Boerne Business Monthly - February 2024 by Distinct Media LLC

Volume 16, Issue 08: February 2024

Dr. Kristin Craft MEET BOERNE ISD’S NEW SUPERINTENDENT

FIRST FAMILIES OF KENDALL COUNTY: THE WREN FAMILY PRIORITIZING RETIREMENT SAVINGS LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS

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Karl J. Eggerss Principal, Financial Advisor

Casey Keller, CFA Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor

Shawn Morris, CFP®, AAMS® Vice President, Financial Advisor

Britni Mosher Associate, Relationship Manager

boernebusinessmonthly.com

from the publisher

It’s February! Can you believe we are already two months in to 2024? This month is always filled with lots of fun. Local businesses are putting on special Valentine’s dinners, concerts, special shopping days and gatherings. Show them some LOVE and support these fun community events. Boerne recently gained a very important new member of our community. Dr. Kristin Craft was hired as the new Boerne ISD Superintendent. Welcome to Boerne, Dr. Craft! Read more about her starting on page 20. In other Boerne ISD news, the district has announced the Boerne’s Best Distinguished Alumni Class of 2024. Check out

the article on page 32 to see this year’s inductees. Are you thinking of updating your home? Carol Schultz and Ariel Brooks-Stevens of Hill Country Home and Land share some tips and trends for homeowners, buyers and sellers on page 26. Karl Eggerss of CAPTRUST shares the importance of saving strategically for retirement on page 8, Debi Burrows of Penguin Suits talks about using AI to benefit your business on page 36, and be sure to read this month’s First Families of Kendall County. In this issue we learn all about the history of the Wren family! Don’t forget to check out all of the advertisers that fill the pages of Boerne Business Monthly. This is an outstanding collection of local businesses that I am proud to have in BBM. If you are in need of any of their products or services I encourage you to reach out to them! Have a wonderful February,

Owner/Publisher

Judy Filingeri Owner Angela Turner Associate Broker® Carey Stewart

PUBLISHER Lauren Stumberg lauren@distinctmediatx.com ADVERTISING (210) 219-6735 info@distinctmediatx.com

REALTOR®

(830) 816-2288

Lynelle Boyd REALTOR®

Boerne Business Monthly is published by Distinct Media, LLC, copyright 2024. Reproduction is strictly prohibited without prior consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in Boerne Business Monthly are those of the writers or sources and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher, nor do they constitute the endorsement of products or services herein. Although the information and recommendations in this publication have been compiled from sources believed to be reliable, Boerne Business Monthly makes no guarantee as to, and assumes no responsibility for, the correctness, sufficiency or completeness of such information and recommendations.

BOERNE BUSINESS MONTHLY | February 2024

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February CONTENTS

08: finances

Prioritizing Retirement Savings courtesy of Karl Eggerss – CAPTRUST Financial

12: calendar 16: local history

First Families of Kendall County: The Wren Family

20: Cover feature

25: for a good cause

Tails of the Hill Country to Raise Funds for U.S. War Dogs

26: homes & Land Tips & Trends for Homeowners, Buyers & Sellers by Carol Schultz & Ariel Brooks-Stevens

32: accolades

Boerne ISD Announces Boerne’s Best Distinguished Alumni Class of 2024

34: fun & games 36: technology

30: ribbon cuttings

The Boerne Bubble and AI by Debi Burrows – Penguin Suits

Dr. Kristin Craft Boerne ISD’s New Superintendent

Righ t on t a r g et a d ve r ti s e you r b u s i n e s s i n bo er n e b u s i n e s s m on thl y Affordable Rates Excellent Distribution Phenomenal Local Readership CONTACT US TODAY: (210)219-6735 | LAUREN@BOERNEBUSINESSMONTHLY.COM

BOERNE BUSINESS MONTHLY | February 2024

Net Zero Carbon Homes

Sustainable Homes Inc, based in Boerne for the past 27 years, has recently been awarded another National Builder of the Year award for its latest Point Source Home™. These homes generate 100% of all utilities onsite, from the environment. This industry changing approach to building homes is now being called “Net Zero Carbon Homes.”

About Our Clients: OUR GROUP OF HOMEOWNERS IS QUITE DIVERSE & don’t fall into the same group. (which is the first assumption of most)

THE HOMES WE BUILD RANGE IN SIZE OF 1400 SQ.FT TO 12,000 SQ.FT. would call Environmentalist, 15% We they build this way to save the planet The Survivalist, the worlds ending

they want their own water, power, 25% and security

60%

This group we call the Economists, they were the good math students, they understand the long term savings that paying for all present and future utilities at the time of construction can save.

DO OUR HOMES COST MORE? They do, about 8-10% more than a standard custom home. Our ROI goal is 4.5-5 years based on savings from the utilities and fuel savings from an electric car.

In 2005 CEO, Darrel McMaster, a homebuilder for 47 years coming from a family that started building in 1945, decided to change coarse from the way he, his family and the entire building industry has been building homes for the last 100 years. This vision was that homes would generate all their utility needs from the environment onsite. “I wish I could say that in 2005 our goal was to save the planet, truth is our goal was building better performing homes that were more affordable. We felt if we could eliminate the cost of the homes utilities it would be more affordable to our owners.” Most of our national attention and awards have been based on the 130 homes we have that use rainwater harvesting as their sole source of water for all domestic water use. As we have experienced in Boerne and throughout the west and southwest the future of homebuilding will be based on finding reliable water sources that won’t affect existing users. One of the biggest obstacles is getting government agencies to understand the whole picture of our water needs. An example is we use 10 times the amount of water outside as we do on the inside of our homes, or the fact that it takes 65,000 gallons of water to create 2000 kwh of power for 1 home for 1 month. We believe that ALL forms of water used onsite need to be addressed.

One of our owners has described it best, “Did building this type of home cost more upfront? It did, but in less than 5 years we got that investment back. What is the first 8-9 years of any 30 year mortgage? Interest, so now all my utilities and the fuel for my transportation are tax deductible, are yours? We call that green building, as in $100 bill $reen.”

To get information on “Building Tomorrows Homes Today” or to contact us go to

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finances

Prioritizing Retirement Savings

courtesy of Karl Eggerss – CAPTRUST Financial

Saving for retirement? Rather than take a scattershot approach, save strategically, using a road map known as the retirement savings waterfall or the retirement savings hierarchy. It can show you which steps to take, the order in which to take them, and how you may benefit.

First Step

Start saving through your 401(k) or similar retirement plans at work. Such plans typically let you save conveniently and automatically through payroll deduction, and they offer certain tax advantages to encourage your participation. Figure One shows a breakdown of the tax advantages that apply to 401(k) plans as well as the other retirement savings vehicles mentioned in this article.

Figure One: Tax Preferences of Common Savings Vehicles

Note that assumptions and conditions apply. Please consult your tax and financial advisors about your specific circumstances.

Start saving as soon as possible. “The first dollars you save for retirement are the most productive,” says CAPTRUST Financial Advisor Steve Morton, a wealth management advisor based in Greensboro, North Carolina. This is because you have the maximum amount of time for those dollars to grow. An added bonus: Your employer may encourage you to save by offering to match your contributions. “That’s free money,” Morton says, so be sure to take advantage. Consider the following example. Suppose that your gross annual pay at work is $100,000, and your employer has a retirement plan, such as a 401(k) plan or a 403(b) plan. Suppose, too, that your employer offers to match 50 cents for every dollar you contribute up to a maximum of 6 percent of your pay. In that case, Morton says, if you kick in $6,000 to the plan in a given year, your employer will put in $3,000 as a match, for a combined total of $9,000.

