Online at: NewBraunfelsMagazine · 20 Marrying for Love...Not Money! 23 Recipe from Encanto Grill 24 Camp Bullis: Meet Your Neighbor 28 San Antonio Family Helps Fight Against Terrorism

1Online at: NewBraunfelsMagazine.com

2 Online at: NewBraunfelsMagazine.com





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New Braunfels Magazine is published by Community Circular Magazines, a subsidiary product of White-Frisbie Media. It is provided for the enjoyment and education of its readership. � e information presented in this magazine is believed to be true at the time of publishing. Community Circular Magazines does not guarantee or warranty any of the services or products produced by the companies represented herein.

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contents10 New Braunfels Couple Has Deep Roots and High Ambitions in Community16 Have Dog. Will Travel.20 Marrying for Love...Not Money!23 Recipe from Encanto Grill24 Camp Bullis: Meet Your Neighbor28 San Antonio Family Helps Fight Against Terrorism31 Finding the Right Personal Trainer32 Flight to the North Pole36 Exhibit Celebrates UTSA’s First Football Season40 New Braunfels Railroad Museum44 Can Ban Galvanizes Community46 2 S-D, Inc: Dedicated Service in Building & Remodeling48 New Braunfels Toddler is Still Missing50 Historic San Antonio Street Bridge on Track for Rehabilitation53 Investing in the Future: Communities Helping Students 59 Puzzle Page

New Braunfels Magazine is a periodical published for the enjoyment of the greater New Braunfels area. � e magazine is intended to cover entertaining and informative topics that are of interest to the New Braunfels area community. � e magazine is not a� liated with the City of New Braunfels or any other government agency and is supported by its advertisers.

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Like many modern married couples, Bruce Boyer and his wife Toya Ohlrich met while pursuing very busy, successful careers. Toya is a fi fth

generation native of New Braunfels’ founding families. Bruce grew up in Houston and is an SMU educated lawyer with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. He moved to town in the mid-70s as counsel for Texas State Representative Bennie Bock and worked in his law practice.

Toya is proud of her heritage and loves being from New Braunfels. Her ancestors immigrated to Texas from Germany in mid-1840s. Toya said the original group of settlers landed in Indianola and had planned to travel to

the Fischer-Miller Land Grant which later became the Llano area. Because of the War with Mexico and the shortage of wagons and horses, the trip inland to the Grant land proved to be too far to traverse by foot. Fortunately, Prince Solms of Braunfels, Germany was able to locate and secure land around Comal Springs from Juan Martin de Veramendi of San Antonio.

Th is turned out to be the best thing that could have happened. Toya said. New Braunfels enjoys prodigious natural springs, rich farmland, the alluring Hill Country and it is located on a natural trade route between Austin and San Antonio. Th ese traits remain at the heart of why New Braunfels is one of the fastest growing communities

along the “golden corridor.” Toya’s father, Jack Ohlrich, was a rancher who survived the “Drought of Record” in the 50s. Later on, he transitioned into real estate and was elected mayor. Little did Toya know, she would one day go from being New Braunfels’ fi rst daughter to its fi rst lady.

Upon fi rst arriving in the city, Bruce joined the Chamber of Commerce and contributed to a thriving private legal practice. He has served as an attorney for Guada-Coma Savings and Loan and New Braunfels Savings and Loan. In addition, he has long been the attorney for the New Braunfels/Canyon Lake Association of Realtors. He has been certifi ed in residential real estate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1983. He also has served as assistant county attorney, assistant district attorney and as city prosecutor for 22 years.

Toya had been a Realtor for ten years when she earned her broker’s license in 1982. She became one of the fi rst investors in Bruce’s new title company in 1985. Th ey had been family friends for many years, attending the same church, were active in many of the same organizations and clubs and were passionate about the growth of New Braunfels. Toya and Bruce married in 2000 and have three grown daughters and fi ve grandchildren between them.

Bruce recently completed two terms as Mayor of New Braunfels (2005-2011). Bruce sings Toya’s praises and says that all they have achieved they have done together. “She is very accomplished in her own right and we work as a team,” Bruce beamed. Toya is one of the top Realtors in the area and has received many awards to her credit, including having been featured for years in the San Antonio Business Journal.

Now they are working together on Bruce’s bid to be the next 22nd State District Judge. Bruce believes his experience as

mayor, bringing diverse interests in the city together to achieve consensus gave him invaluable expertise as a mediator and dispute settler for the city.

While he was Mayor of New Braunfels the city’s budgeting process was changed, allowing more projects to be planned and completed without raising property taxes. Bruce said the expansion of the Civic Center, the South Tributary Drainage Project, the Churchill Drainage Project and the widening and extension of Walnut Street were largely the result of the budgeting changes made while he was in offi ce.

Bruce said that being mayor highlighted his desire to continue to serve the community and make a diff erence in the lives of its citizens. He has practiced law for 35 years and was a prosecutor for more than 20 and would like to continue his public service as district judge in the tri-county area.

“As mayor I showed that I listened to all points of view and was willing to make the tough decisions to allow the city to be well positioned for the future. While the role of a judge is somewhat diff erent and judges may have diff erent styles, due to my life experience I will preside with common sense, in a fair, yet fi rm manner, as the circumstances dictate.”

As a real estate attorney, Bruce said “you’re dealing proactively with business aspects of people’s lives.” But he has also spent a lifetime volunteering in the community. Th ese activities, combined with his experience as a prosecutor, allow him to bring a broader perspective to the bench than the other Republican candidates running for election in the March 2012 primary.

Together, Bruce and Toya look forward to years of continued service to the community they love. Th ey both believe “that to whom much is given, much is expected.”

Online at: NewBraunfelsMagazine.com10


Like many modern married couples, Bruce Boyer and his wife Toya Ohlrich met while pursuing very busy, successful careers. Toya is a fi fth

generation native of New Braunfels’ founding families. Bruce grew up in Houston and is an SMU educated lawyer with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. He moved to town in the mid-70s as counsel for Texas State Representative Bennie Bock and worked in his law practice.

Toya is proud of her heritage and loves being from New Braunfels. Her ancestors immigrated to Texas from Germany in mid-1840s. Toya said the original group of settlers landed in Indianola and had planned to travel to

the Fischer-Miller Land Grant which later became the Llano area. Because of the War with Mexico and the shortage of wagons and horses, the trip inland to the Grant land proved to be too far to traverse by foot. Fortunately, Prince Solms of Braunfels, Germany was able to locate and secure land around Comal Springs from Juan Martin de Veramendi of San Antonio.

Th is turned out to be the best thing that could have happened. Toya said. New Braunfels enjoys prodigious natural springs, rich farmland, the alluring Hill Country and it is located on a natural trade route between Austin and San Antonio. Th ese traits remain at the heart of why New Braunfels is one of the fastest growing communities

along the “golden corridor.” Toya’s father, Jack Ohlrich, was a rancher who survived the “Drought of Record” in the 50s. Later on, he transitioned into real estate and was elected mayor. Little did Toya know, she would one day go from being New Braunfels’ fi rst daughter to its fi rst lady.

Upon fi rst arriving in the city, Bruce joined the Chamber of Commerce and contributed to a thriving private legal practice. He has served as an attorney for Guada-Coma Savings and Loan and New Braunfels Savings and Loan. In addition, he has long been the attorney for the New Braunfels/Canyon Lake Association of Realtors. He has been certifi ed in residential real estate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1983. He also has served as assistant county attorney, assistant district attorney and as city prosecutor for 22 years.

Toya had been a Realtor for ten years when she earned her broker’s license in 1982. She became one of the fi rst investors in Bruce’s new title company in 1985. Th ey had been family friends for many years, attending the same church, were active in many of the same organizations and clubs and were passionate about the growth of New Braunfels. Toya and Bruce married in 2000 and have three grown daughters and fi ve grandchildren between them.

Bruce recently completed two terms as Mayor of New Braunfels (2005-2011). Bruce sings Toya’s praises and says that all they have achieved they have done together. “She is very accomplished in her own right and we work as a team,” Bruce beamed. Toya is one of the top Realtors in the area and has received many awards to her credit, including having been featured for years in the San Antonio Business Journal.

Now they are working together on Bruce’s bid to be the next 22nd State District Judge. Bruce believes his experience as

mayor, bringing diverse interests in the city together to achieve consensus gave him invaluable expertise as a mediator and dispute settler for the city.

While he was Mayor of New Braunfels the city’s budgeting process was changed, allowing more projects to be planned and completed without raising property taxes. Bruce said the expansion of the Civic Center, the South Tributary Drainage Project, the Churchill Drainage Project and the widening and extension of Walnut Street were largely the result of the budgeting changes made while he was in offi ce.

Bruce said that being mayor highlighted his desire to continue to serve the community and make a diff erence in the lives of its citizens. He has practiced law for 35 years and was a prosecutor for more than 20 and would like to continue his public service as district judge in the tri-county area.

“As mayor I showed that I listened to all points of view and was willing to make the tough decisions to allow the city to be well positioned for the future. While the role of a judge is somewhat diff erent and judges may have diff erent styles, due to my life experience I will preside with common sense, in a fair, yet fi rm manner, as the circumstances dictate.”

As a real estate attorney, Bruce said “you’re dealing proactively with business aspects of people’s lives.” But he has also spent a lifetime volunteering in the community. Th ese activities, combined with his experience as a prosecutor, allow him to bring a broader perspective to the bench than the other Republican candidates running for election in the March 2012 primary.

Together, Bruce and Toya look forward to years of continued service to the community they love. Th ey both believe “that to whom much is given, much is expected.”

Online at: NewBraunfelsMagazine.com 11






Th e number of times a dog actually has to ‘bite’ is really quite small, despite what is depicted on television.

In his 25 years of police work, and 18 years in the K-9 unit, Spence says he has hundreds of captures, and only three ‘bites.’ It seems criminals want to avoid the clutches of a German Shepherd’s enormous 850 psi jaw strength.

“Th e last person who was bitten was armed and dangerous, wanted on previous robberies, and was high on cocaine and heroin. He made a bad choice. Th is was six years ago,” says Spence. “Hero, my current partner, has over 100 captures to his credit in fi ve years of service, and no bites.”

Hero did have a big day last March, when he detected the ‘transfer odor of drugs’ on $299,800 in cash that was hidden in the bed of a pickup truck on a traffi c stop. Monies seized in these operations are returned to the department, and a portion of it reaches the K-9 Unit, where it is used for training and equipment.

One aspect of the K-9 unit’s job is the public relations role these dogs play in the community. Many times, the dogs are used in school presentations and at community events, to show their talents and skills. Th ey are approachable and friendly when not ‘on duty.’

Perhaps part of the credit for this laid-back attitude goes to the police offi cers, who tend their charges full time. “Th at is something that people often don’t understand about a K-9 unit,” Spence says. “We take our dogs home with us. We don’t have a central kennel where they are all kept. Th ey are not ‘pets’ exactly. Th ey are working dogs, but they are very safe around families. Th ese are very intelligent, stable dogs. Almost all of the offi cers in the unit have children, and we consider these dogs part of the family.”

But part of that trade off is that they’re always on call, 24/7, 365 days per year. Th ey are never really off duty. If a call comes in, they go.

“But don’t get me wrong!” he continues. “We love our jobs and we love our special assignment. Watching these dogs work is amazing.”

“I truly have the best job in the police department, the best unit, the best employer,” says Cpl. Spence with obvious admiration for his entire team. “And most of all, I have the best partner.”

T hat could be the motto of the New Braunfels Police Department’s K-9 Unit.

Th ese fabulous German Shepherds are doing their share of the work to keep area citizens safe, and loving every minute of it. Th e K-9 program has been in place since 1991. Not only do they serve the New Braunfels area, they are on call 24 hours a day, and have traveled as far as Llano, Fredericksburg, and Nixon to assist other law enforcement agencies with the K-9s.

