www.boerne.org 1
CommunityLink.com
production
production manager amanda white director of publication design kelly friederich managing editor laura wilcoxen proofreader christina reese photography coordinator Jay Nehrkorn photography Linda Rukavina lead design kacey wolters cover design joe goetting web site creation & support JOSH CHANDLER director of media purchasing Diana Vaughn
table of contents
business development director of business development director of outside sales marketing specialist regional director of publications business development manager customer service director
George Prudhomme Debbie Moss Shawna Williams Sean corrigan Bonnie Ebers kathy Risley
advertising
ad traffic ad research ad design
publishing systems specialist
Carol Smith Amy SchwartzkoPf Josh Mueller
advertising
Christopher Miller
executive leadership chairman and founder chief financial officer
Craig Williams Rhonda Harsy
ABOUT This book is published by CommunityLink and distributed through the Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce. For advertising information or questions or comments about this book, contact CommunityLink at 800-455-5600 or by e-mail at info@CommunityLink.com. FOR INFORMATION Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce, 126 Rosewood Avenue, Boerne, TX 78006, telephone 830-249-8000, fax 830-249-9639, www.boerne.org © 2011 Craig Williams Creative, Inc., 4742 Holts Prairie Road, Post Office Box 306, Pinckneyville, IL 62274-0306, 618-357-8653. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher.
2 Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce
About the Cover The name of the publication, Boerne Lifestyles, was the result of a magazine naming contest held by the Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce. The winner of the contest is Kerr y Phillip, Business Development Officer, Boerne Banking Center.
Table of Contents
04 Board of Directors 05 Meet Our Ambassadors 07 Networking, Marketing,
and Prospering Together
08 Someplace for Everyone:
Housing Trends in Boerne Open New Doors for Homebuyers
10 The Sights of the Texas Hill Country 12 The City of Boerne – At Your Service 14 A Community of Service 15 Kronkosky Place:
“Age Strong and Live Long”
16 Benedictine Ministries Provide
Spirituality and Hospitality
17 Leadership Boerne Develops
Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
18 New Patrick Heath Public Library –
A Community Achievement
19 Dignity and a Helping Hand 21 Students Take a Bite Out of College
Credits With Project Red Apple
22 Boerne Education Foundation
Provides “Extra Credit” for Boerne Schools
23 The Boerne Workforce Readiness
Initiative: Helping Today’s Students Become Tomorrow’s Good Employees
24 Geneva School of Boerne Celebrates
a First Class Graduation
26 Hill Country Marketplace 28 Second Saturday Art & Wine Tour 29 Volkesfest: Boerne’s Biggest Festivals 30 Bending Branch Winery:
Old World Wines With Texas Style
33 Riven Rock Ranch: Hill Country Heaven 36 Out and About:
Exploring Kendall County
38 Walk Historic Boerne 40 Facts, Stats, & Important
Phone Numbers
44 Index of Advertisers
www.boerne.org 3
About the Chamber Photos by Beth Coyle and Linda Rukavina
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The Chamber Is Open for Business
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Board of Directors
The Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce is a vibrant association of businesses organized to promote and improve economic vitality through partnerships, leadership, and education of our members 14 and community. The Staff and Volunteers of this Chamber of Commerce never take for granted how fortunate we are that so many businesses operating at world-class levels have chosen the Boerne area as their base of operation. Strong businesses working together broaden the tax base for residents and raise the quality of life in the community. This Chamber is working with all levels of government, with the boards of education, and with social services agencies to find solutions for local issues such as education, human relations, environmental, cultural, and governmental concerns. To business prospects and newcomers, the Chamber represents the community’s pride and self-image. The Chamber of Commerce is the salesman for its community and businesses — unceasingly promoting their products and services. The united voice of the Chamber has proven effective and beneficial to business where a single voice can go unheard. The primary benefit of belonging to the Chamber is fulltime representation and year-round results. Chamber of Commerce membership is an investment in the present and future welfare of both individuals and their community. For more information about the Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce, call 830-249-8000 or e-mail boerne@gvtc.com.
1. Michael Schultz, Chair
6. Susan Allen, Past Chair
11. Carlos Guerrero
16. M.J. Slater
2. Beca Short, Chair-Elect
7. Karen Daly
12. Nancy Holekamp
17. Lauren Stumberg
13. Ronnie Huie
18. Jeannemarie Wilson
The Trust Company Jefferson Bank
3. Mike Lang, Treasurer
Kendall County Abstract Company
4. JoDee Kerestes, Secretary
Methodist Boerne Emergency Center
5. Cindy Arledge, Member At-Large
GRIPP Productions, Ltd. 4 Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce
Texas Heritage Bank
Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper, Realtors
8. Matt Diana
Covenant Services
9. Richard Elkins
Stanbio Laboratory
10. John Gonzalez JDG Associates, Inc.
Boerne Independent School District The Corner Cartel and Maid in Texas Huie Financial Services
14. Lance Lemoine RPM Mortgage
15. Chris Miller
CareChoice of Boerne Nursing & Rehab Center
GVTC
Distinct Media
Jeannemarie Wilson, Attorney-atLaw, P.L.L.C.
19. Terri Politi, President Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce
About the Chamber
Meet Our Ambassadors 2
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1. Teresa Harder 2. Jodi Harper 3. Rusty Meador 4. Becca Stokes
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4 By Jay Nehrkorn
he Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors are a group of approximately 30 volunteers from within the membership who act as goodwill representatives for the organization and advocates for membership growth. As the public relations arm of the Chamber within the community, they play a vital part in Chamber events and in welcoming new members.
Teresa Harder, TNT Cleaning Former residents of Sioux City, Iowa, Teresa Harder and her family moved to Boerne in 2006 after visiting her sister in the area and deciding that Boerne would be a nice change of pace. A former employee and supervisor at Service Master, she had seven years experience in the cleaning industry. Recognizing a need in her new hometown, she established her own business, TNT Cleaning, in 2007. Today, TNT Cleaning employs a total of eight people and provides cleaning services for a variety of businesses and organizations, including government buildings, medical offices, warehouses, banks, churches, and others. “The first couple of years that I was a member of the Chamber I was very busy with our new company and was not able to participate in the Chamber functions, but I wanted to learn more about our community and the things happening in it, so I became an Ambassador in 2009, and it opened a whole new door of opportunity for me. I have met wonderful people, watched Boerne grow, and love to participate in the activities. The Chamber has helped my business grow with the networking tools it has to offer. It’s a great tool to help you and your business grow and become a part of the community, but you have to use what they offer. I honestly recommend the Chamber to any business, new or old.” www.boerne.org 5
About the Chamber
Jodi Harper, Texas Heritage Bank A native of Graham, Texas, Jodi Harper earned a marketing degree from Texas A&M University before moving to Auburn, Ala., to put her skills to work for V2 Composites Inc. She returned to Texas in 2008, coming to live in Boerne while still working remotely for her Alabama employer. In July 2009, she joined Texas Heritage Bank to direct business development, marketing, and cash management for the bank’s three locations in Boerne, Cross Plains, and Leon Springs. She has been involved with the Chamber as an Ambassador since her arrival in Boerne and found it to be a great way to meet people in her new hometown. “Becoming a Chamber Ambassador has helped facilitate business and personal
relationships that I didn’t previously have, being new to Boerne in 2008. I find being a Chamber Ambassador opens many doors to new and existing businesses in and around our community, and I have enjoyed being a part of the ‘marketing arm’ of the Chamber of Commerce!”
Rusty Meador, Distinct Media LLC A graduate of Southern Methodist University with a BFA in communications, Rusty Meador was an executive at Gulf Publishing Company in Houston before coming to Boerne with thoughts of retirement. He currently serves as the director of sales and marketing at Distinct Media, which publishes both Boerne Business Monthly and Moving
On! Hill Country magazines, as well as offering marketing products and design services. “After spending 35 years in the corporate world and having just moved to Boerne last fall, I saw the opportunity to serve as a Chamber of Commerce Ambassador as an excellent entrée into gaining insight, knowledge, and contacts within the Boerne business community. It was apparent to me that the Boerne Chamber of Commerce was not just another ‘run-of-the-mill’ Chamber but one that had unique dynamics and energy. My experience since joining as an Ambassador has confirmed my belief in the vitality of the Boerne business community and the Chamber that supports it.”
Becca Stokes, Salon Infusion A former early childhood intervention specialist and resident of San Antonio, Becca Stokes and her husband fell in love with the town of Boerne while using it as a place to meet halfway for date nights prior to their marriage. The couple moved to Boerne around five years ago, and Becca now works at Salon Infusion — a local salon and spa — as an assistant general manager and marketer. Salon owner Staci Andrews got Becca involved with Chamber events as a
“My motivation to become an Ambassador is my passion to give back to the community I love.” means of networking, which led to Becca’s interest in the Ambassador program and her appointment in early 2010. “My motivation to become an Ambassador is my passion to give back to the community I love. The local businesses in Boerne are like no other; everyone supports each other and we all have the same goal — we want every business to be successful! I have the benefit of working with Salon Infusion clients (a lot of them new to the area) and letting them know about the local businesses, and if they are business owners I enjoy letting them know about the many benefits of becoming a Chamber member. The recruitment of new members is my favorite part of being an Ambassador, because I believe that the Chamber is the best way to build a business and keep an existing business successful.” 6 Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce
About the Chamber
Networking, Marketing, and Prospering Together
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By Jay Nehrkorn
arketing partnerships among non-competing businesses aren’t new, but the problem for many small businesses is in finding partners that meet their criteria. There must be overlapping target markets, terms must be agreeable, and the relationship requires a wellestablished level of trust. Finding the right marketing allies can require making dozens of contacts and building familiarity through time spent together, and Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce events are proving to be the perfect venue. The Chamber offers a minimum of a dozen different networking opportunities to members each month, and the membership is doing much more than just mingling when they get together. Introductions made through the Chamber have resulted in a growing number of mutually beneficial, grass-roots marketing alliances, creating opportunities for both business owners and consumers. One member that welcomes opportunities to partner with local businesses is Tootie Pie, a gourmet pie company that sells both locally and via the Internet. Tootie Pie continually seeks partnerships with Main Street restaurants and local bed and breakfasts to help promote their brand with tourists, and the company enjoys special relationships with several Chamber members who utilize their pies as gifts for employees and clients. They also partner with local restaurants, such as Hungry Horse, for a variety of promotions and have worked with Fritze’s BBQ at the Kendall County Fair. “We like to work with local businesses in a mutually beneficial way, and the Chamber does a great job of putting together networking events for its members,” said Tootie Pie Director of Business Development Randy Graybill.
A perfect example of Chamber connections leading to mutually beneficial partnerships is the relationship that has formed between Tootie Pie and Salon Infusion, an upscale salon and spa in Boerne. “We partnered with the good folks at Salon Infusion by giving away Tootie Pie samples in their salon two or three different weekends,” Graybill explained. “It adds to brand recognition and awareness for us, while providing their clients with gourmet treats to enjoy during their appointments.” For Salon Infusion owner Staci Andrews, reaching out to work with Tootie Pie and giving them the chance to offer samples within the salon made perfect sense, and the promotion turned out to be a good fit for both businesses. “We want to give people more than they expect when they come here, and they didn’t expect that — to get a sampling of awesome pie,” Andrews said. “I haven’t yet charged for any partnering that is mutually beneficial. When it enhances what I offer and is promotional for the other business, as in the case of Tootie Pie, it’s a winning partnership.” Salon Infusion also partners with many other businesses in town for promotions, including clothing and accessories boutiques like Ella Blue and Lillians. Andrews said that 99.9 percent of these partnerships are with other Chamber members and that most start as conversations at Chamber events. “As successful business owners, our Chamber membership would be the last thing we would drop if marketing dollars were cut,” she continued. “Some businesses join and then they sit back to wait for the Chamber to build their business, but the Chamber is a tool, and all the tools are there if they just take advantage of them.”
www.boerne.org 7
Location, Location, Location
Someplace for Everyone: Housing Trends in Boerne Open New Doors for Homebuyers
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By Jay Nehrkorn
ecent years have brought about a shift in Boerne’s housing market, and the response of developers to the changing desires of home-buyers has resulted in a variety of great options. Whether it’s a luxury home on the hill, a new subdivision home, a revitalized house near the city’s core, or a maintenance-free retirement village, the changes in Boerne have created a place for everyone. “I’ve been here a little over 30 years in the real estate market, and for many years people moving here wanted to get out in the country and have acreage, but it appears as though that trend has shifted,” said Emily Swope of Coldwell Banker. “We’re finding more and more people that not only want a smaller house, but also a smaller lot.”
