Volume 11, Issue 6
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November/December 2018
+ ROBERT AND SUSIE PATTERSON
FAME D ARTIST CAPTUR E S BEAUTY OF HOLE 16 A CONVE R SATION WITH G R AE ME BAXTE R HAPPY TR AILS ( AND PAR KS ) TO YOU!
LIFE’S WILD RIDE
HOLIDAY TR ADITIONS, OLD AND NEW
CO R D IL L E RARANCH L IVING. CO M
“
Just a word of thanks and appreciation for your great work on 84 Sendero Ridge. I am so impressed with your ability and
professionalism. It was a real pleasure working with you and I could not have found a better business partner. You may not realize how different you are from the regular builder... Always on the job, always available to answer questions, always with the right answers, and a superior scheduler, building houses to the highest standards, never cutting quality.” – STEVE JENSEN
Todd Glowka is a Certified Graduate Master Builder and Certified Master Builder as well as a Certified Green Builder by the National Association of Home Builders. With almost two decades of luxury residential experience, he is a solution-focused professional, accustomed to leading and directing employees and subcontractors in the planning and execution of large-scale residential projects and custom renovations. As his clients’ first point of contact, Todd oversees all quality control and is highly skilled in resolving project obstacles, managing construction schedules and adhering to design requirements.
todd glowka builder, inc
A Cordillera Ranch Preferred Builder PO Box 478 | Kendalia, Texas 78027 | 830.229.5565 | tgbuilder.com
your local Design Build Firm servicing the greater Boerne and Texas Hill Country, as well as North San Antonio.
Specializing in:
Other Features:
Architectural color rendered master plan including brilliant images and plant descriptions
• Irrigation Installation and Repair (including water efficient drip irrigation)
in both 2D & 3D, outlining 10 months of
• Outdoor Kitchen
color with a balance between evergreen
• Lot Clearing, Cedar Tree Removal and Mulching
and deciduous foliage containing movement
• Outdoor Lighting
throughout, resulting in low maintenance,
• Hardscape (including Fire Pits, Seat Walls, Retaining Walls, Flagstone Patios, Stained and Stamped Concrete, Arbors, Pergolas, Split Rail Cedar Fencing, and more)
drought tolerant and deer resistant landscape.
Stop in and see us, our associates are ready to assist you. 32255 IH 10 West, Boer ne, TX 78006
|
Tel: 830.816.3200
www.acacialandscapeanddesign.com
|
Fax: 830.249.3090
You deserve the quality of a
Stadler Custom Home. A Cordillera Ranch Preferred Builder.
830.980.4198 | Info@StadlerCustomHomes.com | StadlerCustomHomes.com C A L L T O DAY F O R A C O M P L I M E N TA R Y P L A N O R L A N D C O N S U LTAT I O N
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FAMED ARTIST CAPTURES BEAUTY OF HOLE 16 A CONVERSATION WITH GRAEME BAXTER As one of the most recognized and awarded holes in the country, it was only fitting to commission Graeme Baxter, the Official Artist to golf tournaments and courses, to preserve it on canvas.
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Fall on the Ranch is the perfect time to explore the beautiful natural areas and outdoor recreation that make Cordillera Ranch such a special place to live, while nearby, parks and rivers enhance life even more.
With two months of Hill Country holiday activities to choose from, it’s possible to embrace beloved traditions and begin new ones. Oh what fun it is to fill our calendars with family fun, festive activities and the beauty of the season.
HAPPY TRAILS (AND PARKS) TO YOU!
HOLIDAY TRADITIONS, OLD AND NEW
ALSO INSIDE: 14 WELCOME LETTER 18 A DAY IN THE LIFE AT CORDILLERA RANCH 24 RANCH SCENE 26 MEMBER TRADITIONS 27 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 30 LIFE IS BETTER OUT HERE 42 STAFF PROFILE: DAREN JOHNSON 46 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 48 2018 C-STAR MEMBER-GUEST RECAP 50 CRAFTED WITH PASSION 52 WINES FOR YOUR HOLIDAY TABLE 62 HOW TO CRUSH YOUR FITNESS GOALS IN THE NEW YEAR 64 ‘TIS THE SEASON FOR BOERNE PERFORMING ARTS 75 REAL ESTATE
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ROBERT AND SUSIE PATTERSON – LIFE’S WILD RIDE From wild mules to race cars, Robert and Susie Patterson have two-stepped around oil fields, drug raids, kids, ranches, camels, kangaroos and devastating health issues, all the while believing that faith is the foundation and hard work is the key.
8 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
Furnishings & All The Finer Things 404 S MAIN ST., BOERNE, TEXAS :: 830-249-0081 www.calamityjanestradingco.com
PREFERRED BUILDER IN CORDILLERA RA NCH
WHY YOUR NEIGHBORS CHO OSE
G AR NER H OM ES :
• Each project is overseen by a team of careful and thoughtful
the education, guidance, and insight needed in order to make
• We use building science and industry best practices in all we do.
enjoyable experiences.
professionals. We aim to provide uncompromising customer service. We aim to be thoughtful in the execution of these items, work with
decisions. We aim to have fun, think outside of the box, and create
precision, and deliver a home that will perform well over time, and look beautiful too.
• From the first handshake to move-in day, our objective is to provide
• Our Client Portal is a unique tool that allows us to manage the project
budget, schedule, details, and communication in one place. Similar to the
job binders of the past, the Portal keeps the project data organized, allows the team to respond quickly, and keeps clients informed in real time.
(210 ) 4 93-1686 | WWW.G AR NERHO M ES.CO M
G
WELCOME
GET OUT!
Now that I have your attention, what do I mean? I certainly don’t want anyone to leave our great community! And I’m not playing off our marketing tag line “Life is better out here,” although we know it is and word continues to spread. My statement above should be taken quite literally as “get outside and enjoy this wonderful place where we live!” Fall might be the best season in the Hill Country. November is bracketed by the end of Halloween festivities and the arrival of Thanksgiving, marking the beginning of the holidays. It’s a favorite month of the year for many — average high temperatures of 70 degrees, average low temperatures of 44 degrees, light southerly breezes and dry, crisp mornings followed by air conditioned-like afternoons. And if that’s not enough to convince you of November’s inviting ambiance, the late-year leaf changing in this part of the country provides a painted palette across our landscape during the day that merges into colorful Texas sunsets followed by twinkling stars in our clear, brilliant night sky. Deeper in this issue, I write about our parks and trails at Cordillera Ranch. It’s reminded me of all the beautiful areas we have out here and how many are under-utilized. Most of us appreciated the natural landscapes and striking vistas from our very first visit. We like the idea of parks and open spaces, but just don’t make the time to use them. So, join me in getting out this fall to enjoy an activity or activities that you’ve thought about previously, but keep putting off. Although my article focuses more on parks and trails, I want to recognize Shane Reynolds and his staff who make “getting out” through The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch so much fun. Don’t let a little November chill hamper your plans. Remember, for the last six months of heat, we escaped to faraway places to capture a brief semblance of our November temperatures. Use this time wisely! Contact Shane about taking a sporting clays lesson. Holler at Ben for a guided kayak trip down the Guadalupe River. Tell Katy to saddle up the horses for that trail ride you’ve been promising yourself. GET OUTSIDE and do something you haven’t done before. You’ll see an entirely different part of Cordillera Ranch, you’ll learn something new, probably make some new friends and have a great time doing it. If you’re not familiar with these or other activities, just ask around the Club and they’ll find the right person to guide your adventure or teach your new experience. And if you’re new to the area or the community… “Join the Club” to experience the aforementioned and more than you can imagine. Fall is upon us, if only for a short time. Enjoy it. As you enter the community, take a deep breath and appreciate the view as you round the bend a little more slowly. Take in that sunset a little bit longer. And however you choose to celebrate the outdoors at Cordillera Ranch, do it with a heightened sense of being and thankfulness that we live here. I hope to see you out!
Barry Denton Director of Real Estate Sales Cordillera Ranch
14 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
LIVING www.cordilleraranch.com 830.336.3570 www.facebook.com/cordillera.ranch
PUBLISHERS: Cordillera Ranch Development Corporation Traveling Blender, LLC CORDILLERA RANCH DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Charlie Hill – President cphill@cordilleraranch.com DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Sara Hill 210.332.8628 shill@cordilleraranch.com EDITOR Trisha Doucette trisha@travelingblender.com EDITORIAL DEVELOPMENT TEAM Barry Denton, Marc DeWall, Shane Reynolds, Robert Rodriguez CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tim Shaw – The Shaw Creative theshawcreative@me.com CORDILLERA RANCH SALES 830.336.3570 info@cordilleraranch.com Clubs of Cordillera Ranch 830.336.9000 Feature article photography by Mark Humphries Photography. 210.226.6275 :: www.markhumphriesphoto.com Cordillera Ranch Living is published bi-monthly through a joint venture between Cordillera Ranch Development Corporation and Traveling Blender, LLC. No reproduction in any form is authorized without the consent of both Cordillera Ranch Development Corporation and Traveling Blender, LLC. Cordillera Ranch Living is a registered trademark of Cordillera Ranch Development Corporation. 808 Highway 46 E, Boerne, Texas 78006. Printed in the USA. All rights reserved 2018. No responsibility is assumed for unsolicited submissions. Manuscripts, photographs, and other submitted material can be acknowledged or returned if accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The content contained does not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of Cordillera Ranch Development Corporation, Traveling Blender, LLC, or Cordillera Ranch residents. Cordillera Ranch Development Corporation and Traveling Blender, LLC assumes no liability for misinformation, omissions, or errors.
GREEN SPACE LAWN & MAINTENANCE FOR ALL YOUR LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE NEEDS Lawn and Landscape Maintenance Landscape Installation Tree Trimming Irrigation Installation and Repair All Types of Brush Removal Custom Outdoor Living Areas Outdoor Kitchens Outdoor Fireplaces Fire Pits All Types of Flagstone Patios All Types of Fencing
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A DAY IN THE LIFE AT CORDILLERA RANCH
Photo by Terry Vine
1 0 :0 0 am | M o r n ing B i rdi e s
A DAY IN THE LIFE AT CORDILLERA RANCH
Photo by Terry Vine
3:0 0 pm | R id ing t he ro lling h i l l s
A DAY IN THE LIFE AT CORDILLERA RANCH
Photo by Terry Vine
5 :0 0 pm | F iresid e w it h f am i l y
Cordillera RAN
S
H
E N E W.O.W. DINNER CHEF TO TABLE
Upload your own photos to www.facebook.com/cordillera.ranch for a chance to be featured in next issue’s Ranch Scene.
LADIES TRAIL RIDE
JUNIOR TENNIS CLINICS
Photos by Club Photographer Kelsey Guzman
CALENDAR
MEMBER TRADITIONS The Main Dining Room and Twin Sister’s Lounge provide spectacular settings for special occasions, cocktails, entertaining guests and enjoying family dinners. To-Go orders are available by calling The Club Receptionist. C-STAR RANCH MENU
SIGNATURE DINING MENU
BREAKFAST MENU
Available in the Main Dining Room & Twin Sister’s Lounge Tuesday-Thursday, 11:00am to 9:00pm Friday-Saturday, 11:00am to 10:00pm Sunday, 11:00am to 8:00pm
Available in the Main Dining Room & Twin Sister’s Lounge Thursday, 5:00pm to 9:00pm Friday-Saturday, 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Available in the Main Dining Room – Saturday-Sunday, 9:00am to 2:00pm Twin Sister’s Lounge – Saturday-Sunday, 11:00am to 2:00pm
Wednesdays
Wednesday Evenings
Every Wednesday we draw a member’s name from our membership roster. If that person or anyone in their immediate family is in the main Clubhouse at the time of the drawing, they will be awarded the current Club credit. $50 is added to the next week’s drawing if the winner is not present.