“What we would consider ‘work’ is play to them,” says Corporal Bill Spence, K-9 Unit Supervisor. “Th eir ancestors hunted to survive, so when they catch their prey, they get enormous satisfaction from that work. Th ey make our jobs so much easier and safer.”

Th e use of K-9 partners reduces injuries to human offi cers and suspects, saving police departments untold dollars each year. When a K-9 Unit dog is used in a search, enormous amounts of time are

saved. If they were called to the high school, for example, offi cers might spend three hours searching a particular area. Dog patrols

can search the same area in about 45 minutes and detect drugs, the suspect, and even pinpoint the location of the

suspect in the facility.“We are so grateful that Police Chief Tom Wibert recognizes the benefi ts of the program,” he

continues. “He doubled the size of the program when he came on board and wants to add to

it. He sees the value of the K-9 program, through both increased offi cer safety

and crime reduction.”

Th ere are four German Shepherds currently in service: Hero, partner of Cpl. Bill Spence; Hondo, partner of Ptl. Chris Scott; Niko, partner of Ptl. Jason Tucker; and Bak, partner of Ptl. Jack Kuhl. Two of the dogs are from the Czech Republic and the two newest dogs are from Hungary. European dogs are chosen for strength and structure, as well as superior intelligence and loyalty. Dogs are usually placed into service when approximately two years old, and tend to work for 6 – 8 years.

Th ese dogs are trained to ‘locate’ – whether that means people, evidence or drugs. Th ey are continually trained to detect a variety of drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and methamphetamines.

Th ey also ‘locate’ suspects through scent tracking. An example of their successful use involved the location of an elderly Alzheimer’s patient who had wandered away from his care facility. After the staff and family had searched for several hours, the K-9 unit was dispatched, and located the man in less than 20 minutes, ensuring his safe return to the facility.

Corporal Spence is quick to highlight the many successes of the dogs and offi cers in his unit. He maintains that they are all part of a great team, working together for the good of the community.

By using canine help, police offi cers are able to deter criminal activity. Most of the time, a suspect will choose to surrender, rather than take his chances with one of the K-9 Unit dogs.

“Th e suspect will say, ‘I give up! Give me the cuff s and I’ll put them on myself, just please don’t release that dog!” says Spence. “Th at makes our job so much safer.”

Left to right: Cpl. Bill Spence with K-9 partner Hero, Ptl. Chris Scott with K-9 partner Hondo, NB Police Chief Tom Wibert, Ptl. Jason Tucker with K-9 partner Niko, Ptl. Jack Kuhl with K-9 partner Bak

Ptl. Tucker with Niko as he identifi es hidden drugs in the taillight of a semi truck trailer

Ptl. Scott kneels with Hondo and a 1st Place Patrol Dog plaque awarded by the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association in 2011

Ptl. Kuhl with K-9 partner Bak

Ptl. Tucker demonstrates an exercise with K-9 Hondo who was released from the vehicle by a remote door opener to detain a suspect



Th e number of times a dog actually has to ‘bite’ is really quite small, despite what is depicted on television.

In his 25 years of police work, and 18 years in the K-9 unit, Spence says he has hundreds of captures, and only three ‘bites.’ It seems criminals want to avoid the clutches of a German Shepherd’s enormous 850 psi jaw strength.

“Th e last person who was bitten was armed and dangerous, wanted on previous robberies, and was high on cocaine and heroin. He made a bad choice. Th is was six years ago,” says Spence. “Hero, my current partner, has over 100 captures to his credit in fi ve years of service, and no bites.”

Hero did have a big day last March, when he detected the ‘transfer odor of drugs’ on $299,800 in cash that was hidden in the bed of a pickup truck on a traffi c stop. Monies seized in these operations are returned to the department, and a portion of it reaches the K-9 Unit, where it is used for training and equipment.

One aspect of the K-9 unit’s job is the public relations role these dogs play in the community. Many times, the dogs are used in school presentations and at community events, to show their talents and skills. Th ey are approachable and friendly when not ‘on duty.’

Perhaps part of the credit for this laid-back attitude goes to the police offi cers, who tend their charges full time. “Th at is something that people often don’t understand about a K-9 unit,” Spence says. “We take our dogs home with us. We don’t have a central kennel where they are all kept. Th ey are not ‘pets’ exactly. Th ey are working dogs, but they are very safe around families. Th ese are very intelligent, stable dogs. Almost all of the offi cers in the unit have children, and we consider these dogs part of the family.”

But part of that trade off is that they’re always on call, 24/7, 365 days per year. Th ey are never really off duty. If a call comes in, they go.

“But don’t get me wrong!” he continues. “We love our jobs and we love our special assignment. Watching these dogs work is amazing.”

“I truly have the best job in the police department, the best unit, the best employer,” says Cpl. Spence with obvious admiration for his entire team. “And most of all, I have the best partner.”

T hat could be the motto of the New Braunfels Police Department’s K-9 Unit.

Th ese fabulous German Shepherds are doing their share of the work to keep area citizens safe, and loving every minute of it. Th e K-9 program has been in place since 1991. Not only do they serve the New Braunfels area, they are on call 24 hours a day, and have traveled as far as Llano, Fredericksburg, and Nixon to assist other law enforcement agencies with the K-9s.

“What we would consider ‘work’ is play to them,” says Corporal Bill Spence, K-9 Unit Supervisor. “Th eir ancestors hunted to survive, so when they catch their prey, they get enormous satisfaction from that work. Th ey make our jobs so much easier and safer.”

Th e use of K-9 partners reduces injuries to human offi cers and suspects, saving police departments untold dollars each year. When a K-9 Unit dog is used in a search, enormous amounts of time are

saved. If they were called to the high school, for example, offi cers might spend three hours searching a particular area. Dog patrols

can search the same area in about 45 minutes and detect drugs, the suspect, and even pinpoint the location of the

suspect in the facility.“We are so grateful that Police Chief Tom Wibert recognizes the benefi ts of the program,” he

continues. “He doubled the size of the program when he came on board and wants to add to

it. He sees the value of the K-9 program, through both increased offi cer safety

and crime reduction.”

Th ere are four German Shepherds currently in service: Hero, partner of Cpl. Bill Spence; Hondo, partner of Ptl. Chris Scott; Niko, partner of Ptl. Jason Tucker; and Bak, partner of Ptl. Jack Kuhl. Two of the dogs are from the Czech Republic and the two newest dogs are from Hungary. European dogs are chosen for strength and structure, as well as superior intelligence and loyalty. Dogs are usually placed into service when approximately two years old, and tend to work for 6 – 8 years.

Th ese dogs are trained to ‘locate’ – whether that means people, evidence or drugs. Th ey are continually trained to detect a variety of drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and methamphetamines.

Th ey also ‘locate’ suspects through scent tracking. An example of their successful use involved the location of an elderly Alzheimer’s patient who had wandered away from his care facility. After the staff and family had searched for several hours, the K-9 unit was dispatched, and located the man in less than 20 minutes, ensuring his safe return to the facility.

Corporal Spence is quick to highlight the many successes of the dogs and offi cers in his unit. He maintains that they are all part of a great team, working together for the good of the community.

By using canine help, police offi cers are able to deter criminal activity. Most of the time, a suspect will choose to surrender, rather than take his chances with one of the K-9 Unit dogs.

“Th e suspect will say, ‘I give up! Give me the cuff s and I’ll put them on myself, just please don’t release that dog!” says Spence. “Th at makes our job so much safer.”

Left to right: Cpl. Bill Spence with K-9 partner Hero, Ptl. Chris Scott with K-9 partner Hondo, NB Police Chief Tom Wibert, Ptl. Jason Tucker with K-9 partner Niko, Ptl. Jack Kuhl with K-9 partner Bak

Ptl. Tucker with Niko as he identifi es hidden drugs in the taillight of a semi truck trailer

Ptl. Scott kneels with Hondo and a 1st Place Patrol Dog plaque awarded by the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association in 2011

Ptl. Kuhl with K-9 partner Bak

Ptl. Tucker demonstrates an exercise with K-9 Hondo who was released from the vehicle by a remote door opener to detain a suspect




Have you ever wondered what might happen to your estate if you died and your spouse remarried?

e following is one of the most tragic stories that I have heard in my 30 years as a lawyer.

Several years ago a couple, Don and Judy, came into my o� ce to discuss their estate planning goals. When I asked them what it was that was motivating them to do their planning, Don sadly shook his head and began telling me the following story:

“Jim, I grew up as the only child of my hard-working parents. My great grandfather immigrated to South Texas from Germany in the 1800’s.

roughout my childhood, and as a young man, I worked alongside of my father on our ranch. I can still hear him saying to me with pride, “Someday this will all be yours, son.”

It was a hard life, and money was tight, but we always had enough. My parents taught me how to work hard and they taught me to always be careful with money.

Life went on just fi ne through the years until one day, several years ago, my mother got sick and died. Dad stayed on the ranch as long as he could, but eventually he moved into an assisted living facility nearby. While he was at the assisted living facility, my father met a woman, Helen, to whom he grew very attached. Within no time my dad started talking about getting married to Helen.

ere wasn’t anything that I could do about it. Dad married Helen and seemed happy enough. About three months later, my father became very ill. He died in his sleep, with Helen by his side.

A few days after the funeral, I found out that while he was at the assisted living facility, my father signed a new will–leaving all of his assets to his new wife, Helen. I immediately hired a lawyer to help me try to unravel this mess.

Jim, I went to the probate court and tried to prove that my father lacked capacity or that he signed his new will under duress – but I lost. Meanwhile, during the litigation, Helen had a heart attack and died. Helen’s will left everything to her two daughters. Helen’s daughters now own the ranch that had been in my family for over 150 years. Oh, and by the way,” Don Said, “did I mention that the ranch was located on one of the four corners of a major intersection on Loop 1604? When I lost the ranch, it had already become a multi-million dollar commercial property!

We’re here today, because we don’t want anything like this nightmare to happen to our kids when we die.”

After expressing my sympathy to Don for his tragedy, I explained to Judy and him that most of my clients have arranged their a� airs like my wife and I have arranged ours. I explained that when I die, my half of our community property will be left in trust for my wife. She will be the trustee and the benefi ciary of the trust. She gets to use the income that the trust produces and if she needs the principal, she can use that too. But if my wife chooses to remarry she will lose her interest in the trust unless she gets a prenuptial agreement with her new spouse.

e new spouse has to agree that he will never make a claim against the trust assets that I leave for her – or against her assets. I don’t mind if she gets remarried, I just want to make sure that her new spouse is marrying for love–and not money!

When I explained this option to Don and Judy, they looked at at’s what

ey had come into my o� ce discouraged at what had happened to them, but they left with a new confi dence that their children would never have to experience the type of tragedy they had gone through.

If you would like to learn more about protecting your spouse and children through thoughtful estate planning, call us at (210) 651-3851 for a complimentary initial consultation.

Marrying For Love … Not Money!By Attorney James N. Voeller

The Voeller Law Firm19311 FM 2252 San Antonio, TX 78266

Phone: (210) 651-3851 email: [email protected]

Online at: CommunityCircular.com


Have you ever wondered what might happen to your estate if you died and your spouse remarried?

e following is one of the most tragic stories that I have heard in my 30 years as a lawyer.

Several years ago a couple, Don and Judy, came into my o� ce to discuss their estate planning goals. When I asked them what it was that was motivating them to do their planning, Don sadly shook his head and began telling me the following story:

“Jim, I grew up as the only child of my hard-working parents. My great grandfather immigrated to South Texas from Germany in the 1800’s.

roughout my childhood, and as a young man, I worked alongside of my father on our ranch. I can still hear him saying to me with pride, “Someday this will all be yours, son.”

