September 2009
Steve ssick CUSTOM
HOMES
Winning Team Takes GSABA Summit Awards for Second Year It’s been a busy year for local Interior Custom Designer Catrina Hoelke and Custom Home Builder Steve Essick. Their artistic designs captured the eye of judges once again taking home the prestigious Summit Award for 2009 Best Product Custom Design $751,000 - $1,000,000 and 2009 Best Interior Custom Feature Design Treatment. Rich colors and elegant features that helped to capture the Tuscan feel that Catrina and Steve were striving to achieve. The home selected for this year’s top awards is on the market and available for viewing, located at 28245 Equestrian, Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas 78006. Interested buyers or those seeking the award wining custom home building services can contact Essick Enterprises for more information. Design lovers can find everything from elegant ranch, authentic Tuscany to Old World all with custom designs at Catrina’s at the Ranch. Please visit Catrina’s at the Ranch to customize your dream.
Essick Enterprises •
[email protected] • 210-710-0988 • www.essickhomes.com Catrina’s at the Ranch • 830-755-6355 • www.catrinasattheranch.com
september E xplore what's inside this issue.
From the Publisher Dearest EXPLORE reader… I had a most frightening meeting the other day and thought I’d share. I have a financial advisor. The entire notion of a financial advisor cracks me up, as I’m sure she gets a real kick out of “advising” me on where to move my pennies and quarters. I’m sure she has clients that need information on moving millions of dollars around, but sure enough, there I am, intently making notes on where to move this $5, that $20, and so on. Nevertheless, she’s good, and I appreciate it. However, last week, she asked me about retirement. I’m 33. I’ve been out of college about 8 years. I’ve started and stopped a couple of careers, practically been bankrupt once, and have two kiddos with a third on the way. Retirement is the LAST thing on my radar right now. She asked me “When do you want to retire?” Like everyone, early-retirement sounds nice. I dig my job, but the thought of traveling the country sounds nicer. So I said, “55”. No sooner than I said it, I realized that’s practically………………tomorrow. I’m sure that all of you guys in your 50s, 60s, and 70s will laugh at me, but that moment of realization about just how short this life can be is a pretty freaky moment. I feel like I’ve just begun my walk of life, and yet at the same time, I just realized how short that journey can be. In 15 measly years I’ll be 48. 15 years ago I was in college. That seems like yesterday. While I may not meet my retirement goal, larger issues loom. Can I get everything done that I want to do? I’m not trying to be disrespectful and say that I can’t accomplish anything when I’m 55 (my parents are 60 and would beat me senseless) but if my goal is to end my career at 55, will I have conquered the world? I read about some 25 year old that hit it rich with some start up company and made $50 million, while most 25 year olds are making $10/hour trying to get their foot in the door of a monster corporate entity. So then it comes back to the question – what’s the goal? Millions for retirement, or a content and comfortable life? Or both? God tells us in the Bible that “your life is but a vapor”. I hate that verse, cause it’s scary as hell. A vapor. It’s barely even happening before it’s over. Eek. Man’s mortality is always a scary subject, and it’s a bit humorous that such a mundane question kicked off the whole internal dialogue with myself, but the gravity of the situation is one worth considering. So I return to the question – what’s my goal? I think my answer is somewhere in the middle: “The best I can do”. Maybe I retire at 55, and maybe I’m working my fingers to the bone at 70. Maybe I become a millionaire several times over, and maybe I’m standing by the mailbox waiting on my social security check each month. Maybe my business grows, and becomes a worldwide sensation, and maybe it “vaporizes” next year. I think that the best I can hope for, the best that we all can hope for, is to simply live as well as we can, in the best way possible. So here I sit at 33 years of age, and I feel like I can see already see the finish line. Life is a very short and valuable commodity, and one that is to be enjoyed. I don’t really fear death…I fear regret. And I suppose the greatest thing I can accumulate besides money would be belly laughs, hugs from kids, and the respect of my wife. If I’ve acquired all that, then I suppose I’ll die a happy man regardless of if I’m rich or poor. It’s September, and I hope that as the seasons change (thankfully getting us out of this heat!), you take some time to inventory the many riches you have. Read a good book, immerse yourself in your family, and laugh like a child. I hope that you enjoy YOUR journey. And always enjoy your EXPLORE.
