Wimberley Valley
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NEWS & VIEWS Volume 24 Issue 3 • Wimberley, Texas • February 2021 Postal Patron
T he Wimberley Way of Living
Wimberley Valley News & Views
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February 2021
Con tra ct I n
Want Results? Call us today! Co
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Randall Morris & Associates
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612 FM 2325 $350,000 - Molly Wendt.
3990 Mt Sharp $700,000 - Melinda Everett
30 Ag Exempt Acres Views for Miles off Red Corral Ranch Rd - Traci Maxwell
1353 Falconwood $189,000 - Zach Adkisson
204 Cheyenne Trl $16,000 - Clay Ewing
TBD Mt. Sharp Rd $906,500 - Don Montague
Melinda Everett, Associated Broker 512-695-5963
Traci Maxwell, Associated Broker 512-393-9996
Zach Adkisson, Sales Associate 512-217-4776
Molly Wendt, Sales Associate 512-940-1711
Clay E Ewing, Associated Broker 512-922-7475
Don Montague Sales Associate 512-921-1014
Serving the Wimberley area • Century 21 Randall Morris & Associates • 13320 Ranch Road 12 Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.
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February 2021
Making choices
Wimberley Valley News & Views
One of my personal goals this year is to reduce my sugar intake. Self-quarantine for so many months created too many opportunities to indulge in baking cookies, pies and cakes. And while I enjoyed the science and art of creating tasty doughs and fillings, less than desirable results began appearing in physical ways. So, when it came time to decide on a cover for this month’s issue of the News & Views, I discovered some adorable Sweet Tart hearts imprinted with clever, modern versions of an old-school Valentine’s favorite. The shoot capturing a worthy cover was quick and easy thanks to my talented photographer husband. Next came the choice of what to do with a minor mountain of Sweet Tarts. Nibbling on something while I sit at my keyboard has been an established practice for the past year. And I loathe wasting food. I stared at the pile. Then I remembered how so many habits I had in 2019 were upended in 2020; going to coffee shops to visit with friends, dinners with my family at a favorite local restaurant, going to a movie a couple of times a month. I stopped doing those things with barely a moment’s notice. I could refuse candy not just at that moment, but for the rest of the year. It was a small victory but an important one. This year will also be about change, and about making choices that create benefit for ourselves and others. I am onboard with this thought and adopt it as a mission. My heart is in it! Thank you for joining us.
Publisher Victoria Belue Schaefer Creative Designer Cyle Johnson Ad Design Joey Johnson Cover Kevin Schaefer
Wimberley Valley News and Views, a subsidiary of Pedal Ranch Publications, is mailed monthly to all homes, businesses, and post office boxes in the 78676 zip code. You can also pick one up from local merchants. Contact us at info@WVNewsViews.com for information on advertising and submissions. Wimberley Valley News and Views P.O. Box 91554 Austin, TX 78709 512-709-6935 Visit our website: WVNewsViews.com
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Entire contents copyright ©2021. Reproduction of any of this publication requires written permission of publisher. We are not responsible for the products and services advertised or the views contained in this publication. Page 3
February 2021
✯ CALENDAR OF EVENTS ✯ Visit WVNewsViews.com • Every Mon.-Thur. 4:15-8:30pm. Katherine Anne Porter night school to service those who have a few credits to graduate or cannot attend high school during the day. Free to attend. Applications can be found at www.kapschool.org or call (512) 847-6867. • Every 1st Mon. Wimberley Merchants Association meets at the Sassy Scrapper’s at 6:15pm. For more info call 512-847-6544. • Every 2nd Mon. Wimberley Valley Art League meets at the Wimberley Community Center at 6:30-8:30pm. Visit WimberleyArtLeague.org for information. • Every 2nd Mon. Wimberley 4H meets during the school year at VFW on 401 Jacobs Well Rd. Wimberley. Every 2nd Mon. 10am the Jacob’s Well Chapter NADAR (National Society Daughters of the American Revolution) meets at the Emily Ann Theater. For information contact Laura Chalberg at jacobswellnsdar@gmail.com. • Every 3rd Mon. The Wimberley Area Parkinsons Association meets at the Chapel of The Hills Church, 14601 RR 12 in Wimberley from 9-11am. Caregivers, friends, and relatives are welcome. Guest speakers and general discussion. Parkinson’s exercise program For more information contact. Paul 361-265-8161 or visit WimberleyAPA.com. • Every Tues. 6:30-8pm. Community Bible Study, An Interdenominational Bible Study. 