It was a hard life, and money was tight, but we always had enough. My parents taught me how to work hard and they taught me to always be careful with money.

Life went on just fi ne through the years until one day, several years ago, my mother got sick and died. Dad stayed on the ranch as long as he could, but eventually he moved into an assisted living facility nearby. While he was at the assisted living facility, my father met a woman, Helen, to whom he grew very attached. Within no time my dad started talking about getting married to Helen.

ere wasn’t anything that I could do about it. Dad married Helen and seemed happy enough. About three months later, my father became very ill. He died in his sleep, with Helen by his side.

A few days after the funeral, I found out that while he was at the assisted living facility, my father signed a new will–leaving all of his assets to his new wife, Helen. I immediately hired a lawyer to help me try to unravel this mess.

Jim, I went to the probate court and tried to prove that my father lacked capacity or that he signed his new will under duress – but I lost. Meanwhile, during the litigation, Helen had a heart attack and died. Helen’s will left everything to her two daughters. Helen’s daughters now own the ranch that had been in my family for over 150 years. Oh, and by the way,” Don Said, “did I mention that the ranch was located on one of the four corners of a major intersection on Loop 1604? When I lost the ranch, it had already become a multi-million dollar commercial property!

We’re here today, because we don’t want anything like this nightmare to happen to our kids when we die.”

After expressing my sympathy to Don for his tragedy, I explained to Judy and him that most of my clients have arranged their a� airs like my wife and I have arranged ours. I explained that when I die, my half of our community property will be left in trust for my wife. She will be the trustee and the benefi ciary of the trust. She gets to use the income that the trust produces and if she needs the principal, she can use that too. But if my wife chooses to remarry she will lose her interest in the trust unless she gets a prenuptial agreement with her new spouse.

e new spouse has to agree that he will never make a claim against the trust assets that I leave for her – or against her assets. I don’t mind if she gets remarried, I just want to make sure that her new spouse is marrying for love–and not money!

When I explained this option to Don and Judy, they looked at at’s what

ey had come into my o� ce discouraged at what had happened to them, but they left with a new confi dence that their children would never have to experience the type of tragedy they had gone through.

If you would like to learn more about protecting your spouse and children through thoughtful estate planning, call us at (210) 651-3851 for a complimentary initial consultation.

Marrying For Love … Not Money!By Attorney James N. Voeller

The Voeller Law Firm19311 FM 2252 San Antonio, TX 78266

Phone: (210) 651-3851 email: [email protected]


Chicken Breast MarinadeJuice of 2 medium size lemons (strain for no pulp or seeds) Juice of 2 medium size oranges, Valencia preferred (strain for no pulp or seeds) 1⁄4 cup of olive oil 1 garlic clove, smashed and chopped 1 teaspoon of fresh, cracked black pepper 1⁄4 teaspoon of Mexican oregano 1⁄2 teaspoon of meat tenderizer (make sure tenderizer has papian as ingredient)

Directions: Place 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast (about 6-7 oz each) in a large shallow pan. 1. Squeeze the juice from the lemon halves and oranges into a separate bowl, then 2. whisk in the oil, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper or place all ingredients in a blender and blend for about 20 seconds Pour this marinade over the chicken. Place the lemon halves in between the chicken 3. breasts, cover the pan tightly. Refrigerate 6 hours or overnight. Grill the chicken, occasionally turning and brushing with any remaining marinade 4. until the juice runs clear or the inner temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Remove from the grill and place on a plate and pour cream sauce (see recipe below) over chicken breast.

Chipotle Cream Sauce Recipe16 oz heavy whipping cream 1⁄4 cup of white wine (Chardonnay or Pinot Gris) 1 tablespoon of shallot, fi nely minced (substitute white onion)1 tablespoon olive oil 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic, fi nely minced3 oz of chipotle chiles in adobo sauce 8 oz chicken stock, warmed before adding 2 tablespoon of roux (see recipe below) 1⁄4 teaspoon of white pepper Kosher salt to taste

Directions: In a medium sauce pan at medium high heat, add olive oil and simmer 1. pan (to coat entire pan with oil) Add shallots and garlic. Sweat for about 2 minutes, and stir with a 2. spoon.Deglaze pan with white wine and reduce by half (about 2-3 minutes) 3. Add cream and warm chicken stock. Bring to a light simmer. 4. Add chipotle peppers with adobo sauce5. Simmer sauce on low heat for about 5 minutes 6. Add white pepper and salt, if needed.7. Using a hand mixer, blend entire sauce until smooth. (If using a 8. blender instead, do not cover entire blender with cap, allow steam to escape to prevent sauce from overfl owing.) Adjust seasoning or add more chile peppers, if more heat is desired (be 9. sure to blend again). Th icken sauce with roux (see below).10.

Roux Recipe2 tablespoons of butter2 tablespoons of all-purpose fl our

Directions: Place butter in a small sauté pan at medium high heat.1. Melt butter until foamy.2. Add fl our and whisk until fl our and butter are incorporated.3. Set aside for later use.4.

With holiday gatherings just around the corner, delicious recipes take center stage. Although roasted

turkey, ham, and veggie casseroles are tried-and-true choices, surprise your guests this year with a recipe by George Ojeda, Executive Chef at Encanto Mexican Grill. “It’s a great dish for the fall because it can be made on a cold winter day to warm up and turkey breast can be used instead of chicken breast,” said Chef George. Th e creamy and spicy dish pairs well with white rice and sautéed vegetables. If you’re out of time or simply want to try it out before attempting the recipe at home, dash into Encanto Mexican Grill for a taste.



24 Online at: NewBraunfelsMagazine.comOnline at: CommunityCircular.com

25Online at: NewBraunfelsMagazine.comOnline at: CommunityCircular.com


For many years, Jefferson Bank has been committed to promoting homeownership in our community, providing mortgages, home improvement and home equity loans, and special financing programs for the citizens of Bexar and surrounding counties.

Whether you are buying a home, building or improving a home or refinancing a mortgage, you will experience service at its finest. Our mortgage specialists have a wide range of competitive products and can help you find the one that meets your special circumstances.

•Conventional Fixed Rate Mortgages

•Adjustable Rate Mortgages

•Portfolio Loans

•Home Improvement Loans

•Home Equity Loans

•Construction Loans

•Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA)

•Veteran Administration Loans (VA)

jeffersonbank.com

Jefferson Bank is here to meet all your home loan needs.This is personal to us.

For more information, visit jeffersonbank.com or call (210) 736-7700 today.


For many years, Jefferson Bank has been committed to promoting homeownership in our community, providing mortgages, home improvement and home equity loans, and special financing programs for the citizens of Bexar and surrounding counties.

Whether you are buying a home, building or improving a home or refinancing a mortgage, you will experience service at its finest. Our mortgage specialists have a wide range of competitive products and can help you find the one that meets your special circumstances.

•Conventional Fixed Rate Mortgages

•Adjustable Rate Mortgages

•Portfolio Loans

•Home Improvement Loans

•Home Equity Loans

•Construction Loans

•Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA)

•Veteran Administration Loans (VA)

jeffersonbank.com

Jefferson Bank is here to meet all your home loan needs.This is personal to us.

For more information, visit jeffersonbank.com or call (210) 736-7700 today.


“I saw a story on the news about the puppies being bred at Lackland and it intrigued me,” recalls Mike. “I thought it was a great way to give back to this country and do my part in the fi ght against terrorism.”

Soon, the Reinerts became one of hundreds of families who are playing a vital role in the Canine Breeding and Development Center’s Puppy Program. Th ey became foster parents to 10-week-old Quick, an energetic, black Labrador Retriever who would call their Stone Oak residence “home” for the next eight months.

“I am held in awe of all the volunteers who have done so much for this program,” said Scott Th omas, CBDC program manager. “I can never express strongly enough how the backbone of this program is our volunteers, who are to me our heroes.”

Th omas runs the 10-year-old program out of Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. A division of the Transportation Security Administration, the program is part of a global eff ort to breed working explosives detection dogs. Center offi cials are breeding

better detector dogs to work at airports, ferry terminals and rail stations, while regular

citizens are performing a vital part by serving as foster families

for the puppies until one year of age. In addition to protecting our nation’s mass-transit systems, puppies bred and raised in the TSA puppy program have gone on to provide security for Air Force One.

In order to keep program offi cials on task and constantly reminded of the role these dogs play in our national security, each dog is named after someone who lost their life in the 9/11 attacks or soldiers who have paid the ultimate price in the fi ght against terrorism overseas. Quick was named after Army Sgt. Marquees A. Quick, a 28-year-old soldier from Alabama who was killed Aug. 19, 2006 in Ramadi, Iraq, when his unit came under a grenade attack on a mission.

As “Puppywalkers,” the Reinerts main responsibility was to socialize Quick and get him comfortable around people. From walks in crowded parking lots to monthly trips to area car shows, Quick quickly became accustomed to the diff erent sights and sounds of the traveling public; a skill that he would eventually put to use on the job.

“We love going to car shows, so Quick would come with us,” explained Mike. “It worked for us and fell right into what we liked to do on the weekends. Just to be around bunches of people and loud noises were perfect for him. He loved to run, so we’d take him on playgrounds and near construction sites so he could learn to navigate diff erent terrain and diff erent stimuli.”

Th omas says without the dedication and commitment of foster families like the Reinerts the program would not be as successful.

“Many people think that dogs raised in a kennel environment their entire lives would be more adept when they reach the right age for training, but the opposite is the case,” said Th omas. “Our Puppywalker families are exposing these puppies to sights, sounds and scenarios across the city that we could never accomplish on a weekly basis. A kennel environment is the same day after day, but a family’s home environment is constantly changing from workday to

If you are interested in learning more about the TSA Puppy Program or want to be a volunteer Puppywalker, you can visit www.tsa.gov and enter “Puppy Program,” or call 210-671-1624.

The program depends on volunteer families in San Antonio and Austin, Texas to raise puppies from age ten weeks to 12 months, when they can enter explosives detection training. During this time, families are responsible for providing their pups with a well-rounded, socialized and nurturing environment.

The program supplies food, equipment and medical care for the puppies while in foster care. The pups are returned to the program for one week each month for medical and behavioral evaluation. The program provides feedback to the foster families on how the puppy is developing. At approximately one year of age, the pups are returned to the program to start their offi cial training.

Potential foster families must have a secure fenced yard, a vehicle in which the pup can be transported, no more than two other dogs in the home, and the time to raise a very active puppy.

Due to the overwhelming generosity of the American public, the program currently has a very lengthy waiting list to adopt a puppy. However, if you would like to be added to the list please visit www.tsa.gov and enter “Puppy Program.”

weekend, the school year to summer. It’s ideal.”Th e process certainly worked for Quick. Once the Reinerts role

was complete, Quick entered training and today is working in New Jersey for the New York Port Authority.

“I knew giving him up was part of the deal, and it was tough. It’s a family member who you’ll teach, train, and send out in the world to do good,” admitted Mike. “What I really appreciated was after he left our home and graduated from the program, program offi cials have kept in touch with us. We still get to know all the great things

Quick is doing on the job. We know, in some small way, we’re a part of that success.”

Th e Reinerts enjoyed their experience with Quick so much that they soon welcomed Noel into their home and lives as well.

“I’d do it again, because I whole-heartedly believe in what they are doing,” added Mike. “I always believe that if one of these dogs, mine or one in San Antonio, is able to save a life, that to me is what it’s all about.”

Mike and Rosa Reinert of Champion Springs were always dog people.

For years their toy poodle and loveable mutt completed their family. Th at was until they opened their home and hearts to a dog with a greater cause.

Yellow-Dogs in the TSA program, like Uvanni, are recognizable by their “uniforms.” These red vests let passers by know they are working.

Puppy Dolan is the 500th dog bred through the program. He is currently being raised by a San Antonio family.

