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01_January 2019
BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS ma g a z i n e JANUARY 2019 The True Spirit of Fashion City Council Michael Carpenter Mayor Mark Davis Councilmember Ralph Gutierrez Councilmember Scott Larson Councilmember Cedric Edwards Councilmember David Scagliola Councilmember Allison Heyward Councilmember Tim Brown Councilmember Executive Team Mark Browne City Manager Brian James Executive Director Kyle Kinateder Executive Director Sarah Gonzalez Assistant to the City Manager About Our Magazine Schertz Magazine is a monthly popular lifestyle/entertainment/community events publication wholly owned and operated by the City of Schertz and produced internally by the Schertz Public Affairs Department. It serves as the primary dissemination source for government information for a growing city of 38,000 residents. Today, Schertz Magazine is the leading publication in the Tri County area with a circulation of 15,000 copies; including 13,000+ direct mailed and 500+ subscriptions from Austin through San Antonio and around the country (including dozens of out-of-state readers). The magazine is mailed to 12,000+ local households and over 1,000 businesses with hundreds of copies made available at local and regional banks, hospitals and clinics, schools, pharmacies, and restaurants. Mission Leading, improving, and serving a livable, sustainable, and financially sound community. Vision Community. Service. Opportunity. Core Values Treat others the way you would want to be treated. Do the right thing. Be the best you can. Work cooperatively as a team. TABLE OF CONTENTS 07 16 10 City Headlines Parks & Recreation Library 34 41 47 Features Around the Community Calendar FEATURES 34 Schertz Welcomes New City Manager 38 SCHERTZ.COM H appy New Year, Schertz! It’s always an exciting time as we reflect and reminisce on another great year and set goals for what’s to come in 2019. January is here, and it’s time to start something new and trust the magic of new beginnings. This issue of Schertz Magazine warmly reminds us of this. We’ve wrapped up a full year with twelve great issues and look to another year of continued success and community pride. With your help, we’ve communicated what this community is all about; we’ve taken this magazine to destinations around the world; and we’ve seen growth and development from area organizations, our incredible youth and City departments– all things that we’ll continue to see prosper in 2019. Dive deep into this issue of Schertz Magazine for a glimpse at what’s happening. The City warmly welcomes our new City Manager, Dr. Mark Browne; our Council has two new councilmembers, Allison Heyward and Tim Brown; and we are saying goodbye to two long-serving employees, Melissa Geedman Melissa Geedman Communications Manager PUBLISHED MONTHLY BYPublic Affairs Department Linda Klepper Public Affairs Director Melissa Geedman Communications Manager Devan FloresMarketing & Communications Specialist _________ Contributing WritersMelissa Geedman, Devan Flores, Linda Klepper, Stacey Lovett, Cassandra Michels, Jessica Sullivan, Jason Mabbitt, Elizabeth Bertoia, Lauren Shrum, Bryce Cox, Helen Lafitte Contributing Photographers Melissa Geedman, Devan Flores, Stacey Lovett, Jessica Sullivan, Helen Lafitte, Joe Herczeg, Scott McClelland, Joshua Nolden 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) 619-1619Website is schertz.com and schertzmagazine.com Send queries about articles or photographs to Schertz Magazine at magazine@schertz.com. For advertising information call (210) 619-1630 or 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 magazine@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 35 ISSUE 1 Executive Director, Dudley Wait and Fire Lieutenant, Leon Sposari. We’re introducing new programs- to include the Daddy Daughter Dance- and announcing information about existing programs. Find in this issue some exciting updates on projects, and congratulate local students on their amazing achievements. We’re one month into 2019, and it’s already looking very promising at what lies ahead. I’ll leave you with these words in hopes each and every one of you is challenged to create magical new beginnings. “Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” Wishing everyone a wonderful new year full of warm memories! Cheers, Schertz Magazine January 2019 7 Silt Removal of East Dietz Creek Drainage Channel The City of Schertz Drainage Department has contracted with C-3 Environmental Specialties to complete a silt removal project in East Dietz Creek from Borgfeld Road to Dietz Road. Over time, major floodways, such as E. Dietz Creek, have silt build up in the channel bottom reducing the capacity of the channel. The removal of this built up silt is done as maintenance approximately every 8-12 years to restore the channel to the original design capacity, which is critical in the City’s floodways to convey the appropriate amount of water from large rain events. This maintenance project was planned for in the City of Schertz Drainage Department’s budget for Fiscal Year 2017-2018. Ford Engineering completed the engineering design for the project. The Drainage Department publicly bid the project for construction in June 2018 and City Council awarded the project to C-3 Environmental Specialties on July 24, 2018. The total cost of the project is $535,000.00 including design and construction. The notice to proceed date for the project was September 10, 2018 and it is anticipated, weather permitting, that the project will be completed in the Spring of 2019. CityHeadlines Keeping Our Streets Clean The City's Public Works Department cleans about 600 miles of streets each month in the City of Schertz. In order to maintain all of the roadways, the sweepers follow a regular monthly schedule. To ensure the sweepers make all of the rounds, the City asks that residents do not dump, push, sweep, or blow yard waste- including leaves, tree limbs, or brush- into City streets or right of ways. Placing large amounts of leaves and debris in the roadways can cause several problems such as delays in the schedule or equipment failures. Vacuum chutes on sweepers can become clogged if large amounts of debris get sucked into the equipment. Residents should mulch leaves when mowing the lawns or rake and bag them to be placed out with the trash for pickup. The Public Works Department works hard to keep up with sweeping schedules with minimal delays. As our City is continuing to grow at a rapid pace, it becomes a challenge to complete the entire city with just two sweepers. This is the busiest time of the season with the leaves falling throughout the city, and we ask that you please do your part to keep our streets clean. Schertz Magazine January 2019 8 A Dazzling Good Time As the decorated streets of Schertz began to look more and more like Christmas, the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex transformed into a winter play land for the first Schertz Holidazzle event. Formerly known as Festival of Angels, the revamped winter family-fun day brought some new holiday themed activities alongside some old favorites. The festivities kicked off earlier this year with jolly old St. Nick himself taking the last minute gift requests over a pancake breakfast while shoppers enjoyed the Kris Kringle Market opening at 8:00 AM. Although the December day brought 80 degree weather, eventgoers still got to enjoy a bit of 'snow', and the snowballs and snow angels proved it is still as fun as the real deal. A Texas-weather- friendly skating rink had the community testing their balancing skills as onlookers gazed out of a giant inflatable interactive snow globe perfect for those fun-themed pics. Mt. Schertz made a reappearance with inner tube sleds this time, lending to the day’s priceless photo ops of the many faces of first-time sledders. The hungry hill-surfers had their pick of food truck faves: Transylvania treats served up their novel chimney cakes alongside Cori Jean’s Ice Cream, Cheesy Janes, Llala’s Empanadas, and Backwoods BBQ & tacos. The parade of lights wrapped up the night as tired kiddos and their families lined Main Street down the Parkway to City Hall to wave at festive floats and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus at the end. While we don’t have a snow- laden winter wonderland here in South Texas, we improvised to dazzle the community Texas-style and Santa approved. CityHeadlines Schertz Magazine January 2019 9 Schertz Magazine January 2019 10 Schertz Magazine January 2019 11 Contact Us 798 Schertz Parkway Schertz, TX 78154 Phone: 210-619-1700 Hours of Operation Mon-Thur 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Fri-Sat 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Sun 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM JANUARY CALENDAR WINTER READING SAFARI KICK-OFF EVENT Join us for a special winter reading safari kickoff event with live animals from Happy Tails on Saturday, January 12 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM outside the library. Be sure to pick up your Winter Reading Safari Map at the event. BOOK ENDS AFTERNOON BOOK CLUB The library book club meets the second Thursday of each month in Library Meeting Room 1. On Thursday, January 10, join us for a discussion of Island Beneath the Sea by Isabel Allende beginning at 1:30 PM. Pre-registration is not required. POETRY OPEN MIC NIGHT Join us for a relaxed and friendly open mic poetry night on Thursday, January 10 from 6:30 – 8:00 PM in Library Meeting Room 1. This open mic will give poets the opportunity to socialize and network with other writers. Everyone is invited to come enjoy the work of our local poets. Sign-up for readers will be available the night of the program. AFTERNOON CROCHET LESSONS This month the Schertz Public Library will be starting a new afternoon crochet program that will teach anyone interested in learning the craft a different lesson each month. This month on Monday, January 7 at 12:30 PM in Library Meeting Room 1, students will do introductions and begin learning how to hold yarn, tension, and single & double tension. Pre-registration is encouraged. QUILT AS YOU GO CLASS Are you interested in learning how to quilt, but don’t know where to start? Join us this month for our new quilt as you go lessons with Patti on Thursday, January 17 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM in Library Meeting Room 1. Pre-registration is required. PODCAST BRUNCH CLUB- LIKE A BOOK CLUB, BUT FOR PODCASTS Do you struggle with not having enough time to listen to all the podcasts that interest you?! We do and we propose that we solve this by meeting each month to munch on snacks and discuss a thematic playlist. Listen to the 3-5 episodes in your own time and meet up for the group discussion. If this sounds of interest to you, please sign up at podcastbrunchclub.com/schertz. From there, we will be in touch when we have enough participants to begin! SCRAPBOOKING 101 Local resident, Kristin Friesenhahn will be teaching a beginning scrapbooking class at the library on Tuesday, January 29 from 12:00 - 2:00 PM in Library Meeting Room 1. This session will be informational, so the only supplies you will need are a notebook and writing utensil. Students will learn everything they need to know about scrapbooking in a couple of hours! This program is for adults 18+. SEW LET IT BEE LIBRARY QUILT BEE Join us for a few fun hours of quilting! The quilt bee meets on the second Tuesday (January 8) and third Saturday (January 19) of each month from 12:00 - 3:00 PM both days in Library Meeting Room 1 (located in the library foyer). The bee is perfect for advanced quilters and for those interested in getting started! SCHERTZ AREA GENEALOGY INFORMATION The Schertz Area Genealogy group meets on the first Tuesday of every month, except July, at the Schertz Public Library. The meetings are from 6:30 - 8:00 PM in Library Meeting Room 1 with speakers or general discussion about worldwide research. The January meeting will have a guest speaker on the topic of physician codes on death certificates. SCHERTZ LIBRARY FOUNDATION RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS The Schertz Library Foundation is looking to recruit enthusiastic members. The Foundation assists the Schertz Public Library achieve best-in-class service to Schertz and surrounding communities by providing resources over and above their annual budget. With the fundraising efforts of the Library Foundation, the library was able to purchase an additional $5,000 worth of eBooks and last year the Foundation raised enough money to upgrade all ten of the library catalog computers to iPad technology. If you are interested in fundraising and want to help make our library an even better place, please stop by and complete and application. WINTER READING SAFARI Travel around town with us on a Winter Reading Safari this January and February. Winter Reading Safari will start with a special kick-off event on Saturday, January 12! We will then challenge participants to read around town at different locations. Once your safari map is complete, submit it to the library before 6:00 PM on February 22 to be entered in to the grand prize drawing. There will also be weekly prize drawings throughout the program. Schertz Magazine January 2019 12 Meet Your City Council Michael Carpenter, Mayor Michael Carpenter was first elected mayor on Tuesday, November 6, 2012. He has since been re-elected twice. Mayor Carpenter previously served on the City Council since May of 2005. Carpenter has been active in the community as a volunteer in many organizations including Buffalo Valley Youth Association and the Soccer Association for Youth of San Antonio. He and his wife Missy have been married for 20 years and have two sons. Mark E. Davis, City Councilmember Place 1 Mark E. Davis served on the Traffic Safety Advisory Commission since 2010 and also on the 2014 City Charter Review Commission where he served as the commission chair. He also served on the Parks & Recreation Board where he led development of the Parks Master Plan. Davis is a retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant. He and his wife Sherry have been married since 1980. They have three children. Ralph Gutierrez, City Councilmember Place 2 Ralph Gutierrez is a native Texan and has been a Schertz resident since 1991 when he was reassigned to Randolph Air Force Base and has remained a resident of Schertz for the past 25 years. In 1994 he retired from the Air Force and in 2016 retired from the U.S. Federal Courts where he managed the Public Access to Court Electronic Records. Gutierrez and his wife Raquel have been married for 39 years and have a daughter. Scott Larson, City Councilmember Place 3 Scott Larson graduated from Taft High School and attended the University of Texas at San Antonio. He works in financial services sector in San Antonio. Larson and his wife Stacy have a daughter and attend Oak Hills Journey Fellowship Campus in Selma. In his free time Scott enjoys spending time with family, playing basketball, reading and watching movies. Scott and Stacy enjoying visiting the Library with their daughter, Hannah, who loves story time and playing at the Playscape. Cedric Edwards, City Councilmember Place 4 Elected to City Council in May 2010, Cedric Edwards serves as a member of the finance review committee for the City. He joined the firm of Edward Jones Investments in March of 2000 as a financial advisor, opening the firm’s first branch office in Schertz. He is the past chairman of the Randolph Metrocom Chamber of Commerce and the past founding chairman of the Schertz Cibolo Universal City ISD Education Foundation. Cedric and his wife Mary have four children. CityHeadlines Schertz Magazine January 2019 13 David Scagliola, City Councilmember Place 5and Mayor Pro Tem David L. Scagliola was reelected to the Schertz City Council in November 2017. Scagliola served the residents of Schertz from 2006 until 2014 as a councilman, mayor pro tem, and acting mayor. He is a strong supporter of The Chamber of Commerce, Schertz Humane Society (Homes for Pets), Schertz Seniors' Center, Library, the FFA, and the SCUCISD. David retired after serving over 28 years of active and reserve service in the United States Air Force. Allison Heyward, City Councilmember Place 6 Allison Heyward has been a resident of Schertz since 2011. She grew up in Houston, Texas and spent her weekends on the family farm in Raywood, Texas. Allison is married to her husband Ferrando; they have been married 27 years and are the proud parents of two