August 2022

Page 1

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS

SCHERTZ

SCHERTZ

2022
AUGUST

15 years

EXPLORE PATHWAY
MEMBER FDIC You call and we answer around the clock, right here in Texas. Visit us at frostbank.com or call at (800) 51-FROST.
24
7.
THE MOST IMPORTANT NUMBERS A BANK CAN THROW AT YOU ARE
AND

TABLE OF CONTENTS

06 City Headlines

08 Parks & Recreation

12 Library

City Council

Ralph Gutierrez Mayor

Mark Davis Councilmember

Jill Whittaker Councilmember

Michael Dahle Councilmember

David Scagliola Councilmember

Allison Heyward Councilmember

Tim Brown Councilmember

Executive Team

Dr. Mark Browne City Manager

Brian James Assistant City Manager

Charles Kelm Assistant City Manager

Adrian Perez Executive Director

Sarah Gonzalez Assistant to the City Manager

Mission

Leading, improving, and serving a livable, sustainable, and financially sound community.

Vision

Community. Service. Opportunity.

Core Values

Treat others the way you would want to be treated. Do the right thing.

Be the best you can. Work cooperatively as a team.

About Our Magazine

Schertz Magazine is a monthly popular lifestyle/entertainment/ community events publication wholly owned and operated by the City of Schertz and produced internally by the Schertz Public Affairs Department. It serves as the primary dissemination source for government information for a growing city of over 42,000 residents.

Today, Schertz Magazine is the leading publication in the Tri-County area with a circulation of 16,000 copies; including 14,000+ direct mailed and 500+ subscriptions from Austin through San Antonio and around the country (including dozens of out-of-state readers). The magazine is mailed to 15,000+ local households and over 1,000 businesses with hundreds of copies made available at local and regional banks, hospitals and clinics, schools, pharmacies, and restaurants.

34 Features

42 Around the Community

47 Calendar

FEATURES

34

Planning for Vital Infrastructure Needs in Schertz

38

A Day in the Life of the Streets Division

CITY MANAGER FROM THE DESK OF THE

Hello Schertz residents! I hope you had a wonderful 4th of July and just to recap, we had a marvelous parade attended by thousands and then a great afternoon/evening session filled with fun, and activities capped off with a great fireworks display. We estimate the crowd size at Pickrell Park to be around 10,000 and it was an enjoyable event for all. In the August issue of the magazine, we will have some interesting features for you including an article on our capital improvement projects in streets, water, and sewer as we continue to work on our infrastructure to help make Schertz more sustainable in the coming years. Infrastructure funding is one of the key challenges faced by all cities and we are no different. There is always a balancing act with our funds to maintain a high quality of life and develop economically while still maintaining and improving our infrastructure.

As Schertz approaches 65 years old next year, we still have many areas of the city that need aging water and sewer infrastructure replaced so we are actively pursuing that. The $10 million we are receiving for the American Rescue Plan will go a long way to improving key water and sewer infrastructure projects as well as helping our technology and communication networks modernize for the future.

Additionally, there is interesting information on a new program called the “Schertz Community Tool Shed” in which we will make tools available for checkout if citizens need them for yard work and small repair jobs. We hope this will be a great value for residents!

Finally, we will be starting a new and exciting program for the City called the “Schertz Young Leaders” program. This leadership development program will be open to our students to help them develop key leadership qualities to benefit them as they pursue careers and higher education. The program replaces our long-time Sweetheart Court and will allow more students to participate and give them some very valuable skills. I hope you have a wonderful August and school is now just around the corner.

AUGUST 2022

PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY Public Affairs Department

Linda Klepper Public Affairs Director

Devan Christensen Communications Manager

Madison Porras Marketing & Communications Specialist

Contributing Writers

Linda Klepper, Sarah Gonzalez, Devan Christensen, Madison Porras, Lauren Shrum, Analyse Miranda, Lizzi Bertoia, Dr. Cody Strahler, Anna Kraft, Jennifer Shortess, Casey Moeller

Contributing Photographers

Madison Porras, Stacey Lovett, Domingo Munoz, Victor Watson

Schertz Magazine is published monthly by the Public Affairs Department of the City of Schertz promoting city, community, and business activities. Our mailing address is 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. © City of Schertz, Texas

The editorial office of Schertz Magazine is at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. Call (210) 619-1600 / Fax (210) 619-1619 Website is Schertz.com

OFFICIAL FINE PRINT

Send queries about articles or photographs to Schertz Magazine at magazine@schertz.com. For advertising information call (210) 619-1633 or email magazine@schertz.com.

NEWS POLICY

Schertz Magazine encourages submission of news and event announcement items. News and event announcements must include contact name and contact phone number. Publication cannot be guaranteed. If you would like to submit an item to Schertz Magazine, email us at magazine@schertz.com or call us at (210) 619-1600.

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

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

mbrowne@schertz.com

ON THE COVER

Public Works Streets

Division works day in and day out to maintain Schertz roads so they are safe and usable for residents.

SCHERTZ.COM

FREEDOM & FUN AT THE 46TH ANNUAL JUBILEE

The City of Schertz celebrated the 46th annual 4th of July Jubilee this year at Pickrell Park.

The 2022 tribute to freedom and fun kicked off July 1 with ‘Project Flagline’. More than 100 volunteers joined City staff to line Schertz Parkway from FM 78 to IH-35 with American Flags. Thank you to all those who volunteered to create this beautiful display of freedom!

Activities on July 4 began with the “Let Freedom Run” 5K through downtown Schertz followed by the community favorite Jubilee Parade. 141 runners of all ages participated in the 5K and this year’s parade consisted of 69 entries that traversed the 1.7-mile parade route along Schertz Parkway, Main St., and FM 1518.

This year’s festival grounds were expanded into Thulemeyer Park to allow families to spread out and enjoy the activities hosted by Schertz Parks and Recreation and for more space to view the evening’s fireworks spectacular, sponsored by H-E-B. A kids carnival provided fun and games at Thulemeyer Park during the afternoon.

Family Zone activities were sponsored by The Purpose Church, and included a chalk the walk area, Patriotic pinwheel crafts, yard games like cornhole and pickleball under the pavilion, kids’ games, and face-painting.

A variety of vendors provided fun festival foods including a fleet of local food trucks alongside all the carnival classic rides and games that filled Thulemeyer Park, and the entertainment continued onto the main stage as Groove Knight played classic party music for the crowd. The unique tradition of Float & Fireworks returned at Pickrell Park Pool with reservations selling out weeks prior to the event to enjoy a poolside view of the fireworks show. With a variety of fun for everyone, Jubilee made sure all the community favorites were available for a day of celebration, recreation, and freedom!

With a variety of fun for everyone, Jubilee made sure all the community favorites were available for a day of celebration, recreation, and freedom!

6 Schertz Magazine August 2022 46TH ANNUAL 4TH OF JULY

PARADE WINNERS

Congratulations to our winners!

