A mere three years ago, the New Braunfels Farmers’ Market began its venture in providing the residents of New Braunfels the chance to add some local flare to their kitchens. The Market has since grown from a handful of vendors to over 65 local vendors, not including several waiting in line to join the ranks of the esteemed market. “I think that because of the growing trend of eating locally and fresh, that we’ve definitely seen more and more families taking advantage of this great resource that’s at their fingertips, giving our market the chance to become as big as it has become,” says Georgia Williams, New Braunfels’ market organizer.

Perhaps the popularity stems not only from the recent trend of shopping locally, but from the variety of goods offered. The tented tables have their fair share of fresh vegetables like tomatoes, okra, corn, zucchini and summer squash, but also freshly prepared items made with local ingredients. Fresh baked blueberry bacon muffins and jalapeno cheese rolls line the tables from local bakers, and fresh cut flowers bloom in vases waiting to be picked from shelves. A local butcher with fresh cuts of different meats is on standby, waiting on customers to choose from either the local venison or the in-house cured bacon on offer. “From the build-your-own-waffles station, to the homemade sangria, we have a little something for everyone,” says Georgia.

While the food is a big draw, it isn’t the only enticement. The Market is very kid-friendly and dog-friendly. An offering of freshly baked dog treats, and arts and crafts for the children speaks to the fact that the Market really does cater to everyone who walks the grounds. The New Braunfels Farmers’ Market ambiance is also something that sets it apart from other markets, as it serenades with music from local bands. “It literally feels like a little festival every weekend. I’m always meeting up with my friends and family here as a weekend destination because it’s fun and it’s in a great location,” says Georgia.

The New Braunfels Farmers’ Market is open rain or shine, every Saturday throughout the year with special events planned every so often. For Easter, they held an Easter egg dye station, teaching the kids how to dye eggs using natural ingredients like beet juice, and onionskins. The whole market is wheel chair accessible and very roomy, welcoming anyone who loves to shop, and have a good time.

With peak season underway, the abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables is at its highest, and we can’t think of a more fun way to spend our Saturdays than shopping and eating locally.

Posted: Saturday, May 11, 2013 11:11 pm 

The Pinnacle at EdenHill, EdenHill Communities’ new four-story 103-unit independent living apartment building, which is slated to open in the fall, has promoted Tom Jones to senior living director.

Prior to his promotion, Jones worked as as The Pinnacle’s senior living counselor since 2010, under the previous senior living director.

“I’ve been very involved in all marketing decisions to date, as we work as a team at The Pinnacle,” Jones said. “As senior living director, I will simply be serving more in an approval role rather than merely a contributory one.”

As The Pinnacle is over 80 percent sold, Jones anticipates that his transition into the position will be seamless for those who have already reserved apartments.

“The service that has been in place all along continues to remain through myself and the other staff members,” he said.

Once The Pinnacle officially opens in the fall, he will continue to spearhead the sales process by taking prospective residents on tours through the new community.

After residency has reached 100 percent capacity, Jones’ efforts will continue in the form of managing the waiting list and internal moves, directing marketing, and serving as the face of The Pinnacle within the broader New Braunfels community.

“I’ll be doing luncheon presentations, and serving a role in the community as a whole,” said Jones.

Jones is no stranger to the senior population.

Having been close to his grandparents, who each had “half a dozen brothers and sisters,” he spent his childhood growing up around 60, 70, 80 and 90-year-olds. “Some people gravitate toward babies,” Jones said. “I gravitate toward older folks. For me, it’s not work; it’s more like being surrounded by my own family, which makes coming to work very easy.”

Prior to his position as Senior Living Counselor at The Pinnacle, Jones had extensive experience working in senior living environments. Past positions include director of community relations at Morningside Ministries at Menger Springs in Boerne from 2004-2009, marketing director and admissions coordinator at Esplanade Gardens Assisted Living in Converse from 2003-2004, and owner and creative director of Flying Terrier Creative Company in San Antonio for 17 years during which he provided creative direction on prestigious accounts such as Hyatt Regency Lake Las Vegas, Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort, Methodist Healthcare System, and The Westin La Cantera Resort.

Jones is delighted to be serving future residents at The Pinnacle in his new role as senior living director. “I love the whole history of the EdenHill Communities campus and being a part of it,” Jones said. “I know that by working at The Pinnacle, I am helping it to grow into its next century.”

For more information on The Pinnacle at EdenHill, please visit us at www.edenhill.org/contactus.

