January 2013

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Editor’z Letter

By Chuck McCollough, Editor

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f it’s January, then it is time to think about the New Year and its potential for better and brighter days ahead.

The cover for this month’s issue represents a new era dawning in Schertz as the community moves boldly into 2014 and the challenges and rewards it holds.

And one of those challenges it to become an eve more fit city.

In this edition of Schertz Magazine we preview the Health and Wellness Fair sponsored by the City of Schertz and the Schertz Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, January 25th, from 11 AM-3 PM at the Schertz Civic Center.

It will include free admission and free health screenings, flu shots, blood pressure readings, glucose tests, vision screenings, hearing tests and much more.

Look for ongoing stories about health and wellness in future issues of the magazine as part of the overall focus on making Schertz a fit city.

This month Schertz Magazine wraps up a three-issue series on Schertz South with a look at how schools are planning for the coming growth in that area between FM 78 and IH-10 East along the FM 1518 corridor.

Learn what educators are thinking.

Dig into the story about the Guadalupe County Community Garden in Schertz and all the

community partners - individuals, groups, business and local governments - involved. They partner with the Guadalupe County Master Gardeners to grow produce to help feed the needy and use the garden to teach others the joy of growing and gardening.

Snap to attention and read the saga of the iconic M-60 tank at the Schertz VFW on FM 78. The symbol of our nation’s military resolve has rested peacefully at its perch for nearly 20 years. An effort is underway to give the tank a fresh look.

Schertz EMS - a department with a national and international reputation for innovation and leadership - has three sizes of ambulances. Find out how each plays a key role in providing emergency medical transport in our area.

And listen for the music and songs in a story about two local music students - Leon Butler and Quynten Grove - who have excelled in this year’s music competitions. Leon is a singer and Quynten plays the bass.

Also look for a story on high school students helping maintain one of our area’s unique parks and another honor for the City of Schertz - this one as a very affordable place to live. All that and more in Your Hometown Magazine - Schertz Magazine.

Inside...

FEATUREZ

Schertz South Schools EMS Comes in 3 Sizes What’s Up with Meetups?

VFW Tank Anniversary Community Garden Steele Musicians

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DEPARTMENTZ TALK OF THE TOWNZ Updatez Visionz / Chamber Health & Wholeness Fair

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CIVIC NEWZ Updatez CALENDARZ

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Bringing in the New Year.

Schertz Skyline photographed by local amateur photographer, Matt Cowen schertzmagazine.com schertzmagazine.com

JANUARY 2014 DECEMBER 2013

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JANUARY EVENTS

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Civic Center: Jan. 1 – CLOSED Jan. 11 – San Antonio Radio Club

“Hamfest 2014” Jan. 21 – Schertz Chamber Luncheon Jan. 25 – Health and Wellness Fair

Community Center: Jan. 1 – CLOSED Jan. 19 – BVYA Baseball Registration Jan. 26 – BVYA Baseball Registration Jazzercise – M,W,Th,F – various times Zumba – M,W,Th 6:00pm

Happy New Year!

From the Public Affairs & Civic Center Staff!

1400 Schertz Pkwy, Bldg. #5

(210) 619-1600

City Council Michael Carpenter Mayor Jim Fowler Councilmember David Scagliola Councilmember Cedric Edwards, Sr. Councilmember Matthew Duke Councilmember Daryl John Councilmember

Executive Team John Kessel City Manager John Bierschwale Executive Director David J. Harris Executive Director Brian James Executive Director

PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY Public Affairs Department David J. Harris Interim Director Linda Klepper Business Manager Chuck McCollough Editor Chris Matzenbacher Sales Director Lucille Sims Thomas Copy Editor Brittany Losey Senior Writer Contributing Staffers Erin Matlock Client Affairs Specialist Mary Spence Events Coordinator Graphic Design/Art Direction Souzamaphone Marketing, LLC Contributing Writers Chuck McCollough, Lucille Sims Thomas, Andrea Allinger, Kari Bridges, Jim Webb, Stan Leland, Kiko Martinez, Ashley Festa, Rudy Arispe, Hillory Halbardier, Tom Lovett, Teresa H. Kelley Contributing Photographers Matt Cowen (Cover), Chuck McCollough, Mary Spence, Bryan Tobias, Mike Harris, Diana Webb, Ross Dye, Marc Bane, Michael Carpenter, David J. Harris, Bryan Nguyen, Joe Herczeg, Andrea Allinger, Kari Bridges, Catherine White, Elizabeth Leland, Rudy Ornelas, Christopher Matzenbacher, Samuel Rhodes, Linda Klepper, Stock Photography: fontsandphotos.com 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. Š 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

OFFICIAL FINE PRINT Subscriptions to Schertz Magazine are free for each Schertz household. Subscriptions for residents and businesses outside the City of Schertz are $19.95 annually. Call 210-619-1630.

Send queries about articles or photographs to Schertz Magazine at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. For advertising information: Schertz Magazine, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154; call (210) 6191630; Fax (210) 619-1619; email sales@ schertz.com.

NEWS POLICY Schertz Magazine encourages submission of news and event announcement items.

News and event announcements must include contact name and contact phone number. All news and event items must be for activities that occur inside the Schertz city limits. Publication cannot be guaranteed. If you would like to submit an item to Schertz 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 nonmerit 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.

schertzmagazine.com

TALK THEOF Miss Elena Perales Celebrates Century Mark

TOWNZ

Autumn Winds Retirement Lodge resident Elena Perales turned 100 recently and celebrated with family and friends.

Schertz Mayor Pro Tem Jim Fowler read a proclamation at the birthday bash proclaiming Dec. 1, 2013 (100 years after her birth) as “Elena Perales Day in Schertz.”

Elena is the mother of two children, a grandmother of two and a great-grandmother of three. She was a professional seamstress during her long working career from 1940 until her retirement in 1978.

Elena has enjoyed past hobbies such as knitting, reading and traveling with her family members; and attributes her centenarianism (being 100) to 1) being blessed by God, 2) taking walks for exercise, 3) not eating a lot of fancy foods, and 4) not partying a lot.

JPII Celebrates Founders Day Founder’s Day at John Paul II Catholic High School was celebrated in grand fashion complete with chili cook-off and bake-off competitions along with a powder puff football game on Saturday, November 9. The JPII Equestrian Club sponsored horseback rides and a contest to name a new colt.

Peggy Harkins, a faculty member, won the contest with her entry “Lolek” which was the childhood nickname of Pope John Paul II. Pictured are Harkins, Schertz Mayor Michael Carpenter, Lolek the pony, and Faith Gonzalez an employee with Pony Rides by Leslie White located in San Antonio. schertzmagazine.com

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Hundreds of people enjoyed the 18th annual Festival of Angels on December 6 despite some of the coldest weather in event’s nearly twodecade history. A forecast of freezing rain kept the lighted night parade in question for a while, but things cleared up and parade participants and parade watchers cheered and shivered at the same time.

Parade goers lined up along Main Street and Schertz Parkway providing a warm welcome for the floats and more on a cold, cold night.

One of the highlights of the

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parade and the overall event was a green-skinned motorcycle rider in a Santa suit.

The Grinch, Mayor Michael Carpenter, kept everyone laughing and waving their arms - which helped all forget the cold for a little while.

