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N OV E M B E R 2 02 0

Preserve Title was founded on the principles of service, expertise, trust and commitment. We are honored to be a part of your journey to homeownership.

PRESERVETITLE.COM | 210.945.3370 | 1002 RIVER RD., STE. 400, BOERNE, TX 78006 PRESERVE TITLE COMPANY LLC IS A SUBSIDIARY OF RBFCU SERVICES LLC. RBFCU SERVICES LLC IS AFFILIATED WITH RANDOLPH-BROOKS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION (RBFCU).

LIFESTYLE LETTER

NOVEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Robynn Sweet-Barreras | robynn.barreras@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Where Would We Be Without You?

Connie Clark | connie.clark@lifestylepubs.com ACCO UNT MANAGER

Gay Harris | gay.harris@lifestylepubs.com

WOW, BOERNE! How can it be that we are already nearing the end of the year?

AD DESIGNER

The holidays will be here before we know it and pretty soon we will be writing

Evan Deuvall

out our 2021 resolutions.

L AYO UT DESIGNER

Jayme Emery

Before everything gets crazy and we start shopping for all of the people on our gift list, we want to take this time to pause and reflect. This year has been a wonderful journey with all of you, and we are grateful that we get to create this magazine every month and connect with you and your family. Thank you for sharing your stories and for reading ours. Thank you for supporting the local businesses in our community, as without them, this magazine wouldn’t be possible.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Connie McFall Clark, Whitney Grunder, Rhonda Jordan, Nicolette Martin, Melinda Walton CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kate Cooley/Cooley Portraits

Thank you for the community service you do and for every time you recycle something or play a small part in keeping our city clean and thriving. We are so proud of where we live, and we know it wouldn’t be the same without each and every one of you. In this issue, we offer you the opportunity to reflect with us and spend some time being grateful for the people we have around us. Sure, planning a Thanksgiving dinner and traveling to see family can be stressful, and don’t worry, we’re here to help with some of the details. But don’t forget to look at each person around your

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

table and remember how they have made a difference in your life. We wouldn’t be

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

here without each other.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Happy Thanksgiving, Boerne.

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Robynn Sweet-Barreras, Publisher

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Huddle Haven Class PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATE COOLEY/ COOLEY PORTRAITS 4

Boerne Lifestyle | November 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Boerne

Proverbs 3:5-6 Boerne Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Boerne area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Boerne Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE NOVEMBER 2020

FEATURES 08 Faith and Funky Junk Where you can find fine and affordable items!

18 Open T.R.A.I.L. Ranch Therapeutic Riding Actively Improving Lives

28 Huddle Haven “Hang in there…Hope is on the Way!”

28 18

32 Connecting The Generations Each age offers opportunity for growth, education and inspiration

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Giving Back

Renovate & Refine

Trend Setter

Local’s Choice

Faith Reflections

24 Culinary Creations 28 Our Town 32 Inspired By

GIVING BACK

ARTICLE MELINDA WALTON | PHOTOGRAPHY KATE COOLEY/COOLEY PORTRAITS

FAITH AND FUNKY JUNK

WHERE YOU CAN FIND FINE AND AFFORDABLE ITEMS!

Shelby Johnson and JJ Blackston 8

Boerne Lifestyle | November 2020

CHECK

OUT

BOERNE’S

EXCITING

NEW NONPROFIT THAT OPENED IN SEPTEMBER!!! Faith and Funky Junk,

“TO PROVIDE PROGRAMS THAT BRING ESSENTIAL FUNDS, SERVICES, AND REFERRALS DIRECTLY TO INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES AND THEIR PETS IN NEED.”