Our Prime Rib Buffet is the perfect accompaniment for Jeffrey’s wine picks of the week. Sample new wines to purchase and enjoy that evening or to take home.
CORDILLERA RANCH GOLD RUSH
Thursday-Saturday Evenings
WEEKLY WINE PICKS
CORDILLERA RANCH’S NEW SIGNATURE DINING MENU
Friday Evenings
Sundays
The Club’s culinary team has updated the Signature Dining menu to reflect seasonal products prepared and presented in a higher level of cuisine to deliver an unparalleled fine dining experience.
This elegant dining experience features live music from 6:30 to 9:30pm along with our chef’s finest creations, including our Texas Bounty of fresh, seasonal fish options. Advance reservations are strongly suggested.
Remember when Mom used to cook Sunday family meals? We do! Join us at The Club for some home-style cookin’! $15.95++ for adults and $8.95++ for children ages 10 and under, from 11:00am to 8:00pm.
SIGNATURE DINING AT THE CLUB
FAMILY MEAL FEATURE
For dining and special event reservations, please contact The Club receptionist at 830.336.9000 or receptionist@cordilleraranch.com, or you may reserve your spot online at Clubsofcordilleraranch.com For golf events, please contact Camille Ferguson at 830.336.9165 or cferguson@cordilleraranch.com.
EVENTS November 3 Crafted Dinner Experience
Time: 6:00 to 9:00pm Location: Cabana Dining Room Executive Chef Isaac Cantu and Wine Specialist Jeffrey Cohen have created special wine dinners where you design your own personal dining experience from prix fixe menu selections complemented with wine pairings. Advance reservations are required.
November 16 Kid’s Thanksgiving Craft Night
Time: 6:00 to 8:00pm Kids, join us in Kids Club for a Thanksgiving-themed craft in celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday.
November 17 MGA Turkey Shoot
Time: 9:00am shotgun Format: 1 Best Ball Front 9, 2 Best Ball Back 9; Golf Shop pair up A, B, C, D players. Entry Fee: $50, includes lunch and prizes
November 22 Thanksgiving Day Golf Hours
The golf course will close at 3:00pm on Thanksgiving Day and all carts must be returned at that time.
November 22 Thanksgiving Day Feast
December 1 Mommy & Me Pancakes & Pajamas
Time: 10:00am Location: Cabana Dining Room Calling all moms and their little ones! Please join us in your matching pajamas for a Christmas Brunch with games, crafts and a CHRISTMAS GIFT EXCHANGE! Register with Kelsey Guzman at 830.336.9172.
December 4 Wine Extravaganza
Time: 6:00 to 8:30pm Location: Cabana Dining Room This event will feature over 40 wines, from Bubbles to Big Reds, to taste before purchasing for the holiday season. And don’t forget to make dinner reservations in advance to enjoy after the event!
December 8 Breakfast With Santa
Time: Seating times are 9:00am and 11:00am Picture fee: $15 for the first photo and $5 for every additional photo; photos will be available at the time of purchase. It’s a jolly good time at the Clubhouse when Santa joins us for breakfast! Be sure to dress in your Christmas best to have your pictures taken while you tell Santa what is on your wish list. Children’s activities include a reindeer food craft and coloring sheets in the Twin Sister’s Lounge while adults enjoy entertainment from Peter Gloria! Please reserve your seating with the receptionist by email at receptionst@cordilleraranch.com or by calling 830.336.9000.
Time: Seating is available from 11:00am to 1:30pm In honor of Thanksgiving, the Club will be hosting an elegant, holidaythemed feast, with live music from Bernie Martini. Reservations are required, and a 48-hour cancellation policy is in effect. Reserve your seating with the receptionist by calling 830.336.9000.
November 23 Turkey Trot & Stuffing Stroll
Time: 9:30 to 9:50am Registration / 10:00am Run or Walk. Meet in front of the Golf Shop. The “Turkey Trot” is a fun 5k run through the Golf Village totaling 3.2 miles. For those of you looking for a shorter route, you can take a 1.5mile “Stuffing Stroll.” Awards will be given to the fastest male and female runners broken down into two age divisions. Breakfast tacos, fruit and assorted pastries will be available upon completion of the run. All ages are welcome, including pets and strollers! Register with Kelsey Guzman at 830.336.9172.
November 27 Golf Shop Open House
Time: 5:00 to 8:00pm The popular “Discount Wheel of Fortune” makes it return for one night only. Special discounts ranging from 10% to 40% on all merchandise are available by spinning the wheel.
November 27 Annual Clubhouse Lighting Party
Time: 6:00 to 9:00pm Come out and help us celebrate the lighting of the Christmas Tree and Clubhouse! There will be drink specials and member dining while enjoying entertainment by Bernie Martini.
December 15 Gingerbread House Decorating
Time: 10:00am and 3:00pm Location: Cabana Dining Room Join us for this great holiday family activity! We will provide everything you need: the gingerbread house will be already assembled and all your kids need to bring are their decorating skills and creativity. There will be icing and a variety of candy and, best of all, we will take care of the cleanup! Register with Kelsey Guzman at 830.336.9172.
Holiday Golf Hours
The golf course and Golf Shop will be closed December 24 and 25, open on December 31, and closed on January 1.
CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 27
TEXAS INVESTORS TITLE Performance is our Priority
Commercial, Ranch and Residential Title Transactions
Steve Vallone President
Beverly McCormick
steve@texasinvestorstitle.com
Becky Edmiston, CESP
Residential Escrow Officer beverly@texasinvestorstitle.com
Vice President/Escrow Officer becky@texasinvestorstitle.com
116 W. Blanco Rd., Ste 101 Boerne, TX 78006
p. (830) 816-5888 • f. (830) 816-5889
LIFE IS BETTER OUT HERE
Paul and Sarah Barowsky, with Audrey and Erin
Members since 2007 :: Moved from San Antonio In 2007, after living in high-density San Antonio neighborhoods for 15 years, we were ready for a slower pace and more green space. Remaining close to the airport was key, but we definitely wanted to be out of the congestion! Luckily, we recalled a friend mentioning “this place called Cordillera.” We visited and fell in love at first sight. The amazing views, wildlife and access to club amenities impressed us so much that we chose our lot on our first visit. As an active young family, we enjoy the diversity of outdoor activities Cordillera has to offer. We’ve made many special memories while spending time outdoors at the parks, walking trails, swimming pool, Equestrian Center, river, and dabbling a little in tennis and golf. In addition, we have met amazing neighbors who have become wonderful friends. We truly enjoy being “in the country,” yet close enough to Boerne (and its excellent schools and activities) and San Antonio that we feel Cordillera and its excellent staff represent the best of what this area has to offer.
David and Madeline Cottrell
Members since 2015 :: Moved from Horseshoe Bay, with a second home in Louisiana Madeline and I moved here from Horseshoe Bay three years ago. We chose Cordillera because of the proximity to three of our children who live in San Antonio and Austin. It was also attractive to us because of the great golf course and the close proximity to the San Antonio airport, and we love the Texas Hill Country. Before we moved to Cordillera we did not know anything about the community. We were pleasantly surprised when we discovered how warm and friendly the people of Cordillera have been. We have met many new friends and recommended some of our life-long friends to move next door to us here — and they did. It is the most active community that we have ever lived in. When our family comes to visit us, we use all seven of the Cordillera clubs in a weekend. We are both avid Pickleball players and play at least twice a week. Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America and we were among the first group of people to play at Cordillera. Madeline also enjoys the Equestrian Center and I can be seen on the golf course most days when we are in town. We live in Cordillera about half of the year. The “lock and leave” Villas in Di Lusso work well for us since we live in the New Orleans area half of our time. With so many of the other Cordillera residents in and out as well, it is easy for us to fit right back into our groups when we return from one of our extended visits.
30 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
Pete, AKA RJ Repeating Action
Resident since 2010 :: Moved from San Augustine, Texas How did you come to live at Cordillera Ranch? In August 2000, my owners, Jodi and Van Wilkinson, purchased a ranch lot, intending to retire here and build their forever home. They originally planned for me to live with them. When we all moved to the Hill Country in June of 2010, their house had not been built. Thankfully, because my owners had joined The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch in 2003, I was able to move into the Equestrian Center. I was extremely happy in my new surroundings. Rather than move again, I convinced Jodi and Van to make the Equestrian Center my permanent home. I can’t imagine living anywhere else. What do you like most about living at the Equestrian Center? First of all, the food is great! Plus, I have a wonderful staff that attends to all my needs. And there’s always something going on — trail rides, socials, play days, camps and more! So many fun and exciting things go on around me every day. Anyone who has not taken the opportunity to visit the Equestrian Center is missing out. As the Toby Keith song says, “I love this bar(n)”! What are some of your personal accomplishments? I’m naturally photogenic and I don’t mind wearing hats and props. Plus, I’ll do almost anything for a treat. I enjoy playing charades and, if I do say so myself, I’m pretty good at it. I also maintain a Facebook page with Jodi’s help. You can find my
Facebook page by searching @Pete.sa.tx. My other claim to fame is my appearance in the Wall Street Journal in October, 2016. My owners and I were part of an article about gated equestrian developments in the US. We were honored to represent our wonderful community. What do you do in a typical day? Every day starts with breakfast delivered to my room. Next, I’m escorted to the pasture to hang out with my friends. My room is cleaned every day while I’m gone. Some days Jodi visits and brings me treats. In the afternoon, I’m brought in for supper. Then it’s lights out for the night. The next day I get to do it all over again. What a life! Hobbies/Interests One of the things I like to do is observe holidays. Some are traditional, like Easter and Christmas. Others are a little more unusual, like “Talk Like a Grizzled Prospector Day” and “National Bow Tie Day.” I also feel it’s never too late in life to learn a new skill, so I’m taking up carriage pulling. It’s a slow process, but so far, so good. Favorite Quote? “Treat a woman like a race horse and she’ll never be a nag.” Hope to see you at the Equestrian Center. Be sure to look me up. And bring plenty of carrots.
CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 31
MANAGER’S MESSAGE
FAMED ARTIST
Captures Beauty of
HOLE 16 A conversation with Graeme Baxter By Marc DeWall
32 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
The 16th hole at the Cordillera Ranch Jack Nicklaus Signature Course has been recognized as the Most Beautiful Hole in Texas for many years. It is a stunning Par-3 that is also challenging for so many reasons. How do you best capture that beauty and tell the story of what makes that hole so special while at the same time helping preserve history? The answer: you commission Graeme Baxter, Official Artist to some of the world’s most important golf tournaments, including the Ryder Cup, the Presidents Cup, the Open Championship, the PGA Championship and numerous other PGA Tour events. With his work displayed at some of the most famous clubhouses in the world like St. Andrews, Augusta and Pebble Beach, Graeme possesses a unique ability to historically record golf landscapes and portraits that capture his passion for the game. I recently sat down with Graeme to discuss his work and the project at Cordillera Ranch.