children, a daughter and a son who both graduated from Bryon P. Steele High School. Allison earned a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Texas Southern University in 1990. Allison spends her spare time crafting, gardening and reading as well as enjoying family time. Tim Brown, City Councilmember Place 7 Tim Brown was raised in Detroit, Michigan and has been married to his wife Nancy since 1979. Tim Brown retired from the USAF after 28 years of service. After retirement, he started RE/MAX Corridor and returned to Schertz in November 2013. Brown has served on the Schertz Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors, Committee of Committees Advisory Board, and on the 2016 Bond Committee. Tim earned a Community College of the Air Force Associates Degree in Air Traffic Control in 1986 and completed his Bachelor of Science in Management from Wayland Baptist University in 2001. Schertz Magazine January 2019 15 Pups Excited Fur Santa The cold weather didn’t keep families away from coming out to the last Schertz Parks and Recreation Music and Movies in the Park series event of the year featuring Santa Buddies - The Legend of Santa Paws. Attendees came in their best Christmas attire for pictures with Santa himself. Even the dogs dressed up for the occasion in Santa suits and sweaters. Kids enjoyed visiting with Santa along with their special four-legged members of the family. Santa and his elf helper took several photos with families and afterwards the children had the opportunity to make little puppy ornaments to take home. Kids cuddled up under the blankets to keep warm to enjoy the movie featuring Budderball, B-Dawg, Rosebud, Buddha, and Mudbud in a touching twist on a Christmas classic. When Puppy Paws, the feisty son of Santa Paws, forgets the true meaning of the season, it's up to the Buddies to remind him that Christmas is not about what you get, it's about what you give. Local hot dog stand Reggie’s Dawg House and Cori Jean’s ice cream cart were available for attendees to purchase refreshments. Ice cream is always a favorite even in the cold weather, but the hot cocoa was definitely a hit to help warm everyone up. Stay tuned for the full calendar of Music and Movies in the Park events for 2019! Schertz Magazine January 2019 16 STAY INFORMED!Follow us on Facebook at cityofschertz andcityofschertzparksandrecreation WE WANT YOUR BEST SHOT!Follow us on Instagram at @SchertzParksandRec and use #SchertzParksandRec when posting. CRESCENT BEND BIRDING WALK Join us at Crescent Bend Nature Park for the next Birding Walk on Tuesday, January 15 from 8:00 – 11:00 AM. Meet in the first parking lot with leader Sandi Wheeler for a walk through the park to learn about the bird life. Bring your binoculars, cameras, water, and snacks. All levels of birders are welcome – from beginners to experts. PARKS TEAM DONATES TO BLUE SANTA PROGRAMParks & Recreation employee, Israel Segura, led an effort to collect toys for Schertz Police Department's Blue Santa Program. With the help of other Parks employees, and his wife Terry, he was able to collect over 140 toys and purchase wrapping paper supplies for the program. The Schertz Parks & Recreation Department is proud of the outstanding work Israel does not only for the department and the city, but the community as a whole. Schertz Magazine January 2019 17 NATURE DISCOVERY SERIES SPRING 2019The Nature Discovery Series is back for Spring 2019! Get your little ones outdoors to discover the exciting nature right in our own backyard. Kids are encouraged to explore, discover, and ask questions to help grow their knowledge of nature. This free program is designed for families with elementary-aged children, but older and younger siblings are also welcome. Texas Master Naturalist volunteers will lead the themed programs held at 10:00 AM at Crescent Bend Nature Park. Upcoming Spring 2019 dates and topics are: January 12: Discover the ForestExplore how each living thing plays a role in a forest. February 9: Discover What's FlyingLearn clues for looking at birds. March 9: Discover Rocks, Senses and Sediments Use 5 senses on earth's building blocks. April 13: Discover What's Buzzing and Blooming Have fun with flowers, bees and butterflies. May 11: Discover What's SwimmingCapture tiny critters in Cibolo Creek with dip-nets. Pre-registration is required. Contact the Schertz Parks & Recreation Office at (210) 619-1850 to secure your spot. Sewer Averaging Will Affect Residents' 2018-2019 Bills Sewer averaging for the winter months began on October 24, 2018 and will continue through March 6, 2019 for cycle billing. Water usage over this period determines your sewer charge for the next billing year, which begins April 1. The water usage readings will be averaged, and the average per thousand gallon usage per month will be multiplied by $4.32. That total will be added to the base rate of $12.54 for residents with an average below 12,000 gallons. For residents with usage greater than 12,001 gallons, the first 12,000 gallons will be multiplied by $4.32 and the portion of the average above 12,000 gallons will be multiplied by $9.37. That total will be added to the base rate of $12.54 for residential use. The final calculation result will be your sewer charge for the next 12 months. For more information, go to Schertz.com or call (210) 619-1100. Holiday Tree Disposal Republic Services will begin picking up Christmas Trees during the second and third weeks of January. Trees will be picked up only on the second service day for customers with twice per week service. Customers with service on Mondays and Thursdays will have their trees picked up on Thursday. Customers with service on Tuesdays and Fridays will have their trees picked up on Friday. Customers with once per week service will have their trees picked up on their regular service days. Wednesday customers will have their trees picked up on Wednesday. Friday customers will have the trees picked up on Friday. Trees must be placed at the curb. Any trees taller than 7 feet must be cut in half. Any trees at the curb after the third week would need to be called in as a bulk pick up. For more information contact (210) 619-1800. CityHeadlines Schertz Magazine January 2019 21 From the Development Whiteboard Planning & Community Development Development in Schertz in 2018 has been great. This past year, as a community we have built over 400 new homes and constructed over 1,000,000 square feet of new commercial and industrial buildings in the City. Additionally, two new schools were completed, Danville Middle School (Comal ISD) and Rose Garden Elementary (SCUCISD), as well as major renovations to Clemens High School (SCUCISD) and Founders Academy. In addition to planning for and permitting all the new development, the Planning and Community Development Department accomplished a number of process improvements that we feel have helped us improve our customer service. Building upon last year’s successful online inspection request system, we introduced an online permit submittal system so that contractors and homeowners are able to submit their permit applications online and receive confirmation of the request. They are also able to receive plan review comments via email and resubmit plan revisions online. The department also overhauled the permitting and inspections webpages to include more information in an easy to find organization. Additionally a new website feature “What’s Developing in Schertz?” was created which displays information about commercial and residential projects that are under construction around the city. During Building Safety Month in May we hosted outreach events at Lowe’s Home Improvement and Rose Garden Elementary School to promote building safety. In 2018 we welcomed four new Building Inspectors (Jim Bruce, Steven Roberts, Armando Alcala, Waylin Caraway) and new City Planner (Nick Koplyay) to the team. We excelled at continuing education with five new certifications earned to assist with the safe and orderly development of the City. We were recognized for the fifth year in a row by the American Planning Association- Texas Chapter for Planning Excellence. Overall 2018 was a successful year for the department and the City, with a number of great service improvements. If you have been thinking about a remodel or new development or even just want to know more about development in the community give us a call or stop by. We are here to assist you in your development needs. Happy New Year from the Planning & Community Development Staff! 