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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 6 MARCH 14 APRIL 17, 2023
The cities of Schertz, Cibolo, Live Oak and Universal City each have city-run animal shelters with varying capacities to house animals. Cibolo and Live Oak have
Grey House Blooms is now open in Schertz
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smaller capacities and are working to update facilities to make more room.
CAMP GUIDE 2023
Schertz Animal Shelter 72
Cibolo Shelter 42
Local summer camps
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Live Oak Animal Shelter 54
Universal City Animal Care & Control 71
SOURCES: CITIES OF CIBOLO, LIVE OAK, SCHERTZ AND UNIVERSAL CITY COMMUNITY IMPACT
Krystle’s Brick Shop o ers all things Lego
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Area shelters take in stray and unwanted pets and then work to nd them new homes. (Jarrett Whitener/Community Impact)
Metrocom animal shelters work to address strays BY JARRETT WHITENER
through January 2023, the Cibolo Animal Shelter took in 318 animals. Of those intakes, 229 were dogs, and 89 were cats, Cibolo Animal Services Manager Jacob Jenkins said. By comparison, in that same time frame, the city of San Antonio Ani- mal Care Services department took in 12,856 animals, including returns from foster care and adoption as well as rescues, according to an annual report. Of that total, 8,499 were stray animals. Lagunas said many of the animals in the shelter are from unwanted lit- ters from animals that were not
facilities across the region—including in Schertz and Cibolo—see hundreds of animal intakes over the course of a few months. Each facility handles issues related to strays, including treatment for dis- eases, spay and neuter procedures, educating pet owners, and other ini- tiatives to reduce the number of ani- mals being cared for in shelters. In Schertz, from August 2022 through January 2023, the Schertz Animal Shelter took in 607 animals, mostly cats and dogs, Schertz Animal Services Manager Megan Lagunas said. In Cibolo, from August 2022
Cities within the Northeast San Antonio Metrocom are working on new methods to promote animal adoption and expand city-oper- ated animal facilities as part of their e orts to combat the number of stray animals as well as regular intakes of unwanted cats and dogs. The shelters share similarities in how they de ne what stray means— an animal running free or at large, with no physical or verbal restraint— and in some cities, the de nition includes that there appears to be no known owner. According to animal care experts,
Grab a sandwich at Four Kings in Universal City
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Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries
CONTINUED ON 16
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
THIS ISSUE
MARKET TEAM EDITOR Tricia Schwennesen REPORTER Jarrett Whitener GRAPHIC DESIGNER Brendan Rodriguez ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Stephanie Schillaci METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jaselle Luna MANAGING EDITOR Joe Warner MANAGING COPY EDITOR Beth Marshall ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Rachal Elliott CONTACT US 3522 Paesanos Parkway, Ste. 304, San Antonio, TX 78231 • 866 989 6808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES nemnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING nemads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH
FROM JASELLE: Over the last six months, Lauren Itz, our Northeast San Antonio Metrocom general manager, made an imprint on this community. Just recently Lauren had an opportunity to move back to her hometown and lead one of Community Impact’s markets there. We are so grateful for the time that she was part of our team here. Your Northeast San Antonio team looks forward to continuing to serve you in the best way possible and is especially excited about what’s to come as we continue striving to be your community paper. Jaselle Luna, PUBLISHER
FROM TRICIA: My son has been a builder for as long as I can remember, from stacking blocks to large Lego Duplo bricks and now the more intricate Harry Potter- and NASA- themed Lego sets. In this month’s business feature on Page 14, reporter Jarrett Whitener learns all things Lego from Krystle’s Brick Shop owner Krystle Zwoll. Her shop can be found in the Rolling Oaks Mall. Tricia Schwennesen, EDITOR
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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION • MARCH 2023
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COURTESY CITY OF CIBOLO
than 20 shops across the country. An opening date has not been announced for the new location. 479-358-9274. www.7brew.com EXPANSIONS 9 Everyday Christian Fellowship, lo- cated 950 Everyday Way, Cibolo, is get- ting a new sports center at the facility. The center will house space for conces- sions, restrooms, showers, storage and more. The project is expected to begin this summer and take approximately a year to complete. 210-659-6300. www.everyday.family ANNIVERSARIES 10 Cibolo Fire Station No. 3 on Feb. 4 hosted an open house to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the building. The station, located at Wiedner Road and FM 1103, is meant to cover a rapidly growing city area and will house a living space for a two-person EMS crew. On Oct. 13, 2020, City Council approved the
NOW OPEN 1 Health by Design on March 1 opened a new wellness center at 5009 Schertz Parkway, Schertz. Health by Design is a faith-based organization that offers health care. The Schertz location, in partnership with The Fire and Police Retiree Health and Wellness Fund, offers diabetes care, primary care, endo- crinology and more. www.thefundsa.org 2 Smoke Tokes CBD and Vape Shop opened its 13th location at 1208 FM 78, Ste. A, Schertz, in February. The store offers tobacco products, smoking acces- sories, hookahs, novelty items and more. The business has locations throughout Austin and San Antonio. 210-667-4041. www.smoketokescbd.com 3 CJ’s Charbroiled in January opened at 2921 Pat Booker Road, Ste. 104, Universal City. The restaurant offers steaks, chick- en, burgers and other options. Plans are in place for a breakfast menu in the near future. 210-332-5226. 1976
