FIRST FAMILIES OF
7 WAYS TO WORKOUT AT WORK FUN FALL EVENTS
Karl J. Eggerss Principal, Financial Advisor
Casey Keller, CFA Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor
Shawn Morris, CFP®, AAMS® Vice President, Financial Advisor
Britni Mosher Senior Associate
FFall is in full force around Boerne and the surrounding hill country with tons of fun events, pumpkin patches, concerts and so much more. Now is a great time to get out and explore our town as the temperatures (hopefully) cool down a bit!
This issue we are excited to feature Fickle Pickles and their 45 years in business! Wow, what an accomplishment! If you have had their pickles you will understand how they have stood the test of time, and if you have not yet tried them... well what are you waiting for!?! Stop in at one of their five hill country locations and get you some! Fun tip: These make for great Christmas presents/stocking stuffers and they ship too, so send some to friends, family or business clients for a fun holiday surprise.
As we prepare for the holiday season, don’t forget to shop and support our local businesses. These businesses are the backbone of our community and make Boerne the charming, unique town that we know and love. If you are going to go out and spend some money, you might as well spend it with the local small businesses, restaurants and shops that need your support!
Be sure to check out the rest of our great content in this issue too. We have articles on everything from finances, real estate, and Boerne ISD news, to our recurring local history feature this month on the Stendebach Family.
As always, thank you for your continued support and readership of Boerne Business Monthly. We love this great community and are blesed to be able to share the stories of our local businesses.
Happy fall y’all,
Lauren StumbergOwner/Publisher
WWill Rogers famously said, “Don’t wait to buy real estate, buy real estate and wait.” If you find yourself on the fence about purchasing a home, you may want to decide sooner rather than later. As interest rates begin to come down, you may end up missing out in the long run.
On September 16th the daily average 30 year fixed mortgage rates fell to 6.12%, the second lowest rate in nearly two years. This is far below the rate of 8% in October of 2024 and the rate of 7.5% in April 2024, making buyers’ purchase power stronger. Additional good news for buyers is the increase in the number of homes on the market. With more options, buyers are finding just what they need.
Is now the right time to buy?
If you have the means, it’s a good time to buy a house before the market catches up. Waiting for rates to fall further leaves you at risk for increased competition among buyers and subsequent price hikes from sellers. Sales are still a bit sluggish so now may be the time to act. Buying a house now means you’re also maximizing your investment potential. Lower rates save you money over your loan term and mean more of your mortgage payment can go towards the principle which builds equity.
The market has been unpredictible recently, though. Higher mortgage rates typically push house prices down, but they have had the opposite effect over the past two years. Also, declining inventory typically leads to more competition, but prices have been too high for many buyers to afford, causing some homes to sit unsold and others to sell in a few days.
In the past decade, there has been a severe shortage of homes. This is a part of what caused the housing boom in 2021-2022; too many buyers were fighting for a tight supply of homes, leading to increased home prices. Record-low mortgage rates also fueled the frenzy.
However, in 2023 and 2024, as construction inventory grew, prices kept rising even as mortgage rates remained high. Higher rates typically cause a drop in demand and prices. However, this didn’t happen, because many homeowners had pandemic-era rates and were unwilling to give them up, creating a further shortage of homes for sale.
This was a unique trend that continues today – the national median sale price hit a record high in June and many people are still avoiding the market altogether. Those who are buying are often doing so in affordable places like Texas. Even though inventory is rising and the number of sales is low nationwide, house prices are at record highs and show mixed signs of falling.
However, the recent dip in mortgage rates has given homebuyers a burst of hope.
Home sellers should get ready for competition
Recent drops in mortgage rates sets the stage for more buyers entering the market, meaning more competition for listings.
This is because house hunters scared off by high mortgage rates have been waiting in the wings for years, especially as inventory flagged due to sellers wanting to hold on to their pandemic-era rates. Now that rates are dropping, more buyers are deciding to enter the market.
If you’re in the market and have been scared off by high rates, now is a great time to connect with an agent and start your home search. Rates are expected to continue trending slowly downwards, and the market is gaining momentum. The longer you wait, the more competition you’ll see.
OCTOBER 19
This Oktoberfest inspired festival will be held on the Main Plaza in Boerne and will be complete with local beer vendors, music, food trucks, raffle prizes, pet adoptions, a petting zoo, doggy dash races, and more. Schedule:
9am – 10:30am – Event Check-in and Registration, Practice Doggy Dash Run
11am – 12pm – Costume Contest 12:30pm – 1:30pm – Doggy Dash Races 2pm – 3pm – Drawing and Announcements
By First United Methodist Church
The FUMC Pumpkin Patch is back and better than ever! This event is perfect for families and children of all ages. Best of all, admission is free! Come and enjoy games, food trucks, and entertainment for everyone and don't forget to take advantage of photo opportunities with a lovely pumpkin patch display.
The AgriCultural Museum and Arts Center 102 City Park Road – Boerne
OCTOBER 19
Come on out for some of the finest food out there from amazing returning cook teams as well as a few new ones! Fan favorites include Bacon Wrapped Quail, Fried Alligator and Axis, and Wild Boar Chili Verde. The Kendall Co. Wild Game Dinner serves some of the best food in the state!
Tickets available at the gate
Gates open at 4:00 pm and serving begins at 5:00 pm
The Wild Game Dinner is the premier fundraiser for the Kendall County Jr. Livestock Association.
