Cordillera Ranch Living September/October 2014

Volume 7, Issue 5

•

September/October 2014

WOMEN RUNNING THE WORLD

PAULA MITCHELL

+

CELLAR CLUB “BEHIND THE VINES” HUNTING IN SOUTH TEXAS

TWO NEW PREFERRED BUILDERS STAR STUDENT AND MORE

c o r d i l l e raranch LI VIN G. COM

Boutique & Gifts -1349

Da

Texas • 830-331 uth Main Street • Boerne, So 2 32 • om e.c qu uti Bo isyPearl

Acacia Landscape & Design, Inc., your local Design Build Firm servicing the greater Boerne and Texas Hill Country, as well as North San Antonio.

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

www.acacialandscapeanddesign.com

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

Stop by our Outdoor Showroom today. Our associates are ready to assist you!

3 2 0 0 5 B I H - 1 0 W e s t • B o e r n e , T X 7 8 0 0 6 • Te l : 8 3 0 . 8 1 6 . 3 2 0 0 • F a x : 8 3 0 . 2 4 9 . 3 0 9 0

Anniversary Special SIGNATURE GENT STYLING SESSION - ONLY $25! (reg. $32)

C a l l t o d a y t o b o o k y o u r e x p e r i e n c e 830.443.4500

BOERNE, TEXAS • 930 E. BLANCO BOOK ONLINE: WWW.COMPLETEGENT.COM

Most of you won’t know this, but 6 days after opening GENT last September, my younger brother Morgan passed away from cancer.

As we close in on GENT’s 1st birthday, I wanted to take the month of September and not only celebrate this anniversary, but also to celebrate my brother.

We have established the Morgan Schooley Scholarship Fund in his honor, and will be sending out more info about the Fund soon. To kickstart this mission, we will be contributing $3 of every service to the Fund throughout the month of September. And, in order to really get GENT rocking this month, every Signature GENT Styling Session will only be $25! (Reg. $32).

So come in this month and help us celebrate our 1 year anniversary for GENT throughout September. And raise a toast to my brother.

Thanks for a great year,

Benjamin D. Schooley, Owner

Morgan Schooley

F E AT U R E S

30

Women running the world Ultra-marathon runner, Paula Mitchell, describes what she does and what life is like for her and her husband Kirk in Cordillera Ranch.

BY KRYSTAL MATHIS

52

COMMUNITY UPDATE BISD Superintendent Stelmazewski walks us through the improvements and progress made to Boerne schools since the bond was passed a year ago.

BY DAVID STELMAZEWSKI

60

Behind the vines Wining and dining our way through Sonoma and surrounding areas was the theme of the third annual Cordillera Ranch Cellar Club wine trip.

BY DEBBIE PEPPER

ALSO INSIDE: 16 Welcome Letter 18 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 22 Cordillera Ranch Scene 24 Golf 36 STAFF PROFILE - AMANDA PARINELLA 38 OUTDOORS 40 DEVELOPER: Expanding the preferred builder group 44 SPA 48 Star STUDENT 56 HOME TOUR 64 TEXAS WINE TRAIL 70 DRIVE 72 cordillera ranch realty

8 | september/october 2014

CORDILLERA RANCH P RE F ERRED B U ILDER

This isn’t just any construction project, this is your home and there’s a lot on the line. The guidance and discernment must be exceptional, and the details exacting. The relationships and trust must be genuine and true. At Robert S. Thornton Great Homes we form a team – starting with the client through the architect/designer, supervisors, interior designers, longstanding subcontractors and vendors. And if the team and relationships are right the process and product will be unsurpassed.

From inception through long term service we strive to please. If you’re in the market for a new home just ask around, and along with rave reviews we know that they’ll share that we are creative, honest, hardworking and trustworthy – for your sake and ours.

Thank you to each of our 70+ friends and clients of Cordillera Ranch for allowing us the opportunity to be a part of your team.

830.249.3646 • 507 E. BLANCO, BOERNE • RSTHORNTON.COM

CORDILLERA RANCH P RE F ERRED B U ILDER

Details

MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

830.980.4198 | Info@StadlerCustomHomes.com | StadlerCustomHomes.com SUPERIOR QUALITY, CUSTOM HOME CONSTRUCTION FROM $500,000

C A L L T O DAY F O R A C O M P L I M E N TA R Y P L A N O R L A N D C O N S U LTAT I O N

CORDILLERA RANCH P RE F ERRED B U ILDER

NOW A PR EFER R ED B UI LD ER I N CORD I LLERA RAN CH

Garner Custom Homes is an award-winning custom home builder in Boerne and the Texas Hill Country. Since 1998, Garner Custom Homes has been designing and building custom homes, uniquely and exquisitely.

After interviewing several high quality custom builders, my wife and I chose Garner Homes

• All of our homes are designed with the impeccable craftsmanship and commitment to customer satisfaction that the Garner Homes Team has embraced since its inception.

to build our dream retirement home. We could not be happier with our home. We consider the entire Garner team our friends. We could not recommend them more strongly.”

• We specialize in the Design/Build approach to homebuilding.

• Our expectation is to provide professional design and construction expertise in hopes of earning trust and creating a timeless, well-built home. All framing is

Mr. and Mrs. Mark and Marcia Pratt 2320 Clubs Drive

designed and inspected by our structural engineer along with our foundations.

(210 ) 4 93-1686 | W W W.G ARNER HO M ES.CO M

CORDILLERA RANCH P RE F ERRED B U ILDER

CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 15

welcome

I

If watching people exercise or listening to them talk about running and exercising tends to make you question yourself and feel lazy, prepare to feel like a sloth when you read this month’s cover feature. Paula Mitchell’s running, which grew from something she initially hated to something she can’t get enough of, has spawned world-wide friendships, international running clubs (she founded) and an insatiable appetite for more challenges. Although the stories of her countless jaw-dropping accomplishments and global competitions conquered are impressive, what’s more intriguing is that her humility leads you to believe her career highlight was finishing last in the 3k turkey trot. “It’s just running!” is her response. Read the story and you be the judge, she’s been on a fascinating adventure running the world and there’s more to come this Fall.

For those of you looking for more indulgence than inspiration in this issue, we’ve counterbalanced Paula’s story with some of the new club Spa treatments as well Debbie Pepper’s recap of the Club’s recent Signature Vacation to the Sonoma wine country. Based on the wineries they visited and the description of some of their meals, Paula probably needs to take the whole group that went on this trip out for a few jogs. If you’re looking to make some quick and easy winery stops right in our back yard, check out Chef Brad’s piece about some of the great local wineries and his recommended food pairings with these particular wines.

Lastly, I’m proud to announce that we’re expanding our Preferred Builder program to keep up with the demand in housing construction. You can read more about the two new additions and meet all of our builders at the upcoming Builder’s Fair on October 25th (more details in this issue).

Now, sit back, kick your feet up, pour a glass of wine and enjoy feeling a little lazy as you live vicariously through Paula’s exploits around the world. Don’t get too down on yourself though; it’s just running.

Sincerely,

Charlie Hill Vice President Cordillera Ranch

LIVING www.cordilleraranch.com 830.336.3570 www.facebook.com/cordillera.ranch PUBLISHERS: SMV Texas Design Group, LLC / Cordillera Ranch Development Corporation SMV TEXAS DESIGN GROUP, LLC CEO/PRESIDENT Benjamin D. Schooley ben@smvtexas.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Benjamin Weber ben.weber@smvtexas.com CORDILLERA RANCH DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION VICE PRESIDENT Charlie Hill cphill@cordilleraranch.com CONTACT: Cordillera Ranch Living Magazine 930 E. Blanco, Ste. 200, Boerne, TX 78006 210-507-5250 info@smvtexas.com Cordillera Ranch Sales 830-336-3570 info@cordilleraranch.com Clubs of Cordillera Ranch 830-336-9000 Feature article photography provided by West Vita Photography.

830-431-1157, www.westvita.com Cover photograph provided by Ben Weber, 830-285-5477, www.benweberdesign.com

Cordillera Ranch Living is published bi-monthly through a joint venture between Cordillera Ranch Development Corporation and Schooley Media Ventures, LLC. No reproduction in any form is authorized without the consent of both Cordillera Ranch Development Corporation and Schooley Media Ventures, LLC. Cordillera Ranch Living is a registered trademark of Cordillera Ranch Development Corporation. 930 E. Blanco, Ste. 200, Boerne, TX 78006. Printed in the USA. All rights reserved 2008. All rights reserved. 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, Schooley Media Ventures, LLC, or Cordillera Ranch residents. Cordillera Ranch Development Corporation and Schooley Media Ventures, LLC assumes no liability for misinformation, omissions, or errors.

16 | september/october 2014

CALENDAR : MEMBER TRADITIONS Come check out the new Ranch Menu available every day! Great new features!

Tuesday Evenings Fajitas & Rita

Wednesday Evenings CORDILLERA RANCH GOLD RUSH

Wednesday Evenings CARDIO TENNIS

$15.95 Adults and $7.95 for children under 10. 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Join us for a South Texas Favorites featuring Beef & Chicken Fajitas, Chicken Enchiladas with Salsa Verde, Beef Taco Salad, Guacamole, Queso, Rice, Beans and all the fixings. Enjoy $5 Blue Margaritas and $4 Mexican Beer.

We will 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 added for next week’s drawing if winner not present)

Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Contact Cordillera Ranch Tennis Pro Glenn at 830.336.4660 at the tennis shop or by e-mail: gbarton@cordilleraranch.com.

Thursday - Saturday Evenings CORDILLERA RANCH’S SIGNATURE DINNER MENU

Friday Evenings SIGNATURE DINING

Saturdays CARDIO TENNIS

5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Join us for dinner at the Club as we spotlight our Chef’s finest steak and seafood features, delivering an unparalleled fine dining experience.

Featuring live entertainment from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Join us for an elegant dining experience, live music and Chef’s finest features. Advance reservations strongly suggested.

Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. Contact Cordillera Ranch Tennis Pro Glenn at 830.336.4660 at the tennis shop or by e-mail: gbarton@cordilleraranch.com.

Keep up with new events at the Clubs on facebook at www.facebook.com/cordillera.ranch and on twitter at twitter.com/cordilleraranch and in weekly e-mails. If your contact info has changed, please e-mail info@cordilleraranch.com and we will update you in the system

18 | september/october 2014

E TH

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

SEPTEMBER 1 LABOR DAY

OCTOBER 16-18 C-STAR MEMBER GUEST

Club Open

We have some exciting things planned for the 9th annual C-Star Member-guest! As we continue to build member traditions, the popular format and schedule of events will remain the same this year. For those of you that played in the event last year, you know what a great tournament it has become. Each year the event has grown in popularity and it is always our goal to host a tournament that truly showcases the lifestyle and amenities that make Cordillera Ranch so special.

SEPTEMBER 2 CLUB CLOSED SEPTEMBER 19 CRUST FESTIVAL Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. $29.95++ Food only $44.95++ food plus 12 wine tastings Wine tickets can be purchased separately for $2/each Join us for a nice evening by the pool with entertainment by Johnny P and the wise guys and art vendors from Texas Treasure Fine Arts!

We will be sampling wines from four different vendor partners.

SEPTEMBER 25 PLUMPJACK/CADE WINE DINNER 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. $200 Members & Guest $160 Cellar Club Members PlumpJack Winery sits squarely in the heart of Napa Valley’s renowned Oakville region, surrounded by a 42-acre estate vineyard highly regarded for the quality of its Cabernet Sauvignon. All PlumpJack & Cade Wines are highly allocated and boast 90+ ratings. This is truly one of the “must attend” dinners for 2014.

Join us as we welcome Sandra Roberts, Director of Sales for an evening of dining excellence paring Chef Isaac’s culinary creations with 2011 PlumpJack Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 PlumpJack Chardonnay, 2012 PlumpJack Syrah, 2010 Cade Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and 2013 Cade Sauvignon Blanc.

