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New Braunfels Edition VOLUME 7, ISSUE 2 JAN. 11 FEB. 7, 2024
2024 Annual Community Guide
NBFD to bumpsta up by 15%
BY SIERRA MARTIN
A $3.4 million grant has been awarded to the city of New Braunfels to hire additional re- ghters over the next three years. By utilizing the grant, New Braunfels Fire Chief Ruy Lozano anticipates the department will be able to increase their sta by around 15%, which will help improve e ciencies, cut back on mandatory overtime and enhance the department’s capabilities. “This department has so much talent, and we have to continue to feed that talent through profes- sional development, appropriate sta ng and training,” Lozano said. The grant comes from the federal Sta ng for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program, which is funded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “[The grant] provides communi- ties nationwide with resources to hire more re ghters ... to e ec- tively respond to emergencies,” a FEMA spokesperson said.
New Braunfels re ghters undergo frequent training for life-saving measures they may come across in the eld, such as extraction training to safely remove a person from a damaged vehicle.
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COURTESY NEW BRAUNFELS FIRE DEPARTMENT
Also in this issue
Impacts: Shared o ce space Sammelplatz now open (Page 6)
Annual Community Guide: New Braunfels-area snapshot (Page 17)
Trends: Drive-thru co ee shops on the rise (Page 18)
Dining: Sidecar takes patrons back in time (Page 29)
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We’re proud to employ more than 400 individuals who love New Braunfels and live to serve their community – like Anna.
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Impacts
2 Landa Beauty & Wellness Studios The studio houses several small beauty and wellness businesses. • Opened Dec. 13 • 900 Landa St., Ste. 102, New Braunfels • Facebook: Landa Beauty & Wellness Studios 3 Tint World Veteran-owned and -operated by locals Kevin and Allyson McBreen, Tint World in New Braunfels offers a wide range of automotive styling services. • Soft opened August, grand opening planned in March • 553 S. Business I-35, New Braunfels • www.tintworld.com/locations/tx/new-braunfels-147 4 Bainbridge at Creekside The apartment community offers one- and two- bedroom apartments as well as two-level townhomes with attached garages. • Opened Dec. 12 • 770 Barbarosa Road, New Braunfels • www.bainbridgecreekside.com 5 Sammelplatz The shared office space has 10 total office spaces and also features two kitchen areas, a main lobby and two public meeting areas. • Opened Oct. 2 • 391 Landa St., New Braunfels • www.sammelplatznb.com 6 Nopa Leadership Nopa Leadership provides leadership coaching and consultations from owner Carol Wheeler to clients with the intention to guide people in identifying their passions and strengths, and to grow as leaders in their fields. • Opened Oct. 2 • 391 Landa St., Ste. 1108, New Braunfels • www.nopaleadership.com 7 DirectMed DPD—Dr. Janell Sosa Dr. Janell Sosa, a board-certified family physician, has opened a new office in New Braunfels. Through the direct medical care model, patients pay a monthly membership fee for unlimited and direct access to the physician.
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sunglasses and purses. The boutique also sells art prints and clothing. This is Balmos’ third business endeavor in the downtown area. • Opened Nov. 24 • 277 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • Instagram: hrtgtx
Now open
1 Heritage Supply Locally owned by Kathryn Balmos, Heritage Supply sells an assortment of accessories including jewelry,
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• Opened Oct. 2 • 391 Landa St., Ste. 1102, New Braunfels • www.directmed.care/about/#dr-sosa
• Relocated Oct. 1from 244 FM 306, New Braunfels • 391 Landa St., Ste. 1112, New Braunfels • www.newbraunfelsangels.org
In the news
8 DirectMed DPC-Dr. Travis Simmons Dr. Travis Simmons is a board-certified family physician with additional training in functional medicine and integrative medicine. Patients pay a monthly membership fee for unlimited and direct access to the physician by utilizing direct medical care. • Opened Oct. 2 • 391 Landa St., Ste. 1104, New Braunfels • www.directmed.care/about/#dr-simmons 9 Sister Rivers Realty Sister Rivers Realty has opened an office at Sammelplatz. The business is owned by broker Stephanie Jameson. • Opened Oct. 2 • 391 Landa St., Ste. 1106, New Braunfels • www.sisterriversrealty.com 10 Penny Pereboom Coaching The company offers eight-week group life-coaching programs with the goal of empowering people to discover their inner purpose. • Opened Oct. 2 11 Elive Health Elive Health has recently opened in New Braunfels at the Sammelplatz offices. Owner Christa Elza, nurse practitioner and functional medicine expert, specializes in clinically investigating what causes fatigue, hormone imbalance, thyroid issues, digestive issues and more. • Opened Oct. 2 • 391 Landa St., Ste. 1202, New Braunfels • www.christaelza.com • 391 Landa St., Ste. 1114, New Braunfels • www.pennypereboomcoaching.com
