Boerne, TX August 2023

Kids & Pets

I love kids and pets!

There's so much to love about kids and pets. In my family, I have many of each. I'm not sure how the pets accumulated… I guess it's from the child inside me that falls into the trap of “yes” rather than “no.” Although I did say no recently when my daughter requested we adopt a new kitten. I reminded her we already have one that used to be a kitten.

This issue may awaken your childlike wonder as we explore some unique places to visit and things to do in and around our quaint town. You probably didn't know Red Crest Pet Shop in downtown Boerne could be a destination, but it has been for my kids for many years. Just as the kitten grows up into a cat, so quickly do our children. Embrace where you are in whatever stage it may be and lean into the experience. On behalf of “Fireball” (crested gecko), “Midnight” (the cat), “Butterball” and “Daisy” (our goldens), we hope you squeeze out all the fun you can muster in the remaining days of summer.

With blessings from my crazy herd,

TARA BOVÉ, PUBLISHER @BOERNELIFESTYLE

August 2023

PUBLISHER

Tara Bové | tara.bove@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Daniel Gertson | daniel.gertson@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Jessi Edison | jessi.edison@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Brianna Perez | brianna.perez@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Caroline Heiberg, Blake Grossman, Brian McVey, Jennifer Edwards, Sophie Winterle, Daniel Gertson

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jessi Edison, Paula VM, Daniel Gertson

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

With summer here, we just couldn’t resist releasing a special like this. Our weight loss injections Semaglutide is on special for both new and existing patients. Excited to announce that we are also offering an extra boost for weight loss and muscle gain with peptide injection therapy. Call for special pricing.

CENTRAL TEXAS’ PREMIER, AWARD WINNING CUSTOM HOME BUILDER SPECIALIZING IN INNOVATIVE DESIGN AND DISTINCTIVE QUALITY

Aggie and Marine Corps veteran Brad Morris, with his wife Andrea, and their son Gage, the namesake of their company.

COMMITTED TO EXCEEDING YOUR DREAMS

You

The Boerne Chamber's new website, packed with resources!

New Features

Our refreshed website details our networking opportunities, annual events, and all the ways to get involved!

▪ More Intuitive Navigation

▪ Up-To-Date Information

▪ Supportive Imagery

▪ Current Imagery

Familiar Features

Enjoy all of your favorite assets that you’ve come to know and value. It’s all still there, just better looking!

▪ Event Calendar

▪ Member Directory

▪ Ribbon Cutting Database

▪ Online Membership Application

Community Resources

You do not have to be a member to take advantage of all of the things we have to o er!

▪ Job Listings Posted By Members

▪ Community Scholarship Opportunities

A big thank you to our local design firm and Boerne Chamber member, Manifestive Design!

▪ Nonpro t Volunteer Needs

▪ Boerne Relocation Info

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Murals & Interiors

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city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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1: Hill Country Comets competed in the AAU District Meet. 2: Roy Maas Youth Alternatives “Moonlight Over Meadowland” event was magical! 3: Stillwater Champ Camp wrapped up three weeks of day camps for elementary students. 4: Congratulations to the BISD Incubator 1st place winners on their student run business, Easy Hang. 5: Boerne’s German heritage is being celebrated this summer with music and stories from the past. 6: El Chaparral reopened with great food, indoor and outdoor seating and delicious margaritas.

7: 9th annual Aid the Silent 5K raised money to support the deaf and HOH community.

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Kinetic Kids Hill Country

Our mission is to enrich the lives of children with special needs and their families through sports, fine arts and educational programs to foster the development of courage, confidence, fitness, pride, joy and community. We envision Kinetic Kids as the premier and recognized leader for adaptive sports, fine arts and educational programming, serving children with intellectual and physical challenges so that all children in our community and beyond can achieve new possibilities previously unimaginable!

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Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Sean Seamster

Edward Jones is a different kind of investment firm. To us, face time and think time make sense. Whether you want to plan for retirement, save for college, reduce your tax bills or ensure you have income to cover your expenses, we can provide personalized service and investment strategies that have proven themselves over the long-term. Let's discuss your goals during a financial review. Contact Sean today. Member SIPC.

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CONTINUED >

The Graves Group

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241A Ammann road. 3 bedroom, 2 bath custom stone home, built by Gerald Wiley on 4 tree-studded acres with a small barn —$1,320,000

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141 Woodland ranch road. 5 bedroom, 4 bath stone home on 13.96 acres plus pool house/guest quarters – $2,195,000

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6 US HWY 87. Great commercial potential! Historic farm settlement with modern 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath luxury home and restored/repurposed buildings on 3 acres — $1,199,500

PLeASAnt VALLeY, boerne

515 Pleasant Valley drive. 12 acres with lodge-style smart home, incorporating office and workshop — $1,195,000

Bricks & Minifigs

Master Builders, assemble! We are your one-of-a-kind toy shop for buying, selling, and trading all things LEGO®! We have everything in our 3,000-square-foot store in Fair Oaks – from rare and retired sets and pieces to overflowing bins of bricks you can sort through and buy in bulk. You can even let us host your next birthday party or corporate event. Come in and reimagine and rebuild your LEGO® sets and creations today!

