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Enjoy The Moments
The days drag on, but the years fly by. This is something I heard a lot growing up. I think this is so true because when building a family or raising little ones, the days can sometimes drag, making you feel like you are in the longest period of your life. There is good and bad news regarding these feelings. One, is that this too shall pass, and things are not always as hard as some days, weeks, or even years of your life. And two, one day you are going to miss the days when you were tired from taking your child to the ballpark for the third time that week, consoling a sick child, picking up your senior dog because they need help, or just fixing the umpteenth snack for your child that day. I think it is so true when people say the good times go by too fast.
In this month's Kids and Pets issue, we want you to stop, listen, love, and enjoy the moments. We feature some businesses and fun things to do around New Braunfels, highlighting what these local businesses offer our little loved ones. I am so lucky to have the love of my life, a dog named Zoe. She has been my best friend and companion for over 12 years now. The amazing thing about your pet is that they will love you no matter what. They are so loyal, and you are the center of their universe. Remember to treat them with the utmost love, as they don't have that much time on this Earth. The time they do have, all they want to do is make us happy, and they feel most loved when they are with us.
I am also so lucky to be called "Aunt RaRa" to some of the coolest kids I have ever met. I love that kids teach us a lot about becoming better people. There is a reason the Bible says to view the world and have faith with a childlike perspective. Watching your child prosper and do good out in this world is such a great feeling and something you should celebrate. This month, I challenge you to take some time to slow down with your kids and pets and thank God for this wonderful blessing. Cheers!
RACHEL SCHAFFNER, PUBLISHER @NBTXCITYLIFESTYLE
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Rachel Schaffner | rachel.schaffner@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Lauren Mendez | lauren.mendez@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Kelly Shearing | kelly.shearing@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Mariah Wasserman | earth.god.dessphoto@gmail.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Jessica Safavimehr jessica.safavimehr@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Freddy C's Bar & Patio
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Freddy C's Bar & Patio, Mill Street Youth Center, Pachanga Pools, SBG New Braunfels, Woof Gang Bakery
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Lifestyle’s
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@RACHELSCHAFFNER
1: Santiago and Jessika enjoying the festivities at Petit Cowboy’s Open House 2: Trinity Movers celebrating 1,000 5-star Google Reviews at WildSide 3: Willie & Isaac with Valkyrie’s Kiss Mead winning Groundbreaking Advocacy Award at Pink Warrior Gala 4: GrayBrook Construction, HUB Pest Control, Trinity Movers, HDS Automotive, Freedom Painters supporting Pink Warrior Gala 5: Katy and Michelle with Schön Interiors at T.A. French’s model home 6: TTS New Braunfels Crew celebrating community and connection 7: Carlyn enjoying a morning cup of coffee with her four-legged bestie at Sophie’s Gasthaus @RACHELSCHAFFNER @TRAVELWITHCIELO @TTS
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AWEsome Contracting Ribbon Cutting
AWEsome Contracting celebrated being a part of the New Braunfels community with a ribbon cutting. The company offers general contracting and handyman services, including remodeling, roofing, flooring, painting, and repairs for both residential and commercial projects. Backed by more than 20 years of experience, the team emphasizes reliable workmanship, clear communication, and service that treats every project like it’s their own home.
by @nbtxchamber
Photography
Photography by @nbtxchamber
Gatsby Glass recently had its ribbon cutting, where they celebrated community and connection. The company specializes in frameless shower enclosures, glass railings, mirrors, and interior glass walls designed to elevate both homes and commercial spaces. Known for combining modern design with precision installation, Gatsby Glass focuses on helping clients bring more light, openness, and sophistication into their spaces. Scan to
Sofia's Pizzeria Ribbon Cutting
Sofia’s Pizzeria officially held its ribbon cutting as it opened its doors in downtown New Braunfels, bringing a family-owned San Antonio favorite to Landa Street. The shop serves pizza by the slice, whole pies, salads, and pasta, offering a fast-casual option for locals, visitors, and downtown workers. Built around scratch-made dough and quick service, Sofia’s blends grab-and-go convenience with classic, made-from-scratch Italian-inspired comfort food.
