New Braunfels Edition | March 2023

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

VOLUME 6, ISSUE 4 MARCH 7 APRIL 11, 2023

City calls $140M bond election for May ballot BY SIERRA MARTIN New Braunfels residents will have the opportunity to vote on just over $140 million worth of projects in the upcoming May election. Improving transportation and mobility, building a new library facility, and completing a new park in New Braunfels will all be on the ballot. The bond will have no impact on the tax rate, and voters will determine if they would like to approve the three separate propositions on the May ballot. New Braunfels Mayor Rusty Brockman said it was important to the City Council to not raise taxes to pay for the bond due to the economic state of the county. “Everyone is struggling a bit,” Brockman said. “Every- one’s dealing with ination; everyone’s dealing with higher prices on everything. And to be able to ask the community to support these projects, which are really very important to the success of us continuing to grow in a healthy and safe way, I think people understand how important that is at this time.” To determine the projects that will be considered for funding, the city went through a lengthy process that began with compiling a list of potential projects in May 2021. The city Bond Advisory Committee was made up of members of the community who met over the course of several months and received presentations from city sta members on potential projects. Pastor Ray Still, chairperson of the committee, has served in the same capacity for both the 2013 and 2019

GEARED TOWARD GROWTH

Residents of New Braunfels will have the opportunity to vote in the May election on whether to fund just over $140 million in city projects by issuing municipal bonds with zero increase to the city’s tax rate.

PROPOSITION A

Fimfo Adventures park now open at Camp Fimfo

PROPOSITION B $99.33M: transportation $12.15M: Mission Hill Park PROPOSITION C $28.56M: library facilities

CAMP GUIDE 2023

$140.04M BOND TOTAL

SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS COMMUNITY IMPACT

Local summer camps

Learn how to navigate Hill Country wines

The new Southeast Library Branch will provide ex space rooms for members of the community to hold meetings and activities.

CONTINUED ON 32

RENDERING COURTESY CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS

For a record $634M, Comal ISD calls fth bond in 10 years PROPOSITION BREAKDOWN BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN Comal ISD is proposing propositions A, B and C. The bond is not expected to levy a tax rate increase.

Calling the fth bond since 2013, the Comal ISD board of trustees is seeking a record $634 million for the May 6 elec- tion—the largest in the district’s history. If successful, the bond would be the fourth implemented by the district in eight years, and it follows a pattern of the district trying to keep up with continued, rapid growth. According to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data, Comal County grew by more than 45,000 residents between the 2015 and 2021 bonds. The school district itself—which encir- cles New Braunfels ISD and includes por- tions of New Braunfels, covering a total of

Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries Wild Roots Nursery oers a plethora of indoor plants

PROPOSITION A $560.56 MILLION GROWTH & REINVESTMENT* PROPOSITION B $46.1 MILLION STADIUMS PROPOSITION C

PROPOSITION TOTAL $634.7M

$28 MILLION TECHNOLOGY

*AN ADDITIONAL $12.6 MILLION WILL GO TOWARD BOND MANAGEMENT FEES AS A PART OF PROPOSITION A.

CONTINUED ON 35

SOURCE: COMAL ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION • MARCH 2023

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THIS ISSUE

MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Heather Demere EDITOR Eric Weilbacher REPORTER Sierra Martin, Amira Van Leeuwen Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes. MANAGING EDITOR Joe Warner COPY EDITOR Kasey Salisbury ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Rachal Elliott CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, Pugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES nbfnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING nbfads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron GRAPHIC DESIGNER Roger Ibanez ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Kayla Brooks METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH

FROM HEATHER: I am looking forward to spring, when the weather is more conducive for the outdoor adventures I enjoy, including gardening. See our Wild Roots Nursery feature on Page 29. Our front-page stories cover the details of two bonds up for election on May 6. This edition also includes our annual Camp Guide and a regional Winery Guide. Heather Demere, GENERAL MANAGER

FROM ERIC: New Braunfels is limited in its access to public transportation with only Alamo Regional Transit’s next-day pickup shuttles as an available option. The city is commissioning a new study to address possible xed routes or microtransit options to serve our growing population. The conclusions of that study should be available later this year (see Page 11). Eric Weilbacher, EDITOR

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION • MARCH 2023

IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

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Cranky Pickle

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AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN£COMMUNITY IMPACT

