Carroll Troberman, PLLC is a boutique law firm led by seasoned attorneys Blair Carroll and Shelly Troberman. We believe the most effective legal strategy starts with truly listening to our client’s needs. That’s why we take the time to understand your story and tailor our guidance to your unique situation, whether you’re dealing with a high conflict divorce or custody battle, CPS investigation, or criminal charges. Our firm has one primary focus: standing by your side when your family is in crisis. We bring creativity, compassion, and powerful advocacy to every case. Over the last 20 years, we’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful, responsive representation can make all the difference. Based in Central Texas, we serve clients in Travis County, Hays County, and the surrounding areas.
Uniquely designed and crafted reclaimed products to aesthetically feature a perfect balance of both modern and old world design.
Our featured installations include both residential and commercial with clients that appreciate the authenticity of reclaimed and share in our belief that we can collectively create new life for a piece of history. Every piece is custom made, custom milled and installed by our team of experts- thoughtfully curated with you in mind. We specify in flooring, beams, barn boards and one-of-a-kind specialty items.
Visit our studio, by appointment only 9315 Ranch Road 12 , Wimberley, Texas 78676 www.texasiowareclaimed.com
Boot Barn headquarters, Irvine CA
At Saxon MD, we know that confidence isn’t gender-specific.
More men than ever are investing in their appearance, whether it’s through subtle injections, skin treatments, or advanced procedures.
Our team specializes in creating natural, refreshed results that enhance (not change) your look.
From reducing fine lines and wrinkles to addressing hair loss or improving skin health, our tailored services are designed to help men look sharp, feel confident, and stay competitive in every aspect of life.
Our office is professional, discreet, and welcoming. Whether you’re here for a quick touch-up or a long-term treatment plan, you’ll find care that respects your goals and lifestyle.
WHAT IF YOU DIDN’T HAVE TO PAY
Hill Country Crafted
Highest quality craft beer, handcrafted deep in the heart of Texas. Our tasting room is open daily and also offers local wine and a food truck. Now offering Turcotte Deli & Butcher food truck.
Where wine is poured and stories unfold. Where meals turn into memories and the design holds space for all of it.
Small Business Values. Big Flooring Results
JW Flooring is a locally owned and operating flooring installation provider with over 20 years of experience. Our flooring is tailored for each space, to fit your needs. We are experts in tile, wood, carpet and luxury vinyl flooring. Our dedication to detail, exceptional customer service, minimal
You’re Gonna Miss This
Before the kids have put a dent in their Halloween candy, Santa has appeared at the mall, Christmas music is on rotation, and neighbors are stringing holiday lights. And wedged between the goblins of October and the elves of December is Thanksgiving—the holiday left behind.
In the seasonal rush of planning and shopping, Turkey Day can almost go unnoticed. As we get caught up in the busyness of what’s next, we often overlook the quieter celebration of gratitude and connection that Thanksgiving offers.
For me, Thanksgiving feels more tender this year. My oldest child left for college a few months ago, and this holiday visit will be his first homecoming since moving out. I’ve felt his absence in a hundred small ways.
In missing him, I’ve become sentimental. My three younger children are still at home, and the house is still bustling—filled with bickering and laughter, backpacks and shoes. But I am painfully aware of how soon they, too, will leave. And I find myself wondering how to wholly soak in the goodness of this fleeting season.
How do we truly live in the moment—not just passing through it, but noticing it, feeling it, taking it to heart?
I think the answer is gratitude.
Being thankful for what we have—right here and right now—binds us to the moment. When we pause to acknowledge and give thanks, we become fully present in that space, and we shift from merely existing to truly living.
This issue is full of thanksgiving—in the truest sense of the word—featuring stories of kindness and gratitude moving through our community. You’ll read about thriving local businesses that make a difference in our town. You’ll meet a principal who cares for his school like family and discover how the Fellowship of Christian Athletes is empowering young people to grow in faith. And you’ll hear from helpers who dropped everything to lend a hand during a time of crisis— reminding us that acts of service often come full circle to bless those who give just as deeply as those who receive.
This year, as you step into November, tell Santa to wait his turn. Don’t miss the chance to slow down and take in what matters. Gather your loved ones and appreciate the gift of Thanksgiving—this quiet holiday that invites us to simply say thank you For in that pause, in that thankfulness, we can experience the fullness of life.
Stacy Berg, Michael Finn, Chris Kilmer, Sarah Lambie, Draven Lane, Michael Lawsage, Katie Sahl, Shannon Shea, Kate Smith, Whitnie Strauss, Christina Thompson, Micah Wiener
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Isabella Aldrete, Stacy Berg, Kimber Brown, Alexandra Davis, Jackson Davis, Whit McGuire, Summer Miles, Georges Schemagin, Nicholas Vedros
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
This season, we’re thankful for the Members that make The Club at Horseshoe Bay Resort so special. From championship golf and lakefront dining to family events and traditions, The Club is where memories are made.
Hours: Monday - Wednesday 8-5, Thursday 8-3, Friday Appointment Only
Not Just a Garage
Family and locally owned and operated, My Ultimate Garage, takes your garage from an afterthought to the ultimate statement space. Make your garage an extension of your home with custom details - floors, lighting, walls, and every detail re-imagined.
city scene
1: Oakwood Public Market celebrated its Grand Opening ribbon cutting with Chamber members in attendance 2: West Hill Hat Collection hosted the WillPower fundraiser, uniting the community for a meaningful evening 3: Local businesses joined Dripping Diamonds to celebrate its dazzling Grand Opening in Dripping Springs 4: Foster Village Austin hosts monthly gatherings, connecting caregivers through support, community, and shared experiences 5: Rooster Springs Elementary Watch D.O.G.S. served hamburgers to teachers to kick off football season 6: Dripping Springs celebrated Wildwood Springs Elementary School's ribbon cutting 7: Along with volunteers and partners, Hometown Missions dedicated and blessed Deborah Hammons’ newly renovated home
business monthly
Rosé to Rebuild Fundraiser Raises $33,467
Texas Hill Country Wineries and Horseshoe Bay Resort hosted Rosé to Rebuild, raising $33,467 for flood relief. With 35 wineries, generous sponsors, and more than 300 guests, the event supported Arc of the Highland Lakes and the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. TexasHillCountryWineries.org | HSBResort.com
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Rescue One More Launches Community Action Team
Rescue One More celebrated the launch of its Uganda Community Action Team in Bundibugyo. This team will help end child sexual violence and create safer communities, empowering children and families through training and local support. RescueOneMore.com
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Haven x Campise Farms Offers Venue Rentals
Haven x Campise Farms is a rescue barn providing compassionate end-of-life care for livestock. To help sustain this mission, the farm offers its scenic space for private dinners, retreats, celebrations, and more. Photographers and content creators are also welcome to rent the space by the hour. Rental proceeds help support the animals who call this place home and ensures they will never be forgotten. HavenXCampiseFarms.org
Photography by @texashillcountrywine
Photography by @rescueonemore
Photography by @havenxcampisefarms
Your Dripping Springs Real Estate Expert
Thankful to be with you on your real estate journey and building a relationship that extends beyond the transaction.
370 Harris Dr. Austin Tx 78737 - Belterra Listed Privately $824,900 4 beds | 3.5 baths | 3,112 sq ft
Elegant Belterra retreat featuring a remodeled kitchen, spa inspired primary suite, guest suite on the main floor, spacious gameroom, office, and 3 car garage. The private pool with hot tub, new pergola, and greenbelt backdrop create the ultimate Hill Country escape for entertaining or relaxing.