co-founded by two amazing women, is set to become one of the area’s best sources for funding those in need. F&FJ is a thrft barn touting 6,000 square feet of quality merchandise for resale. JJ Blackston, Founder and CEO, along with her long-time friend, Shelby Johnson, Founder and President, are certainly a dynamic duo capable of making dreams come true. JJ has a long history of working for the nonprofit Hill Country Animal League going back to 2005, first as the Clinic Manager and Director of Animal Services and later as the Thrift Store Manager handling sales and marketing. Shelby has been busy with her own company, Rearrangements by Shelby, and involved in interior decorating for 20 years in Boerne. That comes in handy with the store always changing as things sell. “We also want to help individuals and families in need whom we come across through vouchers at local businesses that can be used in our store.” The two young women spent a weekend soul-searching at Shelby’s beach house and conceived the idea of a bigger, better thrift store that would fund other nonprofit enterprises in Kendall County. Shelby liked the idea of having Faith in the name since her dad is a pastor and he started Faith Bible church 25 years ago. JJ agreed that “it is God’s work” and thought Funky Junk sounded edgy and fun. The official mission statement is: “To provide programs that bring essential funds, services, and referrals directly to individuals, families and their pets in need.” Prior to the shop opening in September,

Faith and Funky Junk

the entire facility was brimming with donations. Even the organization’s lease had been paid for a full year. A “soft” opening was planned for two days a week and now CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Boerne

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

Faith and Funky Junk Board of Directors

that the test run was successful, the business is currently open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “The organization is already experiencing great success! The entire community has gotten behind it and the energy level behind this project is amazing. We really believe in this and it is going to be significant for Boerne," according to Melinda Walton, Chairman of the Board. F&FJ has an energetic Board of Directors that represents a variety of professions in the Boerne area including Tiffany Fresher, Vice Chair; Ann LaFeir,

Treasurer;

Rebecca

Yarbrough,

Secretary; and other Directors that include Dr. Steve Rapp, Ruth Ann Lucchelli, and Tom Frost III. Mary Castenada currently staffs the front desk and helps to keep the

Boerne Lifestyle | November 2020

Faith and Funky Junk

organization running smoothly. And … volunteers … we cannot do it without them! Expect to hear about Faith and Funky Junk’s plans for various events going forward that will include weekend art and tent sales complete with music and food venues. The excitement during board meetings is palpa-

LOVE YOUR WATER!

ble with so many fresh ideas being brought forward. The possibilities are endless! Please visit this new enterprise and search for furniture, household items, jewelry, books, CD’s, clothing, shoes and artwork. It is all located at 39320 Interstate 10 West (the feeder road) in north Boerne next door

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Try a Kinetico Water System on us for up to 30 days and experience the Kinetico difference!

210.656.7873 KineticoSA.com CityLifestyle.com/Boerne

RENOVATE & REFINE

Cozy Interiors

Elegant and quiet bohemian room with wicker chair, vibrant golden tones combined with softer white, tans, and browns and green accent plants.

GET INSPIRED WHILE INDOORS ARTICLE WHITNEY GRUNDER

Modern living room interior with a mix of earthy tones. Hanging teardrop chair creates a unique focal point.

THE FALL SEASON MEANS COZY SWEATERS THAT WE SO RARELY GET TO WEAR, PUMPKIN SCENTED CANDLES AND PUMPKIN SPICED LATTES, BAKING OUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY RECIPES, AND THE WELL ANTICIPATED DROP IN TEMPERATURE. As it cools down, we get to bundle up and spend time indoors with the ones we love the most. More time indoors means more time to reflect this Thanksgiving season and express our gratitude for all of the good in our lives. This season can also provide the opportunity to reconnect with ourselves and set new intentions for the year to come. As we warm up under our favorite blankets or sip a cup of hot cocoa by the fire, we can truly enjoy our homes as we have created them. Our homes are where we find rest and renewal. Itâ€™s where we build new memories with our families and gain hopeful inspiration. These pages feature some ideas for you to be inspired by, so you can feel cozy in your home this holiday season as you settle indoors. Get cozy this winter and enjoy adding a personal touch to your space as you see fit! 12

Boerne Lifestyle | November 2020

Small cozy living room interior that is both practical and stylish. White and neutral tones with subtle, calming accents.

Multifunctional loft apartment with stylish hammock, simple but vibrant white and gold accents, and minimal furniture to keep the space light, bright and open.

