Rally, Smash, Love
HEALTH
SmartER FastER EasiER
On-Site Medical Equipment:
Bloodwork / CT Scan / Digital X-Rays / Strep test / Splints / Ultrasound / Ventilation-Intubation / Respiratory panel that identifies 22 respiratory pathogens etc
Emergency Services:
Abdominal pain / Broken bones and Sprains / Chest pain / Fever / Headache / IV Fluids & Medications / Lacerations / Respiratory infections / Stroke like symptoms / Urine infections, etc.
Jamie Amerman
Jamie Amerman has been in the real estate business for 5 years as a top producer in the industry, selling over $160,000,000. Jamie, a native Texan, found her passion for real estate after moving to the Hill Country in 2003 with her high school sweetheart. With a background in medical sales and years spent raising her four children - Davis, Reese, Sutton, and Avery- she brings a unique blend of business savvy, creativity, and commitment to her real estate career. Jamie’s hands-on experience in purchasing, remodeling, and designing homes has deepened her understanding of what makes a home special. Known for her innovative approach and dedication to helping others, she uses her knowledge to guide families through finding their ideal home. Driven by her faith, family, and service values, Jamie is devoted to making each real estate experience rewarding and memorable.
Cultivating Sparkling Forever Relationships
When you work with us, whether it's your first or tenth time, you become part of our family. Quality should never be compromised. Our focus is expertly crafted wedding rings curated to our Customers' vision and designed to be unique, durable, and attractive. We use our professional network to seek out the perfect gem for your piece and insist on the highest-quality diamond. We treat our customers with the honesty and respect they deserve. We want clients to feel the same pride when wearing the pieces from our store that we do when making them. Absolutely, any repair need can be handled by RedTree Jewelers.
Diamonds designed from the heart with everlasting love.
Thank you, Kevin and Ramany Brown, for sharing your special moment with us and becoming a valued member of the Red Tree satisfied customer family." – Gary Wick
This Is Your Year
“Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid of only standing still.” —Chinese proverb
The start of a new year brings all kinds of things: gift returns or exchanges, a new tax year, turkey and candy cane hangovers. But even more, the beginning of January can bring a chance to reset, refocus, and embrace opportunities to do something new.
I’m certainly not one for resolutions, but chang ing the calendar is a great time to evaluate what truly matters to you—your health, your passions, your relationships—and figure out how you want to nurture them this year. Perhaps you want to spend more time with your family. I have a new daughter who certainly occupies most of my hopes (and fears) for the future. Maybe you have goals about growing your business, or perhaps there’s a calling you’ve had on the back burner or a hobby you’ve always wanted to try.
Whatever it is, this is your year to let go of patterns that hold you back and celebrate progress, no matter how small. This is your year to prioritize joy, growth, community, and gratitude.
Our “Health & Wellness” issue is full of people who inspire us to do our best on every step of the journey. We meet a group of sporting enthusiasts who make the outdoors accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical challenges (“Redefining Adventure & Revealing Superpowers,” p. 60). We’ll explore a simple practice to help you deepen your relationships and mental well-being without disrupting your schedule (“Eight Minutes for Life,” p. 28).
You may have noticed, but pickleball is major now. Find out why your friends can’t stop talking about it and why you might just love it too (“Pickleball For All,” p. 36). Plus, discover how you may need a physical therapist to get you to the top of your golf—or pickleball—game (“Swing. Fix. Score.,” p. 44), and we’ve got recipes to help you welcome the new year with healthy, traditional Chinese fare, said to bring unity, happiness, and a little bit of luck (“Delicious Dishes, Prosperous Wishes,” p. 22).
This year, make it about living purposefully, embracing change, and creating a life that inspires. This is your year to start (or stop) that thing, to take that first step. This is your year to live your best year yet.
DANIEL GERTSON, EDITOR
January 2025
PUBLISHER
Tara Bové | tara.bove@citylifestyle.com
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Kevin Bové | kevin.bove@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Daniel Gertson | daniel.gertson@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Jessi Edison | jessi.edison@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Stephanie Puckly | stephanie.puckly@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Aubrey Matson
COPY EDITOR
Rocio Sanchez
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Aubrey Matson, Rey Lopez, Brian McVey, Daniel Gertson
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jessi Edison, Molly Johnson, Nathaniel Muhleman, Paula VM, Vanessa Velazquez, Paige to Page Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
TOUCHES
Finishing Touches Interior Design and Indulge Wine Bar, owned and operated by Texan raised, Kelly Scully, is located right off Highway 46, bringing together the best of both worlds that offers a full service experience.
city scene
1: Boerne ISD was well represented at the 13th Annual Turkey Trot! 2: Students, staff and campus run clubs participated in both the 5K and 10K runs! 3: Thank you to the Boerne YMCA for organizing this community event every year. 4: Coaches from BISD schools were present and had some students walk away with hardware! 5: The ladies of the Boerne Chamber of Commerce helped make Diva Night so much fun! 6: Shoutout to the UTSA Men’s & Women’s Tennis for coming together at Dominion Country Club! 7: FOR Country Club had the honor of hosting a South Texas PGA tournament!
Family
was
blast! There were fireside
and a movie under the stars. 9: Four Panther Interact Club officers recently represented
at the District
Club Conference. 10: The amazing FORES PTO held the annual pie tradition to treat teachers for Thanksgiving! 11: The Champion HS Speech and Debate team excelled at the Claudia Taylor Johnson Bluebonnet Invitational! 12: The 2025 NCAA Men’s Final Four Fan Jam experience stopped at Van Raub Elementary! 13: Boerne High School Greyhounds Football are AREA CHAMPIONS! 14: Congrats to the Boerne Greyhounds Boys Cross Country on their 2nd place finish at state! Want to be seen in the magazine?
8:
Campout
a
s’mores
TMI
Interact
Promotion Physical Therapy: Celebrating Three Years!
ProMotion Physical Therapy proudly celebrates three years of providing exceptional care to our community. Dedicated to excellence, they specialize in helping patients achieve their goals, with a strong focus on athletic rehabilitation and performance. From injury recovery to peak performance, ProMotion tailors their services to every individual’s needs. Their message: "Thank you, Boerne and the surrounding areas, for trusting us to support your health and wellness. Here’s to many more years of serving our patients and community!"
Morningside at Menger Springs: Bigger and Better
Morningside at Menger Springs is growing to be bigger and better than ever. The all-inclusive senior community is expanding with 74 elegant terrace homes that will be move-in ready come fall/winter of this year. In addition to the brand-new houses, new amenities like a wellness center, outdoor amphitheater, and a heated, covered pool will offer residents even more places to relax, mingle, and enjoy life. Schedule a visit and learn more today!
more
Gardner Springs Dentistry
At Gardner Springs Dentistry, you are never just a number on a chart. The outstanding staff at this family-run practice takes the time to get to know you and your family personally so they can provide the precise type of care you need. Whether through sedation dentistry or traditional, this team of highly-trained professionals led by Dr. Brandon Gardner aims to create a calm, welcoming environment where everyone will feel at home.
Lowest pricing on memberships as a founding member. Pricing is locked in for life!
Clients access studios before they are open to the public.
Founding member party prior to Grand Opening. Lock in the most popular days and times on the schedule.
