ve gotten to know our teachers,” Berger said. “I think it’s shaped us better for college because we’ve gotten so much personal attention.” Aside from the athletic accom- plishments, millions of dollars in scholarship money earned by John Paul II students, and many college acceptances, Principal Iliff has seen his stu- dents grow into adults in even bigger ways. “The school began in 2004 es- sentially with a group of par- ents in this general area who were looking at the future for their children, and there was no Catholic high school for them,” Iliff said. “The only Catholic high schools were deep in San Antonio, and it just wasn’t rea- sonable for many families.” In the years between 2004 and the school’s opening in 2009, families did research to gauge interest and put together their findings to present to the Arch- diocese, which was very inter- ested and gave them the green light to move forward with John Paul II. “It was a slow process that evolved from 2004 to 2007 when it became an Archdio- cese school,” Iliff said. “But we enrolled kids in the spring of 2009, school started in August and we’ve been rolling along since then.” About one-third of the stu- dent population at John Paul II comes from Schertz. Another third are from New Braunfels, and the rest reside in Cibolo, Bracken, and other nearby communities. Though the to- tal student body is small, their accomplishments over the past four years rival those of much larger schools. “We had three National Merit scholars in our graduating class of 23,” Iliff noted. “Statistically speaking, that’s really high.” Between the three students I JP II Milestone continued from pg 10 spoke with during my visit to John Paul II, they collectively participated in volleyball, the- ater, choir, cheer, tennis, bas- ketball, baseball, track, pro- life club, creative writing, and student council. The school offers many more clubs and nearly 20 varsity sports. “There were no teams when we started,” Iliff said. “They did the hard work to take it on the chin. They were always playing against seniors when they were just freshmen, sophomores, etc.” That work has paid off for many student athletes at John Paul II. Senior Sean Pierce won state in high jump last year and is one of several stu- dents to go on to higher levels of athletic competition. “Always shoot for something higher than you think you can achieve,” Pierce advises younger classmates. Senior Valerie Wood had a helping hand in starting the volleyball team and hopes that her younger teammates will eagerly step up to leader- ship roles. Wood has enjoyed the many aspects of being at a small, private school that John Paul II has offered her. “The one-on-one time with spiritual advisors as far as teachers here helped me with faith formation,” Wood said. “I’ve grown spiritually here and I don’t think you’d get that at other schools.” “What’s really noteworthy about these kids is that during a time in their life when they would normally be very self- absorbed, they weren’t. They looked outward and looked for ways to serve others. We can take them anywhere and they’re amazing. They’re well-behaved, they represent the school well, the community well. It’s hard to capture in an article how spe- cial this group is.” John Paul II is located in Schertz at 6720 FM 482. Call (830) 643-0802 or visit www. johnpaul2chs.org. TalkOFTHETownz 14 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM JUNE 2013 ABSOLUTE JAZZ: SOUNDS & SIPS was a smooth and fun time Saturday, April 20, 2013 in Pickrell Park. Hundreds of music lovers enjoyed the vocal sounds of Ken Slavin accompanied by The Jazz Protagonists; The Kris Kimura Quartet; Zamar; and the legendary Jim Cullum Jazz Band. Local beer and wine varieties from Texas Hills, Becker Vineyards, Winery on the Gruene and Alamo Brewery were fea- tured at the event. Attendees brought folding chairs, blankets and pillows; making themselves at home as the music flowed. Hosted by the City of Schertz; commu- nity partners: the Schertz Chamber of Commerce, the Schertz Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association, Youz Guyz (Universal City) and Food Truck ‘Tacos Chofi’, proceeds from the event benefit the Hal Baldwin Scholarship Fund. A complete slideshow of the event is available at www.visitschertz.com. Smooth, baby!!!! Entertainmentz 15JUNE 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM TalkOFTHETownz 16 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM JUNE 2013 TalkOFTHETownz Baptist Emergency Hospital Ribbon Cutting Makes History A big crowd showed up for event on April 17. Schertz went without a hos- pital since the late 1930s, but that changed Wednes- day, April 17, with the Schertz Chamber of Commerce rib- bon cutting for the Baptist Emergency Hospital at IH-35 and Schertz Parkway. Mayor Michael Carpenter shook hands with Baptist Emergency Hospital CEO Adolfo Carrasco at the start of the late afternoon event in the lobby of the 40,000-square- foot facility. Other city officials attend- ing included Mayor Pro Tem Cedric Edwards Sr. and, City Councilmembers Jim Fowler, David Scagliola and Sydney Verinder and City Manager John Kessel. The Baptist Emergency Hos- pital in Schertz is the fifth such facility opened by the Baptist Health System. Baptist Emergency Hospital is located at Schertz Parkway and IH-35. 17JUNE 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM Raising Cane’s Brings Taste of Louisiana: Quality Chicken Fingers Come to Schertz By Andrea M. Allinger Kitchen Kudoz A LOUISIANA-BASED COMPANY, RAISING CANE’S, emphasizes simplistic and delicious chicken finger meals complemented by the top secret recipe Cane’s sauce. Raising Cane’s graced Schertz with its grand opening in December, 2012 and General Manager Aaron Grafft said he appreciates the great reception from the small-town community. An Illinois native, Grafft’s heart has always been in the restaurant business. As a child, he helped with his fam- ily’s restaurant and said someday he hopes to have his own restaurant. With twenty years in the restaurant busi- ness and experience managing a sports bar and a hot wings restaurant, Grafft’s dream is well under way. Raising Cane’s menu is simple -- four combinations of wings, fries, coleslaw, and toast are available -- as well as a kids meal combo and a tailgating package. Every- thing can be purchased individually or as a combo, giving the patron full control of their wing experience. But the crown jewel of the Cane’s experience is the secret sauce, a tangy and smooth creation that is made for chicken but great with everything, Grafft said. Personally, Grafft uses the sauce to grill seafood, while many patrons buy more to put on other foods at home, such as pizza. Todd Graves, the founder and CEO of Raising Cane’s, established the Baton Rouge restaurant after years of backbreaking work to raise the funds. According to his online statement, “Our vision is to have locations all over the world and be known as the brand for quality chicken finger meals, a great crew, cool culture, and active com- munity involvement.” The restaurant has grown from a prototype at the entrance of Louisiana State University in 1996 to locations in 18 states. Grafft’s favorite part of his job is the great crew, a col- lection of forty employees from the Schertz area. The restaurant is both dine in