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local experiences

The best places and things to do in our area.

Grab the kids, your most loved fur babies, and hit the town for some end-of-summer fun. Use our list for some family-friendly, pet-friendly and budget-friendly adventures that will do everything. Get ready to raise your heart rate, excite the little ones and create lasting memories together this August!

Our Picks for Family-Friendly Fun

KINDERPARK: Looking for an awesome park to play, picnic and with plenty of shade? Head to Kinderpark to slide, swing and monkey around!

111 Water Street, Boerne, Texas 78006

CIBOLO NATURE CENTER: Cibolo Nature Center is a beautiful place to hike, run, picnic and take your little ones and furry friends to explore.

140 City Park Rd., Boerne, Texas 78006

ROVER OAKS DOG PARK: This one-of-a-kind dog park stretches across more than 4-acres of Texas Hill Country giving dogs of all sizes ample room for off-leash exploring! 601 Esperanza Blvd., Boerne, Texas 78006

CIBOLO TRAIL: Cibolo Trail follows Boerne's signature waterway Cibolo Creek and is a fabulous place to walk. The best part is it's in the heart of Boerne! 100 N. Main St., Boerne, Texas 78006

DOG AND PONY GRILL: Looking for a fun place to eat?  Dog & Pony has a fenced-in dog park, covered patio, playground and basketball court!

1481 S Main St, Boerne, Texas 78006

Scan for more photos and the full list.

Want to recommend a local experience? Scan the QR code and message us on Instagram.

Cibolo Trail

BOOTS on the RAIL Ranch

211 Poehnert Rd | Boerne, Tx 78006

Approx. 118± Acres

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4 bed • 4.5 bath

Guest House 1,947± Sq. Ft.

2 bed • 2 bath

Wide variety of wildlife

2 ponds

3 large metal buildings with power Wildlife exemption

Boots on the Rail Ranch is a rare gem, situated just outside of Boerne, Texas and a short drive from San Antonio. Care and thought has gone into virtually every detail of this stunning 118-acre property. It features two immaculately designed custom homes and an array of stunning amenities that any ranch enthusiast would love to call their own.

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Borracho,

UP CLOSE AND ANIMAL

ARTICLE BY CAROLINE HEIBERG PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSI EDISON

There’s nothing like a hands-on experience, and a petting farm is an ideal family outing for kids to learn.

Paisley’s Pasture in Pipe Creek is the place to go for activities and education about ranch life and the animals that make it fun. This local, family-owned business gives you the chance to take a private tour and enjoy many “Instagramable” opportunities. If you’re searching for a unique outdoor activity to engage the little ones, Paisley’s Pasture is the place for you!

Parents bring children of all ages on private tours of the ranch. Everyone can get a taste of ranch life on these lively experiences. No two children are alike on the ranch, so owner Erin Douget directs tours based on the interests of each group of guests. Small groups learn about ranching, living environments, and the health of the animals. Little ones can even collect chicken eggs and brush members of the herd. Whether a child’s favorite animal is a cow, tortoise or pig, the most popular task on the ranch is feeding the friendly livestock. Pigs will eat anything, while the 200-pound tortoises enjoy fruits, vegetables, and large leaves of romaine lettuce. Delicious!

You can’t visit Paisley’s Pasture without noticing their unusual breed of cow. The Miniature Scottish Highland cattle are the ranch’s main attraction, with a herd size of roughly fifty animals. Small in stature with shaggy hair and gorgeous horns, this breed has gained popularity because it’s different from a typical cow. Basically, they are really cute! Add in their gentle temperament, and that makes them ideal for entertaining and educating (and posing with) children. Their docile demeanor is worth a visit by itself, but chickens, pigs and dogs also offer many other interactive opportunities.

If your child doesn’t have much experience with animals, that’s not a problem. For some visitors, this may be their first opportunity for animal interaction, while others may have a lot of experience with pets. Either way, learning about dogs with jobs is often a new experience. The ranch has three livestock guardian dogs, a dog bred for protecting herds from predators. At 150 pounds each, these three gentle giants are tasked with keeping the other animals safe. Their exciting working life is often a highlight for visitors, especially for children who may have been fearful of interactions with dogs before their visit.

Adults and children alike find benefits from ranch tours. Owner Erin Doguet is passionate about educating visitors on ranch life. She always takes the time with families who are interested in adding livestock to their land to make sure they’re ready to care for animals. Thorough education regarding the animals, their health and their living environment is critical in supporting the life of each bovine. Socialization is a cornerstone of animal development at the ranch and interaction with guests is a benefit for the herd. By the time they are ready to leave, they are as gentle and sweet as golden retrievers.