512-912-6075
GAME On
Dripping Springs Sports Club Offers a Brand-New Space to Play, Sweat, Connect, and Celebrate
ARTICLE BY KATIE SAHL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXANDRA DAVIS
In Dripping Springs, we know that a community is more than a location on a map. It’s the feeling of belonging, neighbors stopping to chat in the grocery store, parents cheering for each other’s kids at the ball field, and local businesses supporting one another’s dreams.
It’s that very spirit of connection that inspired the Dripping Springs Sports Club (DSSC). Set to open its doors in the near future, DSSC will be a one-of-a-kind sports, fitness, and wellness destination—built from the ground up with this community in mind.
With the arrival of November, a season that naturally draws us toward reflection and gratitude, we can’t help but feel deeply thankful. Thankful for the neighbors who’ve shared ideas and input during our planning process. Thankful for the families who’ve told us their hopes for a space like this. Thankful for the local leaders and partners who’ve encouraged us to dream big for Dripping Springs.
Our vision for DSSC is simple: to create a place where everyone belongs. Yes, you’ll find state-of-the-art sports facilities, group fitness classes, recovery and wellness programs, and family-friendly amenities. But beyond that, DSSC will be a hub for connection. It will be a place where kids discover their confidence, adults rediscover the joy of movement, and neighbors meet and become friends.
Imagine starting your morning with a sunrise yoga class, then enjoying a coffee while your little one laughs and plays in our childcare center. Picture coming back in the evening for a recreational league game, where old friends reunite and new friendships are made. Envision a Saturday spent cheering for your child’s sports clinic, followed by dinner in the café. DSSC is designed to make these moments not just possible, but effortless.
We believe community is built in the everyday moments—the wave across the gym, the laugh in the middle of a workout, the quiet conversation over coffee in the lobby. These small interactions create bonds that extend far beyond the walls of any building. Our hope is for DSSC to be a place where those moments happen naturally, over and over again.
CONTINUED >
“Our vision for DSSC is simple: to create a place where everyone belongs.”
In this season of thankfulness, we’re grateful for the opportunity to bring something new and lasting to Dripping Springs. We know that a facility alone can’t create community—people do. That’s why our focus is on building a space that reflects the values, warmth, and neighborly spirit that make this town so special.
While our full facility is still on the horizon, we’re thrilled that DSSC FLEX is already open and kicking off programming with volleyball and basketball clinics. FLEX gives families and athletes a taste of what’s to come: a space to play, grow, and connect even before the larger vision is complete. We also look forward to January, when our DSSC Warehouse space will open, bringing even more opportunities for the community with expanded programming, summer camps, birthday parties, training, and more.
To the Dripping Springs community, thank you for welcoming this vision. Thank you for trusting us to dream big for our hometown. And thank you for being the reason we believe DSSC will be a community centerpiece.
We can’t wait to open our doors and share this next chapter with you. Until then, we’ll keep working hard to build something that truly reflects what we’re most thankful for—you.
DrippingSports.com
Beautiful Design That Welcomes You Home
Let’s talk beautiful design. We don’t just design rooms - we create the lifestyle you want to come home to. Beautiful design isn’t just about how a room looks, it’s about how it feels. It’s in the details that make every moment at home more meaningful. Beautiful design is created in these details and with M Leonard Design every detail matters.
ARTICLE BY CHRIS KILMER
All In Planning
One Woman’s Story of Finding Peace, Support, and Clarity
CLIENT TESTIMONY
Losing a loved one is more painful than some can imagine. Adding to that pain are all of the administrative responsibilities we take on at our loved one’s passing. From making funeral arrangements to closing bank accounts, it seems like the list of to do’s will never end. Thankfully, there is help for those of us who have lost a loved one.
“A friend told me about the Generations program offered by All In Planning. From the first conversation, I felt like someone finally understood what I was going through.”
— IRINA K.
My name is Irina. I am a nurse and mother of two beautiful daughters. My husband, Joe, passed away in March 2025. I had hoped to have some time to grieve my loss and console my family; however, life did not seem to get the memo. Instead, I had to work to put food on the table, continue my Ph.D. program, and raise my two daughters. I also began to manage my family’s legal and financial matters for the first time. It seemed as though there was no relief in sight.
A friend told me about the Generations program offered by All In Planning (AIP). From the first conversation, I felt like someone finally understood what I was going through. AIP’s team of advisors helped me to understand my situation and guided me through what I needed to do to sort out my husband’s affairs.
They gave me access to their online course, explained my husband’s estate documents, analyzed my finances, sold real estate investments I didn’t want to manage, and even helped me move to another state where my family and I could have a fresh start. My team of All In Planners worked together seamlessly, collaborating with each other in the background so I never had to explain things more than once.
Everyone I spoke with at AIP was kind, thoughtful, and incredibly responsive. It felt like I had people in my corner who actually cared about me. They didn’t just give me tasks or forms to fill out; rather, they took the time to walk me through every step, bringing order to the chaos that had overrun my life. Even now, they still check in on me, pray for me, and offer support. In addition to receiving professional help, I had gained new friends.
You don’t have to do this alone. Reach out for help. AIP made such a difference in my life. They guided me,
supported me, and gave me peace when I couldn’t see the road ahead. I truly believe they were placed in my life for a reason, and I would recommend them to anyone who has lost a loved one.
Irina K. Mom, nurse, AIP client
ABOUT ALL IN PLANNING
We are a team of independent professionals from different industries who work together to guide households through major life changes. Our team includes a financial planner, estate attorney, insurance agent, and real estate asset manager who work together to build a plan for your life. We then connect you with local business partners who can help carry out your plan.
We also offer our Generations program for those who have lost a loved one. This program is designed to help households navigate the administrative duties often carried out at a loved one’s passing. It includes an online course on common steps to take as well as advice from our team, which is specific to households that find themselves in this difficult situation.
Helping others and sharing our faith in Jesus is at the core of what we do. Please contact us if you are ever in need of any assistance. Thank you and God bless!
AllInPlanner.com | info@allinplanner.com
Client testimonials provided may not represent the experience of other clients and are not a guarantee of future performance or success. Clients of AIP have an incentive to promote its services. There was no compensation provided for testimonials.
Austin, we are thankful for you. Thankful we can be creative, have some fun, design homes and develop relationships with some of the best folks in Texas.
Welcome Home,
With Be You
A
Father’s Honest Answers Inspire a Book on Loss and Love
ARTICLE BY MICHAEL FINN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACKSON DAVIS AND WHIT MCGUIRE
I remember it like it was yesterday. My wife, our two boys, and I were driving to friend’s birthday party. My wife was scrolling Sirus XM. She landed on a station, and the words, “Kobe Bryant and others are dead following a helicopter crash today …” pierced the air inside our car.
My oldest son, who had just turned 4 years old, didn’t miss a beat and pointedly asked, “What does dead mean?” He had danced around this word before in the casual way that children do while playing with toys or having abstract conversations, but this time was different. He was determined that we give him a substantial answer.
I knew this time was coming. By the preschool years, children are starting to understand the concept of death, but they struggle with the idea that death is permanent. My wife and I looked at each other, swallowed, and attempted to answer his question. I don’t remember exactly what we said. I just know that I was relieved when we arrived at the party and his attention shifted to birthday cake.
Two days later, arriving home from a routine preschool pickup, I began the child-seat unbuckling process. As I reached eye level with my son, he looked directly at me and asked, “Daddy, when I die, will you come to Heaven with me?”
I froze. It felt like hours before I was able to speak. Then I steeled myself, gave him a big hug, and told him, “Of course, I will.” It was the best I could do in the moment, but my answer felt insufficient, if not disingenuous.
