Cordillera Ranch Living Magazine: March-April 2023

SEVENTH TIME’S THE CHARM

JEANNIE AND RON TREVIÑO +

AGRONOMY: PREPPING FOR TOURNAMENT SEASON

QUEENS OF THE COURT

KIDS FLOURISH ON THE RANCH

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AGRONOMY: PREPPING FOR TOURNAMENT SEASON

Spring golf season may be here already but for the Agronomy team, maintaining the course’s prime playing conditions and inherent beauty is a four-season labor of love.

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QUEENS OF THE COURT

Ladies rule at the Tennis and Pickleball Club with four teams at three different levels participating in this year’s spring leagues for a chance to strengthen relationships on and off the court and enjoy a little friendly competition.

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KIDS FLOURISH ON THE RANCH

Growing up in Cordillera Ranch is truly every kids’ dream come true, with seasonal camps and many other opportunities for fun and learning, plus the community’s natural environment, which invites year-round exploration.

ALSO INSIDE:

14 WELCOME LETTER

16 CALENDAR

18 RANCH SCENE

20 STAFF PROFILE: JENNIFER LEAH GUIDT

32 2023 BIG CEDAR® LODGE

38 HOW WILL I KNOW? A GUIDE TO THE BEST WORKOUT FOR YOUR BODY AND LIFE

40 NEW EVENTS AT THE CLUB

42 TASTE!

44 2023 SUMMER CAMPS

48 WILDLIFE OBSERVATION AT CORDILLERA RANCH

52 "GOING ABOVE & BEYOND" AT THE CLUBS OF CORDILLERA RANCH

54 THE AMAZING RANCH MEMBERSHIP

56 RESIDENTS SERVING THE COMMUNITY

60 BEAUTIFUL BOERNE

64 SECURING ACCESS

66 DESIGN FOR A MODERN LIFESTYLE - GARNER HOMES

72 NEW GUADALUPE RIVER ESTATES AND SPRAWLING VIEW HOMESITES NOW AVAILABLE

75 REAL ESTATE

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SEVENTH TIME’S THE CHARM JEANNIE AND RON TREVIÑO

After the couple both retired from very high-stress jobs, Ron and Jeannie made it back to Texas and settled comfortably in Cordillera Ranch, building their seventh – and most favorite — house in their 37 years married.

Since arriving at Cordillera Ranch nearly three months ago, I’ve been struck by many things. From the natural beauty of the rolling terrain to the genuine kindness of Club members and staff, nothing feels forced. Friendships, golf, even the homes almost seem to have sprouted from the Earth. Everything seems to have evolved naturally and I suppose there’s a reason Cordillera has resonated with so many folks.

We’ve been planning some new property releases, so I’ve spent a good bit of time wandering around the property since I got here. Most of my walks have been dedicated to learning as much as I can about those new areas, but as I’ve walked through Hawk Canyon and down by the Guadalupe River in The Springs, or even through the Club, I’ve had a chance to think about what Cordillera Ranch really is and why folks have chosen to call it home. Perhaps if I asked 10 homeowners why they bought in Cordillera, I would get 10 different reasons. Maybe it was the great golf, the various outdoors-related activities, the warm and friendly service at the Club, or maybe it’s simply a place where friends and family would want to reconnect and enjoy each other’s company. They’re all very sincere reasons rooted in one commonality — TIME.

The Club knows how to take the stress of planning and executing a dinner off members’ shoulders. Outdoor pursuits are set-up and taken care of, so you don’t have to do anything other than show up and enjoy. Preferred Builders know how to guide you seamlessly and efficiently through the design and building process. It’s all been thought-out and designed in a way so you can enjoy those dinners, so you can have fun on the river, or so you can be in that home sooner and easier to enjoy it with loved ones.

The most treasured resources we have today don’t revolve around material things or money, it’s time. Either consciously or subconsciously, people have chosen to be here because Cordillera is able to provide them more time to do the things they want to do. Whether that means more time to spend with friends and family, or to simply make up for time lost during years of hard work, Cordillera Ranch has figured out a way to defy the odds and create more of that elusive commodity.

I wanted to take a minute to close with one thing— I never had the opportunity to meet Barry Denton as so many of you did, but after hearing a few stories and fond memories, I wish I had. I know he is missed, and I am grateful for the groundwork he left for all of us. From members, to builders, and of course the folks he shared an office with at The Visitor’s Center, it’s clear that he was well-respected and loved at Cordillera Ranch. I look forward to creating our own stories with you all and honoring his memory along the way.

Best,

Gary Short Director of Real Estate Sales Cordillera Ranch

www.cordilleraranch.com

830.336.3570

www.facebook.com/cordillera.ranch

PUBLISHERS:

Cordillera Ranch Development Corporation Traveling Blender, LLC

CORDILLERA RANCH DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Charlie Hill – President cphill@cordilleraranch.com

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING

Sara Hill

210.332.8628 shill@cordilleraranch.com

EDITOR

Trisha Doucette trisha@travelingblender.com

EDITORIAL DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Brianna Botine, Marc DeWall, Sara Hill, Shane Reynolds, Gary Short, Megan Soltis, Brynn Steele

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Tim Shaw – The Shaw Creative theshawcreative@me.com

CORDILLERA RANCH SALES

830.336.3570 info@cordilleraranch.com

The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch 830.336.9000

Feature article photography by David Teran Photography

210.650.2428 :: www.davidteran.com

Cordillera Ranch Living is published bi-monthly through a joint venture between Cordillera Ranch Development Corporation and Traveling Blender, LLC. No reproduction in any form is authorized without the consent of both Cordillera Ranch Development Corporation and Traveling Blender, LLC. Cordillera Ranch Living is a registered trademark of Cordillera Ranch Development Corporation. 28 Cordillera Trace, Boerne, Texas 78006. Printed in the USA. All rights reserved 2023. No responsibility is assumed for unsolicited submissions. Manuscripts, photographs, and other submitted material can be acknowledged or returned if accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The content contained does not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of Cordillera Ranch Development Corporation, Traveling Blender, LLC, or Cordillera Ranch residents. Cordillera Ranch Development Corporation and Traveling Blender, LLC assumes no liability for misinformation, omissions, or errors.

The Clubhouse The Clubhouse

The Clubhouse provides spectacular settings for special occasions, cocktails, entertaining guests and enjoying family dinners. To-Go orders are available by calling the Club receptionist.

C-STAR RANCH MENU

Available in the Main Dining Room, Twin Sisters Lounge and Twin Sisters Patio

Tuesday-Thursday, 11:00am to 2:00pm, 5:00pm to 9:00pm

Friday-Saturday, 11:00am to 2:00pm, 5:00pm to 10:00pm

Sunday, 11:00am to 2:00pm, 5:00pm to 8:00pm Dining from 2:00pm to 5:00pm is available in the Twin Sisters Lounge and Twin Sisters Patio.

Thursday-Saturday Evenings

SIGNATURE DINING MENU

BREAKFAST MENU

Available in the Main Dining Room, Saturday-Sunday, 9:00am to 2:00pm Available in the Twin Sisters Lounge, Saturday-Sunday, 11:00am-2:00pm

Wednesday Evenings

CORDILLERA RANCH GOLD RUSH, PRIME RIB BUFFET AND WEEKLY WINE PICKS

Every Wednesday we draw a member’s name from our membership roster. If that person or anyone in their immediate family is in the main Clubhouse at the time of the drawing, they will be awarded the current Club credit. $50 is added to the next week’s drawing if the winner is not present. Our Prime Rib Buffet is the perfect accompaniment for Jeffrey’s wine picks of the week. Sample new wines to purchase and enjoy that evening or to take home.

Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays

FAMILY MEALS TO-GO

Join us for dinner as we spotlight our chef’s finest steak and seafood features, delivering a fine dining experience. Friday evenings bring special fresh catch and oyster features along with live entertainment from 6:30 to 9:30pm. Advance reservations are strongly suggested. The Signature Dining Menu is available in the Main Dining Room, Twin Sisters Lounge and Twin Sisters Patio from 5:00 to 10:00pm.

Delicious family dinners are a convenient and affordable way to enjoy a variety of menu options that feed up to four people for $44.95++. Place orders through the Club receptionist or Cordillera Ranch Mobile App for curbside pick-up or delivery, 11:00am to 8:00pm.

BUTCHER SHOP

Our HeartBrand-certified Akaushi beef is full of marbelization and flavor. Choose from ribeyes, strips, hamburger patties and more, and place orders through the Club receptionist.

For dining and special event reservations, please contact the Club receptionist at 830.336.9000 or receptionist@cordilleraranch.com, or you may reserve your spot through the Cordillera Ranch mobile app or online at Clubsofcordilleraranch.com.

For golf events, please contact the Golf Shop at 830.336.4653. For tennis events, please contact the Tennis Club at 830.336.4823.

EVENTS EVENTS

Fridays in March and April :: Live Music on the Patio

The Twin Sisters Patio is the place to be from 6:00 to 9:00pm every Friday in March and April for live entertainment and a small bites feature, followed by dinner in the Main Dining Room. Reservations are strongly recommended for the dining room.

March 2 ::

New! “Come and Take It” Texas Independence Day

Lunch & Learn with Tom Jackson

Time: 12:00pm

Location: Main Dining Room

Let’s celebrate Texas’ favorite holiday. Join us for lunch and learn about the Lone Star State’s road to independence from Texas Historian Tom Jackson as we dive into history in a fun and interactive way.

New! “Come and Take It”

Texas Independence Day Celebration

Time: 4:00pm

Location: Clubhouse

Enjoy a live reenactment from the Texas Rangers and the ceremonial raising of the flag. Finish the night by listening to live music and eating Texas food with fun activities for all ages throughout the night — Texas style!

March 9 :: MOB (Men of Bourbon)

Time: 6:00 to 9:00pm

Location: Men’s Grille

Attention Gentlemen! Enjoy hearty helpings of food along with bourbon from Garrison Brothers during this “spirited” evening.

at her family’s winery, Trione Vineyards & Winery in Geyserville, CA. Executive Chef Isaac Cantu and his culinary team will craft a custom menu to pair with these remarkable wines.

April 4 :: Seder Dinner

Time: 6:00 to 9:00pm

Location: Main Dining Room

Join us for the traditional Passover meal as Wine Specialist Jeff Cohen guides us through storytelling, blessings and readings from the Haggadah of the Hebrews’ Exodus. Wine and a special dinner will be provided.

April 8 :: Easter Eggstravaganza

Time 10:30am to 1:30pm

Easter EGGstravagant is full of Easter fun! We will have a visit from the Easter Bunny, an egg hunt at 11:00am, games, horses, unique photo opportunities and more, along with an afternoon lunch available for everyone!

April 9 :: Easter Brunch

Time: Seating is available from 11:00am to 2:00pm

Location: Main Dining Room

Spring is in the air and Easter brunch is on the menu. We’ve prepared some of the tastiest options for your special Sunday. Kids will enjoy an appearance by the Easter Bunny and adults can relax with a mimosa or two and entertainment by Bernie Martini. This is sure to be a brunch you won’t want to miss!

April 13 :: New! “Mix” and Mingle

Time: 6:30pm

Location: La Vista

Calling all parents! Join other parents for an entertaining night out as you elevate your stirring and shaking techniques during our new social mixology class. You will be guided through the diverse world of tequila and learn how to make the best margarita. Come out to enjoy delicious cocktails and great company!

April 20 :: Grgich Hills Wine Dinner

March 14- 17 :: Spring Break Camps

Hey campers! While school is out, join us for some great activities to make this the best Spring Break ever! Reach out to Megan Soltis at msoltis@cordilleraranch.com or 830-336-9172 to register.

March 23 :: Trione Winery Wine Dinner

Time: 6:30 to 9:30pm

Location: Main Dining Room

Please join us as we host Denise Trione, Director of Sales and Marketing

Time: 6:30 to 9:30pm

Location: Main Dining Room

Please join us as we welcome Carl Russo, Director of National Sales at Grgich Hills Estate Winery in Rutherford, CA. Executive Chef Isaac Cantu and his culinary team will craft a custom menu to pair with these remarkable wines.

*All Club events require advance reservations and a 48-hour cancellation policy*

MORE THAN MAGIC WITH BEN JACKSON

RODEO KIDS

NIGHT OUT

KOBRAND WINE DINNER

RODEO KICK-OFF NIGHT

Photos taken by Megan Soltis and Jessica Beals

JENNIFER LEAH GUIDT

Equestrian Center Manager

803.840.0875 / jguidt@cordilleraranch.com

HOMETOWN: Sanford, NC

FAMILY MEMBERS: Husband – Lt. Col. Travis Guidt, Boys – Colton Guidt - 15 years old - Freshman at Champion High School and James William Guidt - 11 years old - 5th Grader at Cibolo Creek Elementary

HOW DID YOU BECOME EMPLOYED AT THE CLUBS OF CORDILLERA RANCH?

I moved back to the area and wanted to work again with clients (members) and horses, and reached out to the Cordillera Ranch Equestrian Center.

WHAT PAST WORK HISTORY PREPARED YOU FOR THE CLUBS?

I was a large animal Vet assistant and managed other equine facilities.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT WORKING AT CORDILLERA RANCH?

My favorite part of my job is being able to do what I love and that is working with horses and cattle.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST REWARDING PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?

Helping people reach their goals with their horses and understanding their horse’s language.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE?

Making sure every ride ends on a positive action. And understanding that you can’t please everyone.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE WORK IN THIS FIELD?