Don’t just stretch - get stretched. StretchLab’s team of highly trained Flexologists® will give you a deeper stretch than you could ever achieve on your own. Our clients come to StretchLab for increased mobility, decreases in pain and better range of motion to help them in all of their daily activities. We help golfers hit the ball farther, runners increase their stride, and busy executives looking for some stress and tension relief! All ages, fitness levels and body types are welcome at StretchLab.
Delicious Dishes, Prosperous Wishes
Celebrate the New Year with a delicious twist—healthy Chinese recipes that honor tradition while supporting your wellness goals. From boiled dumplings bursting with fresh flavor to lighter takes on classic stir-fries, these dishes bring balance, taste, and festive flair to your table. Local chef Yaping Zhang shares some of her favorite recipes for nourishing meals that symbolize unity, happiness, and good fortune.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MOLLY JOHNSON
New Year Dumplings
INGREDIENTS
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cup water (room temperature)
• 1 pound ground beef or pork
• 2 carrots, shredded
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 1 quarter ginger, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 pinches of salt
DIRECTIONS
1. Put the flour into a large bowl and slowly add the water, mixing as you go. 2. Once it is mixed, dust your hands with flour and knead until dough is formed. Continue kneading on a counter until it becomes smooth (about 10 minutes). 3. Place into a clean bowl, cover with a damp cloth and a lid, and let rest. 4. To prepare the dumplings, remove the dough from the bowl and knead for an additional three to five minutes until it is firm again. Let rest for at least 30 minutes as you prepare the filling. 5. Make the filling by browning the beef or pork in a large skillet with the carrots, green onions, and ginger. Season with the soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt. 6. Once the dough is ready, separate small pieces and use a rolling pin to make the dumpling skins, about two inches in diameter. 7. Put a spoonful of the meat and vegetable mixture into the center and fold the dumpling around it. Pinch the edges together firmly. 8. Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil, and place dumplings into the water, ensuring they do not get crowded. Stir continuously to keep the dumplings from sticking. Let cook for 15 minutes. 9. Remove the cooked dumplings from the water, garnish, and serve. If you want to brown them, wait for them to cool before pan-frying.
Smashed Cucumber Salad
INGREDIENTS
• 3 cucumbers, peeled and cut into small pieces
• 2 teaspoons vinegar
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili oil
• 2 pinches salt
• 3 cloves garlic
• 3 dried red peppers (Mexican or Thai)
• 2 green onions
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
DIRECTIONS
1. Put the peeled and cut cucumber into a serving bowl. 2. Combine the vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, chili oil, and salt and toss them with the cucumber, ensuring that the cucumber is evenly coated. 3. Heat olive oil in a small pan and lightly saute the garlic, green onions, and red pepper. 4. Drizzle the garlic, onions, and red pepper over the cucumber salad and serve.
Steamed Broccoli
INGREDIENTS
• 1 head broccoli, cut into small pieces
• 2 pinches salt
• 1 dash sesame oil
• ½ pot water
DIRECTIONS
1. Bring the water to a boil, and add the broccoli. Cook for only two to three minutes. 2. Remove the broccoli and place it into a bowl. 3. Season with salt and sesame oil.
Rainbow Bell Pepper Stir Fry Steak
INGREDIENTS
• 32 ounces rib eye steak
• 3 bell peppers, each a different color
• 10 clove garlic
• 1 onion
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 3 pinches salt
• 1 cup water
DIRECTIONS
1. Prepare the steak by cutting it into approximately 1-inch cubes. Remove the seeds and chop the bell peppers. Slice the garlic. 2. To make the sauce, combine the soy sauce, sugar, salt, water, and cornstarch in a small bowl and whisk thoroughly. 3. Heat the oil in a wok or frying pan for a few minutes until it’s approximately 300º. Add sliced garlic and let cook for 30 seconds before adding in the steak. Let the steak cook for about three minutes, stirring constantly. 4. Add the bell peppers and onion and cook for another two minutes. 5. Finally, add the sauce to the stir fry and cook for two minutes.
Yaping Zhang
Yaping grew up in a small village near Pingyao, China, home to 2,800 years of history and tradition. She got her love of cooking from her grandmother and has added skills and recipes over the years. Today, Yaping shares her knowledge of Asian cuisine with the Culinary Institute of America in San Antonio and serves as a docent at the San Antonio Museum of Art.
@ YAPINGZHANGTS
NIGHTLASE ®
Sleep
No Matter the Distance
As we age the flaccidity(looseness) of tissues increases. This is especially important for the entire airway. Upper airways become more restricted due to hard structures and soft tissue hypertrophy (Enlargement). The result is less airflow or volume. This resistance can be detrimental to sleep quality and athletic performance.
NightLase ® utilizes a twin laser system patented by Fotona Lasers. This procedure is a nonablative(no surgical cutting) technique utilizing laser impulses to tighten connective tissue, muscles, and their attachments to hold open the soft palate area and the upper nasal passages. The net result is increased airflow and volume during normal function, sleeping, and athletic performance.
This twin laser system is FDA approved for safety and effectiveness on the tissues treated. The standard procedure takes approximately 45 minutes and needs to be repeated 21 days apart for 3-4 sessions. No anesthetic is needed, and there is no downtime. Protocol maintenance is usually a one-session touch-up every 1-2 years or as needed.
Tara Bové Publisher
At Boerne Lifestyle, our mission is to celebrate all that is good, beautiful, and inspiring in the greater Boerne community. We are grateful for the chance to support the incredible nonprofits listed below. As we look to 2025, we’re excited to continue this journey with you, our cherished readers. Let’s join forces to make an even greater impact!
100 Women of the Hill Country BISD Mentor Program
Boerne Blaze
Boerne Farmers Market
Boerne Retailers Association
Boerne100
Christian Journey Courses
Cibolo Center for Conservation
Das GreenHaus
Farmers Market at Herff Farm
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Hill Country Daily Bread Ministries
Hill Country Family Services
Hill Country Pregnancy Care Center
Kendall County Women’s Shelter
Magdalena House
Patrick Heath Public Library
The Sister Project
Young Life
Eight Minutes for Life
ARTICLE BY BRIAN MCVEY
In today’s fast-paced world, finding meaningful moments to connect with friends and loved ones has become increasingly difficult. Too often, we communicate with our close friends via texting at red lights, school pick-up, or grocery store lines and assume that the person on the other end is doing fine. But beneath the surface, people often battle struggles they may not share. This is where the concept of the “eight-minute catch-up” comes in.
WHILE MANY CONVERSATIONS ARE SURFACE-LEVEL, THIS PRACTICE PROVIDES A FRAMEWORK FOR DEEPER, MORE MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS.
The idea behind the “eight-minute catch-up” is simple: dedicate short, focused periods of time—just eight minutes—to truly connect with someone. Put simply, the exercise encourages active listening and genuine concern, not just a quick check-in but a moment of real presence.
THE INSPIRATION
Author Simon Sinek, known for his insights into leadership and human connection, tells the story of being struck by a profound realization during a conversation with a close friend. He asked a simple question: "How are you?" To Sinek’s shock, the friend revealed they had been quietly struggling with depression. Sinek says his immediate reaction was, “What ? Why didn’t you call me?” The friend’s response, though subtle, was a stark reminder of how people sometimes reach out for help in small ways—through casual greetings or seemingly random texts—without explicitly saying, “I need help.”