Kendall County Youth, Agriculture & Equestrian Center 648 FM 289 – Comfort, Texas
Hear the tales of famous Boerne ghosts in the 1885 historic Kuhlmann-King House. This program is both entertaining and educational. Showtimes will be at noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. Seats are limited, so message, call, or email to reserve seats now. (210) 275-8301, bhaps@gmail.com
Kuhlmann-King Historical Complex
402 East Blanco Road – Boerne
continued on page 12
DR.CARLOS PORTER IS A FAMILY MEDICINE DOCTOR IN FAIR OAKS RANCH,TEXAS AND HE RECEIVED HIS MEDICAL DEGREE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER IN SAN ANTONIO AND HAS BEEN IN PRACTICE FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS. DR. CARLOS PORTER HAS EXPERTISE IN TREATING CHRONIC DIABETES, HEART FAILURE, CHRONIC HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, AMONG OTHER CONDITIONS.
Spend a beautiful day admiring a myriad of vehicles at Main Plaza. Car show open to all British-made automobiles.
8:30am - 2:25pm Main Plaza | 100 North Main Street – Boerne
MUSIC IN THE CAVE: GLI UNICI - MUSIC OF THE NIGHT
OCTOBER 26
Halloween is a perfect time for Music of the Night. Returning Gli Unici, a talented tenor threesome, will bring the natural cave acoustics alive with the sounds of Opera Arias and jazzy pop songs that will leave you streaming melodies in your memory!
7:00pm - 9:00pm Cave Without A Name 325 Kreutzberg Road, Boerne
Get ready for the best girls night out on the Hill Country Mile! Diva Night in Boerne will be Thursday, November 7th from 5-9 pm. This always popular evening will be bursting with everything you love from your favorite shops and restaurants, including later shopping hours, cocktails, delicious bites, music, and more. Join the Boerne Chamber and the Boerne Retail and Restaurant Owners association for the perfect night out with friends and your favorite local businesses!
Be sure to check in to grab your boa, tiara, reusable swag bag, and map at one of our two check-in locations, which will be announced soon.
BY BOERNE PARKS AND RECREATION
OCTOBER
Boerne Boo! is a fall festival hosted each year around Halloween. Have a ghastly good time at this free family-friendly event with arts and crafts, trick or treating, bounce houses, carnival games, food trucks, music, and, of course, lots of candy and prizes for costume contest winners in each of the following.
Categories are 0-4 yrs, 5-8 yrs, 9-17 yrs, adult (18 & up) and PETS!
OCTOBER 26
Trick or treat all day long in and around the Hill Country Mile! Kids and adults are welcome to dress up and fill their candy buckets while leisurely shopping and strolling through our historic downtown. Revisit your favorite shops and restaurants, or discover something new while supporting your local business community!
NOVEMBER 8 - DECEMBER 31
Load up the car and drive through the hills to experience a ranch-sized lighting and musical display that celebrates the reason for the season. Tickets can be purchased at the door, and season passes are available to extend the fun for the entire season. The show is even brighter this year, as they have added more and now have over 3.5 million lights!
OPEN NIGHTLY : INCLUDING CHRISTMAS EVE & CHRISTMAS DAY (ADJUSTED HOURS FOR THOSE DAYS 6-9PM thejoneschristmasranch.com for more info, ticket cost and hours
If you work for a midsize or large company, you may soon be able to review your employee benefits package, as we are entering the open enrollment season. So, consider your options carefully, with an eye toward making changes appropriate for your needs.
Here are some of the key areas to look at:
RETIREMENT PLAN – Depending on your employer, you could change your 401(k) or similar retirement plan at any time of the year, but you might want to use the open enrollment season to review your contribution amounts. If your salary has gone up over the past year, you might want to boost your pre-tax contributions (including catch-up contributions beginning at age 50). At a minimum, try to put in at least enough to earn your employer’s match, if one is offered. At the same time, look over how your contributions are allocated among the various investment options in your plan. You’ll want your investment mix to reflect your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon.
LIFE INSURANCE – If your employer offers group life insurance at no cost as an employee benefit, you may want to take it – but be aware that it might not be enough to fully protect your family should anything happen to you. You may have heard that you need about seven to 10 times your annual income as a life insurance death benefit, but there’s really no one right answer for everyone. Instead, you should evaluate various factors — including your mortgage, your income, your spouse’s income (if applicable), your liabilities, the number of years until your retirement, number of children and their future educational needs — to determine how much insurance you need. If your employer’s group policy seems insufficient, you may want to consider adding some outside overage.
DISABILITY INSURANCE – Your employer may offer no-cost group disability insurance, but as is the case with life insurance, it might not be sufficient to adequately protect your income in case you become temporarily or permanently disabled. In fact, many employer-sponsored disability plans only cover a short period, such as five years, so to gain longer coverage up to age 65, you may want to look for a separate personal policy. Disability policies vary widely in premium costs and benefits, so you’ll want to do some comparison shopping with several insurance companies.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT – A flexible spending account (FSA) lets you contribute up to $3,200 pre-tax dollars to pay for some out-of-pocket medical costs, such as prescriptions and insurance copayments and deductibles. You decide how much you want to put into your FSA,
up to the 2025 limit. You generally must use up the funds in your FSA by the end of the calendar year, but your employer may grant you an extension of 2½ months or allow you to carry over up to $640.
HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT –
Like an FSA, a health savings account (HSA) lets you use pre-tax dollars to pay out-of-pocket medical costs. Unlike an FSA, though, your unused HSA contributions will carry over to the next year. Also, an HSA allows you take withdrawals, though they may be assessed a 10% penalty. To contribute to an HSA, you need to participate in a high-deductible health insurance plan.
Feeling like you paid too taxes this year?
Make the most of your benefits package — it can be a big part of your overall financial picture. BBM
Learn about investment strategies that lower next year’s tax bill. Contact your today to learn how.
One of the most popular areas in Boerne – Located in The Flats!
2 Bedroom, 2 Bath, One-Level Living Townhome.
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Make it your home, or enjoy rental income as investment property.
3/1/1 car carport, Lot size, -.331 acre. $345,000
3 bedrooms, 2 baths, Immediate Occupancy $2300 / Month
OOnce you get home from work, it is easy to talk yourself out of exercising. Although it is best to start your day with an exercise routine, many people hit the snooze button one too many times. The good news is there are still many opportunities all day long to incorporate exercise in your daily routine, even at work. Many people have very physically demanding jobs to begin with, so extra exercise may not be necessary. Unfortunately, corporate America has robbed many others of vital physical activity. Here are 7 simple ways to increase your physical activity during the day:
1. Imagine you have a brand-new car that you do not want scratched or dented, and PARK FAR AWAY. Those extra steps to and from your vehicle at work and the grocery store will boost your daily steps. It may be helpful to wear a pedometer to keep track of your daily steps. A recent study reported that 10,000 daily steps (about 5 miles) can have a positive impact on your health. The Global Corporate Challenge looked at 60,000 workers in 55 countries who aimed to walk 10,000 steps daily for 8 months. After 8 months, 67% of participants reported an increase in energy levels and lost an average of 10 pounds - just from walking.
Dr. Scott Sumners, PharmD Annie’s Apothecary
feet further away from the wall. Hold this “sitting” position for 30-60 seconds. Squeeze your glutes to maintain control.
2. TAKE the STAIRS. Who wants to get stuck in an elevator anyway? If you work on the 10th floor, start out by taking 1 or 2 flights of stairs; then catch the elevator. Gradually increase the number of flights you walk. It will be a good measure of your increased endurance and will allow you to set goals. The extra cardio will be a great way to start your day off with blood flow and oxygen to your body and brain. Don’t forget to take the stairs down as well!
3. Take some 5–10-pound HAND WEIGHTS to work. While you are on those long conference calls, do some bicep curls or tricep overhead presses. Water bottles filled with sand would work too.
4. Do CALF RAISES while making copies or while faxing. You can basically do calf raises anytime you are standing in line. If you are a beginner, make sure you can hold onto something so you do not lose your balance.
5. SQUEEZE those THIGHS. While sitting at your desk, find an object that can be placed between your knees. It could be a ream of paper or a medium-sized ball. Press your legs inward engaging the inner thighs. Continue squeezing the object in place for 30-60-second intervals.
6. BACKS against the WALL. Wall sitting is great for building strength and endurance. Stand with your back against the wall and knees shoulder width apart. Slowly slide down the wall gradually until you reach a sitting position. It will be necessary for you to move your
Exercising doesn’t have to be a large block of time every day. Remaining active throughout the day can also have beneficial effects.
7. Don’t forget the ABS! If you are able to do floor exercises at work, you can always do abdominal crunches. Remember to squeeze the stomach muscles without straining your neck muscles. If you don’t have floor room (or are afraid of what your coworkers will think), then you can do ab exercises sitting in your chair. With perfect seated posture and knees together, slowly lift both feet off the ground 6-12 inches and then back down. Start out with 10 repetitions and work your way to 50-100 repetitions. This exercise is great for lower abdominal control.
Exercising doesn’t have to be a large block of time every day. Remaining active throughout the day can also have beneficial effects. Use the time you have and do not let opportunity such as meetings, phone calls, or times standing and waiting go to waste!
by Lauren Stumberg
photos by The Marvelous Mrs. Lindsey
IIt’s not often that a business can build a brand around a single product. It is even more unheard of for that company to still be going strong after 45 years! But that is exactly what Boerne-based Fickle Pickles has done.
Pickles can be polarizing. Most of the time, you’re either a pickle person, or you’re not. Maybe you like dill pickles, but not sweet pickles; they have too much crunch or not enough… the list goes on of people’s persnickety pickle preferences, but not when it comes to Fickle Pickles. According to Lisa Obriotti, owner of Fickle Pickles “Even people who don’t like pickles love our pickles! It’s our perfect combination of sweet, salt, crunch and spice that has kept our customers coming back for more all of these years!”
The company was started in 1981 by Lisa’s mother, Billie A. Shaw and has now grown to five locations in Boerne, Bandera, New Braunfels, Gruene and Austin, along with a bustling online business. “We ship Fickle Pickles all over
the country. We have shipped to every state in the United States and even around the world. When I think of how the business has grown over the years, I know my mother would be so pleased,” said Lisa.
Lisa’s mother, aka The Pickle Lady, had an antique store in San Antonio for about 15 years and eventually moved the business to Boerne. “The business was initially on the north side of town where there wasn’t a lot of foot traffic and the business was a bit slow. My mother was also a very good cook. She was self-taught and her trick was that she learned to season things well. For years she had made these pickles for just our family before she ever sold one jar. She decided to put her pickles out at the store to see if it would bring in more business. Eventually customers began asking to buy them. She literally built this business one jar at a time,” recalled Obriotti.