His question was beautiful, scary, and heartbreaking all at the same time. In the realm of parenthood, I had been in the throes of my own anxiety and grief, having lost my sister, mother, and father within a relatively short span of time. I had been working on healing through many different modalities, but at the time, our son’s question was like a gut punch.
A few days later, I was laid out with emotion. I instinctively pulled out my iPhone and began writing a poem. There was no agenda, just my honest attempt to clumsily answer his question. I sat with it for a while and then had a novel thought: “This would actually be well served as a picture book for children.” And thus, my author journey began.
I’ll Be With You Wherever You Are extends a hand across the divide between adult and childhood to remind us that our spirits are generationally linked and that the energy of love extends beyond time and space.
My ongoing experiences as a leader and speaker at my church, Unity of Wimberley, have shown me that all anyone really wants is to be loved and understood as we go through this great mystery we call life. I believe books for young readers that encourage challenging dialogue and show the strength in vulnerability can help promote genuine, lasting healing. Parenthood can be challenging. Life is complex and nuanced, but operating from a place of honesty and gratitude for this experience will only enrich our journey. I’m now grateful for all of the uncomfortable questions and subsequent conversations that led to the creation of this book because they facilitate growth … as humans, parents, and caregivers. There are no right answers, but it is my sincere hope that this book might offer some comfort and whimsy to your child, as well as your own inner child, when life’s hard questions arise.
MichaelFinnBooks.com | @MichaelFinnBooks
ARTICLE BY MICHAEL LAWSAGE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STACY BERG
Turn It Up
Above the Law: House Band, Hometown Heart
The Hill Country has become a hub for live music, and I feel blessed every day to be part of that story here in Dripping Springs. As the founder of Above the Law and someone who has played rhythm and acoustic guitar for this group since the very beginning, I can honestly say that what makes this band special isn’t just the music. It's the people and community that surround it.
Over the past decade, Above the Law has grown into a polished ensemble with a unique blend of rock, R&B, and country. Each of my bandmates brings extraordinary talent and heart to the stage. Quiesean Wilson, our powerhouse vocalist, captivates audiences with his versatility and energy. David Rioux, our lead guitarist, delivers both fire and finesse while helping shape our sound behind the scenes. Adam Johnson keeps us grounded with his steady groove on bass, and Trevor Detling drives the rhythm with precision and passion. When Katie Adair steps in with her commanding vocals, she elevates our shows even further.
I am deeply grateful to share the stage with these musicians, but my gratitude extends far beyond the band. This community has embraced us in ways I never imagined when we first started out. Every Thursday night, Hudson’s on Mercer Street has become more than just a venue—it feels like home. We are honored to be the house band there, and I never take for granted the opportunity to play for friends, neighbors, and music lovers who show up week after week to support us.
Recently, Above the Law had the privilege of playing an event at 12 Fox Beer Co. that reminded me how powerful it is when neighbors lift each other up. Moments like these are proof that music isn’t just entertainment—it’s a force that connects people, strengthens community, and creates joy.
As we head into this season of thankfulness, I feel truly blessed. I’m grateful for my talented bandmates, for Hudson’s on Mercer and, most of all, for the people of Dripping Springs. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives. Without your support, none of this would be possible.
@lawsagemichael
GRATITUDE, hill country style
ARTICLE BY SHANNON SHEA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICHOLAS VEDROS
Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pie make for a classic Thanksgiving spread. But at Hog Heaven Sporting Club, our version of abundance looks a little different: shotgun shells, fishing lures, brass casings, and the satisfaction of a perfect day outdoors.
Here, gratitude takes on a special form— being thankful for the chance to test yourself on a sporting clays course, the opportunity to cast a line near your neighborhood, and gathering friends and family in the Texas Hill Country to share it all.
As autumn settles over our 120plus acres in Dripping Springs, we're reminded why Thanksgiving feels especially meaningful here. Whether it’s a sunrise pistol shoot or a lakeside evening around the fire pit, our members celebrate what matters most: connection.
We’re deeply thankful for the spirit that shines through moments like our “Hope for the Hills” charity event this past August, which raised just under $30,000 for Kerr County flood relief and TEXSAR Search and Rescue. This reminds us that, for all our love of the outdoors, people matter most.
These bonds flourish everywhere—at monthly dinners celebrating each other's successes and on adventures like our upcoming dove hunting expedition to Argentina, which we’re excited to share with members, families, and close friends. It’s not just about hitting your target; it’s about who’s there when you do.
As we enter this season of giving thanks, we’re grateful for members who've become extended family, for the opportunity to give back to our Hill Country community, and for shared outdoor experiences that forge lifelong bonds. There’s something special about belonging to a place where your victories are celebrated and your stories become part of something bigger. If you’ve been thinking about finding that kind of community, we’d love to show you around and let you feel what makes this place home.
HogHeavenSportingClub.com @hogheavensporting
SOUND,LIGH T, ANDLOVE
HOW KINGDOM SOUND IS AMPLIFYING DRIPPING SPRINGS
ARTICLE BY CHRISTINA THOMPSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUMMER MILES
“We’re a family business through and through.” - Barbara Higginbotham
For Jonray and Barbara Higginbotham, sound isn’t just a business—it’s a calling rooted in family, faith, and music. As the founders of Kingdom Sound, a boutique audio production and rental company based in Dripping Springs, the Higginbothams have built a business that blends technical excellence with heart.
Their story began as a synth-pop duo called Moonray, but a spontaneous moment at the 2014 Zilker Botanical Garden Festival planted the seed for something bigger. They brought their own PA system and handled the live sound themselves, and they recognized an opportunity to market a turnkey PA system, including an audio engineer. Barbara posted a Craigslist ad, which led to their first gig.
“Suddenly we were doing sound for 50 to 60 shows a year,” Jonray recalls.
That simple ad launched what would become Kingdom Sound: a full-service production company known throughout Central Texas for its top-tier gear, professional engineers, and unwavering service.
Now based in Dripping Springs’ Sycamore Creek Valley, the Higginbothams have traded city living for 11 acres of peaceful Hill Country. Along with raising their two young children—already budding musicians—they run Kingdom Sound along with a team of 40 local contractors.
“We’re a family business through and through,” says Barbara. “Our kids come along for gear drops. They’re growing up around soundboards and drum kits.”
Known for its high-end gear and service, Kingdom Sound has become a trusted name in the area, handling everything from church events to local favorites like the Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival and the Founders Day Festival.
“We don’t just rent speakers,” Jonray explains. “We bring in professional engineers, mobile recording, tour-level production standards, and studio services through our other business, Moonlab Studios.”
The Higginbothams are especially proud of raising their two children, helping Coleman Jennings launch his career, and being embraced by the warm, supportive community they now call home in Dripping Springs.
Kingdom Sound is currently laying the groundwork for a nonprofit, the Carriers of Light Foundation, which will host benefit concerts in Dripping Springs. “We want to share the love here,” says Jonray. “Dripping Springs is at the heart of it all.”
Their new flex space on Ferrell Lane will include gear pickup, studio offices, and a space for Barbara’s brand photography and marketing venture, Barbie Shoots.
While the Higginbothams don’t perform as Moonray publicly right now, they’re still recording and dreaming. “Everything we do revolves around music,” Barbara says. “It’s a beautiful ecosystem.”
As Jonray puts it, “We’re the knights at the sound table, serving our kingdom—the community—with the best sound we can give.”
And in this Hill Country town, the sound is only getting sweeter.