CityLifestyle.com/Boerne

TREND SETTER

NOVEMBER IN TEXAS MEANS DIGGING OUT THE SWEATERS AND BOOTS BUT WE DON’T REALLY PUT AWAY THE OPEN-TOED SHOES AND CROPPED PANTS. Most look forward to a Thanksgiving that brings us cooler weather and sunny skies. You should be familiar with the models on these two pages if you’ve been reading Boerne Lifestyle magazine. Robynn Sweet-Barreras is the owner and publisher of the magazine, the first issue published in March 2020. Kate Cooley is our fabulous photographer who makes the magazine look good. Connie Clark, that’s me, is the editorial coordinator who rounds up the story ideas and encourages Boerne area people to talk about themselves, their organizations and businesses. We all wish y’all many blessings for a thankful, happy and healthy holiday season! From Traditions at the Depot Connie is wearing a multi-colored gauzy vest for her Thanksgiving outing. Matched with a red three-quarter sleeve top and black jeans, she is comfortable and ready to celebrate … and eat pecan pie. Accessories include knee-length black boots and a black felt hat with grey/gold earrings. Kate is wearing a Havasu-southwest poncho and sterling concho lariat and turquoise bead necklaces, all provided by Pearl Antler. Her plans for Thanksgiving include enjoying her husband, three adorable young daughters and parents for the weekend. They are awaiting the birth of their baby boy in December. Her booties are from Billy’s Western Wear. Robynn is rocking it in a Thanksgiving tee and sweater vest from Dang Sassy. This mother of two is keeping up with her kids in stylish ripped jeans and black classic vans. She’ll enjoy Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends – both at the dinner table and in backyard games and fun. She shares her gratitude and blessings with all.

one

Connie Clark

FEATURING SOME OF OUR FAVORITES

Boerne Shops Offer a Wealth of ARTICLE CONNIE MCFALL CLARK PHOTOGRAPHY KATE COOLEY/ COOLEY PORTRAITS

Boerne Lifestyle | November 2020

Kate Cooley

Robynn Sweet-Barreras

TWO

THREE

Thanksgiving Styles CityLifestyle.com/Boerne

LOCALâ€™S CHOICE

O P E N T. R . A . I . L . R A N C H

THERAPEUTIC RIDING ACTIVELY IMPROVING LIVES

ARTICLE CONNIE MCFALL CLARK

Boerne Lifestyle | November 2020

Kate Vasquez

DUE TO COVID-19, KATE VASQUEZ, FOUNDER OF OPEN TRAIL

It makes me happy to see their excitement and enthusiasm when they

RANCH, HAD TO DISCONTINUE RIDING LESSONS FOR THE

are around horses and to watch their improvement over time."

SAFETY OF HER VOLUNTEERS AND STUDENTS. In September

From a young adult participant: "I cannot wait to be with my favor-

when Kate started announcing the reopening, she received many

ite equine partner as I ride around the arena enjoying the freedom of

Facebook posts, emails and messages from the riders missing their

being independent."

teachers and horses. Many expressed thanksgiving and gratitude for the opportunity to continue working with their four-legged friends.

From a child participant: "I love my horse. I am so happy to get to ride with her. She loves me so much and is my best friend."

From Kate Vasquez, Founder: "I am incredibly thankful for and blessed

Kate Vasquez knew from an early age that she wanted to combine

to be able to serve the amazing special needs population in our commu-

her love of horses with her desire to help those with special needs.

nity every single day. As an autistic adult myself, I am fortunate enough

She had a dream and made it a reality. Open Trail Ranch is at 28710

to know the benefits of partnering with an equine, and the opportunity to

Boerne Stage Road. The email is info@opentrailranch.org; The

share that with others means more to me that words can express."

phone number is (210) 367-8248.

