June 2016

TO

JUNE 2016

YOU

BY

THE

CITY

OF

SCHERTZ,

TEXAS

magazine

BROUGHT

2016 SATURDAY, JUNE 11 Gateway Coin Club’s Coin Show Schertz Civic Center

SATURDAY, JUNE 25 Home Living Showcase Schertz Civic Center

WEEKLY Demory Ballroom Dancing Every Monday at 8pm Community Center Central Senior Line Dancers Every Tuesday at 9am Community Center Central

City Council Michael Carpenter Mayor Jim Fowler Councilmember Grumpy Azzoz Councilmember Daryl John Councilmember Cedric Edwards, Sr. Councilmember Robin Thompson Councilmember

Executive Team John Kessel City Manager Brian James Executive Director Dudley Wait Executive Director Kyle Kinateder Executive Director Sarah Gonzalez Assistant to the City Manager

VOLUME 32 ISSUE 6 32 Years and counting...!

PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY Public Affairs Department Linda Klepper Public Affairs Director Chuck McCollough Editor Melissa Geedman Marketing & Communications Specialist Alexis Souza Graphic Design/Art Direction Contributing Staffers Erin Matlock Office Manager Mary Spence Events Manager

Contributing Writers Chuck McCollough, Melissa Geedman, Lucille Sims Thomas, Richard Erickson, Amanda Mercer, Allyson Ortegon, Claudia Pharr,Jesus R. Garcia, Kari Bridges, Jim Webb, Stan Leland, Wendy Kinkade, Taryn McGillivray, Aubrey Parke, Kiko Martinez, Ashley Festa, Rudy Arispe, Mike Harris, Chris Meek, Tom Lovett, Kaylie Kennedy.

Contributing Photographers Chuck McCollough, Mary Spence, Joshua Nolden, Melissa Geedman, Mary Oakes, Diana Webb, Bryan Tobias, Mike Harris, Beverly McCollough, Ross Dye, Marc Bane, Michael Carpenter, Joe Herczeg, Kari Bridges, Catherine White, Elizabeth Leland, Rudy Ornelas, Samuel Rhodes, Linda Klepper, Amanda Mercer, Calvin True, Elysia Santoya, Alyson Garcia, Erin True, Lisa Green, Kaylie Kennedy, Mike Bowers, Fiona Scoggin, Ethan Bookout, Terrell Mitchell, Cindy Kelleher, Aaron Davis Schertz Magazine is published monthly by the Public Affairs Department of the City of Schertz promoting city, community, and business activities. Our mailing address is 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. © City of Schertz, Texas The editorial office of Schertz Magazine is at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154.

Call (210) 619-1630.

Fax (210) 619-1619.

Website is schertz.com and schertzmagazine.com

OFFICIAL FINE PRINT Send queries about articles or photographs to Schertz Magazine at events@schertz.com. For advertising information: Schertz Magazine, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154; call (210) 619-1630; Fax (210) 6191619; 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.

une is the traditional start of the summer, at least when I was growing up.

School ended May 31 and summer fun started one day later.

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.

Speaking of being a kid, this month’s Schertz Magazine has an interesting selection of stories, including one particular story about turning back time - sort of... well at least it’s the most (pun alert) colorful story.

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.

J

Start your summer reading with the fun tale of Adult Coloring at the Schertz Public Library.

Known for its innovative and infectiously fun programs, the Library hit a homer with the “No One Under 18” coloring club.

Enjoy the comments of adults who picked up coloring pencils and recaptured some of the wonder and joy of childhood. One warning, you may be tempted to sneak into your little ones room and borrow their crayons.

Since summer is a time for swimming and sunshine, turn next to an update story on the Schertz Aquatic Center, AKA the Natatorium. The muchanticipated facility has swiftly gone from a green grass space to a site with inground molds for two swimming pools and a busy construction site.

The Natatorium is slated to

FEATUREZ

Adult Coloring Brings Out the Kid Inside

P20

Volunteers Help Spruce Up Aviation Heights

P24

Aquatic Center to Open in Fall

P28

First Miss Schertz Reminisces

P32

Editor’z Letter

By Chuck McCollough, Editor

open this fall. While there won’t be any swimming there this summer, the story will help you get excited about the City’s new addition to the community.

some of the older houses was very much appreciated by those living there. Read what those residents have to say about the spirit Of Schertz.

Schertz is a neighborly community as we all know. Our story on volunteers going into Aviation Heights and helping fix up the houses of neighbors who can’t do it or afford to do it themselves will make you smile. The photos of volunteers painting houses and doing yard maintenance will capture the mood of the project called Love Where You Live.

Also look for a story on the 201516 Schertz Sweetheart Court coronation and a companion story about the first Miss Schertz from many years ago. Other stories include the Clemens High School DECA chapter, National Historic Preservation Month, and improvements to FM 1518 and FM 1103.

Aviation Heights is one of the City’s oldest neighborhoods and the repairs and renovations done to

All that and more in Your Source For Hometown News - Schertz Magazine.

schertzmagazine.com

Clemens DECA Building Future Leaders

DEPARTMENTZ TALK OF THE TOWNZ Updatez Visionz / Chamber

9 16

CIVIC NEWZ Updatez

38

CALENDARZ

47

COVER

BROU GHT

TO

YOU

BY

THE

CITY

OF

Work continues on the

Schertz Aquatic Center

SCHE RTZ,

TEXA S

magazine

P10

near the Schertz Family YMCA. The Aquatic Center is slated to open in the fall.

JUNE

2016

schertzmagazine.com

JUNE 2016

7

TALKOF THE

TOWNZ

Schertz Magazine All Over The Map

In Hawaii

Barbara Clayton took Schertz Magazine with her on a trip to Hawaii.

Take your copy of Schertz Magazine when you travel and take a high-resolution photo of the mag and you in front of a recognizable place and send to events@schertz. com. You might just make it into the magazine.

In Costa Maya, Mexico In Germany

Tim O’Neil took Schertz Magazine with him on a trip to Bonn, Germany, the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven.