KingdomSoundTX.com | @kingdomsoundtx
A SEASON OF STRENGTH AND GRATITUDE
Fire and Flow Pilates
ARTICLE BY DRAVEN LANE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIMBER BROWN
Let’s be honest, many of us are walking around in survival mode. We scroll. We sit. We stress. We say we’ll “get back into it” when life slows down. It doesn’t. And yet, every single day I get to watch people choose something different. They decide that showing up for themselves matters. They step into Fire and Flow not just to sweat, but to reconnect with who they are. It’s one thing to open a studio; it’s another to watch it change lives.
I am endlessly thankful for that privilege.
The truth is, pilates isn’t just movement. It’s medicine. It’s laughter. It’s resilience. I’ve seen clients leave class with more energy to parent their kids, more patience in their marriages, and more confidence at work. I’ve seen women who swore they had “no time” find themselves not just physically stronger, but more present for their families. I’ve seen men, dragged into the studio by their wives, eagerly asking when they can come back. And I’ve seen people who felt disconnected from their bodies stand taller—not just in posture, but in pride.
That’s what I am grateful for this season. Not just for Fire and Flow as a studio, but for the community that breathes life into it. After all, it’s not really my studio—it’s ours. It’s every high-five offered with shaking muscles, every “you’ve got this” whispered across a reformer, every laugh when someone wobbles in a lunge and realizes that strength and joy can exist in the same moment.
Fire and Flow doesn’t do fluff. We don’t do punishment either. We do connection. We do strength. We do community that cheers loudly when your form hits right and notices when you’ve been gone too long. We do real conversations about planks and TikTok trends because life doesn’t stop at the studio door. And for that kind of chaos—the human, messy, beautiful chaos—I’m deeply thankful.
This space was built out of a dream, but the dream only works because of the people inside it. You—the ones surprising yourself with a heavier spring, showing up after a hard week, or trusting us with your very first pilates class—are the reason Fire and Flow exists. You remind me that movement is bigger than muscles. It’s how we reclaim energy, confidence, and joy in a world that takes those things too easily.
I’m also thankful for the ripple effect. When one person invests in their health, it doesn’t stop with them. Stronger bodies mean stronger parents. Calmer minds mean better spouses. More confidence means better leaders in the workplace and role models at home. What happens here flows outward, shaping not just the individual but the community around them. And that is priceless.
So this season, the season of giving thanks, my gratitude shines clearly. I give thanks for every client who has trusted me with their sweat, growth, and time. I give thanks for the laughter, the breakthroughs, and even the sore muscles that remind us we’re alive and capable of more than we imagined. I give thanks for the courage people show just by walking through the door, and for the privilege of calling this my work, my passion, and my dream come true.
Fire and Flow isn’t just a pilates studio. It’s a reminder of what’s possible when people come together with intention and heart. So, thank you for showing up, for believing in the process, and for letting me be part of your journey. Together, we’re not just building strong bodies. We’re building strong lives.
FireAndFlowPilates.com | @fireandflowpilates
PICTURE this
THANKFUL FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO BRING OUR PAGES TO LIFE
ARTICLE BY WHITNIE STRAUSS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIMBER BROWN AND ALEXANDRA DAVIS
Every issue of Dripping Springs City Lifestyle begins with words on a page. Ideas are pitched, stories are written, and layouts start to take shape. But it’s when our editorial photographers step in that the stories truly come to life. Their artistry transforms concepts into connection and gives our readers the chance to not only read about our community but feel it through the faces, places, and details captured through a photographer’s lens.
In many ways, it’s the photographs that bridge the gap between story and experience. While our writers craft narratives that inform and inspire, it’s often the images that draw readers in and encourage them to linger.
This partnership between story and image is at the core of what makes Dripping Springs City Lifestyle unique. We want to invite our audience into an experience through the articles we publish. And that experience depends on the creative vision, professionalism, and heart of the photographers who are part of our team. They take the time to notice the small details, to frame a scene in a way that feels authentic, and to deliver images that elevate every issue we produce.
Their work happens behind the scenes, but its impact is front and center. Turn the page, and you’ll see their fingerprints in sunset shots that celebrate the Hill Country’s natural beauty and in intimate portraits that reveal the personality of a neighbor or local leader. Whether it’s a styled shoot, an editorial spread, or a candid moment at a community event, their photography adds depth, vibrancy, and emotion to each story we tell.
In this issue, themed around thankfulness, it feels right to pause and recognize two of our most recent contributors. We are grateful for their dedication to capturing the essence of our town and for giving us the gift of perspective through their artistic eye.
“Gratitude in my work comes from knowing the images I create hold value far beyond today. It’s a privilege to turn ordinary days into lasting keepsakes.” - Kimber Brown
KIMBER brown
KIMBER COLLECTIVE
“I may have grown up on the West Coast, but Dripping Springs is where I feel rooted. The mix of wide-open skies, close-knit community, and everyday beauty makes it a place I never stop falling in love with. It’s the kind of backdrop that makes photographing life here endlessly inspiring.
Photography has been part of my life for more than a decade, and yet every session still feels like a brand-new adventure. I get to witness the tender, silly, real moments that make up people’s lives—tiny hands wrapped around mom’s; a burst of laughter in the middle of a “serious” pose; a business owner lighting up when they talk about their work. For me, photography is all about soulful storytelling. I want my images to feel alive, to hold the energy of a memory that will still make you smile 20 years from now.
What I love most about Drip is how it embodies that same sense of story. It’s a place where people still wave to each other at stop signs, where small businesses thrive and families gather under big oak trees for backyard dinners. Every corner holds a little piece of nostalgia, and I feel lucky to capture it through my lens.
Whether I’m photographing a family splashing in the creek, a brand sharing its vision with the world, or a couple soaking up the glow of golden hour, I’m always chasing connection— the honest, beautiful kind that makes life worth remembering. Dripping Springs gives me endless inspiration, and being able to live, work, and create here feels like the best kind of gift.”
KimberCollective.com | @kimber.collective
ALEXANDRA davis
“Hey, I’m Alex Davis—a stay-at-home mom of two with a passion for capturing memories that last a lifetime.
My love for photography began during a challenging postpartum season after my second child. Motherhood was a huge adjustment, and for a long time, I felt like I had lost myself. Picking up a camera became a way to reconnect—to find joy, creativity, and a sense of identity outside of being “mom.” Every time I step behind the lens, it fills my cup.
Originally from the Chicago suburbs (Naperville!), my family relocated to the Dripping Springs area in 2015 and I followed after them. I was lucky enough to catch a couple of Friday night lights here in Drip while my brother was on the football team. These days, we’re living on a big ol’ extended family compound, complete with horses and longhorns—definitely not what I pictured growing up as a suburban kid from up north, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
I pride myself on building genuine connections with my clients from the moment we meet. My goal is to help you feel confident, comfortable and, most importantly, like yourself. Whether you’re celebrating a new baby, wrangling a wild crew for family photos, or marking a milestone like senior year, I’m here to make the process fun and meaningful. I work with clients in all stages of life: maternity, families, seniors, sports, events, extended families, and more. I would love to create something beautiful with you!”
We love being a part of the Dripping Springs community, and are thrilled to have a location in our hometown! We take a personal interest in every patient who walks through out doors, treating them with the same care and attention we would want for our own children.
Our smaller, community-focused approach enables us to get to know our patients and their families on a deeper level, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels a part of the family!
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY STACY BERG
START First
AT THE CHECKOUT LINE, A QUIET ACT OF KINDNESS ECHOES LOUDLY
Kindness starts before the moment feels perfect. It begins when someone decides to go first. One spark, one gesture, and suddenly the whole mood shifts.
