January 2011

J A N U A RY

T h e A w A r d - w i n n i n g M A g A z i n e r e A c h i n g O v e r 5 0 , 0 0 0 r e A d e r s

C O N N E C T I N G T H E C O R R I D O RZ

P U B L i s h e r s & M O r ePUBLished MOnThLY BY The

Schertz Public Affairs Office

Brad E. Bailey director, Public Affairs, Publisher

Chuck McCollough editor

Alexis Souza graphic design

Chris Matzenbacher sales director

Mary Spence Business Manager

Copy Editor Shelby O’Neill

Guest Illustrator Angela sharp

Mayorhal Baldwin

City CouncilJim Fowler

david scagliolaMichael carpenter

cedric edwards, sr.george Antuna, Jr.

Executive Managementdon Taylor, city Manager

John Bierschwale, Assistant city Manager

david J. harris, Assistant city Manager

send queries about articles or photographs to schertz Tales at 1400 schertz Parkway, schertz, Texas 78154.

subscriptions to schertz Tales are free for each schertz household. subscriptions for residents and businesses outside

the city of schertz are $19.95 annually. call 210-619-1630.

For advertising information: schertz Tales, 1400 schertz Parkway, schertz, Texas 78154; call (210) 619-1630; Fax (210)

619-1619; email [email protected].

news POLicYschertz Tales encourages submission of news and event announcement items. news and event announcements must include contact name and contact phone number. All news and event items must be for activities that occur inside the schertz city limits. Publication cannot be guaranteed. if you would like to submit an item to schertz Tales, email us at [email protected] or call us at (210) 619-1630.

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

Articles that appear in Schertz Tales 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 Tales does not constitute an endorsement of the goods or services advertised. Any publication of Schertz Tales, whether draft or final is sole property of the city of schertz and cannot be reproduced or distributed in any way, whether in print or electronically, without the express permission and written consent of the city of schertz.

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Contributing WritersAndrea Allinger, Brad E. Bailey, Brittany Los-ey, Chuck McCollough, Kiko Martinez, Greg Schwartz, Lucille Sims Thomas, Mary Spence, Carolyn Angello

PhotographersBrad E. Bailey, Chuck McCollough, Mary Spence, Andrea Allinger, Mike Harris, Greg Coolidge, Christian Leva Photography, Pro Photo of Texas

schertz Tales is published monthly by the Public Affairs department of the city of schertz.

Our mailing address is 1400 schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. The official publication of

the city of schertz promotes city, community, and business activities associated with the city.

© city of schertz, Texas.

The editorial office of schertz Tales is at 1400 schertz Parkway, schertz,

Texas 78154. call (210) 619-1630. Fax (210) 619-1619. website is schertz.com.

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On this month’s cover Father Time (who looks a lot like Mayor hal Baldwin) wel-comes the stork delivering a prosperous and promising 2011 for schertz. it is a cre-ative collaboration of guest illustrator Angela sharp, photographer Brad e. Bailey and graphic designer Alexis Souza. The cover reflects the bright future we expect for the city of schertz in the new Year.

J A N U A RY

T H E A W A R D - W I N N I N G M A G A Z I N E R E A C H I N G O V E R 5 0 , 0 0 0 R E A D E R S

C O N N E C T I N G T H E C O R R I D O RZ

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F E A T U R E Z

22scherTz

wAnTs YOU!SCHERTZ RESIDENTS LEND A

HAND IN GUIDING THE CITY

nearly 100 schertz residents volunteer their time and efforts to making this

city shine through their service on boards and commissions that advise

city council.

cOws, sOws And PLOws

SCUC AG STUDENTS STRUT THEIR LIVESTOCK

Through the agriculture program, students in the schertz-cibolo-

Universal city independent school district learn the timeless lessons

of dedication, responsibility and teamwork.

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secOnd LiFe FOr A venerABLe

venUeBLUE BONNET PALACE ALIVE AND

KICKING AGAIN

what’s old is new again at Blue Bonnet Palace as the latest generation of

patrons discover the reopened venue’s winning combo of rockin’ live music, a

great dance floor and good eats.

A TALe OF TwO scherTz sisTers

ALL IN THE (MILITARY) FAMILY

You couldn’t find prouder parents than ruben and Linda Lopez, whose

daughters Amanda and caroline serve their country and their family by attending

prestigious military academies.

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7 staff speakz

8 Talk of the Townz

16 visionz: news from the chamber of commerce

20 Kitchen Kudoz: Lion & rose

32 scUc Teacher Awards

39 Focuz: evelyn Boggess

40 Focuz: dennis Little

42 z-spot: Karyn walker

44 Fitnezz

46 government round-Up & calendar

50 sweetheart: genevieve Mia Lopez

By Chuck McCollough,

Editor

Looking into 2011, much of the nation sees a year of economic retreat, but not in Schertz. In fact, Mayor Hal Baldwin said 2011 will be a page-turning year in the next chapter of our city’s growth and prosperity. Just look at the mayor’s expression on the January cover as he greets the stork delivering 2011. “My resolution for Schertz is that our work with Gateway Planning Group helps set the stage for future success in economic development and job growth and results in Schertz looking the way we want it to look when the city is built out, especially along our sections of IH-35 and IH-10, which are the gateways into the San Antonio region,” the mayor said. For more information about the work with Gateway go to the Government Roundup section and the story about a design and planning charrette January 31-February 2 in the Schertz Civic Center. In this first issue of the New Year, we explore how residents enrich the city by serving on boards and commissions that advise City Council on ways to improve our premier municipality.

Then look for a profile on the Lopez family in Schertz, which symbolizes the strength and military tradition of our region by having not one, but two daughters attend a U.S. military academy.

And last but not certainly not least, congratulations to the Steele Knights for winning a state football championship. The Knights, especially star running back Malcolm Brown (who was on the November cover of Schertz Tales Magazine), represent the winning spirit of our area.


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The Schertz Lions Soccer Club will hold free soccer clinics for children ages 5 though 12 from 2:00-3:00 PM on Sunday, January 9 and Sunday, January 23 at the Schertz Soccer Complex on Maske Road. For more information visit www.lionsfc.org

Schertz Area Senior Center Opens in New Location

Schertz City Councilman Jim Fowler (left) and Mayor Hal Baldwin (both standing) greet visitors to the Schertz Area Senior Center during a soft opening in late November. The senior center is located at 608 Schertz Parkway in the old library building.

The Schertz Area Senior Center has opened in its new home at 608 Schertz Park-way and has begun serving seniors, said Center Director Ida Hardy. The Senior Center, located next to the Schertz Public Library, is open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and on Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Qualified seniors who are age 60 or older can receive a free hot lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. In addition to the nutrition program, the center offers opportunities for Senior Center members to explore seven dimensions of wellness: social, physical, intellectual, vocational, environmental, emotional and spiritual.

The Senior Center also hosts bingo on the second and fourth Monday of each month, and members can always play dominoes and various card games. Exercise classes, a fall prevention program and a weight loss workshop espe-cially for the older adult will soon be offered at the center, Hardy noted.

While Seniors do not have to be a member to enjoy the hot meal program, membership is required for participation in the other events. For more information, call (210) 619-1970, visit www.nbsenior.org or email Hardy at [email protected].

“The programs are just now beginning and we recently had our first meeting of a Grand-parents Support Group,”

Hardy said. “Soon to come are our Grief Support Group, Low Vision Support Group and Low Hearing Support Group.”

Zumba Benefit to Raise Funds for Feed The ChildrenA Zumba event to rasie funds for the Feed The Children program starts at 9:00 AM January 15 at Gruene United Methodist Church, 2629 East Common Street in New Braunfels. The event includes introduction to Zumba and regular Zumba class. A donation of $10 for both classes goes to Feed The Children. For more information call (830) 625-7200 ext. 14, or email [email protected].

City of Schertz Employees’ Pets Give Santa Their

Wish ListsSanta Claus stopped by the Schertz Civic Center last Satur-day for a photo shoot with some fury friends who belong to City of Schertz employees. The pets and Santa were all, of course, photo-genic and full of cheer!

Schertz Animal Care Services sponsored the event.

Free Soccer Clinics in January


Wilenchik Walk for Life

Set for March 5, 2011The Wilenchik Walk for Life will take place Saturday, March 5, 2011. All proceeds go to the Cancer Therapy and Research Center. The 5K Walk will begin at the Schertz Area Senior Center, 608 Schertz Parkway, at 8:00 AM. For more information, go to schertz.com.

Cervical Cancer

Awareness Meeting Set

A free informational meeting will be held at 300 W. Bitters Road, Saturday January 22 on cervi-cal cancer prevention. Call (210) 451-5730 for information, or to RSVP, go to facebook.com/ResultsPTKidz.