6: calendar of events 10: music
Rockin' Riffs in Welfare by Jeanna Goodrich
13: art & culture
Fotoseptiembre by Jeanna Goodrich
16: fashion
Sparkles & Spurs by Jeanna Goodrich
22: dining
The Creek by Chris Jenkins
26: history
Drought2 by Marjorie Hagy
29: spiritual
He Made Us by Kendall Aaron
30: outdoors
Hill Country Outdoors – Dove Hunting
by Steve Ramirez
Smiling,
Benjamin D. Schooley
[email protected] PS – Abraham Lincoln once said, “And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Smart guy, that Abe.
Publisher Benjamin D. Schooley –
[email protected]
Goodness
GO !
associate Publisher Jeanna Goodrich –
[email protected] Creative Director Laura Kaples –
[email protected] OPERATIONS MANAGER Alison Turner –
[email protected]
“Our friends at the Dodging Duck sent us this image the other day and we couldn’t help but laugh. The entire staff took their copies of EXPLORE and had some fun. Thanks to Keith and the staff of the Dodging Duck for brightening our day.” Laura Kaples, Creative Director…..
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advertising sales 210-507-5250 or
[email protected] EXPLORE magazine is published by Schooley Media Ventures in Boerne, Tx. EXPLORE Magazine and Schooley Media Ventures are not responsible for any inaccuracies, erroneous information, or typographical errors contained in this publication submitted by advertisers. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of EXPLORE and/or Schooley Media Ventures. Copyright 2009 Schooley Media Ventures, 113 S. Plant, Suite F, Boerne, TX 78006
EXPLORE it! The REAL Kendall County.
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out & about in september fun in t he gre at t e xas hill count ry
The most comprehensive events calendar you'll find anywhere. send submissions to
[email protected]
September 4 FREDERICKSBURG: First Friday Art Walk. Ten local fine art galleries remain open to 8 pm so that visitors have time to visit the various events and exhibits planned at each gallery throughout the day. For more info. please call (830) 997-6523, (888) 997-3600, or stop by the Visitor Information Center at 302 E. Austin St. to pick up a list of participating galleries. GRUENE: Chris Knight. Begins at 8 pm. Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road. For more information please call (830) 629-5077. September 4 – 6 BOERNE: Kendall County Fair, Parade & Rodeo. Includes live music, queen contest, dance, food and more. Kendall County Fairgrounds. For more information please call (210) 834-1282 or visit the website at www.kcfa.org. September 5 – 6 GRUENE: Charlie Robison in concert. Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road. For more information please call (830) 629-5077 or visit the website at www.gruenehall.com. September 10 – 13, 17 – 20, 24 – 26 KERRVILLE: Schoolhouse Rock Live! – A Playhouse 2000 Production. The Emmy Award winning Saturday morning cartoon series is turned into an energetic, educational musical. Cailloux Theater, 910 Main St. For more information please call (830) 896-9393 or visit the website at www.caillouxtheater.com. September 12 BOERNE: Songs & Stories Concert. One Minute to Midnight Band performs. Begins at 8:30 pm. Bring Chairs and a picnic. Cibilo Nature Center’s Outdoor Stage. For more info. please call (830) 249-4616 or visit the website at www.cibolo.org. BOERNE: Rainwater Harvest Workshop & Fall Grasses Workshop. Begins at 9 am. Cibolo Nature Center, 140 City Park Road. For more information please call (830) 249-4616 or visit the website at www.cibolo.org. BOERNE: 2nd Saturday Art & Wine. Enjoy complimentary wine and hors d’oeurvres as you make the tour around town. 5 – 8 pm. Great food, drink, shopping and the natural beauty of the Hill Country. Park your car and take advantage of our free trolley service! Trolley courtesy of the “Blue Goose” from Tapatio Springs and The Creek Restaurants Red & Green Vintage Bus. For more information please visit the website at www.secondsaturdayboerne.com. BOERNE: Cliff Eberhartdt singer/songwriter from New York City. 7 pm. Alamo Fiesta RV Resort. For more info. please email
[email protected], or visit www.houseconcertshillcountry.com. September 12 - 13 BOERNE: Boerne Market Days. Take beautiful smalltown surroundings, dozens of vendors from all over Texas, arts & crafts, antiques, collectibles, unusual items & great food & you have Market Days! Main Plaza. For more information please call David at (830) 249-5530 or (210) 844-8193, or visit the website at www.mainstreetinboerne.com. September 12, 19, 26 BANDERA: Cowboys on Main. Features a cowboy display in front of the Bandera County Courthouse and strolling Western entertainers on Main Street. Sponsored by the Frontier Times Museum Living History Project. 1 – 4 pm. Main Street. For more information please call (800) 364-3833 or visit the website at www.frontiertimesmuseum.com.