The Grinch stopped at one point in the parade to light up the giant Christmas Tree in front of City Hall to the applause and yells of bystanders. Other parade participants included: Schertz City Councilmembers on a Fire Truck, Parade Grand Marshal Ruth Tienor, Schertz Sweetheart

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Court members, Schertz Fire Rescue, the giant Schertz EMS AMBUS, Schertz Police Department, Schertz Parks & Recreation Board, Steele High School AF ROTC, GVEC, RBFCU, Metro Ambulance, the Claus Team, Artistic Angel/ Red Hatters, Santa Claus on a Public Works vehicle, Buffalo Valley Youth Association, Guadalupe County Pct. 3 Constable’s Office, Team Scion Eyed, SCUCISD and the Cibolo Hermann Sons Dancers.

Entertainment and Santa moved inside the Civic Center so everyone could warm up

and soak up the holiday spirit inside. Santa posed for photos in the Bluebonnet room of the Civic Center while musical entertainment was enjoyed in the Grand Ballroom.

For those not worried about the cold, a man-made show area - complete with slide entertained kids of all sizes.

Snowball fights and sledding were the favorite activities and the KENS-5 helicopter beamed live images of the snow area back to the station as an introduction to the 6 PM broadcast weather report.

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Sweethearts Take Comfort The Schertz Sweetheart Court, ambassadors for the City, participated in the Christmas in Comfort parade Saturday night, November 30, and captured the “Santa’s Choice Award.”

On the float are the 2013-2014 Court members Miss Jubilee, Sydney Fischer; Miss Friendly City, Ariel Villarreal; and Miss Schertz, Katie Gibbons, joined by General Services staff, work together to make Schertz shine! ‘Christmas in Comfort’ marks the 5th parade in which the Court has participated. schertzmagazine.com

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WHAT’S HAPPENIN’ YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK FOR YOU!

Schertz Chamber raises funds and contributes to DECA and animal adoption

At the December luncheon, the Schertz Chamber, the young professionals group hYPer and participants and sponsors of their golf classic surprised the DECA programs of both Clemens and Steele High Schools with checks totaling $13,178.56. The funds raised were from the Schertz Idol competition last year, which hYPer produced and the golf classic played this year.

The funds will be used to help students go to state and national competitions to compete for college scholarships.

A second check presentation from hYPer was to the Schertz Animal Services in the amount of $2000, which they raised at their BBQ fundraiser last month. The monies are going towards the fund to purchase an adoption trailer to transport and adopt out more of the animals at the shelter.

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Partnership Sponsor

Presenting Sponsor

Bag Sponsor

Supporting Sponsors

January 25, 2014

11am – 3pm

Schertz Civic Center

FREE:

Health Screenings, Flu Shots, Blood Pressure, Glucose Tests Vision Screenings, Hearing Screenings, Nutrition Samples and much more!

Participating Chamber Member Providers include: Abiding Hope Institute of Christian Counseling Advocare Alamo Kidsports Anytime Fitness Autumn Winds Retirement Lodge Baptist Emergency Hospital Biomotion Physical Therapy Changing Seasons Clark & Gossett Implant & Oral Surgery COSTCO DeVoir Fitness Diamond K Eye Care Discovery Church Doss Audiology Dual Arc Dental Friendship Pet Hospital & Wellness Center GVEC Hands & Harmony HEB Herbalife Kitty Hawk Smiles LifeBridge Christian Church Local Community News

Massage Heights McGarrell Orthodontics New Haven Assisted Living New York Life Northeast Foot Center Northeast Methodist Hospital Pawderosa Ranch Doggie Play and Stay Professional Center for Enhanced Performance Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union Schertz Chiropractic Schertz Family YMCA Schertz Kidney & Dialysis Center Schertz Parkway Physical Therapy Schertz United Methodist Church South Texas Radiology and Imaging Center Sports Occupational and Knee Therapy Synergy HomeCare Texas Physical Therapy Specialists Texas State Optical Texas Treasures Total Primary Health Care Urgent Care and Occupational Health Centers Wel-Med at Schertz

January 25th, 2014 Schertz Civic Center 11am – 3pm

Free Admission as well as FREE: Health Screenings Flu Shots Blood Pressure Glucose Tests Vision Screenings Hearing Screenings and much more

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January 25, 2014

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11am – 3pm

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Health Screenings, Flu Shots, Blood Pressure, Glucose Tests Vision Screenings, Hearing Screenings, Nutrition Samples and much more!

Participating Chamber Member Providers include:

Nutrition Everyone wants to live a healthier lifestyle but when work, activities, and obligations get in the way, our nutrition is the first to fall to the wayside. Picking up a fast food item is much easier than trying to find a healthy alternative.

According to Medical News Today, the human body requires seven major types of nutrients: protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamin, mineral, fiber, and water. Most foods contain a combination of some, or all of the seven nutrient classes. We require some nutrients regularly and others less frequently. Poor health may be the result of either not enough or too much of a nutrient, or some nutrients - an imbalance.

The United States Department of Agriculture has developed a site called ChooseMyPlate.gov, which not only helps you build a healthy eating regime based on your personal information and lifestyle, but also has articles and help for all ages – toddler to seniors.

Knowing the right food as well as the right amounts to eat is crucial in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Abiding Hope Institute of Christian Counseling Advocare Alamo Kidsports Anytime Fitness Autumn Winds Retirement Lodge Baptist Emergency Hospital Biomotion Physical Therapy Changing Seasons Clark & Gossett Implant & Oral Surgery COSTCO DeVoir Fitness Diamond K Eye Care Discovery Church Doss Audiology Dual Arc Dental Friendship Pet Hospital & Wellness Center GVEC Hands & Harmony HEB Herbalife Kitty Hawk Smiles LifeBridge Christian Church Local Community News

Massage Heights McGarrell Orthodontics New Haven Assisted Living New York Life Northeast Foot Center Northeast Methodist Hospital Pawderosa Ranch Doggie Play an Professional Center for Enhanced Randolph Brooks Federal Credit U Schertz Chiropractic Schertz Family YMCA Schertz Kidney & Dialysis Center Schertz Parkway Physical Therap Schertz United Methodist Church South Texas Radiology and Imag Sports Occupational and Knee Th Synergy HomeCare Texas Physical Therapy Specialis Texas State Optical Texas Treasures Total Primary Health Care Urgent Care and Occupational He Wel-Med at Schertz

PREVENTATIVE

Weight Management = Portion Control The amount you eat or drink plays an important role in your energy balance strategy. Most people eat and drink more when served larger portions. Choosing smaller portions can help you lose weight and keep it off.

Get started eating smaller portions: • Figure out how big your portions really are. Pour your breakfast cereal into your regular bowl. Then, pour it into a measuring cup.

How many cups of cereal do you eat each day?

• Measure a fixed amount of some foods and drinks to see what they look like in your glasses and plates • Prepare, serve, and eat smaller portions of food. Start by portioning out small amounts to eat and drink. Only go back for more if you are still hungry.

• Pay attention to feelings of hunger. Stop eating when you are satisfied, not full. If there is still food on your plate or on the table, put it away (or throw it out).

• A simple trick to help you eat less is to use a smaller plate, bowl, or glass. One cup of food on a small plate looks like more than the same cup of food on a large plate.

• It is important to think about portion sizes when eating out.

Order a smaller size option, when it’s available. Manage larger portions by sharing or taking home part of your meal.

• If you tend to overeat, be aware of the time of day, place, and your mood while eating so you can better control the amount you eat.

Source: myplate.gov

Health & Wellness cont’d on next page.

