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12_December 2014magazine DECEMBER 2014 chance to see Santa in a lot of different ways. Ho- Ho-Ho. Speaking of the Christmas spirit -- read Lisa Connolly’s Advice About Holiday Pets article. She is president of Homes For Pets/Schertz Humane Society and gives tips to those considering dogs and cats as presents. It is a good guide from a group that works with our furry friends. And speaking of dogs, meet Rambo -- the Schertz Police Department’s best member for sticking his nose into bad guys’ business. The four-year old German Shepherd and his partner Officer Mitch Weston (head of the Schertz PD’s K-9 unit) have had 150 assignments resulting in 40 arrests over a short ten- month span. I suppose I should finally face the truth. After 55 years of waiting PUBLISHED MONTHLY BYPublic Affairs Department Linda KlepperCommunications Manager Chuck McCollough Editor Chris Matzenbacher Sales Director Lucille Sims Thomas Copy Editor Contributing Staffers Erin Matlock Office Manager Mary Spence Events Manager Graphic Design/Art Direction Alexis Souza Contributing WritersChuck McCollough, Lucille Sims Thomas, Andrea Allinger, Kari Bridges, Jim Webb, Stan Leland, Taryn McGillivray, Aubrey Parke, Kiko Martinez, Ashley Festa, Rudy Arispe, Tom Lovett, Kaylie Kennedy Contributing PhotographersChuck McCollough, Mary Spence, Joshua Nolden, Lisa Green, Diana Webb, Bryan Tobias, Mike Harris, Beverly McCollough, Ross Dye, Marc Bane, Michael Carpenter, Bryan Nguyen, Joe Herczeg, Andrea Allinger, Kari Bridges, Catherine White, Elizabeth Leland, Rudy Ornelas, Christopher Matzenbacher, Samuel Rhodes, Linda Klepper Schertz Magazine is published monthly by the Public Affairs Department of the City of Schertz promoting city, community, and business activities. Our mailing address is 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. © 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 Grumpy Azzoz CouncilmemberDaryl John CouncilmemberCedric Edwards, Sr. Councilmember Matthew Duke Councilmember Executive Team John Kessel City Manager John Bierschwale Deputy City ManagerBrian James Executive DirectorBob Cantu Chief of Staff 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 Magazine, 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 Magazine, 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. OFFICIAL FINE PRINT VOLUME 30 ISSUE 12 30 Years and counting...! for Santa Claus to bring me that shiny red toy fire truck with cool sirens and a water- squirting hose I asked for as a 10-year-old - it’s not going to happen. I’ll just go out and buy one myself -- if I can find it. Speaking of Santa -- he has a starring role in the December issue of Schertz Magazine. That’s not really surprising but the number of Santas is. Our story involves 41 Santa portraits done by Schertz artist Billy Keen. Billy’s Santa collection is the most unique Christmas tradition I have run across in 44 years as a journalist. The story will help put you in the holiday spirit and give you a Editor’z Letter By Chuck McCollough, Editor 5 schertzmagazine.com DECEMBER 2014 No wonder some drivers pulled over along IH-35 get nervous when the 80-pound canine cop starts sniffing around their vehicles. For his part, Rambo also likes visiting with residents at events like SchertzFest and National Night Out. At NNO, youngsters especially liked meeting and petting the all black dog. Next turn to the story about the Schertz community’s newest national star -- St. Joseph’s Chapel on FM 482 near St. John Paul II Catholic High School. Thanks to the dedicated work of the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee and interested residents and community members, St. Joseph’s Catholic Chapel has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Turn then to the poignant story of the late Wendy Swan and her drive and determination to turn a basic and underused city park in Northcliffe into an inviting green oasis with improvements and amenities that residents cherish and enjoy. In a fitting gesture, the City of Schertz agreed with nearby residents, friends of the park, advocates, and community volunteers to rename the site Wendy Swan Memorial Park. After reading the story, visit the park and see what a volunteer with a vision can do. Also look for articles on the dedication of the Veterans Memorial Plaza, a Schertz Scrabble Tournament and a profile of Miss Schertz 2014- 15, Kiana Leal. All that and more in your source for hometown news - Schertz Magazine. . FEATUREZ Billy Keen 22 Rambo’s Nose Knows 26 Scrabble Tournament 30 Advice on Holiday Pets 33 DEPARTMENTZ TALK OF THE TOWNZ Updatez 7 Visionz / Chamber 18 CIVIC NEWZ Updatez 36 CALENDARZ 46 magazine NOVEMBER 2014 COVER Miss Schertz Kiana Leal wishes everyone a happy holiday season. Inside... 5 schertzmagazine.com DECEMBER 2014 PAGE 26 schertzmagazine.com PAGE 42 Editor’z Letter By Chuck McCollough, Editor Making spirits bright! Check out our great stocking stuffer ideas. © I n t e r s t a t e B a t t e r i e s / P r i n t e d i n t h e U S A / A B C 1 1 4 0 - 1 1 b / 1 1 / 1 4 Selma at The Forum | 8143 Agora Parkway | 210.566.7702 Don’t forget the one thing that’s most forgotten this holiday season. 24-pack InterstateHousehold Batteries AA or AAA sizes Proven to perform as good as leading brands. $9.99 Reg. 12.99 Only *Offer good on single item. Not valid on automotive, marine/RV, lawn & garden, powersports and golf cart batteries. Valid one coupon per customer, per visit. Not valid with other offers or discounts. Valid on retail purchases at participating stores only. See store for details. COUP960 Ø1Ø1BBØ18 Expires 12/31/14ANY SINGLE ITEM * (EXCLUDES SLI) ACCEPTING MOST INSURANCE PLANS AND NEW PATIENTS NOW OPEN IN BOERNE, TEXAS! 7 schertzmagazine.com DECEMBER 2014 TALK TOWNZOF THE Honoring Those Who Serve The 2014-15 Sweetheart Court helped honor veter- ans during the 44rd Annual Universal City Veteran’s Day Parade Saturday, November 1, 2014. The Court- Miss Schertz, Kiana Leal; Miss Jubilee, Elena Garcia; Miss Friendly City, Sydney Fischer; and Miss Sunshine, Megan Rhoads- were among the more than 40 entries paying tribute to veterans of all the United States wars. Schertz PD Creating Explorer Program The Schertz Police Depart- ment is partnering with the Boy Scouts of America to create an Explorer Program. Law Enforcement Exploring is open to young men and women ages 14 (who have completed the 8th grade) and not yet 21 years old with an interest in learning more about careers in law enforce- ment. Law Enforcement Explor- ing provides educational training programs for young adults on the purposes, mis- sion, and objectives of law enforcement. The program provides career orientation experiences, leadership op- portunities, and community service activities. The primary goals of the program are to help young adults choose a career path within law enforcement and to challenge them to be- come responsible citizens of their communities and the nation. Anyone interested needs to contact either Lt. John Cor- reu or Cpl. Shawn Ceeko at 210-619-1200. DECEMBER 2014 schertzmagazine.com 8 Take your copy of Schertz Magazine when you travel and take a photo of the mag and you in front of a recognizable place and send to events@schertz.com. You might just make it into the magazine. Schertz Magazine All Over The Map And takes in the beauty of Hawaii Mary Kay and David Covington (Schertz Fire Chief) took Schertz Magazine on a trip to the City of Ref- uge on the Big island of Hawaii. Schertz Magazine visits Washington State The Hodge family - Robert, Lynne and Maeghan - took Schertz Maga- zine on their recent trip to Ana- cortes, Washington, which is north of Seattle on Fidalgo Island in the Puget Sound. And a wedding in Oregon Schertz residents Bill and Cathie Irons recently attended a family wedding in Oregon. While there, they visited Mount Hood and the historic Timber- line Lodge. Schertz Magazine went along for the ride. And shows up In Colorado Isaac and Sydney Spreen hold a copy of Schertz Magazine while taking in the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Schertz Mag and Big Tex at Texas State Fair Laurie and Steve Schindler and Schertz Magazine at the Texas State Fair (Big Tex in background) in Dallas 9 schertzmagazine.com DECEMBER 2014 And the sights in Austria Sebastian Hunter, grandson of Paul and Susan Hunter of Schertz, holds Schertz Magazine in Hallstatt, Austria - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sebastian traveled with his grandparents (Oma and Opa) to Austria and Germany for a month-long vacation that included Salzburg, Austria, where his