Jan 2012

CO NNE CTING

TH E

C OR R IDOR

Z

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The Alamo Colleges are an EOE. For any special accommodations issues or an alternate format, contact the Title IX Coordinator, (210) 485-0200.

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SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM January 2012

January 2012

Editor’z Letter

Featurez City Council C O NNE CT I NG

T HE

COR R I D OR

Z

Chuck McCollough, Editor

JANUARY 2012

Happy 2012, and welcome to a new and exciting year for Schertz!

On the Cover PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY

22

B. E. Bailey Director, Public Affairs, Publisher

In this new year’s issue of your Schertz Magazine, read about a half-billion-dollar development called Sedona Trails and learn about our city’s close connection to the NFL and NBA. Sedona Trails on FM 1518 is a master-plan community that will help transform the IH-10/ South Schertz area.

And just as the Spurs begin playing again, enjoy the story of Angela King Designs, a locally grown business on Main Street that makes outfits for pro cheerleaders and has a global reputation.

Finally, hear how a local man lost 300 pounds in part by going to the Schertz Family YMCA, and then look at great photos from the Festival of Angels. All that and more in the January issue.

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SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM January 2012

Jessi Pritchett models an Angela King Designs sports outfit made in Schertz.

Chuck McCollough Editor Alexis Souza Creative Director Chris Matzenbacher Sales Director Erin Matlock Client Affairs Specialist

Departmentz

Mary Spence Events Coordinator Linda Ervin Business Manager Shelby O’Neill Copy Editor Brittany Losey Senior Writer Contributing Writers B.E. Bailey, Chuck McCollough, Mary Spence, Lucille Sims Thomas, Andrea Allinger, Joel Williams, Kari Bridges, Denise Marcos, Ashley Festa, Elsie Baker, Brittany Schall Photographers B.E. Bailey, Chuck McCollough, Mary Spence, Robert Burton, Mike Harris, Bryan Nguyen, Joe Herczeg, Diana Webb, Andrea Allinger, Kari Bridges, Zachary Carter Schertz Magazine is published monthly by the Public Affairs Department of the City of Schertz.

Our mailing address is 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. The official publication of the City of Schertz promotes city, community, and business activities associated with the City. © City of Schertz, Texas.

The editorial office of Schertz Magazine is at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154.

Call (210) 619-1630. Fax (210) 619-1619.

Website is schertz.com and schertzmagazine.com

Executive Management John Kessel, City Manager John Bierschwale, Assistant City Manager David J. Harris, Assistant City Manager

26

19

Talk of the Townz Feature Storiez 10 Updatez

22 Sedona Trailz

14 Entertainmentz

26 Cheer Up

16 Sweetheartz 18 Momz 19 Kitchen Kudoz

31 House. Home.

Heart.

33 The Real Biggest Loser

31

40

Columnz

City Newz

40 Profilez: Finding Casas for Perr0s

46 Civic Newz

42 BizSpot: hYper Equip IT

50 Calendarz & Contactz

44 Focuz: Music Man and More

36 Harmony for Body & Mind January 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

9

GIBSON NAMED MAN OF THE YEAR

Talk ofthe Townz

Tate Gibson was named Man of the Year during the Samuel Clemens Belles and Stars First Annual Man of the Year Holiday Show 2011 on December 9th.

The Clemens sophomore was selected from a field of 12 contestants in the fundraising event put on by the school’s dance program.

January 2012

ON LOCATION WITH SCHERTZ MAGAZINE Kaitlyn Borsi of Biloxi, Miss., holds her copy of Schertz Magazine at Disney World. Kaitlyn’s grandparents, Dale and Eula Spence, reside in Schertz.

BENEFIT STOCK SHOW KICKS OFF JAN. 14 TO AID AG STUDENTS The First Annual BAR-Y Stock Show Kick-Off Dance will be held January 14 in the Knights of Columbus Hall at 509 Schertz Pkwy.

Doors open at 6:00 PM with dinner at 6:30 PM and the band playing from 8:00 PM to midnight. Cost is $30 for advance tickets and $40 at the door. For more information, call (210) 724-1239, email barygrp@ gmail.com or visit www. bar-y.org.

BAR-Y stands for Backing A Raising Youth, an organization developed in January 2011. The organization’s January 14 event will raise funds for local FFA/4-H members.

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SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM January 2012

FUNDANCERS HOLDING FUN DANCE JANUARY 8 FunDancers features nonstop, high-energy line- and square-dancing. Make a New Year’s Resolution for fun, fitness and friendship. This resolution is so easy to keep because it’s so much fun. A free introductory party, suitable for beginners, will be held Sunday, January 8, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Community Center North at 3501 Morning Drive.

For more information, visit www.fundancers.org or call (210) 590-1311 or (210) 381-2722.

LIBRARY FUN IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY Here are family-friendly activities at the Schertz Public Library the next two months: Pajamarama: Every Friday night from January 7 to February 11, the Library will feature a special family story time during which participants are encouraged to wear their pajamas! Story time begins at 5:00 PM. If You Give a Pig a Pancake: On Monday, January 17, come to a unique story time at the Library during which you can hear Laura Numeroff’s book “If You Give a Pig a Pancake” and then treat your whole family to a FREE pancake breakfast! The event begins at 10:05 AM. Family Scavenger Hunt: This activity on Friday, February 4, will feature fun activities around the City of Schertz, and for each activity your family completes, you will earn points. The

scavenger hunt ends at 5:00 PM Friday, February 11, when scores will be tallied and a winning family will be announced.

Counting Cookies: On Saturday, February 5, explore shapes, colors and other math concepts with cookies! Come to the Library Program Room from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

WOODLAND OAKS PARK GETS NEW LOOK Woodland Oaks Park has $12,000 worth of new playground equipment and a fresh new look. The original playground equipment dated back to the 1980s, and the city took over the park from the homeowners association in the 1990s. The new equipment is ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant and features many of the same elements as the old park look.

Family Game Night: On Monday, February 14, the Library will be hosting its finale for the Winter Reading Club. Door prizes, board games and family friendly activities will be featured from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the Library Program Room. Additionally, the raffle winners of the Winter Reading Club will be announced.

SWEETHEARTS HAND AT Members of the 2011-2012 Sweetheart Court assisted at the Bark, Park & Wine event held December 7.

Miss Sunshine, Tabitha Joseph; Miss Schertz,

Other contestants were seniors Gaige Murillo, Auturo Cadena, Justin Reed and Kevin Johnson, juniors Kyle Shaw, Daniel Martinez, Scott Crisp, Ashton Dahl and Allen Golden and sophomores Tyler Osgood and Grant Sudol.

Photo above - (L-R) President of the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Assn. Richard Dziewit; Officer of the Year Hillary Halbadier, and Alumni Assn. member Dixie Bane.

HALBADIER NAMED OFFICER OF THE YEAR The Schertz Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (SCPAAA) held its Christmas Appreciation Dinner for Schertz Police Department Employees on December 7 in the Civic Center. During the event, School Resource Officer (SRO) Hillary Halbadier was named Officer of the Year, Trina Boskat was named Dispatcher of the Year, and Kelly Kallies was named Detective of the Year.

Diana Webb shows a copy of the Riedisheim Bulletin, which used her photos of historical buildings in Schertz, including the one behind her.

FRENCH MAGAZINE SHOWS SCHERTZ PHOTOGRAPHER’S WORK LEND HELPING FUNDRAISER Caitlin Baumgarten; and Miss Liberty, Kayley Carter, greeted and seated guests and helped with gift presentations. The fundraising event benefits the Universal City Dog Park.

Schertz amateur photographer Diana Webb had photos she took of Schertz historical buildings and sites printed in the Riedisheim (France) Bulletin. Stories about Schertz appeared in

the 2010 issue and in this year’s issue. The Bulletin is a product of the Riedisheim Historical Society, and inclusion of the articles and photos about Schertz in the magazine informs the citizens

of Riedisheim of the ongoing communications between their historical society and the Schertz Historical Committee.

Webb is a Schertz Magazine contributor.

January 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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FESTIVAL OF ANGELS 2011 Oh, the weather outside was frightful; but luckily, it cleared late Friday afternoon and ALL was merry and bright!

From the lighted night parade through the streets of Schertz, to the wonderful music from area schools and choirs; from rosy faces in the snow to the aroma of cotton candy and funnel cakes; festival attendees made the most of the evening.

Fredy Degollado of the Schertz Family Y was honored as this year’s grand marshal. Fredy and his wife Laura rode in a convertible courtesy of Gillman Honda/ Mitsubishi/Subaru.

Where else but Texas can a convertible be used in a parade in December!

SCUCISD bands and choirs and CFAN provided great music to kick off the holiday season.

Thanks to Remnant Church, SACU, Clemens All-Sports Booster Club and Clemens Cheer Booster Club: snacks and beverages were plentiful. With the support of Schertz Bank & Trust; Frost Bank, RBFCU and Beyond Cake-we were able to give away more than 500 cupcakes to youngsters.

Saturday brought much needed rain and the opportunity to do some house cleaning and shopping all in one stop.

Marshal Shredding and River City Steel & Recycling offered FREE services for area residents and the Schertz Area Artz Council Market Days offered great hand-made items.

All in all, the kick-off to the holiday season went close to plan!

A complete photo slideshow of the event is available at VisitSchertz.com.