on the menu like the frog dip, and that’s not going anywhere.” 830-629-0777. www.adobeverde.com 4 The River City Imaging Cen- ter opened its second location in New Braunfels at 1770 Hwy. 46, Ste. 1107, Feb. 14. The business pro- vides MRIs, CT scans, 3D screening mammograms, walk-in X-rays, ultra- sounds and other related services. The River City Imaging Center has an existing location at 1750 E. Commons St., Ste.1101.830-302-4355.www.rcicenters.com 5 The new Torchy’s Tacos location at 229 FM 306, Ste. 101, New Braunfels, opened March 1. The new restaurant has an outdoor patio where customers can enjoy freshly made margaritas, green chile queso, specialty tacos and more. The restaurant also rotates a Taco of the Month that incorporates new recipes and ingredients. www.torchystacos.com/ location/new-braunfels-coming-soon 6 The NB Pickleball Club held its grand opening March 4 in New Braunfels at 1269 Summerwood Drive, Ste. 201. The club features three state-of-the-art regulation pickleball courts, Court- Reserve software to reserve court times, and a pro shop to purchase accesso- ries and equipment. 830-946-0020. www.nbpickleballclub.com 7 The New Braunfels Regional Rehabilitation Hospital opened a second location at 1770 Hwy. 46, Ste. 1101, New Braunfels, in December and held its grand opening Feb. 18. The facili- ty provides outpatient rehabilitative services to patients throughout New Braunfels and the surrounding area who are recovering from disabilities caused by injuries, illnesses or chronic LAKE DUNLAP

ELIZABETH AVE.

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NOW OPEN 1 Cranky Pickle , located at 624 Krueger Canyon, New Braunfels, opened Jan. 2. Cranky Pickle oers membership free pickleball and cycling. “Pickleball’s for everybody,” owner Robin Golden said. “We have group lessons, individual lessons and court rentals.” Cranky Pickle also oers cycling classes. 830-837-5155. www.thecrankypickle.com

2 Horizon Distributors had a soft opening of its new location at 4312 N. I-35, New Braunfels, in November. The landscape and irrigation supplier held its grand opening event March 8. The New Braunfels location has certied irrigators and power equipment service technicians on sta, and it sells outdoor living products, landscape supplies, gas and battery-powered equipment. 830-302-2883. www.horizononline.com

3 Adobe Verde reopened Feb. 10 at 1724 Hunter Road, New Braunfels, after closing in 2022 and undergoing an ownership change. The new own- er of Adobe Verde, Bob Wilson, told Community Impact in January that much of the restaurant’s popular menu items will remain the same along with new additions. “The food obviously is going to be great,” Wilson said. “We’ve had a lot of requests to keep a lot of things

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medical conditions. 830-643-7755. www.nbrrh.ernesthealth.com COMING SOON 8 Lass Cafe & Cocktails will be opening a new location at 993 Loop 337, New Braunfels. The restaurant serves its signature item, Oma Haecker’s Fried Bologna Sandwich, among other sandwiches and burgers on the menu. The business was tentatively planning to open the week of March 6 as of press time. www.facebook.com/lasscafe EXPANSIONS 9 Santikos Entertainment in the Marketplace Plaza, 651 N. Business I-35, Ste. 1010, New Braunfels, will be ex- panding to include an eight-lane bowling alley, a sports bar and a larger arcade. Construction on the expansion is antici- pated to begin in April. 210-664-3348. www.santikos.com/san-antonio/ 10 Communities in Schools of South Central Texas , located at 161 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels, celebrated its 30th anniversary March 5. The South Central Texas chapter began serving three area elementary schools in 1993 and expanded to eventually cover schools of all grade levels in Comal, Luling, Marion, New Braunfels, Seguin and Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISDs. Nearly 4,000 students are receiving tutoring, guidance counseling, college preparedness and basic life needs from new-braunfels/theater-info ANNIVERSARIES

the organization. 830-620-4247. www.cis-sct.org CLOSINGS

The Cli Carver, a gravity-propelled alpine roller coaster, opened Feb. 18.

11 Operating in New Braunfels since 1886, the ADM Milling Co ., located at 398 E. San Antonio St., New Braunfels, and formerly known as the Dittlinger Mill, will close at the end of March, parent company Archer Daniels Midland con- rmed to Community Impact . In an emailed statement, Dane Lisser, a media relations representative for the company, said ADM regularly reviews its global foot- print “to determine whether assets are best positioned to meet customer needs and advance [its] growth strategy.” Lisser said the company is working with those employed at the New Braunfels plant to nd work elsewhere in the company or oer a nancial package and support to nd employment elsewhere. ADM will decommission and dispose of the facility. 830-625-2301. www.world-grain.com 12 The Book Haus , an independent retailer located at 992 Hwy. 46 W., Ste. 102, New Braunfels, announced it will close March 31. “We’re going to start liquidating next week so that we can get rid of some of these books,” owner Sabrina Caldwell said. The liq- uidation sale began Feb. 20. Caldwell told Community Impact that it no longer made nancial sense to continue to operate the bookstore. In a Facebook post, the retailer said it will miss its regulars and meeting new customers. Community pop-up events will still be on the horizon after the brick-and-mortar location closes. The Book Haus carries new and used books. 830-302-7600. www.thebookhaus.com