It’s not every day you bump into the same handsome stranger—not in two, not in three, but in several different places! Comer and Barbara first met in 1970 at a meeting of volunteers of the local crisis center in Birmingham, Alabama. Barbara was volunteering there on the suicide prevention hotline, and Comer, with his background in the ministry, was offering his counsel to the volunteers. Only casually acquainted with one another at the time, they sat side-by-side one Sunday morning—Barbara with her four small children, and Comer with his two—when they coincidentally attended the same experimental Episcopal Church. It seemed like a bit more than chance, when the following Sunday, they ran into each other again at an Episcopal Church in downtown Birmingham. When they met yet again on the third consecutive Sunday, this time at a Baptist Church, Barbara invited Comer and his children home for lunch.   As they talked, they discovered that their paths had many parallels. Both are native Texans: Comer is originally from Brownsville, while Barbara grew up in Dallas. Both had led lives in the church: Comer had been a Methodist pastor, and Barbara had been the wife of a Presbyterian pastor. Each had been married, and they both had small children. “With six kids running wildly through the house, and Barbara and I busy discussing our mutual search for a new denomination and new church, as well as many other interests,” says Comer, “we burned the spaghetti, but realized that day that we had a lot in common.”   In 1971, the couple married. Not long after, Comer adopted all four of Barbara’s children—giving them six in total—and the Aldens moved back to their native Texas, to rear their ‘Brady Bunch’ family in San Antonio. Comer went to work for the San Antonio College of Medical and Dental Assistants, a proprietary school owned by his aunt, while Barbara became very involved in volunteer work. In 1974, she was instrumental in forming Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas, and after helping to put in place a board of directors, was hired as the director to run the organization during its first ten years.   Meanwhile, Comer purchased the San Antonio College of Medical and Dental Assistants from his aunt in 1980, and he started five schools across McAllen, Austin, San Antonio and El Paso. In 1986, Barbara left Big Brothers Big Sisters to join Comer at the helm. She ran the financial aid programs for the five schools, including the management of five employees and the oversight of federal funds. Both Comer and Barbara became very involved in the political aspect. “We did a lot of lobbying in Austin and in DC on behalf of proprietary education,” says Comer. They were asked by the Department of Education to review schools as part of the accreditation process. “We each made hundreds of trips and spent two-to-three months per year walking the halls of Congress.” They worked side-by-side in their business until 1996, when they sold it. “We loved it and worked all the time,” says Barbara. Comer chimes in, “I did what I wanted to do, and never felt like I had a job in my life.”   While the busy couple was devoted to running their business (once they had reared six kids!), they made time for their passion—world travel. Among their favorite adventures were several trips to England and Germany, travels through Eastern Europe, three trips to Israel, three trips to China, and trips to Egypt, Spain, Ireland, and Portugal. “We loved to travel by train,” says Barbara. “We would board, not knowing half the time where we were headed, and then devise our itinerary as we went.” The most exciting and dangerous trip they took was as passengers on a half-bus—an open-carriage covered with a sheet—down a steep, down-hill passage from Lhasa, Tibet to Kathmandu, Nepal. “The traffic was moving in both directions on a one-way road,” recalls Barbara, “and we would have to pull over to take turns passing on the mountain. In places, the road was washed away, and we would have to use planks to create bridges. They would make us get out of the carriage while the bus driver would cross the planks first. We were on one road for five days, and all we had to eat were hard-boiled eggs.” The Smithsonian, who sponsored the expedition, cancelled it after that trip because it was deemed to be too perilous.   Now in their golden years, the Aldens are more inclined toward hobbies that don’t raise their heart rates quite so much. “We consciously took the harder trips when we were younger, and saved ‘the States’ for later,” says Comer. In their 60s, they also started playing golf. Comer leads seven different weekly Bible studies at various retirement communities throughout New Braunfels, and Barbara is an active volunteer in their church, Christ Our King Anglican.   Along with their more restful hobbies, the Aldens are ready for their lifestyle to follow suit. Downsizing from 6,500 to approximately 2,500 square feet, the couple will be moving to a combined, corner unit on the first floor of The Pinnacle. “We are both ready to relinquish the responsibility and expense of so much property,” says Comer. “When we first saw The Pinnacle in the newspaper, we weren’t looking for a place, but it seemed like the timing was good.” Barbara agrees. “Our children have all grown up and married and had their own children. We just don’t need a house of this size anymore,” she says.   And after 24 years in San Antonio and 17 years in New Braunfels, the location is also attractive. “We love this area,” says Barbara. “We are still members of the San Antonio Country Club, and all six of our children live between Austin and San Antonio.” This will make it convenient for their family, including 13 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild, to visit!   Other benefits of living at The Pinnacle, as far as the Aldens are concerned, are the continuing care, the dining options, and the social life. “I’m looking forward to having dinner in the dining hall at night, and having a chance to visit with people,” says Comer. “While we are not overly social people, I think as we age, that will continue to become more important.” Barbara adds, “And I think we’re in for a real treat when it comes to the food.” The Aldens have put their house on the market and begun their downsizing process. As they approach their upcoming move to The Pinnacle, they are able to look back on 42 happy years together, and excited to look forward to many more.