2019-2020 Course of Study: 1&2 Peter, Joshua and Christian Living. To register call 512-808-9156 or email paula.king206@yahoo.com. • Every Tue. Wimberley Home Health offers free blood pressure monitoring 10-10:30am at the Wimberley Community Center in the Seniors Lounge. • Every Tue. The Wimberley Rotary Club meets via Zoom at Noon. For information to join the meeting, call 512 847-2510. • Every 1st Tue. the Wimberley Community Center hosts free medical checks 9:30-10:30am. For more info call 512-847-2510. • Every 1st and 3rd Tue. the Wimberley Lions Club meets at the Wimberley Community Center. Call 512-847-0207 for info. • Every 2nd Tue. Wimberley Masonic Lodge meets at 181 Masonic Road, meal at 6pm and lodge stand meeting at 7pm. Call 512847-3463 for more information. • Every 2nd Tues. Art Society of Wimberley meets in Art Room. 100 Melody, 7pm. Call 512-964-7333. • Every 2nd Wed. Sep. Through May, Wimberley Garden Club meets at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection at 101 West Spoke Hill Drive. Refreshments at 9:30 a.m. Programs start at 10 am. For more information visit WimberleyGardenClub.org. • Every 2nd Wed. 11:30-1pm. Wimberley Area Cancer Support Group meets in the Wimberley Visitors Center board room, brown bag lunch. If you have cancer now or in the past, grab your lunch and join us for a relaxing time with others who share your journey. Call Sharon East at 512-924-2002 or Dave Boyd
at 512-923-9373 for additional information. • Every 3rd Wed. August thru May, 9:45-12am. The Herb Society of America Hill Country Unit meets at the Wimberley Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 956 RR 2325, For more information visit HillCountryHerbs.org. • Every 3rd Wed. EmanciPet Low-Cost Mobile Spay/Neuter cinic in Brookshire parking lot. Appointments required EmanciPet. org or 512 587-7729; contact ARF for more info 512 8472878. WAG for dog vouchers WimberleyWAGRescue.org or 512 847-3200. Dog/cat vouchers PALS PreventaLitter.com or 512 754-7257. • Every 4th Wed. Hill Country Neighbors meets at Wimberley Community Center starting at 10am. For more information contact 512-847-2849. • Every 1st Thur. The Wimberley Alzheimer’s Caregiver’s Support Group meets at 1pm at the Presbyterian Church Library on FM 2325. Contact Linda Germain at 512-924-3661. • Every 2nd Thur. The Hill Country Bead Society meets at 1pm at the Wimberley Community Center, Blanco Room. Contact Marilyn Pierce, for more info call 512-722-3549 or visit HillCountryBeadSociety.com. • Every 2nd and 4th Thur. 7pm Wimberley Toastmasters Club meets at First Baptist Church Wimberley, 15951 Winters Mill Parkway, Wimberley. Toastmasters teaches public speaking and leadership. For more info contact Amy O’Neil at amy@texiasllc.com. • Every 3rd Thur. Live concerts, best music in the Hill Country at Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse, 7:30pm; $20-25 for adults, $5 for children. Food, coffee and soft drinks available. Corner of RR 12 & CR 1492 (Wimberley United Methodist Church.) For more info go to www.wimberleyumc.org Proceeds benefit Barnabas Connection & Mother’s Day Out scholarships. • Every Fri. Celebrate Freedom 6-8pm, pizza, 5:30pm Cypress Creek Church. Call 512-847-1222 or visit CypressCreekChurch.com. • Every 2nd Sat. Wimberley’s Second Saturday Gallery Trail. Visit ten galleries for art, food and fun, 4-7pm. Call 830-708-7433. • Every 2nd Sat. WAG Rescue’s monthly dog adoption at King Feed. Call 512-847-3200 for more information. • Every Sun. The Wimberley Cycling Club fun no drop ride 10-20 miles. Meet 2:30pm Blanco Brew coffee shop. 14200 Ranch Rd 12. Join us on Facebook @Wimberley Cycling Club for more info. • Every Sun. 4:30pm, The Wimberley Chapter of Overeaters Anonymous meets at the Wimberley Presbyterian Church, 956 FM 2325. OA is for anyone who has compulsive eating issues (overeaters, anorexics and bulimics.) We follow the 12-step recovery program adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous. For more info, please contact Aida at 512-787-8313. • Sun. Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day
Wimberley Valley News & Views • 512-709-6935 • P.O. Box 91554 Austin, Texas 78709 Wimberley Valley News & Views
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February 2021
Many seasons, one family One of the things that has kept me sane during the past year is the comfortable rhythm of the seasons as we scroll through them. By January, we notice the sun coming up a little earlier every morning, and enjoying the Wimberley Valley sunset keeps us outside a little later each evening as we head into spring. By the time the longest days return, the natural laws that govern everything remind us that shorter, cooler days will return with relief from the summer heat, and the changing colors in the fall foretell a reprise of Nature’s amazing symphony. As a plant lover and a horticulturist, I will always have a special place in my heart for Springtime, but Winter holds a nearly mystical allure as so much of our world slows, pauses, and regenerates during the resting phase between growing seasons. All winter, tiny bluebonnet rosettes cling to the ground for protection, spreading their leguminous, nitrogen-fixing roots into Texas soils from the Monahans sandhills to the Rio Grande Valley, awaiting the signal to stretch into the sunlight and decorate the state with spikes of indigo for yet another remarkable spring. Fruit and shade trees planted with hope in the fall are burrowing into nutrient-rich soil they can find as their branches slowly begin to swell with terminal buds not yet ready for the primetime show of springtime. They use deep sources of energy stored especially for this time so they can be ready for their first growing season in