Schertz Market Days

GrowingSchertz Market Dayz, held on December 5 inside the Schertz Civic Center, became the third arts and crafts show spon-sored by the Schertz Area Artz Council and the City of Schertz. The show featured 40 vendors of handcrafted items including jewelry, bows, soap, paintings, original art note cards, knitted items, Christmas decorations, metal art, pottery and fabric art. A make-and-take table affording children the opportunity to make aluminum punched Christmas decorations.

The next show will be held on April 16 under the pavilion in Pickrell Park from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. If you would like to par-ticipate as a vendor, please email [email protected] or call Sheree at (210) 651-0503.

The Schertz Police Department’s Blue Santa program got a boost in December with a $500 donation from the Wal-Mart Store in Schertz. Store Manager Mable Goldsmith gave the check to Schertz Police Department officials. Blue Santa provided gift cards, food, clothing and toys to needy families for Christmas.

Schertz Wal-Mart Donates $500 to

Blue Santa Program

From left, Schertz Wal-Mart Manager Mable Goldsmith presents a $500 check for the Blue Santa program to Administrative As-sistant to the Police Chief Esther Mendoza, Schertz Police Chief Stephen Starr and Special Projects Officer Shawn Ceeko.

Put on Your Dancing Shoes with FunDancers

FunDancers features nonstop high-energy line and square dancing. A free introductory party suitable for beginners will be held Sunday, January 9, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. If you can walk, you can dance. It’s fun!

FunDancers offers a Beginner Line Dance and Square Dance Course on Sundays from 5:15 PM to 7:00 PM starting January 16. Enjoy fun, fitness, friendship and family values for only $5 a week or $20 for six weeks.

Dancing takes place at the Community Center North at 3501 Morning Drive, Cibolo. More information is available at www.fundancers.org or by call-ing (210) 590-1311 or (210) 381-2722.

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nTrail Riders

Heading This WayBe on the lookout in early February for the Greater Randolph Area Trail Riders and the Kerr County Trail Riders groups.

As in years past, residents of Schertz will get a chance to see those two groups of trail riders head through this area on their way to set up camps before making their final pilgrimage to the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo.

In preparation of the rides, local residents and community leaders turn the large pavil-ion in Pickrell Park into a makeshift chuck wagon for the hungry and weary trail riders. Schertz Bank and Trust employees and volunteers prepare plenty of stew to feed dozens of riders. For more than 30 years, Melvin Golla, the president of Schertz Bank & Trust, and his loyal team have gathered to cook gallons of stew.

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

Claus (not Santa)

Realty Group Collects Toys

for SCUC Blue Santa Program

Saturday, December 4, The Claus Team (with Keller Williams Realty) held a toy drive at the Walgreen’s at FM 3009 and Savannah Drive. The toy drive benefited the Schertz Cibolo Universal City ISD Blue Santa Program, making it a very heartwarming experience for those involved. The Claus Team and the Schertz Cibolo Universal City ISD criminal justice department thank all who donated and look forward to seeing all of you again next year!

From left, Doug Claus, Jeanine Claus, Tara Escobar and Stephanie Rodgers collect toys for the SCUC Blue Santa program on December 4.

The 36th Annual Texas Renais-sance Festival had record-breaking attendance this season welcoming 450,000 guests through the Royal Gates be-tween October 9 and November 28, 2010.

The Texas Renaissance Fes-tival, which hosted 411,000 guests in 2009, featured nearly 500 costumed performers, 17 stages with more than 130 daily performers, dozens of games and rides, and a Royal Fireworks display every night as part of the 2010 event.

While many performers return to the festival year after year, including popular acts like the Joust, Birds of Prey, Ded Bob, Tartanic, Iris and Rose, Clan Tynker, Sound & Fury and Arsene, the Festival welcomed first-time performances from Adam Crack’s Fire Whip Show, showcasing the World Record whip cracker in an exciting fire-wielding demonstration previ-ously seen on the Discovery Channel, The German Brothers comedy rap show, Merilee Eff-

ington, England’s Finest Cour-tesan sharing songs, poetry, stories and jest, Nature of Mercy’s family-friendly dueling act, Wolgemut German pipe band and the Walking Tree Man this season’s entertain-ment.

In addition, a variety of family-friendly contests took place each weekend featuring

themed activities and chal-lenges from dance contests, scavenger hunts and costume contests, to sports challenges and eating contests.

The festival is located 50 miles Northwest of Houston on more than 50 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds on FM 1774. For more information, visit texrenfest.com.

Texas Renaissance FestivalSets Attendance Records


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schertz Magazine readers share new

Year resolutionsSchertz Tales Magazine readers came up with just about everything a person can resolve to do or not do. Their top 10 resolutions are:

10. To watch my spending, stay out of debt and prepare for the big down turn in 2011.

9. To live healthier.

8. To go to the gym at least three times a week.

7. To lose weight and do more exercising.

6. To start and finish AACOG (Alamo Are Council Of Government) for the basic peace officer academy.

5. To go dancing!

4. To secure employment, exercise more, communicate openly with all family mem-bers, have more will power, quit smoking.

3. To wear my Kilt more and ask out that cute waitress at the Lion & the Rose.

2. To try to be a better person to those I come into contact with regardless of their outlook on life.

And the No. 1 resolutions is.......

To give my husband a break on cleaning the cat boxes. He deserves it!

BVYA Pee Wee

Cheerleaders Win First Place in

Southwest Region

The Buffalo Valley Youth Asso-ciation Pee Wee Cheerleaders won first place in the Southwest region, which includes New Mex-ico, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana. That qualified the team to compete at the Pop Warner National Cheer Competition at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The girls rep-resented the City of Schertz and the State of Texas very well and placed 11th in the nation! Good job, ladies!

The BVYA Pee Wee Cheeleaders are: Desiree Antu, Kathleen Ator, Dylan Bodie, Brianna Cordoway, Bailee Corrue, Esmeralda Delgado, Emily Houston, Allison Lof-ton, Mary Beth Lyons, Brianna Martin, Hannah McNeill, Ashley Poerner, Ashley Roberson, Mercedes Soria, Claire Tovar, Citlali Trujillo, Elizabeth Waggle and Hailey Wilcox. Coaches were Svea Moore and Sylvia Tovar.

Let’s Rodeo San Antonio with Red Hat

LadiesYes, it’s that time of the year again, Red Hat Ladies. The Lone Star Belles of Schertz have announced their tea on February 5, complete with an extended performance from country music singer-songwriter Joni Harms and other special entertain-ment.

The Red Hat Ladies comprises women who have reached the age of 50 and want to go out and have fun and fellow-ship with one another, all while wearing red hats and purple clothing. If you have

not reached the age of 50 yet, then you are consid-ered a pink hatter, so you would wear a pink hat with lavender clothing. The Red Hat Ladies all love to shop and eat, eat and shop, go to plays, do crafts, movies, sit with a sick friend, lift one another up when they are feeling down and all in all just enjoy being alive and with each other.

If you are a Red Hat Lady or you are a lady that is ready to break out and become one, you won’t want to miss this annual tea hosted by the Lone Star

Belles. This year’s tea will include a buffet barbecue lunch at the Blue Bonnet Palace in Selma. There will be door prizes and photos by Green Leaf Images. Par-ticipation in this wonderful day costs only $30. Imag-ine: Only $30 for fun and laughter, and most of all, fellowship with other ladies! For more information, please call Cathey Edgington at (210) 590-9513. The limited number of reservations will go fast. You won’t be disap-pointed! Congratulations to Tammy Diaz,

winner of a gift certificate to The

Lion & Rose Restaurant & Pub.

12 JAnUArY 2011scherTzMAgAzine.cOM

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Brides wALK dOwn The AisLe AT

wedding PArAde 2010

Thoughts of love and marriage reigned supreme during the Fourth Annual Schertz Wedding Parade, which was held Novem-ber 28 in the Schertz Civic Center. The popular perennial event drew scores of brides-to-be, their beaus and nearly 50 vendors whose services included catering, floral, favors, decor and more.

Eighty brides early registered on-line for a chance to grab for cash in the Bridal Money Booth, and six of them nabbed a piece of the $1,000 prize. One lucky bride won a honeymoon in Grand Cayman.

“This year’s theme was more about giving brides money-saving ideas and putting new twists on old ideas,” said Maggie Tittering-ton of A Moment In Time Wedding and Event Planning and the pro-ducer and designer of the Wed-ding Parade. “Serving a signature drink to save money on alcohol is an old idea, but how about serv-ing it through an ice luge?”

