Cordillera Ranch Living July/August 2018

Volume 11, Issue 4

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July/August 2018

+ MIKE AND PATSY BIRCHFIELD GLOBAL LIVING LEADS TO THE GOOD LIFE AT CORDILLERA RANCH

FOUR ! DALLAS MOR NING NEWS R ANKS COR DILLE R A R ANCH FOURTH BE ST COUR SE BE R G HE IM VFD MAINTAINS A SAFE E NVIR ONME NT WILDLIFE IN AND AR OUND COR DILLE R A R ANCH

C O R D I L L E RARANCH L IVING. CO M

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

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Tel: 830.816.3200

www.acacialandscapeanddesign.com

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Fax: 830.249.3090

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Cordillera Ranch continues to build on their partnership with Bergheim VFD in an effort to provide more accessibility for residents and surrounding areas in emergency situations.

The Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course ranks Fourth in Texas and the picturesque 16th hole is named among the ‘Most Beautiful” by the most respected authority on golf.

On the ranch and beyond, Texas is bursting with wildlife and it just takes a moment to slow down, watch and listen to appreciate these native animals that are thriving thanks to responsible land stewardship.

BERGHEIM VFD MAINTAINS A SAFE ENVIRONMENT

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GLOBAL LIVING LEADS TO THE GOOD LIFE AT CORDILLERA RANCH For Mike and Patsy Birchfield, exploring far corners of the world whether for business or pleasure, and revisiting those cultural experiences through personal entertaining has been a passion that they will continue long into the future.

FOUR! DALLAS MORNING NEWS RANKS CORDILLERA RANCH FOURTH BEST COURSE

ALSO INSIDE: 14 WELCOME LETTER

54 SEASONAL DINING

18 A DAY IN THE LIFE AT CORDILLERA RANCH

56 FROM WINE AND BEYOND....

28 RANCH SCENE

60 WHAT DOES THE WORD “HORSE”

30 MEMBER TRADITIONS 32 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 34 STAFF PROFILE: LENNY TOMASINI 42 SKY’S THE LIMIT AT SAN ANTONIO INTERNATIONAL

MEAN TO YOU? 61 10 GOOD REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD GET A MASSAGE TODAY 62 BOERNE ISD: IN THE ZONE 64 RICE SIBLINGS TAKE STATE IN TENNIS

46 THE JOSEPH KLAR FAMILY

66 THE SPRINGS OF CORDILLERA RANCH

50 IF THE CLUB DOESN’T FIT...

68 AMONG THE ELITE

YOU MUST CALL GEVIN! 52 THE 2018 GOLF COURSE TURF PROJECT

8 | JULY/AUGUST 2018

WILDLIFE IN AND AROUND CORDILLERA RANCH

70 UNDER THE TEXAS-TUSCAN SUN 76 REAL ESTATE

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

WELCOME

O

One of the strengths of the Club over the 12 years it has been open has been the stability in leadership from the General Manager to the department heads; however, change inevitably does occur. This summer, with the announcement that Mark Semm (Director of Agronomy) and Monty Becton (General Manager) would be leaving, we were on the hunt for some new leaders. Thanks to the position both Mark and Monty are leaving the Club in, their positions were very desirable in the market, and thus we had many talented and well-qualified candidates apply for both opportunities.

In mid-July, Jeff Eldridge, CGCS, will take over as the new Director of Agronomy for the Clubs of Cordillera Ranch golf course. Jeff brings 25 years of experience as a golf course superintendent, with extensive success managing zoysia and bent grass in challenging climates. Most recently, Jeff has been delivering exceptional bent grass and zoysia conditions as Superintendent and Grounds Manager at Nicklaus Golf Club at Lionsgate as well as Lake Quivira Country Club near Kansas City.

During his tenure at Nicklaus Golf Club, they hosted multiple PGA Champions Tour and Web.com Tour events and players ranked his greens in the top 5% of all tour stops. Nicklaus Design’s Senior Design Associate, Chris Cochran, worked with Jeff during the construction and grown-in of Nicklaus Golf Club and has high praise for him, saying, “Nothing ruins a golf course faster than a golf course superintendent who doesn’t understand or care about its design and playability.

For many reasons Jeff is a real pleasure to work with and is a leader in his field because not only is he a great grass grower but has a solid understanding of golf design, playability and sensitivity towards the golf architect’s intent that makes him an exceptional superintendent and one of my all-time favorites to work with.”

When Monty’s position as GM opened up, we fielded applicants from all over the country, but it was a professional right under our nose that rose to the top as the most suited for it. Marc DeWall, the Clubs of Cordillera Ranch Director of Golf Operations since March 2006 (prior to the golf course opening), will take over as the Clubs General Manager in late July after Monty’s departure. Marc’s leadership and management skills have helped Cordillera Ranch deliver an exceptional golf experience throughout the history of the Club. Further, Marc’s understanding of the Cordillera Ranch culture and member experience expectations uniquely prepared him for this promotion.

Highly respected by other Club staff, industry peers and the many members who have gotten to know him, we are confident that Marc’s leadership skills will flourish in this new role as he leads the Club into the coming years of growth and continued innovations while constantly remaining focused on enhancing the member experience. Additionally, with the foundation Monty Becton has built at the Club and the strong leadership team he has developed, Marc has an exceptional — and very supportive — group around him to ensure future success.

In closing, I’d like to offer a sincere thank you to Monty and Mark for their dedication and commitment to excellence during their eight years at Cordillera Ranch!

Best Regards,

Charlie Hill President Cordillera Ranch

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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 Monty Becton, Barry Denton, 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.

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A DAY IN THE LIFE AT CORDILLERA RANCH

Photo by Terry Vine

11:00am | S u m m e r d a ys a t Sw ed e Par k

A DAY IN THE LIFE AT CORDILLERA RANCH

Photo by Terry Vine

3:00p m | T h e G u a d a nd a ll it s gl o r y

A DAY IN THE LIFE AT CORDILLERA RANCH

Photo by Terry Vine

6 :0 0 pm | C a t c hin g u p

Find Your Style...

ERNE • 830-331-1349 322 SOUTH MAIN ST., BO UE.COM WWW.DAISYPEARLBOUTIQ

Cordillera RAN

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RANCH ROUNDUP

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

MEMORIAL DAY POOL PARTY

EL COMPADRE GOLF TOURNAMENT Photos by Club Photographer Kelsey Guzman

CALENDAR

MEMBER TRADITIONS Our Ranch Menu is available every day with great new features!

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

To make reservations for any of these events, please contact The Club reception desk at 830.336.9000, or reserve your spot online at Clubsofcordilleraranch.com.

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

CALENDAR

EVENTS July

Men’s Night Out

Every Thursday in July and August Time: 5:30pm Entry Fee: $15 MNO events take place throughout the summer. Come out and enjoy 9-holes of golf in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. These events are a great way to get to know your fellow members.

July 4 Red, White & Blue Pool Party

Bring the whole family to our 4th of July pool party celebration! We’ll have games for the kids, an incredible Independence Day-themed buffet, and our fabulous DJ to play all of your favorite summer tunes. (With some fun cocktails to enjoy!)

July 4 Patriot Partnership

Time: 8:30am Shotgun Entry Fee: $65 Members and $135 Guests, includes guest fees, tee gifts, food and prizes Format: One Net BB Teams can be formed by 2 Members or 1 Member and 1 Guest Come out to The Club and help us celebrate Independence Day! This two-person team event is a great way to get out and beat the heat.

July 20 Open Championship One-Day Member-Guest

Time: 12:30 Shotgun The Open Championship heads back to Carnoustie this summer. We will be celebrating the event by hosting a One-Day Member-Guest here at Cordillera Ranch. Format of play will be 2 Net BB of the Foursome and each group will pick two players from the Open Championship field to pair up with and combine scores. This event is a fantastic way to entertain clients or bring a few friends and enjoy a great day of golf here at Cordillera Ranch.

July 21 Taste Of Spain Wine Dinner

Time: 6:30 to 9:30pm Come try assorted Tapas with traditional and “Cordillera” Paella. We will be serving assorted Sherry and indigenous wines to complement the flavors of Spanish cuisine. Let the summer heat take you to Spain without flying away!

August

August 10 PGA Championship One-Day Member-Guest

Time: 12:30 Shotgun The PGA Championship will be held at Bellerive CC just outside St. Louis, MO this year. Bring out a friend or client for this event and showcase our top ranked Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course as well as the incredible Cordillera Ranch clubhouse facilities. Format of play will be 2 Net BB of the Foursome and each group will pick two players from the PGA Championship field to pair up with and combine scores. This event is a fantastic way to entertain clients or bring a few friends and enjoy a great day of golf here at Cordillera Ranch.

August 25 Parent-Child Golf and Fishing Tournament

This event is one of the most popular on the calendar with the kids as it gives parents and their children the opportunity to play golf and fish together and compete against their fellow junior members. Join us as we also recognize our MVP, Most Improved and Sportsmanship award winners. Please contact the Golf Shop for details.

August 30 Orin Swift Wine Dinner

Location: Cabana Time: 6:30 to 9:30pm Join us for an intimate dinner featuring the remarkable Orin Swift Wines, paired with a custom menu crafted by Chef Isaac Cantu.

Pool Hours June 8 - August 26

All pool amenities will be available, including lifeguards, towel service, and poolside food and beverage service from 12:00 to 8:00pm, with the exception of Mondays, and Tuesdays following holiday weekends.

September 1 - 3

The pool will be fully operational from 12:00 to 8:00pm, including lifeguards, towel service, and poolside food and beverage service.

For golf events, contact the Golf Shop at 830.336.4653.

For dining, contact The Club reception desk at 830.336.9000 or receptionist@cordilleraranch.com.

STAFF PROFILE Leonard “Lenny” Tomasini Property Manager 210-825-1391, ltomasini@cordilleraranch.com

Hometown: San Antonio, Texas How did you become employed at Cordillera Ranch?

It’s April of 1998, my son was just born and we were also about to close on our house in Bergheim. My long-term plan was to stay in the golf business and I had heard a rumor that Cordillera Ranch might build a golf course. I hadn’t a clue where Cordillera Ranch was but I managed to find Mike Sheridan’s number and gave him a call. I was very excited to find out is was within three miles of my front door. Mike hired me and I stayed on for 15 months before resigning to finish my education. I graduated in May of 2000 and was soon hired on at River Crossing Golf Club as the Assistant Superintendent. In August of 2003, Mike called me and wanted to know if I would come back to Cordillera Ranch and manage the maintenance department. It’s been almost 15 years since that phone call and the rest of the story is still being written.