It is a lifelong passion and even though I got a degree in something different, the equine industry calls me back.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS? Integrity, adventurous, conscientious

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?

I like to try new restaurants, breweries or wineries and watch my boys play baseball and basketball.

WHAT IS YOUR SECRET TO HAPPINESS?

Pick and choose your battles and always end on a positive thing.

WHO WOULD YOUR IDEAL GUESTS AT A DINNER PARTY BE? Michael Matz, Buster Welch, Beezie Madden, Boots O’Neal and Tad Lucas — overall, I would love to have a table of equestrians of today and the past to get advice, guidance and knowledge.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO SUCCEED?

I love to continue to educate myself in the equine industry whether its animal science, equine medical practices or new training techniques. I feel you can never know it all because it is always changing and growing.

WHICH SUPER POWER WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE? Shapeshifting

AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? An Olympic Rider

IF YOU HAD TO LIVE IN A DIFFERENT STATE, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

I wouldn’t change the state, just the area. I would like to be closer to the Fort Worth area to be able to ride and show more in the National Cutting Horse Association.

WHAT WAS YOUR MOST RECENT ADVENTURE?

I went out for the weekend to Tres Molinos Ranch and Resort in Harper, TX for ranch sorting lessons with Patrick Moellendorf. The accommodations and food were wonderful, and I learned a lot.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SMELL, AND WHY?

Horses — they are my happy place.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL?

I couldn’t just pick one but my favorite dessert is crepes with Nutella and bananas.

WHAT’S ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?

Travel to Ireland, Australia and Africa.

SEVENTH TIME’S THE CHARM JEANNIE AND RON TREVIÑO

By Jenny Jurica :: Photography by David Teran :: Personal photography courtesy of the Treviños

Not many people can say that they met their spouse through the Secret Service, but that’s exactly how Jeannie and Ron Treviño met. Now, the couple is happily retired from years of government service and soaking up life at Cordillera Ranch in their seventh custom home – the second home that the couple has built in the neighborhood.

Ron is a San Antonio native who attended Antonian High School. While in high school, Ron and his baseball team clinched the 1971 Texas Catholic Interscholastic League 3A State Baseball Championship. That 1971 team was inducted into the Antonian Sports Hall of Fame in 2018 and Ron, as elected team spokesman, accepted the award the night of the induction.

The gifted baseball player went on to earn a spot on both the Bee County Junior College baseball team, as well as the Trinity University team, before graduating from college in 1976.

Upon his graduation from Trinity University, Ron, who had been active in the Army ROTC program in college, was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He attended Army Field Artillery Officer Basic Training, Paratrooper Training and was eventually assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. While there, Ron was a Fire Support Team Leader, where he and his team were responsible for coordinating artillery fire on specific targets — often in dangerous, close situations.

“Speaking of dangerous, close situations, during one training exercise, simulating an infantry river crossing, several artillery batteries were prepping the opposite bank of the river with artillery fire. During the prepping, a ‘stray’ artillery round landed about 20 meters from my team’s position. I immediately called for a ‘check fire,’ the universal phrase used to cease all firing. Luckily the round was armed with an impact fuse and the area where it impacted was so wet and soft, the round went several feet underground before it exploded. Had the round been armed with a variable time fuse, it would have exploded several meters above ground and potentially injured or killed someone,” recalled Ron.

It was his military training that led Ron to be hired as a Special Agent by the U.S. Secret Service. “During my career, the U.S. Secret Service was part of the Treasury Department and was responsible for conducting counterfeit money investigations, check forgery investigations, bank, credit card and other financial fraud investigations,” explained Ron, adding, “Now the Secret Service is part of Homeland Security, but still maintains all investigative and protective responsibilities as previously assigned.”

Ron conducted a variety of criminal investigations during his tenure in addition to serving temporary assignments on the Presidential Protective Division, which included protection of George H.W. Bush while he was campaigning to win the Republican nomination and protection of foreign heads of state who visited the United States. Ron was permanently assigned

to the Vice-Presidential Protective Division during the time Dan Quayle and Al Gore were Vice President.

While assigned to the Miami Field Office, Ron served on a temporary investigative assignment pertaining to the investigation of 1959 Heisman Trophy winner Billy Cannon of LSU. The investigation was conducted by the Baton Rouge office and required additional manpower to assist in conducting surveillance and most importantly, manning the six wiretapped phone lines belonging to Cannon and his co-conspirators. “These phone lines required monitoring by agents on a 24-hour basis. The investigation lasted several months and Cannon and his co-conspirators were subsequently indicted and convicted of federal charges relating to the production and possession of counterfeit money,” he said.

Jeannie, a self-described “Army brat,” spent her childhood moving every two to three years. Upon graduating from high school in 1979, Jeannie earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and began a career path in Federal Law Enforcement in 1983 in the U.S. Secret Service Miami Field Office as an administrative assistant.

Ron and Jeannie met when they were both working at the Miami Field Office and the two quickly fell in love. When it was time for Ron to propose to Jeannie, he knew that he wanted to make the proposal a bit different…dare we say even a “rare”

proposal? “It was after work and Ron and my roommate arrived home before I did. When I got home, they seemed very eager for me to start cooking dinner quickly,” remembered Jeannie. “I was tired and just wanted to take my time, but little did I know, my engagement ring was hidden in a pound of raw hamburger meat! Ron met me in the kitchen and slipped the ‘cleaned’ ring onto my finger.” The couple married in April of 1986 and are looking forward to celebrating 37 years of marriage this year.

Due to Ron’s career, the couple had several transfers but Jeannie was able to “agency hop” with various other Federal

agencies (such as the U.S. District Courts, Farm Credit Administration and the U.S. Marshals Service). Jeannie was eventually hired by the U.S. Federal Prisons as a Project Manager and was assigned to Federal Prisons in an 11-state territory.

“As a Project Manager, my job basically was to provide jobs for Federal inmates. I was assigned to the Furniture Department known at UNICOR. By law, Federal inmates must work unless they have a physical disability. This Federal program provides the opportunity for an inmate to learn a trade and earn money for restitution. Federal prisoners earn approximately .11 cents an hour with half of their earnings, which they do not manage, going towards restitution,” said Jeannie, explaining that each Federal prison is equipped to manufacture furniture (desks, seating, file cabinets, etc.). A project would begin when another Federal agency placed an order for furniture — such as 2,000 chairs for the FBI. If the order was assigned to one of the prisons in her territory, she would manage the project from inception, production, delivery and installation. “Oftentimes, my duties included visiting prisons in my territory to ensure a project was on track. However, should a prison experience an inmate uproar, my project would be delayed until normal operations resumed,” she added.

When the couple welcomed the birth of their daughter, Victoria, in 2001, Jeannie took on her next important role — that of a stay-at-home mom. And after a long, rewarding career with the U.S. Secret Service, as well as the Social Security Administration, Ron retired in December of 2018, where he logged 41 years of government service, 39 of which were in federal law enforcement.

For Ron and Jeannie, retiring to Cordillera Ranch is a dream come true and the cumulation of years of hard work. “In our 37 years of marriage, we have had 14 different addresses! We’ve built seven homes, which also means seven temporary rental stays,” said Jeannie.

The Treviños moved into their seventh (and current) home in February of 2022. “This is our second home that we’ve built in Cordillera Ranch and our first home on the golf course. The views are beautiful on the 13th hole. I really enjoy watching the unobstructed sunrises — they are so vibrant,” said Jeannie. “So far, this is our favorite house,” added Ron.

While the golf course is the main draw to Cordillera Ranch for

the Treviños, the neighborhood’s activities and social scene have been a welcome surprise. “The opportunities to stay active and socialize are abundant here at Cordillera Ranch. The members also seem to strive for a sense of community here making home a very special place in which to live,” said the couple.

The Treviños share their Cordillera Ranch home with their daughter, Victoria, who graduated in 2019 from Champion High School and was the Cordillera Ranch Junior Tennis Champion in 2016. Recognized for her talents on the courts, Victoria was recruited by Methodist University in North Carolina to play college tennis. Following a shoulder injury, Victoria made the decision to transfer back home and to continue her education at UTSA, where she will soon graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Biology, with the next step being Physician Assistant School. In the meantime, Victoria put herself through Medical Assistant School and earned a certification as an X-Ray technician. She works full time at Main Street Urgent Care in Boerne.

When she’s not busy with her studies and her job, Victoria loves spending her time fostering rescued dogs. “I became a foster parent during the pandemic and have since successfully fostered six dogs, who are all now in their forever homes,” she said.

While Victoria has had much success fostering dogs, she did

have one “foster failure.” That “failure” turned out to be one of her biggest blessings and is now named “Chloe Rose Treviño.” Chloe Rose was very ill when she came to Victoria, suffering from fungal pneumonia, flesh wounds and had BB gun pellets in her abdomen, from repeated abuse. “When I began fostering her in 2021, she had never had any human contact. She was basically scared of her own shadow,” remembered Victoria. After a lot of time, patience and love, Victoria knew that she was meant to be with her. “She has evolved into my sweet shadow and is enjoying the spoiled life,” shared Victoria.

Now that Ron and Jeannie have retired from their busy careers and Victoria is well on her way to a successful career in the medical field, the Treviños are finding that life at Cordillera Ranch is truly as good as it gets. “Cordillera Ranch checks many boxes of our idea of a perfect golf, tennis and family community. In all of our moves, we have always been members of a golf or country club, yet none have compared to Cordillera Ranch,” said Ron, the 2016 Men’s Club Champion.

The couple added, “The Club staff always share smiles and genuinely care about their positions. We feel comfortable in our Cordillera Ranch community to be exactly who we are — a casual, athletic and social family.”

OUTDOOR LIGHTING FOR ALL SEASONS

Installing outdoor lighting means we can spend even more time outdoors in Spring and Summer enjoying backyard barbecues and swimming pools.

Our reputation precedes Us. The Outdoor Lighting Designers at Elite have been creating unique and attractive designs for homes and businesses in the San Antonio, Austin, and South Texas area for over 31 years. Let us add captivating color, brilliance, and beauty to your home gardens, trees, patios, walkways, pathways, driveways, fences, hardscapes, architecture, and landscape lighting. No matter how beautiful your house is, well-designed outdoor lighting will improve it more than words can say.

• Residential Outdoor Lighting Services

• Commercial Business Lighting Designs

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• Exterior Lighting Maintenance Programs

San Antonio: (210) 573-0594 | Austin: (512) 692-7445 | www.elitelightingdesigns.com

2023 BIG CEDAR® LODGE

Every year, we organize a golf trip for the membership at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. In 2021, we hosted a couples’ trip to Pinehurst and took a group of guys to Lajitas. In 2022, we planned an August trip to Wisconsin for guys, and Lajitas for a couples’ trip. This year we will be traveling to Big Cedar Lodge in the Ozarks for one of the greatest golf experiences in the country.

By Corey Roberson, Director of Golf

Inspired by a deep desire to connect people to nature, Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops®, set out to grow the game of golf while incorporating the beauty of the Ozarks into every shot. The property is quickly becoming known as America's Next Great Golf Destination, with NATURE'S FINEST™ courses designed by some of the top names in golf: Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, Gary Player, Tom Fazio, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. This is truly an experience you will never forget, and the best part is that it doesn't stop with golf. The property offers a wide variety of activities including fishing, bowling, shooting and more. Unique restaurant venues range from casual to elevated dining. Each couple will stay in a one-bedroom cabin situated on the property’s wooded hillside, complete with rustic decor, modern amenities and the charm of the Ozarks.

This well-appointed trip, curated for Cordillera Ranch Club members, will accommodate seven couples. To learn more, contact Corey Roberson at croberson@cordilleraranch.com and 830.336.4653.

ITINERARY

After flying into Branson on Saturday, October 14, to catch a show, we will head out to Big Cedar Lodge for four full days of golf.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 16

u Play the 9-hole Nicklaus Signature course — Top of the Rock

u Dinner at Osage

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17

u Play Buffalo Ridge Springs

u Dinner at Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl & Grill

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18

u Play the Coore & Crenshaw course — Ozarks National

u Dinner at Devil’s Pool

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19

u Play the short course — Mountain Top

u Play the Tiger Woods course — Payne’s Valley

u Dinner at The Worman House Bistro Payne's Valley

BIG CEDAR® LODGE COURSES

TOP OF THE ROCK

One of only two par-3 courses to be used in official competition in a PGA TOUR-sanctioned event, the Jack Nicklaus-designed Top of the Rock is perched high above Table Rock Lake with peaceful waterfalls, wandering creeks, bass-filled ponds and pristine lakes. This is a 9-hole experience.

BUFFALO RIDGE SPRINGS

Already acclaimed as one of the region’s top golf courses by GOLF Magazine® and Golf Digest®, Buffalo Ridge has been transformed by visionary conservationist Johnny Morris and renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio. Together, they redesigned the course to bring players in close contact with nature, native grasses and free-ranging buffalo from nearby Dogwood Canyon Nature Park.

OZARKS NATIONAL

Opened in 2019, the 18-hole Ozarks National Course will surely test avid players. The golf course architect team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw designed a championship course to connect golfers with nature and provide the perfect complement to the existing 18-hole layout at Buffalo Ridge Springs.

MOUNTAIN TOP

Johnny Morris teamed up with golf icon Gary Player to create a world-class 13-hole short course that delivers an unparalleled experience for golfers. Sharing a similar passion for nature and golf, they created a renowned golf experience for all skill levels. The course routes through unforgettable, 300-million-year-old rock formations and includes some of the most dramatic views in the Ozarks.

