WE INVITE YOU TO FULLY INDULGE IN FINISHING TOUCHES
Finishing Touches Interior Design and Indulge Wine Bar, owned and operated by Texan raised, Kelly Scully, is located right off Highway 46, bringing together the best of both worlds that offers a full service experience.
We specialize in new builds, remodels, and furnishings, ensuring that each client’s vision is brought to life with sophistication and functionality in mind. With a commitment to quality craftsmanship and a flair for luxurious finishes, they elevate residential spaces into bespoke reflections of individual tastes and lifestyle.
Indulge Wine Bar offers a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere where anyone can savor a diverse selection of wines and artisanal beverages. From charcuterie to flavorful small plates, Indulge ensures every palate finds a perfect pairing. With it’s cozy ambiance and photo worthy interior, Indulge invites guests to unwind and socialize.
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On-Site Medical Equipment:
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Always an Adventure
In the Bové household, our days are delightfully hectic, filled with the vibrant energy of both kids and pets. Between our 15-year-old twins, a soonto-be 4-year-old, a crested gecko, a beta fish, a cat, and two Golden Retrievers, life is always an adventure. So, when it came time to craft the August “Kids & Pets” issue, you know it was done with a lot of love and firsthand experience.
The Boerne Lifestyle team had an absolute blast putting together this special edition dedicated to celebrating the wonderful kids in our community and the pets that bring joy to our lives. One of our own furry family members even had a bit of an intervention for some behavioral issues, thanks to the expertise of K9 specialist Mitchell Adcock from XCaliber Dog Training, who truly knows how to bring out the best in our pets (“Good Dog, Happy Dog,” p. 48).
Inside this issue, you'll find feature stories on family-friendly spots like Grapetown Vineyards, perfect for outings both kids and grown-ups will enjoy (“Wild Wines,” p. 42). We're also excited to include pieces on the incredible kid-friendly neighborhood of Esperanza (“Young at Heart, Young at Home,” p. 36), must-have back-to-school products (“Level-Up Stuff,” p. 74), and easy school nutrition tips to keep your children healthy and energized (“Eating Good On-the-Go,” p. 70).
Regardless of your household's makeup, we hope these stories resonate with you. Our community is brimming with inspirational young people, and we are thrilled to highlight a few of them. Budding artist Emma Barraza, running sensation Elizabeth Leachman, and Special Olympic gold medalists Alexa Boehm and Rebecca Stone are just a few of the incredible individuals who remind us of the limitless potential we all possess.
Our kids need our support, encouragement, and belief in them. Let's stand together as a community and watch them soar!
Enjoy the stories and the rest of your summer,
TARA BOVÉ, PUBLISHER
August 2024
PUBLISHER
Tara Bové | tara.bove@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Daniel Gertson | daniel.gertson@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Jessi Edison | jessi.edison@citylifestyle.com
AREA DIRECTOR
Kevin Bové | kevin.bove@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Sophie Winterle | sophie.winterle@citylifestyle.com
INTERN
Malaki Lingg
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Aubrey Matson, Emma Barraza, Rey Lopez, Malaki Lingg, Mitchell Adcock, Maren Wood
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jessi Edison, Paula VM
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
Esperanza: The Community of Hope for You and
Esperanza, Spanish for “hope” and the name of my beloved dog, is the masterfully-planned community you’ve been hoping for. As a proud resident of Esperanza, I can attest to its pet-friendly charm, highlighted by the delightful Rover Oaks Bark Parque. Spanning over 1,700 acres of Hill Country beauty, Esperanza is designed to surprise you around every corner. Located just minutes from downtown Boerne, our community attracts families, empty-nesters, and retirees with artisan-crafted homes and award-winning amenities. Join our Esperanza family, where pet lovers find their perfect haven.
Your Local Esperanza Expert and Resident
Susan Hallmark
BROKER ASSOCIATE
c. 830.688.6194
susan.hallmark@sothebysrealty.com
susanhallmark.com
ROVER OAKS BARK PARQUE IN ESPERANZA
SUSAN AND HOPE
city scene
1: From baguettes to sourdough loaves and scones, local bread makers were a huge hit! 2: Owner of Rosewood Farm, Dondi Persyn, brought local vendors together for La Petite French Market. 3: Local flower vendors had pop-up stations where you could make your own bouquets.
4: The Freebird pop-up shop had the most amazing and beautiful restored goods. 5: Artist Pauley Tamez was painting and selling his beautiful artwork. 6: Fun swag bags and welcome table were there to greet VIP shoppers. 7: Guests and shoppers enjoyed the champagne bar and chocolate fountain!
