Library

Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. During the month, the American Library Association and libraries unite in a national effort to ensure every child signs up for their own library card. Throughout the school year, public librarians and library staff will assist parents and caregivers with saving hundreds of dollars on educational resources and services for students. From free access to STEAM programs/activities, educational apps, in-person and virtual homework help, technology workshops to the expertise of librarians, a library card is one of the most cost-effective back-to-school supplies available. Marley Dias, founder of #1000BlackGirlBooks, author and executive producer, is taking on a new role as honorary chair of Library Card Sign-Up Month. This September, Dias will join the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide in promoting the power of a library card.

The Schertz Library Foundation is looking to recruit enthusiastic members. The Foundation assists the Schertz Public Library to achieve best-in-class service to Schertz and surrounding communities by providing resources over and above their annual budget. With the fundraising efforts of the Library Foundation, the library has been able to complete several projects that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. If you are interested in fundraising and want to help make your library an even better place, please stop by and complete an application.

During library operating hours, the library offers a webchat service through the library’s website Schertzlibrary.org, where patrons can chat live with a staff member. The library is open 7 days a week Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Friday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; and Sunday 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Banned Books Week (September 26-October 2, 2021) is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September, it spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. It brings together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular. This year's theme is "Books Unite Us. Censorship Divides Us." Sharing stories important to us means sharing a part of ourselves. Books reach across boundaries and build connections between readers. Censorship, on the other hand, creates barriers. The books featured during Banned Books Week have all been targeted for removal or restriction in libraries and schools. By focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship.

In partnership with Bexar County’s BiblioTech, the Schertz Public Library has been circulating hotspots for 12 months! Unfortunately, the time has come for the last of the hotspot contracts to expire. As of September 28, we will no longer have hotspots available for check-out. Many thanks to Bexar County’s BiblioTech for the opportunity to help bridge the digital divide during the pandemic. For more information, contact the library (210) 619-1700.

This September, the library is offering “Basic line drawing" kits. This kit also comes with instructions on how to access the library’s newest crafting database CreativeBug. Once you have established a free account with CreativeBug you can explore a variety of crafting tutorials and videos. We have a limited supply of craft kits that can be picked up at the library. This service is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services and Texas State Library and Archives Commission (Grant #LS246561-OLS-20). For the most current information on kits for adults, visit the adult virtual programming page at Schertz.com/adultvirtual.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 6:30 P.M. Poetry in Your Pajamas, our virtual open mic poetry reading is held on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. via GoToMeeting. Join us to listen to poetry from local poets or to share poetry of your own. Meeting Access information can be found on the library website calendar at Schertz.com/adultcalendar.

Come read, sing, and move with Ms. Michelle during Storytime in the Courtyard! You are invited to join us for a safe, outdoor, and physically distanced program. Upon arrival, your group will be assigned a space for the duration of the program. Storytime will last about 2025 minutes. Storytime in the Courtyard will be offered during the eight weeks of October and November. Preschool Storytime will be Tuesday mornings at 10:15 a.m. for children ages 3-6 years old. Toddler Storytime will be Wednesday mornings at 10:15 a.m. for children ages 20 months to 3 years old. Baby & Me Storytime will be Thursday mornings at 10:15 a.m. for our youngest library users, those from birth to 2 years old. Visit the calendar for more details at Schertz.com/ youthcalendar.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 10:00 - 11:30 A.M. The Schertz Family YMCA and the Schertz Public Library would like to invite children ages 6 and younger to join our Story & Swim time. Ms. April will present storytime followed by a craft or activity. We end the morning with swim time with a certified instructor. Join us the first Friday of every month September through May from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Space is limited and registration is required. Sign up at the Schertz Aquatic Welcome Center. Parents are required to participate with the child(ren) and accompany them in the pool.

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 10:15 - 11:15 A.M. Think you're a master LEGO® builder? Join other LEGO® enthusiasts at the library and hone your skills. Our monthly events include a themed LEGO® build, where you can create your own masterpiece! You may even find your work on display in the library. This program is open to elementary-age children and their siblings. LEGOS® are provided, just bring your imagination! Join us the first Saturday of the month September through December from 10:15 - 11:15 a.m. in the Courtyard. More details can be found on our online calendar at Schertz.com/ youthcalendar.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 4:30 - 5:30 P.M. The Discovery program offers handson exploring for young learners in many different topics, including science, literature, technology, and more. Designed for elementary-aged kids curious about the world, and recommended for ages 5 & up. Come each week and discover something new! Join us Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. in the Courtyard. Visit the calendar for more details at Schertz.com/ youthcalendar. Stop by and complete an application.