How did you get started in painting? I studied art in High School, and my father had an art gallery. I used to buy and sell paintings at the age of 14 and became an Art Dealer prior to painting. I began painting golf courses 32 years ago, combining my love of golf with my passion for painting. At that time there were no other artists painting golf landscapes and there were no prints of golf courses available for sale in galleries, so I guess I was the first to create this combination. My first painting was of St. Andrews and my father took it to show Michael Bonallack, secretary of the The R&A (Royal and Ancient). He loved it, and it all started from there in 1986. What was your first big break? I think my first big break was when I sold my first original of Christy O’Connor playing in the Ryder Cup in ‘89 at The Belfry, to Chris De Burgh, the famous singer (Lady in Red). It was the first painting I sold for over $10,000. What other paintings have you done in the world of sports? I was commissioned to paint the last two Triple Crown Champions by Bob and Jill Baffert, the world’s top horse trainer. I was also commissioned by a member of Her Majesty The Queen’s Royal household to paint her eldest son HRH Prince Charles on his Polo horse. The Queen owns Guards Polo Club in Windsor Park, London where I was honored to be invited to meet HRH Prince Charles and have him unveil my portrait of him in The Royal Box. Additionally, in 1991 I was thrilled to be appointed by Wimbledon to paint the official painting for The Women’s Centenary Year. What separates you as an artist? I guess I was one of the first artists to paint golf landscapes and produce Lithographic prints from them. I believe that my love of golf combined with my passion for painting allows me to create a true rendi-
ing now resides in The Old Course Hotel in St. Andrews, Scotland for all visitors to see. What were your first impressions of Cordillera Ranch? I was aware of Cordillera Ranch before I came to live in Texas. I am on the panel for Platinum Clubs of the World and I know it was in the top five Country Clubs in the U.S. Now I believe it is #1 as an overall Country Club facility.
tion from a golfer’s perspective, showing the real undulations of the greens and fairways and capturing the beauty and history of the scene. I believe my gift is to record the history of golf through my painting. My artwork is not graphic; I do not use a pencil to draw the composition in, or use a ruler or straight edge. My paintings are traditional oil on canvas. I was told some years ago by an R&A member that as artist for The Open Championship for the last 25 years, I had been recording golf history. When did you move to the United States and how did you get to the Texas Hill Country? I moved to California 15 years ago where I had a gallery and studio in the Palm Springs area, and over the last few years, my family and I have visited the San Antonio area several times, falling in love with its beauty and its great people. We moved here two years ago and bought a small horse ranch where my daughter operates her equestrian business. What is the most exciting project you have ever been involved with? In 1995 I did a large 7’ x 11’ painting which was unveiled by Sir Peter Thompson (5 Times Open Champion). I became the first traditional, living, British artist to sell a painting over a six-figure sum. That paint-
You have seen many great golf holes. What makes #16 special to paint? I have always been a huge fan of Jack Nicklaus courses, and this being a Nicklaus Signature Course, it is simply beautiful with its rolling Hill Country setting. My only challenge was there were so many spectacular views I could paint, but when I saw the 16th hole, my decision was made. With its natural rock face and valley/ gorge setting, it would make the most stunning composition and is unquestionably one of the best scenes and settings for a golf hole. I am very excited to do this painting. What does the future hold for Graeme Baxter? I have painted at this point 52 of the world’s top 100 courses, and I paint only eight golf paintings a year, each one taking more than a month to complete. For me to paint and record only the best courses in the world, and to add Cordillera Ranch into my catalogue resume, is indeed an honor. Having been lucky enough to have painted courses in most countries over the last 32 years, my wish list still includes India, New Zealand, Russia and Hawaii. Visit www.graemebaxter.com to learn more about the artist and view his portfolio. Marc DeWall, PGA, is the General Manager of The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at mdewall@cordilleraranch.com or 830.336.9000.
CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 33
LIFE’S
WILD RIDE ROBERT & SUSIE PATTERSON By Cheryl Van Tuyl Jividen :: Photography by Mark Humphries
Robert Patterson used his engineering mind to an advantage and a winning streak, while, believe it or not, team riding wild mules in West Texas. “All the other teams used an impossible-to-remove girth cinch, but I had used a car seat belt to secure the saddle and it clicked off with ease.” After winning four times, the 21-year-old Monahans, Texas native got more than bragging rights at the Pecos Rodeo in 1977. A chance meeting with Susie Smith at the rodeo dance changed both of their lives. 36 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
“She was the most beautiful girl I ever saw in my life. I thought, ‘I have to marry her’.” Literally struck by love, the rodeo cowboy was besotted, and when she came back the next night with her high school boyfriend, Robert asked her to dance and that was that. Equally smitten, Susie broke up with her beau and she and Robert began their love story. For six months, it was a long-distance relationship for 18-yearold Susie, a fourth generation native of Fort Stockton, and a long-haired Robert who was a Petroleum Engineering student at the University of Texas in Austin. The couple, both grounded in faith, are thankful that Robert had the chance to meet Susie’s father, Wilson Smith, who passed away just six weeks after the couple met. “He always wanted to be a geologist, so we connected over that, and he looked past my appearance and accepted me. It was an opportunity to develop a brief but important relationship,” says Robert. Her father passed just days before she was to begin college. She
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was registered to attend Texas A&M University in College Station, and as her mother, Lorraine, was having to make funeral arrangements, it was Robert who stepped up to take Susie to college and got her settled in during a most difficult time in her life. They married a year later, and Susie transferred to UT where they both completed their degrees. Susie, who describes herself as a “super strong Christian,” recognized God’s abiding presence even back then, “Every major thing in my life was precipitated by God.” Their careers began in Midland. Robert worked for several mid-sized oil companies over the years, including Texas Pacific and Parker & Parsley Petroleum, and received his professional engineering license. Susie worked for a bank and oil companies, all while attending the University of Texas Permian Basin earning a Master’s in Finance. With the savings and loan crisis of the era, Robert encouraged her to attend St. Mary’s University to pursue a law degree. That meant three years of commuting to see each other; even more challenging because Robert’s Midland-based job had him traveling throughout the U.S. Susie speaks with such pride of her husband’s character, “I remember sitting in the car at an oil field one visit, studying until he got off work. A well was blowing, and it looked like ants, all the men running to
safety, away from the explosion, and there was Robert running toward it to save people. He saved lives. He’s poured his heart and soul into Petroleum Engineering.” She also credits him for her own path, “He inspired me to find my own career passion. I wanted to have that.” After graduating in the top of her class, Susie became a civil attorney for the city of Boerne, then worked for the law firm Hollon, Marion and Richards, and Robert founded his own company, Canyon Oil & Gas. They worked hard and prioritized their careers, “We made a decision to do that, and waited 11 years before having children,” says Susie. Eventually, Susie became the lead litigation prosecutor for the felony narcotics task force in the 216th District Attorney’s office, prosecuting cases in Fredericksburg, Boerne, Bandera and Kerrville. The work included overseeing 11 agents and undercover police operations, and extraordinary scenes like a nearly nine-month pregnant Susie outfitted in a flak jacket at a black tar heroin raid. Shortly after, she went into labor with daughter Ashley while in trial — something that occurred again with her second delivery of son Brandon! There were sacrifices for the demanding work — like returning to work just two weeks after giving birth — but she was passion-
ately driven. Robert couldn’t be prouder, “It was rewarding to see her work with law enforcement, undercover officers and the Texas Rangers. Most importantly is what she did to help protect those communities and rid the drug elements that could have effected children.” Those successes came with a cost, and personal safety for her and her family became paramount. At that point she chose to open a private law practice in Boerne, but it wasn’t long before the family made a move to Corpus Christi with Robert’s job, and then to New Braunfels where Robert’s parents and sister lived. There they raised their children, with Susie having the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom. When the children were in middle school and high school, they moved to their ranch in Hondo. Then Susie got a new calling. Diving into politics, she was elected Comal County Treasurer in New Braunfels — a job that would span nine years. It was there that the crime fighter started a different kind of fight. County physician Dr. Carlos Campos stopped by her office one day and immediately noticed Susie was having a stroke. He took her straight to the hospital where she was diagnosed with Critical Aortic Stenosis, requiring open heart surgery to insert a titanium aortic heart valve. “He saved my life,” she says of Dr. Campos.
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A few years later, a routine medical check-up identified two tumors, affected lymph nodes and she was given a diagnosis of Stage 3 Estrogen Positive Breast Cancer. After bravely undergoing extensive surgery and chemotherapy treatments, Susie then was diagnosed by MD Anderson with Inflammatory Breast Cancer. Due to her previous cancer treatments and the severity of this rare cancer, they estimated she had 90 days to live, but they would try chemotherapy and radiation. The treatment was harsh, “The radiation was collar to hip and across rib to rib,” says Susie. As she faced the doctor’s startling prognosis, she made the decision to create a trifecta bucket list — a quest as she calls it — to own a camel, a kangaroo and drive 200 MPH in her own vehicle. Mere days after creating her list, she was traveling north of Bulverde when, there in a field, was a camel. She recalls surprising the property owners as she announced, “God is telling me I need to buy your camel.” They wouldn’t sell but did tell her about an auction where she became the high bidder on her baby dromedary camel. When she went to pick it up, they advised her that she needed two things: another camel as they are herd animals and to attend camel school in Texarkana to learn how to properly manage the livestock. So, off she went to camel school where she acquired another camel — a neutered male named Humphry. But that wasn’t all. “The doors swung open and a baby kangaroo in a diaper hopped out! Not just any kangaroo, but a red kangaroo, the species I wanted for their good nature and temperament,” she says. Along the way she added two Grevy’s Zebras and two coatimundis. The menagerie required a place to roam, and so the couple purchased property and dubbed it Sanguinity Point Ranch, translating into “Blood of Life.” It became a place of distraction where she worked all the while enduring treatments, she says, “They needed me. I didn’t have time to feel sorry or focus on myself.” She’s currently bottle-feeding two baby kangaroos named Roopunzel and Booroo. As for the racing portion of her list, that too fell into place. “It was all just a
miracle,” she says of the used race car she purchased and then completed the Texas Mile in Beeville reaching 180 mph. Known as “Savage Suzy” on the racetrack, she bought a Devin MG-TD and has raced over much of North America, becoming the 2016 Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (“SVRA”) Group 4 National Champion and then receiving the 2016 National Rookie of the Year. She also won the prestigious “Wild Hare” Race in Virginia at the VIR Vintage Race (only 14 winners nationwide) where she was awarded a huge stuffed bunny and 10 Billion Zimbabwe Dollars! Earlier this year, Susie checked off another bucket list item by being one of only a handful of female racers (500 racers chosen from 1,200 applicants) selected to participate in the Monterey Reunion Vintage Race at Laguna Seca Raceway near Pebble Beach. Susie is looking forward to her next 2018 race on November 1-4 at Circuit of the Americas near Austin. As she continually says, “God is good all the time and life is better at the race track!” Off the track, the Patterson’s have the joy of seeing their children often. Son Brandon, 26, works as a geologist and landman in the family business, Patterson Energy Corp. Daughter Ashley, 29, a Texas Coach Hall of Famer, visits regularly but they also travel to Austin to see her where she works as a teacher and golf coach at Westlake High School. Then there are the vacations centered on Robert’s interests. “Robert is an avid hunter in Texas
and most of the Americas, and has had the privilege of taking our family on safari in South Africa with astronaut Charlie Duke and his lovely wife Dotty, where he killed the leopard above our fireplace,” says Susie. In the fall of 2017, the Patterson’s moved to Cordillera Ranch. The couple had a long awareness of the community, “We’d been looking at it since it was developed,” says Robert. “When we sold our beloved Ft. Davis ranch, it fit perfectly. If we hadn’t found Cordillera Ranch, it would have been difficult to sell the ranch. Cordillera has it all and the best part is we don’t have to maintain it.” The couple enjoy the amenities and the people and are active in couples Pickleball, card games, multiple Bible studies and Robert remains an avid golfer. “It’s very comfortable. We feel accepted and a part of the community and believe we have something to give to it. Susie is extremely social, and this community allows her to enjoy that as much or as little as she wants. It fits our lifestyle — it’s what we wanted.” It’s been six years since Susie got that harrowing prognosis and made her bucket list. The future is bright. To celebrate the 10-year, cancer-free milestone, Susie looks forward to participating in a vintage car race in Monaco. Robert isn’t surprised, “There are dreamers and there are doers. Susie is a doer. Whatever she sets her mind to do, she does. Get over cancer. Race cars. The good Lord had a lot to do with it.”