Records Were Made to Be Broken
The new school year has a lot to live up to on the track. Champion HS’s Elizabeth Leachman took the running world by storm. As a sophomore, Leachman set multiple state and national records and racked up the medals. She even became one of the youngest athletes ever to try out for the U.S. Olympic track team. Watch for more blazing speed from Beth this year!
Photography by University Interscholastic League
Fade to Purple
The Boerne HS Marching Band and Color Guard is still feeling like a “Master of Puppets” after tying for first place in Metallica’s For Whom the Band Tolls Competition last year. Their mashup of Metallica classics earned them a top spot in the “High School - Medium” category and won $15,000 in instruments and equipment. Here’s hoping for another #1 this year!
Raising the Bar
Watch for students to rise to the challenge set by recent Champion HS graduate Nolan Haecker. In May, Haecker became the first student in BISD history to graduate with a diploma—and an Associate’s Degree. He completed his high school career and a liberal arts associate degree from Northwest Vista College. For the class of 2025, it’s “challenge accepted!”
Chasing Championships
Both the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams from Boerne HS are hoping for amazing seasons after finishing with 4A State Silver Medals last year. The boys’ team has a 23-1 record to beat, while the girls went 23-2-3 and head coach Jeremy Shannon was named Coach of the Year by the San Antonio Express-News. We’re cheering them both on toward even better seasons this year!’
Going For Three
Boerne HS art student (and Boerne Lifestyle alumna) Brayden Gardner repeated at the Visual Arts Scholastic Event last year, winning the state’s highest honor of Gold Seal for the second year in a row. Will she make it a three-peat in her senior year? We hope for the best, but we’re proud of her no matter what!
Making the Grade
It’s not just high schoolers (or students) hoping for another amazing year. Van Raub ES Assistant Principal Michael Joannou was named the 2024 National Association of Elementary School Principals National Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year. We’re proud of him (and his entire team), and wish all of our educators the best year yet!
Making Waves
The Coaches and Athletes of Boerne Blaze Are Defying Limits and Making a Splash in Special Olympics
ARTICLE BY REY LOPEZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAULA VM
Talent, dedication, and determination. For over five decades, Special Olympics has provided an incredible platform for athletes with disabilities to showcase their skills. Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded the world's largest athletic organization on July 20, 1968, to create "a new world of inclusion and community, where everyone is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability or disability." And the Boerne Blaze makes that happen right here at home.
Since 2008, Jenny Cashion has been the Head of Delegation for Boerne Blaze, the local Special Olympics chapter. Her vision is equally committed to the parent organization's aspirations and the local athletes' dreams. Cashion explains, "Sports training and competition are vehicles to promote sportsmanship and teamwork, foster confidence and independence, and encourage friendship and pride."
In 2004, Cashion's journey with Special Olympics began when her son, Adam, was involved in sports outside the Blaze. Initially, she was unsure if it would fit him well. “I was resistant to Special Olympics,” she shares, “because Adam was on another swim team, and I wanted to keep him in regular sports." This personal struggle and eventual acceptance of Special Olympics is a testament to the organization's transformative power.
Cashion—a physical therapist by trade—eventually moved Adam to the Blaze and pursued certification in coaching swimming and basketball. The chapter only offered track and bowling when Adam started in 2004. Since then, the group has grown significantly and now supports more than 80 athletes in 11 sports led by 20 coaches. Cashion
credits this growth to the dedication and hard work of the local supporters of Special Olympics.
All 80 Boerne Blaze athletes, including swimmers Alexa Boehm and Rebecca Stone, are living testaments to the transformative power of Special Olympics. Their commitment to the hard work required of their respective sports is a shining example of resilience and determination.
While she has always enjoyed being in a pool, Rebecca Stone started swimming competitively after trying out for the Blaze in 2019. Stone is a natural in aquatics, and she especially appreciates the Boerne Blaze community. "I like to swim and compete for medals,” she says. “I like that the team is one big family."
Assistant coach Kendall Leininger influenced Stone's work ethic and commitment to continually progressing. "My strength is that I always want to improve," Stone explains. "I like to go on YouTube to see how other swimmers do their movements, like the flip turn, so that I can do the same."
Alexa “Lexi” Boehm started swimming when she was thirteen. "I started taking swim lessons, and as I began to learn the butterfly, we realized I could swim pretty fast," the 19-year-old recounts. Like Stone, she is equally enthusiastic about her chosen sport and team. "I like winning races. It's fun to race across the pool and win," she beams. "It's fun seeing my teammates at practice and hanging out at the state meet."