BS U CL

EVENTS : CALENDAR The Clubs of

Cordillera Ranch www.clubsofcordilleraranch.com 830.336.9000 Visit this site for more information on:

OCTOBER 25 CORDILLERA RANCH PREFERRED BUILDER’S FAIR 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cordillera Ranch Clubhouse. Join us at the clubhouse to visit with each of the six Preferred Builders and learn about cutting edge home features and the latest building trends.

OCTOBER 25-26 LUXURY HOME MAGAZINE/ CORDILLERA RANCH OPEN HOUSE Come tour a variety of Cordillera Ranch homes available including some of our Preferred Builder’s masterpieces. Contact the Cordillera Ranch Visitor’s Center at 888-66-RANCH.

OCTOBER 31 TRUNK OR TREAT RSVP by: Wednesday October, 29 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Location: Clubhouse Parking Lot $19.95++ Adults $10.95++ Kids Join us if you dare for a night of fright!

Decorate the trunk of your vehicle with your best spooks and head on up to the club for a spooktacular evening of fun!

We will have frightfully good music as children trunk or treat and we will also award the winner of our best decorated vehicle contest among other activities. We’ll be grilling Burgers, Hot Dogs, Beer Brats complementing our grilled delectable with Blazing Saddle Beans and Tator Tots. Did I mention the Halloween Cookies and making Caramel Apples? You won’t want to miss it!

Please contact our Receptionist by email or 830.336.9000 to reserve your Trunk or Treat Parking Space as they are limited this year and are being reserved scarily fast!

Relax and Rejuvenate with The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch Spa Services. Featuring an array of services including massage therapy, facials, manicures and pedicures Tammy Stone, Nail Technician 210.833.0083 tammystone1958@yahoo.com Martha Miehe-Renard, Massage Therapist & Pilates Instructor 830.446.1140 marthamiehe@hotmail.com Karen Walton, Massage Therapist

210.363.6194 Tammera Aranda, Esthetician And Masseuse

830.336.9000 Ann-Kristin Allen, Personal Trainer

830.336.9000

CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 19

Tree Service

• Professional Trimming • Demossing • Raising Canopies • Removal • Roof lifting • Brush Chipping • Stump grinding

Fencing

• Top Rail • Field Fence • High Fence • Retaining Wall

Landclearing

• All types of Clearing and Brush Removal • Tree Preservation Clearing • Vegetation Removal • Cedar Clearing and Thinning • Right of Way Clearing • Fence Clearing • Brush Chipping

Serving all Hill Country areas (830) 370-6943 lopezclearing@yahoo.com HillCountryLandandTreeService.com

Fully Insured • Free Estimates 15 Years of Experience

Cordillera

RAN

S E N E

H

SUMMER

FUN!

Upload your own photos to www.facebook.com/cordillera.ranch for a chance to be featured in next issue’s Ranch Scene

22 | september/october 2014

E TH BS U CL CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 23

Golf

GOLF

Cordillera Ranch will be hosting the First Annual Legacy Cup Pro-Am on October 5-6. We are extremely excited to host this event as it is our very own and will give us the opportunity to showcase our great Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course and all that Club and community have to offer. Club professionals from some of the finest facilities in Texas and Oklahoma will be bringing 3 amateurs to participate in a two-day tournament. Teams will play a practice round on Sunday October 4th before competing over the next two days in a team Quota format. The field will consist of 18-22 teams and there is a professional purse as well team prizes. Participants will be staying at the Eilan Hotel in The Rim. Martin/ Fennec apparel is the title sponsor of the event and will provide a great tee-gift package and support of the tournament. It should be a special event for everyone involved.

The Ryder Cup will be taking place September 26-28 this year and there is an incredible amount of excitement around the Club this year as our very own PGA Tour player Jimmy Walker will be competing for the first time. The event takes place at Gleneagles Golf Club in Scotland and the European Team are favored to retain the Cup. Jimmy has had an incredible year with three PGA Tour victories and leads the Fed Ex Cup points race. The Ryder Cup is one of the world’s greatest sporting events and all of us are pulling for Jimmy to not only have a memorable experience but also help win back the Cup. I hope to sit down with Jimmy after the event and be able to share some of his insight on the event in an upcoming issue of Cordillera Living!

September marks the return of a busy tournament schedule here at the Club. The Men’s Match Play Championship kicks it off September 5-7 where Luke Hendry was the winner last year. Both the Men’s Senior Club Championship and Ladies Club Championship also take place this month. These events have continued to grow in popularity as they are a great way to test your skill as well as a chance to meet some different players that may not be part of your regular group. Both Gross and Net prizes are awarded. Jarratt Jones is the defending champion in the Men’s Senior and has won the event all seven times it has been played.

Isabelle Mumford won the Ladies Championship last year and will be defending her title this year.

The 9th Annual C-Star Member-Guest takes place October 16-18 this year and is the highlight event at the Club each year. The format will once again be the five 9-hole matches that allow for great camaraderie for everyone playing. Philip Turturro and his guest Kevin Sanders are the defending champions. I hope you will consider playing as there is no better way to showcase the Club and community lifestyle.

As Summer comes to a close, I look back and am very thankful for the timely rains and somewhat mild weather we had the past few months.

The golf course is in fantastic shape so please come out and enjoy our spectacular Jack Nicklaus Signature Course.

See you on the course, Marc DeWall, PGA Director of Golf, The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch mdewall@cordilleraranch.com | 830.336.4653

24 | september/october 2014

E TH BS U CL

PLAYING THE COURSE H ole #10 – 495 ya rd s P a r 4 – Ha n d i ca p # 8

Wow! What a stunning view! Those are just a couple of comments we often hear regarding the Par 4 10th hole at Cordillera Ranch. It is the #8 handicap hole on the course and is one of my very favorites on the course. The hole provides panoramic views of the entire Hill Country to the North and is one of the most natural hole settings I have ever seen. It truly looks and feels like it belongs exactly where it is!

The hole is extremely long on the card measuring 495 yards from the Bear tees and 467 from the middle Blue tees. Because the hole is downhill and down valley and the prevailing wind is out of the South, the hole normally will play much shorter.

There are two fairway bunkers, one on the right and one on the left side of the fairway that need to be avoided. The bunker on the right requires a solid tee-sheet to carry and then the fairway really opens up from there.

A typical second shot into this green will be about 150 yards or less and once again will play shorter than the yardage. The green countour is very receptive as shots that are hit to the right of the green will hit a bank and then roll onto the putting the surface. The green slopes from right to left and back to front and a back left hole location is a great challenge for every golfer to get the ball close.

A short iron into this hole and the bank on the right side of this green often give player’s the opportunity for birdie. It may not be a short birdie putt and the green is very challenging to not only get the line right but also the speed. If you leave yourself a long birdie putt on this hole you will do well do two-putt.

The tenth hole is a great hole to start the back nine and the beginning of three straight holes that have unmatched views of the Hill Country. But stay focused, you are getting ready to experience the back nine at Cordillera Ranch and some of the best golf holes you will find anywhere!

Marc DeWall, PGA Director of Golf

CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 25

GOLF

continued

Warm Up Your Swing. Don’t Swing to Warm Up. The golf swing can be physically taxing for the body. It starts from a static position during the address position to coiling and uncoiling of the hips through impact in a matter of two seconds. During the backswing the upper body turns against the lower body, while the downswing requires the lower body to move first. It starts with a transfer of weight toward the leading foot, a lateral movement toward the target and opening of the leading hip while your trailing shoulder moves down. During the follow through a golfer is required to place 90% of the weight on the leading foot, chest cavity opening to the target with the trailing shoulder a little lower than the leading shoulder while maintaining your balance. In simple terms, the movement from the address to the follow through during a golf swing is very dynamic that requires agility, stability and mobility.

Many golfers have always wondered why some days are better than others or why the golf swing feels better one day and awful the following day. The answer is in your body’s daily ability to move properly during the golf swing and it will be better on certain days. In order to be consistent it is important to warm up properly before swinging a golf club. You can warm up properly in 5 minutes. It is beneficial to perform movements before hitting practice balls to reduce the risk of injury, building a bad habit and increase the consistency of your golf swing.

These four simple “Dynamic Stretches” or “Movement Preps” can to improve the sequence in your golf swing. You can perform these movements on the practice park using a golf club and a golf cart.

Dynamic Stretches

Pelvic Tilt

Pelvic and Torso Rotation

The pelvic tilt will help you simulate the movements of your pelvis and lumbar spine during the golf swing.

Start with your hands across your shoulders in a golf stance. Using you abdominal muscles and keeping your upper body still move your pelvis backwards (Anterior tilt) and pelvis forward (posterior tilt) for 1 minute.

The pelvic and torso rotation will help you simulate the separation from the upper and lower body during the golf swing.

Stand with your hands across your shoulders in a golf stance.

First, rotate the upper body keeping your lower body still for 1 minute (torso rotation). Second, rotate the lower body keeping upper body still for 1 minute (pelvic rotation).

26 | september/october 2014

Thoracic Stretch

Assisted Squat

The thoracic stretch will help you extend your chest cavity, lats and upper back.

During the golf swing the thoracic cavity flexes forward during the address, left during the backswing, right during follow through and extends during the follow through. For 1 minute, stretch out you hands above you head and swivel your upper body around (picturing your upper body rotating around your spine).

The assisted squat is all body movement prep. This squat will warm up the muscles in the lower body along with the lower back.

First, grab a hold of a golf cart. Keeping the heels up perform a basic squat slowly for 1 minute.

Gevin Allen, PGA is the Director of Instruction and Player Development at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He is a Level 2 TPI Certified Golf Mechanics Professional and shares many clients with his wife, Ann-Kristin, who is a Level 2 TPI Certified Fitness Professional. Please contact him at gallen@cordilleraranch.com.

NEW PRODUCT OF THE MONTH PING G30 DRIVER The Ping G30 Driver features an emphasis on speed without sacrificing performance, setting this driver apart from all others. Go to this link for a short video: http://goo.gl/ mxFlpy.

To generate faster clubhead speed and ball velocity for longer drives, turbulators were engineered onto the crown of the 460cc head. Proven in wind-tunnel testing to reduce aerodynamic drag and create efficient airflow, the added speed from Turbulator Technology provides measurable distance gains for all skill levels. At address, they create a captured appearance with the ball and assist with alignment and inspiration.

The G30's center of gravity (CG) position is the lowest and farthest back of any Ping model, ensuring optimal launch conditions and an even higher moment of inertia (MOI) in both axes for extreme forgiveness and maximum energy transfer. A new highstrength, lightweight T9S titanium face is thinner and hotter to optimize face deflection for faster ball speeds and longer drives. Another source of power is the TFC 419D highbalance-point shaft. The CG is closer to the grip end, allowing for a heavier head, which increases the MOI and contributes to the extremely low CG. The result is more energy, momentum and inertia for greater distance with accuracy.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION, OR WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A G30 DEMO DRIVER FOR A “TEST DRIVE�, PLEASE CONTACT THE GOLF AND TRADING SHOP 830-336-4653.

CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 27

As a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Chet Hawkins posses the highest level of education recognized for a dentist. As a graduate of the Pankey Institute, he’s had the finest post-doctoral training in the world. “I want to establish a master plan and then develop a blueprint for my patients’ long-term care,” he explains. “We want to solve the causes of the problems before we do anything else to their teeth. Then we can rebuild or repair with confidence that the fix will last as long as possible.

We also educate our patients about other health issues related to oral disease. There is a connection between periodontal disease and heart disease that people need to know about.” Dr. Hawkins and his wife, Deby, have been residents of Boerne for 7 years and are excited to be joining the practice in Boerne.