grandfather was born. Schertz Magazine at Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico Mark and Kathy Moody attended the Al- buquerque International Balloon Fiesta and took a copy of Schertz Magazine on their trip to the popular New Mexico event. Schertz Public Library Events December 2014 Cookie Club: Children in grade 6 or younger can stop by the library anytime between December 19th and January 16th to pick up a Cookie Card. Each time you check out books at the library, bring your Cookie Card to get a stamp and put a paper cookie in the cookie jar! On Saturday, January 24th, attend our Cookie Party from 2:00-3: PM where we’ll read crazy cookie stories and eat some tasty treats! Teen Anime-nia Movie Marathon: HEY, TEENS! If you like Japanese animation, then come check out our special “Anime-nia Movie Marathon” at the Schertz Public Library on December 23rd! Teens (ages 13-17) join us from 2:00 pm through 8:00 pm. Pizza will be provided but feel free to bring your own snacks. Noon Year’s Eve: It’s the last day of 2014, and we’re hosting a special cel- ebration for anyone who can’t stay awake until midnight. We’ll count- down to noon with our party hats and confetti, play a game, and make a special craft. Join us Wednesday, December 31st from 11:30am to 12:15pm. Holiday Themed Craft Night for Adults: Join us Wednesday, Decem- ber 10th at 6pm in Library Meeting Room 1 for an exciting evening of making Pinterest crafts. Please register for this event online, by phone, or in person at the informa- tion desk. Please note: Children are more than welcome to accompany adults to the program, but the crafts are intended for adults ages 18+. Preregistration is required for this program! Winter Reading Club: “POP Open a Good Book” this winter with us at the Schertz Public Library. Our Winter Reading Club is a free reading club open to all. The read- ing club runs from January 3 to February 13, 2015. Registration is available starting December 19. It’s as easy as 1 -2-3: Register (in person at the library or online at www. schertzlibrary.org. Read (five books), and Return (your completed reading log for a special prize). SZ Thanks for takin’ us along! SZ Schertz SweetheartMiss Schertz YMCA Holding Winter Break Camp Hello my name is Kiana Leal and I am your Miss Schertz 2014-15. I am a senior at Samuel Clemens High School and am a part of the Cheerleading Squad. I have been a Varsity member for four years and this year I am the Cheer Captain. I am also an active member of the Future Farmers of America and I have been a member of this organization for seven years. I have been an officer for two years and I am currently the Vice-President. I am also a member of the Chapter Conducting and Wool Judging teams. I lettered in FFA as a freshman in Wool Judging. While in FFA I have had the op- portunity to raise a lot of of dif- ferent animals and have learned about leadership, responsibility, and dependability. In my junior year I became a member of the National Honor Society and I am also a mem- ber of Meet in the Middle and was chosen this year to be their senior representative. In my spare time I work at Chick-fil-a in New Braunfels where I have been a team mem- ber for four years. I also partici- pate in competitive cheerleading with Stars Dance and Tumbling/ Vipers where I have been a member for eleven years. I also volunteer at the Schertz Ani- mal Control and with the Bar-Y organization. I have been accepted to Tar- leton State University and will be attending school there in the fall of 2015. I plan to major in Psychology with a minor in Agribusiness. The Schertz Family YMCA will be offering a winter break camp for youngsters. There will be camp songs, games, crafts, movies, and a whole lot of fun. It’s an opportunity to meet new friends, and enjoy what the Schertz Family YMCA has to offer. The camps will run from 7 AM to 6 PM, and youngsters can be dropped off at any time in between. The Y will provide two snacks each day but each camper will be responsible for bringing their own lunch. All activities will take place at the Schertz Family YMCA, 621 Westchester. Dates the camp is offered are: December 22nd through 24th, 26th, 29th through 31st, and January 2nd. Cost is $108 for non-members and $92 for members for the week. For more information, contact Mario Gallegos at marioga@ ymcasatx.org, or call the Y at 210-619-1900. PROVI DENCECOMMUNITY CHURCH Proclaiming the Gospel, Embracing the Doctrines of GraceProclaiming the Gospel, Embracing the Doctrines of Grace Join Us this Sunday Member Sunday School: 9:30 am | Worship Service: 11:00 Currently Meeting at the Schertz Civic Center: 1400 Schertz Pkwy, Building #5 Schertz, TX 78154 210-858-8503 | pcc_schertz@yahoo.com www.pcc-schertz.com A reformed church and member of the SBC. PERSONAL SERVICE AVAILABLE IN HANDSHAKES AND HANDHELDS. frostbank.com (210) 220-6938 MEMBER FDIC With the Frost App for iPhone® & Android ® you can deposit checks, transfer funds, find nearby locations and talk to a real person at the bank with a single tap. Civic Center: Dec. 2 - Schertz Chamber Luncheon Dec. 25-26 CLOSED - Merry Christmas! Dec. 31-Jan. 1 - CLOSED - Happy New Year! Community Center: Dec. 12-13 - Beading House Jewelry/Trunk Show Dec. 20 - Alamo Pet Expo Dec. 25-26 - CLOSED Merry Christmas! Dec. 31-Jan. 1 - CLOSED Happy New Year! Zumba/Power workout Mondays, 6pm Zumba - Wednesdays, 6pm Receive two Sterling Silver Stoppers and a free Glass Bead with the pur- chase of a Silver Bangle Bracelet! Dec 8th - Dec 24th only Best Friendz Gifts 2014 Holiday Collection 13 schertzmagazine.com DECEMBER 2014 SZTrunk-or-Treat Turns Halloween Into Sweet Fun The annual Trunk-or-Treat event held on Halloween at Pickrell Park brought out the child in everyone who isn’t a child. It also thrilled the little ones. Big smiles on little people and bigger smiles on grownups were everywhere October 31 when the Schertz com- munity once again sponsored a safe and fun trick -or -treat night event. Hundreds of kids in costumes and adults in costumes and uniforms participated. City Public Safety per- sonnel were among those taking part in the Halloween event, which ran from 6:00-8:00 PM. Trunk-or-Treat offers residents a safe alternative to traditional trick- or-treating as youngsters get candy and other goodies from the vehicle trunks (hence the name) of partici- pating groups. DECEMBER 2014 schertzmagazine.com 14 SZ Wendy Swan Memorial Park Dedicated Parks and Recreation Department and many others to achieve her vision. Swan help start a 501(c) (3) organiza- tion in order to make contributing money to the park deductible and in the fall of 2005 help start “Friends of Northern Schertz Parks” The Board was made up of representatives from all of the subdivisions surrounding Northcliffe. Swan raised $65,000 in cash and labor donations in order to help in the addition of a cement walking path, pavilion with picnic tables, playground equipment, basketball court, sprinkler system and multiple trees. She held a focus group of parents and children to obtain their ideas of what type of activities the residents would most like to have in the park. According friends of Swan she: • Worked with the playground architect to plan the layout. • Spent hundreds of hours over 5 years mowing, fertilizing, watering and helping to maintain the park, pool and new trees. • Multiple times painted over graffiti along the entire cement drainage culvert and the pool house. • Spent her own money on truckloads of topsoil to cover the rocks resulting from building the walking path. • Formed a volunteer pool to pick up rocks and help spread the dirt. • Carried hundreds of feet of hose from the pool house to the far end of the park three days a week in order to water new trees. • Purchased and planted shrubbery to enhance the pool house entrance. • Sanded and painted two old wooden picnic tables she was able to secure for the pool area. On October 20th Northcliffe Park was renamed Wendy Swan Memorial Park after a community champion who worked tirelessly to transform the park into something better. The City of Schertz honored the late Wendy Swan by agreeing with nearby residents and others that that the park should bear her name. According to various family, friends and others, the former lieutenant colonel with 23 years of military service was dedicated to making her commu- nity better and had a knack for making things happen. Swan began her quest to improve the park at Northcliffe in late 2004 by drawing up a plan for improvements. She worked with the late Schertz City Councilman Tony Wilenchik, the City 15 schertzmagazine.com DECEMBER 2014 