In the news
13 Prince Solms Inn The locally owned hotel celebrated its five-year anniversary in downtown New Braunfels in October. The owners are Terry and Celina Muckenfuss, who also own Sidecar and Muck & Fuss Craft Beer & Burgers. Prince Solms Inn has six boutique hotel rooms, a bar and three private party rooms. • 295 E. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.princesolmsinn.com 14 Schlitterbahn Cedar Fair, the company that owns Schlitterbahn parks in New Braunfels and Galveston, has entered a merger agreement with Six Flags. The two companies would form an enterprise value of approximately $8 billion, 15 Downtown mural on Staunch building Kansas-based muralist Mindy Allen was commissioned by the Historic Outdoor Art Museum, a nonprofit organization, to depict a piece of history from when the railroad opened the town up to the world with tourism to Landa Park, Allen said. • 297 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.nbmurals.org 16 2tarts Bakery Ashley Landerman, 2tarts Bakery pastry chef and co-owner, won first place in the 2023 Food Network “Holiday Baking Championship” finale Dec. 18. Landerman came out as the top baker among 11 others in the Season 10 competition, winning the prize of $25,000. • 139 N. Castell Ave., Ste. 300, New Braunfels • www.2tarts.com according to a news release Nov. 2. • 381 E. Austin St., New Braunfels • www.schlitterbahn.com/new-braunfels
17 The Rim Trail The city of New Braunfels Parks and Recreation Department, along with the nonprofit organization Comal Trails Alliance, unveiled a new hiking trail through Panther Canyon Dec. 2 called the Rim Trail. The trail features a steep incline. The primary Canyon Trail—until now the only other trail that connects through Panther Canyon from Landa Park to Ohio Avenue—is a relatively flat trail. • Panther Canyon Nature Trail, 15 Gazebo Circle, New Braunfels • www.newbraunfels.gov
Closings
18 RJ’s Sliders and Wings The food truck, located in Freiheit Village, sold brisket sliders and chicken wings. • Closed Nov. 17 • 2064 Central Plaza, New Braunfels 19 The Downtowner Bar & Kitchen The downtown restaurant opened in 2016. Owner Chad Niland said a new business is looking to fill the space and retain some of the current employees. • Closed Jan. 1 • 208 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels
Relocations
12 New Braunfels Angels The nonprofit organization first formed in 2018 and aims to provide support to children, youth and families in the foster care community.
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Government
City Council approves changes to Mayfair plan The New Braunfels City Council approved several amendments to the Mayfair Development Master Framework Plan and Design Control Documents, or DDCD, Dec. 11. In a nutshell The amendments for the DDCD add land use criteria for the light residential segment of Mayfair and define the particular uses that will be allowed for the light industrial category. Changes include removal of 4.5 acres due to Texas Department of Transportation right-of-way needs, revision of parcels previously designated as mixed-use density residential to neighborhood commercial and the revision of 3.74 acres from recreation center to neighborhood commercial. Offering input Council member Lawrence Spradley noted that
New Braunfels Utilities names Ryan Kelso as new CEO The New Braunfels Utilities Board has officially named Ryan Kelso as the organi- zation’s next CEO, citing the candidate’s exemplary leadership and dedication. Kelso has held the position of interim CEO following the departure of its previous CEO Ian Taylor in June 2023. “Ryan Kelso’s appointment as CEO is a testament to his outstanding leadership skills and unwavering dedication to NBU,” NBU Board President Wayne Peters said. The framework Kelso has held various positions at NBU since starting with the company in 2015, including Chief Operations Officer.
Mayfair is a 1,888-acre mixed-use development that will be built over the next 15 20 years.
COURTESY SOUTHSTAR COMMUNITIES
individuals opposing the Mayfair development cited a need for more schools and recreational areas. Todd Blackmon, vice president at Pape-Dawson Engineers, said the changes made relative to the schools were to reflect the desires of the Comal Independent School District. “The school district made the decision not to place a high school on the property and they elected to locate [a middle school] next to the elementary school site,” Blackmon said.