NON-PROFIT / INDIVIDUAL

First Greater Randolph Area Youth Soccer Association

Second Guadalupe County Farm Bureau

Third Boy Scouts of America Pack 51

CITY / MUNICIPAL

First Schertz Sweetheart Court

Second Bexar County Sheriff’s Office

Third Converse Police Department

BUSINESS

First H-E-B

Second Perezitas Crafting

Third Kung Jung Mu Sul Leadership Academy

SCHERTZ CELEBRATES NATIONAL PARK & RECREATION MONTH

Each July, in communities around the country, National Park & Recreation Month is celebrated. The 2022 theme, ‘We Rise Up’ for Parks and Recreation, is bringing attention to how important it is to rise up and support parks and recreation, because every day, park and recreation professionals rise up for their communities in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. Parks are at the center of so many experiences and memories — moments that park and recreation professionals help make happen. Our local parks are often our first experiences in nature, our introduction to a favorite hobby or physical activity. They are places to gather with friends and family, spaces to celebrate life’s special moments, spots of respite and healing, sites that connect us with essential community services, and so much more. Local parks have been essential throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with many community members finding a new appreciation for the spaces and programs parks and recreation provides.

Activities during the month included Pupscile Party, Laser Tag, Pickleball Play, Glow in the Park, and two Float & Flicks at Pickrell Park Pool. Thank you to everyone that came out and participated in the many events and activities throughout the month of July to help us celebrate National Park & Recreation Month!

8 Schertz Magazine August 2022 STAY INFORMED! Follow us on Facebook at cityofschertz and cityofschertzparksandrecreation WE WANT YOUR BEST SHOT! Follow us on Instagram at @SchertzParksandRec and use #SchertzParksandRec when posting. VISIT CIVICREC! View more Programs & Activities

RENT A PARK FACILITY NOW WITH

The City of Schertz is committed to providing a high quality of life for our residents which includes the many events, programs, and facility rentals offered by Schertz Parks & Recreation. CivicRec gives you the ability to view, register, and reserve Schertz Parks & Recreation activities, events, facilities, and manage your account all in one place. Payments for programs and rentals can also be made on CivicRec.

Once you create an account and sign in, be sure to click on “Account” to verify your address and contact information. You can also update your contact preferences. Then you may click on “Catalog” to view recreation programs, special events, volunteer opportunities, pavilion rentals, and more. Here are just some things you can do on Civic Rec:

Check availability for park pavilion rentals

Register for a nature education program

Sign up to volunteer

Purchase a Veteran's Memorial Plaza brick

Go

NATURE DISCOVERY SERIES

There will be no Nature Discovery Series event during August, but we will be back in September to discover nature this fall! Get your little ones outdoors to discover the exciting nature right in our own backyard. Kids are encouraged to explore, discover, and ask questions to help grow their knowledge of nature. This free program is designed for families with elementary-aged children, but older and younger siblings are also welcome.

Texas Master Naturalist volunteers will lead the themed programs the second Saturday of the month held at Crescent Bend Nature Park. Class will begin at 10:00 a.m., but please arrive early and meet at the first parking lot near the restroom building and the trailhead. Pre-registration on Schertz.com.

Sep 10 Discover Horns and Thorns: Staying alive is tough

Oct 8 Discover Dinosaur Tracks: Tracks tell tales

Nov 12 Discover Early Texans: When kids knew how to live off the land

PAWS IN THE POOL

The dog days of summer are still hanging on so its time to get your pup’s paws in the pool and cool off! Its gonna be a funfilled day gone to the dogs! Let your furry, four-legged friend take a swim in Pickrell Park Pool on Saturday, September 10 for Paws in the Pool! Admission is $3 per person and 2 dogs per person are allowed. Capacity is limited to 60 humans per 90-minute session and pre-registration/payment is required. Sessions are at 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. All dogs must be on a leash outside the pool facility and must wear a collar they can swim in. All humans must show proof of dog vaccinations at the gate and must clean up after their dog. Any aggressive dogs will be asked to leave. The small dog area is in the wading pool and the large dog area is in the main pool. Lawn chairs and dog toys are allowed.

For more information and to register for one of the sessions, visit Schertz.com.

to Schertz.com to log on to CivicRec today to join in on all of the
FUN to be had!

A Summer Full of Flicks & FUN

The Schertz Parks and Recreation Music and Movies in the Park events bring community families together at various Schertz parks to enjoy outdoor summer entertainment and refreshments. This year’s Music and Movies series featured four movie events and two Float & Flick events. The series kicked off with the showing of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone on June 11 at Heritage Oaks Park followed by Encanto at Pickrell Park on June 18 and The Mitchells vs. The Machines at Cypress Point Park on June 25. As the summer heated up, the events moved to the water for another community favorite, the Float & Flicks at Pickrell Park Pool with the Schertz Family YMCA. Showings of Luca and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs entertained swimmers of all ages under the stars as they got the opportunity to watch the films from the pool after hours. The series closed out for the summer with a showing of Inside Out at Ashley Park on July 30.

New Day Church provided snow cones and popcorn for eventgoers and the 2022 Series was sponsored by H-E-B, The Crossvine, and EVO Entertainment. For more information on future events, check out the Event Calendar on Schertz.com and follow City of Schertz Parks & Recreation on social media.

10 Schertz Magazine August 2022

EXTREME BOOK NERD CHALLENGE

Our year-long Extreme Book Nerd Reading Challenge for 2022 is just past the halfway point and it is not too late to join the fun. The Extreme Book Nerd Challenge is a year-long reading challenge that encourages participants to read throughout the year, try new genres, and read subjects you wouldn’t normally pick up on your own. For more information about the book nerd reading challenge visit Schertz.com/booknerd.

BRAINFUSE HELPNOW

It's time to go back to school! Connect with a live tutor to get free homework help this school year! Brainfuse HelpNow is an all-in-one suite of tutoring services designed for a wide range of academic needs whether it’s tackling a tough homework problem, mastering a particular topic, or writing a paper. HelpNow services include expert academic tutoring and self-study tools to empower users to study at their own pace or collaborate with peers and teachers. Students access live, on-demand academic help and state-aligned skillsbuilding lessons from expert tutors from 2 - 11 p.m.

1,000 BOOKS BEFORE KINDERGARTEN

The Schertz Public Library & the Schertz-Cibolo Lions Club have partnered to offer an early literacy initiative called 1,000 Books before Kindergarten. This project encourages parents to read aloud at least 1,000 books with their children before they enter school. Register your child online or at the Children’s Information Desk to receive a free tote bag. Children will earn a sticker for every 100 books read and a book when they complete the program. Visit Schertz. com/1bbk for more information.

WIRELESS PRINTING

The Schertz Public Library provides wireless printing from laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Printing costs 15 cents per black-and-white page or 50 cents per color page. Print jobs that are larger than 8.5” X 11” are the same price as two copies. To pick up your documents, visit the print release terminal in the library within 24 hours. If the document is not picked up within that time frame, you may need to send your job again. For more information on wireless printing, please contact the library (210) 619-1700 or visit Schertz. com/683/Wireless-Printing

12 Schertz Magazine August 2022

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

SEW LET IT BEE: LIBRARY QUILT BEE

2ND TUESDAY AND 3RD SATURDAY

Join us for a few fun hours of quilting! The Quilt Bee is held on the second Tuesday and third Saturday of each month in Library Meeting Room 1. The bee is perfect for advanced quilters as well as those just getting started! The quilt bee meets Tuesday, August 9 from 12 – 3 p.m. and Saturday, August 20 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Visit the calendar for more details at Schertz.com/ adultcalendar.

QIGONG EXERCISE CLASS AT THE LIBRARY

MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 10:30 A.M.

Qigong at the library is intended for adults 18+ and led by local certified instructor, Jennifer of Jennifer Eash Yoga. The program will be held Monday, August 1 at 10:30 a.m. in the Library Courtyard. No additional equipment is required. Visit the calendar for more details and pre-registration information at Schertz.com/adultcalendar.