Spiritual Depending on who you ask, spirituality has many definitions. For some, it is based on an organized religion; for others, it’s a connection with nature or the arts and still others will say it’s through their own personal value system. It is how we find comfort, calm, peace, or meaning in our lives.

According to familydoctor.org, no one really knows for sure how spirituality is related to health but the total sum of all of these parts of body, mind and spirit connect and the well-being and health of one of these areas seemingly affects the well-being of the other two.

Other research has uncovered that positive beliefs, comfort, strength, and support from religion, meditation and prayer can contribute to healing, coping with illness, death, stress, and relationships.

PREVENTATIVE

Improving Your Spiritual Health Solitude - Take some “you” time to explore things that create calm, peace, joy and hope in your life.

Meditate/Pray – set time aside for focused thinking.

Serving – volunteer in your community or help a neighbor in way that requires time and/or selfsacrifice.

Congregate- join with others that are like-minded to build and strengthen each other.

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FREE:

Health Screenings, Flu Shots, Blood Pressure, Glucose Tests Vision Screenings, Hearing Screenings, Nutrition Samples and much more!

Participating Chamber Member Providers include: Abiding Hope Institute of Christian Counseling Advocare Alamo Kidsports Anytime Fitness Autumn Winds Retirement Lodge Baptist Emergency Hospital Biomotion Physical Therapy Changing Seasons Clark & Gossett Implant & Oral Surgery COSTCO DeVoir Fitness Diamond K Eye Care Discovery Church Doss Audiology Dual Arc Dental Friendship Pet Hospital & Wellness Center GVEC Hands & Harmony HEB Herbalife Kitty Hawk Smiles LifeBridge Christian Church Local Community News

Mental Studies are finding that learning new things exercises your brain, and brain fitness is an important part of successful and healthful aging. You can keep your brain fit and sharp, and increase your longevity, by pursuing new interests and lifelong learning through continuing education and other mentally challenging activities. As you age, changes in your brain make it more difficult for your brain to store and remember information.

But keeping your mind active through lifelong learning can help combat these age-related changes in mental functioning.

In fact, studies have shown that the more educated people are, the better their mental functioning is, and the less likely they are to develop dementia as they age.

Researchers believe that brain fitness improves mental functioning and decreases dementia risk because mental activity stimulates your brain cells and increases their ability to communicate with each other.

Plus, this mental stimulation is thought to strengthen the connections within your brain, enhancing your brain’s ability to cope with dementia-related changes that may occur with age.

Think of your brain as a “use it or lose it” organ, and challenge yourself to lifelong learning.

Source: Krisha McCoy, MS, www.everydayhealth.com

PREVENTATIVE

Massage Heights McGarrell Orthodontics New Haven Assisted Living New York Life Northeast Foot Center Northeast Methodist Hospital Pawderosa Ranch Doggie Play an Professional Center for Enhanced Randolph Brooks Federal Credit U Schertz Chiropractic Schertz Family YMCA Schertz Kidney & Dialysis Center Schertz Parkway Physical Therapy Schertz United Methodist Church South Texas Radiology and Imagin Sports Occupational and Knee The Synergy HomeCare Texas Physical Therapy Specialist Texas State Optical Texas Treasures Total Primary Health Care Urgent Care and Occupational Hea Wel-Med at Schertz

Do you have bad mental hygiene?

Brain Fitness Activities

Take a college course. Learn about a topic you have always been interested in while strengthening your mind.

Start a chess or bridge club. Playing mentally challenging games and staying social are great ways to keep your memory sharp and boost longevity Get creative in the kitchen. If you enjoy cooking, trying new recipes and cooking techniques can be a tasty way to exercise your brain.

Puzzle your brain. Completing crossword puzzles and other brain teasers helps you stay mentally engaged. And all you need is a sharp pencil.

Some of the biggest steps we can take in having good mental health is by looking at our influences – whether they are through media,work, friends or family.

Factor in the everyday stresses of living life and before you know it – not only does it affect our outlook but also our physical health as well.

Take time today to review your mental hygiene and how you respond to life’s ups and downs. It might be time to do a little bit of cleaning!

Vary your routine. Just shaking up the monotony of daily life can trigger your brain. Make a point of driving along a different route, taking a vacation, or visiting a new theater or museum to keep your brain waves in motion.

Source: everydayhealth.com schertzmagazine.com

Health & Wellness cont’d on next page.

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January 25, 2014

11am – 3pm

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FREE:

Health Screenings, Flu Shots, Blood Pressure, Glucose Tests Vision Screenings, Hearing Screenings, Nutrition Samples and much more!

Physical

Participating Chamber Member Providers include:

Abiding Hope Institute of Christian Counseling Advocare Alamo Kidsports Anytime Fitness Autumn Winds Retirement Lodge Baptist Emergency Hospital Biomotion Physical Therapy Changing Seasons Clark & Gossett Implant & Oral Surgery COSTCO DeVoir Fitness Diamond K Eye Care Discovery Church Doss Audiology Dual Arc Dental Friendship Pet Hospital & Wellness Center GVEC Hands & Harmony HEB Herbalife Kitty Hawk Smiles LifeBridge Christian Church Local Community News

Exercise and physical activity are a great way to feel better, gain health benefits, and have fun. As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. If you want to lose weight or meet specific fitness goals, you may need to exercise more. Remember to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have any health concerns.

Benefits of Regular Physical Activity 1. Exercise controls weight. Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or help maintain weight loss. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn.

2. Exercise combats health conditions and diseases. No matter what your current weight, being active boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol and decrease unhealthy triglycerides. Regular physical activity can help you prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and concerns including stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression and certain types of cancer.

3. Exercise boosts energy. Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance by delivering oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helping your cardiovascular system work more efficiently.

4. Exercise promotes better sleep. Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep.

5. Exercise can be fun. Exercise and physical activity can be a fun way to spend some time and can also help you connect with family or friends in a fun social setting. It gives you a chance to unwind, enjoy the outdoors, or simply engage in activities that make you happy.

Source: mayoclinic.com

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Massage Heights McGarrell Orthodontics New Haven Assisted Living New York Life Northeast Foot Center Northeast Methodist Hospital Pawderosa Ranch Doggie Play and Professional Center for Enhanced P Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Un Schertz Chiropractic Schertz Family YMCA Schertz Kidney & Dialysis Center Schertz Parkway Physical Therapy Schertz United Methodist Church South Texas Radiology and Imaging Sports Occupational and Knee Ther Synergy HomeCare Texas Physical Therapy Specialists Texas State Optical Texas Treasures Total Primary Health Care Urgent Care and Occupational Hea Wel-Med at Schertz

PREVENTATIVE

You DO have the time.

If you find it hard to set time aside for regulated exercise, these simple substitutions will still help you reap the benefits of exercise: 1. Take the stairs instead of the elevator when going on your errands.

2. Shopping? Park your car at the end of the parking lot.

3. Use an exercise ball to sit on instead of a chair at your desk.

4. Got a coffee break? Use those 15 minutes to walk around your office building. Use the stairs.

5. Do squats when talking on the phone.

Did You Know…

The City of Schertz has numerous walking trails and parks, such as Crescent Bend Nature Park and Schertz Parkway, to get your “exercise on!”

Go to schertz.com and select “Residents” for more information.

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Schertz Magazine On the Move

(Above) Schertz Magazine Contributing Photographer Diana Webb, and husband Jim, attended Diana’s family reunion (her maiden name is Diver) in Florida and got everyone to read a copy of Schertz Magazine (even the fake alligator is excited) at the same time.

