It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Great Western Cattle Trail gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Bandera, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Bandera City Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Tj's @ The Old Forge or visit Historic Bandera County Jail,, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Bandera, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Bandera, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Bandera, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
With dangerous flooding conditions worsening across the region, city officials have canceled July 5's Independence Day parade and issued a strong warning urging residents and visitors to stay home and off the roads unless ordered to evacuate.Heavy overnight rainfall has pushed the Medina River to rapidly rising levels.The U.S. Geological Survey predicts the river could reach 17 feet near City Park by 5 p.m., threatening RV campsites, roadways, and homes near the river and Medina Lake.“This is not the day to be out driving...
With dangerous flooding conditions worsening across the region, city officials have canceled July 5's Independence Day parade and issued a strong warning urging residents and visitors to stay home and off the roads unless ordered to evacuate.
Heavy overnight rainfall has pushed the Medina River to rapidly rising levels.The U.S. Geological Survey predicts the river could reach 17 feet near City Park by 5 p.m., threatening RV campsites, roadways, and homes near the river and Medina Lake.
“This is not the day to be out driving or gathering,” the City of Bandera said in a public statement Friday morning. “Your safety is our top priority. Please stay off the roads and away from low water crossings.”
The National Weather Service has classified the predicted river levels as “moderate to major flooding,” with several thresholds set to trigger dangerous conditions across Bandera County.
At 17 feet, the Pioneer RV Park near Highway 173 begins to flood, and the lowest trailer sites are already expected to be submerged. If levels rise beyond that, entire sections of the park and nearby homes could be underwater, and critical roadways may become impassable.
Floodwaters are also expected to impact the upper end of Medina Lake and areas downstream into Bexar County, depending on lake levels and emergency spillway flow.
Officials emphasized the importance of staying informed via NOAA Weather Radio, social media, and official alerts. The City of Bandera said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as needed.
Despite the parade cancellation, some other Independence Day events remain scheduled as of Friday morning. Organizers said they will continue to assess weather conditions throughout the day and will post updates if anything changes.
Heavy rainfall across the Hill Country has triggered dangerous flooding in Bandera and Kerr counties, forcing evacuations, closing roads and prompting a flash flood emergency ahead of the July Fourth holiday.Multiple low-lying roads in Bandera County were submerged early Friday, including Highway 16 North at Four Sisters and Benton Creek, Brewington Creek, and FM 2107 at Rocky Creek, according to the Bandera County Sheriff’s Office. Patterson Street in Medina has been closed due to debris and runoff.Sheriff’s offici...
Heavy rainfall across the Hill Country has triggered dangerous flooding in Bandera and Kerr counties, forcing evacuations, closing roads and prompting a flash flood emergency ahead of the July Fourth holiday.
Multiple low-lying roads in Bandera County were submerged early Friday, including Highway 16 North at Four Sisters and Benton Creek, Brewington Creek, and FM 2107 at Rocky Creek, according to the Bandera County Sheriff’s Office. Patterson Street in Medina has been closed due to debris and runoff.
Sheriff’s officials warned that floodwaters from Hunt were traveling rapidly toward Kerrville. They urged drivers to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary and reminded residents to “turn around, don’t drown.”
In Kerr County, rising water levels along the Guadalupe River led to mandatory evacuations in parts of Kerrville. Water rescues were underway Friday morning, and city officials said a disaster declaration was expected as floodwaters overtook portions of Louise Hays Park and other riverfront areas. The National Weather Service says it is the second-highest level on record.
“If you are along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, move to higher ground now,” the National Weather Service said in a flash flood emergency alert issued at 6:30 a.m. Friday. “Otherwise, avoid travel through the county this morning.”
Record rainfall totals are being reported in parts of the Hill Country, with widespread storms continuing through the morning. Officials advised residents in low-lying areas to call 911 if they are unable to evacuate safely.
As of Friday morning, the following roadways in Bandera County were impacted by high water:
Non-emergency calls in Bandera County can be directed to 830-796-3771. Road conditions will be updated as new reports are received.
Authorities in both counties continue to monitor the situation and are urging residents to stay alert, remain patient on roadways, and report high water or dangerous conditions.
Texas is for many the heart of the American Southwest, and the cattle, cowboys, and confidence associated with it. Yet beyond the state's best-known characters, many of its smaller (and very small) towns share the unique, sometimes eccentric spirit that makes the Texan spirit what it is. Beyond cities ...
Texas is for many the heart of the American Southwest, and the cattle, cowboys, and confidence associated with it. Yet beyond the state's best-known characters, many of its smaller (and very small) towns share the unique, sometimes eccentric spirit that makes the Texan spirit what it is. Beyond cities like the state capital, Austin, quirky towns with quirky names — not to mention their singular histories — merit a visit or two from travelers near and far. For a few ideas on all the unusual points of interest small-town Texas has on offer, start by learning more about places you may not know exist.