Boehm also shares a tenacious spirit in her swimming. Asked about her strength as a teammate, she responds, "My ability to practice, even when I don't want to. Also, my ability to race at swim meets, even if I have an injury." Like her teammate, Boehm finds inspiration from others, pointing out, "My parents are my role models. They inspire me because they always show me love and help me get to practice and swim meets."
“I started taking swim lessons... as I began to learn, we realized I could swim pretty fast. I like winning races. It’s fun to race across the pool and win.”
—Alexa “Lexi” Boehm
Their diligence and commitment to swimming have resulted in numerous awards for both athletes. Stone has collected gold and silver medals from district and state competitions, the Elizabeth Hernandez Spirit Award in May 2023 (Local Special Olympics), and the Most Inspirational Athlete Award of 2023 (Texas State Special Olympics). In honor of her achievements, Stone served as the Grand Marshal of Boerne’s Christmas Parade in 2023. Boehm's efforts, too, have been recognized. Over the past few years, she’s won 16 gold medals at the regional swim meets and 12 gold medals at the state level. She sees no end to her swimming career anytime soon. "I plan to swim and compete forever since there is no age limit for the Special Olympics," Boehm says. "Also, I plan to work with my parents and some friends and volunteer when I can."
The Boerne Blaze swim team currently practices in an aging, undersized pool, but Cashion is working with the Boerne Aquaplex's Board of Directors to raise funds for an updated facility. All athletes need our support, Cashion emphasizes. "The expectations are just like any other athlete. They work hard. We expect everyone to do their best at their level."
boerneblaze.org | 210-279-0663 | bbso2016@gmail.com
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ON THE FARM AS IN LIFE
BOERNE 4-H & FFA GROW AGRICULTURAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND A FAMILY FOR BOERNE YOUTH
ARTICLE BY AUBREY MATSON
“I showed with my friend Lily, so I named my cow after Lily.”
Seven-year-old Kinslee Boerner will spend her summer differently than many kids her age. The second-grader will show her heifer “Lily” in competitions across the state. Despite her youth, Kinslee is not at all new to the agricultural game. She has been showing animals since she was four. And this month, Kinslee begins showing with Boerne’s chapter of 4-H.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSI EDISON
For the unfamiliar, 4-H is a nationwide organization that lets kids aged eight to 18 learn and develop skills in various arenas—sewing, food and nutrition, agriculture, and more. For Kinslee, that means opportunities to show Lily and connect with other Boerne kids. “It’s a way to get the kids out of their shells and mingle with kids they don’t go to school with,” says Kinslee’s mom, Ashlee.
It’s not Ashlee’s first rodeo either—she showed pigs for ten years, so she knows how good the activity can be. She’s loved watching Kinslee learn independence and responsibility from caring for Lily. Ashlee says her daughter is responsible for the
complete care of her cow and is learning everything about how to care for her animals. “To us, you can tell when a kid has been involved in some kind of ag program,” Ashlee says. “Just kids being involved in that makes them a completely different person.”
One thing Ashlee likes most about Boerne 4-H is the tight-knit community. “Boerne is still small enough where everyone knows someone,” says Ashlee. “You become a family with those people.” When Kinslee is older, she will be able to enter more events, traveling and competing all around Texas. But for right now, Kinslee says her favorite part is “that I get to spend time with my cow.”
“ YOU CAN TELL WHEN A KID HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN SOME KIND OF AG PROGRAM… [IT] MAKES THEM A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT PERSON.”
—Ashlee Boerner
Meanwhile, Kathleen Young is a onestop for all things Boerne FFA-related. This is good because she teaches agricultural science and mechanics at Boerne High School, is the Boerne ISD Barn Manager, and serves as an FFA advisor. If you’re under the impression that FFA only means livestock showing, Young quickly educates you that there’s so much more to get involved with under the FFA umbrella.
“A lot of people are still under the impression that it stands for ‘Future Farmers of America,’” jokes Young. Nowadays, the official name is the “National FFA Organization,” which provides agricultural education and extracurriculars to
middle and high school students. Young explains FFA as a “third circle,” meaning it takes what students learn in the classroom and the lab and provides opportunities to apply it in real-world scenarios. “We take these lessons, and they all roll into what we do as an FFA Chapter,” she says.
If you or your student is in any agricultural class at Boerne High School, you’re automatically enrolled in Boerne FFA—meaning you have access to the numerous competitions and events FFA offers. While students can participate in showing all kinds of livestock, they can also grow in agricultural mechanics competitions (one of Young’s specialties, which includes welding), leadership
development events, agriscience fairs, and much more. “We spend numerous hours on the road with these students,” says Young. “We’re really honing in their skills.”