For more information on becoming a resident at The Pinnacle at EdenHill, call the Information center at 830.624.1324

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung | Posted: Tuesday, April 23, 2013

 From left, EdenHill Communities’ executive chefs Mamdouh Metwally and James Wilson, and Todd Lettman, general manager of Dining Services, participate in National Nutrition Month’s “Hummus Taste-off.”

“By 2030, more than half of Americans could be obese, resulting in millions of new cases of diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke — a constellation of illness that could cost the United States up to $66 billion in treatment and over $500 billion in lost economic productivity.”

This statistic was published in a 124-page report released in late 2012 by The Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation titled, “F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America’s Future.”

The report predicts 6 million new cases of diabetes, 5 million cases of heart disease and stroke, and more than 400,000 cases of cancer in the next 20 years, all linked to obesity. And while obesity is on the rise across all age groups, seniors are seeing the highest increase according to many studies, including Gallup-Healthways data.

Though unable to influence the overall national trajectory, EdenHill Communities, New Braunfels’ only continuing care retirement community (CCRC), is taking a bite out of nutrition at a local level.

In honor of March as National Nutrition Month, EdenHill and Morrison Healthcare Food Services — EdenHill’s food services vendor — ensured that EdenHill staff members and residents got a taste of wellness through their nutritional promotion, “Taste Your Way to Wellness.” Todd Lettman, the community’s general manager of Dining Services, and Jane Henderson, registered dietitian, shared the details.

Each week featured a different nutritional focus which included supplemental materials and literature.

“We had lively discussions, and we provided staff and residents with National Nutrition Month trivia puzzles to complete, bringing a level of excitement and spontaneity to the entire campus,” Lettman said. While the puzzles and drawings for gift baskets promised fun and light-hearted competitiveness, there was a lot of “meat” presented each week.

Week 1: Make half your grains whole

The first week highlighted the importance of eating whole grains, giving staff and residents a chance to taste homemade breakfast bars prepared with quinoa, oat flour and six-grain rolled oats.

“We are trying to encourage wellness by giving people a taste of things that are delicious and healthy. The take home for this week was that grains are packed full of protein, fiber and vitamins,” Henderson said.

Week 2: Fats with benefits

Week two brought with it another tasty menu as EdenHill cooked up the facts about certain fats and their advantages. Avocado is one of the most popular “good” fats, and the wonderful chefs were on hand to provide samples of homemade guacamole with baked whole-grain chips for an afternoon snack.

Week 3: Plant power

Week three continued the festivities as executive chefs Mamdouh Metwally and James Wilson, along with Lettman, battled it out with a Food Network-style throwdown, each producing an original hummus recipe and trying to win over taste-testing staff and residents in a hummus taste-off.

While the challenge was entertaining and educational, it was meant to encourage more plant-based protein consumption, and introduce residents to plants that lower saturated fats and increase fiber. Testers were encouraged to taste each hummus and vote on which one they liked best.

The top honors went to Chef Metwally.

Week 4: Hydration — think before you drink

No nutrition promotion would be complete without stressing the importance of hydration.

The fourth week, EdenHill served various flavored waters made from Morrison recipes such as the popular lime-and-cucumber water and kiwi water, as well as other fluids such as popsicles, sherbets, and Italian sodas.

“The consumption of enough fluids is crucial, especially in the Texas summers which EdenHill experiences,” Henderson said.

Though the “Taste Your Way to Wellness” promotion has wrapped up, the importance of finding balance in nutrition remains. The food-service staff members at EdenHill, however, are ready for the challenge.

“Healthier bread options, for example, were at first challenging to introduce in the existing resident community,” Lettman said, “where people generally tend to have more traditional eating habits — they like their white bread.

“But we’ve made good headway. We’ve had the opportunity to help educate residents on what will encourage longevity moving forward, and it is up to them to use that knowledge to their own benefit. We’ve had a glimpse at the dining preferences of the new community at The Pinnacle, and we are looking forward to serving them, while also introducing some new tastes along the way.”