PAYNE'S VALLEY

Opened in 2020 and named in honor of the late Payne Stewart, the new Payne’s Valley is the first fully public-access course in the world designed by Tiger Woods’ design firm TGR Design. The championship course features an extraordinarily dramatic 19th hole, “The Rock,” that can be used to settle unfinished wagers. The challenging but player-friendly walkable course has an unforgettable finish where golfers actually traverse through a breathtaking natural cavern system to return to the clubhouse after completing the 19th hole.

Corey Roberson is the Director of Golf at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at croberson@cordilleraranch.com and 830.336.4653.

Top of the Rock

Buffalo Ridge Springs

Ozarks National

Mountain Top

Payne's

AGRONOMY: PREPPING FOR TOURNAMENT SEASON

By Stu Rowland, Director of Agronomy

Aesthetics, Conditioning and Challenges: Summing up the start to the year and where we are headed as we move into the spring golf season. No doubt, we have accomplished much with a couple of challenges.

We are continually focused on playing conditions and experience. Additionally this winter, the team has been hard at work on course aesthetics. You will see throughout the course that in the areas near tees and greens as well as tree groves and solo tree rings, we have recaptured the original landscaped areas to provide a nice clean aesthetic. Almost all of the areas that had been overrun with turf and native grass have now been redefined, cleaned and cedar mulched. Not only is the aesthetic meaningful to the course visually, it is functional to both control erosion and root exposure as well as provide a better surface to hit from should a ball find its way into the area. Making progress isn’t ever without a challenge or two. Just as many of

these areas were cleaning up nicely, we experienced the wild swing of our Texas weather. From 70 degrees at one point to 11 degrees a few days later, we found ourselves taking a break to address getting greens recovered from the temporary dormant condition they experienced. All seemed well and then Texas happened again as we endured three days of cold misty weather and accumulating ice. The ice began trimming our trees on the third day and we had a pretty big cleanup to accomplish in removing many large branches and tree debris that littered our freshly mulched landscapes. Our team, accustomed to working with Mother Nature, made quick work of it preparing and getting the course open for play.

Moving into spring, our focus remains on our aesthetic projects while we shift to conditioning as the weather warms and the playing surfaces come out of dormancy and green up. We are excited for the first week of progress in March with our spring greens aerification. This season a different process will be put into place with a new tool called Graden. A Graden machine cuts a deep continuous channel through the turf that is then filled with sand. Unlike aerification that removes a small hole every two inches, the Graden will be a thinner width, enabling a quicker recovery and, due to the continuous channel, more thatch and organic matter is removed and refilled with sand, which will allow for greater movement of water through the upper profile, keeping the surfaces dry and firm.

The team is excited for spring and tournament season. It gets our energy up and we’re back to mowing grass but more so we are excited to have everyone back out in shorts enjoying the improvements we’ve worked on during the last few months. If we’re really honest, we are just excited for spring in the Hill Country at Cordillera Ranch.

Stu Rowland is the Director of Agronomy at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at srowland@cordilleraranch.com and 830.336.3710.

Specializing in:

Architectural color rendered master plan including brilliant images and plant descriptions in both 2D & 3D, outlining 10 months of color with a balance between evergreen and deciduous foliage containing movement throughout, resulting in low maintenance, drought tolerant and deer resistant landscape.

Other Features:

• Irrigation Installation and Repair (including water efficient drip irrigation)

• Outdoor Kitchen

• Lot Clearing, Cedar Tree Removal and Mulching

• Outdoor Lighting

• Hardscape (including Fire Pits, Seat Walls, Retaining Walls, Flagstone Patios, Stained and Stamped Concrete, Arbors, Pergolas, Split Rail Cedar Fencing, and more)

Stop in and see us, our associates are ready to assist you.

By

QUEENS OF THE COURT!

De

The Bryan Brothers, Mike and Bob Bryan

Joe

Luna, Director of Tennis and Pickleball :: Photography by Megan Soltis

Each spring The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch Tennis Club have multiple Ladies Tennis Teams that participate in USTA (United States Tennis Association) and SAPTA (San Antonio Professional Tennis Association), and non-sanctioned leagues throughout San Antonio and the surrounding area. This year we have four teams at three different levels representing Cordillera Ranch!

Cordillera Ranch Tennis Club has a 3.0, 40 and over, USTA team (Over Served) that plays on Thursday mornings, usually at 9:30am. Over Served plays against other private clubs and some public tennis facilities across the area. The team has 18 players on their roster with Penny Benardino serving as their fearless Captain and Courtney Lambert serving as Co-Captain.

Cordillera Ranch Tennis Club also has a 3.5, 40 and over, USTA team that also plays on Thursday mornings and has 18 players on their roster. This team also competes against other private clubs and public tennis facilities in San Antonio and the surrounding area. Anne Cotner serves as Captain for this team and is unwavering in this role.

The format for this spring USTA league is one singles player and three doubles teams per match. Matches are determined by which team wins the most matches — if there is a tie then the team with the most sets won wins the match and if there is still a tie then the team that wins the most games is determined the winner. This means every game counts in determining the winning team and makes for a highly competitive format.

The team matches are played both at home and away. Teams have a weekly TEAM clinic where the Club’s Professional Tennis Staff run the teams through drills consisting of stroke production, play-based drills and match play. The clinics also consist of many discussions about court positioning, strategy and mental toughness. These are all necessary for the success of the team and the level of participation has been awesome so far this season. These leagues run from early January to late March or early April, consisting of roughly ten matches.

Anne has also volunteered to Captain another 3.5 team, which will play in the SAPTA/USPTA league on Wednesday mornings. This league will begin near the end of the USTA Thursday league in late March and will also have matches against other private clubs and public tennis facilities across the San Antonio area.

Jill Briggs is the Captain of our 4.0 Fun League team called the Spin Sisters. This league plays its matches on Friday mornings and is a non-sanctioned league that allows for fun and friendly competition for our higher-level players.

These two leagues are formatted to play four doubles matches each week.

It is so awesome to see so much ladies tennis activity at the Ranch and we hope to continue to grow. We are thankful for all of our Captains who volunteer their time to help organize these teams. The members who participate on these teams get a chance to compete in a safe and friendly environment and, most of all, build relationships with their fellow members and teammates. This helps form lifelong relationships and build camaraderie amongst our members and their competitors. I can say that Cordillera Ranch ladies tennis players are truly the Queens of the Court!

Joe De Luna is the Director of Tennis and Pickleball at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at jdeluna@cordilleraranch.com and 210.363.9004.

TEAM 3.0 Front Row: Courtney Lambert, Yvette Norling, Kelley McAlear, Linda Gibson. Back Row: Jane Morris, Julie McLoy, Linda Smith, Judy Parker.

TEAM 3.5 Front Row: Kelley Gosdin, Mary Whittington, Leah Grarner, Anne Cotner, Catarina Beresky. Back Row: Debbie Williams, Amy Molloy, Karen Truesdell, Carol Presicci, Carol Pichot.

HOW WILL I KNOW?

A GUIDE TO THE BEST WORKOUT FOR YOUR BODY AND LIFE

By Tamra L. Christiansen, Director of Fitness and Wellness

I am often asked these questions:

“How often should I work out?”

“Should I do the same workout every time?”

“How much weight should I use?”

“Which classes can I take back-to-back?”

BEGINNER/STARTING BACK AFTER A LONG BREAK:

If you have never worked out, or it has been a long time since you worked out, start slowly. This means only walking, riding the recumbent bike or doing the elliptical. After time off or a surgery, you may have to treat yourself as a beginner to not injure yourself or impede on your healing.

On the Peloton, use the 15-minute beginner classes to ease your way into a good workout. Start with two to three days a week and build a day in the weeks to follow.

This goes for classes as well. Start with one to two per week and add classes from there. You might find that you are sore from an easy class. Let this encourage you: anyone, novice to professional, can get sore from what they are not used to.

In strength training, do the same. Start with a couple of days a week, adding a day each week, and always begin with

This article is dedicated to answering some of these questions for you. I will start with the foundation: slow and steady wins the race.

a proper warm-up. Begin with full body training, focusing on alternating lower body to upper body. Work the large to small muscle groups: squats or leg press, then calf press; chest press to triceps work; lat pulldown machine, then do some bicep work. Start with 15-20 reps for the first set, with the last 3-5 reps being a true challenge to finish. On the second set, go a bit heavier and do 10-12 reps.

Another great way to start a program is to do Circuit Training. Do the entire list of eight to 10 exercises once, then do the list a second time.

With cardiovascular workouts, start with 15 minutes of easier work, bringing yourself to sweat. This means lower resistance and slower movement for the first two to four weeks. After that, increase speed, resistance or incline to the workout. You will feel the difference and moreover, you will see the higher caloric burn per minute. If adding incline, make sure it starts with intervals, meaning going uphill for a short time and returning to flat/ground walking for 30-60 seconds. For every 1% uphill grade, the average 150-pound person burns 10 calories more per mile. At a 10% incline, that person will burn twice what they would walking on a flat level.

When you begin classes, keep each type of class to a twicea-week minimum and start very light, even if some of the exercises are done with body weight only. Listen to your body. If you are too sore, choose to do light cardiovascular exercise instead of the class again. This is called Active Recovery. The worst thing you can do when your body is sore is to not move. The muscles tighten up even more and cannot release the lactic acid. Stretching is one of the most important things you can do. It doesn’t have to be yoga, but you need to stretch the specific muscles worked that day.

NOVICE TO INTERMEDIATE

Once you have been working out for four to six weeks, you can add weight to your strength regimen. Add 2.5-5 pounds to each set. Add another day of strength training. Try doing a different routine. Now, you can move from total body workouts to more concentrated workouts. Here is an example:

u DAY 1: Legs and Shoulders

u DAY 2: Cardio and Stretch

u DAY 3: Chest, Triceps and Upper Core

u DAY 4: Cardio and Stretch

u DAY 5: Back, Biceps and Lower Core

Did I mention Core? (Snide smirk.)

Here is another example of a more advanced workout:

u DAY 1: Legs and Core, Light Cardio

u DAY 2: Chest and Back, Longer Cardio

u DAY 3: Shoulders, Biceps and Triceps (Arms Day), 20-minute Intervals

u DAY 4: Rest

u DAYS 5, 6, 7: Repeat Days 1, 2, 3

When lifting, you can add more strength by changing the order, the move, increasing the reps or adding weight. Spend a session or two learning how to use progressions to moves that you have mastered. There is always an easier or harder way to approach training. Being in a constant state of learning only improves…well, your entire body inside and out!

Notice that our Group Exercise schedule has a distinct design that is created specifically for a good balance of your workout week. Your week can look something like this:

u MONDAY: Barre or Cycle and/or Pilates (both challenging after a weekend of heavier eating)

u TUESDAY: SRT (Strength Resistance Training), followed by Yoga Fit. We also have Open Level Pilates or Barrelates for the lunchtime workouts.

u WEDNESDAY: A mid-week challenge with Jump Board on the Reformers or Open Level Pilates

u THURSDAY: Rinse and Repeat Tuesday’s workouts.

u FRIDAY: Cycle or Pilates

u SATURDAY: X-Fit to really end the week strong or Gentle Yoga to calm the mind and relax the body.

We have so many classes to suit all needs, even outdoor enthusiast classes with the OutFITter Workout. This is a great class for early risers! See our schedule of group exercise classes listed on ClubsofCordilleraRanch.com.

INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED

A sign that your workouts are working is to notice if you are still feeling sore from what you did in the day(s) before. If you are finding that you are not sore or if you are bored with your routine, this is a telltale sign to change it up. Signing up for an event is a great way to have dedicated training for a goal and purpose. Our bodies are highly adaptable and need to be challenged with strength and changes in our cardio routine. Adding a third set to your core routine and learning how to do Pyramids or Drop-Sets could build your strength, tone and stamina!

Another point to make in your year of working out is to acclimate to the weather you are working out in. It takes about 10 days of being in a certain temperature to acclimate the body to working out in that element. For the cold weather snaps we have, think about layering your clothing.

The most important thought on all of this: be patient and encouraging with yourself. Commend yourself for the work you have done. You can only get better from this point on! Soreness doesn’t have to have a negative connotation. Resist beating yourself up about “how much I haven’t been working out,” or “I’m so out of shape.” Know what you enjoy most so you know that you will stick with the program. Our trainers and instructors are talented in guiding you to your VERY BEST!

Tamra Christiansen is the Fitness and Wellness Director at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. She can be reached at tchristiansen@cordilleraranch.com and 830.336.9184.

NEW EVENTS AT THE CLUB

By Michael McClellan, Director of Food and Beverage

Get ready for a celebration of the rich history, culture and traditions of Texas and Kentucky! Our Club is thrilled to announce three new events for our membership, and we guarantee they will be three of the most exciting and memorable events you'll attend all year!

“COME AND TAKE IT”

TEXAS INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION!

First on our list is the Texas Independence Day Party on March 2. This lunch and learn event will be a celebration of the history and heritage of Texas, with a special focus on the Battle of the Alamo. Our special guest speaker, Tom Jackson, a local historian, will give an in-depth presentation on the events leading up to the battle, the battle itself and its significance in Texas history. His presentation will be both informative and engaging, and will provide a unique insight into this important chapter of Texas history.