Texas is known for its swagger, and the tiny southwest town of Bandera makes a bold claim even for these parts. Calling itself the "Cowboy Capital of the World," the town celebrates its past as the onetime staging point for large-scale cattle drives to greener pastures. The town has also played host to Mexican, Native American, and Polish inhabitants, and the latter group has left a notable mark on many of the town's historic buildings.
Bandera's histories live on in the Frontier Times Museum, which celebrates the bygone folkways of this unique village. Other activities in town revolve around cowboy habits, from all-ages horseback riding and overnight stays at ranches like the Flying L Ranch Resort, to the Bandera ProRodeo Association, which puts on events for competition. Also in town, the Cabaret Dance Hall typifies the classic western honky tonk, where line dancing and country music have reigned since the venue opened in 1936.
The name alone begs for explanation. Sitting north of Houston, Cut and Shoot came by its title, and its folklore, after a confrontation among members of different church congregations in 1912. One is remembered to have threatened, "I'm going to cut around the corner and shoot through the bushes!" Thus the name Cut and Shoot was born, according to a history on the town's official website.
Today, this quiet town tends to conduct its business peacefully. Locals and visitors alike can unwind at Time to Spare Entertainment, a bowling and recreation facility that also features pool tables, arcade games, a pickleball area, and a bar. Also in town, the East Texas Elephant Experience, a combination zoo and theme park, offers the chance to interact with three real-life African elephants — a delight for local and out-of-town children. For dinner out and a true taste of Texas, Leija's Mexican Food Restaurant serves classic south-of-the-border meals.
Southeast of Dallas on the Cedar Creek Reservoir, the town of Gun Barrel City, another only-in-Texas name, offers lakeside recreation and proximity to the big city. The place, developed only from the 1960s, appears to have taken its name from Gun Barrel Lane, now a state highway. The town is proud of its name, since its motto is "We shoot straight with you." Gun Barrel City's official logo is a pair of pistols.
While in town, local flavors abound at restaurants like The Jalapeno Tree, a Mexican food establishment, or Elements by 456, an American place that features live music. Golf fans enjoy Cedar Creek Country Club, found at the north end of the reservoir, while Harbor Point Park, at the north end of town, overlooks the water.
Deep in the central heart of Texas, between Fort Worth and San Antonio, the small town of Lampasas offers several quirky charms. It claims to be home to the world's largest boot spur, once common on the heels of cowboys and rancheros. The spur, actually an outdoor sculpture, stands 35 feet tall, 20 feet wide, and weighs 10,000 pounds.
Lampasas is also known for its murals, another expression of this town's creative streak. The painted scenes depict the town's work and leisure, not least its nearby mineral springs, which have stimulated tourism and relaxation here since the 19th century. As a part of Texas' Hill Country, the popular area is a favorite among vacationers. Today, the area sustains a modest wine-growing industry, giving visitors another reason to stay in Lampasas. For even more art, the Hanna Spring Sculpture Garden beckons for a walk through its expressions in steel and other materials.
A practically brand-new town, Providence Village, a master-planned community north of Dallas, was incorporated only in 2010. Part of the town's appeal stems from its location next to Lewisville Lake, a very popular summer destination for boaters, weekenders, and good-time seekers, who gather at local spots like Party Cove.
In town, Providence Village, a family-friendly place, includes destinations like Lake Providence Park, a beloved local area for picnics and other gatherings. Just north of town, Fortunata Winery invites couples and adult groups to sample, as its website says, "a taste of Tuscany in North Texas." The site also serves snacks and wood-fired pizzas.
West of San Antonio, the town of Hondo sprang up after the Southern Pacific Railroad built a stop here in 1881. Incorporated in 1942, the town has since become a place where families both live and visit in the Texas Hill Country. Its seasonal fairs and festivals are especially popular, including the Cowboy Country Roundup, held each spring. Each May, the town hosts the Hondo Army Airfield Fly-In, making use of South Texas Regional Airport, which sits northwest of downtown.
Like many Texas towns, Hondo honors its roots through food, and the town's diverse offerings spoil the visitor for choice. Heavy's Bar B Cue is a longtime favorite here, as are Billy Bob's Hamburgers and Pap's Italian Grill.
For a town so small, Marfa's reputation has spread far and wide. The place is famous as a mecca for modern art, partly due to the lifelong work of artist Donald Judd, who moved here in 1971. Galleries now dot the downtown area, including standouts like the Judd Foundation and Ballroom Marfa. For bragging rights and a selfie or two, seek out Marfa's so-called Prada store. The site is actually an art installation, built by the creative duo Elmgreen & Dragset.
For a break from driving or the challenges of art shopping, check out The Sentinel Marfa, an upscale coffee and concept store. The Water Stop, a comfort-food restaurant with a locally famous burger, stands in the southwest end of town.
