1

August 2015

Hello August!! It seems that I blinked and June and July both just snuck r ight past me!

Thanks to all who attended the Red, White and Pool Party on July 4th. It was a really FUN day with a record attendance. I met a lot of new neighbors and thought this might be a good opportunity to provide a little information about the Cordillera Ranch Ladies’ Social Club that sponsors these fun events.

This group was formed when the neighborhood was new in an effort to provide activities for families, adults and children within the gates of Cordillera. The number and variety of interest groups has increased as our neighborhood has grown.

Activities of the Social Club are open to all residents and although we do hold some of the functions at the Clubs of Cordillera Ranch, you do not have to be a club member to attend. These are two different entities and sometimes the lines do get blurred.

This newsletter and the Cordillera Ranch Directory are produced by VOLUNTEERS and are totally funded by the Social Club. These and all of our activities are funded by ad revenue from the newsletter. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated and talented group of women who help provide all of these services for our neighbors. If you ever wish to donate your time and talents, please contact me.

Speaking of donations and that old “Kill 2 birds with 1 stone”, our Annual Back to School Snow Cones in the Park will be held on Tuesday, August 18th, 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the Cordillera Trace Park Pavilion.

Also at that same time, in the overflow parking lot that you enter off of Park Ridge, there will be a Hill Country Family Services Clothing Drive. They are seeking not only back to school clothes for children but items for all members of the family. Things that could be worn for job interviews, to work, or just gently used clothing that could benefit others.

There will be a donation truck and attendants to help get the items out of your car. How easy is that??

See you ‘round the ranch -

Snow Cone Party & Clothing Drive

The snow cone truck is coming

back to Cordillera Ranch as a

special treat for all residents!

We are also having a clothing

drive for Hill Country Family

Services! COME JOIN US.

Tuesday, August 18th 3-5

Cordillera Trace Park

A NOTE FROM THE CORDILLERA SOCIAL BOARD PRESIDENT

Cindy Taylor

2

Find Your Group Book Club 15

Bergheim VFD 14

Bridge Club Sept.

Calendar 19

Cooking Club 15

Coordinator’s List 18

CWGA 16

Couples Bridge 4

Dinner Club Sept.

Dinner Theater 8

Ladies Bible Study 4

Mah-Jongg 16

Men’s Bible Study 9

Men’s Group 14

Nature Club Sept.

Nature Corner 11

Petal Pushers 15

Potluck Movie Group Sept.

Progressive Dinner Sept.

Shanghai 16

Sit-N-Stitch 8

Women’s Faith & 10

Fellowship

Wine Club 4

Welcome New Neighbors! Are you new to the Ranch? The Ladies Social Board would like to extend a special welcome to you. Please contact Carol Holt at cholt50@aol.com to arrange a time for us to deliver your directory and a small gift. WELCOME TO THE RANCH!

Cordillera Directories

The Ladies Social Club works hard to create the Cordillera Directory. This is completely a voluntary effort, with no money from the POA. We provide one printed directory to each resident. If you need additional directory copies, binders or inserts, they are available for purchase. Please contact Barbara Parker at bparker@gvtc.com. Directory updates will be available via email.

New Newsletter Editor

The Life at the Ranch Newsletter has a new editor! Trish Ramsey did the newsletter about 11 years ago, and she’s back! We are sad to see Les Freund move, but we appreciate him for volunteering for several years. Trish can be contacted at divers@gvtc.com with any newsletter questions. The DEADLINE is the 20th of each month. Trish is a busy mom of 3, and her time is very limited. Rosalie Mills will continue taking care of ad sales, she can be contacted at 830-336-2127. Newsletters will be available on or before the first of each month.

Our Website will be BACK SOON!

Lifeattheranch.com will be on-line SOON! We promise! Kim Spencer is currently working on it, and we hope to have it available very soon. THANK YOU KIM!!!!