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September 17 NEW BRAUNFELS: New Odyssey. Three talented musicians perform on 30 different instruments. Features dynamic musical arrangements from Beethoven to the ‘40s, from the Swing Era to ‘80s and ‘90s top 40, including comedy, musical novelty and more. 7:30 am – 9:30 pm. 290 W. San Antonio. For more information please call (830) 627-0808 or visit the website at www.brauntex.org. September 18 – 19 BANDERA: True to Texas Brisket Cook-Off. Sanctioned by the Central Texas Barbecue Association. Includes three meat categories: chicken, pork ribs and brisket. Texas Rose Realty. For more information please call (830) 460-7250 or email
[email protected]. September 18 – 20 FREDERICKSBURG: Trade Days. Shop more than 350 vendors in six barns, acres of antiques, biergarten, live music and more. Hwy. 290 E., across from Wildseed Farms. For more info. please call (210) 846-4094 or email
[email protected]. September 19 BOERNE: Science in Nature Workshop. Begins at 10 am. Cibolo Nature Center Pavilion and Park, 140 City Park Road. For more information please call (830) 249-4616 or visit the website at www.cibolo.org. September 19 – 20 GRUENE: Old Gruene Market Days. Nearly 100 vendors offer uniquely crafted items and packaged Texas foods. 10 am to 5 pm. For more info. please call (830) 832-1721 or www.gruenemarketdays.com. September 20 BANDERA: Bandera Music History Hall of Fame Induction. 5 – 7 pm. Kronkosky Library, 515 Main Street. For more info. please call (830) 796-8179 or email
[email protected]. September 24 – 25 KERRVILLE: Silver Stars & Six Guns. Former Texas Rangers fundraiser weekend includes a golf tournament, gala dinner, live entertainment, Texas Ranger memorabilia and more. Inn of the Hills Resort, 1001 Junction Hwy. For more information please call (830) 895-2262. September 24 – October 18 KERRVILLE: Guadalupe Watercolor Group Show & Sale. Kerr Arts & Cultural Center, 228 Earl Garrett. For more information please call (830) 895-2911 or email www.kacckerrville.com September 25 BOERNE: Movie in the Park (Shrek the Third). Join Boerne Parks & Recreation for a FREE Movie in the Park on Main Plaza. Begins at dark. Come out early and enjoy Story Time in the Gazebo with Miss Constance, jump in the Boerne YMCA Moon Bounce and play agility games. Bring the whole family, pack the cooler and set up your lawn chairs for a fun time with the Boerne Community. Big Thanks to Outdoor Movies of Texas for sponsoring the event. For more information please visit the website at www.ci.boerne. tx.us and go to Boerne Parks & Recreation. KERRVILLE: Texas Heritage Living History Weekend. Showcases more than 60 performers and demonstrators, including Native American storytellers and dancers, cowboy poets, humorists, storytellers, Texas singer/ songwriters, chuck wagons, teepees and more. 9 am – 3 pm, Schreiner University, 2100 Memorial
Blvd. For more information please call (830) 792-1945 or visit the website at www.texasheritagemusic.org. September 25 – 27 FREDERICKSBURG: Renewable Energy Roundup & Green Living Fair. Includes exhibits, lectures, demonstrations and family activities on renewable energy, organic growing, green building and alternative fuels. Marketplatz. For more information please call (866) 376-8638, email
