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Bandera County Courier is published weekly by Gail S. Joiner, 1210 Hackberry St., Bandera, TX 78003. Subscription price $26 per year in Bandera County, TX; $36 per year for other Texas counties; $40 per year out of Texas. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Bandera County Courier, P.O. Box 1704, Bandera, TX 78003. Periodicals Postage pending in Bandera, Texas.

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Gail Joiner: Publisher
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Staff: Judith Pannebaker, Editor
David Arny, Writer
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Contributors: Stephanie Parker, Marlene Heavner, Doug White, Clare Barnett, Mikie Baker, Doris Doebbler, Jack Finger, Ed Longhurst, Bill Ellis, Bob Jamison and Jim Harris.

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The Bandera County Courier
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Trueblood, Jackson wedding announced Published April 24, 2008 Christa Lee Jackson and Abraham Trueblood    John and Anna Lee Tucker of Pipe Creek announced the March 4 marriage of her granddaughter, Christa Lee Jackson, to SPC Abraham Trueblood.     The son of Michael and Elaine Trueblood of Attica, Indiana, Abe is a radiology technician in the United States Army stationed at Fort Hood.     The couple will live in Killeen.

Weddings, Engagements, Births, Birthdays, and Anniversaries in the on-line edition of the Courier:

Trueblood, Jackson wedding announced	Published April 24, 2008
Barnard birth announced Porter Hawk Barnard	Published April 3, 2008
Crowe, Marks engaged	Published March 27, 2008
Birth– Payton Aubree Bass	Published March 13, 2008
Young, Locker engagement	Published Feb. 14, 2008
Wedding shower Sunday	Published Jan. 31, 2008
Birth: Elizabeth Nichole Adams	Published Jan. 24, 2008
Birth: Avery Jane Hill	Published Jan. 17, 2008
Darrel & Jody 'do it again'	Published Jan. 17, 2008
Miss Lilly celebration	Published Jan. 17, 2008
97th birthday serenade	Published Dec. 13, 2007
Together 55 years & still counting	Published Nov. 29, 2007
Battos celebrate Golden Anniversary	Published Oct. 25, 2007
Jo Alden celebrates 90th birthday	Published Oct. 25, 2007
Birth - Meryck Adelyn Wehe	Published Oct. 11, 2007
Zimmels celebrate 50th anniversary	Published Sept. 27, 2007
Birth: Catherine Hiner	Published Aug. 30, 2007
Patterson-Welch wed	Published Aug. 23, 2007
Level-Stroud wedding	Published July 26, 2007
Birth: Caleb Michael Hohon	Published July 26, 2007
Birth: Addison Lee Basinger	Published July 26, 2007
Birth: Emery Paige Klepac	Published June 28, 2007
Birth: Mackenzie Leigh Malone	Published June 28, 2007
Allen, Cataldo exchange vows	Published June 28, 2007
Ninneman-Herrera engagement announced	Published June 21, 2007
Click-Franklin wedding	Published June 21, 2007
Birth: Dakota Taylor Gray	Published June 21, 2007
Birth: Braden	Published June 21, 2007
Birth: Emma Grace Leland	Published June 21, 2007
Holland Honeymooners do Funtier weekend	Published May 31, 2007
Sauage, Caza wedding announced	Published April 19, 2007
Birth: Samuel Lawrence Miller	Published April 19, 2007
Birth: Lola Rose Howard	Published April 12, 2007
Only 18 birthdays to a lifetime has kept her young	Published March 1, 2007
Gardner-Bruns wedding	Published Feb. 8, 2007
Sweethearts forever 50 years later, they get their wedding	Published Feb. 8, 2007
Weddings, Engagements, Births, Birthdays, and Anniversaries articles from 2006	Weddings, Engagements, Births, Birthdays, and Anniversaries articles from 2005

Barnard birth announced Porter Hawk Barnard Published April 3, 2008 Porter Hawk Barnard    Dave and Sharon Koehler of Bandera and Fred and Eleanor Barnard of Chicago, Illinois, are pleased to announce the birth of their newest grandchild, Porter Hawk Barnard, to parents Christopher and Natalie Barnard of Quantico, Virginia, where Porter’s father, a captain in the United States Marine Corps, is assigned. Porter Hawk arrived Saturday, March 1, at 4:27 am at the Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He weighed 7 pounds and 4 ounces and measured 18 1/2 inches long. Porter is also welcomed by great-grandparents, HH Koenig of Bandera and Mrs. Mary Barnard of Boston, Massachusetts, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Crowe, Marks engaged Published March 27, 2008 Michelle Crowe and Paul Marks    Michelle E. Crowe and Paul W. Marks announce their engagement and plans for a July wedding.     The bride elect is the daughter of Ed and Debbie Crowe and a graduate of Meadville Area High School in Meadville, Pennsylvania. She is presently a full time student at Robert Morris University in Pittsburg and has been accepted to the University of Texas at San Antonio for the fall of 2008.     Her fiancé is the son of Pastor Skip and Darlene Marks of Pipe Creek. He is a graduate of Bandera High School as well as a 2006 graduate of Dallas Christian College. He is the Associate Pastor and Worship Minister of Curry Creek Baptist Church in Boerne.     The couple plan a July 26 wedding.