their new homes. We too ready ourselves for a new season. Few of us will miss very much of what 2020 brought us, but this year brings hope and possibilities anew. We have yet another chance to do better than before, to right the wrongs we may have missed, and to walk more just and merciful paths. As we heal the wounds suffered or inflicted in the past year, we warm ourselves by the human hearth that continues to beckon our return to the family where we are forever welcomed as cherished members with open arms. Horticulturist Tim Thompson has managed the garden center at King Feed and Hardware for the past 25 years. They offer everything you need to have the garden of your dreams without stressing your budget. Pick up Tim’s Tips, free one page sheets on how to carry out dozens of gardening projects available only at King Feed Nursery. Call Tim at 512-847-2618.
Homestead Exemption What is a Homestead Exemption? Homestead exemptions are granted by the county appraisal district where the property is located. The exemption reduces a homeowner's property tax bill by removing part of the home's value from taxation. All Texas homeowners may receive a general residence homestead exemption on the value of their property for school taxes upon application. Other taxing entities may also offer exemptions of some percentage of the home's value. Other exemptions are available to homeowners who are over 65 or disabled and require the same application process. Who qualifies? These requirements must be met to receive the exemption: You must own your home on January 1 of the year for which you are applying. You must reside at the home as your principal residence on January 1 of that year and not claim any other property as your homestead. Only individual homeowners (not corporations or other entities) may receive a homestead exemption. A homestead can be a house, condominium, or a manufactured home. It can include up to 20 acres, if the land is also owned by the homeowner and used as a yard or for another purpose related to the residential use of the home. Wimberley Valley News & Views
by Tim Thompson
by Alice Gumbert Lebkuecher
How to apply for a Homestead Exemption: Your Homestead Exemption will be denied unless all of the required documents show the same homestead address. First, fill out the application specific to your county appraisal district, then mail all of the documents to the appraisal district for your county. Go to your county's appraisal district website and download the Residence Homestead Exemption Application (Form 50-114). Include a copy of your driver's license or identification card. Your driver's license needs to be from the Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS), and the address must match the homestead address. Application deadlines: You are to file the completed application with all required documentation beginning Jan. 1 and no later than April 30 of the year for which you are requesting an exemption. If you qualify for the age 65 or older or disabled persons exemption or the exemption for donated homesteads of partially disabled veterans, you are to apply for the exemption no later than the first anniversary of the date you qualify for the exemption. Alice Gumbert Lebkuecher is a sales agent with Keller Williams Realty, Partners in Real Estate, in Wimberley. She works with both buyers and sellers in Wimberley and surrounding areas. To contact her, call her cell at 713-253-1311 or by email at aliceinwimberley@gmail.com.
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February 2021
Young trees deserve TLC Bartlett Tree Experts recommends some of these standard practices for young trees to get a “new arrival” off to a good start. • Root Collar Excavation: It’s important in young tree care to remove excess soil near the buttress roots and the root collar of the tree to prevent disease. The Root-Rx Root InvigorationÆ program from Bartlett Tree Experts helps remove excess soil around sensitive roots without damaging them. It promotes rapid root growth for improved nourishment. • Hydration: It’s critical for new transplants to have adequate water – especially under drought conditions. But, over-watering can be just as damaging. A soil moisture monitoring device or a tensiometer indicates when watering should occur. Either an irrigation system or a low-cost soaker hose with a water timer can maintain a regular schedule of watering during a drought and avoid over-watering. • Fertilization/Soil Analysis: An application of fertilizer promotes the goal of rapid growth. Nutrients are added to the soil that may be lacking. Soil analysis is another service Bartlett Tree Experts provides that can reveal what nutrients are available (or lacking) at an individual planting site.