COMING SOON 4 Plans are in place to build a new playscape at Veterans Park, located at 737 E. Aviation Blvd., Universal City. The new play area will be in the shape of a plane to complement the park’s proxim- ity to Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. Featuring around 40 components, the park will provide a play area for children to enjoy. The project broke ground in February and is estimated to be complete this summer. 210-659-0333. www.universalcitytexas.gov 5 Cardiology First Clinic will open sometime in April or May at 580 Cibolo Valley Drive, Ste. 207, Cibolo. The new facility will provide cardiology care to Schertz, Cibolo and residents of eastern San Antonio. The location will be run by Dr. Van Adamson and focus on cardiovascular disease, cardiac risk evaluation and other heart conditions. 210-767-2549. www.cardiologyfirstclinic.com 6 Chipotle Mexican Grill will open at
540 Kitty Hawk Road, Universal City. With more than 3,000 locations nation- wide, the restaurant offers burritos, que- sadillas, salads and more. The Universal City location is expected to open this summer. www.chipotle.com 7 Northeast Lakeview College, located at 1201 Kitty Hawk Road, Universal City, will soon host a Zen Garden with trails, benches, a garden fountain, and trees and shrubs. The garden will have seating areas where individuals can sit and meditate. Trail connections will also be made from Main City Park in Live Oak to the Zen Garden. This $48,000 project is partially funded with grants from the San Antonio Council on Alcohol and Drug Awareness. The garden will be open to the public and is expected to be com- pleted in the summer. 210-212-5266. www.alamo.edu 8 7 Brew Coffee will open at 2901 Pat Booker Road, Universal City. The drive-thru coffee stand, 7 Brew Coffee, offers patrons a variety of handcrafted drinks. Started in Arkansas, the coffee chain has expanded to more
WORK.
PLAY. STORE.
512-522-4833 info@personalwarehouse.com www.PersonalWarehouse.com 7637 FM 3009 Schertz, TX 78154
PERFECT FOR BUSINESS, CREATIVE OFFICE, WAREHOUSE, DISTRIBUTION, FABRICATION OR A MAN CAVE! SMALLER, MORE AFFORDABLE, FLEXIBLE SPACE
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
COMPILED BY JARRETT WHITENER
APRIL 02
GET ACTIVE IN SCHERTZ MAIN STREET, SCHERTZ
COURTESY CITY OF SCHERTZ Movin’ on Main is a city-led initiative that encourages residents to get out and be active and promotes health and wellness in a positive environment. The city of Schertz, in collaboration with the Schertz Family YMCA, aims to bring the community together for this tness and wellness event in downtown Schertz. The event will o er activities set up in zones for all ages, along with information and other resources. Pets are welcome. This event is sponsored by H-E-B and Northeast Methodist Hospital. Noon-4 p.m. Free. Main Street, Schertz. 210-619-1856. www.schertz.com/468
Grey House Blooms opened in Schertz in January and offers a wide variety of flowers.
JARRETT WHITENER/COMMUNITY IMPACT
construction of the station, budgeted at $2.6 million. The project is funded through 2019 general obligation, or GO, bonds and remaining 2014 GO bonds. 210-658-9900. www.cibolotx.gov 11 The Cibolo Senior Program cele- brated its one-year anniversary Feb. 14. Prior to the Cibolo program, residents would have to drive to Schertz for senior activities. Since the program started, it has gained 194 members. The program is a partnership between the city of Cibolo and the Comal County Senior Citizens Foundation. Senior Center Ad- ministrator Stephanie Whitson said the success of the center comes from the participants, volunteers and sponsors who work together to keep the program running. The program runs on weekdays and is open to all community residents FEATURED IMPACT NOW OPEN Located at 817 Main St., Schertz, Grey House Blooms opened its doors Jan. 23. This new business is located in the former building of Contreras Flowers, which closed in summer 2022. Grey House Blooms o ers a selection of owers and assortments for occasions, including anniversaries, birthdays, funerals and more. Individual ower assortments can also
be purchased online. The business o ers ower deliveries and works to have custom assortments that t customers’ needs. 210-635-0022. www.greyhouseblooms.com
FEATURED EVENTS
MARCH 23 TAKE PART IN HAPPY HOUR Thursday Night Happy Hours returned to Olympia Hills Golf and Event Center in March and run through October. The city-organized events, scheduled for March 23 and 30, and April 6, 13, 20, will feature drink and food specials, dueling pianos and other live music. Once a month Happy Hour will feature a theme. April 20 is Fiesta. 5-8 p.m. Free (admission). 12900 Mt. Olympus, Universal City. 210-945-4653. www.olympiahillsgolf.com 23 ENJOY A CASINO NIGHT The Tri-County Chamber of Commerce will host its rst ever casino night March 23. This event will feature three-card poker, craps, roulette, karaoke, other activities. Ticket prices will increase after March 16. Proceeds will bene t select nonpro t members. 6-9 p.m. Gambling tickets (before March 16): $50 (members), $75 (guests). Admission $10 (members), $20 (guests). Blue Bonnet Palace, 17630 Lookout Road, Selma. 210-658-8322. www.tricountychamber.org
APRIL 01 SHRED OLD PAPERS The Chamber (Schertz-Cibolo- Selma area) hYPer Committee will host a shred day for the community. Residents can bring up to ve boxes of documents per car that need shredding. Donations will be accepted at the event for Operation Comfort. The area nonpro t promotes an inclusive and positive environment for wounded, ill and injured military service members. 9 a.m.-noon. Free. 1730 Schertz Parkway, Schertz. 210-619-1952. www.thechamber.info 01 CELEBRATE EASTER The city of Live Oak will host the Eggstravaganza event, which features egg hunts, movies in the park and other family activities. This year’s event will feature egg hunts for adults, alongside the traditional hunt for children 12 and younger. Following the hunt will be a screening of “Peter Rabbit 2” in the park. Activities are free to attend with egg hunts beginning around 6 p.m. and the movie starting around 8 p.m. Live Oak Main City Park, 18001 Park Dr., Live Oak. 210-653-9140. www.liveoaktx.net/ departments/parks-and-recreation/ special-events