SZHundreds Brave Cold to Honor Veterans Chilly winds could not lessen the warmth felt by hundreds of people gathered November 11 at the Veterans Memorial Plaza dedication. The crowd - estimated at be- tween 500 and 800 people and representing the diversity of the Schertz community – decided to spend part of Veterans Day with others who share their grati- tude and love for our nation’s veterans. Old and young veterans, their families and friends, and oth- ers who respect the service and sacrifice of veterans enjoyed the event despite the biting cold. Among those attending were members of the Veterans Memo- rial Plaza Committee, Mayor Mi- chael Carpenter and a number of elected officials from Schertz, Guadalupe County and the Texas Legislature, as well as represen- tatives from the local Veterans of Foreign Wars. The SCUC ROTC and several community choirs also partici- pated in the event. The ceremony including the ser- vice song of each branch of the military and the flying of their re- spective flags. Keynote speaker for the ceremony was Col. David Drichta, Commander, 12th Op- erations Group. The moving ceremony was con- cluded with a 21-gun salute and the playing of taps. Donation Will Help RACAP Help Families During Holidays To help serve local families in need during the holidays Hanson Aggregates – Servtex Quarry donated $1,000 to the Randolph Area Christian Assistance Program. RACAP is a Schertz-based food pantry, serving portions of Comal, Guadalupe and Bexar counties. The donation and others will help RACAP provide holiday meal baskets to families who qualify. In the adjacent photo, plant manager Jacob Scherer (far right) joins Servtex Quarry employees in presenting the check to RACAP representatives: from left, Mario Reyes and Wanda Hay of Servtex Quarry; Jessie Fisher of RACAP; Sarah Koranek of Servtex Quarry; Dorothy Stuart of RACAP; and Tony Mosque- da of Servtex Quarry. For more information contact RACAP at 210- 658-1613 or visit www.racap.org 205 FM 3009, Schertz, TX 78154 (210) 658-1717 / ChristianBrothersAuto.com Mon – Fri: 7am – 6pm Sat & Sun: Closed Nice difference.® Free local shuttle Free WiFi Locally owned All makes and models Convenient location Prepare for Holiday Travel Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Safe Before You Hit The Road Holiday Trip Special Oil Change, Starting/ Charging System Test & Courtesy Inspection Incudes up to 5 qts. synthetic-blend oil (excludes full-synthetic and diesel). Must be presented at time of service. Not to be combined with other offers. Expires 12/31/14. 49 99$ (Regularly $69.99) CEO Sponsor President Sponsors. Executive Sponsors AMM Collision Center The Brandt Companies eEmployers Solutions, Inc Frost Bank – Schertz Gillman Honda GUNN Buick/GMC GUNN Chevrolet Jordan Ford LTD K & I Health & Beauty Spa KDJ Insurance Agency Main Street Garage The Crossvine O’Haver Contractors Randolph-Brooks FCU Armstrong, Vaughan & Associates Norton Rose Fullbright Red McCombs Toyota Ryder Transportation San Antonio Credit Union Schertz Bank and Trust Schertz Family YMCA Security Service FCU Wal-Mart SWBC Time Warner Business Class University of the Incarnate Word Interstate All-Battery Center Service King Collision Center Northeast Lakeview College Corporate Sponsors Eye Care Centers of America HEB – Schertz Preston Pest Control Retama Park Sysco Central Texas, Inc Investor Sponsors: 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics AAA Auger Plumbing Air Force Federal Credit Union Alamo City Medical Group Autumn Winds Retirement Lodge Baptist Emergency Hospital Bella Vista Homes CertaPro Painters Christian Brothers Automotive CPS Energy Dahill Diamond K Eyecare Fantastic Sam’s Fashion Affair Fish Window Cleaning Fit For Work Fox’s Pizza & Tap Room Hanson Aggregates Hanson Brick Rockstar’s Place SCUCISD State Farm Texas State Optical Holiday Inn Express Jazzercise Schertz Fitness Center Legacy Oaks Apartments Mama Margie’s Mexican Café Manco Structures Merritt Lakeside Senior Village MyCommunity- Coupon.com New York Life – Trel Lloyd Northcliffe Golf Course PSP Industries RE/MAX Corridor River City Community Church Total Health Primary Care Friendship Pet Hospital Hampton Inn & Suites – Selma Herbalife New Haven Assisted Living & Memory Care South Texas Radiology Imaging Centers Weisinger Law Firm Proprietor Sponsors: 1st Source Digital 34 Foundation A Moment In Time Event Planning ABC Enterprises, AVON Abel’s Diner Abiding Hope Christian Counseling ADP Advocare – Laurie Crites Alex Hartman State Farm Agency Alamo Kidsports & Velocity Sports Performance Allstate Insurance – Vince Trevino & Associates American Bank of Texas Anytime Fitness Apache Construction Army Residence Community AshLynn Rose August Rosemark, CPA, PLLC Avon Products, Inc. Bahama Bucks Baptist M & S Imaging Barnard Donegan Insurance Barrett Cooper Accounting, PC Basket Case Berger Transfer and Storage Best Friendz Bestwestern Plus Atrium Inn Bexar Waste Beyond Cake BG's Catering & Restaurant BioMotion Physical Therapy BlackJack Speed Shop North Blackmon Mooring Blue Bonnet Golf Driving Range Blue Bonnet Palace Brenner Printing & Mailing Brighter Futures Learning Center Broadway Bank Buffalo Valley Youth Association C & W Properties C&S Electric Inc. Capital One Bank Cartwheel Communications CASA of Central Texas, Inc Casino Fun Changing Seasons Chick-fil-A Chili's Bar & Grill Christ Church San Antonio Cibolo Coffee Haus Cibolo Creek Physical Therapy Cibolo Dental CIMA Hospice Clark & Gossett Implant and Oral Surgery, PA Claus Team Keller Williams Realty Clear Blue Car Wash Coldwell Banker, D'Ann Harper, REALTORS Color Clay Studio Comal County Habitat for Humanity Communities in Schools of S. Central Texas Contreras Flowers and Gifts Cost Segregation Services, Inc. COSTCO Wholesale Cruise Planners_Carr David J. Eveld Attorney David Weekly Homes DeVoir Fitness Studio Direct Development Training Discount Mattress Depot Discovery Challenge Ropes Course Discovery Church DOCUmation Doss Audiology & Hearing Center Dual Arc Dental ECKO Construction Edward Jones - Cedric Edwards, Financial Advisor Edward Jones - Elsa Cranford, Financial Advisor El Charro Mexican Restaurant Emily's Place Coffee Shoppe Encanto Mexican Grill ETC HR Express Lube Fairfield Inn & Suites First Baptist Church Ford Engineering Forum at Olympia Parkway FREEBIRDS World Burrito French Quality Dry Cleaners Garden Gate Treasures GE Oil & Gas GG Cut & Styles Global BANK Academy Go Big Golf Gold Star Exterminators Grow Strong Consulting Guadalupe County Children's Advocacy Center Guadalupe County Crime Stoppers GUNN Collision Selma Hampton Inn & Suites Hands N Harmony Wellness Center & Spa Hearst Media Services Hearthstone Bakery Café Holtz Enter-tainment Homeland Group of Texas Honeybaked Ham Co & Café Houlihan's - Live Oak IBC Bank Independence Title Company InterLinc Mortgage Jacob's Ladder, LLC. James T Parma, PC, CPA Jason's Deli John Paul II Catholic High School John's Welding & Construction Joshua Nolden Photography Keller Williams Luxury - Sue Massari Young KGNB/KNBT Radio Kitty Hawk Smiles & Orthodontics Kolb & Murray, P.C. La Quinta Inn & Suites Laptop Specialist LeapFrog Promotions Legacy Mutual Mortgage LegalShield-Milton & Elnora Dennie Liberty Tax Lion & Rose British Restaurant & Pub LNV, Inc. Local Community News Lokal Focus Lowes – Schertz Maggie Maid Inc. MaidPro Main Street Hub Mark Penshorn DDS Massage Heights Schertz Mattenga's Pizzeria McGarrell Orthodontics Meca Sportswear - Armstrong Recognition Miss Cibolo Scholarship Pageant Modern Woodmen of America - Fraternal Financial National Cinemedia National Optical & Scientific Instrument, Inc. Natural Stone Design New York LIfe - Ivory Freeman, Agent Next Generation Window Coverings North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Northeast Foot Center Oak Valley Vineyards Restaurant Olympia Hills Golf & Conference Center Pawderosa Ranch Doggie Play and Stay Paychex INC Pediatric Therapy Specialists Photo Booth Janet Platinum Clipz Barber Shop, LLC Plaza Pizza and Wings Pronto Printing Providence Title Company Raba Kistner Consultants, Inc. Raising Cane's Randolph Area Christian Assistance Program, Inc. Randolph Family Dental Randolph Field Realty RC Pest Control Renewed Unique Boutique Resourcing Edge, Inc. Roadworthy Driving Academy, Inc. Robert Half Sam's Club Sandra's Creations Sather Financial Group Schertz Area Senior Center Schertz Auto Service Schertz Chiropractic Schertz Education Foundation Schertz Funeral Home & Crematory Schertz Housing Authority Schertz Kidney and Dialysis Center Schertz Parkway Physical Therapy Schertz PD Citizen's Police