BOERNE BUSINESS MONTHLY | February 2024

That’s an immediate 50 percent return on your money, Morton says. “So don’t pass it up. Once you get into the groove of saving, you won’t miss it.” There’s a cap on the total amount you can elect to set aside in your 401(k) plan, but the limit can increase each year with inflation, says Patricia A. Thompson, former chair of the Tax Executive Committee of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. For 2024, for people under age 50, the total employee pre-tax contribution limit is $23,000 and catch-up contributions for those over age 50 are limited to $7,500. Learn more about 2024 retirement plan contribution limits here: IRS Announces 2024 Retirement Plan Limitations.

Roth or Not?

Your employer may give you the option to save through a designated Roth account, Morton says. It’s technically a separate account in a 401(k) or similar plan to which designated Roth contributions are made. The chief difference involves taxes. With a regular 401(k),

continued on page 28

contributions are made with pre-tax dollars, so you get an immediate tax deduction—a further incentive to save. Withdrawals, however, are subject to tax. With a Roth account, contributions are made from your after-tax dollars, but withdrawals are typically tax-free. In other words, with a regular 401(k), the tax break is up front. With a Roth 401(k), it’s on the back end. A Roth 401(k) can be “a very nice rainy-day savings account,” says Geoffrey T. Sanzenbacher, a research fellow at the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. “If your employer offers a traditional and a Roth option, you need not choose between them,” he says. “You can save in both.” This move helps investors diversify retirement savings from a tax perspective, winding up at retirement with two pots of money from which to draw, one containing pre-tax dollars, the other after-tax money. Which approach you take may also depend on where you stand in the savings cycle, Morton says. For example, if you’re just starting out in the workplace, you may only be able to afford to save enough to qualify for the full matching amount from your employer. In that case, you may want to choose the traditional 401(k) account because it’ll give you the maximum up-front tax break. If you’re in your early 50s, however, you may want to put all of your retirement savings at work into the Roth 401(k) account. Of course, your specific tax situation should also be an important part of this analysis and may lead to a different conclusion, Morton says.

The HSA

Next in the retirement plan hierarchy is the health savings

account, or HSA. Among its advantages: • You can claim a federal income tax deduction for HSA contributions even if you use the standard deduction on your federal tax return (instead of itemizing deductions). • Growth inside the account is sheltered from tax. • Withdrawals (also known as distributions) are free of federal income tax if they are used to pay for certain medical expenses. The list is broad, from acupuncture and ambulance services to wheelchairs and X-rays. Physician, surgeon, and dentist services count too. And because of a change in federal law through the CARES Act, tax-free withdrawals can also be used to cover over-the-counter medicine (whether or not prescribed) and menstrual care products. Withdrawals for other purposes are subject to tax and possible penalty. • An HSA is portable. It stays with you if you change employers or leave the workforce. Your HSA can be a valuable savings tool with some flexibility, Morton says. One strategy is to use the amount in your account to pay for medical expenses for you and your family and let your remaining HSA balance grow by selecting an appropriate investment mix, shielded from tax, he says. Another strategy is to pay all your medical expenses out of pocket, letting the entire HSA account balance grow. Keep in mind that HSAs aren’t for everyone. For one thing, you must have a high-deductible health insurance plan to accompany it. This means that your upfront and out of pocket costs may be higher than with other health insurance plans. continued on page 11

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continued from page 9

Back to Work

Once you’ve put enough in your 401(k) to qualify for the full employer match and you’ve stashed away money in an HSA, consider saving even more in your 401(k). “I’d go the full boat,” Thompson says, because any additional amount you save, up to the annual maximum is done on a pre-tax basis, and your earnings grow on a tax-deferred basis. Also, Thompson says, a 401(k) or other similar retirement savings plans is portable. Even if you change jobs, you typically have the option to transfer it directly to your new employer’s plan or to consolidate it in an individual retirement account (IRA) while your funds keep growing with no immediate tax consequences. A 401(k) is not the only way to save, of course, and there are limits, too. If your plan allows for after-tax contributions, you may be able to save more. Also, your employer’s plan may impose a lower limit on contributions than the law allows. If you are a manager, owner, or highly compensated employee, the plan might limit your contributions so that it passes certain required tests.

IRA Option

Another option is an IRA. With a traditional IRA, you may qualify for an income tax deduction for contributing, your account can grow on a tax-deferred basis, and your withdrawals are subject to income tax (and a penalty if you’re under 59 1/2, unless an exception applies). With a Roth IRA, there is no upfront income tax deduction for contributing, your account can grow, shielded from tax, and withdrawals of contributions are tax-free. Withdrawals of earnings may escape federal income tax if you meet certain rules—generally, if you’ve held the account for at least five years and you’re 59 1/2 or older. For 2024, the most you can contribute overall to a traditional or Roth IRA is $7,000 for those under 50, or $8,000 for those 50 and older. However, a potential problem involves income limits. If you seek a federal income tax deduction for contributing to a traditional IRA, your federal adjusted gross income (AGI) for 2024 generally must be below $68,000 if you’re single and $109,000 if you’re married and filing a joint return. If you do not have access to an employer plan, then there are different AGI limits that determine deductibility. For Roth IRA contributions, your federal AGI for 2024 generally must be below $138,000 if you’re single and $218,000 if you’re married and file a joint return. These limits may increase in future years with

inflation, but you still may not qualify. That’s one reason why a retirement-savings plan at work may be your first and best option. In most cases, you can contribute no matter how high your income, and you may not be eligible to contribute to an IRA anyway, based on your income.

Backdoor Roth

To sidestep income limits on regular contributions to an IRA, you may be able to make a nondeductible contribution to a traditional IRA, Thompson says. Although you can’t put in more in any given year than the overall contribution limit that applies to traditional and Roth IRAs, your ability to contribute won’t be restricted based on your income, she says. Once you’ve made the contribution, you can promptly move the money from the nondeductible IRA to a Roth IRA—a technique known as a backdoor Roth IRA. Assuming you have no other IRAs, tax will be due at that point only on the earnings, if any, in your nondeductible IRA, Thompson says. If you have other IRAs, however, the tax consequences can be more complicated. It’s important to note that pending tax law changes may affect some of the options we’ve described. For example, the House Ways and Means Committee has proposed new measures that would prohibit Roth conversions for individuals with taxable income of more than $400,000 and married couples with taxable income of more than $450,000 as of December 1, 2031. Despite the 10-year phaseout, the policy change could immediately affect financial planning for people who have complex estates and generational transfers.