Paisley’s Pasture is equally as picturesque as it is educational and offers different sites for photography opportunities. The rural backdrop creates a memorable setting for family portraits, with many visitors commemorating birthdays or newborns with this out-of-the-ordinary photo op. An antique car and the herd are just a few of the ideal settings for that rustic aesthetic. Guests may use their own photographer or use one of the photographers that the ranch already works with.

In addition to photography and oneon-one tours of the ranch, a few members of the herd are available for traveling to birthday parties and other events. Erin has traveled with the animals to festivals, birthday parties and even wedding receptions. Cattle have attended teacher appreciation days at schools, nursing homes and even a movie set, calming residents and employees with their docile and friendly demeanor.

CONTINUED >

Where did the name come from, you ask? Paisley is Douget’s 13-year-old daughter. As an idyllic example of the benefits of animal interaction, she is a skilled educator and can expertly answer questions from guests about animals and their living environment. Her passion for the livestock is evident — she enjoys everything from incubating eggs to dividing up herds to feeding and naming the animals.

Visitors rave about their time spent learning and playing at Paisley’s Pasture. Once you and your family meet their gentle beasts, Paisley’s Pasture is sure to be an experience you’ll remember for years to come.

Brighter Futures

KIDS GO FROM SURVIVING TO THRIVING WITH ROY MAAS YOUTH ALTERNATIVES

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER EDWARDS

There’s a bright ray of hope for at-risk youth right here in Boerne. Roy Maas Youth Alternatives — known as RMYA — is a residential treatment center for children who have been removed from their homes by protective agencies. Each child’s time at RMYA averages about 22 months, during which the highly-trained and dedicated staff cares for them in a home-like environment. “Of the seven comparable facilities in the state, RYMA was the only one that all of the children surveyed said they feel safe all the time”, Julie Healey, the Senior Development and Marketing manager

said. The kids live on the 40-acre ranch and go to school there too; Meadowland is a private school on the property just for the children at RMYA.

Roy Maas, a former all-star Texas athlete, decided to dedicate his life to helping children after earning his master's degree in counseling from Texas Christian University. The program began in 1976 with sixteen beds, but it has grown to hold up to eighty children. The staff has grown a lot too, allowing each child to receive the individualized care they need.

Over the past few years, the cost of caring for each child has increased dramatically. The state only funds about 50% of that expense, so RMYA is dependent on generous donors in our community too. This summer, leaders are hoping to raise funds to provide the children with fun summer experiences like visits to the trampoline park and movie theater along with ice cream and s’more parties.

RMYA holds two fundraisers each year, and the “Brighter Futures Gala” is coming up on September 30th at La Cantera Resort. The event features an elegant meal, inspiring entertainment, and both live and silent auctions. Event sponsors and volunteers are still needed, along with donations of auction items. The goal of the event? To help children in need and keep the legacy of caring that Roy Maas started so many years ago shining brighter than ever.

YOU CAN HELP

SPONSORSHIP: Businesses and individuals can donate money and gift cards.

VOLUNTEER: Groups can help repair, build, or paint

ATTEND THE GALA: Purchase tickets and auction items.

Visit RMYA.org for more.

“Of the seven comparable facilities in the state, RYMA was the only one that all of the children surveyed said they feel safe all the time.”

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Every Kids’ Favorite Course

GO STRAIGHT TO THE GOOD STUFF AT THESE LOCAL DESSERT

DESTINATIONS

ARTICLE BY BOERNE LIFESTYLE

Skip the salad. Forget the filet. You can even hold the hamburger. When kids make the menu, sugar is the star ingredient. Left to their own tastes, kids may not make the healthiest choices, but there’s no denying they’re delicious. From

snow cones to ice cream to cookies and pies, Boerne’s got a lot of ways to satisfy all of your sweet teeth. So bribe your brood with some carrot sticks and hummus, and then treat y’all’selves to some of the best desserts in town.

Tootie Pie Co. features traditional favorites and seasonal creations. Snack on a slice or get a whole one to go.

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Bumdoodler’s Lunch Co. sure knows sweets! Their pies include the decadent “Chocolate Chocolate.” Yum…

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Get your raspas, Italian ice, smoothies and more at Snow Heaven. The “Churro Heaven” is a piece of cinnamon paradise.

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How fun is an ice cream sandwich?! Celebrate at Blithe Creamery with a classic or a future favorite like the “Granny’s Peach Crisp.”

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There’s always something delicious in the oven at Opal & Onyx. Best pick up a mixed dozen to make everyone happy…

So tiny you may miss it, but don’t. Snow cones at The Stand are sweet and refreshing. Get the “rainbow” so you don’t have to choose a favorite flavor.