Residents at The Pinnacle will be able to broaden their palates through made-to order, health-conscious and special dietary options at three different dining venues on the campus. The Hilltop Bistro will serve fresh baked goods, sandwiches, items-to-go and coffees, while The Terraces, a casual dining venue, will serve everyday breakfast, lunch and dinner.

For those looking for a more formal dining option there is Martin’s, named after Martin Schmidt, the man who, along with his wife, made the original $10,000 donation in 1906 to found EdenHill Communities. At Martin’s, residents will be able to enjoy more specialized fare like steak and lobster, which, along with the other dining options, can be paid for by use of the resident meal plan, a fixed amount included in their monthly service fee.

Dining at The Pinnacle will not only ensure a balanced meal every day, but enhance lifestyle, as it will provide daily opportunities for socialization.

(L to R) Cancer Survivors, Linda Gorham, Sandy Schieb, Carole Butterfield and

Margie Wilson at American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life fundraiser in Schertz, TX

One person who knows all too well the importance of early detection is future resident and cancer survivor Margie Wilson, who was first diagnosed with uterine cancer in 2008. As Margie sorts through a lifetime of belongings—she is currently downsizing in preparation for her upcoming move to The Pinnacle at EdenHill—she pauses for a few moments to answer questions and offer insights:

Q:   How did you discover that you had cancer?

A:     In August of 2008, I had some showing of blood, and my gynecologist kept saying it was fine. I was persistent and asked for a sonogram. They did the sonogram and a D&C. Three days later, they called me to tell me I had stage III uterine cancer. (That means the cancer extends outside the uterus, but remains confined to the pelvis.) By that point, my gynecologist had already set up an appointment with James L. Wilder, MD, one of the best gynecological oncologists and surgeons in San Antonio, and set me up for surgery.

Q:   What type of treatment did you receive?

A:     I had a hysterectomy, which included the removal of my uterus, and surgery on the affected lymph nodes. Once I had returned home, I was provided physical therapy through home health care. Then I was told I would have to undergo chemotherapy and radiation. That was where my fear came in because I had always heard of people being sick. But the doctors told me that without chemo, I would probably have only two years to live. With chemo, the survival rate increased three-fold. That made my decision for me. About a month after my surgery, I had six chemo treatments, each three weeks apart. These days, there are medicines to counteract getting sick and steroids to fight the weakness. I didn’t get terribly sick, but I did feel very weak and lose my hair. Then, I underwent radiation treatment for 25 days straight, which pinpointed about 50 different spots. I finished up my treatment in 2009 and have been cancer-free ever since. It’s amazing what you can endure when you really have to. You just accept it and go through it.

Q:   Where did you turn for emotional support?

A:     Even though we had only been married for six months, I was blessed that my husband Chris was a wonderful caretaker. My biggest source of encouragement, though, was my close circle of friends who had been through cancer. They were the ones who kept me encouraged—my friend, Carole Butterfield, is a stomach cancer survivor; Sandy Scheib survived Leukemia; and Linda Gorham survived breast cancer. There are others as well. But for cancer patients who may not have that kind of network, there are support groups.

Q:   Is recurrence a threat, and if so, how do you deal with that?

A:     Always. Nowadays, doctors don’t ever say that you are “in remission.” I have to go every six months (until recently, it was every three months) and have a CA 125 blood test to make sure my count is in check. But I don’t live in fear of the cancer returning. When you are first told that you have it, you can’t believe you do. But you just accept it and struggle through the treatment, and your chances are so much better. And each year without cancer marks an increase in your survival rate and a decrease in the chances of it returning.

Q:   How did your cancer change your life?

A:     It takes a while to get your strength back and feel normal. I was weak for a while. It took me some time to get back to it, but I still participate in line dancing, my long-time hobby. I had to build up slowly—dance one and sit out one. It’s a slow process to rebuild the energy.

Q:   What advice do you have for others dealing with cancer?

A:     I think people’s biggest fear is thinking they are going to get sick during chemotherapy. I would tell people that that has been much improved these days. Most importantly, though, you have to keep going and not sit back and do nothing.

Q: As a survivor, how are you involved in the fight against cancer?

A: My friends and I support each other, and we are signed up with the American Cancer Society. We recently walked in the ACS Relay for Life to support cancer research.

Q: What influence did your battle with cancer have on your decision to move to a Continuing Care Retirement Community?

A: After winning my battle with cancer in 2009 and half-way through my fourth year of being cancer-free, my husband Chris and I are looking forward to living in a community that offers a complete continuum of care all on one campus. Plus, we would like to lighten our load; we no longer want the responsibility and upkeep of a house. I’ve known people who have moved to communities like The Pinnacle, and they’ve actually become younger and happier. Also, by taking this step and investing in the extended healthcare provided by The Pinnacle, Chris and I are taking the load off of our children of having to care for us someday. We are very independent and prefer to take care of ourselves.