Sinek’s friend had, in fact, sent him messages before, saying things like, “Hello” and, “How are you doing?” But these texts never evolved into deeper conversations about the friend’s emotional struggles. It was an eye-opener for Sinek. People often suffer in silence, feeling either too ashamed or too burdened to admit they need help, even when they reach out in small ways.
This realization catalyzed Sinek’s mission to spread awareness about the importance of intentional listening and connection. He started advocating for the “eight-minute catch-up” to foster genuine connection, especially in a world where we’re all too often distracted by the busyness of our lives.
LISTENING WITH PURPOSE
Sinek’s approach highlights the power of brief but focused periods of connection. By setting aside this time, we avoid conversations dragging on past their welcome or ending abruptly— issues identified in a 2021 study conducted by Dan Gilbert and Gus Cooney. Their research found that people often struggle to know when to end conversations, leading to discomfort or missed opportunities for connection. The eight-minute catch-up solves this problem by offering a structured yet compassionate approach to communication.
But it’s more than just the time; it’s about how we use it. When focused entirely on someone else, eight minutes can create a space
for vulnerability, honesty, and trust. It’s about showing up, listening intently, and offering a sense of presence that goes beyond a quick text or distracted conversation by answering the call.
THE PANDEMIC AND SILENT STRUGGLES
The COVID-19 pandemic taught us all a valuable lesson: people suffer in silence more than we realize. Isolation, anxiety, and uncertainty took a toll on many and reaching out to friends and loved ones became more crucial than ever. Sinek reflects on this period, pointing out that one of the greatest honors we can give someone is simply asking, “Do you have eight minutes?”
This question became a kind of “code” between Sinek and his friend Christina, a symbol of care and willingness to listen. If you’re hurting, it’s a powerful way to ask for help. And if you receive that text, it’s an invitation to step up and offer comfort. Christina explains: “There is no greater honor than to send a text message that says, ‘Do you have eight minutes?’ It’s a way of saying, ‘I’m here for you, and I care enough to listen.’”
THE POWER OF BEING PRESENT
At the end of the day, eight minutes may seem like a small amount of time, but it’s a gift. “Eight minutes!” says Simon. “When somebody texts you, ‘Do you have eight minutes?’ Any of us can pause a movie, step out of a meeting, or leave a room to talk to a friend in need for eight minutes.”
And the best part? It works both ways. When we ask someone, “Do you have eight minutes?” we invite them to share whatever is on their mind. Whether it’s a burden they’ve been carrying or simply the need for a friendly chat, this small act of reaching out can make an enormous impact.
In a world where it’s so easy to get caught up in our own lives, taking the time to listen can be a game-changer. Listening with intention—if only for eight minutes—can uplift someone who feels invisible, unheard, or overwhelmed. It’s a simple yet profound way to show you care.
So next time a friend crosses your mind or you notice that someone might need a little extra support, ask them, “Do you have eight minutes?” This small but powerful question could make all the difference.
Brian T. McVey, MAPP, is a proud dad who is currently working as a sales and marketing manager. A Chicago native who’s now embraced Texas as home, McVey draws on his journey as a former Chicago police officer. He was injured in the line of duty in 2012 and relocated his family to Boerne in 2016.
McVey’s experiences have fueled a deep appreciation for resilience and well-being; writing about health and wellness brings him immense joy, allowing him to share insights that inspire others.
McVey enjoys meeting and bringing people together over a coffee, so he invites you to email him at btmcvey77@gmail.com if you’d ever like to talk.
A Modern Escape
Contemporary meets Traditional in This Brand-New Transitional Estate
Welcome to a 3.75-acre estate sitting on one of the highest elevations in Cordillera Ranch. The views from this property demand your attention as both a focal point of the home and a conversation piece.
Built in 2022, this primarily one-story home boasts four bedrooms, a dedicated office, an exercise/flex room, and an open-concept living room and dining room full of natural light. The gourmet kitchen features high ceilings, double ovens, a one-of-a-kind gas cooking range, a hidden butler pantry, and a walk-behind wet bar overlooking the dining room.
The master bedroom is a true getaway from the busyness of the day. It has long-range views, outdoor access, and a smart bathroom with a bathtub nestled under the window. A wardrobe/sitting area greets you as you enter your closet. Wrinkles are no problem, thanks to the built-in steamers in each closet. The amenities aren’t limited to the primary, though, as two of the three secondary
bedrooms have en suite bathrooms with a double vanity and intelligent features.
The outdoor oasis is unlike anything you have ever seen. Bask in 1,800 square feet of covered outdoor living and cooking that can be closed off from the elements—complete with built-in heaters and misters for every season. The 50' by 30' resort-style pool has built-in seating dedicated to taking in the scenery, and you’ll revel in the swim-up bar and rain curtain waterfall coming from one of the pergolas that cover outdoor seating next to the pool. The 16' by 19' elevated spa with spillover edges is also covered for year-round enjoyment.
Finally, enjoy the 15,000 square feet of professional landscaping around the entire estate. There’s a putting/chipping green, turfed dog yard, and stadium zoysia grass that is plush and low maintenance. With four fire pits in the backyard and views for days, this incredible property is truly a gorgeous modern escape.
The outdoor oasis is unlike anything you have ever seen.”
ARTICLE BY AUBREY MATSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSI EDISON
PICKLEBALL FOR ALL
What makes this paddle game so popular? Find out for yourself (if you haven’t already)
You hear about it at school events, the water cooler, and even family gatherings. No, it’s not a blockbuster movie or another fashion craze. It’s pickleball. This paddled sport has worked its way into people's consciousness in every social circle. For many people, playing it once is enough to understand why. But how did a sport involving a paddle slightly larger than one used for table tennis become a widespread phenomenon?
Mike Vogl, formerly the Director of Racket Sports at the Fair Oaks Country Club for over 28 years, said he was a skeptic of the sport at first. “I was always a tennis nut,” says Vogl. “I didn’t think I was really going to get involved in it.”
Vogl recalls a friend mentioning that the sport was gaining momentum on the West Coast before club members began expressing interest around five years ago. “We made some temporary courts,” he says, “and over 60 people showed up.” At that point, Vogl says he realized how popular the sport was becoming. “It really started to take off, and I still hadn’t played it,” he remembers. “I play it about two to three times a week right now.”
These days, you or someone you know probably play regularly. Invented by a trio of dads 60 years ago, pickleball has exploded, with specialized attire and equipment surging as the popularity of home courts in backyards across the country spikes. In the USA, more than 13.6 million people played in 2023, according to USA Pickleball. That’s up nearly 52% from the year before, making pickleball the fastest-growing sport in the nation.
But why has it become so popular? Vogl says its appeal is simple: “Anybody can play.” He says the true magic of pickleball is how the game can be enjoyed by people of all ages, skill levels, and athletic abilities. Plus, it can be played quickly: “Golf takes four or five hours to play,” says Vogl. “With pickleball, you can be in and out in an hour.”
The most challenging thing about pickleball may be the rules, Vogl notes. “The rules are kind of goofy,” he says, “and the scoring is kind of weird to get used to.” One of its most important rules sounds funny, too: “You can’t go into the kitchen.” For the uninitiated, the “kitchen” is the seven-foot horizontal zone closest to the net in which players are prohibited from volleying or hitting the ball.