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age 50 and older. Events are held at the Grange Hall, 413 N. Main St., Cibolo. 210-968-5986. www.cibolotx.gov/715 IN THE NEWS 12 Live Oak city officials in February launched a project for the beautifica- tion of Main City Park at 18001 Park Drive. Crews working on the project closed off sections of the park to remove dead trees from the area. City workers also replanted trees to replace those that were removed. City workers also renovated a playground at the park, removing the previous play structure and rubber mulch. The newly named Acorn Playground will include several net and climbing structures geared toward 2- to 5-year-olds. 210-653-9140. www.liveoaktx.net
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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION • MARCH 2023
National Nutrition Month March is National Nutrition Month! Metro Health wants to remind you that good nutrition is fuel for the future. Making healthy food and drink choices will provide your body with the energy it needs to feel great! Metro Health offers information and resources to help you and your family “eat with the future in mind”.
SNACK TIME
Learn More:
Simple changes can improve your outlook, your well- being, even the rest of your life. At University Health, we believe in the power of change. Because that’s where healthier begins. To explore the power of change, visit UHchange.com . Your partner for healthy change.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES 1604 ramp
COMPILED BY JARRETT WHITENER
Closure begins for FM 1518 at I-10 On Feb. 4, a temporary closure began at the intersection of FM 1518 and I-10. The Texas Department of Transportation began work on the overpass, which officials said will leave the northbound and south- bound lanes of FM 1518 closed for about a month until construction is completed. Work had not yet been completed by March 6. The westbound FM 1518 entrance ramp to I-10 was also closed. The cost of the project was not available.
ONGOING PROJECTS
LOOP 1604 CLOSURES The $1.5 billion I-35 Northeast Expan- sion Central Project includes closures at Loop 1604 and Lookout Road. Lookout Road intersection The intersection and turnaround lanes will temporarily close March 20.
to I-35 closes permanently The Loop 1604 eastbound entrance ramp toward I-35 perma- nently closed to begin construction on an elevated lane access point. This closure, which took effect Jan. 27, is part of the I-35 Northeast Expansion Central Project, which is a $1.5 billion project that includes the construction of about 9.5 miles of elevated lanes from Loop 410 North to FM 3009. Traffic will now access eastbound Loop 1604 using the entrance ramp between Biltmore Lakes and IKEA-RBFCU Parkway, which is about a quarter mile from the closed entrance ramp. Also,the intersection of Lookout Road and North Loop 1604 East and its turnaround lanes will be temporarily closed the week of March 20.
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ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF FEB. 21. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT NEMNEWS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. Parkway and down to FM 3009. Timeline: April 2022-spring 2023 Cost: $5.29 million Funding source : Schertz Economic Development Corp. reserves Tri County Parkway reconstruction In February, final paving of Tri County Parkway began—one of the last steps as the project nears completion, according to Schertz staff. The project includes laying a new asphalt base that will be stronger than a gravel base and provide more support and structural capacity from Corridor Parkway to FM 3009 as well as on Lookout Road from Doerr Lane to Tri County Parkway. The project also includes installing a new sewer line that progresses east to Tri County
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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION • MARCH 2023
EDUCATION BRIEFS
News from Judson, Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD, Comal ISD & Alamo Colleges District
Judson ISD receives feedback regarding the new superintendent
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH Judson ISD officials are moving through the superintendent search process with the goal of naming a lone finalist in April.
JAN. 3
Judson ISD begins negotiations with search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates.
BY JARRETT WHITENER
JUDSON ISD Officials with Judson ISD settled on March 6 on a profile for the new superintendent after gathering community feedback for a month as part of their search for a new superintendent. An anonymous survey was made available to the community and was used to collect feedback regarding leadership qualities desired in a new superintendent. The survey was put out by the district’s search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates. The firm was hired after Superintendent Jeanette Ball resigned in November and took a $140,000 payout following several meetings in closed session about her performance evaluation. The new superintendent will be responsible for serving the educational needs of approximately 25,000 students, 20 elementary schools, six middle schools, three high schools and four secondary academies. Open meetings were also held to take feedback from the community. Of 24 meetings, 213 people attended, and 1,495 surveys were completed to give feedback regarding the qualities of the next superintendent. According to the profile, the community desired a professional leader with
HYA holds community meetings, and surveys go out. FEBRUARY The board of trustees approves the superintendent’s profile. MARCH 6 The first round of interviews will be held. MARCH 27* The lone finalist is scheduled to be announced. APRIL 17*
SOURCE: JUDSON ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
*ESTIMATED DATES
attributes that include integrity, a student-centered mindset, transparency and humbleness among other characteristics. With the approval of the profile, HYA will begin the search for superintendent candidates. The first round of interviews is expected to be held the week of March 27, and the goal is to announce the lone finalist the week of April 17.