From Amber Wodarz, Lead Instructor: "I’m thankful that I get to work in a field that allows me to do what I love everyday! What I love

Open Trail Ranch offers Equestrian Assisted Therapy – equine-as-

about Open Trail Ranch is that I have found a center that shares my

sisted activities and therapies to children and adults with physical,

values and will help me grow into a well-rounded instructor, allowing

cognitive, and emotional challenges. The riders’ diagnoses include

me to give back to our community!"

conditions and special needs such as Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down’s

From Emily (teen volunteer): "I look forward to connecting with

Syndrome, ADD/ADHD, Fragile X, Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, De-

and helping people and working with the horses each week. It is the

velopmental Delays, emotional and cognitive disorders, as well as

highlight of my day going to volunteer!"

speech, hearing and vision impairments. The instructors are PATH

From Kristie (adult volunteer): "I am thankful to volunteer at Open Trail Ranch, because I enjoy sharing my love for horses with the riders.

certified, accomplished equestrians, and have extensive training in instructing riders with special needs. CityLifestyle.com/Boerne

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MEMBER

FAITH REFLECTIONS

WALKING THE WALK

A JOURNEY DOWN THE WINDING LIFE PATH OF UNASSUMING SPIRITUAL LEADER FRANCIS CHAN

FROM THE PULPIT OF A THRIVING MEGACHURCH OF MORE THAN 5,000 MEMBERS AND GROWING, TO A HOME IN THE POOREST REGION OF HONG KONG. From authoring a New York Times bestseller, to being surrounded by people struggling to make it by on just 50 cents a day. For most, it probably sounds like a tale of riches to rags; an unfortunate result of someone falling upon hard times. But for Francis Chan, it’s exactly what his soul needed—an opportunity to fulfill his God-given purpose of becoming a man who can truly say he practices what he preaches. And it was all by his own choice (with maybe a little guidance from above). Francis, born in San Francisco, was raised in a traditional Chinese home and navigated a challenging upbringing. His mother died during childbirth. His father remarried, then his stepmother died in a car accident when he was 8. His father remarried again, then, when Francis was 12, died of cancer. Francis was around 14 when he was introduced to a youth group by a friend. “I fell in love with Jesus,” he says, explaining that it was

ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

then he decided if there really was a Heaven and Hell, it didn’t make sense to spend his life doing anything other than telling people about Him. Twenty-six and newly married, Francis and his wife Lisa founded Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley, California in the early 90s, beginning with 30 people. Within the first two months, the church grew to 100. In 2000, the church grew even more, to 1,600. By 2008, Cornerstone Community Church was one of the largest in Ventura County and Francis’ new book “Crazy Love” was a New York Times bestseller. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Boerne

FAITH REFLECTIONS (CONTINUED)

Watch the full interview @ CityLifestyle.com! Then, in 2010, Francis decided to leave it all. But, he wasn’t leaving God. He was separating himself from the megachurch that had started in his living room as he and other elders began to question its direction. “Was this really what the Church is meant to be? Is this all God had in mind when he created His Church in the first place?” Francis questions in his second book Letters to the Church. “We began to wonder if our definition of a church actually fit God’s definition.” “Everything had grown to be very dependent upon one person,” he continues. “The Bible tells us that every member of the body has a gift that is necessary to the functioning of the church. When I looked at what went on in Cornerstone, I saw me and a few other people using our gifts, while thousands just came and sat in the sanctuary for an hour and a half and then went home.” After leaving Cornerstone, Francis wrestled with what the next step was. He and Lisa ended up selling their Simi Valley house and moving their family of six at the time overseas to India, Thailand and China. And the $1 million his bestselling book made in the first year, plus the money it continues to make? Francis signed it all over to a charitable gift fund helping the poor and victims of human trafficking. “We witnessed the simplicity of the lifestyles in rural Thailand, and the joy of the men and women who served widows and orphans day in and day out” “You meet these believers that just blow your mind. It’s everything the Bible talks about,” Francis says, inspired by those he’s met throughout his travels. “Some of the

It was after that Francis believes he was called back to the

godliest people, the most committed...people that I

States, and the Chan family ended up back in San Francisco.

admire and aspire to become like. If I can get past my

This time, much like the beginning of Cornerstone, Francis

own hunger for comfort and enjoyment and really sac-

and Lisa once again felt a calling to plant a church.

rifice like I’ve seen some of these people do, I know I’ll have even more fulfillment in life.”