Photography by @nbtxchamber
Paws &
ARTICLE BY KELLY SHEARING PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
WOOF GANG BAKERY & GROOMING
More than a pet spa, Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming creates an experience where pets and their owners feel right at home.
Pampering
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming has carved out a sweet spot in New Braunfels by making pet care feel personal. The boutique shop is bright, playful, and welcoming, but what keeps people coming back is the way it treats every dog like a regular from the first visit.
For owner Lissett, that has always been the goal. She and her husband have lived in New Braunfels for 17 years, and when the timing was right to open a business of her own, she wanted something that matched both her love for dogs and the community
she calls home. “It’s more of a one-stop shop,” she said, describing a place where pet owners can browse cute gifts, pick up treats, and book grooming all in one stop.
That vision grew out of a lifelong love of animals. Lissett said she has always been the kind of person who wanted to bring every stray home, and that affection eventually led her into pet care. One dog, in particular, left a lasting mark. A standard poodle named Jasper. It sparked the connection that shaped the business she runs today.
At Woof Gang, the grooming experience itself is part of what sets the shop apart. “You are with the same groomer from start to finish,” Lissett said. There is no passing pets from bather to dryer to groomer. Instead, one person handles the whole process, which helps dogs feel more comfortable.
“WE HAVE CLIENTS WHO HAVE BEEN COMING EVERY WEEK FOR YEARS, AND WE REALLY GET TO KNOW THEM. THEY TREAT US LIKE FAMILY BECAUSE WE ARE TAKING CARE OF A MEMBER OF THEIR FAMILY, AND THAT CONNECTION MEANS EVERYTHING TO US.”
That consistency matters even more when a pet comes in often. The team tries to keep each dog with the same groomer every time, so a real relationship can form over time. “It becomes a relationship,” Lissett said. Some dogs come in weekly or every other week, and they know exactly who is waiting for them.
That familiarity changes the whole tone of the visit. Dogs settle in more easily, and owners often do too. Many of Woof Gang’s regulars have become close with the team, bringing in coffee, treats, and plenty of conversation. “They treat us like family too,” Lissett said. “We get to know them.”
The boutique side of the shop adds another layer of charm. Along with grooming, Woof Gang offers pet gifts, toys, and celebration-ready treats that make it feel more like a neighborhood destination than a standard pet salon. Birthday parties are especially popular. Lissett said the shop really leans into pet birthdays, with cakes, cupcakes, and plenty of cute touches for the occasion.
Dogs might leave with a fresh groom, a blueberry facial, and a photo-worthy towel wrap, but they can also leave with a treat that owners do not have to second-guess. Woof Gang uses natural, wholesome ingredients in its bakery items and aims to keep everything as natural as possible. Lissett said the shop even bakes some of its own items, and one of the most memorable parts of the business is how safe the treats are. “Anything in our store you can actually eat,” she said.
That detail may sound playful, but it also says a lot about the brand. The treats are not just fun. They reflect the care that goes into everything the shop does. Every ingredient is handpicked to be petfriendly and human-grade quality.
The same thoughtful approach shows up in the way the team cares for people just as much as the pets walking through the door. “We have clients that have been here every week for the last four years,” Lissett said. “We build relationships with them, and they treat us like family.”
Sometimes that connection means going the extra mile. One client who regularly brought her dog in every other week recently began struggling to make the drive to the shop. “Now we’re just going to go pick [her pet] up for her,” Lissett said. “That way she can still bring him in because she’s very dedicated to making sure he gets groomed.”
Another customer makes a long drive from the Whitewater area just to visit the shop. When schedules got tight, her manager would step in to help. “She would drive over on her break and let him out for potty breaks,” Lissett said.
For first-time visitors, the shop starts with a warm introduction. The groomer meets the dog and owner, talks through expectations, and helps make sure everyone is comfortable before the appointment begins. That first meeting sets the tone for a better experience, and it is part of why so many families keep coming back.