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SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM January 2012

JANUARY

SCHERTZ, SEGUIN, NEW BRAUNFELS AND UTSA PARTNER ON SMALL BIZ CENTER

CHAMBER EVENTS After-Hours Mixer

Officials from Schertz, Seguin, New Braunfels and the University of Texas at San Antonio cut a ribbon November 17 for the UTSA Small Business Development of Center at 800 W. San Antonio Street in New Braunfels.

Schertz Area Senior Center, 608 Schertz Pkwy.

Jan. 19 from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM Great food, fun, door prizes and more! Chamber ca$h drawing (must be present to win)

Chamber Luncheon

Tuesday, January 17, at 11:30 AM at the Schertz Civic Center Cost: $18 Schertz Chamber Members/ $28 (prepaid) Non-Members RSVP by Tuesday, January 10 Please visit our Chamber website for luncheon policy.

The office will include the Center for Entrepreneurship, a partnership of the 10/35 Economic Development Alliance, which is made up of Schertz, Seguin and New Braunfels.

Biz-Ed Breakfast: Motivating Your Employees roundtable discussion

The center will be staffed with a director and an administrative assistant. The director will travel to each city to support entrepreneurship.

Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 7:30 AM at the Schertz Chamber Visitor Center Find out what other businesses are doing to motivate their employees.

SBA/SCORE will be leading the educational series.

What’s Happening at Your Chamber?

We strive to provide for all your business needs. Stop by our office at 1730 Schertz Parkway.

Contact us at 210-566-9000, email us at nkotzur@ schertzchamber.org, or visit our website at schertzchamber.org

Trail Riders have stopped in Schertz for a number of years on their way to San Antonio.

TRAIL RIDERS COMING TO TOWN IN FEBRUARY South Texans don’t have to look at the calendar to know its February.

They know by seeing the trail riders heading to the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo. In these parts, be on the lookout for the Greater Randolph Area Trail Riders and the Kerr County Trailer Riders groups.

For a number of years, Schertz residents have welcomed these groups as they moved through our area on their trek to the Livestock Show and Rodeo. And that welcome includes a hearty meal of steamy and delicious stew. Schertz Bank and Trust employees, led by Bank President Melvin Golla, prepare kettles of the warm-you-to-your-toes stew for the cold and weary cowboys and cowgirls.

For more information on the exact dates for the ride-through and chowdown, call (210) 945-7400.

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SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM January 2012

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESENTS AWARDS AT YEAR END LUNCHEON

VISITORS GIVE INPUT AT IH-35 CORRIDOR WORKSHOP Visitors looked over a long aerial photograph of IH-35 North as it passes under Schertz Parkway while others studied statistics showing traffic growth during an Alamo Regional Mobility Authority workshop held November 17 at the Schertz Civic Center.

The Schertz meeting and one held the day before at St. Patrick Church near Fort Sam Houston are the start of a $1.2-million, nine-month-long environmental study to focus on IH35 between downtown San Antonio and FM 1103.

The Texas Department of Transportation will conduct the environmental study. Cost of the improvements has been estimated at between $2 billion to $2.5 billion but no state or federal dollars have been allocated.

SCHERTZ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DIRECTORS HONORED AND WELCOMED Chair Jewell Davenport (KDJ Insurance), Treasurer Shirley Bennett (Barrett Cooper and Associates), Johnny Bierschwale (City of Schertz) and Melvin Golla (not pictured, Schertz Bank and Trust) were honored with the Cornerstone Award before the membership. Thank you for your dedication and support of the vision of the Schertz Chamber of Commerce.

New Board Members for the Schertz Chamber of Commerce were announced.

They are Windy Griffin of Schertz Bank and Trust, Eric White of C&W Properties, Bob Cantu of the City of Schertz, Pam Cox of Frost Bank and Kevin O’Donnell of Sign-A-Rama.

At our November Appreciation and Awards Luncheon, members were surprised with a free lunch from their Board of Directors and President as a thank you for their support.

Red gift-wrapped packages filled with promotional items from the Board and President were given to each guest. The following individuals and businesses were given awards: Ambassador of the Year: Whitney Wiedner of Whitney Wiedner Graphic Designer Ambassador’s Choice Award: Elizabeth Kuhlmann of RBFCU Volunteer of the Year: Lauren Burns of Valance Security Spirit Award: Windy Korn of Alex Hartman State Farm Agency President’s Choice Award: Shirley Bennett of Barrett Cooper and Associates Board Member of the Year: Jewell Davenport of KDJ Insurance Small Business of the Year: Cheryl Culwell of Simply Charming Cakes Big (Corporate) Business of the Year: David Burns of GVEC

BARGAINZ

HELLO EVERYONE! MY NAME IS BRITTANY Schall, and I am your Miss Freedom 2011-2012 on the Schertz Sweetheart Court. I’d like to thank everyone involved with this program for giving me the chance to serve this city!

I am 17 years old and currently attend Steele High School as a senior. I enjoy being involved in my community, and my schedule is always busy with activities I participate in.

I have been a member of the National Honor Society for two years, and enjoy being in a stimulating environment. I am enrolled in AP classes and I am in the top 5% of my class. I have been involved with my school’s dance program for all four years of my high school career, three of them, a member on the Medallions Varsity Dance team. I am currently an officer on Medallions, and this leadership opportunity has been a genuine learning experience.

With dance I have earned my spot in the HTE Dance Kick Academy, and I have the chance to travel to Paris this spring to perform. I am also involved in the PALS program at school, helping out kids in our community who need academic or emotional stability. Creating those relationships with my Palees will forever be a cherished memory.

Schertz Sweetheart Court

Miss Freedom 2011-2012

By Brittany Schall

I am currently employed as a hostess at Abel’s Diner, a local eatery in Schertz. This has given me the opportunity to interact with a large portion of local residents.

I have recently been accepted to Baylor University and plan to attend school in the fall. Sic’Em Bears!

Once I complete my education at Baylor I would like to continue on to medical school to pursue my dream of being a Radiologist.

The opportunities I have had through my experience as Miss Freedom on the Schertz Sweetheart Court have truly been a blessing.

I would recommend that any young girl take the chance and become a part of the Schertz Sweethearts!

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SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM January 2012

& PRIZEZ WIN A GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR a two-night stay at Plantation Suites & Conference Center in Port Aransas.

Locate the fish pictured above in one AD somewhere in this issue of Schertz Magazine. Visit schertzmagazine.com and complete the entry form to be entered into this month’s drawing.

LOCATE THE CHAMPAGNE MAN

PICTURED below in one AD hidden in this issue of Schertz Magazine. Visit schertzmagazine.com and complete the entry form to be entered into this month’s gift certificate drawing.

Momz

Kitchen Kudoz

Keeping it in La Familia

My Take

GARCIA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT’S RECIPES HONED OVER GENERATIONS

By Elise Baker

By Andrea M. Allinger

THE HOLIDAYS ARE OVER THE PRESENTS THAT TOOK WEEKS TO SELECT and wrap were torn open in a matter of minutes.

The cookies and dinners that you sweat over were devoured before you could even make it to the table.

The decorations that seemingly just went up must now come down.

The kids have been out of school for a month … okay, two weeks, but it seems like a month! Some of us have traveled, and some of us have stayed put. But all of us are exhausted. Having weeks of holiday fun is hard work. There are mountains of trash, and piles of dishes and laundry. The most challenging task of all? Finding places for all the new toys!

The aftermath of the holidays calls for a nice hot latte or mocha, doesn’t it? We survived all the family togetherness and shopping madness, and now it’s time to relax … or is it?

It would be so easy to let things slide. The diet? “It went out the window during the holidays, and it’s too daunting to tackle the extra pounds, so I’ll just let it go.” The house? “When I look around, I have no idea where to begin, so I’ll just ignore it for now.” New or old projects? “How do I possibly fit anything else into my schedule after being so busy the last few months?”

We’ve all been there. But I have a special name for January. I call it “The Next Gear.” Instead of putting things off, let’s kick those things into the next gear!

Ladies, are you with me? Let’s take a half-hour each day to go for a brisk walk. We all love to multitask, right? Well, we can work off those extra pounds while formulating a plan of attack for the new year! Breathing in fresh cool air while walking briskly will clear those cobwebs right away. Let’s pledge to tackle one project at a time, whether it’s one room in the house, one item off our to-do lists or one phone call we need to make.

Let’s take on one small volunteer project that benefits others. You’ll be amazed at how wonderful that will make us feel. Let’s face January with a renewed bit of energy. Let’s kick it into the next gear!

WITH SIX FAMILYowned restaurants throughout South Central Texas, Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant stands as a pinnacle of small-business success. When Curtis Garcia opened the Schertz location in 2005, he took a big chance on the developing city. Today, anchored in the middle of The Oaks at Green Valley shopping center off Roy Richard Drive (FM 3009), Garcia’s plush waiting area and full bar coupled with delicious and fresh food distinguish the restaurant as extraordinary.

The dining room’s warm and inviting atmosphere provides the perfect space for patrons to warm up with the San Antonio Express-News Critics Choice award-winning tortilla soup. Garcia explains that

the soup recipe has been tweaked to perfection over the years with the perfect blend of spices, fresh pico de gallo and, of course, the ideal balance of rice and chicken. Patrons enjoy the floor-to-ceiling windows while munching on a continuous supply of homemade chips and salsa; the keen eyes of the staff ensure that bowls do not go empty.