and drive through and the staff members create a warm and informative atmosphere for first timers and Cane’s veterans alike. Raising Cane’s has jumped into the community of Schertz with their membership in the Schertz Chamber of Com- merce and appearance at Taste of Schertz. The restaurant also holds ongoing fundraisers to benefit local groups, most recently BVYA, which received 15% of sales from one night of dinner at Raising Cane’s. Raising Cane’s serves fresh and delicious chicken fin- gers Sunday through Thursday 10 am to 11 pm, and Fri- day and Saturday 10 am to 12 am. The restaurant is at 6027 FM 3009 next to the Dollar Tree and across from Walmart. For more information call (210) 651-5888 or visit www.raisingcanes.com. TalkOFTHETownz General Manager Aaron Grafft (left) and shift manager Kristen Houser 18 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM JUNE 2013 OPEN AUDITION NIGHTS @Schertz YMCA: April 6th @ 2 p.m. May 4th @ 2 p.m. June 15th @ 2 p.m. GRAND FINALE: Date & Time TBA. Please go to www.facebook.com/SchertzIdol for updates. AGES: 10-20 ONLY A portion of the proceeds benets Y Partners. Host: Download Registration Form Grand Prize winner sings at a spotlight Public Event! Registration fee is $20. Fill out registration at www.schertzchamber.org. Please make checks payable to Schertz Chamber of Commerce & registration may be dropped o or mailed to the Schertz Chamber of Commerce at 1730 Schertz Parkway Schertz, TX 78154. June 29th @ 2 p.m. July 13th @ 2 p.m. July 27th @ 2 p.m. JUNE CHAMBER EVENTS WHAT’S HAPPENIN’ IN YOUR SCHERTZ CHAMBER? EVERY Monday evening and open to ALL– Schertz Chamber Toastmasters Contact David Smith, 210-551-7656 or Jan King 210-846-9061 for more information. EVERY Tuesday and Thursday Get Fit with SCOC! For Chamber Members – 5:30-6:30pm Call for more information. June 12th “Join the Ambassadors” Mixer @ Schertz Chamber / Visitor Center - 5:30 pm. RSVP to 566-9000 June 18th Chamber Luncheon @ Schertz Civic Center @11:30am – 1pm. RSVP by June 11th. June 20th Chamber Mixer @ Hands N Harmony Wellness Center & Spa – 5:30 – 7:00 pm. June 26th Biz Ed 7:30am – 9am at Schertz Chamber / Visitor Center. Presenter and breakfast host – Jewell Davenport with KDJ Insurance Agency. Topic: “Business Insurance 101”. Free to Chamber members, Non Members $10. WHAT’S HAPPENIN’ IN YOUR SCHERTZ CHAMBER? FIRST SCOC LEADERSHIP CORE PROGRAM STUDENTS GRADUATE! (L to R) Michael Dahle Mission All-Star Vending Tivy Whitlock Northeast Lakeview College Andi Anderson Schertz Family YMCA Maggie Titterington SCOC President Lauren Trammell Valance Security Andrew Hunt Raba Kistner Students from the inaugural SCOC Leadership CORE class will graduate on June 18th. The students have completed 6 months of classes which included meetings and forums with Civic Leaders in Government, Industry, Non-Profit and Education. They have also attended City Council, School Board and EDC meetings to become more aware of their community. Congratulations! SCHERTZ CHAMBER VOLUNTEERS AT ABSOLUTE JAZZ Absolute Jazz was a success and the Chamber hosted an all Texas beer and wine booth. Special thanks to sponsor Jordan Ford and our wonderful volunteers: Whitney Weidner, Wendy Griffin, Jewell Davenport, Karen Liscano, Robin Thompson, Angie Kellar, Bob Cantu, Tiesha Bell, Connie Barrera, and Dawn Southwell. 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”. 20 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM JUNE 2013 TalkOFTHETownz Pageantry in Motion The Schertz Civic Center Grand Ballroom was the site of the 2013-14 Sweetheart Court Pageant and Corona- tion, Thursday, May 2, 2013. Eight finalists, Schertz resi- dents from area high schools, vied for the opportunity to represent the City of Schertz as ambassadors. After four weeks of train- ing and instruction in poise, public-speaking, and presen- tation, the finalist completed the application process during a two-evening event: personal interview and talent & eve- ning gown presentation. Dur- ing the pageant, finalists per- formed a talent showcasing an influential woman in history; and presented an opening dance number to the cheers of more than 150 guests in at- tendance. Community partners help- ing make the event special for finalists include: Emcee Ms. Kimberly Nieto, on-air personality, KWED Seguin radio AM 1580; judges: Mr. Stoney Williams, former New Braunfels mayor; Ms. Kath- leen Johnson-Hodge, North- east Lakeview College; and Mr. Tom Daly, Mayor-City of Selma; Instructors: Kim and Kay Scott, Two Chic Chicks and Cynthia Trinidad, SA Roses; Technical Director: Robert Trinidad. The 2013-14 Sweetheart Court are: Miss Schertz, Ka- tie Gibbons; Miss Jubilee, Sydney Fischer, and Miss Friendly City, Ariel Villar- real. Court members will par- ticipate in local and regional events throughout the next year. A complete photo slide- show of the event is at www. visitschertz.com. Congratulations, Ladies! From left: Schertz City Manager John Kessel, Mayor Pro Tem Cedric Edwards Sr., Missy Carpenter, Mayor Michael Carpenter, Miss Jubilee Sydney Fisch- er, Miss Schertz Katie Gibbons, Miss Friendly City Ariel Villarreal, and City Councilmembers David Scagliola and Jim Fowler. 21JUNE 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM Hobofest The 2013-14 Schertz Sweetheart Court made their first appearance since being crowned: Kirby Hobofest parade and opening cere- monies. Miss Schertz, Katie Gibbons; Miss Jubilee, Sydney Fischer, and Miss Friend- ly City, Ariel Villarreal were joined in the parade by Schertz Councilmember David Scagliola. The Court met Kirby Mayor Tim Wilson and were graciously introduced to attendees. Look for the Sweetheart Court next at the Luling Watermelon Thump pa- rade Saturday, June 29, 2013. Congratulations, Ladies! 22 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM JUNE 2013 The Royal History of the Sweetheart Court By Brittany Losey (Miss Schertz 2007-2008) FEATUREZ 23JUNE 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM FEATUREZ WHETHER YOU’VE SEEN them riding on a float in the Festival of Angels or Fiesta Flambeau parades, around town doing community ser- vice, or on another page in this magazine, you are proba- bly familiar with the members of the Schertz Sweetheart Court. What is today a three-person court that represents the City of Schertz was once simply an idea to expand the 4th of July Jubilee. Over the years, the Sweetheart program has evolved through many stages into the iconic court it is to- day. Wanda Jean Sweatt was one of the founders of the program af- ter her husband, Kerry Sweatt, became Schertz city manager. Anita Clark, another Sweet- heart founder and president of the Schertz Business Club in prior years, came to Sweatt looking for ways to improve the annual 4th of July celebration. “She [Anita] came over to me and said ‘I’d love to see if there’s anything you have to add to the Jubilee that’s differ- ent,’” Wanda Jean Sweatt said. “I said we could add some girl that lives in Schertz that knows a lot about the community and writes an essay on what free- dom means to me. We’ll let her represent us on the 4th of July.” That year (1989), a pageant was held to find the first Miss Schertz. To qualify for the posi- tion, one had to be an unmar- ried, childless female resident of Schertz. “We did some advertisement in the Schertz