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STAFF PROFILE Daren Johnson Director of Golf 813.468.7444, djohnson@cordilleraranch.com
Hometown: Born: Burbank, CA; moved to Tampa, FL when I was 12 How did you become employed at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch? Even though the majority of my professional experience has been in Florida, I was well aware of The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch and the club’s amenities prior to visiting the property. I first learned of the opening for Director of Golf through the PGA of America. I interviewed with Marc DeWall and Charlie Hill, and from the moment I arrived at the club, I felt at home and I knew The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch is where I belong! What past work history prepared you for The Clubs? I have always believed that the most important attribute of a successful golf professional is to have true focus on service. Thus, I wanted the first step in my career to open doors for future success. I started my career at Walt Disney World, which is known worldwide for their guest experience and attention to detail. That experience opened doors to some of the best clubs in the country: Pine Valley Golf Club, Old Memorial Golf Club, Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club and most recently Adena Golf & Country Club. I feel very fortunate to have had great mentors throughout my career and to have had made some great connections along the way What makes your colleagues an asset to The Clubs? Explain how you work together as a team. The Cordillera golf operation is organized around several key areas: Valet, Golf Shop, Cart Staging, Practice Park, First Tee, On Course and Eighteen Greeter. The golf operations will always be energetic and focused on creating a truly memorable experience that is consistent and continually looking to exceed expectations. To achieve a consistent experience, our team focuses on several key areas: • Communication amongst the staff • Communication with members/guests • Anticipating needs and follow-up • Attention to detail What has been your most rewarding professional experience? Adena Golf & Country Club was a new club that opened in late summer of 2015 and I was brought on as the Director of Golf about eight months after the club had opened. When I was hired, my primary responsibility was to create an unparalleled
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golf experience. I had no limitations and was able to utilize all of my experiences and create what I believed was a truly unique experience. The time spent was extensive, however, when I was able to step back and see what we had created, it was a great feeling. What has been your greatest professional challenge? Being separated from my family has been my greatest professional challenge. Throughout my career, my family has made sacrifices which has allowed me to be in the position I am today. My family has been through a lot over the last 15 years and we are excited to call San Antonio home. What do you like most about working at Cordillera Ranch? I have only been a part of the Cordillera Ranch family for a short period of time, however, what I have enjoyed the most is how welcoming everyone has been. Ownership, members and staff have all been gracious and have made me feel at home. What are your hobbies and interests? I am very much a homebody. I enjoy hanging around the house and spending time with my girls. I do enjoy playing golf and look forward to getting out there with you. Being from California and growing up in the Bay Area until I was 12, I am a huge fan of the 49ers. Favorite quote or motto? Run from being good. Chase being great. Or most meaningful personal experience? Birth of my daughters; Gabrielle (Gabi) and Audrina (Audri).
KNEE PAIN?
STEM CELL and PRP TREATMENTS AVAILABLE
Specializing in non-surgical treatment of knee pain. Wendy McCurley, MD Board Certified Family Medicine
Charles McCurley, MD Board Certified Family Medicine Board Certified Sports Medicine
SPORTS MEDICINE
Advanced arthritis treatment Muscle and joint pain Sports injuries for all ages Ultrasound guided treatments/injections In-office x-ray Sports physicals Broken bones/fracture care
905 N. Main Street, Suite 105 • Boerne, TX 78006-1659 • www.sfmboerne.com • 830.816.5800
Contemporary ◊ Hill Country Design ◊ and Manufacturing
Visit our Design Center and Furniture Store 32840 IH-10 West
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Boerne, Texas 78006 ◊ 830.331.9010 www.CatrinasInteriors.com
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210.535.3070
7373 BROADWAY, SUITE 106, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78209 210.826.0660 WWW.SHETLERFINEJEWELERS.COM OPEN MONDAY – FRIDAY, 10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., OPEN SATURDAY BY APPOINTMENT
MEMBER SERVICES
10 GIFT IDEAS
THAT PROVIDE LEISURE, RECREATION & ADVENTURE By Shane Reynolds
Do you struggle finding the right gift for a loved one, child, grandchild or friend? Consider one of these gift certificates from the Club that will certainly be well received by anyone who needs a bit of adventure or relaxation in their life.
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MASSAGE
You cannot go wrong with this gift. Club masseuse Tammera Arranda will massage any holiday stress away. One-hour treatment for $60 (value of $75) or a 90-minute treatment for $85 (value of $100)
KAYAK TRIP
Plan a kayak trip with your family or friends. This package accommodates a group of four and includes all kayak equipment and shuttle service to enjoy a half day on the beautiful Guadalupe River. $75 (value of $112)
5-STAND AND FLUSH PACKAGE AT THE GUN CLUB
The 5-Stand and Flush Package at the Gun Club accommodates a group of two to four shooters, and includes shotguns, shells and eight rounds (200 birds) on the 5-Stand and Flush Field. $150 (value of $232)
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PILATES
Three Private Training Sessions with Pilates professional Kris Cracknell for first time clients, only. Pilates is a system of exercises that help stretch, strengthen, balance and tone the body. $192 (value of $255)
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LIGHT THERAPY
Increase circulation and reduce pain and inflammation with FDA approved Light Therapy with Ann-Kristin Allen. Three sessions for $195 (value of $300)
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PERSONAL FITNESS TRAINING
Three one-hour Private Training Sessions with Kevin Durio and/or Michael Reyes. $180 (value of $225)
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TRAIL RIDE
Go on a gorgeous Trail Ride with a group of four family or friends. $175 (value of $200)
DUCK HUNT
Join the Outfitter staff on a fun one-day Duck Hunt in the Eagle Lake area. The trip includes transportation, meals and lodging. $350 (value of $425)
KAYAK FISHING TRIP ON THE DEVILS RIVER
This spectacular river is the best in Texas by far! Any angler and adventurer would love to spend four nights on this bass fishing outing. This certificate could be for one or two anglers for $625 per person (value of $695). Contact Shane Reynolds for more details. These Special Offers must be purchased by December 23, 2018 and ALL EXPIRE December 31, 2019.
KAYAK FISHING TRIP TO PORT ARANSAS
This one night and one day guided trip to Port Aransas accommodates a group of four and includes transportation, lodging, meals and all kayaking and fishing equipment. $695 (value of $820)
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Please contact Kelsey or Shane at the Club to purchase any of these great gift certificate ideas. Kelsey Guzman is the Recreation Coordinator and can be reached at 830.446.2711 or at kgrudle@cordilleraranch. com. Shane Reynolds is the Outdoor Recreation Director and can be reached at 210.616.6051 or outfitter@cordilleraranch.com.
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GOLF
L-R: Roman O’Rourke, Marc DeWall, Larry Harper, Scott Lewis, Daren Johnson, Jacques LeBlanc
L-R: David Garcia, Reed Smith, Greg Valikonis and Clayton Johnson: Larry Harper
Ken Nibling & John Kester
2018 C-Star
Member-Guest Recap Ben Pena and Tim James
What a great finish to the C-Star Men’s Member-Guest. Larry Harper and his guest Scott Lewis from Dominion Country Club won the championship with a great finish in the Shoot-Out. It looked like Larry Harper and Scott Lewis were in trouble on the 5th hole of the Shoot-Out until Scott Lewis holed a wedge shot from 60 yards to make par to advance to the final hole. Barry Denton and his brother Brett Denton defeated Chris Hill and his guest Chris Mathis on the 5th hole of the Shoot-Out when a chip off was needed to determine who would advance to the final hole. Chris Hill hit a great chip to about 10 feet and Brett Denton hit an incredible chip to about 6 feet to advance. On the final hole, Larry Harper and Scott Lewis defeated Barry Denton and Brett Denton to capture the C-Star Championship and secure their names on the Champions Rock. Congratulations again to Larry Harper and Scott Lewis and to all the Flight Winners. Thank you to everyone who played and supported the C-Star, and we are looking forward to next year’s event.
Ken Nibling & Gary Dove
2018 C-Star Results
Congratulations to Overall Champions Larry Harper & Scott Lewis
Flight Champions Beyer Flight
Brett Denton & Barry Denton Chris Hill & Chris Mathis
Alamo Flight
Beyer Flight Chris Hill & Chris Mathis
Tony Coleman & Paul Crumley
Nicklaus Flight
Larry Harper & Scott Lewis *Overall Champions
Barry Denton & Brett Denton
Walker Flight
Steve Cruse & Harold Shockley
Lonestar Flight
Les Pratt & Gabriel Polo
Riverwalk Flight
James Sherwood & Travis Price
Hill Country
Guadalupe Flight
David Hill & David Tamminga
Wrangler Flight
David Cottrell & Michael Cottrell
Rodeo Flight
Zane Price & Brett Lewis
Daren Johnson, PGA, is the Director of Golf at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at djohnson@cordilleraranch.com.
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CRAFTED WITH PASSION DINING
LIFE’S A PEACH George Dickel Whiskey, Peaches, Honey, Lemon and Lime Juice STRAWBERRY FROSÉ Rosé Wine, Strawberries, Belvedere Vodka and Lemon Juice PINEAPPLE COOLER Fresh Pineapple, Coconut Milk, Rum Haven Coconut Rum and Lime Juice
By Graham House :: Photography by Kelsey Guzman
SPECIALTY LIBATIONS POMEGRANATE WHISKEY SOUR Eagle Rare Whiskey, Pomegranate Juice and Fresh Squeezed Lemonade
Bartenders are basically artists. From mixing drinks to decorating each
SEERSUCKER BLUEBERRY LEMON DROP Seersucker Lemonade Gin, Fresh Blueberries and Fresh Squeezed Lemonade
glass, bartending is a form of art and it’s definitely not easy to master. A well-crafted cocktail embodies everything we honor about the American spirit, and its resurgence unsurprisingly harkens back to simpler times. The historical influences of the movement are evident now with new techniques that embolden the traditions into a craft. That’s why bartenders must graduate from bartending school or an online bartending school to gain the profession. No one can simply “mix drinks.” Bartending is a serious thing. It’s so serious that there are mixologists out there in the world. What are mixologists? Mixologists are people who are very skilled in mixing cocktails and drinks. Clearly, they’re masters behind the job. Crystal Thompson is our master mixologist at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch and has that creativity to design one-of-a-kind cocktails. Crystal graduated from professional bartending school in 2016 and has been exploring the craft by experimenting with new alcohol products, infusions, salts and presentations. Crystal thrives learning new techniques and will be attending the well-known San Antonio Cocktail Conference in January. Crystal creates a unique experience with cocktail crafting for the membership at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. Here is a sampling of her offerings.
