Boerne Business Monthly - June 2023

BOERNE BUSINESS MONTHLY

World Renowned Urban Artist

Now Calls Boerne Home

DOES LANDSCAPING INCREASE YOUR HOME’S VALUE?

BANK FAILURES: CAN DEPOSITORS PROTECT THEIR FUNDS?

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

June is here and that means SUMMER! What is your favorite thing about this time of year? Maybe you enjoy heading to your favorite local restaurant and sitting on the patio with friends? Maybe you like the extra time with your kids or grandkids while school is out? Or maybe you love to hit the beach, pool, rivers or lakes and soak up all the time in the water that you can? Whatever it is that you enjoy about summer, do your best to make the most of it because it will be gone before you know it!

For me, I love all of the above, but I ook forward to the most is a slight break in the hustle that happens during the school year. No getting to school on time, no sports practices, just hanging out and having fun!

This issue, we are excited to share our cover story on Justin Bua, a world renowned urban artist who now calls Boerne home. Check out the article to see what attracted him to our charming town and learn more about his art, life and his latest projects.

Also in this issue, we have lots of local news and info along with informative articles on finances, banking, real estate and more.

Have a great summer and I hope you enjoy this June issue of BBM,

Lauren Stumberg Owner/Publisher

Hill Country Sitters is a small business owned by a mom with two little ones. The owner, Desirey has 10+ years of child care under her belt and knows the importances of parents getting a break. Hill Country Sitters has a team of mom’s booking your sitters, and experienced sitters waiting to serve your families needs. Whether its date night or some time away to just rest, Hill Country Sitters will be waiting for your request!

New Mayor Takes Office

BBoerne officially has a new mayor. On May 23, 2023, Mayor Frank Ritchie was sworn in at the City Council Meeting alongside District 2 Councilwoman Sharon Wright and District 4 Councilman Bryce Boddie.

Elected in the May 2023 General Election, Mayor Ritchie and his family have called Boerne home for many years. He is heavily involved in the community, in addition to being a local business owner and pastor. A political newcomer, Ritchie won the May 2023 General Election against long-time city council representative, Nina Woolard, with 76 percent of the vote.

Ritchie ran an untraditional, grassroots campaign for mayor with no campaign funding or campaigning. He simply put his hat in the ring with a message that he loves Boerne and desires to see the City maintain the quality of life that so many are attracted to. Local citizens who were ready for a change helped to spread the word and even printed their own campaign signs and bumper stickers!

Mayor Ritchie believes in holding his new office with honesty, hard work and transparency.

Look for a more in depth article on Mayor Ritchie in the upcoming issue of Boerne Business Monthly!

Pictured: Newly elected Mayor Frank Ritchie, District 2 Councilwoman Sharon Wright and District 4 Councilman Bryce Boddie.

BBM

LOCAL MARKET Stable & Thriving

IIt should come as no surprise that here in the Texas Hill Country we have stepped into a new season of real estate. Over the past two years the market has rapidly shifted. Today is a season where we are stabilizing and seeing normal interest rates and normal prices. This will offer opportunities for both sellers and buyers. This current market calls for sellers and buyers to choose a professional Realtor with a lot of experience who can assist clients in working through market strategies for the best results.

If you look at the national real estate headlines, you’ll be misinformed on what is going on in San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country, our market is stable and thriving. Many sellers and buyers are very comfortable with this stabilizing market allowing them great opportunities right now. There is not an interest rate issue on our forefront, but rather an

inventory issue making for a strong market for sellers.

Currently in our area we are experiencing two months of inventory, while there is still a shortage of primary housing supply. It is a great time to be a seller, the fact that spring is here and coupled with a shortage in the housing market makes for a beautiful opportunity for sellers to take advantage of a great market. No longer can sellers offer their homes in “as is” condition, they are expected to put their property on the market in great condition to receive top dollar. That’s why hiring the right Realtor is even more important than ever. Showcasing your home and making sure you are aligned with a Realtor that will market for success will give you the best advantage for top dollar. Sellers who lack guidance and preparation in showcasing their home in today’s market will not be able to reap the best benefit and maximum dollar.

Are you a buyer entering today’s real estate market? A season of stabilization is good for you as well. Interest rates have seen significant fluctuation over the past few months, but they are now stabilizing and you should feel confident that now is the best time to invest in real estate. Look forward to capitalizing on your home and avoiding multiple offers or negotiating low sales price because of necessary repairs.Partnering yourself with a professional Realtor, brings benefits and connections with lenders, contractors, and service providers. For example, mortgage lenders can advise and provide strategies that will enable negotiating the payment desired, utilizing buy downs, recasting, or advise for future use.

Find a Realtor who will take care of you and be your best advocate for you in the market while confidentially supporting you in purchasing your next investment.

BBM

The Rivers Team is abreast of market changes and housing trends and provides a concierge level of service and customer care with unwavering professionalism. We work with an extensive group of professionals and utilize these resources for our client’s best interest. If you’d like to discuss the market or the value of your property, please contact The Rivers Team.

The Rivers Team – Phyllis Browning Company Judith and Dwaine Rivers theriverteam.com

Our goal at Kendall County Abstract Company is to be the premier title company in Kendall County. We provide real estate closing services and title insurance to both individuals and businesses. All work and research is done in-house at our office. When you have questions and are looking for high quality, we are ready to serve your needs.

Ashlee Pfeiffer Escrow Officer ashlee@kcac.net

After spending decades in the workforce, you might look forward to the day you retire. But if you decide, for one reason or another, that you’d like to redefine “retirement” to include part-time work or consulting, you could enjoy exercising your skills and meeting new people. But you can also receive some key financial benefits.