Explain your multiple roles within the development.

There’s really no short answer for this one.

My primary role is managing the Property Owner’s Association (POA) maintenance department. I started with a staff of five or six in 2003 and have grown that number to 20. If POA owns it, we maintain it. I also spend about 20 percent of my time helping out on the developer side.

How did your past work history prepare you for these roles?

I was 15 years old when I started my first paying job. There have only been five other jobs since. All of them have proven to serve me well but my preparations really began when I was around 10 years old. I grew up on a small farm and my

34 | JULY/AUGUST 2018

father was quick to delegate chores.

Following orders wasn’t debatable.

He was tough as boot leather and showed me how to be accountable.

He once made me walk the last mile home because he felt I was slacking off while field loading hay. I basically learned that giving 100 percent all day long was much better than giving just 99 percent because the 1 percent left on the table had consequences. I’m a perfectionist at heart and combining it with 100 percent effort leaves little room for failure.

What has been your most rewarding professional experience?

Not sure if this truly qualifies but chauffeuring Jack Nicklaus and company around our golf course during construction on two occasions and bearing witness to the mind of a golfing legend as he played out hole by hole in his mind was a unique deal for me.

It was a little stressful though because I have a lead foot and they were all standing in the bed of my truck with little more than each other to hang on to.

No casualties reported.

What has been your greatest professional challenge?

Hands down, it’s finding like-minded individuals who have a good work ethic and share in my passion for getting both large and small and seen and unseen things done correctly and efficiently. It’s much easier to expect and receive quality work from someone who holds themselves to a high standard.

What do you like most about working at Cordillera Ranch?

Not to sound cliché, but it’s mostly the people. Never have I worked anywhere that felt more like home than Cordillera

Ranch. My three-mile commute is pretty awesome, too.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I really don’t have time for hobbies unless my children qualify. My son Benjamin is grown and living on his own now. My daughters Lenisa and Sofia keep me hopping with all their extracurricular activities.

I have a one-year old granddaughter so I’m learning how to spoil her. I also like woodworking and have plans to pursue more of it later in life.

Favorite quote or motto?

I’m partial to “Burnin’ Daylight” and “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.”

Anything that would surprise others about yourself?

I was a really good dancer in my younger days and I’m afraid of mice.

Or most meaningful personal experience?

The birth of my children.

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Global Living LEADS TO THE GOOD LIFE AT

CORDILLERA RANCH

By Cheryl Van Tuyl Jividen :: Photography by Mark Humphries

For Mike and Patsy Birchfield, life has read like the spin of a globe.

CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 37

The adventure began for the two Texans by way of Texas A&M. “We met during a summer internship with Dresser Industries. Mike and I had a few dates that summer but really started dating once we both headed back to A&M,” says Patsy.

The two married, and after receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mike joined Chevron as a production engineer in New Orleans. Louisiana would be home many times throughout his career, including residences in Lafayette and Covington. “We have a great fondness for all things Creole and Cajun, as you can imagine, and hold Louisiana close in

38 | JULY/AUGUST 2018

our hearts,” says Patsy. Not only did Mike’s career expand with numerous engineering, operations and leadership positions, but also moves to San Francisco and Houston. In between life in the states were decades in far flung places around the globe with three assignments in Sumatra, Indonesia, as well as in Caracas and Maracaibo, Venezuela, and Lagos, Nigeria.

The international years began when oldest daughter Meghan was just nine months old. During their first assignment in Indonesia, Ashley joined the adventure. “Both of our daughters were, for the most part, raised internationally and spent most

of their educational years as expat children living in Venezuela as well as in jungle camps in Sumatra. Once they finished the 8th grade, they went off to boarding high school in Switzerland because the communities we lived in did not have high schools.

It wasn’t until university that they returned to the United States full time,” explains Patsy.

Travel for business and recreation had the family exploring corners around the world. “Between Mike, myself, Meghan and Ashley, we have traveled and lived on six different continents.

For a while during the high school and college years, we were

all living on a different continent from one another.”

Over the years and many locations, Patsy’s passion for event planning, cooking and entertaining was applied to creating and hosting extensive home and corporate events. “It’s an unwritten expectation as an expat and executive spouse to contribute to the company community, local and company-sponsored charities and entertaining when executives visit. However, since we love to entertain, we always had personal events mixed in with all of the company obligations. We like to mix it up when we entertain and introduce people to new cultures through food, flavors and often traditional dress. On our last assignment in Indonesia, while Mike was Executive Director of Sumatra operations, we hosted the Chevron Board of Directors for their annual meeting. We planned everything from remodeling and designing the guest houses and event buildings to planning all of the itineraries, meals, menus, training the catering chefs and hosting dinners at our home. It was a nine-month process getting prepared for a three-day visit to the jungles of Sumatra.”

In addition to events, Patsy supported local communities. “One of my favorite projects to direct was a complete renovation of an abandoned building in our camp, which we turned into a Women’s Arts and Education Center for the Indonesian spouses in our community. Now they meet to practice choir, hold quilting, dance, cooking, painting and art classes, and host meetings, local bazaars, luncheons and educational workshops for teaching skills to the surrounding village women. That project took two years to complete and I was fortunate to see it come to fruition before we repatriated.” Patsy also enjoys garden and landscape design and has a passion for travel photography. Besides fly fishing, she and Mike love cycling and hope to tackle the hills of Cordillera Ranch.

Texas was never out of mind for Mike who is from Dallas and Patsy who grew up in Houston. The two had long maintained a summer home on Lake Conroe. Patsy explains, “We wanted to have a place our daughters could call home even if we were living abroad.” Both Mike and Patsy have family in Houston and Dallas, and three brothers with homes around the Hill Country. But it was a recommendation that laid the path for the couple’s future. “During one of our assignments in Nigeria, I asked a colleague if he had the chance to live anywhere in

CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 39

the Hill Country, where would it be? Without hesitation he said Cordillera Ranch! He and his wife had maintained homes in the area and he seemed to know what he was talking about,” says Mike. The following summer, they did exploratory visits to the Hill Country and Austin. “We both agreed that Cordillera Ranch was the place to be. Of course, the golf course was a big draw, especially for Mike, but we liked all aspects of Cordillera Ranch.

The many activities and the friendly people set Cordillera Ranch apart from the other places we considered. It seemed like the perfect place to spend the next phase of our lives. Both daughters and their husbands and our grandchildren live in Houston, so after many years of living quite far apart, the short drive to Houston is no problem. In addition, many of our work friends have retired in the San Antonio/Austin area so Cordillera Ranch is perfectly located,” says Patsy. “We bought our lot in 2007 but didn’t seriously begin the planning and building process until we repatriated back to Houston in 2015. I like to joke that I’m still trying to get my cost per golf round down after paying dues for 10 years before living here,” says Mike.

40 | JULY/AUGUST 2018

After 37 years, 20 spent on international assignments with his family, Mike retired from Chevron as Vice President of Corporate Organizational Capability in early 2017. “It wasn’t until just before retirement that we finally returned to Texas full time after 30 years away,” says Patsy. They built a home with Damon Christofilis and designed by Gustavo Arredondo and were thrilled with the process. “Damon was extremely patient and when we finally approached him about building 10 years later, he was excited (relieved) about getting us on board. We can’t praise Damon and the incredible team he has assembled enough. They made the 18-month task of building our first home easy and fun and guided us every step of the way.”

Though they’ve only lived there six months, Cordillera Ranch has been a good life fit. “We were drawn by the peacefulness and beauty and enjoy feeling like we live in the country yet are not far from the city. We also love the opportunities that the Cordillera community provides for meeting new people and exploring and developing new hobbies and interests,” says Patsy. Mike and Patsy are known for their

mastery of cooking Paella (Mike is really the master here) so Patsy thoroughly enjoyed the recent WOW (Women of Wine) Spanish Tapas event. The couple have already hosted the Cordillera Ranch wine tasting club, have an Indiathemed charity dinner scheduled for November and will hope to squeeze in an Indonesian night for other residents that have lived in Indonesia. Patsy adds, “I’ve kept an entertaining journal since 1987 of most of my dinners and parties and am looking forward to adding lots of entries from Cordillera Ranch.”

This past fall they left the cooking to The Club, even with Mike’s love of grilling and smoking. “They did a fantastic job on a wedding kick-off barbecue at the Cabana for 65 people in November when our daughter got married in San Antonio. The food and service were amazing and all we had to do was show up and enjoy a special evening, minus the stress.

The guests all raved about the food and venue,” says Mike.

Adventure travel still calls. “We love to travel and still have quite a large bucket list. Seems the more places we check off of our travel list, the more we add. We always like to try new places but now that we have young grandchildren we might be back to easy beach family vacations or ski vacations, but another African safari is never far from our minds,” says Patsy.

“Because we both love fly fishing, we’re looking forward to fishing on the Guadalupe River,” adds Mike.

Mike and Patsy conclude, “We’ve met some great people in the short time we’ve lived in Cordillera. After attending a Christmas party in 2016, we were introduced to many wonderful people a year before our house was finished, which made it an easy transition once we arrived here. We love that most of the residents of Cordillera also moved here from somewhere else so there is an abundant desire and willingness to foster new friendships.

We feel like we’ve come home in a way because most of our international life took place in company camps, where our communities were very close. We shared our lives and created lifelong friendships and we can see that living in Cordillera Ranch will do the same.”

CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 41

LIFESTYLE

Sky’s the Limit at SAN

ANTONIO

INTERNATIONAL

By Kevin Thompson :: Photography courtesy of San Antonio International Airport

Airports are necessary evils you gladly endure to achieve the goals they put within your reach.

Whether it’s business or pleasure, sightseeing or grandkid watching, air travel expands your reach.

And at 31 miles from the gates of Cordillera Ranch, San Antonio International Airport (SAT) puts air travel well within your reach.

San Antonio’s metro population of 2.5 million is a fraction of Dallas-Fort Worth (pop. 7.4 million) or Houston (pop. 6.9 million). The population gap puts San Antonio’s airport at a disadvantage vis-à-vis the other two points on the Texas triangle.

Both DFW Airport and Houston’s Bush Intercontinental are central hubs for American Airlines and United Airlines, respectively. In addition, Southwest Airlines has targeted secondary airports in both metro areas. It’s a bit of a double whammy.