“In FFA, these kids find themselves,” says Young. She gets excited at the numerous opportunities students can earn from their achievements in FFA. “They get scholarships from this. It prepares them for a career in agriculture if that’s something they’re interested in.” In addition to preparing students for the future, Young revels in the Boerne FFA family spirit and the strong bonds students and mentors form. “We’re always there for them,” she says. “We are 100%, wholeheartedly, in this job for the kids.”
4-H
kendall.agrilife.org/4-h 830-249-9343
Boerne FFA
boerneffa.ffanow.org, boernechampion.ffanow.org
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The Jeweler’s Jeweler
ARTICLE BY MAREN WOOD
Young at Home Young at Heart,
VOTED TEXAS’ “BEST OVERALL COMMUNITY” BY THE TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF BUILDERS, ESPERANZA IS PERFECT FOR KIDS OF EVERY AGE
If your family’s heart is your kids, Esperanza will keep your heart happy. This award-winning community is just a few minutes from downtown Boerne and delivers a surprise around every corner. One of Texas’s premier artfully master-planned communities, Esperanza is thoughtfully conceived and meticulously designed from the moment you make that first turn into the neighborhood.
There’s something for everyone in this community. The development’s 1,700 acres will boast more than 450 acres of dedicated greenspace, over 20 miles of trails, and two lavish private clubs when completed. Homes are within walking distance of a highly-rated Boerne ISD school, and fire and emergency services will be located in the neighborhood itself. Plans include a commercial Town Center and countless recreational amenities. Even the roads are beautiful, with three landscaped boulevards planned for convenient access to and from Highway 46. Thoughtfully taking every lifestyle into consideration, Esperanza has built a community ideal for young families, empty nesters, and retirees alike.
The heart of the neighborhood is Esperanza’s sprawling 11-acre private residents’ Club featuring a resort pool, lazy river, kids’ pool with splash pad, a community room, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The Club is also home to the one-of-a-kind Roca Loca Lawn, a lush green space with unique limestone furniture that hosts a wide variety of events and activities organized by the development’s full-time Lifestyle Coordinator. Residents gather year-round at The Club and on Roca Loca Lawn for seasonal festivities, musical performances, food truck meet-ups, movie nights, fitness activities, friendly community competitions, and so much more.
“I chose Esperanza after selling one of the community’s first homes. Esperanza was different than any other community I was aware of.”
—Susan Hallmark, Resident & Realtor
Just steps from The Club, residents can enjoy an artful tribute to sand volleyball at Roca Loca Beach. In addition to the regulation-sized courts for adults and a neighboring kids’ court, you’ll find handcrafted limestone bleachers surrounding the complex with artistic hand-etched details. And for Esperanza’s four-legged residents, Rover Oaks Bark Parque is just a short stroll away. This Texas-sized puppy park stretches over four acres, giving dogs of all sizes ample room for off-leash exercise and adventure.
And the fun doesn’t stop there. Esperanza’s newest amenity, Roca Loca Forest, is a sustainable nature-based playground offering endless hours of adventurous play featuring large stump climbing stations, old-timey swings, slides, sandboxes, a fort, plenty of trees to climb, and so much more.
Year after year, families of all life stages move into the community, finding their homes in the artisan-crafted houses, exciting amenities, and unparalleled beauty of Esperanza.
myesperanza.com | 601 Esperanza Blvd. | Models open daily
ARTICLE BY MALAKI LINGG PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAULA VM
WILD WINES
Grapetown Vineyards Brings Wine, Wildlife, and Families Together
Everyone loves a good wine pairing, right? Often, that means a selection of cheese or chocolate. But at Grapetown Vineyards, watching pigmy goats goes with your pinot gris. This adventurous Fredericksburg winery stands alone with its blend of wine tasting and wildlife interaction. The vineyard honors the past by cultivating Mustang grapes, and the ranch teems with a diverse array of animals, including everything from livestock to exotics.
This family-owned destination offers a wide range of experiences—both with and without wine—making it an excellent opportunity for families, wine connoisseurs, and animal lovers alike. The staple attraction is the Safari Tasting Tour, which couples a wine tasting with a guided safari tour. A trained guide leads guests through the ranch on a Zebra Tram. During the trip, guests see camels, zebras, alpacas, bison, and iconic Texas Longhorns. For the littles (or anyone else who’s not drinking), the safari is available without the tasting, offering everyone the same up-close-andpersonal wildlife encounter.