Specifically, bringing in some paychecks in your retirement can help you in these areas:

You could contribute more to your IRA. During your working years, you may have contributed regularly to an IRA, but once you retired, you might have thought those days were over. But there’s no age limit – if you have any earned income, you can contribute to an IRA and boost the financial resources you have available for retirement.

You could potentially lower your withdrawal rate. Once you’re retired, you will likely need to rely on your investment portfolio to provide you with some – or maybe most – of your income. Consequently, you’ll need to establish an appropriate withdrawal rate – a percentage of your portfolio that you can take out each year without running the risk of potentially outliving your money. Income from part-time work or consulting may lower your dependency on investment income, thereby reducing your annual withdrawal rate and extending the overall longevity of your investment portfolio.

You could add to your grandchildren’s 529 plans. When you invest in a 529 education savings plan, the earnings and withdrawals are federally tax-free, provided the money is used for qualified education expenses. As a grandparent, you can contribute to a 529 plan with your grandchildren as beneficiaries. And a 529 plan can be used for more than college – it can fund some programs at trade schools and K-12 expenses in some states. So, by putting some of your earned income to work in a 529 plan, you can help improve your grandchildren’s prospects.

You could reduce your debts. By the time you reach retirement, you may or may not have retired your mortgage, but you might have other debts on your books. If you can apply some of your earned income to these debts, you can improve your cash flow and possibly avoid dipping into your retirement accounts for short-term needs.

Of course, you’ll also have to consider some issues if you end up working in retirement, particularly if you bring in a sizable amount of money. For example, if you’re earning income and collecting Social Security before you reach your “full” retirement age – which is likely between 66 and 67 –

your monthly benefits will be reduced. (However, these “lost” benefits will be restored once you do reach your full retirement age.) Also, the added income could push you into a higher tax bracket or even cause you to pay the Medicare premium surcharge or the 3.8% surtax on net investment income if your income reaches certain levels. So, before embarking on any employment that may yield a large additional income, consult with your tax advisor.

finances Consider benefits of part-time work A Retired? BBM

> edwardjones.com Protect your savings with FDIC coverage up to $2.5 million Our Insured Bank Deposit program offers the assurance Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) protection. By using our Insured Bank Deposit program, convenience of having your FDIC-insured deposit investments on one statement. This can mean less paperwork help ensure everything is working together to support financial Extra protection is here. Contact me today to more. Caleb K Clark , CIMA® Financial Advisor 138 Old San Antonio Rd Suite 203 Boerne, TX 78006 830-331-2176 > edwardjones.com | Member SIPC Protect your savings with FDIC coverage up to $2.5 million Our Insured Bank Deposit program offers the assurance of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) protection. By using our Insured Bank Deposit program, you gain the convenience of having your FDIC-insured deposit and your

JUNE Calendar of Events

WEEKENDS

LIVE MUSIC AT TUSCULUM BREWING COMPANY

236 S. Main Street – Boerne

Check their website or call for more information about their featured weekly musicians!

www.tusculum.beer

EVERY SATURDAY A DAY AT THE FARM AND FARMERS MARKET

9:00am to 1:00pm

Herff Farm

33 Herff Road – Boerne

Vendors will be set up at Herff Farm to supply you with some of your local favorites. Check their calendar for special events and programs each week.

OLD JAIL MUSEUM TOURS

10:00am to 5:00pm

The Old Jail Museum

208 E. San Antonio Ave. – Boerne

Tour the Old Jail Museum and enjoy its

unique exhibits.

JUNE 1

GBCC RIBBON CUTTING

KREAGER MITCHELL ATTORNEYS AT LAW

11:30am to 12:00pm

1580 S Main St., Ste. 204 – Boerne

JUNE 4

BELLAMY BROTHERS LIVE

4:00pm to 12:00pm

The Roundup Music Venue

531 FM 3351 N – Boerne Howard and David continue to prove that the trail they’ve ridden to fame has been as unique as their music itself—music that is now celebrating over 40 years of success!

JUNE 6

GBCC RIBBON CUTTING

CIBOLO FAMILY MEDICINE’S NEW DOCTOR

11:30am to 12:00pm

19707 IH 10 W #213 – Boerne

GBCC RIBBON CUTTING

OLD REPUBLIC TITLE

1:30pm to 2:00pm

19787 IH-10 W – San Antonio

JUNE 8

GBCC RIBBON CUTTING

CUSTOM INK

11:30am to 12:00pm

320 E Basse Rd., Suite 101 – San Antonio

GBCC RIBBON CUTTING

BOERNE HEALTHCARE GROUP

1:30pm to 2:00pm

17 Old San Antonio Rd., Suite 202 –Boerne

BOERNE AFTER 5 MIXER HOSTED BY BOERNE NOON ROTARY AND FROST BANK

5:00 pm to 7:00pm

Frost Bank

1300 S. Main St – Boerne

continued on page 22

3 bed, 2 bath manufactured home on -.538 ac with amazing views! Approx. 1728 s.f. of living space plus a large covered porch and patio.

Walk to mainstreet for coffee!

2 bed, 2.5 bath townhome in the “Flatz”. 2-story, all bedrooms upstairs. HOA maintains the outside yard. Tenant maintains enclosed back yard area.

3 bed, 2 bath home on 1/2 acre lot. Wood burning fireplace, fenced yard with small storage building.