What started this time was We Are Church—an organization passionately pursuing what God wants in a church, done through

“People tha t I ’ve f ou nd that have spent t h ei r l i ves tr uly loving o t h er s a r e t h e jo yf u l peopl e.” 22

Boerne Lifestyle | November 2020

values and practices like devotion to scripture,

committing

churches of 10-20 people meeting in a home, and calling everyone to share the gospel and make disciples.

“Som et im e s you sh ed som e t h i ngs an d you re alize i t ’s a c t u a l l y bet t er ; s om e o f t he th i ng s w e t h ou gh t w ou ld brin g us in t o t h e p r esenc e of G od actually now di st r a c t u s.” Francis’ extensive time overseas has shown him a contrast

In the throes of a pandemic, quarrels over U.S. politics, a

between the American church and the spirituality and Godly

growing divide among people and beliefs, and the unsurety of

lives of others across the world, and now struggles with see-

life, Francis’ vision of where the concept of church is heading—a

ing the division in the church, due in large part to growing

non-prophetic guess, he clarifies, laughing—can be summed up

issues of individualism and pride.

through a story of his daughter Rachel, when she was 5 years old.

“Try to look at the church in America from an outsider’s

“We regularly visited this rundown place in our city called

perspective, Francis challenges. “Is that really where you

Paint Pals,” he laughs, reminiscently. “There was this old maze

would look for answers— knowing the divisiveness; know-

you walked through with only a few walls, some little ceramic

ing all the scandals; knowing everything you know about it?

things you could paint and this big bubble machine that was

The church is in a really poor state and it in some ways feels

just a hula hoop dipped in bubble solution.”

like it’s getting worse.” “I wish we could learn and see the sacrifice of others,” he continues. “Overseas they’re just obsessed with each other.” Francis, pretending to hold up a phone facing himself, goes on to describe how he sees this generation as a generation all about taking selfies; noting that you could be in the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls and you’re always in the picture—always the center of everything.

“One day I was just like, ‘Honey, this week I’m going to take you to Disneyland!’ And she was like, ‘What’s that?’” he says. “I go, ‘You have no clue. This is like the happiest place on Earth. You’re gonna go nuts!’” Francis says Rachel began to get very sad, asking if they could just go to Paint Pals. “She’s working herself into tears,” he laughs. “Like, you’re crying because I’m about to take you to Disneyland.”

“All we really need to do is hit that little button that switches

“I feel like we’re just like Rachel when she was 5,” he says,

it off selfie mode,” he says. “And now I can’t even see myself. All

fondly recalling the Paint Pals days. “We’re accustomed to

I see is God and those around me. People that I’ve found that

certain things and God has something so much better for us. I

have spent their lives truly loving others are the joyful people.”

believe he’s leading us all into a deeper intimacy with Him that

Much like separation from his megachurch setting,

is just off the charts. Sometimes you shed some things and you

preaching in front of thousands, and the continued growth

realize it’s actually better; some of the things we thought would

of We Are Church exudes, Francis continues to spread the

bring us into the presence of God actually now distract us.”

belief that people are the church.

Nearly six months ago, Francis’ path led him to the Sham

“It’s not about going to a place and needing a critical mass

Shui Po area on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong with most

of 8 people or 1,000 people or this or that; it’s the person of

of his family, including his wife, all but one of his daughters,

Christ and enjoying that,” he says. “I really believe the Lord

two sons-in-law and two grandchildren. It’s a place where he

wants us during this time to go back to the scriptures, rethink

later found is where his mother also did ministries in the 1950s,

‘What did he really want the church to be?’ Believers have

and allows him the continued humbling opportunity to live out

been scattered since the beginning of the church. People

his journey through the Gospel, working with the ultra poor

were alone, people were in little groups and found each other

to bring relief, sharing the word of God and, you guessed it,

and enjoyed Christ together.”

planting churches.