COURTESY CAMP FIMFO

FEATURED IMPACT EXPANSION Camp Fimfo , an RV camping and glamping resort located in New Braunfels, opened up a new amenity on its property, an alpine-style gravity propelled roller coaster called the Cli Carver. Fimfo Adventures park opened to the public Feb. 18, and the Cli Carver is the rst alpine roller coaster in Texas, according to Camp Fimfo. The gravity- propelled sled includes manual breaks and can reach speeds up to 25 mph. It features three up tracks and three down tracks. Riders can make reservations online to experience the eight-minute ride on the gravity coaster that takes them through the Hill Country. General Manager Alex Pugh said the idea to build the gravity coaster came when the owners were considering what new amenities to add to the park. “When it was found out that there was not this kind of coaster anywhere in Texas, they thought it would be cool to be the rst place to have a gravity coaster in Texas,” Pugh said. Camp Fimfo is a 500-acre park that has nearly 250 RV spots, and a waterpark with the addition of 213 cabins and 10

camping sites coming soon. The camp is also working on building hiking trails throughout the park. A zip line and dog park are also in the process of being completed. A wedding venue is also anticipated to open in May. “We’re just looking to give people an outdoor experience you know, have fun outside, bring people outdoors, bring people together to have fun,” Pugh said. 520 Whitewater Way, New Braunfels 830-743-9803 www.campmfo.com/texas-hill- country/adventures

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

TODO LIST

March & April events

COMPILED BY SIERRA MARTIN & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

31 THROUGH APRIL 16 WATCH A MURDER MYSTERY UNFOLD A group of strangers is trapped in a

snowstorm, then there’s a murder, but what happens next? Find out at Agatha Christie’s play “The Mousetrap” at Circle Arts Theatre. Showtimes vary. $25. 124 Elizabeth St. W., New Braunfels. 830-620-4848. www.circleartstheatre.org APRIL 01 THROUGH 02, 15 THROUGH 16 LEARN HOMEOWNER TRICKS The New Braunfels Sports and Outdoorsmen Show and New Braunfels Home & Garden Show will host its fth annual New Braunfels Home & Garden Spring Show. There will be family activities, homeowner tips and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sat.), 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (Sun.). $5 (kids); $7 (military, seniors, rst responders); $10 (adults). New Braunfels Civic & Convention Center, 375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels. 830-488-7814. www.hillcountryconferences.com. 02 EXPERIENCE THE WILD WEST Listeners can experience the spirit and history of the Wild West through a collection of orchestral pieces conducted by Akiko Fujimoto with music from lms including the “Magnicent Seven” and more. 4 p.m. $27-$52. Canyon High School Performing Arts Center, 1510 N. I-35, New Braunfels. 830-463-5353. www.mtsymphony.org 15 CELEBRATE CRAFT BEER The 2023 Hill Country Craft Beer Festival will be held this April at the Comal County Fairgrounds. More than 30 Hill Country breweries will provide over 150 beers to sample at the daylong event. The festival is hosted by the Rotary Club of New Braunfels and features live music from local favorites Soul Sessions and 3 Man Front as well as food trailers. Volunteer opportunities are available. Attendees must be at least 21 years old. 1-6 p.m., noon-6 p.m. (VIP guests). $35 (advance admission through April 14), $45 (at the gate), $150 (VIP). 701 Common St., New Braunfels. www.hccbf.com

Jonathan Tyler will perform April 15.

LIVE MUSIC GRUENE HALL 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels 830-606-1281 www.gruenehall.com MARCH 24 Brent Cobb, 8 p.m. 26 Tyler & The Train Robbers, 5 p.m. APRIL 01 Jack Ingram, 9 p.m. 07, 08 Stoney LaRue, 8 p.m., 9 p.m. 14 Tanner Usrey, 8 p.m. 15 The Texas Gentlemen and Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights, 8:45 p.m. THE REDBIRD LISTENING ROOM 1260 S. Business I-35, New Braunfels 830-606-7886 www.redbirdlisteningroom.com MARCH 17 Michael O’Connor & Je Plankenhorn, 7:30 p.m. 18 Possessed by Paul James, 7:30 p.m. 19 Aaron Stephens with Scotty Galaxy opening, 4 p.m. 24 Jordan Minor, 7:30 p.m. 31 Gabe Lee, 7:30 p.m. APRIL

MARCH 25

GALAVANT TO THE GALA HOPE HOSPICE

Hope Hospice will be hosting its annual gala that features dinner, dancing, live music, casino games and a rae. The Roaring ’20s-themed event will also include a silent and live auction to raise money for the Hope Hospice Foundation. Live music will be performed by Yesenia McNett and the Groove Doctors. 6:30-10 p.m. Ticket prices start at $125. McKenna Events Center, 801 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels. 830-625-7525. www.hopehospice.net/hope-hospice-events

18 COMPETE IN A COOKOFF At the fth annual Cabin Fever Cooko, chefs will compete for the best baby back or spare ribs, full or half chicken, and appetizers. Live music will be performed by Slim Bawb and the Fabulous Stumpgrinders from 1-4 p.m. with the awards ceremony following. The bands Knotty Grove and the Soul Sessions will also perform after the 4 p.m. awards ceremony. $5 (band cover after 9 p.m.), $25 (contest entry fee). The Watering Hole, 1390 McQueeney Road, New Braunfels. 830-625-0045. www.wateringholesaloon.com 31 DINE ON LANDA LAKE Couples can spend a romantic evening together by cruising on Landa Lake on a paddleboat. A boxed dinner will be provided along with a Bluetooth speaker to play their choice of music. This event is for age 16 and up, and preregistration is required. 7:30-8:30 p.m. $40. Landa Park Boathouse, 110 Golf Course Road, New Braunfels. 830-221-4350. www.newbraunfels.gov/3375/Landa-Park

