New Braunfels | December 2023

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New Braunfels Edition VOLUME 7, ISSUE 1 DEC. 7JAN. 10, 2024

Ride-hailing—or microtransit—systems like those used by VIA Metropolitan Transit in San Antonio connect riders to major transportation hubs.

COURTESY VIA METROPOLITAN TRANSIT

The plan’s recommendations include a hybrid public transit system consisting of both ride-hail- ing—or microtransit—on-demand shuttle service and xed bus routes along major road arteries. “As we get into the rst couple years of ridership, we’re going to be continuing to monitor the rider- ship with the microtransit, and also planning for xed routes,” said Garry Ford, director of transpor- tation and capital improvements for the city. City begins eort to bring public transit options BY ZARA FLORES & ERIC WEILBACHER

The city of New Braunfels formally took the rst steps of implementing a public transportation plan with a vote endorsing its goals and vision by the City Council on Nov. 13.

CONTINUED ON 20

Also in this issue

Impacts: The Faust Hotel closes for renovations (Page 7)

Government: Deer death toll prompts action from city (Page 8)

Transportation: I35 turnaround at FM 725 work delayed (Page 11)

Events: Santa’s Ranch light trail open through December (Page 22)

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Impacts

1101 3 Victoria’s Secret Victoria’s Secret’s first New Braunfels location opened at the Creekside Town Center. • Opened Oct. 27 • 227 Creekside Crossing, New Braunfels • www.victoriassecret.com 4 The Royal Method The veteran-owned barbershop specializes in all men’s grooming services and hot lather shaves. The business is dedicated to bringing the classic barbershop experience to customers, local owner Jonathan Ruiz said. • Opened Oct. 14 quality home decor items, including vintage Moroccan rugs, blankets, pillows and coffee table books. Full- service interior design services are also available. • Opened Oct. 22 • 173 E. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.drifthomeinteriors.com 5 Kora Kora Coffee The locally-owned cafe has an existing location in Gruene and sells coffee, smoothies, teas and pastries. • Opened Nov. 14 • 2164 Oak Run Parkway, Ste. 101, New Braunfels • www.korakoracoffee.com Parker Home & Design The business recently opened remotely, providing interior design and real estate services to clients in New Braunfels and the surrounding area. The business is owned by Madison Crowe and Megan Silva. • Opened in October • www.parkerhomeanddesign.com • 895 FM 306 C, New Braunfels • www.linktr.ee/theroyalmethod

San Marcos

SPRING LAKE

5 8

OAK RUN PKWY.

CHARLES AUSTIN DR.

306

BORCHERS BLVD.

337

CREEKSIDE CROSSING

ELIZABETH AVE.

LANDA

ISLAND

337

758

127

725

1044

MAP NOT TO SCALE

Coming soon

• Opened Oct. 24 • 672 S. Kowald Lane, New Braunfels • Facebook: Betty Lou Coffee Co.

Now open

6 Pho Tran88 Pho Tran88, which currently has a location in San Marcos, will be expanding with a second location at the Shops at Clear Springs in New Braunfels. The Vietnamese restaurant serves pho, vegan pho and

1 Betty Lou Coffee Co. The coffee truck is owned by Courtney Dallimore and sells coffee drinks, lemonade, matcha, tea and more. The coffee truck often parks at Kiddie Academy.

2 Drift Home & Interiors The shop is owned by Nataliya Borener and sells high-

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Chinese dishes among other menu items. • Opening in early 2024 • 761 S. SH 46, Ste. 108, New Braunfels • Facebook: Pho Tran88

Coming soon

In the news

Relocations

7 Puppyland The business closed in New Braunfels and has moved to a new location in Leon Valley. The New Braunfels location sold puppies from commercial breeders, which is now prohibited by city ordinance, according to City Council documents. • Closed at the end of October • 651 I-35 Business Loop, Ste. 410, New Braunfels • www.puppylandtexas.com 8 Howard Payne University The university’s New Braunfels branch relocated next to the Veramendi Welcome Center building from its Loop 337 location. The new space features classrooms, a computer lab, a conference room and a seating area. • Opened Oct. 26 • 2164 Oak Run Parkway, Ste. 103, New Braunfels • www.hputx.edu/hpu-nb