Shaw eventually moved her business to Main Street, Boerne and settled in their current location where Carousel Antiques and Pickles has been for almost 38 years. According to Lisa, “We very well may be the oldest businesses on Main Street in Boerne.”
Obriotti, along with her husband Jake, took over Fickle Pickles in 2000 when Mrs. Shaw retired. It was then that Lisa became known as “The Pickle Lady’s Daughter” and the Obriottis quickly began making and shipping Fickle Pickles all over the world and expanding the presence of Fickle Pickles throughout the hill country.
The original, Boerne location takes full advantage of the abundant foot traffic offered by being on the Hill Country Mile. According to Lisa, “We have all kinds of people who come into our
stores. There are the kids who stop in for a sample on their way home from school, locals, day-trippers, and even a few famous faces.”
Yes, that’s right, Fickle Pickles have quite the following. “George W. Bush stopped in when he was running for Governor and bought some pickles for himself, as well as his parents. Other notable customers have included Pierce Brosnan and Cheryl Tiegs,” said Lisa. “We have been written up in Southern Living, Texas Highways, Texas Monthly and various newspapers. In 2007, we were even on the Martha Stewart show in New York!”
While their flagship store is in Boerne, the four other locations of Fickle Pickle stores in Bandera, New Braunfels,
Gruene and Austin offer even more opportunity for customers and future customers to get their hands on a few jars of these addictive pickles. The New Braunfels store is located next to the oldest bakery in Texas and inside of the second oldest building in New Braunfels. The Austin store is an continued on page 22
entirely different concept altogether. In May of 2021, Lisa and Jake turned a 1966 Airstream trailer into their storefront and parked it in the South First Food Court. “It is definitely not your typical retail store, but for Austin it works,” laughed Lisa. Lisa even hints at the possibility of adding another store in 2025.
In addition to the physical stores, Fickle Pickles’ online sales have been growing by leaps and bounds. According to Obriotti, “We have revamped the website and that will be up and running in mid-October, just in time for the holiday season. We have also really been able to get our shipping costs down which is something we are very excited about for our customers. So get those holiday orders in!”
Fickle Pickles are still made, canned and shipped from their factory in Boerne. To this day they have never changed the original process or recipe and continue to make and can every jar by hand. “I believe we are one of the only mid-sized pickle companies that still does everything by hand,” added Lisa. “Good management and an excellent team of people help us to ensure that we are continuously producing a product that my mother would be proud of.”
with a simple red “X” on top of the jar, there is no difference in the labels. We like to do it this way because it shows that they are truly hand made,” said Obriotti. “The date on the label is the born date, or the date they were made, not the expiration date. The pickles are good for 18 to 24 months from that date.”
The product selection is pretty straight forward. Fickle Pickles come in Original and Extra Spicy and the jars are available in four sizes – 8 ounce, 16 ounce, 26 ounce and 32 ounce. You can also buy just a bottle of their Marinade, which is a 16 ounce bottle of Fickle Pickle Juice that is delicious to use on all types of meat. “Our Extra Spicy pickles are marked
Lisa also says that customer often ask why they have not expanded their product line to include other things. “We just focus on what we know and do best,” she said. While Fickle Pickles chooses to stay true to their roots, they are not afraid to keep up with the times and know the value of staying connected to their customers through social media and weekly e-mail newsletters where they offer their customers recipes and information on how to use their products.
Lisa and her team have truly come up with a recipe for success! “Customer service is always our main focus. We have made so many friends and connections over all of these years. It is important to us to be engaged in the community, so we do our best to support the local schools and nonprofits in the communities we are involved in,” added Lisa. “We appreciate all of our customers so much and it is a true joy to see my mother’s business still thriving after 45 years!”
Follow them on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and of course each month in Boerne Business Monthly!
Boerne Designer, Sarah Hardin, wins an astounding FIVE 1st place awards at the annual ASID Pinnacle of Design Awards!
The San Antonio chapter of ASID, The American Society of Interior Design, hosted their annual Pinnacle of Design Awards. First time attendee, Sarah Hardin, owner of the Boerne based interior design firm, Sarah Hardin Design, won an incredible FIVE awards.
Throughout the United States ASID hosts their annual awards to celebrate local designers and recognize excellence in their field in various categories. The San Antonio chapter held their annual awards, The Pinnacle of Design Awards, on September 5, 2024, at The Summer Classics Showroom.
Sarah Hardin, of the Boerne based interior design firm, Sarah Hardin Design, was a first-time attendee and big winner of the evening. Sarah won in the following five categories: 1st Place Residential -entire residence under 5000 sf, 1st Place Dining Room- New Construction, 1st place Outdoor Living, 1st Place Powder Room, and 1st place Adaptive Reuse/Historic Preservation/ Sustainable Design.
BBM
Source: Bloomberg LP
Equity markets through August of 2024 have continued their upward climb as optimism over easing inflationary pressures and potential rate cuts have helped to propel stocks higher. The S&P 500 index posted strong gains through the first eight months of the year with the index climbing to $5,648, representing close to an 18% YTD return through the end of August.