Category: FLOATS1st Place: Hocheim Prairie Insurance2nd Place: Converse Citizens Police Academy Alumni

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The City of Schertz didn’t dream about a White Christ-mas - it created one and invited everybody!

For the 15th Annual Festival of Angels Parade and Christmas in the Park celebration Decem-ber 3, the City crushed 35 tons of ice into snow on a 90-foot slope in Pickrell Park dubbed Mt. Schertz.

Hundreds of children and adults came out to slide down the slope on colorful sleds and discs supplied by the Schertz Parks & Recreation Depart-ment. Two intrepid individuals, City Council David Scagliola and Assistant City Manager David J. Harris, skied down Mt. Schertz to the delight of onlookers.

Snow, even the manmade white stuff, apparently makes people in South Texas lose their inhibitions as evidenced by kids and parents giggling while getting into snowball fights.

“This was the biggest crowd ever for our annual Christmas event,” said Parks & Recreation Director George Logan. “We estimate between 2,500 and 3,000 people showed up for the event, and that is double what we have had in the past several years,” he added.

Logan said many factors contributed to the great suc-cess of Festival of Angels and Christmas in the Park. “We had good planning, great promotion

by the City’s Public Affairs Department, super weather and a whole bunch of folks who just wanted to party in our park,” he said.

Logan said really cold weather the past few years kept the number of visitors down, but this year a brief period of 72-degree weath-er let folks have winter fun in short sleeves.

The Festival of Angels night parade attracted visitors from all over the region and served as a warm-up to the snowy fun in Pickrell Park.

Category: MARCHERS1st Place: Sweet Sensations Baton Twirling Team

2nd Place: Clemens High School Cheerleaders

Category: MUSICAL1st Place: Artistic Angels/Red Hatters

2nd Place: Cibolo Hermann Sons School of Dance

Category: SPECIALTY1st Place: GVEC

Congratulations to all the parade winners!

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Prize: A Gift Certificate for:

Win a Gift Certificate for a

two-night stay at Plantation Suites

& Conference Center

in Port Aransas.

1

2Locate the fish pictured below in one AD somewhere in this issue of Schertz Magazine. Visit schertz-magazine.com and complete the entry form to be entered into this month’s drawing. A winner will be

chosen January 2011.

Locate the champagne cork pictured above in one AD somewhere in this issue of Schertz Magazine. Visit schertzmagazine.com and complete the entry form to be entered into this month’s drawing. A winner will be chosen January 2011.

Library Gingerbread House Contest Delicious

The Schertz Public Library hosted its First Annual Gingerbread House Building Contest on December 11 with a fun-filled after-noon full of frosting, marshmallows and memories that will last for years to come. The Schertz Public Library would like to acknowl-edge the judges from Simply Charming Cakes and the Schertz Area Artz Council for their dedication to the community.

Schertz Librarians Cited for Gingerbread House Violations

Someone had to play Scrooge, so City of Schertz Development Ser-vices Director Michelle Sanchez happily tackled that role in a mock raid on the Schertz Public Library.

The normally quiet library erupted into pandemonium on Decem-ber 14 when the Development Services Department shut down a gingerbread house neighborhood for numerous violations.

With gold badge displayed on her belt and ticket book in hand, Sanchez threw the book at librar-ians, especially Library Director Gail Douglas.

The problem: Questionable build-ing materials and no permits on the Gingerbread houses.

“Graham crackers are not a suit-able roofing material and marsh-

mallows do not constitute a fence,” Sanchez said as she scolded Douglas and staff members.

“But the houses are cute, we had a contest, it’s Christmas time for gosh sakes,” Douglas pleaded as Sanchez rolled her eyes and wrote out a series of tickets.

One ticket was for violation of Sect 18 – City Ordinance 00-C-33, which covers permits needed for edible houses smaller than a breadbox.

Stay tuned for the February is-sue of Schertz Tales Magazine, in which Sanchez explains the permitting process for Schertz homeowners making changes or upgrades to their houses.

From left, Development Services Director Michelle Sanchez points out code violations on gingerbread houses to Schertz Library staff Callie Barbee, April Toman and Gail Douglas.


& BARGAINZVisit schertzmagazine.comfor offerz and bargainz from

our advertisers. Click on the ‘Z’ located on the front

page to download

the bargainz page.


SAVE THE DATES!Mark your calendars and plan ahead to participate in:

Business Expo: February 23 at The Live Oak Civic Center, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PMSchertz Shoot-out: May 19 at the Schertz Civic Center, 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

The Taste: July 28 at the Schertz Civic Center, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PMGolf Classic: October 21 at location TBD

January 2011Visionz

Start your Journey to Health at the Schertz Family YMCA.

With our ActivTrax program, a new computerized training and nutritional system,

Commit to be Fit program and personal training, keeping your health and wellness

goals will be easier than ever.

JOIN IN THE MONTH OF JANUARY AND PAY

NO JOINING FEE!A $99 value; offer valid until 1/31/2011

621 Westchester • Schertz, TX 78154 • ymcasatx.org

SCHERTZ FAMILY YMCA

What’s Happening at Your Chamber...

Schertz and Randolph Chambers of Commerce present

Ye Olde Market 2011 Business Expo, brought to you by

Schertz Bank and Trust. With a medieval theme this year,

stop by and see OUR version of the Renaissance. Local

lords and ladies will showcase their businesses at the Live

Oak Civic Center, February 23, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Registration forms can be downloaded at www.schertz-

chamber.org, or you can call (210) 566-9000 for more

information. Stop by and experience the excitement!

SCHERTz CHAMBER LUnCHEOn

Tuesday, January 18, at the Schertz Civic Center

State of the Chamber Address and plaque presentations

RSVP your attendance by Tuesday January 11

$15 – SCOC members/$20 - Non-members

The NEW 2011 Business Directory/Visitor Guide is here!

If one hasn’t reached your door, drop by the Schertz Chamber of Commerce Office to pick

up your copy.

Why should my business become a Chamber Member?

The Chamber stands as the first point of contact for marketing to visitors and residents

within the community. You will be able to promote your business 24/7 through the Chamber website, monthly luncheons,

mixers and more! Stop by our office at 1730 Schertz Parkway, and pick up an application to join or to find out other ways your business will benefit by becoming a Chamber Member.

entertainmentz & eatzS

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By Andrea M. Allinger

Founder Allen Tharp admitted that opening a British pub in San Antonio was a gamble, but The Lion & Rose British Restaurant & Pub has paid off.

“If you can make a pub work in San Antonio, you can make it work anywhere,” said Tharp, who had been in the restau-rant business for many years before founding The Lion & Rose.

From the original location in Alamo Heights, The Lion & Rose expanded to Park North, Stone Oak, Westlake in Austin and, of course, the Forum Shopping Center in Selma.

Walk inside, and kilted servers greet you with a smile. Patrons often differ depending on the time of day and range from, according to Thrap, “red hat ladies at lunch to soccer fans on Sundays.” The Forum location offers live music on weekends and keeps from 80 to 100 types of bottled beer and 17 to 23 types of draft on tap every day.

After Tharp’s visits to Britain sparked a craving for the region’s food, he chose menu items that represent the au-thentic British experience. The menu includes such classic dishes as shepherd’s pie, fish

and chips, sweet potato fries, pastry wrapped sausage and corned beef. Every entree, all of which have been carefully prepared, arrive piping hot.

Happy hour and entertain-ment schedules can be found on the restaurant’s website at www.thelionandrose.com. For more information, call The Lion & Rose in Forum at (210) 547-3000.

The Lion & the Rose British Pub & Restaurant, 8211 Agora Pkwy, Ste. 112, Selma, TX.