In addition to the presentation,

members will have the opportunity to socialize and enjoy an evening at the Clubhouse with live music from Natalie Rose and a variety of activities including tie dying t-shirts for the kids. The events will conclude with a sumptuous Texas-style dinner, ensuring that everyone leaves with a full stomach and a heart full of Texan pride!

DATE: Thursday, March 2

TIME: Lunch and Learn-12:00pm, Evening Celebration: 4:00pm

LOCATION: Clubhouse

Tom Jackson

DERBY DAY

Next, we are thrilled to announce the most extraordinary Kentucky Derby Party that you will ever attend! On May 6, we will be hosting an action-packed celebration that will bring the excitement of the Kentucky Derby to our Club. Whether you're a horse racing fan or just looking for a fun and exciting evening, this event will be the place to be. Come dressed in your best with festive Derby Hats and more!

Guests will be able to place their bets on their favorite horses, enjoy delicious food and drinks and dance the night away to live music from the Dirty River Jazz Band. Our Club will be transformed into a lively and festive atmosphere, complete with the sights and sounds of a traditional Kentucky Derby celebration. With its rich history and cultural significance, the Kentucky Derby is one of the most iconic horse races in the world, and our celebration will be a chance to experience all of the excitement and pageantry of this historic event.

“MIX” & MINGLE

Get ready for a night of indulgence as we explore the rich history and variety of tequila expressions. Join us for a unique mix and mingle experience focused on great tequila and learn how to make the best margarita!

Our tequila aficionados (Mike and Brianna) will guide you through the diverse world of tequila, introducing you to the various expressions, their unique flavors and aromas. You'll discover the secrets behind premium tequila and how to distinguish between the different types.

After exploring the world of tequila, our margarita enthusiast will demonstrate how to make the perfect margarita. You'll learn the art of blending the perfect combination of tequila, lime and triple sec to create the ultimate margarita.

Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to taste premium tequila, learn about its history and master the art of making the perfect margarita. Book your VIP "Mix" and Mingle experience today! Cheers to great tequila and unforgettable memories!

DATE: Thursday, April 13

TIME: 6:30pm

LOCATION: La Vista

PRICE: $75++ per person

Brianna Botine is the Director of Membership & Lodging at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. She can be reached at 830.366.9162 and bbotine@cordilleraranch.com.

DATE: Saturday, May 6

TIME: TBA

LOCATION: Clubhouse

Jessica Beals in the Club Events Manager at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. She can be reached at jbeals@cordilleraranch.com and 830.336.9176.

In conclusion, our upcoming events promise to be three of the most exciting and memorable celebrations you will attend this year. We hope you will join us for the Texas Independence Day Party, the Kentucky Derby Party and “Mix” & Mingle, and we look forward to celebrating with you! Whether you're a history buff, a horse racing fan or just looking for a good time, we guarantee that these events will exceed all of your expectations. Mark your calendars, reserve your spot with the Club receptionist and get ready to party Texas and Kentucky style!

Spots are limited, so secure your place now through the Club receptionist at 830.336.9000.

TASTE!

Vermentino

(“vur-men-teeno”) is a light-bodied white wine that grows mostly in Italy on the island of Sardinia and around Tuscany. What’s exciting about Vermentino is it can be deliciously complex in taste, one similar style to Sauvignon Blanc. Because Vermentino is so unknown, you can find high quality wines for a great value. Let’s delve into the details of Vermentino wine and what to look for and from where.

IF YOU LOVE SAUVIGNON BLANC THEN VERMENTINO IS YOUR FRIEND.

Despite the typical light-bodied character of Vermentino, it’s actually quite complex to taste. This is because Vermentino has higher levels of phenols, which contribute to its subtle bitterness on the finish — a taste often described as green almond. A glass of classic Vermentino will offer up lively aromas of pear, white peach, lime and pink grapefruit with subtle notes of crushed rocks and citrus zest. On the palate, Vermentino is almost always dry and somewhat oily with flavors of grapefruit and citrus, with a crushed rocky minerality and saltiness. On the finish, it can be a bit snappy with bitterness similar to the taste of grapefruit pith or, if it’s on the riper side, fresh almond.

There are typically two styles of Vermentino based on winemaking practices. One style is richer and creamier and the other is lighter, more floral and vibrant. The differences are also what is discussed mostly with Chardonnay. When I am asked to select a Chardonnay, I follow it up with the same question: Do you like a more buttery Chardonnay or clean and crisp?

The same is true with the Vermentino. If the winemaker chooses a creamier style, they will allow, after the initial alcoholic fermentation occurs, a secondary fermentation called malolactic fermentation. Without getting too scientific, a special bacteria is added, which feasts on the tart malic acid in the Vermentino (it’s the same acid found in green apples) and produces small amounts of special flavor compounds called diacetyl. This diacetyl tastes creamy and rich like butter and offers a richer oily sensation on the tongue.

Vermentino with its somewhat oily character, salinity and phenolic bitterness is a wonderful wine to match with medium-weight dishes that play with rich herbs and spices. Due to its bolder intensity, you can easily match this wine with richer fish such as Halibut or even meats as bold as Italian Sausage filled with fennel. One key thing to pay attention to when pairing your Vermentino is the acidity level of the dish being prepared. Vermentino doesn’t have enough zesty acidity needed to match against tart pickled dishes, however it is incredibly well-paired with Shrimp or Chicken Tacos with a squeeze of lime. Vermentino is also an incredible pairing with garlicky dishes like Pesto.

If pairing with cheeses, you will find that your softer cheeses such as Ricotta, Buffalo Mozzarella and Goat Cheese will work the best, although some salty Feta and nutty Pecorino work nicely as well.

Because the Vermentino holds up to herbs nicely, this can also be paired with other cuisines such as Tex -Mex, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern. A few come to mind, such as Falafel, Tabouleh Salad, Hummus and the aforementioned Chicken or Shrimp Tacos.

A couple of pairings to leave you with that are readily available in restaurants and, of course, your Club: Linguini garlic butter and clams. A traditional Shrimp Scampi will be delightful as well. Add some artisan bread with a shmear of pesto and finish with some fresh Pecorino. Lastly, a slowbaked multi-layered Spinach Lasagna or, for the carnivores, Italian Sausage Lasagna. Yummo!

The next time you are at the Club, whether lunch or dinner, try these wonderful wines and tell me what you think!

By Jeffrey M. Cohen, CMS, Wine Specialist

Jeffrey M. Cohen, CMS, is the Wine Specialist/Beverage Manager at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at jcohen@cordilleraranch.com and 210.677.9234.

2023 S UMMER C AMPS Adventure Awaits You at Cordillera Ranch!

By Megan Soltis, Communications & Family Events Manager

Get ready campers! From golf, tennis, cooking, horses, adventure, art and more, we have something for every kiddo to enjoy this summer! Our camps provide exciting experiences, learning opportunities and a safe environment for every boy and girl.

NEW - NINJA CAMP

Dates: June 6-8

Time: 10:00am-1:00pm | Ages: 5-10

Calling all ninjas! Campers will participate in Orbeez, Nerf Wars, Water Battles, Scavenger Hunts and more. This camp will help develop confidence, teach social skills and introduce campers to all the fun they can have outdoors. Lunch will be included.

DIGITAL EXPLORERS CAMP

Dates: June 6-9; July 5-7

Time: 10:00am-2:00pm | Ages: 6-14

Explore, play and challenge yourself with this Digital Explorers Camp. Each day, your camper will experience different video games and challenge themselves by playing and competing with other campers for prizes. Campers will practice spatial reasoning, project planning and design through these digital adventures. Snacks are included.

CORDILLERA RANCH JUNIOR GOLF CAMP

Dates: June 6-9, June 20-23; July 11-14, July 25-28; August 8-11

Time: 9:00am-1:00pm | Ages: 6-14

The Cordillera Ranch Junior Golf Camp consists of instruction on all aspects of the game, various team and individual challenges, on-course play and swimming. This camp is perfect for beginner and intermediate golfers and is taught by the Cordillera Ranch Professional Golf staff. Lunch is included and clubs will be provided if needed.

LIL’ RANCHERS GOLF CAMP

Dates: June 6-9, June 20-23; July 11-14, July 25-28; August 8-11 Time: 2:00-3:00pm | Ages: 4-6

This Lil’ Ranchers Golf Camp consists of golf instruction for beginner players that are new to the game of golf. Your little golfer will learn the beginning steps on how to play the game, various team and individual challenges and course practice taught by the Cordillera Ranch Professional Golf staff. Clubs will be provided if needed.

ALL-STAR SPORTS CAMP

Dates: June 6-9, June 20-23; July 11-14, July 25-28

Time: 10:00am-2:00pm | Ages: 8-12

This camp is an endless collection of sports and activities that challenges kids and helps develop confidence while having fun in the great outdoors. We will be playing tennis, pickleball, dodgeball, badminton, capture the flag, swimming and much more. Lunch is included.

CRAFT QUEENS ART CAMP

Dates: June 6-9

Time: 3:00-5:00pm | Ages 6-12

This art camp is for those girls who are in LOVE with art! We will be creating all the things girls like best such as painting, jewelry, ceramics and more. We will be learning unique art techniques while creating masterpieces. All materials and snacks are provided.

PRINCIPLES OF PATHFINDER CAMP

Dates: June 6-9, June 13-16, June 20-23, June 27-30; July 4-7, July 11-14, July 18-21, July 25-28; August 1-4, August 8-11 Time: 2:00-5:00pm | Ages: 7-15

This camp is all about the power of your imagination through a team-oriented tabletop game! Join this story-based camp as we go on imaginary adventures and use our minds to create a world of exploration. We will challenge the kids by using communication skills, problem solving and arithmetic.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CAMP

Dates: June 13-16; July 11-14; August 8-11

Time: 8:00am-5:00pm | Ages: 10-14

This adventurous camp is designed for older kids who love the great outdoors of Texas. This camp will include daily trips off the Ranch. We will have fun going on river trips, visiting Schlitterbahn, exploring the outdoors and many more activities! Lunch, snacks, transportation and all park fees are included.

PRINCESS UNICORN CAMP

Dates: June 13-15

Time: 9:00am-2:00pm | Ages: 6-10

It doesn’t get much better than little girls and horses — unless there is glitter, unicorns and pink on top! Your little cowgirl will get to brush and ride horses, design tutus, make crafts and more! Lunch is included.

TENNIS & SWIM CAMP

Dates: June 13-16, June 27-30; July 18-21

Time: 10:00am-2:00pm | Ages: 8-14

Tennis and Swim Camp is a great camp combination that offers tennis for beginners to intermediate level players and pickleball activities in the afternoon! This camp challenges kids and helps to develop confidence, hand-eye coordination and large motor skills while having fun in the great outdoors. Lunch is included.

LITTLE TENNIS & SWIM CAMP

Dates: June 13-16, June 27-30; July 18-21

Time: 10:00am-2:00pm | Ages: 4-7

Little Tennis and Swim Camp is a great camp combination that offers tennis and pickleball for beginner kiddos that are learning and growing in the games. Tennis will be in the morning and there will be great cool-down games and activities in the afternoon! Lunch is included.

JUNIOR CULINARY CAMP

Dates: June 13-16

Time: 1:00-3:00pm |Ages: 8-14

This hands-on cooking experience will focus on preparing delicious food and plating presentation, all taught by a knowledgeable chef. Throughout the week we will learn how to make different dishes and how to create beautiful presentations that will capture the eye! All cooking materials are provided.

SCHOOL OF ROCK CAMP

Dates: June 13-16

Time: 5:00-6:30pm | Ages: 12-18

Join our experienced teacher, Bradley Hill, who has over 15 years of guitar-playing experience and learn guitar chords, notes and how to read music. Develop music skills and test your level of interest! If you want your musical talents to go to the next level, then this camp is for you!

HARRY POTTER CAMP

Dates: June 20-23; July 25-28

Time: 10:00am-2:00pm | Ages: 7-15

Harry Potter Camp is a chance for Muggles to experience the adventures of Harry Potter and his friends! Activities will include games inspired by the movies and novels. We will play Quidditch, Wizards Chess, hunt for horcruxes, compete in a Tri-Wizard tournament and have snacks inspired by the stories! Lunch is included.

HORSES & ADVENTURES CAMP

Dates: June 23-25; July 7-9

Time: 9:00am-3:00pm | Ages: 8+

What better way to spend your summer than with horses & adventures? Campers will participate in horseback riding, bouncing at a trampoline park, going to the movies, playing games at an arcade and more! Lunch is included.

LITTLE MERMAID SWIM CAMP

Dates: June 27-30

Time: 10:00am-1:00pm | Ages: 4-8

Calling all beautiful mermaids! The Little Mermaid Swim Camp is all about mermaids and fun! You will receive your very own swimmable mermaid tail and strengthen your swim skills by playing, splashing and swimming. This camp is for beginner to intermediate swimmers. We will practice water safety while playing games with certified lifeguards. Children must have knowledgeable swimming skills to attend. Lunch is included.

LEGO® ENGINEERING CAMP

Dates: June 27-30

Time: 2:00-4:00pm | Ages: 7-12

This unique camp is for those boys and girls who love LEGOs and love to learn! We will explore LEGO engineering and building, play LEGO games and each day we will have a different LEGO theme to ensure kids will have plenty of fun! All materials are provided.