Published on April 15, 2013 in the San Antonio Business Journal.

Ralph Ludwig began his adventure when he first left his Buffalo, New York home at the age of 17 to enlist in the U.S. Navy in 1956. While in training in the USNR, Ralph’s unit was chaperoned by Chaplain Rear Admiral Mark Thompson to New York City to hear the Reverend Billy Graham deliver one of his famous sermons. And, as Ralph says, “The rest is history.” It changed the course of his life. Awakened to his calling into the ministry, and with the chaplain’s help, Ralph deferred his active duty and enrolled as a pre-theological student at the State University of New York College at Buffalo, and upon graduating, went on to attend Lancaster Theological Seminary in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Sandy began her adventure in high school when she attended a Billy Graham conference in Buffalo, New York and heard the call to serve God more fully; her dream for years was to become a missionary in a Spanish-speaking country, and this just spurred her dream on. She enrolled in Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, Illinois as a pre-theological student. Just before she graduated, however, she received a grant to teach in a government-sponsored school in Colombia, South America, which meant putting off seminary for a year. Lancaster Theological Seminary assured her there would be a place for her when she returned. But, after only four months in Colombia, Sandy became so ill she had to return to the United States. In September, she called the Seminary and the President told her to come on down, right now! So she did.

That very day in 1963, Ralph and Sandy met. The two young, aspiring ministers already knew a little about one another but were glad to get to know each other more. It was not long before they realized they had more in common than their Buffalo roots and their aspirations, and they began a courtship. Less than a year later, on June 6, 1964, the couple married in the Buffalo, NY church where Sandy had grown up (with three ministers officiating!). Once they graduated from seminary in 1966, both entered the Ordained Ministry of the United Church of Christ. Ralph received a call to serve a Welch Congregational Church in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Through the Penn Northeast Conference of the United Church of Christ, Sandy supplied churches in the area. Her most enjoyable experience was as an interim pastor at a picturesque New England style church in Harford, about 50 miles north of Scranton.

During their four years in Scranton, the Ludwigs adopted their first child, Kris, on December 24, 1968. That same year, Ralph, as a Pennsylvania State National Guard Chaplain, attended a Reserved Chaplains’ training conference, which turned out to be a recruiting drive to encourage Reserve Chaplains to become Active Duty Chaplains. Sandy recalls the call from Ralph, asking her, “How would you like to be an Army Chaplain’s wife?” “That is when I hung up the phone,” she laughs, then explains, “I did not want to see my husband go to Vietnam.” Upon Ralph’s return home from the conference, he and Sandy had lunch one day with the minister of the First Presbyterian Church of Scranton, for whom Sandy was working at the time. The Ludwigs were discussing their family’s future with the minister, and Ralph’s desire to go on active duty. The now gray-bearded minister who sat with them told Sandy that the military chaplaincy could be a very good life, and that he himself had been a military chaplain. After he and Ralph talked about various naval stations, they both realized that this Reverend Thompson was the very same Chaplain Rear Admiral Mark Thompson who had taken Ralph, 12 years earlier, to hear the Reverend Billy Graham. Thompson’s perspective encouraged Ralph to accept the commission to become an Army Chaplain. He also melted Sandy’s heart and suggested that they could try it for three years and then decide. So once again, this Navy Chaplain dramatically altered their course in life.

In 1970, the Ludwigs moved to Fort Dix, New Jersey, where Ralph began his first tour of duty as a chaplain. During their brief stint at Fort Dix, the Ludwigs welcomed their second adopted child into their family, a healthy baby girl named Janis, who came to them on the day before Thanksgiving, 1970.

In July, 1971, Ralph received orders to Vietnam. “I had two babies on hand when “daddy” left,” remembers Sandy. But single-parenthood didn’t slow her down. In Ralph’s absence, Sandy returned to seminary and worked toward her Doctor of Divinity degree. “Sandy was a true scholar,” says Ralph. “She came alive in an academic world.” However, whenever she had a chance, she and her best friend traveled around the country in her Volkswagen camper van, both of them with a baby on each hip, visiting friends. “It was an exciting year,” she recalls.

When Ralph returned home in 1972, he received orders to The Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Unable to continue work on her degree from such a remote location, Sandy invested all of her time in being a mother to her two children, and in pursuit of adopting their third child. Nine-month-old Randy joined their family on Mother’s Day in 1973.