SCUCISD board of trustees modify compensation plans for 2022-23 school year SCHERTZ-CIBOLO-UNIVERSAL CITY ISD The board of trustees for Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD voted 6-0 in favor of a resolution to pay employees for Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, when schools closed for emergency weather conditions. The days will not be made up during the school year, Chief Human Resources Officer Linda Cannon reported to trustees at a called meeting Feb. 14. BY TRICIA SCHWENNESEN 2022-23 COMPENSATION PLAN MODIFICATIONS The Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD board of trustees approved several changes to the compensation plan at its Feb. 14 and Feb. 21 meetings. Employee pay for two emergency weather days district once their annual contract expires, Cannon said. “March 23 would be the deadline for notice so that we could go out and try to hire for those positions early,” she said.
Cannon went on to make a request of trustees to modify the compensation plans for the 2022- 23 school year so the district can also hire two current employees to coordinate bilingual edu- cation and special education during the Summer Learning program. Pay for each position will be a flat rate of $2,500, she said. Trustees took up the discussion again in execu- tive session at the board’s Feb. 21 meeting, where they later voted 7-0 to approve the modification to pay for the summer positions.
$500 incentive for early notification of resignation
Cannon also recommended a modification that would allow the district to pay $500 to anyone resigning at the end of the school year with early notice. The incentive pay is meant to encourage employees to provide notice no later than March 23 if they do not intend to stay with the
$2,500 each for two coordinator positions tied to the Summer Learning program
SOURCE: SCHERTZ-CIBOLO-UNIVERSAL CITY ISD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
Kellum OBGYN
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Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD will meet March 21 at 6 p.m. 1060 Elbel Road, Schertz 210-945-6200 www.scuc.txed.net/scucisd Judson ISD will meet March 23 at 6 p.m. 8205 Palisades Drive, Live Oak 210-945-5100 • www.judsonisd.org Comal ISD will meet March 21 at 6 p.m. 1404 N. I-35, New Braunfels 830-221-2000 • www.comalisd.org MEETINGS WE COVER HIGHLIGHTS JUDSON ISD The chief internal auditor position was approved by the board of trustees Feb. 16. This new role will manage, direct and control internal audits, investigations and inspections. With the creation of the new position, the district will begin the search for an employee to fill the role. JUDSON ISD Following the closure of school due to inclement weather Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, the board of trustees approved a resolution authorizing the district to pay employees during the emergency closure of the district. This resolution would allow employees to be compensated for hours missed due to emergency closures. SCHERTZ-CIBOLO-UNIVERSAL CITY ISD Superintendent Clark Ealy told the board of trustees in his monthly report Feb. 21 that he is pleased with the response to the district’s new monthly Student Mental Health & Safety Series. The program began in December, and a third session took place Feb. 28 with a focus on building resilience and overcoming obstacles. Sessions cover mental health and safety topics meant to support the parents of fifth through 12th graders. Previous sessions focused on stressors for students and dangerous drug trends and how to keep children safe.
Voters to decide May 6 on $634 million bond for Comal ISD
BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN & JARRETT WHITENER
THREE PROPOSITIONS The $634 million bond will be broken into three propositions that voters in Comal ISD will vote for or against.
COMAL ISD During the May 6 election, Comal ISD will have a ballot item for a bond amounting to $634 million. This item will be broken into three propositions with Proposition A, which costs about $560.56 million, focusing on safety and security, facility expansion and growth in the district. This proposition includes three elementary schools, a middle school, a new life bridges academy and additional improvements to other district facilities. Proposition B costs approximately $46.09 million and would pay for stadium expansions, such as a field house and new press box. Improvements include bleacher replacements at Canyon Lake High School as well as bleacher expansions and a new field house at Davenport High School. Proposition C, which costs $28 million, focuses on funding for districtwide technology improvements. The board of trustees approved placing the bond on the ballot in a 6-1 vote during the bond workshop meeting held Feb. 15. According to district officials, the bond is not expected to raise taxes. The property tax rate in Comal ISD is $1.27 per $100 valuation with a 20% homestead exemption. This is the fourth bond put forward by the district as Comal County has grown by more than 45,000 residents between the 2015 and 2021 bonds, according to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data. Comal ISD Board President Jason York emphasized his appreciation of the work of the board, faculty, staff and Comal Forward Committee.
Proposition A: growth and reinvestment $560.56M* Proposition B: stadiums $46.1M Proposition C: technology $28M
Total: $634.66M
*AN ADDITIONAL $12,603,120 WILL GO TOWARD BOND MANAGEMENT FEES AS A PART OF PROPOSITION A.
SOURCE: COMAL ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
“We are definitely trying to put the best decisions that we can forward for every community. We are an ever-growing district, and I do appreciate the passion, and really the board coming together and approving this bond for 2023,” York told Community Impact. The last bond for Comal ISD was in 2021, when voters approved $411.3 million for new buses, land acquisition and infrastructure projects throughout the district. This bond package included the construction of Comal Creek Elementary School, located at 233 Hubertus Road, Schertz. The deadline to register to vote for the bond is April 6. Early voting is April 24-May 2, and election day is May 6.