If you and your brood want more one-on-one time with the animals, Grapetown features experiences like the “Hop and Sip Kangaroo Adventure,” where guests can taste award-winning wines while interacting with the marsupials. Another popular attraction is the “Alpaca Interaction & Wine Tasting,” where visitors meet the farm’s alpacas while enjoying wine. And there’s the genuinely adorable option called the “Baby Goat Cuddling & Wine Tour,” where guests can spend quality time with Nigerian and African Pygmy goats.
Grapetown Vineyards hosts a “Fredericksburg Grape Stomp” every Saturday afternoon. This interactive event invites the
public to get “feet-on” with the winemaking experience, which always makes for messy, fun photos.
Feel like making a whole trip out of it? Grapetown Vineyard hosts rustic suites in the historic Bankersmith Dance Hall, charming downtown cottages, and even safari tent stays. The rustic suites offer a true farm-life experience, complete with the sounds and smells of the farmyard, while the safari tents provide a glamping experience with modern comfort.
Grapetown Vineyard is also a venue for private events and weddings. Guests can rent the Bankersmith Dance Hall and the tasting room separately or together.
The Pearl Antler is a lot of glamour, some sparkle, a little sass, well maybe a lot of sass, totally outrageous, a spoonful of sophistication, always patriotic, a sprinkle of hippie and of course a dash of darlin’...
Cutest boutique in Boerne! We carry a darling selection of women’s clothing, size inclusive, and kid’s clothing! We have a curated collection of costume and genuine gemstone and sterling jewelry, as well as an endless selection of gifts and must have kick-knacks. Stop by Boerne Hat Shop, a full service Hat Shop featuring Serratelli Hats.
GOOD DOG, HAPPY DOG
One-Step Solutions to Stop Bad Behaviors From the Experts at Xcaliber Dog Training
ARTICLE BY MITCHELL ADCOCK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSI EDISON
1. JUMPING ON YOU OR OTHERS
Your dog craves attention and affection. Fight the urge to push them or say “no,” and ignore them instead. Stop all verbal, physical, and visual interaction with your pup until all four feet are on the ground. Only then do they get the affection they want, and they learn that pats and scratches only come when they are on all fours.
3. POTTYING INDOORS
Dogs will instinctively “go” wherever they’ve learned it’s appropriate to. If your pet has learned wrong, try to catch them in the act and carry them outside. Adjust the method of correction as needed until it becomes meaningful to them. Be firm, but fair! Also, don’t use potty pads—this only reinforces going inside the home.
2. GETTING ON FURNITURE
This is a personal preference, but it can cause conflict with two or more dogs in the home. The tension comes because of “resource guarding”—a protectiveness about anything your dog may consider valuable (it can also apply to food, toys, and people). If this happens, correct it with balanced punishment/reward techniques.
It seems innocent when they’re little, but this behavior can last into adulthood if not addressed early. It can be a very serious issue when an adult dog bites. In the event this happens, the punishment must match the crime. Use a muzzle if necessary to prevent true aggression. If bitten, ensure to remain as neutral as possible to prevent the behavior from gaining further value. If your puppy is teething, give them toys to chew on.
6.
LEASH REACTIVITY ON WALKS
After indoor reactivity has improved, y’all can take it outside! Whether your dog is reactive to people, dogs, or cars, the principles will be the same. When your pup begins to get excited, give them a task.
A “heel” is preferred, but a “sit-stay” works too. Eventually, your dog will anticipate the command and will remain in a calm state of mind.
This is stimulus-induced behavior, so spend time with your dog throughout the day, especially if there are periods when they bark a lot. Comfort them and encourage calm behavior with treats, attention, and affection. If they do bark, deliver a reasonable correction, and try to disrupt the barking as it’s happening. With practice, your dog will learn to remain calm even in exciting situations.
4. BITING OR NIPPING
5. BARKING AT PEOPLE OR CARS
Mitchell and Raegan Adcock have loved dogs for a long time. Mitchell served as a working dog handler and trainer in the U.S. Marine Corps, and Raegan spent years as a Veterinary Technician. At Xcaliber Dog Training, they believe every dog should be able to enjoy off-leash
freedom without their owner having to worry. A welltrained dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog makes a happy owner!