National Walk to School Day is Wednesday, October 6! The National Center for Safe Routes to School designates walking and biking to school to promote a healthy and safe walking and bicycling environment for everyone, starting with children and the trip to school.

Promoting safety, City staff work with Schertz-CiboloUniversal City Independent School District (SCUCISD) to improve the routes children use to get to school. Priority must be placed on making it possible for everyone to walk safely, especially in neighborhoods and school zones.

To reduce the risk of injury: ■ Children and adults need to learn safe walking and bicycling skills ■ Drivers need to watch for others using the road ■ Safety problems along routes to school need to be addressed

Some of the best ways to increase the safety of a child’s walking or biking trip to school are to: ■ Provide safe, well-maintained walkways separate from vehicles ■ Teach children to cross streets at marked crossings and to always look left-right-left ■ Slow traffic in neighborhoods and near schools through traffic calming strategies and enforcement efforts (20 mph

Schertz City ordinance) ■ Work with parents of children with disabilities and special education professionals to identify accessibility barriers ■ Ensure that walkways are continuous and meet national accessibility standards ■ Install curb ramps at every intersection and at midblock crossings ■ Provide accessible pedestrian signals at intersections

Community benefits of the walk and bike to school program include less traffic congestion, a stronger sense of community, safer streets, lower cost by using less fuel, improved accessibility, and economic gains. Walking and bicycling to school enables children to incorporate the regular physical activity they need each day while also forming healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Regular physical activity helps children build strong bones, muscles, and joints, and it decreases the risk of obesity.

The City recognizes high-volume routes that children use to get to school and continues to work on improving these routes. Maintaining and improving crosswalks, school zones, sidewalks, and bike lanes are always on the City’s radar.

The City aims to bring awareness to all Schertz citizens. Studies show that educational activities and teaching traffic safety reduce the risk of injury. Please take the time to share this article with children, neighbors, and friends. Educational guidelines like those presented above can be found at saferoutesinfo.org. Have a city traffic concern? The City’s Transportation Safety Advisory Committee (TSAC) addresses traffic concerns with community involvement. The Committee meets to addresses traffic complaints submitted by members of the community. For questions or concerns, contact TSAC by email at TSAC@schertz.com.

It’s that time of year again to get your neighborhood registered with Schertz Police Department for National Night Out 2021. This year’s event will be held on Tuesday, October 5. By registering your neighborhood with the Schertz Police Department you are letting us know you would like one of our city teams to stop by your block party. Teams are usually made up of a Council Member, a Police Department representative, and a member of Schertz city staff. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes policecommunity partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Register your neighborhood online by going to Schertz.com or contact Officer Anna Kraft at (210) 619-1264 or by email at akraft@schertz.com. Please provide a point of contact and where your neighborhood will be hosting their block party. Registration closes on September 21, so be sure to register early to guarantee your visit.

At the August 10 Schertz City Council Meeting, Council voted on and approved to set the preliminary maximum tax rate for the FY 2021-22 budget. The approved maximum tax rate was set at $0.5121. The final adopted tax rate may be lower than this rate, but it cannot exceed the $0.5121 rate. The City held this year’s Community Budget Meeting on August 12, and the first Public Hearing on the Budget and Tax Rate was held on August 24. 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 invites residents to join us for the second public hearing and votes on the FY 202122 Budget and Tax Rate coming up in the next couple of weeks.

■ Second Public Hearing on Budget and Tax Rate, First Vote (Council

Chambers, 6:00 p.m.) Tuesday, September 14

■ Second Vote and Adoption (Council Chambers, 6:00 p.m.)

■ New budget in effect

If you have any questions on the proposed FY 2021-22 budget and tax rate, please email Customercare@schertz.com.

When it comes to child safety, it is better to be safe than sorry. Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week highlights the importance of ensuring that all children are properly secured in an appropriate car seat or seatbelt. A child’s age, weight, and height can all play a factor when determining proper safety harnesses, so it’s important to keep up-to-date with all current regulations and suggestions.