11 Chuy’s Chuy’s, the Tex-Mex restaurant chain, anticipates opening its first New Braunfels location in the next few months. Signature menu items include the Creamy Jalapeno dip, Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom Enchiladas and the Chuychanga. The restaurant will feature happy hour specials, including queso and margaritas on weekdays between 3-6 p.m. • Opening in mid- to late January • 2557 I-35, New Braunfels • www.chuys.com 12 United Way of Comal County Nearly $284,000 in proceeds from the 2023 Gruene Music & Wine Festival has been donated to the United Way of Comal County. The nonprofit United Way of Comal County provides funding that supports 31 local health and human care service agencies. • 468 S. Seguin Ave., Ste. 403, New Braunfels • www.uwcomal.org 13 McKenna Foundation The McKenna Foundation in New Braunfels has awarded $200,000 to eight nonprofit organizations in Comal County focused on strengthening local family relationships and programs. In 2023, the foundation has awarded nearly $2.1 million in grants to 42 nonprofit

14 The Faust Hotel The Faust Hotel is set to receive an update 94 years in the making. In 2022 the hotel and on-site restaurant and bar were sold to Andy Duettra and were brought under management of the Lark Hotel Group, said Rosalyn Vasquez, general manager of the Faust Hotel. Updates will be posted throughout the renovation process on the hotel’s Instagram, Vasquez said. The hotel will reopen in 2025. • 240 S. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels • www.thefausthotel.com

In the news

9 The Oyster Bar The Oyster Bar celebrated its 20th business anniversary in October. Alongside oysters, customers can find cocktails, beer, various appetizers and entrees. • 203 S. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels • www.nboysterbar.com 10 Fatburger According to a recent filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, a new Fatburger is coming soon to the Marketplace Shopping Center in New Braunfels. The TDLR filing states that the burger franchise will be completed in March. Fatburger opened its fist location in 1952. • 675 N. Business I-35, New Braunfels • www.fatburger.com

organizations in Comal County. • 801 W San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.mckenna.org

15 Texas State University Texas State University will host a presidential general election debate in Strahan Arena at the University Events Center on Sept. 16, 2024. The Commission on Presidential Debates announced Nov. 20 the first presidential debate of four scheduled leading up to the general election will take place at the Texas State campus in San Marcos. • 106 Charles Austin Drive, San Marcos • www.txst.edu

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Government

NBU search for new CEO continues New Braunfels Unities’ search for its new CEO entered its seventh month after the June departure of its previous CEO Ian Taylor. A closer look NBU officials said they have partnered with Baker Tilly, an executive search firm to assist the utility in filling the role. Throughout October, NBU’s digital survey received input from over 165 community members. According to survey results, 53.6% of respondents identified themselves as NBU employees, 25.3% as NBU clients. Partic- ipants disclosed their satisfaction with current NBU services. Of those surveyed, 33% and 29% were satisfied or very satisfied respectively.

Deer can often be found grazing at Landa Park, 164 Landa Park, New Braunfels.

ZARA FLORES/COMMUNITY IMPACT

City aims to slow deer population growth In light of the hundreds of annual white-tailed deer car accidents and other associated issues, city officials will be partnering with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department to manage the population and lower it to levels that are more sustainable for the animals and the environment.

What’s happening While deer estimates are unknown in the city, the number of dead deer picked up annually points to a continued rise in population, said Jessica Alderson, a wildlife biologist with the TPWD. City staff will work through the winter to create a report on the status of the deer population and to create a plan for moving forward by the spring. Once proper outreach is completed and the consensus among the community is positive, the city can then apply for the appropriate permit and begin trapping in time for the season next October.

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BY ZARA FLORES, SIERRA MARTIN & ERIC WEILBACHER

Gov. Abbott names city ‘film-friendly’ New Braunfels could see more film crews making their way into town. On Nov. 13, Gov. Greg Abbott announced a number of trainings and certifications were completed to earn New Braunfels the title “Film Friendly Texas Community” by the Texas Film Commission, joining more than 175 municipalities in Texas that went through the certification process. The TFC documented more than 183,000 film-related jobs created in Texas since 2007.