newsletter,” Sweatt said. “We had printed some applications, left them in city hall, the grocery store, etc. The first year, we didn’t have many girls respond, maybe 5 or 6.” Participants in the contest had to write an essay on their personal meaning of freedom, then be judged in a pageant. mately linked the 4th of July Jubilee. The float was always patriotic, keeping with the colors red, white, and blue. One of the early floats during Desert Storm was designed to show military support. “We had the names of indi- viduals serving from the area on these stars to promote the commitment of our commu- nity,” Clark said. or third year, they decided it would be nice to have a court,” said Sharon Penning- ton, who became involved with the program in 2003. In the early days, all appli- cants applied for the position of Miss Schertz and the run- ners up were then placed on the court in various positions. As the program progressed, applicants sought each posi- “When we started we knew it was really important to have judges who didn’t know the girls or their families,” Swe- att said. “The judges would come in, they’d go to a room and never see the girls. One by one, the girls would go talk to the judges and be in- terviewed. We never made the girls wait.” The initial purpose of the Sweethearts was very inti- When the program started, just one girl rode solo on the float – Miss Schertz. After just a few years, the programs founders (including Sweatt, Clark, and another key player, Ann Almond) knew the next step would be to grow the idea into a court. This court has taken many different shapes through Sweethearts history. “Real quickly, in the second tion individually based on her age. Positions have included Miss Schertz, Miss Friendly City, Miss Jubilee, Miss Free- dom, and Miss Liberty. The 2007-2008 court intro- duced a Mr. Schertz title, though this position was not continued. Today, the court consists of Miss Schertz Katie Gibbons, Miss Friendly City Ariel Villarreal, and Miss Ju- bilee Sydney Fischer. continued on page 24 24 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM JUNE 2013 The initial duties of the court were similar to what they are now – attending key city events like the Ju- bilee and the Festival of An- gels as well as performing community service projects. “We had sashes made, they went to ribbon-cuttings, they participated at Christ- mas time,” Sweatt said. “Anytime there was some event in town, they’d be in- volved.” Additionally, the court has always made appearances at events in other cities. Some of these include the Luling Watermelon Thump Parade, Poteet Strawberry Festival, and Fiesta Flambeau Pa- rade. “We were just looking for good ambassadors for the city,” Pennington said about selecting the court. Pen- The Royal History continued from pg 23 nington began her time with the Sweethearts as an assistant in 2003; however, she was quickly thrown into the program at full-force due to unforeseen circum- stances. “I was the assistant to Ann Almond starting in 2003 and then within a few months of me coming in she had a stroke, so I was thrust into the fire,” Pennington said. Pennington naturally took on greater responsibility and grew with the Sweet- hearts. She also acquired an “invaluable” assistant, Jennifer Bishop, in her last year and a half who kept the court running smoothly when Pennington moved to California. Together, they helped the Sweethearts ful- fill their many roles as city representatives. “When we first started, our big appearances were other city parades and that was a huge part of what we did,” Pennington said. “The court and I would come up with the concept design and build that float from the ground up. That way they owned it, it was their theme, and from that theme they would choose their dresses, music, etc.” The dedication of the court led Pennington to make one of the biggest changes the court has seen in its history – its shift into a scholarship program. “A couple years after I had them, I decided these girls deserved to have schol- arships,” Pennington said. “So I took it to the Chamber of Commerce. At that time the Sweethearts were under the Chamber. So we started that around 2005.” Previously cash prizes were awarded, but not in the amounts that the scholarship program would later provide. Another reward for court members was that if one should decide to compete in another pageant, the Sweet- hearts program would pay for her entry into that con- test. Pennington notes that increasingly more court mem- bers seem to be maximizing this opportunity. “Nancy, my very first Miss Schertz went on to compete 25JUNE 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM in Miss Texas Teen,” Penning- ton said. More recently, former Miss Schertz Ashley Mayle went on to become Miss Fiesta 2008. Former Miss Friendly City Emily Furillo also recently competed for Miss Lub- bock. Sweetheart founders ac- knowledge the importance of pageants for the girls. “That’s one thing I’m so proud of – that we started that pageant,” Sweatt said. “I was called back to be a judge about three years ago. The girls are just so beautiful and so talented. I was amazed.” 26 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM JUNE 2013 FEATUREZ BURIED AMONG THE EVER- developing area of southern Schertz is a sanctuary full of shady oak trees, migratory birds, and carnival rides. Res- ident owner J.C. Herrera, a 20-year veteran of the amuse- ment business, purchased the 16-acre plot in 2000 with high hopes and a surplus of ideas. Herrera laughs while remem- bering the first Christmas party held at the Shady Oaks Ranch, saying “we had noth- ing together.” A professional entertainer by trade, Herrera asserts, “I’ve The Shady Oaks Ranch Hidden Treasure By Andrea M. Allinger always been an entrepreneur ... and never worked for any- one.” Herrera once played nightly with a variety of bands until a leg injury ended his music career and pushed him further into the amusement business. After owning dozens of busi- nesses, his train hobby in- spired him to buy a small train, which he and his broth- er, Michael Thomas, set up behind a restaurant in San Antonio. Soon, the brothers were invited to the annual Fi- esta Oyster Bake. “We made so much money doing that, which turned a page,” Herrera said and with- in the year he had bought an amusement company. Herrera began renting carni- val rides, a business he calls “lucrative and fun,” and soon purchased three amusement companies that he still oper- ates as T and S Amusements. He said his occupation a lot of work, but says his favorite part is that he does not do the same thing every day of the week. Herrera contributes his suc- cess to his lifetime of expe- rience in the entertainment, restaurant, and catering busi- ness — which all prepared him for this. Thirteen years later, Herrera has perfected the science of the amusement ranch, after clearing a few trees and build- ing many hundreds of feet worth of decks. Parties are catered by local businesses such as Harmon’s Barbecue and drinks and concessions, including cotton candy and snow cones are provided. 