I just went to see Dr. Hawkins yesterday for an exam and cleaning. I was promptly seen, the procedures were done painlessly and in a timely manner with the latest equipment. My necessary dental work was explained fully to me. Everyone in the office greeted me warmly and made me feel special.

- Elaine We have been going to the Hawkins Dental Office for 25 years. This office is far superior to the average dental office. Their exceptional practice is due to their sincere desire to provide the very best service to their patients. They maintain the latest technology and genuinely care about the welfare of the people who they serve.

I cannot find the words to express the high regard that my family and I hold for this dental practice.

- Gene

Master in the Academy of General Dentistry • 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

The Dental Wellness Center • 806 N. Main St. • Boerne • 830-249-7870 • www.drchethawkins.com

TR Drilling has been drilling and servicing wells since 1985. As a client you will always deal with a live person if you have questions and be provided with a 24 hour emergency service number and a rapid quote – often within 24 hours. We also offer same day quick service responses. You will only deal with the best drillers and service technicians who are all licensed professionals.

• Water Well Drilling • Domestic, Commercial & Public Supply • Well Plugging • Storage Tank Systems • Well Equipment Sales & Service • Downhole Cameras & More

phone: 830.816.3232 fax: 830.249.9993 www.trwaterwells.com trdrilling@gvtc.com 28 | september/october 2014

PROVIDING THE STRONGEST, MOST DURABLE GUTTER SYSTEM EVER MADE

F R E E E S T I M AT E S - C A L L T O DAY

No Leaves | No Holes | No Rot | Gutters For Every Need

w w w.qualityguttersystems.com

::

830.816.3322

WOMEN

RUNNING THE WORLD

By Krystal Mathis | Photography By West Vita

“It’s just running!” That’s how Paula Mitchell describes what she does. But to most people, it would seem like much, much more than that. See, Paula runs ultra-marathons. These are races that are over the 26-mile mark, sometimes well over the 100-mile mark, and often involve multiple days, overnight runs, global travel, extreme weather, and some incredibly remote, yet beautiful, places.

While competing in ultra-marathons is an unbelievable feat in and of itself, it really is “just running” when you consider Paula’s true purpose: teaching and encouraging other women to run. With running comes a feeling of confidence, self-efficacy, and empowerment that can change lives. Thanks to Paula, it has changed many lives!

Paula is used to long journeys, and her journey to being a super athlete started in Houston when she was a child. She explains, “My parents made me take piano, but I didn’t really like it. I liked doing cartwheels, and handstands, and jumping off of stuff, and climbing trees! Finally, I talked my parents into letting me take a gymnastics class. I loved it, and ended up doing it competitively. I always liked sport, but I never really liked being competitive. I hate the part when someone has to win and someone has to lose.”

“At college, I started out at UT and then graduated with my finance degree from Sam Houston. Then I went to work for a mortgage company, had a small mortgage software company for a while, and ended up going to work for British Petroleum initially as a computer-tech person. I gravitated to finance from there.

During college and then after I wasn’t really very active at all. I was just so busy

30 | september/october 2014

with life that I didn’t make time for myself.

I tried running…but I hated it!”

“I got married, had a child, and then divorced. It was tough being a single mother and trying to balance work life. It was really hard. Not the fondest of times, but my daughter and I kind of grew up together. She was young, I was young, and we both ate a lot of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. But it was a good time too; toddlers are fun and busy! And then I met my husband Kirk at BP where he was also working.”

“After we got married, we moved to Indonesia for Kirk’s job. It was definitely a different way of life! It was also in Indonesia that I rekindled my love of sport.

There’s not a whole lot else to do there.

We lived in the middle of the jungle.”

“The community where we lived did have tennis courts and even had an elevenhole golf course. Basically, this course was just wherever they can fit in a few holes in the jungle. While you’re playing golf there, orangutans would come right out of the jungle to see what you were doing.

Sometimes we couldn’t play and we had to wait for the orangutans to move. So, it definitely wasn’t golf like we play golf in Cordillera!”

“I started to pick up running in Indonesia thanks to, of all things, Cosmopolitan Magazine. We didn’t have restaurants or shops, but sometimes people would bring in magazines and books and stuff from home. We had a little bitty library, and a friend of mine found this article in Cosmo. I know, the utmost fitness magazine in the world!” she says sarcastically. “I needed to lose weight at the time and the article said you could jog for just

CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 31

7 minutes to lose weight. We tried it a few times and didn’t really stick to it, but I kept the article. Shortly after that we moved to Belgium.”

In Belgium, Paula soon met another woman from the States. They became fast friends, and wanted to start exercising together for health. “We decided that we would start up jogging for 7 minutes, and then we’d go have coffee. It was going so well, we thought maybe we could jog for 8, 9, maybe 10 minutes. We did it for a while and then we decided ‘let’s be real runners.’ We decided we’d do the Paris marathon. We trained for a few months.

Of course, we had no idea what we were doing. We just thought it would be fun.”

“We signed up for it, and we really did it!

I absolutely fell in love with it. I thought, ‘so this is what people have been talking about.’ My friend and I laughed a lot and had so much fun, and the two of us were not competitive at all with each other. We did every step together.”

“My husband Kirk and my daughter Adrian came to Paris with me. It’s great that my family is so supportive and so excited about my races. Though I do think there were a little bit like, ‘why would you want to run 26 miles?’”

So why does Paula want to run 26 miles? “I want to run marathons because of the feeling of accomplishment,” she says. “Plus there are other things that I just love about it. Even training for that first big race, you would never come home in a bad mood. I really enjoyed sort of decompressing and clearing my head.

I was happy when I was running, and I really enjoy the whole journey. There’s just something great about your own two feet taking you someplace.”

After running a marathon, next Paula wanted to tackle an even bigger feat. She decided to take on Kilimanjaro. “We went with some friends and family and we went on this 6-day trek. We summited and it was beautiful. There was absolutely no competition. The goal was just getting to the top.”

Competition is still not Paula’s driving force. For her, “it’s just about doing it. I’m really average in anything I do,” she says.

This comment seems funny from someone who accomplishes such amazing things, but Paula wasn’t kidding. “No, I’m dead serious!” the humble Paula insists.

“I can do almost anything, but I do everything sort of the middle. I don’t win and I don’t lose. But I do everything.”

Next up, Paula and family made a move to London. Paula notes, “My friend who ran in Paris with me didn’t keep running.

She accomplished what she set out to do.

She ticked that box and then didn’t feel the need to do it anymore. But I ticked

32 | september/october 2014

the box and fell in love with it!”

“In London, a few of my friends and acquaintances had heard I was a runner. It’s funny that they called me that, ‘a runner.’

I had done a marathon but didn’t even know what I was doing. So those ladies and I ran together. What I discovered is just that runners are nice. They want you to join them, they want to help you. They are nice people.”

“Around that time, a friend I had known in Belgium had moved to London also. She wanted to lose weight and she knew my story. So she said, ‘why don’t you train me and teach me how to run?’

And I did. We did a couple little 5k’s and 10k’s together. Through that process of running with her and trying to teach her I realized I really liked teaching women how to run. I found my niche. I decided to start a running group. I kind of wrangled a few runners together and decided to try to figure out how I learned to run, and write it down and create a little program.

It was to teach other people how to run, but also to make it easier for them and to make the whole experience better.”

“In 2003, a few members of the club and I decided that we would go to Prague for a marathon. I found 3 girls who had never run before. We decided that we would train and do this race.

We had a great long weekend there.

There were 8 ladies there, some quite experienced and some beginners.

Because I was training them, I ran with the beginners. We finished the race and we decided it was a good thing. We decided to keep on doing it.”

“Then we went to Bucharest in the fall of 2003 and I trained some beginner runners for that. On the side, I would still do my own races. I was doing full marathons at that time. Probably a couple a year. However, the thing I loved the most was teaching women how to run.

It’s just running! But these women would start to look different, and 6 months into a program like that, they have more confidence. They realize that they’re capable of so much more than they thought.

They’d start taking on new challenges, and they became more assertive with their language and their decision-making.

I got a thrill out of the training. The more my trainee thought she couldn’t do it, the more I was drawn to seeing her through.”

Around that time, Paula decided it was time for a change. Regular marathons were seeming less adventurous, and she preferred her training runs in nature to running races in the city. “I had really grown tired of the street racing thing.

There was a guy that I knew who was a trainer at the gym. He had just done an ultra-marathon, the Marathon Des Sables

in Africa, and he said it was the most amazing thing he had ever done in his life. By then I had gotten quite comfortable with longer runs so I decided to take it on.”

The Marathon Des Sables is not just any race. The Discovery Channel has ranked it as the “toughest footrace on earth.”

It’s over 150 miles through the scorching Sahara Desert. But Paula doesn’t back down from a challenge! She says,

“I signed up although I wasn’t really sure at first, but my friend at the gym told me that I could do it. I definitely didn’t know what I was getting in to, but I had a year to train. It was at that point that I started then getting a little more organized about my plan.”

Paula began her training with a friend, but that friend had to drop out half-way through the training. It was tough for Paula, who loves running with friends.

She says, “I really thought about if I could take on this challenge myself. But I happened to look at this little inspirational card I had. It said ‘never let fear control your fate.’ I looked at it, thinking, why would I back out of this race just because I’m terrified of it?”

You run with a map in your hand. You run, you find your way, and when you finish that day, you make your food, and you sleep, and you do it all over again the next day.”

“Day 4 of the race was the long day which everyone sort of dreads and wants to get through. You run into the night. I was running on a big sand dune in the dark, and one foot fell into a deep hole I didn’t see. I didn’t fall or

then I went back to London, waited a couple days, and finally saw a chiropractor. Eventually the pain was so bad that I saw an orthopedic surgeon. Turns out, my leg was broken and I didn’t know it! So I had months of being immobilized.”

Far from being discouraged, Paula reflected on her time in the race with fondness. “Despite everything, that race was amazing. I found what I loved. It had been the biggest adventure. I met these

“So I went and it was awful,” she says with a laugh. “It really was so hard but I loved every minute of it. Our hottest day was 123 degrees. You carry everything on your back: your sports drinks, gels, whatever you’re going to eat, your clothes. Most days are about 25 miles.

anything, but it just sent my leg up into my hip and it was rattling. It was such a shocking pain sensation. Everything was hurting, but I kept running.”

“The last two days of that race you have a marathon and a half-marathon. I finished it and felt so accomplished! But

incredible people. Only a few are trying to win; the rest of us help each other. If someone is in a bad way, you visit with them and share your food with them. I knew I loved it and I knew I was going to keep doing them.”

CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 33

34 | september/october 2014

“After my leg healed, I went back to the running group in London. By then it was big, probably 60 ladies. It was very rewarding to start this group and see it grow and see so many women touched by it. I was still training others and starting to tweak that beginner program. About that time, I set up a website for the running group. It still exists! We named the group Women Running the World. It’s a play on words, but it also makes sense.

We were doing so much traveling. We went to Cyprus, Portugal, Sweden, Jordan, Turkey, the list goes on! So we kept doing that, and the group was growing, and I was doing these ultra-marathons on the side.”

“The next one I did was the Trans-Alpine.

It’s an 8-day race across 4 countries in Europe. You go through Austria, Switzerland, and finish in Italy. On that race, I took a girl with me who had come through my beginner program in London and who had become quite a runner. It was amazing to see her do that. When we started, she had been jogging for 60 seconds and running for 2 minutes.”

“In 2009 we did the Trans-Rockies race from Beaver Creek to Aspen, Colorado. I was doing these “stage races” like once a year. Then I would find 2 and 3 day races in the UK and sometimes I’d do it by myself, and sometimes someone would come with me and they would do it with me. So those were a good way to sort of could teach people in the group how to do this without it being such a serious commitment. I still loved the shorter races.”

Paula kept racking up the ultra-marathons and marathons, completing the Comrades Marathon in South Africa, the Himalayan Challenge in Nepal and India, and most recently the Grand to Grand at the Grand Canyon. With so many global races, it raises the question of what makes running so universal?