“I can’t think of another location in America that is an hour flight from so much capacity,” said John Dickson, chairman of SAT’s System Development Committee, a mayor-appointed task force created to make recommendations for improving San Antonio’s airport. A principal with cybersecurity firm Denim Group, Dickson himself is a million-mile traveler.

Getting squeezed by Texas giants doesn’t mean there’s only turbulence ahead for SAT, however. San Antonio has plenty going for it, not the least of which is population growth. “Economic development is driving a growing ridership,”

42 | JULY/AUGUST 2018

Dickson said. “As the community grows, so does the demand for air service.”

SAT sets passenger records nearly every month. More than 835,000 people flew into or out of San Antonio in April.

Twelve airlines offer a total of 54 direct flights from SAT. San Antonio’s heavy military presence allows for a disproportionate number of nonstop flights to destinations like Washington, D.C. SAT actually began as a military airfield in 1941.

Frontier Airlines recently announced new direct service to Salt Lake City and Orange County. Frontier offers 25 direct flights from SAT. Dickson sees a trend with smaller carriers like Frontier. “There’s a lot of promise with newer airlines willing to take a bet on San Antonio,” Dickson believes. “There’s also opportunity with respect to flights into northern Mexico.”

Perhaps the biggest trend to watch is the push toward smaller, quieter, stronger and more fuel-efficient aircraft. Boeing’s 737 Max 10 is an example. The model offers “unrivaled profits” according to Boeing’s website. “Commercial carriers are trying to maximize earnings by minimizing fuel costs,” Dickson explained. “Smaller, more efficient aircraft don’t need the runway space older planes did.”

With 2,600 total acres, San Antonio International has plenty of room to expand.

And with noise becoming less of a factor on newer airplane models, Dickson says SAT’s central location at the intersection of two major thoroughfares is an advantage.

“We might not need 12,000-foot runways on the outskirts of town,” Dickson said.

Dickson compliments city leaders for investing appropriately in the airport over the last few decades. A case in point is the recently completed centralized rental

car and short-term parking facility. The $178 million project came on the heels of a new terminal that houses American and United Airlines. Southwest Airlines anchors SAT’s other terminal.

Contrast that with the $3 billion Salt Lake is spending to rebuild its port or the $980 million Kansas City taxpayers will soon spend to overhaul theirs.

Besides commercial flights, private and personalized options abound at SAT. Three fixed base operators serve a variety of charter and membership-based offerings. Whether you need a turboprop for a meeting in Houston or a jet for a trip to a coast, companies like Jet Linx have you covered. “We offer the power of a national fleet combined with local, personalized private jet travel,” Jet Linx’s Tom Northington said. “We offer guaranteed hourly rates, guaranteed jet availability and guaranteed highest standards of safety.”

With Jet Linx you can drive your car directly to your aircraft and have your car secured at a private location. Jet Linx will clean and wash it while you’re gone. “It’s all part of our personalized approach to delivering bespoke service to our clients,” Northington stated.

What SAT lacks in terms of size or scale, it makes up for with efficiency and ease of use. Dickson hopes to keep it that way. “We’re looking at the needs of the airport 30 to 50 years down the line,” he concluded. “For example, multi-modal opportunities to connect with other forms of transportation.”

The sky has always been the limit for San Antonio International. With innovative, traveler-centric thinkers at work, it is also now within our reach.

COMMUNITY

BERGHEIM

VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

MAINTAINS A SAFE ENVIRONMENT In 2004 a group of concerned citizens recognized the need for a fire department in eastern Kendall County, selecting Bergheim as a central location. The Kendall County Commissioner - Precinct 2, helped the group obtain a deed from Kendall County for land on which to build the fire station located at SH 46 and Old Curry Creek Road. Construction began in June 2007 and two years later Bergheim VFD officially began operations.

As an expansion of services, Cordillera Ranch maintains two facilities on property — a satellite station was constructed by Bergheim VFD near the east gate of Cordillera Ranch on FM 3351, and Cordillera Ranch has allocated a bay at the new Maintenance Facility building. Bergheim VFD is actively fundraising to obtain a new fire engine to leave at Cordillera Ranch, with a goal of fall 2019 to purchase the truck and equipment that would cost in excess of $450,000.

In the event of a fire, Cordillera Ranch maintains fire hydrants every 500 feet in the Clubhouse area, in addition to a 20,000-gallon water tank at the east gate, which was purchased by Bergheim VFD. There is also a 50,000-gallon rain water collection tank at the station’s main facility as well as a water pumper/tender that can shuttle 2,000 gallons of water at one time. Boerne, Kendalia, Sisterdale, Leon Springs and Bulverde/Spring Branch are the closest stations called upon for assistance and additional water when needed, and Bergheim VFD reciprocates. Bergheim VFD will also acquire a fire hydrant at their main station as part of the water supply agreement being secured by Boerne ISD from Guadalupe Blanco River Authority. The school district will pay to extend a pipeline from Cordillera Ranch to the new middle school property at SH 46 and FM 3351, running through the fire station’s property.

Besides increased protection of Cordillera Ranch and surrounding areas, these improvements could also mean improved ISO rating for residents in the future. Bergheim VFD currently has an ISO rating of “Class 4/10.” For properties in their service area — located within five road miles of a Bergheim station — an improved Class 4 rating was instated on May 1, 2016.

Properties beyond five road miles are a Class 10 rating. “That’s why we need the third engine to reach the Kreutzberg area and

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Engine 31, a 2014 pumper/tender, is the first truck dispatched to a structure fire. It carries 2,000 gallons of water and is capable of transporting a 6-man crew. Proceeds from the Cordillera Shindig in 2015 contributed to the purchase of this engine.

lower the ISO. Once a third engine is obtained, the State Fire Marshall’s office will come down and rerate us. It will take time but it will be a huge improvement,” says Bergheim VFD Fire Chief Adam Hawkins.

This improved rating means that homes and businesses outside the five road miles of one of these stations may see a reduction in insurance premiums. Generally, the better the rating, the lower the premium; however, that can vary among insurance companies. Not all insurance companies use these ratings when calculating insurance premiums so it’s best to check with your insurance agent when writing or renewing your homeowner’s policy.

Bergheim VFD services over 56 square miles in eastern Kendall County, which includes Bergheim, 11 neighborhoods and over 2,200 addresses. This service area is bordered on the north by the Guadalupe River (Edge Falls Road); on the east by the Comal County line; on the south by FM 3351 at the Silver Hills subdivision; and on the west by SH 46 at Rust Lane. Bergheim VFD is the first responder to fire and emergency calls in eastern Kendall County and is a backup responder to other fire departments outside their main service area.

“About 70 percent of our calls are medical; 15 percent are structure fires, not necessarily in Bergheim but in surrounding areas where we are called to help; and 15 percent are grass fires, hazardous materials clean up, swift water rescues, etc., — we can respond to at least 50 different types of incidents,” says Hawkins. Money from Kendall County maintains the main station and all equipment, but other purchases such as new engines come from grants and fundraising. “It comes down to funding and volunteers. We are truly a 100 percent volunteer fire department. Our area has a very unique situation in that most volunteers live outside the area. Because of this, our response times can be delayed due to volunteers traveling in. The way for this to change is to have consistent funding that will support a full-time staff to be on call when the need arises. Our goal is to maintain a safe environment,” concludes Hawkins.

COMMUNITY

THE

JOSEPH KLAR FAMILY

By Janice Brazil

There’s a street just outside one of the gates of Cordillera Ranch that goes to SH 46, east of Boerne. It’s called Joe Klar Road, and I always wondered who Joe Klar was.

Now we all know.

Joseph Klar, Jr. was only eight years old when his family left the port of Bremen, Germany, and immigrated to America. His parents, Joseph and Josepha (Rathmann) Klar, and siblings Paul, August and four-month-old Wilhelm, were steerage passengers on the ship Oder and docked in the New York harbor July 23, 1880.1 Joseph Sr. was a farmer and he and his wife decided to immigrate because of difficult economic times and because Josepha did not want her sons to be conscripted into the German military. They came to Texas and settled in Bulverde. Joseph Sr. was on the Comal tax rolls in 1889 and 1890. Even though he took out naturalization papers and wanted his sons to become American citizens, he never went through the naturalization process.2 Joseph, Sr. died in 1896 and Josepha died in 1924 and they are buried in the Saint Joseph Honey Creek Cemetery #2 off of SH 46 in Bulverde.

When Joseph, Jr. was twenty-five, he married the daughter of Mathias and Marie Gertruta (Sueltenfuss) Schwarz.

Gretchen “Gertrude” was born in 1875 and was twenty when she married Joseph in 1895. Her father was from Bavaria and had immigrated to America in 1855 with his parents, Michael and Margaretha (Hof) Schwarz.3 By the time of the 1900 census, Joseph and Gertrude had three boys — Bruno, Edwin and Emil. They owned their home in Bergheim and Joseph farmed. In their household was Gretchen’s father, who by then was a widow. The teenager Charles George was also in their household working as a laborer, as well as was forty-six year old Hannah Rathmann. Perhaps she was a relative through Joseph’s mother.

Ten years later, their children Frieda, Arnold and Josie had joined the family.

Charles George was still working and living in their household.

At one time, Joseph operated a saloon and chili stand in Bergheim. His son Bruno cooked the chili and soldiers from Camp Stanley often ate there during WWI. Joseph was also one of the early

Passenger list for Joseph Klar, Sr., www.ancestry.com

organizers of the County Fair Association.4 For forty-three years, Joseph and Gertrude lived in Kendall County raising livestock and farming in Bergheim. In 1943 they moved to New Braunfels where Gertrude died in 1947.

Joe outlived her by eighteen years, dying in 1965. He was ninety-four years old.

Both are buried in the cemetery near his parents, Joseph and Josepha.

CHILDREN OF

JOSEPH AND GERTRUDE KLAR 1. Bruno C. Klar was born on January 7, 1897 in Bulverde, Comal County. He worked for his father and owned a farm and ranch in Bergheim. He married Hedwig Anna Simon, and died on February 4, 1992. Both he and Hedwig are buried in the Boerne Cemetery. They had three children — Harry, Emmeline and Rueben.

2. Edwin Melchior Klar was born on January 21, 1898 in Kendall County. He and his wife Lorene O. Rippstein moved to San Antonio where Edwin first worked as a tobacco salesman and later for a security company. They had three children — Louraine, Barbara and Edwin Jr. Edwin died on December 28, 1986. He and Lorene are buried in the San Jose Burial Park in San Antonio.