Setting Bodies Straight

Getting Aligned With Living Water Chiropractic

ARTICLE BY SOPHIE WINTERLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAULA VM

Hope. Answers. Help. That’s the mission of Living Water Chiropractic. This family-owned chiropractic clinic specializes in pediatrics and nervous system-centered care. Dr. Rudy and Ashley Bersani, along with their team of care advocates, have built a thriving practice that is dedicated to getting to the root of their patient's health issues and guiding them through their healthcare journey. While in school, Ashley and Rudy set their minds on opening their own practice, originally focusing on sports medicine. But their passion for helping kids and families inspired them to open LWC. They feel God guided them to Boerne to fill the needs of specialized chiropractic care for children.

Their mission was clear from the start. Living Water Chiropractic goes beyond typical standards by providing a specialized experience that seeks out the root of a person’s health issues. From the moment the Bersanis received their doctorate degrees, they knew that they wanted to create a clinic that welcomed patients with open arms and provided answers that may be difficult to get elsewhere.

Trying out a new form of healthcare can be scary and the doctors at LWC are prepared to guide you through their multi-step process and ensure everyone gets the best treatment possible. As a first-time patient, you will receive a detailed neural-spinal examination while the doctors connect with you about your health goals. Treatments begin on the second visit — after the doctors have consulted and created a tailored plan that best fits your needs. The biggest goal is to make sure your body is functioning at its best by ensuring your neuro-spinal system is clear and connected.

This is true for children as well. Patients as young as hours old have come in for treatments that have set them on a course toward optimal development.

Getting your child checked by a chiropractor regularly from birth ensures their body is best equipped to handle life’s stressors right from the start. A child’s brain develops rapidly but that rate decreases as you get older so the sooner a patient pursues chiropractic treatment, the better.

The benefits of chiropractic care are vast. When done properly, chiropractic treatments can improve the body’s natural ability to heal itself. That means issues as diverse as sleep, digestive system, immune system, and mental health can all be addressed. Dr. Ashley credits her properly adjusted body with overcoming ADHD and hormone imbalances. She also shared a story about a young woman who came in to treat her headaches after a concussion but was surprised to discover that her anxiety levels decreased and symptoms that she experienced before the concussion had resolved as well.

Chiropractic treatment affects more than just your joints, which is something not everyone considers when seeking medical assistance. Dr. Rudy believes that everyone can benefit from chiropractic care, especially children that may have had a stressful start to life such as birth interventions and NICU stays.

These children may be stuck in a cycle of ear infections, immune struggles, ADHD, constipation, sleep issues, seizures, and many other common but not “normal” conditions. When traditional healthcare is unable to resolve the issue, parents come to LWC as a last resort. The doctors use their scanning technology and expertise to analyze symptoms and diagnose their patients. They aim to show parents treatments that they might not know about and create awareness of the effects of chiropractic care on illnesses where other treatments might not be as effective.

“A lot of parents come to us as a last resort and hope is exactly what they need.”

Living Water Chiropractic is a faith-centered business. That is not uncommon in Boerne, but it does set the Bersanis apart from other medical practices. They value being a part of their patient's lives and at home in such a tight-knit community. Ashley enjoys that people know about their practice because of its positive effects on the lives of neighbors, friends, and fellow business owners.

She and Rudy truly appreciate the support they have received from the Boerne community and look forward to seeing their practice continue to grow for years to come.

If you or a loved one are interested in seeking chiropractic care, visit Living Water Chiropractic or reference pxdocs.com to find a directory of chiropractors that can help set your body straight and optimize your health.

LEARN MORE: Dr. Ashley Bersani graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor’s in Health Science Studies. She received her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Parker University. Dr. Rudy Bersani earned two Bachelor’s degrees in Anatomy and Health & Wellness, as well as his Doctor of Chiropractic from Parker University.

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Last Free Weekend

Family-Friendly Getaways to Send Summer Out With a Bang

ARTICLE BY BOERNE LIFESTYLE

Believe it or not, summer is almost over. Weekend sports, reading lists, backyard playtime and countless trips to the park have filled the days, but wouldn’t it be nice just to get away? You’ve got one empty weekend on the calendar, but no idea how to fill it. Well, we’ve got you covered. You don’t have to go far from Boerne for some serious Texas fun. A short drive down the interstate will take you to some of the best late summer fun in the state. So round up the kids, hop in the car, and enjoy one last weekend of freedom before the summer is only a memory.

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa

San Antonio

Nestled in the west side of San Antonio, this suburban oasis is a favorite of families everywhere. It’s close to SeaWorld and just 20 minutes from downtown, but you’ll feel like you’re in a world of your own. But don’t worry — there’s so much to do. The fiveacre waterpark features several pools, a lazy river and a two-story waterslide. You can also go for a hike or bike ride, play a round of golf and pamper yourself at the luxurious spa. And with multiple gourmet dining experiences on-site, you never have to leave the resort — unless you want to.