Dogs raised through the TSA program, like Bosely, have gone on to provide security to Air Force One and the Dali Lama.

Quick is a TSA success who today keeps travelers safe inspecting cargo and bag-gage for the New York Port Authority.

Flag, one of the more than 500 dogs bred through the TSA program, is trained to keep America’s domestic traveling public safe.



“I saw a story on the news about the puppies being bred at Lackland and it intrigued me,” recalls Mike. “I thought it was a great way to give back to this country and do my part in the fi ght against terrorism.”

Soon, the Reinerts became one of hundreds of families who are playing a vital role in the Canine Breeding and Development Center’s Puppy Program. Th ey became foster parents to 10-week-old Quick, an energetic, black Labrador Retriever who would call their Stone Oak residence “home” for the next eight months.

“I am held in awe of all the volunteers who have done so much for this program,” said Scott Th omas, CBDC program manager. “I can never express strongly enough how the backbone of this program is our volunteers, who are to me our heroes.”

Th omas runs the 10-year-old program out of Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. A division of the Transportation Security Administration, the program is part of a global eff ort to breed working explosives detection dogs. Center offi cials are breeding

better detector dogs to work at airports, ferry terminals and rail stations, while regular

citizens are performing a vital part by serving as foster families

for the puppies until one year of age. In addition to protecting our nation’s mass-transit systems, puppies bred and raised in the TSA puppy program have gone on to provide security for Air Force One.

In order to keep program offi cials on task and constantly reminded of the role these dogs play in our national security, each dog is named after someone who lost their life in the 9/11 attacks or soldiers who have paid the ultimate price in the fi ght against terrorism overseas. Quick was named after Army Sgt. Marquees A. Quick, a 28-year-old soldier from Alabama who was killed Aug. 19, 2006 in Ramadi, Iraq, when his unit came under a grenade attack on a mission.

As “Puppywalkers,” the Reinerts main responsibility was to socialize Quick and get him comfortable around people. From walks in crowded parking lots to monthly trips to area car shows, Quick quickly became accustomed to the diff erent sights and sounds of the traveling public; a skill that he would eventually put to use on the job.

“We love going to car shows, so Quick would come with us,” explained Mike. “It worked for us and fell right into what we liked to do on the weekends. Just to be around bunches of people and loud noises were perfect for him. He loved to run, so we’d take him on playgrounds and near construction sites so he could learn to navigate diff erent terrain and diff erent stimuli.”

Th omas says without the dedication and commitment of foster families like the Reinerts the program would not be as successful.

“Many people think that dogs raised in a kennel environment their entire lives would be more adept when they reach the right age for training, but the opposite is the case,” said Th omas. “Our Puppywalker families are exposing these puppies to sights, sounds and scenarios across the city that we could never accomplish on a weekly basis. A kennel environment is the same day after day, but a family’s home environment is constantly changing from workday to

If you are interested in learning more about the TSA Puppy Program or want to be a volunteer Puppywalker, you can visit www.tsa.gov and enter “Puppy Program,” or call 210-671-1624.

The program depends on volunteer families in San Antonio and Austin, Texas to raise puppies from age ten weeks to 12 months, when they can enter explosives detection training. During this time, families are responsible for providing their pups with a well-rounded, socialized and nurturing environment.

The program supplies food, equipment and medical care for the puppies while in foster care. The pups are returned to the program for one week each month for medical and behavioral evaluation. The program provides feedback to the foster families on how the puppy is developing. At approximately one year of age, the pups are returned to the program to start their offi cial training.

Potential foster families must have a secure fenced yard, a vehicle in which the pup can be transported, no more than two other dogs in the home, and the time to raise a very active puppy.

Due to the overwhelming generosity of the American public, the program currently has a very lengthy waiting list to adopt a puppy. However, if you would like to be added to the list please visit www.tsa.gov and enter “Puppy Program.”

weekend, the school year to summer. It’s ideal.”Th e process certainly worked for Quick. Once the Reinerts role

was complete, Quick entered training and today is working in New Jersey for the New York Port Authority.

“I knew giving him up was part of the deal, and it was tough. It’s a family member who you’ll teach, train, and send out in the world to do good,” admitted Mike. “What I really appreciated was after he left our home and graduated from the program, program offi cials have kept in touch with us. We still get to know all the great things

Quick is doing on the job. We know, in some small way, we’re a part of that success.”

Th e Reinerts enjoyed their experience with Quick so much that they soon welcomed Noel into their home and lives as well.

“I’d do it again, because I whole-heartedly believe in what they are doing,” added Mike. “I always believe that if one of these dogs, mine or one in San Antonio, is able to save a life, that to me is what it’s all about.”

Mike and Rosa Reinert of Champion Springs were always dog people.

For years their toy poodle and loveable mutt completed their family. Th at was until they opened their home and hearts to a dog with a greater cause.

Yellow-Dogs in the TSA program, like Uvanni, are recognizable by their “uniforms.” These red vests let passers by know they are working.

Puppy Dolan is the 500th dog bred through the program. He is currently being raised by a San Antonio family.

Dogs raised through the TSA program, like Bosely, have gone on to provide security to Air Force One and the Dali Lama.

Quick is a TSA success who today keeps travelers safe inspecting cargo and bag-gage for the New York Port Authority.

Flag, one of the more than 500 dogs bred through the TSA program, is trained to keep America’s domestic traveling public safe.



flig

ht to the

Some Special Kids Visit Santa’s WorkshopBy Scott Sparks

n Saturday, December 3rd, nearly 100 excited kids will gather at a United Airlines terminal at San Antonio International Airport for a very special �ight to the North Pole to visit Santa’s Workshop. Each child may be accompanied to the airport by up to four people, but only one lucky adult gets a boarding pass to accompany their child on this magical trip.

Now in its 27th year, this annual event includes kids from “0 to 14.” Each year, up to 100 kids are chosen for this special adventure to visit Santa at his workshop because each one is ill with cancer. Let’s pray not, but this may be the last Christmas that some of these kids have outside of a hospital.This annual event is made possible by an all-volunteer partnership between the American Cancer Society, United Airlines, a private carrier, and the Alamo Heights High School Interact Club with sponsorship from the Alamo Heights Rotary Club. Local employees at the airport in San Antonio deserve a special nod to make this “Flight to the North Pole” seem as real as possible. The non-pro�t Partnership for Corporate Aviation Training plays an integral role in organizing and planning the Flight to the North Pole.

Once everyone is onboard the plane, the windows shades are drawn shut and the plane taxis around for about 20 minutes to simulate the “�ight.” While en route to the North Pole, the kids are entertained by clowns and told the story about this magical plane. Upon arrival at Santa’s Workshop (the plane actually stops inside the climate-controlled environment of a private carrier’s hangar), the kids are greeted one-by-one by none other than Mrs. Clause herself! Each child immediately receives a stu�ed toy and an elf’s hat to wear.

The kids are free to explore this huge, sparkling, magical world of Santa’s Workshop. There’s a 45-foot Christmas tree with presents galore underneath, toys and dolls may come to life at any moment, holiday music �lls the air, and everyone gets all the chicken nuggets, pizza slices and juice-boxes that they want. All adult and high school volunteers are dressed in brightly colored festive costumes and each one is there to bring joy to these special children.

A local professional clown troop called the Jolly Joeys entertains the kids

with their antics, paints their faces, and creates balloon animals. Last year, Batman and Raggedy Ann and Andy mingled among the kids, and this year, they hope to add the Spurs’ Coyote to the cast of characters. They’re also hoping to have an interactive Jack-in-the-Box this year that’s built by airport mechanics.

Thanks to the San Antonio Airport Fire Department, the kids can explore “Big Bertha,” a huge �re truck, and they can tour the spi�y equipment onboard and

the �re suits worn by during emergencies. A very long and sleek “funny car” dragster is also expected to be on hand like it was last year, and with adult supervision, the kids can play with remote-control airplanes.

Volunteers from radio station K-LOVE 91.3 play holiday music for the kids. Last year, they spotted a 5-year-old boy in a cute cowboy out�t so they played a country song for him. To everyone’s delight, this boy danced up a storm and was joined at the end by a little girl. After the song ended, the boy told the girl that he had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and the girl told him she had lymphoma. Kids being kids (but also poignantly reminding those within earshot that this was a special occasion), the boy and girl bantered for “bragging rights” about who was sickest.

Finally, a private jet called “The Nick 1” appears and the door slowly opens. It’s Santa Clause!!! Santa welcomes and thanks each child for visiting his workshop.

After each child gets special attention and Santa must leave, Mrs. Clause joins him inside The Nick 1 and the kids wave to wish them a good �ight.

Soon after, the kids board their “�ight” home with their goodies in tow and they re-join their family and friends at the terminal who’ve been waiting for their return. What a story each child now has to share about their great adventure to Santa’s Workshop in the North Pole!

If you want to donate funds

or volunteer for this event:

Call the San Antonio chapter of the American Cancer Society at 210-614-4212 and designate “Flight to the North Pole” for your donation.Or contact Connie Harrison, a volunteer (who is also Mrs. Clause at this event but that’s a secret), at 210-345-5460 or email her at [email protected].

Students from Alamo Heights HS helpwith the Flight to the North Pole.

The Jolly Joeys help brighten the day for

many children attending the event.



flig

ht to the

Some Special Kids Visit Santa’s WorkshopBy Scott Sparks

n Saturday, December 3rd, nearly 100 excited kids will gather at a United Airlines terminal at San Antonio International Airport for a very special �ight to the North Pole to visit Santa’s Workshop. Each child may be accompanied to the airport by up to four people, but only one lucky adult gets a boarding pass to accompany their child on this magical trip.

Now in its 27th year, this annual event includes kids from “0 to 14.” Each year, up to 100 kids are chosen for this special adventure to visit Santa at his workshop because each one is ill with cancer. Let’s pray not, but this may be the last Christmas that some of these kids have outside of a hospital.This annual event is made possible by an all-volunteer partnership between the American Cancer Society, United Airlines, a private carrier, and the Alamo Heights High School Interact Club with sponsorship from the Alamo Heights Rotary Club. Local employees at the airport in San Antonio deserve a special nod to make this “Flight to the North Pole” seem as real as possible. The non-pro�t Partnership for Corporate Aviation Training plays an integral role in organizing and planning the Flight to the North Pole.

Once everyone is onboard the plane, the windows shades are drawn shut and the plane taxis around for about 20 minutes to simulate the “�ight.” While en route to the North Pole, the kids are entertained by clowns and told the story about this magical plane. Upon arrival at Santa’s Workshop (the plane actually stops inside the climate-controlled environment of a private carrier’s hangar), the kids are greeted one-by-one by none other than Mrs. Clause herself! Each child immediately receives a stu�ed toy and an elf’s hat to wear.

The kids are free to explore this huge, sparkling, magical world of Santa’s Workshop. There’s a 45-foot Christmas tree with presents galore underneath, toys and dolls may come to life at any moment, holiday music �lls the air, and everyone gets all the chicken nuggets, pizza slices and juice-boxes that they want. All adult and high school volunteers are dressed in brightly colored festive costumes and each one is there to bring joy to these special children.

A local professional clown troop called the Jolly Joeys entertains the kids

with their antics, paints their faces, and creates balloon animals. Last year, Batman and Raggedy Ann and Andy mingled among the kids, and this year, they hope to add the Spurs’ Coyote to the cast of characters. They’re also hoping to have an interactive Jack-in-the-Box this year that’s built by airport mechanics.

Thanks to the San Antonio Airport Fire Department, the kids can explore “Big Bertha,” a huge �re truck, and they can tour the spi�y equipment onboard and

the �re suits worn by during emergencies. A very long and sleek “funny car” dragster is also expected to be on hand like it was last year, and with adult supervision, the kids can play with remote-control airplanes.