Over the next decade, the Ludwigs moved several more times. Ralph trained for hospital ministry at Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado, and Sandy served a church as an interim pastor. Their next duty station was Fort Bragg, North Carolina where Ralph served as a hospital chaplain, and Sandy took care of the three children, their house and her husband. Ralph’s next duty assignment was four wonderful years in Karlsruhe, Germany, where Ralph was the Army Community Chaplain. Sandy was the Christian Ed Director, then she began counseling for Army Community Services, before she was hired as a Civilian Social Worker to be the Point of Contact for Child and Spouse Abuse for the community; this became the model for all other Army posts.

In 1984, the Ludwigs moved back to the United States to their next, and last, duty station. Ralph’s assignment was Chaplain at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas, assigned as the Chaplain of the Army’s Alcohol & Drug Rehabilitation Center there. Sandy took a job with the Texas Dept. of Child Protective Services (CPS), and completed a Master of Social Work degree at The University of Austin/at El Paso. She worked with CPS for ten years, and was a supervisor for seven years. When Ralph retired from the Army in 1990, he also took a job as a counselor with CPS for five years, before deciding to return to the ministry. He received a call to a Disciples of Christ Church in Artesia, New Mexico. Sandy had retired from CPS and accompanied Ralph often.

One morning in June 1999, just as Ralph had finished his interim ministry there, and was ready to head back to El Paso, he and Sandy received a call from the Reverend Mark Miller, who was the Conference Minister responsible for making placements in Central Texas. When Ralph answered the phone, he was immediately asked, “Can you move?”  Yes, where?  “To take on a church in Weimar, Texas.” Where is Weimer, Texas? “Do you know how to spell rural?” When do you want us to move? “Now!”  Then, after a pause, Reverend Miller continued, “The pastor and his wife have just been murdered. We need someone like you and Sandy to go there and stabilize the church. Would you consider going?” Without hesitation, the Ludwigs both said yes. Reverend Miller had seen the Ludwigs’ resumes, and he knew they had training in grief counseling, social work and theology, and Ralph was familiar with stress management. That day, Ralph and Sandy packed their bags and went to Weimer. The Ludwigs spent the next two years working intimately with the congregation, helping them to restore their faith and stability, and trying to return some sense of normality to the community.

In 2001, the Ludwigs moved to Geronimo, Texas—just 13 miles from EdenHill—where Ralph served as pastor in Friedens United Church of Christ for four years. After his retirement from Friedens UCC, Ralph has worked as a hospice chaplain, and Sandy and Ralph both served as interims in area churches.

Ralph first came to EdenHill as a resident during a two-and-a-half week stint while recovering from a surgery in the fall of 2007. When he realized they were in need of a chaplain, he volunteered to conduct Sunday morning worship services from his wheelchair. In February of 2008, he officially began as the EdenHill Chaplain as a 30-hour-a-week employee. He continues to conduct Sunday morning services, semiweekly Bible studies, visiting and counseling with residents and staff, as well as memorial services. Ralph says his approach to his ministry is to be helpful, hopeful, healing and humorous to everyone.

Sandy, who has worked in school libraries, as well as paid positions in public, college and seminary libraries, serves as EdenHill’s volunteer librarian. In addition to completely reorganizing the books, she holds her own ministry of sorts in the library. “People don’t just come here to check out books,” she says, “but to have conversation, counsel, and sometimes, to cry.”  In the Sunday worship services the couple often play off of one another—sometimes spontaneously and sometimes rehearsed—using drama, humor, and debate to enrich the congregation’s experience.

The Ludwigs plan to continue working at EdenHill for some time after they move to The Pinnacle in the fall. “Our son keeps emailing the dictionary definitions of ‘retirement’ and ‘vacation’,” laughs Ralph, “but, when you are doing what you love, it’s not work.” While not retired like most of their soon-to-be neighbors, the Ludwigs are looking forward to the advantages of living at The Pinnacle. Sandy will have more time for her needlepoint and getting through her extensive reading list, and they are both excited about finding more Pinochle partners, to improve their game. “We are looking forward to having a more active social life,” says Ralph, who is also counting down the days until he can trade in his lawn mower for a swimsuit and gym access. Sandy looks forward to being able to simply walk to work, since the library is in close proximity to their new apartment home.