Take Schertz Magazine on your next trip and take a photo of the magazine in front of a landmark or interesting background and send to events@schertz.com. We may just use it in the magazine.

(Left) Schertz resident Barbara Acosta holds Schertz Magazine while standing in front of the Talimena Scenic Sign in Oklahoma. She made the trip in November to see beautiful fall foliage.

(Left) Katie Feider hold Schertz Magazine at Walt Disney World for Halloween while attending the Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween Party.

(Below) Brent and Benita Bolter show off Schertz Magazine at Rialto Bridge in the city of Venice during a trip to Italy.

(Left) The Hulek family went to Disney World’s Animal Kingdom and took Schertz Magazine with them. Members are ( from left) dad Milan, mom Crystal, son Milan II and daughter Xenie. schertzmagazine.com

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SZ From left, Carol Simonson, Mayor Michael Carpenter and Ruth Tienor

Warriors on Wheels at Grumpy’s Grumpy Azzoz, owner of Grumpy’s Mexican Cafe, visits with members of Ride Texas 2013 and others on November 8 at the restaurant. Grumpy’s provided meals for riders on the fourth day of a seven-day ride across Texas to raise money for wounded veteran benefit groups. The ride was sponsored by Ride Texas, Warriors On Wheels Cycling Club and Wish For Our Heroes.

Senior Bazaar Holiday Market

Hand-made crafts, unique jewelry pieces, personalized items, all made by area senior citizen’s, provided the first opportunity to get a jump-start on holiday shopping. The annual Senior Bazaar was held Saturday, November 23 at the Schertz Community Center. Along with craft sales, a silent auction took place and a raffle for a queen-size quilt.

Tienor Named Simonson Award Recipient Two deserving nominees were honored Thursday, November 14 during the 2013 Steve Simonson ‘Community Volunteer of the Year’ Service Award.

Ruth Tienor and Gail Hyatt, both pillars of the community and long supporter of many civic endeavors, were recognized; along with the many community volunteers who comprise the Boards and Commissions of the City.

Ruth, an originating member of the Library Advisory Board and the Veteran’s Plaza Committee, is often described as ‘tenacious’ because of the devotion to her causes and her loving, generous, communityminded spirit.

Gail has served in an officer position on the Historical Preservation Committee as well as chaired the cemetery subcommittee for several years.. She has been a dedicated promoter for the preservation of our city’s history and an essential advisor regarding historic events that she and her family have witnessed as longtime Schertz residents.

The Simonson Community Service Award – named after the late community volunteer and former assistant city manager Steve Simonson – recognizes people who voluntarily offer their time and talent to improve the community.

Congratulations, Ladies!

Turkey Trot Takes Off A hearty group of 235 runners take off in the First Annual Schertz Turkey Trot 5K event on Thanksgiving morning. The community-sponsored charity event, designed for all ages and skill levels, is one of many events focused on health and fitness. Proceeds from The Schertz Turkey Trot provide clean water, food, healthcare, education, job skills training and a loving home to orphaned children through Ags for Orphans®, a care organization with current projects in Texas and Haiti. The Schertz Turkey Trot selected Randolph Area Christian Assistance Program (RACAP) to be a local beneficiary. This ministry provides financial and needs-based support to families and individuals in our community.

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FEATUREZ

An SCUCISD bus on FM 1518 in Schertz South

Schertz South Schools Gearing Up

By Lucille Sims Thomas

If grades were being giving to two local school districts on how they are handling growth in the Southern Sector of Schertz, both would receive A’s. As the City of Schertz works to make sure roads, water and wastewater are all up to par as that area’s growth progresses, the two school districts that serve the area are working hard to ensure they’re ready, too.

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r. Greg Gibson, superintendent of the Schertz Cibolo Universal City Independent School District, which would serve the vast majority of the Southern Sector, said two things come to mind when he is asked about growth in any part of his district.

“The first is clear, open and regular communication with city officials to make sure we’re never surprised,” Gibson said.

SCUCISD officials, including the Superintendent, attend multiple standing meetings with the City Manager and Schertz city leaders to keep

abreast of what’s going on and to make sure they are all on the same page.

And second, as a result of these conversations, school officials try to make sure they have land acquired in the right locations for future school sites.

“These two things are important because if we have really clear communications on a consistent basis then I think we’re better prepared to locate the areas and land that are perceived to be win-win. We have purchased and are continuing to purchase school sites for the future growth in South Schertz,” Gibson said.

According to SCUCISD demographers, the district nets .78 students for every house that is platted. This information helps the district make projections about how many students will be entering their schools as subdivisions are built. The district has two elementary school sites already purchased in the southern Schertz area. Gibson believes they will need at least three more including a site for an intermediate school and possibly a junior high school. They have already purchased a site for a future high school on Haeckerville Road. Current enrollment for the district is approximately 14,058 students.

In addition to numerous subdivisions planned for the Southern Sector, a number of commercial properties also are planned. Unlike when houses are built and

there is a student likely attached to that construction, commercial property does not necessarily come with a student attached to it so it increases the district’s taxable wealth per student.

“That (commercial property) actually helps us deal with the growth better because it allows more bond dollars and those types of thing to be generated in order for us to build the schools that we are talking about. Commercial property is a really big asset for us as we build and work with the growth,” Gibson said.

Also as southern Schertz continues to grow, the district’s transportation costs will continue to grow.

Gibson said that’s always the case until the schools are built and the district is fully anticipating those costs.

“Part of the 2013 bond program is being used to

help buy buses so that we’re ready for the increased demand on buses that this growth could drive,” he said.

Jim Selby, assistant superintendent for business and operations at East Central School Independent District, said his district also is ready for the growth that could be coming in southern Schertz.

“We believe we will continue to grow as a district overall,

but the area that has the greatest potential for growth for East Central would be our northern part of the district, which is southern Schertz,” Selby said.

East Central officials anticipate a lot of growth in the Southern Sector of Schertz and are staying on top of the plans of developers in that area. They already are looking at future sites for elementary schools and have cont’d on page 24

East Central High School schertzmagazine.com

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FEATUREZ Schertz South Schools Gearing Up cont’d on page 24 purchased land for a middle school more towards the St. Hedwig area.

“And as those developments are taking place we’ve had talks with developers to try to get sites donated for elementary schools or even to try to work out a decent price for buying some land just so that we can have land available once the growth gets here,” Selby said.

Selby believes a lot of the growth that would impact East Central is at least 10 to 20 years down the road. Currently, the district pulls a few students from all different grade levels from the Schertz area. If necessary, the district will build a couple of new middle schools and a new

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high school for that area, Selby said.

East Central is not only looking ahead at the impact the growth will have on its transportation costs but also the future revenue that could come from the area transforming from mostly rural with many agriculture exemptions to one that brings in taxable revenue from residential and commercial property, according to Selby.

“Over time that would impact us and result in more tax revenue coming in. It will definitely increase tax revenues but we don’t know until the growth happens how it will pan out, Selby said.

In SCUCISD Gibson said the battle is on two fronts – North Schertz and the area around FM 1518 being watched closely for growth acceleration. “We kinda jokingly call that the war on two fronts,” Gibson said.

“So that complicates things a little bit, but we have a good demographer, we have a good team and we have good communications. And we will make it work and we’ll make it work in a way where the quality of education remains at the level that our parents and taxpayers expect — which is a high level.”