September 19-25 is dedicated to all things related to child passenger safety. Did you know that more than half of car seats are installed incorrectly? As a result, road injuries are the leading cause of preventable deaths and injuries to children. Teaching the community how to install their child passenger seats reduces the risk of death by as much as 71 percent.

On September 25, the Schertz Police Department along with other local agencies will be hosting a free community car seat check event. National Child Passenger Safety Technicians from Schertz Police Department, Schertz EMS, Cibolo Police Department, Selma Police Department, and Universal City Fire Department will help educate families in properly installing their car seats. The event will be from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in front of the Schertz Community Center, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Bldg 3.

Disasters disrupt thousands of lives every year, leaving behind lasting effects on people and property. After a disaster, many others in your community need help as well. For this reason, local first responders and other assistance may not be able to reach you right away. You and your family can take simple steps now to prepare for emergencies. By doing so, you take back control—even in the uncertainty of disaster.

National Preparedness Month is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. The 2021 theme is “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.”

Talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster. Make sure to update your plan based on the Centers for Disease Control recommendations due to the coronavirus.

Gather supplies that will last for several days after a disaster for everyone living in your home. Don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have in case you have to evacuate quickly. Update your kits and supplies based on recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control.

Limit the impacts that disasters have on you and your family. Know the risk of disasters in your area and check your insurance coverage. Learn how to make your home stronger in the face of storms and other common hazards and act fast if you receive a local warning or alert.

Talk to your kids about preparing for emergencies and what to do in case you are separated. Reassure them by providing information about how they can get involved.

Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere, and to anyone. Having a well-equipped first aid kit can help prepare you to respond to common injuries and emergencies. Schertz EMS can help you prepare your home first aid kit. First aid kits can be purchased from drug stores, outdoor stores, and online, but you may choose to tailor to your specific needs.

Some basic supplies include: ■ Bandage strips ■ Adhesive tape ■ Elastic wrap bandages ■ Nonstick sterile bandages ■ Roller gauze ■ Triangular bandages ■ Instant cold packs ■ Disposable non-latex exam gloves ■ Scissors/tweezers ■ Antibiotic ointment ■ Hand sanitizer ■ Sterile solution ■ First aid manual ■ Hydrogen peroxide Some other great items that can be helpful to have readily available are: ■ Emergency phone numbers and addresses ■ Medical history forms or a File of Life ■ Emergency blanket ■ Waterproof matches ■ Sunscreen ■ Insect repellent After getting a first aid kit, store it somewhere easily accessible, but also out of reach of young children. Explain to older children and adolescents the purpose of the first aid kit and how to call 911 if alone. Check your first aid kits regularly to remove and replace expired items.

In addition to having a first aid kit, consider taking a CPR and first aid class to learn lifesaving skills, both of which are offered at Schertz EMS. Please contact Schertz EMS at (210) 6191410 or visit Schertz.com for the class schedules.

Items dropped off here will be free of charge to residents as a service paid for by the City of Schertz. The Drop off Site will be open October 2 – 17, 2021. Hazardous items and tires may only be dropped off on the weekend of October 16 – 17. Drop offs may be made at the Republic Services temporary collection point, 125 Pecan Drive, Schertz, TX 78154 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily. Please follow entry and exit signs, and guidance from the staff manning the event. ENTRY TO THIS SITE IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO RESIDENTS DURING THIS CITY SPONSORED FALL CLEAN-UP EVENT.

Year-round, Republic Services will pick up household waste not covered under their normal collection service, such as lumber, major appliances, furniture, and other types of bulk waste. This may incur an additional fee (prices determined by Republic Services). If you have questions regarding the details, please call City of Schertz Utility Billing Department at (210) 619-1000.

Residents are able to drop off brush and limbs at 125 Pecan Drive, free of charge, DURING THE 2 WEEK CLEAN-UP EVENT ONLY.

The Fall Clean-Up is restricted to Schertz residents only. Fall Clean-Up activities do not apply to commercial/rental property clean-ups, large property clean-up, lot or acreage clean-up, or lot and property land clearing. Commercial tree trimmers are not eligible for this service.

A current City of Schertz utility bill (showing that the City of Schertz is your current garbage collector) and proper identification are required when making a drop-off. Commercial waste will not be accepted.