Alumni Association Schertz Photography Schertz United Methodist Church Schertz Vision Source Schertz-Cibolo Lions Club Schlotzsky's SERVPRO of Guadalupe & Gonzales Counties Shekinah Learning Institute Sheri Cobarruvias, MS, LPC-S, NCC Siam Cuisine Signature Catering/O'Neill's Inflight Catering Silver Tree Nursing & Rehabilitation Center Silvers Pet and Feed Simmonds Real Estate, Inc. Simply Charming Cakes Small Business Administration /SCORE Smart Moves REALTY SMR Realty Sodalis Elder Living Graceland South Texas Radiology Imaging Centers Spider Man Pest Control SportClips Sports, Occupational & Knee Surgery State Representative John Kuempel Steamers Carpet Care Sterling Group Property Management & Real Estate SurePoint Self Storage -FM 1103 SurePoint Self Storage-FM 3009 Susy Williams Entertainment Suzie's Thrift & Gifts Synergy HomeCare Tazas Café Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Company Texas Physical Therapy Specialists Texas Treasure Estate Sales Texas Trophies The Pulte Group Tiny Tot Learning Center Toshiba Business Solutions Total Media Solutions Town & Country Real Estate Tri-City Distributors, L.P UBuildIt Ultimate Travel Planners UPS Store, The Urgent Care & Occupational Health Centers of Texas, P.A. UTSA Small Business Development Center Vallance Security VIP Staffing Weight Control of Texas Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Westridge Pet Hospital Whitney Wiedner Graphic Designer Wild Birds Unlimited Yellow Cab San Antonio The Yogo Stop Bruguy Designs Welcome Wagon Brigman Enterprises David C. Samuelson Architecture and Construction IBC Bank The Wash Tub Total Lawn Care, LLC WellMed at Schertz EmbroidMe and Signarama – Schertz Partner Sponsors 12 Days of Chamber Christmas Cash begins December 1st! Stop by the Chamber/Visitor’s center offices and pick up your playing sheet! Chance to win $500 CASH! For more information, call our offices at 210-566-9000. No purchase is necessary and all area residents are invited to play! Drawing for the winner will be on December 15th! Monthly Chamber Luncheon December 2nd will be our last luncheon of the year and the topic will be Tax Updates for Businesses. Luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Schertz Civic Center, 1400 Schertz Parkway. General Admission by RSVP is $28 and $18 for Schertz Chamber Members. RSVP deadline is November 25th. The Chamber’s Monthly Mixer The Chamber After-Hours Mixer is scheduled on December 4th at the Hampton Inn and Suites located at 17702 IH35 N. in Schertz. Time is 5:30pm to 7pm. Food, beverages and Chamber Cash drawing! General admission is $10 and free to Schertz Chamber members. Holiday Closings The Schertz Chamber/Visitor’s Center will be closed the following dates in observance of the holiday season: December 24th – 25th and December 31st- January 1st. Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year! For more information on how to join the Schertz Chamber of Commerce, please visit our website at schertzchamber.org or call us at 210-566-9000. DECEMBER 2014 schertzmagazine.com 20 SZ Knights of Columbus 20th Annual Senior Citizen Luncheon The Knights of Columbus Good Shepherd Council in Schertz held its 20th annual Columbus Day Senior Citizen Appreciation Luncheon on October 13 at their hall on Schertz Parkway. More than 400 members of the community par- ticipated in the event and were served a barbeque chicken lunch. Boy Scout Troop 51 and local Girl Scout Troops helped serve lunch and assist in Bingo. The event also provided seniors the opportunity to get flu shots from the local WellMed clinic, voter reg- istration, and a chance to receive information about Senior Move Management services from Changing Seasons. Baldwin Tournament Big Success More than 90 golfers turned out for the 4th Annual Hal Baldwin Public Service Scholar- ship Golf Tournament at Olympia Hills Golf & Conference Center Course in Universal City on November 7. The tournament, benefitting scholarships for Schertz high school seniors wanting to pur- sue a career in the public sector, first started in 2008. It is named after Schertz Mayor Hal Baldwin, who served as a City Council mem- ber and mayor of Schertz from 1978 until his death in April 2012. To date, more than $50,000 has been raised for scholarships and $11,500 awarded to future public service employees. 19750 HWY 46 WSuite 104 1201 S. MainSuite 118 1659 HWY 46 WSuite 160 1264 FM78Unit 115 337 Bulverde New BraunfelsBoerne San Antonio 78 Schertz WHERE EVERY PATIENT IS SEEN BY A PHYSICIAN. WE ACCEPT BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD & TRICARE. www.UrgentCareOfTexas.comOPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK UNTIL 8PM 8am-8pm M-F • 10am-8pm Sat-Sun Get in. Get out. Get well. Now OpenSchertz AT THE CORNER OF 3009 AND FM78 Flu Shots Now Available! 5000 Schertz Parkway, Suite 300 Schertz, TX 78154 DossAudiology.com Flex Spending dollars will expire soon! Call (210) 819-5006 to make your appointment today! Make sure you can hear all of the sounds of the season this year. Take advantage of your Flex Spending Dollars while you still can! The friendly Hearing Doctors at DOSS AUDIOLOGY will assess your hearing and find the best hearing technology for your needs. SPECIAL! End of the year pricing* on all hearing aid models! *Offer expires 12/31/2014 E377700 Holiday Ad • Schertz Magazine • Half Page 4C • 8.16” x 5.237” • 12/14 • Freshbrick 631.285.7825 DECEMBER 2014 schertzmagazine.com 22 FEATUREZ Billy Keen: Who’s Painting Whom By Chuck McCollough Is Billy Keen paint- ing Santa or is Santa painting Billy Keen? Maybe both. “It took me a while to real- ize that all of these Santa portraits are autobiographi- cal in a way - based on events in my life over the year before I painted each,” said the Schertz artist who looks and sounds some- what like a Texas Santa. What started as a paint- ing technique demonstra- tion for a fellow artist, and became a Christmas gift “painting of Grandpa Keen” for his toddler son in 1974, has turned into a most unique Christmas tradition here in Texas and beyond. In 2014, Keen will have painted his 41st consecu- tive Santa Claus portrait - and it will be like none before. “Right now I’m not quite sure how I’m going to paint Santa 2014,” Keen said in a mid-October interview for this story in his studio in the back of a old store. “But I trust it will come to me.” Like an author writing a semi-fiction book based on his life - Keen is essen- tially bio-painting an image expressing the people and events that influenced his world over the past four decades. And the story venue - one of the most iconic faces in his- tory - is rare if not exclusive. 23 schertzmagazine.com DECEMBER 2014 Why so many visages of the Jolly Old Elf? “The spirit of Santa mani- fests itself in many ways,” Keen said, adding: “And each person looking at each Santa painting interprets it in their own way.” The Keen Santa collection is a work of love and joy but also sadness and search- ing as well as depth and discernment from a man whose earlier life steered and has taken him in direc- tions leading to the present. Earlier Times Keen was raised in Wichita Falls with a dynamic back- drop of the high plains of North Texas. His family roots are there, engender- ing his love of wild places, of fishing, and hunting, and his deep respect for nature. These inspired his interest in drawing. “I grew up in rural North Texas and looking back, I see that my childhood jour- ney predisposed me against superficiality. My parents worked hard and led me largely to reject a self- gratifying culture with easy fixes. I was taught to rely on more ancient, substantial foundations like prayer, na- ture and family,” the artist said in a reflective moment stated on his web site. “I am influenced by almost everything that is happen- ing. I am touched by the romance of the past, the excitement and depression of now and the anticipation of what is to come. I am mo- tivated by love received and given. I cannot not paint,” he said. In Wichita Falls public schools Keen was “that stu- dent in the classroom doo- dling or drawing a picture.” Later, he attended Midwest- ern University where he pur- sued an art education, then joined the US Air Force, bringing him to Schertz in 1968. “I was blessed to be able to progress from Midwest- ern University where I got art training to working on improving my craft as an Air Force illustrator,” he said. By the time he got out of the Air Force, Keene had a wife and son to care for. He started doing advertising work, then co-owned an ad agency for a while and ultimately worked for an advertising agency. The Birth of a Tradition