Kathy Shaheen

Board Member 830-336-3973 2015 Social Board

Cindy Taylor

President

830-336-3799

cbt3799@aol.com

Barbara Parker

Directory bparker@gvtc.com

Rosalie Mills

Ad Coordinator 830-336-2127

Regi Vriesenga

Board Member

Trish Ramsey

Newsletter Editor divers@gvtc.com

Janette Reamer

Board Member 830-229-5051

Mary Ellen Shook

Secretary 830-336-4387

Carol Holt

Welcome Committee cholt50@aol.com

Vicki Brantley

Treasurer 830-230-5048

Jane Goles

Board Member 830-229-5295

3

All Cordillera Ladies are invited to a

Ladies Social sponsored by the Ladies Social Club

Saturday, September 12th

11 AM

at The Clubs of Cordillera The summer has been busy for everyone.

This will be a great way to relax, meet

new neighbors and to catch up with old

friends. Plus, find out what exciting

events are being planned.

Reservations are required, please call

Cindy Taylor at 830-336-3799 or email her

at CBT3799@aol.com by 9/5.

Club membership is not required.

4

Cordillera Couples Bridge

August 14, 2015 7 PM

Hosts: Diana & Butch Moldenhauer

211 Rio Cordillera

336-4615

Contact: Janice Donner 336-3728 or jack-

don@gvtc.com for further information

Cordillera

Wine Club

The Cordillera Wine Club

starts us again this fall! We

should be having an event in

September, as members, Paul

and Nalga Mebane, have

offered to host. More details

will follow in an email to all

members, followed by the

official evite.

Please contact Lisa Roll at

lisaroll@mac.com or call 713

-412-9727. Terry Weller, is a

new cohost of the group and

she can be contacted at

tsweller@outlook.com or by

phone at 832-724-3764.

LADIES BIBLE STUDY

This fall the Cordillera Women's Bible Study will be digging into the Old Testament Book of Ruth. "Life consists of defining moments. Some are the result of one's conscious choices. On other occasions life seems to give no choice at all on a path we would not choose for ourselves. As we study the sovereign grace of God in the defining moments in the life of Ruth, we will

look for God's sovereign grace in the defining moments of our lives. May our study take us to our goal of knowing, trusting, and embracing our great God

through every circumstance in our lives."

Join us for coffee and fellowship Tuesday, September 8th

9:45 AM 414 Cordillera Trace

This coffee is the perfect time to come and see if this study might be just right for you. Whether new to God's word or a long-time student you will feel comfortable. We meet weekly 9:45 to 11:45. Our study concludes Tues-day, November 10th.

If you would like to pre-register or for more information contact Carla Northington 210-355-4824 or chn@gvtc.com

5

6

7

8

Cordillera Dinner Theater

The Cordillera Dinner Theater group wound up the 2014-

2015 Boerne Community Theater (BCT) Season by attending

the zany production of “The Complete Works of Shakespeare

(Abridged)” on Saturday, July 25th. We dined at the always

sumptuous Grill At Leon Springs.

The Cordillera Dinner Theater group offers neighbors the opportunity to support the local theater arts and restaurants

while getting to know other Cordillera residents. Many of the plays we take in are Boerne Community Theater

productions and at times we also venture into San Antonio and the surrounding areas. All Cordillera residents are

encouraged to come see what we have to offer.

A new Season of local productions will begin in September. Watch the newsletter for our next play and dining choice.

If you interesting in join us, please contact Mary Ellen Shook maryellen48@gvtc.com. She will place you on the

Dinner Theater email list and give you instructions on purchasing tickets for the BCT 2015-2016 Season.

Sit-N-Stitch Sit-N-Stitch is about

to begin a new year of

creative endeavors

and spirited

socializing.