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“THE ALEXANDER” Prosecco and Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice
FROZEN DRINKS TUMBLEWEED Kahlua, Brandy, Crème de Cacao, Frangelico and Ice Cream WATERMELON DAIQUIRI Bacardi, Watermelon, Lime Juice and Orange Juice
CHATA SLIDE RumChata, Kahlua, Bailey’s Irish Cream and Chocolate Sauce with RumChata Whipped Cream
BLOOD ORANGE OLD FASHIONED Jack Daniel’s Bourbon, Solerno, Blood Oranges and Angostura Bitters
PIMM’S CUP Pimm’s No. 7, Beefeater Gin, Ginger Ale, Muddled Fruit and Mint
FRENCH MARTINI Deep Eddy’s Peach Vodka, Chambord and Pineapple Juice BAUCHANT JALAPENO MARGARITA Patron Silver Tequila, Bauchant, Jalapenos, Agave and Lime Juice
H O L I D AY S I N A W R A P It’s that time of year again! The time to celebrate with your loved ones and get in quality time that you have missed out on during the year. It’s also time for mulled wine, eggnog and hot buttered rum while sitting around the outdoor fire pit. We would like to share with you our personal favorite holiday beverages. The best parts of growing up in Kentucky are the derby and bourbon. During the holiday seasons, the snow would blanket the miles of horse farms as we drove to Aunt Tommie’s home. As kids we loved to go to her home and sneak handfuls of bourbon balls and cups of bourbon eggnog. Oh yes, we paid for that feast! Years later I acquired her recipe and this is our holiday tradition. Making eggnog the old-fashioned way takes a while but always tastes better than buying a carton. KENTUCKY BOURBON EGGNOG Courtesy of Graham House Ingredients 12 large eggs 1 quart of milk 1 cup of superfine or powdered sugar, divided 1 tablespoon of real vanilla extract 2 cups of heavy cream 3 cups of Ancient Age (Now it’s Buffalo Trace) Semi-sweet chocolate shavings and nutmeg
Method • Separate 12 large eggs into 2 medium-sized bowls. Put the egg whites in the refrigerator (you’ll use them during the final step). • In a large pan, stir together 1 quart of milk, 1/2 cup of superfine or powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of real vanilla extract. Bring to a gentle boil, then take it off the burner. • Beat the egg yolks for 2-3 minutes to thicken them. Take a cup of the hot milk and pour it slowly into the egg yolks, whisking constantly. Then pour this mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the hot milk, continuing to whisk it so it thickens smoothly. • Return the saucepan to the burner and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to stir it constantly. You’ll know it’s ready when the eggnog is thick enough to coat the back of the spoon. • Pour the mixture into a sealable container. If you like, you can cover the surface of the eggnog with plastic wrap so it doesn’t form a skin. Refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours). • With an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until soft, white peaks form. Slowly add 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and continue mixing until the peaks stiffen. Then rinse the mixer blades and whip 2 cups of heavy cream until it thickens, adding another 1/4 cup of powdered sugar as you do. Now get your chilled eggnog mixture and pour it into a large punch bowl. Slowly stir in 3 cups of Buffalo Trace bourbon. With a spatula, fold in (don’t stir) the whipped cream, and then the egg white mixture. Put it back in the fridge to chill for at least an hour. Keep chilled until just before serving. Garnish with semi-sweet chocolate shavings and nutmeg as the final touch.
SEASONAL BOURBON SMASH Courtesy of Crystal Thompson You do not need a full bar and you do not have to be a bartender or a mixologist to make this wonderful delight. It is fruity but not too sweet, and slightly creamy. It has bright citrus flavors and it is simple to make. Ingredients 2 oz bourbon of choice ½ oz triple sec ½ oz fresh squeezed orange juice 1 oz preserves or jam (blackberry or raspberry work well) Orange segments Berries Cinnamon Stick Splash of soda Method • Add bourbon, triple sec, fresh squeezed orange juice and preserves into a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously! • In a prepared rocks glass, pour cocktail over fresh ice. • Add orange segments and berries to bring your cocktail to life. • Last but not least, splash a little soda on top. Place a cinnamon stick in as the stirrer and serve. Graham House is the Clubhouse and Lodging Manager at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at ghouse@ cordilleraranch.com or 830.336.9164.
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CELLAR CLUB
Wines for Your
HOLIDAY TABLE
FromWine
By Jeffrey Cohen
and Beyond‌‌
Happy Holidays to all! I have now completed my first year back after a four-year
hiatus. It has certainly been a quick and exhilarating year. I have rekindled relationships that go back to the opening of the Clubhouse and made numerous more relationships from our newer members. I have spent time with young adults that were just little tykes. I have spent time with little tykes that I bounced as babies to allow the parents time to eat. And lastly, I miss young teens that have moved on to future endeavors beyond the Club. One thing has remained constant! This is the best Club to be at and you, the members, are a delight to serve.
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For this holiday season — the season for sharing and giving back — we will be introducing some great wineries that are philanthropic and donate to different and important causes. South African golfer Retief Goosen has a line of wine called “Goose.” Retief established the Gaanzies (Little Geese) School. The school is located on the wine farm and is completely funded by Retief with no tuition or government subsidies. This particular valley has no public or private schooling and most residents have no electricity or water sanitation. Gaanzies accepts children from six months up to six years old. Monday through Friday, children receive two nutritional meals and basic medical and health services as necessary. A portion of proceeds generated from wine purchases will help fund efforts and needs to the Gaanzies School. The J. Lohr winery marks its tenth year with its partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. The Touching Lives initiative began when the Lohr family designated the J. Lohr Carol’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon a commemorative release in honor of founder Jerry Lohr’s late wife. Carol Lohr passed away in 2008 due to complications from breast cancer. Since the program’s inception, sales from this wine have supported early breast cancer detection, access to mammograms, patient navigation systems and the delivery of HOPE kits (a gift box of comforting items) to women undergoing their treatment. These programs continue to build on a partnership that has funded over 6,500 mammograms for women who otherwise would not be able to receive them. To get us ready for the holidays and all of the wonderful feasts that we will be sharing, I would like to give some pairings and offerings that might enhance your meals. The challenge to recommending pairings is the absolute endless ways that turkeys, ducks and geese can be prepared. I will try my best but remember that there absolutely is no wrong pairing because it is 100 percent subjective.
With a basic seasoned and buttered turkey, I would say to drink the style of chardonnay that you enjoy the most. For a buttery-oaky style, Rombauer is always a favorite. If you like more of an Old World-style chardonnay, a wine from Pouilly-Fuissé or Puligny-Montrachet will be a great choice as well. Some wine experts will send you to Germany for a nice dry Riesling. If you choose this, make sure and save some to enjoy with the apple pie. If your tradition is to stuff your bird with oyster stuffing, you will enjoy a nice acidic chardonnay from Chablis. William Fevre comes to mind. If you are the one that enjoys all of the sides (yams, cranberries, mashed potatoes), let’s jump into the reds with a fantastic Pinot Noir such as Bella Glos. For a smoked turkey, I would start out with a red from the get-go. You can still do Pinot Noir but if you’re wanting to try something different, grab a Grenache from Australia. It is still light enough to not overpower but will stand up to the smoking. I always enjoy a Merlot so that would be my pick. One of my favorites is made by Pahlmeyer in the Napa Valley. If in fact you are a “100% Cabernet all of the time” type, try a nice Cabernet from Washington State that tends to be a bit softer. Canvasback Cabernet is a newer wine from the Duckhorn family and from Washington. Now, if your heads are spinning just a little bit, I understand and am sorry. Sometimes in the Dining Room when asked to pair a wine with your meals and the choices selected are quite diverse, you might see my eyes sink up into my head. This is what is happening to me. I am processing……and I truly enjoy it. From My Family to Yours, have a remarkable and memorable Holiday Season! Jeffrey Cohen is the Wine Specialist for The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at jcohen@cordilleraranch.com.
WELCOME TO THE WORLD
OF WINES! Whether you are a wine aficionado, a novice wanting to explore and learn more about wine, or simply, like most of us, someone who just loves to drink wine….. the Cellar Club at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch is here for you. The Cellar Club offers exclusive preferred benefits to our Members who desire a well-rounded wine experience. Our mission is to create a Club community of wine enthusiasts along with the convenience of purchasing wines direct from the Club’s Pre-sale Wine Shop (In order to comply with TABC regulations, the retail selling of wine is located in the Club’s Tennis Center). Competitive retail pricing is offered on all wines sold in the Wine Shop, however, additional preferred pricing is offered exclusively
to Cellar Club Members. Cellar Club Members benefit from our Club’s purchasing power to access incredible deals on some of the best wines available. CELLAR CLUB MEMBERS BENEFITS: • 20% off Club Wine List Inventory • 20% off Wine Dinners • New release tastings • Preferred pricing at our Pre-sale Wine Shop • Exclusive access to incredible vendor deals • Access to Highly Allocated Wines • Private consultations to help fill your home wine cellar
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OUTDOORS
HAPPY TRAILS
Swede Creek Park
(AND PARKS) TO YOU! By Charlie Hill and Barry Denton We’re fortunate to have beautiful natural areas in close proximity to Cordillera Ranch. State Parks include Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (Fredericksburg), Lost Maples State Natural Area (Vanderpool) and Guadalupe River State Park. More local to Boerne are the Cibolo Nature Center, City Lake Park, River Road Park and multiple, improved trails connecting many parts of town. Other landmarks include caves and caverns, rivers and lakes, and historical points of interest in San Antonio. We definitely live in one of Texas’ most beautiful regions. But are you aware of how much nature can be experienced in our own beautiful community of Cordillera Ranch? Since its inception, our owners and developer envisioned a neighborhood that combined world-class amenities and resort-style living with being good stewards of the land. Exclusive of current parks, trails, amenities and open areas, Cordillera Ranch continues to be developed with a goal towards retaining approximately 80 percent of its 8,700 acres in its natural state. The opportunities offered via our 300+ acres of parks, trails and natural areas are numerous and the memorable experiences countless. Following is a helpful summary of the various Cordillera Ranch Property Owners parks within our expansive community.
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PARKS Pavilion Park (18 acres) – This park near the main entry has a covered pavilion with picnic tables and restrooms. It features a soccer/football field, softball/baseball field, basketball court, volleyball court and play scape, but this open area can be used for virtually all outdoor activities. It’s great for family gatherings, sports-themed parties and family/social/work-related gatherings. Open during daylight hours, but all or part can be reserved through the Cordillera Ranch Property Owners Association (POA).
Pavilion Park
raging force has carved out one of the most beautiful rock features you’ll find anywhere on the Ranch. This 30-footplus high limestone wall is a hidden gem worth exploring — it is pure untouched Texas Hill Country. Just around the corner is our Guadalupe River Community Park which provides a great spot to lounge in the refreshing waters of this state treasure or drop your kayak or innertube for a fun ride down the gentle rapids and serene pools found in this stretch of the Guad. There’s simply no better place to unwind and reconnect Swede Creek Park with family and friends than a few hours cruising down this quiet stretch of river. The Swede Creek Park and Guadalupe River Community Park areas are open to property owners during daylight hours but the camp sites can be reserved for overnight camping by calling the POA. Additionally, for a hassle-free kayaking or tubing trip down the Guad, contact The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch Outfitter at 830.336.GUAD (4823). Spring Creek Park (12 acres) – This natural area is accessible via a trail system and side street parking. Explore the seasonal flowing creek with crystal clear pools under a canopy of trees. The high rock bluffs and natural grassy areas provide a peaceful escape from the daily rush and it’s also a popular destination for horseback riding. Panther Creek Park (3 acres) – Take a stroll along a spring-fed creek, abundant with Cypress trees and palmettos. Study the rock bluffs and outcroppings in this entirely new experience located just beyond the first phase of The Springs. Springs Sports Park (5 acres) – Located near the entry of The Springs of Cordillera Ranch, this newest addition to the POA parks will include several multi-use sports fields including football/ soccer, baseball/softball and basketball. It also provides trailhead parking for the nearly three miles of trails developed so far in The Springs of Cordillera Ranch which include a completely looped hard-surface trail system. Guadalupe River Community Park
Guadalupe River Community Park and Swede Creek Park (70 acres) – These two vast parks showcase some of the most beautiful water features in Cordillera Ranch. Surrounded by a cliff-lined amphitheatre, the 5-acre Swede Lake is a wildlife oasis home to a variety of fish and birds. Whether it’s catching a Guadalupe Bass or learning to paddleboard or kayak, the spring-fed waters of Swede Lake offer the perfect scenery for any outdoor recreation. The rest of Swede Creek Park offers peaceful areas to explore this Cypress tree-lined creek or any number of sports in the 15 acres of open fields. The park has also served as an idyllic setting for weddings and other events. Follow Swede Creek downstream and you’ll find where its
Springs Sports Park
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TRAILS Over 10 miles of trails meander through the community. Trails are maintained on a regular basis by the POA. Pedestrian, equestrian and non-motorized bike access are the only allowed activities on our trail system. Descriptions of the three main trail systems to follow can be viewed on the map above. 1) The Cordillera Trace Trail winds its way through the original 4,200 acres. Starting at Pavilion Park (parking and restroom), it meanders through the Park Ridge area, crosses Cordillera Trace and continues west through Spring Creek Park and on to the Equestrian Center. 2) The Rio Cordillera Trail starts at Cordillera Trace then follows Falcon Point to our southern community boundary to the Swede Creek and Guadalupe River Parks and continues east to the FM 3351 gate. 3) The Springs of Cordillera Ranch Trail can be accessed via the new Springs Sports Park on the east side of FM 3351 where parking is available. Explore the newest areas of our community and view the future of Cordillera Ranch through The Springs and down through Panther Creek Park.