CityLifestyle.com/Boerne

CULINARY CREATIONS

soup a nd chi l i just r i ght for t he fa l l season RECIPES PROVIDED BY INSTANT POT

Vegetarian Chili

Boerne Lifestyle | November 2020

Chicken Rice Soup

veget a r ia n ch i l i i n g re d ient s + 1 tbsp oil + 1 medium red bell pepper seeded and chopped + 1 medium yellow onion chopped + 1 large sweet potato cut into 1/2 inch chunks (about 2 cups) + 1 cup Water + 1 can black beans drained and rinsed, 15 1/2 ounces + 1 can diced tomatoes undrained, 14 1/2 ounces + 1 cup frozen whole kernel corn + 1 package McCormick® Original Chili Seasoning Mix

i n st r uc t ion s 1. Heat oil in Instant Pot on SAUTÉ function. Place pepper and onion in pot. Cook and stir 3 minutes. Add sweet potatoes; cook and stir 2 minutes. Add water. Stir in beans, tomatoes, corn and Seasoning Mix. Close lid. Set Valve to Seal. Select PRESSURE COOK (MANUAL); cook 7 minutes on HIGH PRESSURE. When done, quick-release the pressure. Open the lid once pressure inside the pot is completely released. (Check manufacturer’s manual for safe operating instructions.)

ch icken r ic e soup i n g re d ient s + 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts + 1 carrot peeled and chopped (about 1/2 cup) + 1 stalk celery sliced (about 1/2 cup) + 1/2 cup long grain white rice uncooked + 4 cups Swanson® Chicken Broth

i n st r uc t ion s 1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add the carrot, celery, chicken, rice and broth to a 6 quart Instant Pot®. Lock the lid and close the pressure release valve. Pressure cook on High pressure, setting the timer to 5 minutes (timer will begin counting down once pressure is reached- it takes about 15 minutes). When done, press Cancel and use the quick release method to release the pressure. Remove the chicken from the pot. Shred the chicken and return to the pot. Season to taste.

CityLifestyle.com/Boerne

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Boerne Lifestyle | November 2020

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CityLifestyle.com/Boerne

OUR TOWN

Ricky and Rhonda Jordan

H U D D L E H AV E N

“HANG IN THERE…HOPE IS ON THE WAY!”

ARTICLE RHONDA JORDAN PHOTOGRAPHY KATE COOLEY/ COOLEY PORTRAITS

WE ARE THE JORDAN FAMILY—RICKY, RHONDA, REED AND

most talented players in the state during his time as Head Baseball

RYLEE (CHOCOLATE LAB REESE AND CAVALIER SPANIEL

Coach at the San Antonio Reagan High School. I (Rhonda) also

RUBY). Additionally, Pat Brannen lives with us (Ricky’s wonderfully

spent my early professional years as a Special Education teacher in

kind 85-year-old aunt).

the Southwest, Northeast, and Comal Independent School Districts.

We are originally from San Antonio and are proud to call the Deer

Since then, I have treasured my time as a stay-at-home mom and

Meadow area of Fair Oaks Ranch “home sweet home” since mov-

have become a certified financial coach through Ramsey Solutions.

ing back to Texas from Asheville, North Carolina, in late 2016. Our

In early August this year, Ricky and I were thrilled to launch our

son Reed is loving life in the Rocky Mountains as a sophomore at

own small business, Huddle Haven, LLC. We are intensely focused

Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, and is majoring

on serving our local communities of Fair Oaks Ranch and Boerne.

in Physical Therapy and Exercise Science. Our daughter Rylee is a

As a couple and as business partners, we are excited to be pursu-

sophomore honor student Boerne Champion High School.

ing our passion for health and wellness. (Both of us are certified,

For the last sixteen-plus years, Ricky has been in Corporate Human

professional coaches and trainers.)