Our ever-evolving Sit

-N-Stitch craft group

meets each month to

share our inspirations,

imaginations and motivations to create something fun

and useful. Generally we do needlework of all kinds

(knitting, crocheting, sewing, needlepoint, and even

mending), making jewelry or even working on some

photo editing and layouts. We invite anyone with an

urge to be creative to join us—usually on the 4th

Thursday of each month.

Our first meeting this year will be Thursday,

September 24th at 1 PM. So mark your calendars if

you would like to join us. Have any questions: email

Ginny Frederick at glfred@gmail.com.

9

Men’s Bible Study

Although the MBS is on summer break in August, many of our men have found ways to work together and share Christ in this community. This summer several have taken time to learn more about the ministry of Hill Country Daily Bread and in turn commit to a variety of serving opportunities. In addition to having fun on these tours of the new facility, MBS teams have cleaned up kitchen equipment, sorted products in the warehouse and prepared a lunch for the kids in the Summer Academy. (neighbors pictured below: David Braymen, David Sanders, Bob Duncan, Randy Merritt, Jerry Merritt, Grant Thompson, Robby Shelton, Jeff Smith, Chris Christianson, and Pete Stalens with HCDBM staff Bonnie Finley & Agnes Hubbard)

The fall study will resume on September 8th with a study of the Gospel of Mark. If you would like to know more about the Men’s Bible Study please contact Dean Fuller, Doug Johnson, Jack Holt, Bob Duncan or Benny Cleveland for information about the MBS and how you can get involved.

10

Women’s Faith & Fellowship

Beginning September 15th

“Breathe” by Priscilla Shirer

Tuesday Mornings at Margaret Putney’s

31 Winged Foot

830-336-2639

11

NATURE CORNER – Natural Mosquito Defenses by Mark McCurley Compared to Houston, I find it hard to worry about mosquitoes here, but due to a wetter year, I have seen a few of the little beast buzzing around. Sure, there are plenty of chemicals, traps and zappers to take on these pests, but today I’d like to share some natural options that may help you create a mosquito free zone in your garden and actually add some color or aromas that you’ll enjoy. In past articles I’ve mentioned putting Gambusia “mosquitofish” in your decorative ponds or water features to help control mosquitoes at the larva stage. Now I’d like to recommend some landscaping options that will help provide a natural deterrent to the adult dive bombers. That’s right there are select plants that produce smells or contain chemicals that mosquitoes don’t like and will avoid. My bias is for Texas native plants but the plants below are not natives of the Edwards Plateau region. The local chapter of the Texas Native Plant Society typically provides these in their annual “almost native plant sale”. Horsemint

Mexican Mint Marigold

Trailing Rosemary

Here are just a few more plants on the list that will help you deter mosquitoes in your garden. With these plant options you may need to crush the leaves and apply to your skin to achieve the best results. Lavender – there are many varieties and the blooms are beautiful and pleasing to our noses. The best varieties

produce “lavandin”essential oils. Herbs – Basil and Mint are two very useful herbs that are easy to grow. Not only will they help with your

mosquito defenses, but fresh Basil and Mint will be great additions to your table. Pot Plant Options – Catnip (more effective than DEET), Lemon Balm (citronella smell), or “Mosquito

Plants” (citronella geranium or citronella grass) So, next time you are revising your plantings, consider using some of these attractive plants to do more than just enhance the landscape. You can have pretty ornamentals that also drive mosquitoes away.

Also known as Beebalm, Horsemint is an adaptable perennial plant which repels mosquitoes by giving off a strong incense-like odor, much the same as citronella. Horsemint is a fast growing, shade-tolerant and drought-resistant plant which reaches a height and width of 2 – 3 feet. It does well in dry, sandy soil and can tolerate salty conditions, which is why it is often found in coastal and beach areas. It can be found growing wild in parts of Texas. Horsemint leaves can be dried and used to make herbal tea. Its flowers will also attract bees and butterflies to your garden. Native Americans used it as a treatment for colds and flu. It has natural fungicidal and bacterial retardant properties because its essential oils are high in thymol.