8 Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce
As a result of this downsizing trend, Boerne now has many recently developed subdivisions near the city limits, including areas such as Boerne Heights, Lost Creek, and Trails at Herff Ranch. These developments offer well-built homes in a wide variety of sizes that range from around 1,400 to over 3,500 square feet, with many including attached garages and nice upgrades. Entry level in these neighborhoods is around $150,000, with prices for the larger and more customized homes reaching into the upper $200s. More expansion is on the way, as a number of new subdivisions are planned for the near future. One of the more exciting developments on the horizon is Esperanza, a 1,250acre, master-planned community just east of town. The design of this neighborhood will
integrate a variety of commercial facilities and community amenities directly into the residential areas, creating a walkable community that will be unique to the area. Meanwhile, the older residential neighborhoods in the heart of Boerne are offering yet another choice for those seeking small lots and attractive homes. Many individuals have realized the value of these older properties near the downtown markets and have engaged in remodeling and expansion projects, creating homes that feature an old German Hill Country look yet offer modernized interiors. These types of properties include units located right on Cibolo Creek, and there are still many opportunities for buyers to stake their claim on great locations that are prime for renovation.
Location, Location, Location
The rental scene in Boerne offers both apartments and luxury townhomes, and active seniors seeking a maintenance-free environment also have a number of attractive options tailored just for them. Loaded with excellent amenities and designed with the wants and needs of seniors in mind, apartment homes in Terraces at the Cibolo, Park Meadows, and Dominion Village have created a welcome alternative for retirees wishing to downsize from their larger homes without giving up a great lifestyle. The trend of shifting from large to small has also created a strong market for pre-owned luxury homes on large lots and tracts that offer serenity and privacy. The inventory of these 4,000-square-foot and larger homes is bigger than ever before, providing ample opportunity to find a hilltop dream home in places like the golfing community of Cordillera or a gated neighborhood such as Falling Water. Regardless of the type of home you’re looking for, Swope says the greatest strength of Boerne’s housing market is that when you buy a home in Boerne, you get to live in Boerne. “The quality of life, the school system, and the diversity of the community attracts a lot of people, and there’s something here that appeals to all age groups,” she concluded. “There is a strong sense of community here. People just feel like they belong and really become part of a community.”
www.boerne.org 9
Location, Location, Location
The Sights of the
Texas Hill Country Map and Article by Graphic Design by Kristy Watson
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aking a relaxing back roads drive through the beautiful Texas Hill Country requires a few things: 1) a good map of the area 2) a camera and 3) spontaneity. You won’t be able to do everything in a day during this drive, so pick and choose what destinations are most important to you and find out if they are open before you go. From Boerne take Highway 46 east for 10 miles to Bergheim. The general store there was established over 100 years ago, and it hasn’t changed much, as the museum-like furnishings inside reveal. The store serves as the town’s post office and inside, you can find cowboy hats, jeans, and anything for camping. Locals call it the “Mall” because you can get almost anything there. Stanley Jones is the proprietor and knows all of the locals by name. Across the street is O’Briens Restaurant. They are open for lunch and dinner and have indoor and outdoor seating. They serve steaks, chicken, seafood, pastas, and pizzas. You can also find live music there on the weekends. The building became famous in the movie The Sugarland Express, with Burt Reynolds and Goldie Hawn.
10 Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce
From the traffic light at Bergheim, take Highway 3351 north for about four miles to Edge Falls Road and turn right. You will cross the Guadalupe River, where kayaks and inner-tubers can be seen floating down the river. Most of them have started at the Bergheim Campground (3351 bridge). If you park here to dip your feet, make sure you’re not too close to the bridge — watch for the no-parking signs. Since Edge Falls Road is open range, you may see cattle, goats, and sheep cross over the road. Roll down the windows and enjoy a slow pace as you sightsee over the ranchland. This stretch is also great on a bicycle. Watch out for big cow paddies along the narrow road. Along this area, on private ranch land, 30-foot Edge Fall, over a natural pool of water, used to be a popular weekend spot for families, but is no longer open to the public. At 473 turn left to find a general store — a place to get your chain saw fixed and buy a hamburger, drinks, and snacks. There is a little room in the back of the store with a few tables set up for lunch where you can hobnob with the local ranchers and maybe even a Kendall County Commissioner.
Location, Location, Location
Driving a short distance south down 3351, you’ll find Kendalia Halle, one of the oldest dance halls in Texas, established in 1903. You can listen and dance to live music from singers such as Billy Mata, Bobby Flores,and others on most Saturday evenings, when they serve free Bar-B-Q to their guests. From Kendalia, take 473 west to the vineyards in Sisterdale (turn north onto 1376). A restored 1885 cotton gin houses the winery. Tours and wine tastings are available seven days a week. Next door, Sisterdale Dancehall has recently been renovated and is now open with live music on most Friday and Saturday nights. The dancehall was built between 1884 and 1890. On the property, a stone block fort pre-dates the Civil War and has narrow windows, just wide enough to stick a rifle out to fight off an Indian attack. Across the road, the 115 year-old Sisterdale Saloon is a good place to grab an ice-cold beer and join in a game of dominos or poker. They also sell fishing worms and have live music on the weekends. Go north on 1376 a few hundred feet and turn left onto 474, heading west towards Comfort. Turn left on Zoeller Lane, zigzagging through hay fields and along the Guadalupe River to the historic Waring General store, popular for their Wednesday “Steak Nite.” Take Waring-Welfare Road south past the Joshua Creek Ranch Game Preserve and Resort to the Welfare Café. The old post office closed in 1976 but now has some of the best gourmet meals, featuring German and American cuisine, in the Hill Country. You can listen to live music by the “Welfare Fathers” in the courtyard in the outdoor seating area on Sunday evenings. Next door, a single-room schoolhouse, built in 1878, can be seen from the road. Head south on Waring-Welfare Road, past the Don Strange Ranch (a popular wedding and event location). Veer left onto Highway 289 to Nelson City Dancehall, where they feature singers several times a month and host events throughout the year. Farther down Highway 289 is Po Po’s Restaurant, where a large “EATS” sign will catch your attention. Since 1929, Po Po’s has been serving family-style meals. A huge plate collection from all over the world decorates the walls. Continue down Highway 289 to Interstate 10 and back to Boerne.
830-249-3575
www.oakhillspestcontrol.com 107 Parkway Boerne, TX 78006 Voted best of the best since 1997!
www.boerne.org 11
Our Town
The City of Boerne – At Your Service By Jay Nehrkorn
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art of what makes Boerne such a great place to live is the commitment of its public servants to offering the best possible infrastructure and programs. New facilities and expanding services are enhancing the lifestyles of residents, and as an employer the city was named one of the top 50 workplaces in the San Antonio metropolitan area by San Antonio Express News. Here are some of the services that the dedicated employees of the city of Boerne provide.
Utilities The city of Boerne owns and manages the utilities provided within the community, including natural gas, water, and wastewater, as well as electricity for many areas in town. Along with offering a “one-stop shop” for utilities, the city has increased convenience for its customers through its new website
(www.ci.boerne.tx.us), which offers online communication and bill-paying tools. New resource efficiency programs are also under way to help customers conserve energy, and the city itself is leading this charge through in-house energy-saving measures and by pursuing LEED certification for its new facilities.
Recreation The award-winning Boerne Parks & Recreation Department maintains nine diverse parks, giving residents places to play and an array of activities to enjoy. Sports fans will find prime venues for soccer, football, tennis, volleyball, softball, baseball, and aquatics, with athletic leagues offered for both youth and adults. The latest addition, a new skate park, was opened in June 2010. The parks system also offers beautiful spaces, including open settings for community festivals and scenic spots for picnics. Wildlife viewing and fishing are popular at
City Lake Park, and the city will soon be making major upgrades to River Road Park to enhance the area along Cibolo Creek. The city also maintains the scenic Old No. 9 Trail, a 1.4-mile greenway through the heart of town. In addition, the implementation of the Pedestrian Trails & Sidewalk Master Plan in the coming years will create more recreational trails and make Boerne a more walkable community.
Emergency Services Boerne puts a high priority on the safety of its citizens. The city’s fire department, which is staffed around the clock, includes both HazMat and technical rescue capabilities. A new 27,000-square-foot facility houses the fulltime police force, 911 call center, emergency management center, and fire marshal’s office.
For More Information The City of Boerne www.ci.boerne.tx.us
About Boerne You Can Call Us “Bernie” Boerne has a rich history dating back to the mid-1800s, and the combination of its distinctly German heritage and Texas Hill Country charm makes it a present-day gem for visitors — despite the fact that many of them mispronounce the town’s name. The first settlement of this Cibolo Creek location north of San Antonio took place in the 1840s. Inspired by a charismatic leader named Ludwig Börne, many young Germans came to the new world at that time to seek their fortunes, and a group of these immigrant pioneers created a settlement near present-day Johns Road. Originally named “Tusculum” after Cicero’s summer palace, the settlement was later abandoned by most of its founding fathers. A few of the men, however, chose to remain and renamed the settlement Boerne in honor of their German roots. The town was originally platted in 1851, and by 1856 it had a post office and was a stopping point for stagecoach lines. Shops, mills, and a school soon followed. Daily rail service between Boerne and San Antonio began in 1887, bringing more conveniences and steady growth in the years that followed. Today, Boerne continues to grow larger and more diverse, but proudly displays its old world heritage in festivals such as Berges Fest and in local businesses like Little Gretel Restaurant. Commonly pronounced “born” by out-of-towners, the final “e” in the city’s name is actually long, making the proper pronunciation “Bernie.” But don’t worry about offending if you mispronounced the name at first — after 160 years, we’re used to it.
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Our Town
Animal Services
The Boerne CVB
The approach to animal services in Boerne goes beyond just having animal control officers. The city partners with other organizations to take a proactive approach, educating the public about responsible animal ownership, providing regular clinics, and operating a humane shelter with a very successful adoption program.
Getting the Word Out
Public Library and Education Programs The Boerne Public Library serves thousands annually, offering creative outreach and educational programs for youth, adults, and seniors. The city and the Boerne Public Library Foundation are in the process of constructing the new Patrick Heath Public Library, a 30,000-squarefoot facility that will provide indoor and outdoor learning spaces as well as updated technology. “We partner whenever we can with the private sector or nonprofit groups in town, and we’re always looking for win-win situations to maximize the resources that are available for our residents,” said Public Relations Coordinator Pamela Bransford. “Probably the best example of that is our partnership with the Library Foundation, which has really been an advocate for the library and done major fundraising to supplement the city funds that are going into the new building.” Beyond the library walls, the city of Boerne also provides other opportunities to learn, including classes on a variety of topics such as babysitting, first aid, concealed handgun certification, computer skills, dance, and art.