2018 Year in Review By: Bryce Cox Schertz Magazine January 2019 22 Schertz EMS Equipped with Body Armor With the recent purchase of body armor and helmets, Schertz EMS is equipping their men and women to protect themselves when responding to active shooter situations in the instances they occur. The gear will be stored with the EMS Supervisor allowing a quick distribution of equipment to the medics should a situation warrant it. Schertz EMS is taking a proactive safety approach for its employees since the nation has seen an increase in active shooter situations over the past few years (Las Vegas shooting that killed 58 and wounded more than 400 and Sutherland Springs shooting that killed 27 and wounded 20 more). “Protection for first responders is of utmost importance. We want our medics prepared with the highest level of protection possible so they can provide timely medical care to the injured,” says EMS Director, Jason Mabbitt. Victims of active shooter and/or mass causality incidents with penetrating trauma can bleed to death in as little as three minutes. Schertz EMS will be prepared to enter scenes, with the protection of law enforcement, to find and provide care for those injured. “Our medics waiting to enter the scene is a thing of the past,” says Mabbitt. “Saving lives, while protecting our medics, is our top priority.” EMS purchased four Shellback Tactical plate carriers with front and rear Level IV plates that will stop a rifle round. The helmets are Shellback Tactical Level IIIAs that will stop a pistol round. EMS will be conducting training drills with these devices beginning in 2019. Schertz Magazine January 2019 23 Exciting Future for Long-Time Employee Dudley Wait has been employed with the City of Schertz since June 2001. Until April 2015, he served as the EMS Director for Schertz EMS when he was promoted to his current position as the Executive Director of Operations for the City. His current responsibilities include oversight over all of public safety (Fire, Police and EMS), Public Works (water, waste-water, streets, drainage) Fleet and Facility Services and Human Resources. Dudley has been in the EMS industry since 1985 when he joined the volunteer ambulance service at Texas A&M University. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Management in 1992 from Texas A&M, and during his time there he became certified first as an EMT and then as a Paramedic. After graduating from Texas A&M, Dudley took a position as a paramedic with Sunstar Paramedics, a large county-wide EMS system that answers over 120,000 requests for service annually, in Pinellas County Florida. In his ten-year career in Florida, he advanced through a number of positions including Field Supervisor, Communications Center Manager and finally Operations Manager where he was responsible for the day-to- day operations of Sunstar. Eventually, the volume of work in such a large system drove Dudley’s decision to return to Texas and to seek out a system ripe for development and rapid progress but smaller. Arriving in Schertz in 2001, Dudley oversaw the beginning of a new, fully paid municipal ambulance provider that left its volunteer days behind just a few months prior to his arrival. In addition to managing the transition from a volunteer department to a fully-staffed operation, Dudley also worked through Schertz’ rapid growth and expansion over the last fifteen years, seeing increased call volume by 250 percent. Dudley is also a big believer in regional collaboration and in actively working to improve the ambulance industry across the entire state of Texas. Dudley currently sits as the Chair of the Governor’s EMS and Trauma Advisory Council’s EMS Subcommittee, is the Treasurer for the South Texas Regional Advisory Council (STRAC) and chairs the region’s Cardiac Care Committee. Dudley was also the first elected President of the Texas EMS Alliance. Overseeing the public safety and public works divisions, Dudley has played a vital role in the progress of several major City projects. He has lead the Fire Department through the initiation and planning of Fire Station #3 (set to open late summer of 2019), worked alongside the Cibolo Creek Municipal Authority (CCMA) for the development of the southern Schertz waste water plant, and assisted in securing funds for the Schertz Seguin Local Government Corporation (SSLGC) parallel pipeline and Guadalupe well field. Dudley is moving on from Schertz and has accepted a new position as MEDCOM Director at the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council (STRAC) in San Antonio. He will remain a part of the City as a part-time paramedic in the EMS Department. Dudley met his wife Cindy in Florida and brought her back to Texas with him. They currently have two sons, Zayden (5) and Zachary (3) who were adopted 5 years ago. They also have a four-legged baby named Pepper, their English Bulldog. Over the past two years they have added three foster babies to their growing family that they hope to adopt in the next 3-4 months. “When I look at the last 17 years, I cannot believe the privilege I have had to be able to lead a tremendous staff whose desires have been to move the City forward to provide a strong community for our citizens to live in. As my time with the City draws to a close, I look forward with excitement to what the future holds for me and my family and I leave sad -yet confident- that the City will move forward without a hitch. I will cherish the memories I have of challenging staff to work together to take the City to greater heights every day,” commented Dudley. Please join the City in thanking Mr. Wait for his service to Schertz. Congratulations and best of luck in your future endeavors. Schertz Magazine January 2019 24 Schertz Police Receives Generous Gift At the December 11 City Council meeting the Schertz Police Department received a $27,000.00 donation from Santikos Entertainment to help fund new equipment for the department. “This incredibly generous donation allows the department to complete two important goals of completely outfitting every marked patrol vehicle with an AED and assigning every patrol officer a body camera,” commented Schertz Police Chief, Michael Hansen. Funds from this donation will supply Schertz PD with fifteen WatchGuard body worn cameras, which help provide better evidence documentation when officers are in the field, increased officer accountability, and department transparency. Additionally, nine Automated External Defibrillators (AED’s) will be purchased for patrol vehicles. During the check presentation Santikos Entertainment Director of Strategy and Innovation, Andrew Brooks commented, “This small gift to the Schertz Police Department is just a small example of the gift John L. Santikos left to the San Antonio Area Foundation and our local community. Just like this gift is going to save and change lives, the gift that he left leaves us with a mission to save and change lives every day.” The Schertz Police Department has already received the funds from this donation and will be working diligently to secure all of the equipment as soon as possible. “Without this donation, these purchases would have been at least a budget year away from happening. As Mr. Brooks shared with Council, this donation will fulfill their promise to save and change lives and leave the community better than it was found,” stated Chief Hansen. CityHeadlines Schertz Magazine January 2019 25 Grab your boots and throw on some bling because we’re bringing country chic to this Denim & Diamonds Daddy Daughter Dance. For the first time ever, the City of Schertz Parks and Recreation Department invites dads and daughters of all ages to a night you’ll never forget. Join us for a Daddy Daughter Dance on Friday, February 15 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM located at the Schertz Civic Center, 1400 Schertz Parkway. This event is open to all families and focuses on the importance of quality time. Dress in casual fashion complete with denim, rhinestones and lace, and don’t be afraid to wear those distressed boots for line-dancing and