The quirks of Venus, south of Dallas, seemed to spring up from its very inception. The town was once called Gossip, before opting for a name change to Venus — "after the modestly named daughter of a local doctor," according to an official history. The place grew after the construction of an intersection of two railroads. The town's first post office opened in 1888, and the place has attracted increasing numbers of residents, called Venetians, ever since.
In Venus proper, families and visitors can unwind in Fielder Park, which includes a playground, basketball and baseball facilities, and plenty of fresh air. Local food options include Biundo's Pizzeria, Casa Jacaranda Cocina Mexicana, and American offerings of burgers and much else. East of town, a further flavor of Texas awaits at Shepherd's Valley Cowboy Church. The site combines Protestant church traditions with an indoor riding area and even an outreach ministry for motorcycle riders.
Texas' smaller towns offer as many unusual points of interest as larger cities do. For an upcoming trip with a quirky twist, these places should provide plenty of inspiration. Bandera calls itself the Cowboy Capital of the World, for historical reasons, while Cut and Shoot honors a past scuffle and a strange name, with quieter living today. Gun Barrel City and Lampasas both mark the legacies of cowboys and rough justice through their official symbols and public art like oversized spurs. Then there is Marfa, whose status as an art hub stretches seemingly around the world. For a trip through Texas' unusual, and exceptional claims to greatness, small towns like these help point the way.
The Bandera County Chamber of Commerce hosted the grand opening for the Smithsonian at Bandera Middle School on Saturday, June 21.The exhibit features Crossroads: Change in Rural America, which discusses how small towns – like Bandera – responded to changes in America throughout the 1900s.Mayor Denise Griffin also accepted the certificate recognizing Bandera as a Texas Music Friendly City from Gini Mascorro, a community relations rep from the office of the governor.Speakers for the event included Sara Sandife...
The Bandera County Chamber of Commerce hosted the grand opening for the Smithsonian at Bandera Middle School on Saturday, June 21.
The exhibit features Crossroads: Change in Rural America, which discusses how small towns – like Bandera – responded to changes in America throughout the 1900s.
Mayor Denise Griffin also accepted the certificate recognizing Bandera as a Texas Music Friendly City from Gini Mascorro, a community relations rep from the office of the governor.
Speakers for the event included Sara Sandifer, Gary Bitzkie, Mayor Denise Griffin, Bandera County Judge Richard Evans and the State Coordinator for the Texas Heritage Trails Program, Teresa Caldwell.
“We have many to thank for their generosity, including the City Council,” Sandifer said. “The Bandera Economic Development Corporation is our largest sponsor, helping us promote this exhibit.”
In conjunction with the grand opening, Bitzkie took time to recognize a milestone for Bandera ISD.
“We are celebrating our 90th anniversary this year,” Bitzkie said. “We’re very proud of that.”
Mayor Griffin recognized the music friendly venues across Bandera that played a major role in obtaining the Texas Music Friendly City certification.
“These businesses bring tens of thousands of visitors each year to our area,” Mayor Griffin said. “Our small family-owned businesses thrive when we let Texas music guide us.”
The following venues were recognized: 11th Street Cowboy Bar, Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar, Monkey Cage Saloon, Kickback Korner and Grill, Boots N Saddles Saloon and
Dancehall, ACE Wine Room, The First National Ice Haus, Wild Horse Saloon, Bandera Brewery, Red Horse Saloon, Jake’s and The 4 Way Bar and Grill.
Caldwell discussed the special Smithsonian program for which Bandera was selected.
“The Smithsonian program has been shared with millions of people for over sixty-five years,” Caldwell said. “This program [at Bandera Middle School] is unique because of its focus on small, rural communities and an emphasis on organizational capacity building.”
Local businesses and organizations provided additional exhibits for the event.
Bandera Electric Cooperative created an exhibit representing Rural Electrification, Dudes, Dances and Delights provided an educational booth that showcased the birthplace of the Texas Dude Ranch and Music History of Bandera. Texas Tejano featured Pioneer Polly Rodriguez, and other features included Stompede Days and The Free State of Bandera, Schoolhouse Memories - which showcased Bandera schoolhouses from the past - Rodeo Round Up, and Living Off the Land: From Ranches to Travelers. Patrica Moore, Sasha Sutton, Lauren Davenport, Mary Shank, and other locals worked together to create a booth that featured a juke box and historical music records stitched on every wall.
But don’t worry if you missed the grand opening; there will be plenty of other events to attend.
“We have a calendar of events for the full five weeks of the exhibit being here,” Sandifer said.
The next event will be Thursday, June 26th at 5:30PM at Bandera Middle School, dubbed Becoming a Wool Farmer by Jennifer Nimmrichter of The Sheepwalk Ranch.