• Selective Pruning: Most shade trees have one central trunk. If the tree has more than one, then the crown should be corrected by pruning away the defect. A strong central leader should be left intact, and any other defects like v-crotches should be corrected. No more than thirty-three percent of the crown should be affected at one session. That may mean pruning in several sessions over a period of time. Limbs that compete with the central leader should be reduced in length and removed the following year. • Insect and Disease Inspection: Regular inspections may reveal pest and disease problems. Damage from insects and disease may not be obvious–except to a trained eye. These problems often occur in higher branches and can’t be seen easily from the ground. When discovered, any necessary pest and disease management techniques should be applied before damage reaches irreversible levels and severely affects the health of the tree. A Wimberley resident, Steven Austin is a member of the Texas Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture and is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist and ISA Tree Worker/Climber Specialist. His expertise includes integrated pest management of trees and shrubs and state-of-the-art organic treatments. He holds a commercial pesticide license with the Texas Department of Agriculture and is Texas Oak Wilt Certified by the Texas Forest Service. Steven is an Arborist Representative for Bartlett Tree Experts. Call 512-392-1089 or toll-free at 800-443-8733.
Ready for tax time? Want the inside scoop updates for the 2020 tax year, including information on standard deductions, retirement contributions and other hot topics? As you begin preparing your tax return for 2020, here’s what you’ll need to know. Important Dates in 2021: April 15th is the deadline to file and pay taxes or request an extension. October 15th is the last day to file a tax return if you received an extension from the IRS. Standard Deductions Are Increased Slightly: For example, a single filing $12,200 in 2019, will be filing $12,400 in 2020. Married and filing jointly would be $24,400 in 2019, now $24,800 in 2020. Retirement Contributions for Tax Year 2020: Individual contributions are unchanged to 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). Retirement Tax Restrictions Ease Up: Qualified individuals who had to tap into their retirement accounts early in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic are getting a break. This includes more time to pay back withdrawals without being taxed, no income tax required on money borrowed from 401(k) if paid back in five years, and ten percent penalty waived for early IRA and 401(k) withdrawals. Wimberley Valley News & Views
by Steven Austin
by AJ Harwood
No Tax On Stimulus Checks: The payment many Americans received in 2020 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) - $1,200 for singles, $2,400 for couples filing jointly - was an advance distribution of 2020 tax credit, and will not be taxed. At the end of the day, real estate is local, and I’m happy to walk you through what’s going on and how it applies to you in the Wimberley – Texas Hill Country area. If you’re thinking of selling your home, give me a call. I would be honored to help you through the home selling process. Now is a great time to get started! This information is designed to provide a brief overview of the subject matter covered and is not tax or legal advice but offered for general educational and informational purposes only. For more information consult your professional tax adviser regarding tax matters. Used with permission by the Buffini & Company.
Allison “AJ” Harwood, JD, MBA, GRI, is the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX REAL PROPERTIES and was recently Ranked as the #1 Top Producer for the First Quarter of 2020 in the RE/MAX system for the Austin Texas area. He is Wimberley’s “Peak Producer” offering Professional Representation for both Buyers and Sellers in Real Estate Transactions. He may be contacted at 512.847.“SOLD” 7653 or at AJ@REMAXRealProperties.com or drop by our office location at 160 South River in the South River Business Park, Wimberley, Texas 78676.
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A love affair with books My first meaningful encounter with a library occurred on the first day of the seventh grade, in a new school, in a new city. Stuck in the school library waiting for classroom placement, I pulled a book from the shelf and took it home: The Star Beast by Robert A. Heinlein. I became a
reader forevermore. As life unfolded, I traveled a lot and found libraries everywhere, in schools, in big towns and even in a small collection at a historic plantation house in Mississippi. I was working an archeological site that summer to uncover former slave quarters. During a long weekend break I pulled security duty and stayed behind when the others left so I could keep watch on the site. I started reading Stephen King’s novel The Shining. Big mistake! At night, just so I could sleep, I put that scary paperback in the freezer under a bag of peas. When the movie came to a nearby town, I went to see it. Again by myself. Second big mistake! Driving home on unlighted country roads, the headlights caught shadows of Oak trees with black hanging moss – eek! But readers must read, no? Wimberley has a beautiful library, I love the Pulitzer Prize Bookshelf. I love ordering titles through Interlibrary loans. And, my deepest wish is for a child, maybe a kid new to town, maybe
one who has not yet found the reading habit, to be welcome at the Village Library and find there a story that so lights up their life it will be recalled with great warmth, even after sixty-five years. Emily Carter had two outdoor, traveling careers – field archeology (worked in twenty-six states) and outdoor recreation planning at Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (took her all over Texas). TPWD works to conserve Texas historical and natural resources, and Emily helped setup statewide events like Earth Day. Then for 12 years she wrote for and edited The Passport Journal, a conservation and travel magazine for state parks. Now she is busy creating a third career as a novelist.