3. Emil W. Klar was born on April 30, 1900 in Boerne. He and his wife Cecile Sultenfuss lived in San Antonio where

Emil worked as a machinery salesman for an iron works company. At some point they moved to New Braunfels, where they were living when Cecile died in 1963.

Emil died the following year. Both are buried in the St. Peter and Paul Cemetery in New Braunfels. They had at least two children — Anita and Marjorie.

4. Meda Emma Klar was born on June 30, 1901 and died that same year on the 25th of November. She is buried near her parents.

5. Frieda Gertrude Klar was born on May 15, 1903 in Kendall County.

6. Arnold August Klar was born on October 15, 1906. In 1930, he was living in the household of his brother Emil. He was a shipping clerk in a machine supply company. Arnold died on May 5, 1971 and is buried in the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. He served in WWII. 7. Josephine “Josie” Marie Klar was born on March 19, 1909 in Bergheim. She married Ben Francis Fritz, who outlived her by three years. She died on March 10, 1978 in San Antonio. They had at least three children — Joe, Beatrice and Gertrude. Josie and Ben are buried in the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum in San Antonio.

Endnotes 1. Ancestry.com. New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Technically all passengers left from Bremenhaven, even though passenger lists all say “Bremen.” Steerage often housed hundreds of immigrants in one large room below decks. Conditions were horrible but the poor endured the passage for a better life.

2. His son Paul discovered this when he investigated Comal County naturalization records and contacted his brothers. Even though they always believed they were American citizens, they had to file their own papers years later to become citizens.

3. Gertrude’s parents, Mathias and Gertruta Schwarz, and grandmother Margaretha are buried in the Schwarz Family Cemetery. The cemetery is on private land off SH 46 west of Bergheim and north of the Pleasant Valley Community Center.

4. Whitworth, Emmeline, family file in Boerne Archives Collection at the Patrick Heath Library.

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GOLF

Dallas Morning News’Texas Golf tabs Cordillera Ranch the fourth-best overall course, par-3 16th among best and most beautiful golf holes

By Robert Rodriguez

Every May, the eyes of Texas golf are upon Dallas, but it’s not because of the AT&T Byron Nelson.

Rather, everyone is focused on the Sunday edition of the Dallas Morning News, and the golf course rankings inside its annual Texas Golf special section. Long considered the most respected authority on golf in the Lone Star State, this year’s Texas Golf rankings listed Cordillera Ranch as the fourth-best golf course.

This showing matches Cordillera Ranch’s best ranking, having achieved top-4 status three other times (2009, 2010 and 2014). The lofty standing also

made the Jack Nicklaus Signature Design the top course in the Hill Country / San Antonio / Austin region since inception. A year ago, Cordillera Ranch ranked sixth overall.

“The Dallas Morning News rankings are held in high regard in the Texas golf scene, and we are honored its panel tabbed Cordillera Ranch the fourth-best golf course in the state,” says Marc DeWall, Director of Golf. “Our staff has done a remarkable job ensuring the golf experience rivals that of the most prestigious clubs in the country.”

Just as prestigious, Cordillera Ranch’s par-3 16th was listed among the state’s “Best” and “Most Beautiful” golf holes.

An exclusive few have received honors in both categories each of the past nine years; in fact, according to the Morning News, No. 16 has received the highest point value among the four par 3s listed each year in the “Most Beautiful” category since 2009.

“I really enjoy when someone walks to the 16th tee for the first time,” Charlie Hill, President and Chief Operating Officer for DH Investments, developer of Cordillera Ranch told the Morning News.

“There’s a few seconds of speechlessness

as they soak in the multiple waterfalls and the overwhelming scene.

“When you step onto the 16th tee, it’s as if you are in a theater of golf course beauty because of the way you walk slightly down into the canyon and hear the splashing water down the cliffs around the green. I remind people this was primarily created by Mother Nature, and that’s what adds to the intrigue. We merely ‘peeled back the layers of the onion’ as Nicklaus said during his meticulous design of the hole.”

For the Texas Golf rankings, nearly 100 panelists from across Texas — PGA professionals, high-ranking amateurs, golf-design experts, golf journalists and other industry luminaries — annually evaluate 800-plus courses using criteria such as shotmaking, versatility, design, memorability, beauty, maintenance and enjoyment.

Since its debut in the 2009 rankings, Cordillera Ranch has been listed among the top seven layouts in the Lone Star State. Newer courses have been built since then, including some at higher-end private clubs, but Cordillera Ranch continues to shine in the eyes of the Dallas Morning News Texas Golf raters.

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GOLF

If the club doesn’t fit…

YOU MUST CALL

GEVIN!

By Ken VanKampen, Callaway Golf :: Photography by Kelsey Guzman

In his continuing quest to help Cordillera Ranch members play better and enjoy the game of golf more, Gevin Allen, PGA Teaching Professional, recently became a Callaway Golf Certified Master Fitter.

A member of the Club’s golf professional staff for 12 years, Gevin has long had a deep interest in equipment and fitting.

“I’ve been an equipment nerd for a long time,” he said. “As a fitter, I think it’s important to explain how specific equipment technologies work so the golfer gets a better sense of the club and how it can improve his or her game.”

Becoming a Callaway Certified Master Fitter (CMF) isn’t a snap. It requires two full days of intensive instruction by the Callaway Custom Fitting team at Callaway headquarters in Carlsbad, California, and at the Ely Callaway Performance Center (ECPC), a state-of-the-art teaching and fitting facility named for the company’s legendary founder. In addition to classes in every facet of clubfitting, students are fully immersed in the Callaway culture, including tours of Callaway’s R&D department, the Global Marketing Studio and the Professional Tour Build Room, where the equipment played by Callaway Tour Staff pros is meticulously built.

“The R&D tour was extremely impressive,” Gevin said. “It gave me a feel for how much science and engineering Callaway puts into its equipment. The jailbreak technology in their metalwoods is a great example. It changes how the crown, sole and face behave at impact compared to other metalwoods to help give you more ball speed and hit longer shots. Innovations like that are what make Callaway so successful.”

Gaining CMF status requires acing a three-part final exam: A 40-question written test (Gevin scored a perfect 40, making

him class Valedictorian); a Live Fit Test at the ECPC; and a Real World Practicum, consisting of three flawless fittings using proper Callaway Fitting Protocol, performed at the student’s facility.

Passing means becoming a clubfitter of the highest order.

“The CMF program is based on Callaway’s learnings from 30+ years of fitting experience; we’re confident it’s the best in the industry,” said Corey Newman, Callaway’s Manager of Custom Fitting and Training. “Our goal is to help you become the best fitter you can be, so you can help your people become the best golfers they can be. That said, Gevin really impressed us with his equipment knowledge and positive attitude. We’re proud to call him a Callaway Certified Master Fitter.”

Marc DeWall, General Manager agrees, “We are equally very proud of Gevin for attaining his Master Club Fitter certification from Callaway Golf. Gevin continues to establish himself as one of the leaders in the clubfitting area by staying up to date in a world of everchanging technology. It is great to have him on our team because he provides outstanding expertise when fitting our members for new clubs and making sure they have the equipment that is right for them. All of this has also made Gevin an even better instructor as he is always pursuing ways to educate himself and pass on this knowledge to our members and his fellow PGA Professionals on staff.”

Gevin Allen is PGA Teaching Professional at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at gallen@cordilleraranch.com.

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AGRONOMY

Continued Improvements ...

THE 2018 GOLF COURSE TURF PROJECT

By Mark Semm

Step 1 - East Tee Regrade

Step 2 - East Tee New Sod

Step 3 - East Tee complete

Maintaining top level turf conditions throughout the golf course is consistently a priority at our Club; however, Mother Nature, increased golf rounds and normal turf “competition” always create challenges to achieve some of those goals in the agronomy world.

As a result, this spring we made the decision to invest in a large-scale, full removal and replacement of all non-Zoysia grasses around the green surrounds of the entire golf course (including practice holes and greens). While we understand that these types of repairs can be disruptive to the playability of the golf course in the short-term, it’s necessary to have this short-term, minor disruption in order to achieve long-term improvements to the look and playability of the golf course. We signed a contract with Professional Golf Services in early May to handle this work, along with the removal and replacement of other turf areas on part of the Zoysia driving range tee deck and the periphery of the driving range that was damaged due to excessive traffic by the range picker.

The east end tee deck nearest the practice putting green (northern deck) will not only get a complete turf replacement

52 | JULY/AUGUST 2018

Each year, capital investments have been made to improve the golf course and the golf course maintenance operation. Some projects you see — the bunker renovation, sod work in rough and cleaning up rogue bentgrass around the greens, to name a few. Others aren’t as visible — irrigation upgrades, equipment replacement and upgrades and many other tools we use throughout our trade.

This year is no exception.

but will also be expanded by nearly 30 percent in order to accommodate more hitting spaces. This will allow for more areas to practice from, giving more “relief time” to recently used portions of the deck. Although Zeon Zoysia turf is the undisputed best fairway turf to hit on, it’s slow-growing characteristics present a challenge because it takes longer for the divots to heal.

This replacement and expansion is intended to help provide more quality turf upon which to practice. We are also planning for expansion to other range decks but wanted to get this area expanded and replaced immediately.

The second phase of the project is the removal and replacement of Bermuda encroachment in green surrounds, which occurs after the Bermuda has been killed. Cordillera Ranch maintenance staff will spray the Bermuda with a non-selective (kills everything green) herbicide in multiple applications over several weeks. The intent is to kill as much Bermuda as possible, though any agronomist will tell you that no program provides a 100 percent kill rate on the resilient Bermuda. The contractor will then replace these dead areas with new Zeon Zoysia Grass from Bladerunner Farms — the developer of Zeon Zoysia Grass. As you read this, the project should be nearing completion. This schedule will allow these newly sodded areas the entire summer and fall to grow in and knit with the surrounding turf.

These projects, along with several others in process and planning, will undoubtedly make significant improvements to this beautiful golf course. We appreciate your patience while we implement them over the coming weeks as part of the ownership’s continued commitment to consistently deliver the best Club and golf course experience anywhere in Texas. As always, thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at The Club!

Mark Semm is the Director of Agronomy at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at msemm@cordilleraranch.com or 830.336.9186.

Sprayed Dead Bermuda Around Greens

DINING

SEASONAL

DINING The summer season brings the addition of Poolside dining and a new Signature menu at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. From the casual and light poolside fare to scratch-crafted dishes presented as an elegant dining experience, both offer great options from our culinary team.