2023 season saw visitor, revenue and litter increases on Comal River Despite higher temperatures and lower water levels, the city of New Braunfels generated more revenue this summer than the last from river recreation. The gist Amy Niles, New Braunfels’ river and watershed manager, presented to council the 2023 river season report Oct. 16. One of the biggest issues coming out of the summer was the rise in litter collected from the Comal River, the presentation showed. The 2023 total for litter collected through September has already surpassed the last three seasons. The police department also issued more cita- tions over the disposable container ban than last year, according to the presentation.

Litter and citations

Bags of trash collected

2020

234

2021

210

2022

273

2023*

326

Citations issued

2020

168

187

2021

2022

375

“[This] will bring more awareness about New Braunfels as a destination for travel in Texas.” NEAL LINNARTZ, NEW BRAUNFELS MAYOR

2023*

380

*THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2023

SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

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Transportation

BY KATY MCAFEE

Upcoming projects

GRAND PASS

306

1 Common Street widening Project: The project scope includes widening Common Street to four lanes with sidewalks, improving drainage, installing new traffic signals, and making intersection improvements between Loop 337 and Gruene Road. The project was approved in the city’s May bond election. Update: The city of New Braunfels is drafting a right-of- way map and nearing 30% schematic design. The final design is expected to be completed in fall 2024, and right-of-way acquisition and relocations are expected to take place through mid-2026. • Timeline: TBD • Cost: $24.78 million • Funding source: May 2023 bond

306

2673

GRUENE HAVEN

CREEKSIDE CROSSING

ELIZABETH AVE.

337

LANDA

ISLAND

Ongoing projects

2 I-35 and FM 725 intersection improvements

Project: The project consists of installing additional operational turn lanes by grading, building structures and surfacing the roadway at the intersection of FM 725 and I-35. Update: The Texas Department of Transportation suspended its improvement project for the holiday season. Construction will resume in January, and the project will be completed by fall 2024, according to TxDOT. • Timeline: June 2022-fall 2024 • Cost: $6 million • Funding source: Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, TxDOT 3 FM 725 widening Project: The project scope includes widening FM 725 from East Zipp Road to County Line Road and improving intersections along the corridor. Update: TxDOT crews are paving, connecting driveways and installing culverts on the southbound side of FM 725 from East Zipp Road to County Line Road. • Timeline: December 2021-2023 • Cost: $10.9 million • Funding source: TxDOT

337

COUNTY LINE RD.

725

366

LAKE DUNLAP

1044

356

725

SHORT CUT RD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

Completed projects

4 FM 306 improvements Project: The project scope includes repaving, restriping and improving FM 306. Update: Crews completed the seal coat on the newly paved FM 306 from Grand Pass to Gruene Haven. Crews will restripe the road and paint pavement markers this winter. • Timeline: Not available as of press time • Cost: Not available as of press time • Funding source: TxDOT

5 FM 1044 improvements Project: The project scope included repaving and repairing FM 1044 from I-35 to the Guadalupe and Comal county line. Update: TxDOT completed work on the project this fall. • Timeline: Completed 2023 • Cost: $1.2 million • Funding source: TxDOT

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Education

BY SIERRA MARTIN

Comal ISD policy to allow for more ocers Comal ISD will be able to hire commissioned or contracted armed security sta in the future due to an update made to board policy. The details During a Nov. 16 board of trustees meeting, board members voted unanimously to approve an update to allow the district to employ security sta if its partnership with law enforcement agencies cannot meet the requirements of House Bill 3. “I appreciate the fact that we’re focused on the backup plan because that’s how seriously we take security and safety for our students,” CISD board President Russ Garner said. The background The Texas Legislature passed HB 3 this spring, which requires districts to have an armed school resource ocer at every campus. To comply with

NBISD might pass on new Chaplains option The board of trustees expressed intent to vote against the use of chaplains in the district during a Nov. 13 board meeting. The context With the passage of Senate Bill 763 in the 88th legislative session, chaplains may be employed by or volunteer for a district to provide support, services and programs for students. The bill requires each board in the state to vote on the measure by March 1. Communities in Schools provides coun- selor services for students, said Superinten- dent Laurelyn Arterbury. “At this time it would be the adminis- tration’s recommendation that we keep those services being provided by certied counselors and our Communities in Schools partners,” Arterbury said.