The Lion & the Rose

Serves it Up British

Style


Dear Friend, I want to give credit where credit is due. So, perhaps a confession can help clear the air so there’s no misunderstanding, Before I talk about my confession, though, let me say a few other things first. Let me start by explaining the photo in this letter. You know, when I meet people in town they usually say, “Oh, yeah, I know you, you’re Dr. Martin. I’ve seen your ad with that picture of you and the two cute kids.” Well, I’m the guy in the middle. Years ago I was a college baseball player, but I developed a painful neck, shoulder and arm condition. In my case it came on suddenly. The pain in my hands was so intense that I couldn’t raise my arm above my head or even throw a baseball. I was afraid that I would lose my scholarship if it continued. I went to my trainer and medical doctor and was given anti-inflammatories. The problem with those medications is that they just mask the symptoms and in my case did not help. Finally, after steroid injections I decided against it. But, there’s more…A family member of mine convinces me to give their doctor a try. This new doctor did an exam, took some films, and then “adjusted” my spine. The adjustment didn’t hurt, it actually felt good. I got relief, and I could use my arm again. Oh, did I mention that this doctor is a chiropractor. It worked so well that I went to chiropractic school myself. Now for McKenna and Cooper, who are the cute kids in the picture. They get adjusted regularly and are some of

the healthiest kids you will know. Their mom is

also problem-free even with all

the bending and lifting a busy mom of two does. It might seem like a

“A Doctor’s confession to the city of schertz…”small thing, but it makes a big difference to her. It’s strange how life is, because now people come to see me with their neck, arm and shoulder problems. Also they come to me with their headaches, migraines, chronic pain, carpal tunnel, whiplash from car accidents, backaches, ear infections, asthma, allergies, numbness in limbs, athletic injuries, just to name a few. Here’s what some of my patients had to say: “I have not had a headache in months”- (Mary J.) “Mood and attitude have improved” – (Lisa A.) Several times a day patients thank me for helping them with their health problems. But I can’t really take the credit. My confession is that I’ve never healed anyone of anything. What I do is perform a specific spinal adjustment to remove nerve pressure, and the body responds by healing itself. We get tremendous results. It’s a simple as that! Forty-eight million Americans no longer have health insurance, and those who do have found that their benefits are reduced. That’s where my I come in. I have a significantly lower fee plan so that more people are able to afford the care they need. A whole week of care in my office costs what you could pay for one visit elsewhere. Studies show that people actually pay less for their long-term overall health care expenses if they are seeing a chiropractor. You Benefit from an Amazing Offer- Look, you are going to write a check to someone for your health care expenses, you may as well write one for a lesser amount for chiropractic. When you bring in this article, you will receive my entire new patient exam for $17. That’s with an evaluation and X-Rays….the whole ball of wax. But, please call right away because this offer expires on January 31, 2011, and I don’t want you to miss out.

By the way, further care is very affordable and you’ll be happy to know that I have affordable plans. You see I’m not trying to seduce you to come see me with this low start up fee, then to only make it up with high fees after that. Further care is very important to consider when making your choice of doctor. High costs can add up very quickly. Great care at a great fee…Please, I hope that there’s no misunderstanding about quality of care just because I have a lower fee. You’ll get great care at a great fee. My qualifications…I’m a Magna cum Laude graduate of Cleveland Chiropractic College and a Strength and Conditioning Specialist. I’ve been entrusted to take care of tiny babies to pro athletes that you may know. After practicing for four years in San Antonio I moved my practice to Schertz. I just have a low exam fee to help more people who need care. My Associate, Dr. Kyle Stringer, brings over five years of experience to our practice with the latest in pain-free techniques. My assistant is Melissa, and she is really a great person. Our office is both friendly and warm and we try our best to make you feel at home. We have a wonderful service, at an exceptional fee. Our office is called Schertz Chiropractic and it is at 17323 IH 35 North Ste 106, (we are between 3009 and Schertz Parkway on the 35 South Access Road). Our phone number is 210-646-6000. Call Melissa or me today for an appointment. We can help you. Thank you. -Patrick W. Martin, D.C.P.S. When accompanied by the first, I am also offering the second family member this same examination for only $10.P.S.S. Your time is just as valuable as ours, that’s why we will be with you promptly at your appointment.

Not applicable to Medicare Beneficiaries due to regulations.


One of the San Antonio area’s most hallowed music halls has rocked back into business after a little hiatus. The Blue Bonnet Palace re-opened in May 2010 and once again became a local favorite. Located conveniently right off IH-35, the new location in Selma offers a variety of pleasing amenities for music fans. Recent performers to take the stage include Uncle Kracker and County Music Stars Easton Corbin and Jared Neiman. And also local talent Bill Ayers, Felix Truvere & the Open Road, Straight Shot and the Chilton Vance Band. The new loca-tion features both indoor and outdoor stages, along with a groovy disco ball adding ambi-ance on the inside and some attractive and psychedelic colored lighting outside. Blue Bonnet Palace historically leans to Country and Western music, but owner Leonard John says the venue also serves as an event center and that he hopes to book some rock shows. With San Antonio’s notorious lack of proper small rock venues, the Blue Bonnet’s outdoor stage certainly creates a great space for the rock ‘n’ roll crowd (per-

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Blue Bonnet Palace Alive and Kicking Once Again

haps with a local favorite like Girl in a Coma). Easily one of the finer music venues in the metro region, The Palace boasts a relatively unique setup. The outdoor stage fills up with 2,000 patrons and offers many bar areas and a little bit of seating. The smaller inside room can hold 500 and includes a spacious layout with a large dance floor, a 35-foot digital screen and pool tables. Many of the shows feature no cover charge and specials like domestic beers for $2, while Shiner Bock runs only $3. Out back, you might just find a barbecue. A recent Saturday night saw chicken wings and sausage available for self-serve, along with brownies and pump-kin pie for dessert. The food was even free on this night, and not many venues around can say that. Catfish had been served the night before. The venue also offers custom cater-ing and private event rental. The original Blue Bonnet Palace opened in 1978, and those nostalgic for an older era can get a taste of it on certain nights at the new venue. With guys

in cowboy hats and Southern belles dancing the night away, it almost feels like it could be 1978 again. But the venue can deliver a more modern experi-ence as well. When Gary Glen & the 20X Band took a set break at a Saturday night show, a DJ spun pop and hip-hop favorites like Nelly’s early 21st-century classic “Hot in Herre,” which drew some younger fans onto the dance floor. The original venue featured many well-known headliners, but also became a place where up-and-coming artists could be seen before hitting the big time. One such artist was no less than the captivating Shania Twain, who played the Blue Bonnet in 1993 on “The Triple Threat Tour” with Toby Keith and John Brannen. Five years later, she headlined the Alamo-dome. Who knows what stars of tomorrow might be playing at the Blue Bonnet Palace in the coming year? The Blue Bonnet is located at 17630 Lookout Rd. in Selma. For more information, call (210) 651-6702 or visit www.bluebon-netpalace.com.

Entertainer Uncle Kracker performs to an enthusiastic crowd at the Blue Bonnet Palace. The venue is enjoying a resurgence based in part on patrons’ memories of visiting the first Blue Bonnet location.

Photo by Greg Coolidge with Christian Leva Photography

Saturday, 8 Alamo Pet Expo

Saturday, 22

San Antonio Radio Club

JAnUARY EVEnTS

1400 Schertz Pkwy, Bldg. #5 (210) 619-1600

2nd Annual Father Daughter Dance


Hooligans (I-35 and Loop 1604 in Live Oak) Hooligan’s Bar and Grill, a full-service sports bar, features 22 beers on tap and a fully-stocked bar. The kitchen produces top-notch wings, burgers and pizza. Hooligan’s also hosts other entertainment on occasion, such as poker tournaments and team trivia with cash prizes. Drink and food specials will vary but have included $3 pints, $2.75 well drinks and 25-cent wings. Location:13920 N. I-35Live Oak, TX 78233-2632Phone: (210) 654-4444www.hooligansbarandgrill.com

CBQ Eatery (Schertz) This popular Schertz restaurant prides itself on the ever popular trio of “beer, burgers and rock ‘n’ roll.” Former radio personality Chuck Stanley runs the kitchen and mean serious business when it comes to great eats. He also serves up barbecue, cheesesteaks, mac ‘n’ cheese and a variety of sandwiches, munch-ies and desserts. One fan described CBQ as “BBQ fusion,” while also praising the alterna-tive rock vibe. Location:17327 N. I-35 #200Schertz, TX 78154Phone: (210) 654-3900www.eatcbq.com

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TZ Entertainmentz Extraz: Gotta Go-To Places

The Ticket Sports Bar (Universal City) Just outside Loop 1604 on the northwest side, the Ticket Sports Bar features 17 HDTVs sur-rounding the bar and patio so that serious sports fans can see every game they want. Programming includes the NFL Ticket, ESPN Gameplan while the jukebox spins a variety of tunes, from rock to rap. Location:2617 Pat Booker Road #102Universal City, TX 78148Phone: (210) 566-2555www.myspace.com/theticketbar.com Gruene Hall (New Braunfels) Known as the oldest continually running dance hall in Texas, this legendary venue traces its origins all the way back to 1878. Gruene Hall remains one of the more unique venues in the nation, with special touches like screen wire on one wall that allows people to check out the action from outside. The Gruene Hall stage hosts everyone from emerging artists like Ryan Bingham to classic stars such as Willie Nelson, Los Lobos, Lyle Lovett, Joe Ely, the Fabulous Thunderbirds and more. Due to the venue’s intimate confines, the headliners might just walk right past you on their way to the stage. Location:1281 Gruene RoadNew Braunfels, TX 78130Phone: (830) 606-1281www.gruenehall.com

Do you have a favorite spot

that isn’t listed?