While the market rally has broadened some, a large portion of the index’s return has been driven by a handful of companies. The so called “Magnificent 7” have contributed roughly 44% of the S&P 500’s returns through the end of August, continuing to be driven by AI euphoria. While artificial intelligence still dominates much of the narrative, as companies have started to deploy AI-driven technologies across various industries, the speculative mania seen in 2023 has begun to taper, with more focus on tangible AI applications and profitability as capital expenditures on the technology have continued to balloon. Given historical equity performance and the potential for a slowing economic environment, investors have begun to adopt a more conservative approach when it comes to the larger AI trend.
As illustrated in J.P. Morgan’s “Guide to the Market”, despite posting mostly full-year annual returns, the annual intra-year S&P 500 drawdown has averaged 14%. 2024 has yet to see such a decline with the intra-year decline only reaching 8% YTD. While an average drawdown of 14% can be worrisome for some investors, it is important to remember that exposure to equities over the long term can be beneficial, as demonstrated by the chart below which shows that annual returns have been positive in 33 of the past 44 years.
While equity markets have continued to blast off to start the year, bonds have remained much more subdued for the year thus far. As the chart from J.P. Morgan’s “Guide to the Markets” illustrates below, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate bond index has posted a +3%
Source: JP Morgan
YTD so far in 2024. While a +3% return may not be exciting to some investors, what is exciting is the level of yield that investors are able to find in fixed income markets. Many investors have been able to purchase short-term instruments, like money market funds, Certificates of Deposits, or short-term U.S. government securities, that are yielding north of +5% annualized with minimal risk. Additionally, with the prospect of rate cuts on the horizon and a declining yield curve, fixed income stands to see upward price appreciate thanks to bonds’ inverse relationship with yields. This ultimately leads to an improved total return profile for the asset class and a continuation of the long-term trend of positive returns in the bond market.
Source: JP Morgan
Equity and bond markets have both posted positive YTD returns largely aided by optimism that inflation has significantly moderated closer to the Federal Reserve’s long-term target, further increasing the odds of interest rate cuts in 2024. The Federal Reserve has been able to make significant progress in the fight against inflation with the Consumer Price Index Ex Food and Energy (“Core CPI”) falling to below 3.5% year-on-year from a peak of roughly 6.5% in 2022. While the improvement on inflationary pressures is welcomed, the higher interest rates required to fight inflation have started to
Source: JP Morgan
impact labor markets. As inflation has fallen, softening has begun to appear in the labor market with additions to nonfarm payrolls continuing to weaken while jobless claims and the unemployment rate have crept up slightly to 4.2%. As illustrated in the chart below from J.P. Morgan’s “Guide to the Markets”, both the market and FOMC are anticipating rate cuts by the end of the year. The combination of moderating inflation and a softening labor market has all but guaranteed a rate cut at some point before the end of the year with the first likely to happen at the September Federal Reserve meeting with the potential for additional cuts at the November and December meetings. As illustrated in the chart below from J.P. Morgan’s “Guide to the Markets”, both the market and FOMC are anticipating rate cuts by the end of the year.
Given the strength of the market thus far in 2024, investors are wondering how to position their portfolios amidst the bullish trends. Each investors’ portfolio should consider his or her own personal financial circumstance and we strongly encourage working with a financial advisor to create a customize financial plan and portfolio. None the less, a popular and broadly successful portfolio strategy amongst investors over the past decade has been a diversified asset allocation strategy, or a customized mix of equity and fixed income exposure determined by the investor’s personal goals and objectives. The equity portion will tend to drive capital appreciation during economic expansions and the fixed income portion will typically soften the blow during economic contractions. A popular mix for investors has been the popular “60/40 portfolio” in which 60% of the portfolio is allocated to stocks and 40% is allocated to bonds. With both equity and bond markets experiencing positive returns YTD, investors should consider the success of the 60/40 portfolio in positive trending markets. As illustrated by the chart below from J.P. Morgan, a generic asset allocation portfolio has consistently performed, nearly approaching full year 2023 returns just through August of this year, and has generally yielded positive returns over the past decade.
The current YTD performance in 2024, combined with the historical performance of the 60/40 portfolio, has shown the benefits of sticking with this strategy through drawdowns. Recent gains in the market can be attributed to a strong tech rally and the euphoria surrounding AI, but these gains are also the result of
Source: JP Morgan
moderating inflation and increased optimism on the prospect of rate cuts. As has often been the case historically, particularly strong market returns have followed particularly weak market returns. While it is impossible to predict what market returns will be in the future, the wisdom of sticking to a disciplined and diversified investing approach over the long term remains intact.