Resources Leadership. Prior to his years serving the Engineering/ Construction and Global Automotive industries, he spent ten years

HUDDLE HAVEN FITNESS

as a Texas high school coach (football and baseball) and Special

We bring the gym to you! Huddle Haven Fitness is a mobile

Education teacher. He feels privileged to have coached some of the

fitness concept offering an array of workouts designed to boost

Boerne Lifestyle | November 2020

immune systems. Are you tired of dirty, sweaty gyms that are full of germs and may not be safe? All Huddle Haven programs are hosted in spectacular outdoor settings in the Boerne area. The Huddle Haven team goes the extra mile to ensure your workout environment and equipment are safe and clean. UNIQUE WORKOUT OPTIONS: Do you need a breath of fresh air? Huddle Haven’s “Spin & Shape” delivers sensational cycling and toning experiences set to themed music selections and on brand new, state-of-the-art equipment. Are you seeking to sweat and sculpt? Huddle Haven hosts a variety of “Barre” sessions for all levels of fitness. Are you looking for an intense, total-body workout? Huddle Haven’s “strength” sessions will test your inner-athlete with extreme, agility-focused training. LOCATIONS: Huddle Haven has worked closely with the City of Boerne Parks & Recreation Department and the Boerne Chamber of Commerce to coordinate the use of the most beautiful outdoor settings our area has to offer. Customers can choose from a variety of convenient packages and can mix and match workouts day to day, week to week. See the location schedule below for more information. To book your first FREE class, visit www.huddlehaven.com or email host@ huddlehaven.com with any questions you may have. CONTINUED >

“WE ARE INTENSELY FOCUSED ON SERVING OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES OF FAIR OAKS RANCH AND BOERNE.” CityLifestyle.com/Boerne

OUR TOWN (CONTINUED) + Monday at Waterworks Terrace (adjacent to Town Square Plaza) + Tuesday at Herff Farm (33 Herff Rd, Boerne, TX 78006) + Wednesday at Boerne Town Square Plaza + Thursday at Boerne City Park (106 City Park Road, Boerne, TX 78006) NOTE: Huddle Haven Fitness can also “Bring the Gym to Your Business” keeping your employees fit, healthy, happy and productive! For weekly bookings at your business location, email host@huddlehaven.com. THE HUDDLE HAVEN PODCAST “The Huddle Haven Podcast” seeks to build a community of listeners passionate about pursuing a path less traveled. We bring the audience four distinctly different, meaningful, and impactful episodes each month: Mentor Models, 3P’s to Empowerment (Optimize Your PhysicalPersonal-Professional Well-being), KISS (Keep it Super Simple), and Bucket List Livin’. As one of the fastest growing podcasts in Texas and within the “Health & Wellness” genre, Huddle Haven has built an impressive library of episodes with some sensational guests. You can download all episodes and subscribe to this podcast from multiple platforms: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, or www.huddlehaven.com.

Boerne Lifestyle | November 2020

Our sincere appreciation for your vote naming

Franklin Park Assisted Living and Memory Care

2020’s Best of the Best in Boerne

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BESTg –OF 2020 – Assisted Livin te d by fa m

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Franklin Park, Boerne 830.816.5150 18 Old San Antonio Road, Boerne, TX 78006 Lic. #106798 • www.franklingpark.org

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INSPIRED BY EACH AGE OFFERS OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH, EDUCATION AND INSPIRATION

CONNECTING THE GENERATIONS ARTICLE CONNIE MCFALL CLARK

NOWADAYS IT ISN’T ONLY THE OLDER GENERATION

“What is Patriotism to Me?” This year’s Voice of Democracy

THAT EXPERIENCES SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELI-

theme is “Is This the Country the Founders Envisioned?”

NESS. More teens are feeling that sense of disconnect and

Certificates and cash prizes are given to winning students.

choose solitude as a way of coping. It is important for mul-

“We cherish the opportunities that we have to connect

tiple generations to have ongoing interactions to enhance

with the youth of Boerne and Kendall County, and we rec-

their world experience. Wise women and men can tell their

ognize what an honor and privilege it is to be invited into

stories and offer advice to a teen who is willing to listen.

the schools to share our experiences as veterans.” Bob

Children can offer their spontaneous joy and laughter to a

Worrall, Quartermaster of VFW Post 688, is talking about

group of elders. This article features some connections initi-

the “Veterans in the Classroom” program where members

ated by veterans and mother/daughter teams.

provide a glimpse of what is involved in military service. John C. Thomas, a Vietnam veteran likes to dispel some

VFW POST # 688

of the myths about Vietnam War combat troops that we see

Charles “Charlie” Wetherbee shared this experience.

in movies. He tells the students that those who served came

“VFW Post 688 has an ongoing mission to provide

from all walks of life. Thomas said he never saw rampant

military honors for veteran burials. We give the fired

drug use or abuse in the infantry units he commanded. He

cartridge cases to the family so that the children and

advocates for Vietnam vets who have suffered repercus-

grandchildren have a memento of their deceased family

sions of the war, the awful homecoming they received and

member. I also tell the adults not to let the children take

the medical treatment they did not receive.

the spent cartridge cases to school or they might wind up in the principal’s office.”

NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE

“The Post also has a “Patriot Pen” written essay contest

The Boerne and Fair Oaks Ranch Chapter of the NCL is

for middle school children," continues Wetherbee. This

a group of mother/daughter teams who offer their time and

gives the students an opportunity to voice their opinions,

talent to non-profits. The group fosters relationships while

thoughts, and hopes for a bright future of the U.S. The

promoting social awareness by considering the community’s

“Voice of Democracy” is an audio essay contest for high

needs. Working with others nurtures confidence and devel-

school teens. Each contest has a “theme” that students

ops skills through education, problem-solving, team-build-

nationwide write about. This year’s Patriot’s Pen theme is

ing, and event planning.

Boerne Lifestyle | November 2020

CONTINUED >

NCL members volunteering at Kendall County Women's Shelter

VFW Post 688 teaches Scouts proper techniques for handling, displaying, and disposing of American flags.

Patriot Pen Awards ceremony at Boerne Middle School North in Dec 2019

“WE CHERISH THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT WE HAVE TO CONNECT WITH THE YOUTH OF BOERNE AND KENDALL COUNTY, AND WE RECOGNIZE WHAT AN HONOR AND PRIVILEGE IT IS TO BE INVITED INTO THE SCHOOLS TO SHARE OUR EXPERIENCES AS VETERANS.”

CityLifestyle.com/Boerne

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

Boerne High School presentation that Dr. Sonny Arkangel and Bob Worrall gave on the Battle of Fire Support Base Ripcord Feb 2019

Volunteer activities include: Hill Country Family Services' Orange Bucket Food Drive collects non-perishable stables. The teams assist the Boerne Community Coalition assemble Weekend Food Bags for children. Kendall County Women’s Shelter welcomes NCL teams on Saturdays to sort and price donations and organize and clean the store. Kendall County Women's Shelter collects homemade casseroles every third Monday for the women and children under their care. The teams learn about native plants while helping maintain Cibolo Nature Center’s gardens on the Herff Farm in the Teaching Garden. Rainbow Senior Center celebrated Older American Month in May with a senior parade. Check the chapter’s Facebook page for more information. HILL COUNTRY DAILY BREAD MINISTRY Veterans mentor students in the StandBYMe program. "I wish I had done this a lot sooner. It was the first thing I did when I retired. For me, it has been very rewarding and very fulfilling,” explains Larry Ciano. Les Huffman E-4 USMC 68-70, stated, "Mentoring a child has given me a chance to have a positive Christian influence on a young person's life. My goal was to change a life but I didn't realize that the relationship formed with my mentee would change mine. It is an incredible experience." "I believe my understanding as a veteran and father help with mentoring the high school teenager that I have the privilege to work with. The integration of a Christcentered mentoring program and the lessons I have learned through my experience bridges the gap between veterans and teens. The values veterans learn - loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage - aligns with Christian values of God first, faith, love, serving others, compassion, hope, humility, and integrity. My duty as a mentor is to help my mentee understand these values; it will not only help him grow as an individual, but allow him to understand how to help his community and veterans." - Ryan Martinez 34

Boerne Lifestyle | November 2020

School supply drive for Boerne Community Coalition

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