General manager Bill Cuddy has been with the restaurant since its conception and describes Garcia as a man with “very high standards who takes the reputation we put out there for him personally.” Cuddy continued, “His family has been in the business for many years, and it is not about the money anymore for him.”

The original Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant was opened in San Marcos by Garcia’s parents 22 years ago, and Garcia remembers the quarrels over the recipes.

“My dad wanted the food to be more of the traditional Mexican style, like San Antonio Mexican food, heavier and greasier,” Garcia recalled. “My mom wanted a lighter version so that patrons didn’t feel like they’d eaten like pigs. Eventually, my mom won.”

Garcia now runs the Buda and Schertz locations, while his father owns a location in Kyle, his aunt owns the Lockhart location, and his sister and brother-in-law have taken over the original location in San Marcos. Although

the string of restaurants are owned by individual members of the family, the recipes remain the same.

Bring in your copy of Schertz Magazine for 20 percent off of your next visit to Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant. Offer expires January 31. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant is located at 3820 FM 3009 in The Oaks at Green Valley shopping center, near the intersection of Green Valley Rd. and FM 3009, and can be reached at (210) 566-0105. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

January 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

19

“A DOCTOR’S CONFESSION TO THE CITY OF SCHERTZ…” Dear Friend, I want to give credit where credit is due. So, perhaps a confession can help clear the air so there’s no misunderstanding, Before I talk about my confession, though, let me say a few other things first.

Let me start by explaining the photo in this letter. You know, when I meet people in town they usually say, “Oh, yeah, I know you, you’re Dr. Martin. I’ve seen your ad with that picture of you and the two cute kids.” Well, I’m the guy in the middle.

Years ago I was a college baseball player, but I developed a painful neck, shoulder and arm condition. In my case it came on suddenly. The pain in my hands was so intense that I couldn’t raise my arm above my head or even throw a baseball.

I was afraid that I would lose my scholarship if it continued.

I went to my trainer and medical doctor and was given antiinflammatories. The problem with those medications is that they just mask the symptoms and in my case did not help.

Finally, after steroid injections I decided against it. But, there’s more…A family member of mine convinces me to give their doctor a try. This new doctor did an exam, took some films, and then “adjusted” my spine. The adjustment didn’t hurt, it actually felt good. I got relief, and I could use my arm again. Oh, did I mention that this doctor is a chiropractor. It worked so well that I went to chiropractic school myself.

Now for McKenna and Cooper, who are the cute kids in the picture. They get adjusted regularly and are some of the healthiest kids you will know. Their mom is also problem-free even with all the bending and lifting a busy mom of two does. It might seem like a small thing, but it makes a big difference to her.

It’s strange how life is, because now people come to see me with their neck, arm and shoulder problems.

Also they come to me with their headaches, migraines, chronic pain, carpal tunnel, whiplash from car accidents, backaches, ear infections, asthma, allergies, numbness in limbs, athletic injuries, just to name a few.

Here’s what some of my patients had to say: “I have not had a headache in months”- (Mary J.) “Mood and attitude have improved” – (Lisa A.) Several times a day patients thank me for helping them with their health problems. But I can’t really take the credit. My confession is that I’ve never healed anyone of anything. What I do is perform a specific spinal adjustment to remove nerve pressure, and the body responds by healing itself. We get tremendous results. It’s a simple as that!

Forty-eight million Americans no longer have health insurance, and those who do have found that their benefits are reduced. That’s where my I come in. I have a significantly lower fee plan so that more people are able to afford the care they need. A whole week of care in my office costs what you could pay for one visit elsewhere.

Studies show that people actually pay less for their longterm overall health care expenses if they are seeing a chiropractor.

You Benefit from an Amazing Offer- Look, you are going to write a check to someone for your health care expenses, you may as well write one for a lesser amount for chiropractic. When you bring in this article, you will receive my entire new patient exam for $17. That’s with an evaluation and X-Rays….the whole ball of wax. But, please call right away because this offer expires on January 31, 2012, and I don’t want you to miss out.

By the way, further care is very affordable and you’ll be happy to know that I have affordable plans. You see I’m not trying to seduce you to come see me with this low start up fee, then to only make it up with high fees after that. Further care is very important to consider when making your choice of doctor. High costs can add up very quickly.

Great care at a great fee…Please, I hope that there’s no misunderstanding about quality of care just because I have a lower fee. You’ll get great care at a great fee. My qualifications…

I’m a Magna cum Laude graduate of Cleveland Chiropractic College and a Strength and Conditioning Specialist. I’ve been entrusted to take care of tiny babies to pro athletes that you may know. After practicing for four years in San Antonio I moved my practice to Schertz. I just have a low exam fee to help more people who need care.

My Associate, Dr. Kyle Stringer, brings over five years of experience to our practice with the latest in pain-free techniques.

My assistant is Melissa, and she is really a great person. Our office is both friendly and warm and we try our best to make you feel at home. We have a wonderful service, at an exceptional fee.

Our office is called Schertz Chiropractic and it is at 17323 IH 35 North Ste 106, (we are between 3009 and Schertz Parkway on the 35 South Access Road). Our phone number is 210-6466000. Call Melissa or me today for an appointment. We can help you. Thank you.

in The Forum between GameStop & Pier 1 Imports

Body ~ Mind ~ Home

-Patrick W. Martin, D.C.

Vitamins · Gluten-Free · Herbs · Gifts ...and Much More!

P.S. When accompanied by the first, I am also offering the second family member this same examination for only $10.

www.goodstuffglobal.com/Schertz

P.S.S. Your time is just as valuable as ours, that’s why we will be with you promptly at your appointment.

20% Off every Monday (excluding gifts, cards, misc. & water)

Open M-Sat 10am – 8pm & Sun 12pm – 6pm

Not applicable to Medicare Beneficiaries due to regulations.

Call 210-658-4144

Carolyn and her daughter Kimberly after her weight loss success.

This is my daughter Kimberly. Like every mom, you would want your children to take care of themselves. In January of 2011, I gave Kimberly MNS 3 so that she would get some good vitamins. She later added Carb-Ease and from January to September 2011, she went from size 12 to size 5.

Without too much instruction (more like no instructions) Kimberly still maintains the MNS 3 weekly.

How these benefited Kimberly:

MNS 3: Provides weightloss & weight-mgt. with nutrition & energy in mind.

Carb-Ease: Reduces the absorption of starches, sugars, & carbohydrates

$6 Walk-ins! $35/month Senior Citizen Discount.

Phone Number 830-221-8818.

Website at www.feelssogoodfintess.com

featurez

Sedona Trails

A Project Planning Partnership CITY OFFICIALS AND DEVELOPERS ARE WORKING TOGETHER TO FULLFILL COMMUNITY VISION

By Chuck McCollough

T

THE GIANT SEDONA TRAILS project continues to move along smoothly, thanks to an innovative city-developer partnership that promises greater benefits for both.

The initial phase of the 850-acre, $500-million master-plan community is slated to start this spring along FM 1518 near IH-10.

“A project like this could take a year or more to get to this stage, but it is being done in a matter of months through this streamlined planning process,” said Chris Price, president of Schertz 1518 Ltd. which is developing Sedona Trails. “The traditional process is where a developer formulates a plan and goes through a very structured review and approval process as the plan is refined.

That is what happens in most cities, but what we are doing here is totally unique. The City of Schertz is working with us closely all the way through the process.”

David Richmond and Roy Bechtol agree with others who say the Sedona Trails planning process is rare.

Between them, they have nearly 60 years of experience working with development of various kinds.

“I haven’t seen anything like it in my 20 years on Planning & Zoning,” said Richmond, chairman of the City P&Z Committee.

Bechtol, who has nearly 35 years of experience in land planning, landscape architecture and golf course design, is the Sedona Trails Land Planner for the Schertz 1518 Ltd. team. “A developer and city working together so closely is unheard of in my experience,” Bechtol said.

City Manager John Kessel and city staff members look over a map of Sedona Trails.

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SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM January 2012

Originally started in spring 2006 and then stalled by the housing market collapse, the reconceptualized Sedona Trails project-planning process is moving along well as it heads into the City review and approval process.

The Sedona subdivision known to most locals is several streets of houses near the intersection of FM 1518 and Lower Seguin Road.

The re-engineered Sedona Trails incorporates that 2006 area into a master-plan, mixed-used community stretching from north of Lower Seguin Road all the way down to Ware-Seguin Road. With lots of open green space, lakes, trails, nearby retail and easy access to major roadways, Sedona Trails will serve as a template for the kind of upscale planned community the city would like to see in the Schertz IH-10 sector.

According to Price, the right set of circumstances, including good timing and momentum, have put Sedona Trails on its current course.

“It so happens the plan we had for Sedona did not fit the current housing market and we were trying to come up with something better,” Price said. “We took a first stab at a new plan but hadn’t put many resources into the effort when made contact with the City.”

time a new city manager, John Kessel, was coming on board.

The timing for all of this was fantastic.”

City Manager Kessel agreed.

“I have found the best development occurs in communities where there is a common vision of achieving broad goals and creating something noteworthy,” he said. “When there is a crossroad between the community’s vision and the developer’s vision and a common vision is formed, greater things are possible.”

The City Manager called such a process “expanding the pie” by making a project more valuable to everyone.