Last week reminded me of this truth in a powerful way. Driftwood’s own Terry Reddy stood at the H-E-B checkout, her card declined again and again. We’ve all been there in that uneasy pause, frustration hanging in the air.
The truth is, it’s the small things—a friend checking in, a neighbor lending a hand, or a stranger refusing to let someone stand there alone—that leave the biggest mark.
But then, without hesitation, a stranger stepped forward. “I’ll take care of it,” he said. There was no flash, no spotlight—just kindness offered freely.
Later, Reddy learned that her card had been compromised. But what stayed with her wasn’t the inconvenience; it was the grace of that moment—the choice of a stranger to act first, to change the energy in the room. Reddy told me, “I will absolutely pass it forward.” And I believe her because that’s how kindness works—it multiplies.
One person goes first, and then another follows. The chain begins with courage— sometimes as small as a smile, sometimes as bold as covering a bill. We often think impact has to be dramatic, headline-worthy, deserving of an online post. But the truth is, it’s the small things—a friend checking in, a neighbor lending a hand, or a stranger refusing to let someone stand there alone— that leave the biggest mark.
The real secret is this: Kindness doesn’t just change the person who receives it; it changes the one who gives it. When you go first, the weight lifts, the joy rises, and suddenly both lives are lighter.
So here’s the challenge: Stop waiting. Be the one who sets it in motion. Offer the smile; send the text; pay the bill. Do it now. Because when kindness starts, joy follows— and once joy shows up, it doesn’t stay quiet.
So let’s not wait. Let’s be the ones who start. Start first; start today.
Do you have your own story of kindness? Share it with us, and together we’ll keep the chain growing...
Get in touch at citylifestyle.com/ drippingsprings.
H O P E
Begins with YOU A SEASON TO SEE THE UNSEEN
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
Have
RISING TOGETHER
ARTICLE BY MELISSA SVOBODA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEORGES SCHEMAGIN
Stories of Service and Gratitude
When devastating floods swept through the Texas Hill Country on July 4, the Dripping Springs community did what it does best: showed up. Some who answered the call were seasoned first responders; others were serving in this way for the first time. Young and old, volunteers from all walks of life offered their time and skills however they could. Whether hauling supplies, organizing donations, or simply listening to survivors’ stories, each effort made a difference.
In acts of service, gratitude flows both ways, blessing those in need and those who give. Following are a few examples of how the Drip community rose to the occasion.
DUSTY DRAKE
When the floods hit the Hill Country, Dusty Drake didn’t hesitate to step in. As the owner of a tree service company, he knew his crew’s skills and equipment could make a real difference.
Drake and his team assisted with recovery efforts, dangerous limb and tree removal, and large clearing projects. Yet beyond the physical work, it was the people who left the deepest impression. “When we arrived in the flood-impacted areas, the residents welcomed us with incredible kindness and gratitude,” Drake recalls. “Their willingness to join in, support us, and work alongside us was just as inspiring as our desire to serve them.”
Even in hardship, residents looked for ways to care for the volunteers, offering supplies, fuel, food, and even medical support like IV hydration. “It became a beautiful circle of compassion: We came to help them, and they in turn helped us,” Drake shares. CONTINUED >
Drake was amazed by the outpouring of support, as people from all walks of life showed up, ready to serve. Chainsaw companies arrived to sharpen and repair saws so crews could keep working, and one volunteer even drove from Pennsylvania to help. “It was a powerful reminder of how generosity and resilience multiply when people come together,” he recalls.
For Drake, the experience underscored the impact of joining forces in times of crisis. “This was a tremendous tragedy in terms of lives lost and damage done, but what I witnessed afterward was communities rising up to take care of one another,” he says. “And that spirit of kindness and shared purpose is something we can carry with us every day.”
STÉPHANIE READ
In the days after the July Fourth floods, Stéphanie Read teamed up with the the Fireside Chat Support Network (FCFN), a local nonprofit group of veterans and first responders, to help coordinate relief efforts. Recognizing the need for structure, she stepped in as volunteer flood relief coordinator—connecting with fire stations and churches across the Hill Country, organizing donations, and creating systems for volunteers to contribute meaningfully.
Collaborating with FCSN, Read established a full-scale donation center where community members dropped off supplies daily. She recruited volunteers to sort, staged donations for each affected town, and scheduled drivers to haul truckloads of goods where they were needed most. Each delivery was tailored to the specific requests of communities, from basic necessities to hardto-find items like wheelchairs and walkers. She quickly saw how much could be accomplished when neighbors worked together, noting that with community involvement, “anything is possible.”
Her efforts also extended to fundraising. The FCSN team organized a benefit concert, and Read spearheaded a large silent auction, securing hundreds of donations from local businesses and raising thousands of dollars to directly support a local musician impacted by the flood. “The outpouring of generosity and kindness from our local community and beyond was incredible,” she says.
Reflecting on the experience, Read shares, “Love life and live it to the fullest! Be grateful for each and every day. Hold those you love close and tell them how much they mean to you.”
ROBERT “CHAPPY” CHAPLIN
In the aftermath of the Hill Country floods, Robert “Chappy” Chaplin and his wife, Elizabeth, put their military experience to work, committing to help get critical supplies where they were needed most. “My focus was to deliver supplies and equipment to any agency in need,” he explains. With their large truck and 16-foot trailer, the couple made several trips each week, hauling pallets of drinks and food, wheelchairs, strollers, clothing, fuel, and tools and dropping off essentials to multiple locations.
The FCFN became a hub for encouragement and planning. Together, members continued their Monday evening meetings to discuss how to expand support and keep hope alive for their neighbors. “The entire group was swollen with pride and gratitude to provide what we could as a service, and we were energized to do more,” he shares.
Chaplin says the most meaningful part of the work was seeing the thankfulness of those he helped. “You receive a sense of euphoria aiding those in need,” he says. “Those happy faces show a sense of relief from the immediate tragedy. People in need are elated that someone ‘out there’ cares about them.”
BOB WILSON
Bob Wilson’s old skid steer, affectionately named “Big Mike,” is typically used for clearing cedar and doing roadwork on his own property. But when the floods hit, Big Mike had a higher calling, as Wilson and his son began hauling him out to the Leander and Sandy Creek areas nearly every weekend to help with cleanup.
They primarily worked on private property where homeowners had no way to tackle the massive piles of debris. Volunteers with chainsaws would cut up and gather debris, and then Big Mike would grab and move it. Wilson and Big Mike also helped around bridges and public spaces.
Wilson says the flood response showed just how powerful teamwork can be. “The whole cleanup effort is a great testament to the people in central Texas,” he reflects. “Without the efforts of so many others volunteering, I could not have been as effectively involved.”
Wilson recalls that many people seemed overwhelmed at first, yet those same people would continue to show up at the next location, week after week. “It was amazing to see their hope restored and realize the strength in working together,” he says.
For Wilson, the experience proved that community is much more than an area or neighborhood: “Working side by side with people, getting dirty and sweaty in situations like this, helps you connect and makes you appreciate the people around us.”
SCOTT ELKINS
Amid the chaos of the floods, Scott Elkins, a lieutenant with the Westlake Fire Department, joined fellow Dripping Springs local Micah Fain and two other personnel to support the hardest-hit areas. Their engine company covered the Comfort Volunteer Fire Department overnight for 14 consecutive days, relieving the day crew so volunteers could focus on more urgent needs. In addition
to responding to 911 calls, Elkins and his team led training sessions and restocked supplies, ensuring the station ran smoothly during the crisis.