Other than that, “The rules are pretty easy, and who wouldn’t like a game where you have to stay out of the kitchen?” says Stacie Matson, a Fair Oaks Ranch local who found the sport through her friends. “Pickleball is so appealing because as you grow older, it’s easy to play for a long time,” she says. “Other more rigorous sports are harder on your body.”
“I love pickleball because it keeps me active and energized while being gentle on my body. It’s a perfect blend of fun and challenge. Just enough competition to keep it exciting without being overwhelming… It’s not just a sport—it’s a source of vitality and community.”
—Jeanne Oosthuizen
After playing for the first time just a few months ago, Matson now plays pickleball twice a week—one of which is a singles match with friend Debbie Ledoux, who has been playing for two years now.
“I discovered pickleball when my husband came home talking about it a few years ago,” Ledoux remembers. “He said his colleagues recommended it as the perfect family sport, allowing more and less skilled players to be on the same court together enjoying the challenge and fun.” Ledoux explained that pickleball has become an activity to enjoy not only with friends and her husband but with her children as well. Now, the Ledouxs enjoy a family tournament each holiday season.
It’s not just parents who say their kids enjoy it; teens will readily admit how much they like the sport. “It is cool. Lots of fun, and my friends and I are pretty competitive about it,” says Luke Bové, a sophomore at Champion High School. “I might get a call from a friend asking if I want to go to the club and play in like ten minutes. I’m there! I’ve also played at my church, Mission City, during youth [group]. Pickleball is awesome.”
To hear players talk about it, everyone can enjoy and reap the benefits of exercise via pickleball. Jeanne Oosthuizen—who plays weekly with Ledoux and Matson— enjoys the game because of how it makes her feel. “I love pickleball because it keeps me active and energized while being gentle on my body,” Oosthuizen says. She feels like pickleball provides all the benefits of exercise gained from any other sport without as much strain on the body. “It’s a perfect blend of fun and challenge,” she says. “Just enough competition to keep it exciting without being overwhelming.”
If you want to indulge your competitive streak, Matson says you can think of pickleball like any other game. Matson—who admits she is pretty competitive at heart— thinks that pickleball is a great way for her to engage in friendly competition with friends. Ledoux adds, “A few of us are secretly competitive, and the friendly competition scratches that itch.”
Despite all the benefits of being physically accessible and easy to set up wherever you are—friendship and camaraderie are at the heart of the sport. “We laugh and joke while we are getting exercise and having fellowship with each other,” says Oosthuizen. Maybe the heart of the pickleball craze is something beyond a sport. It’s a way for everyone—of any age, location, or ability—to get together and enjoy each other’s company. Or, as Oosthuizen sums it up: “It’s not just a sport— it’s a source of vitality and community.”
Models
Anita & Mitch Elliott, Dani & John Powers, Bobbi & Brett Polvado; Boerne Pickleballers
Location
Hill Country Backyard Escapes 830-816-9633; Boerne City Park
Boerne Pickleball facebook.com/boernepickleball
CARPET | LUXURY VINYL PLANK
CARPET | LUXURY VINYL PLANK
HARDWOOD | TILE | LAMINATE HARDWOOD | TILE | LAMINATE
HARDWOOD REFINISHING | HARDWOOD REFINISHING | CUSTOM AREA RUGS CUSTOM AREA RUGS
RESIDENTIAL FLOORING | COMMERCIAL FLOORING INSURANCE SERVICES | BUILDER SERVICES
SWING. FIX. SCORE.
How a Golf Swing Analysis Can Lead to Major Improvements—Both On and Off the Course
ARTICLE BY DANIEL GERTSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSI EDISON
Golfers of all levels know the struggle: you hit the links hoping for your best round yet, only to be thwarted by inconsistent shots or nagging aches. But what if the problem isn’t your swing mechanics but your body?
Tim Kudla, a Titleist Performance Institute-certified physical
“It’s a simple process: identify the issue, work on it, and see results.”
therapist at ECHO Physical Therapy and Athletics, is on a mission to bring physical fitness and athletic performance together, offering golfers—and everyone—a way to refine their game by improving mobility, stability, and strength.
WHAT IS A TPI GOLF SWING ANALYSIS?
The Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) certification equips professionals like Kudla to evaluate golfers not just on their swings but on their bodies’ physical capabilities. “The medical side of TPI focuses on identifying the mobility and stability limitations that might be restricting a player’s swing,” Kudla explains. His assessments dive deep into the body’s mechanics, from thoracic spine rotation to hip flexibility, and how they enhance—or hinder—a golfer’s performance.
Rather than simply watching swings, Kudla conducts a series of mobility and movement tests. These
range from simple motions like bending over to touch your toes to more golf-specific tasks, such as maintaining a five-iron stance while rotating your hips. “It’s about uncovering whether a limitation is mobility-related or stability-related,” Kudla says. “That way, we can target the root of the issue and create a tailored plan.”
COMMON SWING LIMITATIONS
Two key areas are often to blame for a less-than-optimal golf swing: the thoracic spine and hips. “The thoracic spine, which is your midback, and your hips are designed to handle most of the rotational movement in a swing,” Kudla explains. “When these areas lack mobility, other parts of your body—like your lower back or knees— are forced to compensate, leading to pain and inefficient movement.”
For example, tight hips might cause knee twisting, while a stiff thoracic spine could lead to excessive lumbar spine rotation, increasing the risk of injury. Addressing these issues not only reduces discomfort but can also add power and consistency to a golfer’s swing.
THE PROCESS: SCREEN, EVALUATE, IMPROVE
A typical session begins with a comprehensive screening. Kudla observes basic movements and then delves deeper into trouble areas using tests specific to the golf swing. If a limitation is found— such as restricted hip rotation—he designs individualized exercises to address it. “I like to incorporate golf-related tools like clubs or towels into stretches,” Kudla says. “It keeps the exercises relevant and helps players see the connection to their game.”
Improvement is tracked through regular retesting, ensuring that each client’s program delivers measurable progress. Kudla notes, “It’s a simple process: identify the issue, work on it, and see results.”
WHY SEE A PHYSICAL THERAPIST?
While golf coaches excel at fine-tuning swing mechanics, they may overlook physical limitations that could hold players back. Kudla sees his work as complementary to coaching. “A coach assumes you have the mobility and strength to execute what they’re teaching,” he says. “By addressing any dysfunctions first, we set the stage for better results with the coach.”
The best part? You don’t have to be in pain to benefit from an evaluation. “A lot of people think physical therapy is just for injuries,” Kudla notes. “But even if you’re just looking to maximize your potential, a swing analysis can help identify areas for improvement.”
REAL RESULTS
Kudla’s clients often report dramatic improvements—not just in their swings but also in their overall physicality. “One golfer told me their yardage increased significantly just from working on mobility,” Kudla shares. “Another lowered their
“You don’t have to settle for where you are now. With the right exercises and mobility work, you can unlock new levels of performance.”
handicap after we focused on thoracic spine and hip flexibility.”
And the benefits aren’t limited to the golf course. Daily activities, from reaching overhead to prolonged desk work, become more manageable with improved mobility and stability. “This is about more than just golf—it’s about improving how your body moves and functions,” Kudla emphasizes.