On a late autumn day in 1974, Keen was at work in a large studio when he and another artist got into a debate “on how the old mas- ters got their flesh tones for their paintings. I was trying to show the process of un- derpainting with grey green color and over glazing with a rose wash to get a flesh tone that gives real depth,” Keen said. Keen happened to have an 18 by 24-inch canvas and a nearby photo of his father. “I used my father as a model and I did a quick Santa using acrylic paint, which dries really fast. Santa just popped into my head be- cause of the coming holiday season,” he said.continued on page 25 The Santa painting with his father’s face “laid around the studio for a while and later toward Christmas I took it home and put in my young son’s room. Next year rolled around and we’d had a second son so I decided to do a second Santa painting for him,” Keen said, smiling at a story that never gets old. “They say when you have two paintings you have the beginning of a collection, so I created a third one the following Christmas, even though I didn’t have a third son,” he said with a laugh. Three Santa paintings became four, then five, six and seven and family and friends began to ask about them as a special symbol to display in their home dur- ing Christmas. He has used same 18 by 24 inch canvas size for each Santa painting, creating a series that hangs together visually. “I have enjoyed sharing the Santa collection at Christ- mas and was getting invited to parties and receiving ex- posure as an artist. At some point my wife and I real- ized that there was a visual depth of sharing the whole collection as a whole.” “They say when you have two paintings you have the beginning of a collection...” Billy Keen 25 schertzmagazine.com DECEMBER 2014 Keen thinks the experience of seeing the Santa paint- ings is enhanced by viewing them all in one place at one time. As the Santa collection has grown over the years, it has consistently been displayed as a complete body of work, and often times in art gal- leries or museums. Some- times the upcoming exhibit venue has influenced Keen, such as the year he painted a coastal Santa for an art center exhibition in Rock- port on the Gulf Coast. The Many Faces of Santa The wide variety of Santas and their range of expres- sion and settings is a major contributing part of the col- lection’s popularity and the public’s fascination with it. The autobiographical nature of the Santas (these works with Keen’s feelings inserted) range from the first two celebrating the joyful arrival of Keen’s sons, to others reflecting the year his father died, a good artist friend’s passing, and the tragedy of 9-11. And there are many in between. One year Keen met a home- less man who had such a thankful and positive attitude that he lifted the artist’s spirits - inspiring him to paint the man’s face as Santa Claus. This unique Santa collec- tion contains the faces of real people and visages drawn from the artist’s imagination and the influ- ence of his surroundings. Among other inspirations for his Santa faces have been the City of Schertz’ 50th anniversary in 2008 and the Buffalo Soldiers stationed near San Angelo many years ago. Perhaps the biggest inspira- tion for each Santa painting is Santa himself. Keen is a spiritual person who believes that Santa is one who embodies what most people seek - love, peace, and harmony. The created images of diverse Santa images and back- grounds represent that universal yearning. “The Santa collection is my Christmas gift to all who view them, and that sharing gives me great pleasure,” the artist said, smiling through a white beard and looking like someone who is very busy each December. Billy Keen cont’d from page 23 FEATUREZ DECEMBER 2014 schertzmagazine.com 26 FEATUREZ 27 schertzmagazine.com DECEMBER 2014 Rambo’s Nose Knows When Crime Nearby By Aubrey Parke In July 2013, Rambo traveled all the way from Holland to join the Schertz Police Department. Rambo had spent his entire life immersed in training for police work, training that quickly showed itself through 150 deployments and 40 arrests over a short ten-month span. Not bad for a four-year-old. Rambo is an all-black Ger- man Shepherd that special- izes in finding narcotics. Officer Mitch Weston, head of the Schertz PD’s K-9 unit, says of Rambo: “Most dogs have personalities that kind of give them that human trait. He wants to go to work. That’s what he does.” Officer Weston gave Schertz Magazine an inside look not only into Rambo’s unique task-driven personality, but also into the work he and the dog do to protect their city and its residents. whether that’s a piece of polymer pipe, a Kong (chew toy), a tennis ball, whatever it is, when they’re little pup- pies. You just put it all out there, and the one that they grab is the one that you usually want to go with.” Rambo’s first toy was a tennis ball, but when ten- nis ball meets 80-pound German Shepherd, the ball doesn’t stand much of a chance. Now Rambo’s prized possession is his Kong, a big toy made of As with most police dogs, Rambo’s career started young. Officer Weston explains that “to find out if a dog is going to be good for the K-9 program, you basi- cally get a bunch of toys, The toy then becomes the dog’s motivation: “That’s the key. If he’s got a toy, you can train him to do pretty much anything.” hard black rubber. But even the hefty Kong has met its match in Rambo. “It’s a hard piece of rubber, but he split one in half the other day!” Officer Weston recalled. cont’d on page 28 “Finding drugs -- it’s hard. You’ve got to have a nose for it...” Officer Mitch Weston DECEMBER 2014 schertzmagazine.com 28 Rambo’s Nose Knows cont’d from page 27 FEATUREZ Through training with his Kong, Rambo learned to focus his energy and his powerful sense of smell on one goal - find drugs. Officer Weston said that “when he finds the narcot- ics, he begins what we call a positive alert, and he gets paid.” Rambo’s salary is the Kong, not too much to pay for a member of the force that can facilitate 40 arrests in ten months. All of Rambo’s training is identical to what he does in real life, minus the bad guys. The federal Drug Enforcement Agency sup- plies drugs to the Schertz K-9 department for train- ing purposes. “The [drugs] that we worry about on the streets, the ones that are getting put out to the kids and getting put out to the civilians, that’s the stuff that he focuses on,” said Of- ficer Weston. “Usually once a week we go out there and we train, whether it’s a house, a car, 18- wheel trail- ers. Whatever he’s gonna see in real life is what we try to focus on.” Sixteen hours of this training is required every month. Realistic training is key because for Rambo and his officer, it immediately translates into action. Schertz has seven miles along IH-35 and Rambo has played his part in battling drug trafficking in both directions of that interstate. His biggest bust was 15 pounds of cocaine and methamphetamines, wrapped up in duct tape and coated in Tide liquid detergent. According to Officer Weston, “Several times, it’s been a pill bottle. Less than a gram of marijuana inside a pill bottle inside the glove compartment and he smells it through the window.” But Rambo’s duties aren’t limited to the interstate. He inspects high school classrooms and once tracked down a woman in a parking lot just because she had recently smoked methamphetamines. “Odor gets on your clothes and stays on it…he went and started sniffing her and he knew, in a parking lot. He stopped what he was doing to start sniffing her,” the K-9 officer said. Rambo’s ability to sniff out countless varieties of drugs comes from an ultra-sensitive nose. Officer Weston offered the analogy of sitting down at Whata- burger. Humans get a whiff of hamburger and fries that makes our mouths persona. “He’s got command presence, just like we do in a uniform.” The officer noted that an intimidating dog like Rambo can make a case of search, seizure, and arrest run very smoothly: “It saves me the trouble of running after somebody and some- water, but “Rambo would smell the salt, the pepper, the ground beef, the flour. He would separate all that stuff.” According to Officer Weston, every drug has a basic chemical ingredient. Even when a drug is altered and disguised as something like a pill or even a lollipop, Rambo can separate all the smells to detect its basic ingredient. Rambo’s signal that he’s found drugs -- sitting down with an emphatic sense of “case closed” -- gives his of- ficer probable cause to have Rambo search the building or vehicle where the drugs are hidden. “Command presence” is the phrase