xcaliberk9.com | 863-292-1190
xcaliberdogtraining@gmail.com
OUR BEST FRIENDS
BILLIE JEAN
JEWEL
LOKI
LOUIS & FERGIEMACK
MAPLE & SPOOKIE
COCO, CHLOE, LEWIS, & HARRY
LUNA
PEANUT & HALLIE
COOKIE MONSTER
PECOS FIONA
LILY
OKIE & PETEY
PETEY & OREO
GYPSEY & KELLEY
LET’S CELEBRATE ALL THE ANIMALS THAT MAKE OUR HOMES & COMMUNITY COMPLETE
CADE, PURDY, & COLE
AVALON
ZELDA
MARCO & LILLY
SANDY
SIMEON & TABITHA
MAGGIE & LUCY
RYDER & KASH
TOOTS
EEVEE
TUCKER
THELMA
SUNNY TANK
TUX & ANNABELLA
Lost & Found
A Young Artist’s Journey Toward Pursuing Her Passion & Following Her Dreams
The young artist discovered she wanted to be an artist at an early age. She had always enjoyed drawing and coloring for as long as she could remember. But then, an elementary art teacher recognized her talent and encouraged her to enter an art contest at her school. Excited by the opportunity, she had no idea it would change her life.
The young artist remembers the exhilaration as she rushed home to create her first masterpiece. Staring at a blank page, she thought about what to draw. Then, as her crayon met the paper, a vibrant creative spark surged through her. With a vivid imagination and a heart full of creativity, her first art piece came into being.
ARTICLE BY EMMA BARRAZA
While the young artist was so proud of her work, she entered the art contest only to face her very first loss. Although disappointed, she didn't lose hope and gave her all to every competition. With each passing year and full sketch pad or finished canvas, her art skills continued to improve. But as she repeatedly faced the same results of not placing first, second, or third, the young artist could feel her creative spark fading away.
As a senior in high school, the young artist hesitated to enter what would be her final competition. When she realized she had nothing left to lose, she decided to send the last embers of her creativity off in a blaze of glory. Soon, her final art piece was done.
It was as if time stood still when the judge walked up to the young artist and paused, holding a blue first-place ribbon. Overcome with excitement, she closed her eyes and prepared for the moment she had always dreamed of. But the moment lasted too long, and as she opened her eyes, she stared in disbelief as the judge left her behind.
The young artist started for home, holding her final art piece whose colors seemed to have faded into disappointment. As she passed a garbage can, she stopped. Through all her emotions, she looked at her piece that didn’t seem to matter anymore and, with frustration, threw it away. As she looked back one last time, she felt her creative spark completely go out.
Years passed, and the older woman decided to visit an art museum. She strolled through the galleries, admiring the many beautiful pieces on display, and her thoughts returned to her past passion for art and the creative spark that had faded. Lost in her daydream, she noticed a large crowd marveling at a specific piece.
In a mix of shock and wonder, the woman realized that the piece everyone was thrilled about was hers. Somehow, her last art piece from her last art contest had been preserved and celebrated. As she stood there amongst the crowd, she was flooded with emotions—but especially pride and joy. The memories of herself as a younger artist filled her heart and reignited the colorful, creative spark within.
Now, the grown-up artist perseveres with each stroke of her brush and with each piece she brings to life. She finally grasps the truth that all the losses she faced do not define her as a person or as an artist. So she creates not for praise, but for herself and to encourage others to hold onto their passions too. She paints knowing that the artist she had always aspired to be was never lost and that her creative spark was there to be found all along.
Emma Barraza is an artist at Boerne Champion High School with a passion for art and animation. Her art has been featured at the Boerne Library and advanced to the State VASE contest.
The inspiration for Emma’s film “Lost and Found” was based on her own personal story. As a young artist, she has realized that the outcomes of the art contests she enters do not define who she is as a person or an artist. Her animation was meant to convey the message of perseverance, and she hopes that others will connect to it. And although the story is about losing, "Lost & Found" earned Emma a First Place in her category, and she is now a State Champion with the UIL Youth Film Festival.
Watch “Lost & Found” at: youtube.com/@EmmaB_Artworks Instagram: @emmab_artworks
“Beyond
At Ambleside...
Every day, your child will calculate, solve, attend, explore, ponder, recite, serve, create and sing.
At the end of the day, we return your child back to you with a full mind and a full heart.
In our classrooms, we will love your child and value him as a person created in the image of God.
We will inspire her by exposing her to the good, true and beautiful through our rich and rigorous curriculum.
We will hold him to a high standard as he learns to work hard and to delight in struggle.
We will help her to form the habits of mind and body necessary for success in life.
We will assign work that is challenging and worthy; work to be proud of.
Steven G. Herrera L.P.O.
“We want to know kids, encourage kids, and walk them into what it looks like to live life to the fullest!”