In a city full of pet lovers, Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming has found a formula that works because it never feels formulaic. The same groomer from start to finish, natural treats, a boutique shopping experience, and a staff that remembers names, faces, and favorite pups all add up to something special.
Community Starts Here
How Mill Street Youth Center is reshaping support for New Braunfels teens
For years, one question quietly lingered in New Braunfels: Where do teenagers go after the school day ends?
For younger children, there are camps, daycare programs, and endless activity options. But for middle and high school students, the choices narrow fast. For the team behind Mill Street Youth Center, that gap felt impossible to ignore, and today, they are transforming what support for local youth can look like.
The idea began with Gary Seals, who wanted to give back to the community. After conversations with community leaders and a needs assessment through the McKenna Foundation, one thing became clear: New Braunfels needed a dedicated space for teens.
“Once you hit fifth grade, the opportunities drop drastically,” said Executive Director Stacey Dicke.
That realization sparked what would become Mill Street Youth Center, a space built specifically for students in grades 6-12. The team found its home inside what used to be the New Braunfels Academy on Mill Street, which had been sitting vacant since 2019. After securing a 50-year lease with the district, the work began.
And what a project it became.
All in, the transformation of the historic building, including the renovation of the third floor, structural improvements, upgraded electrical and plumbing systems, new HVAC, furnishings, equipment, and first-year
ARTICLE BY KELLY SHEARING PHOTOGRAPHY BY MILL STREET YOUTH CENTER
operating costs, represented a $16 million investment in the future of local youth.
That investment is already paying off.
The gym opened first in summer 2025, welcoming nearly 150 students weekly. Then came the highly anticipated opening of the main building in March, where students wasted no time making themselves at home.
“We had parents telling us their kids were texting them, ‘Don’t come get me yet. I’m not ready to go home,’” Dicke said with a laugh.
“That’s what we wanted to hear.”
Today, more than 200 students are walking through Mill Street’s doors daily, spending time in spaces intentionally built to help them connect, learn, and grow.
And while fun is absolutely part of the equation, the mission runs much deeper.
Mixing music at Studio 830
Programming centers around four pillars: healthy lifestyles, wellness, academic success, and enrichment. Students can move from basketball games and fitness programs to cooking classes focused on nutrition, mindfulness workshops, leadership development sessions, and conflict resolution training.
Creative outlets are just as important, with art studios, photography workshops, podcast production, music recording, and digital storytelling classes giving students opportunities to explore new interests. They’re also developing real-world skills they can carry with them long after they leave the building.
“They’re learning skills so much earlier than most of us ever had the opportunity to,” Marketing Manager Carley Schmedt said. “By the time they get older, they’re already going to have this incredible foundation.”
The center is also preparing to launch a tutoring program this fall, pairing academic support with study habits and organizational skills that help students succeed well beyond the classroom.
Perhaps the biggest impact goes a bit deeper.
Students from different schools and backgrounds are building friendships. They are learning confidence. They are practicing independence, often without even realizing it.
“There really are no barriers to participation,” Dicke said, referencing Mill Street’s transportation program that picks students up from schools and central neighborhood locations.
For Dicke, the vision is simple: prepare young people for life beyond graduation.
“We want them ready,” she said.
At Mill Street Youth Center, New Braunfels is giving its next generation more than somewhere to go after school and during the summer. It is giving them a place to belong.
Blackout poetry session at The Retreat
CARIBBEAN • MEXICO • ALASKA • EUROPE
ASIA
AUSTRALIA
SOUTH AMERICA
AND MORE!
THE PERFECT Pachanga
HOW PACHANGA POOLS TURNS OUTDOOR SPACES INTO THE PERFECT BACKYARD PARTY FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
ARTICLE BY KELLY SHEARING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PACHANGA POOLS
When Troy French launched Pachanga Pools, he had a simple vision in mind: creating outdoor spaces where families genuinely want to spend their time.
The name says it all.