Birth– Payton Aubree Bass Published March 13, 2008    Payton Aubree Bass was born at St. Luke's Baptist Hospital in San Antonio, on Feb. 5 to Bryan and Melissa Bass of Helotes. She weighed seven pounds and eight ounces and was 19 inches long at birth.     Grandparents are Roger and Marsha Perez of Lakehills and Bryan and Carol Bass of Pipe Creek. Great-grandparents are Mack and Ruth Garrett of New Braunfels, Johnny and Marian Perez of Boerne and Irene Christ of Rosenbery.     Aunts are Mandy and Monica Perez and uncles Robby Schultz and Christopher Bass.

Young, Locker engagement Published Feb. 14, 2008    Booker and Connie Young of Bandera are pleased to announce the engagement and approaching marriage of their daughter, Megan, to Robert Locker, son of David and Kathy Locker of Seguin.     Megan is the granddaughter of Russell and Jean Young of Bandera and Leon and Joyce Gorden of Floresville. She is the graduate of Bandera High School and a 2007 graduate of Tarleton State University. The bride-elect is currently employed by D&D in Seguin.     Robert is the grandson of Braswell and Billie Locker of Brownwood, and Robert and Edye Dupras of San Marcos. He is the graduate of La Vernia High School and a 2006 graduate of Texas State University. The prospective groom is currently employed by HB Zachry Corporation.     The couple plans an April wedding in Bandera.

Wedding shower Sunday Published Jan. 31, 2008    A wedding shower honoring Megan Lightfoot and Wesley Balco will be held from 2 pm to 4 pm, Saturday, Feb. 2 in the Fellowship Hall of the First Baptist Church in Medina. The couple is registered at Target and Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Birth: Elizabeth Nichole Adams Published Jan. 24, 2008 Big sister Annie Lauren and new arrival Elizabeth Nichole Adams    The Adams family is proud to announce the arrival of their newest member, Elizabeth Nichole.     She was born Dec. 27 in the Methodist Children's Hospital in San Antonio. She arrived weighing four pounds and 15 ounces and was 18 inches long.     She was welcomed by mother, Charlene, and big sister, Annie Lauren. Also welcoming her were grandparents, Ann and HM Adams Jr.     With Elizabeth's arrival, the immediate family count for the late Annie Marie and Henry Marvin Adams Sr. stands at 39 strong. Along with her sister, Elizabeth joins her many other cousins that represent the sixth generation of the Smith (Seco), Mayfield (Brice), and Adams (Dr. John) families from Bandera County.

Birth: Avery Jane Hill Published Jan. 17, 2008 Leanne Beauxbeanne and cowgirl Avery Jane Hill    Leanne and Jeanne Beauxbeanne of Bandera announce the birth of their first granddaughter, cowgirl Avery Jane, born on Nov. 15, in Alpahretta Georgia, to parents Jonathan and Caroline Hill.     The Beauxbeannes recently returned from a visit with the new baby and big brother, 2-year-old Cameron,their parents and Aunt Jen and Uncle Rich.

Darrel & Jody 'do it again' Published Jan. 17, 2008 Darrel and Jody Brown    Darrel and Jody Brown were married in Grace Episcopal Church, Chanute, Kansas on Dec. 23, 1977.     Thirty years later, to the day, during the Sunday morning service at the Bandera United Methodist Church, Rev. Everette Boyce said there was to be a special announcement.     Taking his cue, Darrel Brown stood up and announced it was he and his wife's 30th wedding anniversary. Jody Brown smiled, expecting him to sit back down beside her. Looking into her eyes, he continued, "Do you want to do it again?" Shock took over, and no answer came.     Kneeling before his wife, Brown repeated the question, adding some detail. A whispered "yes" was finally audible.     Darrel Brown then invited everyone to attend the Vow Renewal in the church that afternoon, followed by a reception in the fellowship hall.     The entire church family helped plan the special event — which allowed Jody Brown to remain clueless. Guests were invited by word of mouth and sworn to secrecy.     The Browns extend thanks to everyone who participated, and apologies to anyone who was missed. It was a beautiful and wonderful occasion; pictures were taken and stories of secret-keeping were told.     The Brown's son Conor, along with his wife, Kira, and their daughter, Kyla, all of San Marcos, stood with the couple during the Vow Renewal. After being raised in Texas, the Brown's other son, Jeff, returned to Chanute, where he married his wife, Patricia, and started raising a family, grandkids, Tyrae, Mikeal and Zach.     Darrel and Jody Brown hope to have many more years as best friends, and enjoyment of the rest of their married life "until parted by death." And, if there is an annual award for "Best Husband in Bandera," Jody Brown nominates her husband, Darrel.