As they approach 50 years of marriage, almost 50 years in the ministry, and Ralph’s 75th birthday, their daughter has planned a family reunion in Gruene next year to celebrate the milestones. The Ludwigs are anticipating sharing their new lifestyle with their three children and six grandchildren. “The longest we have lived anywhere to date,” says Ralph, “is twelve years. We are hoping to break that record at The Pinnacle.” ]]> http://www.edenhill.org/intheloop/a-pilgrimage-to-the-pinnacle-reverends-ralph-and-sandy-ludwig/feed/ 0 http://www.edenhill.org/intheloop/edenhill-communities-couple-volunteers-with-youth-prison-ministry/ http://www.edenhill.org/intheloop/edenhill-communities-couple-volunteers-with-youth-prison-ministry/#comments Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:57:20 +0000 The Pinnacle at EdenHill http://www.edenhill.org/intheloop/?p=1298 By Christy Wylie, Special to the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung        A New Braunfels couple have been ministering “on the inside” for more than 25 years.   At first glance, Jim and Rosemarie Janke appear to be a typical retired couple; the Midwesterners, originally hailing from Minnesota, have enjoyed 55 years of marriage, reared...Read the Rest of Article]]> By Christy Wylie, Special to the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung 

A New Braunfels couple have been ministering “on the inside” for more than 25 years.

At first glance, Jim and Rosemarie Janke appear to be a typical retired couple; the Midwesterners, originally hailing from Minnesota, have enjoyed 55 years of marriage, reared four children and nurtured Jim’s career as an insurance attorney.

After spending 27 years in Houston, where Jim retired in 1997, the couple relocated to Leander in 2003. There, the Jankes resided until their most recent transplant to New Braunfels. On the surface, their lives have been quite ordinary.

Upon closer examination, however, they reveal a deeper purpose. Despite the demands of everyday life, the Jankes have always made time to shine a light in some of the darkest corners of the state.

For the last quarter-century, they have spent countless hours volunteering in prison ministry programs; from 1987 until recently, they were active volunteers with Kairos Prison Ministry International, a ministry addressing the spiritual needs of incarcerated men, women and children, as well as their families, and those who work in the prison environment.

And, since 2006, they have been volunteering with Epiphany Ministries of Texas.

It all began 26 years ago with an invitation from one of the Jankes’ neighbors in Houston.

“Up until that time, this was the last thing we would ever have thought of doing,” Jim said.

Since then, however, Jim and Rosemarie have driven hundreds of miles and ministered in dozens of prison units around Texas. Along with a men’s group of fellow volunteers, Jim would go into the men’s units at the prisons for intense, three-day weekends, where they would sometimes be “on the inside” for up to 12 hours at a time.

“We don’t preach,” he said. “Our motto is ‘listen, listen — love, love!’”

“In the early days,” Rosemarie said, “I would go along with the other wives, and, from outside the prisons, we would provide emotional support and meals for the men.”

For a period of time, the Jankes reversed roles. Rosemarie went inside the women’s prison units with an all-woman volunteer group, and they ministered to female inmates. Jim, in turn, would wait outside in the supporting role.

In 2006, the Jankes began ministering as a “mom and dad team” at Giddings State School, located between Austin and Houston, with Epiphany Ministries of Texas, a non-denominational, ecumenical Christian ministry program designed to benefit incarcerated youth.

1 of 2 4/2/2013 4:45 PMNew Braunfels transplants have been ministering to juveniles for decades … http://herald-zeitung.com/news/local_news/article_ac81fc4e-9b39-11e2-…

“The Epiphany team offers the youth a chance to change their lives and thinking through a three-day course in Christianity, which features a view of the life of Christ, his great love for them, and God’s forgiveness,” said Sinda Berge, state chair for Epiphany Ministries. “For years, Jim and Rosie have been serving this ministry with great zeal, love, and compassion, and they continue to serve.”

“We always come away blessed,” Rosemarie said.

“Our job is to plant the seed,” Jim added, “And, although we don’t know for sure what happens to those kids after we leave, we do know that they are less likely to return to the system.”

Berge added: “The youth at Giddings State School look to the Jankes as their grandparents. Jim and Rosie also keep the spirits of the team members uplifted with their prayers, positive attitudes, smiling faces, and of course, Jim’s joke. This ministry would not be the same without them.”

While the Jankes are still active volunteers in the juvenile justice system, they do have more light- hearted hobbies as well. Rosemarie is an avid knitting and stitching enthusiast, and Jim can be found at the golf course on any given day.

“I highly recommend retirement,” Jim said.

So, it comes as no great surprise, considering its proximity to the Landa Park Golf Course, that the Jankes are planning a move to The Pinnacle at EdenHill in fall 2013. The completion of construction on the 103-unit independent living apartment building at EdenHill Communities will signify the launch of the first and only continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in New Braunfels and within a three- county area.