Located at the historic, circa 1850s Kingsbury-Shumard House at 1407 South Main, the Boerne Convention and Visitors Bureau works to promote local attractions and help tourists make the most of their visit to the Texas Hill Country. “Our primary function as a CVB and tourism office is to promote Boerne as a tourism destination, and we do that through marketing and advertising in state, regional, and national publications,” said director Larry Woods. “Our job is to bring people to Boerne to stay in our hotels, shop in our shops, and eat in our restaurants. We also work with all of the local events that take place in the city to help promote and advertise them, as well to show people that there are things to do in Boerne and that it’s a good place to spend a weekend.” The CVB office provides a wealth of information about must-see places in the Hill Country region and throughout the state of Texas, offering literature, maps, and a helpful staff to answer questions. Along with promoting area events, they also host the annual Harvest Moon Festival at the end of each October and have a new jazz festival planned for the fall of 2011. In addition, the CVB manages the Boerne Convention Community Center, a flexible meeting space that provides banquet seating for 360 and theater seating for 500 to host everything from weddings and parties to meetings and training conferences. For More Information Boerne Convention and Visitors Bureau www.visitboerne.org
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Our Town
A Community of Service T
By Jay Nehrkorn
he people of Kendall County aren’t ones to wait around for someone else to do something — when they see a need, they open their hearts, roll up their sleeves, and get to work. As a result, Boerne is home to more than 100 different civic clubs and organizations, creating an army of volunteers who have improved the community and the lives of the people who live there. Nonprofit groups are making positive changes on a variety of fronts, and opportunities for volunteerism include food ministries, animal shelters, mentoring, education advocacy, community development, and many other worthy causes. A perfect example of how the Boerne community rallies to meet a need is the Kendall County Women’s Shelter (KCWS), formed as a nonprofit organization in 2005 to create a shelter for female victims of domestic violence and their children. In 2007, Kendall County Commissioners agreed to lease land to KCWS for $1 per year if they could raise money to cover construction and operating costs. The KCWS dream is now becoming a reality thanks to generous donors and dedicated volunteers. One of those volunteers is Cindy Arledge, who became aware of KCWS in 2009 through the Chamber’s Leadership Boerne program. Now a member of the KCWS Board, Arledge joined forces with Dina Puleo, Michele Robinette, and Christine Donaway to create the Krazy Women Walking campaign
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— a one-day, 41-mile walking event on New Year’s Day to raise money and boost awareness for the shelter. “We had this big dream of raising $1.5 million,” Arledge said with a laugh. “We were also trying to get exposure for the need for a shelter, because many people still don’t understand that we don’t have a shelter in
Kendall County, or appreciate the tremendous need for one.” The four women braved near-freezing temperatures as they departed from Plaza Park at midnight on New Year’s Eve; over 15 hours later they successfully completed their 41-mile round trip. While the money raised from pledges that day fell far short of their dream number, they caught the attention of many people and got excellent exposure for the cause in the local and San Antonio media. “The shelter has raised over a million dollars in cash and in-kind donations this year,
and I’m not saying that it was all because of our walk, but we wanted to give the shelter some positive energy that day, and we feel like we did that,” Arledge said. “After the walk people asked if I was disappointed, and I said, ‘No, a farmer doesn’t plant his seed and expect to harvest it the same day.’ We knew that we weren’t anywhere near our goal before we left, but we walked anyway. We planted seeds that day.” Arledge is amazed by the outpouring of local support for the project and says that it’s everyday people who are making the shelter a reality despite the nation’s economic difficulties. KCWS continues raising funds in hopes of receiving a $300,000 matching grant, which has been offered by the JE & LE Mabee Foundation. Once the 6,600-square-foot shelter is completed it will offer temporary housing, crisis counseling, courtroom advocacy, and other services for victims of domestic abuse and violent crimes. It will also stand as yet another testimony to the caring spirit and “can-do” attitude of the people of Boerne.
For More Information Kendall County Women’s Shelter www.kendallwomensshelter.com
Our Town
For More Information Kronkosky Place www.kronkoskyplace.org
By Jay Nehrkorn
Kronkosky Place: “Age Strong and Live Long”
he Rainbow Senior Center has offered nutritional programs for Kendall County seniors for over 25 years, and in early 2010 the organization gained a new home that has enhanced their ability to help seniors live up to the “age strong and live long” motto. Known as Kronkosky Place in honor of the family whose foundation made the new 28,000-square-foot facility possible, the center now offers more services than ever to the nearly 200 seniors who walk through its doors each day. “Ever since we were founded in 1983 we have served the needs of seniors by providing good nutrition for them, but at the old center we only had 7,000 square feet, and we had to stick activities in the corner,” said Executive Director Ellen Damstra. “Now we have the ability to offer all sorts of activities and programs that will keep them physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially alert, as well as take care of their nutritional needs at the same time.” The lower level of the award-winning facility includes a nutritional wing and a 12,000-square-foot activities wing, offering both a fitness center and a learning center. The fitness center includes state-of-the-art equipment designed for both cardiovascular and strength training, while the learning center provides a technology classroom for continuing education and computer literacy courses. Health and wellness resources, clinics, and seminars are also provided at Kronkosky Place, and they continue to expand their schedule to offer social activities for both retirees and working seniors. www.boerne.org 15
Our Town
Benedictine Ministries Provide Spirituality and Hospitality
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By Jay Nehrkorn
he Benedictine Sisters of Boerne have a long tradition of supporting ministries that serve the spiritual needs and promote the overall well-being of the community, and for over two decades their Health & Wholeness Center and Omega Retreat Center have offered hospitality and provided places of renewal for people from all walks of life. Located at 216 W. Highland Street, the Health & Wholeness Center is a home away from home for area seniors seeking opportunities for friendship, exercise, and emotional support. Available to anyone over the age of 55, the center offers water aerobics, tai-chi, and health and wellness classes to strengthen bodies; arts and crafts classes to stimulate creativity; day trips to broaden cultural horizons; social events and support groups to nurture emotional health; and spirituality classes to nourish souls. The center’s “Seniors serving Seniors� volunteerism opportunities also allow members to experience the joy of sharing their talents and capabilities with others, creating a deeper sense of meaning and worth in their lives. Established in 1982, the Omega Retreat Center is an ecumenical retreat and spirituality center that averages more than 3,000 visitors each year. The peaceful and hospitable environment at Omega is utilized by numerous parishes and a variety of other church groups as the setting for retreats and workshops. The center, which is currently booked most weekends through 2014, also began an Outreach Program in 2009 that offers programmed and specialized retreats for groups and individuals. 16 Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce
For More Information Benedictine Sisters of Boerne www.benedictineministries.com
Our Town
Leadership Boerne Develops Tomorrow’s Leaders Today By Jay Nehrkorn
For More Information Leadership Boerne www.leadershipboerne.org
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ver the past 10 years, the Leadership Boerne program has prepared nearly 250 graduates to take on new roles and help guide the community into a brighter tomorrow. Designed to increase the leadership pool of Boerne, this Chamber-sponsored course brings participants face to face with current issues and leaders, opening doors to new levels of involvement where they can make a positive impact. “I think that participants are compelled to do more because it puts them in the position to be aware,” said 2008 graduate Lynda Kohler, of Frost Bank. “I guarantee that there are graduates who are more active in the community because now they know. They’ll find what they want to be involved in, and it may not always be as visible, but you can’t help but be changed by that knowledge. I ended up becoming a mentor to an eighth grader, and if I hadn’t heard about that in Leadership Boerne, I probably wouldn’t have done it.” Applicants accepted into the program attend a series of fun and demanding activities requiring a commitment of one full day each month over a nine-month period. The classes, which are more like “experiences,” take place on location and cover a wide range of topics such as state and local government, economic development, education, health care, and social services. Techniques for becoming more effective as a leader are also being woven throughout the coursework. “We’re putting a lot more emphasis this year on developing actual leadership skills,” said Chamber President Terri Politi. “Leadership Boerne has always been beneficial for business leaders who needed to know more about the community so that they would be better leaders. This year it will still be about that, but it will also be about strengthening the skills that are needed to serve on the board of directors of a nonprofit organization and fulfill projects that will lead those programs in a direction that benefits the most people. That leadership component is something that is really being driven by Cindy Arledge, who was a graduate in 2009, and she deserves a lot of credit for that.” The course is just as much about connections as it is information, and the access provided to decision-makers in all facets of the community gives Leadership Boerne participants an inside view that isn’t available to everyone. While the “face time” spent with community leaders is valuable, many students find that the greatest benefit is the networking opportunity they have with their classmates. “From my class there are probably 10 to 15 people who I am actively engaged with on a monthly to bi-monthly basis and who have helped me grow my business,” Kohler said. “There are also probably three or four who I would call close friends, and I would never have met them otherwise.”
www.boerne.org 17
Our Town
For More Information
New Patrick Heath Public Library –
Boerne Public Library www.boernelibrary.org
A Community Achievement
A
By Jay Nehrkorn
fter years of soliciting input from the public, painstaking planning, and enthusiastic fundraising, the dream of a new, state-of-the-art library in Boerne is coming true. Named in honor of a former mayor and library advocate, the Patrick Heath Public Library will provide the space needed to offer more programs and enhanced service to Kendall County residents of all ages. The new library is truly a community project, receiving support from both public and private entities. Input from the general public concerning programs and design features began as early as 2006, and in 2007 the residents of Boerne approved a $5 million bond for the library by a two-thirds majority. The Boerne Public Library Foundation pledged money for the project as well and has raised in excess of $1.5 million to augment the city’s investment. “They have been extremely supportive, and it’s been wonderful to see such energy from people on the foundation board and the people that they’ve pulled in to assist us in our efforts,” said Library Director Kelly Skovbjerg. The new 30,000-square-foot library will be nestled against the Old No. 9 Greenway, providing an alternative travel corridor for children and non-drivers to access the facility. This also creates a scenic backdrop for the structure and a beautiful setting for the expanded outdoor events and activities that will be offered on the terrace and covered patio areas. Glass walls at the back of the building will allow all visitors to enjoy the view. Inside, the space provided by the two-story structure will allow the library to offer more resources, cultural programs, and amenities than ever before. The lower level of the building will include the children’s section, a youth activity area, the popular materials section, and a multipurpose meeting space with seating for over 100 people. Upstairs, the library will provide a greater selection of books for adults, a section specifically for young people in the sixth grade and above, multiple study rooms, a conference room, and a quiet room with a fireplace. Throughout the facility, RFID tagging will help library staff control inventory more efficiently, and patrons will find more new computers and technology-driven conveniences as well. “People are getting very excited about it,” Skovbjerg said. “They talk about it all the time, and my staff tells me that people are constantly asking when it is going to be ready.” The new facility is expected to be completed in mid-2011 barring any complications, but regardless of when the grand opening occurs, it’s clear that the people of Boerne are ready to enjoy the new library they helped design.
18 Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce
Our Town
y t i ign
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D
s the nation’s population of seniors continues to grow, many families are faced with the challenge of finding comprehensive care for aging family members that still provides as much independence and dignity as possible. This is especially true with regard to the rising number of seniors facing Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the number of Alzheimer’s cases in Texas has risen 26 percent in the last decade, and the total number nationwide is expected to more than triple by the year 2050. In response to this, recently developed assisted living communities in Boerne are providing new living options for seniors who need a helping hand, including some that give special consideration to the needs of Alzheimer’s patients.
Morningside Ministries at Menger Springs Located at 1100 Grand Boulevard, Morningside Ministries at Menger Springs offers a continuum of care campus that provides four housing options spanning from independent-living cottages to a long-term care facility. Their Cibolo House assisted living
and a Helping Hand
community, which opened in 2004, provides two wings that are specifically designed with memory care patients in mind. Each wing incorporates 13 apartments that are directly adjacent to the common area, giving access to the dining room, living room, and nurse’s station without having to navigate hallways. They also include thoughtful touches such as special closet arrangements to eliminate overwhelming choices and “memory boxes” near apartment doors to help residents identify their room easily. Residents of Cibolo House’s memory care wings are incorporated into the larger population for events such as church, musical functions, and parties, but they also participate in daily activities that are tailored just for them. “All of the programs that we do with the residents are designed to work with their cognitive level,” explained Assisted Living Manager Shanna Lindsey. “Whether it’s just that their short-term memory is gone or that they have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, all of the activities are simple things that they can stay focused on and understand. There are lots of memory-building exercises, plus many activities that involve dexterity and mobility to keep their eye-to-hand coordination moving,
By Jay Nehrkorn
because they do start to lose some of that. It’s a neat program that really is designed for the memory care residents.”