Officer Weston uses to describe Rambo’s body getting hurt.” But even though Rambo is always ready to switch into work mode, he waits for a com- mand from his officer. Smiling, Officer Weston said “Rambo hates be- ing outside, honestly. He doesn’t like being outside unless I’m outside.” Rambo also pays regular visits to the local schools. At the elementary schools, he is laid back and friendly. Of- ficer Weston said: “He loves kids, because he doesn’t care about a whole lot. He just walks through there and they can pet him and everything, but he’s really laid back.” That was on display when Officer Weston and Rambo made appearances at SchertzFest in September and National Night Out in October. Children at SchertzFest and NNO were drawn to the beautiful black police dog and petted and talked to Rambo -- who took his “rock star” treatment in stride. Rambo’s ability to switch from a laid back, friendly dog into a determined narcotics tracker fits him perfectly for his role in the Schertz Police Department. Rambo and Officer Weston have a special relationship: “I’ve got a 3-year-old kid, and that’s how he kind of looks at me -- Dad.” Part of their closeness comes from their shared drive. Prior to working with Rambo, Officer Weston did not have experience with police dogs, but he knew his passion was counternarcotics. “I wanted to go out there and find the bad guys. That’s really why I got into policing. Help the public and find the bad guys,” he said. Officer Weston and and Rambo both underwent special training before they began working together in November of 2013. Officer Weston not only trained in working with K9s but also taught himself German so that he could give on-the- spot commands to Rambo. And all the hard work has been worth it, the officer said. “Finding drugs -- it’s hard. You’ve got to have a nose for it, you can sort of say. Having a dog around is one of those great tools that we have that helps us combat the drug epidemic. It’s really brought on a lot of guys that really want to go out there. It’s gotten their drive higher. Rambo has that drive. He wants to go work, he wants to get that stuff. He enjoys it, he loves finding it. It’s good for both of us, and it’s good for the police department and the city,” Of- ficer Weston said. DECEMBER 2014 schertzmagazine.com 30 Schertz Scrabble Tournament Top Draw By Kari Bridges FEATUREZ Avid SCRABBLE player and Schertz resident Nancy Scott was instrumental in bringing the 2014 State of Texas SCRABBLE Championship Tournament to the City of Schertz for the first time in 22 years. From October 17–19, more than 45 competitive players from diverse professional backgrounds came together to share their love of words and the game of SCRABBLE in the Bluebonnet Hall of the Schertz Civic Center. The championship tournament had many longtime players attending, all of whom have a Texas connection. Eight different local club directors representing Houston, Dallas, Lubbock, San Antonio and Austin and the returning 2013 Champion in the Expert Category, Orry Swift from Houston, were in attendance. Additional players traveled to Schertz from Texas, California, Florida, Oklahoma and Louisiana to compete in the tournament. “We are happy with the turnout for this tournament. Ideally, we would have 48 players that make up three groups of sixteen, but this is what we were expecting,” said Bryan Pepper, director of the 2014 Texas State Championship Tournament. According to Pepper, each championship tournament is typically made up of three divisions: Recreational, Intermediate and Expert. Opponents play 15 separate Round Robin rotating style games designed so all players competing in a specific division will play against each other one time in 25-minute rounds. Each round typically lasts one hour. “Most all major cities have SCRABBLE Clubs that are each sanctioned by the North American SCRABBLE Players Association (NASPA). Each club has a certified director who has had to pass a director’s test,” Pepper said. “There is a developed mentorship process with the NASPA, which teaches new directors how to run a tournament.” Pepper, who is a volunteer and responsible for all of the administrative responsibilities of the tournament, uses a computer software program called “Director!” specifically designed for SCRABBLE players, but can be adapted to other events such as basketball tournaments. “Using this software allows me to do creative tournaments by signing people up according to pairing rules and allows me to have as few repeats of players in each division as possible,” said Pepper, who is from Fort Worth. Participants are responsible for bringing their own playing equipment such as boards, racks, clocks and tiles to play the game. Score sheets are provided by the tournament for contestants to use. Standard SCRABBLE boards, priced at approximately $150 each, are used at SCRABBLE tournaments and can be purchased through various vendors who typically attend national tournaments. NASPA does not allow wood tiles EXPERT CARDIOLOGY CARE Close to Home. Affiliated with BHS Physicians Network Mark Colligan, MD Call or visit us online online to schedule an appointment. (210) 483-8883 toll free (855) 233-8883 HeartClinicSanAntonio.com PROVIDING WORLD CLASS CARDIOLOGY CARE: • Coronary Artery Disease • Heart Failure • Valvular Heart Disease • Hypertension • Vascular Disease • Maternal Cardiac Care 16977 IH35N, Suite 210 Schertz, TX 78232 BHS191K3 9_75x5_7Ad_HCOSA.indd 1 11/5/14 9:27 PM photo -L. to R. Mike Willis - Tournament Organizer , Nancy Scott - Schertz Resident , and Bryan Pepper - Tournament Director printed with letters to be used at tournaments. Players instead play with the preferred double-infused molded plastic with either printed or engraved letters that have been air- brushed onto the tiles. Entry fees to play in the tournament range from $45 - $75 depending on which division you compete in. First- through third-place winners in each division received $50 to $740 in prize money. The standing champion in this year’s 2014 State of Texas SCRABBLE Championship Tournament was Orry Swift, for the second consecutive year. Swift, who is studying to earn his doctorate degree in accounting at the University of Houston, has been playing competitive SCRABBLE for the past nine years. In addition to the prize money, Swift also received a plaque. “More important than the prize money and plaque is the pride you get from the rating points you receive for winning and how your seating is in your division,” Swift said. Scott, who placed first in the Recreational division, was pleased with the overwhelming positive response she received for suggesting the annual tournament be held in Schertz. “Everyone voted unanimously that they liked the venue in Schertz and would like to continue hosting the state tournament at the Schertz Civic Center. It is centrally located for the vast majority of players. The Bluebonnet Hall is perfect. It offers a nice spacious room with good lighting, a kitchen and bathroom. It also offers us the potential to grow the tournament within the venue,” she said. The Schertz SCRABBLE group meets the first Sunday of each month from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Schertz Library. For more information, contact Nancy Scott at nscott3@aol.com. 33 schertzmagazine.com DECEMBER 2014 continued on page 34 FEATUREZ Advice About Holiday Pets By Lisa Connolly President Homes For Pets/Schertz Humane Society The scene has been replayed so often in popular culture that it has come to symbolize the holi- days as much as tinsel and candy canes: A shop- per, with freshly wrapped packages bulging out of two different bags, casually walks by a pet store window. The classic Hollywood scene, unfortunately, has roots in reality. This season, many shoppers will buy a dog or cat to give to a friend or loved one. Some will buy an animal on impulse, some because they’re caught up in the spirit of the season, and some just because the doggie looks so darn cute in that window. Adding a pet to the family is a serious, long-term com- mitment. It’s a decision that needs input from everyone who would be involved in caring for the animal. We need to remember that pets can’t simply be re- turned or discarded like a broken toy. These are living, breathing creatures with feelings and needs, that given proper care, can live 18 or more years. Deciding whether one has the time and resources to add a pet to the fam- ily needs to be made after careful thought. It’s im- portant to remember that animal rescue groups, and their innocent charges, will suffer the effects of impulse purchases of pets as gifts. The