“What was inspiring was the overall amount of support and number of volunteers that responded to the area,” Elkins says. Local community members provided meals and supplies, and search and rescue crews arrived from all over the state and the country. Donations poured in at such a scale that some were even turned away. One local Comfort resident, Jeannine Carl, noticed the station lacked a reliable way to cook meals and began bringing home-cooked dinners every Friday and Saturday to feed the crews.
The response, Elkins observes, proved the power of people working side by side to lift each other up. “During this time of recovery, remember that hope can be found in the strength of the community,” he says. “Together, we can rebuild, heal, and find new ways to support one another.”
TERRENCE OGDEN
For Terrence Ogden, an eighth-generation Texan with deep ties to Kerrville, the floods struck close to home. “When I saw what had happened, I knew I had to do anything I could,” he recalls. “We wrapped up our annual Fourth of July party early and I headed out. No plan, just the knowledge that there was work to be done.”
“It became a beautiful circle of compassion: We came to help them, and they in turn helped us.” - Dusty Drake
He came across a family whose property had been devastated. He listened to their needs, then gathered a crew and put out a call on social media. The response was overwhelming, and volunteers returned with him several times in the weeks that followed. “It was hard and dirty work, but fulfilling to be able to be part of closure for so many,” he says.
The experience left Ogden grateful in more ways than one. He was struck by the willingness of strangers to show up, get dirty, and become friends as they banded together to help. He also felt gratitude from the family, who welcomed the crews and trusted them with their land during such a vulnerable time. “It reminded me that gratitude is built not just in what we receive, but in the chance to give.”
His takeaway is simple: “When life gets tough, don’t wait for a perfect plan—just show up. There will always be work to do and people who need a hand. This whole experience was a powerful reminder of what really matters—your family, your friends, and your community.”
JOHN “JUDGE” BURNS
Since the floods hit in July, John “Judge” Burns has spent nearly every weekend organizing and leading volunteers from FCSN and other groups in flood relief efforts, primarily focusing on the grueling task of clearing debris from affected properties. Working under scorching temperatures and high humidity, Burns says, “The work was very challenging, but mentally and spiritually rewarding.”
The experience has underscored the fragility of life and the importance of community support. Burns recalls helping a pair of property owners in their 90s, along with many other residents who lacked the means to recover on their own. “To be able to help them in their time of great need gave me and our volunteers a great sense of satisfaction,” he shares.
Burns believes that helping others is simply the right thing to do. “I would encourage everyone to help their fellow man in times of great hardship,” he says. Giving to others is both a service and a blessing: “I’m thankful I was able to help as much as I did.”
CARRIN LEWIS
When Carrin Lewis learned of the devastating floods, she cut her out-of-state family vacation short to return to the Texas Hill Country. A newcomer to disaster response, Lewis initially worried, “Am I worthy of such a job? Will I be in the way?” She quickly learned that showing up and taking initiative was essential. “If you see something that needs to be done, be your own boss and start,” she says.
Her first assignment brought her to an RV park where residents had suffered tragic losses. As she cleared debris, they shared their stories, teaching Lewis a second vital lesson: the importance of listening. “Disaster response is about so much more than cleaning up the mess left behind,” she reflects. “It’s offering human connection to the victims, listening when things are difficult, and knowing when to embrace someone with a hug or offer prayer.”
Over the following days in Kerrville and beyond, Lewis witnessed volunteers from around Texas and across the country—some arriving with tractors and tools, others with just gloves and boots—join the effort. Even amid exhaustion, she was struck by the generosity, humility, and determination of everyone involved. “We were just a bunch of God’s brothers and sisters out there loving and helping each other during a dark and heart-wrenching time,” she says. The experience left her thankful and inspired, knowing that even in tragedy, a community united in compassion can rebuild, support one another, and find light.
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EVERYTHING
FROM FAMILY ROOTS TO FRUITFUL GATHERINGS, NECTARINE OFFERS A PLACE TO BELONG
ARTICLE
Some of my most treasured memories are of the gatherings my grandmother hosted—family dinners infused with her signature style of hospitality, each one an event in itself. Thanksgiving always stood out: She went over the top with elaborate decorations and gourmet dishes made entirely from scratch. For days, she prepared tirelessly, ensuring everything was just right.
BY KATE SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY BY ISABELLA ALDRETE
She was the ultimate hostess with a true servant’s heart.
Her table was never just about food; it was about creating a place where everyone belonged. Around that table, stories of the past were told, laughter echoed, and connections deepened because of the care and intention she poured into every gathering. Hospitality was her love language, and it left a lasting imprint on all who were fortunate enough to sit at her table.
Those experiences became a part of me, teaching me the power of gathering and
the importance of creating spaces where others feel welcome. There is healing to be found in a shared table.
In a way that feels like kismet, I believe God brought my health journey and Nectarine together—each one born from a need for the other. In 2011, I faced a health crisis that launched a decade-long search for answers. Very quickly, food became central to that journey, and it was the beginning of my healing. That season opened my eyes to both the integral necessity of whole foods and the true harm of a broken food system.
“THERE IS HEALING TO BE FOUND IN A SHARED TABLE.”
While my health struggles were the spark, Nectarine was never meant to be just about delicious organic, gluten-free foods, coffee, and baked goods; it was about integrity. It was about providing trusted, whole, organic nourishment because we all need it, and our children deserve it.
Nectarine became the expression of my desire to create a place where everyone who comes through our doors feels
cared for. Our tables may not sit in my grandmother’s dining room, but they hold the same spirit, wholeheartedly offering a place to gather, to be nourished, and to belong.
Still, building something meaningful takes more than vision. Like many who’ve walked a long health journey, endured personal trials, or pursued entrepreneurship, I’ve learned that grit is essential. Grit is born of long nights, risks,
endless details, and hours that never seem enough. And through grit, our personal growth takes root.
Just as grit carries us through, our community is what transforms all the effort into impact, reminding us of why the work matters and who it serves.
The beauty of this story is that it isn’t only ours. Every community has its tables—in homes, schools, churches, or small businesses—set by people who choose to give of themselves. These tables and places are where connection happens, where burdens are shared, and where joy is multiplied. They are the heartbeat of community and of this great, big, beautiful life. I believe we are returning to that truth, full circle.
Those who came before us showed the way with hospitality in its truest form, creating community one table at a time. To my mother, grandmothers, friends who invite neighbors, and businesses that open their doors with purpose and integrity: Our world is brighter because of your stewardship and love poured out. And to Dripping Springs—for welcoming us wholeheartedly and truly “getting us”—thank you!
LoveNectarine.com | @nectarinecafe
A Beer
Built On Gratitude
ARTICLE BY MICAH WIENER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ISABELLA ALDRETE McConauhaze and the Making of Twisted X
Founded in 2011, Twisted X Brewing had carved out its place in the Hill Country craft beer scene. But in 2015, president and CEO Hunter Stewart knew they needed a game-changer.
“We had seven beers in the market at the time,” Stewart recalls. “We knew we needed a big hit to take the business to the next level.”
So he gathered Twisted X’s extended family—distributors, salespeople, brewers, and friends—for a paella dinner with plenty of pairings. One idea rose above all others: a hazy IPA.
shortage hit. With Coca-Cola and PepsiCo buying all the cans they could find, we started adding stickers to the existing cans we had in our facility.”
Stewart points to the people who carried Twisted X forward, even through uncertainty. “The entire brewery team came together to get the project off the ground,” he says. “We moved everyone on the team to full-time and focused on production. That team grinded all the way through COVID.”
“When we decided to go with the hazy, we sourced the best hops we could find, anywhere,” Stewart says. “We tossed price out the window and went on a national search. The vision from the start was to create an absolute premium product.”