More Options

Save in a taxable account. For example, put money directly into a mutual fund or brokerage account. You won’t get a federal tax deduction, but if you invest for growth alone, your account can grow tax efficiently. Taxes are typically due only when you cash out. If your employer allows, set aside part of your pre-tax income at work through a nonqualified deferred compensation plan, Thompson says. Tax is deferred on your contributions and earnings. Withdrawals are taxable. But be careful: The money is considered part of the general assets of your employer, subject to creditors’ claims in bankruptcy. Weigh whether to pay down any high-interest debt and then your home mortgage. “The [stock] market can go up, the market can go down, but you know what the rate is on your mortgage,” Thompson says, so you know what your rate of return will be in paying it down or paying it off. While a retirement savings plan at work is “a great way to save for the long-term goal of retirement,” it can be “a terrible way to save” for other long-term goals, such as college savings, Morton says. A key issue involves liquidity, Sanzenbacher says. In exchange for the many tax advantages of a 401(k) or other such plan, you typically have limited access to your funds (until retirement or certain other life changes). If you do make withdrawals prior to retirement, you’ll not only face federal income tax (and state tax, depending on where you live), but also a 10 percent early withdrawal penalty (depending on your circumstances), he says. While it can be hard to figure out where to put the money you save for retirement when there are multiple types of accounts you can open, the savings hierarchy can help retirement savers prioritize. By understanding where your money should go first, and then where any extra money should be funneled, you’re making a smart decision for your future. Keep in mind that everyone’s situation is unique. While very few people ever regret saving too much for retirement, it is always a good idea to talk to your financial advisor about a personalized strategy for your retirement savings priorities. BBM

Karl J. Eggerss | Principal, Financial Advisor

Throughout his career, Karl has enjoyed offering opinions on the state of the economy and the financial markets whenever possible. He has hosted a syndicated radio show airing in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Colorado Springs, and Denver. Karl has been a frequent contributor on various financial news networks, including CNBC, CNBC Asia, Bloomberg, Fox Business, and Reuters. Currently, he hosts a weekly podcast called “Creating Richer Lives,” focusing on living a richer life beyond bank account balances. Outside of work, Karl enjoys spending time with his wife, Amy, and their two children, Anson and Avery. He also fits in a round of golf whenever possible.

(210) 526-0057 | captrust.com/boerne

Legal Notice:This material is intended to be informational only and does not constitute legal, accounting, or tax advice. Please consult the appropriate legal, accounting, or tax advisor if you require such advice.The opinions expressed in this report are subject to change without notice. This material has been prepared or is distributed solely for informational purposes and is not a solicitation or an offer to buy any security or instrument or to participate in any trading strategy. The information and statistics in this report are from sources believed to be reliable but are not guaranteed by CAPTRUST Financial Advisors to be accurate or complete. All publication rights reserved. None of the material in this publication may be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of CAPTRUST: 919.870.6822. © 2024 CAPTRUST Financial Advisors

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February ALL MONTH LONG LIVE MUSIC AT DOG & PONY GRILL Check their Facebook/Instagram for Upcoming Performances All Month Long!

TUESDAYS FREE ROAM’S TRIVIA TUESDAYS 6:00pm to 8:00pm 235 South Main Street – Boerne Gather your crew, order a beer, and put your heads together for trivia night at Free Roam Brewing Co. each week! The winning team goes home with bragging rights and a $50 gift card! THURSDAYS DOBBS KARAOKE NIGHT! 8:00pm to 11:59pm Salvador Dobbs | 512 River Road – Boerne FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS LIVE MUSIC AT TUSCULUM BREWING COMPANY! 5:30pm to 8:30pm 236 S. Main Street – Boerne Check their website or call for more information about their featured weekly musicians! SINGER/SONGWRITER SERIES AT TAPATIO SPRINGS HILL COUNTRY RESORT La Cascada Table & Bar – Patio 6:30pm to 10:30pm 1 Resort Way – Boerne SATURDAYS A DAY AT THE FARM AND FARMERS MARKET 9:00am to 1:00pm 33 Herff Road – Boerne Hike the trails, shop in the open air, get gar-

dening inspiration, take classes on growing your food or get new recipe ideas! OLD JAIL MUSEUM TOURS 10:00am to 4:00pm 208 East San Antonio Avenue – Boerne

FEBRUARY 10 SECOND SATURDAY AUTHOR SIGNING 11:00am to 1:00pm Library Lobby | 451 N. Main St. – Boerne Dystopian fiction enthusiasts, mark your calendars to meet the creative mind behind the gripping 'Keeper Program' series, author Michael Camarillo. Michael will be available to engage in discussions, sign copies of his books, and share his creative journey. Don't miss your chance to connect with this regional author and delve into the thought-provoking landscapes of the 'Keeper Program' series. FEBRUARY 10-11 BOERNE MARKET DAYS Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm Boerne Market Days is located in the heart of the historical district on Main Plaza. This event comes to town on the second weekend of every month.It has become synonymous with great shopping in an outdoor setting with artists, craftsmen and vendors sharing their creative talents and wares to the background music of some of Texas' best home grown musicians. Spend a day browsing the market and visiting the many downtown boutiques, galleries and restaurants for a unique hill country experience. There are a variety of bargains to be found such as jewelry, plants, art, handcrafts, collectibles, antiques, and more.

Calendar of Events

FEBRUARY 10 & 24 BLUEGRASS JAM 11:00am to 1:00pm The AgriCultural Museum and Arts Center 102 City Park Road – Boerne Bring your instrument and play along or just come to listen to the Bluegrass Jams while exploring the exhibits and grounds of The AgriCultural. KUHLMANN-KING MUSEUM TOURS 12:00pm to 3:00pm Kuhlmann-King Historical Complex 402 East Blanco Road - Boerne Step back in time to experience and explore how a Boerne family would have lived in the late 1800s. Tours are free but donations are always welcome. Keep an eye out for different educational programs each month. FEBRUARY 12 KC COMMISSIONERS COURT 9:00am to 11:00am Kendall County Courthouse 201 E. San Antonio Ave. – Boerne FEBRUARY 13 & 27 CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6:00pm to 8:00pm Boerne City Hall FEBRUARY 14 – VALENTINE’S DAY FEBRUARY 15 SCENIC OVERLOOK NATURE HIKE AT GRSP 9:00am to 10:30am Guadalupe River State Park 3350 Park Road 31 – Spring Branch Join a Texas Master Naturalist to learn continued on page 29

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local history

Benjamin Wren 1806 – 1898 Catherine “Kitty” Wren 1816 - 1901 Stan Hardin is pictured reading the historical marker inscription as other Wren descendants look on. The Wren Cemetery historic marker was unveiled on October 28, 2023. photo by Kendall County Historical Commission

First Families of Kendall County

ponsored by the Genealogical Society of Kendall County (GSKC), The First Families of Kendall County project began in 1999. The purpose of this project is to recognize the living descendants of persons instrumental in founding and settling of the area encompassed by present day Kendall County, Texas and to preserve the history of their families and the county. To date, 586 applications have been approved for 318 different individuals. One hundred seventy (170) Founders and one hundred four (104) Early Settlers have been documented and recognized. They represent one hundred thirty-five (135) different families in Kendall County. There are two hundred sixty-two (262) volumes of First Families notebooks on the shelves at the Family History Place. Here we will share with you some of the stories of those First Families who settled this beautiful area of the Texas hill country. We hope you enjoy!

by James Hurst

Kendall County founder, Benjamin Wren was born into slavery in 1806 in Arkansas Territory. His first known owner was Silas Rawls, who sold Benjamin to his son, Daniel Rawls, on September 7, 1816, in Clark County, Arkansas. He would have been ten years old. The sale document recorded that Benjamin and four others were "sound and healthy." Benjamin married a Virginia-born slave, Catherine "Kitty," before 1830 in Louisiana, and their first child, Burrell, was born in August 1830. The family was allowed to remain together, which was not always true for enslaved people across America. When Daniel Rawls moved to Texas, Benjamin was 47 years old with a wife and seven children. In addition to Burrell, their children included Ezekiel, born September 1832; Millie, born March 1835; Alexander "Alex," born June 1838; Amanda "Mandy," born around 1846; Nicodemus, born about 1849; and Mary Jane "Jean," born September 1852. All seven children were born in Louisiana. Their youngest child, Mary Ann, was born in June 1855 in Curry's Creek, Texas. On September 13, 1853, while Daniel Rawls was living in St. Mary Parrish, Louisiana, he purchased a 640 Donation Land Grant from George Ray of Georgia,