Cibolo Creek Rehabilitation.Health.Living Opened in late 2009, Cibolo Creek Rehabilitation.Health.Living at 1440 River Road provides a warm, spacious, and beautifully decorated home for seniors needing anything from comprehensive rehabilitation services to long-term, respite, or hospice care. The 120-bed skilled nursing center provides wonderful amenities such as private bathrooms, individualized music systems, telephones, and cable television in every room, as well as an attractive patio area and an over 2,400-square-foot gym. Activities are offered throughout the day and range from live music and bingo to individualized activities that accommodate all levels of interest. Administrator Kim McCormack says that Cibolo Creek incorporates security and safety features designed to ensure a safe environment for all residents, including those with Alzheimer’s/dementia. She also emphasizes that the compassionate staff at Cibolo Creek is
www.boerne.org 19
Our Town
not only experienced in caring for the special needs of Alzheimer’s patients, but also in helping families cope with the stages of the disease. “In our experience, family members bear a larger burden because they are watching their loved one decline due to the progression of the disease,” she said. “However, by offering support and helping to educate families about the disease, as well as by following the advice of physicians with expertise in geriatrics, a happy medium can be found. Patients living in a caring environment with interventions and an interdisciplinary team to handle the progression of the disease are able to live a dignified and comfortable life.”
For More Information Cibolo Creek - Rehabilitation.Health.Living 830-816-5095 Morningside Ministries www.mmliving.org
Methodist Boerne Emergency Center Methodist Boerne Emergency Center opened nearly three years ago to serve the emergency medical needs of the Boerne community and surrounding residents. In the past year, the staff has served more than 13,000 patients with symptoms ranging from chest pain and shortness of breath to head injuries caused in bull riding accidents. Conveniently located off I-10, south of Highway 46 on Menger Springs Road, the center is attached to the Methodist Boerne Medical Center and located toward the back of the property. The 20,500-squarefoot facility includes radiology services with a CT scanner, ultrasound, and telemetry equipment to monitor and observe patients for up to 23 hours. The center has a fullservice laboratory, which further adds to the convenience and efficiency of care for both adults and children. In fact, about one in every four patients is 17 or younger. The staff is prepared 24/7/365 to meet the health care needs of this community by quickly assessing a patient’s symptoms and providing appropriate treatment. In some cases, patients may be taken by ambulance or helicopter to a hospital in San Antonio for additional services or to be admitted to a Methodist hospital. Board-certified emergency services physicians also are on duty around the clock to provide medical attention and determine a plan of action. The center has 15 private treatment rooms to ensure the highest level of confidentiality for patients and their families. The center employs more than 60 people, from registered nurses to lab and radiology technicians. The Methodist Boerne Emergency Center is recognized for its high patient satisfaction scores, ranking No. 2 nationally among all HCA hospitals. For More Information Methodist Boerne Emergency Center www.boernehealth.com
20 Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce
Get Schooled: Education
Students Take a
Bite Out of College Credits With Project Red Apple By Jay Nehrkorn
A
dding convenience to higher education for residents is a longstanding goal in Boerne, and that goal is now being achieved thanks to a growing program known as Project Red Apple. Developed through alliances formed among the Kendall County Economic Development Corporation (KCEDC), Alamo Colleges, Texas Tech University, and Angelo State University, the program is making dual-credit classes and graduate coursework a reality now and opening doors for a broad span of degree availability in Boerne in the future. Dual-credit courses that apply toward both high school graduation and a college degree make higher education more affordable and put students on the fast track to success. Seeing these courses as an asset for the community, Mayor Dan Heckler and the KCEDC spearheaded a task force to help build the relationships needed to bring dual-credit classes to local high school students, and the alliance they built with Texas Tech and Alamo Colleges in 2009 is already opening doors. “We’ve been blessed by great relationships with the Alamo College System and with some advance work with the Texas Tech System,” said Boerne ISD Superintendent Dr. John Kelly. “As a result, we’ve had 147 enrollments in the 2009–2010 school year through six dualcredit courses, and this year we hope to add a seventh.” Kelly says that even more opportunities are on the way for students seeking professional certifications. “Perhaps one of the most exciting developments for Boerne ISD students is the new Information Technology and Security Academy. This academy is imported from San Antonio Alamo Community Colleges. Those students who enroll as juniors and seniors will receive 26 hours of college credit and will be enabled to take the A Plus Certification Exam, resulting in immediate high-wage employment capability in this growing field.
“We are now working on implementing additional academies in the areas of manufacturing and health professions,” Kelly continued. “Although those relationships are not yet ‘inked,’ we’re off to a great start.” In late 2009, Project Red Apple extended further through a relationship with Angelo State University that makes hybrid online/in-person graduate-level coursework available in a state-of-the-art conference room at the KCEDC office. Current offerings include a master’s degree in nursing, as well as a variety of master’s specializations for teachers that will add to the pool of qualified educators for Project Red Apple as it continues to grow. “We are starting with education and nursing programs because of the existing needs,” said Dr. Brian May of ASU, “but we will be looking to expand our offerings as more needs are identified.” Former Boerne ISD English teacher Lydia Warden, the facilitator for ASU programs in Boerne, says that ASU is aggressively working to create more options and opportunities locally. They are currently looking into offering the second half of a 2+2 bachelor’s degree in conjunction with Alamo Community College in San Antonio, but ASU’s overall vision for its presence in town is much more than just filling in gaps. “Having a location here where students can come to class for a baccalaureate degree is ASU’s plan for the future, and there is no question that ASU wants to be the university in Boerne that offers baccalaureate and graduate degrees,” Warden said. “This is a real win-win for Boerne and for ASU as well.” Dan Rogers, president of the KCEDC, sees Project Red Apple and all of its components as a step forward for the community that will provide much-needed tools for the future growth of the county. “An educated workforce is the key to economic development,” Rogers said. “With the addition of secondary education in the Boerne ISD and the prospect of an upper-level campus provided by Angelo State University, Kendall County will have the ingredients for a local growing and educated workforce.” www.boerne.org 21
Get Schooled: Education
Boerne Education Foundation Provides “Extra Credit” for Boerne Schools
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For More Information Boerne Education Foundation www.boerneeducationfoundation.org
22 Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce
rganized in 1997 as a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation, the Boerne Education Foundation (BEF) gives an extra boost to Boerne schools by providing resources that go beyond the normal operating budget. The goal of the foundation is to improve student achievement and encourage teaching excellence, and thanks to the generosity of local businesses and private donors, they have been able to offer development tools for both students and teachers that would otherwise have been out of reach. The primary fundraiser for BEF is its annual Rock On Gala, and proceeds from the event, as well as other gifts, are distributed to the schools in two ways. Half of the money raised is distributed among the seven campuses of Boerne ISD on a per capita basis, so every school has the opportunity to benefit. One quarter of the funds are then allocated for Teaching Incentive Grants, allowing educators with innovative ideas to apply for the resources needed to make their concepts become real learning opportunities for students.
By Jay Nehrkorn
“The Teacher Incentive Grants are an amazing way of encouraging individual teacher innovation,” said Boerne ISD Superintendent Dr. John P. Kelly. “Enterprising teachers have received funds which have resulted in the piloting of new approaches and plans. Over time, other teachers and campuses have seen the benefit — and in some cases, the initial pilot spread to the entire school. I remember when the first ‘Smart Boards,’ document cameras, and LCD projectors were requested by individual teachers and then funded by the BEF. Now, there is a universal clamor for those devices — and they are found at every campus, and in some cases, in every department.” Finally, the remaining 25 percent of the money raised by the foundation is used to strengthen its permanent endowment fund — an investment that will ensure financial stability long into the future so that these benefits continue flow to the schools in years to come.
Get Schooled: Education
For More Information Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce http://boerne.org
The Boerne Workforce Readiness Initiative: Helping Today’s Students Become Tomorrow’s Good Employees By Jay Nehrkorn
B
ecoming productive in the workplace is about more than just learning procedures, and young people entering the workforce often learn the hard way about the expectations that accompany a paycheck. In order to enhance the pool of prepared entry-level workers for local businesses and help Boerne students transition more easily into the workplace, the Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce partnered with Boerne ISD, Comfort ISD, Texas Workforce Solutions, and member businesses to pilot the Workforce Readiness Initiative (WRI) in the summer of 2010. “We have a host of businesses that want to hire locally, but the majority of the students here don’t need to work and will probably go on to college,” said Shawn Bonner of the Chamber’s Government Affairs Council. “Still, we think there is a significant number of students in the high schools who will go from school into the workforce, and we want to
prepare them with some of the basic skills they will need.” The emphasis of WRI is on soft skills, and participating students are provided learning sessions taught by mentors from the Boerne business community. Topics for these sessions include everything from job search skills such as resume writing and interviewing to common-sense business etiquette lessons in appropriate apparel, navigating office politics, and work ethic expectations. After completing the WRI courses, participants are given the opportunity to seek out summer employment from a pool of cooperating Chamber-member businesses and organizations. The 2010 WRI pilot group included 23 students, with nine of them going on to secure entry-level jobs and gain real-world experience in diverse industries and government entities. “Some of these jobs that the kids are taking may pay little, but they’re important jobs nonetheless; not only to the business owners who have a hard time finding a workforce, but also to the kids who really need the money,” said Chamber Communications Director Bonnie Westley. “There are two big winners in this when it works: the kids, who gain the confidence and self-esteem to know that they can make a contribution, and businesses needing people who are ready and willing to take these jobs.” An application process is available for the 2011 program, and the focus will be on finding students who will graduate and be ready to join the workforce in the summer.
Changes and improvements are being made from lessons learned in the first year, but Boerne WRI received excellent ratings from Texas Workforce Solutions compared to other programs in the region, and Bonner says that the 2010 pilot group got the initiative off to a great start. “One very consistent comment we got in feedback from the businesses after year one — which we considered to be very successful — was that these kids were much better prepared to do the job than ones they had hired in the past.”
www.boerne.org 23
Get Schooled: Education
For More Information Geneva School of Boerne www.genevaschooltx.org
Geneva School of Boerne Celebrates a
E
By Jay Nehrkorn
veryone likes to refer to themselves as “first class,” but the Class of 2011 at Geneva School of Boerne can lay claim to that title in a very literal sense. Beginning just 11 years ago with only 13 pupils, the school has grown to over 460 students in grades K–12 and is now preparing for the commencement of its first 19 graduates. While the upcoming graduation is a milestone for the students, it’s also a monumental accomplishment for the founders, administrators, and staff who stepped out in faith to make the school a reality. Geneva School of Boerne is a classical Christian school that began as the dream of Joanne and Robert Thornton and their friends Cindy and Brian Fowler. Inspired by a similar school that was started by a friend in New York, and intrigued by the concept of applying time-honored classical education techniques within the context of a biblical worldview, the couples began researching what it would take to open such a school in Boerne. “I remember thinking, ‘Okay, I’m a bond trader on Wall Street, Brian Fowler is a doctor, my husband builds homes, and Cindy is a social worker — and we’re going to do what? Start a school?’” Joanne Thornton laughed. “But I did believe that we were supposed to start this school. We were joined by a third couple, Paula and Brett Wacker, and we began to pray, we got a 501(c)3 together, and started doing all of those things that we needed to do.” The school officially opened in borrowed space at St. John’s Lutheran Church in 1999 and relocated to its own 32-acre campus in 2004 as a result of its amazing growth. A ribbon cutting for the new gym took place in October 2010, and they are continually adding more permanent structures. Head of School Brad Ryden points out that the school’s rapid expansion is due, in part, to the rising interest in its educational format.
24 Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce
Class Graduation
Get Schooled: Education
Geneva’s first class of seniors: Back row (l-r): Sarah Riggs, Hilary Commer, Meredith Drukker, Rachel Hubbard, Claire Lunsford, Morgen Fowler, and Nathan Evans. Middle row (l-r): Jeanne Arthur, Kendel Lipe, Alex Ryden, Trey Greenlees, Hunter Townsend, James Wilks, and David Winston. Front row (l-r): Cody Daniels, Allie Biedenharn, Sarah Johnson, Kyrsten Budde, and Lauren Finley.