[email protected] or visit the website at www.theroundup.org. September 26 BERGHEIM: Bergheim VFD 3rd Annual Fund Raiser. 5 – 9 pm at Anhalt Hall (off Hwy. 46, 6 mi. east of FM 3351 intersection). The event featuresw a barbecue dinner, bake sale, raffle, live & silent auctions. Live entertainment and dancing will be provided by The Lost Mule Band. Bob Webster, host of the KTSA Garden Show will emcee. Admission: $15/person at the door or $12.50/person in advance at O’Brien’s Restaurant or the Bergheim General Store. All proceeds benefit the Bergheim Volunteer Fire Department. For more information please call (830) 336-2590 or visit the website at www.BergheimVFD.org. BLANCO: Blanco Ranch Roundup. Enjoy a day of ranch-style music, entertainment and rodeo. Yett Memorial Park. For more information please call (830) 833-5245. BOERNE: Family Birding Day. The group will check out the Visitor Center bird feeders, look for birds along Cibolo Nature Center trails and talk about the fall migration. 8 – 10 am. Cibolo Nature Center Pavilion, 140 City Park Road. For more information please call (830) 230-5551 or (210) 710-3981 or visit the website at www.cibolo.org. BOERNE: Tour of Yards. See how to landscape with plants that are attractive and well-adapted to the Hill Country’s soil and climate. The homeowner or a local expert will be available at each yard to answer questions. For more information please call (830) 249-4616. FREDERICKSBURG: Roots Music Concert. Features western swing. 6 – 10 pm. Pioneer Museum, 309 W. Main Street. For more information please call (830) 997-2835. KERRVILLE: Kerr Market Day. More than 75 vendors from the Hill Country offer arts & crafts, woodwork items, metalcraft, quilts, toys, native plants and produce, jams and jellies. Kerr County Courthouse Grounds, 700 Main Street. For more information please call (830) 895-7962, email
[email protected] or visit the website at www.kerrmarketdays.org. SPRING BRANCH: Join the San Antonio Opera and the Hill Country Opera League for an evening of rustic charm, great food and exciting opera at the historic Knibbe Ranch in Spring Branch, Texas. Enjoy a catered dinner by Marriott and a special concert by some of our country’s finest operatic talent. Tickets are $85.00 per person and include a cocktail reception, dinner, wine and a complimentary ticket voucher to any opera in the 2009-2010 season. Tickets may be purchased at the Boerne Chamber office. A bus will be leaving The Boerne Wine Center at 5:15 p.m. to the Knibbe Ranch. Tickets for the bus are $10.00 per person. Cocktails at 6 pm, dinner at 7 pm and concert at 8:15 pm.
EXPLORE it! The REAL Kendall County.
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(Behind the Boerne Library)
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Terraces
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Cibolo
Kendall Woods Dental Gentle, Caring, Family Practice Courteous Professional Staff State of the Art Procedures & Techniques
George E. Metz III, DDS • Michael Hoeppner, DDS
830-229-5581
Now accepting appointments for Kevin Beitchman, DDS, MS Orthodontist Other whitening systems don’t compare to the Zoom! Chairside Whitening System. Nothing whitens better or faster.
September 2009
25 FM 3351 South Boerne, Texas 78006
CURRENT SPECIAL:
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A Senior Community
A Seniors Community for Affordable Senior Living Come tour our beautiful community, filled with great amenities including daily coffee, card game room, fitness center, and sparkling pool. Enjoy daily activities or sit back and read a book in our clubhouse. We hope to see you soon!
830-249-1434
www.hillcountryexplore.com
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Brian McLoughlin Agency 430 W. Bandera Rd., #8 Next to H-E-B Boerne, TX 78006 830 249 1221
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Game Room
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