“I was born and raised in South Texas, and pachanga basically means you’re going to have a backyard party,” Troy shared. “Friends and everybody come gather and have a good time. That’s where we came up with the name.”
That spirit sits at the center of every pool the team designs. Pachanga Pools focuses on building more than beautiful pools. The goal is creating spaces where families can unplug, relax, entertain, and turn everyday life into something that feels a little like vacation.
Troy laughed while sharing one of his favorite compliments from a homeowner. “They went on vacation somewhere beau tiful, and when they got home they said, ‘It’s nicer here than where we just went on vacation.’ That’s pretty awesome.”
That “staycation” mindset shapes nearly every design decision.
For families with kids, the team loves incorporating features that make a pool feel interactive instead of simply decorative.
Hannah Bernal, Pool Designer for Pachanga Pools, said tanning ledges continue to be one of the most popular additions.
“Most people do these tanning ledges because they’re ideal for small kids,” Hannah explained. “You can lay out and tan, and they can just play. It’s only about eight inches deep.”
Add bubblers to that shallow space, and suddenly the pool becomes a built-in splash zone.
“Kids love the bubblers,” Hannah said.
For Troy, the best pools are designed around activity.
“I love a sports pool,” he said. “Shallow on either end, deep in the middle. You can put a volleyball net up, have a basketball goal up. Coming from a sports family, to me, that’s awesome.”
Texas summers have also changed the way families design pools. Cooling systems, once rare, have become one of the most practical upgrades for homeowners wanting to maximize comfort during the hottest months.
“One of the coolest things over the last few years is chillers that cool the water in the pool,” Troy said. “Now people don’t have to sacrifice. You can have a really beautiful pool and still keep it comfortable.”
Of course, families in New Braunfels know pets are often part of the backyard fun too.
Troy joked that while many dogs cannot stay away from water, his yellow lab somehow missed the memo. “Strangely enough, I’ve got a yellow lab, and she does not like water,” he laughed. “She’ll get in just enough to cool down, then she gets right back out.”
For the dogs who do love swimming, certain design choices make a huge difference. Troy recommends beach entry pools, which create a gradual slope into the water rather than traditional steps.
“It’s easier on the joints,” Hannah added. “Some people are very much about their pets, and if they know they’re always going to have dogs, beach entry would be ideal for them.”
The team also encourages clients to think beyond the pool itself and imagine how the entire backyard experience comes together.
Hannah recently worked on one project that fully embraced the entertainment factor.“They’ve really made it a party pool,” she said. “They have the grotto, they have the hot tub, but then they have a bar off the pool with a tiki-style design. It’s going to be really neat.”
Troy said those kinds of projects perfectly capture what Pachanga Pools is all about.
“My first passion was building homes,” he said. “The second passion is making those homes enjoyable. Not just building a quality home, but creating an enjoyable space for family. Literally making your home feel like your vacation.”
That process begins long before construction starts. The team works closely with homeowners through every phase, walking properties, spray-painting layouts, reviewing design changes and making sure clients stay involved the entire way through.
“Everyone has such a different vision of what they want,” Hannah said. “I’ve had so much fun helping bring those dream pools to life.”
For Troy, the work feels especially meaningful because it happens right here in New Braunfels. “The Hill Country is home for me,” he said. “This isn’t some place I just moved to. This is where I live. This is home, and we want to make sure everything we do is an asset to this area.”
At the end of the day, that mission remains simple: creating a backyard people never want to leave. Hannah put it best, “We want the whole package to feel like the ultimate staycation. The everyday staycation.”
And around here, that sounds like the perfect kind of pachanga.
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
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Training for Life
Inside SBG New Braunfels’ approach to confidence, discipline, and growth through jiu jitsu
Every parent hopes to find activities that help shape who their child becomes. At SBG New Braunfels, owners Coach Michael and his wife, Coach Kaylee, have built a Brazilian jiu jitsu program where kids learn confidence, resilience, and self-defense while developing life skills that reach far beyond the mat. We sat down with Coach Michael to learn more.