209 GLENN OAKS DRIVE

504 O’GRADY STREET

502 WALNUT WAY

“Every great artist has the ability and responsibility to capture their world, time and spirit of the human condition.” – BUA

pictured:

(clockwise from top left) The DJ; Bass Player; The Slide; Tom Petty; In the Key of Love

in Boerne

World renowned urban artist, author, speaker and entrepreneur Justin Bua, has found home here among the hills in Boerne. BUA, as he goes by professionally, is most widely known for his series of fine art prints that celebrate his love of Hip Hop. While hill country life may seem to be a far cry from that of BUA’s in New York, and most recently Los Angeles, he like so many others, has found something truly special here among this small Texas town. “The Hip Hop culture runs deep in my blood, it is ingrained in me. However, the quality of life in California was not what I wanted for myself or my family. The core values of Hip Hop are peace, love, unity and having fun and I have found that here,” said BUA.

continued on page 18

photo by Megan Smart

continued from page 17

BUA’s artistic nature came naturally, as his grandfather was a professional letterer, or old school typographer, and his mother a painter. He attended Manhattan’s Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Performing Arts and paired that education with the street smarts of performing in breakdancing crews and writing graffiti. He later went to the Art Center College of Design in California, earning his BFA in Illustration and even taught figure drawing at the University of Southern California.

Starting in the world of commercial art, BUA designed and illustrated a myriad of projects, from skateboards and CD covers to advertising campaigns. He developed the look and feel of the opening sequence for MTV’s Lyrics Lounge Show, EA Sports video games NBA Street and NFL Street, Slum Village’s award-winning music video “Tainted”, and Toyota’s Long Beach Grand Prix campaign.

Most notably however, BUA made his mark on pop-

ular culture with his unique style of Distorted Urban Realism. Throughout his paintings can be seen his classical training combined with his fascination of the raw, visceral Manhattan street life he was emerged in while growing up. “I grew up on the Upper West Side of New York City during the height of the graffiti movement and the beginnings of the Hip Hop culture as it was being birthed,” said BUA. “I bore witness to these moments, and it was important to me that I capture the narrative of the culture.” His subjects are often portrayed within an urban landscape and feature elongated limbs that emphasize the movement or rhythm of the scene. According to BUA, “What sets me apart is that I was the first artist to paint and visually record these historical moments and make them widely available. My The DJ has sold over 13 million prints worldwide, but when I released this painting, no distributor wanted to touch it. They thought it was cool, but no one understood why an archetypal Hip Hop DJ character would sell. Over time they realized the power of the community of people that love the culture and needed this image because it represented our world.” In fact, BUA’s The DJ has sold more prints than any other print in modern art history and remains one of the most omnipresent and popular paintings of all time.

The subjects of BUA’s paintings range from recognizable figures to indistinct people pulled from his memories. He is an artist “for the people, by the people, of the people,” and his fan base ranges from everyday people to art connoisseurs, professional athletes, actors, musicians and even former presidents.

In addition to his artwork, BUA became the first artist to launch an online

pictured: (top to bottom) Figures from Elements of Hip Hop Statue Collection; BUA x MOVA Globe; Mount Royal

school with ArtistWorks, he collaborated with nutritionist David Wolfe on a superfood drink mix, Immortal Machine, and he developed, hosted and was the executive producer for Oxygen Channel’s Street Art Throwdown show.

Now living in Boerne, BUA finds that being away from the Los Angeles scene allows him to filter out the noise. “I felt stifled in LA. There is lots of creativity here, the energy is very different and that is giving me a lot of hope and inspiration.”

One example of this newfound inspiration is his soon to launch BUAverse and his first NFT collection. NFTs are non-fungible token, or digital-only assets. These can be art, music, video or other media and they have become a popular way to buy and sell digital artwork. Owning one of these NFTs is a ticket into this BUAverse which BUA has designed to promote creativity and establish accessible opportunities in the fields of art, production, entrainment, and community building. BUA sees the BUAverse as the future of Hip Hop. “The NFT space is the ideal place to explore new ideas and tell contemporary stories,” he said. World-building has always been a part of BUA—TV, film, music, clothing, painting, and sculpting; no matter the medium, he is always pushing the boundaries of what art is and the NFT space is no exception. Crafting NFTs as interoperable and customizable increases the inclusivity, dynamism, and expression of BUA’s imagination. He has created this groundbreaking collection as an homage to Hip Hop and his classic, generation defining DJ painting. These hand painted and unique iterations of the characters in his paintings – The DJ, The MC, The Breaker, and The Artist – add to the legendary and historical significance of this drop.

BUA has also recently reimagined his beloved characters to the 3D collectible space with the Elements of Hip Hop Statue Collection and the BUA x MOVA Globe, which is a fusion of modern technology and street art.

“In this new phase of the art it is now bigger, it is now even more for everybody as we are no longer pigeon-holed by the constraints of 2D art,” said BUA. “Now people will get to experience the stories behind these beloved characters.”

As BUA embarks on this new chapter of life and creativity, he is thankful to be here in the Texas hills where he has room to roam and the freedom to explore his own imagination – doing what he wants on his own terms.

Giving Back to the Community

GVTC and The GVTC Foundation Award $235,000 in Scholarships to Local Students

TThe GVTC Foundation has been committed to connecting the community to opportunities through its five key areas of giving, which includes education. The foundation firmly believes education is the key to building stronger and more empowered communities. One of the most rewarding contributions that the foundation makes to the community is through its scholarships.

The GVTC Foundation awarded $47,500 in scholarships this year to three graduating seniors in GVTC's service area. The scholarships included the $25,000 Ritchie T. Sorrells Leadership Scholarship, the $15,000 Ola Armstrong Volunteer Scholarship, and the $7,500 Vocational/Technical Scholarship. These scholarships aim to invest in students' futures in the community and support their academic endeavors.

The scholarship recipients were selected from a vast pool of applicants with the help of the New Braunfels Community Foundation (NBCF). The competition was extensive, and each chosen candidate had outstanding accomplishments. The GVTC Foundation Scholarship Committee surprised each student with a Zoom call that included their counselors, and the students' reactions were priceless.