“The kind of education that we offer, which is a classical Christian education, has gained a lot of traction in the last 15 to 20 years, not just in Texas but around the country,” Ryden explained. “We are beneficiaries of the momentum that has developed within the movement, and there are now a number of classical Christian schools within the state with whom we have fellowship. That, combined with being in a place like Boerne where there is a high level of interest in Christian education, created an atmosphere that has allowed the school to flourish and grow very quickly.” Both Ryden and Thornton describe Geneva’s Class of 2011 as pioneers who have achieved extraordinary things in academics, athletics, debate, and the arts, despite the difficulty of moving from class to class each year without
having the example of older students to follow. In some ways, this unique role seems to have inspired them. “We were often known as the ‘guinea pigs,’ and though everyone seemed to have limitless expectations for us, we didn’t know exactly what to expect,” said soon-to-be graduate Nathan Evans. “Personally, because of the high expectations placed upon me, I am more driven and accomplished as a senior in high school than I ever thought I could be as an adult. ‘Through the various trials which we faced, we have developed perseverance; and we consider it pure joy — James 1:2.’” As the Class of 2011 prepares to move on, their drive to excel has set a high bar for the students behind them. According to Ryden, many of the younger students have
been energized by their example, and they now hope to match or even exceed their predecessors’ accomplishments.
“I am proud that I have been a part of God’s plan at Geneva.” “I am proud that I have been a part of God’s plan at Geneva,” said senior class member Morgen Fowler. “As we leave Geneva, we can be confident in the ground work we have laid as the first graduating class, knowing that the students to come will continue the legacy.”
www.boerne.org 25
Planning a Visit
Hill Country Marketplace
B For More Information Boerne Convention & Visitors Bureau www.visitboerne.org Boerne Market Days www.boernemarketdays.com
26 Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce
By Jay Nehrkorn
eautiful Texas Hill Country surroundings have made Boerne a well-known destination for tourists seeking scenery and serenity, but visitors soon discover that this friendly community with its German “old-town” feel is also a perfect place to find unique treasures and bargains. Just half an hour from San Antonio and within easy weekend getaway range of metro areas like Houston and Dallas, Boerne’s small-town atmosphere and diverse downtown storefronts provide a relaxing shopping experience compared to the bustle of large cities. “Boerne is, no question about it, a destination community,” commented Tammy Otten of Lillians, a downtown accessories and clothing boutique. “We constantly get customers that have come to the Hill Country for the weekend, and every weekend I can guarantee you that someone from Houston is going to be in my shop. More and more, people are coming up from San Antonio because they want to get out of the city. Boerne is a very short drive for them, yet they can feel like they’ve gone far away. It’s a really cute getaway with a huge variety of shops offering unique and fun things, so it’s just a very enjoyable shopping experience to come into town.” Shopping in Boerne is, indeed, a change of pace, and the eclectic shops and boutiques in town offer antiques, apparel, accessories, home décor, art, crafts, and gifts that can’t be found in malls or big-box stores. The shopping environment is also complemented by great restaurants, wine tasting venues, bakeries, and even hometown treats like Uncle Bernie’s homemade ice cream, so visitors can enjoy a full day of shopping, eating, and relaxation. Both Otten and Shawn Beach, owner of the furniture store Calamity Jane’s Trading Co., agree that friendly, small-town customer service and the cooperative business environment in Boerne set it apart for visiting shoppers.
Planning a Visit
“The majority of us here love to work together, and we try to do a lot of different events like women’s nights and holiday events. Everyone kind of pulls together; it’s not just one shop doing it, it’s the whole town having it together,” Beach said. “It’s just fun and it really does bring a lot of out of town people in. It’s neat how many of those people come back.” Adding to the Boerne experience is Market Days, an outdoor shopping event held every second weekend of the month in Main Plaza Park downtown. Market Days draws approximately 3,000 local and out-of-town shoppers, who converge on the plaza to shop the wares of over 100 vendors from all over Texas. Popular items include antiques, art, handmade crafts, clothing, jewelry, garden items, and collectibles. The market also provides a good venue for local charity organizations to gain exposure as well as a casual, laid-back environment where everyone can enjoy live entertainment and tasty food in the outdoors. “It’s a full weekend,” said David Querbach of Market Days Management. “People come out and enjoy it with the family. There’s great music, including some local singer/songwriters so that you can hear real Texas traditional music, and on occasion we have groups come in and play cover songs from more wellknown bands, so there’s a pretty diverse group of musicians who come out and play. Much of the food that we have out there is also regional. The food selection runs from funnel cakes and crepes to authentic Mexican food and Texas barbecue. Plus, there are several vendors that sell salsas, rubs, jams, jellies, and a lot of other local favorites.”
www.boerne.org 27
Planning a Visit
Second Saturday Art & Wine Tour
L
Article by Graphic Design by Kristy Watson
ooking for something to do with friends or a date packed with good food, wine, and culture? How about parking free and hopping on a free trolley in Boerne and touring the art destinations? Hors d’oeuvres and complimentary wine are served on the second Saturday evening of each month from 4 to 8 p.m., when the galleries, art exhibitors, and wine sellers open their doors. The event is free to the public. Enjoy award-winning oil paintings, sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and watercolors by local and national artists. J.R Mooney Galleries of Fine Art, located at 305 S. Main Street, is new to Boerne but not new to art. They have operated as a gallery in San Antonio since 1947. You will find the selection of original art and prints representing over 200 artists to be exceptional. Carriage House Gallery of Artists, at 110 Rosewood, features artwork from the owners of the gallery, a partnership of artists: Angie Carney, Linda Chalberg, Donald Darst, Pamela Gardner, James Hunter, Bonnie Mann, Teri Jo McReynolds, Doug Roper, and Charles Schubert. You will find a wide variety of styles and media in this diverse fine art gallery. Cosas (Spanish for “things”) is located at 1109 S. Main Street. They specialize in Mexican and Latin American folk art, ceramics, hand-carved wood, tin, furniture, and wearable art. Founders Bob and Amy Niederhauser travel the globe and visit with local artisans to bring back unique traditional crafts. Smilovici’s Galleria, located at 215 W. Bandera Road, has fine art by Michael Anthony Paglia and others surrounding their walls. They also sell antique watches, gold estate jewelry, collectFor More Information ible coins, and other fine antiques. Second Saturdays Jay Hester’s Highland House Studios & Gallery, at 114 E. Highland www.secondsaturdayartandwine.com Drive, features a collection of representational fine art by Hill Country artists, including Sherri Jo Adams, Lenell Deane, Becky Rogers, Bill Scheidt, Sidney Sinclair, Charles Watkins, and Jay Hester. 28 Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce
Planning a Visit
Volkesfest: By Jay Nehrkorn
Boerne’s Biggest Festivals
T
he community spirit in Boerne shines through in its annual festivals, as thousands come together in the downtown area to celebrate their history and the holiday season.
Berges Fest
For More Information Berges Fest www.bergesfest.com Dickens on Main www.dickensonmain.com
The influence of Boerne’s German heritage remains strong to this day, and the town’s ties to the mother land are proudly displayed at the annual Berges Fest, held each Father’s Day weekend. For over 40 years, this festival and parade have been characterized by traditional “oompah” music, street dances, and, of course, fantastic German cuisine. Held in the Main Plaza, the event includes live entertainment, the Olde Towne German Biergarten, art exhibits, the Miss Berges Fest Pageant, a carnival, and sporting events, as well as fun contests such as watermelon eating and dachshund races.
Dickens on Main In late fall, Boerne welcomes the coming holiday season and says “Merry Weihnachten” to guests at its yearly Dickens on Main festival. Millions of lights, horse-drawn carriages, and guaranteed snow every 30 minutes transform Main Street into a magical holiday environment that includes multiple stages for live entertainment, food booths, and a visit from Santa to be sure he has everyone’s special order. The event takes place over two weekends, including the final weekend in November and the first weekend of December. Events come to a climax during the second weekend with the Weihnachts Parade, which has been a Boerne Christmas tradition for over 25 years.
www.boerne.org 29
Planning a Visit
Bending Branch
Winery: Old World Wines With Texas Style Article by Graphic Design by Kristy Watson
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stately oak limb graces the yard adjoining Bending Branch Winery, a scenic 56-acre vineyard owned by Dr. Robert and Brenda Young. From a tree that was a victim of the area’s oak wilt infestation, the curving branch was the inspiration for the winery’s name. Situated conveniently between Riven Rock Ranch and Singing Water Vineyards, Bending Branch has 360-degree views over the rolling hills. This area, quite possibly, has the best winery vistas in the area. The Youngs’ daughter, Alison; son-in-law, John Rivenburgh; and their two children,
30 Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce
Jackson and Chloe, live in the historic vineyard house. John, VP of operations, enjoys meeting with guests, often entering the tasting room after working with the grapes. “Excuse the purple hands. I’ve been working through crush. It’s harvest time in the winery.” “It’s easier to ask John what he doesn’t do than what he does do,” explained Brooke Pozzi, business coordinator. John is a Renaissance man, a construction specialist, musician, architectural designer, and also an artist.
How to Get There Heading west on Highway 27 out of Comfort, take a left at Hermann Sons Road for 2.6 miles, then turn left onto Lindner Branch Trail to the new Bending Branch Winery.
For More Information Bending Branch Winery www.bendingbranchwinery.com
“I moved every rock here with a tractor. This tasting room was an old garage that I redesigned on a napkin.” A large, contemporary painting — one of John’s creations — stands from floor to ceiling in the spacious restroom, and his Hohner harmonica rests on the restored 1926 French sideboard, just waiting to be played. Sitting at the tasting bar, you will learn that Bending Branch specializes in a red wine that is 100 percent Tannat, a grape that is high in tannins, full and dark inside and out. Dr. Young describes the drought-resistant grape as a hidden treasure.
Planning a Visit
“It is big and bold, just like Texas. The variety comes from the Madiran region in southwest France. It has only been in the U.S. for 10 years. It has thick leaves and skins that resist fungus. It seems to like the heat and grows well in the Texas Hill Country.” The red wines, such as the Tannat and Petite Sirah, are not the only stars of Bending Branch Winery. A white wine, Picpoul Blanc, comes from a rare grape grown in the southern Rhone area of France. The Picpoul — literally, the “lip stinger” — is highly acidic, and the crispness provides a stinging sensation to the lips. It is a very complex wine with different fruit flavors to the nose and intensity. The acidity plays against the softness of the fruit, and although it may taste sweet, it is a dry wine. Bending Branch does not make sweet wines, but even those who like sweeter wines will appreciate the dry wines because of their complexity. Dr. Young, the enologist of the operation, is in charge of the vision for product development. He’s also in tune with the winery’s rich history. He points to an old photograph of the original homestead from the 1840s: a small rock farmhouse with grapevines growing up the side of the front porch.
“Farmers frequently made their own wine in Hill Country,” he said. Bending Branch has come out with their Ultra Premium 1840 wine to honor the history of the first German settler on their land, Christian Johns, who acquired the land through service with the Republic of Texas. Dr. Young’s own roots come from the hills of Kentucky, and that isn’t the only Kentucky connection on the farm. “You know, there is a legend about a Kentucky Derby racehorse who possibly stayed here to recover from a problem with an ankle,” he related.The story behind the horse, Chateaugay, is a mystery that turns up in the soil every time they find another old horseshoe in the field. “There is also a famous quarter horse that came off this farm too, Rocket Wrangler, the highest money earner of 1970 and a champion 2-year-old colt.” Leaving the tasting room for a tour of the processing facility takes you up the hill past the grapevine rows to a large building that houses the processing equipment. As the refrigerated trucks drop off the fruit, it goes through the de-stemming machine and into the fermenting bins. Sheets cover the bins to allow the CO2 to blanket the top of the must as the yeast converts the sugars to alcohol.