Why does it appeal to so many people?

Paula says it’s because, “It’s so easy.

There are no excuses. All you need is a pair of shoes and you don’t even need a pair of shoes! We were born to run. It’s a natural thing for all of us.”

In London, Women Running the World was growing by leaps and bounds. It seemed everyone wanted to be trained

by Paula! “I would go out and run all day to train because I was training so many different groups. By the time I left London it was 165 ladies on the list. The more you run with these ladies, the more and better you know them and the better you can coach them. By then I had turned into a full-fledged coach. I was educated, and experienced, and I loved encouraging women and getting them to run.

As they accomplished more and more they learned to be determined, and be inspired, and be empowered.”

Paula found her true calling helping other women accomplish their goals, but she learned a few others things along the way, too. “I’d say the biggest thing I’ve learned from the races is to be flexible.

Often I don’t have a language in common with other people at these races. It can be very uncomfortable to be in a race where instructions aren’t in English. So I just kind of go with the flow, and know that it’s going to be okay. You have to put your trust back in humanity. People are nice. Somebody will help you if you’re in trouble, just as you would help someone.”

Next up on the Paula’s list is the Atacama Challenge, a 150-mile stage race in Chile’s Atacama Desert, which is also the driest place on earth. It’s even more arid than California’s Death Valley. Fifty times more arid, as a matter of fact. The race is in October, but Paula is training right now.

“I like the idea of figuring out how can I not only survive, but how can I make myself comfortable. I like to figure out new races. It’s going to be 104 during the day, and at night it’s going to be close to freezing. How can you be warm at night and how do you train for running in what is basically a moonscape? You’re only going to be going up rock and sand. Just rock or sand. What food can I bring that I think I would like to eat. It’s like a puzzle, and I love thinking about how can I do it, how can I train so that I’ll be ready, and safe, and smart about it, but still enjoy it. Then I also know that I’ll get to see all these friends that I’ve made through these races, and I’ll get to meet new people, too!”

The trek from Texas to Indonesia, to Belgium, to London, and back again hasn’t been simple. Paula says, “We’d been gone for a long time, and we both decided we wanted a place to come back to. The Hill Country was a great fit because we love the scenery and my parents live in Houston not too far away.

We started looking in Austin and eventually found Cordillera Ranch when property was first available and it was a great fit.”

Kirk adds, “Even when we started looking over a decade ago, Austin was just getting too crowded and crazy. We wanted someplace quieter.”

Paula explains, “When it was time to move back home, we were still in London and we knew it was going to take a couple years to build our dream home.

Building a house from London sounds like a really awful proposition, but it worked out great because of Robert Thornton and his team with Great Homes. He

would send us pictures and if something really needed my approval he agreed to wait to move forward until I came back.”

While waiting for the house to be completed, Paula and Kirk rented an apartment in Boerne for their trips home. Even then, they visited Cordillera often for the amenities and friendships. “I started playing with the ladies golf group, and they were all so friendly. Amazingly, one of the first weeks I played with them I had a hole-in-one and everyone was so encouraging.” Kirk ads, “When you compare Texas to Europe, and it strikes me again and again, Texas is so friendly. In London no one speaks to you.”

While Paula definitely loves the golf, even recently scoring a rare ace on the course, she can’t decide what her favorite part of Cordillera living is. “They have a great golf system, with a golf pro, and the pro shop. It’s great how they manage things, and they really teach you the game. But I love everything about Cordillera! One thing that particularly strikes me as interesting is that very few people are from here. In one sense that’s a good thing for making friends. It’s fun to hear their life stories, and hear what they’ve been doing with their lives, and how they chose to be here.”

“It’s also been great and different to be in a house that we own. When we were overseas, they were rentals, so if you hung a picture you paid for the hole in the wall. But this is really, really ours.

We can start putting in a taproot here.

My daughter lives in San Antonio now.”

Kirk adds, “With us being so international, the odds of the three of us even being in the same city were remote. But now we get to see her every week one way or the other.”

In addition to training for the race in Chile, Paula has been working on getting some friends here in Cordillera to join her for other races. “One girl I met through golf, and one of them was working out really hard at the gym so I just introduced myself and convinced her to join me. So we’re planning to do some races.”

Paula doesn’t think she will start a running group like she did in London all over again, but you never know. “There are some ladies out here that I’ve been twisting their arms, and some of them are going to do the half-marathon in San Antonio and are even doing a race in Las Vegas with me. So, I don’t know. We will see what happens,” Paula says with a grin.

Someday soon, you might even see groups from Cordillera Ranch competing in races worldwide. It would come as no surprise, since everyone already knows Cordillera women really do run the world!

CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 35

STAFF PROFILE

AMANDA PARINELLA 830.336.9000 Private Events Coordinator

HOMETOWN Austin, Texas FAMILY Dad, Mark, Mom, Mary Helen and Brother, Nick who plays college football at Rhodes College in Memphis EDUCATION I majored in Restaurant, Hotel, Institutional Management (RHIM) at Texas Tech University, and just graduated in May 2014.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO YOUR FIELD? I have always been interested in planning events and the hospitality industry, and all throughout high school and college I worked in the field, so specified my major in event coordinating

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH CORDILLERA RANCH? I interned summer 2013 and started full-time June 2014.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ASPECT OF WORKING IN THE HILL COUNTRY? The atmosphere and how peaceful it is out here. You can’t get a better view of the Hill Country sunset anywhere else!

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES/INTERESTS? Music, playing sports, movies, girls nights out, and spending time with my family and friends WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPORT? To watch: football… Wreck ‘Em Tech!

To play: soccer and swimming FAVORITE SPORTING EVENT YOU’VE ATTENDED? Texas Tech vs. University of Missouri Football game in 2011. Mizzou was ranked #12 and Texas Tech was predicted to lose and we came out with the win and final score of 24-17. Everyone rushed the field and we had a stadium “RAIDER POWER” going!

FAVORITE QUOTE? “Never let the fear of striking out keep from playing the game”

FAVORITE TYPE OF EVENTS? I love all kinds, ranging from weddings to birthday parties to any kind of celebration!

36 | september/october 2014

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR BUSINESS? Learning to handle having a lot on my plate at once and making sure I get everything done on time.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST REWARDING EXPERIENCE IN YOUR BUSINESS? The outcome of an event, and feeling accomplished knowing the members had a great time and the event was successful for them.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ASPECT OR FEATURE AT CORDILLERA RANCH? The employees as well as members, everyone is always so friendly!

OUTDOORS

by Shane Reynolds, Outdoor Recreation Director The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch Spending time with family and friends during hunting season is a tradition in Texas that many people enjoy. One of the services that we like to provide to our members at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch is helping to set up that special hunt for members, their family and guest.

We have put together a list of recommended hunting destinations. One thing you will find in common with all of the suggested venues is they put a priority into customer service, they all have strict wildlife management programs and they subscribe to the philosophy of “fair chase” hunting. None of these ranches or outfitters provide “canned hunts.” Texas has a long history of hunting and it can be argued that Texas is the birthplace of modern wildlife management and conservation. Texans can be proud in the fact that our state has long been a visionary with farming and ranching techniques and throughout the past 100 years Texans have managed the land to be productive while conserving and nurturing vital habitat for wild game. Abundant wild game is almost taken for granted in modern-day Texas, but there was a time when the bounty of Texas wildlife was at serious risk. Throughout the 19th century, wild game was abundant in South Texas, but by 1910, deer and wild turkey populations were almost completely eliminated. Thanks to pioneers of game management like Caesar and Alice King Kleberg, who were instrumental in developing the first policies of wildlife management in Texas, future generations of hunters will benefit from ample quarry throughout the state. All of the hunting destinations we suggest offer pristine wildlife habitat. These ranches offer unprecedented opportunities for the discriminating sportsman who wish to harvest game in a wild, lowfenced, free-ranging and natural environment. Preservation of natural habitat and fair chase are the linchpins of these venues.

Herradura Ranch is owned and operated by Cordillera Ranch member Josh Beckett. Herradura Ranch is located in the golden triangle of Texas; the heart of big trophy whitetail hunting country and some of the finest whitetail deer hunting in the country.

Joshua Creek Ranch is a short drive from Cordillera Ranch in Waring. Joshua Creek Ranch occupies a uniquely diverse terrain including miles of Joshua Creek and Guadalupe River bottomland planted in fields of grain crops for prime pheasant hunting habitat; bordered by limestone bluffs that rise to oak and elm studded pastures lush with prairie grasses providing perfect quail hunting cover; and densely wooded areas conducive to Texas deer hunting, both Whitetail and Axis. Joshua Creek Ranch offers some outstanding cuisine and up-scale lodging accommodations.

For assistance in planning a hunt at any of these destinations, please contact Shane Reynolds at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch at 210.616.6051 outfitter@cordilleraranch.com.

38 | september/october 2014

E TH BS U CL

Joshua Creek Ranch

Waring, Texas (upland birds, axis deer, whitetail deer and turkey)

Herradura Ranch

Cotulla, Texas (whitetail deer, axis deer, turkey, upland birds, quail, dove, javelin, coyote and bobcat)

King Ranch

Kingsville, Texas (whitetail deer, turkey, javelina, wild hog and nilgai)

Double Dime Ranch

Carrizo Springs, Texas (whitetail deer, turkey, dove, quail, hogs and varmints)

Nooner Ranch

Hondo, Texas (whitetail deer and dove)

Coastal Waterfowl

Seadrift, Texas (duck, teal, geese and fishing)

Palomo Pachanga

Hondo, Texas (dove and quail)

CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 39

DEVELOPER

Expanding the Cordillera Ranch Preferred Builder Group

By Charlie Hill

As we’ve reported in recent issues of Cordillera Ranch Living Magazine, home construction in the Ranch is booming. With 44 homes currently under construction and another 33 in architectural design review in Cordillera, our builders have been busy keeping up with the demand. In light of this activity and new lot releases this year and next, we’re expanding our Preferred Builder program to include two new distinguished builders: Partners in Building and Garner Custom Homes. Both builders add to the exceptional and tenured group of Preferred Builders that includes Burdick and Christofilis Homes, Authentic Custom Homes, Great Homes by Robert Thornton and Stadler Custom Homes.

Cordillera Ranch Preferred Builders have built approximately half of the 650 homes in Cordillera Ranch over the 15+ years they have been in the program. “Expansions in multiple new areas of Cordillera Ranch, including the Springs, Bears Ridge and new Golf Frontage estate lots, has necessitated broadening our group to the 6-builder count we had at the height of the market in the mid-2000’s. It’s great to have this construction activity nearing those busy years,” noted Barry Denton, Director of Real Estate Sales at Cordillera Ranch.

We are proud of the longevity and success our builders have had in Cordillera Ranch and when we began considering expanding the program again, we spent months of due diligence exploring numerous quality builders in the region. There are many quality custom builders; however, we were looking for the perfect fit to meet the Cordillera client’s distinct needs. After careful and thorough planning we’re confident that Partners in Building and Garner Custom Homes will be great complements to the existing Preferred Builder group.

40 | september/october 2014

PARTNERS IN BUILDING Partners in Building is one of the largest custom builders in the Houston and Austin markets, having grown from just a few homes in the mid-1980’s to over 200 homes built in 2013. However, throughout their years of growth they’ve maintained the personal touch of a small custom builder. As we began discussions with Partners in Building about joining Cordillera Ranch, it was impressive how many prospects that visited Cordillera from Houston or Austin that mentioned a great past experience with Partners. There was a consistent reaction from past clients and other real estate industry contacts: these guys have an exceptional reputation of building a very quality home and

leaving very satisfied clients in their wake.

They’ve leveraged the buying power and market knowledge you get with scale while maintaining the personal relationship you get from a small local builder, which is rare.