It took a full year of trial, error, and teamwork before the beer was ready. But when a sales rep coined the name McConauhaze, the project clicked into place. “All of a sudden, it was like, boom, our hazy is McConauhaze. And we’re off and running.”
The team had confidence they had a winning liquid, but that was all they had. Originally, the beer was draft only, with no plans to sell it in cans. “We saw it as a novelty and wanted it to be hard to find. Plus, we couldn’t afford for it to be everywhere anyway,” he jokes.
The beer launched in bars across Austin in January 2020, and it immediately took off. “We had a lot of early success, but three months after launch, everything changed,” he says. “We didn’t even get to execute our activation plans we’d been working on for the last year.”
“The plan to be draft-only was done when COVID hit,” Stewart explains. “We had to pivot to cans, just as the worldwide aluminum
Even more than his staff, it was the community that left Stewart humbled. “It means everything. Nobody knew what we were facing. Not just here, but in the world,” he says. “Neighbors bought beer to go. They came by the taproom and supported us. I’m so thankful for the Dripping Springs community. And I’ll always be grateful to the bars and restaurants that supported us.”
But ask him what matters most, and his answer isn’t sales. It’s service. “The only marketing we do is through philanthropy, and it’s been that way since day one,” he says. “Ninetyfive percent of it is hoping you come across our beer at an event that means something to you. It gives us joy to give back to the community.”
That gratitude extends to Texas State University athletics, where McConauhaze is the official beer sponsor. “Most of our team graduated from Texas State, so it was sort of a no-brainer to support the major school here in Hays County,” Stewart says. “Knowing where we started 10 years ago with yard signs, it’s pretty exciting to be up on the jumbo screen.”
CONTINUED >
For Stewart, success only fuels more reflection. “I’m always looking for the next challenge,” he says. “The success of McConauhaze has allowed us to grow and gain efficiencies. It’s great, but that major commitment to a single beer gives us new challenges. The craft beer world is like living in dog years.”
“We have a lot to be thankful for,” Stewart continues. “A great team, a dedicated staff, and a supportive community. It’s a remarkable story that’s not yet done.”
At the Dripping Springs taproom, guests can expect new hazies, winter porters, and fireside gatherings through the holidays. But at the heart of it all remains the same feeling Stewart had back in 2019: thankfulness.
“McConauhaze started as a beer we thought would be a novelty,” he says. “Today, it’s the reason we’re still here, and the reason we’re grateful for every beer we share.”
TwistedXBrewing.com | @twistedxbrewing
“The vision from the start was to create an absolute premium product.”
FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES: FINDING PURPOSE BEYOND THE GAME
Faith on the Field
ARTICLE BY MELISSA SVOBODA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXANDRA DAVIS
“
It’s peer-to-peer ministry, which makes it really powerful.
- Nate Thurlow
In 2019, Nate Thurlow and his wife, Taylor, flew from their home in Colorado to Austin for a job interview. Afterward, when Nate asked how they should spend their Friday night, his interviewer didn’t hesitate: “This is Texas, baby. Go to a high school football game.”
Thus, the couple found themselves under the Friday night lights in Tiger Stadium, dazzled by the field house, the giant inflatable tiger tunnel, and the DSHS High Kickers. And they also felt something deeper: “I thought, ‘This is nostalgic; this feels like my childhood,’” Nate remembers. “And so we said, ‘Let’s move to Dripping Springs!’”
The job was Area Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) in Hays County. Founded in 1954, FCA is a nonprofit built on the belief that, if athletes have the power to shape culture by marketing sports drinks and clothing brands, they also have the ability to impact lives through faith. Its vision is to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes at every level.
Nate’s connection to FCA goes back to his own high school years, when his promising baseball career was interrupted by injury. “Sports were my life, my identity,” he says. “And when sports were taken away, I had no idea who I was.”
A friend invited him to his on-campus FCA meeting, and Nate instantly felt comfortable surrounded by fellow athletes. Later, he also became involved with FCA in college and, after a post-graduation missions trip, his calling became clear: “I realized that I love this; I want to do this for the rest of my life.” In 2014, Nate joined FCA full-time, and he’s built his career with the ministry ever since.
Six years ago, Nate and Taylor moved to Dripping Springs to launch FCA in the region. “Dripping Springs was that first splash,” he says. “And it’s created ripples as we’ve worked our way out to Hays ISD, San Marcos ISD, Wimberley, and beyond.”
A large part of FCA’s growth in Dripping Springs is its local presence. Living in the community he serves, Nate consistently shows up in the lives of students and coaches, and FCA partners with local churches and volunteers. “This is our home,” he says. “I think that’s the secret sauce to building these relationships. We call it a ministry of presence.”
Today, FCA is active at Dripping Springs High School and both middle schools. The model is built on equipping a local coach, who then empowers student athletes to engage their peers. Each week, hundreds of kids gather on campus for student-led Bible studies called “huddles.” Nate shares, “It’s peer-to-peer ministry, which makes it really powerful.”
In addition to weekly huddles, students are encouraged to form discipleship groups and plug into local churches. FCA also offers day camps and overnight camps, and the ministry hosts “game days” throughout the school year, bringing students together to support friends’ athletic events, often followed by “fifth quarter” hangouts filled with food, music, and connection.
One of the most moving events of the year is Fields of Faith. In October, over 500 students gather on the DSHS campus for a student-led night of singing and sharing testimonies under the stadium lights. “There is nothing more beautiful than seeing athletes raise their hands in worship,” Nate reflects.
Moments like these offer a glimpse into the remarkable transformation Nate has seen in students’ lives through FCA. “I have seen addictions break, tears shed for newness, hope in broken family situations,” he shares. “My faith grows when I see spiritual movement in a coach or athlete.”
In a world where student athletes often feel like performance, playing time, and social media define their worth, FCA offers a different message. “We want these kids to know that their identity is in something far greater than the sport they’re playing,” Nate says. “Their identity is in Jesus Christ, and that can’t be taken away.”
And when kids understand that, everything changes: “Sports become fun again and have a greater purpose,” he says. “You get to see them compete freely, not under pressure.”
Alongside her husband, Taylor is also actively involved in the ministry, mentoring female athletes and helping to manage donor relationships for the faithfunded nonprofit. The couple, now with two young children—Lilah Rae (4) and Grayson (2)—and a new baby on the way, has built their life around faith. Their journey has been marked by ups and downs, but they’ve never walked it alone.
“I think those trials and tribulations create in you a resilience and faith,” Nate shares. “We moved across the country to a city where we knew nobody, away from our
families, but we just felt like God was calling us to do it. It hasn’t been easy, but we’ve done it together. And I’m just really proud of our family and what God has done.”
That spirit of teamwork has also carried FCA forward, as the steadfast commitment of families, coaches, athletes, and donors has helped fuel the mission. “We call them ministry partners because we really believe they’re a part of the ministry,” Nate says of FCA’s financial supporters. “We would not be where we are today if it weren’t for the people in this community rallying behind us.”
As the ministry continues to grow, Nate dreams of a day when FCA might have its own sports fields and facilities, and he hopes to expand its reach beyond schools into club and league sports like DSYSA and Special Olympics. “Our mission is to reach every coach and every athlete,” he states.
Trusting God with what’s ahead, Nate turns to Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Grounded in this call to live with purpose and gratitude—and with great faith in God’s promises—Nate sums it up: “We’re thankful for the people, hopeful for what can come.”