Adding ocers As of Sept. 1, all public schools in Texas must have some type of armed guard on campus. April 27, 2023: Comal ISD Board of Trustees made the commitment to sta a school resource ocer at each campus. May 2023: The Texas Legislature passed House Bill 3, a bill that requires all school districts to have armed guards at each campus. Sept. 1, 2023: HB3 goes into eect. CISD achieved full SRO coverage on all campuses. Nov. 16, 2023: Board members voted unanimously to allow the district to employ commissioned or contracted armed security sta .

SOURCE: COMAL ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

HB 3, Comal ISD has partnered with ve local law enforcement agencies to ll the school resource ocer positions as stang becomes available. “It’s only that if [local law enforcement] cannot meet those requirements of an armed security ocer, that we would reach out to a contractor,” CISD trustee Jason York said.

Comal ISD students tour local manufacturing facilities Students from Canyon High School and Memorial Early College High School toured Continental and Detex to celebrate Manufacturing Student Day on Oct. 5 in New Braunfels. Braunfels Manufacturing Association, according to district information. The framework

“While students spend a signicant amount of time in the classroom studying various concepts, they sometimes fail to grasp the greater implica- tions of the lessons they are learning,” said Mason Cardi, robotics and CTE teacher at MECHS.

Twenty robotics and engineering students observed the manufacturing process in action alongside their career and technical education teachers. The tours were coordinated by the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce and the New

Comal ISD high school students toured the Continental plant on Oct. 5 as part of Manufacturing Student Day.

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Education

BY SIERRA MARTIN

NBISD voters favored 3-cent addition to tax rate Nov. 7

New Braunfels ISD Tax Rate Now that the VATRE and State Proposition 4 were approved, the property tax rate in NBISD will be 15.35 cents lower than last year’s rate, according to NBISD.

Alongside voting on 14 constitutional amend- ments, residents living in New Braunfels ISD cast their ballots for or against a voter-approval tax rate election, or VATRE, Nov. 7. Based on unofficial results from Comal and Guadalupe counties, voters support the VATRE proposition with 51.97% for and 48.03% against. “The community has cast their ballots, and their voice has been heard, and your support of public education in New Braunfels ISD does not go unnoticed,” NBISD Superintendent Laurelyn Arterbury said. “Thank you for entrusting us with your children and for giving us an opportunity to continue to provide quality education here in New Braunfels ISD.” The details Due to the VATRE narrowly being passed by voters, the tax rate for fiscal year 2023-24 will be a $0.1535 reduction from the tax rate approved by the board last year, compared to an $0.1835

reduction if voters chose to reject the proposition. This is made possible with the passage of Prop- osition 4 this year, a constitutional amendment that will authorize the Legislature to establish a temporary limit on appraised property value. The VATRE was brought before voters to balance the district’s budget and add 3 cents to the district tax rate. Without approval, NBISD would be facing a $4.5 million shortfall; with approval the district would see a $2 million shortfall. Going forward, district officials plan to propose the use of the general fund balance to make up the difference in the budget, according to NBISD’s Chief Financial Officer Paul McLarty. Zooming in The 3 cents of the tax rate of $1.0419 per $100 valuation will fund staff raises and programs. The Legislature’s $18 billion tax relief package will allow taxpayers to see a 14.63% decrease in their tax bills.

Interest and sinking Maintenance and operations

$0.33 $0.33 $0.33 $0.34 $0.33 $0.34

$1.04

2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2022-23 2021-22 2023-24

$0.97

$0.9

$0.85 $0.87

$0.7

$0 $0.3 $0.6 $0.9 $1.2 $1.5

SOURCE: NBISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Real estate

Number of homes sold

October 2022

October 2023

Residential market data

78130

As year-over-year home sales increased in the New Braunfels market, median home prices decreased, according to data from the Four Rivers Association of Realtors. Sales were up 40% in ZIP code 78130, with eight more homes sold this October compared to last year. In 78132, there were only two more homes sold.

+40%

78132

+14.3%

Median home sales price

2022

-12.2% 78130

2023

78130

78132

$343,000

$390,450

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY FOUR RIVERS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS 8306256954 WWW.FOURRIVERSREALTORS.COM

78132

-22.4%

$596,750

$769,450

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

From the cover

City begins effort to bring public transit options

Two-minute impact

Fixed route and on demand rides

Implementing public transit will be launched in phases, with each additional fixed route based on microtransit demand. Below are proposed routes which would be added within the next several years.