Partners has excelled in delivering exceptional custom homes in the $600k to $1.2MM price points in some of the nicest Houston and Austin neighborhoods; their extensive list of awards illustrates the market recognition they’ve garnered as a diversified custom builder. For that reason, they are not only an excellent fit to be a part of the Preferred Builders, but will also be one of the two exclusive builders in the enclave of ¾-acre to 1-acre home sites in the Springs of Cordillera Ranch.

The Springs will begin construction in the 4th quarter of 2014 and deliver lots in the 1st half of 2015 with homes available in Summer 2015. “We’ve built every style of home imaginable – Hill Country Modern to Classic Mediterranean – and the ability to accommodate whatever our buyers envision is a great part of our success in Houston and Austin. It will be important to our success in the San Antonio area as well,” said Shannon Nelson, Area President for Partners in Building. “That’s why we are excited to be a Preferred Builder in an acclaimed master-planned community like Cordillera Ranch, with its unmatched array of amenities and many years of growth ahead.”

CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 41

GARNER CUSTOM HOMES Trey Garner founded Garner Custom Homes in 1998 and has built over 150 custom homes throughout San Antonio, Austin, Boerne and other Hill Country areas. Although Garner has built some homes in Cordillera in the past (eight completed with another five under way), he’s a new addition to the group of Preferred Builders and will also be building in the Springs of Cordillera Ranch along with Partners in Building. “Cordillera is regarded as a one of the most premier communities in the entire state and we’re thrilled to become part of the Cordillera Ranch Preferred Builder program,” says Trey Garner.

Garner got into the custom building business like many other builders: starting small with a few homes at a time (in the Austin area) relying on past homebuilding job experience and a degree from the respected Texas A&M Construction Science program. After successfully growing the company in the early 2000’s and expanding to the Stone Oak area of San Antonio, Garner dedicated himself to enhancing his systems, communications platform,

42 | september/october 2014

and overall project management. “We found that proper client communication and organization is critical to making the customer happy. It’s not just about the end-game of delivering a high-quality custom home, it’s the entire design to building process and the owner’s experience throughout it. For many people this is their one and only custom home to build in their lifetime and it needs to be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience,” adds Garner.

The web-based communication platform that Garner instituted makes the build process much smoother and particularly easier for owners that are building but don’t live in the area. “We utilize several tools to fully educate and enable our homeowners to make informed decisions as well as keep them updated on the project. It allows us to be in constant communication with the owner in a central spot where we can post progress updates, photos, budget updates and much more anytime from anywhere. It’s extremely simple to use and allows all the selections to be made right there in the system and the owner, builder, project

manager and accounting team can all be on the same page about every step of the process,” Garner says. “I like to educate our clients on the process and our philosophies, but the thrill comes when we reach the point where the project design, the details and the personalities all start to harmonize. That is the stage in the process when truly custom homes are created.”

Partners in Building and Garner build custom homes ranging from the $600’s to the $1.5MM+. Both are working on plans to start a new spec home in Clubs Village followed by homes in the Springs of Cordillera. Come meet the entire group of Preferred Builders, including Partners in Building and Garner Homes, at our Builder’s Fair on October 25th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cordillera Ranch Clubhouse. Contact the Cordillera Ranch Visitor Center at 888.66.RANCH for more info on the Builder’s Fair. To learn more about Garner Homes visit www.garnerhomes.com and for Partners in Building visit www.partnersinbuilding.com.

Make Your Mark .

210.332.8628 • shill@cordilleraranch.com

SPA

TREAT YOURSELF TO A DAY OF

pampering

by Shane Reynolds

44 | september/october 2014

Many of us have so many responsibilities in life that we forget to take care of ourselves. And while it’s hard to prioritize something like taking a bath when you have so many other priorities in life, selfcare is an important aspect of stress management. A massage, soak in the tub or other forms of pampering revitalize you inside and out. And taking time out to treat your body like the temple it is has great benefits. De-stress and recharge your batteries with a little pampering. Pampering yourself and enjoying some “me time” are essential for your mental health and happiness. Surprise a friend or treat a coworker! Come experience our relaxing and rejuvenating spa offerings and healthful beauty treatments that will leave you and your skin refreshed and renewed.

Step into relaxation at The Spa at Cordillera Ranch. The Spa is a tranquil hideaway to relax and be pampered for an hour or two. The Spa specializes in traditional and custom treatments to energize and refresh your body and spirit.

E TH BS U CL

Organic products are used in all treatments. The Spa is the perfect solution for a mom's day out, girls' weekend, bachelorette or bridal party, or a massage after a long day of tennis or golf.

“Be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars. In the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.” ~Max Ehrmann Meet Tammera Aranda Tammera has worked in the Spa industry for over twenty years and offers the best skin care treatments members and their guest at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. Her broad professional experience includes massage therapy and vocational nursing in addition to her Bachelor's degree in psychology. As an esthetician, Tammera has found her true passion in skin care. Tammera strives to customize each skin treatment to the unique needs of every one of her clients. Tammera appreciates the opportunity to be a part

of a team of Spa professionals at Cordillera Ranch who bring their greatest to promote wellness and a healthy life style and to help members and their guest feel their best. Tammera offers a wide range of facial treatments, masks, peels and waxing services that exfoliate, moisturize and revitalize the skin.

Like many entrepreneurs, Tammera started her own business, in part, because she wanted to be able to set her own goals and work her own philosophies into her career. She launched her esthetician career and has been grateful for the flexibility it has given her over her own life, schedule and priorities.

Tammera knows that when everyone knows everyone else, people are quick to help out one another. They’re also apt to talk, so providing excellent customer service and quality products and spa services is important. This motivates her to keep working hard at what she does. “When customers are happy with your service,” she says, “they tell their friends.”

Calming. Relaxing. Professional.

The Spa at Cordillera Ranch is the perfect place to go and let your stress melt away. You’ll leave feeling rejuvenated after indulging in a relaxing massage or a luxurious spa treatment.

Pamper yourself and brighten your day with a professional manicure or facial. The Spa professionals at Cordillera Ranch pride themselves on keeping up with the latest trends and technologies and providing high-quality services and products. Members and guest will also find a variety of retail beauty and spa products from The Body Deli.

CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 45

Hello, neighbor!

Ginny Thompson, Agent 217 East Bandera Road Boerne, TX 78006 Bus: 830-249-9505 ginny.thompson.b4ae@statefarm.com

1001013.1

46 | september/october 2014

Please stop by and say, “Hi!” I’m looking forward to serving your needs for insurance and financial services.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

CALL ME TODAY. ®

State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL

16 La Buena Vida Aransas Pass / Rockport

Resort style magnificence on the Gulf Coast showcases transitional modern interior & Spanish Riviera architecture. Builder’s personal home with the finest finishes in gated La Buena Vida. This spacious masterpiece showcases endless views with mesquite and travertine floors that lead to large verandas overlooking a multi-level infinity pool with swim up bar. This waterfront estate, featuring a private boat dock, is just minutes from the airport. Price upon request.

Debra Janes Luxury Realtor®

Professionalism… Above All | Integrity… In Everything | Client Services… My Priority

Debra@debrajanes.com | 210.573.4040 | DebraJanes.com

STAR STUDENT

Hannah Rose Tong Age: 13 Born: September 2000 in Aurora, Colorado and moved to Boerne in 2003.

School: Geneva School of Boerne – 8th Grade Church Affiliation – St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church Favorite volunteer activities: Helping at Hill Country Daily Bread with my Geneva class and assisting with Catechesis of the Good Shepherds Faith Formation at my church.

Interests and Activities: International Travel: Countries that I have visited: Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Amsterdam, Belgium, Sicily, Crete, Greece, Turkey, Canada, Belize, Honduras, and the Cayman Islands. Looking forward to the 2016 World Youth Day in Krakow Poland with Pope Francis and am hoping to have an opportunity to travel on mission trips in the future. Also enjoy, snow skiing, swimming, volleyball, golf and Texas A&M football.

Awards and Accolades Member of the National Junior Honor Society.

Volleyball: Played on the 7th grade Geneva volleyball team and looking forward to tryouts for the 8th grade team in Fall 2014.

Golf: Introduced to golf by mom and dad at age of 6. In those days, Joey, Mark and Gevin headed up the camps at Cordillera. My interest in golf continued and I played on the 7th grade Geneva Golf Team last year. I love golf more and more each time I am able to play. I enjoy practice and lessons with Gevin when I

48 | september/october 2014

can. He’s an awesome teacher and friend and helps me improve my game. My favorite club in the bag is my Driver.

Future Hope to attend Texas A&M after graduation from Geneva. Still not sure about my major but looking at careers that involve international travel.

Favorite Cordillera Memories Beyond all the memories of adventure camp, golf camp, kayaking and learning about shot

guns and shooting sporting clays, the best memory is taking my dad to the pool up at the club to watch the most beautiful sunset shortly before he passed away. For the wake, many of our Cordillera neighbors (it seemed like hundreds) came to the house set up big white tents and brought tons of food to celebrate his life. We even had an Aggie flag that one of my dad’s friends in Cordillera had requested from A&M flying high. It was amazing.

Rehabilitate in Boerne, One Step Closer to Home Cibolo Creek provides accommodations in the heart of Boerne,

with individualized therapy programs that enable one to return home quickly. By receiving rehabilitation services close to home, family and friends are able to visit often and with ease.

Cibolo Creek stands apart by:

• Being the most contemporary rehabilitation facility in Boerne • Providing physical, occupational, speech, and vital stim therapy in a modern and innovative setting under the guidance of highly trained and experienced therapists • Offering both inpatient and outpatient therapy services to improve one’s overall strength and mobility • Facilitating admissions 24/7

1440 River Road • Boerne, Texas 78006 • 830.816.5095

C ibolo C reek H ealtH . org

CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 49

210.623.0505

www.pristinepoolstexas.com

830.537.3410

www.sterlinghometech.com

COMMUNITY

By David Stelmazewski, Boerne ISD Superintendent

A year ago this month, citizens in the Boerne Independent School District voted overwhelmingly in support of a $99.5 million bond package to benefit our students. It was a pivotal point in the life of our district.

In the 12 months since that important election, much has been accomplished.

Recall that the bond focused on four major areas of need: accommodating enrollment growth, addressing aging facilities, improving classroom technology, and strengthening campus security.

Faculty, staff and partnering contractors have made tremendous strides in each of those areas in the course of the past year.

Shortly after the bond passed last May, construction crews were at work reconfiguring our school entrances, providing added security measures to help assure the safety of our students and staff. In fact, our approach to enhanced security entrances became something of a model for other school districts in the San Antonio area.

52 | september/october 2014

At the same time, work began in earnest on technology upgrades that would place new computers in classrooms and build out infrastructure on campuses to strengthen wireless Internet connections.

Our technology team initiated distribution of mobile devices that enhance student access to educational tools and research information on the Internet. Our goal is to have one device for every three students at the secondary level, one device for every five students at the elementary level.

While this activity was taking place, our facilities team was busy developing requests for proposals from architects and contractors. We believe we engaged the best of the best, bringing onto the team Pfluger/OCO and SHW Group architects and general contractor Bartlett Cocke. It was not long before schematic designs were being developed and reviewed, bids were being received and approved, and construction work was underway.

To date, the most visible construction work is taking place on the Middle School

North campus, where new classrooms and a CTE shop are moving toward completion and an expansion of auxiliary gymnasium facilities is progressing rapidly. As soon as classes conclude in June, additional work will begin on the North campus, replacing the old competition gym with a new facility and preparing the school to welcome sixth grade in 2015.

Indeed, this summer will be a busy time on several campuses as bond-related projects move into full gear. Boerne High School, Boerne Middle School South and Curington Elementary School are all scheduled for major construction upgrades to add capacity, build out programs, and provide important enhancements to aging facilities.