Texas two-stepping. We will have a DJ playing the best jams for twirling and swirling on the dance floor. There will be plenty of photo opportunities to capture the moment as well as a keepsake photo to take home. A craft to commemorate the night will be available as an activity. Heavy Hors D’oevres & Desserts will be served. Tickets are presale only from January 7-February 8 while supplies last. Tickets are $30 per couple, and each additional family member is $12.00. Space is limited and tickets will not be sold at the door. For a ticket sale link, please go to Schertz.com or follow us on Facebook for more information. We can’t wait to share the night with you and your loved ones! Community Playscape Restrooms Installed Parks staff is excited to announce the addition of a restroom facility to the Community Playscape located at 629 Westchester Drive. Previously visitors to the park had to go to the Schertz Public Library or the Schertz Recreation Center to utilize a restroom, but there were some times that neither facility was open, leaving a need for a facility at this busy community park. Utility site work got underway in November and the restroom building was delivered to the site on December 12. The building was manufactured in a warehouse facility and driven to the site on a truck and craned into place - what a sight it was to see! Parks staff are finishing up surrounding site work and planning a grand opening ceremony in February. Stay tuned for more information. Schertz Magazine January 2019 27 Water MeterReplacement Program The City of Schertz recently purchased new water meters that will increase efficiencies in the water department and improve accuracy in reading water usage. The vote to approve the new water meters was made during the August 14 Schertz City Council Meeting. This project began in November and water utility customers will start seeing their water meters replaced as part of the City's Advanced Water Meter System project, a new service enhancement initiative to install advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) throughout the community. The city-wide installation of 14,208 new meters is projected to take 9 months. Once installed, the new meter system will provide customers with more accurate water usage data that is updated multiple times throughout the day, water budget and water consumption threshold alerts, comparative data, leak alerts and notifications from the City. Professional Meters Inc, (PMI) will be installing these meters on behalf of the City of Schertz. Their vehicles and personal will be marked. Your water service will see an average of 10 minutes interruption during the meter change out. Every effort will be made to notify you of the change out and flushing of the lines. For more information, contact the Business Office at (210) 619-1100. Schertz Merch On Sale Now A limited supply of Schertz merchandise is now available, and we hope to see you rockin' your Schertz pride around the community! The City officially released the special Schertz tees, tank tops, and hats at the Schertz Turns 60 anniversary celebration on Sunday, October 7. Products are available for purchase at the Schertz Civic Center Office (1400 Schertz Parkway Bldg. 5). Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Cash, Check, and Credit Card are accepted. Supplies are limited so stop by and get your Schertz merch today! Pricing: Adult Tees - $10.00 Tank Tops - $15.00 Kids Tees - $10.00 Hats - $15.00 CityHeadlines Schertz Magazine January 2019 29 Schertz Police Staff Honored for Their Service The Schertz Police Department held its annual Awards Banquet on Wednesday, December 12 to honor both uniform and civilian staff within the department. Several of the awards were peer awards meaning individuals from different areas of the department were nominated and voted on by those they work with closely. There were also awards given out to those individuals who had obtained a college degree, achieved a higher certification or performed exemplary service such as assisting in the delivery of a baby or preventing an individual from jumping off a bridge. This year, Officer of the Year was awarded to Officer John Ortiz. Some of the other peer awards included: Supervisor of the Year—Sergeant John Eisen Detective of the Year—Detective Jonathan Patrick Civilian of the Year—Esther Mendoza Rookie of the Year—Officer Miranda Martin This year’s event also included recognition for two businesses who showed great support for not only the Schertz Police Department, but for several State and Federal Agencies during the explosion at the FedEx facility in March of last year. Peter Binder, Area Manager for Whataburger and Michael Cox, Manager of the Starbucks on Tri-County were in attendance as Chief Hansen recognized their staff and organizations for providing much needed food and supplies during the long hours of investigating during that incident. Congratulations to all those who were recognized for their continued service to our city, and thank you to all those who support our men and women in blue. CityHeadlines Schertz Magazine January 2019 32 Fire Lt. Retires After 20+ Years of Service After serving over 20 years with the City of Schertz Fire Department, Lieutenant Leon Sposari is retiring. Leon started part-time with the City of Schertz Fire Department in June 1996 and became full time in January 1998. In 2004 Leon was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to the (at the time) newly opened Fire Station #2 located on IH 35. In 2013 he moved from Station #2 to Station #1 on the B- Shift. As the shift Lieutenant, he was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the station, crew and district the station is located. In the absence of the Battalion Chief he steps up to that roll increasing the responsibility from a station / district to all stations in the City. Leon was born in Montclair, New Jersey and graduated from high school in Alexandria, Virginia. He joined the Navy in 1986 and graduated from Hospital Corps school in Great Lakes, Illinois. He then moved to Camp Pendleton, California completing Field Medical Service School. He served in Operation Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Restore Hope in Mogadishu, Somalia. In 1993 he took orders to Ft. Sam Houston (Camp Bullis) instructing combat/field medical skills, moved to Schertz and joined the Schertz Volunteer Fire Department. He ended his military service in 1996 and stayed in the area. Leon attended the SAC fire academy at night during the last six months of his enlistment. In 2014 Leon re-affiliated with the Navy reserve as an active reservist. In late 2016 he was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and just recently returned to work in April 2018. “Schertz gave me a place to call home when I got stationed here. The Volunteer Fire Department gave me something to do in my off time as well as an opportunity to give back to the community,” mentioned Leon. When asked about Leon’s experience working for the Schertz Fire Department he mentioned, “Many say that Firefighting is a job. It is not a job; it is a working family - my family. I have spent a third of the last 22 years of my life with this family. They are the finest people you will ever meet. Every one of them a brother and sister. These were the greatest of times, the good and the sometimes not so good. They are some of the greatest people I know. I am honored, blessed and privileged to be associated with them.” Leon leaves the City of Schertz to return full time as active duty in the Navy. “I have been given a great opportunity to finish a journey I started long ago. I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead and what the future has to offer,” stated Leon. “As always, to my family at home who have always supported and been there for me, I love you and thank you for being my inspiration to be a better person.” Leon states he is able to be the person he is due to the support of his family, especially his wife, Shelly who is his best friend and his rock. They have three children Joseph, Vincent and Simone who keep him on his game, help him remember to think young, inspire him, surprise him, and make him proud every day. He could not have done this without their love and support. Schertz Fire Chief, Kade Long commented, “Leon