The first juice is collected at the bottom of the fermenting vat, and then the seeds and skins are pressed to release more juice. The left-over seeds and skins are called pumice. Applied to the ground near the vines, the pumice adds nutrients back into the soil and is acidic enough to kill weeds. The juice is then pumped gently into tanks in the Old World style of winemaking. Bending Branch’s method uses gravity and natural methods in order to avoid damage to the musk. After 2.5 weeks, the juice is moved to the barrels in the cellar room, where the temperature is a constant 55 degrees. It will stay in the barrels for a minimum of two years for red wines. The wine is then filtered back into the tanks and bottled. South of the processing building, Bonarda vines grow along with other documented varieties. Bonarda comes from Argentina, and Bending Branch has the first 100 vines in the United States. You will soon discover that although small, Bending Branch Winery sets big expectations for their wine — expectations that surmount in the final result at uncorking time.
www.boerne.org 31
Planning a Visit
Riven Rock Ranch: Hill Country Heaven
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Article by Graphic Design by Kristy Watson
ll summer, pink blossoms on crape myrtle trees frame the view along the driveway as you enter the gate to Riven Rock Ranch. For a delightful and original Hill Country experience, stay overnight in one of the luxurious accommodations and dine at The Terrace Grill, the lovely outdoor restaurant, where the food is delicious and fresh and prepared in the outdoor wood burning oven and grill. As you walk or drive through the resort, you will pass 96 acres of irrigated hay fields, Tennessee Walking horses, and a herd of muscular white Charolais beef cattle. On the top of the hill are The Terrace Grill and the native plant garden center, three of the four guest cottages, the vineyards, and the olive grove. The office and event centers are also located on top. It’s no wonder that Fodor’s picked this little bit of heaven as a “Top Choice” destination. Owners Chris and Elaine Havens work tirelessly to combine the agricultural business and hospitality venue. Their sense of design and passion comes through in every detail. Having agrarian backgrounds from New England and California, Chris and Elaine continue their family’s traditions of farming, ranching, and entertaining guests. Chris’ grandfather might be surprised that his grandson is growing olives in Texas! The variety growing at Riven Rock, Mission Olives, comes from northern California. Particularly adapted to colder climates, they are planted in well-drained soil that is not too rich and
How to Get There From San Antonio and Boerne: On I-10, go 16 miles past Boerne to Comfort’s first exit (#524). Stay on Highway 27 (keep left through town) toward Center Point, about a mile. Turn left on Hermann Sons Road. Riven Rock Ranch is 1.4 miles from the corner on the left.
For More Information Riven Rock Ranch http://rivenrockranch.com
contains many shell fossil fragments, very common in the Edwards Plateau region of the Hill Country. The trees are only 6 to 7 feet tall now, but will reach over 20 feet when mature. The trees will provide only a small harvest this year, as the fruit was heavily pruned this summer to allow the newly planted trees to take root properly. “No two plants are the same. You have to learn what each one needs and be careful to supply its requirements,” Chris remarked. “You can’t just plant a tree and hope it grows; you have to watch it daily for infestations, water, and fertilizer levels. Success is all about good husbandry.” Plans for the further development of The Garden Center are currently coming together, and native plants will likely be available for the public to purchase in the spring of 2011. On top of the hill, where you can see for miles to the west, is the future site of a small guest park and several single-suite guest cottages, which will border the newly planted 2-acre vineyard. Future plans also call for up to 7 acres of vineyards. “Hilltops with good soil, proper drainage, and southern exposure are great for raising grapes in the Hill Country,” explained Chris. Ready to dine? The Terrace Grill is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for lunch and dinner. To enter, you pass through an herb garden. Nature’s beauty surrounds you as inside becomes outside. A deep koi pond and waterfall sits at the base of an original restored water tower, and a stream flows through the center of the restaurant. The open kitchen features a wood-fired oven and grill. The hardwood for burning in the oven and grill comes from local ranches, while hardwood kindling for fire starting comes from local cabinet shop scraps. Chris; Elaine; Joseph, the chef; and Bonnie, the restaurant manager, work hard to gather the freshest ingredients from the surrounding area, traveling weekly to farm markets in Fredericksburg and San Antonio to find just the right produce for the menu. They plan their dishes based on foods that are the freshest, in season and grown organically whenever possible. www.boerne.org 33
Planning a Visit
Serving our friends and neighbors in the Texas Hill Country since 1916. Over our 95 years of serving the Hill Country, we’ve earned the trust of real estate professionals because... • We’re experienced. • We’re professional. • We’re caring.
103 N. Saunders St. Boerne, TX 78006 (830) 816.2131 tel (830) 249.3341 fax Visit us online at: www.kcac.net 34 Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce
Ashlee Pfeiffer - Manager Mike Lang - Owner
“Our goal is to buy the best food we can find locally and cook with it. Over time we will supply some things from our own gardens, especially herbs and seasonal vegetables.” As an outdoor venue, The Terrace Grill beats the heat of summer with outdoor fans and hilltop breezes, and warms the cold of winter with drop-down, see-through vinyl walls; propane heaters, which hang from the ceiling; and fans to circulate the warm air. A large pavilion, located by the restaurant, serves as a greenhouse for tender plants and young seedlings in the winter and will eventually provide space for The Garden Center, as well as continue to be the venue to accommodate the larger events the ranch plays host to occasionally. Stately wooden doors contrast with the open feeling. A demonstration vineyard at one end of the pavilion showcases 200 grapevines in four varietals. It’s an up close and personal vineyard, enjoyed by all who take the time to meander through the gardens. Larger groups will find a welcoming venue here, too. A 175-person capacity conference hall next to the office provides a grand place for a catered dinner, corporate meeting, or wedding. Outside, the gazebo and pavilion overlook the western sky — a lovely backdrop for a sunset wedding. On a smaller scale, La Cocina, a kitchen and dining area with high ceilings and a stone fireplace, is available for dinners and private events. Historically it has been used for holiday, sunset, and rehearsal dinners. A hand-painted, antique tole tray collection surrounds the upper walls of Riven Rock Ranch has recently partnered with Singing Water Vineyards and Bending Branch Winery to form the “Comfort Wine Road” in an effort to promote awareness for not only their small piece of heaven, but also for the rich agricultural history of the Comfort community and the Texas Hill Country in general.
the dining room, giving it a farmhouse-meetslodge décor. The walls feature watercolor and oil paintings by Elaine, who has her art studio on the property. Those who choose to extend their stay at Riven Rock will find history married with convenience. One of the testaments to the heritage of the original ranch that Chris and Elaine have vowed to protect is the Teacher’s Cottage, which has been charmingly restored. Built in the 1930s, it had one of the first electric dishwashers combined with the sink. Indeed, the ranch was the height of modernization in its time, using DC electric with big generators for power. Teacher’s Cottage has a master bedroom, a living room,
Planning a Visit
features an exercise building, a swimming pool, and a hot tub. Driving back toward the entrance, next to the horse stables and the old red mule barn, you will find the Farmhouse. The Havens preserved the 1900s-era structure’s best qualities and added modern features, conveniences, and amenities. It’s like being at grandma’s house — if she won the lottery! The 11.5-foot ceilings, fireplace, double sink bathrooms, and renovated kitchen all sing, “I want to live here!” Chris and Elaine compare farming and running the resort to managing any business. Even with eight full-time employees and their family’s
an enclosed front porch containing a trundle bed, and a completely renovated kitchen with every convenience. Next door, Parvin’s Cottage sleeps six and has two large patios for outdoor entertaining. All of the cottages have full kitchens with top-of-the-line appliances. Located next to the office is the Guest House, which sleeps eight to 10 people in its three suites. This house is suitable for families or individual couples. There is a long covered front porch lined with rocking chairs overlooking the ranch, the river, and the Farmhouse below. The resort also
available for the enjoyment of all guests. Bring your kayaks and canoes, and bring your bicycles, too, as Flat Rock Creek Ranch and its amazing bike trails is not far away. Fittingly, Riven Rock has its own unique landmark to guide you in. Outside the Farmhouse, an 8,000-gallon water tank, circa 1910, stands 28 feet tall. It is made of limestone, and the original galvanized metal roof is perched on the top like a hat. It is large, special, and rare—just like Riven Rock Ranch.
help, Chris and Elaine live and breathe Riven Rock Ranch. They have less free time now than when Chris was a senior manager and Elaine was a mom and working artist. “Watching little details and making sure that everything is running smoothly ensures the guests always catch us at our best,” said Chris. “It’s all in the details, and that is the same for any successful enterprise — the difference here, for me, is I am intimately involved in the details, so I’m managing myself as well as others.” The magnificent Guadalupe River is steps from the house, just across the road, and is
www.boerne.org 35
Planning a Visit
Outand About: Exploring Kendall County
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Article by Graphic Design by Kristy Watson
he cooler temperatures of the fall, winter, and spring seasons make getting outdoors in the Hill Country surrounding Boerne very enjoyable. There are many places to get outdoors and explore the creeks, woods, caves, and trails.
Old No. 9 Greenway
A favorite place to take a dog for a walk or enjoy horseback or bike riding is the Old No. 9 Greenway. Parking is available at the beginning of the trail at 358 Esser Road. The 1.4-mile trail is paved and has grassy areas on both sides. Trail amenities include drinking fountains for humans and dogs, interpretive signs, a trussed bridge, and benches for resting. The abandoned Southern Pacific Railroad right-of-way was purchased by the city of Boerne in 1973. A grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Texas Recreational Trails Fund in 2000 was used to construct trail heads and trail amenities that provide recreational, educational, and interpretive opportunities. A depot shade pavilion at Blanco Road was designed to replicate the outline of the smaller depots of the SA&AP railroad used by less-populated communities along the route.
Agricultural Heritage Museum Just south of the Old No. 9 Greenway, the Agricultural Heritage Museum, located at 102 City Park Road, is a place to explore the history of farming and ranching in the Hill Country. Many of the exhibits are outdoors and can be easily accessed through a small gate by the entrance. You can view an old threshing machine, antique tractors, and other farm implements. The Ag Museum was established in 1986 to preserve the history of Kendall County ranching for future generations. On Saturdays, the Ag Museum is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Inside the main barn you can see displays of antique tools, corn shellers, and a 500-pound butter churn, and observe a blacksmith in action. Their main fundraiser is the first Saturday in March, when the Ag Museum hosts the Chuck 36 Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce
For More Information Agricultural Heritage Museum www.agmuseum.us Cascade Caverns www.cascadecaverns.com Cave Without a Name www.cavewithoutaname.com Cibolo Nature Center www.cibolo.org Guadalupe River State Park www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/ findadest/parks/guadalupe_river/ Old No. 9 Greenway www.oldnumbernine.org Old Tunnel Wildlife Management Area www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/ hunt/wma/find_a_wma/list/?id=17
Planning a Visit
Cave Without a Name In the Hill Country around Boerne, there is as much to see underground as above. Two caverns are popular destinations for visitors to the area. Cave without a Name, 11 miles north of Boerne off 474 and Kreutzberg Road, was first discovered when a farm animal became trapped in the small external opening of the cave. In the1920s, during Prohibition, a small distillery was installed in the uppermost cavern. Then, in 1935, some kids explored the cave. After the cave opened to the public in 1939, a statewide contest was held to name it. A young boy won the $250 cash prize when he suggested that the cave was “too beautiful to have a name.” Cave Without a Name consists of 187 acres that include a mile of hiking trails, picnic areas, campgrounds, a sculpture garden, and a large gift shop. The cave stays a constant 66 degrees all year. After descending 126 steps into the main chamber with the tour guide, you can explore over a quarter of a mile of the cave. You will see special features such as a natural spring-fed pool; 19-foot-long draperies, referred to as “cave bacon”; and a nativity scene formed by a group of stalagmites. The unique acoustics of the domes inside the caves make it a popular place for underground concerts.
Cascade Caverns
Wagon Cook-Off and Heritage Gathering. In early November, the Ag Museum hosts an 1860s style vintage baseball game at Boerne City Lake Park off of Upper Cibolo Creek Road.