BEYOND GOLF: APPLICATIONS FOR OTHER SPORTS
echoathleticstx.com
210-589-7314
1 FM 3351, Ste. #140
Kudla’s expertise extends to other sports as well. From baseball to volleyball, many athletes benefit from his evaluation process. “Rotational sports like baseball have a lot in common with golf, while sports like basketball and volleyball focus more on lateral and jumping motions,” Kudla explains.
His tailored approach ensures that every athlete— regardless of their sport—receives targeted recommendations to enhance performance.
TAKE YOUR GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Whether you’re struggling with a slice, battling aches, or just looking to add power and precision to your swing, a TPI-certified evaluation could be the game-changer you’ve been seeking. “You don’t have to settle for where you are now,” Kudla says. “With the right exercises and mobility work, you can unlock new levels of performance.”
For golfers in search of that extra edge—or anyone wanting to move better and feel stronger—a physical therapist’s help might just be the ultimate secret weapon.
Plumbing service repairs, water heaters, and water softeners
At Olde Town Plumbing our commitment to you is to always provide honest evaluations and dependable service repairs. We won’t recommend services you don’t need. And we won’t add hidden fees or over charge for our services.
We live in Boerne and our customers are our friends and neighbors. We strive to provide you with the clear communication and trustworthy plumbing services that we want for our own home.
Give us a call if you’re ready for good old fashioned customer service infused with up-to-date plumbing techniques.
830-446-5227 | oldetownplumbing.com info@oldetownplumbing.com
Basic to Boss HOME GYM EDITION
The New Year comes with lots of new goals, many of them aimed at building better bodies. One survey estimated that intentions like “get in shape” or “lose weight” account for almost a third of all resolutions made. Local gyms get flooded with new members in January, only for as many as 50% of those enthusiastic exercisers to quit within a month or two.
Instead of gym memberships, many people opt for a home gym that they can customize to their goals. But where to begin? Or how can you take your at-home workouts to the next level? We asked Rachel Trub at Specialized Fitness to share her expert advice on how you can get the most out of your setup and build practices that last beyond the first month of the year.
specializedfit.com | 830-755-4838 | 31007 I-10 W.
Location Kelly & Matt Mattingly | signarama.com/locations/tx-san-antonio-nw
Personal Trainer and Fitness Expert Rachel Trub Walks You Through Three Phases of Home Gym Setups
The Home Gym STARTER KIT
Whether you’re just starting or are a home gym aficionado, Trub says to start by determining your current abilities and fitness goals. “If you want to gain muscle, you aren’t going to get far with a set of five-pound weights,” she says. Instead, Trub advises incorporating tools that fit into an exercise program tailored specifically to you. For the newbies—first of all, we’re excited for your journey to your best self! Here are some essential elements Trub recommends to jump-start your home gym in the right direction.
SUPPORT STRUCTURES
Ensure you get a thick mat for bodyweight-bearing exercises and stretching, along with a sturdy bench that can hold you and any weights you’re using with plenty of capacity to spare.
TRAINING TOOLS
Get a set of light dumbbells for smaller muscle groups (i.e., shoulders and arms), and a heavier set for larger groups (i.e., legs, chest, and upper back). Also, cardio equipment (like an elliptical or recumbent bike) is crucial for the days when going for a walk/jog/ride isn’t possible.
CRUNCH COMFORTABLY
Make sure your gym is a place you can stay, so be sure to outfit it with a fan to keep you cool. A TV, radio, or Bluetooth speaker is also a great idea to keep you entertained and/or informed. Reminder: you don’t have to be miserable while working out!
Upping YOUR GAME
Congratulations on establishing a great routine and making fitness an integral part of your life! Whether you want further improvement in your existing program or are looking to incorporate an element you’ve kept on the sidelines, Trub says “versatility” is your keyword.
GET NEW MOVES
Kettlebells and slam balls let you add in some novel exercises that dumbbells alone don’t allow for. With kettlebells, you can do exercises you’d typically see with barbell setups. Slam balls let you incorporate your whole body into moves to build explosiveness and power.
STRETCH IT OUT
You can simulate machine workouts in a fraction of the space with resistance bands from TRX or SPRI. With a variety of resistance levels and anchor attachments, the possibilities are virtually unlimited.
EMBRACE THE WEIGHT
How to make your existing routine more impactful? Simply add in some ankle weights. By increasing the resistance during your moves, the exercises you’re already doing become more efficient and effective.
Pro LEVEL
You’re a seasoned at-home workout specialist at this point. Trub says there are a few options, but—if you’re really serious about joining the home gym elites—you should be ready to invest.
MOST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
A quality cable system is the way to go. Trub points out that the number of possible exercises is endless, and you can target different muscle groups with light or heavy weights. She highly recommends hiring a personal trainer to show you all the possible exercises and teach you how to use the equipment correctly. Plus, they can build an exercise program around your gear to help you work on weak or troublesome areas and meet your goals.
THE ULTIMATE PICK
The true peak of the home gym is a squat rack or Smith machine. These will elevate your workouts across the board to a level unattainable with lesser tools. Trub says this gear is definitely the gold standard.
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Breathing & Sleeping Easy
This snoring and sleep apnea treatment promises better nights and better days.
When you can’t sleep well, it affects your waking life, too. Sleep disorders like snoring and sleep apnea can have serious detrimental effects on your health and the health of your partner and family. With an estimated 30% of adults in the US suffering, that’s a lot of people who aren’t living as well as they’d like. But local dentists Kurt Mackie, D.D.S. and Grace Zhang, D.M.D., Ph.D., say a new treatment they offer shows so much promise.
As we age, the tissues that comprise our soft palate and nasal passages become more flaccid, and this can be especially true when our bodies relax while sleeping. When these loose and enlarged tissues start to block our airways, the vibrations of these tissues cause the sounds we know as snoring, which can be disruptive enough by itself. But add in restrictions on air volume and airflow, and now the decreased oxygen intake and sleep disruption cause sleep apnea, which can have severe problems and can even be life-threatening.
The scores of treatment options for snoring and sleep apnea on the market cover the gamut regarding approach and effectiveness. Exercises, pillows, appliances, machines, and surgery are all offered as solutions, but Mackie says one in particular can potentially correct the problem, not just alleviate symptoms.
NightLase® by Fontana is a laser-powered, non-surgical system designed to tighten connective tissue, muscles, and other structures to open the soft palate and nasal passages.
ARTICLE BY DANIEL GERTSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAULA VM & JESSI EDISON
This results in an improvement in airflow and air volume while sleeping—and also during athletic or everyday activities. “100% of my patients notice an increase in air volume through their nose on the first session,” says Mackie. “This leads to less snoring immediately, and each subsequent treatment has a cumulative effect, improving significantly through the third session.”
What makes this treatment different? Mackie says the non-ablative approach uses laser light to tighten the connective tissue, muscle attachments, and fascia to shrink tissues, allowing airways to open more fully. Conversely, Mackie says many surgical treatments are destructive to the soft palate and can lead to long-term oropharyngeal problems. Mackie states, “By opening the airway with NightLase®, my use of anterior repositioning appliances and CPAP is much less aggressive and has fewer side effects.”
A NightLase® treatment plan typically includes the initial treatment and three to four repeated procedures about 21 days apart.