ARTICLE BY KELLY SHEARING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SBG NEW BRAUNFELS
Michael Heinz Owner, SBG New Braunfels
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO OPEN SBG NEW BRAUNFELS IN THE FIRST PLACE?
It’s kind of a long story. I lived in South Korea for about 13 years before moving back here. I found Brazilian jiu jitsu while I was teaching at a university in Seoul, and honestly, the first time I trained, I got completely humbled. I remember walking away thinking, This is amazing. I want to learn how to do this.
At that point, it became something I really dedicated myself to. Eventually, Coach Kaylee and I decided to move back to the States, and after looking at a lot of different places, New Braunfels really checked all the boxes for the kind of family-oriented community we wanted to be part of.
AT WHAT POINT DID YOU REALIZE THE KIDS PROGRAM WAS BECOMING SUCH A BIG PART OF THE GYM?
Pretty early on.
At one point, Coach Kaylee looked at the numbers and said, You realize we’re about 60 percent kids and 40 percent adults, right? That was kind of the moment where we realized, okay, this is becoming a huge part of what we do here.
We always knew kids training mattered, but I don’t think we realized just how much it was going to become part of our identity. Since then, it’s been a constant process of refining the program and figuring out how we can keep improving it.
CONTINUED >
“We’re teaching kids skills that will help them for the rest of their lives.”
- Coach Michael
WHAT MAKES YOUR KIDS PROGRAM DIFFERENT FROM OTHER MARTIAL ARTS PROGRAMS?
A huge part of it is understanding how kids actually learn.
I have a background in education, Coach Kaylee has a background in education, so we spend a lot of time thinking about how to target each cognitive development stage effectively. Teaching a five-year-old is completely different than teaching a teenager.
Sometimes parents are watching class, and I’ll say, Everybody touch your elbow, before I even explain a movement. It sounds silly, but kids that age process information completely differently.
A lot of what we do is figuring out how to meet kids where they are developmentally instead of forcing one teaching style on everybody.
YOU INCORPORATE A LOT OF LIFE SKILLS INTO THE PROGRAM. WHY WAS THAT IMPORTANT TO YOU?
Because I’ve never wanted this to be just about jiu jitsu.
One of the biggest things I care about teaching kids is learning how to handle failure. I tell them all the time that life is a failable project.
You’re going to mess up. You’re going to lose. You’re going to have setbacks. The important thing is learning how to recover and keep moving forward.
I think kids need more opportunities to understand that struggle is part of growth, and sports like this naturally create those moments over and over again.
ONE OF THE MOST UNIQUE PARTS OF YOUR PROGRAM IS THUNDER BREATHING. WHERE DID THAT COME FROM?
That comes from my background in yoga and meditation. Before opening the gym, I spent years teaching yoga, meditation, and breathwork. I wanted to bring some of that into the kids program because emotional regulation is something a lot of kids struggle with.
What’s funny is I taught these same breathing techniques to my own kids for years, and they completely ignored me. Then they joined the program, saw other kids doing it, and suddenly it worked. Sometimes kids just need to hear things from someone besides their parents.
PARENTS OFTEN TALK ABOUT SEEING CHANGES IN THEIR KIDS OUTSIDE OF CLASS. WHY DO YOU THINK THAT HAPPENS?
I think combat sports help kids process emotion in a really healthy way. A lot of frustration and anger gets stored physically in the body, and movement helps work through that.
It’s not that kids stop feeling frustration. That’s not really the goal. The goal is helping them learn how to manage those emotions better.
I’ve seen kids come in carrying a lot of tension, and over time they become calmer, more focused, and a lot more confident. That’s one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.
BEYOND SELF-DEFENSE, WHAT LIFE LESSONS DO YOU HOPE KIDS TAKE WITH THEM?
I want kids to become people others want to be around. That sounds simple, but I think likability is really important for a child to learn, and a lot of that comes back to values.
I try to impress upon the kids things like sportsmanship, integrity, honesty, and learning how to be a good teammate. Those are skills you can take with you your whole life.