Life to the Fullest
Young Life Offers Friendship, Fulfillment, & Adventure to Boerne Teens
For more than 80 years, Young Life has been helping teens live fully and freely, and the club in Boerne brings that vision to local kids. With a new school year about to begin, we talked with Courtney Garrison, the director of Strategic Development, about their work and the positive impact they make at our schools and our entire community.
[Responses edited for length and clarity]
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF YOUNG LIFE?
We are all born with a core desire to have purpose and to be known, loved, and valued. [As a Christian organization], we want to love people right where they are—in their disappointments and their celebrations, on the best days of their lives and the darkest. We believe the hope and truth of Jesus transform lives, schools, communities, and all of mankind.
HOW DO YOU PUT THAT PURPOSE INTO ACTION?
We have trained staff and volunteers who go wherever the students are—school lunches, games, practices, plays, concerts, etc.—to build relationships with them
because we believe they are incredibly valuable to God. You may find our leaders in student sections at games, at coffee or lunch hangs, doing Bible studies, laughing hard with kids, and seeking adventure together.
WHAT CAN A STUDENT EXPECT WHEN THEY SHOW UP TO A YOUNG LIFE EVENT?
They should expect to be valued and known. They will experience lots of fun and adventure with friends and their Young Life leader, a leader who wants to know them, loves them right where they are, knows their names, and wants to know their stories.
TELL US ABOUT THE POSITIVE IMPACT YOU SEE IN OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH YOUNG LIFE.
When kids have a strong faith journey, it changes everything—the kind of spouse, parent, business owner, and employee that they are. When a kid gets connected to the source of life, everything becomes filled with hope and purpose.
boerne.younglife.org boerneyounglife@gmail.com
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Eating Good On-the-Go
School’s Here, and Your Schedule Won’t Stop. Here Are Ideas to Help Your Kids’ Nutrition Keep Up.
ARTICLE BY SARAH TREAT & DANIEL GERTSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSI EDISON
We all know how hard it can be to get kids to eat well. And the crazy, busy whirlwind of the back-to-school rush can make it all feel impossible. We teamed up with Sarah Treat, a nutritionist and owner of Local Health Market, to bring you some quick, simple meals that will keep your family healthy and running smoothly this school year.
DIY “Lunchables”
• Nut-thin Cheddar Cheese Crackers
• Muenster cheese, cut into pieces
• HEB Organics ham or turkey
• Grapes or berries
• Cucumbers with ranch dressing
This super-simple meal will take you back, and your littles will love it. There’s no cooking required, and you can tailor the meal to each child’s preferences and tastes. It’s basically customized charcuterie for the kids!
Taco Bowl Hot Lunch
• HEB 90% lean grass-fed beef, cooked and drained
• White rice, cooked
• 1 packet Siete taco seasoning
• 1 ounce shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
This hot lunch idea is great for middle and high schoolers. Cook the rice and the ground beef, flavored with the Siete taco seasoning. When you’re ready to pack a lunch, put rice in a reusable, sealable bowl, add beef, and top with shredded cheese. When lunchtime comes, have your kid heat up the bowl for 1:30, and it’s good to go!
OTG Caesar Salad
• 1-2 cups of romaine lettuce
• 3-4 ounces of shredded chicken breast
• 1-2 ounces parmesan cheese
• Primal Kitchen Caesar salad dressing
The salad bowl is making a comeback, and it’s easy to understand why. Just pop the lettuce, cooked chicken, and parmesan cheese in a bowl. You can add the dressing right away, or take it on the side. When you’re ready to eat, shake it all together and enjoy.
LEARN MORE: Sarah Treat, MS CCN, is a holistic nutritionist and owner of Local Health Market. Exercise has always been important to her, but poor nutrition growing up led to health conditions that fueled her desire to help herself and others. Today, she has a master’s degree in Nutrition Science and is a certified clinical nutritionist.
SARAHTREATNUTRITION.COM | LOCALHEALTHMARKET.COM
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LEVEL-UP STUFF
ARTICLE BY BOERNE LIFESTYLE
THE ESSENTIAL GEAR TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL THIS YEAR
Now that you’ve finally gotten your family’s summer routine under control, guess what? It’s time to go back to school! Yay… While you’re shopping for crayons and wide-rule, school life is getting more techy and gadgety than ever. But never fear! We’ve got a round-up of the must-have gear that will help set your student up for success. And—most importantly—keep them looking and feeling cool crushing it.