27JUNE 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM FEATUREZ“I haven’t done it all by my- self - I had a lot of help from friends and family throughout the years,” Herrera said. Partygoers enjoy live music amid huge 6,000 square-foot wooden decks overlooking the oak trees nestled onto green hills, as well as a 1950s inspired game room that houses a ping-pong table, pool table, foosball, air hock- ey, and shuffleboard. Seating is available inside the lodge, which has been beautifully converted from its original use as a 1970s Army mess hall, complete with a wooden stair- case and fireplace. Herrera mixes business with pleasure by living in the main house at Shady Oaks Ranch. The land had been a cou- ple’s residence for 17 years before it became an amuse- ment ranch. He still enjoys being able to walk out and see the beauty of the land, which is sequestered behind Corbett Junior High School and a new school soon to be constructed for the Schertz Cibolo Universal City ISD. Heavy construction over the past few months has helped Herrera appreciate a “special place in the midst of develop- ment,” with the goal to “keep this going for years to come to preserve nature.” The amusement ranch pro- vides endless outdoor fun and includes a sand volley- ball court, basketball court, softball field, and walking trails. Kids are certain to have the time of their lives on the working train that leads through the grounds and stops at a petting zoo, complete with llamas, mini cows, mini horses, and goats. A wooden playground rests within the wide array of car- nival rides, including a kiddie airplane ride, trackless train ride, and inflatable bounce. Carnival games and minia- ture golf are crowd pleasers at the Shady Oaks Ranch, as are the “All-Star” Adult and Child Olympic games, a hit at company picnics and family reunions. Local wildlife add to the expe- rience at Shady Oaks Ranch, as the area is in a migration path- way for a number of birds, as well as a popular hotspot for local deer. Kids love it when the deer come out during the train rides, Herrera said with a laugh. Herrera calls the land a hidden oasis that many people don’t know exists. The most fulfilling comment from a visi- tor, according to Herrera, was “this is the best place I have ever been.” Company parties, business meetings, Project Gradua- tion parties, birthday parties, and weddings are hosted at the Shady Oaks Ranch daily, with a projected reservation time of three to six months in advance. Patrons travel from Austin and San Antonio to the perfectly situated Schertz location of the amusement ranch. This summer Herrera hopes to broaden the community’s experience by opening Shady Oaks Ranch to the public on Sundays from 2:00-7:00 pm, allowing parents to dance under the stars to live music while their children enjoy the carnival in the woods. For more information on Shady Oaks Ranch, visit www. shadyoaksranch.net, or call (210) 659-0221 to schedule a tour. Shady Oaks Ranch is lo- cated at 12020 W Schaefer Rd. Snap Shots of Shady Oaks Ranch include: Ranch Lodge, sack rac- es, tug-of-war, peace- ful walking area, game room and owner J.C. Herrera and his pet owl from several years ago.. SchertzTales Ad.indd 1 2/19/13 12:50:35 PM Minimum purchase applies for each lens type package. Introducing Givenchy & Chopard (sold exclusively at Dr. Nielsen’s office; see website for details) 29JUNE 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM KM Impressions Helping Put on Schertz’ Best Face By Brittany Losey FEATUREZ FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR of KM Impressions Salon & Modeling Academy, Kim Mit- telstadt is bringing a whole new range of services to the Schertz area. We expanded in November,” Mittelstadt said. “It’s been great.” Walking into the new salon, I am greeted by several young and energetic individuals while Mittelstadt finishes cut- ting a client’s hair. Around the salon, there are displays for Paul Mitchell products (a line that Mittelstadt chose for their environmentally conscious practices) and a rainbow of eyeshadows, lipsticks, and blush. “We’re really big on color,” Mittelstadt noted. The salon specializes in cus- tom blended makeup, profes- sional services in precision hair, and image development. Mittelstadt’s primary love is makeup, as evidenced by her own cosmetic line, KMI Cus- tom Blend Cosmetics. These mineral-based formulas are custom made in store or on- line and are available in a wide variety of colors and hues. However, the renovations she wanted to do salon services again. We didn’t have hot wa- ter out here before so it was a big jump to say ‘let’s take this to the next level.’” After moving to the Schertz area from California, Mittel- stadt had to decide whether to stay local or branch out to a potentially more marketable area in San Antonio. “We were thinking about mov- ing. People said go to Stone Oak – it’s the perfect place for custom blend, but I wanted to try to make a go of it here,” Mittelstadt said. In the expansion, the KMI salon has branched out into training services and image consulting. This includes co- ed modeling and performance prep classes that cover every- thing from posture to skincare to etiquette. “We teach modeling and per- formance prep classes at the Schertz Civic Center every Wednesday night,” Mittelstadt said “And it’s honestly confi- dence and anti-bullying. It’s helping the girls, especially in our first class, to get a sense of ownership and to feel com- fortable walking out the door.” continued on page 30 Kim Mittelstadt works on daughter Jacqueline’s hair. and her family have done in the past year allow her to offer more than just makeup. “I’ve managed salons before, I had one out in California,” Mittelstadt said. “This year I 30 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM JUNE 2013 FEATUREZ These prep classes allow teens to gain poise in any situation whether they choose to pursue modeling (an avenue in which Mittelstadt has many local con- nections) or simply want to be able to carry themselves with grace. Mittelstadt observes one common instance in which this type of training pays off greatly – school awards nights. This was one of the first places Mit- telstadt’s daughter was able to show off the lessons acquired from her mother. “She’s been modeling since KM Impressions continued from pg 23 she was 11, now she’s working in a television pilot program called San Antonio Teen Scene,” Mittelstadt said, adding it is still a work in progress. This is not Mittelstadt’s only child to follow in her mother’s footsteps. Between the six of them – three boys and three girls – they have graduated from Paul Mitchell, worked in the salon, started a lip gloss line called Prismatic Lip Spar- kles, which donates profits to various local fundraisers, and made a three-dimensional From left Jacqueline Mittelstadt, Kim Mittelstadt, Craig Mittelstadt, and Danielle Mittelstadt color wheel for a competitive school project that is also used daily by Mittelstadt. She uses the color wheel to help brides put together a perfect wed- ding look in her business, but today she pulls it out to give me an eye makeup tutorial. “It’s kind of interesting, even in the magazines, the go-to color is brown,” Mittelstadt said. “And if you look at a color wheel, that’s really a safe zone. We use a color wheel to determine the best colors to accentuate features.” She shares her general rule of thumb for enhancing eyes: choose an eye shadow in a complementary color to con- trast the color of the eye and in a hue that matches the inten- sity of that color. “The