Volunteers from radio station K-LOVE 91.3 play holiday music for the kids. Last year, they spotted a 5-year-old boy in a cute cowboy out�t so they played a country song for him. To everyone’s delight, this boy danced up a storm and was joined at the end by a little girl. After the song ended, the boy told the girl that he had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and the girl told him she had lymphoma. Kids being kids (but also poignantly reminding those within earshot that this was a special occasion), the boy and girl bantered for “bragging rights” about who was sickest.

Finally, a private jet called “The Nick 1” appears and the door slowly opens. It’s Santa Clause!!! Santa welcomes and thanks each child for visiting his workshop.

After each child gets special attention and Santa must leave, Mrs. Clause joins him inside The Nick 1 and the kids wave to wish them a good �ight.

Soon after, the kids board their “�ight” home with their goodies in tow and they re-join their family and friends at the terminal who’ve been waiting for their return. What a story each child now has to share about their great adventure to Santa’s Workshop in the North Pole!

If you want to donate funds

or volunteer for this event:

Call the San Antonio chapter of the American Cancer Society at 210-614-4212 and designate “Flight to the North Pole” for your donation.Or contact Connie Harrison, a volunteer (who is also Mrs. Clause at this event but that’s a secret), at 210-345-5460 or email her at [email protected].

Students from Alamo Heights HS helpwith the Flight to the North Pole.

The Jolly Joeys help brighten the day for

many children attending the event.





The University of Texas at San Antonio fi nally has a football team to play on Saturdays this fall. Go

Roadrunners!!!It all began in March 2009 when UTSA’s Athletic Director Lynn

Hickey, the only female AD in Texas to oversee both men’s and women’s sports, hired Larry Coker as head football coach to guide and develop the new program from scratch. Coker has impressive credentials, having led the Miami Hurricanes to a national football championship in 2001. After two years of preparation, the Roadrunners kick off their inaugural football season against Northeastern State (Oklahoma) at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 3 at their home stadium, the Alamodome.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, the Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC) opened “Football: Th e Exhibit” last May. Th is traveling exhibit examines the science, mechanics and technology behind the game and explores the history and cultural phenomenon of football. “Th e physics and math at work in a game of football are extraordinary,” said Lupita Barrerra, director of education and interpretation at the museum. “But we’re not going to show you a lot of equations on a blackboard. Football is a contact sport and this is a contact exhibit.”

Organized by the Arkansas Museum of Discovery, “Football: Th e Exhibit” is designed to be highly interactive, encouraging hands-on participation by kids of all ages. Th e exhibit is comprised of nine diff erent zones, each one with a theme that addresses a diff erent aspect of football: History of the Game, Th e Forward Pass, In the Open Field, On the Line of Scrimmage, Th e Kicking Game, Medical Technology, Cheerleaders and Bands, and Football and Society.

Each zone features videos, artifacts, text, and hands-on activities. Visitors are invited to have fun and learn while engaging in the following activities and many more:

Step into the passing cage to test your throwing skills.• Race on a short track against the lights that move at the • speed of professional players.Squeeze the handle and compare the strength of your grip • to professional linemen.Use an arthroscope to examine the inside of a simulated • knee.Test your reaction time to sound and light cues to compare • with friends and family.Perform collision experiments on the momentum track.• Test your balance on a balance board.•

Beyond learning about the science and math underlying all of these activities, the exhibit showcases the history of football, its traditions, and America’s obsession with the sport.

Because “Football: Th e Exhibit” is a traveling show, it targets a national audience instead of focusing on a particular region. Th at’s why ITC designed a complementary exhibit to specifi cally take a closer look at football culture in the Lone Star State from the perspective of its residents.

ITC sent oral historians into the community to ask Texans one simple question: “What does football mean to you?” Visitors to the museum are invited to listen to their answers, to hear what Texas football means to players, coaches, parents, cheerleaders, band Moms, fans and many others at ITC’s complementary exhibit, “Texas Football: In Th eir Words.” Th eir responses shed a light on how football impacted their lives and infl uenced Texas culture.

A visitor to this section of the exhibit is greeted at the entrance by a life-size cutout of none-other-than new Head Coach Larry Coker. When you push his button, he says “I know the fan base here and the interest in football in Texas is just off the charts!”

Rhett Rushing, an oral historian at ITC, says “Texans do football better than anyone else on earth. No one on earth invests as much of

their spirit, energy, and even self worth into football like Texans.” He says “Football defi nes us as dreamers, as hard workers, as the best we can be. Football means everything in Texas.”

“Football: Th e Exhibit” remained open at the Institute of Texan Cultures long enough for two home games to be played by the Roadrunners at the Alamodome in early September. Th e exhibit closed after September 13, but football at UT San Antonio has only just begun.

The Institute of Texan Cultures is the museum of the University of Texas

at San Antonio and serves as the forum for the understanding and appreciation

of Texas and Texans through research, collections, exhibits, special events, and cultural celebrations. Affi liated

with the Smithsonian Institution and located at HemisFair Park, the museum features 45,000 square feet of

exhibit space and is family-friendly with many hands-on activities for kids.

Location: 801 E. Durango Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78205. On the UTSA HemisFair Park Campus and only a

short walk from the Alamo and the Riverwalk.

Regular hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday.

Admission: $8 for adults (ages 12-64); $7 for seniors (ages 65+); $6 for children (ages 3-11); free with

membership, UTSA or Alamo Colleges identifi cation.

For more information: Call 210-458-2300 or visit TexanCultures.com.

Permanent Exhibits at the Institute of Texan Cultures

The Back 40This outdoor exhibit offers a hands-on learning experience

in a historic Texas setting. The museum’s living history

complex includes a one-room schoolhouse, a “dog trot” log

house, a barn, an army barracks, and an adobe house – all

typical of Texas in the mid to late 1800s. Dressed in period

clothing, knowledgeable instructors offer glimpses into the

day-to-day hardships and joys of 19th century Texans. To

reserve group tours, call (210) 458-2291

Leaving Home, Finding Home: Texas Families Remember the Mexican Revolution

This exhibit explores the turmoil and social upheaval that

was set in motion by the Mexican Revolution of 1910 when

thousands of Mexicans fl ed their homeland to seek refuge in

Texas. This personal experience exhibit incorporates photos

and oral histories as told by Texans who share stories of

hardship and achievement that were passed-down to them

by their immigrant families who assimilated their Mexican

heritage into their new Texas home.



The University of Texas at San Antonio fi nally has a football team to play on Saturdays this fall. Go

Roadrunners!!!It all began in March 2009 when UTSA’s Athletic Director Lynn

Hickey, the only female AD in Texas to oversee both men’s and women’s sports, hired Larry Coker as head football coach to guide and develop the new program from scratch. Coker has impressive credentials, having led the Miami Hurricanes to a national football championship in 2001. After two years of preparation, the Roadrunners kick off their inaugural football season against Northeastern State (Oklahoma) at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 3 at their home stadium, the Alamodome.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, the Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC) opened “Football: Th e Exhibit” last May. Th is traveling exhibit examines the science, mechanics and technology behind the game and explores the history and cultural phenomenon of football. “Th e physics and math at work in a game of football are extraordinary,” said Lupita Barrerra, director of education and interpretation at the museum. “But we’re not going to show you a lot of equations on a blackboard. Football is a contact sport and this is a contact exhibit.”

Organized by the Arkansas Museum of Discovery, “Football: Th e Exhibit” is designed to be highly interactive, encouraging hands-on participation by kids of all ages. Th e exhibit is comprised of nine diff erent zones, each one with a theme that addresses a diff erent aspect of football: History of the Game, Th e Forward Pass, In the Open Field, On the Line of Scrimmage, Th e Kicking Game, Medical Technology, Cheerleaders and Bands, and Football and Society.

Each zone features videos, artifacts, text, and hands-on activities. Visitors are invited to have fun and learn while engaging in the following activities and many more:

Step into the passing cage to test your throwing skills.• Race on a short track against the lights that move at the • speed of professional players.Squeeze the handle and compare the strength of your grip • to professional linemen.Use an arthroscope to examine the inside of a simulated • knee.Test your reaction time to sound and light cues to compare • with friends and family.Perform collision experiments on the momentum track.• Test your balance on a balance board.•

Beyond learning about the science and math underlying all of these activities, the exhibit showcases the history of football, its traditions, and America’s obsession with the sport.

Because “Football: Th e Exhibit” is a traveling show, it targets a national audience instead of focusing on a particular region. Th at’s why ITC designed a complementary exhibit to specifi cally take a closer look at football culture in the Lone Star State from the perspective of its residents.

ITC sent oral historians into the community to ask Texans one simple question: “What does football mean to you?” Visitors to the museum are invited to listen to their answers, to hear what Texas football means to players, coaches, parents, cheerleaders, band Moms, fans and many others at ITC’s complementary exhibit, “Texas Football: In Th eir Words.” Th eir responses shed a light on how football impacted their lives and infl uenced Texas culture.

A visitor to this section of the exhibit is greeted at the entrance by a life-size cutout of none-other-than new Head Coach Larry Coker. When you push his button, he says “I know the fan base here and the interest in football in Texas is just off the charts!”

Rhett Rushing, an oral historian at ITC, says “Texans do football better than anyone else on earth. No one on earth invests as much of

their spirit, energy, and even self worth into football like Texans.” He says “Football defi nes us as dreamers, as hard workers, as the best we can be. Football means everything in Texas.”

“Football: Th e Exhibit” remained open at the Institute of Texan Cultures long enough for two home games to be played by the Roadrunners at the Alamodome in early September. Th e exhibit closed after September 13, but football at UT San Antonio has only just begun.

The Institute of Texan Cultures is the museum of the University of Texas

at San Antonio and serves as the forum for the understanding and appreciation

of Texas and Texans through research, collections, exhibits, special events, and cultural celebrations. Affi liated

with the Smithsonian Institution and located at HemisFair Park, the museum features 45,000 square feet of

exhibit space and is family-friendly with many hands-on activities for kids.

Location: 801 E. Durango Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78205. On the UTSA HemisFair Park Campus and only a

short walk from the Alamo and the Riverwalk.

Regular hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday.

Admission: $8 for adults (ages 12-64); $7 for seniors (ages 65+); $6 for children (ages 3-11); free with

membership, UTSA or Alamo Colleges identifi cation.

For more information: Call 210-458-2300 or visit TexanCultures.com.

Permanent Exhibits at the Institute of Texan Cultures

The Back 40This outdoor exhibit offers a hands-on learning experience

in a historic Texas setting. The museum’s living history

complex includes a one-room schoolhouse, a “dog trot” log

house, a barn, an army barracks, and an adobe house – all

typical of Texas in the mid to late 1800s. Dressed in period

clothing, knowledgeable instructors offer glimpses into the

day-to-day hardships and joys of 19th century Texans. To

reserve group tours, call (210) 458-2291

Leaving Home, Finding Home: Texas Families Remember the Mexican Revolution

This exhibit explores the turmoil and social upheaval that

was set in motion by the Mexican Revolution of 1910 when

thousands of Mexicans fl ed their homeland to seek refuge in

Texas. This personal experience exhibit incorporates photos

and oral histories as told by Texans who share stories of

hardship and achievement that were passed-down to them

by their immigrant families who assimilated their Mexican

heritage into their new Texas home.


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I have been lucky enough to hunt in some far flung corners of the world, but I’m not a gun nut. Put a rifle in my hands, let me send a few rounds down range to get it dialed in and I’m going hunting. That’s what I’ve done on the Alaskan tundra, carrying a borrowed T/C Encore in .300 Win. Mag, and in Africa with the PH’s .375 H&H of dubious pedigree and cracked stock held together with a piece of bicycle innertube. I’m not, or wasn’t, a person who really ever thought about owning a custom gun.