Ever wanted a place of refuge, where you can escape the noise, the crazy, the chaos and concentrate? A place to call your own? Find your happy, peaceful, connected place in Office Box Boerne! Their space offers 30+ workstations, dedicated desks, hang out hub spaces, private offices, conference rooms, break out rooms and more. From shared spaces to private offices, and one time use fees to monthly rental rates, they offer a wide range of workspace options to choose from. Give them a call today or stop by and visit them to check out the full space. www.officeboxboerne.com
GLOBE LIFE FAMILY HERITAGE
Globe life Family Heritage has been helping protect hardworking Americans with life and supplemental health insurance coverage since 1989. When they’re not protecting their communities, they’re giving back to them through handson volunteer and monetary contributions. Their passion for their life and supplemental health insurance products is contagious, and their work is meaningful. Their products are available through their local, state-licensed insurance professionals in the comfort of your own home. Give Sandra and Richard a call today to get started on a perfect plan for your family! https://home.globelifeinsurance.com/ familyheritage/home
Agape Advocates is on a mission to provide compassionate RN medical care management and advocacy for you or your loved ones. Navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming, but with the help and guidance of their knowledgeable Registered Nurse Care managers, it doesn’t have to be.Their services include: • Healthcare Coordinationcoordinating between the client, family, and medical/healthcare providers • Healthcare Navigation - accompanying clients to vital appointments and assisting in explanation of treatment plans • Healthcare Advocacy - provides overall support and guidance to clients and families. www.agapeadvocates.com
Forge Business Brokerage provides exit-focused business owners professional guidance through the complex and technical sales process to help them obtain the optimal value for their company, and a smoother transition to a work-optional lifestyle. The three founding partners are Ricky Gleason, Brad Roberson, and James Schuepbach; each with 15+ years of experience in different but complementary areas of business consulting, brokerage, banking, wealth management, and real estate.They are ready to help business owners in Texas value, market and sell their companies with a proven, confidential process. www.forgebb.com
A relaxing wine experience is waiting for you! Lost Oak Cellars is here to give you an unforgettable escape featuring their award-winning wines, music, entertainment and more. Their tasting room is nestled in Downtown Boerne’s Historic District and open 6 days a week. Enjoy a tasting and entertainment with a space for private events and even a cigar room. https://lostoakwinery.com
From hammers to saws, Taylor’s Ace has what you need to get the job done! They sell only products from top manufacturers to ensure that customers get high-quality hardware and tools that will last for years. Their competitive prices provide affordability without sacrificing quality, and their expert staff is always available to provide advice on the best products for your project. Congrats, Taylor’s Ace family! https://boerneace.com
THE BOARD COUPLE
The Board Couple, a wine lounge and cafe, offers an upscale wine and charcuterie experience for everyone! From dining in their restaurant to ordering a charcuterie board or other options for catering, they have you covered. With years of experience in the culinary industry, owners Monica and Bryan have flipped the charcuterie world on its head with their fresh take on redefining what a board is and the rules that go along with it. They also offer a Swine Club (monthly wine club subscription), workshops, and more! Congrats,The Board Couple! www.theboardcouple.com
AUGUST HOUSE FINE JEWELRY BOUTIQUE
Experience luxury with a twist! August House offers exquisite fine jewelry, blending timeless elegance with modern design. Their boutique showcases unique, handcrafted pieces perfect for any occasion. Discover luxury that accommodates every budget! Stop by this week and check out their beautiful store! Website coming soon at https://augusthousejewelry.com
BONE AND BUBBLES DOG SPA’S GRAND OPENING
Bones and Bubbles Dog Spa provides an upscale and clean experience for you and your pup! They offer spa services for your dog, whether you want to do it yourself or have a professional take on the task! They have a self wash spa, monthly memberships, spa day packages, full grooming services, and more! Born from the need for more high-quality grooming options in our area, Bones and Bubbles provides a clean and luxurious spot for everything from quick doggie baths to full makeovers. https://bonesandbubbles.com
PREMIER1 AUTO CARE’S GRAND OPENING
Premier1 Auto Care believes that honesty, integrity, and transparency are the foundations of great auto service. In the garage, they invest in the latest tools and technology to ensure your vehicle gets the highest quality of care. Their services include A/C and heat repair, brake repair, cooling systems, engine and transmission repair, oil changes, steering and suspension, tires, wheel alignment and more. Premier1 Auto Care looks forward to helping you with all of your repair & services needs. Their sister company and neighbor, Rev’d Auto Styling, also looks forward to helping you with paint protection film, ceramic coating, window tinting and more. Congrats and welcome to Boerne, Premier1 Auto Care and Rev’d Auto Styling! https://premier1auto.com
We had a buzzin’ morning celebrating Bumble Bee Blinds of Northwest San Antonio with a special ribbon cutting ceremony! Bumble Bee Blinds is your one stop shop for custom window treatments.They offer an expansive selection of shades, blinds, shutters, curtains, and more from leading brands.They make the process of finding the perfect window treatments for your home or business easy, with free in-home design consultations, professional installation, and worry free with their industry leading limited lifetime warranty. Learn more about Bumble Bee Blinds by giving them a call or going to their website. www.bumblebeeblinds.com/northwest-sanantonio-tx/
It was an extra special afternoon celebrating Viva Pediatrics North 5 Year Anniversary!!! Viva Pediatrics and their Board
Certified Pediatricians and staff provide comprehensive and excellent health care for their patients from birth to eighteen years. They follow the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics and vaccine schedule set forth by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. They build long term, collaborative relationships, listen actively and practice compassionate medical care, and promote healthy lifestyles! Interested in booking an appointment for your children? Give them a call or head over to their website to learn more!