SCHERTZ AREA GENEALOGISTS LIBRARY PRESENTATION

TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 6:30 P.M.

The Schertz Area Genealogists will host a special presentation by Lizzi Bertoia, Adult Services Librarian at the August meeting. If you are interested in getting started with genealogical research or want to learn about the many resources available to you through the library, join us Tuesday, August 2 at 6:30 p.m. The Schertz Area Genealogists meet at the library the first Tuesday of each month, except the month of July.

POETRY OPEN MIC

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 6:30 P.M.

Join us for a relaxed and friendly open mic poetry night on Thursday, August 11 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in Library Meeting Room 1. This open mic will give poets the opportunity to socialize and network with other writers. Everyone is invited to come enjoy the work of our local poets. Signup for readers will be available the night of the program. The library holds an open mic event once a month on the second Thursday.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON MINDFULNESS MEDITATION PRACTICE

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 1:00 P.M.

Join mindfulness meditation teacher Mike Brown for an afternoon meditation session. The cultivation of mindfulness can help us navigate the ups and downs of daily stressors and promote health and wellness. This session is suitable for beginning and experienced meditators. You’re welcome to bring your own meditation cushion; chairs will be provided.

MEDICARE 101 PRESENTATION WITH TEXAS MEDICARE SOLUTIONS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 6:00 P.M.

Michael Salazar with Texas Medicare Solutions will be presenting an information session on Medicare. Pre-registration not required. Medicare 101 will be held in Library Meeting Room 1.

SCRAPBOOK AND PAPER CRAFTING CROP

SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 12:00 P.M.

Join us on the fourth Sunday of each month from 12 – 5 p.m. in the Program Room for a paper crafting meet-up. Visit the calendar for more details at Schertz.com/ adultcalendar.

Connect With Us on Social Media

Facebook.com/ SchertzLibrary

Instagram.com/ SchertzPublicLibrary

Twitter.com/ SchertzLibrary

For a comprehensive listing of all library events please visit SchertzLibrary.org.

Schertz Magazine August 2022 13

• Flu shots

• Quick flu test • Rapid strep screening

• Acute illness

• IV fluids

• COVID-19 testing

SC HERTZ.C OM/MOSQUITOPREVENTION

Calling all Crafters!

It is time to start on your handmade projects so they are ready to sell at the Schertz Senior Citizens Bazaar on November 19, 2022 at the Schertz Community Center (1400 Schertz Parkway Bldg. 3).

Information & Reservations:

Ann (210) 788-9078

Debbie (985) 956-0212

City Headlines

Schertz PD Swears in New Chief

Following a competitive selection and recruitment process, the City of Schertz announced at the end of June the appointment of James Lowery as Police Chief. Chief Lowery was officially sworn into his new position before the city council meeting on Tuesday, June 28.

Chief Lowery brings over 39 years of demonstrated law enforcement and leadership experience to Schertz. He has a proven track record of developing effective partnerships with diverse citizen groups, and demonstrates the pillars of procedural justice: fairness, voice, transparency, and impartiality as the cornerstone of law enforcement. He has earned numerous accolades throughout his career including Distinguished Service Awards, Life-Saving Awards, Community Service Awards, Police Officer’s Award, Medal of Merit, SWAT Award, and Honor Guard Award.

Lowery began his career in law enforcement in 1983 with the Arlington Police Department and rose through the ranks until he was named assistant police chief in 2022.

“Schertz is excited to announce the hiring of Jim Lowery as the new Chief of Police. Chief Lowery is a proven, excellent leader who will provide outstanding vision and direction to our Police Department. He possesses community-focused values that will be a superb representation of the department in our community. We look forward to welcoming him to our City,” said City Manager Dr. Mark Browne.

Lowery has a Master of Science in Strategic Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from Mountain State University in Beckley, WV. He also holds a Master Peace Officer and Police Instructor’s License from the Texas

Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE) and has over 9,000 certified hours of TCOLE career and professional training credit. He is a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy, Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP), and the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT).

“I am honored and excited to be entrusted with this amazing opportunity. I am looking forward to wearing the badge of SPD and working alongside the men and women of this awesome agency. Working collaboratively with our sister city employees we are committed to building upon and enhancing the culture of the police department's community policing and exceptional service to all members of the community. This can be further accomplished by working to establish genuine relationships built upon trust and transparency,” said Chief Lowery.

16 Schertz Magazine August 2022
Happy 2019 to our patients and friends! SERVING ALL YOUR ORTHOPEDIC AND PODIATRIC NEEDS ... SHOULDERS, HIPS, KNEES , ANKLES & FEET! SERVING ALL YOUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 SCHERTZ 6051 FM 3009 Suite 260 SAN ANTONIO 9150 Huebner Rd. Suite 200 210-696-9000 FREE SATURDAY SPORTS CLINICS FOR STUDENT ATHLETES STARTING AUGUST 27 9:00-10:00 am Schertz location. Call for an appointment or walk in! Pleased to accept most insurance. We are Tri-Care providers! SERVING OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 Peter F. Holmes MD Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Sports Medicine Kathren McCarty, DPM Board Certified in Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgery TEAM PHYSICIAN for Samuel Clemens and Byron P. Steele High Schools Watch online, anytime. See the complete picture. instagram.com/cityofschertz youtube.com/cityofschertz Like. Share. Comment. facebook.com/cityofschertz Schertz.com

New Fire Chief Sworn In

Following the retirement of Fire Chief Kade Long, the City of Schertz announced the appointment of Greg Rodgers as Fire Chief effective July 1.

“I am very excited to announce the promotion of Greg Rodgers to Fire Chief of the City of Schertz. Greg brings many years of experience in a variety of positions within the Fire Department and will be a superb addition to the staff of the City of Schertz. He is the best-qualified candidate for this position,” commented City Manager, Dr. Mark Browne.

Chief Rodgers joined the City of Schertz as the Assistant Fire Chief in 2019 and he brings over 35 years of demonstrated leadership and fire service experience. He began his career in the City of Hollywood Park in 1983 as a volunteer firefighter. In 1988 he moved to College Station where he worked his way up to Division Chief in 2017.

Rodgers has a Masters of Business Administration in Ethical Leadership from Schreiner University and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Emergency Management Administration. He is a graduate of the NFA-Executive Fire Officer program, Fire Service Chief Executive Officer Program through TEEX and Texas A&M Mays Business School, and a graduate of the Texas Fire Chief’s Academy. He also holds Texas Commission on Fire Protection certifications as a Fire Officer IV, Fire Service Instructor III, Master Firefighter, Master Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter, Hazardous Materials Technician, and Incident Safety Officer.

Chief Rodgers commented, “I am truly honored and humbled by this opportunity. It means a great deal to have the support of Chief Long and city leadership as I assume the role of Chief. Schertz Fire Rescue has made great strides under Chief Long’s leadership, and I am excited to build on that moving forward as we continue to create a department that others look to as a template for success.”

Schertz Magazine August 2022 19

City Headlines

Officer Recognized for Outstanding Crime Prevention Efforts

On Thursday, July 14, Schertz Police Officer Anna Kraft was recognized at the Texas Crime Prevention Association annual conference held here in San Antonio. Her hard work and dedication to the department and the community earned her the following awards:

■ Outstanding Crime Prevention Agency (Small Agency)

■ Outstanding Crime Prevention Specialist - Overall "Exemplary work in not only representing herself, but the department, community, and the law enforcement profession. The department and members of our community are inspired by your commitment and acknowledge the tremendous success you have achieved!" commented Police Chief James Lowery.