Miss Lilly celebration Published Jan. 17, 2008    Bandera County Election Adminstrator Toba Perez, right, recently celebrated the 90th birthday of her grandmother — and Kendall County legend — Miss Lilly Thomas. Perez and her mother, Mary Elenor Perez, joined friends and relatives at Boerne's Best Western Texas Country Inn, Saturday, Jan. 5, for a surprise party and buffet luncheon for the still sprightly "seasoned" citizen.     "It wasn't all that long ago that grandma could still turn somersaults," Perez said. No one doubted her — especially since Miss Lilly — aka known as "The Hat Lady" continues to work at the Rainbow Senior Center's popular thrift shop every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

97th birthday serenade Published Dec. 13, 2007 Staff Photo by David Arny    Local cowboy crooner Dusty Britches serenaded Ann Moeller at her 97th birthday party Thursday, Dec. 6. Motel maven Cathy Clamon (right) hosted the soirée for the retired schoolteacher at her home. Moeller owned the River Front Motel from the early 1980s until 1997.

Together 55 years & still counting Published Nov. 29, 2007 BCC Staff Photo    Gene and Jo Turner of Bandera celebrated 55 wonderful years of marriage at a inspiring celebration at the Silver Sage Corral Senior Center, Saturday, Nov. 24.     The casual party boasted a great turn-out, giving the devoted couple an opportunity to enjoy great food and music – plus an unforgettable chance to visit with friends, old and new.

Battos celebrate Golden Anniversary Published Oct. 25, 2007 Charles "Sonny" and Mary Ann Batto    The children and grandchildren of Charles "Sonny" and Mary Ann Batto recently hosted a 50th wedding anniversary party for their parents at the Silver Sage.     Sonny and Mary Ann exchanged wedding vows October 9, 1957, at St. Gerard's Catholic Church in San Antonio. A 50th anniversary Mass for the couple was celebrated on Sunday, October 7, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church.     Sonny graduated from the National Institute of Dry Cleaning in 1958 and from St. Mary's University in 1963. After completing a tour with the Air Force in Korea and at Abilene's Dyess Air Force Base, he entered the dry cleaning business with his father.     After the family business was sold, Sonny joined the Naval Reserve, retiring with 20 years' service in 1993. In addition, he worked at several credit unions. In 1998, he retired from Fellowship CU after 25 years service.     Mary Ann Graduated from Santa Rosa Division of Nursing of Incarnate Word College in 1957. In addition to raising the couple's children, she worked for Normandy Terrace Nursing Home for 21 years.     Sonny and Mary Ann have two children, Larry Batto of Bandera and Lydia Benedict of Pipe Creek, as well as five grandchildren.     The couple has ranched since moving to Bandera 10 years ago.

Jo Alden celebrates 90th birthday Published Oct. 25, 2007 Jo Alden with cake Photos by Clare Barnett     Jo Alden poses with Dot Hatfield    Jo Alden celebrated her 90th birthday at the Medina United Methodist Church after church services Sunday, Oct. 21.

Birth - Meryck Adelyn Wehe Published Oct. 11, 2007    Meryck Adelyn Wehe was born Sept. 13, at 1:01 pm. She weighed seven pounds and measured 18 1/2 inches long. Her parents are Chad and Tiffany Wehe of Fort Worth. Grandparents are Dennis and Connie Wehe of new Braunfels and Edward and Rhonda Hrna of Floresville.     Great-grandparents are Lawrine Marek of Arlington; Curtis and Janie Ryals of New Braunfels; Estella Kruse of New Braunfels; Clifford and Adeline Herbst of Bandera and the late Alvin and Martha Hrna of Floresville.

Zimmels celebrate 50th anniversary Published Sept. 27, 2007 Eleanor and Bob Zimmel    Eleanor and Bob Zimmel of Pipe Creek recently celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with a lovely party at the Corral Supper Club in Nelson, Minn. The couple was married August 12, 1957, at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Osakis, Minn.     During their anniversary celebration, the Zimmels greeted over 200 guests, including friends and relatives who traveled from as far away as Canada and Florida. The couple's four children and seven grandchildren offered words of congratulations and related special memories they had shared with the parents and grandparents through the years.     A video montage, produced by daughter, Brenda Thomas, and nephew, Rob Dunn, featured highlights of the Zimmel's life together. A touching table of memories, assembled by daughters, Kathy Judd and Marcia Garvin, included wedding photos and Eleanor's wedding dress. The Zimmels shared the first dance off the evening to "Waltz Across Texas" before being joined by guests. Later, a nephew, Levi Dunn, performed "Dust on the Bottle" and "Family Tradition."     Bill Thomas served as master of ceremonies; and Paulette Dunn, Eleanor's sister-in-law, was party coordinator. Prior to the Zimmel's 50th anniversary party, a special Mass was held at the Church of the Immaculate Conception.     Their son, Alan, read the Scriptures and two grandsons, Andy and Jesse Zimmel, were altar servers. The couple's other five grandchildren, Tim Boogard; Jason, Matt and Brittany Garvin; and Ryan Zimmel, also assisted at the Mass. The Zimmels are members of Bandera's St. Stanislaus Catholic Church.     If you see Bob and Eleanor around town, it's not too late to wish them a "Happy Anniversary" and another glorious 50 years.