Savay Sexton was the recipient of the $25,000 Ritchie T. Sorrells Scholarship for Leaders. She demonstrated her extraordinary leadership skills through multiple roles within 4-H, Gonzales Robert Lee Brothers Memorial Library Teen Action Group, and Gonzales Bucket Calf Program. Savay will attend Texas A&M University and major in Agriculture Leadership and Development with a minor in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Sciences. Her career goal is to work in international agritourism coordinating tours in Europe and the United States showcasing agriculture entities and how the effects of policy, culture, technology, history, and legacies weave together.

Riley Edmondson received the $15,000 Ola Armstrong Scholarship for Volunteerism. She showed incredible community involvement through several organizations, including Leo Club, CoAPT, HOSA, National Honor Society, FCCLA, and Spanish Club. Riley will attend UT-San Antonio this fall to pursue a nursing degree. After graduation, she plans to transfer to UT-Arlington to continue her education and obtain a nurse practitioner degree. After college, Riley would like to open her own dermatology practice.

Carson Soens was the recipient of the $7,500 Vocational/Technical Scholarship. In the fall, he will attend Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Austin, Texas, to learn more about the culinary indus-

try and expand his skill set. After college, Carson hopes to open his own restaurant and give back to the community through his love of food.

In 2023, GVTC and The GVTC Foundation will distribute over $235,000 to high school seniors in our service area! We understand and value the meaning of being local, and with each contribution made, we hope to enhance students' futures in our communities.

The GVTC Foundation is excited to see a new wave of determination and hope in its scholarship recipients and each generation to follow. Congratulations and good luck to all the scholarship recipients in their much-deserved success and future endeavors.

2023 GVTC Charitable Golf Classic Raised over $242,000 for Local Non-Profits!

are set to give over $235,000 to local high school students in 2023.

The GVTC Foundation and GVTC express their gratitude to OnTrac Inc., the 2023 Presenting Sponsor, and all sponsors who participated. The Annual GVTC Charitable Golf Classic has raised over $2.1 million since its inception. Thanks to the continued support of vendors and business partners, the foundation can make a significant impact in the community.

GGVTC is proud to announce the success of its 19th Annual Charitable Golf Classic held on April 11th at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort And Spa. The tournament raised an impressive $242,526 to benefit The GVTC Foundation. This event is currently the only fundraiser that directly benefits the foundation.

The funds raised are distributed to local nonprofits across GVTC's entire service area through grants and sponsorships, along with funding the foundation's scholarship program. GVTC and The GVC Foundation firmly believe education is the key to building stronger and more empowered communities. The foundation and GVTC Communications

Ritchie T. Sorrells, CEO, and President of GVTC Communications, expressed his appreciation for our vendors, partners, and local community organizations. He said, "We are continuously amazed by the growth and success of The Annual GVTC Charitable Golf Classic. Our partners share the same passion for helping our community, and their generosity allows us to give more back to our neighbors in need."

Sonia Aguillon, President of The GVTC Foundation, added that the foundation is overwhelmed with gratitude. She said, “We are very appreciative of the sponsors and golfers who support this event. They believe in the work we are doing and enjoy being part of the change. Without the support, we would not be able to assist as many of our local partners.”

The GVTC Foundation's mission is to enhance the quality of life in the communities it serves by supporting Health and Human Services, Education, Youth Programs and Services, Cultural Programs, and Volunteer Emergency Services. The foundation has distributed over $5.8 million in support of area non-profits and scholarships within its service area since its inception in 2006. For those who are interested in supporting the foundation's important work, donations can be made online at www.gvtcfoundation.com at any time.

FOR SALE

USER-INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY

WOODS OF BOERNE GARDEN BUILDINGS

TWO 6,000+ SF BUILDINGS - APPROX. 12,321 GSF

CALENDAR OF EVENTS | cont’d

JUNE 10 -11

BOERNE MARKET DAYS

Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm |

Sunday 10:00am to 4:00pm

Main Plaza

100 N. Main Street– Boerne

JUNE 10, JUNE 24

BLUEGRASS JAM AT THE AGRICULTURAL

11:00am to 1:00pm

The AgriCultural Museum

102 City Park Road – Boerne

Every second and fourth Saturdays of the month, bring your instrument and play along, or just come to listen to the Bluegrass Jam at The AgriCultural! (Formerly the Agricultural Heritage Museum) This event is free and open to the public.

KUHLMANN-KING MUSEUM TOURS

12:00pm to 3:00pm

For Sales and Leasing Information Contact: Elize Pruske, CCIM 210.416.3491 | Sissy Daniels 210.833.2321

WWW.EPCOMMERICALREALESTATE.COM

Kuhlmann-King Historical Complex

402 East Blanco Road – Boerne

Take a tour around the Kuhlmann-King property to step back in time.

JUNE 12

KENDALL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

COURT MEETING

9:00am to 11:00am

Kendall County Courthouse

201 E. San Antonio Ave – Boerne

JUNE 13

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

6:00pm to 8:00pm

447 N. Main Street – Boerne

GBCC RIBBON CUTTING

HILL COUNTRY TOASTMASTERS

11:30am to 12:00pm

17 Old San Antonio Rd – Boerne

GBCC RIBBON CUTTING

LTO VENTURES

1:30pm to 2:00pm

136 Old San Antonio Rd. Suite 305 –Boerne

JUNE 13, 27

ABENDKONZERTE

7:30pm start time

Main Plaza Park

100 N. Main St. – Boerne

Come hear traditional German music and stories of Boerne’s historic past.

101 WOODS OF BOERNE BOULEVARD

HWY 46 across from Boerne Champion High School

1.5 miles east of Boerne Main Street

Can Depositors Protect Their Funds When it Comes to Bank Failures?

by Celeste Wulf, CPA – ADKF

Headlines about recent bank failures may have depositors feeling uneasy about their money and questioning how much control they really have over their deposits once they drive off from the bank. Below, are five steps that depositors can take to better protect themselves and their funds in today’s financial climate.