Alamo Colleges District receives Leader College of Distinction status
BY EDMOND ORTIZ
College of Distinction status. Karen Stout, president and CEO of Achieving the Dream, said in a state- ment these colleges set a high standard of excellence not just within the ATD Network, but also across the higher education field. “These institutions are undertaking
the challenging, systemic work needed to produce transformative results for the students and communities they serve,” Stout said. “We are delighted to recognize their achievements and proud to continue working as partners in their sustained efforts to serve their communities.”
ALAMO COLLEGES DISTRICT Maryland-based nonprofit Achieving the Dream on Feb. 16 announced 19 colleges earned Leader College or Leader College of Distinction status, including San Antonio’s Alamo Colleges District, which recertified its Leader
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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION • MARCH 2023
CAMP GUIDE
GUIDE
A non-comprehensive list of Northeast San Antonio Metrocom-area camps
Whether your kids want to do something outdoors, sharpen their athletic skills or stay ahead on studies, parents and guardians seeking summer camp options have plenty to choose from across the north San Antonio area. This is not a comprehensive list, and details are subject to change. COVID-19 safety protocols may vary, so contact the camp for more information about safety requirements.
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A+ Academics ART Arts DAY Day NIGHT Overnight SP Sports
CIBOLO 1 Code Ninjas Code Ninjas o ers a variety of summer camp opportunities, including camps for becoming a YouTuber, developing video games, web development, Lego robotics and STEM camps. Ages: 8 and older Dates: vary with programs held between May 21 July 21 Cost: $265-$365 A+ ART DAY 635 Cibolo Valley Drive, Ste 157, Cibolo 210 314 4605 www.codeninjas.com CONVERSE 2 Judson ISD Softball Camp Judson ISD will host a softball camp for students in the district and children whose parents work in the district. This camp will focus on all levels of athletic ability and students will be grouped according to their athletic ability. Attendees are encouraged to bring gloves, appropriate shoes, sunscreen, a water bottle, a bat, a helmet and catcher equipment if available. Ages: 6 14 Dates: June 5 8 Cost: $50 DAY SP
Dates: June 26 30 Cost: $245-$355 DAY SP Soccer Zone Live Oak 8020 Pat Booker Road, Live Oak Phone 800 645 3226 www.ussportscamps.com/soccer/nike/ nike-soccer-camps-soccer-zone-live-oak SCHERTZ 5 Camp Invention-Wonder Campers work on STEM-based hands-on challenges that spark curiosity and encourage the exploration of physics, design engineering and art as they work on projects such as building a mini skate park, engineering light- up party hats or using the science of color to create a bubble art banner. Camp locations also o er leadership-in-training positions for youth in grades 7 9. Schertz United Methodist Church Ages: K 6 Dates: June 12 16 Cost: $270 Garden Ridge Elementary Ages: K 6 Dates: July 10 14 Cost: $280 A+ DAY Schertz United Methodist Church 3460 Roy Richard Drive, Schertz Garden Ridge Elementary 9401 Municipal Parkway, Garden Ridge www.invent.org/programs/camp-invention 6 iCode iCode o ers a wide variety of STEM and coding sessions for kids as young as 5 up to age 18. Learn YouTube production or Minecraft building, build robots, or learn web development in weeklong sessions throughout the summer. Ages: 5 18 Dates: May 28 Aug. 12 Cost: $260-$399 A+ ART DAY 18384 I 35 N., Ste. 121, Schertz 830 302 4774 www.icodeschool.com/cibolo SAN ANTONIO AREA 7 Alamo Area Scouts BSA (formerly Boy Scouts of America) The local BSA council o ers various weeklong summer camps for Cub Scouts at di erent venues, including McGimsey Scout Park between Shavano Park and Castle Hills. Campers can expect swimming, hiking, crafts and opportunities to learn science, technology, engineering and math. Grades: incoming 1st-5th grade
Camp Invention-Wonder
iCode
COURTESY CAMP INVENTION WONDER
COURTESY ICODE
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San Antonio Zoo
YMCA of Greater San Antonio
COURTESY SAN ANTONIO ZOO
COURTESY THE YMCA OF GREATER SAN ANTONIO
Dates: June 12 30 Cost: $170-$185 A+ ART DAY SP 2226 NW Military Hwy., San Antonio 210 341 8611 www.alamoareabsa.org
Dates: June 11 16 Cost: TBD DAY NIGHT SP Morgan’s Wonderland Camp 23400 Cibolo Vista, San Antonio 210 241 2508
Frank Arnold Sports Complex 1198 S. Seguin St., Converse 210 945 1100 www.judsonisd.org/page/30895
www.tirrfoundation.org/ moran-camp-xtreme.aspx
8 Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas GSST’s West Side Girl Scouts Leadership Center hosts hands-on day camp activities designed to help campers develop skills in areas such as community service, cultural arts, healthy living, environmental aware- ness and STEM. Grades: K 8 Dates: June 12 Aug. 4 Cost: $80-$175 A+ ART DAY SP 5622 W César E. Chávez Blvd., San Antonio 210 349 2404 www.girlscouts-swtx.org 9 Moran Camp Xtreme This adaptive wheelchair sports camp provides an oppor- tunity where campers can engage in soccer, archery, basketball, dodgeball, horseback riding, swimming and a high-rope course, all while surrounded by friends and supportive and knowledgeable sta who are just like them. The camp asks that campers attending the summer session be 100% independent in their activities of daily living, including bath- ing, using the toilet and dressing. Ages: 8 21