The foundation for the Transit Development Plan combines microtransit and a fixed-route system for a hybrid solution that will evolve in the coming years. A microtransit transportation system is a more flexible service in which riders can travel anywhere within a set area. In this instance, microtransit would be set to the city limits. Riders would call, text or use a system app to request rides. Shuttles or minivans would be used for this service. A fixed-route system has more structure to it and would establish a handful of set routes for buses throughout the city that cover “key areas,” said Ed Elam, vice president and director of transportation for the city’s partner Alliance Transportation Group, as previously reported by Community Impact . Public transportation is a priority outlined in the city’s comprehensive plan, Ford said. “Currently, our public transportation is a continuation of rural transit that we contract through Alamo Regional Transit [ART],” Ford said. “We’ve had an interlocal agreement since 2013. It’s the only public transit available to New Braunfels, and the vehicles and drivers are provided through [Alamo Area Council of Governments].” In 2021, the city published a study in partnership and with funding from the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization; VIA Metropolitan, the city of San Antonio’s transit organization; and others. That study proposed fixed routes with a microtransit option or a full microtransit system. Microtransit is an on-demand service similar to ride-hailing services, Ford said.

Orange

Green

Blue

Red

Citywide Microtransit Zone

306

1101

337

CALIFORNIA BLVD.

LANDA PARK DR.

LANDA ST.

SEGUIN AVE.

SAN ANTONIO ST.

337

725

1044

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BY ZARA FLORES & ERIC WEILBACHER

Current situation

Sorting out details

In order to receive federal and state funding for the project, the city will seek recognition from the Federal Transit Administration and the state of Texas as an urban transit district. This will help them determine what sort of federal and state funding they will be able to work with over the next decade. “[Once] the governor recognizes the city of New Braunfels as an urban transit district, then we move to the next step which is working with the Federal Transit Administra- tion to be the direct recipients (of funding),” Ford said. Ford said the process to obtain those statuses could take six months to a year. By doing so, the city estimates 80% of the funding would be from federal and state transit funding sources, including the roughly $500,000 annually used to fund ART. The city will simultaneously work to secure a contract with a microtransit service provider.

phases, with an estimated launch of microtransit in about one year. Following that, city staff will analyze ridership data to make adjustments to routes as needed, Elam said. Within the next 12-18 months, the city expects to identify a contractor to run a microtransit pilot program and begin offering service.

Moving from the current system to a hybrid- ized model of both ride-hailing and fixed route public transportation varies in cost estimates. Establishing the first phase with microtransit alone is estimated to cost the city between $1.2 million-$3.6 million annually. That’s primarily based on the level of demand that residents ultimately make of the service. Implementation of the hybrid transit plan is broken down into short-, medium- and long-term

Service based on demand Short-term: first 2 years • Citywide microtransit zone launches • Annual cost: $1.2M-$3.6M

Medium-term: 2-5 years • Two fixed bus corridor routes are added where it is estimated that microtransit rides will grow above 100-200 rides daily. • Annual cost: $1.1M-$1.9M

Long-term: 5-10 years • Two more fixed bus routes are added to the system. • Annual cost: $2.4M-$4M

SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS, ALLIANCE TRANSPORTATION GROUP/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Next steps

Future transit options Other transportation options could arise if residential demand shows a robust interest and need for the microtransit and fixed bus route systems. Potential additions to the system include: • Downtown shuttle service • Interurban connection service to San Antonio, San Marcos and Austin

said. “One thing we are also looking at is kind of an interurban express, similar to San Marcos and CARTS [Capital Area Rural Transportation System] between San Marcos and Austin, so depending on our planning and our ridership and kind of the needs of the community, we may kind of go that direction as well.”