Custom. The word alone conjures up images of fiddleback walnut and a receiver cut by a third-generation engraver whose grandfather came over on a boat sometime around the turn of the century. I suppose those custom guns of my imagination were accurate, but in my mind they were primarily works of art, brought out of the gun case only to be passed around at cocktail parties.

I wasn’t about to own a gun like that, more for the gun’s sake than mine. I tend to treat my stuff a little rougher than most, and I don’t get invited to many cocktail parties. If I owned a custom rifle, or a custom rifle like I imagined them to be, I’d be too scared to take it in the woods for fear I’d scratch it.

Truth be told, I was more than a bit ignorant about what a custom rifle should be, until I found myself on the phone with custom rifle-maker Charlie Sisk. He asked me questions about what I like to hunt, where I liked to hunt and how I like to hunt. He asked about my body type and what I thought of recoil. (Not a big fan.)

Not long after that, I became the proud owner of a Sisk Point Five in .308. Listening to Charlie’s advice, I closed my eyes, pulled the gun to my shoulder and opened my eyes to find I was looking directly through the scope. No bobbing and weaving trying to find the sight picture. I sent a few rounds down range, off-hand, and managed to ding the bowling pin a couple of times.

On the bench, it was even more impressive.The gun shot better than I thought I was capable of shooting. And, it ain’t half bad looking. In fact, at my next cocktail party, I just might pull it out of the safe and show it off to all my friends.

A custom rifle can be synonymous with art, if accuracy is your idea of beauty, accuracy that comes from fit and performance. Not unlike a knife that feels like an extension of your hand or a car that’s built for both speed and comfort. And, well, if it looks nice, you hit the trifecta.



O

New Braunfels Railroad MuseumHome to Train Modeling Society

nce upon a time, the International Great Northern Railroad (I&GN) built a railroad from Longview through Palestine, Austin, San Marcos, New Braunfels, San Antonio and south through Laredo. �e year was 1880 and rail travel was the only game in town if you wanted to go anywhere or ship anything fast through the �rst part of the 20th century. In the early years, the station agent at the train depot tapped out messages in Morse code and transmitted them to other depots along the line using the telegraph. �ese were abbreviated notes that typed out the code and transmitted them through a network of electric lines, the precursors to land-based phone lines later used by Western Union. New Braunfels Railroad Museum President David Albright said “Telegraph messages were the �rst form of texting.” �e railroad telegraph was a party-line and everybody had their own code. It was all about letting everyone along the line know where the trains were and when they were supposed to go. Albright said, “�e whole idea was to keep the trains moving on time and to avoid collision.”

�e existing New Braunfels Train Depot, built in 1907, was made of a new construction method utilizing concrete blocks and served as an operating station until 1976, just a few short years after Amtrak took over all passenger rail travel in the U.S. �ere it sat, deteriorating visibly in the heart of downtown as Missouri Paci�c freight trains, often a hundred cars long, ran by just a few feet from the building vibrating its tall Victorian glass windows up to 30 times a day. �en in 1986 the New Braunfels Historic Railroad & Modelers Society made a deal with the city, who now owns the real estate, to renovate the old building and establish a museum. Since then, the New Braunfels depot has been fully renovated and transformed into a repository of restored full-size train cars. �ese include a cosmetically restored steam engine, a box car, a bright red Mopac caboose and a Pullman dining car that can be rented for parties, dinners and meetings. �e depot also houses artifacts, memorabilia and several fully functioning model trains that mimic life-sized rail yards and their switching systems.

�e New Braunfels Railroad Museum’s mission statement emphasizes preservation, education and children’s activities. Albright said Kids Run the Train is their most outstanding O and S scale traveling module. With it, children of all ages learn how the train works and how to operate the throttle. �ey are then allowed to operate the model train under the supervision of a master engineer. Certi�cates and pocket cards are given to each new junior engineer. One of the exhibits tells the fascinating story of how the railroads became the time keepers of the nation. Albright said that before 1883, everybody in the U.S. ran on ‘sun time’. �ere were 53 recognized times in the U.S. when I&GN started running in New Braunfels. �is would never do.

By Susie Marx



O

New Braunfels Railroad MuseumHome to Train Modeling Society

nce upon a time, the International Great Northern Railroad (I&GN) built a railroad from Longview through Palestine, Austin, San Marcos, New Braunfels, San Antonio and south through Laredo. �e year was 1880 and rail travel was the only game in town if you wanted to go anywhere or ship anything fast through the �rst part of the 20th century. In the early years, the station agent at the train depot tapped out messages in Morse code and transmitted them to other depots along the line using the telegraph. �ese were abbreviated notes that typed out the code and transmitted them through a network of electric lines, the precursors to land-based phone lines later used by Western Union. New Braunfels Railroad Museum President David Albright said “Telegraph messages were the �rst form of texting.” �e railroad telegraph was a party-line and everybody had their own code. It was all about letting everyone along the line know where the trains were and when they were supposed to go. Albright said, “�e whole idea was to keep the trains moving on time and to avoid collision.”

�e existing New Braunfels Train Depot, built in 1907, was made of a new construction method utilizing concrete blocks and served as an operating station until 1976, just a few short years after Amtrak took over all passenger rail travel in the U.S. �ere it sat, deteriorating visibly in the heart of downtown as Missouri Paci�c freight trains, often a hundred cars long, ran by just a few feet from the building vibrating its tall Victorian glass windows up to 30 times a day. �en in 1986 the New Braunfels Historic Railroad & Modelers Society made a deal with the city, who now owns the real estate, to renovate the old building and establish a museum. Since then, the New Braunfels depot has been fully renovated and transformed into a repository of restored full-size train cars. �ese include a cosmetically restored steam engine, a box car, a bright red Mopac caboose and a Pullman dining car that can be rented for parties, dinners and meetings. �e depot also houses artifacts, memorabilia and several fully functioning model trains that mimic life-sized rail yards and their switching systems.

�e New Braunfels Railroad Museum’s mission statement emphasizes preservation, education and children’s activities. Albright said Kids Run the Train is their most outstanding O and S scale traveling module. With it, children of all ages learn how the train works and how to operate the throttle. �ey are then allowed to operate the model train under the supervision of a master engineer. Certi�cates and pocket cards are given to each new junior engineer. One of the exhibits tells the fascinating story of how the railroads became the time keepers of the nation. Albright said that before 1883, everybody in the U.S. ran on ‘sun time’. �ere were 53 recognized times in the U.S. when I&GN started running in New Braunfels. �is would never do.

By Susie Marx



THE MUSEUM IS LOCATED AT302 WEST SAN ANTONIO STREETwww.newbraunfelsrailroadmuseum.orgOR CALL US AT(830) 627-2447Membership in the New Braunfels Historic railroadand Modelers Society is open to all who are interested.Meetings are held at the depot on the �rst andsecond �ursdays of each month at 7:15 p.m. and is open �ursday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission is free.

Superintendents got together and asked Frank Allen to �gure out how to harmonize varying times across the states into a system that would help the trains run safely and on time. Allen came up with the idea of the Eastern, Central, Mountain and Paci�c Time zones. �ey were all o�cially adopted on Nov. 18, 1883. Each day at noon, Eastern Time, the Naval Observatory in Washington D.C. sent the correct time over the telegraph. �en in 1893, following a catastrophic train crash involving a 4 second time delay, all watches were required to keep accurate time within 30 seconds a week. Everyone synchronized their watches daily and all railroad employees were required to carry a pocket watch, which was inspected every month. Albright said about 6,000 visitors sign the register every year and another 2,000 come through the museum during Wassailfest. In the baggage room visitors see an antique She�eld Velocipede, a 3-wheel hand car that traveled the rails with rowing motion and auxiliary foot power. People used velocipedes to travel on the tracks when they weren’t carrying trains and railroad employees used them to inspect the tracks. �ere you’ll also �nd photographs and diagrams of armored trains, which came into existence after the Civil War but weren’t used until WWI.




New Braunfels’ CAN BANOn Aug. 28, New Braunfels City Council approved ordinance 2011-65banning disposable containers on the Comal River within city limits.

�e Can Ban goes into e�ect Jan. 1, 2012.For more information visit the city website atwww.nbtexas.org

Galvanizes Community n Aug. 28, New Braunfels City Council approved ordinance 2011-65 banning disposable containers on the Comal River within city limits. Mayor Gale Pospisil, a New Braunfels city council member from 2003-9, took o�ce in May and said that she and council went down to the river this summer and agreed that they had to do something about the huge amount of litter left behind by the tourists recreating on it. Ordinance 2011-65, also known as the “Can Ban,” brought forth an immediate cry from many tubing tourists and the businesses that support them. �ey allege that the ban isn’t about litter but drinking alcohol on the river. “Can the Ban” supporters also question the legality of the new ordinance because only the state, under the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commis-sion, has jurisdiction over waterways. A group known as “Tourist Related Businesses of Comal County,”

�led a lawsuit in Comal County District Court on Sept. 28 and circu-lated a petition that gathered more than 4,300 signatures. �is led to a record breaking turn-out for a referen-dum ballot on Nov. 8. Even so, most of New Braunfels’ voting residents (58 percent) voted to uphold the ban. Calls to “Can the Ban” plain-ti�s and their attorney, James Ewbank swered but Ewbank is on record as saying he would seek to combine this lawsuit with one �led in 2007, against another New Braunfels’ ordinance restricting the size of coolers allowed on the river. Since there are laws restricting the transport of alcohol in passenger vehicles and prohibiting alcohol in public parks, it would seem that the “Can the Ban” supporters have a point. In any case, how will the city enforce such an ordinance? New Braunfels Police Chief Tom Wibert said that he hopes to

prevent violations, not write tickets. O�cers will be posted at entry and exit points to the river and strategic points in-between. �ey will also have boats on the water.

He believes business owners will pro�t by these changes because the tourists and families attracted to a calmer, safer river are the types who spend more money. “�e Tuesday after Memorial weekend, the bottom of the river was shiny with empty cans,” Wibert said. �e exit area was ankle deep in beer cans, which had to be shoveled out. “I was appalled by the trash,” Wibert continued but he a�rmed Pospisil’s

stance that the ordnance is not about banning alcohol. Pospisil said that tourists can still bring their beverage-of-choice in thermoses, canteens and other types of non-disposable containers. In fact, she said, the city recently amended a parks ordinance to allow people to bring alcohol through the �ve riverside parks (Hinman Island, Prince Solms, Last Tubers Exit, Cypress Bend and River Acres) in non-disposable contain-ers. �ey are still prohibited from consuming alcohol in the parks. “Given some time, with proper marketing, I believe we’ll be able to o�er our visitors a more pleasant experience on the river,” Pospisil said. An ad hoc river committee, headed by Andy Sansom of the Texas State University’s River Systems Insti-tute held a public hearing on Dec. 5 and made recommendations to city council later the same week based on public comment on how to manage and care for the river – which is fed by Comal Springs and the Edwards Aquifer, the primary source of drinking water in the city. �e most controversial of these recommendations is a $5 �at fee for all people accessing the river. Schlitterbahn Water Park owner Je�

Henry said his family is prepared to sue the city on the grounds that the fee infringes on his private property rights. Currently, only tubers and river out�tters are required to pay a $1.25 river management fee. �e new rule would raise that standing fee to $5 and begin charging private users entering the river from private parks. �e river committee has also proposed adding a centralized public

parking area, improving the process for getting tubers in and out of the river and issuing season passes for private property owners along the river so they can use it free of charge. City Council is expected to vote on these recommendations before the end of the year.

Trash collectedfrom the Comal River

O“�e can ordinance is a piece of a bigger puzzle,

designed to make the river better for tourists and will

attract more people, better behaved people,”

-Wibert said.