A lot of success comes from consistency, focus, and simply being someone people trust and enjoy being around.
EDUCATORS WHO INSPIRE
When our community was invited to nominate favorite teachers for the upcoming Kids & Pets Issue, one theme stood out immediately: great teachers leave a lasting mark. Across New Braunfels classrooms, these educators are doing far more than teaching. They are building confidence, inspiring curiosity, and creating spaces where students feel seen, supported, and loved.
Samantha Harms is entering her 20th year year in education and stepping into the new Early Reading Interventionist role at Oak Creek Elementary. After spending 14 years teaching first grade, she now helps young students build confidence as they learn one of life’s most important skills: reading. Harms says her own childhood struggles with reading shaped the educator she became. Inspired by teachers who encouraged her when school felt difficult, she now carries that same approach into every student interaction. Reflecting on former first graders returning during their senior walk years later, she said those moments remind her why teaching matters. “You always made learning fun,” former students told her, a memory Harms says meant everything.
Sandie Claus has spent 16 years teaching kindergarten at Oak Creek Elementary, though she says she has known since childhood this was exactly what she was meant to do. Inspired by her own kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Flagg, Claus still remembers the handwritten letters and birthday cards that made her feel special long after leaving the classroom. Today, she works to create that same sense of belonging for her own students. For Claus, kindergarten helps shape how children feel about learning for years to come. “If all I accomplish is making a child want to come to school each day and love learning, then I have done my job,” she shared. More than academics, she hopes students remember one thing most: that they were loved.
“If all I accomplish is making a child want to come to school each day and love learning, then I have done my job,”
Samantha Harms
Sandie Claus
— SANDIE CLAUS
Celebrating local teachers creating meaningful connections with every student
ARTICLE BY KELLY SHEARING
“The most important thing we do is help these kids grow into saints and teach them to pray.”
— J ENNIFER ROMPEL
Jennifer Rompel recently retired after years of teaching fifth grade at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School, where she spent 12 years helping students grow both academically and personally. Before teaching, she worked in journalism before eventually feeling called back into education. Rompel says one of the greatest joys of teaching came from the close-knit community she built with students and families over the years. Seeing former students return and hearing they still remembered her classroom fondly served as a reminder of how deeply teachers shape young lives. Looking back on her career, she says the heart of Catholic education was always clear. “The most important thing we do is help these kids grow into saints and teach them to pray.”
Kristin Clayton recently completed her 13th year of teaching after spending most of her career in second grade before moving into first grade this past school year. One highlight came when she watched former students graduate and realized just how quickly those years had passed. Clayton originally studied advertising before volunteering in an elementary school and discovering she felt more connected helping students than completing class projects. One memory that still stays with her involved a student battling cancer whose classmates made sure he always felt included, even joining class virtually during treatment. That experience shaped how she approaches the classroom today. “Anyone can choose to be a good person,” Clayton said, a lesson she hopes every student carries with them. Together, these educators represent the heart of New Braunfels schools, proving the lessons students remember most often have nothing to do with textbooks at all.
Kristin Clayton
Jennifer Rompel
Since 1977, we have served New Braunfels and surrounding areas with professional advice and quality plants. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a first timer, we have what you need to make your garden grow. From bedding plants to vegetable plants, from shrubs to trees, from soils to containers, from insecticides to fertilizers, we have you covered. We are here to make your garden bloom.
THE SPICED CUCUMBER
Refreshing and balanced, this cocktail brings together cool cucumber flavors, bright citrus, and a touch of heat. Premium cucumber vodka provides a crisp foundation, while fresh lime juice and simple syrup create a smooth, balanced profile. A few dashes of Tabasco and a chili powder rim add a subtle kick that builds with each sip. Finished in a chamoy-rimmed coupe, this
cocktail delivers layers of sweet, tangy, savory, and spicy flavors that make it a standout choice for those seeking something beyond the ordinary. Whether you want to sit back and enjoy the outdoor patio at Freddy C's Bar and Patio or want to cheer on your favorite team inside at the bar, you're sure to have the perfect sip.