BOERNE BUSINESS MONTHLY | February 2024

sole heir of Anderson Ray, who died with Fannin at Goliad. The grant consisted of two parcels of land in the Curry's Creek area: 150 acres on the waters of the Guadalupe River and 490 acres along the waters of Curry's Creek, East Fork. A creek was running through the center of the larger tract and was later named Rawls Creek. His home was two miles west of present-day Kendalia. It is unclear how many enslaved people he brought with him, but at least twenty, including Ben, Kitty, and their children, were named in his estate. Daniel was a 70-year-old widower when he came to Texas, and in 1856, he married Lovina Penrod Lawhon, widow of Jessy William Lawhon. Jessy was the overseer for William E. Jones, who farmed near Daniel. Indians killed Jessy in May of 1855 while he and one of Jones' slaves, Seborn Riley, were looking for missing horses. Seaborn was wounded but managed to escape and alert the other ranches. Lovina Penrod Lawhon Rawls inherited Benjamin and his family when Daniel Rawls died in 1862. Around 1862 or 1863, Benjamim's son Alexander married Charlotte Manning. Family stories do not mention who Charlotte's owner was, but they tell how Alex and Charlotte had to live apart on their respective owner's property. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger ordered the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas. According to Alex's grandson, when General Granger freed them, his grandparents walked thirty-two miles to Boerne and settled in an area known as "the Flats." The Flats is located between two creeks just south of Main Street in Boerne and became one of four "freedom colonies" in Kendall County. The four freedom colonies included the Wasp Creek Colony, the Boerne Flats Colony, the Simmons Creek Colony, and the Wren Colony. Burrell, Benjamin's oldest son, married Milly Riley around 1866, shortly after being freed. Millie's father was Seaborne Riley, who was with Jessy Lawhon when the Indians killed him. During the 1870 census, Burrell and Milly lived in Precinct 3 of Kendall County, next door to his previous owner, Lavina, and her third husband, Wesley Callahan. Benjamin, Kitty, and their youngest daughter, Maty Ann, lived near Curry's Creek in Precinct 4. Jean and her daughter lived next door to her parents, and Nicodemus lived next door to Jean with his wife, Lucy Medows, and their first child, Elizabeth. Alex and Charlotte lived in the

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barbiesinboerne.com Flats in Precinct 1 with their four children. Ezekiel, Millie, and Mandy also lived in Precinct 1. Ezekiel was married to Mary, whose last name is unknown, and they had two daughters. Millie was married to Louis Hemphill. They were married around 1855 and had seven children listed on the census. Mandy married Richard "Dick" Street in 1866, and they had three children listed on the census. Alex, Ezekiel, Louis, and Dick farmed and had farmhands who were not family members living in their homes. Family stories tell that Alex became friends with Henry Theis, the County Clerk, who helped him apply for a land patent. Adolph Rosenthal surveyed 160 acres of land on the waters of Spring Creek, about three miles from Boerne, for Alex on October 15, 1873. On January 1, 1876, Alex received the certificate of occupancy from Henry Theis, verifying that Alex had met the requirements to receive his patent. C. H. Clauss and John F. Stendebach signed the certificate as witnesses. The land is on Spring Creek Road, about half a mile east of FM 474. The patent was granted on January 18, 1877, by Governor R. B. Hubbard. continued on page 18

boernebusinessmonthly.com

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Alex likely encouraged his father, Benjamin, to pursue land ownership. Charles Comfrey was granted a patent on 80 acres of land on the Little Joshua Creek in December of 1877 near the Wasp Creek community. He occupied the land for a year and then assigned the rights to his patent to

To learn more about The First Families of Kendall County project visit www.gskctx.org or stop by the Family History Place at 114 E. Blanco in Boerne. Follow on Facebook at Facebook.com/GenealogicalSocietyOfKendallCounty

BOERNE BUSINESS MONTHLY | February 2024

Benjamin Wren for fifty dollars. Ben and Kitty occupied the land in December of 1878 and fulfilled the requirements to receive a certificate of occupancy. It was given to them by Henry Theis on February 12, 1881. Ezekiel Wren and Robert Medows were witnesses. Governor John Ireland granted the patent on October 18, 1884. Benjamin and Kitty spent the remainder of their lives living in the area. The property was about 1.25 miles southeast of the present-day intersection of Waring-Welfare Road and Poehnert Road. Benjamin died in 1898 and Kitty in 1901. They are buried in the Wasp Creek Cemetery. Alex set aside two acres on the Wren property for a family cemetery. Governor R. B. Hubbard granted Alex the land patent on January 13, 1877, and his family filed the deed on September 13, 1922, three months after his death, on June 14. In 1924, Charlotte sold their property, except for the two-acre cemetery and the road leading to it, which she deeded to the Boerne Colored Cemetery Association on August 22, 1925. The Wren Cemetery, as it came to be known, was designated a State Historic Cemetery in 2018, and the Kendall County Historical Commission erected a State Historical Marker on the site in 2023. BBM

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cover feature

Dr. Kristin Craft

MEET BOERNE ISD’S NEW SUPERINTENDENT

by Lauren Stumberg | photo by The Marvelous Mrs. Lindsey

BOERNE BUSINESS MONTHLY | February 2024

2024 marked a new beginning for Boerne Independent School District. On January 2nd, Dr. Kristin Craft officially began her tenure as the new Superintendent for the district and has been engaging with the students, teachers, school staff and local community officials in an effort to truly understand and become part of not only the schools, but the Boerne community. The Boerne Independent School District Board of Trustees unanimously voted to name Dr. Craft as Superintendent of Boerne ISD on December 7th, 2023. Dr. Craft, who is the first female Superintendent in the history of Boerne ISD, has been an educator for over 28 years, and has served as Associate Superintendent of Academics and Chief Academic Officer in Spring Branch ISD in the Houston Area since 2018. She has spent 20 years serving in District Leadership Roles, including 12 years as a principal. She has served as a principal at every level, rising from elementary to intermediate and then to high school, between 2003 to 2015. Dr. Craft earned a Doctorate of Education and Master of Education in Educational Administration from Sam Houston State University and an undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Iowa, majoring in Spanish and minoring in TESOL. “I knew very early on in my career that I wanted to be a superintendent. I took strategic and intentional steps in my career to prepare me for the superintendency. When the opportunity in Boerne became available, it was just too good to pass by,” said Dr. Craft. “Not only is it a phenomenal opportunity in a premier school district, but personally my husband, Chris, and I want to be here in this community as well. His family has all moved in this direction and is scattered around the hill country. Being here in Boerne puts us close to them. We are excited to be here!” “Although I have been a proud Texas resident since 1995, I am originally from Webster City, Iowa. I am a small-town girl at heart and understand the importance of continuing the tight-knit community feel even as Boerne continues to grow. This community possesses a unique trio of rural roots, small-town charm and strong community support, while also being one of the fastest-growing districts in the picturesque Texas hill country. These unique characteristics enticed me to become part of the remarkable Boerne ISD team, and I am confident it is for those very same reasons that many of our families have chosen to stay or move here. That being said, it is vital that we continue this legacy of excellence as we grow,” said Dr. Craft. Currently, the district employs over 1,300 full and part-time employees and has almost 11,000 students on 12 campuses, with a 13th, Viola Wilson Elementary School, to be open this coming August. continued on page 22

pictured (clockwise from bottom left): Dr. Craft serving lunch at Voss Middle School; Dr. Craft reading to dual language students at Fabra Elementary; Dr. Craft with Culinary students at Boerne High School