Address landscape problems now As I’m writing this, we’ve had all sorts of crazy weather. From warmer than normal temps to high wind and fire alerts, to a ton of rain. Kind of throws a kink in the works when you start to think about landscaping! With all the diversity it does give us a chance to see what, if any, problems we have that might need to be addressed before we get to the fun part. Let’s start with the high wind and fire alerts. Now is a good time to tackle creating a firebreak around your place. It’s a lot of work yet the results are not only pleasing to look at but also give us some reassurance that if a fire does start, it won’t come close to our homes. Removing piles of dead brush and cedar trees that are close to structures would be first. Next, by excavating a twenty foot area of native grasses around your structures, you can ensure that a fire would stop before it got close. Even piles of leaves can fuel a fire. Sometimes being cautious is the way to go. Second would be the issue of water. Was there any flooding, undermining or standing water? There are so many options to “helping” that water move along and find a suitable place to end up. These options can also be incorporated into your final plan so as not to look just functional but be a point of interest. Berms and Wimberley Valley News & Views
by Emily Carter
by Lindley Pond
swales can divert the water, which can be caught in a dry creek area with a gentle slope below ground to move the water. There are so many different choices when it comes to river rock colors, textures and sizes. Throwing in either a limestone boulder or two for a native look or dressing it up with a lichen-covered moss rock boulder can add to any project. Creating pockets with the boulders for plantings can give the creek an added beauty and naturalness. If rain coming off your roof is more than your gutters can handle, rain chains can diffuse the water and make for another neat thing to look at as the water falls into the dry creek. Make sure if there are beds at your drip line that plants are in front of that landing spot. After all the functional issues are taken care of, the fun can begin. It’ll be interesting to see what the next few months of winter hold for us. In the meantime, stay warm and dry. We’re here to help fulfill your “outside dreams.” Call us for a free consultation and design. Lindley Pond is owner of Lindley Pond Landscaping. We are here to make things out of your reach happen. Don’t hesitate to call or email. We’d love to help you design the shady spot you deserve. We’ve been helping folks in Central Texas for over 15 years. Give us a call for design and installation of your new “lawn.” Contact us at 512-775-1629.
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February 2021
Well water storage systems by Randy Lawrence 840 E. Summit Drive Wimberley, Texas 78676
www.HackettFinancialGroup.com Scott@HackettFinancialGroup.com
512.847.0630 Custodian Services with
Steven E Austin
Arborist Representative ISA Certified Arborist #TX-3616AT
1324 Old Martindale Road, San Marcos, TX 78666
bartlett.com SAustin@bartlett.com p 512.392.1089 f 512.392.7398
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During times of drought, there is a great deal of concern with the possibility of wells going dry in the area. Many people are forced to take action when they no longer have a constant supply of water to their home. Some have to replace well pumps, only to find that the old pump failed due to low water conditions. Others must drill new wells in order to access a larger supply of water. In most cases, these repairs are unexpected, and time-consuming. During severe drought, many well service companies are overwhelmed with calls, causing some families to endure days without a supply of fresh water. A water storage tank would be helpful to many of these homeowners. The benefits of a properly installed storage tank are numerous. These tanks are normally installed near the well so that the well pump sends the water directly into the storage tank. This removes much of the back pressure from your well pump so that the workload on the pump is greatly reduced. The water can be sprayed into the top of the storage tank, eliminating odors which may be present. The water is then re-pressurized by an external pump which can maintain higher pressure, and is much less costly to repair or replace than a submersible pump. Protection systems are also available for both pumps to ensure longevity. Even on existing storage tanks, an early warning system, such as a light or alarm, can be installed to activate when the water in the tank drops to a certain level, indicating the need to check your well for problems. This buys you the time you need to contact a professional. Should you happen to run out of water before the well is operational, there are water delivery services which can bring you a supply of water to replenish your storage tank, thereby maintaining your day-to-day routine while you await repairs. For homes in remote areas, stored water is also a valuable asset for firefighters. Now is an ideal time to consider adding a storage tank to your well. Then you will be prepared before another Texas summer takes it’s toll on your well. Randy Lawrence is the owner of ProQuality Water Systems, a full service water treatment company. He is one of only six Class III Certified Water Treatment Specialists in Hays County (LIC# WT0002693). With over 20 years of experience he has serviced Wimberley and surrounding areas for over a decade. “When you want quality, call a pro.”