1. VERIFY THAT THE BANK IS INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION (FDIC): Depositors can check the bank’s website or contact the FDIC directly to verify that the bank is insured by the FDIC. Look for terms such as “Member FDIC,” or, “Insured by the FDIC”.

The FDIC insurance program was created in 1933 and is designed to protect depositors in case their bank or savings institution fails. In the event of a failure, the FDIC steps in to ensure that depositors receive their money back, up to a certain amount. FDIC insurance is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. For banks that are insured by the FDIC, insurance is automatic and does not require any action on the part of the depositor. This means that if you have a deposit account at an FDIC-insured bank, your deposits are automatically insured up to the insurance limit, including any earned interest.

2. KEEP DEPOSITS WITHIN THE INSURED LIMIT: Depositors should keep their deposits within the FDIC-insured limit of $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, per ownership category. This means that if a depositor has more than $250,000, they

Hshould spread their deposits across multiple insured banks to ensure that all deposits are protected.

The standard insurance amount is $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, for each account ownership category. This means that if you have a checking account, a savings account, and a certificate of deposit (CD) at the same bank and under one name, you are insured up to $250,000 for all accounts. If you have joint accounts with another person, those accounts are also insured up to $250,000 per co-owner and per insured bank, for each account ownership category.

A similar option for meeting the insured limit threshold is the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (CDARS). CDARS is a program that allows depositors to access FDIC insurance coverage for large deposits exceeding the $250,000 limit. CDARS is offered by some financial institutions and works by splitting a large deposit into smaller amounts and placing them in multiple banks within the CDARS network. Each deposit is then insured up to the $250,000 FDIC insurance limit. By using CDARS, depositors can access FDIC insurance coverage for large deposits without having to open accounts at multiple banks or manage statements and interest payments. However, CDARS may not be available at all financial institutions, and there may be fees or restrictions associated with using the program.

3. MONITOR THE BANK’S FINANCIAL HEALTH: Depositors should monitor the financial health of the bank they are using. This can be done by reviewing the bank’s financial statements and ratings from

independent rating agencies.

Financial health is a measure of soundness for a bank. This includes components like capital adequacy (a bank’s cash reserves), asset quality (the quality of a bank’s loans and assets), management (how the bank is functioning day-to-day), earnings (a bank’s ability to generate earnings), liquidity (a bank’s ability to meet short-term obligations) and sensitivity (how sensitive a bank’s earnings are). Depositors can and should shop around for a bank that meets their needs and is financially healthy.

4. DIVERSIFY DEPOSITS: Depositors should consider diversifying their deposits across different types of accounts, such as checking, savings, and CDs to reduce the risk of loss in case of a bank failure.

FDIC insurance covers all types of deposit accounts, including checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts and CDs. It does not cover other types of financial products such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or annuities. This means that diversifying deposits can protect against a total loss in the event of a failure at one bank.

5. CONSIDER ALTERNATIVE BANKING OPTIONS: Depositors may want to consider alternative banking options, such as online banks or credit unions, which may offer higher interest rates and lower fees, in addition to FDIC insurance.

Alternative options include but are not limited to National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Insurance and Private Deposit Insurance. NCUA is an independent agency of the U.S. government that provides insurance coverage for credit union deposits. Similar to the FDIC, NCUA insures deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured credit union for each account ownership category. Private

deposit insurance is offered by some banks and credit unions as an alternative to FDIC or NCUA insurance. Private deposit insurance is provided by private insurers and is not backed by the federal government. It may offer higher insurance limits or additional coverage beyond what is available through the FDIC or NCUA. While alternative options may provide additional protection, they may also carry additional risks or costs. Depositors should carefully research and evaluate any alternative options before choosing to rely on them for deposit protection.

Ultimately, it is important for depositors to be aware of the risks associated with bank closures and to take steps to protect their funds. By verifying that the bank is insured by the FDIC, keeping deposits within the insured limit, monitoring the bank’s financial health, diversifying deposits, and considering alternative banking options, depositors can help to ensure the safety and security of their deposits.

Celeste Wulf, CPA is an audit manager at ADKF. Celeste graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio and has over 14 years of accounting experience including 11 years of public accounting experience. Celeste specializes in audits and reviews for not-for-profit organizations including Single Audits and various nonpublic companies. Celeste spends most of her free time with her husband and kids and their extracurricular activities.

Hill Country Barn Builders

BBM

CALENDAR OF EVENTS | cont’d

JUNE 15

MEN’S NIGHT AT FREE ROAM BREWERY

6:00pm to 8:00pm

Free Roam Brewing Company

325 S. Main Street – Boerne

The brewery is inviting men out to the beer garden once a month for some brews and inspirational speeches from a variety of guest speakers.

GBCC RIBBON CUTTING

GILDED PALM AESTHETIC SPA’S NEW FREDERICKSBURG LOCATION

1:30pm to 2:00pm

108 East Trailmoor Drive, Ste 10 –Fredericksburg

JUNE 17

MUSIC IN THE CAVE - SUMMER SOLSTICE

7:30pm to 9:30pm

Cave Without A Name

325 Kreutzberg Rd. – Boerne

Enjoy a variety of acoustic, world-beat music styles featuring the words and music of singer/performance artist Rudi Harst (vocals, acoustic guitar, Native American flute, dulcimer, harmonica, Tibetan bowls) surrounded by the Rudiments.