“Often the process is simply having a regulator, which is the city, and the regulated, which is the developer,” he explained. “Think of it as winners and losers. If the city regulates more, it get a bigger piece of the pie. If it regulates less, the developer gets a bigger piece. By growing the size of the pie, both sides get a bigger piece and a more valuable project.”

In late August, the City held the South Schertz Charrette, which produced a vision for the area.

After initial discussions between the City and developer showed there are common interests, a working committee was formed to help improve the process and develop a shared vision for Sedona Trails with City staff and developer input.

“We found that vision was the direction we wanted to go in,” Price added. “It looked like a good fit for us, and it so happens that was the

“We discussed the aggressive timeline we had with our homebuilders, who wanted to start in spring, so the working commitcontinued on page 24

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Sedona Trails continued from page 23 tee started meeting every Friday to come up with a super project,” Price said. “I have never heard of a City committing such tremendous resources of staff and time to a project like this. Sedona Trails is turning out to be a better master-plan community than we ever could have come up with on our own. It is better use of land, better amenities and makes better sense financially and time wise.”

The word is out about the Sedona Trails/City of Schertz process and other developers are asking Price about it.

“John Kessel said from the outset that the main reason the City is interested in doing things this way is because Sedona Trails is the biggest project down south and will set the benchmark for all future development there,” Price said. “One

Sedona Trails developer staff and city staff are planning the project together.

Economic Development Director David Gwin said Sedona Trails will prove to be a game changer for the developer, the City and especially the IH-10 area.

“When a developer comes in and asks a city to work with them to raise the level of their project, especially a master-plan community, that is incredible,” Gwin said. “The planning process for Sedona Trails is a win for all parties because this project has the potential to make the IH-10 corridor through Schertz a major player just as the IH-35 corridor is now.”

Gwin has worked for five communities (including College Station, Arlington and Carrollton) and never seen an example like Sedona Trails, in which a developer and City work with such determination in planning the project.

Kessel echoed Price’s praise for the project.

“I guarantee you the plan for Sedona is better because of the developer’s willingness to try for something superior and to invite the City to participate and partner with them,” Kessel said. “We hear complaints that some subdivision plans lack any sense of community or distinct character and look like a typical subdivision anywhere. This shared vision planning process will produce something very special, a community that looks like that vision.”

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multifamily developer interested in coming to Schertz told me he didn’t do so because he had a perception the approval process would be a problem. I told him our experience has been great, and now he is interested in being part of our project.

We conservatively estimate spending $75 million in developing the property through infrastructure such as utilities, streets, etc. At build-out, we conservatively estimate the value of homes, commercial and other parts of Sedona will have as total assessed value over $500 million.”

“Sedona Trails is being revisioned as something much better, and the planning process coming so soon after the South Schertz Charrette is amazing,” the ED Director said.

“Going forward, people will be able look at Sedona and see the vision for South Schertz that came out of the charrette. And that vision will serve as a baseline for other quality development in the area.”

Parks and Recreation Department Director George Logan believes the Sedona planning process is all about involvement.

“The process is very proactive in that all the major players from the developer and city sides are in one room and all decisions are being made at the same time,” Logan said. “That helps work out any

future unforeseen problems and circumstances. Sedona is a very specific type of development with mixed-use including open space and residential single-family and multi-family housing. The recreational needs of the population in that area will be met pretty quick through open green space. It will add more than 200 acres of green space to the City’s 379 acres of parks and green space.”

Michelle Sanchez and Misty Nichols with the City’s Development Services Department said that the planning process for Sedona Trails is about cooperation instead of confrontation. Their department shepherds projects through the review process that include the Planning & Zoning committee.

“The beauty of the way we are doing this is all about the communication,” said DSD Director Sanchez. “City staff have been invited to participate and we are getting the opportunity to give input in the planning stage and contribute information we have learned along the way, especially from working on other projects.”

Nichols, the DSD senior planner, added, “The process for the Sedona Trails project has allowed City staff to utilize the training and knowledge we gained from conferences and workshops.”

According to Sanchez and Nichols, the process maximizes the talent of both sides in planning the half-billion-dollar project. And both DSD officials are excited about Sedona Trails.

“Years from now, I want to be able drive by Sedona and say I helped build that,” Sanchez said as Nichols

nodded in agreement.

Kessel said if a city has a development process that stresses minimum standards and average standards, then it will get minimum standard and average standard development.

“Raising the bar and shooting for quality development that fits a vision shared by the developer and the community gets the kind of legacy project that everyone can point to with pride,” the city manager said.

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Up!

ER CHE ANGELA KING DESIGNS COSTUMES FOR NFL AND NBA CHEERLEADERS

By Denise R. Marcos Twenty-two years ago, California native Angela King-Twitero found herself standing under bright fluorescent lights at the San Francisco 49ers stadium. She was filled with excitement at just the thought of being able to say that she would be one of the first cheerleaders to dance for the pro football team.

Looking out at the San Francisco horizon with a visible sense of accomplishment at such a young age, she had no idea of the doors that would open in the years ahead of her from this one opportunity, including landing in Schertz.

“I’ve always knew I wanted to be in the entertainment industry, but I never thought I was going to be a professional cheerleader,” she said. “It was an honor to even be considered. There were no auditions or open tryouts. You had to be asked to be a part of it.

I’ve been dancing all my life, and I was one of those girls people called a studio rat. I worked all the time to get better. I loved dancing and was fortunate that it brought me here. It was amazing. I traveled the world and met a lot of people.” esk om d rks fr et o w o tre iter g-Tw on Main S e la Kin Ange rted hous ve a con

in

While cheering for the 49ers’ Gold Rush squad was certainly a chance of a lifetime, for King-Twitero something just didn’t feel right, literally.

continued on page 28 January 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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Cheer Up! Angela King Designs continued from page 27 “It was difficult to move,” she said. “And I’m not talking about adjusting to the idea of being a professional performer, but really it was uncomfortable to dance in the outfits we were wearing.

There was a need for costumes for a dancer made by a dancer. We were all just waiting around for someone to do it. I happened to be that person.”

“I’ve always had a passion for fabrics and patterns,” she continued. “I was an interior architecture major at California State University-Fresno, and working with textiles was my favorite part. I played around with the costumes, hired a seamstress to help turn my designs into something I could wear, and it sort of just took off from there.”

dancers for three NBA teams and another NFL team and also co-founded the NFL’s Pro Bowl Cheerleaders. In 2004, King-Twitero published her first book, “The Business of Professional Cheerleading.”

“Currently, this is the only book that guides those interested in managing or directing a professional dance team from the viewpoint of a former

“We lived here years ago while my husband was stationed here for the military,” King-Twitero said. “We moved back to California for a while when he got out but really missed the small-town atmosphere, so we came back. Schertz is a great place to raise a family. And it’s great to be close to a big city without actually living in the chaos of it. Being in a business that requires you to travel a lot, living just off of the IH-35 corridor is a great plus.”

Shortly after her cheering career ended, King-Twitero’s personal experience and knowledge of the industry opened yet another door. While dancing was still an unmatchable passion for KingTwitero, she decided to move her career forward and took on a position with the 49ers management team directing the Gold Rush for the following six years.

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Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trailblazers, Sacramento Kings and the Washington Wizards.

“We’re able to include a variety of color and fabric combinations,” she said. “We can even add electronics to a design. The possibilities are really limitless when you’re creating something completely custom.”

Angela King Designs also has made costumes for NFL teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, St. Louis Rams, San Diego Chargers, Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, Cincinnati Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars, San Francisco 49ers and the Oakland Raiders

While the company focuses on making personalized uniforms for its clients, the call for a standard design with the style and mobility of an Angela King product grew in demand, so in 2009 the business launched their ready-to-wear line, Go Wild! Wear.

“It’s amazing what one opportunity can lead to,” she said. “Had it not been for my dad’s encouragement to just ‘try it out,’ I don’t know if I would be where I am today.”

That single opportunity led to the establishment of her successful costume-design company, Angela King Designs Inc., in her last year of cheering.

And where does a company known for producing quality and stylish costumes for thousands of dancers around the world open its headquarters? Nope, not Hollywood, but right here in Schertz, Texas.

Day after day, King-Twitero strives to create dance costumes that are stylish, comfortable, memorable, fun and functional.

“Our goal is simple,” she said. “We want to create something these dancers are proud to wear. Yet it still needs to be easy to move and perform in. Although we’re committed to providing a product that truly fits a dancer, an advantage we have is that we know the importance of design from a corporate point of view.”

pro cheerleader,” she said. “I took my knowledge and experience and translated that into something that could benefit dancers trying to move up into management.”

Her business’ popularity expanded, and the demand for her work grew.

What began as one customer, has today turned into thousands. Angela King Designs Inc. is reputably known around the world as the premier costume manufacturer in the industry.

The company’s impressive clientele includes such NBA teams as the San Antonio Spurs, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons,

while still incorporating style. Each look is carefully thought out from start to finish.

It is here that King-Twitero’s years of expertise in working with professional sports teams shines through.

“We understand the need of branding from a marketing perspective,” she said.

“It’s not just about adding a team’s name or logo across a costume that gives it that ownership and recognition. Every element of how a team wants to be viewed from the public plays an important role. We help build the team’s image.”

