Wow, I had no idea how hard this was going to be... giving birth to Boerne Today. It seems like the editorial and development teams have been working solid for two months now. While I had hoped we would be farther along, I have to give a lot of credit to Zach and Holly, who have both strived to make sense of what must seem like very little direction, at least at times. Along with Mike -- who's excellent videos mark only the beginning of such engaging content on BT -- and Andrew -- who's blossoming visual design talent will help continue to set BT apart -- Zach and Holly have done a fine job of capturing the spirit that is Boerne Today, and translating it into a budding online resource.

So just where are we going? For starters, we're out to provide a resource to locals and tourists that has long been needed. Today, for example marks the launch of your community calendar. It's yours because you create it. Want to publicize a public event? Simply submit it online at Boerne Today and if it meets a few minimal guidelines it will be posted for all to see. Next month, Lord willing, we'll be launching your business directory, an even greater challenge than the calendar.

Okay, so what? What's so special about a calendar and business directory? Well, for one, calendar entries and business listings will soon accommodate user ratings. We've chosen our top 5 restaurants and hair salons already (they'll be more "Best of Boerne" as time goes on, rest assured), and now you'll be able to select your favorites among all events and every type of business listed.

The fact is, Boerne Today is being designed from the ground to be your voice, not ours. Our role is to provide a cutting edge community platform, and to provide a fair playing field so that no voice drowns out the rest. In fact, a fundamental mission of Boerne Today is to be a positive and uniting influence for our community. We all are stewards and caretakers of this beautiful piece of Texas. At Boerne Today we interpret this quite literally.

You can help by letting us hear from you. And please spread the word about Boerne Today to all your friends. Come see us at the September Market Days, where we'll be having fun with our video camera and giving away Boerne Today t-shirts. If you're a Facebook user, please check out the Boerne Today page and become a fan. We need your help getting the word out. If you haven't already, sign up for our newsletter to get a monthly update of what's new online.

Boerne Today has been live now for a full month, and yet with this post it feels like a coming out party. It's the first time I've spoken from this podium, though it won't be the last. Oh, a big thanks goes out to our exclusive list of sponsors, who have captured the vision and climbed aboard the BT train. Want to hitch your wagon? Send me an email and let me know what you're thinking.

The past is behind us. Who knows what tomorrow will bring? This is Boerne Today.