LITTLE CHEFS’ CULINARY CAMP

Dates: July 12-15

Time: 10:00am-12:00pm | Ages: 4-7

Calling all little chefs to learn and grow in the world of cooking! This camp will teach your young chef the safety skills and knowledge to be in a kitchen. We will dive into hands-on, sensory cooking projects that let your camper experience the look, feel, smell and taste of their food creations. All cooking materials are provided.

NEW - COWBOYS & COWGIRLS CAMP

Dates: July 18-20

Time: 9:00am-3:00pm | Ages 10+

Wrangling up all cowboys and cowgirls! This camp will teach you how to be a cowboy or cowgirl! We will be horseback riding, roping, bow and arrow and shooting. Campers must have a general knowledge of shooting to join this camp. Lunch is included.

C-STAR GAMES—THE ULTIMATE CAMP

Dates: August 1-4

Time: 10:00am-2:00pm | Ages: 4-12

This is a camp your camper doesn’t want to miss! Throughout the week there will be games and friendly competitions in different sports and activities such as tennis, golf, swimming, archery, paddle boarding and more. On the last day of camp, we will have a Field Day, Awards Party and Talent Show for the campers to participate in and the parents to watch!

HORSES & ART CAMP

Dates: August 1-3

Time: 9:00am-3:00pm | Ages 8+

This is a camp that’s for all of the horse and art lovers out there! We will be riding horses, making arts & crafts and more throughout the week. This camp will teach social skills, how to care for horses and creativity through art. Lunch is included.

MAD

SCIENTIST CAMP

Dates: August 8-11

Time: 10:00am-12:00pm | Ages: 7-12

Boom, splat, ooze and fizz! This NEW Science Camp is all about having a blast while making a mess exploring the science behind chemical reactions. We will learn different science experiments, build rockets and more! All science materials are provided.

Ready for a summer of fun and adventure? Contact Megan Soltis for more information and to register.

Megan Soltis is the Communications & Family Events Manager at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. She can be reached at msoltis@cordilleraranch.com and 830.336.9172.

WILDLIFE OBSERVATION at Cordillera Ranch

By Shane Reynolds, Outdoor Recreation Director and Outfitter

One of the great things about being at Cordillera Ranch on a daily basis is the diversity in wildlife that we are able to experience.

Some of my greatest memories as both a child and adult are spent observing wildlife. I am fortunate to be pursuing a career that keeps me outside much of the time. I am often asked why I hunt waterfowl during slow migration times — it’s simply because I love being in a duck blind at sunrise to observe wildlife! Some of my greatest joys in recent years are seeing my children with a keen eye point out a bird they recognize, or the thrill when they observe something as small as a caterpillar hanging from a tree. Observing wildlife brings a great sense of calm to our daily lives, and I encourage you to slow down some time, go sit by a tree in the woods and simply watch and listen to the wild world around you.

“Connecting with the wilderness allows us to live in the flow of a meaningful, joyful life. Embracing this state of connectedness or oneness with other living beings including animals, as opposed to feeling an “otherness” or “separateness” brings a sense of harmony and enables us to be at peace with oneself and the world.”

~ Sylvia Dolson, Joy of Bears

With the advancement of technology and cameras, observing wildlife has become easier in recent years. The use of trail cams in urban and rural backyards provides year-round entertainment, as well as an education in animal behavior. Over the past 10 years, I have been using trail cameras on the Ranch to observe feral pigs around areas where we trap them. During the past several years we have started to move to cellular cameras and Wi-Fi cameras to observe wildlife in real time. Cordillera Ranch has a Wildlife Management Plan (WMP) with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. As a part of this plan, we have a wildlife management company that has a network of cellular trail cameras around the Ranch. Observing the wildlife around Cordillera Ranch has been a wonderful byproduct of the WMP.

Texas is an extremely diverse state with 10 distinct eco-regions ranging from desert in the western portion of the state to the dense forests of the east. Texas is second only to California in terms of its biodiversity, with the highest number of birds and reptiles and the second highest number of plants and mammals in the U.S. Texas is bursting with wildlife of every conceivable shape, color, size and disposition. Over 165 species of mammals are native to the state, as well as 213 species of reptiles and amphibians. Texas also hosts the greatest diversity of bird life in the United States — 590 native species in all. A great gift my family recently gave me for my birthday was a bird feeder with a Wi-Fi camera built into it. My family and I can see the birds that visit our yard daily, in addition to some of the larger animals that visit our feeding stations.

The Texas Hill Country is an incredibly ecologically diverse landscape that is home to native and non-native species. Cordillera Ranch has some tremendous free ranging diversity. The rich history of the Ranch includes portions that were high fenced for decades upon decades to best manage large game animals and also introduce several exotic species for hunters. Over time, many of the exotics in the area have found their niche in the ecosystem. Land stewardship and thriving populations of wildlife go hand-in-hand and healthy populations of native wildlife demonstrate that land is part of a functioning ecosystem. I am not a biologist, so I will not attempt to explain the issues with having non-native animals competing alongside native animals. Exotics, or non-native game, certainly can be observed in and around Cordillera Ranch. Exotics started showing up on Texas ranches in the 1950’s as ranchers quickly discovered alternative sources of revenue and a large market for hunters who desired to hunt these animals in Texas. Today there are 51 species of exotics in the state, the most common being axis, sika and fallow deer, blackbuck antelope, aoudad, wild Corsican and mouflon sheep. I have seen all of these exotics in Cordillera Ranch, and we routinely see a lot of them on our camera network. Most people who

eat wild game would agree with me that axis deer is one of the most desirable animals to harvest and bring to the grill. The axis population at Cordillera Ranch took a big hit with past hard freezes, and they are slowly rebuilding their herd numbers. Some of the larger native animals we routinely observe on our cameras are whitetail deer, grey fox, bobcat, turkey, ringtail cat, porcupine and coyote. I have not caught a mountain lion on camera yet, but have seen a couple on the west end of the Ranch near the Gun Club and Spring Creek. They are a stealthy animal, and if you are ever blessed to see one in the wild, consider yourself lucky! In my 54 years of spending a LOT of time in the woods and mountains, I have only seen four — two in Texas and two in California.

I am always looking for great photos of both native and non-native animals. If any of our readers or Cordillera Ranch residents have any hi-res photos of wildlife, please email them to me and we will be happy to publish in Cordillera Ranch Living and will kindly give you credit.

Shane Reynolds is the Outdoor Recreation Director and Outfitter at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at outfitter@cordilleraranch.com and 210.616.6051, or at the Cordillera Ranch Outfitter Center at 830.336.4823.

ALICE COGGINS

(Member since 2022)

What activities did you do at C-Star Ultimate Games Camp?

Surfing in the pool, tennis, golf and more!

Do you have any fun memories from the Summer Camps?

Yes! The bubble party at the end of the camp with the bounce houses was so much fun.

What’s your favorite part about being a kid at Cordillera Ranch?

All the events and parties like the Kids’ Rodeo, Halloween, Breakfast with Santa and Easter EGGstravaganza!

KIDS FLOURISH ON THE RANCH

By Megan Soltis, Communication & Family Events Manager

Cordillera Ranch is a place for families. The exclusive master-planned community offers a luxury lifestyle immersed in nature and outdoor activities, and for kids, it’s a dream come true. Not only are there seasonal camps where kids can learn to fish, play golf and tennis, ride horses and swim, but we have a year-round outlet for fun and learning at The Kids Club with books, games, arts & crafts, movies and more. There is something for everyone on the Ranch, and when asked what their favorite activities are, our junior members had a lot to say!

CADEN WILLY

(Member since 2020)

What camps have you participated in at the Club?

I’ve done a lot of camps!

What was your favorite camp and why?

I like the horse one and any of the camps when we get to swim, especially when it is hot. I also like the camp where we build robots!

What is the best part about being a kid at Cordillera Ranch?

I love the bread rolls and salmon at the Club. I also like how nice everyone is that works at the Club.

BREKLYN DARTER

(Member since 2018)

What camps have you participated in at the Club?

Oh, I have done so many fun ones! Tennis Camp, Golf Camp, Art Camp, Mermaid Camp and Cooking Camp!

Which one was your favorite camp and why?

That’s a hard question because they are all great! I loved the new camp, Mermaid Camp! They had a mermaid come visit Cordillera! I loved swimming with all my friends and pretending we were mermaids all week! That was a lot of fun!

What is the best part about being a kid at Cordillera Ranch?

Being a kid here at Cordillera is a blast! I get to see friends all the time! Every week I play tennis and when it is warmer, I love playing golf. Summer is fun because they have a lot of cool camps!

EMMA NORCROSS

(Member since 2018)

What camps have you participated in at the Club?

There are too many for me to remember! They are all so much fun. I’ve been in Olympic Camp, Saddles and Splashes, Unicorn Princess Horse Camp, Swim Camp, C-Star Games, Golf Camp, Art Camp and Cooking Camp.

What was your favorite camp and why?

That is so hard because they are all great. If I had to pick, I’d say Art Camp. It’s amazing because it lets me be me. I get to do abstract art, which lets me be my creative self. Every day we get to do different crafts and there’s always a fun group of kids.

What is the best part about being a kid at Cordillera Ranch?

We get to do all the fun stuff! There are tons of camps, we get to ride horses, we have a water slide at the pool and we get to play golf. Kids Club has lots of activities like Lego® Nights, Movie Nights and Science Nights. This is the best childhood a kid could ever experience!

CREW LEONARD

(Member since 2022)

What was your favorite part about Little Chefs Culinary Camp? Making the sugar cookies.

What other types of food did you make? Cookies, cinnamon rolls, fruit tart and cupcakes.

What other camps have you participated in at the Club? Tennis Camp, Golf Camp and Art Camp. Tennis is my favorite!

Every day is an adventure at Cordillera Ranch! To get your kids involved in all the fun, contact Megan Soltis for a schedule of events just for our junior members.

Megan Soltis is the Communications & Family Events Manager at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. She can be reached at msoltis@cordilleraranch.com and 830.336.9172.

Photo by Shelly Au

“GOING ABOVE & BEYOND” AT THE CLUBS OF CORDILLERA RANCH

By Marc DeWall, General Manager

One of the four “Main Things” The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch strives for is to be the employer of choice in Boerne and San Antonio. By creating a fulfilling, exciting and welcoming environment for our staff (plus the gorgeous views), we aim to create connected relationships with members and each other.

The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch is proud to showcase our wonderful employees and reward them when they go “above and beyond” by creating an environment for our members to make them feel that The Clubs are a “home away from home.” This includes projecting a positive image and energy, being courteous and respectful to all members, demonstrating a consistent ability to go beyond what is expected and/or adding new value to projects and serving as a role model and leader for peers.

One of the ways we recognize our employees is through a program called “C-A-Star in Action.” This program allows members and staff to recognize a team member for going above and beyond by filling out the C-A-Star in Action forms that can be found throughout the Clubhouse, on the member app or the member website (under My Club -> C-A-Star in Action). We then have an Employee Appreciation Committee that meets quarterly to review all of the employees who received a C-A-Star in Action nomination form and choose four winners for that quarter. The

four winners are invited to enjoy a lunch at the Clubhouse with owners, David Hill and Charlie Hill, General Manager, Marc DeWall, and Human Resources Admin, Kathi Spink. They also receive a gift card, a certificate recognizing their service dated and signed by Marc DeWall, and a Yeti water bottle with the C-Star logo, their last name and “Outstanding Service” engraved on it. We strongly encourage members to complete these C-A-Star in Action forms as our employees are thrilled to receive the nice messages our members say about them and they are then nominated for “Employee of the Year.”

Speaking of Employee of the Year… Each year, the department heads meet to discuss and review all of the Employees of the Quarter from that year. They then vote on who they believe should be Employee of the Year based on their outstanding service and work, and creating a wonderful experience for our members not just for one quarter, but for the full year. The Employee of the Year is then announced at the Employee Appreciation Party to be recognized by their peers and presented with the “Outstanding Service” award. They are given a Clint Orms bracelet or money clip with the C-Star logo, their initials and “Outstanding Service” all engraved on it.

This year, we are thrilled to congratulate a cook from the Food & Beverage team, Lee Smith, for winning the 2022 Outstanding Service Award! Lee is a true “C-Star” by creating a phenomenal environment not only for his peers and department heads to see, but by always going above and beyond with a positive attitude and demeanor to be sure our members

Jake Panknin, Meghan Moriarty and Shane Reynolds

Darby Boggs, Samantha Wolff, Jenna Martin, Abby Mires, McKenzie Thibodeaux, Megan Basham and Brianna Botine

2023 Management Team

are getting only the best experience every time they dine at the Clubhouse. Congratulations, Lee!

We are so proud to acknowledge our employees who have shown exemplary work for their time at The Clubs and are excited to celebrate their tenure. These employees are given gifts to award their continued dedication. We had four employees last year who have done just that at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch for 15+ years! Our 15+ year employees received customized cowboy boots by Collyn’Rae. They chose their color, material and were fitted for their exact size.

15+ YEAR EMPLOYEES

MARC DEWALL (General Manager)

ERNIE FERNANDEZ (Agronomy)

JONATHAN STEVENS (Agronomy)

SHANE REYNOLDS (Director of Recreation)

We would also like to recognize our 10+ year employees who have shown a fantastic work ethic and strong commitment to The Clubs! They all received Clint Orms C-Star bracelets or money clips depending on which one they preferred.