darker your eye, the darker color you can wear,” Mittelstadt said. For dark blue eyes, she recom- mended a deep gold; someone with light blue eyes would opt for a paler gold. Blue eyes can also wear green shades to make them look bluer, while green eyes can similarly em- ploy blue shadow for contrast. Mittelstadt’s custom makeup line allows control of color as well as pigment concentra- tion. Custom Blend Cosmetics are mineral-based and include everything from foundation to lipstick. Mittelstadt has even been trained with skin and on- cology and offers special ser- vices to cancer patients. Mittel- stadt calls it a “look good, feel better program.” Additionally, as a military wife, Mittelstadt does events for wives of deployed spouses and is committed to serving this significant population of the Schertz community. She hopes that her teen classes will also benefit children who have to move often and constantly must readjust to new places and make new friends. “If they can gain that confi- dence, that helps them start all over in a new place,” Mittel- stadt said. “We’re really pulling a lot of the military communi- ty in and even though they’re coming in and out, they’re spreading the seed of what we do.” Mittelstadt’s community in- volvement doesn’t stop there, though – she previously did a program with the Schertz Sweetheart Court and served on its board of directors. “A couple years ago we did an all day training for them,” Mit- telstadt said. “It was really pos- itive. We went over a little bit with color, poise, first impres- sions, nonverbal communica- tion skills. “Having a crown and a sash on, having that title can really give you a platform to do so many things that I don’t think they even realize.” With the huge variety of ser- vices that Mittelstadt offers, she tries to sum up the ex- perience in one word. “Em- powerment,” Mittelstadt says. “That’s probably the biggest word our salon and classes are all about.” Mittelstadt digs through a huge file of photos to pull out an old before-and-after shot of an attractive brunette wom- an. Mittelstadt explains that a few months after this particu- lar makeover, the woman ap- proached her at an event, gave her a big hug, and told her how her physical transforma- tion changed her life. “She said, ‘I left my husband. He was abusing me and the kids and this gave me the strength to walk away,’” Mit- telstadt recalls. “You can touch people and you don’t know how or where.” This personal element is what makes Mittelstadt’s work re- warding and inspires her to keep growing in her career. “It’s more than a salon, it’s more than a makeup studio – it’s everything,” Mittelstadt said. KM Impressions is located at 17323 IH-35 N Suite 105 in Schertz. Their phone num- ber is (210) 655-4624 or visit www.kmimpressions.com. 32 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM JUNE 2013 PROFILEZ Mouton Continues to Inspire By Lucille Sims Thomas KSAT morning crew from left: co-anchor Mark Austin, meteorologist Mike Osterhage, co-anchor Leslie Mouton, and traffic officer Robert Dart. 33JUNE 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM “I’M JUST VERY BLESSED!” These are the words KSAT-12 anchorwoman and Schertz resident Leslie Mouton used to describe her life nearly 13 years after beating breast can- cer. The petite and efferves- cent Mouton said her career and raising a daughter keep her very busy these days. The 48-year-old is also in- volved with a multitude of charities and events that help women with breast cancer in a variety of ways, including the Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure and Wings, a local group that provides free treat- ment and lifetime follow-up care for women with breast cancer who are uninsured or underinsured. At just 35 years old, Mouton was diagnosed with an ag- gressive form of breast cancer called Infiltrated Ductal Car- cinoma. There is no history of cancer in her family but be- cause she was doing monthly breast self exams, the cancer was caught in its early stages. “I just made the decision — I felt compelled by God — to go public with it and share it and let cameras follow everything and then even anchored a newscast bald,” Mouton said. “That got national attention because back then no one did it. Now everyone is doing it. It was an avenue for me to talk about the importance of early detection.” Going bald did indeed garner Mouton lots of attention. She was featured on Good Morn- ing America, Weekend Today and also appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show. Mouton was born in Lafay- ette, La., and is a graduate of the University of Louisiana, cast news career going and worked in Alexandria, La., San Angelo, KENS-5 in San An- tonio, Dallas, and Columbia, S.C., before her husband’s Air Force career returned them to Randolph AFB and the San Antonio area. She quickly went to work for KSAT-12 she and her fellow newscast- ers Steve Austin and Mike Os- terhage just make such a great team and that their personali- ties fit well together. “And it has worked out great for us,” Mouton said. Asked what attracted her to broadcast journalism, Mou- ton replied, “My father actu- ally dated the local anchor in Lafayette, and I loved her and would go to work with her and sit behind the desk and was just smitten with the bug and loved it and was blessed enough to be able to do it.” When her cancer was first dis- covered Mouton said her first reaction was that it was going kill her career. “Wasn’t even worried about it killing me; I thought I’m young, I’m 35, prime of my career and this is not a convenient time for me and oh no what will people think when they hear I have cancer,” she said. Mouton can barely believe it’s been 13 years since her can- cer diagnosis. These days her daughter Nicole, who was only 2 when Mouton was diagnosed with breast cancer, attends Cle- mens High School and is in the band. Mouton and her hus- band stay very busy with all of their daughter’s extracurricular activities, which also includes theater and church functions. Mouton also is a motivational speaker who has received a number of awards and honors for her charity work and efforts to help breast cancer victims. Mouton and her family have lived in Schertz for 14 years. Despite making it into a top ten market with her job in Dal- las, she loves the San Antonio area and has no desire to go anywhere else. “It’s (Schertz) absolutely home — I’m involved in the commu- nity. I hate the traffic — just go- ing to HEB is a pain now. Our sleepy town is not so sleepy anymore. But I still love it.” Lafayette. She is a former military wife whose husband, Tony Mattox, spent 22 years in the Air Force as a pilot be- fore retiring. Somehow she managed to keep her broad- on the early morning and noon shift. She was moved to the afternoon newscasts for awhile before returning to the early morning and noon shift. She said management felt like Leslie Mouton (right) and husband, Tony Mattox, and daughter Nicole Mattox. 