We are grateful for Officer Kraft and the passion she has for keeping our community a safe place to live, work, and play!

A NEW WAY

DISCOVER
TO PAY! Paying your bill has never been easier and you’ve never had more options! LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP AT municipalonlinepayments.com/schertztx/utilities. For assistance or for more information call (210) 619-1100. Access real-time account information and consumption history Manage your credit card information Make a one-time payment, schedule a payment, or sign up for auto pay Receive payment reminders View your payment history and past statements
Outfit Your Team with Spectacular Apparel and Promotional Items Offering promotional products, embroidery, screen printing, banners, stickers, flyers, signage, and more 210.655.6300 fullypromoted.com/schertz-tx Reach out to Justin.O@FullyPromoted.com

City Headlines

Back to School Safety from the National Safety Council

Whether children walk, ride their bicycle or take the bus to school, it is extremely important that they take proper safety precautions. Here are some tips to make sure your child safely travels to school:

Transportation Safety Walkers

■ Review your family's walking safety rules and practice walking to school with your child.

■ Walk on the sidewalk, if one is available; when on a street with no sidewalk, walk facing the traffic

■ Before you cross the street, stop and look left, right and left again to see if cars are coming

■ Make eye contact with drivers before crossing and always cross streets at crosswalks or intersections

■ Stay alert and avoid distracted walking

Bike Riders

■ Teach your child the rules of the road and practice riding the bike route to school with your child.

■ Ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, and in a single file

■ Come to a complete stop before crossing the street; walk bikes across the street

■ Stay alert and avoid distracted riding

■ Make sure your child always wears a properly fitted helmet and bright clothing

Bus Riders

■ Teach your children school bus safety rules and practice with them.

■ Go to the bus stop with your child to teach them the proper way to get on and off the bus

■ Teach your children to stand 6 feet (or three giant steps) away from the curb

■ If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, teach him or her to walk on the side of the road until they are 10 feet ahead of the bus; your child and the bus driver should always be able to see each other

Driving Your Child to School

■ Stay alert and avoid distracted driving.

■ Obey school zone speed limits and follow your school's drop-off procedure

■ Make eye contact with children who are crossing the street

■ Never pass a bus loading or unloading children

■ The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them to safely enter and exit the bus

Teen Drivers

Car crashes are the No. 1 cause of death for teens. Fortunately, there is something we can do.

■ Teens crash because they are inexperienced; practice with new drivers every week, before and after they get their license

■ Set a good example; drive the way you want your teen to drive

■ Sign the New Driver Deal, an agreement that helps define expectations for parents and teens

More information can be found online at nsc.org.

22 Schertz Magazine August 2022

City Headlines

Storm Water Wetlands

Continuing the Low-Impact Development series, Storm Water Wetlands is the fourth on the nine low impact development practices. Previously mentioned practices are bio-retention, bioswales and permeable pavement. Practices to look forward to are planter boxes, sand filters, vegetated filter strips, vegetated swale, and rain barrels. This series is to teach methods to capture and treat storm water runoff with a low environmental impact.

What are Storm Water Wetlands

The first thought many have when hearing the term wetlands is the Louisiana terrain or the Florida Everglades. Both are natural wetlands that help filter and coastal storm surges. Storm Water Wetlands refer to constructed wetlands that provide treatment and reduction of storm water flows. Storm Water Wetlands are not detention ponds or wet ponds. A detention pond is utilized to maintain a volume of water due to a rain event for a short period of time, usually 24 hours. A Wet pond is very similar to wetlands except wetlands are shallow bodies of water compared to a wet pond. Storm Water Wetlands are permanent shallow bodies of water with specific vegetation utilized to treat the water.

Why Design Storm Water Wetlands

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have

developed pollution and discharge requirements for developing communities. These requirements give design engineers a baseline to maintain safe flow and water quality. Storm water wetlands are often a less expensive options to treat polluted storm water and can often provide a habitat for the surrounding wildlife. Depending on the location of the development, there may be a requirement for the design to protect wetlands.

Where are Storm Water Wetlands Used

In some cases, a large amount of soil excavation is needed to the depth of the water table. This can create issues of permanent standing water within the area. In this case, engineers may design a Storm Water Wetland. Other cases Storm Water Wetlands are designed for are high pollution locations such as mechanic shops and processing plants. The EPA provides a guide to constructing wetlands and a breakdown of the plants often utilized for Storm Water Wetlands. For example, a soft rush plant has a maximum depth of 3 inches and provides food for birds. The probability that the City of Schertz will develop and design wetlands to treat storm water is unlikely but it is an option. Some of the other options for low impact development are more practical for the hot semi-arid climate.

If you have any questions about stormwater prevention, contact the Engineering Departments at engineering@schertz.com.

I LOVE REFERRALS Did you know we also offer PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES? Buying a home is an exciting time in one’s life... Making the SMART MOVE of choosing a Realtor is your 1st important step! LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED SERVING SCHERTZ FOR OVER 19 YEARS CALL CYNDI AT 210-861-2858 We Take Care of Your Home Like It’s Our Own SERVICES INCLUDE: • Monthly Electronic Statements • Multi-level Tenant Screening • Facilitate & Oversee Repairs and Renovations • Low Management Fees • No Excessive Fees • Regular Property Inspections Cyndi Broschat TEXAS REALTOR®, License #0496302 cbroschat@satx.rr.com 210-848-8012 Annette Moore, USAF Nurse

Election Filing

Filing for Schertz City Council Election for November 8, 2022, Begins July 25, 2022

The City of Schertz will be holding its General Election on November 8, 2022, for the purpose of electing the Mayor and Council Members in Place 1 and Place 2 for a three-year term, from November 2022 to November 2025. Any candidate desiring to have his or her name on the Official Ballot shall file with the City Secretary an application in writing in the form prescribed by the Texas Election Code declaring themselves a candidate. The filing date is no sooner than July 23, 2022, (but since the 23rd falls on a Saturday and City Offices are closed) the date moves to Monday, July 25, 2022) and no later than Monday, August 22, 2022, by 5:00 p.m.

Qualifications for candidacy include the following: must have attained the age of eighteen or older on the first day of the term of office applied for, be a registered voter of the City of Schertz, and have been a resident of the City of Schertz for at least twelve consecutive months immediately preceding the deadline for filing for an application for a place on the ballot.

The Candidate packet is available in the City Secretary’s office at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Building 2, or it can be found online at Schertz.com. Should you have any questions, please contact the City Secretary’s office at (210) 619-1030.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Last day to Register to Vote in the November 8, 2022, election is Tuesday, October 11, 2022. Early voting will begin Monday, October 24, 2022, and end November 4, 2022. Early voting locations dates and times will be posted on the Schertz.com.

Join us as we Review the Proposed FY 2022-23 Budget

Your input is important to City leadership as they make future funding decisions. Engaged residents are a key part of the success of any City government, and the City of Schertz recognizes this. The City will be hosting two public hearings to review the FY 2022-23 proposed budget and budget highlights with the public. If you are curious about what new programs, services, or projects the City will be working on next fiscal year then join us for one of these meetings as we work together to build the best possible city for our residents.

Go to Schertz.com for more budget details.