If you feel daring, try out the FlowRider Wave Machine. The surfing and bodyboarding wipeouts will be epic!

JW Mariott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

San Antonio

This resort is famous for golf, but it offers so much more. Perched on 600 acres of prime north San Antonio hills, you’ll find everything the family could want in one place. Sure the TPC is a big draw, but your kids will love the 1,100-foot lazy river and water slides. For the adults, rejuvenate yourselves at the luxurious Lantana Spa or enjoy an exquisite meal at one of the resort’s six restaurants. There’s a daily activities program to keep the kids entertained, so everyone can enjoy every moment of their stay in this weekend paradise.

All of the restaurants on-site come highly recommended by visitors. The steak at Cibolo Moon is said to be one of the best in town.

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions

Round Rock

Head north on Interstate-35 to experience the largest indoor waterpark in America. You definitely have to see it to believe it: 14 water slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, a soaked playground… it’ll take all weekend to run out of wet and wild adventures! When you’re ready to relax, you can choose from a variety of worldclass dining options, and restore your body and spirit at the spa. But when you’re ready for more excitement, an arcade, bowing and Tom Foolery’s Adventure Park await!

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Round Rock was named this year’s “Best Indoor Waterpark” in the country by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

San Luis Resort

Galveston

If you want to hit the beach, this Galveston Island resort is one of the top family destinations in Texas. Set right on the sand, you can spend the day in salt water, fresh, or both! The spacious pool overlooks the beach with a private cabana for your family’s home base. There are restaurants, a spa, and numerous activities offered throughout the day (pickleball, anyone?). You’re also just minutes away from Moody Gardens, the Seawall, and the history of The Strand so your family is guaranteed to make memories!

If your dog is small-ish (under 40 pounds), they’re welcome at the resort too. A dog park, walking services, and even a puppy welcome package will make them feel right at home.

The Art of Curiosity and Connection

“When I’m painting, I want to know, ‘What feeling is this going to leave in a person?’”

ARTICLE BY DANIEL GERTSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAULA VM

Brayden Gardner is curious about the world and about people. With each work of art, the 16-year-old Boerne High School student explains, “I just want that connection with others through the piece.”

She at least made a connection with the judges at the 2023 Visual Arts Scholastic Event. Brayden won two Gold Seal awards for pieces she painted, the highest award given at the annual Texas Art Education Association each year. The works present a mix of childhood innocence and grownup pressure, subjects that are surely apropos for the soon-to-be high school junior. The paintings also relate to each other as they tell similar stories from different perspectives: one is a self-portrait, and the other is her little sister.

“A Bed of Thorns Where Roses Lie” depicts Brayden laying in a bed of white roses. Her eyes are closed and her arms are raised, with one hand pierced by a flower’s barb. “It's about society’s standard of beauty,” she says. She and some of her

friends have had negative encounters with those standards, so she chose the topic because she wants others who have had similar experiences to feel seen.

Her other award-winning piece “Way Back When” shows her little sister — goofy, wild, and unrestrained. The upside-down pair of sunglasses adorning her sister’s head? Brayden says that’s symbolic of how we’re more able to be comfortable being imperfect as children before the pressures of society set in. “It represents how when we're little, we have this comfort in our mistakes. We have so much room to change and grow, and I kind of miss that.”

More changing and growing is on the horizon for Brayden as she looks ahead to her next year of school. She loves art but doesn’t think she wants to make a career out of it. “When you do art professionally, you always have a deadline, and then it kind of turns something you love doing into work. Since I love doing art, I don't want that to happen.”

She’ll keep drawing and painting for sure, but she’s planning to take stretch herself in the future with classes that you might not expect for an art and theater enthusiast: engineering and forensic science. As she embraces the uncertainty of the next few years, she says she’s motivated by the question, “If you've never done something, how do you know that it's not your thing?”

Her mother Denise knew art was Brayden’s thing even at an early age. She tells a story about taking a trip when Brayden was just two years old. “We were on a plane and they used to give you those cookies that are in the shape of a plane. And I looked at a picture she drew, and it was that I noticed it was the plane. It looked just like the cookie, and I'm like, ‘That's it. She's got it.’” Mom and Dad continued to encourage Brayden to develop her skills, even if it was sometimes out of exasperation. “She was a very rambunctious kid. So if we can get her to sit down, CONTINUED >

“Way Back When”

“A Bed of Thorns Where Roses Lie”

that was the only thing we can get her to do, to sit down and just chill,” Denise says chuckling.