1. Couches, Stoves, Computers/Monitors, etc. that ARE NOT

HAZARDOUS can be dropped off, free of charge, during the cleanup, Monday through Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 2. Appliances will be ACCEPTED FREE ONLY IF Freon tank is removed and certified by a technician. Any questions concerning the Freon tank removal, please contact Republic Services. 3. Older big-screen TVs and tube TVs WILL NOT be accepted.

1. HAZARDOUS ITEMS and TIRES may be dropped off ONLY on the weekend of October 16 – 17, 2021. 2. Tires are limited to eight (8) per household. 3. Hazardous waste includes but is not limited to: a. Insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, chemicals, cleaning and bleach products, swimming pool cleaners and chemicals b. Enamel and latex paints in cans and aerosol dispensers, varnish and stains, paint thinners and removers, acetone, etc. These items will have a combined 20 gallon limit per household. c. TIRES are considered hazardous. d. Tires on rims, or wheels, commercial vehicle tires, tractor tires, and heavy equipment tires WILL NOT be accepted. e. Hazardous waste such as used automotive and cooking oils, filters and batteries. Oils will have a combined 20 gallon limit per household. f. Empty propane tanks up to seven (7) gallons – VALVE MUST BE ENTIRELY REMOVED.

Items NOT accepted at any time: mercury, explosives, radioactive material, medical waste, freezers, compressed gas, ammunition, PCB’s or dioxins, air conditioners, gunpowder, smoke detectors, business waste.

Questions? For more information about the Fall Clean-Up and what will and will not be accepted, please call Republic Services at (210) 304-2787 or Schertz Public Works at (210) 619-1800. You may also dial 311 within the City of Schertz. The City of Schertz and Republic Services are not responsible for damage to vehicles or injury to citizens during this event. The City of Schertz and Republic Services reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for not following the rules of the clean-up. Schertz Magazine September 2021 25

City Secretary Brenda Dennis swore in Councilmember Michael Dahle as the new Mayor Pro Tem at the August 3 Schertz City Council Meeting. In the instance Mayor Gutierrez is unavailable, Mayor Pro Tem Dahle will fill in his place. Mayor Pro Tem Dahle will serve in this capacity until February 2022.

A POTHOLE IS 3' X 3' OR SMALLER.

WE'LL FIX IT IN 5 TO 7 BUSINESS DAYS!

YEARS

The City of Schertz is proud of our employees and we are incredibly thankful for their great service and dedication to our community. We are excited to recognize a long-time city employee who has recently reached a milestone of 20 years of service in their City careers. Albert “A.J.” Arriaga had the honor of being recognized at the August 3 Schertz City Council Meeting.

Arriaga has been with the Schertz Police Department since April 2001 and was promoted to Corporal in 2009. He has been the supervisor of the Traffic Unit since 2013. During his career, he has helped create the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement program and as such, he is the manager for Texas DPS/Federal Motor Carrier as pertains to Schertz PD. Cpl. Arriaga oversees traffic issues and helps make the Traffic Unit more dynamic with regard to partnering with TSAC, TxDOT, local community entities, and neighboring municipalities with creating more avenues of helping promote traffic safety. He has also helped produce several PSA videos for the police department about children’s bicycle safety, theft prevention, and school bus safety. Arriaga is from the West Side of San Antonio and graduated from the Texas Historical Landmark Thomas Jefferson High School in 1989. He then attended San Antonio College and graduated from the police academy in December of 1993. Arriaga wanted to become a police officer very young. In 1979, he was across the street from a sniper attack at the Battle of Flowers Parade and was shot at and witnessed an officer get shot. That incident made him want to become a police officer and save people.

A.J. and his spouse Valerie Chapman have two boys and they live in Schertz. Valerie is the Assistant City Secretary for Cibolo. On his off time A.J. enjoys tinkering in the garage, repairing lawn mowers and vehicles, and listening to music on his vintage reel-to-reel tape players, tube radio, or tube stereo console with his large collection of vinyl LP’s.

Please join us in congratulating Corporal Arriaga on this major accomplishment!

Shower, conversion or replacement, porcelain tile construction, with design, recessed soap boxes, corner bench, framed shower door, clear glass FREE Moen shower faucet with valve and handheld sprayer. Tub replacement, new porcelain tub with tile surround and design, recessed soap boxes, framed shower door clear glass. FREE Moen shower faucet with valve.

Senior and Military Discounts