Demand and ridership could also open the door to expanded routes and service areas in the long run. Downtown shuttles, as well as regional connections both north and south along I-35 to other metro areas, will be considered, according to the city’s plan. “We’re going to monitor the ridership with the microtransit, and then also planning for fixed routes, not only locally,” Ford

SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Events

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN & SIERRA MARTIN

December

Santa’s Ranch Admire over 2.5 million Christmas lights and animated displays while driving through over a mile-long trail of festivities. Homemade hot cocoa, kettle corn and snacks are also available to those who attend. • Through Dec. 31, 6-10 p.m. (Sun.-Thu.), 6-11 p.m. (Fri.-Sat.) • Tickets start at $37 • Santa’s Ranch, 9561 I-35 N., New Braunfels • www.santasranch.net Ugly Christmas Sweater Party There will be live music and the chance to win a Schweinfest, a whole roasted suckling pig party. Sweater judging will begin at 7:30 p.m. • Dec. 14, 6-9 p.m. • Free (admission) • Krause’s Cafe, 148 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels • www.krausescafe.com Winterzeit Celebrate the holiday season at Silos at Freiheit with live music, food and drinks, around 30 vendors, and photos with Santa. Sponsorship tables are available to purchase for the event to raise money for Hope Hospice and Lennon-Aid nonprots. • Dec. 15, 5-10 p.m. • $500-$2,000 (table sponsorships) • Silos at Freiheit Village, 2064 Central Plaza, New Braunfels • http://newsite.silosatfreiheit.com Grinch Market Shop for stocking stuers and last-minute gifts. • Dec. 16, 11 a.m. • Free (admission) • Freiheit Country Store, 2157 FM 1101, New Braunfels • www.playinnewbraunfels.com Light up Landa There will be a parade along with miniature train rides. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets. Train rides can be purchased the night of the event at the Train Depot.

Ballet Texas presents ‘The Nutcracker’ Clara dreams her nutcracker toy has come to life. He leads a battle with the Rat Queen and whisks her away through a land ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy.

• Dec. 15-17, times vary • Tickets between $30-$68 including fees • Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre, 290 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.brauntex.org

• Dec. 26-Jan. 13, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free • New Braunfels City Recycling Center, 368-398 Butcher St., New Braunfels • www.newbraunfels.gov

• Dec. 16, 6-9 p.m. • Free (admission) • Landa Park, 110 Golf Course Road, New Braunfels • 830-221-4370 Drop N Shop Parents/caregivers can drop their kids ages 5-12 o at Das Rec for tness, crafts and sports while they shop. Participants are asked to pack a snack and water bottle. • Dec. 18-20, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. • $20 per child • Das Rec, 345 Landa St., New Braunfels • www.newbraunfels.gov

January

New Braunfels Antique Show There will be a wide variety of vendors selling antique furniture, glassware, Texas pottery, clothing and estate jewelry, and more. • Jan. 12-14, times vary • General admission $8, early buying tickets $15 • New Braunfels Civic/Convention Center, 375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels • www.heritageeventcompany.com/nbtickets

Christmas Tree Mulching Drop O Drop o Christmas Trees at the recycling center.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY SIERRA MARTIN

Wurstfest From Nov. 3-12, the Wurstfest grounds near Landa Park were packed with attendees enjoying pitchers of beer, German cuisine, live music and vendors. Originating in 1961, Wurstfest began as a one-day festival created by the city meat inspector, Ed Grist, as a festival to honor sausage, according to the Wurstfest website. The festival has grown to be 10 days full of celebrating New Braunfels’ German heritage. 1 From the Greater Munich area of Germany, the band Die Bayrischen Hiatamadln performed multiple shows with pop and rock music during Wurstfest. 2 The Wurstfest grounds, located near Landa Park and downtown New Braunfels on the Comal River, were packed with people attending the festival.

Dia de los Muertos Festival Thousands of residents and visitors gathered in New Braunfels this fall for the 2023 Dia de los Muertos Festival. On Oct. 28, crowds gathered downtown in festive attire to celebrate the seventh annual Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, to remember and celebrate the lives of lost loved ones. The festival included live music, face painting, food and drink vendors, shopping, and more. The annual event is hosted by the New Braunfels Chamber’s Hispanic Business Alliance on the fourth Saturday of October. 1 The Dia de los Muertos Festival had dancers and performers to celebrate the lives of departed loved ones. 2 The New Braunfels Chamber’s Hispanic Alliance hosted the Dia de los Muertos Festival. The Dia de los Muertos festival featured live music.