Birth: Catherine Hiner Published Aug. 30, 2007 Catherine Hiner    Catherine Nancy Hiner was born recently in San Antonio’s Methodist Hospital to Billy and Darla Hiner of Bandera. She weighed seven pounds, 12 ounces at birth and was 19.25 inches long.     She is named after her grandmother, the late Nancy "Meemaw" Hiner, who passed away from cancer in May.     Grandparents are David Hiner of Kerrville, Sonny and Carolyn Ledwig of Cotulla and Gail and Ed Goldberg of Portland.

Patterson-Welch wed Published Aug. 23, 2007 Shera Patterson and Eric Welch    Shera Patterson and Eric Welch were recently married in the garden of the historic Limpia Hotel in Fort Davis. The Rev. George Grubb officiated.     The daughter of Rosemary and Mike Lawler of San Angelo, Shera graduated from Lakeview High School in San Angelo and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from Sul Ross State University in Alpine. She also acquired her teaching certification from Sul Ross and soon will be a candidate for graduation with a Master’s degree in Special Education. Shera is employed as a kindergarten teacher with the Fort Davis ISD.     Eric is the son of Mary Welch and the late Reggie Welch of Bandera, and grandson of Rose Mary Muennink of Bandera and Ina Welch of Highland. He graduated from Bandera High School and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology from Sul Ross University. Eric is employed with B&H Construction and currently on job assignment in Fort Stockton. The couple will reside in Alpine.

Level-Stroud wedding Published July 26, 2007 Christine and James Stroud    Christine Irreen Level and James Christopher Stroud were united in marriage Saturday, July 7, at the Lakehills United Methodist Church. Reverend Teresa Welborn and Reverend Scott Herren performed the ceremony.     The bride is the daughter of John and Linda Scroghem of San Antonio, and the groom is the son of Mike and Barbara Stroud of Lakehills.     Matron of Honor was Tina Scroghem, sister-in-law of the bride. Karen Nelson, sister of the bride, served as Maid of Honor. Bridesmaids were Kelsey Level, daughter of the bride; Paula Baldorf, cousin of the bride; and Dystinee Nelson, niece of the bride.     Best man was John Stroud, brother of the groom. Groomsmen included Don Armstrong and Jim Ruede, friends of the groom; Ricky Level, son of the bride; and Dante Nelson, nephew of the bride. Ushers were Johnny Scroghem and Keith Scroghem, brothers of the bride; and David Wesch, cousin of the groom.     Musicians for the ceremony were David and Andy Calder. During the lighting of the Unity Candle, David Calder sang “One Hand, One Heart.”     After a reception at the Farm Country Club in Medina, the couple spent a week cruising the Caribbean.     The couple reside in San Antonio.

Birth: Caleb Michael Hohon Published July 26, 2007 Caleb Michael Hohon    Proud parents George and Christine Hohon announce the birth of Caleb Michael May 30. Caleb was 7 pounds and 20 inches at birth. Grandparents are George and Patricia Hohon of Pipe Creek. Great-grandmother Edna Turnbo of Bandera welcomed Caleb as her third great-grandchild and great-grandparents Henry and Marjorie Hon of Median welcomed him as their eighth great-grandchild.

Birth: Addison Lee Basinger Published July 26, 2007 Addison Lee Basinger    Addison Lee Basinger was born June 28 at North Central Baptist Hospital in San Antonio, weighing 8 pounds and 2 ounces to parents Boyd and Tina Basinger of Lakehills. She was welcomed into this world by grandparents Ronnie and Bobbie Basinger of Lakehills, Glenda Basinger of Pipe Creek and Pat and Lester Coffey of Bandera. A special thanks goes out to family and friends who were so helpful after Addison’s arrival home.

Birth: Emery Paige Klepac Published June 28, 2007 Photo copyright by T. Faulkner BarnRaised Photography    Bradley and Stacy Klepac announce the birth of their beautiful daughter, Emery Paige.     She was born April 9 at 8:53 am, with a weight of six pounds, six ounces and was 19 inches long.     She is the granddaughter of Tom and Evelyn Herrera of Pipe Creek, Kenneth Akin and Diana Klepac of Lakehills and Robert and Sheryl Klepac of Bertram.     She is the niece of Shelly and Keith Riley, Jennifer Herrera and JR and Tori Faulkner, all of Pipe Creek.     Her cousins, Bailey Riley and Halston Faulkner, welcome her to the family.     The family resides in Choctaw, Oklahoma, while Bradley is on active duty for the USAF and Stacy is a nurse.