has been an integral part of the history of Schertz Fire Rescue. He has a great deal of passion for fire rescue as well as the City of Schertz. He has provided a wealth of knowledge to our department and passed that knowledge on to those working alongside him. We would like to congratulate Leon on his retirement and say thank you for his 20 + years of service to the City of Schertz. We wish him well on his future endeavors.” We take this time to thank Lieutenant Sposari for his service to the City of Schertz and wish him great success in his future endeavors. Schertz Magazine January 2019 33 CityHeadlines EMS CPR Training Schedule Schertz EMS holds monthly CPR/AED and First Aid classes throughout the year. These classes are open to the public and provide a certification that is good for two years and can be used in a several different professional settings. Most importantly, these classes teach a pivotal skill that you never know when you may need to use on a loved one. Bystander CPR can be done immediately after someone collapses in to sudden cardiac arrest to save their life. For every 1 minute that someone is in cardiac arrest and does not receive CPR, their chances of survival reduce by 10%. Waiting to do anything until an ambulance arrives after the person has collapsed can decrease their chances of survival significantly. We encourage everyone to become CPR/AED trained at a minimum. In order to take the class, you only need to be able to read and write, so even older children and teenagers are encouraged to attend. The skill itself can be incredibly easy to learn; however, this class will also give you background information as to why it is important to learn CPR and how chest compressions are effective during cardiac arrest. The class allows ample time for skills practice on manikins. The First Aid course goes over many common injuries and illnesses as well as how you can treat them at home prior to more advanced help arriving. This course offers a little bit of knowledge in a lot of different areas. We also allow time for practicing skills such as how to control bleeding during the class. CPR/AED training will run from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and the First Aid course will run from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. The cost is $30 for one course or $50 for two. The classes are held in the EMS Training Room. Below are the upcoming training dates: January 19 February 9 March 2 April 6 NO MAY CLASS June 8 July 20 August 10 September 14 October 12 November 2 December 7 For more information contact EMS at (210) 619-1400. Schertz Magazine January 2019 34 The True Spirit of Fashion By Stacey Lovett Schertz Magazine January 2019 34 Schertz Magazine January 2019 35 T he Clemens High School Vision statement directs the achievement of “Every student. Every day. Every Opportunity. All means all.” One particular junior, Allison Mills, along with the help of her fellow classmate Maddie Eldridge, has worked to encompass this inclusive vision through implementing her own visions and dreams in fashion design to help out three fellow students to achieve their dreams on the field. Sarah Thompson, Kaylie Ponthieux, and Cristal Fey all had aspirations to cheer on the Clemen’s Buffs; their dreams came true as they joined the Clemens Cheer Sparklers this past football season alongside other spirited students. Their induction marked a historical semester for the school with the rejuvenation of this program which furthers their efforts of being an all-inclusive campus. The Sparklers are a piece of the Special Olympics Unified Champion School program which focuses on interactive and inclusive opportunities that increase acceptance and awareness of students, including those with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities. They are encouraged to use their strengths and talents while supporting disability awareness, academic achievement, and sports related training. While they were prepared to cheer “Go Buffs!” the cheer wardrobe was not prepared for the addition of three more girls to the team. With less than three weeks until their premier on the field and no uniforms, the school community stepped up to find a solution; Allison Mills stepped in, pins and measuring tape in hand. An advanced Fashion II student, Allison had no hesitation in leading the cheer skirt project when the call arose. She at first attempted to alter some of the preexisting uniforms in storage; however, when alterations wouldn’t allow for a cohesive look, she scrapped that idea and put her design skills to use. She took each girl’s measurements and created custom patterns from scratch, fitting each girl with their own skirt and own piece of school spirit. Her Family & Consumer Sciences and studio art teachers, Wendy Frisbey and Amanda Aguilar, joined in bringing the project to continued on page 37 completion aiding in finding and funding the appropriate matching fabrics as well as lending support to all of the students involved. Maddie lent her advanced fashion and construction expertise along the way as well, aiding in the physical assembly of Allison’s designs. The two students together are known to often challenge the lesson Schertz Magazine January 2019 36 Schertz Magazine January 2019 37 The True Spirit of Fashion cont’d from page 35 plans, going above and beyond their assignments and displaying the level of teamwork and leadership the school prides itself in fostering in its students. The passion they hold for their talents is “pretty magical” according to Frisbey. “It makes your heart happy when you see all the love the students give one another, that they want to do it.” The girls also worked in tandem this past semester to alter the wedding gown for a Clemens teacher’s upcoming wedding, a feat which not only displays the level of skill these young ladies possess but of their trustworthiness and responsibility they exhibit. Allison’s passion for fashion began early on in elementary school with her adoration of a friend’s sewing kit for designing doll clothes. ...it makes your heart happy when you see all the love the students give one another... Studio Art teacher, Wendy Frisbey In 7th grade she received her first sewing machine for Christmas, spurring the creativity to teach herself how to design and construct new things not on the market; it hasn’t slowed since. She also has a knack for engineering these creations not only on paper but can develop the entire construction process in her mind to make the image a reality. But the physical creation isn’t the only development she experiences. This reigns true in this AP student’s extracurricular involvement in FCCLA – Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America. This organization promotes personal growth and leadership development through Family and Consumer Sciences education, and Mills spearheading this project sets a precedence from the Clemens chapter for herself, her classmates, and the program. “It showed me how I could use the skills I have to help people,” commented Mills. Growing from just using her creativity before to create, she’s now open to utilizing her talents for the benefit of others. A project like this, even if seemingly small at first glance, translates into a much greater good that trickles down into a deeper, more widespread prosperity. Stepping out of her comfort zone and pushing the outside boundaries opened the doors that not only FCCLA sets forth but that Clemens High School does too with the leadership and inclusivity standards it upholds. It all ultimately becomes a collaborative effort, promoting understanding for the greater good through cooperative efforts, critical thinking, and practical knowledge which encourages a harmony and greater community – family – for all. While Allison has greater career plans for her fashion talents on the horizon, this act of kindness towards her fellow Clemens family has laid a foundation for the caliber of work she can achieve. The difference the efforts of two students made to help give three others not only the opportunity of inclusivity but to live out their own aspirations and dreams is priceless. As Allison plans to design and show her own collection in an FCCLA competition in the spring semester as well as make her own prom dress, she can hold