10+ YEAR EMPLOYEES

NICK MENGER (Agronomy)

VICKI HANSEN (Accounting)

JEFF COHEN (Food & Beverage)

CARLOS FLORES (Food & Beverage)

This year, we are thrilled to add another employee to the 10 Years anniversary list. He has not only been an outstanding di-

rector for his staff, but an exceptional chef and a welcoming, friendly face for our members. Congratulations, Chef Isaac, for 10 years at The Clubs!

PREVIOUS EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR

PHIL SLOAN (2015)

KELSEY GUZMAN (2015)

VICKI HANSEN (2015)

RICH BRAUN (2015)

ANDREA PETERSON (2016)

BRIANNA BOTINE (2017)

AMANDA CARLISLE (2017)

DILLON RIOS (2018)

PATRICK DRINKARD (2019)

LAURA GRUDLE (2020)

KATIE DILLARD (2021)

Another way we like to recognize our employees is through Employee Appreciation parties that we host twice a year

for our team members and their spouses/ families. The first party generally takes place in the summer, and has been held at various spots. Some of the places include TopGolf® in San Antonio, boating and picnics at Canyon Lake, floating down the river in New Braunfels and playing pickleball a Chicken N Pickle®.

Then, in January, we host our winter Employee Appreciation party where we serve dinner, provide entertainment and recognize employees with service awards. All employees have the chance to be awarded a Ranch Hand (minimum three months of service with great attitude and work ethic), Wrangler (minimum six months of service with the characteristics of a Ranch Hand plus going above and beyond in their responsibilities) and Trail Bosses (minimum of one year of service with the characteristics of a Ranch Hand and Wrangler plus being a leader for their peers and showing the ability to work with all of the other departments to ensure a wonderful experience for our members throughout all of The Clubs).

Thank you to all of our employees for making The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch not only an amazing place to work, but continually going above and beyond for our members. And thank you to our members for always giving your support to our team!

Marc DeWall is the General Manager at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at mdewall@cordilleraranch.com and 830.336.9151.

Lee Smith and Chef Isaac Cantu

RANCH MEMBERSHIP THE AMAZING

Picture your life in the Texas Hill Country on 9,100 acres of unsurpassed beauty, carved out by time, spring-fed creeks and the crystal-clear waters of the Guadalupe River. That’s Cordillera Ranch.

By Brianna Botine, Director of Membership & Lodging

Now imagine spending your free time with family and friends in the breathtaking setting, surrounded by live oaks, native grasses, cypress and sage. Part of your experience includes all seven of our distinctive Clubs. Golf might be the largest footprint amenity at Cordillera Ranch, but by no means is it the only amenity — which is why we offer the Ranch Membership. It’s the River Club, Social Club, Tennis and Swim Club, Rod and Gun Club, Equestrian Club or Spa and Athletic Club, all offer an exceptional level of both activity and relaxation. And the best part is, with a single Ranch Membership to The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch, you have unlimited access to all of them.

The Ranch Membership at Cordillera Ranch offers the residents of Boerne and Kendall County a unique experience. Where else can you grab a wonderful lunch, enjoy a workout at the Fitness Center and then catch your limit of bass from the banks of the Guadalupe? Your whole family can enjoy every outdoor activity, a full social calendar, Summer and Holiday Camps and more in the very heart of the Hill Country. You can even host your corporate outings here — inside or out.

You’ve heard of living the dream. Now you’ve discovered how to make it come true.

Brianna Botine is the Director of Membership & Lodging at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. She can be reached at bbotine@cordilleraranch.com and 830.336.9162.

RANCH MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

u 200-acre Gun Club

u Pickleball and Tennis Courts

u Workout Facilities and Classes

u Equestrian Boarding and Riding Lessons

u Summer Camps and Junior Programs

u Monthly Wine Dinners

u Onsite Lodging

u Member-Sponsored Corporate Outings

u Private Guadalupe River Access

u Family Social and Dining Activities

RESIDENTS SERVING THE COMMUNITY

Cordillera Ranch supports the Bergheim Volunteer Fire Department, with five Ranch residents serving to protect the community and surrounding area.

By Lucy Hudson, contributor

As you may know, Bergheim VFD (BVFD) is a 100 percent volunteer organization comprised of area citizens who desire to help their neighbors. The department is led by Chief Adam Hawkins who brings vast knowledge and experience based on a career-long dedication to this field, along with several firefighters from paid fire departments and volunteer firefighters.

The BVFD service area covers people, property and businesses within a 58-square-mile area (approximately 2,700 households), and ended 2022 with 533 calls — an incredible increase from our call-outs in the past two years. In 2020, our runs totaled 266, and BVFD was called for assistance 386 times in 2021. These runs included Fire Response (structural and wildfires), Rescue/EMS, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Hazardous Conditions, Public Assistance and False Alarms. BVFD also provides mutual aid to surrounding departments/areas, including Kendalia, Sisterdale, Boerne, Waring, Comfort, Bulverde/Spring Branch, Leon Springs and Bexar/Bulverde Fire Departments.

But what you may not know is that five of your Cordillera Ranch neighbors are volunteer firefighters at BVFD, and one is an officer in the department. These individuals come from varying backgrounds: a surgeon, an oilfield safety/fire response officer, two retired Federal Law Enforcement Agents and your current Constable for Kendall County Precinct 2. In short, these people commit their valuable time and energy after work, on weekends or in their well-deserved retirement years to ensure the safety of our homes in the hills. I would like to introduce these residents and recognize their desire to give back to this community.

SCOTT FARBER

ROLE WITH BVFD: Firefighter/Physician

YEARS OF SERVICE: 1 year

DAY JOB: Plastic Surgeon

WHY VOLUNTEER? I wanted to serve the community in which I live. I have always done so in my life with previous experience as a firefighter and an officer in the U.S. Navy. Service to community and our nation is extremely important to me.

SO, YOU HAVE PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE AS A FIREFIGHTER? Yes, I worked as a firefighter and EMT back on Long Island and in New York City.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS MUST A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER HAVE? There are certain requirements that every member of the department must have in both medical and firefighting training. These are determined both at the national and state levels. We train all the time to ensure everyone is proficient in these skills and safe. We want to be able to serve our community in a timely manner and with the most consistent highest quality service possible.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE AS A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER? Balancing time between work, family and the fire department.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO CORDILLERA RANCH? It's just better out here. Where else in the country can you find a place like this? Quite the change from living in New York City, but I wouldn't do it any other way. We love the area, the community, the views and Texas!

LUCY C. HUDSON

ROLE WITH BVFD: Firefighter, Engineer, EMT, Public Information Officer

YEARS OF SERVICE: 3 years

DAY JOB? The Bergheim Fire Department. I’m retired. I feel blessed that my husband and I discovered the need for “mature” volunteers at the fire department. Those who know me understand that I use “mature” loosely.

WHY VOLUNTEER? Volunteerism was instilled in me at a very young age. I spent many trips with my grandparents, traveling, spending time with, and providing goods to families and orphaned children. I love helping and giving back and saw the greatest need for help in the Bergheim area was at our volunteer fire department. There are no paid 24/7 firefighters at the Bergheim VFD. At our department, volunteer firefighters are on call 24/7. We are notified via Active 911 to fire and other first responder emergency needs; we then check in and report to the station. Working shifts is not feasible due to several factors, two factors being volunteer availability and unknown time of calls.

HOW DID YOU BECOME A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER?

I have no prior firefighter experience. After hearing Chief Hawkins

speak at a Nature Club meeting, we saw a need and wanted to help. We asked the Chief if he would be interested in “two old farts.” He said, “Yes, and I need people to drive the engines and pump the water.” We’re glad he took a chance on us. We obtained licensing, in-house engineer and pump operator training, and now that Covid is over, I hope to attend formal pump operator training.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS MUST A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER HAVE? As a volunteer firefighter for Bergheim — Commitment, motivation, continuous learning and a desire to provide Bergheim and its surrounding areas with quality services. The work is physically and emotionally challenging, and can be dangerous. It is also extremely rewarding. I applaud anyone who chooses to be a volunteer firefighter. These folks donate their time to protect and serve others to keep our community safe. I’ve built great relationships and lifelong friendships.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE AS A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER? Everything! Rapidly learning all new skills and getting in better shape. I’m “vertically challenged” but tough and tend to dig in. One interesting part was being fitted for my gear. Steve from Metro Fire asked my size. I responded, “short and stout,” he laughed, broke out the tape measure and we quickly became friends.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO CORDILLERA RANCH?

My husband and I have traveled to the area frequently, looking for a vacation home. We stayed with a friend in Cordillera Ranch. I always joked with her that I wanted the right of first refusal if she ever decided to sell her house. That day came and here we are — Enjoying Ranch Life.

RONALD S. HUDSON

ROLE WITH BVFD: Engineer, Firefighter, EMT YEARS OF SERVICE: 3 years DAY JOB: Attempting to enjoy retirement

WHY VOLUNTEER? I enjoy helping others, especially those in my community. The Chief spoke at a homeowners’ meeting shortly after we moved here and solicited recruits. He specifically mentioned a need for drivers and I thought, “who doesn’t want to drive a fire truck?!” Then reality set in because it’s much more than merely driving.

DID YOU HAVE PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE? No, just a willingness to learn.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS MUST A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER HAVE? A desire to learn, a willingness to get dirty and work hard, and a drop of physical agility and ability. All are welcome; we have a volunteer in high school, a couple approaching the legal drinking age, and several slightly weathered or gently antiqued. We have several professional firefighters working at various firehouses and generously volunteering their spare time here.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE AS A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER? Stuffing my long goatee into a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) mask, the ability to breathe in a fire is crucial and my obnoxious facial hair inhibits a good seal around the mask.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO CORDILLERA RANCH? We used to travel from Houston to the Hill Country to shop for a vacation

Lucy Hudson, Scott Farber, Paul Knoll, Ronald Hudson, David Strickland

home/getaway, staying with a friend in Cordillera Ranch and venturing out to different areas. When our friend decided to sell, we realized we didn’t need to look anywhere else; our temporary accommodation was the home we were looking for, after all.

PAUL KNOLL

ROLE WITH BVFD: Lieutenant

YEARS OF SERVICE: 6 years

DAY JOB: Currently Kendall County Constable for Precinct 2

WHAT EXPERIENCE DO YOU BRING TO BVFD?

I served 20+ years as a police officer and more than 11 years as a fire explosion investigator. I have previously volunteered at the Colusa Rural Fire Protection District for five years as a firefighter, EMT, Rescue Squad and Fire Investigator. I am trained in Driver Operator, Vehicle Extrication, EMT Basic and Gas/Oil Fire School, and have logged more than 350 hours in Fire Explosion Investigation training. In addition, I received instruction in several Law Enforcement disciplines ranging from accident investigations and EVOC training to Interview and Interrogation techniques and Emergency/Tactical Response.

HOW ARE TASKS ASSIGNED AMONG VOLUNTEERS?

BVFD is responsible for any emergency incident in the district. These include medical emergencies, vehicle accidents, structure fires, grass fires and general public assists. Each of these has multiple tasks that need to be completed. Depending on your physical condition, knowledge and skills, you are assigned to complete a task. An example is a structure fire. Not everyone enters the burning building. Some coordinate water delivery, operate the pumps on the engines, refill air tanks, assist in the management of the scene or direct incoming equipment from neighboring agencies, to name a few tasks. So, anyone who has the willingness to learn, works well as a team and wants to help protect their community can be a valuable asset to BVFD.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE AS A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER? The biggest challenge is juggling your commitments and time. Most volunteers have a day job, a family and kids that demand attention. An understanding job, spouse and family that believes in the Fire Department is essential.

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO CORDILLERA RANCH? My wife and I were looking for a community that offered a little bit of land, amenities, privacy and a vibrant social scene. We were impressed by the number of clubs that the residents had formed other than those offered by Cordillera. We moved into Cordillera and have not regretted it for a moment.

DAVID STRICKLAND

ROLE WITH BVFD: Firefighter

YEARS OF SERVICE: 2 years

DAY JOB: Sr. Well Control Engineer with Wild Well Control, Inc.

WHY VOLUNTEER? The main reason to join the BVFD is to

help your community. The main benefit you receive is getting to join a family of volunteers who are doing their best to help the community. Everyone at the firehouse is very welcoming to new volunteers; the hardest part of joining is walking through the door the first time.

WHAT EXPERIENCE DO YOU BRING TO BVFD? I had no experience at a conventional fire department, but I have worked in well control/firefighting in the upstream oil and gas industry for 15 years. We use a lot of the same equipment, just configured in different styles. In responding to oil and gas well fires, our main concern is controlling the source of the fuel (the well). We use firefighting equipment to provide a safer working environment by placing water curtains between the fire and personnel/equipment. We also use the firefighting equipment to reduce the risk of ignition if the well has not already caught fire. In most cases, if a well is already on fire we will not extinguish the fire until the last stages of the operation when we cap the well. A well that is already on fire is burning all the fuel in the environment and in most cases actually safer to work on than an unignited fuel source.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS MUST A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER HAVE? The main qualification needed to volunteer at BVFD is a willingness to serve and help others. The training they provide will build your confidence and skills to respond to whatever level you feel comfortable with. As you spend more time with the BVFD you realize what the other volunteers are doing and sacrificing to help serve the community. They will put you in the right spots where you can provide the greatest service to the community.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE AS A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER? The biggest challenge of being a member of the VFD I encountered was overcoming the doubt that you don’t have the knowledge or experience to do the job. A lot of the calls we make are public assistance or medical calls. The department provides training and allows you to gain experience while working with other members.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO CORDILLERA RANCH? Lynn and I moved to Cordillera Ranch almost three years ago. We knew we wanted to retire in the Texas Hill Country close to San Antonio. The lot that we bought was the first one that we looked at in the area. We kept looking at other neighborhoods and kept coming back to Cordillera Ranch. Its location of being close to the San Antonio airport and its setting in the beautiful Hill Country makes it perfect for us.