Birth: Mackenzie Leigh Malone Published June 28, 2007 Mackenzie Leigh Malone    Mackenzie Leigh Malone was welcomed into the world at 8:55 pm June 6 at the Centennial Medical Center in Frisco.      “Kenzie” weighed eight pounds, 14 ounces and was 21 inches long at birth.  Her proud parents are Michael and Brittany Malone of Frisco.  She is the great-granddaughter of Jewel Faye Massey, granddaughter of Connie Manal and niece of Hana Manal, all of Bandera.      Her other grandparents are Gary and Beth Malone of Corpus Christi.

Allen, Cataldo exchange vows Published June 28, 2007 Laura and Kyle Allen Photo by Joel Byrd Photography    Kyle Willis Allen and Laura Ann Cataldo were married Wednesday, May 20, in a garden wedding at the groom's home in Bandera.     A reception was held at the home of Dave and Sunni Allen.     The bride is the daughter of Steve Cataldo of Lakehills and Lisa and Jerry Phillips of Bandera, and the granddaughter of Vince and Christina Cataldo of San Antonio and Miriam Smith of Knoxville, Tennessee.     The groom is the son of Dave and Sunni Allen of Bandera, and the grandson of Ernest Beakley of Bandera and Sandra Wegner of Kerrville.     Kyle and Laura graduated from Bandera High School.     The groom's brother, Russ Allen, served as best man. Groomsmen included Tye Stone, David Cantu, Mike Radoman and Mark Ahlman.     Maid of honor was Ashley Stratton. Bridesmaids were the bride's sisters, Kellie and Chrissy Cataldo, and Sarah Cantu. Flower girl was Kylie Fry.     The wedding was performed by Captain Todd Mullville, US Army (Ret.), and his wife, Crystal. Music was provided by the groom's aunt and uncle, Kathleen Allen of Hayden, Colorado, vocals and piano, and Tom Allen of Brookfield, Vermont, trumpet and flugelhorn.     The bride is currently a student at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York City and will graduate in June, 2008, as a Certified Health Counselor. The groom is employed by R-K Enterprises, Inc. of Bandera and is the lead singer/songwriter, keyboardist and rhythm guitarist for the band $50 Dynasty.     After returning from a honeymoon cruise to Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and Cozumel, the couple will reside in Bandera.

Ninneman-Herrera engagement announced Published June 21, 2007 Sara Herrera and Brandon Ninneman    Abel and Kim Herrera of Kyle announce the engagement of their daughter, Sara Denise Herrera, to Brandon Ninneman, son of Duane and Tammy Ninneman of New Braunfels.     The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Buster and Joyce Quarles and the late Raul and Carmen Herrera of Bandera.     The prospective groom is the grandson of Kenneth and Diana Ninneman of New Braunfels and Walter and Lavern Anton of Lockhart and great-grandson of Lola Jonas of Mason.     The couple plan a August 18 wedding at Texas Old Town in Kyle.

Click-Franklin wedding Published June 21, 2007 Reeves Emelin Franklin Click    Reeves Emelin Franklin and Elton Hendrie Click of Charlotte, NC, were married Saturday, June 9, at The William Aiken House in Charleston, SC. The Reverend Douglas E. Remer officiated. A reception followed the ceremony at The William Aiken House.     The bride is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. E. Ruffin Franklin of Raleigh, North Carolina. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John R. Peters of Chicago, Ill., and the late Mr. and Mrs. Earl R. Franklin of Raleigh. Parents of the groom are Colonel and Mrs. Robert L. Click of Bandera. He is the grandson of Mr. Elton Valiere Click of Paint Rock, and the late Mrs. Mattie DeSpain Click, and of the late Mr. and Mrs. Gavin Hendrie Campbell of Manchester, NH.     Cameron Hill Wyche of Alexandria, Virg., served as maid of honor. Sarah Franklin Thomason of Raleigh, sister of the bride, served as matron of honor. The bridesmaids were Cecelia Burch Anderson of Washington, DC; Elizabeth Parker Emory of Wilmington, Del.; and Kristen Marie Franklin of Chevy Chase, Md., sister-in-law of the bride. William Alexander Stanton of Wilmington served as the groom's best man. Groomsmen were Scott Ruffin Franklin of Chevy Chase, brother of the bride; Taylor Peters Franklin of Charleston, SC, brother of the bride; Brian John Oropallo of Grand Rapids, Mich.; and Dan Richardson Thomason III of Raleigh, brother-in-law of the bride.     The bride graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies. She later received a Master of Arts degree in Elementary Education at American University in Washington, DC. She teaches at Trinity Episcopal School in Charlotte.     The groom graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he was a Morehead Scholar with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science. He later received a Master of Business Administration from Georgetown University in Washington, DC. He is employed by Wachovia Securities in Charlotte as an investment banking associate.     After a honeymoon trip to Tahiti and Bora Bora, the couple will reside in Charlotte.

Birth: Dakota Taylor Gray Published June 21, 2007    Billy and Amie Gray and big sister Catherine announce the arrival of their new baby girl Dakota Taylor Gray. Dakota was born May 31 at 5:16 pm at San Antonio's Methodist Hospital weighing seven pounds and 10 ounces. She was 18.75 inches long.     Grandparents are Bill and Maria Gray and Dr. Conrad and Nancy Nightingale of Bandera.