A great choice for heavy deer pressure landscape designs. Its modest size, full sun or partial shade tolerance, fall yellow color show and very modest water requirements make this perennial a solid choice in many of xeriscape designs. Mexican Marigold Mint is a great culinary herb that tastes a bit like tarragon. It could be that flowering plant in your yard one day and in your salad bowl the next. NOTE: (Common Marigolds can also provide a mosquito barrier, but they are not quite as robust in our environment. They will take more water and fertile soil to sustain but are hardy annual plants which have a distinctive smell which some gardeners, find particularly offensive. Marigolds contain Pyrethrum, a compound used in many insect repellents. Besides repelling mosquitoes, marigolds repel insects which prey on tomato plants, so you may want to plant a few marigolds in your tomato bed.)

This wonderful herb we use for seasoning is also a great, natural mosquito repellant. It has been used for centuries to keep pesky mosquitoes away. Rosemary is a native of the Mediterranean, so it likes hot, dry weather and well-drained soil. It starts blooming early in the spring and will continue to bloom well into the fall which makes it a favorite for honey bees and other pollinators. As an evergreen it will provide an attractive plant throughout the winter. It is very at home in our Hill Country environment, so you will probably need to prune it from time to time to control the size and it is important to note that it is a very flammable plant, so be careful on where you place this in your landscape design to ensure a safe distance from your home or other buildings.

12

13

14

BERGHEIM VFD NEWS — August New ISO Evaluation to Take Place In early spring of this year the Department began the process to seek a new rating from the Insurance Services Office (ISO), who classifies a community’s ability to extinguish or control a structural fire. The ISO rating system of 1-10 with 1 being the best is used by many insurance companies to write home and business policies. Currently Bergheim VFD is rated a 9 for properties located within 5 linear miles from the station and 10 for those outside the 5-mile limit. However, since the current ISO rating was assessed, the Department

has successfully continued to grow and acquire a number of things including: new equipment and ongoing training for the firefighters; additional remote water storage tanks and increased water storage capacity at the Bergheim Station; new vehi-cles – a squad truck, a second brush truck, a tender (water on wheels), two engines (the latter delivered in January 2015); and an unmanned satellite station near the FM3351 Cordillera Ranch gate. The ISO review process is scheduled to take place this month, and the Department is hoping to have the results in early fall in time for our Fall Newsletter. Watch our website www.bergheimvfd.org for the latest news and updates.

Bergheim Volunteer Fire Department ASSIST The Bergheim ASSIST hosted a dinner for our volunteer firefighters on June 23

rd at the Station. Many thanks to our ASSIST

members and others in the community who donated their time and cooking/baking skills to ensure the dinner was a success. The next planned dinner will be in September – please contact us if you are interested in helping. Our meetings are normally held the first Monday of the month, but due to summer schedules, they are changed at times. If you wish to join us at our next meeting and/or get more information concerning the ASSIST, please contact Patricia Hausman at 210-771-8809 or email her at pkhausman@yahoo.com.

From the Chief’s Desk With forecasts of higher temperatures near or above 100° and little or no rain, the dog days of summer are fast approaching. These factors greatly increase the possibility of brush fires so please be extra vigilant, and remember to call 911 in an emer-gency. As always the Bergheim VFD appreciates your continued support!

A Note from Men’s Group President – Mark Roll

Because of all the spring rain, the May meeting of the Men’s Group was canceled; twice.

Per our tradition, we have taken the summer off but we will start back up on September 21st. Our speakers for May will be re-scheduled for our September 21st meeting.

Our speakers will be Cheyenne Johnson, Director of Development, and Carolyn Evans, Executive Director of the Ci-bolo Nature Center and Herff Farm. These facilities are truly community treasures and you will want to hear about the many programs and special projects at both the Nature Center and the Farm during year 2015 and beyond.