MARCH 18 THROUGH 19

MEET THE ADDAMS FAMILY The Christian Youth Theater will be presenting “The Addams Family Musical,” in which Wednesday Addams has grown up and fallen in love. The Addams family has dinner with the new boyfriend and his parents. 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. $20 (advance), $22 (at the door). Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre, 290 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels. 830-312-4505. www.cytsanantonio.org/ shows/The-Addams-Family-School- Edition/30 18 RUN LIKE A LEPRECHAUN The Athlete Guild will host a St. Patrick’s Day 5K and 1K Leprechaun Kids Run at the Rockin R River Rides in Gruene. Participants are encouraged to wear green. 6:45 a.m. $20 (children March 7-17), $25 (children day of race), $30 (5K through March 6), $35 (5K, March 7-17), $45 (5K day of). 1405 Gruene Road, New Braunfels. www.athleteguild.com

01 Jesse Daniel, 7:30 p.m. 02 Jackson Emmer, 4 p.m. 07 Gus Clark, 7:30 p.m. 08 Austin Gilliam, 7:30 p.m. 14 Nathan Hamilton, 7:30 p.m.

Find more or submit New Braunfels events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES

COMPILED BY ERIC WEILBACHER

ONGOING PROJECTS

While the results of a new study commissioned by City Council to be led by Alliance Transportation Group might determine dierent xed routes or a microtransit, ride-hailing- only design, these areas were the focus of the last transportation study released in 2021. POTENTIAL ROUTES 1 Interstate I-35 from Austin to San Antonio 2 Walnut Avenue from County Line Road to beyond Loop 337 along West Hwy 46 3 Seguin Avenue/Landa Street from County Line Road to the south to

HUNTER RD.

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Loop 337 to the west 4 Elliot Knox Blvd.

Castell Avenue water main improvements project wrapping up More than 4,000 feet of water main lines are still in the process of being replaced along Castell Avenue from San Antonio Street to Nacogdoches Street. According to New Braunfels Utilities, this segment of pipe has exhibited a high rate of failure over the years and is past its lifespan based on age, materials used and condition. A 24-inch transmission line is also being connected to this area to send water from the downtown area to the County Line Road-area water tank. Partial street closures are expected to continue along Castell Avenue with an anticipated end date of March 14. This project is expected to increase the reliability of water service for customers who live within the project area, as well as decrease the cost of maintenance due to frequent leaks and breaks of the old pipes, according to NBU. Timeline: 2021-March 14 Cost: $9 million

SEGUIN AVE.

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5 San Antonio Street from Walnut Avenue continuing to Common Street 6 Creekside Crossing/FM 306 from Freiheit Road to Hunter Road

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SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS COMMUNITY IMPACT

Public transit development plan moves forward The city renewed its focus on exploring public transit options

available to New Braunfels and the vehicles and drivers are provided through [Alamo Area Council of Governments].” In 2022, the city paid more than $1.3 million for the service, Ford said. Most trips are medically related for senior citizens and can take up to 30 hours for pick up after a ride request. In 2021, the city published a study in partnership and with funding from the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization; VIA Metropol- itan, the city of San Antonio’s transit organization; the AACOG; TxDOT; Comal County; and the city of Seguin. That study proposed xed routes with a microtransit option or a full microtransit system. Microtransit is an on-demand service similar to

ride-hailing services, Ford said. “It has been very successful for VIA in San Antonio where we had a xed route that doesn’t have a lot of ridership, they transitioned over to a microtransit option,” Ford said. That study took place during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and city sta pointed to the increase in population and other factors as providing a need to take a fresh look. “What we’re nding is that new employment that’s coming in asks about the public transportation options for potential employees but also address the mobility challenges that we have. … If we’re wanting to take public transportation from here to San Antonio, we are limited in options to do that.”

once again by approving a contract with Alliance Transportation Group to provide services to guide the ultimate direction of the city’s Transit Development Plan. New Braunfels City Council unanimously approved the contract on Feb. 13. Public transportation is a priority outlined in the city’s comprehensive plan, said Garry Ford, director of transportation and capital improve- ments for the city of New Braunfels. “Currently, our public transportation is a continuation of rural transit that we contract through Alamo Area Regional Transit,” Ford said. “We’ve had an interlocal agreement since 2013. It’s the only public transit

Funding source: New Braunfels Utilities/city of New Braunfels

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF FEB. 14. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT NBFNEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.