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FEATUREZ

EMS Ride Comes in 3 Sizes

By Chuck McCollough

What do Schertz EMS and a typical fast-food place have in common?

Items that come in three sizes - small, medium and large.

Really.

O

Over the past three years or so, the EMS service has acquired one very large ambulance and several smaller units to complement what is considered ( for the sake of this story) the medium size ambulance in the fleet.

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Unlike fast food places, ambulance customers don’t have the option to “supersize” their emergency transport.

Schertz EMS Director Dudley Wait said that since 2004 the service relied exclusively on what he called the large International chassis ambulance (the

medium size in our story).

“Our thought was - it is better to have the International chassis ambulances that last 10 plus years than the smaller chassis units for a four-to-five year service life. Since 2004 - with all the changes in ( federal) emission standards and the (ambulance)

industry standards - we saw it was not financially feasible to use the large chassis ambulances in all situations,” Wait explained.

With that in mind, Schertz EMS service did some longterm planning that took into account the changing nature of public EMS in the United States.

The result is a stable of EMS rolling stock “to fit different scenarios,” Wait said. “This is about meeting the needs of our customers in the most efficient way possible.”

An Evolving Situation

Schertz EMS is positioning itself for a paradigm shift in the ambulance service sector.

“We see having varioussize ambulances for the next several years as we adapt our mission based on changes in the healthcare environment,” the EMS director said.

EMS typically is emergency transport to a hospital.

The large chassis ambulance, however, has often

been used to transport patients to the hospital who are not really experiencing an emergency,” Wait noted.

“What a lot of EMS services are doing - and where Schertz EMS is heading in the future - is providing mobile health care. That is sending the right vehicle to

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FEATUREZ

EMS Ride Comes in Three Sizes cont’d on page 24

a person who need medical care and the Paramedics take care of their medical needs, often without the need to transport them to the hospital ER,” he said.

“Mobile healthcare is a different focus - not just going to ER - but getting the person the care they need, when and where they need it, and not waiting for it to become an emergency. This includes working with high volume customers who feel their only option is to call 911 and go the the hospital.”

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Wait said in cases where people repeatedly call 911 for an ambulance - sometimes twice a day for a non-critical situation- the mobile healthcare model allows EMS to help those folks get the care and services they need.

“That is better for them (the frequent 911 callers) and the system. More ambulances are available for folks truly in a life-threatening situation” he emphasized.

schertzmagazine.com

The Best Sized Vehicle for the Situation Schertz EMS is working to redeploy its ambulance fleet based on circumstances listed above. The large chassis (medium-size) ambulances will be stationed adjacent to IH-35 and IH-10 to carry the equipment needed to better handle wrecks along those highways.

The large-chassis ambulances are better suited for interstate service because they carry extra equipment

like Jaws of Life for freeing people trapped in vehicles.

The small-chassis ambulances will concentrate on the more frequent nonhighway calls in part because they are less expensive to operate, Wait said.

The small chassis ambulances, large-chassis ambulances and the giant AMBUS are available to be used in a variety of scenarios, Wait stressed.

The Ambus

The Mass Casualty Evacuation Ambulance- or AMBUS - is a bus size ambulance that can carry up to 20 patients and gives Schertz EMS the ability to respond to regional or statewide emergency situations.

Schertz got its AMBUS – the first in the San Antonio area - in September 2011 and put it into service several months later. The Alamo City received its Ambus several weeks after that giving the region two of the giant ambulances at that time.

The Schertz AMBUS is a state asset issued to the City of Schertz, which insures and maintains the big vehicle, Wait said. The Texas Department of State Health Services placed the AMBUS in Schertz largely because of the city’s track record, leadership and reputation

for regional and statewide emergency response, the EMS Director noted.

The AMBUS has been used in various non-emergency ways and called on for real emergencies as well.

A little more than a year ago the AMBUS responded when a truck ran into the back of a Schertz-Cibolo-School District bus in front of Steele High School in Cibolo injuring nearly a dozen students and the adult driver. The AMBUS was called and transported the students and driver to a local hospital where they were treated for mostly minor injuries.

“The Schertz EMS AMBUS moved 11 patients in one vehicle with the staff from one ambulance instead of utilizing 6 or more ambulances,” Wait said.

FEATUREZ

What’s Up with Meetups?

By Jim Webb Photos by Diana Webb

Now available to Schertz residents (and, in fact, to any interested folks, regardless of where they live) is a program aimed at bringing together people in a geographical area who share an interest in a particular activity.

T

he program is called Meetup.

It was launched in New York City about 11 years ago, the brainchild of Scott Heiferman and Matt Meeker. After 9-11, they were struck by how, for the first time in a while, New Yorkers were coming together with their neighbors to help each other make it through the aftermath of this tragedy. They were interested in providing a vehicle that would allow people in the same geographical area to come together based on a shared interest. They also

wanted to encourage people to interact in a face-to-face manner, rather than just on electronic devices.

They developed a website on which users could post their interests or discover people residing in their area with similar interests. A Meetup group is initiated by a community member who is willing to become the official organizer. He or she pays a small monthly fee to be included on the Meetup website. This website is developed and maintained by the national headquarters. It provides the organizer with

a variety of tools to support the group.

time, and any other pertinent information.

Once the organizer has initiated his group on the website, when folks do an internet search looking for a particular type of group in their area, for example, a cancer support group, one of the results listed will include any Meetup groups on that topic. Interested individuals can obtain more info on the group on the website as well as be able to contact the organizer directly by email.

The website will list all scheduled Meetups for the group and provide location, date,

People wanting to attend a group meeting RSVP right on the website. Organizers do not have membership quotas to meet, nor do they have a requirement for a minimum number of meetings that must be offered. Some groups have a dues requirement.

Dues charged are based on the organizer’s assessment of what is needed to be sure the group has the resources needed at a meeting.

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FEATUREZ What’s up with Meetups? cont’d on page 31 The co-founders originally envisioned groups would evolve based on a fan club model, i.e., interest in a sports team or a celebrity of some sort. However, it soon became a much broader endeavor, including Meetups based on political interests, hobbies, medical conditions, parenting skills and many more. Meetup now has more than 139,000 registered groups in more than 190 countries throughout the world. It has over 15 million members. Approximately 430,000 meetings occur each month! A search on the website for Meetup within 10 miles of Schertz yielded 87 results and almost as many different interests. In just one week this past October there were 25 Meetups scheduled.

One of the Schertz Meetups is the Schertz Photography Group. Its organizer is Victor Watson, a retiree from the Army and, subsequently, the Department of Homeland Security. He has broad experience in law enforcement, to include crime scene investigation. Among other skills, he became an expert photographer. Also, he spent many years instructing law enforcement personnel at many different venues, one of which was

Victor Watson (second from left) explains “Light Painting Photography” seen on Pg. 31

at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, and on a variety of subjects.

When he and his wife, Marty, a civilian employee at Randolph AFB, moved to Schertz, he began looking for an avenue to pursue his interests in teaching and in photography. One of the opportunities he encountered was Meetup. There were existing photographycentered Meetups in the San Antonio and Austin areas, and he decided to visit a meeting. He found the group and the activity interesting, but it involved a longer commute than he desired.

He contacted some Schertz city representatives and the Chamber of Commerce and inquired about what type groups existed in Schertz for photography buffs. When he discovered there were none, he did some research on Meetup and liked what

he learned. He decided to become an organizer of a photography group in Schertz.