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Community

Volunteer Guide For those looking to help out in the New Braunfels community, there are several local nonprofit groups that offer volunteer opportunities and accept donations. This list is noncomprehensive. • 1269 Industrial Drive, New Braunfels • www.comalhabitat.org

2023

Empower children

The Salvation Army of New Braunfels This organization is an international movement to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs without discrimination. • Sample activities: serving a meal, bell ringing, event volunteering, food distribution/pantry • Donations accepted: monetary, in-kind donations • 617 Elliot Knox Blvd., New Braunfels • www.southernusa.salvationarmy.org/new-braunfels

Human services

Crisis Center of Comal County The center’s mission is to provide crisis and prevention services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. • Sample activities: fundraising events, answering the center hotline, grant writing, front desk administration, victim advocate, life skill classes • Donations accepted: monetary, client wish list, in-kind United Way of Comal County This nonprofit organization’s mission is to engage the community and focus resources for those in need in Comal County through monetary donations. • Sample activities: event volunteers, board of directors, allocations volunteers • Donations accepted: monetary • 468 S. Seguin Ave., Ste. 403, New Braunfels • www.uwcomal.org donations, gently used items • 655 Landa St., New Braunfels • www.crisiscenternb.org

Serve seniors

Project 10:27 Inc. This nonprofit focuses on enhancing the lives of senior adults by fostering enduring relationships. • Sample activities: Adopt a Senior, Caring Connections Call & Card Program, community outreach, discipleship • Donations accepted: monetary, supplies (paper towels, soap, toothpaste, etc.) • 25514 Sioux Springs, San Antonio • www.project1027.org

Communities In Schools of South Central Texas This nonprofit organization works to bring resources to elementary, middle and high schools to help students succeed. • Sample activities: Reading Buddy, tutor, mentor, pen pal, service-learning, guest speaker • Donations accepted: monetary, in-kind support (comfort kits, hygiene kits, supply drives, book drives) • 161 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels • www.cis-sct.org Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas of Comal and Guadalupe Counties This nonprofit organization’s mission is to provide children facing adversity a strong and supportive mentor relationship. • Sample activities: mentorship, library, take kids out to eat, play sports • Donations accepted: monetary, gift cards for the kids • 801 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.bigmentor.org

Empower children

1HOPE for Kids The program offers foster family assistance, recruiting and training alongside working with biological families. • Sample activities: prayer, tutoring, notes of encouragement to families, meal ministry, certified babysitters, transportation, diaper delivery • Donations accepted: monetary • 11550 W. I-10, Ste. 255, San Antonio • www.1hopeforkids.org

Housing support

Comal County Habitat for Humanity This nonprofit organization works to build and repair homes. • Sample activities: sell new and gently used donated items to the public, construction, administrative support, event coordination, fundraising • Donations accepted: vehicles, land, monetary, sofas, furniture

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CASA of Central Texas This national volunteer movement aims to provide high- quality, best-interest advocacy for children and youth in the child welfare system. • Sample activities: become a Court Appointed Special Advocate • Donations accepted: monetary, vehicle • 1619 Common St., Ste. 301, New Braunfels • www.casacentex.org Connections Individual and Family Services Help intervene in the lives of children who are homeless, abused or at risk through programs under the nonprofit. • Sample activities: Transitional Living Program, emergency youth shelter • Donations accepted: monetary • 1414 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.connectionsifs.org New Braunfels Angels This nonprofit organization’s mission is to provide support to the foster care community through wraparound support to fostering families and mentorship of teen foster youth. • Sample activities: be a mentor, babysit, tutor, support family, activities, one-time events and family needs • Donations accepted: monetary, clothes, shoes, art supplies, furniture • 391 Landa St., Ste. 1112, New Braunfels • www.newbraunfelsangels.org Room Redux The nonprofit works to physically transform the bedroom of a child who has experienced abuse. The goal is to bring together a new room that can symbolize a new start for the child in a safe and comfortable environment. • Sample activities: fundraising specialist, website content manager, social media manager, room transformation • Donations accepted: monetary, materials • PO Box 312484, New Braunfels • www.roomredux.org

Feed the hungry

New Braunfels Food Bank Volunteer as an individual or with a group to fight hunger in New Braunfels and the Southwest Texas communities.