puppies behind the glass, all floppy ears and paws, madly scramble over each other trying to capture the shopper’s attention. The temptation is too great. The shopper whisks into the store and impulsively purchases an animal for his wife, mother, or child. DECEMBER 2014 schertzmagazine.com 34 Holiday Pets cont’d from page 33 FEATUREZ There are many questions that need to be thoughtfully considered: • What type of animal would have a personality most compatible with this per- son or family? • Who would be the primary caregiver of the pet? • How much will it cost to feed and provide veteri- nary care (which adds up more quickly than most people realize)? • Who would look after the animal during trips? • Do you have a reliable pet sit- ter, or are you going to take a chance on the neighbor’s kid? • Could someone be allergic to the pet? It is extremely important that the primary pet caregiver -- whether it’s you, a friend or loved one -- is 100% involved in the adoption process. Instead of buying a puppy or kitten as a gift, consider waiting to adopt a pet after the holidays. You could even build some excitement for a post- holiday adoption. You could give a loved one a gift certificate from a local shelter, or a snapshot of a shelter pet, or even a stuffed animal represent- ing a shelter pet -- all of which can be used as “passports” to adopt an animal later. You could also wrap up some useful pet supplies: a dog bowl or leash, a cat or dog toy, a scratching post, and give those as “passports” as well. This not only promotes responsible adoption, but provides a little fun, too. After the holidays, if your loved ones decide they are indeed willing and able to adopt a pet, you can contact your local rescue group or bring them down to the local shelter where they can use their “pass- port” to choose and adopt their new friend. An added note, if you do have your own pets at home during the holidays, be aware of glass ornaments, wires that can be chewed, don’t use tinsel on trees, and keep the holiday foods, plants and candy out of their reach. All of these can be deadly for pets. Bring the dogs indoors during any kind of freezing weather and during any fireworks displays. More dogs left outside are reported missing after July 4th and New Year’s Eve than any other day. For more information, visit www. homesforpets.org. Nationwide, one out of every four shelter and rescue dogs is a purebred, and there are millions of healthy, loving mixed breed dogs and cats currently awaiting good homes, too. Most of these shelter animals have already been spayed or neutered, have received all their vaccinations and are up to date on veterinary checkups. A foster home based group means someone has lived with this dog or cat, so they know their personality, if they are house trained, and are familiar with most of their likes and dislikes. Leigha M. Nielsen, OD 17460 IH 35 North, Suite 412 Schertz, TX 78154 210.590.2482 www.schertztso.com Use or Lose Your Insurance Benefits BeforeYear End Caring for the Eyes of Texas CIVIC NEWZ YOUR EXCLUSIVE SOURCE FOR NEWS FROM THE CITY OF SCHERTZ Schertz Named One of Best Places For Young Families in Texas Schertz is one of the best places in Texas for Young Families, according to NerdWallet.com, a personal finance website. The City of Schertz ranked No. 18 on a list of 111 places when it comes to raising a family in the Lone Star State. New Braunfels, at No. 17, was the only other San Antonio-area com- munity in the top 20 of the list. Here is what NerdWallet.com said: Texas now ranks as the fastest-growing state for job growth, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but to raise kids well, education and affordable housing also carry weight. So to find the best places for young families in Texas, NerdWallet crunched the data by analyzing the following fac- tors: 1. Public school excellence. Data from GreatSchools.org, which compares students’ test scores to the state average on a 1-10 scale, with 10 as the highest. 2. Home affordability. Using U.S. Census Bureau data, we weighed median home values and monthly homeownership costs, including mortgage payments, real estate taxes, insur- ance costs, utilities, fuel and other bills. Places with more affordable homes had higher scores. 3. Growth and prosperity. We assessed a city’s economy us- ing census figures that detailed median household incomes from 2012 and long-term income growth since 1999. Schertz’s population has doubled from 18,694 in 2000 to nearly 38,000 in 2014 and much of that growth has come from young families moving here. “Hats off to our school districts for making Schertz a com- munity that any family would desire to call home,” said City Manager John Kessel. 37 schertzmagazine.com DECEMBER 2014 New City Council Members Take Oath The Schertz City Council got one new member and the return of two in- cumbents during a ceremony at the Wednesday, November 12, Council meeting. After Council canvassed the November 4 election results, the winners were sworn in. From left they are: Michael Carpenter, re-elected Mayor; Jim Fowler, re-elected Place 1 council member; and Grumpy Azzoz, new Place 2 council member. 210-888-2753 - 6032 FM3009, Schertz www.encantogrill.com Served Every Day Monday-Friday 7-11am Saturday & Sunday 10am-3pm Schertz EMS Gets Donated CPR Manikins Schertz EMS has received a set of four CPR train- ing manikins through a grant program from the National Automobile Dealers Charitable Founda- tion thanks to local sponsorship by Gunn Auto- motive. In the above photo the manikins are presented at a Schertz City Council meeting by Charley O’Daniel, General Manager of Gunn Chevrolet and Phil Kandera, General Manager of Gunn Buick / GMC. Schertz EMS Community Health Manager Kellie Scurlock accepts the the mani- kins. She said in October alone, Schertz EMS has trained more than 350 people in how to properly provide CPR, with manikins as a teaching tool. The new manikins will help the EMS department with future training. The department was noti- fied of the grant opportunity and reached out to Gunn Automotive for help. “My husband & I have had an ad in the Schertz Magazine since it was the Schertz Tales! As our business changed so did our need for marketing, some months we made changes in sizes or text, and the public noticed! At RE/MAX Corridor, benefited from our partnership with the magazine and it’s wonderful staff. We look forward to con- tinuing our business relationship with this award winning publication.” Tim and Nancy Brown RE/MAX Corridor DECEMBER 2014 schertzmagazine.com 40 Schertz PD Holiday Safety Tips Be sure doors and windows of your home are locked when you leave, even for just a few minutes. Don’t display presents where they can be seen from a window or door- way. Hide them if you leave town. Keep lights and a radio or TV on so your home looks occupied, even if it’s not. When you’ll be away from home for long periods of time, use an automatic light timer and have neighbors pick up newspapers, mail and even park in your drive- way from time to time. Be cautious of strangers asking for charitable dona- tions during the holidays. To make sure they are who they say they are and will use your donation for what they say they will, ask for identification, ask how the funds will be used, etc. Keep records on serial numbers of existing prop- erty and add to the list any new items that may be received as gifts. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Never leave your home or sleep with candles burning. Make sure holiday lights are in good working order and make sure ornaments are flame resistant. Avoid leaving large empty boxes on the curbside for trash pickup as they indicate to burglars items that may be worth stealing from the home. DO NOT leave your purse unattended in your shop- ping cart. Hold onto it or carry only what you will need and secure your purse in the trunk of your vehicle. Be wary if anyone bumps into you. It may be an accident or it could be someone trying to pick your pockets. When using public washrooms, use extreme caution -- try to avoid putting your purse on hooks, door handles or the floor. Shop during the daytime, when possible avoid carry- ing large amounts of cash. Wear your purse strapped across your body. Don’t carry your wallet in a loose jacket or loose pocket. Whenever possible, use credit cards or checks instead of cash. When us- ing credit cards, make sure that only one credit slip is printed with your charge card. Also, be sure to tear up any carbons that may be used to complete the transaction. Credit card fraud can ruin your holi- day season. Don’t try to carry too many packages -- that could attract purse snatchers. If you need to, store purchases in your vehicle; if possible lock them in your trunk. How- ever, if they must be left in the vehicle, attempt to put them in a non-visible place or cover them from easily being viewed. Teach children that if they become lost in a store to go to a store employee, not the park- ing lot. Make sure party guests don’t drive drunk. Offer to take them home, have them sleep there or find them a designated driver if needed. 