CALL 830-428-3708

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DEVELOPMENT UPDATES

Developments underway in New Braunfels

COMPILED BY SIERRA MARTIN & ERIC WEILBACHER

RENDERING COURTESY OLDHAM GOODWIN

RENDERING COURTESY EMBREY PARTNERS

ERIC WEILBACHERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

SPRINGHILL SUITES BY MARRIOTT AT RIVER VILLAGE The Marriott is planning to begin construction on a $40 million riverfront hotel in New Braunfels. The seven-story structure will be constructed next to the existing Courtyard by Marriott hotel at 738 I-35. Once completed by the agency Oldham Goodwin, the hotel will be 136,000 square feet and feature meeting rooms and Guadalupe River access. Space: 144 hotel rooms Timeline: April 2023 to March 2025

COLLECTION AT GRUENE Construction is underway on a new 252-unit rental community near the Gruene Historic District. Collection at Gruene will be a single-family unit rental development with one- and two-story units, 126 of which will be duplex-style homes, with a mix of garage homes and shared-parking-only paired homes. Community amenities include a clubhouse, a pool, a tness center, cabanas, outdoor grilling and more. Space: 252 units Timeline: Winter 2023 to early 2024

NEW BRAUNFELS MARKETPLACE Wiggins Commercial, the developer and leasing company for the New Braunfels MarketPlace, located at 651 S. Business I-35, New Braunfels, is building two new pad sites in the center of the shopping mall, directly in front of Gold’s Gym. There are two 3,680-square-foot buildings being constructed at the site, according to Wiggins Commercial President Patrick Wiggins. Wiggins said the building will have a shared breezeway entrance. Space: two 3,680-square-foot pad sites Timeline: 2022-May 2023

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1671 S. I35 A new retail space came on the market in February situated in front of the Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods and Planet Fitness located in the shopping center on the corner of FM 1044 and N. I-35, just after the northbound I-35 exit for Walnut Avenue and its adjacent busy shopping centers. The building is now available for tenant nish and can be subdivided down to various unit sizes as small as 1,200 square feet or rented as a whole.

1044

Space: 1,200-10,500 square feet Timeline: fall 2022-February 2023

ERIC WEILBACHERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION • MARCH 2023

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EDUCATION BRIEFS

News from Comal & New Braunfels ISDs

HIGHLIGHTS NEW BRAUNFELS ISD The district launched a new website to streamline navigation and improve accessibility. Each campus in New Braunfels ISD will now have its own page. The website features an improved search engine, a calendar directory and the ability to view the site in multiple languages. NEW BRAUNFELS ISD The district approved the 2023-24 school calendar, which includes holidays, early-release dates, sta work days and more, on Feb. 13. NBISD will start school Aug. 21, and the last day of school will be May 23, 2024. Comal ISD Nell Anderson, a Canyon Lake High School teacher, was named the 2022 New Braunfels Art League Artist of the Year in January. Anderson has been teaching for 15 years and has a degree in studio art, according to Comal ISD. Comal ISD Canyon High School hired Nate Leonard as its new athletic coordinator and head football coach. Leonard has been serving as the Cougars’ assistant head coach and oensive coordinator for the last two years. Comal ISD will meet March 30 at 6 p.m. at the CISD District Oce, 1404 N. I-35, New Braunfels. 830-221-2000. MEETINGS WE COVER will meet April 3 at 7 p.m. at the NBISD Administration Center, 1000 N. Walnut Ave., New Braunfels. 830-643-5705. www.nbisd.org www.comalisd.org New Braunfels ISD NUMBER TO KNOW is the projected student body population for Comal ISD in the fall. 29,916

6 candidates vying for trustee positions on NBISD school board in May election

SHAPING A NEW NBISD BOARD

Along with the city bond election and City Council, New Braunfels residents within the NBISD boundaries will select a new at-large member as well as districts 2 and 4. Position At large • Falon Cochran • Kimberly Goodwin • Bill Lewis District 2 • Nancy York* District 4 • Jackie Sanders • John Tucker* *INDICATES INCUMBENT SOURCE: NEW BRAUNFELS ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Clark’s term is up for re-election this May. Retired educator Bill Lewis; audit manager Kimberly Goodwin; and Falon Cochran, a senior at New Braunfels High School, are running for the seat. District 2 Trustee and retired educator Nancy York is running for re-election unopposed. District 4 Trustee and retired architect John Tucker is running for re-election against electrician Jackie Sanders.