Scout’s Top Three
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Scan the QR code to find your service days, submit requests for many of our services, learn about special drop-off days, and more.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY SIERRA MARTIN, AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN & ERIC WEILBACHER
Comal County adopts $4.5M WORD budget For 2024, funding for the maintenance and operations of parks and water recreation access in Comal County will clock in at $4.5 million. The Comal County Commis- sioners Court approved that amount Dec. 28 as part of the Water Oriented Recreation District’s annual budget. The background The WORD serves three parks in Comal County and encompasses Canyon Lake as well as 30 miles of the Guadalupe River both above and below the reservoir up to New Braunfels city limits. General Manager Mike Dussere told the court the revenue forecast was downgraded due to ongoing drought conditions. As of Jan. 2, Canyon Lake’s elevation stood at 887.6 feet, according to the Army Corps of Engineers.
March 2024 primary election shaping up As the March primaries approach, some local and state candidates will see challengers from their own parties, as well as some uncontested races in Comal and Guadalupe counties. According to the Texas Secretary of State Office’s website, Texas will hold Republican and Demo- cratic primaries March 5 to determine who will be on the ballot in November. Dates to know The filing deadline for the Democratic and Republican primaries closed Dec. 11. • Feb. 5: last day to register to vote or change your address
Primary contests to watch
Guadalupe County Sheriff Republican candidates Patrick Pinder Joshua Ray Guadalupe County Commissioner Precinct 1 Republican candidates Dustin Engelke Jacqueline “Jackie” Ott James B. Ransdell Clint Taft Bryan Underwood
State Representative, District 44 Republican candidates
John Kuempel (incumbent) David Freimarck Alan Schoolcraft Greg Switzer Comal County Commissioner Precinct 1
Republican candidates
Doug Leecock Henry White Joyce Yannuzzi Comal County Commissioner Precinct 3
This list is not comprehensive of all primary races.
• Feb. 20: first day of early voting • March 1: last day of early voting • March 5: primary election day
Democratic candidates
Tanya Marroquin Bently Paiz
SOURCE: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE’S OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
First Footing community center nearing completion
Lend a hand
The First Footing Program is seeking personal care and food donations including: • Brushes • Combs • Sleep masks • Coffee • Dry cereal • Snack items • Deodorant • Toilet paper • Adult bicycles All donations can be left at the McKenna Events Center, located at 801 W. San Antonio St. • Shower scrunchies • Cleaning, household supplies
opportunities, according to a press release. How we got here NB Housing partners entered into a 25-year agreement with the city of New Braunfels back in 2022 to lease the former fire station. The Salvation Army of New Braunfels will be providing meals at the new facility with support from local nonprofits.
The NB Housing Partners’ First Footing commu- nity center project is in its final stages. The nonprofit organization’s new facility is located at a renovated former fire station at Loop 337, which will act as a crisis housing and outreach center. The center will have a compre- hensive intake process, and will work to connect individuals to community resources and housing
SOURCE: NB HOUSING PARTNERS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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Education
BY SIERRA MARTIN
New Braunfels ISD considers $313M bond New Braunfels ISD will potentially call a $313 million bond election in May, if approved by the board of trustees. The bond election will include funding for Phase 2 of the New Braunfels High School redesign, a stadium and track at Long Creek High School, and various other projects throughout the district. If the May bond remains under $315 million, there will be no increase in the tax rate for taxpay- ers in the district, according to NBISD o cials. The backstory In September, over 80 members who made up the bond planning committee were tasked with considering potential projects to recommend to the board of trustees for a future bond election. “There’s no facility in the district that is not ben- e ting from this proposal, and it gives us two high schools to be proud of versus having a brand-new
Update to sexuality curriculum approved A new human sexuality curriculum for New Braunfels ISD students in grades 6-8 was approved by the board of trustees on Dec. 11. The new human sexuality curricu- lum will be delivered to middle school stu- dents whose parents choose to opt into the instruction, according to district o cials. The details In April 2022, the board adopted a reso- lution to assemble the local School Health Advisory Council to recommend a new curriculum, due to the course being out of date, according to NBISD o cials. According to NBISD o cials, instructional materials are required by law to teach absti- nence as the only method of birth control that is 100% e ective.
New Braunfels High School will have an academic wing wrapping around Unicorn Stadium.