Budget Approval Calendar

August 23

■ First Public Hearing on Budget & Tax Rate

September 6

■ Second Public Hearing on Budget & Tax Rate

■ First Vote

September 13

■ Second Vote on Budget & Adoption

■ Second Vote on Tax Rate & Adoption

October 1

■ New budget in effect

Schertz Magazine August 2022 25

DID YOU KNOW?

REMINDING RESIDENTS OF CITY PROVIDED SERVICES AND RESOURCES

CHECK OUT THE CITY’S NEW CITYVIEW SOFTWARE

Did you know you can now pull a permit, request an inspection, or report a code violation online? The City of Schertz is glad to assist residents and businesses with these requests using the newly launched CityView software. CityView, a community development software that provides comprehensive permitting, inspections, reviews, and approvals, helps reduce staff time, cost, and errors throughout the development and review processes. Go to the CityView portal at development.schertz.com/Portal to utilize these services.

VIEW LOST PETS ON FACEBOOK

Did you know you can view lost pets on the Schertz Animal Services Facebook page at Facebook.com/SchertzAnimalServices? If you or your neighbor has lost their pet, we highly recommend you check the Schertz Animal Services Facebook Page every day, come into the shelter and visit our pets to see if you can find your loved one, and check with local veterinarians or other rescue groups in the area.

MEET SCHERTZ NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES

Did you know you can invite the Schertz Neighborhood Services Division to speak at your HOA meeting? The Neighborhood Services Division provides education and enforcement services to the public in order to minimize environmental and consumer health hazards. Meet & Greet with Neighborhood Services staff and learn more about how you can help with their goal by following public health and safety best practices. For more information on the division go to Schertz.com/neighborhoodservices, email mytown@schertz.com, or call (210) 619-1650.

Register Your Neighborhood for National Night Out

National Night Out will be held on Tuesday, October 4. Now is the time to register your neighborhood for a visit from one of our “teams.” The teams visit communities that register for the event. These teams consist of a Council Member, City Management, City Staff, and an officer from the Schertz Police Department.

Please contact Officer A. Kraft at the police department to register your neighborhood. She can be reached at (210) 6191264 or by email at akraft@schertz.com. Please provide a point of contact and where your community will be hosting their block party. Be sure to register by September 23 to guarantee a visit.

Schertz Magazine August 2022 29

City Headlines

From the SEDC Blog

Hollingsworth Logistics Expands Opportunities for Their Prolific Workforce

Prominent workforce retention struggles are forcing companies to think outside the box and invest in their employees. “Today’s workforce is seeking real-life connection and relationships,” said Casey Moeller, Business Engagement Manager for the Schertz Economic Development Corporation. “People want to feel valued, and as if the time they spend within the organization is making a difference.”

Hollingsworth LLC is a thriving warehousing and logistics company that can be found in the heart of the Schertz Industrial Park. They have been a trusted, leading provider of third-party logistics services for more than 30 years, becoming a part of the Schertz community in 2010. Hollingsworth encourages education and volunteerism in their organization and has won many awards for their recycling efforts. The company currently partners with Alamo Colleges, offering ESL (English as a Second Language) classes to their staff. The current cohort began on May 3, 2022, with 64 full-time employees, consisting of 10 different nationalities, who speak 7 different languages benefitting from this partnership.

Classes are provided by certified instructors from Alamo Community College at no cost to the employer or the student. Classes are held on-site at Hollingsworth’s training center twice a week. This gives employees from all three shifts an opportunity to attend on their own time. At the beginning of the 8-week course, employees were given a CASAS ESL test which measures proficiency in reading, writing, and pronunciation of the English language. Upon completion of the test, teachers were able to accurately determine the appropriate English level to start each employee at, ensuring the maximum benefit of the ESL course. Hollingsworth has already seen tremendous improvement in language skills amongst these employees in the workplace. The ESL students also utilize the Burlington English App that lets them learn

not only in class, but also at home. At the end of this course, the students will receive a certificate from Alamo Colleges that can be applied toward credits for their GED and/or continuing college education. The overall goal of Hollingsworth and Alamo Colleges is to provide better opportunities for employees that can communicate effectively in the English language.

Luz Santos, who has been working with Hollingsworth for close to a year, says she feels grateful to be participating in such a valuable program. “It has benefit[ed] me at work and as a person. I learn something new in each class. I now feel more confident when speaking English at work and in my everyday life.” Although Santos is often tired after her shift, she is driven to utilize this great resource that her company and Alamo Colleges has offered her. “I don’t know of any other company that has done this for their employees before, for this I’m grateful.”

“Starting back with the ESL classes is the best thing that has happened post COVID for our employees that speak another language,” commented Blair Marceaux, HR Manager for Hollingsworth. “The Alamo Colleges have a new way to help our diverse employees learn English. It is interactive and they can learn on the go. From this new electronic version, we have had the highest attendance ever. “

The Schertz EDC is proud to have Hollingsworth LLC as a member of our business community, and grateful to have partners such as Alamo Colleges to help make opportunities like this possible.

To learn more about the Schertz Economic Development Corporation and check out more business news, go to Schertzedc.com.

30 Schertz Magazine August 2022
AVAILABLE UNIT TYPES: • Self Storage (10 x 10, 10 x 15, 10 x 20) • Covered Boat & RV Storage (35’, 40’, 45’) • Open Air Storage (Multiple Size) • Climate Control (10x10 and 10x15) CALL (830) 743-5311 • 885 FM78 EAST, MARION, TX 78124 backyardstorages.com CONVENIENCE STORE ON-SITE PROPANE FILLING ON-SITE INSULATED ROOFS 24-HOUR ACCESS EXTRA SECURITY LIGHTING STATE-OF-THE-ART CAMERAS AIR AND WATER ONLINE RENTALS AND BILL PAY 885 FM78 EAST, MARION, TX 78124 • 830-743-5311 BOAT, RV AND SELF STORAGE FACILITY DUMP STATION COMING SOON!

santikos entertainment

Cibolo

SUMMER FAMILY MOVIES Weekly SPECIALS for movies, food, games, & MILITARY VOTED #1

100% OF PROFITS GOES BACK TO COMMUNITY!

this means more fun. avx - THe ultimate audio/visual experience

LIVE MUSIC & Drink Specials with Viva Brewery NEVER SETTLE FOR LESS THAN SANTIKOS

NEW REWARDS PROGRAM FOR MOVIE LOVERS

FREE
Learn mORE at Santikos.com SChertz -

Cadets Attend 2022 Jr. Police Academy

The Schertz Police Department held its eighth annual Jr. Police Academy for kids 9 to 12 years of age. The police department hosted two classes, one in June (9-10-year-olds) and one in July (11-12 year-olds). The academy is a four-hour, week-long course that educates the kiddos on several topics covering the different law enforcement areas. The classes also let the kids meet other agencies that work closely with us.

Some of the topics we cover are the tools of the police belt, K-9 and their roles, forensics and fingerprints, internet safety, and teamwork. The children also had a chance to run our obstacle course and expend some of their energy. We also had a few guest speakers that stopped by the academy.

The first guest speaker was our own Corporal Hanley and K-9 Medor. Cpl. Hanley spoke about his and Medor's role within the department, and Medor demonstrated his skills as a drug detection dog. After completing his presentation, the cadets meet K-9 Rocki and Chief Deputy Smith from Comal County Constable, Precinct 3. They also gave a demonstration of Rocki's training. After both demonstrations, Medor and Rocki received lots of love from the kids.