Birth: Braden Published June 21, 2007    Colsen Reed Braden was born May 24 to Ashley Kyle and Jennifer Braden of Houston.     He weighed two pounds and 10 ounces at birth.     The grandparents are Richard (son of Frank Braden and Hattie Braden Brown of Bandera, natives of Bandera County) and Polly Braden of Tomball.

Birth: Emma Grace Leland Published June 21, 2007    Emma Grace Leland entered the world at 5:19 pm Saturday, May 19, weighing eight pounds and eight ounces.     Emma is the daughter of Dr. Jeremy and Sarah Leland of San Antonio; granddaughter of Dr. John and Robin Leland of Lakehills, Randy and Susan Battarbee of Piano and Charlene Hane of Tomball; great-granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Araiza of Lakehills, Rose Marie Leland of Rockport, Frances Battarbee of Houston and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Duerr of Spring.

Holland Honeymooners do Funtier weekend by David Arny BCC Staff Writer Published May 31, 2007 Caroline Schoneveld and Pim de Lange of Overberg, Holland, watch the Memorial Day parade from Blue Gene’s vantage point. Staff Photo by David Arny Caroline Schoneveld and Pim de Lange saddle up at the Running R Guest Ranch. Staff Photo by David Arny Caroline Schoneveld as a bride in Las Vegas.    From the land of windmills and tulips, a forty-something couple from the Netherlands made Bandera the final destination of their honeymoon in the USA over the Memorial Day weekend. They were clearly impressed by the Cowboy Capital during their sojourn here – so much so, the delightful Dutch duo are already discussing retiring here.     Caroline Schoneveld and Pim de Lange of Overberg, Holland, were recently married on the rooftop of the aptly-named Stratosphere Hotel – 100 stories above the famed Las Vegas strip. Schoneveld and de Lange met on the job and have worked together for the Dutch subsidiary of Audi/Volkswagen for many years; she as a software tech/instructor and he as an accounting department executive. When their professional relationship eventually blossomed into love, getting married was the next logical step.     “Pim and I have known each other for so long, we’re comfortable with the other person’s little habits. There can be some bad surprises when you rush into marriage,” said Schoneveld. As a young teenager, she made a Texas Hill Country connection when her father, a marketing specialist for Datapoint Corporation’s branch in Amsterdam, brought his family along with him to Texas for business trips to San Antonio.     “We stayed in a nice house in Boerne during summers. It had a pool and – this was so cool – each of us kids had our own bedroom and bathroom,” said Schoneveld.     She and her new husband share an enthusiasm of all things equine. Schoneveld has ridden and shown thoroughbreds in her native Holland for many years, winning the Dutch national title this year in both Halter and Western Pleasure competitions. De Lange is right at home in a saddle as well.     They discovered Bandera via the Internet and decided it would be a must-see during their honeymoon, in part because of the horse lovers’ desire to ride the rugged Hill Country on horseback. The Running R Guest Ranch turned out to be just what they had in mind. Another of Bandera’s biggest assets also proved a pleasant surprise for the newlyweds.     “You have a very vital older population here in Bandera,” observed de Lange.     “Oh my gosh!” said Schoneveld. “In our country, the saying is ‘senior citizens sit behind their geraniums and play Bingo all day’. Here, you see older folks, out and about in their tennis shoes and jeans, doing everything – it’s really great.”     “And everyone knows how to dance here,” de Lange said smiling.     After the long trail rides at the Running R and the adjoining Hill Country State Natural Area, shopping at the Funtier Days Arts and Crafts Show on the courthouse lawn, enjoying the sights and sounds of the 11th Street Cowboy Bar and Blue Gene’s upscale honky-tonk, being the impromptu ‘guests of honor’ at the PRCA Rodeo and enjoying the working cowboys displaying their prowess at the Utopia Ranch Rodeo the following evening, the husband and wife reflected on their future plans together.     “We decided we should think about moving here after retiring so we can open a dude ranch for handicapped children and their parents to come and have a great get-away,” said de Lange. After experiencing the warm hospitality of Bandera County and its resident, it’s no wonder the couple is already considering making Bandera their home one day.

Sauage, Caza wedding announced Published April 19, 2007    Paul and Mary Sauage and Allen and Sandra Caza are proud to announce the marriage of their children, Heather Sauage and A.J. Caza Sunday, April 22. They have been Bandera High School sweethearts since 2002.

Birth: Samuel Lawrence Miller Published April 19, 2007    Samuel Lawrence Miller was born Feb. 7, at 12:10 pm. He weighed 7 lbs 1 oz. and was 20 inches long. Parents are Shannon and Scott Miller of Boerne. He was greeted by proud grandparents Tammy & Gerald Kneuper of Medina, Jim & Donna Miller of Boerne, Great-Grandparents Mona Seale and Evelyn Reeh of Medina and Nita Casagrande of Palmdale, Calif.