By Susan Marx

Divers participate in river

clean-up on the Comal River

Photo courtesy of TGCCdiving.org


Photo courtesy of TGCCdiving.orgPhoto courtesy of TGCCdiving.org

Joanne Vest, Chairperson of Trashfest event hosted byTexas Gulf Coast Council of Diving Clubs (TGCC

Bags of aluminum beer cans collected from the Comal River during Trashfest



New Braunfels’ CAN BANOn Aug. 28, New Braunfels City Council approved ordinance 2011-65banning disposable containers on the Comal River within city limits.

�e Can Ban goes into e�ect Jan. 1, 2012.For more information visit the city website atwww.nbtexas.org

Galvanizes Community n Aug. 28, New Braunfels City Council approved ordinance 2011-65 banning disposable containers on the Comal River within city limits. Mayor Gale Pospisil, a New Braunfels city council member from 2003-9, took o�ce in May and said that she and council went down to the river this summer and agreed that they had to do something about the huge amount of litter left behind by the tourists recreating on it. Ordinance 2011-65, also known as the “Can Ban,” brought forth an immediate cry from many tubing tourists and the businesses that support them. �ey allege that the ban isn’t about litter but drinking alcohol on the river. “Can the Ban” supporters also question the legality of the new ordinance because only the state, under the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commis-sion, has jurisdiction over waterways. A group known as “Tourist Related Businesses of Comal County,”

�led a lawsuit in Comal County District Court on Sept. 28 and circu-lated a petition that gathered more than 4,300 signatures. �is led to a record breaking turn-out for a referen-dum ballot on Nov. 8. Even so, most of New Braunfels’ voting residents (58 percent) voted to uphold the ban. Calls to “Can the Ban” plain-ti�s and their attorney, James Ewbank swered but Ewbank is on record as saying he would seek to combine this lawsuit with one �led in 2007, against another New Braunfels’ ordinance restricting the size of coolers allowed on the river. Since there are laws restricting the transport of alcohol in passenger vehicles and prohibiting alcohol in public parks, it would seem that the “Can the Ban” supporters have a point. In any case, how will the city enforce such an ordinance? New Braunfels Police Chief Tom Wibert said that he hopes to

prevent violations, not write tickets. O�cers will be posted at entry and exit points to the river and strategic points in-between. �ey will also have boats on the water.

He believes business owners will pro�t by these changes because the tourists and families attracted to a calmer, safer river are the types who spend more money. “�e Tuesday after Memorial weekend, the bottom of the river was shiny with empty cans,” Wibert said. �e exit area was ankle deep in beer cans, which had to be shoveled out. “I was appalled by the trash,” Wibert continued but he a�rmed Pospisil’s

stance that the ordnance is not about banning alcohol. Pospisil said that tourists can still bring their beverage-of-choice in thermoses, canteens and other types of non-disposable containers. In fact, she said, the city recently amended a parks ordinance to allow people to bring alcohol through the �ve riverside parks (Hinman Island, Prince Solms, Last Tubers Exit, Cypress Bend and River Acres) in non-disposable contain-ers. �ey are still prohibited from consuming alcohol in the parks. “Given some time, with proper marketing, I believe we’ll be able to o�er our visitors a more pleasant experience on the river,” Pospisil said. An ad hoc river committee, headed by Andy Sansom of the Texas State University’s River Systems Insti-tute held a public hearing on Dec. 5 and made recommendations to city council later the same week based on public comment on how to manage and care for the river – which is fed by Comal Springs and the Edwards Aquifer, the primary source of drinking water in the city. �e most controversial of these recommendations is a $5 �at fee for all people accessing the river. Schlitterbahn Water Park owner Je�

Henry said his family is prepared to sue the city on the grounds that the fee infringes on his private property rights. Currently, only tubers and river out�tters are required to pay a $1.25 river management fee. �e new rule would raise that standing fee to $5 and begin charging private users entering the river from private parks. �e river committee has also proposed adding a centralized public

parking area, improving the process for getting tubers in and out of the river and issuing season passes for private property owners along the river so they can use it free of charge. City Council is expected to vote on these recommendations before the end of the year.

Trash collectedfrom the Comal River

O“�e can ordinance is a piece of a bigger puzzle,

designed to make the river better for tourists and will

attract more people, better behaved people,”

-Wibert said.

By Susan Marx

Divers participate in river

clean-up on the Comal River



Photo courtesy of TGCCdiving.orgPhoto courtesy of TGCCdiving.org

Joanne Vest, Chairperson of Trashfest event hosted byTexas Gulf Coast Council of Diving Clubs (TGCC

Bags of aluminum beer cans collected from the Comal River during Trashfest



T im Scotch and Kevin Seelhammer joined forces in 2002 and founded, New Braunfels based company, 2 S-D, Inc., to provide services in residential, commercial, and multi-

family construction. As a family owned and oriented company, they created the name from their saying, “to our sons and daughters.” Th e two both agree, “We are doing this for our kids,” referring to the four sons, and daughter in the Seelhammer family, and the two sons and daughter in the Scotch family.

When Tim, originally from North Dallas, and Kevin, originally from Minnesota, met they discovered that each had over 20 years of experience in the construction industry. Th e Scotch and Seelhammer family business grew to include, Stephanie Scotch, wife of Tim, and Clara Seelhammer, wife of Kevin. Th e two families both love living and working in the New Braunfels area. “We have similar motivation, and similar skills that combined make us a very successful team,” said Kevin. Th e many strengths and skills off ered by the individuals of 2 S-D create a synergistic team where each member compliments one another.

Clients, Rusty and M’liss Brockman share their experience with 2 S-D in remodeling several rooms of their home, “Tim, and 2 S-D took so much pride in our home during the major remodel.” Tim began by listening to the Brockman’s dreams and proposed a plan to make them happen by gutting the kitchen, adding a push out to an exterior wall, removing an interior wall, and signifi cantly raising ceilings. Th e goal was to bring the outside into the Brockman’s inside world. “We moved out of our home for three months, and trusted 2 S-D and their contractors enough to leave the house full of belongings,” M’liss said. “It’s kind of scary to put that much trust in somebody, but we can’t say enough how pleased we are with everything that was done and the conscientiousness of the company.”

M’liss also explained that supporting beams were removed and reinstalled to meet inspection, when Tim took the opportunity to off er the Brockmans a perfect opportunity to build a back porch off of the kitchen. “He knew our goals and dreams, and made them even

more than we imagined. Not only did we bring the outside in with large windows and raised ceilings, but we created a fl ow that lead us back to the outside with the porch addition,” M’liss said.

Th e Brockmans agree, “It’s not a matter of if, but when we will do the master bath remodel with 2 S-D.”

Th e list of satisfi ed clients and references goes very far beyond the Brockmans, and has earned the company’s reputation as a premier contractor of residential and commercial properties. Whether building new homes and offi ces, remodeling, or adding extensions to existing structures, 2 S-D oversees every detail to deliver completely custom fi nished products that exceed their clients’ expectations. Th ey off er design and build services of Hill Country Elegant, Rustic Country, Tuscan and many more home styles, while specializing in custom kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor living spaces.

“We like to have big jobs that we can execute with creativity,” Tim shares. “We think out of the box and fi nd ways to make our customers dreams possible.”

From building room additions that look and feel like the original home, restoring historic buildings to bringing them up to code while preserving the original character, and integrating recycled and reclaimed materials, 2 S-D off ers everything it takes to provide the unique construction needs of their clients.

Th ey also specialize in interior upgrades and full exterior rehabs to multifamily and condominium buildings across the southern United States. Fire restoration and rebuilding, increasing energy effi ciency, custom iron works, stone works, and unique paint fi nishes are also provided by the company.

“We off er new styles and creative techniques that are both cost eff ective and decoratively stunning,” Stephanie said when referring the many custom countertop and painting methods they utilize.

Th e Seelhammer and Scotch families provide hard work and dedicated service to each and every client, much like the dedication they provide to their families and as the company’s name implies, to their sons and daughters.

Contact: 2 S-D Inc., 1393 Wald Road, New Braunfels, TX 78130. Ph: 830-627-2734. Web: www.2sdinc.com



New Braunfels’ ToddlerJoshua Davis Jr.

The New Braunfels Police Department can be reached at (830) 221-4100.

ANONYMOUS TIPS

IS STILL MISSING

comalcountycrimestoppers.orgor by calling (830) 620-TIPS.

Can be made to Comal County Crime Stoppers through their website.

t was about 8 p.m. on Feb. 4 when 18 Month old Joshua Davis Jr. disap-peared from his home in the 2600 block of Savannah Hills Circle - a rural area of New Braunfels. It was a high pro�le case that garnered national attention. Here it is almost a year later and the toddler is still missing. New Braunfels Chief of Police Tom Wibert said Joshua Davis’ disappearance is the biggest case in the department’s history. “Finding the boy or discovering what happened to him is still the number one priority for the New Braunfels Police Department,” Wibert said. Joshua Jr. su�ers from Asthma and was on medi-cation when he disappeared. �e toddler was living with his mother Sabrina Benitez and her �ancé, the boy’s father, Josh Davis and mem-bers of their extended family. Sabrina, who was eight months pregnant with her third child at the time, was watch-ing “Toy Story 3” in the bedroom while Josh, a family friend, the boy’s grandfa-ther Jerome and his girlfriend Vicky,

Joshua Jr.’s older brother Desmond and uncle Johnny were watching football in the living room. Sabrina said, “Joshy was going back and forth between the two rooms,” when she noticed that he hadn’t been back in a while. Sabrina went to ask Josh where the boy was and Josh said he thought he was with her. �at’s when they started looking. By this time, Sabrina said, the family friend had left and they suspected that maybe he had left the door ajar and Joshua Jr. got out. �ey began to search outside but it was 21 degrees that night, the coldest night of the year, and prospects were not good for the boy’s survival if he had wandered o�. Jerome called 911 at about 9 p.m. Police scoured the area on foot with search dogs, helicopters and used remote-controlled drones to map out a 1-2 mile radius of the surrounding area. New Braunfels Police Captain Michael Penshorn said the Texas Rangers, Heidi Search, the FBI and the National

Center for Missing and Exploited Chil-dren joined in the search as well as hundreds of volunteers but there was no sign of him. O�cials downgraded the search to a recovery operation with cadaver sni�ng dogs 36 hours later because it was unlikely Joshua was still alive. Detective Scott Ranken was on call that night so he became the lead investigator. Ranken said they were getting several anonymous tips on the whereabouts of the child every week and they have pursued every single one but so far none of the tips have panned out. At one time, Penshorn said there was a combined reward of $20,000 for information leading to the child.�at reward has dwindled to $2,000 and police still receive a few tips a month. Detective Lieutenant Craig Christopherson, one of the lead investi-gators in the case, said there were no indictors that Joshua Jr. was abducted,

nor is it likely the child is lost or wandered o� on his own. He said FBI pro�lers reviewed the interviews police conducted with the family members who were present in the house at the time the boy went missing and agreed that Joshua Jr.’s disappearance is not an abduction scenario. Sabrina continues to believe someone took Joshua and holds out hope that someday he will be home with her again. She hosts a Facebook page called “Let’s FIND Joshua Davis,” to keep the story alive and to serve as a portal for people to connect with the family. Mean-while, Sabrina gave birth to her third child, Jayden, two weeks after Joshua Jr.’s disappearance. Sabrina said Child Protec-tive Services required urinalysis before she delivered the child because police had no leads on the case and so were looking at the parents. �e urine sample contained traces of marijuana. As a result, newborn baby Jayden Davis was placed in custody of Sabrina’s mother.