Congrats on 5 amazing years, Viva Pediatrics team! www.vivapediatrics.com
REV’D AUTO STYLING’S GRAND OPENING
Rev’d Auto Styling craft excellence in vehicle protection. Their passion for vehicles and commitment to excellence converge to offer unparalleled vehicle protection services. Based in Boerne, they specialize in Paint Protection Film, Ceramic Coating, and Window tinting, ensuring your vehicle not only looks its best but is also protected against the elements and the demands of daily driving. Their sister company and neighbor, Premier1 Auto Care, is also available to help you with A/C and heat repair, brake repair, cooling systems, engine and transmission work, oil changes, steering and suspension, tires and more. Congrats and welcome to Boerne, Rev’d Auto Styling and Premier1 Auto Care! https://revdautostyling.com
Mixx Consulting is an organization built to navigate complexities, drive sustainable growth, and maximize impact in today’s dynamic landscape. They can also serve as your dedicate business broker, specializing in connecting you with top-notch opportunities, from buying and selling to strategic partnerships. Contact them today for NonProfit Consulting, Business Consulting, Government Affairs & Relations, Political Consulting, Advocacy & Lobbying or Social Media Management services. The Mixx Consulting team looks forward to helping you succeed! https://mixxconsulting.com
LOVE Kendall County Kids is a 100% volunteer-driven 501c3 organization that partners with different local groups like churches, schools, non-profits, local government, civic groups, and businesses. Collectively, they are united by a common vision: ensuring that no child in our community faces the risk of hunger. They provide services for children who are living or attending school in Kendall County and who are on a meal program at school and/or receiving some type of public assistance. LOVE Kendall County Kids focuses on 5 main programs: Food 4 Kids, School Supplies 4 Kids, Beds 4 Kids, Camps 4 Kids and Safe Homes 4 Kids. Your donations go directly towards helping children and families right here in our community. If you are interested in donating or volunteering, please go to their website listed below! https://www.lovekckids.org
Rooted Strength is on a mission to empower women to live in unbridled pursuit of their health and fitness goals! They offer 1:1 training, small group training, and special series such as prenatal and postpartum training, and more in the Rooted Strength Studio! Or, if you’re not local to Boerne or have a strenuous schedule, they offer remote coaching! Congratulations Rooted Strength team! www.rootedstrengthcoaching.com
Fair Oaks Emergency Room has brought state-of-the-art patient care to the Boerne and Fair Oaks area! Patients will avoid long wait times you would typically find in hospital Emergency Rooms. From the receptionist to physicians, you’ll receive exceptional treatment for all of your medical emergency needs. They are open 24/7, 365 days a year, and offer adult and pediatric care. Go to their website to find a full list of the emergency services and trauma care services they offer. Congrats, Fair Oaks Emergency Room! https://fairoaksemergency.com/
The Memory Lab: The Maker Space of Memories at the Patrick Heath Public Library will offer to patrons free access to digitization equipment. Our goal is to help preserve Boerne’s, and the surrounding Hill Country’s, histories starting with the people who live here. If you have photographs, documents, letters, or even recipes you would like to preserve please come on down to the Memory Lab at the Library. Sarah Habeeb, our Memory Lab Coordinator, will be happy to train you on the equipment and offer assistance as needed. The lab officially opens October 1st and the hours are Tuesday and Thursdays from 1PM to 6PM; Wednesday and Fridays from 9Am to 2PM; and every fourth Saturday of the month from 10AM-3PM. The Memory Lab is supported by the Mellon Foundation.www.ci.boerne.tx.us/2295/Library
Sponsored 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
Johann Franz Stendebach followed his parents, Johannes and Catherine (nee Schlag), and his sister Maria to Texas from Niedererbach, Westerburg, Hessen-Nassau, Prussia. The family landed in New Orleans on March 6, 1852, proceeded to Indianola, and then traveled by ox cart to San Antonio. Johann (J. F.), a twenty-five-year-old stonemason, joined his family in San Antonio a few months later.
JAnother stonemason, Herman Wetz, arrived in San Antonio with his wife and two stepchildren, Anna Katherina Nickel, and William Nickel, later that summer. The Wetz family emigrated from Offenbach and arrived in Indianola in August. They continued from San Antonio to New Braunfels, except for seventeen-year-old Katherina, who found a job in San Antonio at a hotel. Thirteen months after arriving in Texas, Katherina married J. F. in a Catholic ceremony performed by Father James Geraudon on September 24, 1853.
Land acquisition was high on the list of goals for the Stendebachs. J. F.'s father, Johannes, acquired his first piece of property on December 1, 1853. It was in downtown San Antonio where the
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
registered on June 30, 1867. The registrar included the following comments with his entry, "Held off of Conf before war, but none during. Never aided Reb. Good U. M. (Union Man)." He served as Sheriff and Tax Collector during the turbulent Reconstruction years, from May 1869 until September 1878. He helped establish the Boerne "Schuetzen Verein" (Shooting Club) in 1864 and was a Boerne Masonic Lodge charter member. He also was a founder of the Boerne Cemetery, signing on January 28, 1867.
Crockett Hotel is today. It was the first of many purchases. Two months later, in February 1854, J. F. and his father occupied 160 acres of land along the waters of Spring Creek, about five and a half miles northeast of Boerne. Both men filed an affidavit of occupancy on October 26, 1855, and Johannes withdrew his claim in favor of J. F. on August 1, 1856. Preemption Certificate No. 16 was issued to J. F. Stendebach by the Chief Justice of Blanco County on December 18, 1858. In her biography of an ancestor included in the Stendebach First Families book, Betty Stendebach Boyd wrote, "J. F. Stendebach was quite involved with real estate, either buying it for investment or taking property for debt owed him. At least a dozen tracts are listed in the county records. He deeded several tracts of land to his older children."