3 Judson ISD Soccer Camp Judson ISD will host a soccer camp for boys and girls within the district. Campers will need to bring soccer shoes, running shoes, water, shin guards and sunscreen. The registration fee includes a camp T-shirt. Grades: incoming 6th-9th grade Dates: June 6 8 Cost: $25 DAY SP
10 San Antonio Zoo Zoo Camp provides weeklong camps where young children learn about insects, animal myths, and ancient connections between animals and astronomy. Campers can expect to spend most of week outdoors at the zoo taking part in games and other activities, visiting the animals and touring the zoo. Another weeklong camp for middle school-age children lets participants learn rsthand di erent types of jobs at the zoo. Grades: K 8 Dates: May 30 Aug. 18 Cost: $255-$360 A+ ART DAY 3903 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio 210 734 7184 www.sazoo.org/education-programs/ zoo-camp 11 Witte Museum The Witte Museum o ers weeklong camps that feature all kinds of activities designed to get young campers interested in a variety of things, including cooking, paleontology, farming
Frank Arnold Sports Complex 1198 S. Seguin St., Converse www.judsonisd.org/Page/30895 LIVE OAK
4 Nike Soccer Camp This camp allows attendees to learn, develop, play and enjoy the game of soccer. The coed camp is open to all skill levels and o ers half- and full-day op- tions. Professional coaches who have played around the world will lead the camp, teaching attendees di erent skills each day. Due to regulations, camp space is limited. Ages: 6 13
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
2023
512-232-5000 EdServices@austin.utexas.edu
COMPILED BY JARRETT WHITENER & TRICIA SCHWENNESEN
E nroll anytime in UT's online high school courses to catch up or get ahead. Full-time d iploma p rogram and single courses available including Honors and A P TM subjects .
COURTESY T BAR M CAMPS WORTH THE TRIP
T Bar M Camps This Christian-based organization o ers weeklong camps for children and teenagers, including a base camp for those who have completed rst through sixth grades and Camp Travis for youths who have completed seventh through 11th grades. Additionally, T Bar M has a summer camp for the whole family. Campers should bring their own water bottle. Ages: completion of rst through 11th grade Dates: May 28-Aug. 5 Cost: call for details ART DAY NIGHT SP A Camp sites: Base, day and family camps, 2549 Hwy. 46 W., New Braunfels B Camp Travis, 2800 CR 414, Spicewood
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For more informatio n visit highschool.utexas.edu /hs_courses
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MISSION VALLEY RD
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TURKEY TREE RD.
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and astronomy. Ages: 6 12
camp locations 210 246 9600 www.ymcasatx.org UNIVERSAL CITY
Dates: weekdays May 29 Aug. 4 Cost: $325 (museum members), $350 (nonmembers) A+ ART DAY 3801 Broadway St., San Antonio 210 357 1900 www.wittemuseum.org
13 Alamo City All-Stars Kids in kindergarten through sixth grade can participate in this sports camp that o ers basketball, volleyball and other tness- focused activities. Campers can expect weekly eld trips. Swimming, games and more with certi ed coaches focus on proper athletic and physical development. Participants will also get a free T-shirt that is mandatory attire for eld trip days as well as lunch and snacks. Grades: K 6 Dates: May 30 Aug. 11 Cost: $215 (per week), $725 (per month) DAY SP
12 YMCA of Greater San Antonio YMCA o ers various daytime outdoor and combination indoor/outdoor camps at di erent venues, including Journey Christian Fellowship Church and Elaine S. Schlather Intermediate School. There are also eld trips and games as well as specialty camps that are held at the organization’s health and wellness facilities. Ages: 5 13 Dates: May 30 TBD Cost: $153 (members), $170 (nonmembers) per week; $15 deposit A+ ART DAY SP Contact YMCA for locations of participating
11471 E Loop 1604 N., Universal City 888 559 1140, ext. 4 for information www.alamocityallstars.com/ summer-camp-program
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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION • MARCH 2023
CITY & COUNTY
News from Cibolo, Universal City, Bexar County & Guadalupe County
COMPILED BY JARRETT WHITENER
Schertz City Council will meet March 28 and April 4 at 6 p.m. 1400 Schertz Parkway, Bldg. 4, Schertz. 201-619-1030. MEETINGS WE COVER will meet March 28 and April 11 at 6:30 p.m. 200 S. Main St., Cibolo. 210-658-9900 • www.cibolotx.gov Selma City Council will meet April 13 at 6:30 p.m. 9375 Corporate Drive, Selma. 210-651-6661 • www.ci.selma.tx.us Universal City City Council will meet March 21 and April 4 at 6:30 p.m. 2150 Universal City Blvd., Universal City. 210-659-0333. www.universalcitytexas.com Live Oak City Council will meet April 5 at 7 p.m. 8001 Shin Oak Drive, Live Oak. 210-653-9140 • www.liveoaktx.net www.schertz.com Cibolo City Council HIGHLIGHTS UNIVERSAL CITY City Council on Feb. 7 approved an ordinance amending the Future Land Use Plan to change the designation of property at 2902 Pat Booker Road to high-density residential. Council also approved an ordinance amending the zoning map.