ProQuality Water Systems
Randy Lawrence A
in customer service
Wimberley Valley News & Views
512-618-1334 (830) 822-3533
full service water treatment company specializing
&
integrity
Certified by the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality Class III License # WT0002693
www.proqualitywater.com
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February 2021
The 411 on chemical peels If you want more flawless, youthful skin with fewer fine lines and wrinkles, you’re describing results you can get with chemical peels. Here’s a more indepth look at what they are, the results you can expect, and whether this skin care treatment is suitable for your complexion. What is a chemical peel? This treatment breaks down the uppermost dead and dehydrated layers of skin to create a firmer, more youthful appearance with fewer wrinkles and a more even skin tone. There are a variety of chemical peel options, which is why you might have seen diverse chemical peel reviews saying different things about recovery time, maintenance, and overall results. Light chemical peel: Many people with minor skin issues choose a light chemical peel. It improves texture, clarity and skin tone while reducing wrinkles. It’s subtle at first, but with repeated treatments, the results are more apparent. No recovery period is necessary for light chemical peels, but it’s best to protect this new, undamaged skin layer with sunblock to preserve the results. Medium chemical peel: After a single medium chemical peel, the skin is noticeably smoother and younger looking. Patients might need a bit of time to heal after the procedure. It’s wise to avoid sun exposure for several months after the peel so the color of skin doesn’t change. Use a pigment suppressive home care product pre and post peel. The use of sunblock is highly recommended.
Deep chemical peel: Extremely dramatic results occur with deep chemical peels, however, you can expect healing time to be necessary. Your doctor might also recommend that you keep your face protected from the sun permanently to avoid changes in skin color. Again, pre and post peel treatment with a pigment suppressive home care product will be required in addition to mandatory sunblock use. Before you schedule any type of chemical peel, your skin should be professionally evaluated and the skin care treatment customized according to your specific needs. The goal is to determine the chemical peel that will provide maximum results with minimal down time.
Karen Laine is a para-medical aesthetician and makeup artist with 23 years experience. Contact her at 512-847-8052. Her office is located at 120 Joe Wimberley Blvd. Suite 106, in Wimberley.
120 Joe Wimberley Blvd. Suite 106 Wimberley Pharmacy Building
Achieve a natural smile with tooth-colored fillings In many cases, when people have any work on themselves done they would like for the results to look as natural as possible. Whether it’s our hair, nails or some sort of cosmetic procedure, we may not want to look completely different but simply a better version of ourselves. Many people have that same mentality when it comes to their dental work. In cases such as teeth whitening, porcelain veneers and the like our patients like to look as natural as possible. When it comes to fillings, you may find it difficult to feel secure in your smile if you have metal in it. Dr. Donnelly understands the importance of wanting to have a beautiful smile and is able to give his patients what they want using tooth-colored fillings. With tooth-colored fillings, your smile is able to look brand new, natural and beautiful. Metal fillings, or amalgam fillings, can be toxic to our bodies as well as unappealing to the eye. Tooth-colored fillings are more durable than amalgam fillings and they are able to match your existing smile exactly. Amalgam fillings can change shape depending on the temperature of your mouth, which leaves the possibility of expansion, cracking your tooth and inviting bacteria to make your smile its Wimberley Valley News & Views
by Karen Laine, Para-Medical Aesthetician
by Robert Donnelly, DDS
new home. The composite resin we use to make your tooth-colored fillings are more flexible and effectively adhere to your tooth. These are only a few of the many benefits of tooth-colored fillings. Investigate all the reasons with a dentist you trust knows how to bring out the best in your smile. It can make all the difference. If you or someone you know would benefit from these services we hope you share this information with them. Please call our office at 512-396-5225 to schedule an appointment or visit us online at SanMarcosDental.com. Come see why Dr. Donnelly was voted a Super Dentist by Texas Monthly Magazine and Best Dentist in Hays County!