Work will conclude on additions to our

transportation/warehouse facility and we will air condition our elementary school gyms, as well.

The recent announcement of the district’s purchase of a 19-acre site for the new Fabra Elementary campus is truly the crowning touch on what has been a busy and successful year. I am so excited at the thought of a new school opening at the corner of Johns Road and Lattimore in 2016! Like the campus before it, this new campus will serve generations of families in our community.

Someday years from now, when folks are attending class performances and PTO meetings and myriad other events long after the “new” has worn off the

new Fabra facility, the thoughtful among them will reflect on the foresight of others long past who funded, planned and built their school. I often do the same thing when I stop and consider the current Fabra campus.

For those folks and all others who will benefit from the enhancements taking place across the district today, we can point back to a Saturday in May 2013, the day voters resoundingly reaffirmed the importance of education to our community.

Recent news of continued, accelerated growth in our district means that we will be back in front of voters in the future with a request to support additional facilities. I am very aware that how we

BOERNE ISD CONSTRU 1 Air conditioning for all elementary school gyms will be operational by August 18 (Cibolo Creek, Curington, Fabra, Fair Oaks Ranch, Kendall).

2 Excavation work at Middle School South is moving toward completion and the ground work on the student courtyard is expected to be complete by August 25.

3 Projects at Middle School North are in very good shape. Furnishing and fixtures will be moved into the new Career & Technical Education space (shop) by August 11. Demolition on the old gym is complete.

Preparations being made for foundation of

execute the projects tied to the current bond will impact how voters respond to the inevitable next request.

I hope you will agree that we are on the right track, pursuing the projects we said we were going to pursue and doing so on time and on budget to this point.

We want you to be informed; notes from our oversight committee meetings and other bond-related information is posted at www.boerne-isd.net/2013bond. Thank you for your support.

Boerne ISD superintendent David Stelmazewski is an education leader who has served for more than 30 years as teacher, coach and administrator in Texas public schools.

UPDATES: T C E J RO P CTION

new gym. Classroom, band hall and library renovations are nearing completion.

4 At Curington Elementary, new asphalt for entry drive is being poured. The school will be ready for students to return on August 25. Work on the interior is basically complete; clean-up phase currently underway. There is more substantial construction to come; the expansion of the cafeteria and the administrative wing/ entrance.

5 At Boerne High School, work is underway on the band hall and culinary arts expansions, as well as the CTE shop.

Utilities are being placed for the football field locker room facility and the baseball/ softball concession building.

6 Earlier this month, the district closed on the 19.6-acre property which will be the site of the new Fabra Elementary campus. Bond project manager Jim Martin anticipates being able to present to the board on August 18 a bid for site cleaning, which would include such things as removing existing buildings on the site, removing dead trees, and closing any wells and septic tanks. Jim anticipates presenting schematic design to the board in October.

CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 53

TICKETS GO ON SALE OCTOBER 10TH The Cordillera Ranch Shindig is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to benefiting the people of Kendall County, Texas.

We are well underway in raising support for the 2015 “Denim & Derby� Shindig to be held Saturday, May 2, at the Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. This event will benefit the Bergheim Volunteer Fire Department which serves 51 square miles of eastern Kendall County, 11 subdivisions and more than 2,200 addresses.

Join us for a fabulous evening with delicious food and great entertainment!

A special thank you to our 2015 sponsors:

WE MAKE LIFE A LITTLE SIMPLER. Li g ht i n g C o nt r o l | Au d i o | Ne t w o r k i n g | Me d i a R o o m s Call today to see what Branson Design Group can do for your home.

HOME TOUR

56 | september/october 2014

INCREDIBLE

Beauty

By Ray Stadler

Rusty and Karen Olsen chose to move to Cordillera Ranch for it’s incredible beauty, for it’s very interactive social experience, and to get away from the city.

They had experienced the social atmosphere of Cordillera Ranch and all that The Club has to offer and knew it was the right place for their family. They were on a quest to find a great lot that backed up to the golf course but also had the things everyone else wants in a lot, Good sun exposure, nice view, prevailing breeze, relatively flat land, and of course beautiful trees. They found the perfect lot with Cordillera’s great sales team’s assistance and enlisted Stadler Custom Homes to help their dream become a reality. Rusty and Karen went right to work describing to Ray Stadler and Gustavo Arredondo, of A-Design, what the vision was for their family and enlisted Ray and Gustavo’s help to expand the possibilities on their lot. Ray and Gustavo spent a lot of time helping the Olsens design the important elements into their home while helping them to work around the very nice trees on the lot and take advantage of the beautiful view of the 6 fairway and pond.

Being on the golf course can sometimes create the challenge of having the right amount of privacy in your home and on your patios so a lot of attention was paid to the orientation of the rooms and patios so as to maximize the view and enjoyment of the trees and golf course but at the same time place key elements, such as outdoor kitchen, to provide needed privacy from the areas most open to golfers. A great deal of care was taken, in the design phase, to make sure the trees were in the right places to accent the home and play a key role in the overall

experience the Olsens and their guests would have as they approached the home and as the enjoyed the back yard courtyard area.

There were many elements to consider in the design phase, in addition to what the land and mother nature had offered.

Rusty wanted a nice gameroom that was open to the view of the course, convenient to the main living area and the outdoor entertainment areas and pool.

We were able to tuck this in nicely at the rear of the home so it created privacy and convenience. Rusty and Karen wanted the gameroom to be on the main level so they would use it more and it would become a bigger part of their family and guest interaction and entertainment.

Along with the gameroom, the kitchen and family room needed to once again take advantage of the view and be very open and inviting for the family and their guests. The kitchen, family, and breakfast all open up to the beautiful view of the course but also interact nicely with the courtyard area that is created with the stand of beautiful oaks ,the wrap around design of the home, and the really amazing two level pool built by Scott Champlin with Premier Custom Pools. The kitchen, family, and breakfast all have very attractive ceiling treatments that cozy up their spaces. Karen worked closely with Class Covers and Colors to appoint the beautiful ceilings and design elements with tastefull accents, textures, and colors. The Olsens wanted the rooms to have some “pop” in the ceilings but not be overbearing. Karen and Catherine, at CCC, did a great job of capturing that comfortable elegant look that catches your eye when you enter the rooms.

CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 57

From the beginning Stadler and the Olsens knew the pool design had to play in important roll in the landscape but also be very functional for how they would use it. It turned out beautiful in so many ways and from so many view points, with the negative edge dropping down into the swimming lane. They wanted a nice place to play and get wet but it was also very important for Karen to have a swimming lane as she likes to swim laps every day.

The pool is a very important element in the overall appeal of this great backyard and is very functional for the families daily needs as well.

The Olsens, Stadler, Acacia Landscapoing, Premier Custom Pools, and Gustavo worked hard in the backyard to maintain the views from all points without cluttering the view with a lot of railings on the main porch. The olsens wanted to have

58 | september/october 2014

the patio at house level but also have it interact well with the backyard. With the help of Acacia and Premier we were able to create terracing and planters so that most railings could be eliminated,while visually having something very pleasing to look at in all the terracing. An external fireplace was also a key element the Olsens wanted in their backyard but early on we decided to wait until mid-construction to actually place the fireplace and now it has a great location that does not impede the views and is very functional with all the surrounding features of the backyard.

The master suite area turned amazing from the inside out. The Patio has incredible views of the putting green, pool , back courtyard area, the main living areas of the house and of course the 6th fairway, pond, and green. Inside the main master bedroom the Olsens wanted a unique ceiling

treatment. We put a beautifully unique spin on a groin vault ceiling to come up with a ceiling we had not done before. The master bath area is stunning. The interior walls were kept below ceiling level that gives the bathroom a very open and light feel. The selections Karen and Rusty made for their bath really bring life to the space and give it tons of personality Ray Stadler said, “The Olsens were a pleasure to work with. They had great ideas themselves and were true team players. They listened to the advice given by the many professionals involved and were very patience in the process. Everyone knows that custom building can have stress associated with it and Rusty and Karen were great to work with as issues came up that needed to be solved. Their home turned out very nice and we are happy to have them as friends.�

great entertaining area with big view over pool, patios, putting green, and golf course

SPECS

Square footages Living Space 7453 sq. ft.

Patios 940 sq. ft.

4 bedrooms 4 car garage Large exercise Upstairs lounge 4 full and 2 ½ baths Outdoor living and kitchen with fireplace

Ray Stadler - Stadler Custom Homes 830.980.4198 • www.stadlercustomhomes.com

CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 59

Cellar Club

Vines

BEHIND THE

Wine and dining through Sonoma…Healdsburg…Alexander Valley and Russian River Valley

By Debbie Pepper

60 | september/october 2014

E TH BS U CL

“Behind the Vines” - wining and dining our way through Sonoma and surrounding areas was the theme of our third annual Cordillera Ranch Cellar Club wine trip! Launched two years ago, the Club boasts over 140 Cellar Club Members of which 20 wine-loving aficionados embraced five days of exclusive behind-the scenes wine tasting, fine dining and vintner education. Hosted and put together by Debbie Pepper, Director of Membership (and unofficial Wine Tour Operator), and Manny Ortiz, Food and Beverage Director and wine aficionado the trip featured exclusive boutique wineries, vineyards, behind the scenes winery tours, and personal meet/greets with winery owners.

Leaving from San Francisco on Sunday morning, the group arrived in Sonoma at noon to begin our trip with a wonderful welcome lunch and tasting on the magnificent mountaintop terrace at Gloria Ferrer known for their sparkling wines, lovely Pinot Noirs and a special treat of Gloria Ferrer’s flagship, Tête de Cuvee, Carneros Cuvee. After lunch we headed to the Kenwood Inn, our charming lodging for the week in a very intimate and boutique Italian villa setting. Later that evening, we enjoyed our welcome reception dinner at the Inn in front of the fireplace on their garden patio with a sampling of Sonoma wines highlighted

by wines purchased from St. Francis Winery Zinfandels and Petite Syrah specially selected by St. Francis winemaker, Katie Madigan. By the time dinner was over, the group had bonded with much laughter and memorable conversation exchanged!

For four consecutive days thereafter, we toured three to four wineries/vineyards per day including wonderful lunch and dinner wine pairings.

Monday’s schedule highlighted wineries in the Alexander Valley region with our first memorable stop at Silver Oak in Geyserville. Our day began with a very education tour of the production facility followed by a wonderful tasting of Silver Oak Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, Twomey Merlot, Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet and snacks on the terrace. And last, but certainly not least, everyone received a very special tote gift bag containing a bottle of Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, wine bottle totes, and a matching pair of Silver Oak wine glasses from Cathy and Chris Cheatwood, Cordillera Members who were on the trip with us. Cathy, the niece of Silver Oak Founder Ray Duncan, presented everyone in our group this wonderful surprise as we were departing. Sincere thanks to Cathy and Chris for their unexpected generosity. As they say in Louisiana, we received “lagniappe”… an unexpected extra!!

CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 61

Our next very special stop was Chalk Hill Estates, where we enjoyed a three course lunch and wine pairing featuring winery only available selections of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Botrytised Semillon. We were seated at the grand table in their exquisite pavilion facility overlooking the vineyards – truly very special. Before leaving, the group made a stop for a photo at the main tasting facility, where owner Bill Foley, a native Texan, proudly flies the Texas flag.

Another “unexpected extra” occurred enroute to an intended short shopping excursion to Healdsburg.

Guest, Teri Weinglein, serendipitously received an email from her personal friends, Kate and Tom Klein, owners of Rodney Strong Vineyard. The Kleins had just arrived at their personal residence which was just down the road from Chalk Hill and suggested we stop by for a personal tour of their private mountaintop home. We arrived shortly, with a very warm welcome by Tom and Kate and a wonderful tasting of Chalk Hill Estate Chardonnay, Symmetry, and single vineyard selection of Alexanders Crown Cabernet Sauvignon while Tom shared his personal story of how he acquired Rodney Strong and his journey thereafter; and after Kate gave us a personal tour of the gardens and home.