JUNE 18 – FATHER’S DAY

JUNE 22

BOERNE AFTER 5 MIXER: HOSTED BY EP COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

5:00pm to 7:00pm

EP Commercial Real Estate

1101 Woods of Boerne – Boerne

JUNE 23

Z’S ARTISANS MARKET

6:00pm to 10:00pm

Z’s Wood Fired Pizza

118 Old San Antonio Rd – Boerne

There will be live music, local vendors who handcraft their products! Vendors may include handmade soaps, hand sewn items, handwritten home decor, hand poured candles and maybe even entertainment for the whole family!

Director

c. 719.650.7012 mark@legacybrokergroup.com

CHARLIE RIDDLE

Director of Commercial Real Estate Partner

c. 210.383.0007 charlie@legacybrokergroup.com

SPECIALIZING IN FINE TEXAS PROPERTIES, COMMERCIAL, EXOTIC, RANCH & LUXURY

JUNE 27

GBCC RIBBON CUTTING EXP REALTY - SCOTT SOUTHWELL

11:30am to 12:00pm

121 S Main St – Boerne

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

6:00pm to 8:00pm

447 N. Main Street – Boerne

JUNE 30

MOVIE IN THE PARK: ALL STAR NIGHT!

7:00pm

Main Plaza

100 North Main Street – Boerne

Movies start at sundown, bring your blankets, chairs, and snacks as you enjoy some free entertainment before the movie. Movie theme is ALL STAR NIGHT, wear your favorite team jersey no matter the sport and come join the fun. we will be showing Space Jam A New Legacy. BBM

MARK BUKOWSKI

of Land and Ranch Partner

DOES LANDSCAPING INCREASE YOUR HOME’S VALUE?

Landscaping can have a big impact on the impression a home makes. The front lawn leading to your door is usually what a visitor notices first; the view out the back can enhance the feel of interior rooms. The question is, how vital is it to invest in curb appeal to improve your home’s value?

TThe American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) claims professional landscaping can add to a home’s price tag “15 percent to 20 percent more at the time of resale.” Bryan Mackenzie, a landscape designer and co-founder of gardening advice site bumpercroptimes.com says, “High-quality landscape designs usually have an ROI of 20 percent to 30 percent of the overall house value.”

As with interior designs, landscaping trends can and do change over time. Nowadays, “outdoor living space enhancements are very popular upgrades — including expansions of decks and patios, adding fireplaces or fire features, dining areas and covered gazebos or pergolas,” Britt Wood, CEO of the National Association of Landscape Professionals, says. However, a project’s popularity does not mean it adds the sort of value the next homeowner is willing to pay a premium for. Pagodas may not be to everyone’s taste, for example. Or that elaborate water garden may require too much upkeep (who’s going to feed the fish?).

The most financially rewarding landscaping projects expand living space and add low-maintenance beauty to a property. Whether hardscaping or softscaping, the following landscaping projects are more likely to increase home value when done right:

DECKS

Decks are the only landscaping project to make the list on Remodeling.com’s annual Cost vs. Value study, which analyzes home improvements offering the best return on investment. A wood deck costs on average $16,766, returning 65.8 percent at resale; a more

durable composite deck costs $22,426 on average, recouping 63.2 percent. Wood decks’ ROI has gotten hammered in the last few years, due to rising lumber prices; composite decks’ ROI has held steadier. But both have consistently performed well on the study over the last decade.

MATURE TREES

The cost of planting a tree vs. a shrub may be higher, but so are the benefits. According to Fixr.com, planting a shrub averages between $25 and $50, while a tree costs $150 to $300 on average. However, you may need fewer trees than shrubs. In addition, trees are less likely to require maintenance when compared to a shrub and provide shade, curb appeal and a safe habitat for birds and squirrels.

XERISCAPING

Xeriscaping, landscaping in a style which requires little or no irrigation, may be one of the most expensive landscaping projects up front — but as climate change rocks the country with droughts and warmer temperatures, it’s getting more popular. The ASLA has reported that members have seen a 10 percent growth in client demand for drought-resistant landscaping.

WHICH LANDSCAPING PROJECTS DECREASE VALUE?

In general, landscaping projects that are “too niche” may put off a large portion of buyers. Ideas such as an Asian zen garden or a cactus garden anywhere outside of the Southwest may not appeal to all. In

addition, major renovations can have significantly lower returns than smaller projects so investing in smaller improvements outdoors would be money better spent.

Enhancements may backfire in other ways. For example, certain landscaping projects can be considered high maintenance or too costly to maintain. A lush, green lawn may be attractive in many areas but is not practical in drought zones due to their high water requirement. Plus, lawns require constant care: mowing, seeding and aerating.

LANDSCAPING TIPS

The ASLA recommends keeping your spending on outdoor and landscaping improvements in the range of 10 percent to 20 percent of your home’s current value. However, you could spend less and still earn a sizable return. When deciding on what type of external upgrades would deliver the most value, consider the following tips:

SIMPLE AND CLEAN

The most effective landscaping ideas are sometimes the simplest, such as a clean, clutter-free garden or a low-cost trellis featuring a flowering vine. A few annuals can add color anywhere. Less is more! Keep the landscaping plan generic enough for most everyone to appreciate. Not to step on your style, but you should avoid design ideas that may be too personal (and usually overly costly) or trendy. Add lighting. You can find low-cost landscape lights at most home improvement stores that you can install yourself. Solar-powered versions don’t require special wiring. Even the small touch of adding spotlights to add drama to your landscape can create a big impact.

DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE

Always investigate the cost of the landscaping and compare different materials and service providers to find the best price.

Work with your local nursery. Although a professional landscape designer can provide a well-designed plan, their fees may take up a significant part of your budget. Many nurseries offer free or low-cost landscaping design ideas when you purchase plants and supplies from them.

TRENDS

Landscaping trends may change over time, but the most financially rewarding projects tend to be low-maintenance, attractive, and expand your enjoyment and use of the home.