Cibolo Nature Center A one-mile walking trail along the Cibolo Creek at the back of the Ag Museum leads to the Cibolo Nature Center. If you’re feeling energetic, take this path. Otherwise, drive down City Park Road to the entrance of the Cibolo Nature Center. 1n 1988, Carolyn Chipman Evans approached the city of Boerne with an idea to preserve 100 acres of trails, wilderness, and tall-grass prairie that included swamps. Through much hard work and the cooperation of many people, the Cibolo Nature Center opened to the public in 1990. The Friends of the Cibolo Wilderness support the Cibolo Nature Center with volunteers to promote conservation and resources. The facility includes a nature store, Lende Learning Center, and an auditorium. Educational opportunities include classes on geology, rainwater harvesting, botany, and habitat management. Children are also an important part of the CNC. Many times during the week, school buses drop off groups of children for tours of the park. In the Visitor Center, kids can get a close-up view of some of the animals and plant life. For some city kids, it’s the only chance they have to see and learn about nature. The CNC also offers art and nature camps to kids in the summer.
Another popular cave attraction is located south of Boerne, at 226 Cascade Caverns Road. Lipan Apache Indians were the first inhabitants of the cave in the 1700s, as evidenced by artifacts and a cave fireplace. In the 1840s the cave was discovered again by some Kendall County youth, who sketched their initials into the first room’s stalactites. Today, a one-hour tour takes visitors through the constant 68 degree natural environment. You will see the Diamond Ceiling and a 90-foot waterfall cascading into the Cathedral Room. Don’t miss the First Friday Flashlight Tours! Cascade Caverns also offers picnic spots and camping for tents and RVs.
Guadalupe River State Park The Guadalupe River State Park,13 miles east of Boerne on Highway 46 on Park Road 37, has four miles of river frontage and 5.3 miles of trails for equestrians and cyclists. Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including canoeing, fishing, swimming, tubing, picnicking, hiking, and camping. Honey Creek State Natural Area, inside the park, offers tours every Saturday morning at 9 a.m.
Old Tunnel Wildlife Management Area The Old Tunnel Wildlife Management Area, on Old #9 Road off Highway 473 west of Sisterdale, is home to 3 million Mexican freetailed bats that live in the abandoned railroad tunnel. From May to October, visitors come to watch the bats emerge from the tunnel each night, usually within an hour before or after sunset. You will notice quite a bad smell coming out of the tunnel. Plug your nose — that would be the bat guano. Alamo Springs General Store and Café, located next to the bat tunnel, is a great place to grab a burger and brew before walking to the bat viewing area. www.boerne.org 37
Planning a Visit
Walk Historic Boerne Map and text reprinted courtesy of The Boerne Star
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24 23 22 15 ◆ 25 16 19 27 17 20 21 26 36 18 29 28 34 35 30 32 33 31 48 38 43 39 47 46 45 40 42 41 44
37a Samuel V. Champion High School
37b
1. MAIN PLAZA - A famous meeting place since the early days and often the site of festivals, fun. 2. YE KENDALL INN* - 128 W. BLANCO. Built as a home in 1859. Later expanded as a hotel and stage stop. 3. DIENGER BUILDING* (1884) - 210 N. MAIN. Has been a grocery store, residence, restaurant, and office. Now home to the Boerne Public Library. 4. ST. HELENA’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH* (1881) - 410 N. MAIN. Original church built on this site by English settlers; replaced with this lovely Gothic church in 1929. 5. HAGEMANN-McGINNIS HOUSE (1890) 508 N. MAIN. Originally three rooms and basement. Interesting additions enhance early theme. 38 Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce
6. BESELER-HARZ HOUSE* (1905) - 518 N. MAIN. Built by Max Beseler as a home with locally quarried limestone. Note lovely curved porch. 7. A.S. TOEPPERWEIN-WILCOX HOME (1894) - 612 N. MAIN. A.S. was “Ring Tail Rino,” a master craftsman. Note unusual spiral turret and porch. 7. LEESCH-HARZ HOUSE (1907) - 712 N. MAIN. 1.5-story Victorian-style house built by Henry Clemens for Louis Leesch, a descendent of early German settlers. Large, wrap-around porch with pressed tin and gingerbread trim. 7a. HISTORIC BOERNE CEMETERY (1867) ADVOGT & SCHOOL STREETS. Many early pioneers are buried here, including George Wilkins Kendall. The first burials
were of a family scalped by the Indians. Well cared for by the city and the Boerne Cemetery Foundation. 8. FOOTE-HAWKINS HOUSE (1879) - 717 N. MAIN. Built by Avery Foote, an undertaker who died of smallpox. Note unusually steep roof and the two windows at staggered height. 9. KUHFUSS-SCHWEPPE HOUSE (1865) - 512 N. MAIN. Built by William Kuhfuss. Used as courthouse and clerk’s office in early county days. 10. LUCKENBACH HOUSE (1860) - 265 N. MAIN. Originally a log cabin expanded on two levels. Recently restored.
Planning a Visit
11a. HISTORIC KENDALL COUNTY COURTHOUSE (1870) - 204 E. SAN ANTONIO. Second-oldest Texas courthouse in continuous use. The front portion, designed by Alfred Giles, was added in 1909. Renovated in 1999 for county use when the new courthouse was built. 11b. NEW KENDALL COUNTY COURTHOUSE (1999) - 210 E. SAN ANTONIO. New 42,000-sq.-ft. building houses official county offices with state-of-theart facilities. 12a. KUHLMANN-KING HISTORICAL HOUSE* (1885) - 402 E. BLANCO. Built for Wm. Kuhlmann, a German immigrant, and later owned by Salina King from England. The house and kitchen are operated by the Historical Society and open Sundays 1 to 4 p.m. for tours. 12b. HENRY J. GRAHAM BUILDING* (1891) 402 E. BLANCO. Originally a bank and has been moved several times with different uses. Now is a museum and open with the Kuhlmann-King House. 13a. BOERNE CITY HALL* (1910) - 402 E. BLANCO. Originally Boerne High School, designed by Alfred Giles. Now city offices and utilities building. 13b. OLD BOERNE PUBLIC SCHOOL* (1870) 402 E. BLANCO. The first Boerne public school. Restored, now City Hall annex. Displays of old school memorabilia. 14. PHILLIP-MASSEY HOUSE* (1900) - 116 N. PLANT. Built by Julius Phillip and has stayed in the same family for 100 years. Unusual vertical clapboard construction. 15. FABRA SMOKEHOUSE* (1887) - 200 BLOCK S. MAIN. Was part of the Fabra Grocery and Butcher Shop. Incorporated into the architecture of the big building to preserve it. 16. OLD CITIZEN’S STATE BANK (1880) - 210 N. MAIN. Note architectural columns and arches, unusual for this area. Now used for commercial businesses. 17. THEIS HOUSE* (1858) - 100 BLOCK NEWTON. One of the oldest structures in town. Of rare palisades construction. Was home to the Theis family with blacksmith shop in front. Restored by Ruby and Edgar Bergmann. 18. WENDLER-HOUSTON HOUSE (1860) - 303 S. MAIN. Built by Henry Wendler, a cabinet maker and early Boerne businessman. 19. KRAUSE BLDG AND ORT’S SALOON (1900) - 259 S. MAIN. Was residence for the Frank Krause family, a store and saloon. Now a part of Olde Towne and home to the Tall Pony. 19a. OLDE TOWNE - 265 S. MAIN. A collection of old, original historic buildings, including Alte Stadt Mall, now a shopping complex with quaint one-of-a-kind shops. ◆ Boerne Chamber of Commerce - 126 E. Rosewood. Be sure to stop in for the most current information. 20. SCHRADER-HARTMAN HOUSE (1890) 115 E. JAMES. Has been in the same family since it was built. Note unusual porch and woodwork.
21. LUCKENBACH-ASHER HOUSE (1894) - 118 E. JAMES. This house and that next door, LUCKENBACH-MITCHELL HOUSE, are two of the oldest German pioneer limestone homes in Boerne, built by Julius Luckenbach. 22. VOGT-CLEGG CABINS* (1876) - 221 S. PLANT. The only dogtrot type construction in town, these started as one log cabin and were expanded. Restored in excellent condition. 23. Ebensberger-Fischer Funeral Home (1882) - 111 Rosewood. Oldest continuously operating business in Boerne. One of only two Art Deco buildings in town. 24. ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH (1929) 217 E. ROSEWOOD. Original church dates to 1829 with this and other expansions. Unique interior. 25. PAUL HOLEKAMP HOUSE (1906) - 507 E. JAMES. Pioneer family home. Excellent example of Victorian architecture, built by Ed Clemens of cream brick, rare in area. 26. CLEMENS/HEATH HOUSE (1909) - 608 E. THEISSEN. Built by Ed Clemens with rare cream brick. Note large, rounded porch. 27. DAVIS-KIDWELL HOUSE (1910) - 228 E. THEISSEN. Was in Davis family for many years. Now owned by the Methodist Church. 28. KUTZER HOUSE* (1890) - 208 E. THEISSEN. Has been greatly altered with added porch and room. Now used as Methodist parsonage. 29. GOTTLIEB WEISS HOUSE (1887) - 106 E. THEISSEN. Mr. Weiss was a German pioneer blacksmith with his shop in the back. Was in the same family for over 100 years. Now commercial. 30. JOE VOGT BUILDING (1912) - 401 S. MAIN. Originally a grocery and dry goods store. Now a bakery. 31. PEACH TREE COUNTRY KITCHEN (1900) 448 S. MAIN. Note this is one of three Victorian houses built in a row by Ed Clemens. All had picket fences, some of which have been restored. 32. VOGT-RICHTER HOUSE (1914) - 124 PECAN. Another Ed Clemens house with Victorian porch and columns. Note trees, unusual for the area. 33. BELL-URBAN HOUSE (1895) - 312 RIVER RD. This was moved in and little is known of origin. Tastefully restored, it is now commercial. 34. DIETERT HOUSE (1850s) - 604 RIVER RD. Early pioneer home of Wm. Dietert, who had the first business in Boerne: a mill where the dam is located across the street. Very interesting house and history. Now commercial. 35. EBENSBERGER-MURPHY HOUSE (1925) 136 COTTONWOOD. A unique design for this area; made of hollow brick with white stucco cover. 36. EBENSBERGER-THOMPSON HOUSE (1914) - 116 COTTONWOOD. An Ed Clemens house built for Pat Ebensberger before 136 Cottonwood was built.
Compiled by Colonel Bettie Edmonds 1999
37a. AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE MUSEUM (1986) - on PARK RD. An outgrowth of the 1986 Texas Sesquicentennial in Kendall County, it is a working museum that preserves examples of early farming and ranching. See blacksmith and carpentry shop, smokehouse, and the pioneer house, built by volunteers on the property. 37b. CIBOLO nature center (1988) - S. CITY PARK RD. A 70-acre wilderness preserved the way it looked to pioneers in 1840s; four distinct trails of marsh, prairie, cypress creek bottom, and upland woods; gift shop; and casts of dinosaur tracks found in Boerne after flood of 1998. 38. PHILLIP MANOR (1860) - 706 S. MAIN. Started as a house and grew into a hotel. Note winding staircase and antiques inside. 39. KIDWELL HOUSE (1879) - 714 S. MAIN. Was originally a grocery store and renovated in 1950 as a residence. Note rough limestone exterior. 40. ST. PETER THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC CHURCHES - The little church on the right was built in 1866 by George W. Kendall for his French wife.* The 1923 church was enlarged after saving most of the original structure, which was built by parishioners with rocks from their ranches; designed after Mission Concepción in San Antonio. 41. KRONKOSKY TOWER (1911) - HIGHLAND DR. Built by Albert Kronkosky as part of his estate, now the property of the Benedictine Sisters. The best view in town. 42. BENEDICTINE CONVENT (1933) - On Highland Drive property. Served as the mother house for many years; a school, St. Albert’s Hall is operated by nuns who have made pool facilities available to senior citizens. 43. SCHWARZ-OPPERMANN HOUSE (1860) - 911 S. MAIN. Early family home in the “Sunday House” style with outside stairs. Has been restored and used as a bed and breakfast. 44. DAVIS PIONEER HOME (1860) - 103 KRONKOSKY. “Sunday House” restored by Harry Davis family. 45. AMMANN-DAVIS-NICCUM HOUSE (1905) - 207 S. LANDA. Restored by the Niccums to its original exterior. Note unusual side door on right. 46. VETERAN’S PARK (1923) - Monument erected by the Graham family to honor all local men who died in military action defending the United States. Sculpture representing the different services was later done by J Hester, local artist. 47. CARSTANJEN HOME-EL chaparrAl (1872) - 705 S. MAIN. Also known as the Hall Mansion, it was once used as an annex to Phillip Manor Hotel in the early days. Now a restaurant. 48. ROBERT E. LEE HOUSE* (1860) - 525 S. MAIN. It is said that General Lee stayed here on his way to Ft. Sam Houston from Camp Verde. It was part of the O’Grady Inn, operating before the Civil War.