“We weren’t allowed to see Jayden without supervision for the �rst couple of months,” Sabrina said. �en she and the baby’s father were allowed unsupervised visits while they attended state required AA meetings and submitted to further drug testing. On Dec. 9, Child Protective Services dropped their case and Sabrina now has full custody of Jayden. She celebrated her 24th birthday the following day but said she was so depressed about Joshua Jr. she stayed in bed all day. Sabrina believes no sign is a good sign because that means Joshua Jr. can still come home. �e police and the missing toddler’s parents agree on one thing. Somebody knows what happened. Penshorn said the case is still active and they drop everything they’re doing every time they get a tip. He believes it’s just a matter of time before someone does the right thing and comes forward.

By Susan Marx

I


New Braunfels’ ToddlerJoshua Davis Jr.

The New Braunfels Police Department can be reached at (830) 221-4100.

ANONYMOUS TIPS

IS STILL MISSING

comalcountycrimestoppers.orgor by calling (830) 620-TIPS.

Can be made to Comal County Crime Stoppers through their website.

t was about 8 p.m. on Feb. 4 when 18 Month old Joshua Davis Jr. disap-peared from his home in the 2600 block of Savannah Hills Circle - a rural area of New Braunfels. It was a high pro�le case that garnered national attention. Here it is almost a year later and the toddler is still missing. New Braunfels Chief of Police Tom Wibert said Joshua Davis’ disappearance is the biggest case in the department’s history. “Finding the boy or discovering what happened to him is still the number one priority for the New Braunfels Police Department,” Wibert said. Joshua Jr. su�ers from Asthma and was on medi-cation when he disappeared. �e toddler was living with his mother Sabrina Benitez and her �ancé, the boy’s father, Josh Davis and mem-bers of their extended family. Sabrina, who was eight months pregnant with her third child at the time, was watch-ing “Toy Story 3” in the bedroom while Josh, a family friend, the boy’s grandfa-ther Jerome and his girlfriend Vicky,

Joshua Jr.’s older brother Desmond and uncle Johnny were watching football in the living room. Sabrina said, “Joshy was going back and forth between the two rooms,” when she noticed that he hadn’t been back in a while. Sabrina went to ask Josh where the boy was and Josh said he thought he was with her. �at’s when they started looking. By this time, Sabrina said, the family friend had left and they suspected that maybe he had left the door ajar and Joshua Jr. got out. �ey began to search outside but it was 21 degrees that night, the coldest night of the year, and prospects were not good for the boy’s survival if he had wandered o�. Jerome called 911 at about 9 p.m. Police scoured the area on foot with search dogs, helicopters and used remote-controlled drones to map out a 1-2 mile radius of the surrounding area. New Braunfels Police Captain Michael Penshorn said the Texas Rangers, Heidi Search, the FBI and the National

Center for Missing and Exploited Chil-dren joined in the search as well as hundreds of volunteers but there was no sign of him. O�cials downgraded the search to a recovery operation with cadaver sni�ng dogs 36 hours later because it was unlikely Joshua was still alive. Detective Scott Ranken was on call that night so he became the lead investigator. Ranken said they were getting several anonymous tips on the whereabouts of the child every week and they have pursued every single one but so far none of the tips have panned out. At one time, Penshorn said there was a combined reward of $20,000 for information leading to the child.�at reward has dwindled to $2,000 and police still receive a few tips a month. Detective Lieutenant Craig Christopherson, one of the lead investi-gators in the case, said there were no indictors that Joshua Jr. was abducted,

nor is it likely the child is lost or wandered o� on his own. He said FBI pro�lers reviewed the interviews police conducted with the family members who were present in the house at the time the boy went missing and agreed that Joshua Jr.’s disappearance is not an abduction scenario. Sabrina continues to believe someone took Joshua and holds out hope that someday he will be home with her again. She hosts a Facebook page called “Let’s FIND Joshua Davis,” to keep the story alive and to serve as a portal for people to connect with the family. Mean-while, Sabrina gave birth to her third child, Jayden, two weeks after Joshua Jr.’s disappearance. Sabrina said Child Protec-tive Services required urinalysis before she delivered the child because police had no leads on the case and so were looking at the parents. �e urine sample contained traces of marijuana. As a result, newborn baby Jayden Davis was placed in custody of Sabrina’s mother.

“We weren’t allowed to see Jayden without supervision for the �rst couple of months,” Sabrina said. �en she and the baby’s father were allowed unsupervised visits while they attended state required AA meetings and submitted to further drug testing. On Dec. 9, Child Protective Services dropped their case and Sabrina now has full custody of Jayden. She celebrated her 24th birthday the following day but said she was so depressed about Joshua Jr. she stayed in bed all day. Sabrina believes no sign is a good sign because that means Joshua Jr. can still come home. �e police and the missing toddler’s parents agree on one thing. Somebody knows what happened. Penshorn said the case is still active and they drop everything they’re doing every time they get a tip. He believes it’s just a matter of time before someone does the right thing and comes forward.

By Susan Marx

I


FOR REHABILITATION

STREET BRIDGEON TRACK

for repair until 2017. That doesn’t mean the bridge is unsafe in the meantime, Kilgore said. Any bridge that is deemed unsafe has its traffic reduced or it is closed down or replaced and traffic is rerouted while the work is being done, Kilgore said.He explained that a “structurally deficient” bridge is one that has one or more elements that reduces its structural capacity. When a bridge is inspected it is given a “sufficiency rating.” This is a score that ranks its structural integrity and load capac-ity in percentage figures. The Department of Transportation also takes into consideration the average daily traffic (ADT) and the aesthetic/historical value to the community.

New Braufels has reason to celebrate. There are thousands of bridges within the state on the list for state funding and many of them won’t get it. While the city waits for state funding to

A few months ago a consumer advocate group known as Transportation for America, released a list of bridges in Comal and Bexar County that were deemed “structurally deficient” and due for inspection. One of the bridges named was New Braufels’ historic San Antonio Street Bridge, a concrete arch structure built in 1923 which carries vehicular traffic to and from the square and over the Comal River.

John Kilgore a San Antonio District Engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDot) said the San Antonio Street Bridge was due for inspection in September and was inspected Oct. 4 of this year. It is now on track to be rehabili-tated and strengthened to increase its load capacity. That’s the good news. Unfortunately, even though the bridge was approved this November for state funding, it is not scheduled

come through, the bridge, which has a load capacity that falls below the legal limit (80,000 lbs) has been load posted to ensure its safety and to keep traffic moving. Kilgore said there is no reason for residents to be afraid of travelling on the bridge as long as the load limits are enforced.

The repair of roads and bridges falls under the Federal High-way Administration but it is up to states to inspect and perform maintenance through their departments of transportation. TxDot is made up of 25 districts and each district inspects the roadways and bridges within the counties they serve on a 24 month cycle. Any bridge that is deemed “structurally deficient,” Kilgore said, is inspected on an annual basis as part of the off-system maintenance performed on state roads.

The San Antonio Street Bridge will remain a part of New Braunfels’ character and charm, Kilgore said. At the present time, TxDot is in the process of contacting the city to plan for the state approved improvements. When work finally commences on the bridge, Kilgore said they will increase its load capacity so it can safely carry fire trucks and school buses but it will probably remain below the legal limit for truck traffic.

By Susan Marx

A


FOR REHABILITATION

STREET BRIDGEON TRACK

for repair until 2017. That doesn’t mean the bridge is unsafe in the meantime, Kilgore said. Any bridge that is deemed unsafe has its traffic reduced or it is closed down or replaced and traffic is rerouted while the work is being done, Kilgore said.He explained that a “structurally deficient” bridge is one that has one or more elements that reduces its structural capacity. When a bridge is inspected it is given a “sufficiency rating.” This is a score that ranks its structural integrity and load capac-ity in percentage figures. The Department of Transportation also takes into consideration the average daily traffic (ADT) and the aesthetic/historical value to the community.

New Braufels has reason to celebrate. There are thousands of bridges within the state on the list for state funding and many of them won’t get it. While the city waits for state funding to

A few months ago a consumer advocate group known as Transportation for America, released a list of bridges in Comal and Bexar County that were deemed “structurally deficient” and due for inspection. One of the bridges named was New Braufels’ historic San Antonio Street Bridge, a concrete arch structure built in 1923 which carries vehicular traffic to and from the square and over the Comal River.

John Kilgore a San Antonio District Engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDot) said the San Antonio Street Bridge was due for inspection in September and was inspected Oct. 4 of this year. It is now on track to be rehabili-tated and strengthened to increase its load capacity. That’s the good news. Unfortunately, even though the bridge was approved this November for state funding, it is not scheduled

come through, the bridge, which has a load capacity that falls below the legal limit (80,000 lbs) has been load posted to ensure its safety and to keep traffic moving. Kilgore said there is no reason for residents to be afraid of travelling on the bridge as long as the load limits are enforced.

The repair of roads and bridges falls under the Federal High-way Administration but it is up to states to inspect and perform maintenance through their departments of transportation. TxDot is made up of 25 districts and each district inspects the roadways and bridges within the counties they serve on a 24 month cycle. Any bridge that is deemed “structurally deficient,” Kilgore said, is inspected on an annual basis as part of the off-system maintenance performed on state roads.

The San Antonio Street Bridge will remain a part of New Braunfels’ character and charm, Kilgore said. At the present time, TxDot is in the process of contacting the city to plan for the state approved improvements. When work finally commences on the bridge, Kilgore said they will increase its load capacity so it can safely carry fire trucks and school buses but it will probably remain below the legal limit for truck traffic.

By Susan Marx

A




F or some kids, school is a lifeline. A safe haven where their talents are nurtured and long-term success is the objective despite various odds being stacked against them. For these

kids, school involves so much more than a compulsory education that occupies time between home and extra-curriculars. With the help of employees and volunteers with Communities in Schools, it includes meaningful relationships that help them achieve success in life.

Th e Communities in Schools program, which is found in schools across the nation, is operated in the New Braunfels area by Communities in Schools of South Central Texas, a branch that serves multiple schools in the Comal and Guadalupe counties. As Executive Director of the South Central Texas division Christine Douglas described, the main goal is for students to be successful academically as well as preparing them for a successful adulthood.

And we’re talking about more than a little tutoring to pass geometry. Communities in Schools (CIS) will make every attempt to resolve any issue standing in the way of a child’s success – be it emotional, physical, fi nancial, or other – including, but certainly not limited to, academic tutoring. “We’ll work to break down whatever barriers there are,” said Douglas.

By working closely with each school’s leadership to implement an effi cient plan of action and bringing in resources from the surrounding community, the program can do everything from providing counseling for a child dealing with domestic violence to obtaining funding for a root canal to fi lling an empty belly at lunchtime. Because any obstacle that keeps a kid from succeeding at

school is an obstacle worth taking the time to resolve. And helping a child thrive in learning is opening up their world to bigger dreams.

Last year, CIS of South Central Texas directly impacted the lives of at least 16,000 students in the area. Th is year, unfortunately, that number is predicted to decrease due to state budget cuts. With roughly a third of the funding for CIS coming from the State Legislature and another third stemming from contracts with independent school districts, the program’s range is bound to suff er, making grants, donations, and local support even more crucial.

“It’s an investment in the community,” said Christine Douglas, describing the cyclical impact of CIS working to keep students from becoming dropouts, maybe even criminals and area gang members, by encouraging worthwhile ambitions and preparing kids to become valuable members of the community. With eff orts like their program Project Success, CIS gets juniors and seniors in high school thinking about practical, achievable steps they can take to get them through college and beyond.

In addition to making donations, attending or sponsoring fundraisers, and volunteering for the mentor program, community members can get involved by donating items or off ering time at the Communities in Schools thrift store Community Resale, which turns every penny back to supporting CIS of South Central Texas in an eff ort to reduce reliance on state funding.

Community Resale is located at 1024B W. San Antonio Street in New Braunfels. For more information on the positive impact that Communities in Schools has had, how to become involved, or to make an online donation, see www.cissouthcentraltexas.org.









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