Margherita Flatbread

Sweet and Sour Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Po olsid e Poolside Dining, Tuesday to Sunday, Noon to 8:00pm Enjoy a snack or light meal while relaxing poolside and having some fun in the sun.

Casual yet fresh and tasty, the Poolside menu offers new dishes to enjoy through the summer. Some samplings from the Poolside menu: SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAPS Crisp Water Chestnuts, Scallions, Iceberg Lettuce CORDILLERA “LOADED” NACHOS Refried Beans, Queso, Sour Cream, Guacamole, Pico de Gallo BABY SPINACH, STRAWBERRY & APPLE SALAD Crumbled Feta, Candied Pecans, Tarragon–Balsamic Vinaigrette VINE RIPE TOMATO & FRESH MOZZARELLA – BABY SPINACH SALAD Fresh Basil, Aged Balsamic Reduction, Spanish Olive Oil, Crisp Polenta Cracker GRILLED SWEET CHILI GLAZED SALMON SANDWICH Avocado, Shaved Cucumber, Vine Ripe Tomatoes, Lemon Mayonnaise, Toasted Sourdough MARGHERITA FLATBREAD Fresh Mozzarella, Vine Ripe Tomatoes, Basil, Balsamic Reduction THE COOKIE MONSTER Texas-Sized Chocolate Chip Cookies, Vanilla Ice Cream, Mini Chocolate Chips

Grilled Sweet Chili Glazed Salmon Sandwich Baby Spinach, Strawberry & Apple Salad

Clubhouse Dining, Thursday to Saturday evenings The Signature Dining menu has been completely updated to reflect current seasonal and local products available to The Club.

Designed to provide a higher level of cuisine than the ranch menu, these hand-crafted dishes from locally farmed products cross culinary borders and offer a unique freshness that only select ingredients can provide. Whether you’re celebrating, dining with business clients or enjoying a night out with friends, we have created the perfect menu. Some samplings from the Signature menu:

Braised Akaushi Short Rib

BEGINNINGS CORDILLERA CAESAR SALAD Chopped Romaine and Hearts, Ambriola Parmesano Reggiano, Classic Caesar Dressing, Crisp Baguette Croutons Shaved Parmesan, Cured Egg Yolk AHI TUNA TARTAR Shaved Asian Pear, Sesame-Avocado, Ginger Aioli, White Soy, Yucca Chips POACHED COLOSSAL SHRIMP COCKTAIL Classic Horseradish Cocktail Sauce, Fresh Lemon, House Saltine Crackers

MAIN COURSE

Oven Roasted Scottish Salmon Tournado

CORDILLERA WET RUB GRILLED AKAUSHI BONE-IN COWBOY STEAK Maple Bacon Glazed Brussel Sprouts, Roasted Corn-Sweet Potato Hash, Cilantro Aioli, Red Shallot Demi-Glace FENNEL SWEET MUSTARD GLAZED PORCELET CHOP Sweet Potato Mashers, Wilted Garlic Spinach, Tobacco Onion Straws OVEN ROASTED SCOTTISH SALMON TOURNADO Crisp Gnocchi – Heirloom Tomato Sauté, Whipped Parmesan Cauliflower, Aged Modena Reduction – Aceite Olive Oil BRAISED AKAUSHI SHORT RIB – SEARED HUDSON VALLEY FOIE GRAS Whipped Truffle Pomme Puree, Candied Carrot, Grained Mustard Bruschetta

Fennel Sweet Mustard Glazed Porcelet Chop

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CELLAR CLUB

From Wine

and Beyond….

In this edition I would like to start by thanking everybody for their attendance and participation in the last Wine Extravaganza. It was an amazing evening highlighting some outstanding summer wines.

We had 48 different wines to taste and fall in love with. Some of the big names included: Krug, Nicolas Feuillatte Palmes d’ Or, Vanderpump Rose, Deutz Brut Rosé, Louis Boillot 1er Cru ‘Fremiers’, Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir, Hourglass H3, and lastly Chateau Minuty Et Or rosé. These are just a few that everybody enjoyed.

The next event occurred on June 6th in the evening. It was an honor to meet Master Sommelier, Jason Heller. There are only 229 Master Sommeliers in the world and he came here to The Club. We were able to pick his thoughts on the upcoming trends in the wine world as well as taste some of his wines. This was a meet and greet exclusively to show appreciation to our members of the Cellar Club at no charge to them. We served light bites and had a great time. Jason then transitioned over to the Wednesday night tasting table held in the Twin Sisters Lounge.

On June 9th, we had another sellout crowd for our Crafted Dinner Experience. This was the last Crafted Dinner Experience for the summer. As to be expected, Chef Isaac and the culinary team blew everybody away with the meticulous and artistic plated cuisine. The wines selected were from many different continents and hit the mark.

The New Member Orientation and Churrasco Festival took place on June 14th. Argentinian food and wine were set up in stations. Eight different wines accompanied the menu that consisted of carved meats, empanadas and a chimichurri station with all of the trimmings.

There is one wine event solidified to date for August. It will take place on August 30 and it will be an Orin Swift Wine Dinner. The first 40 people to sign up will enjoy the expertise of Dave Phinney’s winemaking. He is one of the best winemakers out there and his wines span the globe. Unfortunately, August is wine-making time and he will not be able to attend personally, but we will have a brand ambassador to speak and tell us all the back stories behind his labels, which are very unique.

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I’m changing gears now as the summertime heat is upon us, and I want to jump into rosé wines. Rosés are at their all-time peak status in sales and distribution and many will say that rosés from Provence are the best. Without trying to get too technical, I want to break down the entire process. To learn what makes a true rosé, you have to understand how it’s made — the vinification process. All fine wine production takes the right vines, equipment, knowledge, experience, instincts and passion, yet the rosé-making process is more delicate and complex than the making of white or red wines.

STEP BY STEP: Let’s back up and review how rosé is made, from the vine to the bottle.

1. HARVESTING. Each Provence AOP rosé is derived from multiple growths of red grapes. Initially, the producer harvests and produces wine from each growth separately. The grape harvest (vendange) starts in August or September in some parts of Provence, and October in other parts. Harvest begins when the grapes are fully mature — when they have the ideal ratio of sugar to acidity.

Many vineyards conduct the harvest at night or in the early morning hours when the air and the grapes are cooler. The hot days of late summer can raise the daytime temperature of the grapes on the vines to over 95°F, which would be too big a shock for crushed grapes entering vats in 57°F cellars.

Provence vine-growers conduct the harvest in one of two ways: • By hand, with clippers.

• Mechanically, with a harvesting machine that cuts, cleans and transfers the grapes. Machines can be used only with certain types of grapes and in vineyards where the vines are easily accessible.

2. WASHING AND DESTEMMING. The harvested grapes are brought to the chai — a wine storage building where the grapes are washed. Before crushing, the producer may also destem the grapes, though this step is optional. Most producers use a destemming machine, which separates the stems from the grapes by catching the stems in a net.

3. CRUSHING. The winemaker then crushes the whole grapes using a machine designed to just burst the skins. The resulting substance, called must, consists of juice, pulp, seeds and skin.

4. VATTING OR PRESSING. At this step in the process, the rosé producer chooses between two vinification options: direct pressing, which yields a pale pink wine, or maceration/bleeding, which yields a darker-colored pink wine.

DIRECT PRESSING. This technique, which is used by the majority of Provence producers, yields a rosé that’s light in color because the dark skins stay in contact with the clear juice for a very short period of time. In direct pressing, the grapes — either destemmed or in clusters — are immediately pressed in a wine press (pressoir) to release the juice. The pale pink juice is then delivered to the fermentation tank.

~or~ MACERATION AND BLEEDING. This is a steeping-anddraining process. During maceration, the crushed grapes soak in a tank for between two and 20 hours at a cool, tightly controlled temperature (usually ranging from 60° to 68°F). As the juice and skins comingle, the skins release their pigments and delicate aromas. The winemaker tests for color and, determining that the maceration period is complete, opens a filter in the bottom of the vat to drain — or bleed — the juice into the fermentation tank using the force of gravity. Exactly how long the vatting time should last is one of the questions that make rosé winemaking so delicate. It must be long enough for the red pigments to give the wine its pink color. But it mustn’t be so long that the tannins in the skins begin to detract from the wine’s lively elegance.

5. FERMENTATION. Provençal rosés are typically fermented in large tanks made of stainless steel, cement or wood. The temperature is carefully controlled at around 64°F. This step generally lasts from eight to 15 days.

6. PRODUCTION IN VAT. During this crucial phase, the producer ensures that the wine has the needed oxygen and that the yeasts are well brewed, revealing the rosé’s true taste.

7. TASTING/TESTING. Here the sommelier analyzes the wine’s taste, aroma and visual aspects, such as color, brilliance, clarity and fluidity.

8. BLENDING (ASSEMBLAGE). This is the art of evaluating rosé wines made from different lots and blending them to achieve the precise color and style of rosé desired. Following time-honored vinification principles, a rosé producer will carefully review batches of wine made from different grapes and different sections of the domaine. He’ll then assemble them together, adjusting the proportions to reach a final cuvée that is balanced, harmonious and reflective of the terroir of each original growth.

The complexity of this process is why in Provence, assemblage is often likened to the task of an orchestra conductor.

9. BOTTLING. All Provence AOP rosés are estate bottled — made and bottled by the grower.

I will leave you with a short list of some of my favorites: Domaine Ott, Cave de la Bargemone, Chateau de Esclans Rock Angel and Hecht & Bannier.

I hope and wish everyone traveling a safe and very memorable vacation.

See you at The Club!

Jeffrey Jeffrey Cohen is the Wine Specialist for The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at jcohen@cordilleraranch.com.

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OUTDOOR

Wildlife in and around Cordillera Ranch

By Shane Reynolds

“Connecting with the wilderness allows us to live in the flow of a meaningful, joyful life.

Embracing this state of connectedness or oneness with other living beings including animals, as opposed to feeling an “otherness” or “separateness” brings a sense of harmony and enables us to be at peace with oneself and the world.” ~ Sylvia Dolson, Joy of Bears

One of the great things about being at Cordillera Ranch on a daily basis is the diversity in wildlife that we are able to experience. My best memories as both a child and adult are spent observing wildlife, and I am fortunate to be pursuing a career that keeps me outside much of the time. Some of my greatest joys in recent years are seeing my children with keen eyes point out a bird they see or witness their excitement when they observe something as small as a caterpillar hanging from a tree. Observing wildlife brings a great sense of calm to our daily lives, and

I encourage you to slow down, sit by a tree in the woods and simply watch and listen to the wild world around you.