Bexar County moves forward with Precinct 4 commissioner’s building
Elbel Building project enters concept phase GUADALUPE COUNTY The commissioners court on Feb. 14 approved a contract with Debra J. Dockery, Architect, P.C. for architec- tural/engineering services for the renovation of a building located on Elbel Road. The contract covers the con- cept phase of the project, which has an anticipated timeline of four-six weeks. The contract is in the amount of $46,380. The commissioners court also approved an o ce space allocation form, which will relocate depart- ments housed in the building on Elbel to the Guadalupe County Services Center, located o FM 78. Departments will be relocated until the completion of the renovation. Precinct 3 Commissioner Michael Carpenter said the relocation option
Cibolo approves contract to update 2023 Master Plan CIBOLO City Council on Feb. 14 approved a contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates for professional consulting services for the 2023 Comprehensive Master Plan update. The cost of the contract is $324,975, for which the city has allocated funds. The project will be focused on updating the Comprehensive Master Plan, which was last updated in 2016. Community engagement will be one of the main elements of the project, with community meetings being planned to keep residents informed on the changes and updates to the plan before it is approved. The updated plan is expected to be a yearlong project estimated to be completed in spring 2024.
RELOCATING SERVICES During the renovation process, services at the Elbel Building will be relocated to the Guadalupe County Services Center, located o FM 78.
BEXAR COUNTY The com- missioners court on Feb. 7 took a step forward in building a new facility—at a maximum guaranteed price of $14,700,324—to house Precinct 4 services. In 2015, Bexar County purchased a 51.47-acre tract south of the intersection of Rocket Lane and Loop 1604, adjacent to Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. The commissioners court approved an amendment to its con- tract with Thos S. Byrne Inc., which was rst approved in April 2022, for construction manager at risk services for the new building, and the constructability review and full design documents were completed in January. The new facility will include drive-thru lanes and house ser- vices, such as the tax assessor and collector, the constable of Precinct 4, the justice of the peace of Precinct 4 and a satellite o ce for the Precinct 4 commissioner.
According to Precinct 4 Commis- sioner Tommy Calvert, the existing Precinct 4 building is being rented, and it will be more bene cial for the county in the long run to invest in the 51-acre property. “Instead of the county renting from another building, we are now going to invest in ourselves,” Calvert said. “And through this particular 51 acres, there are opportunities for the county to have the space for other businesses to actually give the county rent money and make money for the county.” The estimated completion date for the project is summer 2024. The commissioners court also approved an additional project con- tingency in the amount of $900,000 and a budgetary transfer. According to Bexar County sta , the transferred funds come from approximately 10-15 capital projects county o cials believe are nished or inactive. The contingency money is
A NEW COUNTY FACILITY The new county-owned facility will sit on a 51.5-acre tract of land north of Loop 1604 and house county services, allowing the county to stop renting a facility, and have additional room for other developments.
Guadalupe County Clerk's O ce: Schertz Satellite O ce
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51.47-acre tract owned by Bexar County
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Guadalupe County Services Center
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SOURCE: GUADALUPE COUNTY COMMUNITY IMPACT
The project is set to be completed in summer 2024. (Rendering courtesy of Bexar County)
will allow the renovation of the entire building rather than breaking the project into segments. “Having everything at [FM] 78, at least temporarily, allows for our constituents, the taxpayers who paid for this and are paying for the renovations, to only have to go to one place,” Carpenter said.
to be used in the instance of a budgetary overrun. This item passed in a 3-1 vote with Precinct 3 Commissioner Grant Moody voting against the item. “I am open to a change order or coming back with the speci c bids
and everything,” Moody said. “I just wouldn’t feel comfortable right now supporting a contingency fund on top of another contingency fund when I don’t know speci cally what that is going to cover and what the cost will be.”
LIVE OAK 14623 IH-35 N (210) 651-1911
RECTOR 819 E Rector Dr (210) 340-2244 STONE OAK 23026 US Hwy 281 N (210) 497-1322
LEGACY 2003 N Loop 1604 E (210) 494-8600
BUSINESS FEATURE Krystle’s Brick Shop Locally-owned mall shop o ers all things Lego F rom collectible sets to indi- vidual bricks, all things Lego can be found at Krystle’s Brick Shop in San Antonio. “Some kids just like the charac- ters, and parents do not want to spend the $100 or more on a full set just to get one gure when you can spend a few bucks for one gure,” Zwoll said. “Sometimes, it feels like
BY JARRETT WHITENER
The business began in 2021 after Krystle Zwoll moved to the area and opened the location in Rolling Oaks Mall. Prior to moving, Zwoll worked for Andy’s Brick Shop in Pennsylvania. For three years, she helped expand the business and found a passion for Lego. “I started out as [a coordinator for] birthday parties, and before I knew it, I was running the store,” she said. When Zwoll had to move to Texas, she wanted to open a second Andy’s Brick Shop and found an opportunity to open her shop in Rolling Oaks Mall. “I grew up in Schertz, and I’m from here,” she said. “This is my hometown, and I wanted to open a location in this area.” The store o ers new and used Lego products, and o ers trade-in options for people looking to get rid of Lego products. “We are able to carry anything that Lego has made,” Zwoll said. “Any merchandise, sets, anything at all that they have put out, we carry it here.” Zwoll said the goal of trade-ins is to give the sets and products a new life. Apart from the full sets, indi- vidual characters, bricks and other smaller pieces are available to purchase.