35JUNE 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM FEATUREZ Retired Chief Shows Steps For Success By Lucille Sims Thomas HOW DO YOU SPELL success? Local author Rod- ney Phillips has put his ideas on the subject and how to achieve it in a new book that he believes can inspire just about anyone. The retired Chief Master Ser- geant grew up in the small ru- ral town of Calhoun, Ga. and said the Air Force opened up opportunities to him that he never dreamed of having and the book, A Practical Guide to Success in the United States Air Force, is his way of giving back. “I met a lot of people and had a chance to do a lot of great things, and one thing that I benefited from while in the Air Force was I always had people who were willing to share their experiences and sort of give me a guide or guide me along my way so I could be successful,” Phillips said. Phillips said he got infor- mation from so many great sources and so many different people over the years that he rationalized if he could get it into book form it would be- come not only a guide but a reference for people who want to achieve success in the Air Force. “There is so much informa- tion out there and this is just my attempt to put it down in a reference form to where it can be readily recalled and help people along their way.” Phillips, who retired from the Air Force after more than 24 years in 2011, is quick to point out that the principles he stresses in the book can readily be applied to civilian life, too and can help anyone achieve a greater level of suc- cess. “Keep focused and keep your eyes on success and do the right thing and things will work out for you — and keep God first. I thank God for giv- ing me the abilities that he supplied me with as well,” Phillips said. The Schertz resident wrote the book during his last two years in the Air Force and used an Amazon company to publish it, stressing that this allowed him to keep all rights to the book. While in the Air Force his assignments included Japan, Korea, Saudi Arabia and Qatar as well as a number of U.S. military in- stallations. He thinks having experienced so many differ- ent cultures also helped equip him to write his book. “Being able to be exposed to and work with and experience the cultures of so many differ- ent people — I really enjoyed that. I think my ability to be around other people and dif- ferent cultures and settings continued on page 36 36 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM JUNE 2013 FEATUREZ Retired Chief Shows Steps for Success continued from pg 35 has actually equipped me to be the per- son I am today. I’m really not afraid to talk to anybody about anything,” the 44-year-old said. Now employed in traffic management at Lackland AFB, Phillips and his wife, Angela, are the parents of two sons and a daughter. One of the chapters of his book that he said is applicable to any setting, both military and civilian, emphasizes work- ing at something that you enjoy as one of the steps to being successful. “If you are doing things just to get a reward at the end and you don’t get that reward you will be upset. If you do what you like you are getting your reward as you go through.” The author has only done a minimal amount of marketing for his book so far but is planning to do more soon. He said the book is for sale at local military bases and he has given some away. Phillips is hoping to get into motivation- al speaking and is planning to write a second book, possibly about transition- ing to civilian life from military life. He said he has had some very interesting experiences in his short time as a gov- ernment worker and would like to cap- ture some of them. For information on how to get Phillips’ book contact him at drq@satx.rr.com or call (210) 601-3365.Phillips with Lt. Col. Creed LyonsPhillips with Rick P. Martinez Author Rodney Phillips with trophy case 39JUNE 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM SCHERTZ BANK & TRUST (SB&T) first opened its doors to proudly serve the people and busi- nesses in this community on June 17, 1913. A century ago, SB&T be- gan as the only locally owned bank in Schertz providing opportunities for the people of this commu- nity to start businesses, buy land, equipment and feed as well as pro- viding personal loans. Throughout the years, it has up- held the banking traditions of customer service and dedication to the community by helping cus- tomers and communities grow and prosper. The bank has survived in good times and bad serving as a witness to numerous recessions, depressions, droughts, floods and wars while remaining stead- fast in providing a vital service to this community. It represents the strength and resiliency of the peo- ple who came before us and the hopes and dreams of building a stronger community for tomorrow. “There are very few banks that achieve 100 years of service to FEATUREZ 100 Feels Good - Bank on It By Kari Bridges their communities and continue to remain independent. This is a true landmark for the bank and the Schertz Community and our customers,” said SB&T President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Sunderman. To recognize this historical land- mark, SB&T has established the 100th Anniversary Committee to organize and provide year-long celebration events to its customers and the community it serves at all branch locations in Schertz, Kirby, Seguin and San Marcos. According to Sunderman, the five members making up the 100th Anniversary Committee represent both the operations and loan side of the bank and consists of long- time and new employees as well as management. They were selected from members of the bank’s mar- keting committee. This is a very special occasion, which deserves a yearlong celebra- tion - 100-year anniversaries don’t continued on page 40 40 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM JUNE 2013 FEATUREZ come along every day,” Sunderman said. “We are planning on inviting local offi- cials, including the mayor, city manager, city councilmembers and county officials as well. An invitation will also be extend- ed to Governor Perry and representatives of the FDIC and the Texas Department of Banking.” Celebration give-away items for bank customers as well as two donation drives have been planned throughout the year and are being promoted through daily interaction with customers, publishing flyers, distributing information on the bank’s website and through social media. 100 Feels Good continued from pg 39 Beginning in January, each bank location provided customer appreciation tickets to the San Antonio Stock Show and Ro- deo. February through May complimen- tary items included: cupcakes, money- filled Easter Eggs, assorted wildflower and seed packets and American flags, proudly made in the U.S.A. On June 17, anniversary reception cel- ebrations will be held at all branch loca- tions throughout the day. Other summer celebration events will include: compli- mentary popcorn and a school supply drive in September. The final quarter’s anniversary celebration plans are sched- uled to include: Customer Appreciation Day, a Food Bank drive and conclude with an Employee Appreciation Day. By providing these monthly celebration events, SB&T hopes to communicate that it stands behind their long-standing core values of providing a vital service to this community by offering personal service with a friendly smile, strength and stabil- ity that has remained consistent through- out time. “Our mission is to help customers and communities to grow and prosper. This celebration helps us to look back at our accomplishments and look forward to the many opportunities in our future to help us accomplish our mission,” Sun- derman said. “ We