To ensure that exhibits are easily accessible across the county, satellite locations were created. To see which is near you and to check on the calendar of events, visit: banderacowboycapital. com/p/ Smithsonian.
The City of Bandera has been officially certified as a Music Friendly Texas Community, Gov. Greg Abbott announced this week, following completion of a multi-step approval process by the Texas Music Office.The city becomes the 85th in the state to receive the designation, which aims to strengthen local economies by supporting music industry job creation and cultural tourism.The certification ceremony will be held Saturday, June 21, at 10:30 a.m. at Bandera Middle School, 1005 Cherry St. The event, cohosted by the Texas Music Off...
The City of Bandera has been officially certified as a Music Friendly Texas Community, Gov. Greg Abbott announced this week, following completion of a multi-step approval process by the Texas Music Office.
The city becomes the 85th in the state to receive the designation, which aims to strengthen local economies by supporting music industry job creation and cultural tourism.
The certification ceremony will be held Saturday, June 21, at 10:30 a.m. at Bandera Middle School, 1005 Cherry St. The event, cohosted by the Texas Music Office and the Bandera County Convention & Visitors Bureau, will coincide with the opening of the Smithsonian’s “Crossroads: Changes in Rural America” traveling exhibit. Bandera is one of only seven Texas cities selected to host the exhibit. TMO Community Relations and Outreach Specialist Gini Mascorro will present the certification during the ceremony, which will include local officials and community leaders.
“Congratulations to the City of Bandera on earning the Music Friendly Texas Certified Community designation,” Abbott said in a statement. “Music Friendly Texas Communities work tirelessly to attract and develop the local music industry to boost local job creation and economic growth. Together, we will continue to work alongside communities in every region of our state to build a stronger, more prosperous Texas.”
Launched in 2016, the Music Friendly Texas program was the first of its kind in the nation. It now includes more than 80 communities across the state.
State Sen. Pete Flores called the recognition a celebration of Bandera’s long musical history.
“This recognition not only celebrates Bandera's rich musical heritage but also highlights our commitment to fostering economic growth through the arts,” Flores said. “Music has always been the heartbeat of our community, and this designation will help us attract more visitors and support our local musicians. I look forward to seeing how this honor will elevate Bandera as a vibrant destination for music lovers and contribute to the cultural fabric of Texas.”
Rep. Wes Virdell echoed the sentiment, saying, “The designation affirms what has been true for years. This is a well-deserved honor and ensures the continued success and music tradition of Bandera with this certification.”
Local leaders also shared their enthusiasm.
“Bandera deserves this honor because of its musical past and its current vibrant music scene,” said Mayor Denise Griffin. “Notes and tunes are ingrained in the fiber of this town. We are definitely a Music Friendly Texas Community.”
“Music has always been a cornerstone of Bandera since the 1920s,” said City Council member and Bandera Economic Development Corporation member Debbie Breen. “I grew up going to open air dances after the rodeos, the Cabaret on Friday and Saturday nights listening to all the rising stars of country music, and Tuesday night dances at the Mayan’s ghost town with Adolph Hofner and the Pearl Wranglers, or just sitting under the oak trees listening to young musicians mastering their craft. Pick your genre. You can still hear live music almost every night in Bandera, and it has always been that way. Music is the beating soul of this town.”
Dianne Lindig Lovett, board member for the Bandera Convention & Visitors Bureau and owner of Hill Country Equestrian Lodge, highlighted Bandera’s long-standing venues and country music legacy.
“Ever since the Fox Hole opened as a ‘social club’ in 1921, Bandera’s rich live music history has thrived, from the nationally popular acts who once played at the Cabaret, Silver Spur Club, Starlight, and others, to Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar — in continuous operation for 57 years and recognized as a ‘Texas Treasure,’” Lindig Lovett said. “Live music venues in our community have continued this legacy forward, making Bandera one of the most popular small-town communities and destinations for enjoying live country and western music, both past and present.”
Liz Cox, manager at Bandera Brewery, praised the town’s ongoing support for musicians and grassroots performance spaces.
“As a resident and business owner, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the incredible passion, talent, and dedication our community has for music and the arts,” Cox said. “From grassroots performances at community events to live music in local venues, Bandera has consistently supported musicians and music lovers alike. Bandera is a community that recognizes the power of music to unite people, enrich lives, and drive economic growth.”
The Texas Music Office, part of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism, is the first and longest-running state music office in the nation. Since 1990, the TMO has supported the growth of Texas music businesses and artists. According to the office, the state’s music industry generates more than $31 billion in annual economic activity and supports 196,000 permanent jobs.
For more information about the Music Friendly Texas program, visit gov.texas.gov/music/page/music-friendly-communities.
For ceremony or local event details, contact Patricia Moore, executive director of the Bandera County Convention & Visitors Bureau, at 830-796-3045 or [email protected].
830.888.9559