Each session takes about 45 minutes, and there’s no anesthetic needed or recovery time required. After the treatment, touch-up maintenance is typically only required every year or two. However, Mackie says the results are long-lasting.
“I have had CPAP users notice that their machines record less airway resistance and drop the operating pressures,” he says. “One CPAP user for 10 years said he has never had such deep sleep for six to eight hours.”
The FDA currently approves the laser system as safe and effective for the tissues being treated, but the FDA has not yet signed off on the use of NightLase® to replace the use of CPAP machines. However, Mackie says that the process is in the works.
He says these results are encouraging, especially considering the long-term potential for treatments like NightLase®. “Current research is questioning lung cell damage by long-term positive pressures,” Mackie says. He says some studies show “the same damage from long-term CPAP use to lung tissues as we saw with ventilator use during the COVID-19 pandemic.” And while CPAP is still considered safe and effective, Mackie says the future is bright thanks to NightLase®. “I feel that in the near future, we will be able to manage a high percentage of sleep apnea patients without the use of CPAP or anterior repositioning appliances.”
Celebrate
Personality Portraits: Capturing Them Just as They Are!
Rebuilding Lives, Restoring Hope, Empowering Survivors.
“Beyond
REDEFINING ADVENTURE & Revealing Superpowers
Disabled Outdoorsmen USA takes people with disabilities on adaptive outdoor adventures to build confidence, joy, and inclusivity
ARTICLE BY REY LOPEZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHANIEL MUHLEMAN
"You don't inspire people by revealing your superpowers; you inspire people by helping them reveal their own superpowers."
—Alexander den Heijer
Ask Weston Jenkins what Disabled Outdoorsmen USA (DOUSA) is all about, and he might use a quote like this sometimes. But every time, he will definitely tell you it's not about him.
Jenkins's cousin, TJ, grew up with a condition known as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, considered among the most severe types of muscular dystrophy. Despite his circumstances, TJ grew up participating in outdoor activities, which inspired Jenkins to look for opportunities for other disabled individuals to experience the outdoors. This first-hand experience of watching someone he loved face obstacles motivated Jenkins to establish DOUSA in 2017 as an organization dedicated to offering inclusive outdoor adventures.
Since the organization's inception, the Boerne-based nonprofit has become a source of inspiration, giving hope to people with disabilities. Jenkins and his team embarked on a unique mission to create an environment that dismantles barriers and provides adaptive resources, guides, and tools for people with disabilities. More than two hundred disabled outdoor enthusiasts have participated in DOUSA programs, and their inclusive approach not only empowers individual participants but also strengthens a broader community of allies, supporters, and nature lovers.
Some of the most potent aspects of DOUSA's work come from participants' stories. Many individuals who join DOUSA programs are overcoming intense physical, mental, and emotional challenges, but their experiences outdoors become defining moments of resilience and achievement.
As a disabled person, the idea of participating in outdoor activities can be a daunting challenge for the uninitiated. Larry Quintero suffered a spinal cord injury at the age of twenty. After a career competing in wheelchair tennis, he turned his energy toward the outdoors, and he encourages others to give it a try. “Don't be worried. Give it a shot. If you're not an outdoorsman, that's fine,” Quintero says. “There is something special about getting up in the morning and seeing a sunrise. It's about the whole experience of just being out there. Once you experience that, life changes forever.”
Participants in DOUSA's programs often describe the experience as life-changing, giving them a sense of independence they never felt before. They frequently describe the events as empowering and freeing, a testament to the personal growth that these experiences bring. These stories of transformation are catalysts for hope, inspiring others to believe in the potential of individuals with disabilities.
The organization's programs include guided hunts, fishing trips, and community events. “We do a fishing trip in North Carolina once a year,” Jenkins gives as an example. “We fly our participants out with an ADA-accessible charter bus that picks them up from the airport, and about seven or eight volunteers fly out with them.” All of their offerings focus on providing the participants with the most total experience possible, using adaptive equipment and experienced guides so they may develop outdoor skills, connect with nature, and build confidence in their capabilities.
The organization works with various people, from young children to adults with disabilities and anyone facing physical or mental barriers to outdoor recreation. They regularly join forces with other organizations serving the disabled community. “We'll partner up with the Texas Paralyzed Veterans Association,” Jenkins says, “and have kids out there with us, our participants, and paralyzed veterans.”
Two years after he graduated from Lee High School in San Antonio, DOUSA leader Larry Quintero's life changed forever. “I was shot at a party,” he recounts. “I was the only one who sustained a gunshot wound, and I was paralyzed from the waist down.”
Quintero was determined not to let this be the end of his story. He discovered a love for tennis through an adaptive sports program. In 2004, he competed around the world as a US Paralympian. Today, Quintero is married to his high school sweetheart, Kelly. They have two daughters, Mia and Carlee, who play college softball.
“It's not a disability, it's an inconvenience,” Quintero declares, smiling. “I can do anything anyone else can do; it just takes a little longer.”
MEET LARRY QUINTERO
Larry Quintero (seated)
“Getting out in nature is very important to the newly injured who think their life is over. We want them to know they can still do it.” —Weston Jenkins
It’s his organization's commitment to inclusivity that excites Jenkins. “Our participants come from all walks of life with different disabilities,” he continues. “Some are mental, some are physical, some are quads, and others are paras. But, they all come together and realize they aren't alone.”
While the focus is on providing opportunities for the disabled community, the bigger picture unfolds from their excursions like a picturesque landscape: “Our experienced participants become mentors to our newcomers,” Jenkins says. “It goes well beyond the trip. The trip is the icing on the cake. The lessons they learn while they're on the trip is what it's all about.”
DOUSA's work extends far beyond the individuals they serve and the trips they take. By promoting inclusivity in outdoor activities, the organization plays a significant role in shifting societal attitudes about disabilities. Families and friends of participants relate increased happiness, self-esteem, and a sense of community. This societal impact is a testament to the importance of inclusivity and the potential for positive change when everyone can participate. “I knew right from the start that I wanted to appeal to a broad range of the disabled,” says Jenkins. “TJ has had MD. He's not a veteran or a first responder. He was older when I first started it, so I didn't want to appeal to just the youth.”
To do so, DOUSA organizes community gatherings, fundraisers, and social events, building a supportive network for people with disabilities. These events foster camaraderie, promote inclusivity, and help raise awareness of the importance of adaptive outdoor experiences. They also create a platform for the broader community to show their support. While Jenkins welcomes financial support, he makes a bold statement to those who want to know how to best support the work they do. “Don't give us a dollar,” he proclaims, “until you come to experience one of our trips and hear from a participant how their life changed.”
As for the future, Jenkins plans to enhance the trips they take. “The equipment that TJ has is very expensive, and a lot of people need the means to buy it,” he describes. “Eventually, we want to be able to give them the equipment they need, so they can live the life they want.”
Considering the impact DOUSA's work has on the mental health of its participants, Jenkins is eager to point out the benefits of getting outdoors. He explains: “Harvard did a study back in the 1900s called ‘The Outdoor Prescription,’ and it's about how the outdoors can give someone a reason to live, prolong life, give someone purpose. Getting out in nature is very important to the newly injured who think their life is over. We want them to know they can still do it. It's just about learning a new way of doing things.”