FCAAustin.org/hays-county | @drippingspringsfca
ARTICLE BY SARAH LAMBIE PHOTOGRAPHY BY ISABELLA ALDRETE
Principal Steve Novickas Brings Heart to Wildwood Springs
Leading with
Gratitude
Steve Novickas starts each morning the same way: scanning his calendar. He’s not checking for meetings or deadlines, but searching for moments—moments to spread encouragement, to connect, to make someone’s day a little brighter.
It’s this perspective that shapes Steve's approach to leading Dripping Springs’ newest elementary school, Wildwood Springs. But for Steve, gratitude isn't simply an important leadership trait; it's a way of life born from both triumph and trial.
“I'm grateful for human connections,” Steve reflects, sipping from his Taylor Swift-sticker-covered coffee mug (yes, he’s a proud Swifty). “I’m an optimist who loves a good challenge. A good day is when I’ve been able to walk with and encourage people through various situations.”
FROM CHICAGO TO DRIPPING SPRINGS
A Chicago native, Steve began his career teaching elementary school physical education in Colorado, where he met his wife Katie in 2006. After 11 years in Colorado, the family—including children Boston (13), Brielle (12), and Berklee (9)—moved to Dripping Springs in July 2017, and Steve became assistant principal at Sycamore Springs Middle School.
His path to the principal’s office wasn’t part of his original plan.
“I thought I’d be an elementary school P.E. teacher for 30 years,” he admits. But a mentor’s encouragement led him to pursue his master’s degree in educational leadership. After his first graduate class, he knew his calling had shifted. “I really enjoy leading people and making tough decisions.”
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STRENGTH THROUGH TRIAL
That fortitude was tested in ways he never expected. The family faced its greatest challenge when Katie was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023. Throughout nearly a year of chemotherapy and radiation, Steve's optimism never wavered. Neither did Katie’s.
“There were hard days when Katie could have stayed in bed, but she was adamant about staying positive and focusing on her faith,” Steve recalls. “She continued working the whole time and never missed a Sunday at church.”
Today, Katie—who serves as director of campus ministries at LifeFamily Dripping Springs—has been cancer free for 16 months.
Steve says he’s grateful for the way the Dripping Springs community rallied around them.
“Our community really showed up when we needed them most—financially, with food, prayers, texts, phone calls, and offers to help with our kids,” Steve says. “In the last eight years, we’ve seen Dripping Springs grow into a city, but I love how it's kept that tight-knit community feeling.”
BUILDING A SCHOOL FAMILY
Being on the receiving end of strong community support has fueled Steve's desire to build a school culture that’s encouraging, engaging, and fun.
“We’ve worked hard to build an uplifting environment where we support one another, laugh together, and put our arms around each other,” Steve says.
Colleagues describe Wildwood Springs as having a strong “family feeling.”
Janet Reeves, who taught under Steve for five years at Rooster Springs Elementary, says his approach is relationship-centered. “He’s not hiding in his office,” she says. “He’s in the hallways, classrooms, lunchroom, and at drop-off and pickup. He knows the kids’ names and walks with them through their highs and lows.”
Opening Wildwood Springs as principal has been the culmination of a long-held dream.
“I've always wanted the opportunity to open a new school as a principal,” he explains. “I enjoy the challenge of starting something new and creating a family-type atmosphere.”
And that mood is evident. “There's a lot of laughter here,” Steve shares. “We're invested in each other and the community, and we all want this to be a great school.”
His message to parents is simple: “We have your child’s best interest at heart. We’ll do whatever we can to teach and support your children academically, socially, and emotionally.”
As Kristin Wright, a fifth-grade teacher at Wildwood Springs, puts it: “He loves like Jesus and leads like Jesus.”
That, perhaps, is the greatest testament to a leader whose heart is full of gratitude.
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Shop your favorite designers, sip, mingle, and start your holiday gifting early. From everyday chic to special occasion looks, we’ll help you find something you’ll love.
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JOIN US NOVEMBER 8TH
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CHOCOLATE BANANA MANHATTAN
ARTICLE BY DRINK TO REMEMBER PHOTOGRAPHY BY ISABELLA ALDRETE
A Sweet and Sophisticated Sip
Gratitude often lingers when we gather around a table, swapping stories and raising a glass with those we love. This Chocolate Banana Manhattan is a perfect way to toast the season of thankfulness. With smooth banana whiskey, a touch of sweet vermouth, and a whisper of chocolate bitters, it’s both comforting and sophisticated. Topped with a brûléed banana garnish, it feels indulgent—the kind of cocktail that makes guests pause with appreciation. Simple to prepare but impressive to serve, this recipe is sure to spark connection with every sip.
ingredients:
• 2 ounces banana whiskey (such as Howler Head)
• 1 ounce sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes of chocolate bitters
directions:
Step 1. Prepare banana brûlée garnish: Place two slices of banana on a pick, cover in sugar, and lightly torch
Step 2. Add all ingredients into a mixing glass and stir for about 20 seconds
Step 3. Gently pour into a coupe or martini glass (no ice)
Step 4. Garnish with banana brûlée
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NOVEMBER 2ND
Hot Ground Gym's First Anniversary Celebration
12475 Trail Driver Street, Austin | 1:00 PM
Celebrate one year of fitness, teambuilding, and fun at Hot Ground Gym’s one-year anniversary event. Enjoy local vendors, food, and activities, and take part in “Push-Ups for Pups,” a special competition benefiting 3M K9s International. HotGroundGymDS.com
NOVEMBER 2ND
Driftwood Fall Festival at Vista Brewing
13551 FM 150, Driftwood | 11:00 AM
Celebrate fall in the Hill Country with a boutique pumpkin patch, photo ops, hay maze, petting zoo, artisan market, and local food and drinks at Vista Brewing’s 21-acre ranch. Enjoy family-friendly fun with free parking, free admission for kids under 3, and discounted senior tickets. DestinationDrippingSprings.com/events/2025/driftwood-fall-festival
NOVEMBER 8TH
Art Market at the Triangle Holiday Kickoff
150 East Mercer Street | 10:00 AM
Kick off the holidays in Dripping Springs with local art, handmade crafts, food, and drinks. Explore Mercer Street, shop small, and discover unique creations from talented artisans at this community market. ArtInDripping.com/dstriangleartmarket/
NOVEMBER 8TH
Outside the City Limits Music Festival at Vista Brewing
13551 FM 150, Driftwood | 12:00 PM
Enjoy a full day of live music, local food, Vista brews, artisan vendors, and family-friendly fun at Vista Brewing’s 21-acre ranch in Driftwood. This boutique festival features talented musicians across genres, shady oaks, and a laid-back Hill Country vibe. The event is dog-friendly with free parking. VistaBrewingTX.com/ocl-music-festival
Marino Medica exists to connect people to integrous, high quality, and personal primary care in the forms of preventive medicine, in-depth investigation into chronic illness, and holistic care of acute health issues. Dr. Sarah Marino believes in a mixture of evidence-based medicine sources in addition to functional medicine as a means to holistic patient-centered care.
NOVEMBER 8TH
Red, White & Bourbon Bash
1827 Hye-Albert Road, Hye, Texas | 10:00 AM
Celebrate veterans at Garrison Brothers Distillery, featuring live music, WWII-era displays, silent auction, bourbon releases, and a BBQ lunch. A portion of proceeds benefits the Admiral Nimitz Foundation and the National Museum of the Pacific War. GarrisonBros.com
NOVEMBER 14TH
Dripping Springs Fall Classic
Dripping Springs Ranch Park | 4:00 PM
Join Stephanie Topar at Dripping Springs Ranch Park for a two-day jackpot show featuring market goats and lambs. Open to all, with concessions and a show trailer on site, this event brings the community together for friendly competition and fun. Facebook.com/ events/1848789815696645
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