If you have questions about the Bergheim Volunteer Fire Department, contact Chief Adam Hawkins at 210.885.2406.

BERGHEIM VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

BergheimVFD.org

BEAUTIFUL BOERN E

By

“In 1852, being attracted by the rare beauty of this locality, a band of settlers founded the town of Boerne, which is now a thriving, progressive little city of 1500 inhabitants. Boerne has a first-class telephone system, an up-to-date electric light plant, a big gin, a corn mill, two strong banks, several good hotels, a first -class public school system, three churches, a first-class hospital, about 40 business houses; is the county seat of Kendall county; is the wealthiest town in Kendall county; it has the most progressive citizens to be found anywhere, a business men’s club, a first-class weekly newspaper. She entertains every year several hundred strangers, who come here from all parts of the country to enjoy the delightful and health giving climate, and to rest in the quietude among the beautiful hills of west Texas. The town is nicely laid off with broad, tree-lined streets, with an air of solidity and comfort. There is a sedateness and quiet charm about the place which never fails to impress visitors.” (Source: “Echoes…from the Archives,” Summer 2021, “A Snapshot in Time: Beautiful Boerne has Rapid Growth” by Val Anderson. Originally published in the San Antonio Light newspaper on Monday, August 31, 1908.)

While 115 years have passed since this glowing review of a 1908 Boerne, the general sentiment remains the same. Boerne is still a thriving city of progressive citizens that attracts businesses and impresses visitors with its charm and unique position in the Texas Hill Country. However, it should be noted that the 1908 newspaper author was incorrect in stating settlers founded Boerne — read on for the accurate version!

The history of Boerne is broad and storied, but from the support, knowledge and dedication of many volunteers and organizations there is much known and much still being discovered. The Kendall County Historical Commission commemorates historic buildings and events with the Texas Historic Marker program; the Boerne Area Historical Preservation Society operates the three-building complex on Historic Hill, which includes the Kuhlmann-King House, Pioneer Kitchen and Graham Building; and the Historic Landmark Commission supports the protection and restoration of landmarks and structures within the historic district.

For access to extensive collections pertaining to Boerne and Kendall County history, the Genealogical Society of Kendall

Ann Koehler :: Photography courtesy of The Patrick Heath Public Library

Boerne Main Street, 1912

County and The Family History Place maintain genealogical databases and house a library of books, microfilm and other collected and salvaged documents; The Portal to Texas History has more than 100,000 historical documents and resource materials, including a growing collection from Boerne Star, about Boerne and Kendall County; The Patrick Heath Public Library and Dietert Community Archives manage a library of historical documents and produce the “Echoes…from the Archives” quarterly newsletter, which provides the most accurate accounts of Kendall County’s past as painstakingly researched by local historians. Organizations from neighboring communities are also great resources. For a brilliant photographic essay, read Brent Evans’ “Images of America-Boerne” book, which chronicles Boerne’s history from the beginning through 2005 with detailed narrative and rarely seen photos.

Many years ago, the Boerne Visitors Center created a Historic Walking Tour for a self-guided stroll past 46 restored homes and buildings in the historic district. A brochure and map are available online (www.ci.boerne.tx.us/1691/boerne-history) or pick up a copy at the Boerne Visitors Center to learn even more about our wonderful town. But before you set out on foot, here is a very brief history of how Boerne came to be:

In 1847, an estimated group of 40 German university students from the Darmstadt region settled a utopian colony named Bettina on the banks of the Llano River. However, their idealistic community was doomed from the start. As young intellectuals, they were unaccustomed to manual labor and communal farming, and conflict soon arose over the division of work. It wasn’t long before Bettina was abandoned. But the small group didn’t give up, dispersing to Austin, New Braunfels, Sisterdale, Comfort and a farm just outside of the area later platted as Boerne where six of the men established a new but smaller communal farm by Cibolo Creek. (Source: “Echoes…from the Archives,” Spring 2019, “Only in Comfort” by Anne and Mike Stewart.)

To give you one observer’s account of the disposition of these first settlers, August Siemering, a member of the group that first settled Sisterdale, wrote in an 1894 article titled “Texas, Her Past, Her Present, Her Future,” “They were all under the influence of Communism and intended to set up a

regular Communistic colony. But the experiences they went through very soon made them change their views and principals entirely. Very soon they realized that every farmer would outdo them in the cultivation of the soil and that a lot of knowledge they had acquired in Germany could be applied to other things better than to ploughing and sowing. One by one they left their communistic colony and moved to settlements where life was a little more civilized…They were exclusively well-educated people…had an academic training: doctors, philologists, engineers, forest office candidates, etc. All of them later played promiment roles in the history of the civilization of Texas.” (Source: “Echoes…from the Archives,” Spring 2023, “The Pre-Boerne Settlers-Part VI” by Bryden Moon.)

Tusculum has long been believed to be the name given by the settlers to this pre-Boerne farm. Now, further research indicates that a local Tusculum did exist, but only in concept. In the early 1890s, historian Adolf Paul Weber came to Kendall County while writing about German settlement in Texas for his book, which translates to “Pioneers on the History of Germanism.” He discovered another Darmstadt emigrant, Doctor Ferdinand Herff, whose primary residence was in San Antonio. After acquiring more than 2,500 acres in the 1850s, Herff created a retreat along Cibolo Creek, where he escaped the heat of the city to enjoy his summer home. In his book, Weber compared the hilly landscape of Herff’s property to the ancient Tusculum region south of Rome. While there is no documentation that supports Tusculum being the early settlement’s name, locals still like the lore! (Source: “Echoes…from the Archives,” Winter 2021/2022, “The Pre-Boerne Settlement-Part I” by Bryden Moon.)

In 1852, John James and partner Gustav Theisen platted 578 acres surrounding Main Street and sold lots just like developments today. James had traveled through the Hill Country many times beginning in 1840, surveying land before settlers had even arrived. The name Boerne was given to this new settlement, adopted from the last name of Karl Ludwig Börne, a German-Jewish well-educated political writer who died in 1837 without ever setting foot in the U.S. However, the German and European emigrants of the time were presumably familiar with Börne’s writings of a united Germany that guaranteed equal human rights, all beliefs that resonated with them and ultimately led them to Texas. (Source: “Echoes…from the Archives,” Fall 2017, “What’s in a Name? Boerne, Texas, USA, Karl Ludwig Börne” by Bryden Moon.)

James went on to survey Bandera, Castroville, D’Hanis and Quihi, and is the father-in-law of Alfred Giles, the preeminent architect who designed many courthouses in Texas, including Boerne’s addition in 1909. Giles married James’ daughter in 1881 and the couple eventually settled on his Hillingdon Ranch near Comfort.

July 4, 1906

Gustav Theisen was also an advocate for the organization of Kendall County. In 1855, five petitions were presented to Texas legislature and, interestingly, were identical in both verbiage and handwriting, which would turn out to match Theisen’s signature from another document. A strong proponent of Boerne as the county seat, he was also promoting his Boerne real estate venture. Kendall County was created on January 10, 1862, and on April 26, 1862, his efforts paid off with Boerne winning the county seat by 67 votes over Sisterdale. (Source: “Echoes…from the Archives,” Fall 2015, author not listed.)

The Kendall in our county name came from George Wilkins Kendall, a journalist who co-founded the New Orleans Picayune. With coverage extending to the Republic of Texas, Kendall joined the Santa Fe Expedition, which subsequently landed him in a Mexican prison for a year, and the Mexican American-War as a Texas Ranger. He later became known as

UPCOMING EVENTS

100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GRAHAM MONUMENT

Veterans Park, Monday, March 6, 9:30am

America’s first war correspondent. Kendall came upon the Hill Country while enroute from Austin to San Antonio, and in the 1850s he established two sheep ranches, one north of New Braunfels and the other east of Boerne. Kendall made significant advances in sheep raising and breeding while continuing to report for the Picayune. Well-respected in every aspect of his life, he died in 1867 at the age of 58, five years after receiving the honor of namesake of his county. (Source: “Echoes…from the Archives,” Spring 2017, “A Look Back: Historic Boerne Cemetery” by Val Anderson.)

I encourage you to peruse the “Echoes…from the Archives” past issues for more fascinating stories!

Special thanks to Val Anderson, Robin Stauber, Bryden Moon and Joe Hegyesi for their knowledge and guidance and, more importantly, their dedication to discovering and preserving valid historical accounts of Boerne and Kendall County.

On March 6, 1923, a large crowd gathered in what is now Veterans Park for the unveiling of the Graham monument – “For Kendall County’s Heroic Dead of the World War” read the inscription. On March 6, 2023, Boerne is unveiling a large interpretive sign, which charts the history of our community and its military roots. During that time, we hope to recreate the 1923 panoramic image taken by Eugene Goldbeck. For questions, call Robin Stauber at 830.249.3053.

SALUTING THE PEACOCK MILITARY ACADEMY

Patrick Heath Public Library, Saturday, March 18, 10:00am

The Patrick Heath Public Library and Kendall County Historical Commission present the first retrospective of the iconic San Antonio Woodlawn Lake military prep/cadet school, the Peacock Military Academy, beginning with a gallery display on March 1st and a program on the 18th featuring more images, videos, presentations and interviews with former cadets and Donna Peacock, the granddaughter of PMA founder Wesley Peacock. For questions, contact Bryden Moon at bemoonjr@aol.com.

Boerne Main Street, prior to 1920

SECURING ACCESS

By Kevin Koether, POA General Manager

to keep onsite as inventory. We also sent three of the POA Maintenance team members to gate repair school in late 2022. The education, coupled with the parts inventory, will allow our internal team to perform small to moderate repairs dramatically reducing downtime as well as being significantly reducing costs.

As Cordillera Ranch continues to grow so do our security and access control needs. Last year the Property Owners Association Board of Directors approved a significant upgrade to our gated access hardware. The move to the new DoorKing system has significant advantages from the operational functions as well as for our Property Owners. The new system now uses a cellular connection to transmit programming data versus our gate contractor having to physically plug a laptop into each keypad once per week. Being on the cellular system also allows the POA staff to be able to send programming from any computer as well as the ability to remotely lock gates open in the event of an emergency. DoorKing allows the POA the ability to download and analyze entry data, giving better insight into traffic patterns throughout the Ranch. Property Owners will benefit as the POA will be able to perform directory updates and device programming within twenty-four hours rather than waiting for the once per week update. The POA will also no longer have to pay the gate contractor for programming allowing us to utilize those funds elsewhere on the property. We expect to have the upgrade completed by the end of April 2023.

The Property Owners Association hired a new gate repair contractor in mid-2022, with the goals of proactive preventative maintenance and fast, responsive repairs. We have increased preventative maintenance services to the exterior gates to once per month and the interior gates are serviced quarterly. With this in mind the POA has purchased a backstock of replacement and repair parts

The POA Board also approved upgrading our cameras for all external entry gates in 2023. The new system is a cloud-based system that is more user-friendly and allows POA staff much better image quality and the ability to review video footage from anywhere (rather than only being able to review when on property, as was the case with the predecessor camera system). The new cloud-based system will have the advantage of having an unlimited amount of ports available to add additional cameras as Cordillera Ranch grows, while the old NVR system limited the total amount of cameras. Furthermore, the new system has advanced AI analytics, robust search options such as high-quality license plate recognition, vehicle type and color recognition, along with the ability to flag specific license plates. If a flagged license plate were to attempt entry to any of the gates, the system can be set to send multiple forms of electronic notices in real-time to the guards and POA management. When the guardhouse remodel at the Highway 46 entrance was completed, we added multiple wall-mounted screens in anticipation of the camera upgrades. This upgraded camera system will include 30 cameras and its features definitely help enhance security of the community.

The POA Board of Directors approved an increase to the security guard budget with the intent of attracting more experienced guards, adding additional guards during peak traffic times to reduce wait times, and decrease turnover. The POA is in conversation with our current service provider as well as two additional security firms to determine who best will fulfill the security expectations of Cordillera Ranch.

The Property Owners Association believes the multiple capital enhancements, preventative maintenance of the gates, expedited gate repairs and the addition of seasoned security guards will dramatically enhance our ability to secure entry into Cordillera Ranch.

Kevin Koether is the POA General Manager at Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at crpoa@cordilleraranch.com and 830.336.3501.

M ODERN L IFESTYLE DESIGN FOR A

When an active young family approached Cordillera Ranch Preferred Builder Garner Homes to build their dream home in the Springs of Cordillera Ranch,Trey Garner and his team set out to deliver an open floor plan centered around indoor-outdoor living while reflecting the homeowners’ appreciation of contemporary design.

By Drew Henry :: Photography by Chris Mendiola

The Garner Homes team, led by owner Trey Garner, has won 20 statewide Star awards from the Texas Association of Builders, 20 Summit Awards from The Greater San Antonio Builders Association and other accolades for their focus on building science and performance. The Garner team has also been recognized with a Best in American Living Award by the National Association of Home Builders and as a finalist for the San Antonio Magazine Design Awards. Garner Homes not only has a flare for design but a keen ability to hone in on their client’s wants and needs.