RENDERING COURTESY NEW BRAUNFELS ISD
one and one that needs lots of help,” Committee Chair Brandon Dietert said. Based on the recommendation made by the NBISD Bond Planning Committee, the bond would be split into three propositions: • Proposition A: high school campus major projects, $267 million • Proposition B: technology, $3 million • Proposition C: athletic facility projects, $42.5 million
Comal ISD considers 2024 25 academic calendar Guidance from the state along with feedback from the District Educational Improvement Council, sta and stakeholders is helping shape the 2024-25 academic calendar in Comal ISD. The proposed calendars are based on multiple guidelines that are trying to be met, including not starting the school year on a Monday, having a full-week break for Thanksgiving and having the last day of school before Memorial Day. Zooming in
Comparing options
Option 1
Option 2
Teachers start Students start Calendar days
Aug. 5 Aug. 15 May 21 May 22 Two bad weather days
Aug. 8 Aug. 20 May 22 May 23 No bad weather days
Some survey participants’ feedback was that the school year started too early and they did not like spring break placed in the third week of March. “We may come up with a new calendar for Jan. 25 [at the next school board meeting]; that could be a possibility,” CISD Superintendent John Chapman III said.
Last day of school Teacher workday Weather days
SOURCE: COMAL ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
Imaging is our
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IT TOOK US 123 YEARS TO GET HERE. In the year 1900, a group of ranchers opened a bank in Sonora with the philosophy that through grit, strategic decisions, and friendly customer service the institution would thrive. They were right. Today, Sonora Bank operates eight locations across this area with the same principles. What’s more, we are proud to announce a new full-service branch on Highway 46 between New Braunfels and Seguin to open in Fall 2023. Stop by 1349 S. State Highway 46 (HWY 46 @ Saengerhalle Rd) or visit sonorabank.com to learn more about what makes us a better bank.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Transportation
BY SIERRA MARTIN & ERIC WEILBACHER
One-block closure runs through March 1 One block of a feeder street to the heavily tra cked intersection of South Seguin Avenue and I-35 will be closed until March 1. The gist The closure allows for contractor Pesado Construction to connect about 9,000 feet of water main to the Avery Park water main from the South Castell Avenue water main, according to New Braunfels Utilities. The $8 million project is part of an expansion of infrastructure to deal with future demand.
Work will continue to widen Klein Road and add stormwater infrastructure through late summer 2024.
ERIC WEILBACHER COMMUNITY IMPACT
Work continues on Klein Road Phase 2 project Having completed a bridge over what was once a low water crossing between Walnut Avenue and FM 725, work continues along that stretch of Klein Road intended to improve drainage and safety on the roadway. Brenadette Faust, the capital projects manager for the city of New Braunfels, said while the new
elevated bridge was opened in October, work con- tinues to widen the roadway, install underground storm sewer, and more. The remaining work is slated to be complete in late summer 2024, she said. Project scope Now that the project replaced the low water cross- ing with a bridge, crews are still in the process of: • Widening the roadway to a four-lane section • Adding a 10-foot shared-use path and a 6-foot sidewalk from FM 725 to Walnut Avenue • Installing underground storm sewer
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Call 844-705-8721 or scan the QR code to find a doctor. BaptistHealthSystem.com/HealthyBaby
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
FREE SERVICE HELPING YOU FIND THE RIGHT CARE • Assisted Living • Independent Living • Memory Care • In-home Care • Personal Care Home & more
Providing Safe and Appropriate Care Options Since 1993. Let us take the pressure off you. We are your trusted partner. Contact your local CarePatrol Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® at 830-500-0711 or CarePatrol.com.
“A Great Place to Call Home” Sunday School – 9:00 a.m. Sunday Worship – 10:00 a.m. Come sing old-time hymns with us! 734 N. Loop 337, New Braunfels • 830-629-2202 www.newbraunfelschristianchurch.org
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Real estate
Number of homes sold
November 2022
November 2023
Residential market data
78130
November data released by the Four Rivers Association of Realtors Dec. 15 shows the average number of days that homes spent on the market in New Braunfels increased year-over-year, but year-over-year median home prices varied in ZIP codes 78130 and 78132.