Our next guest speaker was Warden Kathleen Stuman, Texas Parks and Wildlife. She talked to the cadets about hunting safety, boating safety, and what animals are native to Texas. She also brought several pelts and other interactive items for the kids to see and touch. Don't be alarmed if your child informs you about boating safety and life jackets. Warden Stuman stressed the dangers of being on the water and how to be safe. She told the cadets that her job was to educate outdoor enthusiasts about safety while in Texas.

Another guest speaker was GVEC. The June class set up a tabletop demonstration, and the July class received a display

from the arching trailer. These demonstrations discussed safety around power lines and what to do if a power line is down. For example, the kids learned to look up and check for power lines before climbing a tree or flying a kite. They also learned to call 8-1-1 before digging, especially if their neighborhood has underground power lines.

During the week, the Cadets toured Schertz EMS and Schertz Fire Department. While visiting with EMS, the cadets learned about our EMS crews' roles and toured the AMBUS and an ambulance. EMS also discussed basic first aid with the cadets and showed them different bandages. While visiting with the Fire Department, the cadets met a few of our firefighters and could see inside the fire apparatus. They also had a chance to hold and spray water from the hoses. The cadets did not listen to the firefighters when they tried getting them to soak Officer Kraft; she is very thankful.

A graduation ceremony was held for the cadets and their family members in the Council Chambers. With the Alpha and Bravo classes filled, the Schertz Police Department will continue to host these academies each year. Follow their social media pages to catch details for next year's academy dates.

Schertz Magazine August 2022 33

Planning for Vital Infrastructure Needs in Schertz

If you have driven around Schertz lately, you will likely have noticed a lot of construction activity. Many of these projects are ones the City directly oversees, like road repairs, silt removal in drainage channels, and facilities, to name a few. It’s these types of projects that fall into a broad category known as Capital Improvement Projects, or CIPs, and the City’s Public Works Department is tasked with planning which infrastructure projects are done and when.

By definition, a CIP is any project that maintains or expands the City’s facilities or infrastructure. Projects may include work on drainage ways, water and wastewater facilities, roadways, parks, or City buildings. In a nutshell, projects can include traditional “horizontal” infrastructure projects such as streets and sidewalks or water and wastewater. They can also be “vertical” infrastructure projects, like the building of a new fire station or an elevated water tank. Because of the variety of projects that are classified as being a CIP, the timeframes and budgets associated with those projects can be equally varied – although CIP projects generally have a total cost greater than $50,000.

“As CIP projects typically have a large price tag associated with them, funding for the projects varies depending on the project type and available City resources,” Public Works Director Suzanne Williams remarked. “Some projects have to be bonded, like soon-to-be Fire Station 4, but when the opportunity comes up to utilize other resources like impact fees or partnerships with other agencies to fund these large ticket projects, we jump on the chance to do so.”

Impact fees, which are charging new development for their impact on existing infrastructure, is how the City’s portion of Ripps-Kreusler Road was funded. “The expansion of RippsKreusler Road resulted in new infrastructure – it expanded the capacity of the road from two to four lanes – so impact fees could be used for the project,” Williams explained.

When you think of partnership opportunities or alternative funding sources and how they can affect projects, “Eckhardt Road and Tri-County Parkway are good projects to highlight,” stated Williams, “for instance, although Eckhardt Road was further down our CIP list; when Guadalupe County approached

34 Schertz Magazine August 2022

us about a solution to fixing the road, the project rose to the top of the list so we could take advantage of the opportunity from the County. They provided the labor and equipment, and we provided the materials – it worked very well, and we felt like we were able to get a win-win for our agencies as we both share common stakeholders, which are our residents.”

Another way CIP priorities are accelerated is when the projects align with the mission and allowable use of funds of partner entities. In 2021, the Schertz Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) approved over $5.2M for the re-construction of Tri-County Parkway and the upsizing of underlying wastewater facilities. Tri-County Parkway is a critical access point for thousands of employees and provides commercial access to IH-35 and FM 3009. The SEDC had conducted interviews with industrial park employers and potential employers that considered, but did not select, Schertz and found that in order to remain competitive in securing new jobs and investment, the condition of Tri-County Parkway needed to be addressed. Schertz EDC Director, Adrian Perez, commented, “Growing our community’s industrial tax base supports the revenue our city needs to keep pace with our growth while keeping our taxes low. Development along the IH35 Corridor and surrounding areas is happening at such a rapid pace. Newer and shinier industrial parks are popping up every day. It is more important than ever that the SEDC continue to make investments to secure greater diversification of our industrial tax base.”

In addition to varying resources regarding cost, the length it can take to complete a CIP greatly fluctuates. While some projects can be designed and constructed within the same fiscal year (Civic Center HVAC replacement, for example), other projects can take years of work to complete from start to finish.

continued on page 36

It is more important than ever that the SEDC continue to make investments to secure greater diversification of our industrial tax base.

Planning for Vital Infrastructure Needs in Schertz

continued from page 35

“The Woman Hollering Creek Wastewater Line is the perfect example of a complex project, as there are a lot of behindthe-scenes steps that needed to take place to even get to the construction phase,” commented Scott McClelland, Assistant Public Works Director. “The City did an initial route study back in 2013, to determine where the flow needed to go. After that, it went through the project design phase and moved into easement/property acquisition. Next steps will be going through the bidding process and then once a contract is awarded by Council, it can go to construction.”

As of now, this project is expected to be completed in Spring 2023. When completed, the Woman Hollering Creek Wastewater Line will provide sewer to parts of southern Schertz that do not currently have sewer service. “This particular line is important because as rapid growth continues to occur in our area, the City has the responsibility to construct the infrastructure to support it and this project does so,” stated McClelland.

So how do projects make it onto the CIP list? Like cost and time, it can vary. Some projects result from growth and

the master planning done by the City, such as the Woman Hollering Creek Wastewater Line. Others are maintenance driven, like replacement of the waterlines in Aviation Heights. The CIP list looks forward 5-10 years and even then, staff knows there must be some flexibility. “We think of the City’s CIP plan as a living, breathing document,” stated Williams, “we know that conditions change – such as partnership opportunities or new funding sources – and as such, the plan must be reviewed continually to ensure the right projects are set into motion at the right time.”

Interested in finding out more about CIPs? The City’s Engineering Department has created a webpage that features interactive story maps that provide project location and details. This site can be found in the Business & Development tab located on the City’s website, Schertz.com. Additionally, City staff provides City Council with a monthly informational item on the major projects in progress or in the planning process. This document is located in the Agendas & Minutes section on Schertz.com.

36 Schertz Magazine August 2022
Did you know? San Antonio Custom Hearing offers hearing aids at NO COST to FEDERAL WORKERS AND RETIREES (210) 268-8229 1919 Oakwell Farms Pkwy #254 San Antonio, TX 78218 1996 Schertz Pkwy #104 Schertz, TX 78154 SCHERTZ SAN ANTONIO No Exam Fee / No Co-Pay Matthew McGee, BC-HIS Ashley McGee, BC-HIS Risk-free 45-day trial on hearing aids Call Today for your Free Hearing Evaluation!

A Day in the Life of the Streets Division

Every day Schertz residents travel through our city to get where they need to go. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely morning walk or commuting home from work – you're benefitting from the hard work of the Schertz Public Works Streets Division. For them, the main goal is to maintain the roads so they are safe and usable for our residents.

When you think of tasks our Streets Division does, you likely think of larger road projects that happen throughout Schertz. “It is rewarding to start a big project with a great group of street employees, training them with heavy machinery and finishing the job in a timely manner,” says Street Crew Supervisor Demetrio Martinez.