Denise and Brayden’s father Brandon both have made careers in dentistry, but they are artists too. Dad gravitates toward abstract compositions full of color, while Mom prefers black and white pencil drawing. Brayden, she says, has a combination of both their styles but is able to create in a way that’s beyond what her parents can do. “I've done portrait work, and it's so intricate, and it just takes so long. She'll just do it in a week,” Denise muses. “She just has the best of us.”

Even though she won two top awards, Brayden doesn’t want to stop growing. Her two champion pieces were actually some of her first forays into painting with oils. She’s drawn with pencils from an early age, and later added watercolors to her repertoire. She got a taste of life as a professional artist by doing commissions based on photos clients wanted to be turned into paintings. She’s also beginning to play with photography, an interest that began with taking pictures to use as references for her painting.

In every medium, Brayden wants her art to tell a story that connects to her audience. Usually, she has a story in mind when she

begins to work on a piece, but the inspiration may come from anywhere. “Being able to take something you see in the world and make something new out of it is just really cool to me.” For one composition entitled “The Gardener,” she says she wanted to relate a story she heard at church about God pruning and shaping us out of love. The model for the gardener though? “We were on a field trip at an art museum, and I just took a random picture of a guy looking at a painting,” she says with a laugh.

Her faith is a common theme in Brayden’s work. As is her family. As are her life experiences. She says she draws on these themes because they allow her viewers to relate to her and each other. “I want people to be able to connect to one of my pieces and feel validated in what they may have felt in the past or feel heard about something that they may have felt,” she says.

With all her curiosity and the unknowns in her own future, Brayden says it’s a question of connection that drives her: “What did I leave here today? Is it a good thing or a bad thing? Because all that’s going to be left of you in the world when you're gone is what you did and how you made people feel.”

“I WANT PEOPLE TO BE ABLE TO CONNECT TO ONE OF MY PIECES AND FEEL VALIDATED IN WHAT THEY MAY HAVE FELT IN THE PAST OR FEEL HEARD ABOUT SOMETHING THAT THEY MAY HAVE FELT.”

- BRAYDEN GARDNER

ARTICLE BY BRIAN MCVEY

BY JESSI EDISON

In a discreet building just off Interstate 10 In Boerne, sits Angela and Matthew Reynold’s ultimate creation: The Boerne Escape Room. Driven by a creative process filled with love and an incredibly deep passion for detail, this dream took hundreds of hours to realize. Angela and Matthew’s team have made every corner a painstaking work of art with rooms filled with detailed pieces placed precisely to lead players to freedom — or frustration.

Escape rooms have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering thrilling and immersive experiences for people of all ages. Originally designed for adults, these interactive puzzles have expanded to cater to kids as well. With a variety of themes and difficulty levels, escape rooms provide an exhilarating way to engage young and old minds alike. This has become a fantastic activity for both kids and adults to enjoy together, and a stimulating antidote to those dreaded late-summer doldrums.

Each challenge is a physical adventure that involves a group of participants working together to solve puzzles, find clues, and accomplish specific objectives within a set time limit. These rooms are typically themed and designed to create an immersive environment, transporting players to different scenarios like ancient ruins, haunted houses, or space stations. By employing problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication, participants strive to unlock the room’s mystery and successfully escape.

The team at Boerne Escape Room has collectively played over 100 escape rooms across the country and wholeheartedly believes in bringing a top-quality experience home to the people of the Hill Country. Angela and Matthew offer four different escape rooms with dashes of fairy tales and horror to keep you on your toes. But you’ve been warned — buckle up for an extremely elaborate night out with adventure and fun for kids and adults.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Owners Angela and Matthew Reynold’s

FAIRY KINGDOM

In this beautiful, magical land, there once lived a Fairy Queen and Fairy King who were very happy. But an evil wizard came to the kingdom and took their fairy children. Now they need your help. Can you save the fairy princes and princesses from the evil wizard?

SANTA’S HELPER

It’s just one to midnight on Christmas Eve, and the North Pole has lost all of its magic! Help the elves restore the enchantment to the North Pole so Santa can get presents delivered and save Christmas!

By promoting critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, these immersive experiences offer a multitude of benefits. Kids can enhance their cognitive abilities, social skills, and resilience, while adults can engage in an intellectually stimulating and enjoyable adventure.

SASQUATCH CAVE

On a hiking trip in the northwest, you and your team find evidence of Bigfoot! In wild pursuit of the clues, you slipped and fell into a large cavern, right into Bigfoot’s hideout. Can you and your team make use of the Sasquatch’s meager possessions to escape?

SEASONING OF THE WITCH

You find yourself in the cottage with an allyou-can-eat buffet, and you begin to get the sense that you are the main course! Can you escape the witch’s hut before she gets back to make a dinner of “you stew?”