are a friendly commu- nity bank who takes care of its customers and is here for the long term.” SB&T has changed and grown over the decades to reflect the changing needs of its customers. Today, it offers every as- pect of banking including certificates of deposit; retirement accounts; consumer, real estate and commercial loans; safe de- posit boxes; money orders; home bank- ing online; and is active in social media such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Sam Bauder (left) with the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo Ambassadors visits with Schertz Bank & Trust Chairman Roy Richard Jr. at the bank prior to rodeo time. 41JUNE 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM Civi cn ewzJune 2013 Schertz Fire Rescue Department Gets $31,000Federal Grant Congressman Henry Cuellar together with officials from the City of Schertz in April announced the awarding of a federal grant in the amount of $31,041 for Schertz Fire Rescue Department. The money will fund various equipment purchases for Schertz FR including vehicle stabilization air bags, EMS Rescue equipment, a spreader, a cutter and a power unit. The grant comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency FY12 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). The fire depart- ment was also awarded $400 for shipping. “I applaud Schertz Fire Chief David Covington and all the City of Schertz officials for their strong interest in applying for this grant,” said Congress- man Cuellar. “This money is an investment to the community, and what better way to invest than to provide firefighters the equipment they need in an effort to keep Schertz residents safe.” “This grant will allow us to purchase much needed equipment for rescuing people from vehicles, and to purchase protective equipment for our firefighters so they can perform their job in a safe and efficient manner,” Chief Covington said. “The nation’s highways provide a network of travel for commerce, business, and pleasure. Our ability to work safely and efficiently on the highways can help reduce congestion and increase safety for respond- ers and the traveling public,” the chief said. 42 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM JUNE 2013 Civicnews SFR Honor Guard members are from left: Jason Tymrak, Carl Berghofer, Leon Sposari and Justin Schwersinske Within moments of a massive explosion in the Central Texas town of West on April 17, the City of Schertz responded. And that response continued in the days after that tragic event. The Schertz EMS giant Ambus, which can carry up to 20 patients, was deployed within hours of the explosion and joined two similar Ambuses from other parts of the state. An EMS crew headed by Director Dud- ley Wait was ready to spring into action in the immediate hours after the explo- sion. They remained on standby for hours before being released. Schertz First Responders Deploy to West Schertz EMS members were: Jason Mabbitt, Mike Cosentino, David Retano and Mark Vasquez. Schertz Fire Rescue also responded in several ways. Firefighter Tom Hollick who is a Para- medic was called to assist on the Ambus during its time in West. FAO (Fire Apparatus Operator) Mack Melancon was deployed to assist the STRAC Team (Southwest Texas Region- al Advisory Council), with whom he is a member, in the aftermath of the explo- sion. He left the evening of April 17 and assisted until early morning of April 21. The SFR Department Honor Guard of Lt. Leon Sposari, Lt. Carl Berghofer, FF Jason Tymrak, and FF Justin Schwersin- ske represented Schertz in the memorial service for fellow firefighters and others who died in the West explosion. There were approximately 9,500 people in attendance at the memorial service, in- cluding approximately 3,000 firefighters from across Texas. Out-of-state fire department honor guards from Columbus, Ohio; Telluride, Colorado; and Los Angeles County were also in attendance. 43JUNE 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM SCHERTZ VENDOR REGISTRATION DAY The City of Schertz Purchasing and Asset Management Department is hosting a Vendor Registration Day on June 18 from 8:00 am to noon at the Schertz Civic Cen- ter, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Building #5, Schertz, Texas. Anyone desiring to do business with the City of Schertz should come and register or update your registration with the City. If you registered as a vendor prior to Jan- uary 2012 you must update your information on file. Please bring a copy of any certificates that may affect your registration (minority, disadvantaged, veteran, etc.) If you have questions regarding vendor registration, please call the Purchasing Department at 210-619-1160. sales@schertz . c o m Are you serio u s about advert i s i n g ? We are your tic k e t to reaching thi s a r e a ! 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 45JUNE 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM Civicnews Citizens Police Academy Class Starts in August The Special Projects office provides a Citizens Police Acad- emy program where citizens can become familiar with the role of law enforcement and in particular about local law enforcement. During the 12-week training program po- lice officers serve as instructors and provide scenarios and role-play to give citizens a view of what law enforcement is all about. The Schertz Police Department-Citizens Police Academy is a twelve-week course, available to interested residents and/or business members in the Schertz community. The program is designed to offer awareness and information about the role of law enforcement, and to increase the rap- port between citizens and police officers. The Citizens Po- lice Academy does not give the students any police officer certifications or qualifications. The Citizens Police Acad- emy is for educational purposes only. The Citizens Police Academy consists of classroom in- struction and hands-on learning. Some of the topics in the academy include: department command structure, opera- tions, simulated firearms training, use of force, laws, city ordinances, traffic stops, criminal investigations, and com- munications. The student will also have the opportunity to participate in role-playing scenarios during class. Persons interested in the Schertz Citizens Police Academy must be at least 18 years of age, and complete the appli- cation process. A background check is done on all appli- cants at no charge. There is no fee for the class, but it will be limited to 30 students. The classes will be held every Thursday starting August 8 and continue until October 24. Classes will be from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The deadline for applications is Monday August 5 at 5:00 pm. Applications are available at schertz.com (Citizens Police Academy Application – Fill-Out, Print, Send In). Return all completed applications to: Schertz Police Department Special Projects Division 1400 Schertz Parkway Building 6 Schertz, TX 78154 Key to the City City Attorney Michael Spain Hangs Up Spurs After 25 years as the Legal Eagle of Schertz, Mi- chael Spain (right) decided to retire but not before grateful City Council members and co-workers had a roast and toast farewell. Mayor Michael Carpenter (right) presented Spain with a key to the city and his wife, Bette, with a bouquet of flowers. Proclamation