This year, the Streets Division has wrapped up several projects including repairs and an asphalt overlay on Old Wiederstein Rd. as well as the asphalt overlay and striping of Boenig Rd. In addition to these larger road projects, our Streets Division handles numerous smaller tasks on a day-to-day basis to keep our city moving.

One of the most important tasks our Streets Department performs is road maintenance. In this pursuit, the city’s street sweepers are vital. Street sweepers are large vehicles that remove small debris from our streets such as nails, glass, dirt, and leaves, cleaning about 163 miles of street each month. Our street sweeper vehicles house two large broom heads that spin, pushing debris towards the center where it is then vacuumed up into a large tank. This helps keep our roads clear and residents safe, prevents these items from entering our storm drains, and helps keep debris from creating failures in our roads.

In addition to street sweeping, the Streets Division performs other maintenance tasks such as filling cracks and potholes, painting crosswalks, and maintaining traffic signals. When it comes to these tasks, they place high importance on doing it the right way. A great example of this is our pothole program; instead of simply filling the existing hole with an asphalt patch, our team takes the time to create a repair that will withstand the strain of day-to-day wear. To accomplish this, they cut out a 3ft x 3ft square around the pothole, remove all debris, apply adhesive, and fill the square with an asphalt patch. Finally, they use a machine to compress the patch and prevent breakage. While this attention to detail makes performing day-to-day tasks more tedious, Street Crew Supervisor Demetrio Martinez likes to offer this reminder to the team: “If things are not right, it's up to us to make it right. If things are hard, as a team, we can make it easy.”

Another day-to-day task that our Streets Division oversees is the creation and installation of signage, one of the most important tools our streets crew uses to keep residents safe. The Streets Division operates a fully equipped Sign Shop to produce and install road signs.

continued on page 40

Schertz Magazine August 2022 39
We have two personnel on-call every month and all employees on standby for emergencies 24/7 to respond to calls as quickly as possible.

A Day in the Life of the Streets Division

continued from page 39

“Stop signs are our number one priority as well as speed limit signs. It is also very important to have street name signs at every corner so that emergency services can find an address quickly,” said Traffic Signal & Sign Technician Antonio Valle.

Creating and installing signs is only one way that the Streets Division assists in times of emergency: “We have two personnel on-call every month and all employees on stand-by for emergencies 24/7 to respond to calls as quickly as possible so that our residents and visitors can travel safely through our city,” said Demetrio Martinez. When the city experiences inclement weather, the Streets Division is there to make sure all roads are open and safe for emergency vehicles.

Whether they’re operating heavy machinery or painting a crosswalk, our Streets Division team members work together as a team to keep our city moving: “From the time employees get hired, I encourage them to get to know who you work with because we see each other more than immediate family,” said Martinez. “We help each other on the weekend when it has nothing to do with work; we have become great coworkers and friends.”

40 Schertz Magazine August 2022

AROUND THE COMMUNITY

RACAP’s 2022 Back-toSchool Program

Youth Participate in Mock City Council Meeting

The Schertz Family YMCA recently held their annual summer Community First Camp for children ages 9-14. Students enrolled in this camp had the opportunity to learn about the community, city government, and even organized a service project.

On Thursday, July 7, students visited the City of Schertz Council Chambers and were welcomed by various City staff as well as Schertz City Manager, Dr. Mark Browne, and Mayor Ralph Gutierrez. During the visit, students learned how a City operates, participated in a quiz to learn more information about Schertz, and ended the session with the fan-favorite activity - participating in a mock City Council meeting. 5 students were selected as Mayor and Councilmembers while the remainder of the group played the role of engaged citizens participating in a public hearing. The goal of the mock council session was to have the Council evaluate three programs proposed by staff, hear feedback from the citizens and ultimately make the decision of which program to choose.

Every year, the Randolph Area Christian Assistance Program (RACAP) conducts a Back-to-School Program to help provide school supplies for children in our community. RACAP is committed to providing basic school supplies for eligible children in grades K-12. RACAP will accept applications for “School Supply” assistance from July 11, 2022, through August 12, 2022.

RACAP is blessed to have an abundance of school supplies and funds specifically designated to purchase any needed supplies this year. Financial donations from churches, businesses, groups or individuals are greatly appreciated but will be used for RACAP’s regular programs to assist with rent, utilities, RX and to restock the pantry. Please make all donations payable to RACAP and designate on the check that the donation is for the ‘General Fund’. Donations designated for the General Fund allow RACAP to use the excess funds in any area. Please visit racap.org to donate or obtain further information.

Families who reside in our zip code service areas (78108, 78109, 78124, 78148, 78154, 78132, 78233 (Live Oak only), 78247, and 78266) and meet income qualifications are eligible. Applications may be picked up at the RACAP office, 307 Pfeil St., Schertz, starting July 13, 2022.

Anyone interested in applying for assistance or helping RACAP in providing assistance may contact RACAP at (210) 658-1613 or visit racap.org.

City staff from Schertz Animal Care Services, Emergency Management, and the Fleet Department made presentations to Council to request funding for their respective programs. The requests included expansion of the City’s dog park and installation of a “Catio” for Animal Services, a new mobile command center and Teen CERT Program for Emergency Management, and the proposal for two electric vehicles and charging stations for Fleet. The residents listened to the presentation and then came before Council to voice their opinions on which project they felt was most needed and why. After consideration from the Council, the majority vote went to the Animal Services items of the dog park expansion and a Catio.

Students from the camp were actively engaged throughout the entire program and were excited to participate in the mock city council session. While they came to a consensus on the vote, the students who played the part of Council agreed that it can be difficult to vote on something as a team.

The Community First camp is a great opportunity for students to learn leadership, communication, volunteerism, and community pride. For more information on the Community First Camp contact the Schertz Family YMCA.

42 Schertz Magazine August 2022
Schertz Magazine August 2022 43 Good Luck to Our Local Teams
With the support of the Bexar County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Meals on Wheels San Antonio is able to provide more meals to our community! If you are in need of meals, live in one of the 12 cities below or in unincorporated Bexar County, and meet the eligibility criteria, please give us a call! We'd love to start the application process with you! 62 years old+ Can show proof of residency in the cities below Not able to make your own meals Low or moderate income Alamo Heights Balcones Heights Elmendorf Grey Forest Helotes Kirby Leon Valley Live Oak Schertz Somerset Universal City Von Ormy
NOTE: You may still apply for meals if you do not live in these cities or meet this eligibility! CDBG-PARTICIPATING CITIES CDBG MEAL-DELIVERY ELIGIBILITY: You can refer yourself, family members, neighbors, and patients! To start the application process, please call our Client Services Department at 210-735-5115 or visit our website at mowsatx.org!
Meals on Wheels San Antonio 210-735-5115 1-866-806-6972 4306 NW Loop 410 San Antonio, TX 78229 CONTACT US! Unincorporated Bexar County
NEED MEALS?
PLEASE
WE CAN HELP!

AROUND THE COMMUNITY

Dr. Mark Penshorn Celebrates 40 Years of Service to the Community

This summer marks a major milestone for local dentist, Dr. Mark A. Penshorn, as he celebrates 40 years in practice.

Dr. Penshorn is one of the few local health care providers who grew up in the area, attended SCUC schools and established a practice here. After attending Texas A&M and then dental school in San Antonio, he returned to his roots in 1982, opening his first office in nearby Converse with a loan from Schertz Bank & Trust. He had many patients from Schertz, treating family, neighbors, former teachers and others he had known since childhood, along with military families here on assignment.