Vic then set out to identify sites that provided the elements needed to conduct a successful Meetup. He was able to locate a few appropriate places and in June of this year he launched his Meetup -- the Schertz Photography Group. The group has over 50 registered members. Their photography experiences and skills vary from beginner/basic to knowledgeable/advanced.

His talents as a teacher and photographer enable him to help them meet their goals no matter what their levels.

A second objective of every Meetup is to encourage social interaction among the members in hopes good friendships will be developed. He offers Meetup

several times a month.

Sometimes the focus is on learning various photography techniques, and other times it is a field trip to a site or an event to practice what was learned.

In addition to his Meetup events, Vic, and Eagle Scout, looks forward to helping local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts with their pursuits of photography related skill badges.

If you would like to learn more about Meetup, you can visit its website: www.meetup.com. If you are interested in Vic’s group or would like to talk with him about becoming an organizer for a group, you can contact him on the group’s website: www.meetup.com/SchertzPhotography-Group.

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FEATUREZ

VFW Tank Anniversary Approching

By Stan Leland

It all began with a request.

Claude Earley and Jim Mann were having a drink together in the Schertz VFW bar on FM 78 when they saw their friend Jerry Bethke enter. Since Jerry was a retired major general in the U.S. Army and was not without influence, Claude said, “Jerry we want you to get us a tank.”

J

erry had joined the VFW three years before in 1989 after moving to the Schertz area. As one of the post’s junior vice-commanders he decided to bring the idea before the monthly general membership meeting in June 1992. The members liked the idea and Jerry was given the official authorization (and no budget) to acquire a tank for display.

His first call was to a former associate, Col. Stan Thomas, the commander of Fort Sam Houston. Col. Thomas told him to call the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Command in Warren, Mich. Jerry’s request for a tank was answered a few weeks later when a representative of the Automotive Command

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said a tank was available at Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg, Miss. An M60 Patton tank was about to become an artillery target for the Mississippi National Guard.

However, the VFW Post could have the tank if they could pay $5000 to $6000 to have it transported to Schertz. Since Jerry had no budget, the project almost ended at that point. Then Jerry remembered the 5th Army, headquartered at Fort Sam, had a reserve unit whose wartime mission was recovering damaged vehicles from the battlefield and transporting them to repair facilities. Jerry called the unit’s commander and suggested they use the tank at Camp Shelby as a training exercise and haul it to

Schertz. The unit commander thought it was a great idea but when the new fiscal year began he did not have the funds to carry out the plan.

Unknown to Jerry, someone in 5th Army headquarters group called Paul Rhoads, a board member at the National Defense Transportation Association and explained the VFW’s situation. Paul was sympathetic and personally called Jerry.

Paul suggested Jerry contact the CEO’s of the three major railroads in the region to see if they might donate the freight charge to benefit the veterans of the post. After several months of negotiations and diplomacy Jerry got all three to assist in shipping the tank free.

In January 1994, 18 months after Claude Earley had made his request, the tank left Camp Shelby in Mississippi on the Kansas City Southern Railroad for the short trip to Hattiesburg, where it was turned over to the Illinois Central Railroad for the journey to Jackson, Miss. There the Kansas City Southern Railroad took over again, taking the tank to Shreveport.

From there the Union Pacific Railroad brought the tank to the Wetmore Road unloading ramp in San Antonio. On Feb. 11, 1994, the tank was unloaded by the 217th Transportation Company and taken to Fort Sam Houston for demilitarization. The Heavy Maintenance Company removed

the engine and transmission and rendered the cannon unusable. They also sand blasted the tank in preparation for painting.

On March 9, the 217th moved the tank to the front of the VFW on FM 78. Although an impressive sight along the two-lane country road, it was a 50-ton hulk of unpainted steel. Post commander Dave Mazoch had connections at Randolph AFB and soon a crew of volunteers arrived to repaint the tank in its original 1960’s green with authentic markings.

Unfortunately, at this same time in late March, 1994,

Claude Earley passed away from cancer. Because of his illness he never got to see the outcome of his request from almost 2 years before.

Claude had depended on daughter Cindy to keep him informed of the tank’s progress.

Jerry knew that tank crews were given the privilege of painting their tank’s name on the turret of their tank.

At the dedication ceremony on April 16, 1994, the public was able to see the tank and its new name “Earley’s War Wagon.” It was a fitting tribute to the man who wanted the tank as a memorial to veterans.

Since April 2014 will be the 20th anniversary of the tank’s dedication, the VFW is planning a ceremony to mark the occasion. However, before that happens the tank will need a significant makeover. Twenty years of South Texas weather has taken its toll. Rust and flaking paint need to be sand blasted and the entire tank needs painting and re-lettering. If anyone would like to help by donating money or their time to the project, contact the Post Commander Henry Conway at (210) 831-6999.

See more pictures at schertzmagazine.com.

M-60 Patton Tank History

T

he M-60 Patton tank has the distinction of being the first main battle tank for the United States military.

Prior to M60’s development, the Army had three types of tanks: light, medium and heavy.

However, during the Cold War, light and medium tanks had too little armor and too little fire power for the modern battlefield. Heavy tanks had the opposite problem, they were too large to fit in urban settings, especially in Europe and they were too heavy for the roads and bridges.

The M-60 main battle tank was designed to replace all three types with a tank strong enough to stand up to the Soviet’s firepower and still maneuver in both urban and rural environments. The M-60 went into production in December 1960 armed with a 105-mm cannon. The M-60’s hull was cast in one piece with three compartments; one in the front for the driver, a mid section for the gunner, loader and commander and the rear com-

partment for the engine. A 7.62 mm machine gun was mounted next to the barrel of the cannon and could be fired by the gunner or commander. The commander had a smaller secondary turret located on the upper right side of the main turret. This smaller turret could be operated independently of the main turret and it had a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun mounted on it. schertzmagazine.com

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Community Garden Blossoms

FEATUREZ

On November 22, the Guadalupe County Master Gardeners honored individuals, groups and entities who supported their community garden. (see list on Pg. 39)

By Dale Odvody Guadalupe County Master Gardeners

The Guadalupe County Community Garden (GCCG) is located at 1101 Elbel Street behind the Guadalupe County Annex Office Building parking lot.

This teaching/demonstration garden got its start with a cost-free lease with the Guadalupe County Commissioners’ Court; a grant from the City of Schertz, which provided water, a water meter and water connection; and the Guadalupe County Roads and Bridges, which graded the property, dug the post holes for the fence and gates and provided wood chip mulch.

The conditions of the lease state all produce from the garden goes to local food banks, although the GCCG spokesperson admits one watermelon did split one hot summer day before it could be harvested and the work crew ate it before it could rot and had to be thrown away. The rind went into the compost bin. So it was not a total loss.

In the past three years, more than five tons (10,000 pounds) of fresh produce have been donated to the Randolph Area Christian Assistance Program (RACAP) food bank in Schertz, and the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church food bank in Marion from 20 raised garden beds of various sizes.

The beds are all irrigated with drip watering systems to conserve water. Earlier this spring, Pulte Homes built and donated the 15’ X 20’ pavilion, which now provides much needed shade and a work area for the garden and its workers.

This summer, Schulz Nursery in Marion became a corporate sponsor and agreed to sell all their products at cost to the community garden.

A grant from an anonymous donor finished the greenhouse and created the area where the Master Gardeners can grow plants from seeds rather than buying transplants.

These donations identified the need for electricity in the garden. Under the oversight of Jim Wolverton, Guadalupe County Commissioner, Precinct 3, and Robert Thomas, director of Guadalupe County Supervision and Corrections Department, electricity was installed at the community garden. cont’d on page 39 schertzmagazine.com

JANUARY 2014

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FEATUREZ

Those honored were: • Commissioner Jim Wolverton, Guadalupe County, Precinct #3

Community Garden Blossoms

• City of Schertz

cont’d from page 37

• Director Robert Thomas, Guadalupe County Supervision and Corrections Department

Funds were approved by the Guadalupe County Master Gardeners (CGMG) Board of Directors and the installation began in June 2013 and was completed two months later. Many individuals from the Guadalupe County Community Service volunteered to complete the work.

• Mark Metcalfe – Master Electrician, Tower Electric

GCMG planned the installation of electricity to run from the main meter box to allow temperature control and lights in the greenhouse and to have lights and ceiling fans in the pavilion to support gardening classes there.

• Guadalupe County Roads and Bridges

• Barbara Erowick, Guadalupe County Adult Probations Supervisor • Community Service crews • Guadalupe County Juvenile Probation Office in Schertz • Pulte Homes • Guadalupe County Master Gardener (GCMG) Board of Directors

They coordinated the installation with GVEC and the City of Schertz to obtain a permit and periodic inspections of all necessary work required.

• Schulz Nursery

Master Electrician Mark Metcalfe from Tower Electric donated approximately 100 hours of his time and his friends’ time to perform the installation and to complete electrical connections required by a licensed electrician.

• Tower Electric

• Eagle Rentals • Gerard Electric • GVEC • Schertz United Methodist Church • Guadalupe County Native Plant Society

Among the businesses that donated time, equipment and materials were Gerard Electric, which ordered the majority of electrical parts and equipment and sold them to the Master Gardeners at cost; Eagle Rentals, which gave a substantial discount on the rental of a trencher and trailer; Tower Electric, which donated miscellaneous materials and cable; and Pulte Homes, which gave shade to a barren landscape that was the impetus for the whole idea of getting electricity to the garden.

The Guadalupe County Native Plant Society also planted a certified Butterfly Garden at the main pedestrian gate of the GCCG in support of the garden.

The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners work the garden on Tuesday and Friday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Visitors are welcome and encouraged.

For more information, visit the GCMG website at guadalupecountymastergardeners.org.

The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners present the City of Schertz with a certificate of appreciation for supporting the Guadalupe County Community Garden. From left are: John Bierschwale, Schertz Executive Director Operations; City Councilmember David Scagliola, Master Gardeners Peggy Jones and Dale Odvody, and Mayor Pro Tem Jim Fowler and Councilmember Daryl John. schertzmagazine.com

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39

FEATUREZ

Steele Musicians Make Noise

By Kari Bridges

T

his fall, Schertz-CiboloUniversal City Independent School District music students worked diligently to prepare their music selections to audition regionally for the opportunity to compete against other area public high school music students in the San Antonio Region Music Competitions in November and December 2013.

Students who are selected to represent the top 10 at the Regional Competitions will then advance to the Pre-Area All State level where they will have the opportunity to work with professional conductors and compete with other high school music students from around the state of Texas.

Quynten Grove practices

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The Steele High School Fine Arts Program has had numerous successes this year and Kathryn Dane, Steele High School Choir and Orchestra Fine Arts teacher, is proud of the accomplishments of each student who makes up the Mixed Choir and Philharmonic and Symphonic Orchestra. According to Dane, two Steele High School music students, Leon Butler and Quynten Grove, have excelled in this year’s music competitions.

Butler,17, is a 4-year member of the Varsity Choir; a 3-year member of Mixed Company A Cappella Choir, a Top 10 nationally ranked group that competed in New York City last spring.

Leon placed in the Top 10 in the last two years in the Bass 2 section and has been a 3-year member of the Region 12 Mixed Choir. He has advanced to Pre-Area All State auditions for the second time and competed December 3rd to advance to Area auditions. Leon earned 7th chair in our region, which puts him as a second alternate to the top 5 singers Area competition on January 11th, 2014.

“Leon is a committed and respected leader in the Choir serving as president for two years and a section leader. He is the first student from the Steele Choir program to make Top 10 and advance to Pre-Area auditions in 2011, 2012 and 2013. He is also a two-time past participant in State Solo and Ensemble contest having earned a Division 1 rating on his solo,” shared Dane.

He has worked diligently at improving his talent to help further his skills as he now prepares to attend college. Butler practices singing several hours each day by being involved with music in the Steele H.S. Fine Arts Department, summer music camps and taking private voice lessons from LaDawn Petersen, a local singer who is a professional opera singer who lived and sang professionally in Germany.

“I love doing what I do and my goal is to have fun with music. To me every piece of music portrays a story and I try to immerse myself in that story.

Depending on what the message of the piece is, some pieces of music deserve more passion and reverence than just being played. Music in of itself is often misunderstood, but music is something that people have to do to understand- such as learning the background of the composer, what

Quynten Grove, left, and Leon Butler

was going on in the composer’s society and life and how those life experiences affected their intent and then learning to draw on that through the performance,” Butler said.

As a former AFJROTC cadet Butler plans to attend UTSA in the fall where he will pursue a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and minor in music. After college he hopes to be commissioned in the United States Air Force and pursue a career in Foreign Affairs.

Quynten Grove, 15, describes himself as rather stumbling upon the double bass violin in the 6th grade Orchestra at Schlather Intermediate School. Now in his 5th year playing the instrument, Grove came to the realization that playing music was his passion when he started advancing and discovered that he had a talent for playing.

“I pursued it harder and ended up falling in love with music,” said Grove who typically practices 2 ½ hours each day.

“Quynten is a consummate musician, always thinking about it, performing, practicing, and seeking opportunities to collaborate with other students.

He placed 1st chair at the Regional Symphonic Orchestra auditions which qualified him to advance to the PreArea auditions for the Texas All State Orchestra. Quynten is the first Steele student to make it into Symphonic Region Orchestra, and first chair at that! He is also the first to advance to Pre-Area Orchestra auditions. He also advanced to the State Solo and Ensemble contest last year after earning a Division 1 rating on his solo,” shared Dane.

Grove comes from a musically-talented family and is self-taught to play the guitar and piano and also sings tenor in the Junior Varsity Choir at school.

In 2010, Grove joined the Youth Orchestra of San Antonio for additional instruction and also began taking private lessons from San Antonio Symphony bassist Steve Zeserman, a bass instructor at UTSA and a graducont’d on page 42 schertzmagazine.com

JANUARY 2014

41

FEATUREZ

masters were humble and that’s how I want to be. I give the glory to God and I want to represent other people through my music but at the same time put my own emotions through music whether you are happy or sad,” said Grove.

Grove hopes to study music in college and pursue a performing or teaching career in music. What makes playing the double bass violin so special to him is that it is not typically thought of as a solo instrument and he would like to help change this perception. He plays most genres of music and finds that the tempos of the music will vary by his mood, or emotions of the day. His favorite music is classical which he finds relaxing and has a special place in his heart.

Steele Musicians Make Noise cont’d from page 37 ate of The Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that is renowned for educating and training exceptionally gifted young musicians for careers as performing artists on

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schertzmagazine.com

the highest professional level.

“My love of music has enriched my life in many ways. First, the history of music gives me humility – it doesn’t happen to just anyone. Even the

“Quynten’s love of music has affected our family by exposing us to the arts in a different way,” explained his mother, Emily McGouyrk. “It has afforded us the opportunity to really appreciate what goes into different productions such as ballets, movies and musicals.”

CIVIC NEWZ YOUR EXCLUSIVE SOURCE FOR NEWS FROM THE CITY OF SCHERTZ

New City Council Members Sworn In The Schertz City Council seated two new members and reseated an incumbent during a ceremony at the November 18 meeting.

After Council canvassed the November 5 election results, the winners were sworn it.

From left they are: Matthew Duke, new Place 5 councilmember; Cedric Edwards, re-elected Place 4 councilmember; and Daryl John, new Place 3 councilmember.

Sewer Averaging Will Affect Residents’ 2013-14 Bills Sewer averaging for the winter months began on October 24, 2013, and continues through March 6, 2014, for cycle billing.

Meter readings taken over this period determine your sewer average for the next billing year, which begins April 1. The readings will be averaged, and the average will be multiplied by $2.98 for residents with an average below 12,000 gallons.

For residents with averages greater than 12,001 gallons, the average will be multiplied by $3.83. That total will be added to the base rate of $5.06 for residential use. The resulting average will be your sewer charge for the next 12 months. For more information, visit Schertz.com or call (210) 619-1100.

schertzmagazine.com

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43

Schertz Honored Again - One of Most Affordable Suburbs in U.S.

S

chertz has been named one of “The Most Affordable Suburbs in America” by the national real estate blog Movoto.

It was the second time in as many months Schertz was listed on an honor roll.

The Movoto Top Ten list ranked Schertz No. 8. Two other local suburban cities – Universal City and Cibolo were listed No. 7 and No. 10, respectively.

Schertz Mayor Michael Carpenter smiled at the news.

“It is exciting to have Schertz listed as one of top 10 most affordable suburban cities in the United States.

“The best part of this particular recognition is that we have chosen, as a community, to focus on quality of life projects as a core part of who we are and want to be. Schertz residents have access to amenities typically found in larger, more highly taxed and highly leveraged cities.

“The fact that we are able to provide an abundance of both natural and manicured parks, exceptional and abundant sports facilities (including close to 50 acres currently under construction), a regional library and a rapidly growing job base all while reducing our property tax rate makes our affordability all that more remarkable,” Mayor Carpenter said.

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Movoto said this about Schertz: “Schertz is about twice the size of Universal City, but is actually more affordable in terms of food and utility costs. Those are 16 and 11 percent below the national average, respectively, while the overall cost of living is four percent below.

“Homes in Schertz have a median price of $161,000, which when compared to the median household income of $65,650 creates a housing cost to income ratio of 2.45 to one. As with Universal City, there’s no state income tax; sales tax and property tax are at 65 percent and 41 percent above the national average, respectively,” Movoto said.

The blog surveyed 139 suburbs near the 50 largest cities in the country.

“These suburbs all offer a unique combination of low cost of living, affordable homes, and other aspects that make them good choices for those looking to enjoy suburban living without spending a fortune doing it,” the real estate blog said.

Steele Students Clean Up Gutierrez Xeriscape Park

Movoto said it used seven criteria to measure overall affordability. They are: * Cost of living above/below national average *Cost of food above/below national average *Cost of utilities above/below national average *Housing affordability (ratio of median household income to median home price) *Property tax rate percentage above/below national average *State income tax rate percentage above/below national average *Sales tax rate percentage above/below national average

On Saturday, November 16, eleven members of the Steele High School Key Club joined their Faculty Advisor Denise Leverich to provide a long overdue facelift to Gutierrez Xeriscape Park in Schertz.

The score from the criteria determined the overall ranking.

The most affordable designation comes soon after Schertz was named one of the safest cities in Texas

by Safewise, a home security company. Schertz ranked No. 28 out of 50 cities with 20,000 or more residents.

For more information go to Schertz.com.

They were joined by Master Gardeners Judy Stanley, Welta Burris and Park & Recreation Advisory Board Co-Chairs Kim Darrough and John Lewicki.

Schertz Parks and Recreation Manager Chuck Van Zandt and Supervisor Mike Trainor arranged to have supplies and equipment including paint and rollers, a pallet of edgers and two truckloads of mulch for the volunteer work day.

Parks and Recreation workers

Ross Dye and Scott Duever were on hand to provide assistance and take pictures.

Van Zandt gave a special thanks to Master Gardener Nancy Masterson who preidentified tree trimming tasks and Judy Stanley for her consultations on the expanded Butterfly Garden prior to the work day. Also greatly appreciated were the efforts of Melissa Lewicki who led the students in painting the gazebo, he said.

Several residents came by during the work day and afterwards to thank everyone for all their hard work and commented on how improved the park looked.

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Schertz Police Department’s Operation I.D. With the holidays behind us and the dawn of a New Year upon us, the Schertz Police Department reminds you to mark and record your valuables.

Often criminals attempt to pawn or “fence” stolen property. However, if you have recorded your serial numbers or marked the item with a unique marking it makes it more difficult for the criminal and it is helpful in the recovery of your stolen items.

Recording your serial numbers is crucial. Whenever you purchase new items such as electronics, firearms, bicycles, tools, etc. you should record the make, model and serial number of that item. Keep this information in a secure location and if possible enter the information into spreadsheets along with photographs. You can also purchase an engraver and engrave your last name and drivers license number on the items like tools or bikes.

This can be very helpful if you cannot locate your serial numbers. An owner applied ID mark may assist in the recovery of the item.

For items that are too small to engrave, that don’t have a serial number or will be damaged if you engrave them, take photographs and keep them with the serial numbers of other items. When photographing items, if possible use a white sheet as the background and place a ruler next to the item to give scale. This is very helpful if the item is stolen or lost in a fire and you are filing an insurance claim. Keep your serial number log and photographs up to date and stored if possible in more than one location, home, work, or in a safety deposit box.

Remember the following when conducting your inventory: Description of article Date of purchase and original price Serial number (or owner applied ID mark)

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#info CITY CALENDARZ January 2014 Tuesday, 7

City Council, 6:00 PM— Council Chamber

Wednesday, 8

Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM - Council Chambers

Thursday, 23

Economic Development Corporation, 6:00 PM Council Chambers

Monday, 23

Tuesday, 14

City Council, 6:00 PM— Council Chambers

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, 5:30 PM – Bob Andrews Room Board of Adjustments, 6:00 PM – Council Chambers

Monday 20

Tuesday, 28

City Holiday MLK Day (offices closed)

City Council, 6:00 PM— Council Chamber

Tuesday, 21

City Council, 6:00 PM— Council Chambers

Wednesday, 22

Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM - Council Chambers

***Meeting locations may change, please visit the calendar at www.schertz.com for confirmation.***

City of Schertz Elected Officials Mayor: Michael Carpenter

Council Members:

(210) 619-1045

Jim Fowler David Scagliola Cedric Edwards, Sr. Daryl John Matthew Duke

(210) 658-1442 (830) 606-1130 (210) 566-4540 (210) 204-2750 (210) 204-8649

City of Schertz Animal Control Business/Utilities City Manager City Secretary Civic Center Customer Care/311

(210) 619-1000 (210) 619-1550 (210) 619-1100 (210) 619-1000 (210) 619-1030 (210) 619-1600 (210) 619-1000

City Departments:

City Departments: (cont’d) 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 WEBSITES schertz.com visitschertz.com schertzmagazine.com Like us on Facebook

OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS 1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY SCHERTZ, TEXAS 78154