Guadalupe River Community Park
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The park and trail map is available at the POA office in the new Visitors Center complex at 28 Cordillera Trace near the Highway 46 entrance to the community. You can also download this map at www.cordilleraranch.com/amenities. The beautiful, panoramic Guadalupe River valley view wowed all of us as we came through the front gate for the first time. There’s so much more to see and take in. Get out during this most beautiful time of year and explore this little slice of Heaven for yourself. You’re sure to find new points of interest, river and creek-side reflection areas, stunning view vantage points and a world you didn’t even know existed. It’s all right here, you just have to look around. Experience our community and get a whole new perspective of this vast back yard we call Cordillera Ranch.
Charlie Hill is the President/COO of DH Investments. Barry Denton is the Director of Real Estate at Cordillera Ranch. Both can be reached at 830.336.3570.
Panther Creek Park
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OUTDOORS
Guadalupe River State Park
MORE TO EXPLORE By Julie Catalano
As we have seen, Cordillera Ranch residents are blessed with parks in their own backyard. Ready for more? Check out more natural beauties just a few miles away. KREUTZBERG CANYON NATURAL AREA 143 Mark Twain Drive, Boerne, 830.537.3470. Photography courtesy of Kendall County Parks & Recreation Department. Talk about your hidden gems. “I often tell visitors that we’re trying to do more reaching out to the community,” says Daniel Vetter, Kendall County Parks Director. “You know, let people know how beautiful and fun this is, and they can see their county tax dollars at work.” Their visitors’ usual response? “Oh no, don’t tell anybody about this place!”
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ing water, so bring plenty for you and your dog. Picnic areas with tables and benches. No camping or hunting. Swimming is discouraged. Open daily from dawn until dusk. Free admission. CIBOLO PRESERVE AND CIBOLO NATURE CENTER & FARM 140 City Park Road, Boerne, 830.249.4616. The “Farm” in the title of this popular Boerne Kreutzberg Canyon Natural Area destination refers to what was once the 10,000acre Herff Ranch established in 1852, of which 62 acres were acquired by the Cibolo Nature Center in 2007, making it the Cibolo Nature Center & Farm. Since then, the site has evolved into an important historical, cultural and ecological Hill Country resource. The homestead has been restored to National Register of Historic Places standards and is permanently protected through a voluntary conservation easement. Soon, the Herff Farm will be home to the Cibolo Nature School and Learning Village at Herff Farm (slated to open in Fall 2020), with a campaign underway to build a model No wonder. At a manageable size of 117 acres, visiting Kreutzberg Canyon Natural Area is like having your own six unique wildlife habitats: riparian, oak savanna, disturbed woodland/blowdown, open juniper-oak woodland, closed canopy juniper-oak woodland and old field. Vetter describes the three miles of trails as “all terrain. It might be rocky in one area, or caliche, grass or even asphalt.” The main road runs all the way down to the Guadalupe River, especially handy for paddlers and fishers to unload their gear Cibolo Preserve and Cibolo Nature Center & Farm Photo by Paul Manniko or just bring chairs to sit by the river. Three observation blinds (including one large ADA accessible) offer excellent opportunities to observe and photograph birds, butterflies and more. Visitors might glimpse feral hogs, turkey, axis and whitetailed deer, snakes, and once in a while, says Vetter, “a huge red stag. They’re so big they look almost like elk.” As a natural area, Kreutzberg Canyon Natural Area is “relatively untouched,” Photo by Paul Manniko says Vetter, and ideal for exploring. For example, a cave and two sinkholes discovered during a 2010 archeological study are not marked. “As soon as you set foot on a trail, it won’t be long before you are completely lost in nature.” NEED TO KNOW: Pet friendly, and all dogs must be on leash. Portable restrooms, both regular and ADA. No drink-
Photo by Allison Russell
Photo by Allison Russell
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Nature Preschool to serve area children. Plans include four classroom cottages, expanded outdoor gathering and learning spaces, administrative offices and teacher workrooms, plus a restored historic barn and community amphitheater. The Cibolo Nature Center itself has a 30-year history of welcoming countless nature lovers in its mission of “promoting conservation of natural resources through education and stewardship.” Each year, thousands of visitors stroll the beautiful grounds, enjoying picnicking, horseback riding, birding and miles of trails. There’s a wetland ecosystem, exact replicas of dinosaur tracks, and the scenic Cibolo Creek that meanders throughout. The Cibolo Preserve is an adjacent 644-acre area used as a living outdoor laboratory for researchers from UTSA, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, San Antonio Water System, Texas Parks and Wildlife and others. “Types of research have included studies on caves and karsts, archeology, water quality and various bird studies,” says Cordillera Ranch resident J.W. Pieper, a participant in the current great blue heron rookery project as a volunteer who observes nest-building, mating, and hatching. “We report on them twice a week until they fledge.”
of the park,” says Pieper, who also serves as a member of the board of directors of the Friends of Guadalupe River State Park (GRSP) and Honey Creek State Natural Area (HCSNA). “It’s filled with interactive objects including a collection of pelts, fossils, feathers and tracks.” Camping is available at 85 water and electric campsites or nine walk-in tent sites. Reservations can be made online or by calling 512.389.8900. Honey Creek State Natural Area, adds Pieper, is a true Texas treasure that’s part of Guadalupe River State Park but still a secret to many. “It’s a place of pure nature that can be seen only by guided tour on Saturday mornings.” Tours leave from the historic Rust House every Saturday at 9:00am and are free with GRSP admission. “It’s a wonderful two-mile hike that takes you down by Honey Creek, a 1.5-mile long creek that flows out of the mouth of a cave and into the Guadalupe River.” No reservations are necessary, but special group tours can be arranged. “The Cordillera Nature Club has gone on this hike a couple times,” says Pieper, who led the special tours of Honey Creek State Natural Area for 18 years.
NEED TO KNOW: The Cibolo Nature Center includes a Visitor Center and Gift Shop, and is open daily, 8:00am to dusk. Free admission. Pet and horse friendly. The Herff Farm at 33 Herff Road is open 9:00am to 1:00pm every Saturday; the last Farmer’s Market for 2018 will be held on November 17 and resumes again in March 2019. The Cibolo Preserve is open only to researchers. For more information, cibolo.org. GUADALUPE RIVER STATE PARK AND HONEY CREEK STATE NATURAL AREA 3350 Park Road 31, Spring Branch, 830.438.2656. Photography courtesy of GRSP and HCSNA.
Guadalupe River State Park
Many Texans know the Guadalupe River only for tubing, but there’s so much more to this legendary part of the Texas Hill Country that has been a state park since 1983. While there’s plenty of action close to the river, with swimming, fishing, canoeing and, of course, tubing, venturing away from the river leads visitors to more peaceful areas for 13 miles of hike and bike trails, horseback riding, picnicking and birdwatching. “There’s a wonderful Discovery Center in the day use section
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Honey Creek
Honey Creek
NEED TO KNOW: Guadalupe River State Park is open daily, 8:00am to10:00pm. Entrance fees to GRSP are $7/adults; children 12 and under free. Honey Creek State Natural Area is open to the public only on Saturday with free guided tour included in GSRP admission. For more information, tpwd.texas.gov/stateparks/guadalupe-river and honeycreekfriends.org.
HOW TO CRUSH YOUR FITNESS GOALS IN THE NEW YEAR FITNESS
By Shane Reynolds
WE CANNOT HOPE TO LIVE THE LIVES WE WANT TO, OR ATTAIN THE HEALTH WE NEED, ON ACCIDENT. IT MUST BE ON PURPOSE. IT MUST BE WITH A VISION. TO HAVE A VISION MEANS TO HAVE HOPE. As I approached mid-life this past year, I needed to change some bad habits I had acquired over the past 35 years. I was determined to lose weight and improve my health through better nutrition. The first thing I did was contact a few close friends who kept themselves in great shape through their mid-lives. For me, this was a big help as I leaned on them for support, ideas and direction. Setting goals is one of the most powerful ways to create real change in our lives. Although I did not achieve my goal by my
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birthday in October, I am not giving up. To date I’ve lost 23 pounds and, as my daughter Penelope reminds me, that’s a bag of birdseed. I have another half bag of birdseed to go to reach my goal by the year’s end. Here are a few ways to set yourself up for success in 2019. 1. REVIEW THE PAST YEAR We can’t know where we’re going if we don’t know where we’ve been. Take time to review the past year — the mistakes, the accomplishments. What worked? What didn’t? Did you achieve your fitness goals? If not, what can you do differently this time? If yes, can you do that again this year? 2. SET REAL GOALS Goals are one of the most powerful ways to change our lives. Let’s define what a real goal is: • It has a deadline • It is specific • It is attainable • It must be measurable (how will you know when you have completed it?) For example, “Lose weight” or “Eat better” are NOT goals. Those are wishes, and more than likely will not happen. Instead, be specific like “Run one mile twice a week” or “Create a meal plan every Sunday using more fruits and vegetables.” Those are real goals. They are action steps. That is where the power is. 3. DREAM BIG This year, small thinking is not allowed. We need to think and dream BIG. Bigger than we ever have. Bigger than we have the faith for. One of my biggest dreams and reasons for wanting to be healthier is to be able to spend quality time with my kids as they grow into adults, and also be around for my grandkids. I want to teach them all about the ways of the woods! 4. BE CONSISTENT + FLEXIBLE Consistency is what sets the winners apart from the losers, the wealthy from the poor, the influential from the voiceless. If we don’t have consistency in our lives, and the maturity to be consistent in any endeavor, then chances are high that we won’t get anywhere good anytime soon. This has been the most difficult part for me in 2018. However, if in June it becomes clear that you need to alter a certain goal, you need to have the flexibility to divert our attention and energy elsewhere. 5. GET TO WORK You have much to do. Think beyond just one year. Think in terms of five years, 10 years, 30 years from today. And then go to work on what is in front of you today. Dream about the future, but work in the present, and please, be present in today. One more suggestion: Be careful through the holiday season that is upon us! Shane Reynolds is the Outdoor Recreation Director at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at 210.616.6051 or outfitter@cordilleraranch.com.
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Assisted Living and Memory Care Community Dedicated to Excellence
Here to serve you and your loved ones.