In 2001 he built a new office on FM 3009 in Schertz, within earshot of the Clemens HS Stadium where he marched in the band as a teen. The new office was more convenient for most of his patients and gave him better proximity to the activities of his three sons who by this time were themselves attending SCUC schools and becoming involved in sports and music.

He became a founding member of the Schertz Chamber when it was established and has been involved in City issues for over 20 years. In 2008, Dr. Penshorn received the Hall of Honor Award for Community involvement from SCUCISD.

“I have really enjoyed working in the community that I live in, taking care of people that I also see and do life with outside of the dental office,” says Penshorn. “My 4th grade teacher was one of my early patients and I treated her until she died in her 90’s. As the practice grew, I’ve been able to treat my kids’ teachers, people we have met through band and sports, and friends from church. I think the overlap of work with the rest of life creates the best relationships, and the relationships developed with my patients over these many years has been significant.”

After years of trying to find a partner who would be the right fit for his practice and patients, Dr. Penshorn welcomed Dr.

Cody Strahler into the practice in April 2021. Dr. Strahler has since taken over ownership of the practice and the two doctors are serving patients alongside each other at Strahler Dental Partners on FM 3009.

“I set out to treat each patient the way I would want to be treated, and I’m confident that Dr. Strahler will continue that standard. He is an exceptional dentist with skill sets that I don’t have, and I’m very glad he is here for my patients. We are a good team,” Penshorn adds.

With no immediate plans of retiring, Dr. Penshorn continues to provide the highest quality of dental care to all his patients in his relaxed, no-rush approach to dentistry.

“It’s a big deal to still be at it after 40 years and still be as good as Dr. Penshorn is,” says Dr. Strahler. “If you see Dr. Penshorn, be sure to congratulate him on the outstanding milestone of 40 years of practicing dentistry and caring for our local community!”

44 Schertz Magazine July 2022
Schertz Magazine August 2022 45 Bring your SchertzMagazinealong during your travels and send us a high resolution photo of you and your magazine to magazine@schertz.com. You may see your photo in an upcoming issue of SchertzMagazine!
The Chamber’s Leadership CORE class took their Schertz Magazine to House Representative John Kuempel's office at the Capitol in Austin, Texas. Roger and Paula Kubala took their Schertz Magazine to the Great Pyramids of Giza in Cairo, Egypt. Brenda Dennis and four generations of her family travelled to Bardstown, Kentucky with their Schertz Magazine. BarbaraKingvisitedLiberia,Costa Rica with her SchertzMagazine

LOOKING BACK QUOTE

OF NOTE

“Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out.”

LOCAL HISTORY

In 1899, the town’s name “Cut Off” was formally changed to “Schertz” following the donation of land by William Schertz to the Galveston, Harrisburg & San Antonio Railroad for the construction of a railroad depot. Today the railroad depot is a vacant lot at the corner of First and Main Streets. The donation was made in honor of William’s father, Sebastian Schertz. A town that was lucky enough to have a train depot was one that was more likely to survive as a viable community. Schertz citizens benefited from the presence of the depot in terms of commerce and personal travel. In 1913, the Schertz State Bank building (today known as Schertz Bank and Trust) was built. The building, although having undergone a front façade redesign, still stands at 513 Main Street. The bank building now serves as City on a Hill Church.

TEXAS HISTORY

Black troops in the U. S. Army were stationed throughout Texas, the Southwest, and the Great Plains. They were given the name “Buffalo Soldiers” by Native Americans. Four regiments served in Texas: the 9th and 10th Cavalry, and the 24th and 25th Infantry. The Buffalo Soldiers participated in many frontier campaigns and were responsible for a variety of military tasks, including building roads and escorting mail parties through the frontier.

IMPORTANT SCHERTZ CONTACT INFO

Schertz City Council

Mayor:

Ralph Gutierrez (210) 619-1040

ralphgutierrez@schertz.com

Council Members:

Mark Davis

(210) 376-9141

markdavis@schertz.com

Jill Whittaker (210) 846-8768

jwhittaker@schertz.com

Michael Dahle (210) 419-9337

mdahle@schertz.com

David Scagliola (830) 606-1130

davidscagliola@schertz.com

Allison Heyward (210) 608-9543

allisonheyward@schertz.com

Tim Brown (210) 608-2381

timbrown@schertz.com

City Departments:

City of Schertz/311

(210) 619-1000

Animal Services (210) 619-1550

City Manager (210) 619-1000

City Secretary (210) 619-1030

Civic Center (210) 619-1600

Economic Development (210) 619-1070

EMS (non-emergency) (210) 619-1400

Fire (non-emergency) (210) 619-1300

Inspections (210) 619-1750

Municipal Court (210) 619-1500

Parks & Recreation (210) 619-1850

Planning & Zoning (210) 619-1780

Police (non-emergency) (210) 619-1274

Police Records (210) 619-1200

Public Affairs (210) 619-1600

Public Library (210) 619-1700

Public Works (210) 619-1800

Records

(210) 619-1030

Trash & Recycling (210) 619-1100

Utility Billing (210) 619-1100

If you would like to share your memories living in Schertz before 1970, please submit to Roz Wise, Historian of Schertz Historical Preservation Committee, Rozwise@aol.com.

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

SCHERTZ.COM
AUGUST 2022 CITY CALENDAR SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 Library Adv Board Meeting 6:30 p.m. Meeting Room 1 2 City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m. Council Chambers 3 Animal Services Adv Comm 6:00 p.m. Council Chambers 4 Transp Safety Adv Comm 5:30 p.m. Council Chambers 5 6 Child & Babysitting Safety Course 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. EMS Training Room See Schertz.com 7 8 9 City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m. Council Chambers 10 Planning and Zoning Comm Meeting 6:00 p.m. Council Chambers 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 SSLGC Meeting 1:30 p.m. SSLGC Administrative Building 19 20 CPR & First Aid 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. EMS Training Room See Schertz.com 21 22 23 City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m. Council Chambers 24 Planning and Zoning Comm Meeting 6:00 p.m. Council Chambers 25 Economic Dev Corp Board Meeting 6:00 p.m. Council Chambers 26 27 C.R.A.S.E. and Stop The Bleed Training 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. EMS Training Room See Schertz.com 28 29 30 31

Where Home Means More Than Square Footage

Grow your square footage beyond the walls of your home with the Army Residence Community’s three dining rooms, superb sky lounge, various card / activity rooms and so much more. Then you’ll have extra savings and an open-floor plan home with modern upgrades to make your own!

And right now, you can take advantage of significant savings through the Army Residence Community Charter Club. Charter benefits include:

• Up to $24,000 Entrance Fee Discount (based on unit choice)

• Moving Allowance

• Personalized Renovation Allowance

• Charter Club Membership

• Second Person Fee Discount

• Home Warming Celebration

• Maintenance Assistance

PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT 1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY
TEXAS 78154 7400 Crestway | San Antonio, Texas 78239 | armyresidence.com
SCHERTZ,
The ARC welcomes all officers, retired or honorably discharged from all branches of service, warrant officers, as well as senior level GS 14 and above federal employees, who are at least 62 years old, to include spouses and surviving spouses.
us at 1-800-810-7163 or visit armyresidence.com to arrange a tour or take advantage of serious savings.
Call
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.