Ingredients
• 2 oz premium cucumber vodka
• 1 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice
• ¾ oz simple syrup
• 2-3 dashes Tabasco
• Pinch of chili powder
• Chamoy, for the rim
Directions
1. Chill a coupe glass.
2. Pour a small amount of chamoy onto a plate and chili powder onto a second plate.
3. Dip the rim of the coupe into the chamoy, then into the chili powder to create an even rim.
4. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
5. Add the cucumber vodka, lime juice, simple syrup, Tabasco, and a small pinch of chili powder.
6. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
7. Strain into the prepared coupe glass.
8. Garnish with a lime wheel.
9. Enjoy!
Board Certified Criminal Defense
I
ARTICLE BY PAULI REEP
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
There is little more satisfying to your sweet tooth than ooey-gooey cinnamon rolls. Here is an easy and fun way to make this tearable, shareable treat!
CINNAMON MONKEY BREAD IS A FUN DESSERT FOR CHILDREN TO MAKE AND SHARE!
AROUND
INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 3 (12 oz.) cans of buttermilk biscuits
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Generously coat the inside of a bundt pan with cooking spray or butter. Melt the butter in a pot or bowl. Mix the sugars and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
Open one can of biscuits, separate, and cut each into four sections. Next, roll each quarter into a ball and then put each one into the sugar mixture to coat. Place the balls in the bundt pan in a single layer and drizzle a little melted butter evenly over the top. Repeat with the other two cans of biscuits. Sprinkle the remaining sugar mixture over the top and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Be sure to let cool for a minute or two before turning the bread onto a plate and carefully removing the pan. If you leave the monkey bread in the pan much longer, it will stick and be hard to remove.
I sometimes make icing, a few tablespoons of milk, to about 1/2 cup of powdered sugar with a splash of vanilla.
Drizzle over the top while warm and enjoy!
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ARTICLE BY KRISTY BELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Ready to give this childhood classic the upgrade it deserves? Whether you’re packing your kid’s lunch or treating yourself to something special, these elevated PB&J creations will make anyone excited for lunchtime.
THE ART OF THE UPSCALE
The secret to an elevated PB&J isn’t complicated—it’s all about premium ingredients and creative combinations. Swap that white bread for artisanal sourdough, brioche, or even croissants. Trade processed jelly for fresh fruit compotes, gourmet preserves, or actual fresh berries that burst with flavor.
Quality nut butters make all the difference. Think creamy almond butter, rich cashew spread, or that perfectly salted natural peanut butter from the farmer’s market. These simple swaps instantly elevate your sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary.
Bread Options
• Artisanal sourdough
• Brioche
• Croissants
• Multigrain bread
• Cinnamon raisin bread
• Hawaiian sweet bread
• Whole wheat bread
• Thick-cut bread (for open-face)
Nut & Seed Butters
• Natural peanut butter
• Almond butter
• Dark chocolate almond butter
• Cashew butter
• Coconut butter
• Nutella
Fresh Fruits
• Strawberries
• Fresh blueberries
• Fresh raspberries
• Fresh peaches
• Kiwi
• Mixed berries
• Bananas
• Pears
Preserves & Sweet Spreads
• Honey
• Fig jam
• Mango preserves
• Raspberry preserves
• Grape jelly
• Marshmallow cream
Toppings & Add-ins
• Fresh mint leaves
• Granola
• Toasted coconut flakes
• Cream cheese
• Everything bagel seasoning
• Dark Chocolate Syrup
TRANSFORM YOUR HUMBLE PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY SANDWICH FROM LUNCH BOX BASIC TO GOURMET GREATNESS
COMBOS TO Try:
The Sophisticated Sweet: Nutella, sliced strawberries, and a drizzle of honey on brioche bread
The Panini Perfection: Peanut butter, fresh blueberries, and marshmallow cream pressed between sourdough slices
The Beautiful Mess: Your favorite nut butter topped with sliced fresh peaches, kiwi, or berries, then drizzled with golden honey or sprinkled with toasted coconut on thick-cut bread
The Grown-Up Classic: Almond butter, fig jam, and thinly sliced pears on multigrain bread
The Breakfast Crossover: Cashew butter, sliced bananas, and a sprinkle of granola on cinnamon raisin bread
The Tropical Twist: Coconut butter, mango preserves, and toasted coconut flakes on Hawaiian sweet bread
The Chocolate Dream: Dark chocolate almond butter, raspberry preserves, and fresh mint leaves on whole wheat
The Savory Surprise: Natural peanut butter, grape jelly, and a thin layer of cream cheese with everything bagel seasoning
PRO TIPS FOR LUNCHBOX SUCCESS
Toast your bread lightly for extra texture, even if you’re making it ahead. Create a barrier with your spread to prevent soggy sandwiches—apply nut butter to both sides, then add your sweet elements in the middle. Pack fresh elements separately and assemble just before eating when possible.
Cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters, wrap in parchment paper tied with twine, or pack in a bento box with complementary sides like apple slices, fancy crackers, or dark chocolate squares.
THE BOTTOM LINE
An elevated PB&J proves that sometimes the best meals come from taking something familiar and making it special. These upgraded versions will have everyone asking for the recipe—and maybe even offering to trade lunches.
AUGUST 2ND
Summer Croc Show at Animal World & Snake Farm
5640 I-35, New Braunfels, TX 78132 | 3:00 PM
Get ready for some wild summer fun at the Summer Croc Show at Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo. Watch director Jarrod hand-feed crocodilians during this action-packed live show. Zoo admission starts at $19.99 for kids and $24.99 for adults, with discounts available for seniors and military families.
AUGUST 7TH
The Peddler Show Returns to New Braunfels
375 S. Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130 | 12:00 PM
Shop more than 70 curated small-business vendors at The Peddler Show, returning to the New Braunfels Civic & Convention Center August 7-9. Hours are different each shopping day. Browse handmade goods, home décor, fashion, gifts, gourmet treats, and more. General admission is $10 for a weekend pass. Children 12 and under are free.
AUGUST 8TH
Keepsake Artist Signing at New Braunfels Town Center
261 Creekside Way, New Braunfels, TX 78130 | 10:00 AM
Meet acclaimed Hallmark Keepsake artists Gregor Benedetti and Sam Bassett at Trudy’s Hallmark in New Braunfels on August 8. Enjoy ornament signings, exclusive giveaways, and a chance to connect with the artists behind your favorite Keepsake creations. Admission is free.
realty report
This data is a sampling of sold properties from June 2026. Source: SABOR (San Antonio Board of Realtors).
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AUGUST 14TH
Hudson Westbrook at Whitewater Amphitheater
11860 FM 306, New Braunfels, TX 78130 | 6:30 PM
Catch rising Texas country star Hudson Westbrook for two nights at Whitewater Amphitheater on August 14–15. Known for his fresh take on country storytelling, Westbrook brings an energetic live show to one of the Hill Country’s premier outdoor venues. Ticket prices vary and doors open at 6:30 p.m. The show starts at 8:00 p.m.
AUGUST 19TH
Traveling Trade Show (TTS) Thank You Day
801 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels, TX 78130 | 10:00 AM
Traveling Trade Show (TTS) New Braunfels presents a "Thank You" day with giveaways. This four-hour community giveaway will honor everyone who has chosen to do business with the amazing companies and individuals in our community. This special day of giving back is perfect for all neighbors and friends, from families to veterans and caregivers.
AUGUST 29TH
End of Summer
Yoga & Soundbath
26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd., San Antonio, TX 78266 | 8:30 AM
Experience a peaceful morning of yoga 180 feet underground at Natural Bridge Caverns. Led by Winzer Van Delden, this all-levels gentle flow class includes a restorative sound bath in the cavern’s stunning Ballroom, plus a guided walk through Hidden Cavern. Tickets are $44.99. Capacity is limited to 65 participants. Bring your own yoga mat.
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