Birth Lola Rose Howard Published April 12, 2007    Lola Rose Howard was born March 14 at Seton Hospital in Austin to Randy and Laura Howard. She was four pounds, nine ounces and was 17.5 inches long.     Grandparents include Eddie and Rose Clark from San Antonio, Tim and Tricia Howard from Fair Oaks, and Lon and Cindy Rice from Sunnyvale, Calif. Great-grandparents include Rose Mary Clark Muennink from Bandera, Dorothy Hughes from San Antonio, and Richard Howe from Schertz.

Only 18 birthdays to a lifetime has kept her young by Stephanie Day BCC Staff Published March 1, 2007 Lee & Jay Fields    Lakehills resident Leona ("Lee") Fields will not have a birthday this year, but she's used to it. At an age she doesn't want to announce (but just add one year to 74), she maintains her marriage weight, 108-pounds. She still wears her high school clothes. The red plaid skirt is perfect for Christmas.     With only 18 birthdays so far in her lifetime, Fields walks three miles a day­rain or shine­seven days a week. "It's the best time. It's quiet. You can hear birds singing. It's my prayer time. As I walk, I pray."     She also works out at a gym and lifts weights. This weekend, she will be participating in a four-day prayer retreat. It starts the day after the birthday that she won't have this year. "Why would I want a big fuss over my birthday?" the Leap Year baby asks. "I already have everything I need."     Since her birthday only comes once a year, it's good she has an upbeat attitude about it. "It's easy to remember my birthday­it comes on election years."     Fields' older sister, Connie, was born five minutes after midnight Feb. 29. So she gets to have a birthday every year March 1. Fields was born 10 minutes before midnight Feb. 29. But instead of saving money by only celebrating her birthday once every four years, Fields' kind parents scheduled her birthday celebration with Connie's. The sisters still celebrate together March 1. The eerie thing about the celebration is that although they live far apart and shop in different stores, they wind up sending each other the same birthday cards each year!     Fields grew up in New York. After she graduated from college, she and two other nurses at the hospital where she worked attended a USO dance at the air force base. All three met the husbands they later married. Fields and one of her other friends both married on Sept. 5 a year after that dance. She and J.W. "Jay" have been married 54 years and have two children, son Jay Edward and daughter, book author Merry Rose Banks.     "I think the secret to long life is not having birthdays every year," Fields says. "I don't feel old."

Gardner-Bruns wedding Published Feb. 8, 2007    Heather Gardner and Dustin Burns were united in marriage Oct. 21 at Burns Nursery, Adkins. Pastor Glen Moehring performed the outdoor ceremony.     The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Gardner of Bandera. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Burns of Sutherland Springs.     Maid of Honor was Amy Mann. Best Man was Bob Yeater. Bridesmaids were Dana Dannelly, Courtney Martinez, and Laurie Johnson. Groomsmen were Travis Burns, Bardey Burns, Rud Krisch, David Kelly, Jake Methany, and Darren Dominguez. Ushers were Mike Baird and Les Miller.     Following a reception at the St. Hedwig American Legion hall, the couple left for a short honeymoon. The couple will reside in LaVernia.