BENEFITS FOR ADULTS

Escape rooms provide an exciting and intellectually stimulating experience for adults as well. These challenges serve as a break from daily routines, allowing adults to engage in a fun and immersive activity that stimulates their problem-solving skills and keeps their minds sharp. Escape rooms can be an excellent stress reliever too, and the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when successfully completing a challenging puzzle is quite the rush. When you participate with friends, colleagues, or family members, escape rooms can provide an outstanding opportunity for bonding and team building.

The Boerne Escape room has been open for just over a year and evolved to become a thrilling and educational activity for kids and adults alike. With a wide range of themes and difficulty levels, this out-of-the-ordinary experience provides an engaging environment for people of all ages to come together, solve mysteries, and create lasting memories. So, gather your friends, family, or colleagues and see if you have what it takes to survive the Boerne Escape Room.

BENEFITS FOR KIDS

Escape rooms encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills as kids decipher clues, connect dots, and unravel mysteries. These challenges promote logical reasoning and analytical thinking, honing their cognitive abilities. Additionally, escape rooms foster teamwork and collaboration as kids work together, delegating tasks, sharing information, and coordinating efforts to achieve a common goal.

ARTICLE BY BLAKE GROSSMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL GERTSON

Pet Heaven

RED CREST PET SHOP IS AN ANIMAL INSTITUTION

On North Main Street lies a cherished haven for pet lovers. Red Crest Pet Shop is a locally owned pet store that has become an essential part of our town's fabric since it opened in 1985. With a passion for all animals and a commitment to providing quality care, the shop has earned a well-deserved reputation as a go-to destination for pet owners. And when you step inside, there is no surprise as to why Red Crest has been open for business every single day for the past 20 years.

As soon as you step through the door, you're often greeted by one of their mascot Great Pyrenees. Named “Badger,” “Lily,” and “Persephone,” you can find any of these massive white dogs throughout the store. The shop is also home to a small female tabby cat named “Tailspin.” The story is that she was hit by a car in front of the shop and lost half her tail, so she may be harder to spot if she’s feeling shy.

The shop's cozy layout makes it a joy to browse the wide array of pet supplies and accessories. At Red Crest, pet owners can find everything they need to keep their beloved companions happy and healthy. The shop offers an extensive selection of high-quality pet products, including premium dog and cat food, aquarium fish (salt and freshwater), small mammals, and even a variety of reptiles

and amphibians. The knowledgeable staff is always on hand to provide guidance and recommendations, ensuring that every pet owner finds the perfect items for their furry — or scaly — friends.

When it comes to the sale of an animal, the staff is able to help ensure your pet thrives. Red Crest takes a lot of pride in providing the best care possible for their pets because oftentimes these animals were raised in the shop. From rodents to snakes to lizards and fish, each pet has its own needs and requirements and Red Crest has everything you need to get started. Whether that be a full setup for your new pet or another round of feed, Red Crest always recommends replicating an animal's wild environment as closely as possible. This way your pet will always feel at home and maintain ideal health. It can be very easy to become overwhelmed when researching pet care on the internet, so staff members do their best to make suggestions or recommendations based on their own personal experiences.

Pro tip: Don't forget about enrichment! Most little critters will be spending their time in a cage, so it is very important to keep them entertained. That’s where Red Crest has you covered. If you are looking for a specific item or animal, they will do their best to special CONTINUED >

order it for you or help you find something comparable. The shop also provides a wide variety of toys and treats for small animals such as hamsters, gerbils, rabbits, guinea pigs, and even birds. As far as enrichment for your scaly pets, Red Crest offers a wide range of feeder insects and rodents and a variety of cage decor. For fish, enrichment gets tricky, and that is an instance where it is important to have well-informed staff. Employees at Red Crest are all very knowledgeable on how to set up a fish tank for success by suggesting what fish species go together and providing a wide selection of aquatic plants, ornaments, and proper fish diets.

One of Red Crest's standout qualities is the level of expertise and support offered to customers. The staff members are knowledgeable and passionate about animals, readily sharing their wisdom to help you make

informed and ethical decisions. Whether it's choosing the right diet for your critter or purchasing a new pet, Red Crest provides personalized advice and reliable solutions. The staff takes pride in delivering exceptional customer service. They are readily available to address inquiries, provide recommendations, and offer ongoing support for pet owners. Red Crest's commitment to excellent customer service sets them apart as a trusted and reliable resource for our community.

Red Crest has become an integral part of our community's pet-loving culture, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere, a wide range of pet products, expert guidance, and pet well-being. With their unparalleled customer service, Red Crest has remained a cherished local pet shop for almost four decades. And if “Lily,” “Badger,” “Persephone,” and “Tailspin” have anything to say about it, Red Crest will keep it up for decades to come.