*Denotes building is a Texas Historic Landmark www.boerne.org 39
Boerne Notes to Know
Facts, Stats & Important Phone Numbers Median Household Income 80,000
Educational Attainment Kendall County United States
High School Graduate Some College; No Degree Associate Degree
70,000
Bachelor’s Degree
60,000
Graduate or Professional Degree
50,000
High School Graduate or Higher Bachelor’s Degree or Higher
40,000
0
30,000
10
20
30 40 50 60 70 Percent of Population 25 and Older
80
90
100
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2005–2009 American Community Survey
20,000 10,000
United States $51,425
Texas $48,199
Kendall County $68,389
Employment by Industry - Kendall County
0
Information
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2005–2009 American Community Survey
Unemployment 10
Natural Resources & Mining
Public Admin.
Other
Trade, Transportation & Utilities
Govt. 8
Financial Activities 6
Education & Health Services
Manufacturing 4
Professional & Business Services
2 United States 9.6%
Texas 8.3%
Kendall County 6.1%
Construction
Leisure & Hospitality
0 Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, August 2010
40 Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kendall County, Texas, 3Q2009
Boerne Notes to Know
Population
.......................................2000...... 2009 est.
Boerne....................................6,178............ 10,639 Kendall County........................23,743............ 34,053
Distance to Major Texas Cities
...................... highway miles.......... driving time
San Antonio.......................... 31................. 33 mins. Austin................................... 98.......... 1 hr. 36 mins. Houston.............................. 226........ 3 hrs. 36 mins. Fort Worth.......................... 285........ 4 hrs. 32 mins. Dallas................................. 292........ 4 hrs. 40 mins.
Cost of Living national average
= 100
Composite....................................................... 93.9 Groceries........................................................ 84.4 Housing.......................................................... 90.8 Utilities........................................................... 81.6 Transportation.................................................101.3 Health care....................................................100.4 Miscellaneous goods and services.......................100.7 U.S. average for all indices is 100.0. Source: ACCRA Cost of Living Index, 3Q2010, San Antonio TX Metro
Climate Temperature
.............................................. high......... low
January...........................................60째F..... 34.3째F July............................................. 91.9째F..... 69.3째F Precipitation Annual average..................................... 37.36 inches Weather Risk Statistics Earthquake......................................................... 21 Hail................................................................ 228 Hurricane........................................................... 57 Tornado............................................................. 61 Wind................................................................. 19 Source: http://cityinfo.local.com
www.boerne.org 41
Boerne Notes to Know
Government City of Boerne 402 E. Blanco :: Boerne TX 78006 830-249-9511 :: ww.ci.boerne.tx.us Emergency............................................. 911 Animal Services...................................830-249-2456 Building Permits & Inspections...............830-248-1529 City Manager......................................830-248-1539 City Secretary.....................................830-248-1539 Convention & Community Center............830-249-2811 Convention & Visitors Bureau................830-249-7277 Finance.............................................830-249-9511 Fire Department (non-emergency)..........830-249-3644 Fire Marshal.......................................830-249-9511 Human Resources................................830-248-1539 Information Technology........................830-249-9511 Library...............................................830-249-3053 Mayor...............................................830-249-9511 Parks & Recreation..............................830-249-9511 Planning & Community Development......830-249-9511 Police Department (non-emergency).......830-249-8645 Public Relations...................................830-249-9511 Public Works.......................................830-248-1538 Utilities Billing/Customer Service...........830-249-9511 After hours......................................830-248-1633 Kendall County 201 E. San Antonio Street :: Boerne TX 78006 830-249-9343 :: www.co.kendall.tx.us Emergency............................................. 911 AgriLife Extension Service........830-249-9343 ext. 360 Animal Control....................................830-249-9721 Appraisal District.................................830-249-8012
Constable P ct 1................................830-249-9343 ext. 339 Pct 2.............................................830-249-2171 Pct 3.............................................830-249-2820 Pct 4.............................................830-995-3386 County Attorney..................................830-249-9343 County Auditor.......................830-249-9343 ext. 240 County Clerk..........................830-249-9343 ext. 230 County Court at Law...............830-249-9343 ext. 310 Development Management & 9-1-1 Rural Addressing...................830-331-8251 ....................................................830-331-8253 District Clerk..........................830-249-9343 ext. 260 Election & Voter Registration....830-249-9343 ext. 390 EMS (non-emergency)..........................830-249-3721 Engineer...............................830-249-9343 ext. 300 Fire (non-emergency)...........................830-249-3721 GIS......................................830-249-9343 ext. 370 Health Inspection...................830-249-9343 ext. 214 Home Agent..........................830-249-9343 ext. 361 Human Resources...................830-249-9343 ext. 600 Indigent Health & Housing.......830-249-9343 ext. 351 Justice of the Peace P ct 1................................830-249-9343 ext. 334 Pct 2.............................................830-249-8404 Pct 3.............................................830-249-2820 Pct 4.............................................830-995-2031 Maintenance & Operations........830-249-9343 ext 650 Parks Department................................830-537-3470 Road & Bridge....................................830-995-2995 Sheriff Office.............................................830-249-9721 Dispatch.........................................830-249-8645 Surveying..........................................830-249-3385 Tax Assessor & Collector..........830-249-9343 ext. 270 Treasurer...............................830-249-9343 ext. 220
Business & Community Services & Information greater boerne chamber of commerce
126 Rosewood Avenue :: Boerne TX 78006 830-249-8000 :: www.boerne.org boerne convention
& visitors bureau
1407 S. Main Street :: Boerne TX 78006 830-249-7277 :: www.visitboerne.org boerne public library
210 N. Main Street :: Boerne TX 78006 830-249-3053 :: www.boernelibrary.org the boerne star
941 N. School Street :: Boerne TX 78006 830-249-2441 :: www.boernestar.com kendall county economic development corporation
830-331-9070 www.kendallcountyedc.com 42 Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce
Education Preschool cdi headstart
216 W. Highland Drive :: Boerne TX 78006 830-249-7827
K–12 boerne independent school district
123 W. Johns Road :: Boerne TX 78006 830-357-2000 :: www.boerne-isd.net bracken christian school
670 Old Boerne Road :: Bulverde TX 78163 830-438-3211 :: http://brackenchristian.com comfort independent school district
327 High Street :: Comfort TX 78013 830-995-6400 :: www.comfort.txed.net geneva school of boerne
113 Cascade Caverns Road Boerne TX 78015 830-755-6101 :: www.genevaschooltx.org hill country montessori
50 Stone Wall Drive :: Boerne TX 78006 830-229-5377 :: www.hcmontessori.org tmi - the episcopal school of texas
20955 W. Tejas Trail :: San Antonio TX 78257 210-698-7171 :: http://community.tmi-sa.org vanguard institute
43360 IH10 W :: Boerne TX 78006 830-537-5244 :: www. vanguardchristianinstitute.com Higher Education alamo community college district
201 W. Sheridan, San Antonio TX 78204 210-485-0000 :: www.alamo.edu angelo state university - boerne
1221 Main Street, Suite 100 Boerne TX 78006 830-331-8521 :: www.angelo.edu schreiner university
2100 Memorial Boulevard Kerrville TX 78028 830-896-5411 :: www.schreiner.edu texas tech university
2500 Broadway, Lubbock TX 79409 806-742-2011 :: www.ttu.edu the university of texas at san antonio
One UTSA Circle :: San Antonio TX 78249 210-458-4011 :: www.utsa.edu
Boerne Notes to Know
Churches boerne church of christ
Health Care: Hospitals & Clinics boerne family medicine 1430 S. Main Street, Suite 111 Boerne TX 78006 830-331-8585 www.boernefamilymedicine.com
1 Upper Balcones Road Boerne TX 78006 830-249-2685 www.boernechurchofchrist.org
first united methodist church 205 E. James Street :: Boerne TX 78006 830-249-2565 :: www.fumc-boerne.org
messiah lutheran church
st. john lutheran church 315 E. Rosewood Avenue :: Boerne TX 78006 830-249-3651 :: http://youth.stjohnlutheran.com
st. mark presbyterian church 208 W. Bandera Road :: Boerne TX 78006 830-249-3232 :: www.stmarktx.org
trinity presbyterian church ( pca ) P.O. Box 287 :: Boerne TX 78006 830-815-1212 :: www.trinityboerne.org All congregations listed are members of the Boerne Chamber of Commerce as of 11/1/2010.
9401 Dietz Elkhorn :: Boerne TX 78006 830-755-4300 :: www.messiahboerne.org
boerne medical clinic 120 Medical Drive :: Boerne TX 78006 830-249-9307
boerne urgent care & occupational health center, p . a . 1201 S. Main, Suite 118 :: Boerne TX 78006 830-815-1081 :: www.boerneurgentcare.com
christus medical group 1381 S. Main :: Boerne TX 78006 830-249-9424 www.christusmedicalgroup.org
hill country memorial 1020 S. State Highway 16 Fredericksburg TX 78624 830-997-4353
methodist boerne emergency center 134 Menger Springs, Suite 2000 Boerne TX 78006 830-331-3000 :: www.boernehealth.com
wellmed at boerne 124 E. Bandera Road, Suite 102 Boerne TX 78006 830-816-2312 www.wellmedmedicalgroup.com For a full listing of Chamber-member health facilities and specialists, please visit www.boerne.org.
www.boerne.org 43
Index of Advertisers
Index of Advertisers ABC Home & Commercial Services............................... 41 All County Home Care, LLC.......................................... 19 Ancira Buick GMC Trucks............................................... 3 B.W. Baker Builder Incorporated................................... 41 Bella Ranch Interiors...................................................... 27 Benedictine Sisters of Boerne....................................... 44 Billy’s Western Wear........................................................ 6 Boerne Church of Christ................................................ 35 Boerne Collision Center................................................. 27 Boerne Gymnastics Center........................................... 27 Boerne Hill Country Family YMCA................................. 35 Boerne Meeting Room.................................................. 12 Boerne Physical Therapy Institute.................................. 20 Cordillera Ranch....................................Inside Back Cover Davison Insurance Agency, L.L.C.................................. 34 Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott.................................... 32 First United Methodist Church....................................... 42 The Flower Shop............................................................. 7 The Focus..................................................................... 25 The Graves Group........................................................... 9 GVTC Communications................................................. 31 Hampton Inn & Suites................................................... 43 Heart of the Hills Veterinary Center................................ 44 JPC Financial Resources – Lynn Pendley........................ 9 Keller Williams Realty – The Boehm Team....................... 9 Keller Williams Realty – Jerry Tilley.................................. 3 Ken Batchelor Cadillac.......................Outside Back Cover Kendall County Abstract Company................................ 34 LaQuinta Inns & Suites.................................................. 19 Little Gretel Restaurant.................................................. 11 McRae M.D. Medical Laser Spa.................................... 25 Methodist Boerne Emergency Center....Inside Front Cover Miramar Pools................................................................. 7 Mission Pharmacal........................................................ 44 Morningside Ministries..................................................... 2 Oak Hills Pest Control, Inc............................................. 11 RPM Mortgage.............................................................. 11 Shipman & Associates..................................................... 1 Texas Heritage Bank...................................................... 13 Thad Ziegler Glass......................................................... 34 Town and Country Manor.............................................. 23 The Trust Company......................................................... 5 United SA Federal Credit Union....................................... 5 WA Automotive............................................................. 27
44 Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce