EXPLORE Magazine - Jan 09

January 2009
art music fashion people events

River Oaks Pools
Designs of Distinction
• Winner of 13 International Design Awards
• Aqua100 National Award of Excellence Hall of Fame
• Industry Choice Award Winner
(Top 50 US Pool Company)
• Winner of 189 APSP Design Awards
(Formerly NSPI)
• 39 Summit Awards
• Uncompromised Quality
• Full Service, Maintenance, and Supply Departments
2 1 0 - 4 9 3 - 7 6 6 5 • w w w. r i ve ro a k s p o o l s . c o m
2 1 1 0 5 I H - 1 0 We s t • S a n A n t o n i o, Te x a s 7 8 2 5 7 210-493-POOL
2 See it. Breathe it. Live it. EXPLORE it.

from the publisher
Dearest EXPLORE reader,
j a n ua ry ISSUE
what ’s inside
04: calendar of events
Welcome to 2009.
I remember when I celebrated New
05: this and that
Year’s Eve in 1990, and was amazed by it. It Flagrant Forgetting by um...I Forget
felt so futuristic to be closing in on the mil- 08: behind the mic
lennium. Then when we went through Y2K,
2009 sounded like it was a million years into
Greg Coplen by Elmo Linclon
the future. And yet, here I sit in 2009, and 11: nature
2000 seems like it was yesterday. Time flies. Plant a Garden by Carolyn Chipmann Evans
This past weekend, I was laid up on the couch channel surfing, and caught
the opening sequence to Ferrell Bueller’s Day Off. The movie was filmed in 12: dining
1986. I remember watching it and, like everyone else, figuring that Ferris was Mac & Ernie’s Roadside Eatery by John Griffin
the coolest high school kid in history (I was in middle school at the time). As I
watched the movie the other day, it struck me that this movie is now 22 years 16: art
old. Matthew Broderick was 24 when he filmed it, and that makes him 46. New Original Designs Jewelry by Ben Schooley
WOW. It makes a person think. Where were you 22 years ago, and did you
think you had all the time in the world to accomplish everything you wanted 20: history
to accomplish? The Flats by Marjorie Barron
As we enter a new year, it’s one of the most popular times to take your
personal inventory and evaluate. At the same time, I have always liked the
21: spiritual
quote, “You can’t change the past, but you can ruin the present by worrying Lets be Friends...by Kendall Aaron
about the future.” Today it’s 2009, and in the blink of an eye, it will be 2031. 24: health
Doesn’t that seem almost impossible? I’m 33 today, and in 2031 I’ll be 55 and
It’s Not Enough by Ann B. Davis
closing in on retirement. UGH. Enjoy 2009. Make it the greatest year of your
life, and spend as little energy as possible fretting over 2008, and don’t worry 26: gardeing
about 2010. Trust me, it’ll be here pretty quick.
The Hill Country, The Drought & The Cedars
I hope you enjoy this latest issue of EXPLORE. We have one of my favorite
pieces in “Giddens’ Predictions”. Local resident and businessman Michael Gid- by Rob Doyen
dens has a knack for getting creative with some of his off the wall predictions. 28: predictions
The last time we did this, in 2005, he predicted that Disney would buy a parcel
2009 Predictions by Michael Giddens
of land on the north end of town and put in a resort. I kid you not…a few days
later I was fielding calls from Houston realtors looking to see some property 30: Dating
around Boerne because of the “new Disney project”. So please, when you Chronicles of Singlehood in a Small Town
read his humorous and creative predictions, take them with a grain of salt. by Jordan Rivers
We also have the return of the wildly popular “Marjorie”, who has put to-
gether a few very interesting pieces about Boerne’s history. This one focuses
on “The Flats”, which old-timers will know is the area west of the Cibolo, and Publisher
south of San Antonio St. I forwarded the article to many friends and family, and Benjamin D. Schooley
many agree that they learned much. I hope you do as well. ben@hillcountryexplore.com
So here I sit on a cold and dreary morning in the futuristic year of 2009
writing this letter. I can see my reflection in my computer screen, and while I
Creative Director
have a few scrapes and wrinkles that life has bestowed upon me, I’m still that Lauren Tuttle Stumberg
kid from 1986 in my heart. Take the present, and make the most of it. Leave lauren@hillcountryexplore.com
2008 in the past, and tackle 2010 when it shows up. And hey, may the dreams
advertising sales
of your past become the realities of your future.
210-507-5250 or sales@hillcountryexplore.com
Smiling, EXPLORE magazine is published by Schooley Media Ventures in Boerne, Tx. EXPLORE
Benjamin D. Schooley magazine and Schooley Media Ventures are not responsible for any inaccuracies, erroneous
information, or typographical errors contained in this publication submitted by advertisers.
Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of EXPLORE and/or Schooley
PS – Happy New Year. Media Ventures. Copyright 2009
January 2009 www.hillcountryexplore.com 3

Calendar of Events - January
{
calendar
the most comprehensive events calendar you’ll find anyWhere!

submissions – info@hillcountryexplore.com
Thursday, January 1 grounds. www.johnsoncitytexaschamber.com 830-868-7684
Kyle: polar bear swim event. Kyle pool. 512-268-4220 fredericKsburG: Windows on texas music festival includes live texas music, con-
Saturday, January 3 ferences and showcases at different locations around fredericksburg.
bandera: cowgirl round-up & show-deo the history of the american cowgirl, www.texasrebelradio.com 830/997-2197
{
singer/songwriters, storytellers, and artists will be featured. includes exciting speed Friday, January 16
events such as barrel racing and pole bending. hours are noon to 6 p.m. hill country fredericKsburG:trade days shop more than 350 vendor. hwy. 290 e.
state natural area. 830-796-4413 www.fbgtradedays.com 830-990-4900 or 210-846-4094
Sunday, January 4 Kerrville: “drumline live!” phone: 830-896-9393 www.kpas.org consists of the
boerne: junior livestock poultry show Kendall county fairgrounds. www.Kcfa.org stirring sounds of trumpets, explosive choreography, incredible feats of athleticism
830-249-2948 from steppers and dancers, and a marching band -- on stage. cailloux theater, 910
Friday, January 9 main st. e-mail: info@kpas.org
concan:trout days. rainbow trout will be stocked in the sabinal, frio, and Saturday, January 17
nueces rivers. 800-210-0380. fredericKsburG: hill country Gem & mineral show includes jewelry, fossils,
boerne: junior livestock show & sale Kendall county fairgrounds. www.Kcfa.org meteorites, gold panning, exhibits and demonstrations. pioneer pavilion, lady bird
830-249-2948 johnson municipal park. www.fredericksburgrockhounds.org 830-990-9823 or
Saturday, January 10 830-895-9630
boerne: on second saturdays the galleries of boerne host joint openings from 5 Saturday, January 24
to 8. come out and enjoy a glass of wine and the latest offerings on the boerne art johnson city: arts encounters at beninis phone: 830-868-5244 offers a lively,
scene. cultural series of creative professionals sharing information about their work, including
patrons of second saturday art and Wine can ride from gallery to gallery in stylish sculptors, painters, musicians, poets and more. begins at 1:30 p.m. benini Galleries and
fun on the creek restaurant’s red and green trolley.the trolley will start at 4:30 pm sculpture ranch, 377 shiloh road. e-mail: jWalker@sculptureranch.com
at the holiday inn express next stop smilovici’s (on West bandera), before taking the Sunday, January 25
scenic route around historic downtown boerne making stops along the way until boerne: house concerts in the hill country - stacey earle and mark stuart on jan
8:30 pm. 25 at alamo fiesta rv at 7pm. stacey is sister to steve earle (recent cd: Washington
boerne: cibolo nature center - project Wild Workshop – training for educators square serenade).there will be a pot luck supper.
on teaching young people about ecology and wildlife. cnc members $30/person; www.houseconcertshillcountry.com
non-members $40/person. free for teachers at title 1schools. sbec credit avail- Thursday, January 29
able for teachers. pre-registration is required. call today at 830-249-4616 to register. hondo: medina county jr. livestock show includes exhibits, concessions, sale and
limited to 20. General information atwww.cibolo.org. dance. medina county fairgrounds. e-mail: j-ott@tamu.edu 830-741-6180
bandera: bandera 100K ultra-marathon includes 25K and 50K runs in conjunc- Friday, January 30
tion with the main event. begins at 7:30 a.m. hill country state natural area. www. round rocK: “picasso at the lapin agile” phone: 512-244-0440
tejastrails.com/bandera.html 830-796-4413 or 210-687-4347 www.sambasstheatre.org Comedy is about a fictional meeting between Albert
hondo: car show includes food and arts & crafts booths. 18th st. www.hondo- einstein and pablo picasso. sam bass community theatre.
chamber.com 830-426-3037 Saturday, January 31
neW braunfels:the voice of elvis & legends tour jesse aron, elvis tribute art- bandera: Wild Game dinner enjoy everything from venison chili to wild boar, bear
ist, performs a special elvis birthday concert. includes tributes to roy orbison and and elk. begins at 4 p.m. Grace lutheran church. 830-796-3091
marilyn monroe. begins at 7 p.m. brauntex theater. www.jessearon.com fredericKsburG: indian artifact & collectible show includes pre-1900 north
832-623-4812 american indian artifacts, arrowheads and old collectibles on exhibit and for sale.
boerne: market days dozens of vendors from all over texas offer arts, crafts, pioneer pavilion, lady bird johnson park. e-mail: richard.mentzer@sbcglobal.net
antiques, collectibles, unusual items and great food. main plaza. 830-626-5561
www.mainstreetinboerne.com 830-249-5530 or 210/-844-8193 lucKenbach: blues festival features various blues artists from around texas. r.r.
Thursday, January 15 1376, off hwy. 290e. www.luckenbachtexas.com 830-997-3324
johnson city: blanco county youth stock show blanco county fair-

Flagrant Forgetting
Or, I’m Much More Important Than You
to fulfill promises, to follow through on things that needed to be done. I forgot to get insurance renewed as
I should have. I forgot friends’ birthdays, anniversaries, graduations. I forgot to go to my own high school
{
reunion! “Sorry, but I forgot!”
Now, everybody on occasion forgets a thing or two. If that’s you, then I’m not talking to you. Turn the
this and that

page! Go to a different article! Shoo! I’m not talking about you. I’m talking about serial forgetters, flagrant
forgetters, four-star generals of forgetting.
Those who know better and just keep on being ‘much more important than” everybody else. If you’re still
reading this paragraph in spite of being shoo’ed away, then maybe you are one.
I am a serial forgetter. Why does this happen? It is so embarrassing when it does, you would think we
forgetters (me) would figure it out. Well, actually, we (I) have. I know the answer – in almost every case it is
because I am selfish and much, much more important than anybody else. I forgot my friend’s anniversary be-
cause something came up at work and I just … forgot. Didn’t call my parents when they expected it? Well, I
really didn’t want to spend that time for a call just then, so I…I forgot. The reunion? I was enjoying working
in my yard! Plants = more important than helping set up those banquet tables! So I forgot! Sheesh!
I know I’m not alone. We have plenty of examples -- the Bethlehem Innkeeper who, because he was
i
{
busy, “forgot” to notice that Mary was going to deliver a baby, to examples in the paper of people in hurries
who forget to lock their doors, their cars.
In all the examples I can think of, the ‘forgetter’ has been wrong.
Because we choose to forget things, in the end we lose many things - opportunities, belongings -- and
worse, we risk losing friendships, trust and others’ belief in us to be depended on.
I don’t make New Year’s Resolutions. I always forget to keep them.
(Are you surprised?) But now I’ve taken the step standing up in
by um...i forget front of the group and stating “My name is …and I’m a forgetter!’
t’s 7:30, Saturday night. I just realized I’ve forgotten my I’m in the Program now, and it is up to me to change. I’ll let you know how it goes. If you’re still read-
promise to go to my neighbor’s party tonight. Ooooo, I feel ing this and realize you, too, are a flagrant forgetter, then join my self-help group. Buy that pad of yellow
bad, but I’m already in my comfy clothes and my make up is stickies and start putting up those reminders! Commit to never having to say you’re sorry. OK, I apologize
off. No way I’m going back out tonight! Besides, it’s cold outside, the for that hokeyness. But the point is to “Do what you say you’ll do in things great and small, or no one will
game is on and I just made popcorn. “I’m sorry, but I forgot!” believe you’ll do anything at all.”
It’s just the beginning of a long line of things I’ve forgotten. I forgot Good luck!
Kendall Woods Dental

George E. Metz III, DDS - (830) 229-5581
• Gentle, Private Practice Family Dentist • Caring, Courteous Professional Staff • State of the Art Procedures & Techniques
Your smile is important. It’s one of the first things you notice when you
meet someone. a whiter, brighter smile is beautiful - it can help you feel
better about yourself and make a memorable impression.
• Fast and convenient • Less Fadeback than At-Home
25 FM 3351 South • Immediate Results Methods
Boerne, Texas 78006-5710
• Long lasting • Safe, Effective & Comfortable
• Low sensitivity • Performed by a Dental Professional
❇
Other whitening systems don’t
We would like to welcome our new associate compare to the Zoom! chairside
Michael Hoeppner, DDS to our practice as of July 1st! Whitening System. nothing whitens
better or faster.
Current sPeCial: Zoom! In Office Professional Whitening $300 (reg. $600).

Patient must have current records on file.

Take A Stand Against Aging
Laser Hair Removal
Botox
Microdermabrasion
Knitting and Needlepoint

Laser Genesis & More
830.249.2600
409 7th Street 117 S. Saunders • Boerne, Texas
Comfort, Texas 78013 www.mcraemd.net
830-995-5539
With
With Each
Each Syringe
Syringeof ofRadiesse
RadiesseGetGet Touch
Touch Up Free
Up Free
www.tinsmithswife.com (Equall to1/2 Syringe- $-300.00
1/2Syringe) $300 Value)
(Equal to Value
ORIGINAL DESIGNS JEWELRY

Linda Constancio Exceeding Every Golfers Expectations
Designer
Terrific Practice Facilities • Outstanding Championship Course
(210) 410-0239 36 FM 473 • Comfort, Texas 78013
www.icustomizejewelry.com (830) 995-5351 • Toll Free (866) 746-2711
www.buckhorngolfcourse.com
BOERNE, TEXAS
®
• 100% Hampton Guarantee • 32” LCD HD TV - HBO
• Fitness Center • In room Coffee Maker
• Guest Laundry • Cloud 9 Bed
• Suite Shop • Iron & Ironing Board
• Business Center
• Free Parking
• 1,500 Square Foot Meeting Space
830-816-8800 • Hair Dryer
• Resort-Style Pool
• Next to Starbucks on IH-10
• Close to Downtown Boerne & Antique Shops www.hamptoninn.com • Free Hot Breakfast 6:00am to 10:00am
34935 IH-10 West • Boerne, TX 78006

GREG COPLEN
“Explore Your Potential”
All Takamine Guitars {

S
behind the mic
by Elmo Lincoln
everal times per month, I receive a CD in the mail. It typically comes with a nice shiny press pack full of testi-
monials, pictures, and bio information about the artist. It tells me all the reasons why the musician (or band) is
the greatest new act on the scene in 25 years, how nobody is as talented as they are, and that the face of the music
map will forever be changed. In some ways, it’s as if I don’t even need to hear the CD, because obviously, there
is no determination to make other than when the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame will induct the artist.
This month, I received an envelope with a CD by Greg Coplen in it. There was a disk full of images in-
cluded, but little else. I flipped the CD over and learned that Coplen is a contemporary Christian musician. I normally dig some upbeat
Christian stuff, so I tossed his CD into my laptop. With haunting pianos, a voice that is jam full of emotion, and a strong backing band,
I was quite impressed with Coplen. I scheduled some time for us to visit, and returned to the rest of the CD. However, as I quickly
learned about him, the music is only part of his story. In fact, there’s a lot more to him than meets the eye.
35-40% off Growing up in West Texas, piano was a part of Coplen’s life early on, but not a major point of emphasis. “I was way more into
sports. I played every sport, although tennis was a big thing for me. Eventually, I played in college.” Music stayed close by as well.
“The music was something I loved doing, and I played here and there. But sports were much more important back then. I enrolled
in Southwest Oklahoma, and eventually transferred to Baker University.” As Coplen stepped out into the world, he began to find that
{
left to his own devices, life posed many challenges.
“When I was at college, I majored in parties,” Coplen laughs. I stayed in school for a year, but I broke my hand the first week of
school. I broke it badly, and that ended the tennis experiment. I thought I was being real smart and hit my mattress when I was drunk
and mad, and instead hit the frame. I went through a good depression, and really began drinking a lot. I didn’t go to class. Up until
I left to go to college I was a good kid, and a good student, but I saw it start slipping away from me. I tried to walk on at A&M, but it
didn’t work out. I knew the whole time that alcoholism runs in my family, and had a pre-disposition to that.” Coplen would make an
attempt at cleaning up his act, to little avail.
“I flunked out of school, and I lost my scholarship. The summer after my freshman year of college I came home, and my parents
were concerned about me. My dad asked me if I had a problem with drinking. I told him, ‘probably’. They figured treatment was the
best thing, so I went to rehab.” Upon returning home, Coplen went right back to what he knew best. “I came back home, was living
with my parents, and that downward spiral started all over again. I just continued to get worse. When my wife and I met up again, and
had been dating a year or so, we wanted to get married and move to San Antonio and go back to school. She got pregnant a month after
getting married. I was waiting tables, and playing in bars. It was just terrible for me. Drugs became a big part of my life. Pot was huge
for me. That led to coke. For about a year, I was crashed. I dropped 35 lbs, and by the grace of God got away from that. I just kicked
it. I’m pretty strong-willed, and at that point, I knew I had to stop the drugs or die. And hey, the drinking and the pot helped me!!”
As Coplen’s addictions began to grip him harder and harder, his health began to fail. “I spent a lot of time in ER rooms. I devel-
oped some huge health problems. But, I was raised in the church, and I was a believer, and I had a relationship with Christ. I had just
CHOSEN to leave that behind. I just chose to not follow. I was very happy for my wife that she became a Christian, because I could
see the evidence of what was changing. Alcohol had a huge hold on me, though. I’m battling the addiction during that time and what
I knew was right.”
Coplen eventually recognized that changes were due in his life.
“Every Sunday I went to church, and each morning it was like the pas-
tor had been driving with me in the car, as everything was directed at
Guitar Pick Necklaces & me. I was hungover and tired one morning, and I went to the pastor
at the altar, and I told him everything that was going on with me. I’ll
Sterling Silver Guitar Picks never forget it. He just looked at me and said ‘Don’t be bullsh*tting
me’. That’s exactly what I needed to hear. I love that moment. I didn’t
Made exclusively for the BGP by want this anymore, I want my life to change. He prayed with me, we
Jewelry Maker Martha Prentiss. confessed, and re-committed my life to Christ. He began mentoring
me, working with me, and guiding me. It took a few weeks, and I had
a couple of slips, but I’m trying to get through life and come out on the
Affordable gifts for the other side. The 1st month was rough. It was a good month or two be-
fore I felt normal. I think that I thought I could just control the alcohol
musician in your family! at that point. I had an opportunity to cut it off, but held on to the alcohol.
I got involved with the church, but I held on to it. That went well for a
couple of years. I tried to stay so busy I didn’t have time for drinking. It
“NOT JUST YOUR ORDINARY became apparent that I could work at the ministry level.”
Eventually working with Cibolo Creek Community Church in Fair
GUITAR SHOP” Oaks, Coplen pursued his career in the ministry. “I eventually took
248 N. Main #2 • Boerne, Texas 78006 a job in Colorado, hoping for a fresh start, but nothing improved. I
couldn’t hide it anymore. I got sent to rehab again. There’s no job
830.249.9931 where you want your employees to drink and party, but for me, I was in
(behind the Boerne Library) a job where my personal and professional life simply clashed. You get
www.thebohemianguitarplayer.com drunk and do stupid things, and I couldn’t afford to do that. There were
some major spiritual upheavals going on with me. I got out, was sober

Nelson City dance hall & Party ranch
Spa
general store
Salon Soleil
✫No Cover ✫Wed-Sunday 2pm-???
✫Live Music every Friday,Saturday,Sunday!
available for small parties
1/2 MILE OFF IH-10,
Wed.-Thur 11:30 am 9:00 pm
hours:
EXIT #533 WELFARE RD.
Fri. 11:30 am-12 mid.
W
Sat. 12 Noon - 1 am
WARING/WELFARE RD.
Mention This Ad Sun. 12 Noon - 8 pm ★
HAIR • SKIN CARE • BODY WAXING
Readers Choice Award Winner
and Get $200 Off the
IH
www.nelsoncitydancehall.com EXIT #533
MASSAGE THERAPY • MAKE UP
-1
COLDEST BEER IN www.myspace.com/nelsoncity
0
Cost of Hall Rental!!!! 830.537.3835 • 210.269.2278 E SPA PACKAGES
* *
BOERNE! available for your special occasion! make yours one to remember! Aveda stylist Needed, Experience
required, Lease space available!
Nightly Specials
Saturday - Karaoke
Quality, Affordable Health Insurance
Every Thursday is
BIKE NIGHT!! Hill Country Health Plans
$2 Longnecks 7-11pm 115 Glade Drive, Boerne
Serving San Antonio, Fair Oaks, Boerne,
31138 I-10 W • Boerne, TX Call for Free Quote and Consultation Leon Springs, Helotes, Comfort
(across from Toyota) and Surrounding Areas
Open NOON Every Day! 210-833-4904 23535 IH 10 West STE 2101

San Antonio, Texas 78257
830-755-5313 Schedule an appointment at
“Best Bar in Kendall County”* 210.698.2661

*as voted on by the Thursday night crowd.
Authorized Agent WWW.SALONSOLEILSPA.COM
for a while, but my wife and Again, has garnered rave reviews and is catapulting Coplen up the contempo-
The clarity’s long awaited

I had a huge argument, and I rary Christian charts.
ended up in the hospital that “The response has been extremely favorable so far, and I think that one
cD is Finally Out
night. My wife picked me of the things that’s happened is that I’ve been given the opportunity to tell
up, and I stopped at the li- my story and hopefully it is used for some good. God didn’t make me go
quor store on the way home. through my story, but He allowed it to happen. I see people come to Christ
I was soon fired from that because of my story. It’s not just an alcohol thing, it’s a sin thing. To hear the
the long anticipated cd, “till tomor-
job. This was in 2005. We story of someone who was in it deep, and God led them out of it is extremely row morning” by piano rock group
moved back to San Antonio, encouraging.” the clarity will be releasing the
and moved in with my wife’s Coplen has begun to map out his plans for the CD and for himself. Armed 5-song ep on january 3rd, 2009.to
sister. They told me ‘you with a notebook of songs and lyrics, Coplen is finally able to turn his talents celebrate the release they will be
drink again here, and you’re into a direction that will lead him to success, and bring others out of despair. performing for their fans at scout
out’. I drank that night. So I “Doing the cd, and bringing these songs to life, is what I wanted to do with it.
was then separated from my No matter what happens, I’ll always have the songs, and be able to see how bar in san antonio the same night.
family for a while, working much work God did with me. I look back at the past 3 years, and while He has the doors will open at 8pm and
odd jobs. I then ended up in worked with others around me, the work He has done with me is nothing short the admission cost is $10 for those
the ER again in mid-05. I was just on the floor of the waiting room shaking of miraculous. It’s been a special time between me and God, and I’ll always who are 18 years of age and up; no
uncontrollably. I was just so sick. Beyond sick. I ate once a day, and drank have that as a reminder of what God delivered me from. I have no idea what minors are allowed. For the first time
the rest.” he’s prepared me for, but I’m excited to learn.”
Finally, and not a moment too soon, Coplen’s life changed. “It was Au- Already writing for his follow-up CD, Coplen has hit a vein of creativity
the cd will be for sale for $5.the
gust 8, 2005. I had detoxed at the ER for 3 days. I got out and Jeff, the pastor within himself that is deep. Whether you are a fan of contemporary Christian alternative pop group will perform
at Grace Point took me to a treatment center in Fredericksburg. Something music or not, hopefully we are all fans of people overcoming their challenges with their long time friends nothing
happened, I’m not sure. In the coming weeks, months, and years…I’ve got- and making the most of their talents. As Coplen continues to navigate his chal- more from san antonio and other
ten my family back, my finances. Life is awesome. I’ve got my job back in lenges, his perspective is one of faith and confidence. “I do think God has big- out-of-towners including the vettes
Ministry. Maybe I had finally gone far enough crap, maybe I could finally ger plans for me. What I want to happen with the CD is to be in a position to from new orleans, la and meri-
admit my problems and accept them. God is going to use my story I hope. It know that whatever happens with the CD is God’s will. If that means staying
was during that I finally said ‘Step up and be a man. Be a Godly man. Hand local and ministering, I’m cool with that. I’m halfway through songs for the wether from baton rouge, la.the
this over.’And I did and I haven’t looked back. My recovery has been nothing next CD, and there’s a new story being told in those songs about my growth. cd has been a year in the making
short of amazing.” And they’re not just about me, but about man’s growth. It’s every man’s jour- and the band would love to share
Clean for the first time in a long time, Coplen slowly returned to his talents ney, and about man meeting God, and He being willing to carry them. I hope this experience with you.
in music. “Musically, and in leadership, God gave me a special blend and mix for huge things. I’m capable of being a huge success, and by success, I see
of gifts that could be hugely uplifting, and I had just tossed them. I never took lots of ministry being done through it. It’s a fine line. If I’m in this just to hear The Scout Bar is located at:
my talents seriously. I did a worship CD in Tulsa, and I was drunk during myself on the radio, I’m in this for the wrong reasons.” 19314 US Hwy 281 N, Suite 1,
www.gregcoplen.com
the recording sessions. Bobby Maller, came up to me last year and said ‘We
would really like to put some energy behind you doing an album’. One thing
led to another, and we went to Nashville to record.” That CD, Coming On

COUNTRY HOME
LEARNING CENTER
Come See Our New, Beautiful State of the Art Facility!
Full and Part time Childcare for Infants to age 13
• Computer Lab • Country Home Theater

• Arts and Crafts Lab • Putt-Putt Golf Course
• Large Indoor Gym and Basketball Court • 1950’s Style Soda Shop
• Country Home Waterpark and Splashdeck • Adventure Jungle Indoor Playground
Enriched Kindergarten Program with an accelerated We have exceptionally SMALL CLASSES to

environment, degreed teachers and exceptionally small classes. provide maximum individualized care and education.
(Only 14students per class - almost 1/2 the size of public Our classes are filling quickly, so register early!
school classes!)
After School Care Program All Programs Offer the Following:

• Fun-filled days with activities every child enjoys, including movies • Professionally designed curriculum: language development,
in the Country Home Theater, snacks in the Soda Shop, creative arts number concepts, computers, science, social studies, music,
in our Crafts Center, and instruction in our large Computer Lab, creative arts, dramatic activities, and community speakers.
and game-oriented educational activities. • We offer a distinctly innovative environment that allows our
• Splash days in our very own Country Home Waterpark! children the opportunity to leave their classrooms each day and
• Field trips planned for public school holidays to exciting explore various themed areas for challenging “hands-on”
places such as Gattiland, Witte Museum, Northwood Ice Skating Rink, learning and fun exploration. These specicalized areas include our
Institute of Texan Cultures, Wildlife Ranch, IMAX, Fiesta Farms, Language Arts and Discovery Center, Theater, Computer Lab,
University Bowl, Rollercade, America’s Incredible Pizza, Arts and Crafts Center and Country Home Soda Shop!
Goofy Golfing, and local parks for picnics. • Classes in computers, music, dance, gymnastics and Spanish.
• Each week will bring a new theme with many special events • Horseback riding lessons for the older children at the
planned for our children’s cultural enrichment and total enjoyment. Country Home Ranch near Boerne, Texas.
• Transportation service provided from neighborhood schools.
210.687.1002
23907 Cielo Vista • San Antonio, TX 78255 www.CountryHomeLearningCenter.com
Simple Pleasures in Complicated Times
“W
PLANT A GARDEN AND GROW HAPPINESS
by carolyn chipmann evans

hen the world wearies, and society ceases to satisfy, there is
always the garden.”
We all know there are a lot of things going on that we have
no control over these days. If we have the nerve, we watch the
news, or the stock market. Then wish we hadn’t.
I had a recent urge to do something that would make me
feel I have some way to take my mind off the news, help me take control of my life and help save our precious pennies too.
I found the solution in a vegetable garden.
{
I have always had a vegetable garden of one sort or another, but in recent years the trees shaded the garden and my work
nature
covered up my time. I was growing next to nothing, but the dream of armfuls of homegrown, organic veggies from my own
productive garden came creeping in again and again. Once it came while at the grocery store, while looking at a bunch of
organic kale that came all the way from California and cost $3.99. I happen to know kale grows like a weed in Texas in the
winter. I know that transporting vegetables across the country uses untold resources that would be better off saved. I put the
kale back and marked a score for the garden idea.
I love to be outdoors. Time in the fresh air gives me good ideas and energy. Time in the yard takes my mind off the chal-
{
lenges of the day and helps me unwind. I think this is true for lots of us. In this time of drought I found myself not planting
ornamentals, rather keeping what I have alive with as little water as possible. So what’s to do in the yard other than mulch?
Another score for a vegetable garden.
There is a long list of reasons why we built a new garden this year, some physical, some economic, and some simply
romantic. You may have your own reasons. This story is about how we did it and how you can too.
STEP 1
Pick a sunny location. Vegetable gardens need at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. Don’t cheat on this.
STEP 2
Decide on size of your garden. We fenced an area 40x40 because we wanted lots of space and room to grow if we want.
However smaller would be fine. We found that 6 beds 4x10 ft each would grow plenty for a family of four and friends too.
You will also want to plan a compost pile nearby.
STEP 3
Build a good fence. Deer love vegetables even more that you do. So don’t skimp here either. Our fence is made of 6
foot welded wire with 2x3 inch squares and another single wire strung along the top. No deer will dare this fence, and no
armadillo can come in under it either. A large gate is very handy too. We had help from a local man, who has skills, and
muscle, and experience in fence building. It is here to stay.
STEP 4
Build the beds. Don’t use railroad ties. They contain toxic chemicals that will leach into your nice organic soil. We
researched and found that red cedar, redwood or cypress is a good choice. You can also use rocks, cinder blocks, local cedar
posts or other creative materials. We used 1x10 untreated cypress.
The perfect bed size is 4x10 feet and 10-12 inches deep. The corners must be secured with brackets to keep the boards
secure when the garden is filled with soil. Rebar stays can help keep the board from warping. We built six beds with room
between them for the wheelbarrow, or to get a pickup truck close for mulching or adding compost.
STEP 5
Fill your beds with soil. We used garden mix from a local materials yard. It took about a yard per bed. After filling the
bed add a couple of inches of ready compost and the correct amount of ORGANIC fertilizer and mix it in to the top few
inches of soil.
STEP 6
Plan your drip system. We set up a timer that will help the garden survive my lapses in memory. Each bed has a 50-foot
soaker hose laced in it and all are connected to a central system. They are the perfect length.
STEP 7
The fun part! Plan your garden. This is very important because you must grow the right vegetables at the right time to
be successful in Texas. Read all about it. There are many books on gardening in South Texas, but I always like talking to
my local nursery guys too. They will know. Dream, plan, then shop.
I like tried and true varieties but I also love seeds with names like myself feeling good all day when new seeds come up.
Colorful Carnival Blend Carrots, Red Velvet Leaf Lettuce, Dinosaur STEP 9
Kale, Ruby Red Swiss Chard and Rainbow Beets. Once your garden is planted and your seeds are up, you just need to care for it.
STEP 8 They say the best fertilizer for a garden is a gardener’s footsteps. Watch for caterpil-
Planting the garden. Water it first. It’s best to let your beds settle lars and roly-poly’s. Make sure your drip system is coming on. Mulch your plants as
for a couple of weeks before planting, but not critical. However hav- they grow. Give them regular feeding good foliar spray. Take friends out to visit your
ing moist (not wet) soil is important. Transplants like cloudy days, garden. Put out some lawn furniture so you can watch it grow. Add some garden art.
or some protection from the sun. After setting your plants carefully Plant some flowers. Putz around.
in their new beds give them a drink of Garrett Juice. That will make There are great products on the market now that make organic gardening very
them feel better. Water well and say a little prayer for them. easy and will solve all your garden needs. Support your local organic nursery.
Seeds need special attention. Read the package carefully about STEP 10
depth and spacing. They know what they are talking about. They Harvest your joy. The first harvest from your garden will be a celebration. Have
must stay moist to germinate. I have a nozzle on my hose that I use to some friends over to share the first salad or tomatoes. It is an investment and accom-
mist the seeds twice a day until they are up. It’s so much fun to watch plishment. A garden is a good thing that will bring you and your friends closer to the
and wait, then one day like a long expected guest, they pop up. I find earth, closer to your home and closer to good health and happiness.

gourmet results.
EXPLORE’s Restaurant Guide THE RESTAURANT SECTION
Tin Roof Steakhouse Eat Smart Restaurant
470 S. Main Street 1595 S. Main, Suite 121
Eatery has Down-Home Attitude,

Boerne, TX Boerne, TX
830-816-5011 830-249-9288
Guadalajara’s Diner
Hungry Horse Restaurant 103 N. Main Street
116 Buckskin Dr./ Boerne, TX
N
109 S. Saunders 830-249-0900
Boerne, TX
830-816-8989 Dodging Duck Brewhaus
402 River Road · Boerne, TX
Cypress Grille 830-248-3825
170 S. Main Street
Boerne, TX Bear Moon Bakery
830-248-1353 P. O. Box 756 · 401 S. Main
Boerne, TX
Tapatio Springs Resort & 830-816-2327
by John Griffin
Conference Ctr.
101 Preston Trail
Boerne, TX
830-537 4302 · 800-999-3299
El Chaparral Mexican
Restaurant
707 S. Main Streetdining { Express-News Dining Edi-
tor
straightforward, too sensible and not fussy in the least.
Her yellowfin tuna, for example, is cooking at its most unde-
manding. Just brush sesame oil on tuna steaks and grill to desired
Boerne, TX doneness. (You should cook tuna the same way you want your
Chili’s Restaurant #844 830-816-8288
601 W. Bandera Naylene Dillingham-Stolzer steaks cooked, she said.) At the same time, mix together mayon-
Boerne, TX Mague’s Cafe and her husband raise goats. Their neighbors down the naise, wasabi, teriyaki sauce and water to make a sauce. That's it.
830-249-8558 934 N. Main · Boerne, TX road, the McKinnerneys, also raise goats. Yet the sweetness in the teriyaki plays off the heat of the wasabi,
{
(830) 249-9168
Sidelines Restaurant & Trouble is, the market for goat meat has never been and both work well with the nuttiness of the sesame oil.
Sportsbar Naples Pizza Restaurant that great compared with beef or pork. So, Naylene and It's easy and complex at the same time.
1361 South Main, Suite 301 215 W. Bandera Road, Suite 106 Naylene is like that, as well. She may have a hyphenated last
Boerne, TX Boerne, TX
her neighbors started up a little roadside restaurant back in
(830) 331-9464 830-249-0089 1999 to market it. name, but she's too free of pretensions to be called anything but
They made a little more money by selling their goat Naylene.
O’Brien’s Restaurant My Hill Country Kitchen
848 Hwy 46 East 109 Waterview Pkwy
meat to their own restaurant than they would have oth- She also has the gift of remembering the name of everybody
Boerne, TX Boerne, TX erwise, but they made something else. Their little shack, she meets, even after a lapse of several weeks, according to a few
830-336-3955 · 830-229-5600 (830) 816-4804 named Mac & Ernie's Roadside Eatery — after the McKin- of her regular customers who attended the class as a means of
Scenic Loop Cafe Welfare Café nerneys, get it? — has put their hometown, Tarpley, pop. avoiding the 90-minute drive to Tarpley, which lies to the west of
25615 Boerne Stage Road 223 Waring Welfare Road 50, on the map. Well, on the foodies' map, at least. Bandera. As each student entered the room, Naylene would walk
San Antonio, TX Boerne, Texas People from miles around show up for the cabrito burg- over and introduce herself; for the rest of the class, she addressed
210-687-1818
Conroy’s Pub ers that Naylene makes each Wednesday, Friday and Sat- each questioner by name.
The Grill at Leon Springs 9091 Fair Oaks Parkway #201 urday for lunch. But the crowds on Friday and Saturday Naylene got her culinary start as a child. Her mother let her
24116 IH-10 W Fair Oaks Ranch, TX use the "Betty Crocker Boys and Girls Cookbook" and "we could
San Antonio, TX (210) 698-7310
nights want something more than burgers. They want her
(210) 698-8797 seared Yellowfin Tuna with Wasabi Mayo, her Mustard cook whatever we wanted to," she said with her usual deadpan
Chili’s Restaurant #844 Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Salsa Verde, her fried catfish manner. "It was pretty exciting."
Spinelli’s Vistro & 601 W. Bandera
Country Inn Boerne, TX
or whatever Naylene's had a hankering for. When she was older, she worked her way through the kitchens
911 S. Main · Boerne, TX 830-249-8558 "I cook what I want to eat," she told a sold-out Central at Liberty Bar and Grey Moss Inn among other restaurants.
830-249-9563 Market cooking class recently. She learned the value of using produce at its freshest to achieve
Sidelines Sports Bar &
Cheesy Jane’s Grille It's as simple as that, and so are her dishes. Though the brightest and best flavors. "I try to go as seasonal as I can," she
215 W. Bandera, #101 1361 South Main, Suite 301 the end product may taste gourmet, her approach is too said.
Boerne, TX Boerne, TX 78006 She also learned that
830-248-1000 · 210-541-1480 (830) 331-9464
recipes are not meant
Kendall Inn & My Hill Country Kitchen to be carved in stone. If
The Limestone Grille 109 Waterview Parkway, you're unfamiliar with a
128 W. Blanco · Boerne, TX Suite 105 · Boerne, TX
830-249-2138 · 800-364-2138 (830) 331-9863 certain style of cooking,
you should probably "try a
Bumdoodlers Mague’s Cafe
929 N. Main · Boerne, TX 934 N. Main · Boerne, TX
recipe the way it's written
830-249-8826 (830) 249-9168 once — and then go for
the gusto," she said.
PO-PO Family Restaurant Mary Brogan’s Irish Cottage
829 FM 289 · Boerne, TX 455 S Main St. · Boerne TX To Naylene, that could
830-537-4194 (830) 249-6818 mean adding more wasabi
to her tuna sauce when
The Creek Restaurant 814 — A Texas Bistro
119 Staffel · Boerne, TX 713 High St. · Comfort, TX she's making it at home
830-816-2005 (830) 995-4990 or adjusting the amount of
anchovies or capers in her
Boerne Grill Guenther’s Biergarten
143 S. Main Street & Grill salsa verde. "If you like
Boerne, TX 220 Hwy 473 at 6th St. 'em," she said of capers,
830-249-4677 Comfort, TX
830.995.5370
"then add more. If you
Lily’s on the River don't like 'em, don't add
412 River Road, #103 High’s on High Street 'em."
Boerne, TX 726 High Street
(830) 249-9202 Comfort TX That attitude carries
830.995.4995 over into one of the eat-
ery's signature desserts,

THE DODGING DUCK
Restaurant & Brewery
featuring an
eclectic wine list
and delicious,
freshly-prepared
food
170 South Main Street, Suite 200 Open Daily at 11am
Boerne, Texas 78006 Sun-Thurs ‘til 9pm Fri-Sat ‘til 10pm
830.248.1353 402 River Road Boerne, Texas (4 blocks from Main St.)
www.cypressgrilleboerne.com
• Extensive Wine List • New Main Street Entrance • 12 Beers on Tap www.dodgingduck.com
coconut cream pie. It's made each week by her assistant, Kelly Bradshaw, who sits at the window at Mac & Ernie's
taking orders. Neither woman cares for meringue, so there isn't any on the pie.
"We do not cook what we do not eat," Naylene said.
Kelly demonstrated how easy it was to make the old-fashioned favorite, the recipe of which was adapted from
one her mother taught her. In the meantime, she had a few words to say about her boss: "Naylene is a very adventur-
ous person. She gets bored very easily. Hence, the reason she changes the sauces every weekend."
Kelly, on the other hand, enjoys making the same pies week after week. "Naylene goes, 'Can't you make some-
thing other than coconut cream pie or chocolate cream pie?' And I go, 'No.'"
The regulars are glad of that, as the pies sell out every weekend.
Mac & Ernie's Roadside Eatery, Williams' Creek Depot, FM 470, Tarpley, is
open for lunch Wednesday and lunch and dinner Fridays and Saturdays.
For information, call (830) 562-3250 or visit www.macandernies.com.
Reprinted with permission of the San Antonio Express-News.
Boerne’s 1st Soup, Salad, Sandwich

and Spud Bar!
lunch & Dinner 11-8pm Monday - Friday!
830-331-9863
noW open lunch & dinner
109 Waterview Parkway, Suite 105 • Boerne, Texas
We are located behind the new Guaranty bank & sherwin Williams across from super Walmart
TAKE HOME CASSEROLES AVAILABLE!!!

“ L e t t u c e ” s h o w YO U h o w “ S o u p e r ”
My Hill Countr y Kitchen is!
NOW OPEN NFL Sunday Ticket now available!!
11 - 2am Every Day!!!!! ✤ 17 Hi-Def TVs
✤ Darts & Pool
FAIR OAKS
✤ 12 Beers on Tap
SAN ANTONIO
n r o y’s
o
C ub ✩
BOERNE
✤ Live Music
Saturday Nights
✤ Daily Lunch Specials ✤ Karaoke

Wednesday Nights
✤ Executive Chef – Jim
Barajas of Casbeer’s!!
Casbeer’s! www.conroysirishpub.com
9091 Fair Oaks Pkwy. FAIR OAKS, TX 78015

(210) 698-7310
SalonInfusion 1433 S. Main Street • Suite 105 • Boerne, Texas 78006 • 830-816-5354
www.saloninfusion.com
Hours Mon 9am-5pm • Tues - Fri 9am - 8 pm • Sat 9am - 6pm
a full-ser v i c e s a l o n / day spa

a neW year...a neW yOu!
INDULGE IN A “SPOIL YOU ROTTEN” PACKAGE:
A Signature Pedicure, Essential Facial, Soothing
Scalp Massage, Shampoo & Style, and a 60 Minute
Massage for $230 ($254 value).
Salon Infusion offers a warm welcome to our new Salon
Director, Brandy Pate. Brandy brings her expertise to our salon,
which includes being an accomplished Paul Mitchell Educator,
Creative Color Specialist, and Hair Extension Specialist.
Come Pamper Yourself!!!

the center and its overseers,
the friends of the cibolo
Wilderness, are dedicated to
promoting conservation of
natural resources through
education and stewardship.
www.cibolo.org

to corporate America. I’m sick of climbing
those ladders. I’m qualified, but to go work
for a company again and be responsible for
budgets and numbers….I’m more interested
in the jewelry.”
And, as with any self-employed person,
the passion is the key. “I so enjoy dealing
with the clients, and I swear I have a 6th
sense about what people want. I can just tell
that if my design isn’t fitting what they had
in mind, I can get in with them and sit down
and re-design it before we get too far.” Ad-
ditionally, Linda is focusing on the unusual
market of men. “Men are also a great client-
base with me. Not necessarily for them, but
for their wives and kids. I call them and
i
remind them of upcoming birthdays and
anniversaries, and handle the designs from
there.”
Focusing on custom designed jewelry
stretching across virtually any budget, Linda
has fast become well-regarded for her de-
signs. From simple bracelets, to heirloom
by ben schooley
necklaces, Linda’s designs spring from her
f there’s one thing most of us can appreciate, it’s when some- passion for not only the art, but also for the
one takes their dream and runs with it. Who doesn’t love to client. “I help women to understand how a
hear the story of somebody deciding one day that they are go- piece will work. Some people see a piece
{
ing to open their own business, and eventually they become and they love it, but they wonder what it will
millionaires. These are the stories that make America what it go with. So I work closely with women and
art
is, and Linda Constancio is no different. help them understand fabric, texture, and
Following a layoff from her “real job”, instead of being down in color and help them design what will work
the dumps, Linda decided it was the perfect opportunity to pursue her with each piece. And perhaps most impor-
{
dream of creating jewelry. “I started really heavy this past August. I tantly, the joy that I get from doing this is the
was a staffing manager for a staffing agency, and I was laid off. So I look on people’s face when they put the piece on and it speaks to them. I see their eyes light up, and they
made the decision to really focus hard on the jewelry. I went into a feel good about themselves when they wear it. That’s the joy for me, and I never got that from Corporate
store called Wired Designs, and I looked at their jewelry and just fell America. It makes people happy, it’s in a price range they can afford, and it makes them smile. It’s a
in love with it. So I took several classes, and have continued to do very real passion for me, and I really enjoy it. I have the support of so many friends, my husband, and
so, and I have a knack for it. It’s all one of a kind pieces…all hand- my clients. Without them, none of this would be possible.”
crafted. I can customize as well, utilizing existing pieces, or starting
from scratch.”
Armed with the desire, Linda focused on her strengths. “I’ve always Wanna See More?
been creative. I’ve been in interior design for a long time now. I also www.icustomizejewelry.com
worked in corporate America for all those years,
and only recently have realized that I was always
using the wrong side of my brain. So I realized I
could work for hours and hours on being creative.”
Thus, New Original Designs Jewelry was born,
and Linda hasn’t looked back. “It’s gone great
since August. I’ve been successful with it, and the
bridal shows and exhibitions have been great. I do
trunk shows, and do private showings for people in
their homes, and so I really would love to do this
full-time, and am looking at how to do that.”
Having cut her teeth in corporate America, Lin-
da is ready to move on. “I don’t want to go back

Your One Stop Bead and Jewelry Shop
Quality glass beads, pearls, crystals, turquoise,
coral, jade and rare stones
BITTER CREEK DESIGN CLASSES:
Beginner to Advanced Bead Stringing, Chain Linking, Begin-
ner to Advanced Precious Metal Clay, Beginner to Advanced
Wire Wrapping, Beginner to Advanced Metal Smithing, Begin-
ner to Advanced Frame Soldering and more to come.
Located at The Rim

17711 IH10 West
Building 700, Suite 104
(210) 558-0559
www.bittercreekdesigns.com

JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE OUR 3rd ANNIVERSARY
Open House: January 10 from 12 to 5pm
1361 S. Main Street • Boerne, Texas 78006
“
830-815-1040 • www.ymcasatx.org
in partnership with Our family chose to become members of
“
the YMCA because of their dedication and
commitment to everyone who walks through
their doors. The equipment is state of the art
and our entire family, including our 2 year old
son, is always welcomed and greeted with a
smile by the staff. It's a wonderful environment
and a place we plan on being a part of for years
Financial Assistance is available through the YMCA Open Doors Scholarship Program. to come.
Visit www.ymcasatx.org for more information. -The Edall Family (Jesse ,Tara and Landon)
YMCA Mission: To Put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
✪ ✪
Boerne Welcomes
Century 21 Ruple Properties
701 S. Main St. 110143 IH37
Boerne, TX 78006 Pleasanton, TX 78064
(830) 331-1250 (830) 569-3360
Live Water Properties, Ranches, Residential & Commerical Properties
FEATURED PROPERTIES
2,215 Acres Edwards Co. 892 Acres LaSalle Co.
T
There is approximately four 1.3 miles of crystal clear river bottoms and this property is located only
80+/- miles NW of Boerne, TX. This historic ranch is located in Southern Edwards County, in the
heart of the Nueces Canyon and is blessed with one of the strongest live water creeks in Texas. The
ranch features Cedar Creek, a strong year- round constant flow stream that runs for approximately 1.3
T
This is a great opportunity to own 892 acres of the Santa Maria Ranch located in the heart of South
Texas only 15 miles from Cotulla, TX. This family owned, high-fenced ranch has been under a whitetail
management program for 10+ years. The ranch consists of native South Texas whitetails deer and many
other species of wildlife. The deer quality on the ranch is enhanced by a wide diversity of native South
miles through the rich fertile bottom land. The valley has huge native pecans, large live oaks and elm Texas brush and a good supply of water. The property has an abundance of quail, hogs, dove, bobcats,
trees throughout the expansive valleys on this exceptional ranch. It can only be described as “One of a and all that South Texas has to offer. The roads are well maintained which makes it easy to get around.
Kind”. From the stories of pioneers settling in the Cedar Creek Valley in the 19th century, to the amaz- The ranch house is a 3,000+/- sq. ft. metal building that is completely finished out with 5 bedrooms, 2
ing native Indian sites, geological features, subterranean caves and sink holes, this ranch is unique. It baths, a full kitchen, a large pantry, washer/dryer and a large living area which is perfect for entertaining
is a fossil and arrowhead hunters dream. Pinion Pines are scattered in the higher elevations along with family and guest. The ranch house will currently sleep up to 22 people and has about 1,200 sq. ft. of cov-
huge virgin oak & cedar stands which add to the scenic views from the abundant mountain top vistas! ered patios and a wooden deck for enjoying the beautiful South Texas sunsets. If you are an avid hunter
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, to make an investment that will last for generations to come! or you have family and friends that like to hunt, this is definitely the right place for you!
585 Acres Atascosa Co.

Please visit our web site for more information at: www.SouthTexasRanches.com Please visit our web site for more information at: www.SouthTexasRanches.com
338 Acres Blanco Co.
T
The ranch is located in the most sought after area of the Texas Hill Country. From the large rock entrance to the
lovely 3 bedroom rock home, this property is gorgeous. The property is accessed from a paved farm to market road
F.M. 1623 and is only 5 miles west of Blanco, Texas. The amazing hilltop rock home overlooks a vast and scenic
countryside. The views are incredible and span across 30 to 40 miles. One can enjoy these fabulous views from
T
This beautiful ranch is located only 35 miles south of downtown San Antonio, Texas. This is truly one of those you have to see to believe
ranches. It is by far one of the prettiest and productive ranches we have seen in Atascosa and surrounding counties. The rolling terrain of
the property gives it a feel of being much larger than it is. One of the highest points in the county is on this ranch lending itself to 20+mile
views. This ranch has been game managed for years in a low fence setting and it is common to see a number of white tail deer in the
the back porch area and from the swimming pool located in the back yard. The early 1900’s era German style rock 150-180+/- Boon & Crocket class range. The ranch also boasts of some of the best dove & turkey hunting in the area and this property
walls that populate the ranch add to the charm and beauty of this oak covered property. From the higher elevations is surrounded by large ranches. There is 2.25 miles of Atascosa river bottom that meanders through the southeastern corner of the ranch.
and vistas to the productive coastal filled fields along the creek bottom areas, this ranch has it all. The very produc- The fields have all been sprigged with coastal and Tifton 85 grasses. There is a very nice 3 bedroom 2 bath brick home on the ranch
tive fenced fields along the creek are utilized for cutting coastal hay and can be utilized for rotating livestock or with a 2 car garage. The house has approximately 1,800 sq.ft. of living area. There are also 2 sets of working cattle pens on the property.
horses for grazing. Wildlife is abundant on the ranch! The ranch has many live oaks, elm and some cedar trees. Whether you are a hunter, photographer, or just a nature lover, this place can satisfy all those desires.
Please visit our web site for more information at: www.SouthTexasRanches.com Please visit our web site for more information at: www.SouthTexasRanches.com
VIEW ALL OUR LISTINGS AT SOUTHTEXASRANCHES.COM

✪
✪

I by Marjorie Barron
n the Boerne of long long ago, when the Kendall Inn was just a small, private house and even before that was
built, when the town square was a holding pen for cows brought into town to await the cattle drive, when
most of the buildings we know on Main Street weren’t even built yet and Boerne wasn’t the county seat but
just a stage stop and farming hub way out in Kerr County, there was a patch of land between the two creeks
where a farmer quartered his slaves. Main Street was a dirt road that wound around the oak trees that grew in
{
the middle, and another dirt path ran off it along the south side of the square and down to the Cibolo Creek,
where it became a footbridge that crossed into a different world called the Flats.
history
Back then there was no dam nor water mill on the Cibolo and the water was sparkling clear and prone to rising
up in a hard rain to meet the waters of the Frederick Creek, and flood the stretch of land between. In those days, even
the doctors believed that river mists and the damp miasma were teeming with disease, so the land there was fit neither
for farming nor living on- only for housing slaves. The only relics that now remain of that time are one or two of the
tiny, one-room wood frame slave cabins and the old ‘colored’ school house, now a home.
After the Civil War when the slaves gained their freedom, these Boerne-ites of African-American descent stayed
{
on in the Flats, in the little houses on plots of land they either bought or rented from their former owners. The men of Hispanic descent, as Mexican-Americans were also seen as lesser citizens and
the families either farmed their own land or labored on other farms around town, and the wives and mothers went out earned lower wages, and were able to acquire land and houses in the Flats
as maids, took in laundry and ironing or worked in the kitchens at the local restaurants and hotels. more cheaply than elsewhere.
In 1887, a man named HJ Graham, along with his business partner DS Irons, acquired a large tract of land from By the 1970s, only three elderly black ladies were still living in the
the Spanish Land Grant located between the creeks and among the old slave cabins, in what was sometimes known Flats, including a lady called Aunt Tillie who sold sweets from her home on
as ‘the old Negro section.’ Graham and Irons surveyed and platted the land and had it annexed to the town of Boerne, O’Grady Street. Otherwise the people who lived in the Flats were almost
extending the borders of the town. It was officially the Irons-Graham Addition, but everyone just kept on calling it exclusively Hispanic, and they had long since created their own enclave, and
the Flats. Henry J Graham was a local big shot, tax assessor and deputy sheriff, who made his real money in the neighborhood grocery stores and businesses thrived, as for instance Johnny
development and resale of land in Boerne, and he and his family lived in the Philip House. A street in the Flats is Sotello’s store on O’Grady Street. In 1969 the Crusader’s Club organized as
named for Graham, and one for his partner Mr. Irons. Another street was named for the prominent Herff family, and a Hispanic-American community club and scholarship organization, and were
another for someone named Lott, whose story has been lost to time (or at least to this researcher.) The fifth street in able through fund-raising events and donations of time and money to purchase
the Flats is named for Graham’s friend John G. O’Grady, a jolly, redheaded Irishman, Indian fighter and postmaster property on Lott & O’Grady Streets where they built the Crusader’s Hall in
of Boerne, who built the original Kendall House hotel on the south bank of the Cibolo where the Robert E Lee house 1978. Since the time of its charter it has been a hub of social activity and good
now stands, and stood then. work among all citizens of Kendall County.
The Flats is bordered on the north by the Cibolo Creek and on the south by School Street, on the east by Hosack In 1964, Boerne was slammed with one of those 100-year floods that
Street and the west by the Frederick. The old government trail ran through the Flats, the road connecting San Antonio come along every 10 or 15 years, and while homes and businesses all over
to Fort McKavitt, an Indian fort in Llano County, and later the stagecoach ran along the same route, from Main Street town were inundated, the Flats were hit the worst. A flash flood raged through
at what is now West Theissen Street and across the convergence of the two creeks, the beauty of which area with its the Irons-Graham Addition, washing out the Irons Street bridge over the Fred-
sparkling clear waters is said to have been the reason the original settlers chose to build their town here. Some natives erick Creek (which was never rebuilt) and claiming the life of one man who
still call this place the OST, not the Old Spanish Trail as elsewhere in the Hill Country, but the old Stage Trail. was taken unaware by the wall of water. Parts of the Flats were frequently
The Flats was like a town within a town, as Boerne, in common with towns all over the former Confederate states, surrounded by water and cut off from the rest of the town until the 1980s, when
was markedly segregated. When you crossed one of the two bridges into the Flats, you walked into a different place, a the old low-water crossing over the Cibolo at San Antonio Street was replaced
little town with its own stores, restaurants and bars, society and traditions, food and customs and music. There was at by a much higher and wider bridge. In the flood of 1997, however, waters rose
least one bbq place in the Flats and a honky-tonk, a dance hall by night where the tables and chairs could be removed high enough to cover even that bridge, and some residents found themselves
for roller-skating on the wooden floor by day. stranded just like in the old days.
In the early 1890s, a group called the Colored Women’s Missionary Society of San Antonio created a Society The Flats has ceased to be an isolated pocket in the middle of Boerne, and
for the Baptist Church in Boerne, to raise support for a church building in the Flats. In 1895, land was deeded to the is going through a renaissance these days with new houses going up all over.
Society and Mt. Nebo Church was built, a shotgun-style wood frame structure still standing today on Graham Street Some of the old structures have fallen down or been demolished, including
and converted into a private home. one of the last original slave cabins on Irons Street, which was torn down in
Up until the early 1900s, black kids who could do so attended school on the Richard Street ranch on FM 473, in the past five years. Another house, one of the oldest buildings in Boerne, a log
a one-room cabin Mr. Street donated for the purpose. But town kids couldn’t usually attend a school so far out, so cabin of the chink-and-daub type at the corner of Herff and Graham, has no
most of them didn’t go to school until 1910. In that year, the new Boerne Public School was completed on Blanco historical designation when it really should have- it’s an amazing relic worth
Street- the building that is now the City Hall and Utilities building- and the city gave the old school house to ‘the col- preserving, and has fallen into serious disrepair. It’s a neighborhood that has
ored students of Kendall County.’ The building was moved from Blanco Street to O’Grady Street in the Flats, where housed slaves in the bad old days, that has been a hidden little town within a
it became the Boerne Colored School, later the Royal School. Boerne was still very segregated in those days and all town, and is rich in fascinating history, and you should take a drive through it
the way up until fairly recently, in the 1960s when school integration became federal law, and the Royal School was one of these days.
still in use until then. The old school house is still there, too; it’s been added to and remodeled for use as a home. One last thing- the Flats has a few legends and myths of its own, too
After the First World War the re-emergence of the KKK revived old tensions between blacks and whites, and including La Lechusa, a kind of half-woman, half-bird who comes around if
there are even reports that a sign was erected on the outskirts of town, containing a racial slur, that warned African- you whistle after dark, and a local ghost called ‘El Negrito’- the little black
Americans ‘don’t let the sun set on you in this town!’…in so many words. Dark chapter in Boerne history. Also, boy. They say he sometimes shows up on the West Theissen bridge at OST,
economic opportunities were opening up for African-Americans in bigger cities, and the black population of Kendall hollering and waving his arms at kids riding their bikes or walking over the
County began to decrease. It was a time in American history known as the Great Migration, when black Americans creeks, but when you get close to him or ride your bike at him, he disappears.
left the rural South by the hundreds of thousands, and later by the millions, for better jobs and hopes of equality in Like slave quarters and the Irons Street bridge, and old Irons himself, he
the industrial North. As black Boerne-ites left town, their property in the Flats was largely taken over by people of just disappears.

I by Kendall Aaron
think sometimes I have some strange tendencies. No, I don’t dress

weird or worship a tree or drink some sort of ritualistic drink, but
{
still, I think I have a unique way of handling things sometimes. I
spiritual
handle things the only way my brain knows how to do it, so while
I feel it’s completely normal, people sometimes raise an eyebrow
at me when I explain my current state of affairs.
Case in point – shortly after last New Year’s, I was frustrated. I was
frustrated at the people in my life. I was left to feel as if I was the only
person interested in maintaining some relationships, the only person ex-
tending myself to preserve relationships that I felt were moderately im-
portant to me. I think we all have a circle of friends that surround us, and
{
sometimes, it can require a fair amount of work to maintain those friend-
ships. Unfortunately, there are times when we feel that we are extending
ourselves, and getting little response. So, in my standard strange way
of doing things, I stewed on the subject for some time, and eventually
popped.
I didn’t scream or yell, but instead, I got very, very quiet. I talked it
over with my wife, explained my frustrations, and systematically went
down my cell phone and began deleting phone numbers. I was so tired of
extending myself in an attempt to be a good friend, and seeing very little
in the way of their mutual extension. I’m not saying I was right, but I was
just frustrated. It wasn’t necessarily a tantrum, but I was so tired of being
the driving force behind an ongoing frustration.
And don’t we all get frustrated sometimes with our relationships and
friends? The Bible tells us “A man that hath friends must show himself
friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Prov
18:24 (New King James Version) I have a brother. I don’t need another
one. At the time, though, I really could have used a friend, and felt aban-
doned, for lack of a better word. I certainly hope that no friend of mine
could ever say such a thing.
As Christians, our relationships are crucial. Whether it’s your spouse,
your kids, your boss, or your friends…those relationships in many ways
define us. They are a reflection of us. My dad used to have a saying,
“Show me your friends, and I’ll tell you what you are.” Re-read that three
times, and tell me it’s not true. It’s also quite sobering. For me, I had a
moment where I looked at some of the people in my life that made no
attempt to connect, conducted themselves selfishly, and certainly didn’t
reflect some values that were crucial to me. I’m not perfect by any stretch
of the imagination, but I TRY. I call my friends on their birthdays, check
in with them on my commute home, and ask about their kids. And maybe
most importantly, I really want to be their friend.
As we enter this New Year, take a moment and look around. You don’t
have to handle things as strangely as I tend to, but take some time and
pray about your friends and relationships. While my examples are tied to
friendships, they are just as pertinent to marriages. Or co-workers. Or the
cashier at the convenience store you visit every morning. Be what YOU
would want. Give of yourself, care for them, and make every attempt to
add to your friendships. God blesses us with the ability to brighten other’s
lives, just as He brightens ours. Be a friend this year, and find friends.
Just don’t do it as strangely as I did.

The Best Place in the Hill Country
for Your Private Party!
The Cibolo Arts Council mission is to develop and
sustain an environment that supports and promotes
awareness, appreciation, education and access to the
visual and performing arts in the Kendall County area.
25615 Boerne Stage Road Cibolo Arts Council

(at Scenic Loop Road) PO Box 2024 • Boerne, TX 78006
210.687.1818 www.ciboloarts.org
www.scenicloopcafe.com
TJ Care, LLC Offers You An Elegant Assisted Personal Care Home at
Fernbrook Estate
on Cibolo Creek
• Residential 24-hour Personal Care
• Independent, Assisted & Dementia Care
• Private & Semi-Private Rooms Offered
• Respite & Short-term Stays Offered Beautiful Grounds
• Non-Residential Adult Daycare
• Small, Family Home Means Better Care
Game Room
Live Better • Live Longer • Live Healt

hier
• Alzheimers, Dementia & Memory Care
Full Kitchen Library

Call Us for Your Personal Tour at 210-557-3045 or 830-249-3730
38400-A IH-10 West, Exit 538 • Boerne, Texas 78006
SMALL REALLY IS BETTER, COME SEE US SOON!
Bluebonnet Realty
Bluebonnet Realty jump-start your
fitness program
(830) 816-2288
4-Week Outdoor Total Fitness Transformation
www.boernetexashomes.com
PROPERTY FOR SALE: boerne
$425,000 - 3 bed, 2.5 bath on 4.76 acres in $300,000 - 3 Bed, 2 Bath in Fair Oaks
Stagecoach Hills. 2600 s.f. plus large shop. on 1.74 Acres. Study/office and a large,
the ultimate
Long circular drive. covered patio. Will lease $1800/month. out-of-gym experience
empower
$279,000 - Fair Oaks 2 bed, 2.5 bath garden
home on the golf course
$100,000 - 2 bed, 2 ba mobile, storage, large lot
yourself!
• One hour a day for 4 weeks
• Monday through Friday
PROPERTY FOR LEASE:
5:30 - 6:30 AM or 8:30 - 9:30 AM
• Dynamic instruction from
a Certified Fitness Trainer
• Spaces fill quickly for this
unique experience!
• Do you need to be held accountable? • Registration is just $299
• Do you need motivation? for a 4-week camp
$4600 - 4 bed, 4 bath pool, lake, private ranch $3600 - 3 bed, 2 ba 5000 s.f. 3+ acs
• Would you like to meet fun people?
If you answered “YES” to any of
these questions, then this adventure
register now!
is for you!
Whether you are a beginner, an avid
fitness enthusiast or just tired of the lose weight,
$3500 - Fair Oaks Ranch - 4 bed, 3.5 baths,
approx. 4600 s.f. on golf course
$2300 - 3/2 new construction
same routine come try this whole new
approach to exercise... fun!
feel great!
REGISTER TODAY!
20 (1) hour Workouts, 1 hour Nutrition Seminar,
Before and After Assessment, Free T-shirt,
Fast results for busy women
• Circuit Training
$1750 - 4/2 large lot Fair Oaks Ranch $1675 - 2/2.5 on golf course
100% REWARDING • Core Conditioning
• Hiking
• Pilates
• Obstacle Courses
• Weight Training
• Yoga
• and more
$1350 - 3/2/2 in BOERNE HEIGHTS. Great floorplan, $1350 - 4 bed, 2.5 ba, 2500+ s.f. liv area
large master suite
More Properties Available: sign up now at

$1150 - 3/2/2 on 1.5 ac $850 - 2/2/1 duplex WWW.BOERNEBOOTCAMP.COM
$750 - 2/2 condo at Burning Tree or call Jeff Seale at (830) 370-0218
IT’S NOT ENOUGH
i by ann b. davis
got an email this morning with sad news. A friend in another state died last night of can-
cer. I was surprised because the last I heard she was in recovery and doing well. I started
thinking about the times I spent with her and the conversations we had which led to me
remembering another friend who had died several years ago that we both knew. Although on the
surface their lives would seem to be very different the more I remembered the more I realized there
It’s traditional to make resolutions every New Year’s Day but most are
forgotten before the first week is out. Your first resolution can be to resolve
to do the rest of them! But don’t make the mistake of being unrealistic and
overwhelming yourself. Pick a few easy things you can implement now and
you can add to them later once you’ve had some successes. And don’t forget to
{
were actually a lot of commonalties. celebrate your successes no matter how small. This is really important.
The big thing that stood out was that they both took large amounts of nutritional supplements but Take an inventory of all areas of your life. Is what you are eating contribut-
health
they both ignored all the other components of health. Chasing symptoms has become a big business. ing to your health or to disease? Do you look for ways to get more movement
Most people do it with prescription drugs but more and more people are doing it with vitamins and in your body every day or when you go anywhere do you circle the parking lot
herbs. It’s not enough! Some people exercise, some people try to eat a healthier diet, some people endlessly looking for the spot closest to the door? Are you stressing out about
have a positive attitude occasionally. Some people think about making some healthy changes but money and talking to people endlessly about how the economy is going down
most people put it off until tomorrow. the tubes? Do you look for more proof every day about how bad the world and
Health encompasses every area of your life. It’s not just trying to fix what’s broken. It’s not only your life is? Are you nursing resentments and grievances in silence, allowing
{
about eating right and exercising, it’s about a positive and loving attitude, about taking ownership of them to eat away at you? Or do you look for love and good deeds around you
your life. We have become a band-aid society – slap it on and keep going, not changing anything, and help spread cheer to others? Do you have loving relationships or are you a
especially our minds. loner hiding from the world? Do you beat up on yourself constantly or do you
I don’t blame or judge either of these friends because you just don’t know what you don’t know. cut yourself some slack and remind yourself of your good points?
But I feel frustrated because there are so many people out there suffering and I can only help a few My friend who just died yesterday had lots of friends and family and they
– those who are willing and who find me. This magazine enables me to have a wider audience and were able to be around her at the end when she passed on. She usually ap-
I’m taking this opportunity to encourage you to evaluate your health in every area of your life. peared to be sunny and cheerful but I know from our private conversations
that she had a lot of anger and bitterness over the state of her marriage. Her
financial situation wasn’t where she needed it to be so that was probably a big
worry also. I know that she fought a good fight against her illness to the best
of her ability. My other friend found out about her illness when it was in the
last stages so there wasn’t anything she could do other than making her ending
a peaceful one.
None of us know how long we have here but there really is a great deal we
can do to influence our longevity and enhance the quality of the years we do
have. I am here to be your cheerleader today and encourage you to take charge
of your health and not leave it to chance or the medical industry when it’s
too late. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “An ounce of prevention is worth
a pound of cure”. Well, it’s true. It’s never too late to start turning your life
around; I don’t care how old you are.
So here’s your assignment should you choose to accept it:
1. Take inventory.
2. Make a list.
3. Start with an easy one.
4. Pat yourself on the back when you accomplish it.
5. Go to the next one.
6. Don’t quit.
If you haven’t the foggiest idea where to begin, call me. It’s as simple as that.
dr. ann b. davis obtained her naturopathic

doctor degree from Westbrook university
in new mexico and her massage therapy
degree from austin school of massage
therapy in texas. she is passionate about
helping people achieve and keep vibrant
health utilizing nutrition and detoxification,
herbs and essential oils. her practice
is located in boerne,tx.
www.drannbdavis.com

planet miriam’s
BOOTCAMP!
Ready for a change? Kick off the New Year with
something different...an outdoor-indoor, all-out FUN
new exercise experience!
* CLASSES BEGIN JANUARY 5, 2009 *
NOW AVAILABLE
THREE OR FIVE DAYS PER WEEK!
www.boernepersonaltrainer.com
(830)377-2497 ... (830)446-2052

THE HILL COUNTRY, THE DROUGHT, AND THE CEDARS
o by rob doyen
{
ur community has lost a truly unique nursery, and my wife and I have taken advantage of the nursery sale. The
gardening
array of native rare plants was amazing and now we must construct a temporary green house to protect our new
found treasures. PVC pipe, heavy plastic, ventilation, and heat will complete a small green house on the south side
of our home. Ventilation is very important. The temperature can rise very quickly when full sun heats up inside the
green house. Make-shift flaps should be open and closed as needed. A small fan for circulation and using barrels
filled with water will help maintain a warm temperature.
As I am writing this article we may have a new high temperature for Tuesday. Tomorrow the weather will
quickly move down hill. We Texans always say, “If you do not like the weather just wait a minute.” We still have a few green plants that the
early freezes have not gotten. The green house will protect the special tropicals that will not survive here. Monday seems to be the coldest
day yet and we are getting tired of covering everything. We will wait until March to begin trimming and cleaning up for Spring. These
{
next two and half months are designed to rest and get that big buck. Time to make jerky and get a couple more deer. With the drought and
the number of deer increasing, we all need to do our best to harvest the deer that God placed here for us to use. My three adult children do
not hunt, but they will not refuse venison.
At Home Depot everyone complains about deer, but they do nothing. Deer will eat just about anything right now. The ground is
powder dry and anyone with a green yard in the county is not following the Cow Creek rules. Turf grass after this amount of time should
be very brown. Canyon Lake is dropping like a rock; eleven feet down and dropping fast because you can not sell more water than you
have.
Many people ask me at the Depot why their wildflower seeds have not bloomed. Until Mother Nature says the flowers will bloom
they will not. We have had no fall rains. That means no wildflowers. The Hill Country is a very special place. The vegetation, weather,
the warmth of the people, and we know that we can not fool Mother Nature. Our ecosystem is being threatened by the bull dozer and ill
informed developers. The way the Hill Country is developed must be changed. As they say, “The only thing constant is change.”
I have people tell me that they have 82 oak trees on their property. When I ask about other trees and vegetation they normally repeat,
“We have 82 oaks.” We have been blessed by grasses, flowers, wild fruit trees, and better shade trees than our oaks. We have canyons,
springs, caves, and rivers that are beautifully clear. I love my Hill Country, and the stars over my head, but as the “insecurity lights”
brighten our skies, they dull our stars.
We must understand that depending on the time and amount of rainfall. This gives the signals to our seeds and vegetation of what
will grow that year. Each year brings a different country side. This drought brings out only the hardiest of our vegetation. Many years
are abundant; full of all of our natives. The drip lines along small groups of trees give moisture to newly
growing plants.
Our Junipers or cedar trees are nurse trees to Madrones as well as many other seeds. All of the mulch
under the cedars is a welcome home to newly growing seeds. Our cedars were not so numerous when
wild fires of years past controlled their numbers. With fences and less wild fires the cedars spread to the
prairies from the rocky valleys. Fence posts, buildings, etc use cedar. In many cases, even today cedar can
become overwhelming. When removing cedars plan what you are doing and the amount of time it will by Rob Doyen
take to regrow some non-native bush. Cedar makes a great sound barrier, dust catcher, evergreen, and a The Garden Guy
nurse tree to others. (Certified Nursery
When building in the Hill Country have someone help you identify different vegetation on your Consultant)
property. Do your very best to fit in not stand out. Boerne’s Home Depot
May all your weeds be wildflowers.
COME EXPERIENCE THE THRILL...

Alamo Powersports
BMW / Triumph / Kymco
MENT
AD F ION THIS
OR $
YOUR 6 OFF
GO-K FIRST
ART
RIDE!
RALPH FAIR RD
ALAMO BMW
210-828-5511 / www.alamokarts.com W
IH-10
E

Trusted. Engineered by trusted, FDA approved lab with over 15 years
of experience in the teeth whitening industry.
Relax. Our patented mouthpiece eliminates the need for invasive molds
and processes. The Comfort Smile Tray guarantees a comfortable
experience during the whitening processes.
Fast. MySmile is a simple and easy cosmetic process. One application

takes only 12 minutes.
Safe. Peroxide has been used for teeth whitening for over a century. It is
safe to use and is classified as a cosmetic product by the US FDA.
Results. Immediate results of 2-5 shades whiter teeth after just one
application. Results of 6-12 shades whiter teeth can be achieved with
multiple applications. Results can vary based on individual factors.
Available at
Immediate Results
Convenient Pro Nails
215 W. Bandera Rd., Ste. 103
Noninvasive Boerne, Texas 78006
Cost Effective (830) 249-NAIL (6245)

A 2009 Predictions
by Michael Giddens
{
predictions
fter taking a few years off, Natalie Hollaway is found off the British Isles in slave Boerne Golfer wins Masters on 18th with a 50 foot putt,
be warned that these predic- camp by Geraldo. Geraldo breaks story she is alive and splits check with Caddie Gibbons.
tions are done as I drink a well. CNN blames Bush Family.
City of Boerne sells Library for 2.9 million.
burgundy substance called “Glugg Wein” made by the OJ Simpson breaks out of jail in a Hertz rental car. He
infamous CAT of Boerne Texas. I am now into my first 26 inches of rain in 24 hours. South Main Street Bridge is
was last seen heading for the golf course at the Domin-
16 ounce glass with extra raisins. Please no wagering or underwater. Christmas River Parade revisited.
ion.
phone calls about DISNEY. I looked back at 2005 to find
that I had Barack going to VP status, so I guess I missed Orange County Choppers ride into Boerne for the Valen- May
that one. tine Massacre. Merchants on Main Street close due to the City of Boerne lands Hannah Montana/Jonas Brothers
{
thousands of people in the streets. Concert for the Plaza to follow Hill Country Village Band.
January Robby Kenevil announces record jump for 2010 mas-
Most chicken dancers in the Main Plaza set Guiness Book
Bush makes last minute pardon of former Louisiana of World Records.
sacre. Plans are from Cypress Grille to Magues. Free
Gov. Edwin Edwards. Obama appoints Edwards to head Margaritas if he makes it. Ralph and Kakos opens new 40, 000 square foot restau-
FEMA. rant at the Rim.
Ford has record breaking month. Jennings Anderson top
Florida Gators crush OU 45-17, Bob Stoops hired on as dealership in US. The Sheik of Saudi Arabia owns Kentucky Derby winner,
Detroit Lions Head Coach. oil to 18 dollars a barrel, Obama/Pelosi/Reed consider na-
Barack Hussein Obama is inaugurated as our 44th Presi- March tionalize Oil Companies. Republicans protest and claim
dent. Fuzzy Zoeller is arrested at inauguration for not Kendall County Appraisal District announces another they couldn’t make money running a Chicken Ranch sev-
wearing shoes and trying to bring in a bag of KFC to the property increase. Protestors create line from door to Vet- eral years ago.
party. erans Park. Fox news reports Boerne Tea Party. HEB Boerne ISD wins National Award from Education Sec-
gives away free tea bags. retary Bill Ayers. Dr. Kelley accepts position at Harvard
CNN announces Iraq journalist is nominated as Man of
the Year for throwing shoes at President Bush. Anderson Talks of Aggie Football program being moved to division as new Dean. Fair Oaks Principal Sandi Killo accepts
Cooper to present award to the winner. 2 are discussed. position.
Fair Oaks man makes hole in one on Par 4 after slicing
ice shot on 12 Live Oak. Fair Oaks Ranch City Council
Boerne doctor finds cure for Cancer, part of the antidote
comes from an endangered species. Congress calls spe- June
cial session to discuss whether the creature can be killed. Apple announces new I Phone that can pick up Dish Satel-
denies Fair Oaks Country Club request for a motocross lite. Michael Dell denies buyout from China Company.
track on Black Jack 15. Local man turns himself in on string of robberies.
VP Joe Biden has first press conference to claim victory
Obama plans to stop all gun sales across the United Post cereal announces free cell phone in every box of To- of Nationalized Health Care. Enrollment in Law Schools
States. tal. ACLU sues. triple.
Palin Dude disqualified in Snowmobile race for using
Ethanol. April Dow hits new low 5500, Bush blamed.
Al Unser Jr. cuts ribbon on Corvette weekend. Bumdoodlers bought by Tootie Pies.
February Record 10 inches of snow, skiers ticketed for speed limit Oranthol Simpson found hiding in 16th hole bathroom at
Obama in first 30 days finds Osama Bin Laden and mob- violation on Main Street. the Buckhorn.
ster Jimmy Hoffa in same month. Al Gore takes credit
for both and announces 2010 Global Warming meeting Super Target slated to open on IH 10 North of Boerne. Prince sings at Berges Fest, best crowd in 32 years.
in Kerrville. City of Kerrville extends runway at the Air- Local man opens Ruth Chris Steakhouse at old Jennings The View to do live show in Boerne at the Convention
port. Anderson. City Council denies Sugars request for local Center. Whoopie Goldberg to sign autographs.
bar.
The Reverend Wright gives opening prayer in 2010 Fujiuya Sushi Restaurant announces location in Boerne.
Global Warming Meeting. Al Franken to MC special Texas A&M wins men’s NCAA basketball Tournament. City Council bans fishing in Cibolo.
meeting. Grand Hyatt to build new hotel without cutting City of Boerne increase budget by 10K from flag ordi-
any trees, called “space hotel”. nance revenue.
July
Gas prices drop to under one dollar. Dollar stores across TexDot announces plans to fix Main Street Drainage from Boerne man comes in second in America Idol contest,
the country petition to sell gas. Chelsea Clinton named 2002 plan. New surveys needed to start project, Randy retires from City Manager post after 20 years. Marries
CEO. Bill leaves Hillary and marries assistant manager Bergmann buys Sand Bagging company in San Antonio. Paula Abdul and winnings and contracts are protested.
from Little Rock location. Mayor Phil Hardberger announces plans to run for Presi-
Burn ban lifted, more than 10 new fireworks stand open,
dent in 2012. Mayor Heckler rumored has VP choice.
buy one get 10 free. SA Express buys Boerne Star, the View closes. T. Boone Pickens speaks at Chamber luncheon and City on
Houston Astros 15 games back, hire Nolan Ryan as Skipper Owner of Las Finezas talks City into letting them build River Rudat Project.
Walk from Ye Kendall Inn to Cibolo Nature Center. One week before Thanksgiving, Tex Dot starts on Main Street
5 Guys Burgers opens on I10.
Drainage Project. Local business owner gets 32 signatures
Mortgage rates hit 3.5%. OcTOber for opposition after laying down in street to block equipment.
La Cantera Investors buy property on South Main to open Boerne man invents Solar/Wind power for residential use. Merchants hold hands during 12 hour candle lighting vigil.
shopping Center. Here we go again. GE offers man 10 million dollars. Government buys patent
17 inches of Snow paralyzes Town, Dickens Cancelled.
for 70 million.
auGuST Obama impeached, VP Joe Biden steps in. Claims “I told you DeceMber
Honda Plant to open North of Boerne near Comfort. something big was going to happen in the first 90 days????” City lengthens Christmas Parade Route to end at I10, over
Tapatio Springs is sold to Donald Trump for 25 million. Passports increase to record levels. 175 floats, Aggies Marching Band performs on the way to
Trump adds super highway from I-10 to the Resort. Borders are opened. No need for Passports. Sun Bowl in El Paso. Donnie Osmond and Alice from Brady
Bunch MC the event.
Dallas Cowboys trade Romo for Sam Bradford. Aggies Fire Football Coach, hire RC Slocomb.
Ice Skating Races from Security State Bank to Bridge during
Boerne ISD has record registration. Town plans for 3rd High US Postal in Boerne buys property in new proposed City Christmas Event. Skater splashed with Hot Chocolate from
School. 2 dollar raffle tickets sold to name school. Campus. Bear Moon, wrecks into Christmas Tree Farm, unhurt.
Champion Chargers picked to win District.
nOVeMber Boerne Falls Ranch sells out of property. Michael Dell builds
45,000 square foot house. Dell buys Space Shuttle from
Local promoter inks deal for Michael Phelps vs. paddle boats Texas Lottery first state to use on line scratch off games.
at Cibolo Creek Government for 40 Million
Legislature approves video crack machines for all racetrack/
OTB’s also approved. Old Benefit Planners Building remod- Kerrville man takes first offer on Deal or no Deal on Last
SepTeMber eled for Off Track Betting/Video Poker/Bar. Show.
Dow back to 10,000.
City Of Boerne buys 60 foot Christmas tree for Plaza. Town Wii donates 10 games to Rainbow Senior Center. 2010 Wii
Aggies start win streak---------------------in softball. to help in decorating, someone puts spikes in trees. City Senior Olympics slated in Boerne at the Convention Center.
Gold hits 1,500 dollars per ounce, silver 25 per ounce. promises to recycle tree into Christmas Cards.
The Glugg is gone, as am I. Have a Happy New Year.
Houston Astros 2 games up, eye playoffs. Boerne Buck Beer Company opens. Cedar Fever Beer works
for allergies and for just relaxing good time.
ADOPT A PET
Hill Country Animal League (SPCA)
SNAP
(Spay Neuter Assistance
Program)
EDUCATION
PROGRAMS
ADOPTIONS
924 N. Main St.
Boerne, TX 78006
(830) 249-2341
Hours: Tues-Fri 9-5