109
+5%
115
78132
55
-22%
43
46
35
Median home sales price
N
2022
-4.7% 78130
2023
78130
78132
$334,450
$350,838
MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY FOUR RIVERS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS 830 625 6954 WWW.FOURRIVERSREALTORS.COM
78132
+17.5%
$640,000
$544,640
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
Save Big $20K * TO BUY DOWN TO A GREAT RATE
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*All eligible sales must be original contracts with Highland Homes signed on or after January 1, 2024 and on or before March 31, 2024. Valid for all Highland Homes new builds and quick move-in homes in any community in Austin. Must apply for a loan with Highland HomeLoans, LLC within 5 days of entering your contract and must close and fund that loan within 12 months of contract date to qualify. Highland Homes to contribute up to $20,000, which can be used towards lender fees, borrower requested discount points, rate lock extensions, upfront mortgage insurance, title policy, recording fees, and other closing costs (some costs may be excluded). Amount will be reflected on the Closing Disclosure. To participate in the promotion, Buyer must finance through Highland HomeLoans. Buyer is entitled to finance through other lenders, but shall not be eligible for this promotion unless HHL is Buyer’s lender. This is not a commitment to lend, vailability subject to change without notice or prior obligation. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Exclusions may apply. Highland Homes reserves the right to change or cancel this promotion at any time. All rights reserved. ©2024 Highland HomeLoans (NMLS: 124684). All loans are subject to borrower qualifications, including income, property evaluation, and final credit approval. Rates and fees subject to change. Equal Housing Lender. High - land HomeLoans is a subsidiary of PlainsCapital Bank and exempt from mortgage banker licensing in Texas. Highland HomeLoans is an affiliated business arrangement between Highland LoanSource, Ltd. and PrimeLending Ventures Management, LLC. Highland LoanSource, Ltd. is affiliated with Highland Homes, LLC and Huntington Homes.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY ERIC WEILBACHER Community 2024 Annual Community Guide
Over the last five years, the populations within New Braunfels as well as Comal and Guadalupe counties have increased, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates released Dec. 7. The population within New Braunfels’ city limits grew from 70,317 to 92,993 from 2017 to 2022. New Braunfels-area snapshot
New Braunfels
Guadalupe County
Comal County
Texas
SOURCES: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU 2022 AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 5-YEAR ESTIMATES/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Population change
Median household income 2022 $85,827 2017 $64,208
129,100
150,889
70,317 2017
2017
2017
2022 165,201
2022 173,828
2022 92,993
2022 $93,744 2017 $73,655 2022 $88,111 2017 $66,167
5-year population change
+32.25%
+27.96%
+15.2%
Texas: +6.65%
Local demographics*
2017
2022
2017
2022
36.3%
38.9%
39.9% 40.1%
34%
Hispanic or Latino White Black or African American American Indian or Alaska native Asian Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander Some other race Two or more races
60.72%
57.5%
42.9%
2.22% 0.1% 1.44%
2.13% 0.1% 0.67% 1% 0.32% 1.98%
11.7%
11.8%
0.2%
0.2%
4.5%
5.1%
0%
0.1% 0.1% 1.6%
0.1% 0.3%
0.26% 1.26%
2.6%
*ALL CATEGORIES LISTED ARE RACES, EXCEPT FOR HISPANIC OR LATINO, WHICH IS NOT A RACE. HOWEVER, THE PERCENTAGES OF THE RACES LISTED DO NOT INCLUDE HISPANIC OR LATINO RESIDENTS.
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
Community
BY SIERRA MARTIN
Drive-thru co ee and tea stands pop up in 2023 Co ee and tea stores continue to pop up around New Braunfels, with more than ve drive-thru businesses opening in 2023. The details Locally owned businesses such as Co ee on the Knox and Jolt Drive Thru Co ee are among the businesses to expand their locations. Texan Tea and HTeaO o er specialty tea drinks. The trend looks like it will continue into the new year, with a new Starbucks featuring indoor seating and a drive-thru anticipated to open in early 2024 near Freiheit Village.
S. MAGAZINE AVE.
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Co ee on the Knox 513 Business I-35 Facebook: Co ee on the Knox
HTeaO 1042 FM 306 www.hteao.com
Jolt Drive Thru Co ee 1509 N. Walnut Ave. www.joltdrivethruco ee.com
On the Grind Co ee 2680 Loop 337 www.otgco ee.com
Texan Tea 580 S. Business I-35 www.texantea.com
The following stories are based on trends Community Impact sta identi ed through monthly Impacts section reporting in 2023.