Disabled Outdoorsmen USA invites you to their annual banquet on February 1st at Pedrotti's Ranch. For DOUSA, this is an opportunity to advocate for the healing power of the outdoors to people with disabilities.
The event features dinner, raffles, and a silent auction. Participation levels range from individual seating to table and game sponsorships.
UNTIL EVERY CHILD HAS A HOME
Fair Oaks Emergency Room is ready to serve our community. Meet the doctors who are dedicated to caring for you and your family!
Q & A Always On Call
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
VANESSA VELAZQUEZ
Israel Tellez, MD Years of Experience: 10
WHY DID YOU BECOME A DOCTOR?
I became a doctor because I’ve always been driven by a desire to help others and make a real difference in people’s lives. Medicine is such a powerful way to do that. Being able to offer care, comfort, and support—especially during challenging times—is incredibly meaningful to me.
WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF BEING A DOCTOR?
There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing I’ve had a positive impact on someone’s health and well-being. Emergency medicine allows me to make a direct, meaningful impact every day, which continues to inspire and ground me in this profession.
HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR APPROACH TO CARE?
The best approach in the ER is a balance of swift, accurate medical action with compassionate care, ensuring that patients feel both safe and understood during their most vulnerable moments.
Kwame Asamoah, MD
Years of Experience: 18
WHY DID YOU BECOME A DOCTOR?
I became a doctor due to an intense curiosity in science and a fascination with how the body worked since childhood. I found medicine to be the ideal pursuit to learn about biological sciences and apply this knowledge to help treat disease.
WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF BEING A DOCTOR?
The most rewarding aspect of being a doctor is understanding the disease process and formulating the best way to treat people with this knowledge.
HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR APPROACH TO CARE?
Careful listening. Despite our advanced technology, this is still the most essential aspect of good medical care.
John H. Hamilton, MD
Years of Experience: 9
Joe Pendon, MD
Years of Experience: 25
WHY DID YOU BECOME A DOCTOR?
I became a doctor to serve my country as a flight surgeon for the U.S. Air Force. My goal was to support the AF mission by providing care to active duty members and their families.
WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF BEING A DOCTOR?
I enjoy the one-on-one interaction with patients, getting to know them, and hearing their stories.
HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR APPROACH TO CARE?
It’s a bit cliché, but my recommendations to patients are usually guided by what I would do if they were my immediate family. I often find myself saying, “If you were my family member, this is what I would recommend.”
WHY DID YOU BECOME A DOCTOR?
To improve lives. More specifically, I wanted to be involved in helping people get and stay healthy to maximize their overall physical abilities and increase satisfaction in people’s lives.
WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF BEING A DOCTOR?
Seeing patients improve. Whether prescribing antibiotics or suturing a laceration, I love seeing patients get well. I love encouraging people to get well and stay well and helping to educate them on strategies to live healthy lifestyles.
HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR APPROACH TO CARE? An encouraging coach.
Peter Carlson, MD
Years of Experience: 13.5
WHY DID YOU BECOME A DOCTOR?
I was exposed to medicine at a young age, accompanying my mother at times during her job as a pediatrician. It taught me early on the value of using one’s education to truly help people and make a real difference.
WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF BEING A DOCTOR?
It is not always possible, but the times when I can quickly relieve pain or diagnose a condition to give answers in a short period of time, I always find it rewarding.
HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR APPROACH TO CARE?
Empathy.
Juan Schiavone, MD
Years of Experience: 11
WHY DID YOU BECOME A DOCTOR?
I felt much more humanistic than my brothers, who studied engineering at university. When I started my courses in medical school, I felt amazed by the kind of knowledge I was learning. Every day, I confirm I made the right choice.
WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF BEING A DOCTOR?
Helping people, gaining their trust, and feeling that you collaborate in the well-being of a fellow human being are the most rewarding aspects of being a healthcare provider. When the patient thanks you, it is very rewarding.
HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR APPROACH TO CARE?
Do good.
Daniel De Los Santos, MD
Years of Experience: 11
WHY DID YOU BECOME A DOCTOR?
It is a career path that is challenging, impactful, and focused on helping others.
WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF BEING A DOCTOR?
Making a difference.
HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR APPROACH TO CARE? Open-minded and efficient.
Lemon Creek Leon Springs
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
MOLLY JOHNSON
Bee Well, Naturally
LOCAL HONEY IS A SWEET, SIMPLE SUPERFOOD
Local honey isn’t just a tasty treat—it’s a natural remedy packed with health benefits. From boosting immunity to easing allergies, local honey brings nutrients and unique flavors straight from nearby wildflowers. We talked to Sisi Price of Priceless Honey to discover why adding this golden goodness to your diet is a sweet way to boost your body.
WHAT MAKES LOCAL HONEY SO GREAT?
Local honey can play a crucial role in ensuring quality and transparency. True local honey is typically raw, meaning unpasteurized and unfiltered. It takes a shorter route to your table, resulting in a fresher, more nutrient-dense honey that you won’t find in store-bought options. When you buy local, not only do you reduce the carbon footprint but it allows you to buy from someone who prioritizes quality and truly cares about the honey. And just as important, their customers are also their neighbors.
JUST BECAUSE I BOUGHT THE HONEY AT A FARMERS MARKET DOESN’T GUARANTEE IT’S LOCAL. HOW DO I KNOW FOR SURE?
The beauty of buying from a farmer’s market is that you get to have a face-toface interaction with the vendor. That means you can ask questions and gauge their response. It also allows you to build a relationship of trust and community.
HOW CAN LOCAL HONEY HELP MY HEALTH?
The rawness of the honey is essential when you want to take advantage of all the fantastic benefits honey offers. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals that can boost your immune system. Honey also contains antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, which are very beneficial for promoting wound healing, alleviating allergy symptoms, reducing inflammation in the body, and may even help manage certain chronic conditions. Honey has been used for medicinal purposes worldwide for thousands of years, and it tastes great, too!
pricelesshoney.com
Photo courtesy of Emily Koontz
smart SWEETS
The beginning of the year is packed with inspiration and motivation to get back on track after a sweet-filled holiday season. It can feel extreme, and it also can be depleting to cut oneself off from everything indulgent after weeks of eating favorite sweet and savory recipes. For sugar lovers who believe going cold-turkey feels intimidating or overwhelming, nutrition-packed desserts are a great way to stick to healthy food goals without the guilt.
Nutrient-Rich Dessert To The Rescue
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
This recipe is a classic favorite. If you cut the bars into 16 pieces, they are around 270 calories each. They are very filling, packed with healthy goodies and taste, oh so delicious. If you can’t finish them yourself (it makes a lot!), bring samples along to your next workout class to share the love. Your accountability group will be asking you for the recipe! These come in handy for a quick breakfast on-the-go or an afternoon snack. You’ll want to taste these out of the oven once they cool a bit... simply scrumptious.
Combine:
• 1 cup wheat flour
• 2 cups cooked quinoa, cooled
• 2 cups oats
• 2/3 cup of your choice of chopped nuts
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 2/3 cup raisins
• Optional: chocolate chips as desired
• Optional: add additional seeds or nuts on hand such as pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.
Notes: Boil quinoa at a 2:1 water to rice ratio. For estimating, 1/3 cup of uncooked quinoa yields 1 cup cooked quinoa.