Texas is an extremely diverse state with 10 distinct ecoregions ranging from desert in the western portion of the state to the dense forests of the east. It is second only to California in terms of its biodiversity, with the highest number of birds and reptiles and the second highest number of plants and mammals in the United States. Texas is bursting with wildlife of every conceivable shape, color, size and disposition. Over 165 species

of mammals are native to the state, as well as 213 species of reptiles and amphibians. Texas also hosts the greatest diversity of bird life in the United States — 590 native species in all.

The Texas Hill Country region is an ecologically diverse landscape as well, and is home to both native and non-native species.

In the next several issues of Cordillera Ranch Living, we will highlight some of the wildlife found in and around Cordillera Ranch.

The rich history of the ranch includes portions that were high fenced for decades upon decades to best manage large game animals and also introduce several exotic species for hunters.

Over time, many of the exotics in the area have found their niche in the ecosystem. Land stewardship and thriving populations of wildlife go hand-in-hand and healthy populations of native wildlife demonstrate that land is part of a functioning ecosystem.

I am not a biologist, so I will not attempt to explain the issues of having non-native animals competing alongside native animals.

Exotics, or non-native game, certainly can be observed in and

around Cordillera Ranch, with discussion of some of these species in the magazine issues to come. Exotics started showing up on Texas ranches in the 1950’s as ranchers quickly discovered alternative sources of revenue from a large market of hunters who desired to hunt these animals in Texas. Today there are 51 species of exotics in the state — the most common being axis, sika and fallow deer, blackbuck antelope, aoudad, wild Corsican and mouflon sheep. I have seen most of these exotics in Cordillera Ranch.

I am always looking for great photos of both native and nonnative animals. If any of our readers have hi-resolution photos of wildlife in Cordillera Ranch, please email them to me for publication in Cordillera Ranch Living and on our website, and we will kindly give you credit.

Shane Reynolds is the Recreation Director & Outfitter at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at outfitter@cordilleraranch.com.

OUTDOOR The word “horse” can have many different meanings. It can be your best friend, companion, show horse, means of transportation,

What does the word

“HORSE” mean to you?

By Katy Burbank

business partner, teacher or playmate. For some, a horse may evoke a sense of freedom, spirit, independence or spirituality. The relationship between horse and rider is an intimate one, whether enjoying the peace and quiet of a long trail ride, experiencing the excitement at a show, or sitting in an isolated pasture and sharing secrets.

As the Equestrian Center Manager, I believe it is important to develop a good relationship and communication between a rider and their horse. More often than not, people tend to blame their horse for a show loss or misbehavior, when most of the time disappointing shows or training are due to human error. Horses are amazing because they put so much trust in their riders. They allow their rider to tie them up, strap a heavy saddle to their back, stick a metal bit in their mouth and climb on their back. Like any relationship, the best thing a rider can do is to connect with their horse and build trust. With this connection, any horse will run from the lightest kick or stop on a dime with the slightest tug from the reins.

When I was learning to ride, my mentor would tell me, “Horsemanship is not a destination. It is a journey.” That is a saying that I carry with me every day. One of the most amazing aspects of riding horses is that every horse will challenge you and teach you something new. Even the best of the best horsemen will learn new things from the many horses they get to ride.

George Straight said it right when he sang, “We ride and never worry about the fall; guess that’s just the cowboy in us all.”

Horses teach us to never give up — a life lesson that applies to every person, every day.

I have had so many wonderful opportunities and experiences since I began my journey with horses and I hope to share my knowledge and expertise with the kids, teenagers and adults of Cordillera Ranch by working towards expanding the lesson program at the barn and getting kids more involved. Horses are a great way to teach young people how to manage responsibility, build teamwork, learn to overcome challenges and best of all, create a lasting friendship. Our programming has exploded over the past year and the activity at the barn is amazing! Please join us for one of our Equestrian Center play days or take a trail ride with friends or family. Caring for and riding horses is also a wonderful social activity! Some of the fondest memories are made side-by-side with a horse.

I invite all of our members and their guests to join the horse lovers at the Equestrian Center. There are seven beautiful and sweet horses to choose from for lessons, trail rides and even to lease. Our goal at the Equestrian Center is to teach horsemanship, equine safety and English and Western riding skills to children and adults to ensure a lifetime of pleasure around horses.

Shane Reynolds is the Recreation Director & Outfitter at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at outfitter@cordilleraranch.com.

10

SPA & FITNESS

good reasons why you should get a massage today.

You live an active lifestyle, play sports, love the outdoors and have a rich social and family life. Your diet is fairly healthy, you floss your teeth and see your doctor regularly. You might even indulge in a massage occasionally to chase away sore muscles and reduce stress. Good for you … and good for your body.

Research shows that therapeutic massages have multiple benefits beyond loosening your neck or relieving back pain — benefits that can increase your quality of life by preventing injury, disease and even increasing your life span.

Massage therapy is often recognized as a luxury; an indulgent, stress-reducing spa experience. However, massage therapy is also a physiological maintenance of the body that helps many of the body’s vital health systems return to their optimal, flourishing states. Just as you take your vehicle to the dealer for an oil change, rotate and balance the tires and wash it every once in a while, your body can benefit from a pit-stop on a regular basis.

Like your car, to “stay in shape” requires exercising regularly, and your body needs to relax and return to biological homeostasis on a regular basis as well.

HERE ARE 10 LESSER KNOWN REASONS FOR WHY YOU SHOULD FEEL GOOD ABOUT VISITING YOU MASSAGE THERAPIST TODAY: 1. MASSAGES IMPROVES YOUR SKIN’S APPEARANCE AND FUNCTION. The increase in circulation and stimulation of the dermis is a contributor to healthier looking skin.

2. MASSAGES CAN PREVENT CONSTIPATION. When you are stressed, your blood flows to your skeletal muscles and your digestion slows or pauses. Relaxing massages reverse the stress response.

flow and bring fresh oxygenated blood to the muscle, thus reducing spasms and pain. Massages also help increase the natural flow of endorphins, a natural pain killer.

5. MASSAGES LESSEN THE SYMPTOMS OF ARTHRITIS. Massages reduce the acidic buildup in the body.

6. MASSAGES REDUCE CHRONIC INFLAMMATION. Inflammation is being linked to maladies like heart decease and cancer.

7. MASSAGES AID IN RECOVERY FROM EMOTIONAL TRAUMA. A good massage gives you a temporary feeling of ease and relaxation that can help you return to a better emotional state.

8. MASSAGES HELP WITH URINARY FUNCTION. During the “fight or flight” stress state, the kidneys retain fluid. Massages reverse this stress response, allowing your kidneys to return to normal function.

9. MASSAGES INCREASE YOUR CEREBRAL FUNCTION. By decreasing the negative effects of stress, memory and focus improves.

10. MASSAGES CAN INCREASE SELF-RESPECT AND HEIGHTEN SELF-ESTEEM. Receiving a massage in a nurturing and caring environment can help an overly self-critical person facilitate a powerful optimistic and forgiving view of oneself.

3. MASSAGES LOWER YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE. Massages benefit the circulatory system in several ways.

Temporarily lowering the blood pressure is one great and healthy reason for getting a massage today.

Amanda Rebollar is a Licensed Massage Therapist at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. She can be reached at 773.701.1797.

4. MASSAGES CAN REDUCE PAIN. A tight muscle has less blood flow. Massages increase blood

Tammera Aranda is a Licensed Massage Therapist at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. She can be reached at 817.909.2152.

CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 61

COMMUNITY

IN THE ZONE: New Schools Bring Changes to Cordillera Ranch Residents With growth comes change. The Boerne Independent School District continues its trajectory of robust growth into the future with projected attendance for fiscal 2019-2020 at 9,592 and an expected increase of approximately 2,400 students over the next five years.

As two new schools open in fall 2019 — part of the $175 million bond package passed in 2016 — Cordillera Ranch residents will be affected by necessary zoning changes that balance campus enrollments and ensure districtwide equity in funding and staffing.

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Renderings courtesy of Huckabee VOSS MIDDLE SCHOOL Capt. Mark Tyler Voss Middle School is named for Kendall County native son, USAF officer, fallen warrior and local hero.

A 2004 graduate of Boerne High School and 2008 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Voss held a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, was commissioned in the USAF as a 2nd Lieutenant and promoted to Captain in 2012. As part of the 93rd Air Refueling Squadron supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, 27-year-old Voss was killed in the crash of a KC-135 aircraft he was piloting near Chon-Aryk, Kyrgystan, on May 3, 2013.

Voss Middle School will open on the corner of Highway 46 East and FM 3351, grades 6-7 only, with a projected enrollment of 430. All sixth and seventh grade students living in the Voss zone are required to attend its opening year; eighth graders will attend their current school. Voss will open grade 8 in the 20202021 school year with a projected enrollment of 674.

At press time, a secondary access from FM 3351 is in negotiation for both roadway and water line easement. Boerne ISD has secured a long-term water supply agreement for retail water from Guadalupe Blanco River Authority (GBRA). The district will pay for capital cost to extend a pipeline from Cordillera Ranch to the school tract. Water development includes reserving sufficient water capacity from western Canyon Lake resources for future needs, and fire protection and on-site storage (fire tank with fire pump) as required by building codes and the Kendall County Fire Marshall.

HERFF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Herff Elementary School is named for Dr. Ferdinand Ludwig von Herff (1820-1912), physician son of a prominent German family who, with his wife Mathilde, led the development of Boerne. Their original 960 acres have been incorporated into the Cibolo Nature Center and the Kendall County Fair Association.

Herff will be located in the planned community of Esperanza and has a projected enrollment of 452 students K-5 in fall 2019.

Students affected by the rezoning for Herff will come from Cibolo Creek Elementary on the northern side of SH 46. Some students will be rezoned from Curington Elementary.

Students entering the fifth grade in 2019 at Herff will have the option of remaining at their current school. In that year only, younger siblings also will have the option of remaining at their current campus. However, the following year — once the fifth grader has promoted to sixth grade — all younger siblings, regardless of grade, must enroll at the school for which their family residence is zoned. District transportation will not be provided for those who opt for zone exemption.