Cheyenne promotes the conservation of natural resources through education and stewardship. Her duties include man-agement of all fundraising, outreach, special events, communications, marketing, and innovative engagement at the Nature Center. Carolyn is the Founder of the Nature Center. She has worked tirelessly to preserve a wild stretch of the Cibolo Creek in Boerne, develop a model nature center, and promote nature centers around the world. She is a sixth generation resident of Boerne living on her family’s Hill Country Ranch.

We are finalizing our plans for our September, October and November meetings held on the third Monday of each month. Future speakers planned after September include our State Representative, Doug Miller, in October and John Blaha, a NASA space shuttle and International Space Station commander in November.

We will have our traditional Christmas Party in early December. These are events you will not want to miss. So plan on attending the Men’s Group meetings and inviting a friend to the best deal in Cordillera; $10 per event including drinks, a meal and great speakers.

15

The Cooking Club will be

back in action in Septem-

ber. We look forward to

classes featuring some

tried and true chefs from

past years as well as some

new talent that we have

rounded up including a

class from one of Boerne's

hottest new restaurants! Check out the Septem-

ber newsletter for more information on our first

class coming in September.

To find out more about the Cooking Club or to

be added to the email list for future classes,

contact Kathy Shaheen at 336-3973 or nag-

stermom@yahoo.com.

Book Club The Book Club will return in September with two separate meetings. Our first one is the highly anticipated Book Selection meeting which will take place on Thursday, September 3rd. This is where we will pick and choose our book selections for the upcoming reading year. It will be held in the evening only and will begin at 6:30 p.m. Our second gathering will be on Thursday, September 10th at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to discuss our summer reading selection, THE GOLDFINCH by Donna Tartt. Look for more information in the September newsletter as to location places for all meetings. For more information on the Book Club, contact Kathy Shaheen at 336-3973 or at nagstermom@yahoo.com

Petal Pushers The Petal Pushers began in the Spring of 2009 with a group of 5 residents meeting at the home of Jill Manske to dis-

cuss their interests and concerns for landscaping and gardening in Cordillera. Under Jill’s leadership, the Petal Pusher

grew to include over 60 members and became a neighborhood favorite.

Jill Manske took on the responsibility of:

planning all of the meetings

contacting speakers

coordinating fieldtrips

providing scrupulous note-taking

maintaining records of minutes and membership

writing the monthly newsletter articles,

convincing members to host

sending the evites

She provided tireless leadership, and she will be sorely missed. But she also left shoes too big for one person to fill.

On June 1, Donna Minyard, Roberta Martin and Ginny Frederick met to discuss options for continuing the Petal Push-

ers Garden club. While several viable ideas were discussed, the need to create a board that shares responsibilities for

the operation of the club was preeminent.

A second planning meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 18 at 1 PM at the home of Ginny Frederick to discuss the

viability of continuing the Petal Pushers. While August is a time when a number of residents are escaping the Texas

heat, it is also prime planning time to determine if there will be a September meeting.

If you are in town, and interested in supporting the continuation of the Petal Pushers, please join us. If you are not able

to make the meeting but have specific ideas or are willing to serve in some capacity on the board, please call or email

Ginny Frederick at glfred@gmail.com or 830-336-4104.

16

Night time Monday, August 24th

at the home of Nalga Mebane

3316 Rio Cordillera

6:30 PM

Contact Nancy Meadows for info.

rantaynan@aol.com

Cordillera Women’s Golf Association

August is finally bringing hot temperatures, but the heat is not slowing down the members of the CWGA.

The only change is that during the summer months, play begins at 8 AM instead of 9. Many of the members are off to cooler climates, but Wednesday

still offers a game for those able to play.

The first Wednesday of each month is The Ace Day qualifying tournament. Mark your calendar for the first

Wednesday of August, September and October to be among those who have qualified for the end of the year Ace Day tournament in November. This is one of

our major tournaments and is always an honor to be included.