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pictured (top to bottom): Dr. Craft hosting her first Listen + Learn session with BISD Principals; Dr. Craft with Bus Driver Lee Man before riding a route with Van Raub students; Dr. Craft in an art class at BMSN pictured (facing page): Dr. Craft with a student at Cibolo Creek Elementary

BOERNE BUSINESS MONTHLY | February 2024

“We are absolutely thrilled to name Dr. Kristin Craft as the next Superintendent and to welcome her to the Boerne ISD family. Dr. Craft stood out from the other applicants, as she has been instrumental in the academic success made by Spring Branch ISD students, she helped close learning gaps after the pandemic, she strengthened SBISD’s career and technical education program, helped pass an important bond, and much more. The Board focused on finding the right leader who will continue to build on the successes of Boerne ISD, and Dr. Craft is that person. The selection of Dr. Craft would not have been possible without the results from the online community survey and input from inperson meetings by our search firm with community members. Dr. Craft realizes the uniqueness of our community as well as the importance of maintaining the small-town feel that we all love so much. She is the right person to lead BISD into the future,” stated Carlin Friar, President of the BISD Board of Trustees. Dr. Craft spent her first weeks at Boerne ISD by diving right in among the students, teachers and staff. “I had some time between being officially hired and my first day on the job. I spent this time being thoughtful about my entry plan. I wanted to be able to learn quickly and be in the work,” she said. “In my short time here at Boerne ISD I have toured all of the campuses, met the staff, the SROs, members of the maintenance department, the teachers, principals and City officials. I have read to the students, taken an early morning bus route, served lunch in the cafeteria and so much more.” Why was this important to Dr. Craft? Because in immersing herself in all that is Boerne ISD she was able to see what makes our district so very special, and what it will take to continue its excellence. According to Dr. Craft, “My top three takeaways from my time here in Boerne ISD so far have been that relationships matter, rigorous first time instruction, and community commitment. Without a doubt, BISD is a shining example

of excellence in education within the state of Texas, and the nation. Our students demonstrate excellence both in academics and in a variety of extracurricular pursuits, resulting in numerous regional and state titles. Our staff members exemplify dedication and hard work, embodying our core values in all aspects of their work. Our community provides unwavering support and collaboration to aid us in offering programs that provide hands-on experience to equip our students with the tools they need to succeed at the next level.” Boerne ISD is consistently regarded as a top-tier K-12 organization. The district’s high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools have been ranked highly in Texas. Additionally, all 12 BISD campuses have received high marks from the US News and World Report and the district's achievements range from being named to the U.S. College Board's AP District Honor Roll to receiving the NAMM Foundation's Best Communities for Music Education designation. The standard of excellence maintained across the district and its commitment to the core values of Integrity, Respect, Accountability, Perseverance, Service, and Compassion has resulted in numerous awards, such as the HEB Excellence in Education Best Small School District in Texas and the San Antonio Express-News Top Workplace Award. “There is no doubt that fabulous things are happening at BISD. Schools are constantly in stages of continuing improvement. My goal is to keep the good growing and make our district even stronger in the years to come,” added Dr. Craft. "I am deeply honored for the opportunity to join the Boerne ISD family and serve as your Superintendent of Schools. I am thrilled to make Boerne my new hometown and look forward to shaping the future for every student, teacher, leader, and family in BISD. What I have learned in my time here is that what makes this school district so great is YOU!” BBM

Be sure to listen to the Boerne Insider Podcast for weekly district news from Boerne ISD.

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for a good cause

Tails of the Hill Country to Raise Funds for U.S. War Dogs

Tails of the Hill Country - A Dogs' Adventure Guide is a photographic project by lead by Ares & Emzy Pet Photography and a cadre of Hill Country Professional Pet Photographers. The project will photograph dogs in iconic, dog-friendly areas of the Texas Hill Country to guide visitors traveling with their dogs. The book features our sponsors and locations in the categories that spell P E T S for P - places to play, E - places to eat, T - places to tour, and S - places to stay. This book is dedicated to one extraordinary K9 Veteran, Bass. In 2023, Bass was awarded England’s 75th PDSA Dickin Award for displaying conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty while serving with his handler, SSgt Alex Schnell. The PDSA Medal is considered the animal’s “Victoria Cross”. You can read more about this project and how you can be part of it in the March issue of Boerne Business Monthly! BBM

BOERNE: 134 Menger Springs, Suite 1210 STONE OAK: 1139 E. Sonterra, Suite 500 SPORTS MEDICINE: 255 E. Sonterra, Suite 110

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home & land

Tips & Trends

FOR HOMEOWNERS, BUYERS AND SELLERS

Planning for a Kitchen Island

A kitchen island can become the centerpiece of any kitchen. In addition to its aesthetic value, it also provides additional space for storage, prep work and dining. However, before installing a kitchen island, there are several factors homeowners should consider. SIZE & SHAPE: Before installing a kitchen island, consider the size and shape of the kitchen. Depending on the room’s layout, a rectangular or squareshaped island may work best to maximize functionality and flow. In larger, open-concept kitchens, it may be possible to install a more unique, curved or L-shaped island. Plan for enough clearance around the island to comfortably move around and accommodate seating.

STORAGE Storage space is a key feature in any kitchen, and a kitchen island can boost your storage options. Consider the types of storage you will need, such as drawers, cabinets or shelves, and if special inserts, such as tray dividers or spice racks, will make life easier. Think about the accessibility of the storage space, as well—cabinets and drawers that are too deep or long can reduce functionality.

PURPOSE Whether it’s for meal prep, a cooking station, additional storage or a dining area, it’s important to determine the primary purpose of the island when planning the design. For example, if the island will be used mainly for cooking or clean-up, be sure that you can run the proper plumbing, gas or electrical lines to the area. Consider lifestyle when deciding on the countertop: Are you prepared to handle the upkeep marble requires, or would butcher block or poured concrete be a better choice?

BUDGET Islands can range greatly in price, depending on their size, features and materials used. Determine what you can afford before making a purchase. Consider a prefabricated island instead of one that’s custom-made to fit both budget and functionality needs.

BOERNE BUSINESS MONTHLY | February 2024

content adapted from Your Home – for Certified Residential Specialists

Wood Flooring vs. Wood-likeTile

Hardwood flooring has been the classic choice for homeowners for centuries, providing warmth, sophistication and durability. However, modern technology has brought us wood-like ceramic or porcelain tiles that mimic the natural look and texture of wood without the maintenance. Let’s compare the pros and cons of har wood flooring.

Stair Railing Styles to Suit Your Design

Stair railings are an essential feature of every staircase, but it’s vital to pick a style that complements your home’s aesthetic while also providing safety. TRADITIONAL Traditional railing styles are classic and timeless, perfect for homes with a more traditional or colonial interior design. They’re often made of wood and feature vertical balusters placed close together, providing safety while alsobeing visually appealing. These styles are also available in wrought iron and steel, making them sturdy and durable. MODERN If your interior design leans towards the modern and contemporary, a minimalist railing style is the perfect choice. Cable and glass railing styles feature sleek and clean lines, offering an unobstructed view of the stairs and the surrounding space. They’re popular for their safety features, making them a favorite for families with young children or pets.

RUSTIC The rustic railing style is perfect for homeowners who want to add a touch of natural charm to their home. Rustic railings often feature roughhewn wood or branches, providing a connection to nature while being both durable and sturdy. They’re ideal for log homes, cabins or homes with a more rustic aesthetic. ART DECO The Art Deco railing style is great for homeowners who want to add a touch of glamour and sophistication to their home, providing both safety and style simultaneously. Usually made of metal, these railings are characterized by their geometric designs that range from simple to intricate, making them a statement piece in any home.