Add this mixture slowly to combine:
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup peanut butter, almond butter or sunflower butter
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 banana
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes, or until when the edges get golden brown. Bake in a 9x13-inch glass dish. After they cool, slice and enjoy. Keep them covered to maintain freshness.
Quinoa BREAKFAST Bars
Frozen PEANUT BUTTER Bites
Danger ahead: this snack is amazing. It’s the easiest of the bunch and also satisfies a sweet tooth craving. This can be whipped together in just 5 minutes and makes just a small amount. Feel free to take creative liberty here with your amounts, but if you make it to this recipe, they are around 90 calories per bite.
1. Cut a banana into 8-10 small slices, around 1/2 inch each.
2. Spread 1/2 tablespoon of peanut butter (or your choice of nut butter) on each banana slice.
3. Drizzle a small amount of melted chocolate chips or caramel over each bite.
4. Freeze for 15-20 minutes and enjoy!
Pro tip: A dash of sea salt flakes on top of these can be *chef’s kiss.*
These are great to keep on hand in the freezer all weeklong. Once they set, add them to a closed container to keep the bananas from browning.
Late night snack cravings are real! When finding yourself rooting through the cabinets for a sweet fix, these protein cookie dough bites are a great way to curb temptation. This recipe yields around 20 small bites, which can be cut into small squares or rolled into dough balls. Each bite is around 105 calories. If you find the dough is a little too dry, add a dash of milk as needed.
Ingredients
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (or alternate nut or sunflower butter)
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Chocolate chips as desired
Pro tip: Use mini chocolate chips and for a dash of savory add sea salt flakes on top. Once combined, store the bites in the refrigerator in a covered container to keep them moist.
Protein COOKIE DOUGH Bites
Urgent Care in Boerne
Two Locations. Same Trusted Care.
River Road: 7 days a week 8am - 8pm Bergheim: Monday - Saturday 8am - 8pm
WE TREAT ALL YOUR URGENT CARE NEEDS ON A WALK-IN BASIS. Infections, illnesses, and injuries: UTI, strep, flu, COVID, ear pain, back pain, migraine, rash, bite/sting, dehydration, lacerations, and broken bones - FOR ALL AGES!
JANUARY 2025
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JANUARY 2ND
SINGO at Pure Country
1481 S. Main St. | 6:30 PM
Head over to Pure Country on any Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. for SINGO (get it? It’s like BINGO, but with singing). Bring your friends and win some house cash. Participants always get extended happy hour specials!
JANUARY 7TH
Boerne Farmers Market
402 E. Blanco Rd. | 4:00 PM
The Boerne Farmers Market is a hub for locally-sourced produce, artisan goods, and prepared foods, fostering a community that values sustainability and healthy living. It’s a place where local farmers, homesteaders, ranchers, and artisans from the Texas Hill Country come together, offering more than just shopping but a vibrant community event to explore and enjoy.
JANUARY 11TH
Boerne Market Days
Main Plaza | 10:00 AM
Market Days in Boerne takes place at the central Main Plaza, right in the historic heart of the town. The free market is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. Enjoy a fun day exploring the market’s booths, offering everything from unique jewelry and artwork to handcrafted goods, collectibles, and antiques.
IV THERAPY
Designed to help you detox, heal and regenerate while maximizing hydration and getting nutrients to the body with minimal waste.
Nutritional, Nad+, Ozone, Exosomes, High Dose Vitamin C With Magnesium, Herrmann 10/20 Pass Ozone, Methylene Blue
“Kimberly’s approach to health and healing is revolutionary in the world of naturopathy. She is extremely attentive to your concerns and truly cares about her patients. Her treatments allow for a much faster and more direct healing process. I have done homeopathy and naturopathy for decades and this is a faster and more comprehensive system. I have finally received answers to health issues that no doctors or specialists were able to answer. Even better, I have a treatment plan to attack the issues. I have already seen major progress in my health. My family members have also seen improvements. I highly recommend Kimberly and we are very grateful to have found her!” -Shelly
ONE ON ONE HEALTH PLANNING
Consult with Kimberly in person to support long-term health, address chronic illness and improve well-being. We focus on practical guidance for lifestyle, nutrition and choices that impact your longevity. Gain insight into your overall wellness and learn how we can work together to address chronic disease and toxicity
BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY & PEPTIDES
Ensure your body has the raw nutrients it needs to heal & repair with hormone therapy. Peptides can work to support weight management, gut health, improve immune function and everyday performance.
The atCibolo Creekside
Creekside at The Cibolo
Each week, host Brian Davenport engages with friends and special guests in conversations about how we got here, where we’re headed, and how we can learn from one another to thrive together. We believe that by exchanging cynicism for curiosity, embracing change, and making thoughtful choices that consider people, wildlife, and the spaces we inhabit, we have the power to create a better world.
BOERNE RADIO
SATURDAYS 9 AM
103.9 FM | 1500 AM also available wherever you get podcasts
CONTINUED
JANUARY 12TH
Texas Meat Co. BBQ Day at Cypress Grille
170 S. Main St. | 11:00 AM
Every Sunday is BBQ Day at Cypress Grille. If you’ve lived in Boerne for a while, you might remember that the owner of Cypress Grille also used to own a BBQ place called “Texas Meat Company.” Well, they’re still slinging BBQ once a week on Sundays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and it’s worth stopping by. You’re going to love it!
JANUARY 18TH
Boerne Bookshop: Author Meet & Greet
153 S. Main St. | 11:00 AM
Award-winning author Brock Meier will be at the independent Boerne Bookshop in downtown from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Brock’s historical fiction novel The Stone Cutter , has won numerous awards, including the Historical Fiction Company’s “Best Ancient World Book” of 2023, was a First Horizon Finalist, and the book was short-listed for the Eric Hoffer Grand Prize.
JANUARY 18TH
Amanda Pascali at Cave Without a Name
325 Kreutzberg Rd. | 7:00 PM
Enjoy a night of Music in the Cave with the angelic voice of Amanda Pascali, accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Addison Freeman , as they perform unique Immigrant American Folk music. Tickets can be purchased online for $35 or at the door for $40.
TEXAS HILL COUNTRY HUNTING & SPORTING RESORT
“We had a group of 14 people from Colorado, Arkansas, and Texas. JCR provided and catered to every single request and need. There were options and activities for the non-hunters. Everything was arranged in advance with full itineraries provided. The accommodations, food/beverage, and especially the hunts were world-class. Highly recommend and will return.”
| Conchita, Orvis.com Review
HIGH-VOLUME SHOOTING FOR DRIVEN PHEASANT AND DECOYING MALLARD DUCKS UPLAND HUNTING FOR QUAIL, PHEASANT, AND CHUKAR
FREE-RANGE AXIS DEER, WHITETAIL DEER, AND BLACKBUCK HUNTING SPORTING CLAYS, SIMULATED DRIVEN CLAYS, AND HELICE SHOOTING FLY-FISHING AND GUADALUPE RIVER FLOAT TRIPS
HANDGUN & LONG-DISTANCE RIFLE SHOOTING RANGES LUXURY LODGING, FINE DINING, AND RESORT AMENITIES & FACILITIES SCAN QR CODE BELOW FOR SPECIAL 35TH ANNIVERSARY WINGSHOOTING PACKAGE!