What a wow….and again….lagniappe!

Fortunately, we had planned a casual and relaxing dinner at Simi Winery before heading back to the hotel. We enjoyed our last tasting of the day in the grotto garden where we enjoyed a smorgasbord of hand-fired pizzas highlighted by Simi Landslide Cabernet Sauvingon. A perfect end to a very perfect first day!

Tuesday’s trip began with a fun and informative wine blending class at Ravenswood Vineyards where we experimented with zinfandel, petit syrah and carignan to make our own blend which

62 | september/october 2014

was bottled, corked and waxed to take home with us. It was also the site where the infamous smoke bush was discovered which created interesting conversation and photo opportunities for the rest of the trip! Our second stop was a gourmet picnic lunch and tasting featuring La Petite Etoile Fume Blanc, Belle Terre Vineyard Chardonnay, and 92 pt. Robert Parker rated Cinq Cepage on the beautiful grounds of Chateau St. Jean before heading back to the Inn to prepare for our featured cave dinner at Benziger Family Winery.

Benziger Family Winery -Our evening began with a personal meet and greet with owner Mike Benziger followed by a very interesting tram tour up the mountain into the Benziger vineyards where we learned all about sustainability and organic farming which is the hallmark of their natural wine-growing practices creating truly artisan wines. Following the tour, we enjoyed tasting and shopping in their tasting room before heading to our magnificent cave dinner. What a spectacular site – dimly lit elegance with exquisitetable settings while we enjoyed a truly wonderful “Five Course Pinot Dinner” featuring Benzinger’s de Coelo Pinot Noirs – absolutely a trip favorite!

Wednesday -After three days of fabulous wine and food, Wednesday was a welcome “free day” allowing some of our group to take the day off to golf, spa or shop in Sonoma. The rest of the group headed to Sebastopol where we had another memorable lunch and tour with owner Ulises Valdez, Valdez Winery. Ulises, his wife Adelina and three children warmly greeted us with his wonderful selection of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and fajita lunch under majestic redwood trees. Ulises shared his heartwarming story of coming to America as a young vineyard worker and how he succeeded

in the American dream of becoming a US citizen, moving his family here and eventual vineyard owner producing notable reds as well as outsourcing grapes to well-known wineries - Paul Hobbs, Mark Albert, and Pahlmeyer. After lunch, the group enjoyed a vineyard tour where Ulises shared grafting and growing techniques and we sampled pinot noir grapes off the vine.

Everyone enjoyed the Silver Eagle Syrah so much that we purchased a bottle for each couple on the trip to enjoy back home at Cordillera Ranch.

Evening took us back to Kenwood Inn with a lovely Italian themed five course family style dinner on the beautiful terrace under the stars with background Italian music. Another laughterfilled memorable evening!

Our final day on Thursday we headed to Sonoma County’s Bennett Valley and then on to Russian River Valley known for their fabulous Pinot Noirs. Our first stop was Matanzas Creek Winery where we enjoyed a tasting of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Merlot. Also known for their fields of lavender, this stop allowed another fun shopping opportunity for lavender and unique gift items, as well as being able to sample different clonal varieties of chardonnay. Our next stop was another memorable lunch and tasting at Lynmar Estates, famous for their pinot noir and chardonnays where we enjoyed another wonderful farm-to-table “Rustic Wine Country” luncheon under the redwood grove featuring winery only selections of La Sereinite Chardonnay, a 94 pt. Wine Enthusiast selection, Quail Hill Vineyard Chardonnay, a 95 pt. Wine Enthusiast selection and three wonderful pinot noirs. A luncheon highlight was their Chef who passionately shared all the preparation of the meal from their vineyard owned gardens. After lunch everyone toured their gar-

dens oohing and ahhing at all the specimens of unusual flowers and vegetables. The group favorite wine, Old Vine Pinot, was so well-liked, that Manny purchased a case to enjoy at our farewell dinner that evening.

The day ended with a short garden tour at DeLoach Vineyards followed by a five course (small bite) mustard and wine pairing featuring Deloach Pinot Noir Rose, Russian River Chardonnay and Van Der Kamp Vineyard Pinot Noir in the vineyard dining room. Robbie Shelton and Gary Lynd were given the opportunity to grind the mustard seed into mustard – thank goodness they are strong because it took a lot of hand grinding!

Our farewell dinner - Finally back to the Inn, a quick change and off to our farewell dinner at the five star Michelin rated Santé Restaurant at The Fairmont where we enjoyed another four course dinner and wine. We toasted a memorable week of fabulous wines, lunches and dinners in settings as special as their menus, personal and engaging tours with vineyard owners and viticulture education, and most importantly, newfound camaraderie laced with unforgettable fun, laughter and group bus sing-alongs and a little bus dancing from “Dandy Don Akins”!

Special thanks to all our Members who joined us Mac and Carla Northington, Chuck and Keitha Schofield, Don and Barbara Akins, Warren and Lettie Goehringer, Don and Barbara Akins, David and Gail Sanders, Chris and Cathy Cheatwood, Ed Sypniewski and Bettie Burton, Benjamin and Selina Pena, Gary and Jeanie Lynd and Teri Wenglein, guest.

Hope you join us next year for another fabulous trip and a new wine destination!

CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 63

WINE TRAIL

By Chef Brad Evers

64 | september/october 2014

E TH BS U CL

The Texas Hill Country Wine Trail is the largest and most wellknown Trail in the state. Started in 1999 with only a handful of wineries, the Trail has grown to include over 36 wineries and was recently acknowledged by a major vacation magazine as the 2nd most popular wine trail destination in the U.S. after California. This makes Texas the fifth largest wine producing state in the country.

Since Texas is such a large state, many grapes can be grown here because of the many microclimates and soil types. Some of the best grapes in Texas are produced right in our own backyard. Midsummer is a perfect time to visit the many wineries the Wine Trail has to offer. Take a break from the heat by cooling off inside one of the wineries, and sampling an assortment of wines – from dry to sweet. Another way to enjoy the wineries is to buy tickets to one of the area’s wine trail events. To see a list of upcoming events and research each winery in more depth visit texaswinetrail.com.

For a Hill Country wine experience right at home, Executive Chef, Brad Evers paired Texas Wine Trail wine with Cordillera Ranch Club menu items.

Through the years, Texas has been known for many wonderful things. Fine wine, however, was not one of them. Over the past 20 years there has been a slow evolution in the quality of Texas wines that has created a buzz between the winemakers and Texas chefs.

In the past, chefs would cringe at the mere thought of having Texas wines on their lists. Now, after a long-fought journey, national recognition is here to stay. Wine makers such as the Beckers

have been an integral part of this remarkable process. This is why the culinary team at Cordillera will be celebrating these fine wines and pairing them with locally sourced foods and vegetables and fruits from our Club garden.

Texas Voignier lends itself very well with seafood. Brannon’s Voignier gives a nice balance of sweet and citrus tones that lead to a crisp, refreshing finish. Works wonderfully with scallops, flounder and salmon.

The Becker Voignier has a more pronounced nose than the Brannon’s. Flavors of peach, butterscotch and vanilla permeate with a nice, herbal finish. This wine will stand up to the meatier seafoods such as grouper, mahi-mahi and sea bass.

Culinaria, a 50-50% merlot/cab franc creation has a dark fruit nose and black licorice undertones. This wine lends itself well to Texas lamb fresh off the grill and seared duck breast.

Prairie Rotie has an essence of prunes and apricots, medium tannins and light acidity. It is well suited to filet mignon, sirloin and even a fat juicy hamburger.

Becker Clementine is a natural to enjoy with Texas cheeses, another food gaining a national following, with its natural earth tones.

Its sweetness pairs well with lighter desserts such as ginger crème brulee, Fredericksburg peach cobbler or strawberry shortcake.

We invite you to visit the Club and enjoy a true Texas wine and food experience.

CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 65

66 | september/october 2014

CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 67

Facility available for special events Call for details Guitar Workshops Artist Performances String instrument rentals for students

Specializing in fine instruments, accessories, and instruction Offering group or private lessons for all ages Guitar | Flute | Harp | Violin | Piano | Mandolin | and More

109 Oak Park Dr. | Boerne, Texas 78006

830-331-9840

Call today to reserve your lesson space

68 | september/october 2014

DRIVE

T h e J a g u a r X K R - S G T. A f o r c e t o b e r e c k o n e d w i t h .

70 | september/october 2014

A Jaguar, most will agree, is an animal that inspires with its awesome beauty. Part of that beauty is the sense of danger associated with the deadly predator. This trait, we believe, has been convincingly translated into automotive terms with Jaguar Cars’ latest offering: the XKR-S GT. This GT’s purpose is to fight, and to win.

S P E C I F I C ATIONS 5.0 Liter Supercharged V8 Six-Speed Automatic 0-60 3.9 seconds 186 mph top speed 550 horsepower

The XKR-S GT will come in just one color: Polaris White with black racing stripes. The cabin, includ-

20-inch forged-aluminium wheels

ing the leather seats and the faux-suede headliner, is finished in charcoal gray with red accents. Only 25 units will make the trip stateside.

Starting at $174,895

For more information, call or visit Barrett Motor Cars • 15423 I-10, San Antonio • 210.341.2800

CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 71

WHERE: Cordillera Ranch Clubhouse WHEN: Saturday, October 25th 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

WHO: Authentic Custom Homes Burdick & Christofilis Custom Homes 72 | september/october 2014

Great Homes by Robert Thornton Stadler Custom Homes Pasadera Builders Garner Custom Homes Partners In Building WHY: Save yourself time and money in the design process and builder

selection by being more informed on your options.

Cordillera Ranch Development and Sales team will also be available See the seven resort-style Clubs of Cordillera Ranch

FOR ALL YOUR LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE NEEDS Lawn and Landscape Maintenance

Custom Outdoor Living Areas

Landscape Installation

Outdoor Kitchens Outdoor Fireplaces

Tree Trimming

3 0 1

Fire Pits

Irrigation Installation And Repair

All Types of Flagstone Patios

All Types of Brush Removal

All Types of Fencing

E .

S A N

A N T O N I O

S T .