we are an aftermarket for Lego.” Each product within the store comes from trade-ins, people selling old sets and other pieces that have been collected since it opened. Sets that are traded in are evaluated, and damaged pieces are replaced with newer pieces to prepare the item to be resold. “We wash the pieces and get rid of the ones that have been chewed or aged,” Zwoll said. “Then, I have sta go through and do inventory to make sure every piece is in there, down to the tiniest stud.” The business also hosts birthday parties for up to 10 kids for $250. Parties include an hour and a half of time and a miniature gurine. “Each kid gets to go home with a custom build-a- g, and we entertain them for a full hour,” Zwoll said. “We teach them how to make a race car, and we have a race.” Zwoll said, since opening, the store has received tremendous support from the surrounding community, and she attributes her success to that support. “I really appreciate the com- munity support, and I’m thankful for them coming into my small business,” she said. “I really love the excitement when people come in and see the Legos. I just love that connection.”
Krystle Zwoll opened the Lego shop in Rolling Oaks Mall in 2021 after returning to Texas.
PHOTOS BY JARRETT WHITENER COMMUNITY IMPACT
TRADING IN All trade-ins can be made for cash or store credit with three options for trading in Lego.
Bulk: For used Lego in bulk, the store will pay sellers $2 per pound. Lego are then washed, sorted and put up for sale.
Sealed sets: Never been opened sets can be traded in at 50% of their current valuation for store credit or cash.
Used sets: Used sets can be traded in at 50% of their current valuation for store credit, and a third of the value for cash.
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Krystle’s Brick Shop 6909 N. Loop 1604 E., San Antonio 210-908-9939 www.krystlesbrickshop.com Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m.
E. CAMPUS DR.
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THE CHURCH ON THE HILL Whose Mission Is To Love God, Love Others, Reach the World
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5500 FM 1103 - Schertz, TX Mail Address: PO Box 703, Cibolo, TX 78108-0703 (210) 658-0525 | www.cibolovalleychurch.org
Scan for our services
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
DINING FEATURE
BY JARRETT WHITENER
SELL OUT SANDWICHES The banh mi and vegetarian sandwiches are among the most popular menu items at Four Kings.
Vegetarian ($7.49): This sandwich comes with cucumbers, avocado, a chipotle aioli, marinated carrots, ginger chili sauce, baby spinach, tomato, onion and havarti cheese on a house roll.
Banh mi ($8.25): This sandwich comes with Vietnamese pork, mayo, ginger chili sauce, cucumbers, marinated carrots, jalapeno and cilantro on a baguette.
Sandra and Mark Mason opened Four Kings in 2011.
COURTESY FOUR KINGS
JARRETT WHITENER COMMUNITY IMPACT
JARRETT WHITENER COMMUNITY IMPACT
Four Kings Family-run Universal City restaurant o ers sandwiches and baked goods S ince she was young, Sandra Mason has had a passion for cooking, and in 2011 she opened her rst restaurant and bakery, Four Kings in Universal City. Four Kings started with only a few tables and a small space but she was able to expand three times within the rst year of being open due to the popularity. on the menu, which helps when customers have speci c allergies. The restaurant’s most popular
dishes include the banh mi, the vege- tarian and the turkey sandwiches. “We have people that live out near SeaWorld that come out here on Saturdays, just to get [banh mi],” Mason said. “Then we have people that come from Austin and all over.” Specials are also o ered each day, which adds to the menu’s variety. Mason said she wants to leave a legacy for her family and a legacy for the community where people can continue to enjoy good food and socialize with each other. “We just want to take care of each other, and take care of our family and community,” Mason said. “They have given so much to us by standing up for us and recommending us to other customers. If you give to your community, they will take care of you.”
Four Kings o ers a variety of cookies, fresh baked breads and pastries in its bakery.
“I have worked for years in the kitchen, and I have worked as an executive chef for a catering com- pany, but I have been cooking since I was 10 years old,” she said. After working in other kitchens throughout her life, Mason wanted a place where she could make her own recipes and cook things that the people around her enjoy. “A lot of places I worked, you had to follow the standard operating procedures and follow the requests exactly,” she said. Mason said at rst she was afraid to start her own restaurant, because she had seen some statis- tics that showed one out of every ve restaurants closes within the rst year of business.
What was originally planned as a takeout-style restaurant became a lunch hangout for the community. In 2016, the restaurant decided to split the sandwich shop and bakery to make more room for guests. Now, Mason has the help of her daughter, Jillian Parker, who helps operate the restaurant with a sta of employees who are treated as family. On the menu, the restaurant boasts sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts. In the bakery, guests can buy cookies, cakes, fresh baked breads and more. The restaurant also o ers prepared meals each week that customers can purchase and take home to warm up. Mason said Four Kings takes pride in making everything from scratch
JARRETT WHITENER COMMUNITY IMPACT
Four Kings 2047 Universal City Blvd., Universal City 210-687-6649 Facebook: Four Kings Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Sat. 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Sun. closed
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River of Life Christian Ministry Cathedral
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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION • MARCH 2023
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