Send an e-mail Send to

[email protected] and

let us know about it. It could make the next edition

of “GotTa Go-to Places”!

Economic Development Corp. (EDC) directors and city staff meet to discuss issues during a regular monthly meeting. At left end of table sits Board President Harry Whitney. From left, facing the camera: City Councilman Jim Fowler (council liaison to EDC); Vice President Angelina Kiser, Assistant City Manager David Harris and Director Rosemary Scott. From left, facing away from the camera: Directors Marvin Thomas and Roy Richard and EDC staffer Erin Matlock. At right end of table sits EDC staffer Patty Horan.

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Schertz Needs You

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One way citizens show that pride is by serving on a City of Schertz board or commission that advise City Council on specific subjects. Consider it loaning your talent to the city.

Nearly 100 Schertz residents donate their time and talent on 14 boards and commissions and the city is always looking for volunteers. Here is a look at some of the boards and commissions: Planning and Zoning Commission The Schertz Planning and Zoning Commission, which began in 1987, consists of seven regular members and two alternates. Members serve two-year terms and meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month at 6:00 PM in City Council Chamber Building.

The Commission works closely with the City’s Direc-tor of Development Services and the Planning Department to identify both short- and long-range community needs for residential and commercial development. P&Z reviews all zoning re-quests and changes, holds public hearings and makes recommendations to City Council. P&Z also participates in master plan and subdivision discussions with develop-ers and reviews plats of City property to ensure all zon-ing requirements are met. P&Z assists City Council by completing an early review and vetting of development matters and providing recom-mendations on those topics. Historical Preservation Committee

The City Council established the Schertz Historical Pres-

Talent on Loan:Schertz Needs You

ervation Committee for three purposes: (1) Create a city heritage and history museum for the preservation and dis-play of photos, artifacts and other valued items relating to the city’s past; (2) Pursue grants and other sources of funding for continuing preser-vation efforts; and (3) Desig-nate and preserve qualified houses, commercial buildings and other structures in the city as historic properties.

The committee also aims to raise awareness and apprecia-tion for Schertz’s history. To that end, the Committee pub-lished a book on the history of Schertz in late 2008 entitled “Schertz, Texas - The Story of Great Ancestry, Legacy and Development.” Additionally, the Committee has published history articles each quarter and provided presentations on historical topics of local interest. The committee welcomes Schertz residents with an interest in local history and preservation of local land-marks, and the group meets quarterly at the City Council Chamber Building at 6:30 PM on the fourth Thursday in the months of January, April, July and October.

Schertz Parks and Recreation Advisory Board The Schertz Parks and Recre-ation Advisory Board com-prises nine members and two alternates, all appointed for two-year terms. The board’s focus lies in planning, promot-ing and maintaining a diverse park system.

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meets at 5:30 PM on the last Monday of each month at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Building No. 1, in the Andrews Conference room.

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board advises the City Council of the current and future needs of the City in re-gards to parks and recreation. Its duties encompass recom-mending plans for developing, establishing and expanding the city’s park system and interpreting the attitudes and recreational needs of resi-dents.

In addition, the board func-tions as an advisory body and assists the Parks and Recre-ation Department by holding community and neighborhood meetings, receiving resident input, conducting public community meetings and workshops for citizen involve-ment, addressing funding strategies and evaluating and recommending future capital improvements for new and existing park facilities.

Schertz Economic Development Corporation

The Schertz Economic Devel-opment Corporation sprung into existence in 1997 after voters approved raising the local sales tax rate to support more economic development in the city.

EDC primarily focuses on the efficient use of funds raised by that sales tax increase to attract new businesses to the city. The EDC board works with city staff on retaining businesses and attracting new businesses and develop-ments.

Current examples of business retention activities include intervening on behalf of a business having infrastructure problems related to the fire suppression equipment in their plant. The move of Sysco to Schertz exemplifies the EDC’s work toward attracting new businesses to the area.

The board has seven mem-bers who serve two-year terms and meet at 6:00 PM the second Thursday of each month in the City Council Chamber Building meeting room.

Library Advisory Board

Established in 1978, the Library Advisory Board recommends policy to the City Council, City Manager, Library Director and Library Manager regarding the de-velopment and improvement of the Schertz Public Library. The board consists of nine members who also serve as advocates for the library and meet at 7:00 PM at the library on the first Monday of each month. A special LAB project targets the operation and manage-ment of the Read Before Book Store. Board members, along with 17 others, volunteer at the used book store, which is stocked with items that have been donated by community members. Funds generated through sales benefit library programs, including the children’s summer, winter and family reading programs. This year, more than 1,500 people participated in these programs.

Outsiders often ask, “what is so special about Schertz?”

It’s the people who live in Schertz who make the city one of the nation’s best places to live. Schertz enjoys an extraordinary quality of life because of its residents’ community pride and volun-teerism.

A listing of the boards and commissions in need of citizen representation can be found at www.schertz.com under the Government category. For more information on how Schertz residents can serve on a board or com-mission, contact the City Secretary’s Office at (210) 619-1031 or by email at [email protected].

We’re Moving.We’ve outgrown our current home in Bracken Village and are moving to our new home in Schertz! Come worship with us this new year, and help us celebrate this exciting time of growth and renewal.

JOIN US FOR WORSHIP SUNDAYS AT 10:30210.501.2345lifebridgecctx.com

Schertz Municiple BuildingThe Blue Bonnet Room


Members of the Lopez family are from left: mom Linda, daughters Amanda and Caroline and dad Ruben.

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All In The (Military) Family

Schertz Sisters Share Service Connection

With Randolph Air Force Base nearby and a thriving military community surrounding it, it makes sense that many young people in Schertz opt to serve in the United States military. However, few choose the path of attending a service academy, and far fewer have siblings who do the same. Amanda and Caroline Lopez are two Schertz-raised residents who broke that pattern by attend-ing the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) and the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), respectively.

Both sisters graduated from Samuel Clemens High School— Amanda in 2004 and Caroline five years later in 2009. The sisters decided to at-tend a service academy instead of another four-year university based on much research and experience. Having parents with Air Force backgrounds provided insight for the girls but ultimately did not factor into the their decisions. Both attended summer programs, talked with many representatives and made recruiting trips before ar-riving at a final decision.

“It just clicked,” said Caroline, currently a second year stu-dent, or “youngster,” at USNA. “I loved it. The campus in gen-eral is beautiful—the location, Annapolis, being on the water. I really loved it.”

Caroline has risen to the challenges of life at the Naval

Academy in her time there. She represents the Academy as a both a varsity cheerleader and member of the U.S. Naval Academy Operation Informa-tion program. She earned the USNA’s highest academic recognition, the Superinten-dent’s List Honors, as well as the Navy and Marine Corps Leadership Award recognizing her as the best midshipman in her battalion.

“It was my own new adven-ture,” Caroline said. “I wanted a challenge, and I thought I’d regret passing up this oppor-tunity.” Caroline’s experiences at Annapolis certainly diverged from her family’s primarily Air Force background.

Her older sister, Amanda, graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2008 and currently attends the University of Texas at Houston Medical School. She is a third-year medical student and will gradu-ate in May 2012. In high school, Amanda played soccer and ran cross country, which helped influence her decision to attend the Air Force Academy.

“When I started to look at col-leges, I didn’t want to look at what everyone else was looking at— UT, A&M; those seemed obvious,” Amanda said. “I wanted to look outside of that, to meet new people from differ-ent parts of the country, people with different experiences. I also wanted to get recruited for soccer, so I was looking at

schools I thought I could play at.”

Caroline and Amanda spoke of the challenges and advantages of life at the service acad-emies—not only for them, but for their parents as well. While a great sense of pride accom-panies having two daughters at service academies, the girls receive little time off compared to their peers.“It is a big sacrifice not just for us, but also for mom and dad,” Caroline said.

“They have always had high expectations for us,” Amanda added, “but they have also been supportive of whatever we wanted to do.”

All members of the Lopez family have contributed to the girls’ successes. Parents Ruben and Linda Lopez served as examples of how to thrive while growing up in a traveling military family and serving in the armed forces, but they also have offered their daughters a consistent home in Schertz. “The girls grew up in Schertz,” Linda said. “They really are Schertz kids, but this has been a great adventure for the family. We feel lucky.” “I’m proud,” remarked Ruben of his daughter’s accomplish-ments. “They worked hard to maintain grades and everything else it takes.”