BY ERIC WEILBACHER

NEW BRAUNFELS ISD After the May elections, the New Braunfels ISD board of trustees will have at least one new face. At-large Trustee David Heefner— who was rst elected in 2016 and opted not to run for re-election to a third term in 2022—was appointed to ll the vacancy of former board President Wes Clark, who resigned in August. That position was at large, and

Comal ISD considers increasing all sta compensation

BY SIERRA MARTIN

by $5,000. This would ultimately cost the district an additional $205,000 in expenditures. “It’s a critical need for a district to ll these positions and be compet- itive among other districts as well as the medical eld,” CISD physical therapist Monica Bowman said. “We currently have 12 speech-language pathologist vacancies that have to be lled with contracts or vendors. Vacancies among this group can cost $30,000-$60,000 more than their salary positions.” An increase of $1,000 for head bas- ketball, softball and soccer coaches was also recommended. Athletic trainers and assistant athletic trainers were also recommended to receive a $750 increase in stipends. “We’re going to follow your recommendation, and we’re going to try to give everything that we can

RECOMMENDED REIMBURSEMENT

COMAL ISD A 3% across-the-board pay increase for the 2023-24 school year is under consideration, which would cost the district approximately $5.4 million. A presentation updating the board of trustees on the Compen- sation Task Force took place during a regular school board meeting Feb. 23. The purpose of the Compensation Task Force is to analyze the budget and what percentage of it goes toward payroll, understand market trends by comparing Comal ISD wages to other schools, and make recommendations to the school board based on their ndings. The task force made a recommen- dation to increase the base salary of $55,000 a year for speech and language pathology, physical therapy, and occupational therapy employees

Comal ISD is considering an across- the-board pay increase for all employees, as well as additional increases in stipends for some coaches and base salary increases for specialists such as speech pathologists and physical therapists. 3% increase in compensation for all employees: Total cost of increased pay for select positions: $618,250 $5.4M

SOURCE: COMAL ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

to our teachers, to every single sta member,” Trustee Michelle Ross said. “The bus drivers, custodians, front oce sta, professional services and teachers and all of that. It is on the forefront of our minds.”

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION • MARCH 2023

CAMP GUIDE

GUIDE

A noncomprehensive list of camps in the area

New Braunfels 1 Alla Prima Art Camps Budding artists will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of ve-day camps that focus on a style, including painting, drawing, crafting or working with clay. Tropical Paradise- and Pet Lovers-themed camps are also available. Ages: 513 Dates: June 5Aug. 18 Cost: $235-$250 per week ART DAY www.allaprimaartstudio.com/summercamps 2 Camp Minnehaha Kids can attend a variety of themed day camps throughout the summer months, including Space Invasion, Camp Olympics, Raiders of the Lost Camp and more. Campers will participate in nature and science, arts and crafts, sports and games, special events and more. Participating camp- ers will need to bring a sack lunch, a water Alla Prima Art Studio & Gallery, 1386 Industrial Drive, Ste. 100 8306099292 bottle, a swimsuit, sunscreen and a towel, and registration is limited and will open April 3. Ages: 512 Dates: May 31 to Aug. 13 Cost: $120 (residents) $150 (nonresidents) ART DAY SP Landa Park Recreation Center 164 Landa Park Drive 8302214370 www.nbtexas.org/3399/Camp-Minnehaha 3 Christian Youth Theater Young Thespi- ans can attend camps throughout the summer with multiple themes, including Christmas in July, Disney on Tour, Broadway Kids and more. The camps will give kids participating hands- on theater experience and are dedicated to building self-condence, teamwork and performance skills. The camps will typically rotate through dance, drama and music. It will conclude with a showcase for family and friends to enjoy. Ages: 412 Dates: June 19Aug.11 Cost: $225-$250 (weekly) ART DAY

Parents looking for camps for their children have a number of options to choose from in the New Braunfels area, be it to spend time outdoors, learn science experiments or hone their art skills. This list is not comprehensive.

A+ Academics ART Arts DAY Day NIGHT Overnight SP Sports

Spring break camps: 1 All Star Sports Camp Young ath- letes will be introduced to four dierent sports: basketball; volleyball; pickleball; and Futsal, or indoor soccer. Camp

Ages: 510 Dates: March 1317 (7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.) Cost:$250 DAY SP Rec Center 2065 S. Walnut Ave. 830 929 5440 www.newbraunfelsrec.com/ spring-break-camp 4 Spring Break Nature Camp Kids will discover the great outdoors at the Nature Education Center at Fischer Park. Participants will need to bring a sack lunch, a water bottle, a change of clothes and sunscreen to camp. Snacks will be provided, and preregistration is required. Ages: 6 10 Dates: March 13 17 (7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.) Cost: $120-$150 DAY Fischer Park Nature Education Center 1946 Monarch Way 830 221 4375 www.nbtexas.org/signup 5 Spring Ventures Day Camp Camp- ers will take part in games, crafts, movies and more. Campers will need to bring a sack lunch daily. Ages: 512 Dates: March 1317 (7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.) Cost:$120 DAY Landa Recreation Center 164 Landa Park Drive 830 221 4370 www.nbtexas.org/signup

Camp Minnehaha

COURTESY CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS

instructors will teach the fundamentals and skills of each sport through drills dedicated to technique, skill develop- ment and teamwork. Ages: 69 Dates: March 1317 (13 p.m.) Cost: $85 DAY SP Das Rec 2 Spring Break Dance Camp The dance studio will be hosting an Under the Sea Spring Break Camp for 3- to 4-year-olds and 5- to 7-year-olds from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Kids attending will have a fun week full of crafts, snacks, games and dancing. Ages: 69 Dates: March 1317 (13 p.m.) Cost: $85 DAY SP Dance by Design Studios 1551 N. Walnut Ave., Ste. 34 830 214 0132 www.dancebydesignstudios.com 3 New Braunfels Rec Center While kids are out of school during spring break, they can interact with other children. The weeklong Spring Camp will 345 Landa St. 830 221 4170 www.nbtexas.org/signup feature board games, a Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course and dodgeball, among other activities.