Sat 10-3
WHAT WE DO: Rummage Store
(830) 249-8040
For direct monetary

donations please contact:
Jennifer at (830) 249-2341

Chronicles of Singlehood in a Small Town
W
by jordan rivers
Well, I made it through another holiday season my pretty china at the proper temperature.
without a companion. It wasn’t nearly as insuffer- 5. Stop saying “no” to the kids before I think about my real answer. I know that I
able as it could have been. I found enough things sometimes indulge and over-indulge them because I love them and want our time togeth-
to do to keep from wallowing in my loneliness of er to be special and memorable, but more often than not, I answer every question with the
years past, and I found that if truth be told, I am word “no” while I think about what the real answer is going to be, which normally isn’t
not lonely. I am very nearly the complete oppo- “no” at all. It’s a bad habit left over from my former life, and it needs to be broken.
site of lonely, even though I am alone much of the 6. Take a class and learn something new. At the beginning of each semester, I get the
time. Does that sound peculiar? It did to me until I realized that I am not lonely, and I am catalogs in the mail for continuing-ed and other courses that are offered for a short period
extremely fortunate. Having a mate does not define me as a person. Nor does it make or of time. They are local and relatively inexpensive, and you can choose from things like
{
break my ability to live, love and laugh on my own. belly-dancing and hip-hop to cooking to travel planning to computer programming and
I surrounded myself with friends and family this holiday season. I didn’t turn down many other things. What’s keeping me from learning something? Nothing but me.
dating
any chance to get out and walk around town during the weekend merriment that took 7. Quit buying cheap wine. The difference between a $6 bottle of wine and a $12
place on Main Street. I didn’t have any chance meetings with any handsome strangers, bottle of wine can mean all the difference the next morning. If you keep your eyes peeled,
and that was okay. I had lots of laughs with my children and with my friends and their you can run across some really good sales on more expensive wine that you’d normally
families. I participated in holiday parties at the kids’ schools and at church. I met friends not buy because it’s just you drinking it. But really, are you not worth an extra couple
for festivities at Ladies’ Night and Happy Hour. I treated myself to several nice lunches bucks for a better wine? I know I am.
{
with friends and an even nicer dinner with other friends. Those activities filled my heart 8. Learn how to play a musical instrument. A real one, not the kids’ Rock Band and
with more happiness than I could have asked for. Guitar Hero video games that we play on the television, which I have gotten very good
What’s next, after surviving the holiday season and heading into a new year? I love at with all the practice I get. The kids are always impressed with my ability to follow the
the new year. It is a chance for a fresh start. It’s like you can wipe your yearly slate clean red, yellow, green and blue notes and score high on their game. But that’s just not the
and create a brand-new to-do-list and I love the idea of that. I have given a great deal of same as a real instrument.
thought to my New Year’s Resolutions for 2009. They are not going to be in any particu- My resolutions might seem absurd to many of you, but they are things that I know I
lar order, but they are mine and they are going to be conquered in the upcoming year. can attempt and that will make a difference in my life. And the prospect of doing these
1. Avoid internet dating sites at all costs. It is expensive and rarely ends well. It all too new things, no matter how silly they sound to others, is kind of exciting for me.
often is an avenue for deception and life is too precious to waste on that baloney. Last year, I learned that I don’t need anyone else to complete me. I like me. I have in-
2. Run/walk on the treadmill at least twice a week and use the exercise ball for at least terests, hobbies and talents that have been hidden for years and have only recently begun
5 minutes a day. There’s no reason for them to have that fuzzy protective layer on them to resurface. Finding them feels good. Really good.
(also called “dust”) any longer. Making it through the holiday season with a smile in my heart was quite a victory,
3. Read more novels. Not the trashy romance type (because I think I’ve already read them and I am proud to say that I did it, and did it with laughter and love surrounding me. I
all) but the best-seller-list type of novel. Does Oprah still have a book club? She always am looking forward to 2009 because I know that I am going to be just fine. If I can do it,
touted good books back when I had time to watch her show. I’ll have to look that up. you can, too.
4. Stop eating food out of the can. I think those mandarin oranges and Spaghettios I
eat for dinner when the kids aren’t with me would really taste better if I served them in Email jordan.rivers@hotmail.com
Enjoy our new 62-room, 21-suite facility
with many amenities including:
• Gift Shop • Business desk & chair
• Pool • Complimentary
• Jacuzzi (four in-room Quick Start Breakfast
& one outside) • Free parking
• 27” Color TV • Microwaves
• Coffee maker • Hair dryers
• 24-hour beverages • Mini-refrigerators
h ot e l & s u i t e s • Dataports • Board room
S I X F L A G S WE S T • B O E R N E, TEXAS • Iron/boards • Meeting room
• Express checkin/out • Bus parking
• Voicemail • Satellite
• Valet service • Jetport high-speed
• Two phones Internet connections
• Speaker phones
830.249.6800 35000 IH-10 WEST • BOERNE, TEXAS 78006


EXPLORE Magazine - Jan 09

Caricato da

Informazioni sul documento

Descrizione originale:

Titolo originale

Copyright

Formati disponibili

Condividi questo documento

Condividi o incorpora il documento

Opzioni di condivisione

Hai trovato utile questo documento?

Questo contenuto è inappropriato?

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

EXPLORE Magazine - Jan 09

Caricato da

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

January 2009

art music fashion people events

2 See it. Breathe it. Live it. EXPLORE it.

January 2009 www.hillcountryexplore.com 3

the most comprehensive events calendar you’ll find anyWhere!

4 See it. Breathe it. Live it. EXPLORE it.

this and that

Kendall Woods Dental

Current sPeCial: Zoom! In Ofﬁce Professional Whitening $300 (reg. $600).

January 2009 www.hillcountryexplore.com 5

Knitting and Needlepoint

ORIGINAL DESIGNS JEWELRY

January 2009 www.hillcountryexplore.com 7

All Takamine Guitars {

8 See it. Breathe it. Live it. EXPLORE it.

Open NOON Every Day! 210-833-4904 23535 IH 10 West STE 2101

“Best Bar in Kendall County”* 210.698.2661

The clarity’s long awaited

January 2009 www.hillcountryexplore.com 9

Full and Part time Childcare for Infants to age 13

• Computer Lab • Country Home Theater

Enriched Kindergarten Program with an accelerated We have exceptionally SMALL CLASSES to

After School Care Program All Programs Offer the Following:

by carolyn chipmann evans

January 2009 www.hillcountryexplore.com 11

Eatery has Down-Home Attitude,

12 See it. Breathe it. Live it. EXPLORE it.

Boerne’s 1st Soup, Salad, Sandwich

TAKE HOME CASSEROLES AVAILABLE!!!

✤ Daily Lunch Specials ✤ Karaoke

9091 Fair Oaks Pkwy. FAIR OAKS, TX 78015

a full-ser v i c e s a l o n / day spa

Come Pamper Yourself!!!

January 2009 www.hillcountryexplore.com 15

16 See it. Breathe it. Live it. EXPLORE it.

Located at The Rim

January 2009 www.hillcountryexplore.com 17

1361 S. Main Street • Boerne, Texas 78006

585 Acres Atascosa Co.

338 Acres Blanco Co.

VIEW ALL OUR LISTINGS AT SOUTHTEXASRANCHES.COM

January 2009 www.hillcountryexplore.com 19

20 See it. Breathe it. Live it. EXPLORE it.

think sometimes I have some strange tendencies. No, I don’t dress

January 2009 www.hillcountryexplore.com 21

25615 Boerne Stage Road Cibolo Arts Council

TJ Care, LLC Offers You An Elegant Assisted Personal Care Home at

Live Better • Live Longer • Live Healt

Full Kitchen Library

More Properties Available: sign up now at

dr. ann b. davis obtained her naturopathic

24 See it. Breathe it. Live it. EXPLORE it.

January 2009 www.hillcountryexplore.com 25

COME EXPERIENCE THE THRILL...

26 See it. Breathe it. Live it. EXPLORE it.

Fast. MySmile is a simple and easy cosmetic process. One application

January 2009 www.hillcountryexplore.com 27

Hours: Tues-Fri 9-5

For direct monetary

January 2009 www.hillcountryexplore.com 29

830.249.6800 35000 IH-10 WEST • BOERNE, TEXAS 78006

January 2009 www.hillcountryexplore.com 31