Sweethearts forever 50 years later, they get their wedding by Stephanie Day BCC Staff Published Feb. 8, 2007 Staff Photo by Stephanie Day    These Valentines are celebrating 50 years of marriage and are still in love. Pat and Charles Blanchard say that keeping a marriage intact takes tolerance, forgiveness­and most of all­hard work.     Charles "Chuck" and Pat Blanchard will celebrate 50 years together at the First Baptist Church on Sunday, Feb. 18 by getting married.     Pat, who had always dreamed of a big wedding, settled 50 years ago for driving Chuck across the state line for an elopement. She was 19 at the time, but the story actually starts when she was 12.     "Chuck worked for my dad who ran a salvage yard. I was standing on a bench doing dishes and looking out the window when I saw him. I told my mother, ‘I'm going to marry him someday.' My parents were very strict. My mother ordered me, ‘don't talk like that!' So I didn't. But he was doomed from that day."     Charles adds his reflections. "I didn't notice her at the time. I was 16 and had a job and a car. I was out having a good time. I had no time for a kid."     Love was painful for Pat. "I believe in love at first sight, because for me, it was. What hurt me the most is that we had the only phone around. He would use our phone to set up dates with his girlfriends. That used to kill me. And I could never say anything about it."     Charles joined the Marine Corps. Pat was 17 with an outside job and her own car when Charles came back on leave to visit the family. He and Pat's oldest brother were best friends. Pat was gone at the time, but her mother showed him a picture of her. "Wow!" he said. "She grew up!" He asked Pat to go to a movie with him. "He was so handsome in his uniform," she reminisces. I don't remember what the movie was about. I was in seventh heaven!"     Charles even remembers the movie.     "Then he asked me on another date…we held hands."     When Charles left for his last five months in the Marine Corps he asked Pat to "go steady" with him. Meantime, Pat's brother joined the Marines which meant that the two could share the driving from Camp Lejune to Ohio for visits. When Charles got out of the service, he asked Pat to marry him.     Pat wanted to marry Charles right after her high school graduation. She dreamed of a big wedding. Pat's father did not want her to get married at all. As the first of eight children, she was the family "work horse." Moreover, he did not like Charles. She asked her parents three times for permission to marry Charles and three times they forbid it. Meanwhile, Charles felt that he should wait and attempt to win their approval. He went to work for the Merchant Marines and began saving money.     Since the age of 21 was required in Ohio then for marriage without parental consent, Pat threatened to elope. Her father replied, "if you do, we will file charges on Chuck for taking you across the state line."     When she and Charles eloped, her father reported her missing to the sheriff's department and her picture was splashed all over the newspapers. "He couldn't file charges on me," Charles laughs. "My car engine was broken down and we took her car. She drove me across the state line!"     They were married in Indiana by a Methodist pastor. The first time they visited Pat's parents after the marriage, Pat's father ordered Charles off his land.     Charles and Pat learned from their heartbreaking experience.     "When our kids got married," they explain, "we gave them huge weddings. They are adults. We don't try to tell them what to do. If they ask us for advice, we give it."     Love at first sight. Elopement. So is the Blanchard's story about the popular fairytale ending, "and they lived happily ever after?"     "Marriage is a work in progress," Pat believes. "It takes a lot of work. It doesn't take a big wedding or a big party to keep it together, it takes hard work and toleration."     "A lot of toleration," Charles interjects with wry humor. "Once we got married, I got a good job. It's a lot of give and take and forgiveness and understanding to make a marriage work. I think our generation is the last one that stuck together."     "My one regret," Pat confides, "is that I never got better educated. I think if I had gone on to college I would have been a better wife and helped Chuck more. I think I would have been a better mother."     Chuck has no regrets. "From the time I saw her picture, from the time we decided to get married…" They smile at each other.     From the first house they purchased after their marriage to their current home, the same pattern of hard work and fiscal thriftiness has been a constant. Working together, they have remodeled, then sold every house they have lived in­with the exception of their present home which they have remodeled but plan to keep. While they were landscaping it, Charles fell out of a tree and broke his back. "This man could not retire," Pat says. "Everywhere we went in the motor home and parked, he would get a job. (He officially retired in 1991.) He just kept on working until God put a retirement plan into action. Chuck's a miracle. He could have died from that fall. He spent six months in a coma."     "So I keep the yard clean and cut the weeds," Charles says. "But I leave the trees alone. I stay out of the trees."     After having lived in cold Ohio and the dry Arizona desert, Charles and Pat came to Bandera looking for sunshine and green. "When I saw the green here," he remarks, "I didn't realize it was cedar."     They found a spiritual home at the First Baptist Church in Bandera. Their relationship with the Lord completed their marriage and gave them the feeling of having finally come home after having lived in a lot of other places.     The "happily ever after" has not been a smooth road, but Chuck and Pat are blessed. They explain, "we love our children and grandchildren. Our children are the highlight of our marriage (son Charles Jr. of Jacksonville, Fla. And daughter Cheryl Strick of Ohio). They have never given us any trouble. They have made us proud."     So what kind of advice do they have for making a marriage last 50 years?     Charles: set goals and future plans. Don't just live for the minute. It's about long-term commitment. Kids nowadays are only interested in sex."     Pat: it's not about parties. Don't be a party-er.     Both: work together and don't keep secrets from one another.     Charles and Pat enjoy traveling together, camping, reading. They take food with them to fix on road trips and have learned that Wal-Mart welcomes overnight RV parking. That saves gas money by limiting campground stays.     They agree on the following: renting is a waste of money. Buy a home­even if it's run down­and refurbish it. Use credit cards, but pay them off every month. (The only bills the Blanchards get in the mail are utility bills.) Live within your means (they live below their means) and don't go into debt. Make homemade Christmas gifts. Everyone has a talent. Use it. Most of all, use your talents for the Lord. Don't say, ‘I can't.' God made us and He gave a talent to everyone. Do things together as a family.     "We're so attached," Pat muses, "that I think we're co-dependent. We do everything together." Fifty years together hasn't been enough, so Charles and Pat try to eat right and exercise. That means an apple, orange and banana every day and fruit snacks unless company is expected and Pat bakes treats for them. Baking is another of Pat's talents­she took cake decorating classes so she could be a stay-at-home mom and still put extra money into the family budget. She and Charles both have their own separate joint bank accounts­and they are quick to remind­no secrets.     "At least if he has one, I don't know about it…"     She is proud of her husband's talents. "He's a jack-of-all-trades. His worst fault is that he won't get serious."     Charles sighs, "she always wants me to be serious."     So after celebrating 50 years of loving each other this Valentine's Day, Charles and Pat Blanchard will finally get their dream wedding. "It's ironic," Pat muses. "We will celebrate with family and friends. Everyone who was opposed to our marriage is gone."     Or as that Bible verse proclaims, "love never fails," not even after 50 years.