Christian Youth Theater, 1389 Industrial St., Ste. C 8303022298 www.cytsanantonio.org/camps

4 Circle Arts Theatre Aspiring actresses and actors can attend a one or two-week summer camp in July that will end in the production of an original show. The rst week of the camp features games, exercises, music and choreography. Camp attendees will focus on vocal and facial expression, characteriza- tion, pantomime and more. The second week of the camp will consist of rehearsing the script to prepare for the nal show. Ages: 715 Dates: July 1021 Cost: $200-$300 (weekly) ART DAY Circle Arts Theatre 124 Elizabeth St. 8308376172 www.circleartstheatre.org/youth-programs 5 Compass Bible Church Hill Country will oer three dierent camps this summer: Vacation Bible School, Art Camp and Science Camp. The VBS camp will include games, crafts and activities as well as Bible lessons. The theme this year is “Kingdom of Light.” The art camp will have interactive activities and the opportunity to make new friends. The science camp will have hands-on science experiments and Bible teaching. Snacks are provided each day for all camps. Vacation Bible School Ages: 611

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2023

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Kids Day Out

School of Rock Camps

Comal ISD summer camps

Slumber Falls

COURTESY CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS

COURTESY SCHOOL OF ROCK

COURTESY COMAL ISD

COURTESY SLUMBER FALLS

Dates: June 1216 Cost: $15 Art Camp Ages: 611 Dates: July 1113 Cost: $10 Science Camp Ages: 611 Dates: Aug. 810 Cost: $10 DAY Compass Bible Church Hill Country 2415 Lifehaus Industrial Drive, New Braunfels www.compasshillcountry.org 6 Dance by Design Summer Camps The studio will be hosting 22 camps throughout the summer for ages 310. Some of the camp themes include Unicorn Magic, Pop Star Camp, Pokemon and more. Dancers must be dressed appropriately including leotards, tights, or a tted tee and leggings. Boys are asked to wear a solid-color tee, shorts, and dance shoes or socks. Ballet shoes, jazz shoes or socks are preferred. Dancers in the Choreography Smash Dance Camp will perform at the Summer Show- case on Aug. 12 at Fischer Park. Ages: 310 Dates: May 30Aug. 18 (9 a.m.-noon) Cost: $160-$325 (weekly) DAY SP Dance by Design Studios 1551 N. Walnut Ave., Ste. 34 8302140132 www.dancebydesignstudios.com 7 Kids Day Out Campers will have the

and outdoor experiences. Kids will take part in many fun activities, including a frisbee golf course, a rope climbing tower and playtime at the Lego Center. Ages: 510 Dates: May 29Aug. 18 (Mon.-Fri. 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.) Cost: $750 (weekly) DAY SP Rec Center 2065 S. Walnut Ave. 8309295440 www.newbraunfelsrec.com/all-day-summer- camp-new-braunfels-tx 10 School of Rock Camps Future Rock Stars can attend music camps and workshops designed for musicians of any skill level who play guitar, drums, keyboard or bass or are vocal performers. Some of the themed camps include 80s Rock, Metal 21st Century Modern Rock and Rock 101 camps. A Rookie Half Day Camp is also available for children ages 57. Ages: 518 Dates: June 5Aug. 11 Cost: $485 (weekly) ART DAY School of Rock Camps 940 W. San Antonio St., Ste. C 8303581110 www.schoolofrock.com/music-camps/ newbraunfels 11 Summer School Age Child Care will be available through Comal ISD for children in kindergarten through fth grade. The

youngest must be 5 years old before June 5. Kids participating can take part in indoor and outdoor recreation, academic enrichment, creative play, and games. The camp will take place at the Garden Ridge, Goodwin Frazier, Homan Lane, Johnson Ranch, Specht and Timberland Park campuses. It also oers weekly educational visitors, eld trips and swim trips. Children who do not live within CISD boundaries are welcome to attend. Grades: kindergarten through rst grade Dates: June 5Aug. 4 (Mon.-Fri., closed July 4) Cost: $170 (per week), $30 (registration fee) A+ ART DAY SP multiple campus locations 8302212000 www.comalisd.org 12 Slumber Falls Camp The camp will oer multiple overnight and day camps this summer for kids of various ages to participate in fun ac- tivities and games and learn about faith. Camps will feature activities centered around building leadership skills, taking part in sports activities, worship, and arts and crafts. Day camps begin at 9 a.m. with children picked up at 5:15 p.m. Lunch, programming costs, afternoon snacks and supplies are all included. Grades: 112 Dates: June 18July 22 Cost: $385-$750 (weekly); discounts available