CREEKSIDE TOWN CENTER 263 Creekside Crossing (830) 608-1969
NEW BRAUNFELS 1671 IH-35 S (830) 629-0434
LIVE OAK 14623 IH-35 N (210) 651-1911
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Community
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
path across the Austin-San Antonio metro. This is not comprehensive. Destinations
Check out details on well-known entertainment venues and newer destinations o the beaten
Austin
Southwest Austin - Dripping Springs
Canyon Lake
Blanton Museum of Art Following years of construction, the Blanton Museum of Art reopened this year and debuted new art and programs. As part of the University of Texas at Austin, the Blanton Museum has more than 20,000 art pieces in its permanent collection including modern and contemporary European, American and Latin American work. • 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Austin • www.blantonmuseum.org
Camp David Adventure Retreat This multifaceted facility is a newer Hill Country destination, which debuted in 2022. The Camp David Adventure Retreat site is located on 10 acres of land with offerings for overnight stays at its lodge and bunkhouse that can house 12-16 guests. Camp David also serves as a venue for small weddings, corporate retreats and other events. • 4451 McGregor Lane, Dripping Springs • www.campdavidretreat.com
Canyon Lake Gorge During the summer flood event of 2002, more than 34 inches of rain created floodwaters swelling Canyon Lake over its spillway for the irst time since the reservoir was completed in 1964. That event carved out a 64-acre gorge. Visitors can explore dinosaur fossils, exposed areas of the Trinity Aquifer and see the waterfalls and springs. • 16029 S. Access Road, Canyon Lake • www.gbra.org
San Antonio
San Marcos
New Braunfels
Morgan’s Wonderland Located on 25 acres, this theme park focuses on inclusion, featuring 25 ultra-accessible rides and attractions. The park de ines ultra-accessible as the ability to remove physical and economic barriers for children and adults with special needs. The park is currently undergoing a $6 million expansion ahead of the spring 2024 season. • 5223 David Edwards Drive, San Antonio • www.morganswonderland.com
Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
Gruene Historic District The Gruene Historic District, a small town originally settled by German farmers in the 1840s, has developed into a live music, shopping and river recreation area popular to visitors and residents. Home to the Gruene Hall, Texas’ oldest dance hall, the small town was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 as an entire district. • 1601 Hunter Road, New Braunfels • www.gruenetexas.com
The Meadows Center for Water and Environment at Texas State University aims to protect the environment and educate others about the city’s resources. The center offers glass-bottom boat tours of Spring Lake, tours of the Wetlands Boardwalk and more. • 201 San Marcos Springs Drive, San Marcos • www.meadowscenter.txst.edu
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
Community
New health and wellness offices opened in 2023 About 12 health care-related businesses opened in New Braunfels in 2022; now, in 2023 there are 13 more. Out of 13 additional doctor’s offices and wellness centers that opened in 2023, eight are known to be locally owned, including Caleigh Rodriguez MD, Creekside Dental Care, I-35 MarketPlace Animal Hospital, The Vitamin Shoppe, River City Imaging Center, Elite Chiropractic & Wellness, New Braunfels Regional Rehabilitation Hospital, Pak Medical Center of Excellence, and Savannah Wellness. Quote of note Vitamin Shoppe owner Marcy Zayas said they were “thrilled” to be opening their first store in New Braunfels. “We look forward to becoming a valued part of this vibrant community by helping make a healthy lifestyle more accessible,” Zayas said.
LIFEHAUS INDUSTRIAL DR.
483
1101
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The Dripbar Vitamin Therapy 312 FM 306 www.thedripbar.com/new-braunfels
Caleigh Rodriguez MD 790 Generations Drive www.caleighrodriguezmd.com
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
OAK RUN PKWY.
WINDGATE PARK LN.
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306
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Creekside Dental Care 237 FM 306, Ste. 103 www.creeksidedentalcaretx.com
The Vitamin Shoppe 2736 Loop 337, Ste. 101 www.vitaminshoppe.com
Fyzical Therapy and Balance Centers 651 N. Business I-35, Ste. 415 830-515-5727
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23
NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
From the cover
NBFD to bump sta up by 15%
Put in perspective
Two-minute impact
The main goal of the program is to increase the number of local re departments that can comply with standards established by the National Fire Protection Association. “The grant will allow the city to hire additional re ghters, which will aid in beginning to meet NFPA [standards], which recommends four re ghters on every apparatus,” Camareno said. NBFD Lt. Justin Doegey, who has 15 years of experience in the department, said the SAFER grant will have a positive impact on re ghters and the service they bring to the community. “[The grant is a] really a great move for us,” Doegey said. “We’re being able to get our sta ng levels to a point where we’re not depending on overtime or mandatory overtime; we have a better opportunity to make our response model better.”
FEMA,” Lozano said. “And the additional seven [salaries] will be covered through overtime savings by having better sta ng in the department.” Lozano said the department will be looking for re ghters that have a strong moral compass and dedication to their communities. Robert Camareno has been the New Braunfels city manager for 15 years and has observed the population growth in the city, which has increased more than 66% since 2012, according to the New Braunfels Economic Development Council. “The growth of our city has provided us with the resources to grow the department as well,” Camareno said. “We’ve been very fortunate to be able to add personnel and equipment to better meet the demands of the services provided by the New Braunfels Fire Department.”