Recognizes Police Officers During the May 7 City Council meeting, Schertz Mayor Michael Carpenter (left) hands a proclama- tion passed by Council to Chief of Police Michael Hansen recognizing May 15 as Peace Officer Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as National Police Week. Similar proclamations, adopted by cities and towns all over the nation, remember fallen officers and salute the men and women of law enforce- ment who protect the public day in and day out. 47JUNE 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM JULY 2009VOL.26ISSUE 7 Civicn ews Schertz Magazine Wins 7th International Communicator Award SCHERTZ MAGAZINE IS one of the winners of the 2013 Communicator Awards an- nounced by the International Academy of the Visual Arts on May 1. The July 2012 Schertz Magazine cover showing a Schertz glassblower in action was selected one of the win- ners out of more than 6,000 entries received from across the US and around the world. Design work on Schertz Mag- azine covers and advertise- ments also won Communicator Awards in 2010 and 2011. The City of Schertz won addition- al Communicator Awards in 2010 and 2011 on design work for such projects as a Festi- val of Angels billboard and an Economic Development Corp. brochure. The Communicator Awards is the largest and most compet- itive awards program honor- ing the creative excellence for communications professionals. The Communicator Awards are judged and overseen by the International Academy of the Visual Arts (IAVA), a 600+ member organization of leading professionals from various disciplines of the visu- al arts dedicated to embracing progress and the evolving na- ture of traditional and interac- tive media. Current IAVA membership rep- resents a “Who’s Who” of ac- claimed media, advertising, and marketing firms including: AirType Studio, Condè Nast, Disney, Keller Crescent, Lock- heed Martin, Monster.com, MTV, rabble+rouser, Time Inc., Tribal DDB, Yahoo!, and many others. See www.iavisarts.org for more information. “We are both excited and amazed by the quality of work received for the 19th Annu- al Communicator Awards. This year’s class of entries is a true reflection of the progressive and innovative nature of marketing and communications,” noted Linda Day, executive director of the International Academy of the Visual Arts. She added, “On behalf of the entire Acade- my I want to applaud this year’s Communicator Awards entrants and winners for their dedica- tion to perfecting their craft.” Civicnews Bill Lowry plays taps as the U.S. flag is lowered to half staff during police memorial on May 15 SAPD Deputy Chief Janae Florance salutes after placing a rose in a vase at Schertz Police Chief Michael Hansen reads names of fallen officers on May 15.. Schertz-Cibolo Joint Police Memorial Service Held The Schertz Police Department in partnership with the Cibolo Police Department held its second joint Police Memorial Service Wednesday, May 15 to honor fallen officers. The ceremony was held in Schertz this year after Ci- bolo hosted the solemn event in 2012. The ceremony also included participation by police departments from San Antonio, Universal City, Cibo- lo, Windcrest, Seguin, St. Mary’s University and the Guadalupe County SWAT team. Also taking part in the memorial event were Schertz City Councilman David Scagliola, Schertz City Man- ager John Kessel, Schertz Chief of Police Michael Hansen and Cibolo Chief of Police Gary Cox. The names of those 11 officers were read aloud and a description of how they passed on. A member of the local law enforcement community walked forward with a rose and placed it in a vase after each officers reading. 2012 Drinking Water Quality Report is now available. The City of Schertz Water Department is pleased to report that testing in accordance with EPA and TCEQ guidelines has shown that our drinking water is safe and meets and exceeds all federal and state requirements. To view the report and learn more about your drinking water, visit us at www.schertzwater.com/ccr.pdf This report contains important information about the source and quality of your drinking water. The City of Schertz Water Department will no longer mail printed copies of the report to all of our customers. If, however, you would like a hard copy of the report, please email us at customercare@schertz.com. Please provide your name and address and a copy of the report will be sent to you. If you prefer, you may complete and return the form below. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fill out this form or visit www.schertzwater.com/ccr.pdf Name:______________________________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________________________ City:________________________ State:_____________ Zip Code:__________ Email Address:______________________________________________________ Please mail or drop off this form to: Schertz Public Works, 10 Commercial Place, Bldg 2, Schertz, TX 78154. 51JUNE 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM 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) 566-4540Sydney H. Verinder (210) 619-1000 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 June 2013 CI T Y C A L E N D A R Z Tuesday, 4 City Council 6:00 PM Council Chambers Thursday, 6 Transportation Safety Advisory Commission 5:30 PM- Council Chambers Tuesday, 11 City Council 6:00 PM Council Chambers Wednesday, 12 Planning & Zoning 6:00 PM Council Chambers Monday, 17 Parks & Recreation Advisory Board 5:30 PM Bob Andrews Room Board of Adjustments 6:00 PM Council Chambers Tuesday, 18 City Council 6:00 PM Council Chambers Tuesday, 25 City Council 6:00 PM Council Chambers Wednesday, 26 Planning & Zoning 6:00 PM Council Chambers Thursday, 27 Economic Development Corporation 6:00 PM Council Chambers ***Meeting locations may change, please visit schertz.com for confirmation.*** 2012 Drinking Water Quality Report is now available. The City of Schertz Water Department is pleased to report that testing in accordance with EPA and TCEQ guidelines has shown that our drinking water is safe and meets and exceeds all federal and state requirements. To view the report and learn more about your drinking water, visit us at www.schertzwater.com/ccr.pdf This report contains important information about the source and quality of your drinking water. The City of Schertz Water Department will no longer mail printed copies of the report to all of our customers. If, however, you would like a hard copy of the report, please email us at customercare@schertz.com. Please provide your name and address and a copy of the report will be sent to you. If you prefer, you may complete and return the form below. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fill out this form or visit www.schertzwater.com/ccr.pdf Name:______________________________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________________________ City:________________________ State:_____________ Zip Code:__________ Email Address:______________________________________________________ Please mail or drop off this form to: Schertz Public Works, 10 Commercial Place, Bldg 2, Schertz, TX 78154. OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS 1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY SCHERTZ, TEXAS 78154 PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #744SAN ANTONIO, TX