Sandra Moore, Warehouse Manager/Board Member

Sandra Moore is a retired business owner who built a successful career before embracing a new chapter of life filled with family and travel. She is the proud mother of two accomplished adult children and a delighted grandmother to one grandchild.

Sandra’s resilience has shaped her journey. Despite challenges in her past, she has created a life defined by strength, independence, and joy. With her striking red hair and love for exploring new places, she brings vibrancy and spirit to every endeavor.

James Stephens, Board President

James H. Stephens was raised in Big Spring, Texas. After receiving his BS and MS degrees in Architectural Engineering at the University of Texas in Austin, James and his wife Nanette moved to Houston, where he and a friend started Tribble & Stephens Co, a construction company that grew to build commercial buildings throughout the Southeastern US. After the company was sold in 2008, James and Nanette moved to Bertram and became members of the First United Methodist Church.

After visiting La Care in Burnet in the fall of 2024, James conceived the idea that a food pantry would be beneficial for the Bertram area. He shared the idea with folks in Bertram, a board of directors was formed, and thanks to the volunteer work of many, the pantry opened April 2025.

Ronnie Lewis, Board Vice President

Ronnie Lewis is a founding member of the Bertram Community Cupboard, demonstrating his commitment to serving the community. Raised in Marble Falls and a resident of Bertram for over 30 years, Ronnie has deep ties to Burnet County.

With 53 years of experience as the owner of a civil construction business in Central Texas, he applies his expertise to support local initiatives. Ronnie and his wife have been married for 54 years and have raised five sons, along with being proud grandparents to 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Ronnie's dedication to giving back is reflected in his active role at the Cupboard, where he works to help those in need and strengthen the Bertram community.

Sharon Schwartz, Board Secretary

Sharon was raised in Bertram, attending Bertram Elementary through 6th grade, at which time Bertram and Burnet were consolidated schools. Upon graduating from Burnet High School, Sharon worked in secretarial positions in Austin and Georgetown before beginning her career at Burnet CISD, where she served as the Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent. Sharon retired in 2022 after 31 years of service. She loved every aspect of her job, and treasured the relationships she made at BCISD.

Sharon and her sister Carla operate a small catering business, 2 Peas in a Pot, LLC, which keeps her busy, along with gardening, home projects, grandkids, and exercising every chance she gets. In addition to serving as Secretary on the Bertram Community Cupboard Board, she serves as an Elder at the Bertram Presbyterian Church and serves on the Board of Directors for the Burnet CISD Education Foundation. She and her husband Gordon reside just outside of Bertram. They have 5 children and 5 grandchildren, whom they love spending time with.

Sharon is blessed to be part of the Bertram Community Cupboard and is passionate about the mission of serving others in our community.

April Baladez, Board Treasurer

April has been happily married to John Baladez for over 27 years. Together they have built a loving family and have raised two sons, Tyler and Ian.

A lifelong resident of Bertram, Texas, April cherishes the deep roots and sense of community that comes with living in her hometown. She currently works as an Escrow Officer at Highland Lakes Title, where she is known for her attention to detail, professionalism, and dedication to serving her clients with integrity.

Beyond her professional life, April is actively involved in her community. She regularly volunteers at the local festivals and is currently the treasurer of the Oatmeal Festival Association. She feels it is important to lend a hand and help the people around her.

Janet Basey, Volunteer Coordinator/Board Member

Janet has worked with a number of nonprofit organizations in different roles. Joining forces with the volunteers of the Bertram Community Cupboard places her closer to our mission and to our essential workforce.

In addition to volunteering at the Cupboard, Janet spends time with her husband, Mark, three sons, and their families. Ten grandchildren keep her busy with their activities. She patiently waits for her next opportunity to travel any place, anywhere!

Tom Wernet, Board Member

Thomas C. Wernet (Tom) grew up in West, Texas and after graduating high school left for Fort Worth to attend Texas Wesleyan College where he completed a B.S. in Biology. He then went on to complete an M.S. in Microbiology from Texas Christian University. While in graduate school, Tom began a 42-year career in Research and Development with Alcon Laboratories, retiring in 2015 as Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs. While at TCU, Tom met and married his wife Sue, and they have a daughter Jennifer and granddaughter Amber. In Fort Worth, Tom was active in his community as a member of the Optimist Club, Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, and Christian Community Assistance, as well as serving public and private education, and various other organizations.

Tom and Sue moved to Bertram in 2023. Tom volunteers at the Bertram Community Cupboard and LA Care and is a member of the Burnet Rotary Club.

Mary Bruce Allen, Board Member

Born in the Bertram hospital, Mary has deep roots in the heart of Bertram, Texas, a town she has called home her entire life. A true daughter of the community, Mary not only grew up in Bertram, but also built her family and career there, never straying far from the values and people that shaped her.

Mary married fellow Bertram native Dickie Allen, and together they raised three children: Sarah, Katy, and Tyler. Family has always been at the center of Mary's life, and that love now extends to her two granddaughters, Katelyn and Addy, who proudly represent the 6th generation of their family in Bertram. For 28 years, Mary dedicated herself to the children of her hometown through her work at Bertram Elementary. Her warmth, dedication, and consistent presence left a lasting impact on generations of students and families.

Mary's commitment to service didn't stop at the school doors. She was honored to be asked to serve as a board member of the Bertram Community Cupboard, a role that reflects her deep care for the well-being of her neighbors and her belief in giving back to the place she's always called home.

Tex Reyes, Board Member

Tex was born and raised in Bertram, Texas and has lived there for much of his life, aside from some time in Nashville and Alabama. He comes from a large family with pretty deep roots in small town Bertram. As the youngest of 8, Tex got to experience a lot growing up that helped shape him into who he is today. As a child, he spent most of his time outdoors, whether playing some sort of sport or spending time at the local swimming pool. He went on to play college football until he suffered a severe knee injury and could no longer play. During the time of his injury, while feeling lost, he learned to lean on his Lord and was blessed to meet his future wife. He went on to receive an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Management at Blinn College, and finished his Bachelor of Science in Health and Fitness Management, with a minor in Business at Texas State University.

Following college, Tex spent some time working in the oil field before moving back to Bertram in 2015 to begin his career at D.I.J Construction. Initially a supervisor, he now holds the position of Estimator. In his free time, Tex enjoy sports, fitness, and the outdoors. He and his wife of 11 years are glad to be raising a son, daughter and 3 small puppies in the town where he grew up. He is also thankful for the opportunity to give back to his community as a member of the Bertram Community Cupboard Board of Directors.