The Jankes’ interest in the community is an extension of their values. Jim pointed out, not surprisingly, that one of the most attractive aspects of The Pinnacle is that EdenHill Communities is a faith-based, not-for-profit community.

“That was very helpful in our decision making. We believe that this sort of community draws a certain type of person. It’s not just the continuum of care, but the lifestyle and the community that comes with it. It’s the whole package,” he said.

Sharon Wild, senior living director at The Pinnacle, agreed with Jim’s sentiment.

“Working on The Pinnacle project for the past three years, I am amazed every day by the philanthropic spirit of so many of our future residents,” Wild said. “Just like the Jankes, there are many who give so much of their time serving others. It is heartwarming to hear the stories of the lives they touch.”

Mayor Gale Pospisil, New Braunfels’ Mayor, is redefining community leadership and making history right here, deep in the heart of Central Texas. We had an opportunity to talk with Mayor Pospisil to hear about her history, as well as what she has in store for New Braunfels before her term is up next year.

How did you begin your career in politics?

It was actually quite by accident. A friend who was looking for someone to run for city council approached me and asked if I would consider running. At the time (in 2000), my husband and I were running a real estate appraisal business, but I had always paid attention and been in tune with city politics. I thought running would be a challenging proposition. So, I ran—and lost—and I thought that would be the end of my foray into politics. A year later, though, I became even more interested and watched more meetings. I thought, “I could run again in 2003.” I ran and won the district council seat. The rest is kind of history!

For how long have you lived in New Braunfels?

In October, it will be 30 years!

When did you decide that you wanted to pursue becoming New Braunfels Mayor?

After two terms, I had to move on from my district council seat, so toward the end of my second term, I realized I wanted to run for mayor. I loved being on the council so much that, in 2009, I knew running for mayor was the next step for me.

As a woman in a predominately male-dominated field, have there been any challenges you have faced in your career?

The fact that it was male-dominated didn’t put up any obstacles, and I’ve never really felt that it was an issue. In fact, when I first joined city council, our council had a period of time when the mayor was a man, and everyone else was woman!

What is one career accomplishment of which you are most proud?

It’s hard to narrow it down to just one. There are three things in particular that stand out to me. I am very proud of what we have done as a council, and I try to remember that it’s not just me who has made all these great strides; there is a great team of us.

The first would be the passage of the disposable containers ordinance on the river. Although we’ve been met with our fair share of controversy, we’ve really made a difference and cleaned up our rivers.

The second thing I am most proud of accomplishing is the Citizens’ Forum which I started. Every three months, I hold a forum where staff and citizens can come together to talk about their questions and voice their concerns. I’ve always thought it is really important that citizens have the opportunity to express themselves.

My third big accomplishment is our development. We are getting ready to have the groundbreaking on 60-acre Ficsher Park, which will be larger than the great Landa Park. It will be very nature focused, with walking trails, a nature center, large ponds, educational classes and playgrounds. I think this will be great for the community.

Do you have any plans on running for a larger political title? Governor? President?

No! Not at all! I have no interest in that. A couple of years ago, my husband and I actually retired. So, after nine years on city council, I am looking forward to gracefully retiring and spending some quiet time with my husband.

What do you hope to accomplish in 2013 for the city of New Braunfels?

Since my term ends next year, this year I have several things that I want to see through.

Coming up in May, we are having an $86 million bond election. The money would be used for streets, drainage, parks, expansion of the tech center, and for much of our important infrastructure. So, I am working very hard to get the word out to the citizens because there are a lot of things that we really need.

We are also in the process of approving Veramendi, a 2,400-acre, mixed-use development, and those council discussions are near completion. It will be right across from New Braunfels High School and will be in a great area.

Finally, I’d really like to have our Metropolitan Planning Organization complete. When a city reaches 50 thousand in population, you have to either join or become a Metropolitan Planning Organization, which helps you figure out things like public transportation and road planning.

How do you balance your personal life with such a busy career?

I have always said that I have a very supportive husband. He actually has his master’s in public administration and attends all of the city council meetings to gain his own perspective. While we do spend a lot of time talking about the city, we also manage to make time for personal life.

The Pinnacle’s future residents are so excited about our upcoming opening. What do you think about EdenHill’s new addition?

I think it is absolutely amazing. When we first received word of The Pinnacle, my husband and I attended an information luncheon and thought, when the timing is right, that might be something we would be interested in. I think it is a wonderful and beautiful campus. The Pinnacle will serve a growing segment of our population—one that wants to live in a nice place, and be able to hop in a car and travel without having to worry.

For more information on becoming a resident at The Pinnacle at EdenHill, call the Information center at 830.624.1324.