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleader uniforms are just one of many looks she has created. While the average person might think the dancers’ outfits would consist of stripes, patches or ruffles, KingTwitero designed a recognizable, yet clever ensemble that reflects the pirate mascot

During the custom design process, KingTwitero puts together a series of differently styled outfits incorporating specific colors, themes and textures that reflect her client. She uses a computer program that allows the customer to see a digital prototype before it goes into production.

After a design is selected, a pattern is made. Then fabric is cut, sewn together and completed with embellishments. A local model, who is also a dancer, tries on the sample costume to assure a quality fit.

From that point, the design is perfected.

It is this step that King-Twitero says is her favorite part of the entire process.

“I love seeing my designs come to life,” she said. “It’s wonderful to see it through.

It starts as just an idea and becomes an actual costume someone will wear. To know thousands of people are going to see something I designed still amazes me.”

All that magic happens in a small building on Main Street in downtown Schertz. If you drove by the shop, you might miss it if you were looking for a large warehouse with smoke venting from the top of a factory. Surprisingly, this accomplished team consists of just a little over a dozen employees. It is a prime example that achievement can come from even the smallest of staffs.

accomplish all that we do.”

While the doors to establishing a successful business were often wide open for this savvy entrepreneur, it is her team’s hard work, unparalleled expertise and exceptional customer service that have made Angela King Designs what it is today.

“The people I work with are amazing,” she said. “They work hard and genuinely care about what they do here on a daily basis. It’s wonderful to have such a supportive and committed team.”

For production assistant Joan Romo, the appreciation is two-fold.

“I love working here,” Romo said. “This is a great job. It’s my dream job. I love the glitz and glamour of it all and what this company stands for. I’ve always wanted to sew for Hollywood; this is the next best thing. I have a terrific boss.

She makes it a lot of fun to be here, and I enjoy being a part of it.”

While doing the same thing all day every day may seem repetitive for most of us, that routine that brings a smile to the face of production manager Teresa Suarez, who has been with Angela King Designs for five years.

“I really like seeing all these women wearing something I put together with my own hands,” Suarez said. “I love all the creativity that goes into making these costumes. Each design is different. I love to sew, and I can do this for hours.”

Just like each design they create in which every little detail counts, each part of the production process plays a significant role in the business’ overall success.

After nearly 12 years of working for the company, director of operations Vickie Miller has seen a lot of growth.

“It was fate that brought Angela and I together,” Miller said. “We joke about that all the time. Our paths just crossed one day. I started out sewing and have worked my way up throughout the years. While my primary responsibility is prototype manufacturing, I also work with the clients a lot and oversee the flow of the office. I have my hands in a lot of the work.”

Even with all the years of experience under her belt, her favorite part is still seeing the final product.

“I enjoy so many parts of this job, but the most rewarding is seeing these young girls, many of them 18 or 19 years old, trying on their uniforms for the first time and getting to see their faces light up,” Miller said. “They’ve been dreaming about this for a long time. Wearing their uniforms just completes it all for them. I still tear up just seeing them even after all this time.”

In addition to the production team and support staff, there are six sales executives representing Angela King Designs in several regions across the globe.

During her spare time, King-Twitero enjoys boat rides on Lake McQueeny while spending quality time with her family.

“We do everything right here,” KingTwitero said. “We all work very closely together to ensure production runs smoothly. We don’t need a lot of space to January 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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Caring for the Eyes of Texas in the Heart of Schertz

Leigha M. Nielsen, OD 17460 IH 35 North Suite 412 Schertz, TX 78154

210.590.2482 schertz@tso.com

www.tso.com

House, Home, Heart and History

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

By Denise R. Marcos WHEN PETE PEREZ TOLD Francis, his wife of nearly 50 years, that he purchased a new house, she expected to walk into the place and take in the freshly painted walls, clean architectural designs and the upgraded light fixtures found in most of the homes built in the recent millennium.

Instead, Pete stood outside of their new home with his wife and gazed upon the sight of rotting wood. Francis looked at her husband with a bit of concern. It was a big project, and it wasn’t exactly the golden anniversary

gift she anticipated. While skeptical several years ago, today Francis couldn’t be happier with the end result.

Situated in downtown Schertz, the historic home is now barely recognizable from its previous state.

Time had taken its toll, as you would expect. After all, the Schneider family built the 1,780-square-foot home in the late 1800s.

It was later purchased by the Vordenbaums, then by the Ackermann family several decades later and was unoccupied for a while before the Perezes bought it

in the fall of 2004.

building a house today.”

For Pete, the purchase was more than just a gift for him and his wife; it was an investment in their future, a project he would love and appreciate.

Pete truly appreciates hard work and often welcomes challenges with open arms.

“When my son told me that the home next door to him was being sold, I knew I had to jump on the opportunity,” he said. “I love the way old homes are made strong and sturdy. The men who built this house put a lot of labor into it. They literally built this home with their hands. It wasn’t as simple as

“He’s a busybody,” Francis said. “He’s always doing a project or working small part-time jobs here and there. He enjoys using his hands and learning something new.”

That something new just happened to be learning about their home’s history.

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House, Home, Heart and History

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31 What was once a weathered and simple porch now gives tribute to the house’s true era with its fresh coat of white paint, ornate detailing and wraparound walkway.

As you enter the residence through the original front door, which features deep wood tones and an expansive glass opening, you might not realize you’re stepping into a century-old home.

Inside, the crisp white trim, dark wood floors and neutral paint tones exude timeless design with a contemporary flair. The entire space is accented with high baseboards and large crown moulding, beadboard and chair rails-all restored to the home’s original beauty.

classic architectural details. But with exposed cabinetry, new countertops and modern appliances, the old kitchen resembles similar features found in present-day residences.

Just through the kitchen is the master suite. Because the home was built decades ago, storage was scarce, so the Perezes added a large closet to their room. In their bathroom, they added a contemporary shower with dark brown tiles that complemented the floors.

Although their new space required a lot of hard work, the couple feels it was worth it. Their investment in the home

has already proven to be more than just another project for themselves.

“I was thinking ahead,” Pete said.

“I wasn’t just buying an old house because I wanted to. I saw this as a chance to stay close to my children and grandchildren. Our kids and their families are within a few feet from our back door. It’s good to know we have family around the corner.”

Once a week, Francis makes dinner for the family to enjoy together.

The Real, Biggest Loser SCHERTZ RESIDENT LOSES MORE THAN HALF HIS BODY WEIGHT

By Lucille Sims Thomas

“Everyone is busy all week,” she said.

“They go to their jobs and take care of the kids. I wanted them to come home to a warm homemade meal, just relax and spend time with each other. That’s what this home has been for us -- a place that brings our family together.”

Through the foyer to the left side of the house, guests may find it hard to believe that the large bedroom suite they’re looking at was previously two bathrooms, two kitchens and two sleeping areas with two separate entrances from the outside. But to suit the Perez’ needs, the couple converted the space into a luxurious spare room.

Across the way, what was once two individual living areas has been transformed into one large open space ideal for entertaining. A custom-made entertainment center flanks one side of the room and looks like it was actually part of the home’s original construction.

Designed and crafted by their grandson, who is also an architect, the piece is a feature significant to the couple.

Insulation, extra plumbing and lengthy renovations were just a few of the additional changes the Perezes made to the property.

The kitchen has the same charm as the rest of the home with its clean lines and

HAROLD CROXTON IS LITERALLY half the man he used to be – and darn proud of it. The 59-year-old former salesman weighs in at 198 pounds these days, down from his all-time high weight of over 500 pounds.

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The Real, Biggest Loser CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

“I don’t know how much over 500 pounds I was,” Croxton said. “It’s kind of hard to find a scale that goes that high. And I certainly don’t want to look at it if I could find it.”

He was always a large person. In sixth grade, he weighed 200 pounds, but he said it never slowed him down or stopped him from doing anything. In high school, the 1970 Clemens graduate was the nose tackle for the football team (and even remembers playing in the first game on the Clemens High School field), competed in shotput and discus for the track team and also played baseball.

But over the years, the excess weight took a toll on Croxton, and after years of trying different diets, he found himself looking in the mirror and not liking what he was seeing at all.

“You kinda look in the mirror and that’s enough to get you motivated a little bit, but my blood pressure hit 247 over 185 and I had lost the use of my legs,” he explained.

Both of his legs were worn out, and he had no cartilage left in his knees. He fought for three years to get disability benefits so he could get Medicare and get his knees replaced, but then he discovered that Medicare wouldn’t do knee replacement surgery until he lost weight. Finding himself with very few options, Croxton decided to have bariatric surgery.

Croxton worked out as much as he could before the surgery, but since he could barely walk more than a few feet, he only did some arm exercises.

After the surgery, he started walking, eventually working his way up to three or four miles. He now exercises about two hours a day at the Schertz Family YMCA, where his favorite workout is on 34

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the Indo-Row machines because they don’t put any pressure on his knees.

He also lifts weights three days a week, rides the indoor bike and does interval training three days a week.

Though he wasn’t born here, Croxton and his family moved to this area when he was 8 years old. His family ran the Circle K Steakhouse just inside Cibolo for years, and he was actually in the restaurant business for more than two decades before deciding to become a salesman for Kirby vacuum cleaners.

Although he loved selling the vacuum cleaners, bad knees made it hard to do the physical part of the job. So after a brief stint as a stockbroker, Croxton turned to computer sales back in the days when almost no one owned personal computers or even knew how to use one.