The CWGA Club Championship will be held September 16-17. Get out there and sharpen up your

game and plan on participating in this flighted tournament.

If you are new to Cordillera, please check our website

at CWGATexas.com. Happy summer!

Daytime Tuesday, August 11th

In the Ladies Locker Room at the Club

12:45 to 3:00 PM

Contact Barbara Wynn for info.

210-844-8277 or

lbwynn4@gvtc.com

Newcomers are always welcome to come &

play this Asian tile game.

Shanghai Shanghai has been in full swing this summer. The attendees on July 7 got in the patriotic spirit and wore red white and blue in honor of Independence Day. Jennifer Harris won first prize for her colors (Godiva Chocolate!) Come see what we have in store for August at our upcoming games!! Day game: August 4, 12:00 p.m. at the home of Jill Reardon, 105 Park Ridge. 830-336-4639 Night game: August 18, 6:30 p.m. at the home of Barbara Parker, 102 Wood Court, 830-236-5358 New players are always welcome to join the group. We provide an introduction to the game, a buffet lunch or dinner (everyone contributes) and a fun relaxing time with neighbors. Come Join Us!!! For information on the game, or to get on the invitation list, contact Jill Reardon at jill613@gmail.com.

17

18

Kathy Shaheen 830-336-3973 Book Club

Barbara Parker bparker@gvtc.com Bergheim VFD

Janette Reamer Siri Schuchardt Regi Vriesenga

jreamer@gvtc.com sirischu@gmail.com

-

Care & Share

Kathy Shaheen 830-336-3973 Cooking Club

Janice and Jack Donner jackdon@gvtc.com Couple Bridge

Susan Krieg skrieg@gvtc.com Dinner Club

Mary Ellen Shook maryellen48@gvtc.com Dinner Theater

Carla Northington chn@gvtc.com Ladies Bible Study

Barbara Wynn - Day group Nancy Meadows - Night group

830-336-4349

rantaynan1@aol.com Mah-Jongg

Mark McCurley mmccurley@pamark.info Men’s Bible Study

Mark Roll rollmark@aol.com Men’s Group

Joe Hegyesi sep51@gvtc.com Nature Club

Jay Pennington 830-230-5115 Pet ID Program

Ginny Frederick gfred@gvtc.com Petal Pushers

Nalga Mebane 830-336-4485 Potluck Movie Group

Jane Goles 830-229-5295 Progressive Dinner

Jill Reardon jill613@gmail.com Shanghai

Ginny Frederick gfred@gvtc.com Sit-N– Stitch

Carol Holt Becky Basara

Nancy Meadows Sue Theis

cholt50@aol.com rgbasara@gmail.com rantaynan1@aol.com

smtheis@gvtc.com

Welcome Wagon

Margaret Putney 830-336-2639 Women’s Faith & Fellowship

Lisa Roll Terry Weller

lisaroll@mac.com tsweller@outlook.com

Wine Club

Socia

l C

oordin

ato

rs

19

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2 3 4 5 6

Trash

7 8

9 10 11 12 13

Trash

14 15

16 17 18 19 20

Trash

21 22

23 24 25 26 27

Trash

28 29

30 31 1 2 3

Trash

4 5

September Reminders:

Sept. 3rd—6:30 PM, Book Club (selecting books for the year)

Sept. 5th –Deadline to RSVP for Ladies Social to Cindy Taylor 336-3799

Sept. 8th—9:45 AM, Ladies Bible Study

Sept 8th—Men’s Bible Study

Sept. 10th— 1 PM & 7 PM, Book Club

Sept. 12th—11 AM, Ladies Social

Sept. 15th—Women’s Faith and Fellowship

Sept. 16-17th—CWGA Club Championship

Sept. 21st—Men’s Group

Sept. 24th—1 PM, Sit N Stitch

Recycling is now EVERY WEEK!

20