true to the fact that she also has helped make altruism a little more en vogue on the Clemens campus with her talents. Schertz Magazine January 2019 38 F ollowing an extensive search for the best candidate to lead the City of Schertz forward, Schertz City Council appointed Dr. Mark Browne as its new City Manager on November 27, 2018. Browne, who officially started with the City of Schertz early January 2019, has served two neighboring municipalities in similar capacities over the past thirteen years. Having served as the City Manager for Alamo Heights from 2011-2018 and the City of Terrell Hills from 2005-2011, Browne is equipped with the necessary skills and experience to lead the City of Schertz into its next chapter. “I am genuinely excited to have Dr. Mark Browne join us as our new city manager,” Schertz Mayor Michael Carpenter noted. “It Schertz Welcomes New City Manager: Dr. Mark Browne By Linda Klepper was his unique combination of experience as a city manager, his military career, and his educational background that we as a council felt made him the best candidate for the City.” Browne was born in Galveston, Texas but mostly grew up in St Louis, Missouri where he attended high school and college. After graduating from William Jewell College with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, he decided to join the United States Air Force. “Both of my grandfathers were career military officers, and both my parents grew up as Army brats. I was always drawn to the military, so I decided to join the Air Force,” mentioned Browne. Schertz Magazine January 2019 39 Starting his career at Little Rock Air Force Base in Jacksonville, AR as a missile launch officer, Browne spent the next 27 years learning, leading and growing in the United States Air Force. As with most careers in the military, the Browne family moved around a bit living in places as cold as Nebraska and as metropolitan as Washington, D.C. Despite the demands of being an officer in the military and the commitment that comes with raising a family, Browne managed to obtain two masters degrees – one in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas and another from the Air War College in Strategic Studies - and a doctorate degree in Public Administration from the University of Alabama. Throughout his military career Browne was exposed to various disciplines and roles; however, one job in particular is credited for his decision to transition into city government. While at Dyess Air Force Base he served as Deputy Support Group Commander where he was responsible for overseeing base personnel, communications, civil engineering, police, fire, recreation, swimming pools, base clubs and base housing. “That was really where I started to get the inkling that I might like to be a city manager. A lot of the disciplines we use in city management were used in that role,” commented Browne. Arriving at his final post in the United States Air Force, Browne retired as a Colonel from Randolph Air Force Base in 2005. With a strong desire to continue leading and serving in the community, he began his journey into city government. “I picked up the phone when I was getting ready to leave the Air Force and called the City Manager of New Braunfels, Chuck Pinto for some advice on the best place to start,” stated Browne. Following that conversation and a subsequent continued on page 40 meeting, Pinto became a sort of mentor to Browne. Armed with the guidance and mentorship he sought, Browne confidently took the next step in his career by pursuing his first job in city government with the City of Terrell Hills, Texas. After serving two San Antonio area communities, Browne now joins the City of Schertz. “I am really excited about coming to Schertz; it’s truly an awesome opportunity. The chance to be part of a growing, vibrant City that has a lot of economic development potential is really exciting for me,” stated Browne. Schertz Magazine January 2019 40 Among many things, Browne brings with him valuable experience and leadership that has been cultivated through a long military career and a strong educational background. Browne commented, “Through my experience as Deputy Commander in Abilene, I have learned quite a bit about how to lead organizations and what makes them tick. What is most exciting to me is figuring out how to make that organization better.” While the role of Schertz City Manager encompasses many different responsibilities, one of the most challenging parts can be overseeing the nearly 400 city employees who manage, implement, and execute city programs and services every day. This task is no small feat, but one that Browne understands is very important to achieve success. “When I get into organizations, the thing I think is the most important is the team. The team first. The team always. If we all work together, if we all put our heads together and if we all get on the same page and move in the same direction then we’re going to do great things. We’re going to beat the curve so to speak,” stated Browne. Browne mentioned some of the challenges he sees the City of Schertz facing in the near future are development, surface transportation, and infrastructure. “I know there is no easy answer to these challenges, but you’ve got to stay on top of them and have a plan, which I know the City of Schertz does.” Schertz Welcomes New City Manager: Dr. Mark Browne cont’d from page 39 I am really excited about coming to Schertz; it’s truly an awesome opportunity. City Manager, Dr. Mark Browne Although confronted with new beginnings as Schertz' City Manager, Browne manages to find time for the things he enjoys most, family and faith being of upmost importance. Dr. Browne has been married for 33 years to his wife Cindi; together they have three children: Sarah, Chris and Elizabeth. In his spare time he likes to work out and enjoys reading. “I love to read – I’m sort of a veracious reader of history.” While he also enjoys playing golf, he rarely finds the time to perfect his swing. “I appreciate the opportunity given to me by City Council; I really look forward to serving with them and helping them achieve their goals. I am also looking forward to meeting the citizens of Schertz and providing excellent customer service to meet their needs,” stated Dr. Browne. The City of Schertz is looking forward to continued success with a new leader and warmly welcomes Dr. Mark Browne to the community. Schertz Magazine January 2019 41 AROUND THECOMMUNITY Steele HS Theatre Students Qualified for Thespian Festival Meghan Hunt, senior at Samuel Clemens High School, was awarded a Texas Thespian Scholarship at the Texas Thespian Festival held in Grapevine, Texas on November 15-18. She was awarded a $1,000 scholarship, which she plans to use at Cornell University in the fall of 2019. Candidates for scholarship auditions were selected from applications. Hunt performed two monologues and was interviewed by Festival judges. She currently serves as the president of Clemens Thespian Troupe #1675 as well as president of the Clemens High School senior class and secretary of the National Honor Society. Fourteen students in the Byron P. Steele High School Theatre Arts program qualified for the International Thespian Festival next June. Eric Leal, a junior, met the standard to compete in the Monologue category at the Texas Thespian Festival, held in Grapevine on November 15-18 by receiving an overall Superior rating from the three judges in the room. Performance auditions consists of a two-minute solo presentation, which could include one monologue or song, two contrasting monologues or songs, or one song and one monologue. Meanwhile, thirteen of his classmates qualified in the Group Musical category: Aspen Palmer, Ethan Bowman, Jalin Mayers, Molly Herrick, Alexander Midkiff, Lyric Carter, Ruby Duka, Brooklyn Moore, Zachary Crenshaw-Larkin, Olivia Guerra, Tori Olivas, Lillie Gordon, and Issac Leon. In a group performance, the entrants must present one musical selection from a published script written for musical theatre. In each case, every participant must be actively involved in the scene chosen for performance. The criteria to advance to the International Festival is the same as the Monologue division.The International Thespian Festival will be held June 24-29, 2019 