“This family was really amazing to design with,” said Trey Garner, owner of Garner Homes. “They all appreciate living an active lifestyle and getting outdoors, making the Springs a perfect spot for their dream home. In addition to all the wonderful amenities of Cordillera Ranch, the Springs has access to a large network of nature trails and outstanding views, which we had to take advantage of in the build.”

The 8,696-square-foot home includes four bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms, and an over-sized four-car garage, as well as additional amenities like a home gym, bar, butler’s pantry and outdoor kitchen. The home's contemporary exterior features strong horizontal lines and high contrast color palette of coursed stacked stone, travertine cladding and white stucco accented by a black window package and standing seam metal roof. A series of large slab pavers usher you to the front entry framed by a sleek cantilevered roof overhang. Crossing the threshold of the pivoting glass door creates a dramatic welcome inside.

“We wanted to embrace indoor-outdoor living with this design,” explained Trey. “When you step inside, you’re greeted by bright natural light from the clerestory accent windows. Additionally, you’ll notice that the travertine cladding from the exterior carries through to interior features like the fireplace. Of course, the most important part is capturing the view, so we installed a row of 25-foot glass sliding doors out to the patio. It's connections like these that unite the indoor and outdoor living spaces.”

The expansive patio is complete with an outdoor kitchen, fire pit

and pool. “You’ll notice the porch ceiling height is much taller than the average home,” added Trey. “These ceilings come in at 13 feet tall, allowing for an airier feel that doesn’t inhibit the view.”

While the home's outdoor space is enough to keep any active family entertained, there is no shortage of equally entertaining amenities indoors. The great room houses a living area, dining space, kitchen and bar. The space also features a unique cloud ceiling feature with LED accent lighting to set the mood for movie nights. In addition, the kitchen and bar space are

outfitted with top-of-the-line Wolf® and Sub-Zero® appliances, including a wine fridge, six-burner gas range, concealed refrigerator-freezer set and espresso maker.

“The kitchen is functional but sleek,” said Trey. “We paid close attention to detail, concealing plugs inside cabinetry so we wouldn’t interrupt the stunning book-matched quartzite backsplash. We also opted for integrated drawer pulls to keep that clean look on the cabinetry. Behind the wall of the range is an open butler's pantry. Items like the dishwasher and counter appliances completely disappear so you can appreciate the beauty of the space.”

While the main living area provides a dream layout for entertaining guests and bonding with the family, the home also features a private owner’s wing. “This back wing is very unique,” explained Trey. “It contains the primary bedroom, bathroom, home gym and study. It’s set off from the rest of the home and is

perfectly positioned to take in the Hill Country views. This wing is really its own retreat.”

The primary suite features designated sleeping and sitting areas, complete with a coffee bar and fireplace feature wall. The primary bath continues to embrace indoor-outdoor living, with 21 feet of glass wrapping around the tub that overlooks a private patio. The bathroom includes luxurious features, like a marble accent wall and a multi-head shower. The primary suite is close to the home gym, designed to feel like a workout outdoors.

Sleek style, entertaining space galore and a private spa-like retreat — this home has it all. But, most importantly, it provides the ultimate contemporary space to sit back and take in the Hill Country views!

GARNER HOMES

210.493.1686 :: GarnerHomes.com

NEW GUADALUPE RIVER ESTATES and Sprawling View

Homesites Now Available

By: Charlie Hill

One of the joys of launching new phases of development in Cordillera Ranch is the hours spent exploring these undeveloped areas because the natural beauty is so abundant and unique, even as we move from phase to phase. The God-given canvas of the Texas Hill Country inspires an inordinate amount of time walking the land and planning to ensure we’re designing each neighborhood in way that works with the land and helps preserve the natural beauty while accommodating spacious homesites that maximize views and privacy. Unlike more suburban neighborhood design and planning (which is often the product of engineers in an office), the vast majority of our

detailed planning at Cordillera Ranch is done the old-fashioned way of walking the land over and over and over, with contour and aerial maps on an iPhone or iPad, to refine a layout so that streets meander to create an appealing streetscape, and most importantly dodge as many mature oak trees as possible. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just as simple as reckless design driven by squeezing as many lots onto the land as possible — in fact we’re often careful to reduce a lot here and there if it's negatively affecting the streetscape, other nearby lots or wouldn’t result in an ideal building site.

The two newest property releases in Cordillera Ranch reveal some of this painstaking — and multi-year process — as they feature some rare Guadalupe River frontage estates (the first release of River lots in over 15 years) as well as breathtaking panoramic views across the Hill Country. The streets in both of these phases have been meticulously designed to create boulevards around multiple clusters of mature, towering oak trees to produce streetscapes that preserve and weave around nature’s landmarks. These new releases, now available for lot selection, are described on the next page:

New Guadalupe River Estates

HAWK CANYON, UNIT 13

Years in planning, this rare gem of property conveniently positioned near the main entry, Hawk Canyon, sprawls across 78 acres and features numerous ridge-line perches from which homesites will capture the most premier panoramic views in Cordillera Ranch. These 2 to 4+-acre estates offer the most convenient access to the front gate, appealing to residents seeking the easiest connection to San Antonio’s wide array of restaurants just 20 minutes away or Boerne’s charm only 10 minutes from this neighborhood.

The limited offering of 28 homesites features a central water system and gated entry, but it’s the breathtaking views across the canyon full of massive heritage oaks that will captivate you.

For more info on Hawk Canyon as well as photos and video, scan here or click the link below:

https://cordilleraranch.com/unit-13-hawk-canyon/

SPRINGS OF CORDILLERA RANCH, UNIT 305

The newest release in the Springs of Cordillera Ranch, Unit 305, offers premier view and Guadalupe River-front estates. This addition of 42 homesites spanning 160 acres has a mix of 5 to 7-acre estates suitable as horse properties, nine new Guadalupe River properties ranging from 2 to 7 acres as well as 2 to 3-acre bluff view estates perched at the cliff’s edge of the Panther Creek canyon, revealing the 60+-acre

nature area below. Neither words nor pictures adequately illustrate the uniqueness of these properties; you simply have to see them yourself.

For more info on Unit 305 as well as photos and video, scan here or click the link below:

https://cordilleraranch.com/unit-305/

These properties are available by appointment only; to schedule your appointment you may contact the Cordillera Ranch Visitors Center at 830.336.3570 or visit this link: https://cordilleraranch.com/contact-us/

Guadalupe River Estates

Hawk Canyon

20 OAKLAND HILLS

$2,999,500 4,257 Square Feet

1

This organic modern style home is 4,257 square feet on 1.15 acres bordered by stands of trees adjacent to hole 5 of the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Luxury touches abound within including Thermador® stainless steel appliances and a flex room with its own bathroom and covered patio, along with an 800-pound free-standing tub in the master suite! Huge sliding doors framed in black bring the outdoors in, with abundant natural light accenting the main walls and ceiling.

3 bedrooms / 4 full baths and 1 half bath / 3 car garage

1.15 acres

Pool plus additional pool bath

Game room, upstairs flex room, walk-in pantry

75 WINGED FOOT

2

$3,150,000 6,591 Square Feet Non-MLS

With perhaps the best views of the golf course in Cordillera Ranch, this beautiful home sits on the 6th green of the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. You can view a total of six holes from the back patio as well as a 20-mile-long range view. There are high-end finishes throughout this home, including a brand-new pool with an automated cover. You will have plenty of room inside and out for entertaining. It’s only a short cart ride to the Club with easy access in and out of the Ranch using the Joe Klar gate.

5 bedrooms / 5 full baths and 2 half baths / 3 car garage

1.58 acres

Two eating areas, walk-in pantry, game room, media room

Covered patio overlooking large pool

Master Full Golf Membership Available

211 AUGUSTA

$3,350,000 5,443 Square Feet MLS# 1667351

Taking advantage of the views and located on the 15th fairway of the prestigious Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, every detail has been meticulously planned and beautifully executed in this breathtaking 4 bedroom/4.5 bath home. As you walk through the ample and inviting courtyard with water feature you are drawn to this distinctive and striking Santa Barbara designed home and feel transported to a vacation enclave. The multi-tiered terraced outdoor areas are the perfect venue for entertaining and enjoying family and friends, with plenty of room for dining, lazy days by the pool or taking in the views and at night. This home exemplifies the best of the best and the location is only a short cart ride away from the golf course and Clubhouse. It is a rare opportunity to find a home on the course and with a Master Full Golf Membership opportunity.

4 bedrooms / 4 full baths and 1 half bath / 3 car garage

1.18 acres on the 15th fairway of the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course

Outdoor kitchen and patio with in-ground pool and spa

Master Full Golf Membership Available

3728 CLUBS DR.

CAREY YEAGER

Listing Agent :: 830.388.6363

$3,495,000 5,075 Square Feet MLS# 1636117

Transitional Mediterranean in design with a charming front courtyard, this approximately 5,075-square-foot home is positioned to overlook the fairway green of hole #12 from over 900 square feet of covered patio space. The open concept living area is adjacent to a chef’s kitchen with a secondary kitchen and separate dining area. The game room includes a fabulous wet bar, and additional spaces include a library/study and flex room. The master suite has access to the outdoor patio. Estimated completion date is June 2023.

4 bedrooms / 4 full baths and 1 half bath / 3 car garage plus golf cart storage

Chef’s kitchen plus secondary kitchen

Library, game room and flex room

Covered patio overlooking #12 fairway and green

Master Full Golf Membership Available

NewListing

209 PARK RIDGE

5

$3,299,900 6,687 Square Feet MLS# 1659878

Sitting on over 17 fenced acres, imagine yourself looking out to longhorns munching on their hay, while feeling as though you’ll never want to leave. With a resort-style pool, this lovely estate will have you feeling the tranquility of the Texas Hill Country. From the handcrafted wood windows to the hand-tiled floors and massive wood beams, the craftsmanship of this home is to be admired in this well-thought-out floorplan. Guests will be spoiled by the one-bedroom casita with a private entrance. This home offers BOTH an AG exemption AND a Master Golf Membership available for purchase!

4 bedrooms / 4 full baths and 2 half baths / 3 car garage

17.5 acres and an Ag Exemption

Outdoor kitchen next to resort-style pool and spa

Master Full Golf Membership Available

NewListing

CAREY YEAGER

Listing Agent :: 830.388.6363

191 RIVERWOOD

6

$5,495,000 8,258 Square Feet MLS# 1665488

Exquisite Guadalupe River frontage estate in Cordillera Ranch, the Texas Hill Country's most exclusive country club community. This 8,258-square-foot home on 3.23 acres features 206 feet of river frontage and majestic, long-distance northern views over the Guadalupe River and a private ranch. Built in 2019, this 5-bedroom, 5-bath property includes a private courtyard, an oversized 4-car garage, and an alluring pool, spa, fire pit and an outdoor kitchen/entertaining venue. The gourmet kitchen features commercial-grade Wolf® appliances. Hand-cut stone trim, wood floors and exposed Douglas Fir timber beams accent the home. The multi-tiered outdoor living space is ideal for entertaining with a sophisticated Hill Country elegance. This premium property includes a Master Golf Membership option at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch.

5 bedrooms / 5 full baths and 1 half bath / 4 car garage

Guadalupe River frontage on 3.23 acres

Outdoor kitchen and lounge area, with in-ground pool and spa

Two living areas, two dining areas, media room, office

Master Full Golf Membership Available

VANCE WALLER

Listing Agent :: 830.388.2828

67 CORDILLERA SPRINGS

$2,195,000 4,298 Square Feet Non-MLS 7

Enjoy the serene countryside on this 2.94 acre site in The Springs of Cordillera Ranch. This spacious 4,298-square-foot home includes a master suite wing with an oversized shower and an adjoining library/office. The open concept family room flows to caterer's kitchen with a walk-thru pantry and dining room. The game room includes a wet bar and plenty of room for fun, plus outdoor access onto a 22 by 20-foot outdoor covered patio, which has two sliding door units and access to multiple rooms.

4 bedrooms / 4 full baths and 1 half bath / 3 car garage

All bedrooms include en-suite baths

Large covered patio with access from multiple rooms

17

VAQUERO PASS

8

$2,195,000 4,717 Square Feet MLS# 1655756

Master Full Golf Membership is available! This striking transitional home designed by Jim Terrian and built by Garner Custom Homes in The Springs of Cordillera Ranch offers approximately 4,717 square feet of living space. Upon entering, your eye is immediately drawn through oversized 20' multi-slide doors to the privacy of a generous patio, pool, spa, fire feature and outdoor kitchen. The openness between indoor and outdoor living spaces creates a flowing, al fresco-style effect to the home, sure to be enjoyed by friends and family! Unique and inviting, 17 Vaquero Pass has served as the Garner Custom Homes model, so it’s been carefully cared for and never lived in! From the spectacular gourmet kitchen to the upstairs play room and balcony featuring views of the Twin Sisters, every detail has been meticulously planned and beautifully executed. This is the perfect venue for entertaining and enjoying family times together!

4 bedrooms / 4 full baths and 1 half bath / 3 car garage

1 acre Pool and spa

Two living areas, walk-in pantry, study/office, outdoor kitchen

Master Full Golf Membership Available

Cordillera Ranch Realty

Homes for Sale

1 - 20 Oakland Hills

2 - 75 Winged Foot

3 - 211 Augusta

4 - 3728 Clubs Drive

5 - 209 Park Ridge

6 - 191 Riverwood

7 - 67 Cordillera Springs

8 - 17 Vaquero Pass