Charles & Rose Ervin, Curtis & Janet Jenkins, and Billy, Hal & Patsy Woodward took Schertz Magazine mag with them on trip to Costa Maya, Mexico. schertzmagazine.com

JUNE 2016

9

SZ

Adult Coloring Brings Out the Kid Inside

By Chuck McCollough The Adult Coloring Club at the Schertz Public Library has a strange effect on its members -they start acting like carefree kids. And that is the point.

“After hearing about the new craze and seeing adult coloring books in almost every store I visited, I thought this would be a neat library program for adults,” stated Lizzi Bertoia, Adult Services Librarian. “I decided right away to purchase adult coloring books, colored pencils, and started promoting the program at the end of 2015, with plans of beginning the program early 2016.”

Started this January, the twicea-month coloring club has grown in popularity and size reflecting a national trend.

“I didn’t know how popular the program would be since it was brand new, and I was absolutely mind-blown to have a packed room for both the Monday afternoon and Thursday evening sessions the first few months,” Bertoia said. “The program continues to draw a crowd each month, and I plan to provide this program as long as patrons are interested.”

How popular is adult coloring in the U.S.? According to the website Tech Insider, 9 out of the top 20 selling books on Amazon were adult coloring books at year’s end.

10

JUNE JUNE 2016 2016

schertzmagazine.com schertzmagazine.com

A recent Schertz Magazine article noted that “Coloring is an activity traditionally thought of as being for kids.

However, it can be very beneficial for adults. Coloring helps people de-stress because they focus on a fun activity, instead of worrying about something more troublesome.

Coloring stimulates brain areas related to motor skills, the senses, and creativity.”

Bertoia said the coloring class is such a fun place to be. “I am so happy the library is able to make available a program such as this one where adults can come zen and de-stress in a group setting.” Everyone is extremely friendly and it is such a welcoming and calming environment for all.

During the March 24 Library’s Adult Coloring Club evening meeting, many participants were looking forward to letting their inner child out.

Cindy Liddle, an active coloring participant, was so excited she brought along a friend - her hairdresser, Tina Bocconcelli.

Both women laughed, joked around, and often looked down at the coloring pencils and intricate designs on sheets of paper they would soon make into a works of art.

Both confessed they were secret coloring fans who

enjoyed the activity at home before joining the coloring club.

“I read about the coloring club in Schertz Magazine and said to myself ‘why not?’ I was looking for something to do and get out of the house at the same time,” Liddle said.

Liddle and Bocconcelli said it was their first time at the coloring club and they were happy to see a lot of other people there for the activity.

“I am here to have fun, relax and disconnect from the outside work,” Liddle said.

The Adult Coloring Club has had an impact on the community and has enticed many Schertz residents to attend.

Jamie Reynolds moved to Schertz a few months ago and learned about the Adult Coloring Club from her mom who saw it in Schertz Magazine.

“I came here to relax and meet new people because I haven’t been back to Schertz since I graduated from Clemens years ago. My mom knows I like to draw and suggested I try it out.”

“For most of us coloring was fun as a kid and this coloring activity takes you back to that time,” she said with a grin.

Another coloring participant noted, “We come to the Library because they have so many fun things like this, and you discover so much here,” Augilera said. “It kind of is a Deja vu experience, like a flash back from being a youngster.”

Bertoia concludes, “There are some very talented individuals who attend this program, the completed coloring sheets are absolutely beautiful.” She plans to display the work of the coloring club in the library after the summer coloring sessions in June and July.

The Adult Coloring Club meets twice a month at the library, the second Monday afternoon from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM and the fourth Thursday evening from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM. All supplies are provided, and everyone 18 years and older is invited to come join the coloring fun.

SZ

The 2016-2017 Schertz Sweetheart Court Crowned on May 5 12

JUNE 2016

schertzmagazine.com

Twelve high school finalists participated in a four week training leading to the Coronation event.

Finalists were judged on Personal Interview, Talent/ Skit/Oration and Poise/ Presentation.

A packed audience was treated to singers, dancers, speakers and musicians.

Court members are resi­dents of the City of Schertz and attend area high schools in the fall. The Court will serve as ambassadors and represent the City in parades, fairs and festivals in

the region, and will be active serving the community.

The 2016 - 2017 court members include: Regina Deason, Miss Sun­shine; Corinne Mittelstadt, Miss Friendly City; Ashley Poerner, Miss Jubilee; and Sydney Fischer, Miss Schertz.

Thanks to HEB, Chick-fil-a, Mattenga’s and The Chamber for sponsoring the event.

For a slideshow of the event, go to visitschertz.com/ sweetheart.

SZ The newly crowned ambassadors for the 2016-2017 Schertz Sweetheart Court, L to R: Miss Jubilee, Ashley Poerner; Miss Schertz, Sydney Fischer; Miss Sunshine, Regina Deason; and Miss Friendly City, Corinne Mittelstadt.

schertzmagazine.com

JUNE 2016

13

SZ

June Library Events 2016 Summer Reading Program 2016

Mini Golf Course Inside Library!

Join us this summer for our annual summer reading club jam-packed with reading incentives, grand prizes, and several special events for all ages. Summer Reading Program will officially kick-off June 11 with a family fun day event and will run through July 29. For more information, contact the Schertz Public Library at 210-619-1700.

To kick off our annual Summer Reading Program at the Schertz Public Library, the Schertz Library Foundation is sponsoring a two day mini golf fundraiser event inside the library. The mini course will be open on Friday and Saturday, June 10 from 6:00 PM-10:00 PM, and June 11, 2016 from 9:00 AM-7:00 PM, and will give residents of our community an opportunity to experience the library in a new exciting way together.

Friday will be a date night par-tee with food, mini-golf, games, and a silent auction. Saturday will be a family fun event for all ages. All proceeds from this event will help the library purchase electronic books and magazines.

Summer Reading Registration Open House Saturday, June 4 from 12:00 PM-3:00 PM Join us to register for all our summer reading programs infant to adult in the children’s library.

Scholastic Book Fair We will host a Scholastic Book Fair beginning Saturday, June 4. Funds raised will help purchase books for the children’s collection at the Schertz Public Library. We will be in the Children’s Program Room on Saturday, June 6 from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM.

14

JUNE 2016

schertzmagazine.com

Poetry Open Mic Thursday, June 16 at 6:30 PM Everyone is invited to join us for an evening of original poetry and song by local artists! All area talent is welcome to perform! The featured poet for June is Charles Darnell.

SZ Sew Let it Bee: Library Quilt Bee 2nd Tuesday 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM and 3rd Saturday 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM each month Join us for a few fun hours of quilting. The quilt bee meets on the June 14 this month and June 18th this month, from 12:00-3:00 PM both days in meeting Room 1 (located in the library foyer). The bee is perfect for advanced quilters and for those interested in getting started.

Life Size Game Day Saturday, June 18, 2:00 PM Come play some of your favorite games in life size format as the children’s library is transformed into several jumbo game boards! This program is designed for all ages (youthadult).

Lego Design Contest Saturday, June 25, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Our annual Lego Design Contest asks participants to imagine, design, and build an original structure. This year we are using the theme, “On Your Mark, Get Set, Read;” as a guide. Public voting will take place on Saturday, June 25 from 12:00-4:00 PM. Visit the Children’s Information Desk at the library for more details.

Brain Games & Zentangles Monday, June 20 & June 27, 12:00 - 1:00 PM Join us for an hour of exercising your mind! This program will be held several times throughout the summer, so please check the online calendar. We will have computers set up with access to online brain games, as well as materials for drawing basic zentangles. Pre-registration required.

Employment Search Series June 15, June 22, and June 29 at 6:30 PM This series is perfect for anyone seeking employment. The course will cover online applications, job searches, and résumés. Pre-registration required as space is limited.

Adult Coloring Club Monday, June 13, 12:00-1:30 PM and Thursday June 23 6:00-7:30 PM Coloring is an activity we traditionally think of as being for kids. However, it can be very beneficial for adults. Coloring helps us de-stress because when we focus on a particular activity, we concentrate on it and not on our worries. Coloring stimulates brain areas related to motor skills, the senses, and creativity. Coloring sheets and colored pencils will be provided. Please adults ages 18+ only and pre-registration not required.

schertzmagazine.com

JUNE 2016

15

SZ

Schertz Showcases National Historic Preservation Month

By Jim and Diana Webb May 2016 marks the 50th anniversary of the initial declaration of “National Historic Preservation Month” in the USA. Schertz joined communities throughout the nation in celebrating this event in a variety of ways.

At the May 3 City Council meeting, Mayor Michael Carpenter read a proclamation officially declaring May as National Historic Preservation month in Schertz.

He commented on the importance of preserving not only physical artifacts but also knowledge of key facts in the history of the world, our nation, our state and our local community.

Following the reading of the proclamation, Dean Weirtz, chairman of the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee (SHPC), with help from the mayor and council members, unveiled a portrait of city founding father, Sebastian Schertz.

This portrait was donated to the SHPC by the estate of the late Lula Mae Schertz and is the first image the City has of Sebastian.

It now is on display in the entry room of Council chambers, located at 1400 Schertz Parkway. A replica of this portrait is on display in the Schertz Visitor Center, colocated with the Chamber of Commerce at 1730 Schertz Parkway, along with several dozen other historic artifacts.

On the previous day, May 2, in a collaborative effort between the City Parks and Recreation department, the SHPC,

the Guadalupe County Master Gardeners, and the Guadalupe County chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas, an area adjacent to the demonstration garden (located behind the county offices on Elbel Road in Schertz) was dedicated formally as both an official Monarch butterfly waystation and a Certified Butterfly Garden.

Preserving habitats for the Monarch butterfly, in hopes of restoring to healthy levels the currently dwindling population of these beautiful creatures, is another activity appropriate to National Historic Preservation month.

Schertz and the surrounding area are on the Monarchs’ annual migration path. This new butterfly garden is a local contribution to the international efforts to preserve the Monarch, whose pollinating activities are essential to maintaining a healthy ecosystem and crop production.

Gutierrez Xeriscape Park, at 1231 Borgfeld Road in Schertz, is another butterflyfriendly site. The landscape at this park is intended to attract butterflies. Steele High School Art Club students recently painted a wildflower at the top of the park’s gazebo and surrounded it with images of various butterflies. Other groups involved in the beautification and maintenance of Gutierrez Xeriscape Park include the Steele Key Club, the Schertz-Cibolo Lions Club, the Schertz Parks and Recreation Foundation, and the Guadalupe County Master Gardeners.

The Chamber Calendar June 21st - Chamber Luncheon Happy 11th Anniversary and Leadership CORE Graduation!

Join us for our Monthly luncheon as we celebrate 11 years of being your Chamber of Commerce. Our 4th class of Leadership CORE will be graduating and guest keynote speaker Schertz Mayor Michael Carpenter will be present. RSVP deadline to attend our luncheon is June 14th. General Admission is $28, our Chamber Members are $18. RSVP online at thechamber.info or call 210-619-1950

June 16th - Chamber Mixer at New Haven Assisted Living

Come on out for a time of food, fun, networking and for our Members, a chance to win Chamber Cash! Mixer will be hosted by New Haven Assisted Living, located at 2300 FM 3009 from 5:30-7:00pm. General Admission is $10 and our Chamber Members are free!

Upcoming Chamber Events Home Living Showcase – June 25th Biz Ed – Education Seminar – September 21st 7th Annual Caterpillar/Chamber Golf Classic October 7th “Fire and Ice” Member Appreciation and Awards Banquet November 12th

Our Mission is to Serve, Promote and Enhance Economic Success!

1730 Schertz Parkway, Schertz Texas 78154 210-619-1950 admin@schertzchamber.org www.thechamber.info

Volunteers Help Spruce Up Aviation Heights

By Jim and Diana Webb

22 22

JUNE 2016 JUNE 2016

schertzmagazine.com schertzmagazine.com

FEATUREZ

A

viation Heights had a spring cleaning on the weekend of April 23-24 from a neighborhood-wide clean up and a neighbor-helpingneighbor project known as Love Where You Live.

Aviation Heights is one of the city’s oldest residential areas and was recently designated a Schertz Heritage Neighborhood. The clean up encouraged residents to spruce up their yards and houses and included drop off areas where residents could get rid of tree limbs, brush and other debris for free.

Where You Live project based on the needed improvements to their houses.

was spread on the nearby city playground, enhancing that area’s beautification.

Volunteers, folks from all age groups, gathered in Pickrell Park at 8:00 AM on each of the two weekend days and agreed on the plan for the day. Over those two days, and working into the late afternoon, they performed a wide variety of tasks at each residence – yard work, tree trimming, debris collection/removal, power

Among the Aviation Heights residents touched by the project were David Zamora, Antonio Calleros, Renee Heins and Virginia Perez.

washing, minor repairs and preparation/painting of exterior areas.

“I am in shock, this is the greatest thing ever. I am really obligated to the Schertz community,” he said looking and smiling at the team of volunteers painting his house and trimming off tree limbs. “I planned to renovate my home 10 years ago but could not do the outside, which needed it the most. I tried to trim my

Zamora has lived in his house on Lindbergh Avenue for 15 years and said he cannot believe that dozens of people showed up to change his life.

Because not all Aviation Heights residents can clean up and fix up their houses and yards on their own, the Love Where You Live project stepped in and brought the community together to help those who could not help themselves.

A coalition of area churches, Bexar Waste staff, City staff, Chamber members and Schertz Historical Preservation Committee (SHPC) members targeted 10 houses for help.

Schertz City Council member Jim Fowler was one of the project planners and worked with coalition members to make it happen. Fowler teamed up with Jesse Hamilton, the City’s Environmental Health Manager, as City liaisons to the coalition members.

The coalition partners offered a group of residents the chance to participate in the Love

Around noon both days, SHPC members prepared grilled hotdogs and chips for the hungry volunteers.

Throughout the day, other volunteers collected bulky trash items and provided lawn/ tree debris mulching service.

The resulting mulch then

schertzmagazine.com

continued on page 24 JUNE 2016

23

FEATUREZ Volunteers Help Spruce Up Aviation Heights cont’d from page 23

trees but I could not stand on a ladder,” said Zamora who uses a prosthetic for one leg.

When his house was completely painted, Zamora gasped at the difference and thanked the new friends who came to help.

Calleros lives on Brooks Avenue (at the corner of Randolph Boulevard), and his house and yard were almost obscured by overgrown tree limbs, bushes and other foliage.

As volunteers and City staff went to work on his location,

24

JUNE 2016

schertzmagazine.com

Calleros was trying to explain what the help means to him. “I got the house after my mom, who is 90, went into a nursing home, and I didn’t have the resources to try and clean it up.

This is a real game changer in my life,” he said.

Calleros went on to say that the clean-up, which included power washing the outside of his house, would make it easier for him to get around the residence and would remove an eyesore for his neighborhood.

Heins has lived on Winburn Avenue for 23 years and said

I am so grateful to the volunteers, the City, and the whole community for helping me. This has inspired me to try and give back in some way in the future. -Antonio Calleros she’s never been able to fix up her house as she would have liked to. The renovations to her home, built in 1949, included roof repair and reworking her porch cover, which was coming loose from the house.

“I feel like I won the lottery because I could not have afforded to do this ever,” she said in an emotional voice.

“The unselfishness of everyone

helping us here is amazing and I thank all of them…it just makes me, and my whole family, even more proud of this house that we love.” To show the volunteers how much their efforts were appreciated, the family provided them a delicious lunch on Sunday.

Perez has lived in her house on Winburn Avenue since 1996 and never could afford the

repairs and renovations her house needed. “The volunteer work on my house means a lot to me. Schertz is an awesome community and I love living here,” she said.

Repairs to her house included putting new wood around the outside of windows and other carpentry work. Perez is thankful for the neighborhelping-neighbor project but is not surprised to see it happen.

“I have seen that spirit of caring before, especially when we had the two big floods nearly 20 years ago. In those cases, and others, you see the spirit of Schertz pulling together as a community,” she said over the sound of a nearby power saw cutting wood to make repairs to her home.

The weekend of bustling, dedicated, fun-filled activity concluded with a potluck supper, hosted by the Schertz United Methodist Church at the main pavilion in Pickrell Park. This gave residents and volunteers the opportunity to share stories about their

weekend adventures and challenges, admire the splotches of paint, bruises and calluses on many of the participants, and enjoy the good feelings that come from neighbors helping neighbors Councilman Fowler described the weekend’s efforts as making him feel very proud to have witnessed the combined efforts of so many wonderful people working toward a common goal.

Hamilton said he was amazed by the level of commitment by those involved in the project and that it was great to see neighbors come out to help their fellow neighbors.

Linda Montgomery, pastor of the Schertz UMC, who had dozens of her parishioners participating in the project, commented that she felt blessed by the generosity of the volunteers and was so excited to see the appreciative reactions of the residents who were being helped.

schertzmagazine.com

JUNE 2016

25

FEATUREZ

Schertz Aquatic Center to Open in Fall

By Richard Erickson

26

JUNE 2016

schertzmagazine.com

T

he sound of the heavy equipment continues, as it has since November, as the last – and most complex – project in Schertz’s most recent list of community improvements is underway.

The last of four quality-of-life propositions approved in a 2010 bond election, the new Schertz Aquatic Center is now under construction near at the City’s Recreation Center at Schertz Parkway and Elbel Road. It is expected to be completed by early fall.

When the doors open, residents will enjoy a spacious competition swimming pool with bleacher seating for 300, a smaller “leisure” pool, men’s and women’s locker rooms, and a changing room designed to serve family needs- all packaged in a 19,000-square-foot facility. Outside, a new parking lot will be built with spaces for 75 vehicles.

As of mid-April, cement had been poured for the two pools and development is on schedule and on budget, according to Phil Gaudreau, owner’s representative for Dallas-based Jackson A&E Associates, an architectural and engineering consultant hired by Schertz to oversee and manage the design and construction process.

“We’re beginning to bring everything up to the ground level and begin the foundation work on the building itself,” he explained.

“We are on schedule even though we had a couple of weather-related setbacks and found a few things we were not expecting.

But that’s typical of any construction project.”

The most complex portion of the work will never be seen by the Aquatic Center’s patrons, Gaudreau added. “The key is, once we get up out of the ground, it becomes a simpler project. Then we do the glass and structural elements and have HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) put a roof on it.

“But prior to that, it’s pretty complex with all of the pool equipment, drainage, filter systems and the like,” he said. “All of that infrastructure is complex, but after that it goes a lot easier – and we’re very close to that point.”

Schertz voters approved a $6.65 million bond in 2010 to pay for the aquatic complex and to replace a communitybuilt children’s playscape, a project completed in late 2013, according to Brian James, Schertz Executive DirectorDevelopment. The election also approved funding for additional baseball fields and an upgraded soccer complex, a new animal shelter and a dog park. “This was the last and the most complex project,” James said, “and we wanted to do it right.”

To ensure that, City officials entered into critical partnerships with two other area organizations, the YMCA and the SchertzCibolo-Universal City Independent School District.

continued on page 28

schertzmagazine.com

JUNE 2016

27

FEATUREZ Schertz Aquatic Center to Open in Fall cont’d from page 23 The YMCA of Greater San Antonio - which manages the Schertz Family YMCA branch in the recreation center, and the Schertz Senior Center as well as the city’s two existing outdoor swimming pools - was approached to manage the new Aquatic Center as well. It agreed and pledged to pay $2 million over 20 years to help defray costs.

“We are very excited about the project,” said Fredy Degollado, YMCA District Vice President.

“We’re very excited as well to

28

JUNE 2016

schertzmagazine.com

be partnered with the school district and the City. It will be a unique facility and there’s nothing like it around here.”

Degollado noted that this summer the YMCA will celebrate 140 years in the San Antonio area and already handles countless aquatic centers throughout the United States. “We’re the leading provider of swimming lessons and water safety programs in the country,” he said. “This is something that is right in our wheelhouse.”

YMCA membership will not be required to use the swimming facility. It is estimated that use of the pool will cost $6 for a one-day pass for residents who are not member. Members of the YMCA receive access as part of that membership.

The other major agreement came from the Schertz-CiboloUniversal City Independent School District, which now uses a swimming pool facility in the Judson ISD for its Steele and Clemens swim teams.

SCUCISD will get to use six out of eight lanes of new aquatic center’s large competition pool and the locker rooms during the school year from 5:30 AM to 9:30 AM, five days a week and three or four seasonal swim meets. In exchange, the district agreed to donate $1.65 million to help build and maintain the facility.

The final cost of the new natatorium, James said, will be $8.5 million, a total that Byrne Construction, the project

builder, guaranteed it would not exceed.

While public interest in the facility is growing – Schertz officials are posting weekly construction photos on the City’s website to document the progress – swimming coaches at Steel and Clemens high schools say they can’t wait for the center’s opening day.

“For the high school programs in the district, I believe it will help create depth so we can continue to move up competitively and will give the team a sense of community pride, a place we can highlight their success,” said Steele Aquatic Coach Angie Fain.

“The new pool will help us have equality with other programs around the state we compete with.”

Clemens Head Swim Coach Doug Hammen agrees. “The new Schertz Aquatics Center is our gateway to swimming excellence in our community,” he explained. “It is coming at the perfect time as the 2016 Olympic Games generate

tremendous enthusiasm for the sport of swimming.”

“We have competitive swimmers of all ages looking for a place to train and compete,” Hammen added.

“This is an exciting venue. I see this new facility being utilized from sunrise to sunset and beyond. There is no doubt that our community will keep the water moving all day and all year long,” Hammen said.

SCUCISD Superintendent Dr. Greg Gibson said the Aquatic Center partnership of the City, school district and YMCA is critical.

“Our swim program is a rapidly growing program. These student-athletes were leaving their houses to swim at other school pools - sometimes as early as 4:00 AM. This level of commitment is admirable; however, it just made sense that we consider something local. The City of Schertz made this a reality with this partnership,” Gibson said.

FEATUREZ

First Miss Schertz Reminisces

T

By Kari Bridges

wenty-six years ago in the spring of 1990, Clemens High School Senior, Emmie Paulson (later married name Gooch), made the decision to personally challenge herself and compete for the very first title of Miss Schertz Sweetheart.

At that time, the Miss Schertz Pageant was not a formal, public pageant but rather was fully based upon an application process.

Young ladies who wanted to be considered for the title were required to submit an application and write an essay about Schertz, including professional photographs which were all reviewed privately by City leaders in an effort to find a hometown girl who loved her city and was interested in representing Schertz and surrounding areas.

Recently, Gooch reminisced about her experience as Miss Schertz Sweetheart and shared what the experience meant to her and how it helped her become the person she is today – a wife, mother, breast cancer survivor and commercial litigation attorney working for Andrews Kurth LLP, an international law firm based in Texas.

“I knew that Schertz was a special place, and I wanted to share my Schertz spirit and do at least a little something to benefit the place I called home which ultimately led me to the Miss Schertz Sweetheart program. I took it seriously - like a job - and I wanted to make my family and city proud,” Gooch said.

30

JUNE 2016

schertzmagazine.com

With the support of her family and teachers, Gooch completed the application, prepared an essay, selected business attire, got her hair and makeup done, and scheduled professional photographs with a local photographer. She then waited nervously to learn who would be “sashed” the first Miss Schertz Sweetheart and become an ambassador for the City of Schertz.

“I believe City officials were looking for a local high school student to be an ambassador for the city and that the ‘sweetheart’ title just went hand-in-hand with the title of Schertz as the Friendly City. I remember writing about the warm people, the peace I felt in the city, and the beauty in the little things like Main Street. As a high school senior, it was a great time for me to reminisce about the city I grew up in but was soon to be leaving as I set off for college.”

“I was honored to be the first, and carried the title with pride...during the year of my reign, as I moved away for school and career. To this day, Schertz and the Miss Schertz Sweetheart program are very near and dear to my heart and are such a big part of what makes me who I am.

They have shaped me in many ways—teaching me to step outside my comfort zone, to be authentic, to be proud of my roots, to stay humble, and to always put a little sweetheart in everything I do. One of my

favorite parts of the job was meeting and hugging and taking pictures with children.”

Gooch learned she had won the title of Miss Schertz Sweetheart when she received a phone call during school from a city official. “I was pulled out of class to take the phone call and got the news. I was quietly ecstatic! I couldn’t wait to tell all of the people who had helped me and started thinking about what my first official duties would be,” shared Gooch.

She didn’t have to wait long, and soon her schedule was full representing the City of Schertz by riding on parade floats in numerous parades such as the Luling Watermelon Thump, Pearsall Potato Festival and Schertz Fourth of July Parade.Other memorable events included the Christmas tree lighting ceremony- where she was accompanied by the Mayor of Schertz and, the one and only, Santa Claus - as well as greeting citizens at the Fourth of July Jubilee held at Pickrell Park.

“I am an introvert by nature, but something about my pride in the title and in Schertz mixed with the sash made people approach me and made it easier for me to talk to people. I met so many nice folks that I wouldn’t have otherwise met. I also enjoyed taking part in the ceremony to honor our troops at the Jubilee. Being near the men and women in uniform as the

I was honored to be the first, and carried the title with pride...

-Emmie Gooch

National Anthem was sung and the flag was raised meant a great deal to me.”

Schertz Sweetheart, and has always been the heart and soul of our family.”

Sadly, since then her mother and grandfather have passed away, but her time as Miss Schertz Sweetheart will always be like a little time capsule of the happy times when they were with her.

Gooch encourages young women today to follow in her footsteps in becoming the next Miss Schertz Sweetheart. “Do it if you are doing it because your hometown is important to you. Do it if it seems like something you wouldn’t ordinarily do, but you kind of think it would be fun. Do it if you want to talk to and wave at and hug and shake hands with lots of lovely people. Do it if you’ve always been told what a sweet, warm, genuine girl you are. Do it if you want to do something unique to your youth that will forever be part of your heart and your story.

“My mom was my best friend and biggest cheerleader...well, maybe second biggest next to my grandfather. They both loved Schertz with the same passion I do. I wish they were here to fill in all the details I know I’m missing. I will just have to get help from my grandmother, who remembers everything, is the true Miss

continued on page 32

schertzmagazine.com

JUNE 2016

31

FEATUREZ First Miss Schertz Reminisces cont’d from page 31

Today the program is known as the Schertz Sweetheart Court. Over time, the title and structure of the program has changed to offer contestants and winners more personal growth opportunities focusing on community service projects, public appearances and college/university scholarship money.

“We wanted the girls to do more community projects and be true ambassadors of the City, so now part of the application process is a community service idea,” explained Erin Matlock, Schertz Public Affairs Office Manager and committee

volunteer. “Every year I can’t tell you how the girls make me feel – they light up a room and bring me such joy with their enthusiasm for the program.

You can tell how much thought they have put into it – it’s amazing.”

According to Matlock, this year’s court members were judged by a panel of three community leaders selected from outside the City of Schertz. Judges selected an elite four-member court that will serve as ambassadors to the City of Schertz as Miss Schertz, Miss Jubilee, Miss Friendly City and Miss Sunshine. Currently, there

is a team of five committee volunteers who assist contestants in preparing for the coronation. They serve as chaperones during the approximately 27 different public appearances the court will make in Schertz and surrounding communities during the year.

In 2008, scholarship money was incorporated into the program and continues to this day.

Upon high school graduation, each scholarship recipient must send a scholarship verification letter to the accredited college or

university of their choice, and tuition payment is made directly to that school by the finance department. Over the year’s, scholarship money amounts have varied and have continued to grow- now totaling $7,000 in combined scholarship money.

This year’s Schertz Sweetheart Court coronation, sponsored by the City of Schertz, was held at the Schertz Civic Center on May 5. New court members include: Regina Deason, Miss Sun­ shine; Corinne Mittelstadt, Miss Friendly City; Ashley Poerner, Miss Jubilee; and Sydney Fischer, Miss Schertz.

For information on the program or volunteer opportunities, contact Erin Matlock at 210-619-1000 or sweethearts@schertz.com.

32

JUNE 2016

schertzmagazine.com

FEATUREZ

A

Clemens DECA Building Future Business Leaders

group of young professional leaders from Clemens High School’s DECA chapter recently returned from the International Career Development Conference held in Nashville.

The experience made a strong impression on the Clemens students, especially the graduating seniors who will soon be taking their first steps toward a future career.

“This was our best year ever!” said DECA Advisor Erica Marshall. “International Career Development Conference (ICDC) is the pinnacle of competition.

Our students have to win at

34

JUNE 2016

schertzmagazine.com

district and state to compete at ICDC,” she mentioned.

Marshall and fellow DECA advisor James Pratt accompanied the Clemens students to the ICDC event in late April.

“Our club has competed at ICDC the last three years and that is a real accomplishment.

This year was incredibly successful,” Marshall said. “We maintained our Gold Level Certification, completed all of our National Campaigns, and competed at all levels. Our kids did not place at ICDC, but they competed extremely well. I tell the kids when we are there (ICDC) to look around because these other kids are your competition

for the rest of your life. This type of exposure is incredibly motivating to witness,” said Marshall, who also serves as DECA Association District II Director and 2015-16 Board Chair.

DECA is a Career and Technology Student Organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.

DECA is an international organization with more than 215,000 members and 3,500 high school chapters.

“Our current chapter was

established in 2013, and we have grown to over 100 members,” Marshall said.

“We have been awarded three of the national chapter campaigns and have several students who have been nominated and have received emerging leader’s recognition.”

“Clemens DECA has a Gold Level certified virtual store and a brick and mortar outlet.

We have worked really hard and are able to now produce our own products. We can screen print, vinyl cut, laser engrave, embroider, and heat press items.”

Marshall explained that the students’ experience is from idea conception to final sale. “This program allows

our kids to have a complete understanding of business, product life cycles, and product mixes,” she said.

The Clemens chapter students compete in several areas ranging from marketing research, business plans, financial literacy plans, promotion plans for sports and advertising, and plans that focus on growing businesses that the students currently own.

DECA events range from written documents 5-30 pages in length, team decision making events that comprise of a role play and a 100 question test, or individual events that include a role play and 100 question test.

“Our students work on their projects on their own time.

The tenacity of these kids is amazing!” Marshall said.

We are extremely blessed to be sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. We would not be able to compete at this level without their contribution!

(Chamber President) Maggie Titterington also serves as our business liaison refereeing our papers and critiquing our presentations.

Titterington said The Chamber and DECA are a natural match.

“The Chamber is going on it’s seventh year of working with the DECA programs for Clemens and Steele high schools. Through it’s yearly Golf Classic, The Chamber and its membership has raised and donated funds totaling over $47,000. These funds over the past several years go towards scholarships for the

local, state and international competitions where students can earn college scholarships to further supplement their careers.

“When funding was cut four years ago for this program by the state, we knew that we had to do something to show our support for the growth of future business men and women for our area, Titterington said.

“The individual DECA organizations still raise money to help fund their expenses

to achieve makes these students stand out.

“DECA has acted as a gateway to the real world for me,” said Student, Emily Daigle. “Through DECA, I have obtained an internship, tremendous help for college applications, multiple leadership positions, and experience that has been provided through the opportunities DECA has given me over the last four years.

“I plan to further my education in business and

DECA has made me a better and more capable leader as well as a more willing team worker.

-Emily Daigle

marketing at Texas State University and their collegiate DECA chapter in the fall,” Daigle said.

“In my one year of DECA, I have been able to experience a whole new world outside of sports,” said Samuel Kearns.

“I learned that more goes into making things work than meets the eye. DECA has made me a better and more capable leader as well as a more willing team worker. It also opened my eyes to how widespread and popular the organization is along with the competitiveness. Overall I enjoyed being in DECA because it has allowed me to meet new people while having fun.”

DECA student Treston Daugherty said, “I have learned and experienced a continued on page 36

and some still comes out of the student’s pocket, but the Golf Classic funds take them the rest of the way.”

This year, a Clemens DECA student qualified for Internationals but was unable to get funds to go. Due to our scholarship monies as well as DECA fundraising, she was able to attend and compete. Other students that have benefited in the past six years from both high schools have gone on to win and earn scholarships toward their college,” the Chamber president said.

A number of Clemens DECA students said being in the chapter is preparing them for the work force in the years ahead. Their determination to be strong leaders and stamina schertzmagazine.com

JUNE 2016

35

FEATUREZ Clemens DECA Building Future Business Leaders cont’d from page 31

lot in my two years of DECA. I came into DECA knowing I wanted to pursue a career in business; not only am I leaving with an increased knowledge of the profession but also an increased ambition to pursuing my career. This last year had the biggest effect on me and my career choices. Many years from now I will look back at my years in DECA as the jumpstart to my successful career.”

Josh Wilkson said, “DECA has taught me how to properly manage my time as well as give me experience in the business aspect of our society. I was Vice-President of Advocacy in my school chapter and enjoyed gaining leadership experience.”

DECA has inspired students to build towards a stronger future and has even guided them to change career paths.

Jacob Coats,student, said, “DECA has had such an impact on my life. Up until joining DECA, I wanted to major in mechanical engineering but now I want to pursue a business ( finance) major. DECA was definitely the highlight of my senior year.”

Not only does DECA aid in improving business knowledge, but it also enhances skills applicable to any career field, such as presentation skills, public speaking, teamwork/ team building, and performing under pressure and in a highly competitive environment.

For more information on DECA in SCUCISD email Erica Marshall at emarshall@scuc. txed.net or James Pratt at japratt@scuc.txed.net. For more on the national DECA program visit www.DECA.org

schertzmagazine.com

JUNE 2016

37

Improvement to FMs 1518 and 1103 Funded With funding secured, two of Schertz’s busiest roadways are in line for major improvements.

In November 2015, Schertz voters approved a $7 million bond securing funds for improvements on FM 1518 and FM 1103.

The FM 1103 improvements include Schertz’s portion from IH-35 to Old Wiederstein Road (about one mile) and Cibolo’s portion (about seven miles) from Old Wiederstein Road to Rodey Way. Those improvements include widening of the road to add turn lanes and the addition of pedestrian and bicycle facilities.

Additional funds were requested from the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to supplement the voter approved funds for FM 1518 improvements. The requested MPO funding source is the same program that is paying for sidewalks under construction on FM 3009.

According to TXDOT’s District Office, the MPO has approved $9.5 million for FM 1518 operational improvements based on a TXDOT application and local match of $10 million from both TXDOT and the City of Schertz.

Funding from the MPO is identified for FY 2021.

“I couldn’t be happier with the MPO’s decision to support the FM 1518 project,” said Schertz City Manager John Kessel. “This is something the Schertz voters supported in November

38

JUNE 2016

schertzmagazine.com

2015 by approving a bond that included $5 million for FM 1518. The partnership with TXDOT is the reason this project is moving forward so quickly. Now that funds have been identified, TXDOT can begin the design and environmental processes that are needed before additional right of way can be acquired or utilities relocated.

Kessel said the City of Schertz will work with TXDOT to see if there are ways to accelerate the process for FM 1518.

“This is a TXDOT project that includes City funds, TXDOT funds, and MPO funds that benefits the citizens of Schertz, employees of JBSA-Randolph AFB, and the motoring public,” the City Manager said.

The FM 1518 improvements will be on the 5-mile section between FM 78 and Interstate 10 East. Those upgrades may include expansion from two to three lanes in some areas and from two to four lanes in other areas.

The FM 1103 improvements include Schertz’s portion from IH-35 to Old Wiederstein Road (about one mile) and Cibolo’s portion (about seven miles) from Old Wiederstein Road to Rodey Way. FM 1103 bridge construction is slated to start Spring 2017 and road widening to start in Summer 2018. Other improvements to the road include the addition of pedestrian and bicycle facilities.

CIVIC NEWZ

Master Thoroughfare Plan Draws Good Crowd An Open House on the City of Schertz’ Master Thoroughfare Plan Monday, April 18, attracted around 140 people to the Civic Center.

The Master Thoroughfare Plan is the longrange plan that identifies the location and type of roadway facilities that are needed to meet projected long-term growth within the city. As the city grows, future needs change, necessitating an update to the plan.

City staff from the Planning, Community Development and Engineering departments, as well as a consulting firm,

were on hand to explain the plan and answer questions. The interactive meeting gave residents the opportunity to see proposed roadway routes and give planners and other staff suggestions.

In the adjacent photo interested residents and others look at charts and aerial photographs of where they live or work and ask questions of city staff and consulting firm staff.

The public input and suggestions help city planners better understand the City’s transportation needs and priorities.

schertzmagazine.com

YOUR EXCLUSIVE SOURCE FOR NEWS FROM THE CITY OF SCHERTZ

JUNE 2016

39

City Council Declares EMS Week In the adjacent photo, Mayor Pro Tem Cedric Edwards (center) presents Schertz EMS Community Health Manager Kellie Burnam (right), Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) Paramedic Jessica Aird (left) and EMS personnel in the background with a proclamation declaring May 15-21 as National Emergency Services Week in Schertz.

The presentation was made at the May 10 City Council meeting and honors the Schertz EMS Department and staff and calls on the local community to observe EMS Week.

At the same meeting Schertz EMS Director Jason Mabbitt presented a group of “Cardiac Arrest Survivors” whose lives were literally saved by Schertz EMS staff and EMS teams from several nearby communities in the past year.

The survivors had an emotional reunion with the EMS crews who saved their lives and expressed their gratitude to the EMS personnel.

schertzmagazine.com

JUNE 2016

41

Looking for Volunteers The City of Schertz is in need of volunteers to serve on various City boards, commissions and committees that advise and assist City Council on topics and issues.

For more information contact the City Secretary’s Department at 210-619-1030.

42

JUNE 2016

schertzmagazine.com

City Council Observes Police Week In the adjacent photo, Mayor Pro Tem Cedric Edwards (center) presents Schertz Police Department  Lt. Michael Carey (left) and other members of the department with a proclamation declaring May 15-21 as National Police Week and May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day. The presentation was made at the May 10 City Council meeting and calls on the local community to observe National Police Week and National Peace Officers Memorial Day, which honors officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.

Looking Back June

PROVIDENCE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Proclaiming the Gospel, Embracing the Doctrines of Grace

Quote of Note

“If you want to know what a man is like, take a look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals” J.K. Rowling

Local History

On June 8, 1981,Member the Guadalupe County Commissioners Court voted to open a tax substation for vehicle registration in Schertz.

On June 21,2005, the Schertz Business Association officially became the Schertz Chamber of Commerce.

Texas History

On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston carrying General Order Number 3, which proclaimed that the approximately 250,000 slaves in Texas were free.

This event came two and one-half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation and has become known as Juneteenth.

Presented by the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee in the interest of historical perspective and community awareness of local historical legacies.

46

JUNE 2016

schertzmagazine.com

Proclaiming the Gospel, Embracing the Doctrines of Grace

Join Us this Sunday Sunday School: 9:30 am | Worship Service: 11:00 Currently Meeting at the Schertz Civic Center: 1400 Schertz Pkwy, Building #5 Schertz, TX 78154 210-858-8503 | pcc_schertz@yahoo.com

www.pcc-schertz.com A reformed church and member of the SBC.

CITY

CALENDARZ

June 2016

#info

Thursday, 2

Annual Events:

TSAC, 5:30 PM City Council Chambers

June

Library Advisory Board, 7:00 PM Library Meeting Room 1

Movie In The Park Saturday, June 11

July

Jubilee Sunday, July 3 and Monday, July 4

September

Schertz Fest Friday, September 16 and Saturday, September 17

October

National Night Out October 4 National Fire Prevention Week October 9-15 Movie in the Park October 29

Be sure to check out visitschertz.com for more event info!

Monday, 6

Tuesday, 7

City Council, 6:00 PM Council Chamber

Wednesday, 8

Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM Council Chambers

Tuesday, 14

City Council, 6:00 PM Council Chamber

Wednesday, 22

Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM Council Chambers

Thursday, 23

EDC Board, 6:00 PM Council Chambers

Monday, 27

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, 5:30 PM Bob Andrews Room

Monday, 27

Board Of Adjustment, 6:00 PM Council Chambers

Tuesday, 28

City Council, 6:00 PM Council Chambers

Meeting locations may change, please visit the calendar at www.schertz.com for more information.

Schertz City Council Mayor: Michael Carpenter

Council Members: Jim Fowler Grumpy Azzoz Daryl John Cedric Edwards, Sr. Robin Thompson

(210) 619-1045 (210) 658-1442 (210) 488-4214 (210) 204-2750 (210) 566-4540 (210) 204-8649

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 WEBSITES schertz.com visitschertz.com schertzmagazine.com Like us on Facebook

PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT 1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY SCHERTZ, TEXAS 78154