at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Schertz Magazine January 2019 42 Schertz Travels the World in 2018 Can you believe 2018 is already over? Schertz Magazine has done its fair share of traveling over the past several years, and each year we like to look back on the amazing locations you all have taken the publication. Thanks to our wonderful readers who trek it with them wherever they go, from the North Pole to the South pole and dozens of places far and in between, Schertz Magazine continues to be a traveling icon for Schertz residents. Where will it go to next? Well that's for you to decide. Check out the various destinations the magazine has traveled in 2018! States: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Carolina , Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming Countries and Territories: Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, France, Greece, Guam, Guatemala, Italy, Jamaica, Jerusalem, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, Portugal, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Russia, Slovakia, Vietnam Estimated Total Miles Traveled: 164,097 Schertz Magazine January 2019 43 Bring your Schertz Magazine along during your travels and send us a high resolution photo of you and your magazine to magazine@schertz.com. You may see your photo in an upcoming issue of Schertz Magazine! Schertz Magazine All Over the Map (Left) Richard Erickson went to London, England with his Schertz Magazine. (Above) Michelle and Arcadio took Schertz Magazine to Juneau, Alaska. (Above) Tom and Sheryl Gates and Annella Schneider took Schertz Magazine on a safari to Kenya and Tanzania. (Above) Noah Rix climbed Mt. Fuji with his Schertz Magazine . (Left) Sharon and Tim O’Neil traveled to the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado with their Schertz Magazine. AROUND THECOMMUNITY Volunteers Needed for Meals on Wheels Meals on Wheels works to provide meals to those aging and disabled friends and neighbors who can no longer cook for themselves. These nutritious meals and the daily social interaction from volunteers improves their quality of life and empowers elderly individuals to remain independent. Meals on Wheels provides meals to approximately 30 homebound seniors in the Schertz, Cibolo, Marion, and McQueeney area. Those meals are being delivered out of the Schertz Area Senior Center, and they are in need of more volunteers. To become a Meals on Wheels driver, a completed registration form is required along with a copy of the volunteer’s drivers license and auto insurance. Each route is approximately 1 hour round trip. The routes and meals can be picked up from the Schertz Area Senior Center between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Senior friends and neighbors depend on these meals daily and this is a wonderful opportunity to bring the community closer together through this act of kindness. Be a part of the Meals on Wheels mission of “Enriching the lives of aging adults” by delivering meals in our community. For more information and to register contact Kathy Villarreal at volunteer@nbsenior.org or call (830) 629-4547 Ext. 190. Miss Jubilee My name is Brigid Krbec, and I am the 2018-2019 Schertz Miss Jubilee. I am a senior at Byron P. Steele High School where I am the diving captain, a member of Snareline, and a part of the National Honor Society. I have spent the past six years diving on San Antonio Divers club team, and I have been diving Junior Olympic for five years. I have been a percussionist for nine years and a member of drumline for four. I am also a Girl Scout member of thirteen years. I have been a part of Teen ACTS at Good Shepherd Catholic Church for three years. Next year, I plan to attend the University of North Texas under an Academic and a Diving Athletic scholarship. I will major in Kinesiology with a focus in Physical Therapy and pursue a career in Physical Therapy with Airrosti. Being a member of the Schertz Sweetheart court this year has taught me so many life skills that will transfer into the real world. Before applying, I had never prepared for a business interview, written my own resume, or worked so much on presentation at formal events. I learned to be very comfortable with public speaking and social gatherings. I love the little children that look up to me and the other Court members as princesses that represent the city. I have had so many opportunities, like meeting Mayor Carpenter and other City Council members. I have been blessed with the chance to work for the city alongside three other Sweetheart Court members that I view as amazing role models. I have made so many memories working with young children, being able to help at events like ‘Breakfast with Santa’ and the ‘Schertz Jubilee’. These memories, opportunities, and life skills are things I will hold onto and cherish forever. Schertz Magazine January 2019 45 Presented by the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee in the interest of historical perspective and community awareness of local historical legacies. LOOKING BACK January QUOTE OF NOTE “I haven’t the slightest idea how to change people, but I still keep a long list of prospective candidates just in case I should ever figure it out.” David Sedaris LOCAL HISTORY On December 7, 1999, Mayor Hal On January 3, 1849, Sebastian Schertz and his brother John purchased 600 acres of land along the Rio Cibolo. This was the beginning of a five generation legacy of Schertz family involvement and contribution to the survival and development of the Schertz community. TEXAS HISTORY On January 31, 1859, William Menger opened his hotel, now a landmark, on Alamo Plaza in San Antonio. In partnership with Charles Philip Degen, he also operated a brewery on the site. The hotel is one of the best-known lodging houses in Texas. Its guests have included 0. Henry (William Sydney Porter), Ulysses S. Grant, and Theodore Roosevelt. The building has been remodeled many times and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Menger continues to serve as a center for meetings and other social affairs. Schertz City Council Mayor: Michael Carpenter (210) 619-1045 mcarpenter@schertz.com Council Members: Mark Davis (210) 376-9141 MarkDavis@schertz.com Ralph Gutierrez (210) 376-9231 ralphgutierrez@schertz.com Scott Larson (210) 376-9835 scottlarson@schertz.com Cedric Edwards, Sr. (210) 566-4540 cedwards@schertz.com David Scagliola (830) 606-1130 davidscagliola@schertz.com Allison Heyward (210) 608-9543 Allisonheyward@schertz.com Tim Brown (210) 608-2381 Timbrown@schertz.com City Departments: City of Schertz (210) 619-1000 Animal Control (210) 619-1550 Business/Utilities (210) 619-1100 City Manager (210) 619-1000 City Secretary (210) 619-1030 Civic Center (210) 619-1600 Customer Care/311 (210) 619-1000 Economic Development (210) 619-1070 EMS (non-emergency) (210) 619-1400 Fire (non-emergency) (210) 619-1300 Human Resources (210) 619-1150 Information Technology (210) 619-1180 Inspections (210) 619-1750 Marshal Services (210) 619-1650 Municipal Court (210) 619-1500 Parks & Recreation (210) 619-1850 Planning & Zoning (210) 619-1780 Police (non-emergency) (210) 619-1200 Public Affairs (210) 619-1630 Public Library (210) 619-1700 Public Works (210) 619-1800 Records (210) 619-1030 Website schertz.com IMPORTANT SCHERTZ PHONE NUMBERS SCHERTZ.COM JANUARY 2019CITY CALENDAR 12 19 6 13 20 27 7 8 9 10 11 1 14 15 16 17 18 26252122 28 29 23 24 30 City Council Meeting, 6:00 PMCouncil Chambers Economic Development Corp6:00 PM, Council Chambers Historical Preservation Society Meeting6:30 PM, Bob Andrews Conference Room Be sure to go to Schertz.com for more event information. Meetings are subject to change. Library AdvisoryBoard, 6:30 PMSchertz PublicLibrary Planning and Zoning Meeting, 6:00 PMCouncil Chambers 31 City Council Meeting6:00 PMCouncil Chambers SSLGC Meeting, 1:30 PMSSLGC Administrative Building 2 3 4 5 New Years Day(Offices Closed) MLK Holiday(Offices Closed) Council Retreat Transportation Safety Advisory Commission, 5:30 PM Council Chambers Conference Room Parks & Rec Advisory Board, 5:30 PMBob Andrews Conference Room Planning and Zoning Meeting, 6:00 PMCouncil Chambers SCHERTZ.COM PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT 1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY SCHERTZ, TEXAS 78154