41 schertzmagazine.com DECEMBER 2014 Dziewit and Weirtz Honored at Simonson Service Awards Two longtime community champions - Rich- ard Dziewit and Dean Weirtz - were recog- nized October 30 during the 2014 Steve Simon- son Community Volunteer of the Year Service Award event. They were honored along with many commu- nity volunteers who comprise the Board and Commissions of the City. Dziewit was named 2014 Steve Simonson Community Service Award Volunteer of the Year and Weirtz was named Distinguished Volunteer of the Year. Dziewit currently serves as Vice-Chair on the Board of Adjustments and also on the Trans- portation Safety Advisory Commission. His ongoing commitment to the City of Schertz is evidenced by his other group affiliations; Police Alumni Association, Guadalupe County Crime Stoppers, Special Olympics, Citizens on Patrol, Ashley Place HOA, Deputy Voter Registrar and Pancreatic Cancer Council to name a few. He was nominated by Sue Boissonneault; who in her application for the award says she chose Richard because of the selfless volunteer work he does without asking anything in return. His support of Schertz programs, such as Wilen- chik Walk for Life, Doggie Dash, and his com- mitment to attending and participating in city council meetings proves his time is dedicated to the betterment of our city. Weirtz serves as the Chair of the Histori- cal Preservation Committee. in this role, he oversees the historical artifacts in the Visitor Center and Senior Center. Dean was one of the driving forces pushing to preserve the City’s history; buildings and neighborhoods. Since 2008, Dean has spent enormous amounts of time and his own resources to research, preserve, give pre- sentations, publish the Schertz History, attend confer- ences and even traveled to Riedersheim France twice to ensure our residents know their history. Weirtz was nominated by fellow member Debbie Krause. Through his efforts, he has helped establish the first historical neighborhood - south of FM 78 and was instrumental in the addition of the painted mural on the side of the Masonic Lodge on Main St. Dziewit and city officials. Weirtz and city officials. DECEMBER 2014 schertzmagazine.com 42 Presented by the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee in the interest of historical perspective and community awareness of local historical legacies. Quote of Note “Glory lives only when the past is remembered” Author - British Prime Minister John Major Local History In December 1961, the citizens of Schertz passed its first bond issue ever and thereby approved the building of a city-wide sanitary sewer system. The general obligation bond provided for $350,000 for construction of the system. Texas History On December 29, 1845, the U.S. Congress ap- proved, and President James K. Polk signed, the Joint Resolution for Admission of the State of Texas into the Union, Texas became the 28th state. The Texas and Pacific Rail- road reaches Sierra Blanca in West Texas, about 30 miles east of El Paso. Looking Back December 43 schertzmagazine.com DECEMBER 2014 National Recognition for St. Joseph Chapel By Jim and Diana Webb As a result of an exten- sive effort by several local historical groups and interested citizens, spearheaded by Dean Wiertz, chairman of the City of Schertz’s Historical Preservation Committee, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced the selection of St. Jo- seph’s Catholic Chapel for placement on the National Register of Historic Places. Authorized by the Nation- al Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Register is administered by the National Park Ser- vice. To be listed in the Na- tional Register, properties must have significance in the history of their com- munity, state, or nation. While many sites are nominated each year, only a handful are selected. Our St. Joseph’s Chapel now joins a list in Texas that includes such area landmarks as the Alamo, the San Antonio missions, and the Gunter Hotel. The chapel was built in 1905 and is located on FM 482 near Schwab Road in the Schertz extraterrito- rial jurisdiction. When the chapel was built on land donated by the Peter Ignaz and Anna Maria Wenzel family, there was already a Catholic school and an attached convent on the property. Those buildings were demol- ished in the mid-1950’s. The chapel is in limited use today. It comes under the jurisdiction of the Saints Peter and Paul par- ish in New Braunfels. While the chapel’s age had a bearing in the selection process, the main qualifi- cation for its recognition came from its architect -- renowned area business- man and architect Leo M. J. Dielmann (1881-1969). Dielmann graduated from St Mary’s College in San Antonio in 1898, and then studied architecture and engineering in Germany. In addition to working as an architect in his father’s business, he also served as San Antonio building inspector (1909-12) and as an alderman-at-large for the City of San An- tonio (1913-14). Later, he established his own architectural business. He went on to design many types of public and private structures in the local area and throughout Texas. Among his works are the Fort Sam Houston Post Chapel, the Conventual Chapel at Our Lady of the Lake University, the Joske Brothers’ Building, and the chapel at Randolph AFB. St. Joseph’s Chapel was one of the first to be designed by Dielmann. It is an outstand- ing example of the German Gothic Revival style, of which he was a leading exponent. This style is evidenced by, among other features, the chapel’s steeply pitched roof, lancet windows, interior floor plan, and exquisitely designed altar. The altar was crafted by well known crafts- man, John Henry Sievers. He was born in Germany and immigrated with his family to Castroville. He was trained in the rigorous German cabinet-making tradition. He built altars and other types of woodwork and furniture for churches, businesses, and private citizens throughout Texas and the surrounding states. Schertz citizens now have one more reason to be proud of our city – a building on the National Register of Historic Places! ROCKPOINT IS A NEW CHURCH COMING TO THE CIBOLO- SCHERTZ AREA! - Casual, inclusive, transformational - Helping ALL KINDS of people FIND and FOLLOW God FIND and FOLLOW God City of Schertz Elected Officials Mayor: Michael Carpenter (210) 619-1045 Council Members:Jim Fowler (210) 658-1442Grumpy Azzoz (210) 488-4214Daryl John (210) 204-2750Cedric Edwards, Sr. (210) 566-4540Matthew Duke (210) 204-8649 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) 619-1000Economic 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 #info IMPORTANT SCHERTZ WEBSITES schertz.com visitschertz.com schertzmagazine.com Like us on Facebook December 2014CITYCALENDARZ December Festival of Angels; Friday, December 5 March Wilenchik Walk for Life: Saturday March 7 April Jazz, Blues ‘n BBQ April 11, 2015 May Doggie Dash TBA July Jubilee July 3-4, 2015 September SchertzFest September 18-19 Be sure to check out visitschertz.com for more event info! Annual Events: Tuesday, 2 City Council, 6:00 PM Council Chamber Thursday, 4 TSAC, 5:30 PM City Council Chambers Tuesday, 9 City Council, 6:00 PM Council Chamber Monday, 15 Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, 5:30 PM Bob Andrews Room Tuesday, 16 City Council, 6:00 PM Council Chamber Wednesday, 17 Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM Council Chambers Tuesday, 23 City Council, 6:00 PM Council Chamber Thursday 25 City Holiday - Christmas (offices closed) Friday 26 City Holiday - Christmas (offices closed) Tuesday, 30 City Council, 6:00 PM Council Chamber Meeting locations may change, please visit the calendar at www.schertz.com for more information. ALAMO.EDU/NLC TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP WITH US! Registration now open for Spring 2015 classes 1201 Kitty Hawk Rd. Universal City, TX 78148 The Alamo Colleges are an EOE. For any special accommodation issues or an alternate format contact the Title IX Coordinator at (210)-485-0200. PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT 1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY SCHERTZ, TEXAS 78154