Broken Windows, Dead Roses, and Brown Patches

Portrait of Coach Stan Leech in a black suit and striped tie, smiling confidently against a black backdrop.

I remember it well. We were in the Williamsons’ backyard, playing our usual brand of neighborhood baseball, a mix of hustle, imagination, and questionable judgment. I got hold of a great pitch and sent it soaring…straight through the neighbor’s kitchen window. We all scattered like we were running from the law. A few yards later, … Read more

THE PLAZA

An elderly John Eddie Vogt in a red plaid shirt standing outdoors with a gentle smile, embodying wisdom and nostalgia.

Published in 2011, the late John Eddie Vogt’s book, Witches, Bitches, and Other Small Town Folks, brings to life the quirky, unforgettable, and entertaining tales of growing up and living in Kendall County from the 1930s through the 1960s. Thanks to the gracious permission of his family, The Kendall Gentleman is honored to share excerpts … Read more

Hope for Heroes Texas, Kendall County Featured Hero: Manny Casarez

Fire Chief Manny Cazares stands between fire trucks in uniform, smiling with pride and professionalism.

When Fire Chief Manny Casarez pinned the firefighter’s badge on his son, it wasn’t just a career milestone – it was the culmination of two decades of service, sacrifice, and purpose. Now leading the Boerne Fire Department, Casarez brings that same spirit of dedication to the Kendall County community every day. Originally drawn to firefighting … Read more

Albert Carl Riedel: Kendall County’s Unsung Storyteller

Tom Allred, a respected Kendall County leader and contributor to The Kendall Gentleman, photographed in classic Western attire.

In a world before instant gratification and digital archives, one man in the heart of the Texas Hill Country took it upon himself to ensure that the vibrant, hard-won stories of Kendall County’s past weren’t lost to the winds of time. Meet Albert C. Riedel (1851–1924), a name that might not be on every monument, … Read more

A Gentleman’s Code: What It Still Means to Be a Man

Michael G. Ethridge stands at a wooden fence in the Texas Hill Country, wearing a cowboy hat and a thoughtful expression.

July is when the flags come out – on porches, in parades, on the backs of pickup trucks heading to river crossings and backyard cookouts. We celebrate independence, grit, and a country built by men who weren’t afraid to work hard, speak plainly, and live by conviction. So it seems like the right time to … Read more

The Legacy of Service: Collins Martin

Collins Martin standing with arms crossed in front of a firetruck, wearing a green shirt and Texas cap, photographed for The Kendall Gentleman.

Born in San Antonio to a family deeply rooted in military tradition, Collins Martin’s life is a testament to service, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to community. His father and maternal grandfather both served in the U.S. Air Force, and when his grandfather retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the late 1960s, he established a … Read more

Swing Strong: Sean Jahr’s Journey to Making a Difference

Golf tournament poster for Swing Strong ’Til It’s Gone, May 16, 2025, at Tapatio Springs in Boerne, Texas, supporting Parkinson’s research

Sponsored by Rick Reyes of Edward Jones Sean Jahr’s story is one of resilience, determination, and community impact. Diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease at the age of 38, Sean didn’t let the diagnosis define him. As a former athlete and successful executive, he kept his condition private for years while continuing to excel professionally. After … Read more

Navigating the Whiskey Shelf

Renita Reavis smiling in front of a home, representing her passion for Texas whiskey and distilling.

We are entering a time of year when special bottles are bought to honor our loved ones or celebrate milestones. Stores will see an increase in demand preceding Father’s Day. Wedding seasons are next in the lineup as brides search for the special bottle for their grooms or the grooms look for the special bottle … Read more

The Pursuit of Purpose: Why Men Seek to Leave a Legacy

Michael G. Ethridge standing on a balcony in Kendall County holding a cigar

As the seasons change and the world around us bursts into life, I find myself reflecting on the concept of purpose. It’s a topic that resonates with many of us, especially as we navigate the responsibilities of work, family, and community. There’s something almost primal about the need to create, to build, and to leave … Read more