Foundation Honors Innovative SCUC Educators

Some well-deserving educators employed by the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District got early Christ-mas presents. On December 13, the lucky teachers were honored with grants from the SCUCISD Foun-dation, a nonprofit corporation that promotes quality education within the district. The founda-tion, which is an independent entity led by a board of directors, works closely with schools in the SCUCISD and awarded 11 grants this year. For the first time, the foundation dispersed the grants between all campus levels – from elementary to high school. Teachers and administrators compete for the grants by sub-mitting applications, which are reviewed by a committee using predetermined criteria. Both

Glenda Schneider receives $999.99 to fund her grant “Increasing Critical Thinking Skills”Also present in the photo are: Corbett Jr. High School Principal, Jay Muen-nink; SCUCISD Superintendent, Dr. Greg Gibson; and Foundation Board Members Jeanine Claus, Lolly Borg-feld, Marion Dolford, Bruce Barnard, Gault Robinson, Sean Alvarez, Jeff Bowles, and Marc Mulkey.

individual teachers and those who are part of a team of teach-ers have received the grants, which can reach up to $1,000 for individuals or up to $5,000 for a team. The teams can be composed of a grade level, an instructional department (like science or math) or a campus, through which grants would ben-efit all students at that particular school.

Teachers and teams apply for the grants, which the foundation awards with an emphasis on in-novative programs and subjects, according to Jenny Hale, district liaison to the SCUCISD Founda-tion. Hale also said the founda-tion encourages teachers to think “outside the box.”


Foundation Honors Innovative SCUC Educators

Criteria used to determine grant recipients includes:

• The degree to which the grant supports the district’s goals and the campus improvement plan and how much it is spe-cifically designed to address an area of need substantiated by data.

• The degree to which student academic performance is emphasized.

• The degree to which sound evaluation procedures are incorporated in the proposal.

• The degree to which the proposal represents a creative or innovative approach to the accomplishment of objectives. Funds are not typically avail-able for recurring programs and projects. (The proposal should address a new project as opposed to one accom-plished or under way.)

• The degree to which the proposal is clear and logi-cal, including (a) specificity of objectives; (b) clarity of description of instructional procedures, methods or treatments; and (c) corre-spondence among evalua-tive procedures, objectives and treatments.

The SCUCISD Foundation re-cently presented $27,004 to the SCUCISD Board of Trustees to fund the grants. In its three years of funding grants, the foundation now has awarded more than $78,000 to innova-tive teachers and teams.

“When teachers and adminis-trators reach for more inno-vation in the classroom, the students reap the benefits,” Hale said.

Below is a list of the schools and their team members who received grants:

Paschal Elementary Team Members: Beverly Tash, Julie McCoy, Michele Patterson Sippel ElementaryTeam Members: Melissa Dean, Matthew Herring, Angella Morrison, Courtney Stewart, Holly Garris, Sarah Reed, Stacy Deater Wilder IntermediateTeam Members: Juanita Gaytan, Becky Schultz, Kellie Johnson, Patty Gibbons Clemens High SchoolTeam Members: Lista Schwarts, Amber Gray, William Luna

Wilder IntermediateTeam Members: Cindy Henkel, Becky Schultz Jordan IntermediateTeam Members: Fran Kurtz, Karen VonBuettner Steele High SchoolDenise Leverich Wilder IntermediateKelli Arvin Steele High SchoolTeam Members: Michael Herrera, Celeste Windham, Michelle Garcia Corbett Jr. High SchoolGlenda Schneider Corbett Jr. High SchoolTeam Members: Matthew Wagner, Tammy Gonzalez, Jennifer Alford

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Cibolo Creek FFA member Claire Evans

tends to her goat at the chapter show

December 11.


The Cibolo Creek FFA chap-ter’s show on December 11 officially marked the beginning of the showing season for stu-dent participants in SCUISD’s Agriculture Program. Through-out the season, students from third grade through 12th grade gather to show off the hard work and dedication they’ve put into their livestock throughout the year.

The first major show, the Guadalupe County Youth and Homemakers Show, takes place on January 19-22. Champions advance to the auction, in which local busi-nesses bid on the animals.

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SCUC Ag Students

Strut their Livestock

The profits from the auction make further involvement with the program possible for the students.

Chairman Mark Flannigan said the show “will be celebrat-ing its 70th year of promoting agriculture and supporting the 4-H and FFA exhibitors . . . The goal of the this organization is to support every child within Guadalupe County who partici-pates as an exhibitor. Simply stated, every kid counts. This experience helps to develop a child’s character, responsibility, and respect with each project. Come experience the oppor-tunity to make a difference in

the lives of kids in Guadalupe County.”

Booster Club Reporter Jennifer Bishop knows firsthand the expense of raising livestock, as both of her children have been involved in the program. Bishop’s son graduated two years ago after raising hogs with the agriculture program. She says that his involvement “instilled an unbelievable work ethic” in him that has contrib-uted to his successful career as a Marine. Bishop’s daughter recently graduated to showing steers in the junior division after working with rabbits and hogs in the past.

Along with instilling a work ethic, the program opens scholarship opportunities to students like former Clemens student Sonja Blumentritt. Blumentritt’s experi-ence with the Cibolo Creek FFA generated scholarships that paid for her first year at Angelo State University while department scholarships at ASU covered the rest.

When asked about the benefit of the SCUISD agriculture pro-gram and the Cibolo Creek FFA, Blumentritt said, “It definitely shaped me as an individual--100 percent. The program got me on the maturity level I needed to be on to go to college and gradu-

(continued on page 37)

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Our practice focuses on the examination, diagnosis and treatment of women’s health concerns.

210-653-5501ne-obgyn.com

3 San Antonio LocationsSchertz . Village Drive . Stone Oak

SCUC Ag Students

Strut their Livestock

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page 35)

Members of the Cibolo Creek FFA are shown after appearing before the Schertz City Council on

December 7. From left they are: Amanda Holman, Ag teacher; Eryn Crow, student advisor; Julia

Rauschuber, secretary; Ashley Blumentritt, president; and Cody Poerner, treasurer.

SCUC Ag Students Strut their Livestock

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ate in four years.” Blumentritt, who is studying to become an agriculture teacher, will gradu-ate in May 2011.

The students involved with the program undertake the immense responsibility of feeding their animals at least twice a day as well as caring for them throughout the year—even during holiday vacations and summer. The experience of working as a team and as an individual develops skills in students that they will benefit from for the rest of their lives, as Blumentritt mentioned.

The auctions following the Guadalupe County Youth show largely bankroll the pro-gram, and the students need support from local businesses to fund livestock-raising costs for subsequent years. To find out more about the auction or to sponsor a student, visit the Cibolo Creek FFA website at www.cibolocreekffa.org or the Guadalupe County Youth Show’s website at www.gcys.org. To support the students’ hard work, remember to at-tend the Guadalupe County Youth Show at the Guadalupe County fairground from Janu-ary 19-22.

Cibolo Creek FFA member Kiana Leal, father Mike Leal

and her steer Rambo at the chapter show December 11.

Cibolo Creek FFA members display their steers during the chapter show December 11.


IT Department pioneer Evelyn Boggess handles city employee cell phones among other duties. She has seen a lot of change in her 22 years as a Schertz employee.

Boggess Big Booster For Schertz

Evelyn Boggess remembers when Schertz Parkway didn’t go all the way to IH-35 and the Schertz municipal complex had two buildings instead of nine. A lot has changed in 22 years. She became a city employee in 1988 when Schertz’s population was 7,500 and watched it grow to 10,500 by 1990, then double to 21,000 in 2000 before jumping to an estimated 36,000 residents in 2010. “I feel blessed to have grown in experience as the city has grown in size,” Boggess said in the busy Informational Technology (IT) Depart-ment where she works as a Computer Tech II. “I’ve had a tremendous opportunity to be a part of that growth. My first city job was being a municipal court clerk, and I got that job based in part on experience I gained from working in the Air Force and for a retail store.” In the Air Force, Boggess’ responsibilities included working on inves-tigations of personnel matters, and in the private sector, she held jobs as a retail store trainer, office manager and bookkeeper before coming to work for Schertz. The military experience gave her a capacity for detailed work while the retail background provided a strong basis for customer service. “From municipal court, I moved to a clerical position with the city’s tax assessor collector,” Boggess said. “That position was also shared by the building inspections department.” When the tax assessor collector retired, she took the job temporarily. She later became the official tax assessor collector and stayed in that position for six years until 1999. She moved into yet another field when the city’s computer department systems management administrator passed away. “From 1995 to 1999, I did three jobs: office manager, systems administrator and tax assessor collector.” Around 2004, Boggess took on a new responsibility that drew on her customer service experience. She helped set up a single link for customer problems and complaints, and that system evolved into the current 311 program. In 2009, she moved into the IT department and today ranks as one of the five employees who oversee the computer and communications needs of the city. “One of my primary jobs is to deal with city cell phones and helping orient new employees in their use,” Boggess said. “I have heard some strange ways that city phones were destroyed including being run over by a truck and dropped in water,” she added with a laugh.