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Executive Director
Angela Finley Director of Sales and Marketing
Franklin Park Boerne 210. 526. 8088 ®
18 Old San Antonio Road • Boerne, TX 78006 • Lic.# 106798 • www.franklinpark.org
LIFESTYLE
‘TIS THE SEASON Three first-timers and a perennial favorite highlight the world-class offerings from Boerne Performing Arts’ eighth phenomenal season. By Julie Catalano :: Photography courtesy of Boerne Performing Arts
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It’s that time again. Autumn brings not only cool temperatures but a new cool lineup from Boerne Performing Arts (BPA), whose slogan is
“Bringing the World of Performing Arts to Boerne!”
Artistic director Greg Talford and marketing/publicity manager Sue Talford continue to fulfill that mission every year by delighting and entertaining theatergoers from the Hill Country, San Antonio and surrounding areas with stunning international acts at Champion Auditorium in Boerne. Season eight is no exception. THE TEN TENORS, “HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS” December 15, 2018, 7:30pm
Photo by Kirk Richard Smith
BPA comes right out of the gate with a special event and return engagement. “It’s like every town has a favorite artist,” says Sue of the TEN Tenors. The feeling is obviously mutual: This is the fourth BPA appearance by the hot (with a capital HOT) Australian classical-crossover singing group with a 16year history of sell-out performances all over the world, six platinum and gold records, and a diverse repertoire that has something for everybody. “Home for the Holidays will be more than just Christmas songs,” says Sue. “From classic arias to rock, the show keeps moving, whether it’s one guy or three. When all 10 are singing, it’s like a wall of sound.” (NOTE: The TEN Tenors “Home for the Holidays” is a special event concert and not part of the 2019 season.) BPA’s 2019 regular three-concert season introduces international performing groups making their first appearances in Boerne: TRINITY IRISH DANCE COMPANY February 22, 2019, 7:30pm No ordinary Irish dance troupe, Trinity Irish Dance Company (TIDC) predates any of the modern-day expressions of this popular art form. Founding artistic director/choreographer Mark Howard established the Trinity Academy of Irish Dance in 1982
and TIDC in 1990, making the school and company the birthplace of progressive Irish dance — a fusion of Irish traditions and thrilling elements of American innovation that dazzle worldwide audiences with breathtaking twists in staging, choreography and costuming. “We’re really excited to get them in Boerne,” says Sue. “They only tour four or five times a year and are very hard to book. They are the true innovators of the Irish dance movement, performing Irish dance at its best.” THE UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN March 26, 2019, 7:30pm
Go ahead, laugh, because the laughter really starts when the performance does. “They are hysterical,” says Sue, “and when the Ukes, as they are affectionately known, play the famous BBC Proms event at the Royal Albert Hall, their tickets sell out faster than almost any other group.” The whimsical combination of deadpan British humor, singing, musical artistry, a variety of styles (classic, rock, movie themes, even a sea shanty), will “blow everyone away,” says Sue. “We call groups like this the sleepers,
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like the Accordion Virtuosi of Russia we presented in 2018.” It also doesn’t hurt that ukuleles are enjoying a renaissance among young people, igniting passion for a little instrument once only associated with Hawaiian music. “This group sells out all over Europe, and now Boerne has them.” BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY April 5, 2019, 7:30pm “This is a group that plays only small events,” says Sue mischievously, “like the Super Bowl, the Hollywood Bowl and Walt Disney Concert Hall.” Not to mention thousands of live shows, record sales of more than two million, and countless television and film appearances in their 25+ years. With a lively mix of jazz and dixieland, the group identifies as a swing band that celebrates America’s original art forms of jazz and swing with horns, strings, keyboard, drums and other percussion instruments. “We’ve been trying to get them for about four years,” says Sue of the soulful, swinging, high energy group that has audiences dancing in the aisles. “We’re hoping that this will be the big one that gets kids enthused about joining band.” Kids figure prominently in BPA’s mission. At the three season shows, BPA presents “Preludes and Interludes” in the Champion Auditorium lobby, where Boerne ISD school groups such as jazz band, orchestra and choir will perform before the show and at intermission. In addition, lobby “Art Galleries” will feature artwork selected from BISD elementary, middle and high school students. As always, the season includes Student Outreach Programs where students are brought in for special school day matinees. “There will be 1000 third graders for the Trinity Irish Dance Company, 1000 fourth graders for Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and 1000 fifth graders for the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain,” Sue explains. Additionally, all special needs students attend all Student Outreach program matinees. The support from Boerne and BISD has been “incredible,” adds Greg. “We have a school district and a city that is behind us 100 percent, a great board of directors and about 125 volunteers that help us in one form or another.” Two of those are well known to the many artists that have come through Boerne in the past few years: Cordillera Ranch resident Terry Weller and Boerne resident Sherry Regnier head the backstage hospitality committee, making sure the performing artists are taken care of with anything they need. “We treat the artists very well,” says Greg, “and show them what a special place Boerne is.” Season ticket pre-sales ended October 31 and Cordillera Ranch was once again well represented with “many season ticket holders from Cordillera,” says Sue, “but we want to keep getting the word out to new people moving in.” Single tickets go on sale November 1: Adults $30, $40 and $60. Students of any age with student ID, $20. Season tickets continue to be on sale, priced at $170, $100 and $75 (students $50). For tickets, boerneperformingarts.com, 830.331.9079; or Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce, 121 S. Main St., 830.249.8000.
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LIFESTYLE
Talboys Photography
HOLIDAY TRADITIONS, OLD AND NEW By Julie Catalano
The holidays are filled with familiar rituals of food, faith and festivities that warm and cheer us every year. Enjoy the tried and true, and why not try something new? Here are a just a few ideas to get you started. Happy holidays!
Binkdog Photography
BOERNE DICKENS ON MAIN November 23 – 24, 4:00 to 8:00pm A longstanding Thanksgiving weekend extravaganza back for its 19th year, this old-fashioned celebration officially kicks off the Boerne holiday season. Dickens-style theatrical performances, live music, 60-foot snow slide, ice sculpting shows, kids’ activities, and don’t forget...shopping! Bring your gift list for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, along with the Dickens Market
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Photo by Mike Farquhar
for handcrafted finds. Free admission. boernedickensonmain. com, visitboerne.org
WEIHNACHTS PARADE December 1, 6:00pm 2018 marks the 32nd anniversary of another beloved Boerne tradition. This year’s theme is “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” and up to 100 illuminated entries will travel Main Street beginning at Frederick Street by the Firehouse and ending at River Road. Free admission. ci.boerne.tx.us
COMFORT
Main Street surrounded by the Marktplatz (Market Square). The 26-foot, carousel style Weihnachtspyramide, or Christmas Pyramid, is based on a traditional German 16th century decoration. Live music, cookies and hot chocolate, holiday selfie station and more. Free admission. visitfredericksburgtx.com
EISBAHN OUTDOOR ICE SKATING RINK Kinderhalle Pavilion at Marktplatz November 23 – January 6 Celebrating 10 years of real ice skating in the Texas Hill Country, Eisbahn attracts thousands of skaters and spectators each year. A $15/day come-and-go pass includes skate rental. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. heritageschool.org
HOLIDAY COOKIE DECORATING AND GERMAN TRADITIONS CHRISTMAS IN COMFORT November 24, 10:00am to 9:00pm Glad tidings of comfort and joy are on the agenda for family fun at a small-town gem just a few minutes from Boerne. Live entertainment, more than 125 art and craft vendors, food court, Santa Land, lighted parade, fireworks display and more to discover in this German-pioneered town with almost 100 pre1910 buildings within walking distance of the town square. Free admission. comfortchamber.com
Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm, Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site November 24, 10:00am to 3:00pm About 15 miles down the road from Fredericksburg in Stonewall, learn about German traditions and see how the early settlers decorated for the season. tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/
CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR & MARKET December 1, 11:00am to 5:00pm
FREDERICKSBURG
Fredericksburg CVB
Photo by Trish Rawls
LIGHTING OF THE GERMAN CHRISTMAS PYRAMID AND COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS TREE November 23, 7:00pm Festivities begin at 6:00pm in front of the Vereins Kirche (Society Church and now a museum) in the center of Fredericksburg’s
Photo by Trish Rawls
Celebrating its 61st year, this self-guided tour through seven fabulous homes in and around Fredericksburg is a delight for architecture and design lovers. The tour includes a booklet and tour map with full descriptions of each home. Tickets are $30 per person through November 26; $35 per person after November 26. Christmas Market hours are 9:30am to 5:00pm with 21 boutique vendors at 312 W. San Antonio. Tickets for the Christmas Market only are $5 at the door. For tickets and more information, pioneermuseum.net.
Photo by Trish Rawls
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AUSTIN AREA
LIGHTS ON THE SAN ANTONIO RIVER WALK November 23 – January 6
Photo by Bob Howen - VisitSanAntonio
WINTER WONDERLAND AT CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS (COTA) November 24 – December 31, 6:00 to 11:00pm Last year’s premiere of this holiday spectacular was such a hit they’re bringing it back for another lap. Families can celebrate with such attractions as the Tunnel of Lights, Human Snow Globe, train rides, ice rink and much more. COTA is 3.427-mile motor racing facility located on the southeastern periphery of Austin city limits. General admission $16. For more information, circuitoftheamericas.com.
Residents and visitors alike wait all year for the breathtaking sight of more than 100,000 colorful lights draped over towering bald cypress trees that line the famed River Walk and remain lit dusk til dawn through January 6. The River Walk is one of the state’s most popular attractions and a free public park open 24 hours a day. visitsanantonio.com
HOLIDAYS IN BLOOM San Antonio Botanical Garden November 23 – December 31, 9:00am to 5:00pm
SAN ANTONIO HEB CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING Travis Park November 23, 6:00pm San Antonio Botanical Garden
Magical displays of garlands, red ribbons and other holiday decorations welcome guests through the end of the year and make the Garden a perfect setting for holiday photographs. Also through December 31, don’t miss Art Connects: Art with LEGO® Bricks, an award-winning sculpture exhibition by New York-based artist Sean Kenney featuring nearly a half million LEGO® Bricks in 13 nature-inspired displays. Both exhibits are included in the Garden’s general $9-12 admission; free for SABOT members. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. sabot.org Limelight San Antonio
Last year’s inaugural tree lighting event at 301 E. Travis Street was a huge success and they’re gearing up for Year Two with more than 250,000 LED holiday lights in addition to the Christmas tree itself. Family-friendly festivities begin at 3:00pm with live entertainment, food trucks, cookie decorating, giveaways and more. The tree stays up through January 1. Check the park’s website for programming through December. Free admission. travisparksa.com
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PEARL HOLIDAY NIGHT MARKETS November 29, December 6, 13, 20, 4:00 to 8:00pm Shop the Pearl on selected Thursday nights for Farmers Market and craft vendors, live music and unique boutiques featuring everything from fashion and jewelry to goodies and gifts. On December 3 from 6:00 to 7:30pm, Pearl hosts the 4th Annual Chanukah Menorah lighting celebration in partnership with Young & Jewish San Antonio. The 2nd Annual Las Posadas is on December 19 from 6:30 to 9:00pm, inspired by the Mexican tradition of the reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s quest for
BRIAN WILSON PRESENTS THE CHRISTMAS ALBUM LIVE Tobin Center for the Performing Arts December 17, 7:30pm
lodging in Bethlehem, with visitors joining the procession as pilgrims traveling by candlelight. Free admission for all events. atpearl.com
FORD HOLIDAY BOAT CAROLING
Photo by Bob Howen VisitSanAntonio
San Antonio River Walk November 30 – December 2, 6:15-9:30pm Rent a private one-hour caroling boat for friends, family, choir, mariachi band, bell-ringers or any other gathering. Decorated boats hold 15 adults or 20 youth and include a driver, an iPod loaded with popular holiday music and lyric sheets. thesanantonioriverwalk.com
LA GRAN TAMALADA Historic Market Square December 8, 11:00am to 7:00pm
What are the holidays without the cultural culinary tradition of tamales? Join the fun at the largest Mexican market in the U.S. for a tamal-making workshop. Learn how to make them or purchase your dozens at one of many vendors. This is a familyfriendly event with live music, storybook reading, corn husk doll decorating and photo ops with Pancho Claus. Free admission. getcreativesantonio.com
For the first time, the legendary co-founder of The Beach Boys with his band of musicians and vocalists, including longtime bandmates Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin, will perform the seminal Beach Boys Christmas Album live in its entirety along with selected cuts from Wilson’s solo Christmas album and others. Also catch the December 3 appearance of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis in a Big Band Holidays Concert. tobincenter.org
VALERO ALAMO BOWL December 28 Celebrating its 25th year in San Antonio, the thrilling games showcase two of the premier conferences in the country after the College Football Playoff selections — the Number One Pac-12 team against the Number One Big 12 team in games that draw sellout crowds and huge television ratings. alamobowl.com.