BBM

Greater Boerne ChamBer of CommerCe may 2023 uttinGs

Sister Creek Bookkeeping has over 10 years of bookkeeping and accounting experience, and their goal is to provide quality and dependable bookkeeping services for small businesses local to Central Texas. They specialize in ranches, outfitters, and other agricultural businesses, but are able to serve a wide range of industries. They provide services that include bank and credit card reconciliations, payroll and payroll tax reporting, inventory management and more!

To get in contact with Dana at Sister Creek Bookkeeping, give her a call at (210) 422-2174 or email them at sistercreekbookkeeping@gmail.com!

Little Gretel closed their doors this week after 15 amazing years of serving our Boerne Community! Little Gretel has been a Boerne staple since 2009, and has brought the most delicious German/Czech food to the Hill Country! Chef Denise Mazal is internationally recognized as a certified Czech chef, significantly contributing to the culinary lifestyle and spirit of the Czech nation. Chef Denise is officially retiring, and therefore closed the doors of Little Gretel on April 30th.

To help Chef Denise and her family celebrate the many successful years of service, and to help close this chapter in their lives, we hosted our first ever ribbon tying ceremony. Congratulations Chef Denise, The Mazal family and the entire Little Gretel team, we are so happy for you all and wish you the best of luck in your new life journey!

Hill Country Crisis Council is a private, non-profit organization that serves victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.They are dedicated to stopping the spread of violence, sexual assault, and child abuse through education, intervention, and assistance. They provide shelter, crisis intervention, trauma informed therapy, safety planning, protection orders and more. All services are free and 100% confidential, and can be found online by going to hillcountrycrisiscouncil.com. You can also call their hotline at (888) 621-0047 or stop by and visit them at 930 E. Blanco Rd., Suite 200 Boerne, TX 78006.

RPM Insurance & Risk Management is a full service independent agency created on the concept of helping their clients. Their mission is to provide a customized Insurance & Risk Management program for each client in a way that will reduce the cost of risk, provide alternative risk financing solutions, increase coverage enhancements, and expand their safety programs; all while providing the best in class service. RPM is also big on community, as they have helped raise over $75,000 in the last 3 years for local nonprofit organizations. If you’d like to learn more about their services, go to riskprotectionmanagers.com or give them a call at (210) 714-7555! Congrats RPM team!

Zen Den Massage knows that the days can be full of stress, worry, and pain and it starts to feel like it’s just a way of life. They believe in the power of massage therapy to help you find the relief you need from the stresses of everyday life. Their therapists are trained in various techniques to address any ailments you might be experiencing. They also offer a wide range of services for relaxation and well-being such as hot stone therapy, qua sha facials, yoga (starting in July) and more! To book an appointment, or to learn more, go to zendenboerne.com! You may also call (830) 443-5040 or stop by and visit them at 41109 I-10, Suite F in Boerne to learn more!

Lonestar Country Creations offers antiques, jewelry, art, fashion, and floral. The owner, Debra Spachek, and her husband Donald, created the business for their sons who have autism. The oldest, Casey, is a contributing artist and well known locally for his original paintings, jewelry design, and homemade soaps. Travis is also a manager and helps run the store. Debra’s mission is to have fun and provide a welcoming place to find a great variety of beautiful, unique, affordable finds for locals and tourists. You can find their store at 233 South Main St., Ste. H, in Boerne. Stop by and visit this week while they have a big sale happening! Congrats and welcome to Boerne, Lonestar Country Creations!

ABCD physicians and staff are committed to providing appropriate, high quality healthcare to each patient at every encounter, in a courteous and professional manner. with 5 locations in the Hill Country area, and one here in Boerne, ABCD is working to bring the best pediatric care to our community. To book an appointment, learn about their services, or to see their available positions, head to their website at abcdpediatrics.com or call (830) 816-5055!

ABCD Pediatrics beautiful new location is located at 116 Herff Rd., Ste 111 in Boerne!

Alene’s Boutique is an all size inclusive boutique that carries XS-4X.They cater to women, kids, and will have a men’s line coming soon. They offer accessories, shoes, handbags, and of course, apparel! Alene’s was started so you could make one stop and find something for everyone. With new items out weekly, they’ll always have something different! Alene’s is located at 1491 S. Main St. in Boerne, right next to Dog & Pony and Boerne Farmhouse. Can’t shop in person? Shop online at alenesboutique.com! Congrats and welcome to Boerne, Alene’s Boutique!

Texas Spirit Apparel is a family-owned and operated small business in the Hill Country that offers large group apparel, and much more! From fundraising items and spirit wear to branded company items and custom work, they have endless options! They also offer a give back discount for non-profit organizations and schools that assists in your fundraising efforts. Texas Spirit Apparel is excited to partner with BISD and have the opportunity to produce branded merchandise for the community! While they are creating partnerships with local retailers, they will also be carrying merchandise in their online store! To learn more about the company, go to txspiritapparel.com or call (830) 431-1248!

Swing Strong Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed to raise money and awareness of Parkinson’s disease through The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, by hosting various charitable events in the local community. All donations go directly back to benefit the Michael J Fox Foundation to fund research and finding a cure for people like Sean Jahr, one of the founders, who has been battling Parkinson’s Disease for over 20 years! If you are interested in supporting this great Non-Profit, you are invited to attend the Kyle Park, Faith Jacobs and John Michael Whitby concert, dinner and live auction happening tonight, May 18th at 6pm at Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort! Contact Barry Halbert at (210) 259-5622 to reserve your tickets! They have some OUTSTANDING live auction items, don’t miss out on all the fun! Read all about it at birdease. com/swingstrong! Welcome to the Chamber, Swing Strong!