Away from work, Evelyn takes care of her two-year old granddaughter, is active in her church and likes to read and sew. B

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Little Has Big Job In Public

Works

Since Dennis Little began working for Schertz 30 years ago, the city has liter-ally changed around him. “I worked on mechanical things, and when I was looking for a job in this area back in 1980, there were only two real choic-es for me: the Cibolo Creek Municipal Authority and the City of Schertz,” Little said.

He chose the latter, and today, the easygoing Wash-ington State native serves as Schertz Superintendent in Public Works and as a

{ F O C U Z }{ F O C U Z }{ F O c U z }fella who came up through the ranks. Little’s tenure parallels the growth of Schertz and the Public Works Department over the last three decades; between 1980 and 2010, the city’s popula-tion grew from 6,300 to 33,000. While Public Works’ responsi-bilities now include maintaining water and wastewater lines, fleet maintenance and mowing, when Little started as a crew leader on May 7, 1980, the department only handled streets, parks, water and sewer lines.

“...take a lot of pride in representing the City of Schertz.”


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“We split streets and parks from water and sewer around 1990 when they moved to our current location (10 Commercial Place off of FM 1518) and streets and parks stayed at the old yard at 1120 FM 1518,” Little recalled while sitting in his office. “I then applied for the fleet maintenance mechanic position (in 1990), and the city’s fleet maintenance de-partment was started. Not long after that, the Parks and Recre-ation department was formed, and the street department moved to this location, which is now Public Works.”

In 1995, Little became a super-visor, and in 2002, he earned a promotion to supervisor. Four years later, a new Public Works facility opened, giving the department more room for the staff and equipment necessary for one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Today, Public Works consists of 40 employees, including three full-time fleet maintenance workers to care for the city’s expanding fleet of vehicles like police cars, ambulances and dump trucks.

As the Schertz Public Works Department enters the second decade of the new millennium, Little said the department’s core mission remains the same as the day he started. “Our job is to keep the City of Schertz moving and operating,” Little explained. “The city needs it vehicles working to provide all kinds of city services, and the streets, water and sewer lines need to work for resi-dents to have the best quality of life.”

Little believes Schertz has handled the challenge of growth very well, which con-tributes strongly to its reputa-tion as a quality place to live. “Public Works employees take a lot of pride in representing the City of Schertz,” he said.

Away from the office, Little and his wife, Barbara, like to go RV camping with friends at major state parks around Texas.

“...take a lot of pride in representing the City of Schertz.”

Dennis Little, left, and Public Works foreman Frank Piez (right) look at a pair of rubber boots worn by someone working on a truck engine in the department’s repair shop. John Bierschwale has been assigned with the task to track down the elusive intruder.



New to the Schertz area, artist Karyn Walker has found her place in the local art communi-ty over the past year. Originally from Buffalo, New York, Walker and her family moved to Texas when her husband became stationed at Ft. Sam Houston. Walker honed her artistic abilities at an early age. As a child growing up in Buffalo, her mother always enrolled her in classes at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. “That’s something I truly value from my childhood,” Walker said. Walker continued her educa-tion in art after high school and studied at State University of New York at Buffalo. As a col-lege student, Walker said she exercised more caution as an artist than she does today. “I have become a lot more ex-perimental and a lot less afraid to use color,” she noted. “I’m also a little more balanced and focused.” Working creatively across the U.S. and in England during most of her adult life, Walker, who finds inspiration from French artist Marc Chagall, witnessed a number of different styles in the various art com-munities she lived in throughout the past 30 years. Over that time, she watched artists face the challenge of finding a mar-ket or niche that would allow their work to flourish. In Texas, however, Walker expressed surprise at how much easier finding ways to exhibit her work has been. “Some artists really struggle to get their work exhibited and sold, but in Schertz and San Antonio, I’ve really gotten my artwork out there,” Walker said. “I’ve only been here a year, and I’ve already met a lot of wonderful people in the art world with open hearts and open minds. I’ve been very fortunate.” Walker also has been fortunate to connect with local artists

through the Schertz Area Artz Council (SAAC), a nonprofit formed in June 2009 with an aim to “nurture, inspire, advocate and support emerg-ing and established member artists.” In addition to her SAAC membership, Walker received the distinction of Emily Mor-gan Director, which gives her the responsibility of curating the art exhibits held at the Emily Morgan Hotel in down-town San Antonio. “Texas the Muse,” Walker’s first exhibit as curator, can be seen on display through January 11 and includes one of her own paintings. “Santa Anna’s Demise” depicts Emily Morgan (a.k.a. The Yellow Rose of Texas), an indentured servant kidnapped by the Mexican cavalry in the 1830s who, according to legend, became General Santa Anna’s secret lover. Walker hopes to have another one of her pieces in “Retro the Muse,” the next exhibit at the hotel, which opens in March in celebration of Contemporary Art Month. Ac-cording to Walker, the perks of being a curator include having her own work in the exhibits. “I make art kind of like a musician makes music – in layers,” Walker said. “I’ll often start a painting, and it’ll transform into something totally different by the time I’m finished with it.”

Walker recently launched a blog to for her artwork and musings. The address is karynwalker.blogspot.com For information on how you can participate in an exhibit at the Emily Morgan Hotel, contact Karyn Walker at [email protected].

Emily Morgan Hotel, 705 E. Houston St., San Antonio, TX, 78205; (210) 225-5100; emilymorganhotel.com

Walker at home among

Schertz-area artists

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Local artist Karyn Walker sees herself in all her art work. Here

she has fun with a picture frame.



When the New Year rolls around, many people resolve to develop healthier habits. Unfortunately, after making that commitment, most then can’t figure out the next step toward achieving that goal. However, if you commit to at least one good habit at a time, and commit to that habit for 30 days, you can gradually change your routine, develop good habits and create the you that you have always dreamed of. Here are a few proven tips that I give to my clients when they are trying to break bad habits; these tips have been effective at help-ing them establish good habits and will now help you do the same in 2011.

Food Tips: What, When, How and Why

What: Eat natural, not pro-cessed. Avoid fried foods, re-fined sugars and corn and white starches.When: Always start the day with breakfast. If it’s not a habit, try bars or shakes. Eat every two to three hours and five to six times a day. Curb hunger with snacks like nuts and fruit. Shoot for snacks that have 200 calories for mid-morning and mid-afternoon.How: Women should eat three to four ounces of meat a day, and men should have four to six ounces. Cut the carbs at night. Why - Ask yourself why you’re eating again when you just fin-ished a meal or a snack. Are you eating without thinking about it? Rely on low-calorie snacks to keep your calorie intake under control.

Exercise Tips: Methodology

Start slowly, and you will be able to continue and form a lifetime habit.

Try walking around the block, and increase your route by one more block every other day. Give yourself time to start feel-ing great.

Motivation Tips

What motivates you? Do what you like to do. Do something that makes you smile and laugh: dance, play Wii, walk your dog, play with your kids.

I never gave up the time I spent throwing the football with my son. When I was trying to lose weight, I did it every day, and he never said no. That activity burned 90 calories an hour.

One Christmas, my kids gave me an iPod, and I didn’t put it down. After the first day, they asked me to stop sing-ing in the kitchen so I would dance around the house while listening to the music. Dancing burns 600 calories an hour, and because of that iPod, I now dance 10 classes a week and love it. This has led to a lifelong habit.

For workouts and fitness tips, visit my website at feelssogoodfitness.com or schedule a free consultation.

B Y C a r o l y n A n g e l l o

Form Healthy Habitsin the New Year

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schertz design and Planning charrette

set for January 31- February 2

city of schertz receives Financial reporting Award

Residents can help shape the future of Schertz during a design and planning charrette held January 31 through February 2 at the Schertz Civic Center.

The charrette will focus on the northern part of Schertz (especially the area from FM 3009 to Friesenhahn Road) while a second charrette will be held later in the year to cover southern Schertz, according to Assistant City Man-ager David J. Harris. No date has been set for the second charrette.

“The charrette is a process to create the vision that the City Council, Planning & Zoning Commission and Economic Development Corporation have for our city’s future,” Harris said.

“It is an economic development initiative to create predictability for future growth in Schertz and to attract investment for that growth from inside and outside the community,” said Scott Polikov of Gateway Planning Group. Gateway is works with the City of Schertz on the best way to encourage and motivate quality and diversi-fied growth that enhances the city’s already heralded quality of life.