HIGH SCHOOL ZONING Cordillera Ranch residents will still have the ability to choose high schools, a provision that has been in place since the opening of Boerne ISD’s second high school in 2008 and extended through the 2018-2019 school year (the middle school choice option has expired). Under the provision, students living in the Boerne High School (BHS) attendance zone have the option of attending Champion High School (CHS). Students attending the high school outside their attendance zone are not eligible for bus transportation.

THE FOLLOWING CHOICE OPTION RULES APPLY: • One-way choice only from BHS to CHS; all students living in the CHS attendance zone must attend CHS. • Presently, high school attendance boundaries match boundaries for each middle school. Students living in the Boerne Middle School South attendance zone are also in the CHS zone.

Those in the Boerne Middle School North attendance zone are also in the BHS zone. Once Voss opens, Cordillera Ranch residents will still fall in the BHS zone, while Voss students living south of SH 46 will be zoned for CHS.

• Students residing in the BHS attendance zone are allowed the choice option only when enrolling as incoming ninth graders or are new students to the district.

• A student zoned for BHS who is granted an intradistrict transfer to CHS will not be given intradistrict transfer consideration to return to BHS. For more information, visit www.boerne-isd.net.

CAPTAIN VOSS MEMORIAL

The community is invited to help fund an art installation memorial that pays homage to Air Force Captain Mark Tyler Voss at the Boerne Middle School named in his honor.

Renowned sculptor Jerry McKenna, a Boerne resident and retired Air Force officer, has been commissioned to create a replica of the Air Force pilot’s wings insignia with a six-foot wing span. This sculpted metal piece is part of a larger mixed media environment depicting a scene of Captain Voss’ plane, the open sky and the American flag. It will be installed in a high-traffic area near the main entrance to the gymnasium.

A Tyler Voss Memorial Fund, set up by the Hill Country Council for the Arts, is available at https://uk.gofundme.com/tyler-vossmemorial-fund, with many levels to donate. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Craig “Griz” Adams, project coordinator, at 210.912.6410 or email griz@gvtc.com.

Donors will be recognized via a plaque near the memorial.

CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 63

COMMUNITY

RICE SIBLINGS Take State In Tennis

Alexa, a 2018 graduate of Boerne High School, went to state all four years of her high school career, finishing 2nd, 2nd, 1st and 1st as a freshman to senior, respectively. In her final state tournament this year, she won every set in her three matches. In her 1st state title, as a junior, she upset the threetime state champion from Fredericksburg, Hannah Boubel.

“Alexa lost to her in a 4 1/2 hour, three set match in the finals Cordillera Ranch residents Alexa and Georgia Rice have of regionals and then Alexa beat her 6-4, 6-4 in the final of been playing tennis for about eight years, having been state. That was an incredible battle. This year she won all of her matches in straight sets and didn’t give us a heart attack,” introduced to the game by dad Rodney who played in says Rodney.

Georgia, who just completed her sophomore year at Boerne high school himself. They began competing in local High School, teamed with Catherine Coe to win girls doubles tournaments as pre-teens, and by the time they reached at district, regionals and state. Though they lost a set in the finals of regionals and the semi-finals of state against Wylie high school, they were state-bound from day one.

High School, being down 4-2 in the 3rd set, they came back to win 6-4. “Wylie has won state in team tennis (in the fall) the last two years in a row. We knocked out their #1 players in girls’ singles, girls’ doubles and boys’ singles all in the semis of individual state,” says Rodney in another proud moment. The boys’ singles was won by Ryan Koth, a fellow sophomore at Boerne High School.

Alexa is now preparing for her freshman year at UT Austin where she will major in Human Dimensions of Organization. She’s not playing varsity tennis at UT but has decided to play club tennis for the University and keep enjoying her love of the game. The latter part of Georgia’s summer will be spent at Yosemite National Park, participating in a photography program through National Geographic, but her early summer will be spent on a project near and dear to her. For the past three years, she has organized and led a summer camp called Nothing But Girls. Appropriate for fourto nine-year-old girls, proceeds from the camp are donated to a local charity. Last year, the Women’s Shelter was the lucky recipient. With two more years of high school tennis, expect to see more wins Georgia and Alexa Rice, photo by Waldo Photos from Georgia!

64 | JULY/AUGUST 2018

DEVELOPER’S CORNER

By Charlie Hill Garner Homes, 38 Vaquero Pass

If you haven’t visited Cordillera’s newest neighborhood, the Springs, it’s worth a tour. Much progress has been made this year in the 65-lot first phase of this expansion east in Cordillera Ranch.

Overall, 26 lots have been sold to individuals and builders, ranging from $115k to $300k. The mix of lots in the Springs ranges from just under an acre to 3.7 acres; 51 of the lots are in excess of an acre.

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Garner Homes Model Home

Garner Homes has a model home open every day in the Springs and a recently completed new home totaling 4,003 square feet with four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths on one acre. Now available, it is listed at $859k (38 Vaquero Pass).

Just across the street from Garner’s new home is Stadler Custom Homes’ newest addition to the Springs — a 3,702-square-foot Modern Farmhouse with four bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths on 1.4 acres — listed at $1.33MM (46 Ledgestone Trail).

Also this year, the new Springs Visitor Center was completed.

Located across the street from Garner’s model home on Vaquero Pass, this satellite visitor center provides a place to gather information on the Springs and its amenities. Lastly, The Springs Sports Park, with multi-use sports fields including soccer, football and baseball fields, along with a basketball court, is nearing completion. This addition will provide an added place to play for the many families throughout Cordillera Ranch that call the community home. The guard house at the Springs entry will also

be added later this summer to help manage the access control to the Springs development and other areas of Cordillera Ranch via remote monitoring from this location.

The Springs of Cordillera Ranch Community Features: • Gated entrance for ultimate privacy • Four distinct areas of home sites • Estate-sized home sites from just under 1 acre to 3+ acres • Panoramic Hill Country views • Abundant majestic Live Oak trees • Winding boulevards and streets for unequaled peace and tranquility • 3 miles of improved walking and nature trails • Stunning spring-fed Panther Creek To learn more about these new offerings, contact the Cordillera Ranch Visitor Center at 830.336.3570.

Stadler Custom Homes, 46 Ledgestone Trail

CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 67

PREFERRED BUILDER

AMONG THE ELITE Cordillera Ranch Welcomes Todd Glowka Builder, Inc. to Its Collection of Preferred Custom Homebuilders

By Robert Rodriguez :: Photo by LRes Marketing Founded in 2002 by President and certified Master Builder Todd Glowka, the company has built luxury residences for over two decades, specializing in original homes that are both stunning and functional. A true custom builder, Glowka designs a wide range of high-end home styles including Hill Country Ranch, Hill Country Contemporary, Mediterranean / Texas Tuscan and Modern Farmhouse. Glowka has partnered with a number of San Antonio’s sports stars, corporate executives and other luminaries to build their dream homes.

“The enormous talent, exceptional design and top-notch craftsmanship of Todd Glowka Builder is among the finest in the market — we’re excited to add this new dimension to our already exceptional group of Preferred Builders,” says Charlie Hill, President and Chief Operating Officer of DH Investments, developer of Cordillera Ranch. “Discerning clients trust that they are in the best of hands when they select Glowka as their builder because of the company’s dedication to personalization.”

A Texas native, Glowka is also a longtime resident of Cordillera Ranch. Prior to becoming a Preferred Builder, the firm

68 | JULY/AUGUST 2018

constructed many custom homes in Cordillera Ranch, including 116 Sendero Ridge, a stunning Hill Country Contemporary in the community’s exclusive large-acreage enclave. Listed at $2.745 million, the single-story home spans 5,881 square feet and features clean, contemporary lines highlighted by massive wood beams and soaring ceilings. Glowka’s custom homes scheduled to begin in Cordillera Ranch start around $2 million.

“As a homeowner in Cordillera Ranch, I know firsthand that this community is the finest in the Texas Hill Country — there’s absolutely nothing like it when it comes to natural beauty, worldclass amenities and wonderful residents,” Glowka says. “I’m thrilled to become a Preferred Builder and an integral part of the Hill Country’s top development.”

Todd Glowka Builder, Inc. adds to the impressive inventory of Preferred Builders within Cordillera Ranch. Authentic Custom Homes, Christofilis Custom Homes, Garner Homes and Stadler Custom Homes are the others.

TODD GLOWKA BUILDER, INC.

830.229.5565 :: www.tgbuilder.com

RECOGNITION The exceptional craftsmanship of Todd Glowka Builder has been recognized at local, state and national levels. The following are awards for which Glowka is currently being closely considered including the ‘Best in American Living’ by the National Association of Home Builders.

GREATER SAN ANTONIO BUILDERS ASSOCIATION SUMMIT AWARDS

TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF BUILDERS STAR AWARDS

Best Color Print Ad, Custom Builder Best Website, Custom Builder Best Social Media, Custom Builder Best Product Design, Custom Builder: $1,500,000 - $1,999,999 Best Product Design, Custom Builder: $2,000,000 - $2,499,999 Best Product Design, Custom Builder: $3,000,000 - $4,999,999 Best Master Suite, Custom Builder Best Outdoor Living Area, Custom Builder Best Specialty Room, Custom Builder Best Poolscape – over $50,000 Best Interior Merchandising, Custom Builder: $3,000,000 - $4,999,999

Custom Builder – Best Architectural Design: $2,000,000 $3,000,000 – Hill Country Contemporary Custom Builder - Best Architectural Design: $1,500,000 $2,000,000 – Texas Hill Country Reclaimed Retreat Custom Builder – Best Master Bathroom: $2,000,000 $3,000,000 – Villa El Sueno Custom Builder – Best Master Bedroom: $2,000,000 $3,000,000 – Villa El Sueno Custom Builder – Best Outdoor Living Space: $1,500,000 $2,000,000 – Texas Hill Country Reclaimed Retreat Custom Builder – Best Overall Interior Design: $2,000,000 $3,000,000 – Villa El Sueno

CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 69

STADLER CUSTOM HOMES

HOME TOUR

UNDER THE TEXAS-TUSCAN SUN

By Angela Rabke :: Photography by Katherine Kiraly at Reel Texas Productions

70 | JULY/AUGUST 2018

People from the bustling city that was ancient Rome retreated to the surrounding hills for peace and quiet, and it is no surprise that modern day Texans share the same instincts. Cordillera Ranch, today’s equivalent of an idyllic countryside escape, has several examples of Mediterranean design, including Jane and Paul Payne’s spacious retirement retreat.