He worked for a company called Computer Consultants in Salt Lake City, where he loved living there and still has many friends. At one point, his two brothers also lived in Salt Lake City and worked in computer sales with him before eventually moving elsewhere.

Finding himself with no family in the area, Croxton bowed to the lure of home and returned to Schertz.

With his parents and the parents of his wife, Alice, both getting up in age, it was the perfect time to move back. But finding work here proved difficult despite his years of sales and management experience. Without a college degree and with the economy turning sour, Croxton could not find a sales job and turned to food as a way to deal with it all. That’s when his weight skyrocketed out of control and he found himself at 500 pounds.

He credits bariatric surgery and the Schertz Family YMCA for helping him turn his life around.

Croxton, who calls himself a retired chef, believes the key to keeping the weight off is exercise, the right kind of diet and the right mental aspect. He often cooks at home because he views going out to restaurants as just too dangerous.

“If you don’t exercise, diet alone is just

“If you don’t change your life, it’s coming back...”

there is no way to eat enough calories to regain the weight if you eat three meals a day and don’t snack. He does admit to occasionally having some pretzels.

As a charter member of the Schertz Family YMCA, he can’t say enough good things about the place, which is within walking distance of his house. Even though his insurance will pay for another health club, Croxton opts to work out at the Schertz Family YMCA because he likes the friendly personalized service and down-home atmosphere of the place.

“Everyone is super friendly,”

too hard to do,” he said. “You can lose weight with diets. I’ve done that all my life, but you have to change your diet. That means you have to learn how to cook or relearn how to cook. And that’s been fun because I take all the old recipes that I’ve done and try to make them healthy and give them to all the people in my bariatric support group.”

According to him, the biggest issue with redoing recipes and making them better for you is that people want the exact same tasty flavor. Although that’s not possible, he believes you still can create a good product.

“I’ve made some really good foods,” he said.

Now, he researches to find high-protein foods that are already prepared. Bariatric patients need a regimen of high-protein foods, so he has learned to use spices to make good chicken and good turkey recipes. He also had to learn not to fry foods and has given up almost all snacks, which he said is the only thing that will cause a bariatric patient to regain weight. After the surgery, patients have a stomach the size of an egg, and according to Croxton,

he said. He nearly had to quit coming because of financial hardship, but the staff offered him some scholarship help and he has been able to keep working out there.

He realizes there is some stigma attached to having bariatric surgery with some saying it is the easy way out.

For some people though, he believes it is the only viable option and can be lifesaving and life-changing. According to Croxton, bariatric surgery gives most people six to nine months before they start feeling hungry again. He said if bariatric patients use that time to learn new habits then they’ve got a chance at successfully keeping the weight off.

Croxton, who’s studying to become a teacher, no longer has high blood pressure or high cholesterol and does not take any medications.

He is where he wants to be with his weight loss and just wants to be healthy. For him, It is not about the weight loss but about keeping it off.

“That’s the hard part,” Croxton said. “We’ve all dieted. I mean, I’ve lost 100 pounds on diets five times. That’s not hard to do.” He added that he read online that America has dieted itself fat because often people gain back 105 percent of what they lose.

He also said that he still fights his demons every day and there are still days when the demons win.

“If you don’t change your habits, if you don’t change your life, it’s coming back,” Croxton said.

Fitness Instructor Leads Busy Life

By Lucille Sims Thomas Kim Lewis is one of the Indo-Row instructors at the Schertz Family YMCA and an avid cyclist as well.

She is part of the Schertz area health conscious community and a bit more. The busy mother of two, a 16-year-old daughter and a 12-year-old son, has been married for 17 years to James Schaefer, who she describes as “a crazy motorcycle racer, surfer and runner.”

Lewis’ wacky personality comes shining through the minute you talk to her. She admits to being “around 50 years old, but mentally sometimes 16.” She’s been a vegetarian for 28 years and credits that lifestyle for keeping her young in mind, body and spirit.

Along with her husband, Lewis runs Extreme Powersport, which sells and services motorcycles, ATVs and watercrafts. She is a fitness trainer and group exercise instructor at several facilities and counts running as her passion in life. Lewis was hit by a car about 13 years ago, and although her running has never been what it once was, she considers every day she can run as a gift and seeks to make the most of it.

Lewis participates in group rides, and despite her running setback, has trained for a half marathon and thinks about a full marathon.

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Harmony for Body & Mind MASSAGE THERAPY BRINGS BALANCE TO BUSY LIVES

By Kari Bridges

AS ONE OF SIX NEW SMALL businesses in the historic Main Plaza Building off Main Street, Hands-NHarmony is a tranquil oasis where you can relax and leave behind the hectic pace of your day.

It’s behind door number 4 where you can find Nancy Brewington, who started her message and wellness business in Schertz with hopes of sharing her knowledge of health and the benefits of awareness to the community through services and educational classes. She stresses the fact that massage therapy actually dates back to when the Chinese first practiced it more than 2,000 years ago.

“Throughout history, doctors and physical therapists have practiced these techniques as medical procedures,” Brewington said. “Most people think that massage is just to relax, but through research, you will find a lot more of the health benefits to massage that stress the importance of the proper techniques and muscle groups. A massage therapist is to the muscles as a chiropractor is to the bones.”

As a registered nurse and a licensed massage therapist, Brewington believes that the benefits of massage and illness prevention are vital components to enjoying a healthy lifestyle.

“While working as a nurse, I saw and heard misconceptions and misunderstandings people had about their diseases, but some things could have been preventable,” she said, in reference to illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and elevated cholesterol, all of which she believes can be avoided with lifestyle changes if patients have more knowledge and education about their health.

Nancy Brewington works on a client in her office.

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In her monthly newsletter “Harmonize Yourself,” Brewington offers up-todate information on relevant topics and different ways to invest in your health. One example is an article

that shares research findings that support the value of massage. It tells of the proven health benefits achieved through massage, including improved concentration, energy, circulation and self-esteem as well as reduced stress, fatigue and pain. The article also states that massage is helpful with more acute health conditions and is important to include in healthcare planning if you, or a loved one, are already dealing with a health issue. Brewington also discusses massage as an effective tool in reducing post-surgical pain and the time required for post-operative hospital stays. In addition, her newsletter states that massage helps people who are suffering from fibromyalgia improve their sleep and experience less anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain and stiffness.

Before opening her own massage business, Brewington worked as an oncology nurse at Northeast Methodist Hospital in Live Oak. She speaks passionately about the devastating effects that chemotherapy had on cancer patients and believes that by altering a person’s lifestyle and including massage therapy, some of the symptoms of the treatment can be alleviated. She added that research indicates that the benefits the oncology patients experienced following massage therapy include less anxiety, depression, fatigue, nausea and pain.

Prior to opening her office in the recently renovated Main Plaza Building, Brewington began a mobile massage business through which she provides massages at homes or at businesses within the community. The service is another way to share her knowledge with people in their homes, businesses, medical offices and health fairs. She also offers massages at the Schertz Area Senior Center at a reduced rate to seniors or even free of charge to oncology patients who might otherwise not be able to receive her services.

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Harmony for Body & Mind CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

As a retired Army veteran with 20 years of service, Brewington does not forget others who have also given their service to our country. She is part of a national organization called Hands for Heroes that aims to provide one million free massages to veterans across the country who are now struggling with the devastating effects of war. Brewington will donate a number of free massages in the next several months to disabled military veterans in the San Antonio area.

In January, Brewington hopes to begin offering group wellness classes for up to 25 people. She is considering naming the class “Taking Care of You, and Why You Don’t.” She stresses the importance of taking the time out of your day to take care of yourself.

“Our lives are so busy with spouses, kids and bosses that we don’t take time for ourselves,” she said.

“Where is the time for yourself? If you don’t take the time, who is going to take care of you?” Brewington hopes that by offering wellness classes participants will act as a support group in encouraging one another to be more accountable for their health.

Hands-N-Harmony offers both Swedish massage and sports massage to customers.

“Swedish massage promotes relaxation and eases muscle tension,” Brewington explained.

“It calms the nervous system and promotes a sense of relaxation by reducing tension and anxiety. It also improves blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells, stimulates the lymphatic system that carries away the body’s waste products and can prevent and relieve

muscles cramps and spasms.

Hot stones may be added to this massage to enhance the effects. On the other hand, sports massage is customized for an athlete or active person’s needs. It was designed to enhance an athlete’s performance and to stimulate fast and effective muscle recovery.”

Brewington said there are two applications for sports massages.

Pre-event sports massages target specific areas for optimal performance and warm up muscles, helping to prevent sportsrelated injuries. Post-event sports massages can dramatically cut down the time needed for athletes to recover for future training compared to normal resting habits.

Sports massages also are helpful when an injury has occurred to reduce discomfort and to increase the rate of recovery and quality of the recovery.”

Reiki is an additional service that Brewington offers that people may not be as familiar with. She explains that it is a safe, natural technique used to calm the mind and ease tension and stress. Reiki allows the body’s natural ability to heal itself through the balancing of energy by transferring the energy from practitioner to patient.

“The practice uses specific techniques for restoring and balancing the natural life-force energy within the body,” she said.

“It is a holistic, natural, hands-on energy healing system that touches on all levels of the body, mind and spirit.”

To learn more about HandsN-Harmony, go to www. handsnharmony.massagetherapy. com, call (210) 475-2071 or send an email to nancybrewington@ massagetherapy.com.