Harris and Polikov agreed that the type of quality devel-opment possible in Schertz’s future includes the medical, higher education, entertainment and corporate sectors. “Those entities are looking for first class areas to locate and for their employees to live,” Polikov noted.

The charrette also aims to take advantage of the I-35 corridor and the potential for Austin-to-San Antonio com-muter rail. “This planning initiative is going to be rail-ready but not rail-dependent,” he said.

During the three-day charrette the public will be able attend and participate in three evening sessions starting at 6:00 PM, after city staff, Gateway officials and others work during day sessions.

On Monday, January 31, a meeting will be held to get community input regarding the planning and design process. On Tuesday, February 1, a community design review will include an overview of the master plan process and get public feedback. On Wednesday, February 2, a joint meeting of City Council, Planning & Zoning and EDC will receive a progress report on the charrette.

Information from the north side and south side charrettes eventually will be used as a blueprint for quality growth and development in Schertz for years to come. Check for future updates on the charrette by visiting schertz.com.

Michael carpenter Takes Oath as schertz

Mayor Pro Temp Schertz Mayor Hal Baldwin (right) swears in City Councilman Michael Carpenter as the new Mayor Pro Temp during the December 14 council meeting. City Council swears in a new mayor pro temp every six months.

Assistant City Manager David J. Harris (left) presents Finance Director Juan Santoya the award Schertz received for outstanding financial reporting.

Schertz has received a Certifi-cate of Achievement for Excel-lence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the areas of governmental accounting and financial report-ing, according to a news release from the awarding agency.

Congratulations!! 2010 5A Division II State Champions!!

city secretary Brenda dennis receives

Master Municipal clerk designation

During the December 14 City Council meeting, Schertz City Secretary Brenda Dennis receivesflowers from Mayor Hal Baldwin (center) and City Manager Don Taylor for being awarded the International Institute of Municipal Clerks’ designation of Master Municipal Clerk. Dennis ranks as one of only 20 of the 183 Texas mem-bers of the IIMC to receive the Master Municipal Clerk designation. Go

KNIGHTS!!


gOvernMenTrOUnd-UP

GET UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ABOUT CITY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES AT:

schertz.comgovernment


schertz city council general election May 14, 2011

On May 14, 2011, Schertz residents will head to the polls to elect City Council members for places 3, 4 and 5. George Antuna Jr. currently holds Place 3 with Cedric Edwards Sr. in Place 4 and Michael Carpenter in Place 5.

Filing for a place on the council ballot opens February 12, 2011 and closes March 14, 2011 in the City Secretary’s office.

To be eligible as a candidate for public elective office, a person must:

*Be a U.S. citizen;

*Have resided continuously in the State of Texas for twelve (12) months and in the City of Schertz for the six (6) months immediately preceding the date of the regular filing deadline for a candidate’s application for a place on the ballot;

*Be eighteen (18) years of age or older on the first day of term to be filled;

*Be a registered voter (meaning the individual holds current voter registration in this state);

*Have not been determined mentally incompe-tent by a final judgment of a court;

*Have not been convicted of a felony from which the person has not been pardoned or otherwise released from the resulting disabili-ties.

Submit your voter registration application by April 14, 2011 to vote in the Schertz general election. Voter registration cards can be picked up the Schertz Library, City Hall and county offices.

sewer Averaging will Affect residents’ 2011-2012

sewer BillsSewer averaging for the winter months began November 1, 2010 and continues through March 15, 2011.

Meter readings taken over this period determine your sewer average for the next billing year, which begins April 1. The readings will be averaged, and that average will be multiplied by $2.65 for residents with an average below 12,000 gallons. For residents with averages over 12,001 gallons, the average will be multiplied by $2.84. That total will be added to the base rate of $3.75 for residential use. This average will be your sewer charge for the next 12 months.

Using water conservatively throughout the averaging months will help ensure sewer and water bills remain manageable. Households that use large amounts of water (watering the yard, bath, etc.) during the averaging months can expect higher sewer bills for the next billing year. Karen Garcia, City of Schertz Public Works Business Coordinator, advises cus-tomers to double-check all residential water systems (toilets, showers, baths, outdoor faucets, etc.) for leaks and make sure appliances remain in good working condition.

Commonly, unexpectedly high water bills can be traced to leaks (automatic sprinkler systems, etc.) or “running” toilets. Garcia also suggests that residents limit landscaping water usage, be frugal when washing automobiles and limit un-necessary water use during the sewer averaging period. For more information, visit schertz.com.


iMPOrTAnT scherTzPhOne nUMBersCity of Schertz Elected Officials

Mayor: Hal Baldwin 210-658-6466

Council Members:Michael Carpenter (210) 619-1045Cedric Edwards, Sr. (210) 566-4540Jim Fowler (210) 658-1442David Scagliola (830) 606-1130George Antuna, Jr. (210) 467-7914

City Departments:City of Schertz (210) 619-1000Animal Control (210) 619-1550Business/Utilities (210) 619-1100City Manager (210) 619-1000City Secretary (210) 619-1030Civic Center (210) 619-1600Customer Care/311 (210) 619-1000Economic Development (210) 619-1070EMS (non-emergency) (210) 619-1400Fire (non-emergency) (210) 619-1300Human Resources (210) 619-1150Information Technology (210) 619-1180Inspections (210) 619-1750Marshal Services (210) 619-1666Municipal Court (210) 619-1500Parks & Recreation (210) 619-1850Planning & Zoning (210) 619-1780Police (non-emergency) (210) 619-1200Public Affairs (210) 619-1630Public Library (210) 619-1700Public Works (210) 619-1800Records (210) 619-1000Website schertz.com

gOvernMenTrOUnd-UP

***Meeting locations may change, for up-to-date information visit

schertz.com***

MoNDAy, 3 Library Advisory Board, 7:00 PM, Library

TUESDAy, 4 City Council, 6:00 PM, Council Chambers

MoNDAy, 10Buffalo Valley Youth Association, 6:00 PM,401 Oak St

TUESDAy, 11City Council, 6:00 PM,Council Chambers

WEDNESDAy, 12Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM,Council Chambers

THURSDAy, 13Economic Development Corp. 6:00 PM, Council Chambers

TUESDAy, 18City Council, 6:00 PM, Council Chambers

THURSDAy, 20Schertz-Seguin Local Govt. Corp., 1:30 PM, Council Chambers Conference Room

MoNDAy, 24Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, 5:30 PM, Bob Andrews Room

Board of Adjustments, 6:00 PM, Council Chambers

TUESDAy, 25City Council, 6:00 PM, Council Chambers

WEDNESDAy, 26Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM, Council Chambers

THURSDAy, 27Historical Preservation Committee, 6:30 PM, Council Chambers Conference Room

CITy DATES To KNoW


My name is Genevieve Mia Lopez, and I am Miss Friendly City on the 2010 - 2011 Schertz Sweetheart Court.

I’m a 17-year-old senior who loves attending Steele High School. I moved to Schertz five years ago and helped my parents start up a success-ful restaurant, Sylvia’s Mexi-can Grill. I have worked as a yearbook editor for two years. I’m also enrolled in AP Art IV and can be quite creative with a pencil or paintbrush. My class voted me most artistic and best dressed in our senior superlatives this year, likely because I can easily say my clothes have always been my weakness.

I live with my father and mother, Alejandro and Sylvia, younger sister Alexa, my ador-able grandmother, whom I call Lela (Hi, Lela!), and the love of my life, Miss Minnie Mouse Lopez, my poodle.

Outside of school, I keep busy pursuing my passions, like photography. I love tak-ing portraits of my friends; my best friend dubs our photo sessions “supermodel

B y G e n e v i e v e M i a L o p e z

documentary hour.” I dabble in anything artistic, includ-ing theater, graphic design, fashion, photos, film and cooking, although in that case, I burn more than cre-ate.

I worked at Schlitterbahn as a lifeguard and found it inspiring. I loved the feel-ing of helping people when in need, which led me to change my career path from a freelance artist to the medical profession.

With my parents’ support, I plan to attend Texas State University next fall and then enroll in dental school to eventually become an or-thodontist, all while continu-ing my artistic hobbies, of course. I recommend that any young girl try out for the Sweetheart Court, even if it doesn’t seem like your thing. Just think twice: My mother had to push me, and I thank her for it. Joining the Sweetheart Court has been a blessing, because it has given me a sense of pride and memories I will always cherish.

Schertz Sweetheart

Court

Genevieve Mia LopezMiss Friendly City


CITy oF SCHERTZOFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY - SCHERTZ, TEXAS 78154

1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY.SCHERTZ.TEXAS.78154

SCHERTZPUBLIC AFFAIRS

Documents

January 2011