• Sample activities: warehouse sorting and packaging, community kitchen, food distribution • Donations accepted: Monetary and food donations • 1620 S. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels • www.nbfoodbank.org

Feed the hungry

Help animals

Spirit of Sharing Food Bank The SOS Food Bank is operated entirely by volunteers dedicated to fighting hunger in the community. The program has emergency and monthly food allotments. • Sample activities: sorting food donations, food distribution • Donations accepted: monetary and food donations • 248 W. Merriweather St., New Braunfels • www.sosnb.org

Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area Help enrich the lives of animals in shelters awaiting their forever homes, and help alleviate staff. • Sample activities: walking dogs, socializing cats,

representing at special events • Donations accepted: monetary • 3353 Morningside Drive, New Braunfels • www.hsnba.org

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Business

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Farm stand employee Christina Ramirez egg washing bread.

Owner Chadwick Stahlman opened Stahlman’s at Bear Creek-Farm Stand and Pecans in 2010.

PHOTOS BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Small grocer provides fresh produce options Since 2015, Stahlman’s at Bear Creek-Farm Stand and Pecans has served as a small grocer situated between Canyon Lake and New Braunfels. How it started Chadwick Stahlman and his wife, Elizabeth,

Stahlman’s at Bear Creek-Farm Stand and Pecans sells an array of fresh produce including tomatoes, carrots, onions and potatoes.

How it’s going Stahlman’s father-in-law, Hardy Purvis, helped him kick-start the farm stand adventure by provid- ing fresh produce from his farm in Buda. Now, Stahlman’s at Bear Creek-Farm Stand and Pecans sources all of its vegetables, fruits and cheeses from farmers in Fredericksburg, Seguin, Spicewood, Pearsall and Mason. The farm stand also bakes an assortment of bread such as sourdough from an old starter, olive oil sea salt baguettes, scones and chocolate croissants. Not only that, but the farm stand oers meats, New Mexico hatch chiles and special seasonal items such as pumpkins and Western-Or- egon Christmas trees.

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started a farm stand venture a decade ago because they wanted to feed their kids “the best food in the world.” The endeavor began with selling boxes of peaches out of the back of his grandfather’s Isuzu Trooper in 2010. In 2015, he built a brick-and-mor- tar shop on the property now known as Stahlman’s at Bear Creek-Farm Stand and Pecans, to serve as a small grocery store.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Dining

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Root Cellar Cafe is locally owned by Kyle Mylius, who has worked in the restaurant industry since he was 17.

AMIRA VAN LEEUWENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Root Cellar Cafe serves Chicken ’n Waes ($16) , which consists of fresh baked Belgian waes served with hand-breaded fried boneless chicken thighs and a drizzle of Sriracha honey topped with honey butter.

COURTESY ROOT CELLAR CAFE

The Root Cellar Cafe serves up Americana cuisine

The bone-in pork chop ($25) is topped with roasted tomato chutney and served with grilled asparagus.

cuisine, such as pesto pasta, pasta primavera, seared salmon with balsamic glaze and more. The restaurant also oers a seasonal menu. “What we feel is that when as much as possible is made in-house, from scratch, you take out the preservatives that are in a lot of other products that give them shelf stabilization, and that really comes across in the freshness and the avor,” he said. Root Cellar Cafe also has a full bar and a selec- tion of craft cocktails. What else? Since opening in New Braunfels, Mylius said he has gotten positive feedback. “We’ve had a lot of great support, and a lot of people turn into quick regulars here,” he said.

Kyle Mylius has worked in the restaurant industry since he was 17, and one day, he decided to open a restaurant of his own. “I love serving people and trying to create beautiful experiences for people,” Mylius said. In 2005, at the age of 25, Mylius opened Root Cellar Cafe in downtown San Marcos. In Febru- ary 2023, he decided to open a location in New Braunfels. Mylius also owns Tin Top Burgers & Beer, The Gruene Grove and Rhea’s Ice Cream. “We have a little bit of a family of restaurants here already, and so it made perfect sense for us to come to New Braunfels,” he said. What’s on the menu Root Cellar Cafe serves from-scratch Americana

COURTESY ROOT CELLAR CAFE

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1090 S. Business I-35, New Braunfels www.rootcellarcafe.com/new-braunfels

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

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