JANUARY EVENTS 13-14: SA Radio Club Amateur Radio Convention 17: Schertz Chamber Luncheon

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profilez

Closer to home, the Schertz Humane Society, also known as Homes for Pets, draws dozens of volunteers and even more foster families to assist the animals in need. Homes for Pets has no physical facility, so all the homeless pets are fostered while volunteers facilitate adoptions.

more than 500 participants, who also bring their human companions.

The fundraiser 5K fun-run and walk benefits the Schertz Humane Society.

“Sometimes we get attached, but you realize you can’t keep them all,” Connolly said.

As president of the nonprofit, the Schertz Humane Society accounts for most of her free time.

Connolly’s efforts were formally recognized earlier this year when the Schertz Chamber of Commerce honored her with the Steve Simonson Community Service Award. The chamber gives the award annually to a resident of Schertz who volunteers time to help make a difference in others’ lives.

“Every time it comes to re-election, I’m like, ‘Anyone?’” she said with a laugh.

“But I’d still be just as involved. This takes up so much of my life. My poor husband is very, very tolerant, and of

“It was such a tiny little thing, and it has just grown and grown and grown,” Connolly said.

course I make time for the grandkids.”

Those youngest members of Connolly’s family, especially her 10-year-old granddaughter, Kaelin, are taking cues from this animal-lover.

“I took her with me everywhere, from infancy, while her mom worked and took college courses, especially during her first four to five years of life,” Connolly said. “She went with me to take care of dogs at the Schertz shelter before she could even walk. Even at a very young age, she knew when I saw a dog or cat on the side of the road, I was going to stop and try to help it.”

“It was not so much me, but the acknowledging of animal rescue,” she said of what she found so special about receiving the award.

Profilez

Finding Casas for Cats & Dogs CONNOLLY GOOD PAL FOR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS

By Ashley Festa

AS A GIRL GROWING UP IN Germany, Lisa Connolly once discovered something unusual rolling over to her in the snow. She picked it up.

“It was like a prickly snowball,” Connolly said, after realizing her strange discovery was a hedgehog. “It must have been hibernating.”

She brought the sleepy animal to a greenhouse and fed it after it woke up and started moving around. In the spring, she set it free.

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“I must have really messed up his sleep cycle that year,” she said with a laugh.

Though these days she rarely handles hedgehogs, her love of animals has only grown through the years. She’s lived all over the United States, always seeking out the local animal shelter as soon as she unpacked her boxes. Now a Schertz resident for the past 17 years and president of the Schertz Humane Society for the past decade, she’s found a way to channel all that love into helping pets, mostly cats and dogs, in need of new homes.

She hopes her mantra of “spay and neuter!” will one day help curb the pet overpopulation problem in South Texas.

“Lots of people just don’t do it; they don’t believe in it,” Connolly said. “We end up with litters and litters that are unwanted. It’s a sad cycle.”

She’s not alone in her efforts to help her less fortunate four-legged friends. Her daughter Ali is spreading the spay-andneuter message out in California after learning from her mother’s passion.

Valerie Wilenchik nominated Connolly for the community service award. She has known Connolly for about 10 years, establishing their friendship after the nonprofit president helped her pull off the first Doggie Dash, an event now named after her late husband, Councilman Tony Wilenchik.

“She’s been doing this without recognition,” Wilenchik said of the nonprofit president. “She very quietly goes about doing this for people without recognition, and I felt it was time she had recognition for all her time and expense.”

And this was at a time when Connolly was home-schooling her daughter and running a pet-care business in addition to her work at the Schertz Humane Society.

“She’s a very busy person,” Wilenchik added.

The Doggie Dash, an annual May event established in 2002, drew about 65 people its first year and now draws

Lisa Connolly and a furry friend January 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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consulting, phone service and surveillance.

“The technicians are the guys who are out there doing the actual work and the majority of customer interaction,” explained Hunter.

Brenda Hunter explained that it’s important to determine what the needs of business are because they will be unique for every client. Any type of small business with 5 to 20 people working together in an office that needs computer, phone, surveillance or monitoring services could be a potential client. “Technology is no longer just your computer,” she added.

hYPer

EQUIP IT WILL FIX IT

By Kari Bridges Many people dream of working independently and opening their own small business in the community, and 11 years ago, Ben Hunter did just that when Equip IT, his computer and consulting company, opened for business.

Hunter first became interested in computers as a child when he took a class in computer programming in Indiana, where he grew up. Over the next several years, he continued taking computer classes, and after graduating from high school, he attended Indiana University, where he enrolled in classes focusing on computer information systems.

When he accepted an internship program opportunity in the Engineering Extension Service at Texas A&M University - San Antonio, Hunt42

SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM January 2012

er moved to Texas. It was through this program that he took the additional classes in computer training that eventually led him to teach his own classes at the university.

After a few years of teaching, Hunter began working independently for several computer training companies in the San Antonio region before he felt confident in opening his own business.

His motivation in starting his company came from his desire to help small businesses with their computer needs.

“I wanted to teach people how to work on their computers from scratch and how to do basic computer networking,” he explained.

Together, Hunter, and his wife, Brenda, who serves as the company’s office manager

and accountant, recently changed the name of their computer business, which is located off Wald Road in New Braunfels, from High Velocity Consulting to Equip IT to better reflect the services that they provide.

“We wanted to change the name of our business so that it would reflect Information Technology (IT), but we also wanted to have a name that we could use anywhere and not set in one geographical location,” Hunter said.

Equip IT is affiliated with CISCO, a California business that operates worldwide to offer quality networking equipment. This partnership allows Hunter to buy and sell CISCO parts and install equipment. Now with more than 10 years of experience to its credit, the goal for Equip IT

is to provide clients with one resource that would provide for all of a business’s IT needs and that offers quick solutions to get and keep your business running smoothly and efficient. All the while, Equip IT will continue to grow and hire more certified technicians as the business expands.

“We want to be the one-stop technology shop that allows clients to stay connected and work remotely from their homes or out of town,” he explained.

Currently, Hunter employees two certified technicians who are trained to handle all of a company’s business needs from the simplest to the most advanced technology problems. Some of the services they provide include network solutions, computer maintenance and repair, IT

Both husband and wife agree that their biggest challenge is balancing both personal and business responsibilities.

Brenda began working for the business seven years ago after they got married. She grew up in the Rio Grande Valley and moved to San Antonio in 1998 to attend Our Lady of the Lake University, where she studied accounting. Both enjoy spending time with family members who live in the San Antonio area.

The Hunters have a very active 2-year-old daughter. As a family, they enjoy spending time together at different local parks and taking their daughter to gymnastics class once a week.

“Our biggest challenge is deciding how to make it all work,” she said. “It is difficult to find the balance of home and work. You have to work hard to make it come together.”

When not working or attending to their young daughter, Ben and Brenda enjoy run-

ning and have trained for and competed in numerous halfmarathons that benefit various charities. Brenda, who began running as a method of improving her general health, will be participating with the Team in Training half-Marathon to raise money to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She will be running in this marathon to honor the memory of a friend who passed away in September from leukemia.

She is also planning on participating in the Austin 3M half-marathon that will be held on January 29.

As active members of their church, the Hungers enjoy attending a weekly bible study with other members of the congregation. Previously, Brenda has been a church nursery volunteer, spending time with other children in order to give mothers the opportunity to enjoy the weekly message without worrying about their small children.

The Hunter’s are active members of the hYPer – Helping Young Professional Entrepreneurs Resource program that was created through the Schertz Chamber of Commerce. This program offers young business professionals who are members of the Schertz Chamber of Commerce and are between the ages of 21 to 39 a place to share their resources and support one another. If you would like more information on how to join this program, call the Schertz Chamber of Commerce at (210) 5669000.

Know Your Technology

By Kari Bridges Technological advances in the past few decades have greatly increased the competitive nature of the business world.

For a small business owner, being aware of the benefits of technology is vital in order to see continued growth and success in the life of your business.

“Each client’s needs are different, and it is important to identify what their business needs are to offer them the most appropriate service,” Ben Hunter of Equip IT said.

Any small business can benefit from the different applications of technology to improve their business, whether it is computer, phone, surveillance or monitoring services by focusing on such elements as speed and time, easier storage, improved sharing of information, automation and increased employee productivity, which are all are key elements in reducing costs and increasing revenue.

“As long as your technology is up to date, your business stays up to date,” explained Brenda Hunter.

Small businesses can respond to change faster than large businesses and are able to save more time and make quicker decisions. Easier storage of information eliminates the need to file large amounts of paperwork. Contacts and customer information can be sorted and accessed in minutes, cutting down on the need for storage space.

Technology allows information to be shared more quickly and with fewer resources. Marketing can be accomplished by placing ads that reach millions of buyers on the Internet or through social networking sites. Online training has reshaped the readiness of the average small business workforce as employees can listen to classroom lectures and share ideas with others from the comfort of their home or office, eliminating the need for small businesses to hire training staff.

Companies have used software, computers and the Internet to transform their businesses from local to national and global market competitors. Many companies have responded to these changes by automating their business processes, capturing industry-related information and using it to their advantage.

Technology has forced businesses to remain flexible, adapting their operations to new and better technological advances. Technology also allows small businesses to automate certain functions that have previously required the need to hire additional employees, such as bookkeeping or sales positions that in turn gives the small business owner the ability to focus on strategy and cut down on labor expenses.