ADDRESS

319 N. Main St. Boerne, Texas 78006

PHONE NUMBER

830-249-3191

HOURS

Monday-Friday: 9am-6pm

Saturday: 9am-5pm

Sunday: 11am-2pm

redcrestpetshop.com

RED CREST PET SHOP

Backyard Chickens

Chickens have become increasingly popular as pets in both suburban and urban areas during the last 20 years. Backyard chickens may seem to be an unsuspecting animal to keep as a pet but the tried and true egg producers are back in fashion as food costs are soaring and families are looking for more food independence in light of recent supply chain shortages.

There’s a lot to like about raising chickens in your backyard. Surprisingly, chickens are relatively low maintenance. And bonus – unlike dogs, they don’t need to be bathed or groomed, and they don’t shed on your clothes or require training. Could backyard chickens be the perfect pet/producer to add to your home?

Things To Consider Before Getting Chickens:

First, check local town ordinances to ensure that keeping chickens is even allowed in your neighborhood or if there is a limit to the number of chickens you can keep at once.

Make sure you have the space for a henhouse or a full-size chicken coop. It has to hold a feeder and water containers, a roosting area, and a nest box for every three hens. A proper coop should be large enough that you can stand in it to gather eggs and shovel manure comfortably, but a simple hen house can be quite a bit smaller. Plus, any housing must be sturdy enough to keep your chickens safe from all the predators out there. Gorgeous coops are aplenty on places like Pinterest if you’re building your own, but many pre-made options are available through various farm supply stores as well.

Chickens need food and water daily. Feed is about $20 per 50-pound bag, but prices vary depending on your location and the quality of the feed. How long a bag lasts depends on the number of chickens you have.

Hens will lay eggs through Spring and Summer and into the Fall, as long as they have 12 to 14 hours of daylight. Expect to collect eggs daily, or even twice a day.

Everything you need to get started on your backyard coop.

Semaglutide is a groundbreaking peptide that not only helps people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels, but also aids in weight loss.

This injectable medication works by mimicking the effects of a hormone called GLP-1, which helps to regulate appetite and promote feelings of fullness. Studies have shown that semaglutide can lead to significant weight loss in individuals who are overweight or obese.

It has also been shown to be protective of the cardiovascular system as well as beneficial effects on renal function

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

AUGUST 2ND

Bookshop Under the Windmill

PATRICK HEATH PUBLIC

LIBRARY | 10:00 AM

Find your family’s favorites under the windmill! Take advantage of great prices on books and DVDs at the library’s Bookshop Under the Windmill. It’s open every Wednesday through Saturday from 10am to 2pm. All proceeds benefit the Patrick Heath Public Library and help support the outstanding services it brings to our community.

AUGUST 5TH

Moondance Outdoor

Concerts: Bobby Marquez

CIBOLO NATURE CENTER | 7:00 PM

IV Therapy

Bobby Marquez brings his heartfelt and playful tunes under the trees in this month’s Moondance Outdoor Concert. The Texas native will help you honky-tonk the summer night away at the Cibolo Nature Center with his signature sound that’s fun for the whole family. Doors open at 7pm and the music starts at 7:30pm. Go to  cibolo. org/calendar/moondanceaugust2023 for details.

AUGUST 12TH

Boerne Market Days

MAIN PLAZA | 10:00 AM

Local movers and makers take over Main Plaza for Boerne Market Days. You can find great artists, craftspeople, and vendors showcasing their talents and creations in the heart of the city’s historic downtown. Some of Texas’ best music will also serenade you as you shop on Saturday or Sunday. Visit boernemarketdays.com for more.

Reliable

Reliability and peace

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Be prepared when the grid is not. Contact us today.

AUGUST 17TH

Men’s Night at Free Roam Brewery

FREE ROAM BREWERY, 325 S. MAIN ST. | 6:00 PM

Get the guys together for brews, eats, and inspiration! Each month, Free Roam Brewery hosts a “guys’ night” for gentlemen ages 13 and up. This month’s speaker is leadership guru David Cottrell, who draws on the lessons he learned over decades at companies like Xerox and FedEx and shares his insight into how you can be a great leader.

AUGUST 19TH

Old Jail Museum Tours

OLD JAIL MUSEUM | 10:00 AM

Step back into local history at the Kendall County Historic Jail. Built in 1887, the building served as the county jail for a hundred years. Now that it’s been beautifully restored, you can get a glimpse into the history of our city like never before. Tours are offered every Saturday, and you can learn more at thejail.org .

AUGUST 26TH

Mushroom

Cultivation Workshop

HERFF FARM | 10:00 AM

Do you vroom for shrooms? Go fluffles for truffles? Are you an all-around fungi? Learn all the dirty details of your favorite edible fungus at Herff Farm’s mushroom cultivation workshop, including how to grow them yourself at home. Registration is required, and you can learn more at  cibolo.org/ mushroomaug2023. Just hope you’re not spored of mushroom puns!