CRAFTSMAN AND COTTAGE Craftsman-style railings perfectly blend traditional and modern railing styles, featuring clean lines, unadorned details and vertical spindles. They’re often made of wood and are a popular choice for bungalows or craftsman-style homes. Cottage-style railings can be very similar to their craftsman counterparts, with wooden elements brightened with paint.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS | cont’d about local geological features, the importance of water, and local flora and fauna. This easy trail is less than 3/4 mile long and mostly level with some rocky areas. All ages and friendly dogs on leash are welcome! No need to register—just show up! Meet: Outside the Discovery Center Bring: Sturdy footwear, water, and sun protection

2024 SEASON

12 T H A N N I V E R SA RY

LIVE! AT THE LIBRARY: NATHAN KEARNEY DUO 7:00pm to 9:00pm Library Amphitheater | 451 N. Main St. – Boerne Prepare to be enchanted by the February concert starring the remarkable Nathan Kearney Duo. Hailing from Texas, these folk artists draw inspiration from the rich tapestry of traditional music found in the United States and Ireland. Their performance promises a captivating journey through the soulful melodies and evocative sounds that define their unique musical style. With a fusion of influences that transcend borders, the Nathan Kearney Duo is set to create an unforgettable experience, weaving together the essence of two distinct musical traditions into a harmonious celebration of acoustic brilliance. FEBRUARY 16 FAMILY NIGHT HIKE 6:00pm to 7:30pm Cibolo Nature Center | 140 City Park Road – Boerne Join The Cibolo on the trails at sunset and discover the various living organisms that call the Cibolo home. Family Night Hikes are great ways for children and families to explore the Cibolo and see what lives in the park in the dark!

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 27

FEBRUARY 17 GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY'S 20TH ANNUAL HILL COUNTRY FAMILY HISTORY SEMINAR 9:00am to 4:00pm St. John Lutheran Church | 315 Rosewood Ave. – Boerne Join the Genealogical Society of Kendall County for a presentation from Genealogist Lisa Lisson, author, and creator of "Are You My Cousin?". This is a website that is designed to help genealogy researchers around the world to grow their family trees without the overwhelm. Her seminar is designed to help you "unstick your genealogy" by focusing on underutilized genealogy resources and strategies. On Friday, February 16, Lisa will present a hands-on workshop for beginning genealogists. Participants will need to bring a laptop, and enrollment is limited. All details are listed on www.gskctx.org. STAR PARTY AT GRSP 6:00pm to 8:00pm Guadalupe River State Park | 3350 Park Road 31 – Spring Branch Members of the San Antonio Astronomical Association and park staff will be on site with their telescopes to point out the moon, constellations, planets and more. Drop-in any time between 6pm and 8pm! Where: This event will be held in the large overflow parking lot (just up the road from the big river parking lot). Look for the big blue ‘Stargazing Tonight’ sign on the park road just across from this parking lot. If you arrive after hours and do not have an existing day pass reservation, please use the self-pay station in the parking lot of the park office to pay your entrance fee in cash or write down your Texas State Parks Pass information on the self-pay envelope. You can also make a ‘day use’ reservation online and pay with your credit card at: texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com continued on page 38

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ribbon cuttings

GREATER BOERNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

JANUARY 2024 RIBBON CUTTINGS

GBMB Insurance 40th Anniversary GBMB Insurance, also known as Grona Boles Martin & Bloxsom Insurance, has been serving the San Antonio area for 40 years! They’re an independent insurance and financial services company that is dedicated to your investments and securing your family’s overall financial future, as well as the future and success of your business. They offer all types of personal insurance coverages including auto, homeowners, motorcycle, boat, flood and more. In addition to personal insurance, they also offer commercial insurance. Call David Murrah at (210) 366-5094 for more on their insurance products or visit to their website gbmbinsurance.com.

Alchemy Massage Studio Alchemy Massage Studio is a brand new, upscale massage studio located at 27650 I-10 Suite 206 right here in Boerne! They offer customized massages that are tailored to your unique goals and preferences. From full body options to prenatal, couples options and more, they work with you and your specific needs to ensure you leave feeling refreshed and relaxed. If you’re a frequent client, one of their memberships may be perfect for you! Alchemy is NOW OPEN and ready to serve you in 2024, book your next massage today by calling (210) 588-0355 or going online at alchemymassagestudio.com.

ClutterFree PhD ClutterFree PHD believes that everyone can enjoy a “Luxe Experience” when it comes to aesthetic organization. Their unique client journey not only enables people to relish in their bespoke, highly functional space, but equips them to foster similar systems throughout their home. While they can tackle almost any service, ClutterFree PHD specializes in pantries, kitchens, closets, playrooms, bathrooms, bedrooms, offices, small business, and nonprofits. Give Kelly a call (469) 525-5254, send a text, email ClutterFreePHD@gmail.com or go to their website clutterfreephd.com to book an in-person or virtual service!

Genesis Counseling Center New Office Genesis Counseling Center is deeply rooted in providing best-practice counseling services “To Touch Lives and Inspire Life”. Their dedicated team of licensed therapists are actively involved locally and eager to invest in the Hill Country communities. They look forward to serving you at their modern, new Boerne office location at 101 Woods of Boerne Blvd., Suite 200 as well as through their convenient telehealth services. With nearly two decades of counseling expertise and a reputation as a leading provider of Christian counseling nationwide, you can trust Genesis to provide the support you need for a new beginning and a fulfilling, healthier life. Give them a call at (830) 967-7422 or go to genesiscounselingcenter.com/texas-boerne.

SYNERGY HomeCare of Boerne SYNERGY HomeCare of Boerne was introduced for one purpose: to bring wholehearted, life-energizing care to as many people as possible - on their own terms, in their own homes, no matter their situations. Since then, they’ve been creating new and innovative ways to serve people, from the elderly to new mothers and everyone in between.They offer home care services, hospital-to-home care, senior care and companionship, memory care, disability care, and much more! To find out more, call them at (210) 253-6055, go online synergyhomecare.com or stop by their office at 920C E. Blanco Road in Boerne.

New Life Cosmetic Surgery and MedSpa Grand Opening With more than two decades of experience, New Life Cosmetic Surgery and Medspa embodies a legacy of precision and innovation. Dr. Lee’s mastery, coupled with his empathetic approach, has empowered countless individuals to unveil their true selves with confidence. They offer a wide variety of surgical procedures and medspa services, with aesthetic providers that have 20+ years of combined experience. New Life Cosmetic Surgery invites you to come by their studio located at 117 Waterview Parkway in Boerne, call them at (830) 515-5193 or visit their website newlifeboerne.com for reservations or more information.

Perspire Sauna Studio Dominion’s 1 Year Anniversary Happy 1 Year Anniversary, Perspire Sauna Studio! This local business is combining the centuries-old practice of sauna with the modern science of infrared technology and red light therapy to transform your health and wellness! These sauna sessions will help to detox the body, burn calories, enhance immunity, improve sleep and more! Interested in booking a session? Head over to their website perspiresaunastudio. com/tx/dominion, give them a call at (210) 764-5187 or stop by and visit them today at their studio located at 21803 IH 10 W, Ste 108 in San Antonio! We look forward to celebrating many more years with you, Perspire Sauna Studio!