opportunity to interact with other children while taking part in many fun-lled activities, including crafts, movies and games. Kids par- ticipating will need to bring a sack lunch. Ages: 512 Dates: March 20, April 7, April 10, May 26 (7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.) Cost: $25 (daily) DAY Landa Park 164 Landa Park Drive 8302214370 www.nbtexas.org/signup 8 Little Landa Explorers Campers will venture through Landa Park with activities including hiking Panther Canyon and crawsh- ing at Landa Lake. The camp will teach kids to appreciate the fun activities at the local park and protect its natural beauty. Preregistration is required. Ages: 35 Dates: April 526 (every Wednesday from 910:30 a.m.) Cost: $45 (weekly) DAY Landa Park 110 Golf Course Road 8302214350 www.nbtexas.org/signup 9 New Braunfels Rec Center Over the summer months, campers will have the opportunity to take part in several three- week summer camps that oer a variety of programs, including group activities, eld trips

DAY NIGHT SP 3610 River Road 8306252212 www.slumberfalls.org/summer-camp CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION • MARCH 2023

CAMP GUIDE

GUIDE

A noncomprehensive list of camps in the area

16 T Bar M Day Camp at Gruene United Methodist Church Hosted at Gruene United Methodist Church, campers will participate in small and large group activities that help them conquer fears and learn to express emotions. Each day will feature activities, such as water slides and eld games, in a gospel-centered atmosphere. Grades: K5 Dates: May 29June 2 Cost: $299 DAY Gruene United Methodist Church 2629 E. Common St. 830 625 7200 www.grueneumc.org 17 Texas Ski Ranch Three summer camps will take place this summer for children to take part in various outdoor adventures, including wake surng, wake boarding, scootering, skateboarding and kayaking, among other activities. Children age 10 and up can partici- pate in paintball battles, and those age 12 and up can try out axe throwing. The camp fee includes snacks, lunch and all daily activities. Ages: 616 Dates: June 5Aug 18 Cost: $299 (adventure camp), $899 (full-day camp), $449 (half-day camp) per week DAY SP

Parents looking for camps for their children have a number of options to choose from in the New Braunfels area. This list is not comprehensive.

Texas Ski Ranch 6700 N. I 35 830 627 2843

A+ Academics ART Arts DAY Day NIGHT Overnight SP Sports

www.texasskiranch.com/summer-camp 18 YMCA Camps The summer camp will feature several themes throughout the summer, including Welcome Week, Around the World, Wacky Week and more. Activi- ties include challenging games, relay races, nature-lled art projects and more. Summer camps at the YMCA encourage creative play, participation and provide an opportunity for young people to stay engaged socially and academically. Drop-o¡ for the day camps is recommended before 9 a.m. with pickup after 4 p.m. Morning and afternoon snacks are provided. Ages: 513 Dates: May 31Aug. 12 Cost: $153 (members), $170 (nonmembers), (weekly) DAY SP New Braunfels Family YMCA 545 Creekside Crossing 830 606 9622 www.ymcasatx.org/programs/camps/ summer-day-camps 19 The John Newcombe Tennis Ranch Summer Camps These summer camps

13 T Bar M Overnight Camp The Christian camp for kids and teenagers features outdoor adventures including swimming and zip lining. Evenings are lled with worshiping God, roasting s’mores, and building relationships with other campers and counselors. Grades: 112 Dates: May 28Aug 5 Cost: $1,199-$1,299 (weekly) NIGHT T Bar M 2549 Hwy. 46 14 T Bar M Family Camp Parents can join their children in a four-night, ve-day camp to renew their relationships with each other and God. Day activities include arts and crafts, swimming, a ropes course, and games. Each camp session includes a public speaker. Special camps for mother-and-daughter or father-and-son retreats are also available. Ages: all ages 830 620 4263 www.tbarm.org

Dates: May 28Aug.10 Cost: $525 (adults age 12 and up), $475 (children ages 212), $50 (infants up to age 1), $580 (lodge room) per week NIGHT T Bar M 2549 Hwy. 46 830 620 4263 www.tbarm.org 15 T Bar M Day Camp Will allow young Christian campers to have the camp experience and swim, play and learn about Jesus. Campers may participate in rotational activities, including a slip and slide, ag tag, and disk golf. The day camp takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Grades: K4

Dates: June 5Aug. 4 Cost: $355 (weekly) DAY T Bar M

2549 Hwy. 46 830 620 4263 www.tbarm.org

WATER WATCHERS June 12-16 July 17-21 9am-12pm

4th-6th graders will learn about our amazing water resources, see them in action, and help protect them for future generations using hands on activities and lessons.

AT THE HEADWATERS! SUMMER CAMPS

CITIZEN SCIENCE

June 5-9

9am-12pm

6th-8th graders will become scientists helping to document and learn more about the plants and animals living in the Springs and Savannas of Headwaters and the ecosystems that support these species.

HEADWATERSATTHECOMAL.COM/PROGRAMS

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