NEW YEAR’S EVE DOWNTOWN An official San Antonio 300 Tricentennial Event December 31, 5:00pm to 12:30am Ring in 2019 San Antonio style, with spectacular fireworks in a family-friendly atmosphere with live music on three stages, carnival rides and games, food booths and much more. Free admission. sanantonio300.org Photo by Al Rendon VisitSanAntonio
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PAINT solutions EXPERIENCED AND PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES INTERIOR • EXTERIOR • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL
EDY FARILLAS | 210.823.5153
The #1 resource for Cordillera Ranch Real Estate
Charles Mueller Licensed Real Estate Agent cmueller@cordilleraranch.com
Realty
Carey Yeager
John Kuhry
Licensed Real Estate Agent cyeager@cordilleraranch.com
Licensed Real Estate Agent jkuhry@cordilleraranch.com
Barry Denton Director of Real Estate Sales bdenton@cordilleraranch.com
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Vance Waller Licensed Real Estate Agent vwaller@cordilleraranch.com
38 VAQUERO PASS $859,000
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4,003 Square Feet
MLS# 1307387
A family home placed within majestic Live Oaks on a level, one-acre lot, this Hill Country transitional design is complete and ready for immediate move-in! Exterior materials include a metal roof, metal siding accents and native stone with brick accents. Clean architectural lines follow to the interior, where simplicity is intentional and appreciated. This home has four bedrooms, including a downstairs master, guest suites and game room. Upstairs features two full bedrooms and a bonus room that can be adapted as a playroom or media room. Additional areas include a dining room, spacious study, laundry room, upstairs study alcove, covered outdoor living space and side-loaded, three car garage. • • • • • •
4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3 car garage 2 bonus living areas Transitional finishes Covered outdoor living 1.02 acre tree covered lot Upscale appliance package
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Stone, stucco and metal exterior elements Large windows for natural light Generous landscaping Master Full Golf Membership available for purchase
WWW.CORDILLERARANCH.COM | 830.336.3570
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46 LEDGESTONE $1,330,000
2
3,702 Square Feet
MLS# 1318480
An inviting grand foyer provides an option to retreat to the luxurious Master Suite or proceed into the expansive living space. The vast great room features a fireplace focal wall, wood beams, a wall of windows to maximize natural light. The gourmet kitchen steals the show with a premium appliance package, custom cabinetry and sophisticated modern finishes. Other areas include four bedrooms, each with ensuite bath and walk-in closet, a flex room, a large pantry and a utility room. The Master Suite features a luxurious spa-like bathroom with his and her vanities and a freestanding tub. This Modern Farmhouse combines a rustic feel with an industrial vibe and showcases the sleek elegance of modern design to create an inviting space you’ll love to call home. • Authentic Farmhouse character with sophisticated modern finishes • Grand open concept great room with a vaulted beam ceiling • Spa-like Master Suite • Flex room with barn doors
206 RIVERWOOD $1,299,000
• Gourmet kitchen and large walk-in pantry • Spacious mud and utility areas • Outdoor kitchen • Master Full Golf Membership available for purchase
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4,914 Square Feet
MLS# 1330184
Quality abounds in this warm and sophisticated home located on a cul-de-sac with close proximity to Cordillera Ranch private parks and the Guadalupe River. The interior boasts custom millwork, reclaimed wood beams, interior stone elements and walls of glass maximizing natural light from covered patios. Other features include a dramatic fireplace, multiple living areas, a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, premium appliances and an adjoining spacious dining area. Two Master Suites feature spa-like baths. The 3.1 acres draws you to the outside to enjoy the pool, spa and park-like grounds. Covered patios provide the perfect space for entertaining and outdoor family living. • • • • •
4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3 car garage Sophisticated custom details throughout Open concept with dramatic fireplace, beamed ceilings and multiple sitting areas Gourmet kitchen with premium appliances • Walls of glass bring the outdoors in Pool spa and park-like grounds • Great cul-de-sac location
WWW.CORDILLERARANCH.COM | 830.336.3570
LOT 13 OAKLAND HILLS Contact for Pricing
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4,837 Square Feet
This distinguished design from the award-winning team of Garner Homes and J. Terrian Designs is to be built to achieve the best of what Cordillera Ranch has to offer: dramatic views of the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, closeness to Cordillera Ranch’s Clubhouse and isolation from the chaos of city living. The plan has 4,837 square feet of living space and 621 square feet of outdoor living space to take best advantage of the views and environment that this lot produces. The home has both traditional Italian and modern Hill Country elements including a large and inviting floor plan with four bedrooms, four-and-one-half bathrooms (including an attached Casita), a study, large kitchen, working pantry and oversized game room, complete with a wet bar. • Gourmet kitchen • Climate controlled wine storage • Outdoor kitchen • Design details: Tile roof, high ceilings, timber beams, interior stone accent walls, designer details throughout • Centralized utilities (water, sewer, propane) • Hand-scraped wood and natural stone floors throughout • Large windows and doors flood the home with natural light • Landscaping package ($50,000 allowance) • Pool allowance of $100,000 • Master Membership - Full golf available for purchase
3 MAYACAMA RIDGE $1,595,000
4,451 Square Feet
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MLS# 1322474
Behind the exterior alabaster walls of this classic Spanish Revival home, lies an unexpectedly contemporary interior. Soaring ceilings and walls of glass encompass a dramatic living space filled with natural light. An open, efficient floor plan unveils a design that is both elegant and intimate with just a touch of glamour. The home offers an expansive great room, four bedrooms, four-anda-half baths, a stunning gourmet kitchen, a wood-beamed formal dining room plus an office and upstairs flex space. This exquisite home is the very first collaboration between Garner Homes and Cheryl Ladd Signature Homes. Ladd’s inspired design with MSA Architecture and hand-selected finishes are rendered to an exacting standard by Trey Garner, one of the Hill Country’s top builders. • • • • •
4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 3 car garage • High ceilings and timber beams Wood window package • Hand scraped oak and natural stone flooring. Thermador appliance package, including built-in refrigerator/freezer Pool and spa, outdoor kitchen, dozens of Live Oak trees on lot Master Golf Membership available for purchase
WWW.CORDILLERARANCH.COM | 830.336.3570
26 DI LUSSO $1,100,000
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2,678 Square Feet
MLS# 1335409
Rarely available and highly desired, 26 Di Lusso provides a move-in ready opportunity to live the Di Lusso lifestyle today! Hard wood floors, solid wood beams, travertine baths, granite counters, custom cabinetry, artisan masonry and prestigious appliances provide a luxuriant inner space. A walled courtyard with stone pavers, covered patios, a soothing water feature and total privacy allow for countless hours of relaxing, outdoor living. The convenience of The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch amenities are accessible via a private path exclusive to Di Lusso residents. And the adjacent Lodges at Cordillera Ranch (opening Q2 2019) will provide additional accommodations for those rare occasions of multiple guests. • • • • • • •
522 CLUBS $1,125,000
2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 car garage Walled courtyard entry with additional dining room access High ceilings with varied treatments Utility provides secondary access to kitchen and pantry Covered patio off Master Suite Aluminum clad wood, divided light wood windows Enjoy sunrises and sunsets from outdoor living areas
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3,788 Square Feet
MLS# 1335405
This Texas Tuscan classic in coveted Clubs Village provides great access and convenience to The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch clubhouse and amenities via golf cart. Single story, open floor plan living with large rooms and neutral colors provides for immediate move-in to enjoy the fabulous Hill Country fall, winter and holiday months ahead. The bonus room is great for exercise, play, music, media or game room. Live Oaks pepper the property and, along with mature landscaping, provide total privacy from Clubs Drive and neighboring homes. • • • • • • •
Private office Spacious family room accented by stone fireplace Private, generous covered outdoor living Masterfully equipped kitchen with pro appliance package Natural stone counters throughout Serene master suite with luxurious bath Secondary bedrooms with private, en suite baths
WWW.CORDILLERARANCH.COM | 830.336.3570
25 AUGUSTA $2,295,000
8
7,300 Square Feet
Model shown by appt.
This sprawling Stadler Custom Home has sweeping views of the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course and Hill Country beyond. It includes a fabulous kitchen with everything for the culinary enthusiast, and a spa-like master wing with a luxurious bath, enlarged changing areas, fitness room, coffee bar and private study. A media/game room, golf simulator, elevator, large guest suite and spacious secondary bedrooms complete this special home. Outdoor ambiance includes multiple decks and patios, a beach entry pool, cascading waterfall and putting green. • • • • • • •
4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 1 powder room, 1 pool bath 3 separate garages with additional golf car garage Two-sided salt water aquarium Electronic/audio/visual home automation Three fireplaces Oversized corner lot Master Full Golf Membership available for purchase
115 LEGEND HOLLOW $879,000
3,860 Square Feet
9
MLS# 1339370
This traditional Hill Country design is located at the end of a cul-de-sac on a 3.68-acre estate and is convenient to the many amenities of The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. An isolated Master Bedroom/Office suite provides great privacy. Two additional bedrooms and a lounge area downstairs provide nice separation for an active family or guests. A bonus room with a full bath upstairs offers the opportunity for a game room, media or fourth bedroom. The open floorplan features the family room, dining and kitchen, with a separate wet bar off the kitchen and stained concrete floors throughout most of the home. Many points of access lead to covered outdoor living with a large adjoining patio, pool and spa. The full pool bath also serves as a powder room. • • • • • •
4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 3 car garage Exterior - native stone, stucco and standing seam metal roof Peaceful setting - backs up to adjacent ranch. Rear, south exposure invites prevailing breezes Large, fenced-in backyard Horses allowed
WWW.CORDILLERARANCH.COM | 830.336.3570
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Cordillera Ranch Realty Homes for Sale 4
1 - 38 Vaquero Pass 2 - 46 Ledgestone Trail 3 - 206 Riverwood 4 - Lot 13, Oakland Hills 5 - 3 Mayacama Ridge 6 - 26 Di Lusso 7 - 522 Clubs Drive 8 - 25 Augusta 9 - 115 Legend Hollow
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Double R Drygoods has gifts as unique as your family.
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We stock the finest and most unusual merchandise in the Hill Country. Come by this holiday season to shop our selection of jewelry, gifts, home accessories, clothing and fine furniture. Boerne Location ~ 412 River Road Boerne,Texas 78006 ~ 830-331-2412 Fredericksburg Location ~ 237 ½ E. Main Fredericksburg,Texas 78624 ~ 830-997-9438
CORDILLERA RANCH LIVING
808 Hwy 46 East Boerne, Texas 78006
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID FULTON, MO PERMIT #38