J. F. and his father both applied for citizenship in 1855, and Johann Franz Stendebach became a United States citizen at a ceremony in San Antonio on May 2, 1859. He signed the petition to create a new county that same year. The 1860 Productions of Agriculture Census for Precinct 1 of Blanco County provides evidence of his productivity as a farmer. Examples of his stone masonry are still evident today in the Kendall Inn, the Historic Kendall County Courthouse, and the original Kendall County Jail. Some of the structures he built on the farm are still standing.
Family stories say that J. F. was a Captain in the Confederate Kendall County Scouts during the Civil War, but the stories lacked any supporting documentation. All adult men had to register to vote following the war, and John Frank Stendebach from Spring Creek near Boerne
Johann Franz Stendebach, also known as John Frank and J. F., died on July 20, 1890, and was buried in the Boerne Cemetery. He was survived by his wife Katharina and seven children and proceeded in death by three children, Maria, Julius, and John Adam. Maria's birthdate was not recorded, but because of the gap in birth years between William, born in San Antonio in 1854, and Anna Barbara, born in Spring Creek in 1860, Maria was likely the second child born to the couple. Julius was their third child, born in 1862, and John Adam, the fourth, was born in 1864. Both boys died within days of each other in October 1866. Katharina lived for twenty-five years after Johann's death.
Betty Boyd wrote about her great-greatgrandmother: "Like most pioneer wives, the duties of keeping house, bearing and rearing children and doing the myriad of other activities associated with a family with ten children, husband, and wife are not
continued from page 33 documented but are obvious."
Betty continued, "After Johann Franz died, Anna [Katharina] sold the farm and ranch lands and moved into a stone cottage... on Kronkosky Street." William Peter, her eldest son, built the rock building. "Other children in the family were August, George, Anna Barbara, who became Mrs. Gustave Schattenberg, Mary, who became Mrs. Edward Kuebel, Emma, who became Mrs. Tom Whitworth, and Carolina, who became Mrs. Martin Monken." William married Regina Phillip in Kreutzberg in 1873 and had seven children together. August married Ida Elisabeth Werner, and they had three children.
Although she had family nearby, Katharina lived alone as a widowed head of household in the 1900 and 1910 censuses. She was preceded in death by a fourth child, George Washington, who died in 1906, leaving behind a wife, Minnie Causey, and five children. Katharina died in Cuero, Texas, where her youngest daughter, Carolina "Lina," lived, on October 14, 1915. She was returned to Boerne for burial.
Friends and acquaintances attended the funeral held at the home of her son, William Peter, on October 16. Following graveside services, she was buried in the Boerne Cemetery next to Johann Franz. BBM
FIREPLACE HALLOWEEN
THANKSGIVING
GATHER
FAMILY
CIDER APPLES
SQUIRREL
SCARECROW COSTUMES
GOURD
PUMPKIN PATCH
MAZE
COZY
CAMPFIRE
THANKFUL COLUMBUS DISCOVER HOLIDAYS
CANDY
TRICK OR TREAT
The Boerne Independent School District Board of Trustees approved a $3 per hour pay raise for all bus drivers and fleet mechanics with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
The new rate increases starting pay for bus drivers to $19 per hour.
“We are extremely proud of our hard-working transportation team,” stated Boerne ISD Chief of Operations, Mark Stahl. “In many cases, they are the first staff members our students see in the morning, and the last in the afternoon. They care a great deal about our students and do an outstanding job transporting them safely every day. I commend the Board of Trustees for their commitment to ensuring our bus driver compensation is competitive.”
Over the summer, the BISD Transportation Department focused on recruiting more bus drivers, bus assistants, and staff to lead key positions. Ms. Melanie Lee, Transportation Director, hired an Operations Manager, Fleet Manager, and Route Coordinator. Additionally, staff have been designated to assist parents and guardians with up-to-date route information. Technology resources were also upgraded to review efficiency of routes and fleet service maintenance.
Boerne ISD has experienced a significant increase in student ridership for its transportation services. Currently, the district provides daily transportation to approximately 4,075 students across its 359-square-mile area. The number of students utilizing transportation services represents nearly 37% of the district’s total student body.
In an effort to recruit and retain highly qualified Special Education professionals, the BISD Board of Trustees also approved the new Highly Specialized Stipend of $7,000 per year for the following roles:
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Speech Language Pathology Assistant
• School Psychologist
• Diagnostician
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapist
This new stipend will allow the district to compete for top talent with surrounding districts, many of whom offer similar stipends, as well as private employers. Individuals in highly specialized roles are required to meet high standards through industry licensure, advanced degrees, and may be required to meet nationally recognized standards for training and supervision that exceed requirements for employment in many other education fields.
Boerne ISD will conduct a full stipend review this year in preparation for the 2025-26 budget cycle. The district recognizes the need for further action, and this marks a solid beginning.
Boerne ISD Board of Trustees President Garret Wilson stated, “As our district continues to grow, it is imperative that we continue to attract and retain the highest quality staff to best serve our families. It has been increasingly difficult for Texas school districts, including BISD, to hire bus drivers and highly qualified special education professionals. This adjustment in salary is a necessary step in recruiting the best educators in Texas. We greatly appreciate the hard work and dedication of our bus drivers and special education professionals.”
To apply for these and other open positions at Boerne ISD please visit BoerneISD.net/Jobs.