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focuz

The Music Man and More

PARKS MANAGER VAN ZANDT IS A MARTIAL ARTS-TEACHING, GUITAR-PLAYING ROCKER

By Chuck McCollough

I

IF YOU PAINTED A PICture of Parks Manager Chuck Van Zandt, it might look something like this: A man playing bass guitar while wearing a black belt around a martial arts outfit and standing in a park surrounded by his family.

And all of that would be underwater.

Van Zandt has been the No. 2 person at the City’s Parks and Recreation Department for two years and helps manage nearly 400 acres of parks and green space. He previously worked for the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department for 27 years.

Welcome to the wideranging world of Chuck Van Zandt, who once dreamed of being a marine biologist. Marriage, music, martial arts, parenting and parks have dominated Van Zandt’s life, and he doesn’t seem to be slowing down.

As a youngster, Van Zandt learned to play sixstring guitar by studying a book on guitar chords and borrowed a set of drums because his family could not afford them.

His interest in music started at age 12 and never waned. “I’m self-taught on the guitar and drums and basically learned by playing along with songs on the radio,” he said during an interview in his office, where the noise of parks department workers coming and going was easily heard.

“My first professional gig was on Oct. 31, 1971,” he recalled. “I actually got paid to play. Music has long been a part of my life. I met my wife, Lanie (short for Elaine), at a musical event, and our two boys grew up with music in the house.”

His grown sons, Jason and Ryan, followed in their father’s footsteps and play multiple instru-

ments. Jason, the oldest, is an aircraft mechanic and plays guitar, bass guitar and drums. Ryan, the youngest, is a computer tech and plays violin, piano, guitar, bass guitar and drums.

Today, Chuck Van Zandt is part of the band Ice 9, which plays classic rock music at gigs around the area.

Just as Van Zandt’s love of music rubbed off on his sons, his interest in martial arts did as well. The Lee High School graduate participated in martial arts from his teens through college and attained a brown belt before dropping the pursuit because of a growing family and career.

When his sons were preteens, they became interested in martial arts, and their dad showed them some moves. Their martial arts instructor saw that the Van Zandt boys

moved with more experience than other beginners and confronted their dad, a former student.

“My old instructor asked if I taught the boys some moves, and when I said yes, he asked me to become a teacher,” the family patriarch said. “He said I was very patient with the youngest students so I got back into it. Today, I am a blackbelt martial arts instructor in Moo Duk Kwon Taekwondo.” He pulled out a card with the certification and an ID photo of a younger Chuck Van Zandt with dark hair, in contrast to his trademark salt-and-pepper hair.

Van Zandt attended San Antonio College and then graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in biology.

His career with the San Antonio Parks Department actually started in 1980 as a supervisor for the Young Adult Conservation Corps, which had a continued on page 49

Van Zandt at Pickrell Park 44 44

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Civic Newz January 2012

Friends Group Makes DONATION TO PARK

City Councilman David Scagliola presented a check for $3,074 to City Manager John Kessel on behalf of two founders of the Friends of Northern Schertz Parks group during a council meeting November 29. Group members Debbie Bell and Wendy Swan are leaving the area, Councilman Scagliola said, and asked him to give the City the check.

Schertz Project Wins

ENGINEERING GOLD MEDAL A City of Schertz project has been named a Gold Medal Winner by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Texas. The Live Oak Water Plant Expansion project by Ford Engineering Inc. was named one of 13 Gold Medal and eight Silver Medal winners out of 44 entries named in the 2012 ACEC Texas Engineering Excellence Awards. The winning projects were selected based on uniqueness, originality, technical, value to the engineering profession, complexity and how successfully the project met the needs of the client.

“Debbie and Wendy were instrumental in creating the Friends of Northern Schertz Parks,” the councilman explained. “This nonprofit group raised more than $70,000, and with that money matched in kind by the City, the group managed to revitalize the park and pool in Northcliffe, turning the park that is used by at least five other subdivisions into an area we can all be proud of.”

Parks and Recreation Department Director George Logan praised Bell, Swan and the Friends group.

“Wendy and Debbie are two of the most active, involved and dedicated park volunteers I have met in my 40-year career,” Logan said.

“They and the other Friends group volunteers have done wonderful work at the North Schertz Parks.”

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Holiday Season Kicked Off

WITH SCHERTZ TREE LIGHTING One of the most beloved traditions in Schertz drew a good crowd and television news crews on Nov. 29 when the annual Christmas Tree lighting took place. Mayor Hal Baldwin threw the switch to turn on hundreds of bright lights on the giant tree in front of City Hall. City Council members also attended the event.

Church singers and a group of senior singers led the crowd in Christmas carols. A television news helicopter broadcast the tree lighting live.

David Scagliola New Mayor Pro Tem Councilman David Scagliola was sworn in as new mayor pro tem during a City Council meeting on December 6. Mayor Hal Baldwin swore in Scagliola. The mayor pro tem typically fills in for the mayor when he cannot attend a council meeting or other function. The mayor pro tem position is changed every six months among council members.

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The Music Man

continued from page 45 City Council Updated ON SRO PROGRAM The Schertz Police Department’s School Resource Officer (SRO) program is working well and is wellliked by parents, students and faculty, Capt. Marc Bane told City Council on December 6.

“Our group did such a good job, they extended us for 12 months to April 1981,” Van Zandt said. The next month he was hired full-time by the department as an agronomist working as a turfgrass specialist for the city’s park system.

“We have heard from parents, students and teachers that they like seeing our presence on campus and the visibility of SRO officers in schools,” he said. SPD currently has two SROs, Officer Hillary Halbadier and Sgt. Josh Mixon.

In the mid 1980s, Van Zandt was promoted to assistant parks maintenance superintendent and then parks maintenance superintendent, a position he held for 14 years. Later he was named horticultural services superintendent.

After disbanding its own police force, the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District contracted with the cities of Schertz and Cibolo to provide school resource officers to its campuses and its respective cities.

“At San Antonio Parks and Rec, I was responsible for about 18,000 acres of parkland, 243 facili-

Guadalupe Co. Officials BRIEF CITY COUNCIL

Guadalupe County Commissioner Judy Cope uses a map (held up by City Manager John Kessel) to explain precinct boundaries. Guadalupe County officials, including Commissioner Jim Wolverton and County Judge Mike Wiggins, attended the December 6 City Council meeting to update council members on county contributions to Schertz. The county officials used maps to explain new commissioners boundaries and voting records in their presentation.

Capt. Marc Bane

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six-month commitment to work in city parks from April through September that year.

ties and 225 employees,” he explained.

Van Zandt retired from the San Antonio Parks Department in July 2007. He knew George Logan, the director of the Schertz Parks and Recreation Department, from back when Logan had also worked at the San Antonio department and they had become friends. Later, when the job of parks manager in Schertz came open, he urged Van Zandt to come out of retirement and apply. Van Zandt did and was hired on August 31, 2009.

“We have accomplished a lot in two years, including reorganizing the shop and enacting programs to get resources we need,” he said.

“We want to give the City of Schertz the biggest bang for its buck and continue to improve our parks and green spaces.”

January 2012 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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IMPORTANT SCHERTZ

PHONE NUMBERS Calendarz

January 2012 Monday, 2 Library Advisory Board 7:00 PM - Schertz Public Library Tuesday, 3 City Council 6:00 PM—Council Chambers Thursday, 5 Transportation Safety Advisory Commission 5:30 PM- Council Chambers Monday, 9 Buffalo Valley Youth Association 6:00 PM - 401 Oak St. Tuesday, 10 City Council 6:00 PM—Council Chambers Wednesday, 11 Planning & Zoning 6:00 PM - Council Chambers Thursday, 12 Economic Development Corporation 6:00 PM - Council Chambers

Hal Baldwin

210-658-6466

Council Members: Michael Carpenter Cedric Edwards, Sr. Jim Fowler David Scagliola George Antuna, Jr.

(210) 619-1045 (210) 566-4540 (210) 658-1442 (830) 606-1130 (210) 467-7914

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

Tuesday, 17 City Council 6:00 PM—Council Chambers

Send queries about articles or photographs to Schertz Magazine at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154.

Monday, 23 Parks & Recreation Advisory Board 5:30 PM – Bob Andrews Room

For advertising information: Schertz Magazine, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154; call (210) 619-1630; Fax (210) 619-1619; email sales@schertz.com.

Board of Adjustments 6:00 PM – Council Chambers Tuesday, 24 City Council 6:00 PM-Council Chambers Wednesday, 25 Planning & Zoning 6:00 PM - Council Chambers ***Meeting locations may change, please visit the calendar at www. schertz.com for confirmation.*** 50

City of Schertz Elected Officials Mayor:

SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM January 2012

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.

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 Tales, email us at events@schertz.com or call us at (210) 619-1630.

The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the City of Schertz. All products and services advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental handicap, political affiliation or other non-merit factor of purchaser, user or patron.

Articles that appear in Schertz Magazine do not necessarily reflect the official position of the City of Schertz and does not constitute an endorsement therein. The appearance of any advertisement in Schertz Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the goods or services advertised. Any publication of Schertz Tales, whether draft or final is sole property of the City of Schertz and cannot be reproduced or distributed in any way, whether in print or electronically, without the express permission and written consent of the City of Schertz.

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