J. Robert Donnelly, D.D.S. Master of The Academy of General Dentistry
1337 Thorpe Lane San Marcos, TX 78666 512-396-5225 Fax: 512-396-7022
Sanmarcosdental.com
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February 2021
For today We drive ourselves crazy trying to meet exercise goals, when, really, the only goal should be to exercise. And let it feel great! If it doesn’t, slow it down or change it up. But consistency should be the only goal one has. Holding off on feeling successful is not good. It will have you frustrated that you are so out of shape, now. You’ll habitually feel out of shape, no matter what, because you’ll naturally expand the goal. You’ll injure yourself because the goal is more important than listening to your body. It will not feel good, and you won’t want to continue it. And I wouldn’t blame you for quitting if it means getting away from the stress this pattern causes. In karate, we say that a balance of strong focus and soft focus is ideal. For example, we need to be able to focus a lot of energy in one spot for a strike, but we also need to be able to soften our focus so that we can notice and deal with attacks from many angles at once. Of course, we are taught to avoid actual confrontations, but the idea fits for many things we encounter in life. For example, we need to be able to focus our energy on a path to a goal and at the same time be aware and adjustable if it is time to change paths. This can even soften to how we feel about ourselves. We can feel strong in who we are and also be open to learning anew. Actually, that feeling of strength allows us to take on new things with more
by Sarah Geenberg
ease. People need to think of the right exercise for today. When you treat your body well and be happy, even grateful, that you are exercising, today, no matter what it is you’re doing, your body will reward you way more than you’d expect. Listen to your body, and feel the joy of the movement. This is where the real juice is, and it will make you want to exercise again and again. Good luck and feel great! Sarah is the owner of Wimberley Karate and Yoga Studio and WimberleyKarateYoga.com. The school offers indoor, outdoor, and online classes. We are particularly proud of the Seniors we serve in karate, Tai Chi, and yoga for finding a way to thrive no matter what. Also the kids... They are going through more than we know right now.
Wimberley Karate and Yoga Studio Sarah Geenberg (512) 971-8528 501 Old Kyle Road Wimberley, TX 78676 WimberleyKarateAndYogaStudio.com
Hindsight is now 2020 Poor 2020. It really isn’t 2020’s fault that it turned out to be such a rough year. Its childhood started off pretty well, but things fell apart in adolescence, and it was plagued with disaster for the rest of its life. But blaming 2020 for ten bad months is like the old excuse where we claim that “the devil made me do it!” Everyone is hoping that 2021 will be better, and I’m sure it will be, but nothing really different happened at midnight on New Year’s, except that the ball in Times Square fell quietly. While trying to find optimism, I should acknowledge up front that terrible things did happen in 2020 . . . we all know that. People lost their jobs, schools faced an impossible task, families had to stay apart, and people got sick and died in alarming numbers. The underground lava dome of racism erupted as a stinking dangerous volcano in 2020, and the presidential election was the most degrading and embarrassing in our history. In the end, I can write this, and you can read this, so we survived 2020. But, like bad people, 2020 wasn’t all bad. Although 2020 was rough on humans, the environment rather enjoyed the year. Wildlife got a break, the CO2 emissions dropped, and the air in India cleared so much that city dwellers could see the Himalayas for the first time in decades. Nature gave night-sky watchers a fantastic comet, a glowing-red Mars flyby, and the best Jupiter/Saturn conjunction since 1623. NASA and SpaceX sent Americans back to Wimberley Valley News & Views
by Kern Deschner
space from Cape Canaveral for the first time in way-too-long. With unexpected time off in 2020, I got a lot of badly-needed sleep. Seeing a year of stupidity coming, I dumped FaceBook in March and have never been happier! My backyard looked great this summer! My daughter completed her first semester at UT Law School and my youngest son likewise completed his first semester of Medical School. My first grandchild was born in August. There were some other unanticipated positive consequences of the 2020 mayhem. With schools and public spaces closed, the insane wave of mass shootings took a pause. With most people wearing masks and social distancing, the 2020 influenza season looks to be the lowest on record. It’s irritating that COVID forced us to do this, but researchers were able to engineer a novel mRNA vaccine at a speed that was formerly unimaginable. And Richard Nixon’s ghost has got to be saying, “hey, you miss me yet?”. The alpacas had a great year. They didn’t have to crowd into a trailer and go anywhere since the shows were canceled. The weather was gentle so the babies are thriving. They beat alpaca COVID a decade ago and are all vaccinated. The year 2020 is hindsight and they are being prepared for 2021. I think the alpacas are all hoping we have turned the corner, and that the light at the end of the tunnel really is not the train. Rhonda and Kern Deschner are experienced alpaca ranchers raising alpacas through all kinds of Texas weather since 1997. Tierra Prometida Alpaca Ranch can be visited by calling Rhonda at 512753-9962, or at tierra@alpacausa.com. Page 10 February 2021
Ready for retirement? Planning for retirement can be overwhelming and choosing where to begin can be daunting. An important primary step is to have a good estimate of how much income will be required to support your retirement needs and goals. On our website, www.hackettfinancialgroup.com, under ‘resources’ is a selection of calculators that may be helpful. Once you enter a little information, you will receive an estimate of your retirement income needs. Things to consider when planning your retirement needs: 1. Start with your current income 2. Estimate your retirement expenses 3. When do you want to retire? 4. What is your life expectancy? 5. What are your current sources of retirement income? 6. How do you make up for any income shortfalls? A percentage of your present income is a good starting point for estimating your annual retirement income goal. Of course, if you intend to spend more money while retired, such as on travel, you may need to save more now to support those ambitions. When planning for retirement it is helpful to have a profession-
by Scott G. Hackett, CFP®
al look over your estimates and confirm that they are as accurate and realistic as possible. Decide when and for how long you will be retired. The longer you plan on being retired, the more years of income you will need. You do not want to run the risk of outliving your savings or other income sources. With life expectancies rising, it is best to assume you will live for longer than you expect, so plan accordingly. Are you aware of all the resources available to you? Your social security, 401(k), IRA, annuities, traditional pension plan and other investments are viable sources of income. The amount you invest, the rate of investment return and other factors will influence the amount of income you receive. With good planning, your expected sources of income will be more than enough to fund your lengthy retirement. However, if your projections come up short, don’t panic. It is likely there are steps you can take to bridge that gap. A financial professional can
Scott G. Hackett, CFP® is the president of the Hackett Financial Group LLC (HFG), a fee-only registered investment advisor. Contact Scott at 512-847-0630.