The Sta ng for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant was created to provide direct funding to re departments to increase or maintain the number of trained front-line re ghters who are ready to be dispatched. “We’re really thankful FEMA recognizes that we’re a progressive city,” Lozano said. “We’re growing, and we want to stay relevant. We want to be an operationally signi cant department, and to do that, we’ve got to start thinking about our sta ng capabilities.” By utilizing the grant funding, a fourth re ghter will be added to each shift at the three busiest stations in the city: Station 1 downtown, Station 3 on Hanz Street near I-35, and Station 7, which is currently under construction o FM 306. “Overall, we’re going to hire 19 additional re ghters, with 12 of [their salaries] being directly reimbursed for three years from
Average response times of the New Braunfels Fire Department NBFD engine average response time NBFD ambulance average response time NFPA engine standard
New Braunfels Fire Department sta ng
*FOR 2024 2027
19 new re ghters*
12 salaries covered by the grant*
165
+24%
NFPA ambulance standard
175
146
140
4 6 8 10 Minutes
135
135
135
133
133
150
8
125
25
4
3.43
3.3
0
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
0 2
SOURCE: NEW BRAUNFELS FIRE DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY SIERRA MARTIN
Diving in deeper
One of the programs that the NBFD is recognized for is its dive team. According to Lozano, the 15 member team is called out to assist other re and police departments for water rescues, evidence collection and other emergencies throughout the region. In the future, Lozano said the department plans to grow the New Braunfels dive team to be a regional force made up of re ghters from neighboring cities training and becoming a part of
the program. “Our goal is to maybe start incorporating re ghters from those same cities to join us and have a regional dive team that is made up of the community re ghters,” Lozano said. While interviewing candidates that can be hired with SAFER grant funding, Lozano said they will be looking to add personnel that can contribute their individual skills and strengths to the department.
New Braunfels re ghters John Sippel (left) and Nick Bautizta prepare for any possible water rescues that the dive team may respond to.
SIERRA MARTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT
What they’re saying
What’s next?
Fire Station No. 7 • Address: 357 FM 306, New Braunfels • Construction cost : $9.5 million • Size: approximately 15,000 square feet • Staf ing: 24 personnel • Construction timeline: August 2022-anticipated completion March 2024 • Funding source: Creekside Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone
The New Braunfels Human Resources Department is combing through around 200 re ghter candidate applications and anticipates hiring new re ghters by utilizing the SAFER grant in early 2024. During the hiring process, a panel of active New Braunfels re ghters will begin interviewing potential candidates to make sure they would be a good t. The department is also working toward constructing a full service training center next to Fire Station No. 7 that would be equipped with re simulators, a driving course and rescue props. The construction of Fire Station No. 7 is nearing completion, and has already been fully sta ed with 24 personnel and out tted to begin servicing the community in early 2024. According to Doegey, without the SAFER grant the department’s sta ng would have been stretched thin once the new station opens.
“Our team did a tremendous amount of work to research the grant program as well as the full application and then
used that knowledge to develop our application.” ROBERT CAMARENO, NEW BRAUNFELS CITY MANAGER
306
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"This is the rst grant of its kind to be awarded to New Braunfels, and it’s also the largest grant
that they’ve ever gotten for the re department." RUY LOZANO, NEW BRAUNFELS FIRE CHIEF
N
SOURCE: NEW BRAUNFELS FIRE DEPARTMENTCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
Events
• Jan. 27, 5:30 p.m. • $50 • Schumann Hall at First Protestant Church of New Braunfels, 172 W. Coll St., New Braunfels • www.bit.ly/leadershipball
January
Watercolor Collage Workshop The New Braunfels Art League will host award-winning artist Vie Dunn-Harr for a watercolor collage workshop. A $100 deposit for the class is required. • Jan. 19-21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • $450 (league members), $490 (nonmembers) • New Braunfels Art League, 239 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.thenewbraunfelsartleague.com Texas Trout School-Guadalupe Tailwater The School of Zen Fly Fishing will host this half-day clinic that will give warm water anglers the skills to be better at trout angling. The clinic will teach participants how to read water and find fish. • Jan. 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. • $100-$120 • Summit Vacations & RV Resort, 13105 River Road, New Braunfels • www.fisherofzen.com The Texas Annual Leadership Ball Texas Emerging Leaders is hosting the event with dinner, drinks and live music with The Tiffiny Dawn Band. Yitzchak Pierson will be the guest speaker.