Connections Therapy’s 5 Year Anniversary Connections Therapy provides comprehensive care to meet the needs of your child, along with one-on-one attention, and a fun, stress-free environment to put them at ease. They offer expertise in pediatric speech, occupational, and physical therapy, including working with feeding and social groups. Connections Sensory Play Gym, additionally, offers a fun, natural play area where children can reach their fullest potential to explore, regulate, and learn. Give them a call at (830) 755-8853, head over to their website connectionstherapytx.com or stop by and visit them at 28604 IH 10 West, Suite 8 in Boerneto to learn more! Congrats on 5 years, Connections Therapy!

Enrich Health and Wellness Enrich Health and Wellness is proud to offer innovative cosmetic services and beyond to adults of all ages at their new location at 27650 W IH Frontage Rd., Suite 201 in Boerne! Maria Cole, APRN, FNP-C, brings years of experience as a board-certified family nurse practitioner to the team, offering everything from cutting-edge cosmetic treatments to comprehensive weight loss programs. In addition, they offer dermal fillers, rejuvenating SkinPen microneedling, specialized infertility treatments and more. Stop by and check them out, call (830) 240-2540 or head over to their website enrichhw. com to read all about their services. Congrats Enrich Health and Wellness!

BOERNE BUSINESS MONTHLY | February 2024

UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTINGS & BUSINESS BUILDING EVENTS FEBRUARY 1 Ribbon Cutting for The Kendall County Republican Party Ribbon Cutting for VITAL Health Solutions FEBRUARY 7 Groundbreaking Ceremony for Morningside Menger Springs Terrace Homes Expansion FEBRUARY 8 Ribbon Cutting for American Legion Auxiliary Unit 313 Ribbon Cutting for Thatcher Consulting Services Ribbon Cutting for America Reclaimed Boerne After Hours Mixer hosted by America Reclaimed FEBRUARY 13 Ribbon Cutting for Prosthetics At Home Ribbon Cutting for What’s For Dinner?

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FEBRUARY 15 Ribbon Cutting for McRae MD Medical Laser Spa Ribbon Cutting for Pauly Tamez Fine Art

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FEBRUARY 22 Ribbon Cutting for Yaping Zhang Ribbon Cutting for 2 Pees in a Pot Boerne After Hours Mixer hosted by The Boerne Star FEBRUARY 23 Ribbon Cutting for The Gym in Boerne FEBRUARY 27 Ribbon Cutting for Conscious Health & Wellbeing Ribbon Cutting for Finishing Touches For More Information, Times and Locations visit the Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce’s website:

Boerne.org

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accolades

The Boerne Independent School District has announced the Boerne’s Best Distinguished Alumni Class of 2024. This year’s honorees are Dr. C. Clifford Wendler (BHS, 1935), Erin Meyer-Charneux (BHS, 1990), Jeff Fincke (BHS, 1972), and Mike Fincke (BHS, 1974), with the Benefactor Award being presented to Dr. Thomas Price. This is the fifth class of Boerne’s Best inductees, with the first being enshrined in the class of 2020. Boerne's Best inductees are individuals who have graduated from Boerne ISD at least 10 years ago or later, have achievements that set them above and beyond the standard in their profession, and have achievements that set them above and beyond the standard in community service. “This year’s Boerne’s Best class is absolutely extraordinary,” said Boerne ISD Athletic Director and Boerne’s Best Chair, Stan Leech. “This year’s inductees represent the best that BISD has to offer. The contributions from this immensely talented group are second to none. We are very excited to welcome these legendary alumni to Boerne’s Best.” DR. C. CLIFFORD WENDLER Dr. C. Clifford Wendler’s family roots are traced back to the early 1850’s, when the pioneer Wendler and Luckenbach families settled in the area. Dr. Wendler served in the Army for five and a half years during World War II, and attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After the war, he returned to IBM in Dallas and later joined the management staff of Texas Instruments. He took a leave of absence to obtain a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin. After receiving his doctorate, he became a professor in the School of Business at SMU in Dallas. Dr. Wendler retired and spent much of his time painting and was an accomplished artist. He was a lifetime member of St. Helena's Episcopal Church, and enjoyed his church activities. He was founder, Chairman of the Board, and President of the Boerne Cemetery Foundation. In this capacity, he devoted many years to the restoration and improvement of the Boerne Cemetery, as well as obtaining a stable financial base for perpetual care of the cemetery. Dr. Wendler is a 1935 graduate of Boerne High School. He passed away on April 22, 2015 at the age of 97.

BOERNE BUSINESS MONTHLY | February 2024

ERIN MEYER-CHARNEUX Erin Meyer-Charneux is an artist, speaker, and author. She was born and raised in Boerne and is a naturalized Belgian who has lived in Brussels for over 25 years. Meyer-Charneux is the author of D-DAY LESSONS FOR TODAY: How to Create Your Future History, and she is currently developing the book, Coming to .BE: A journey of self-discovery in a surreal little land. The D-DAY piece is a visual reflection on creative problem solving, innovation, and personal development inspired from history. Meyer-Charneux created an interactive exhibit of D-Day Lessons for Today for over 3,000 students and teachers in Normandy, France during the commemorations of the 75th anniversary of D-Day. As a public speaker, has delivered speeches to TEDxViloorde, The Council of Europe Youth Department, The International School of Brussels, and The US National WWII Museum. Throughout her career she has made live television appearances on BBC World, The Today Show with Katie Couric, as well as “Forts en Tete”, a Belgian cultural game show. A 1990 graduate of Boerne High School, Meyer-Charneux was a cheerleader all four years, including Head Varsity Cheerleader her senior year. She was a member of the National Honor Society and the Senior Class President. JEFF FINCKE Jeff Fincke is a descendant of one of the early families of Kendall County. He has served Kendall County for over 55 years both as a volunteer and an employee. Fincke has served Kendall County as a member of the Boerne Volunteer Fire Department for 40 years, including 28 years as Chief, as well as Kendall County EMS Administrator for 42 years, including roles as Emergency Management Coordinator and Fire Marshal. Fincke was instrumental in beginning the annual EMS Christmas breakfast, a tradition that lasted for 24 years. Fincke spent 33 years with the Castle Hills Fire Department, with most of that experience as Captain. He served as a Strike Team Leader with STRAC (South

Texas Regional Advisory Council on Trama), where he responded to dangerous storms and fire events, including Hurricane Dolly and Hurricane Ike. During Hurricane Katrina, Fincke received evacuees from Louisiana at the shelter in Boerne. Fincke, a 1972 graduate of Boerne High School, was a four-year letterman for the Greyhounds Football Team, including serving as a captain during his senior year. He was in the last senior class to attend the old Boerne High School, which today is Boerne Middle School North, and was in the first class to graduate from the new Boerne High School. MIKE FINCKE Mike Fincke, like his brother Jeff, is a descendant of one of the early families of Kendall County. Fincke has lived a life of service, including 35-years with the Boerne Volunteer Fire Department as a Captain, Assistant Chief, Chief, and President, as well as 38-years as a professional Firefighter with the City of Castle Hills as Lieutenant and then Assistant Chief. Upon his retirement from Castle Hills, Fincke served as Kendall County Commissioner Precinct 1. Fincke was instrumental in beginning the Boerne Volunteer Fire Department Fish Fry, as well as serving on the Berges Fest Board of Directors, including several years as President. He also was an early member of the Centurions Club and played a large role in beginning the Boerne 4th of July fireworks show, and was an EMT in Kendall County. He has been a strong supporter of the Boerne ISD athletic program,