•

B O E R N E ,

Z A NE P R I C E • 8 3 0 - 3 3 1 - 8 7 8 1 • z a n e @ g r e e n s p a c e - t x . c o m

T X

The #1 resource for Cordillera Ranch Real Estate Agents:

Realty

Charles Mueller

Rick Grimes

Eric Metzger

Frank LeBlanc

cmueller@cordilleraranch.com

rgrimes@cordilleraranch.com

emetzger@cordilleraranch.com

fleblanc@cordilleraranch.com

Director of Real Estate Sales: Barry Denton bdenton@cordilleraranch.com

69 Augusta

1

$1,299,000

4,372 Square Feet

MLS# 997966

This Robert Thornton home is a perfect example of Contemporary Hill Country style. The spacious house sits on 1.09 acres overlooking the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course and gorgeous views of the Twin Sisters horizon. · 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath, 2-car garage with port-cochere and golf cart storage and hobby sink · Stained concrete and reclaimed longleaf pine floors, with gas fireplace and wood trusses in the open great room · Kitchen is equipped with stainless steel designer appliances, walk-in pantry, custom longleaf pine cabinetry, and polished concrete and formed stainless countertops · Private study overlooks the golf course and is lined with longleaf pine slats for photo and art arrangements · Master suite’s tall windows welcome natural light and a panoramic view of Hill Country sights · Lux master bath includes walk-in shower, concrete vanity tops, spa bath, and fully accessorized closet · Detached backyard cabana is housed with wet bar, outdoor kitchen, half bath, and adjacent stone fire pit • Master Full Golf Membership available for purchase

116 Valley Knoll $539,000

2

3,024 Square Feet

Located at the end of a cul-de-sac with stunning Hill Country and Guadalupe River Valley views, this single-story home, with a native stone exterior, is on a 3.5 acre flat lot with ample space, privacy, large mature oaks and views. Home has been recently upgraded with new interior paint, hardwood floors/carpet, stainless steel kitchen appliances (Bosch 5-top gas cooktop) and new light fixtures. An all new outdoor environment includes new landscaping, large Rainbow Systems playscape and patio-mounted flat screen TV. • 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, game room/office, 2 car garage • New hardwood floors and carpet recently installed • All new Bosch stainless steel kitchen appliances/ Bosch 5-top gas stainless stove cooktop • Entire new front and back yard landscaping with new irrigation system; completely re-sodded with Zoysia • Long Hill Country and Guadalupe River Valley views off of the rear of the home • Outdoor entertainment center with flat screen connection • Back lawn is fenced with gates and an invisible fence for dogs that covers about 2 acres of the property • Great buy for family wanting move-in ready home with a view on a spacious lot with privacy • Master Full Golf Membership available for purchase

www.CordilleraRanch.com | 830.336.3570

A CT TR CO N

73 Winged Foot $1,795,000

D ER U N

E G N A CH E IC

5,413 Square Feet

MLS# 959500

Authentic Custom Homes’ latest masterpiece is this Contemporary Hill Country home on the 6th hole of the golf course. Practical and absolutely stunning, this home boasts 5,413 square feet with 5 bedrooms, 5 1/2 baths and then adds a special room for Mom, a Dad’s retreat and generous areas for family gatherings both inside and out.

• • •

• •

•

•

•

•

PR

3

Take in the view of the Twin Sister peaks as you look across the 6th hole and lake Separate guest suite with entrance off front courtyard Outdoor living area which includes pool and spa, fire feature, grilling area and generous covered patio and upstairs deck Master suite with study alongside provides a private retreat Oversized three car garage with extra storage and workshop. Separate garage for golf cart.

Office nook, Mom’s special room, well equipped laundry and inviting family entry create backdrop for a well organized home Unique wine cellar, creative lighting, beamed ceilings, deep archways, and sculptural bath tub are just a few of the details that create a breathtaking home, inside and out Timeless exterior design with an interior consisting of clean, crisp lines and fresh, light colors Master Full Golf Membership available for purchase

25 AUGUSTA $2,450,000

4

7,299 Square Feet

MLS# 638461

This Stadler Custom Home was featured as the “WOAI Concept Home.” The ultimate entertainment home on more than 1.5 acres overlooking the 15th tee box on the Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course.

• • • • •

• • • • •

4 bedroom, 4.5 bath, with 3 car garage Enormous gourmet kitchen features Miele appliances and abundant counter space Coffee bar in master bathroom Two-sided salt water aquarium visual in both study and entry way The ultimate outdoor living area with a fireplace, cascading waterfall pool, hot tub, and a full outdoor kitchen State of the art Zenpanion electronic/audio/visual home automation system Private outdoor putting green Golf simulator room and golf cart garage Numerous water features Master Full Golf Membership available for purchase

445 Augusta $2,500,000

5

5,465 Square Feet

MLS# 1038461

Experience the feel of the Tuscan sun as you take in Burdick & Christofilis’ new Model Home on the 17th Fairway of the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. 3 Bedroom, 4 Bath home has a fabulous game room and bar off of the large covered patio.

Enormous, vaulted kitchen and great room give way to 10’ tall sliding pocket doors that open to patio. Master suite includes decorative ceiling with timbers, lavish master bath with a hammered copper slipper tub. Adjacent to master bath is a flex room that has multiple use options. Circular courtyard completes the feel on the front of the home. · 2 + 1 garages · Fully equipped outdoor kitchen · Custom infinity pool and spa · Stone and wood flooring in all gathering areas · Countless Burdick & Christofilis Signature features · Convenient to Cordillera Ranch Clubhouse · Master Full Golf Membership available for purchase

www.CordilleraRanch.com | 830.336.3570

12 Di lusso Drive $999,000

6

2,896 Square Feet

MLS # 1042649

Tuscany meets Texas in this fabulous, gated hillside enclave. Panoramic Hill Country views from outdoor living areas fuse with transitional contemporary elegance. The finest selection of materials and finishes embody this Di Lusso luxurious experience.

Beautifully appointed throughout, this three bedroom villa includes an endless array of features that must be viewed to be appreciated. Closest proximity to the amenities of The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch clubhouse.

IC

E

CH

A

N

G

E

· 4 Bedrooms, 3½ baths · 337 sq. ft. Casita with full bath and coffee bar · Solid mahogany doors, windows and beamed ceilings. · Finest selection of materials including travertine and wood floors, granite counters and limestone fireplace. · Outdoor kitchen and nearby fire pit for enjoying starry nights. · Finest appliances and functional kitchen serve multiple dining areas · Panoramic views of the Guadalupe River Valley and Twin Sisters · Master Full Golf Membership available for purchase

907 Cordillera Trace $1,195,000

PR

D EL E D O M

5,431 Square Feet

MLS# 1003673

Mediterranean home by Burdick & Christofilis sitting on 4.60 acres with views for miles of the Hill Country. Multiple outdoor living areas open to the surrounding countryside.

Picturesque pool, spa, waterfall and outdoor kitchen, cabana, and fireplace create a perfect relaxing backyard retreat.

• • • • •

•

RE

7

5 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 3 car garage Open, spacious floor plan with three living areas Tile granite countertops Stainless steel appliances in the kitchen with gas oven range Luxurious master suite includes a sitting room, his and her walk-in closets and a large bathroom with dual separate vanities and Whirlpool tub Adjoining 5 acre lots on each side also available

115 Indian Bluff $677,500

8

3,158 Square Feet

MLS# 1021298

Stone and stucco house nestled in a gorgeous area of the Texas Hill Country. Sitting on 3.77 treed acres, this house features beautiful exterior and interior stonework and wood details.

• • • •

•

• •

3 bedroom, 3.5 bath, 2 car garage Unbeatable views from nearly every room Wood-burning fireplace with stone hearth wraps around the high-ceilinged great room Open kitchen with an island, breakfast bar, and adjoining dining room with another wood-burning fireplace Master bedroom includes a sitting room and window seat, spacious bathroom with Whirlpool tub, his and her vanities, and walk-in closet Wide covered patio with fireplace and astounding views Master Full Golf Membership available for purchase

www.CordilleraRanch.com | 830.336.3570

E G CH A N IC E PR

44 Oakland Hills $1,349,000

9

5,280 Square Feet

MLS# 1019540

Tuscan-style home by Stadler Custom Homes with a bright, open floor plan that overlooks the fifth fairway of the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.

• •

•

•

•

•

•

4 bedroom, 3.5 bath, 3 car garage Tall windows, travertine and wood floors, custom window treatments, lux ceiling treatments Chef’s kitchen with premium stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, built-in coffee maker, eat-at island and additional breakfast bar Master suite and its sitting area have great views of hole #5 and the Hill Country beyond Master spa bath with his and her vanities, coffee bar with wine fridge, oversized closet, built-in dressers, granite counter tops, and travertine throughout Outdoor living area, including fireplace, kitchen with gas grill and fridge, and dual rock water features looks out over breathtaking Hill Country views and hole #5 of the golf course Master Full Golf Membership available for purchase

546 Cordillera Trace $795,000

10

3,738 Square Feet

Picturesque Robert Thornton home sits on 5.43 acres of fenced acreage, mature trees, and long-distance Hill Country views. · 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 3 car garage · Large windows allow ample light throughout the home and perfectly frame the beautiful views · Custom cabinetry lines the walls of built-in storage and bookshelves · The open kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and an oversized island with incorporated wine rack · Downstairs master suite encompasses claw foot tub, sizable walk-in closet and built-in dressers · Secondary atrium living room with panoramic view through the oversized windows · Custom heated pool with spa surrounded by mature oak trees

122 Greystone POINT $1,599,500

11

7,053 Square Feet

MLS# 1067747

Burdick & Christofilis custom features and the finest finishes complement spacious indoor and outdoor living. Exceptional, oversized covered Lanai and balcony overlook pool, native landscaping and Hill Country views beyond. Refreshing pool enveloped by multiple leisure areas and natural surroundings.

• • • •

• • • • •

• •

4 bedroom, 4.5 bath, 3 car garage 3.41 acres with end of cul-de-sac solitiude Hardwood and natural stone flooring in main living areas Open kitchen design featuring island prep area and Wolf, Bosch and Sub Zero appliances All bedrooms have en suite baths Oversized laundry room Exercise room convertible to fifth bedroom Open floor plan with oversized living areas Premium electronics featuring Lutron lighting system, upgraded fixtures, whole home audio, motorized shades and surround sound/media projection.

Warm, neutral colors and custom window coverings throughout Swimming pool with adjoining hot tub

www.CordilleraRanch.com | 830.336.3570

11

7 2

4 1

Cordillera Ranch Realty Homes for Sale 1 - 69 Augusta 2 - 116 Valley Knoll 3 - 73 Winged Foot 4 - 25 Augusta 5 - 445 Augusta 6 - 12 Di Lusso Drive 7 - 907 Cordillera Trace 8 - 115 Indian Bluff 9 - 44 Oakland Hills 10 - 546 Cordillera Trace 11 - 122 Greystone Point

10

5

3 6

8 9

8

TEXAS INVESTORS TITLE Performance is our Priority

Commercial, Ranch and Residential Title Transactions

Steve Vallone President

steve@texasinvestorstitle.com

Becky Edmiston

Vice President/Escrow Officer becky@texasinvestorstitle.com

116 Blanco Rd., Ste 101

Boerne, TX 78006

p. (830) 816-5888 f. (830) 816-5889

CORDILLERA RANCH READERS GET A FREE SERVICE CALL

AC REPAIRS • FAUCET REPAIRS WATER SOFTENER REPAIRS SPRINKLER REPAIRS • GENERAL PLUMBING REPAIRS

Will Hawkins,

Owner & Neighbor

M18580 TACLB36308E

Great Grain in the Morning!

Healthy Whole Wheat French Toast

This is a healthy breakfast complete with protein! With just a few twists, you can turn a classic into quick and nutritious send off for your crew. Add the fruit your family loves and it’s sure to be a hit.

Whole Wheat Bread 5 Eggs Secret splashes of milk & vanilla extract A drizzle of low-sugar or maple syrup A pinch of salt

Heat non-stick skillet on MedimHigh. Beat eggs with a fork until frothy, then keep stirring while you add the rest. Pour in a wide bowl and dip the bread deeply, flip and then spray skillet with butter flavor canola oil and put in the bread. “Toast” until golden then flip.

Plate with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and fruit. It feeds the eyes as well as the body.

KNEE PAIN?

Specializing in non-surgical treatment of knee pain.

Wendy McCurley, MD Board Certified Family Medicine

Charles McCurley, MD Board Certified Family Medicine Board Certified Sports Medicine

SPORTS MEDICINE

Advanced arthritis treatment Muscle and joint pain Sports injuries for all ages Ultrasound guided treatments/injections In-office x-ray Sports physicals Broken bones/fracture care

136 Old San Antonio Rd, Suite 406 • Boerne, TX 78006 • www.sfmboerne.com • 830.816.5800

CORDILLERA RANCH LIVING

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SAN ANTONIO, TX PERMIT #6450

808 Hwy 46 East Boerne, Texas 78006

If this house could talk it would boast the fiber optic technology running through it and mock others that “stop at the curb.” It would go on about its neck-breaking speeds and more-real-than-real clarity.

It would tell you it’s one of thousands of fiber optic homes in the Hill Country —all powered by GVTC. So, what would your house say?

gvtc.com 800-367-4882 | Inter net TV Phone Security