The residence was designed by Gustavo Arredondo of A Design and was built by Stadler Custom Homes as a retirement home for the couple, both whom served long careers with ExxonMobil. They did their research before landing on Stadler. “We really liked the homes we saw that Ray built. He clearly is focused on building a quality product and he has a great eye for how house design features would look, so we really leaned on his experience,” shares Paul.

The couple traveled the world with their company, even living in Europe (Luxembourg, specifically) for three years.

“We brought design features from our favorite parts of our previous homes and did it with an eye to an Old World feel from our time in Europe,” says Jane. During the design and construction process, the couple worked with Stadler from their primary residence in Houston, overcoming the challenge of building remotely with frequent weekend trips, regular Friday phone calls with the project manager, and hundreds of digital photos that were uploaded to the project website.

The end result reflects their affection for Old World style without sacrificing all

Tuscan design has long been popular in the Texas Hill Country, and is a familiar style in Cordillera Ranch.

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CordilleraRanchLiving.com | 73

of the modern amenities that Cordillera Ranch is known for. On the exterior, traditional terracotta roof tiles and hand-selected limestone walls rise from the rolling hills. Entertaining and living spaces were very important to the couple, who anticipated lots of visiting friends and family members. Outdoor amenities include a dramatic pool complete with a waterfall grotto — certain to inspire the imagination of visiting grandchildren! Built by Premier Custom Pools, owner Scott Champlin worked closely with Acacia Landscape & Design to ensure lighting, hardscapes and the surrounding landscape were complementary. The landscaping also evolved around Paul’s favorite feature — thanks to consultant Mike Sheridan, Acacia also built the putting green with three tee boxes adjacent to the pool and outdoor living area. A sophisticated audio system, designed and installed by Sterling Home Technologies, allows the couple to enjoy their favorite tunes in comfortable living spaces both inside and outside of their home.

The interiors are also a tribute to popular Tuscan style. Dry stacked stone is used generously throughout the home and elaborate wrought iron light fixtures and skylight accents are evocative of traditional lighting and accessories often seen in Italian country villas. Tuscan color schemes should always be warm and natural — conjuring the colors of the inspiring Italian countryside. The Payne’s home has a rich, earthy color palette featuring brown and gold tones, and faux painting techniques are used to give Venetian plaster walls and ceilings warmth and a sense of age. Rustic beams of dark timber accent the ceilings, while light pours in through arched windows that are deliberately left uncovered. Many of the ceilings are arched or vaulted, showcasing one of Stadler’s distinctive features — ceiling designs and treatments.

Many of the doorways are arched, mirroring the windows.

Travertine and wood flooring, such as the one in the dramatic

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barrel-ceiling entry hall, are inspired by homes in the Italian countryside that rely on local marble for details such as arches, pillars and flooring. Natural stone is a hallmark of Tuscan décor, and in addition to Travertine, the home features abundant granite throughout: the kitchen granite, Volcano Satin, complements interior stonework and was located in Houston before being transported to Delta Granite in San Antonio for fabrication.

Sandalus granite is utilized in the bar and wine room, while Blue Mountain granite is used in outdoor living spaces.

The couple used the interior design team of Traci Talasek Morrow and Megan Fiegl of San Antonio’s Class Covers & Colors to help coordinate the final look, although most details were hand– selected by Mrs. Payne. Mr. and Mrs. Payne primarily used their own furnishings, and in many cases designed the home around them. “Jane has impeccable taste, so we designed around her furnishings, rather than the other way around,” shares the builder. Indeed, memorable touches such as the interior custom blended rock accent walls were client-driven, and Mrs. Payne even retired a bit early to devote herself to the 18-month design and construction process.

Completed, the home is the villa in the hills the couple was looking for. The combination of Stadler’s attention to detail and quality of construction, together with the couple’s unique collection of personal treasures, gives the home exactly the Old World quality that they were looking for.

A DESIGN BY GUSTAVO ARREDONDO

210.499.4700 :: www.adesignbyga.com STADLER CUSTOM HOMES

830.980.4198 :: www.stadlercustomhomes.com

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

The #1 resource for Cordillera Ranch Real Estate

Realty

Charles Mueller

Carey Yeager

John Kuhry

Licensed Real Estate Agent cmueller@cordilleraranch.com

Licensed Real Estate Agent cyeager@cordilleraranch.com

Licensed Real Estate Agent jkuhry@cordilleraranch.com

Vance Waller

Barry Denton

Licensed Real Estate Agent vwaller@cordilleraranch.com

Director of Real Estate Sales bdenton@cordilleraranch.com

WWW.CORDILLERARANCH.COM | 830.336.3570

e bl ila Av a ow N

38 VAQUERO PASS

1

• • • 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.

4,003 Square Feet

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

MLS# 1307387

• • • •

Stone, stucco and metal exterior elements Large windows for natural light Generous landscaping Master Full Golf Membership available for purchase

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$859,000

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 Gourmet kitchen and large walk-in pantry • Spacious mud and utility areas • Outdoor kitchen • Master Full Golf Membership available for purchase

84 RIVER CROSSING $995,000

3

4,607 Square Feet

MLS# 1320036

Sisterdale cream limestone and a standing seam metal roof portend interiors with complementary limestone facades, travertine and wood flooring, warm earth tones and exquisite ceiling treatments throughout. The living room features a high ceiling and oversized, frameless/glazed windows that bring the outdoors in. The thoughtfully crafted kitchen is full of doubles… double island, double ovens and double dishwashers, plus granite counters, Alder cabinets, a gas stove and adjacent breakfast room overlooking outdoor living complete the open areas. The Master Suite includes a luxuriant master bath to idle your hours away if the direct access to the outdoor amenities doesn’t beckon your call. A covered outdoor kitchen and dining area will provide evenings of entertainment with the accompanying spa, fire pit, towering oaks and abundant open space adding to the ambiance.

• • • • • •

4 bedrooms, 4 full baths/2 half baths, 3 car garage Private rear living on this 2.06 acre estate setting Fenced in backyard, room for a pool Huge upstairs bonus room Multiple climate controlled storage areas Nicely landscaped for low maintenance

WWW.CORDILLERARANCH.COM | 830.336.3570

34 PERSIMMON

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4,900 Square Feet 2.4 Acre Estate Model shown by appt.

Christofilis Custom Homes’ latest creation offers a stunning combination of Tuscan architecture with interior transitional elements. Casual elegance is created via varied overhead treatments including groin and tray ceilings, wood beams and crown molding. Lightly hand-troweled walls merge into custom cabinetry, interior stone and Venetian plaster. Floors of travertine and wood complement a warm “greige” palette.

Living includes multiple dining areas, a large office/study and game room with a bar.

The covered outdoor patio embodies the best of Hill Country outdoor living with prevailing breezes across the Pebble Tec pool/spa/grotto and fabulous native Live Oaks.

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LOT 13 OAKLAND HILLS Contact for Pricing

4 bedroom, 4.5 baths, 3 car garage Subzero/Wolf appliance package Master Suite features ceiling timbers of Douglas Fir Master Bath walls and groin ceilings adorned with Venetian plaster Oversized Master Closet Whole house lighting and A/V by Savant Central water and wastewater Right to purchase a Master Full Golf Membership

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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 $1,638,000

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4,451 Square Feet

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 glamor. The home offers an expansive great room, four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a stunning gourmet kitchen, a wood-beamed formal dining room plus an office and upstairs flex space. This Live Oak-enclosed sanctuary is perfectly situated for easy access and is within walking distance of Cordillera Ranch’s spectacular clubhouse. This exquisite home is the very first collaboration between Garner Homes and Cheryl Ladd Signature Homes. Ladd’s inspired design and hand-selected finishes are rendered to an exacting standard by Trey Garner, one of the Hill Country’s top builders. The use of the finest of materials and assiduous attention to detail result in a significant house, one you will be proud to call your home.

• Designed by Cheryl Ladd in collaboration with award-winning MSA Architecture & Design.

• 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

25 AUGUSTA $2,295,000

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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.

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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

219 GREYSTONE CIRCLE $999,900

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4,643 Square Feet

MLS# 1258301

Nestled among towering Live Oaks, solitude awaits on this on 4.04 acre privately gated and fenced Hill Country estate. Timeless Hill Country architecture features an open floor plan with a large living room and multiple dining areas, and hardwood and tile throughout the main level. The backyard oasis is complete with a new swimming pool and waterfall, a large covered porch with motorized screens, and panoramic vistas to the North.

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4 bedroom, 4.5 baths, 3 car garage Open floor plan, stone fireplace and wet bar Extensive woodwork and glazed kitchen cabinets Roman inspired master bath showcases columns and bath 2 main level guest bedrooms, each with en-suite bath Recently updated media room opens to viewing balcony Large covered rear patio complete with motorized screens Oversized 3 car garage with epoxy flooring finish Fully fenced perimeter with privacy gate

1804 CORDILLERA TRACE $1,165,000

5,432 Square Feet

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MLS# 1299409

Classic Mediterranean architecture, designed by Gustavo Arredondo and built

by Stadler Custom Homes sits on a 3.94-acre, oak covered, gated estate and is sited for long, panoramic views. Immerse yourself in prevailing breezes that cool outdoor living areas including a covered grill/kitchen, patios, an extensive balcony and refreshing pool with waterfall grotto and adjacent fire pit. Interiors consist of stone, intricate tile work, hardwood and marble floors, artistic hand-painted finishes and ceilings of varietal design. The spa-inspired Master Suite includes a fireplace and rejuvenating bath, and a Thermador appliance package completes a spacious double island kitchen. With spacious living throughout, there is a great separation of private areas.

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5 bedroom/6 baths/3 car garage Variety of ceilings - soaring, barrel, beamed, vaulted, stone, up-lit and tray Large windows to panoramic views and outdoor living Flex room in Master Suite could be used for fitness, nursery or office Extensive game room upstairs with balcony spanning back of home Additional space upstairs could be used as sixth bedroom, office or media Beautiful Live Oaks throughout the property Private gate on property for limited access

WWW.CORDILLERARANCH.COM | 830.336.3570

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Cordillera Ranch Realty Homes for Sale 1 - 38 Vaquero Pass

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2 - 46 Ledgestone Trail 3 - 84 River Crossing 4 - 34 Persimmon 5 - Lot 13, Oakland Hills 6 - 3 Mayacama Ridge 7 - 25 Augusta 8 - 219 Greystone Circle 9 - 1804 Cordillera Trace

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