even serving as a volunteer statistician and spotter for the Greyhounds football team. Fincke, a 1974 graduate of Boerne High School, was a four-year letterman with the Greyhounds Football Team. DR. THOMAS PRICE Former Boerne ISD Superintendent Dr. Thomas Price is this year’s Benefactor Award recipient. Dr. Price currently serves as Superintendent Emeritus and will retire at the end of the school year after seven years of service to the BISD community and 37 years in public education, including 17 years as a Superintendent of Schools. During Dr. Price’s tenure as Boerne ISD Superintendent, the district has grown by nearly 3,000 students to almost 11,000. He oversaw the opening of three new campuses, as well as the passage of the 2022 Bond that will result in Viola Wilson Elementary School opening in 2024, along with additions at both high schools, renovations at other campuses, and other facility updates needed for a fast growth district. Under Dr. Price’s leadership, Boerne ISD was Academically Rated an “A” three times by the Texas Education Agency, received an “A” by the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas in six consecutive years, earned the Texas State Comptroller’s Transparency Star, was named the Best Small School District in Texas by the H-E-B Excellence in Education Foundation, as well as named a Top Workplace by the San Antonio Express-News. In addition, Dr. Price was named Regional Superintendent of the Year during his tenure in BISD. BBM

The Class of 2024 will be inducted at a luncheon on Friday, April 26 at The Club of Cordillera Ranch at 11:30 a.m.

boernebusinessmonthly.com

fun & games

February WORD SEARCH

VALENTINE FEBRUARY LEAP YEAR LOVE HEART GROUNDHOG SUPER BOWL

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BOERNE BUSINESS MONTHLY | February 2024

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technology

The Boerne Bubble And Ai

As Artificial Intelligence continues to evolve, its impact on communities across the United States becomes increasingly evident, even in our town. The adoption of AI technologies is transforming various aspects of daily life, from business operations to little tasks at home. Whether we like it or not, Boerne is not immune to the influence of Artificial Intelligence. Local businesses in Boerne can benefit from AI-driven solutions to enhance efficiency and decision-making processes. AI technologies offer opportunities for growth and innovation for small businesses. However, understanding and implementing AI can be challenging for businesses unfamiliar with the intricacies of AI – even with how rapidly Boerne continues to grow and expand. We’ve had the opportunity to use AI continuously – whether its utilizing AI to generate better social media strategies, to quickly develop code structures for small widgets within websites, to editing images and allowing for more flexibility for our clients’ products outside of our studio. Now, even with how incredible AI can be, there’s usually little discrepancies that must be adjusted to be of quality. We ran a prompt through OpenAI ChatGPT to generate a Press Release for our 20th Anniversary in April 2023. ChatGPT had some things correct, until it mentions “The gentleman who founded Penguin Suits…”. Adobe Photoshop has a distinct Generative AI feature that

BOERNE BUSINESS MONTHLY | February 2024

allows users to manipulate the image and create a unique product. For the most part, Adobe’s AI features allow for more advanced adaptability and awareness of what the user is asking for. On the other hand, it will sometimes add extra fingers or glossy eyes to the image. For Boerne residents looking to understand AI – there’s plenty of resources available, including giving us a shout. It can be used as a tool instead of as this daunting thing. However – keep mindful of your original creative materials and protect yourself digitally. The impact of AI in Boerne is unfolding rapidly, presenting both opportunities and challenges. But – our town is resilient to growth as we’ve noted in the last few years. We even have drones at Dickens on Main! Boerne will adapt and learn how to use AI as a beneficial tool. BBM DEBI BURROWS, CEO STRATEGIST/HEAD STORYTELLER/OWNER Debi’s passion for marketing started at the age of 9, when she wrote her first press release about her father’s businesses. Using her BA in Communications, Marketing & Advertising, from the SUNY at Buffalo, she develops innovative programs that promote and grow businesses. Originally from New York, Debi regards herself as a NY Texan. She has four amazing grown children and a lovely husband. Her passion is developing specialized messages and marketing tools that give excellent ROI and lead generation for her clients’ businesses.

THE OLDEST TITLE COMPANY IN

KENDALL COUNTY

1950 Boerne Star ad note price for acre of farmland fifty cents an acre

Kendall County Abstract Company has a sovereign plant, which means our plant goes all the way back to the original land grants from the State of Texas. We can trace every piece of property in Kendall County from the current owner all the way back to the original land grant. We are locally owned and operated, and our professional and courteous staff has a combined title experience in excess of 169 years. We’re proud of our long history and pride ourselves on being the most responsive and progressive title company in the county.

103 N. SAUNDERS ST. BOERNE, TEXAS 78006

Email us: info@kcac.net

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Est.

AUGUST 29, 1913

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS | cont’d FEBRUARY 17 MUSIC IN THE CAVE: LOVE MEDITATIONS BY ATLAS MAIOR 7:00pm to 9:00pm Cave Without a Name | 325 Kreutzberg Rd. – Boerne Atlas Maior presents Love Meditations perfect just for you or to share with your Valentine, best friend, or family. They bring the natural cave acoustics alive with original music that combines global elements of progressive jazz, Middle Eastern, Latin, and Indian music traditions. They create a unique sound that balances intimate moments of sincerity with powerful melodies and incendiary rhythmic passages. FEBRUARY 19 – PRESIDENTS’ DAY FEBRUARY 21 MOVIE CLASSICS: THE SEARCHERS 1:00pm to 3:00pm The Center at Kronkosky | 17 Old San Antonio Road – Boerne The library is hosting a classic movie screening once a month at the Center at Kronkosky. For the month of February they’ll be showing The Searchers starring John Wayne. This event is open to the public! Please register with Caren to save your seat.

MOVIE IN THE PARK: AVENGERS ASSEMBLE 6:00pm to 9:30pm Main Plaza | 100 North Main Street – Boerne These free, family-friendly screenings are a great time for everyone. Movies start at sundown, but come out early for some pre-movie fun starting at 6:00 p.m. Bring your blankets, chairs, and snacks as you enjoy some free entertainment before the movie. Showing: 'Avengers End Game' Feel free to dress as your favorite superhero!

FEBRUARY 27 BOERNE PERFORMING ARTS: DRUM TAO 7:30pm to 9:30pm Boerne Champion Auditorium 201 Charger Blvd – Boerne More than 9 million spectators have been touched across the world by DRUM TAO’s phenomenal performances consisting of incomparable ”Wadakodrums” and the beautiful melody of Japanese flutes and harps. It is “Japanese entertainment” for a new generation that completely surpasses expectations. Tickets at www.boerneperformingarts.com

FEBRUARY 25 ARCHERY IN THE PARK 10:00am to 12:00pm Guadalupe River State Park 3350 Park Road 31 – Spring Branch Join park rangers for the safe and fun sport of archery! Drop-in any time between 10:00am and 12:00pm! Registration NOT required. Who: Ages 8 and up, please Where: Rust House (past the Honey Creek State Natural Area gate) Bring: Drinking water, sun protection, closetoed shoes.

FEBRUARY 29 BOERNE ISD STATE OF THE DISTRICT: PRESENTED BY FORD OF BOERNE 11:00am to 1:00pm The Cana Ballroom 202 W Kronkosky St. – Boerne A special luncheon honoring Boerne ISD's Teachers of the Year! Attendees will also enjoy a special keynote presentation from Boerne ISD Superintendents, Dr. Thomas Price and Dr. Kristin Craft, and a catered lunch. $45 for Chamber Members $60 for Future Members Corporate Table Sponsorships are now available! Registration is required. BBM

FEBRUARY 23

BOERNE BUSINESS MONTHLY | February 2024

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