JLAB JBUDDIES PRO WIRED OVER-EAR KIDS HEADPHONES
Keep your elementary student organized and focused with this large-capacity pencil case with a fidget pop cover. Available in three colors/styles. just-zipit.com
The Cloud FoamTM cushions make them comfortable, the volume regulator makes them safe, and the style makes them cool. jlab.com
BENTGO MODERN LUNCH BOX
This box is perfect for any school lunch. It’s configurable for three or four compartments, and the removable interior is dishwasher and microwave-safe. Five colors can fit any aesthetic. bentgo.com
FOUR CANDIES MECHANICAL PENCIL SET
So your middle schooler wants to write in style? This set is available with .5, .7, and .9mm size options, lead, and erasers to match. Find it on amazon.com .
KICKSBYSAMMY LAPTOP SLEEVE
Maybe if they like the cover, your student will actually try to protect their laptop? It’s worth a shot with these super-customizable, super-fire cases. kicksbysammy.com
JANSPORT BIG STUDENT BACKPACK
Let’s assume you don’t still have the JanSport you used in your high school days. Too bad, because they’re cool again. Today’s version offers a lot of space in a retro style you—and your high schooler—will love. jansport.com
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• Friendly, caring staff
AUGUST 3RD
Parents' Night Out
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
Boerne Family YMCA, 820 Adler Rd. | 4:30 PM
Parents, are you ready for an evening without the kids? Drop off the kids at the Y for a fun-filled evening. Kids come ready to make friends, play games, and do an art project! Sign up at the Welcome Center or online today. The cost is $17.50 per child, and kids ages 12 months to 11 years are welcome.
AUGUST 5TH
Hello Kitty Tea Party
265 N. Main St., Ste. C | 10:00 AM
Join Gina Marie at her art studio on North Main for a Hello Kitty Tea Party. Make sure you bring a lovey! Ages 5 and up can attend this summer day camp from 10am-3pm. The cost is $85 and can be reserved online. Space is limited so make sure to secure your spot today!
AUGUST 10TH
Volunteer Day at Herff Farm
33 Herff Rd. | 10:00 AM
On the second Saturday of every month from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., come to the Teaching Garden at the Herff Farm to volunteer. Tasks range from mulching, to painting, to chicken tending, to harvesting vegetables and pruning plants. You will be provided with gloves and safety goggles, as well as training and supervision when needed. Free for all ages!
WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO WAKE UP EVERY DAY FEELING HAPPY AND HEALTHY?
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ONE ON ONE HEALTH COACHING
Visit with Dr. Verbeke in person to work through your wellness habits. These sessions focus on communication regarding lifestyle, mindfulness, and daily choices. Understand your mind and body and make changes to get to your healthiest self.
INJECTIONS
Ensure your body has the nutrients it needs with D3, B12, and B-Complex injectables. Peptide injections work to support weight management, gut health, improved immune system, and every day performance.
events
CONTINUED
AUGUST 17TH
Storytime with Ms. Constance
33 Herff Rd. | 10:30 AM
Join us in the historic Herff House for storytime with our beloved local librarian, Ms. Constance from the Patrick Heath Public Library. Swing by on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. during the Cibolo Farmers Market at Herff Farm. The story will be Smokey the Bear.
AUGUST 17TH
Moondance Outdoor Concert
140 City Park Rd. | 7:30 PM
Come join us for a marvelous night of live music, dancing, stories and celebration at The Cibolo Nature Center under the oaks and stars. Tickets are $15 and will be available for purchase at the door.
AUGUST 21ST
Summer Concert Series Love & Chaos
Free Roam Brewing Company, 325 S. Main St. | 7:00 PM
Come see Love & Chaos perform at Free Roam Brewing Company! Grab your friends, family and an ice cold pint and catch the group voted the best new group by Texas Country Music & Radio. Free admission for all ages.
Getting Physical & Having Fun
All Ages and Needs Can Move Their Bodies at These Sensory Gyms and Adaptive Programs In Boerne
You work out to feel your best, and your kids can too. Here are three places where any child can have fun and flourish.
Connections Therapy | connectionstherapytx.com
Boasting a full-scale sensory gym, Connections Therapy fosters family bonding in an inclusive environment. The practice offers pediatric therapy, open gym hours, classes, and special events for children to explore, develop, and play.
The Little Gym | thelittlegym.com/texas-boerne
Here, you’ll find gymnastics and educational programs for children from four months to twelve years old. These programs bolster kids’ social and emotional development through imaginative play and exercise.
Hill Country CrossFit | hccfit.com
This box combines inclusivity and exercise with its Adaptive CrossFit program. Classes are led by a CrossFit coach who’s a board-certified Behavior Analyst, and they’re designed especially for people of all ages with neurological, developmental, and intellectual needs.
ARTICLE BY MALAKI LINGG
The Little Gym