Boerne Community Coalition is now LOVE Kendall County Kids! Awesome new name, same great mission! The mission of Love Kendall County Kids is to improve the quality of life for children and families in our community by creating, connecting, and providing them with needed resources and services.They step in during non-school periods to help fill the food gap.They are a 100% volunteer organization who works with partnerships with churches, businesses, schools and more.They provide lunches, camp scholarships and additional year-round support to food insecure children and families in the community. We are celebrating the recently completed remodel of their pantry! To learn more about their work, send them an email at info@boernecommunitycoalition.com or go to lovekckids.org. Mayor Tim Handren has proclaimed May 2023 as LOVE Kendall County Kids Month and encourages residents to take part in helping end childhood hunger in our community! Congrats LOVE Kendall County Kids, we are blessed to have you in our community!

Founded in 1938, Bandera Electric Cooperative provides electric service to over 40,000 meters throughout its 2,140 square mile service area in the Texas Hill Country. Consistent with its vision of “Reimagining Rural America,” BEC began deploying fiber optic infrastructure in 2017 and now serves 12,000 subscribers with state-of-the-art high speed internet service. BEC recently completed construction of a new Network Operations Center (NOC) a few miles northwest of Boerne on FM 289. This facility serves as the central hub for BEC’s fiber internet division, network monitoring activities, and disaster recovery strategy for electric operations. Furthermore, this NOC positions BEC to continue to serve its members with reliable internet and electric services as the greater Boerne area continues to grow. For service availability and to apply, visit BECFiber.com now! Congrats again Bandera Electric Cooperative!

Our friends at Richter Boerne turned 3 years old! Joi is the queen of ribbon cuttings and has been a dedicated Chamber Ambassador for many years now and it was only fitting that she got to celebrate their 3 Year Anniversary with a ribbon cutting ceremony! Fun Dining meets Fine Dining at Richter Boerne! Elevate your experience to a second floor 1920s, industrial-themed bar, and restaurant. Enjoy custom cocktails, margaritas, martinis, and ice-cold beer. Compliment a fabulous selection of gourmet appetizers with a huge selection of wine along with a menu that changes with seasonal local ingredients. Stop by Richter Tavern, Richter Cork & Keg, Richter Bakhaus or Oben at 153 S. Main St. in Boerne to help celebrate! You can also check out their menu online at richterboerne.com.

Monticello Homes, formed in 1994 in San Antonio, has been building luxury homes in select communities for over 25 years. They provide seamless service from initial design, preliminary pricing, interior selections, contract through construction management and warranty services for their clients. They have consistently been recognized as one of the “Top Residential Builders” by the San Antonio Business Journal, and recently won the 2023 San Antonio Express News Builder’s Choice Award. To explore homes, or get in contact with a rep, go to monticellohomes.comor give them a call at (210) 479-1978. Feel free to stop by their new model home in Esperanza, located at 206 Navarro Boerne, TX 78006 to check out their beautiful work! Congrats Monticello Homes!

Town and Country Nursing and Rehabilitation Center specializes in short and long-term rehabilitation and nursing services for those who are transitioning from home or an acute-care environment. They offer Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and memory support services, as well as home health and hospice services. Some of their amenities include a beauty salon, private rooms, transportation for their clients and more! To learn more, go to regencyhealthcare.com/locations/ town-country-nursing-and-rehabilitation-center or give them a call at (830) 249-3085.Town and Country is located at 625 N. Main St. in Boerne!

Bob Ogle has been assisting his clients in Boerne and the Hill Country for more than three decades. Bob and his team take pride in the results earned on behalf of their clients, and are a firm you can trust to guide you through the legal system with confidence. They offer Estate Planning, probate, family law and more! Check out their website by going to oglelegalteam.com, give them a call at (830) 429-9358 or visit them on the 2nd floor in the Jefferson Bank Building located at 371 N. Main St., Ste. 202 in Boerne! Congrats again, Ogle Legal Team!

The Hill Country SPCA strives for safety, community and a home for every pet in the Hill Country! Their mission is to give every pet the best life possible through successful rescue, adoption, community relationships, awareness, and advocacy. They offer foster pets, volunteer opportunities, fundraising activities and more! To see adoptable pets or to learn more about Hill Country SPCA, give them a call at (830) 9909085 or go to hillcountryspca.com. The Hill Country SPCA is located at 2981 S. Hwy 16 in Fredericksburg, stop by today to pick up your FURever friend!

Join the Kendall County Fair Association as they gear up for their 5th Annual Bull Riding Blowout! This has been a popular event over the years, and it’ll be even bigger for their 5th anniversary! The event will take place Father’s Day weekend, on Saturday, June 17th. It will also include mutton bustin’, which kids can sign up for the day of. For more information on this event, and other events the Fair Association is hosting, go to kcfa.org. Purchase your tickets today for only $10! Kendall County Fairgrounds is located at 1307 River Rd. in Boerne.

Crestmont Private Wealth is dedicated to providing independent and proactive financial advice to their clients. This includes financial planning, investment management, risk management, and generational planning. Crestmont devotes themselves and their resources to building meaningful, longterm relationships with their clients. Crestmont partnered with local companies to create a modern workspace located at 604 S. Main St. in Boerne for their team and clients, while honoring and preserving the history of one of the Dienger Estates within our treasured Boerne community. Crestmont also worked with the Boerne Chapter - Native Plant Society of Texas, Maples for Boerne, and the Historical Society of Boerne to insure the property matched our Main Street charm it is known for. Today, Crestmont was awarded one of the first awards from the Boerne Historical Society since 2009, along with a Native Plant Pollinator recognition.You can find out more about Crestmont Private Wealth by calling (830) 368-2898 or visit their website crestmontpw.com. Congrats Crestmont Private Wealth family!