February
Freeze Ride 2024 This is an annual event that will follow World Wakeboard Association rules. Freeze Ride 2024 is for professional and amateur wakeboarders. • Feb. 3, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. • $35-$60 • Texas Ski Ranch, 6700 I-35, New Braunfels • www.texasskiranch.com/upcoming-events Model Fiesta 2024 The International Plastic Modelers’ Society will have 120 vendor tables and over 500 models entered into the contest. • Feb. 10, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. • $5 • New Braunfels Convention Center, 375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels • www.ipmsusa.org/event/model-fiesta-2024
Retromania Collectibles Show 2024 The show will have a floor filled with toys, games, comics, apparel, video games and more. Kids 10 years old and younger receive free admission. • Jan. 20-21, 10 a.m. • Ticket prices vary • New Braunfels Civic/Convention Center,
375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels • www.heritageeventcompany.com
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY SIERRA MARTIN, AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN & ERIC WEILBACHER
• Jan. 22: Bret Graham, 6 p.m. • Jan. 23: Tony Taylor & Friends, 6 p.m.
Live music
• Jan. 24: Lyle Lovett and his Quasi-Cowboy Band, 8 p.m. • Jan. 27: Flat Top Jones, 1 p.m.; Triston Marez, 9 p.m. • Jan. 29: Bret Graham, 6 p.m. • Jan. 30: Andi Holleman with Kristi Grider & Paige Lewis, 6 p.m. • Jan. 31: The Georges, 6 p.m. Krause’s Cafe 148 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels www.krausescafe.com • Jan. 12: Gus Miller, 6 p.m. • Jan. 13: Shakedown, 6 p.m. • Jan. 14: Shawn Hart, 11 a.m.; John Carroll, 3 p.m. • Jan. 19: MC & the Mystyx, 6 p.m. • Jan. 20: Nyles Robakiewicz, 10 a.m.; Yesenia & the Groove Doctors, 6 p.m. • Jan. 21: Brett Mullins, 11 a.m.; Kade Isakson, 3 p.m. • Jan. 27: Colton’s Kin, 10 a.m.; The Klocks, 6 p.m. • Jan. 28: Bill Caisse, 11 a.m.; Aname Rose, 3 p.m. Riley’s Tavern 8894 FM 1102, New Braunfels www.rileystavern.com • Jan. 12: Mark Jungers, 7 p.m. • Jan. 13: Scott H. Biram, 9:30 p.m. • Jan. 24: Yodel Blitz, 6 p.m. • Jan. 26: Timber Wilde, 6 p.m.
Billy’s Ice 1193 Loop 337, New Braunfels www.billysice.com • Jan. 12: Haywire, 8:30 p.m. • Jan. 14: The Gospel (according to Billy’s), 10:45 a.m.; Lucas Taylor & Friends, 7 p.m. • Jan. 18: Luke Leverett Band, 8:30 p.m. • Jan. 19: Jake Bush, 8:30 p.m. • Jan. 20: The Droptines, 9:30 p.m. • Jan. 21: Lucas Taylor & Friends, 7 p.m. • Jan. 26: Rochelle & the Sidewinders, 8:30 p.m. • Jan. 27: David Pugh, 9:30 p.m. • Jan. 28: Lucas Taylor & Friends, 7 p.m. Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels www.gruenehall.com • Jan. 12: Aaron Stevens Band, 7 p.m. • Jan. 13: Bo Phillips Band, 1 p.m.; Grady Spencer & The Work, 9 p.m. • Jan. 14: Bret Graham Band, 12:30 p.m.; Lindsay Beaver & Brad Stivers, 4 p.m. • Jan. 18: Andi Holleman Band, 6 p.m. • Jan. 19: The Bacon Brothers, 8 p.m. • Jan. 21: Henri Herbert Band, noon; Matt Kirk & The Gueyfarers, 4 p.m.
Colton’s Kin play Krause’s Cafe on Jan. 27 at 10 a.m.
COURTESY KRAUSE’S CAFE
• Jan. 14: Pickers’ Circle with Bo Porter, 4 p.m. • Jan. 18: Mike Ethan Messick and Friends, 7 p.m. • Jan. 19: The Homebodies, 7 p.m. • Jan. 20: The Golden Roses, 9 p.m. • Jan. 21: Pickers’ Circle with Kayla Jane, 4 p.m. • Jan. 25: Sid Grimes, 7 p.m. • Jan. 26: Fourth Fridays with Prairie Rattlers, 8 p.m. • Jan. 27: Birdlegg, 9 p.m. • Jan. 28: Pickers’ Circle with Bo Porter, 4 p.m.
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
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