Litigation: Can we think critically in 2021? As I write this article, there are less than thirty-two hours left in 2020, and you will read these thoughts in 2021. I am thinking of things that have held my attention this year. A pandemic unprecedented in our lifetimes; a national election in which more Americans voted than ever before; we have observed civility and rationality in civic discourse virtually disappear; occasionally, we have been fortunate to see wonderful acts of kindness, and, particularly among our front-line responders and workers, acts of selfless devotion for which we can never adequately say “thank you.” What concerns me greatly at this moment is the extent to which facts, objective truth, and the meaning of words have lost their foundational place in America. As lawyers in the courtroom, judges and juries hold our feet to the fire so we deal in real facts, and we believe that in most instances, as each side brings forward provable facts and argues their differing conclusions from those facts, the truth emerges. Contrary to this, public discourse today is fraught with use of selective facts to reach unsupportable conclusions, and with an appalling failure to always ask, “who, what, when, where, how and why.” I cringe when, as happened earlier today, someone I consider a friend, spouts off the latest “revelation” from some news source or social media post that even a simple application of the “who, what, when…” test would reveal to be untrue or, at least, Wimberley Valley News & Views
by Roland Brown
grossly misleading. We have seen language itself devalued by the misuse of words. What does “socialism” mean? Does “capitalism” necessarily exclude “socialism” or vise versa? What does “racism” mean? Does the phrase “black lives matter” mean, ipso facto, that “blue lives (don’t) matter”? What does a young black man hear when his neighbor responds, “all lives matter”? You can think of many other such examples. This is not political; it is foundational to a functional society. We are not all lawyers, but we are all capable of critical thinking. Let us then, in 2021, think beyond our predispositions, demand proof, ask ourselves if the proof offered is logical and supports the conclusion being made, and let us require that words be used fairly and in a manner we can all understand. Otherwise, the rabbit hole awaits us.
Roland Brown is a litigation attorney with forty-plus years experience handling civil litigation throughout Texas. For more information call 512-847-2500 or visit RolandsLaw.com.
Practice Area • Personal Injury 512-847-2500
Visit us at RolandsLaw.com
Page 11 February 2021
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Page 12 February 2021
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Wimberley Valley News & Views
Page 13 February 2021
Telemedicine by Tracy Sheffield, RVT
Wimberley2x3.pdf
6/6/07
Covid-19 has brought so many changes to our lives, most of them have not been good changes. It has changed the way we do almost everything. There are a few bright spots in the sea of change. A few of these changes have made life easier. Telemedicine is one of those changes that can make life easier and more efficient for everyone. What is telemedicine? Simply put, it is communication and visualization of the patient done remotely. Are there rules for telemedicine? Yes, these rules are determined by the state board of veterinary medical examiners. Generally speaking, there must be a veterinary client/patient relationship in place prior to using telemedicine. How does telemedicine work? There are many different formats for telemedicine available but one of the most common is the use of an app. The app will allow for real time communication and video. A telemedicine appointment works the same way as a regular appointment, the time is set in advance of the appointment. Telemedicine has many uses in veterinary medicine. Surgery follow ups and incision checks can be done by telemedicine. Wound triage, deciding if and injury needs to be seen can be done by telemedicine. Lameness issues can receive an initial evaluation via telemedicine. Telemedicine is particularly useful for behavior issues. The veterinarian can see how the pet is behaving in their normal environment. With real-time video available, telemedicine can be a very helpful tool when evaluating emergency situations. Telemedicine also offers easy payment through the app so there is no need to go to the veterinary office to make a payment. Talk to your veterinarian about telemedicine appointments, they should be very easy to arrange. Getting veterinary care for your pet without having to take your pet in for every appointment is one of the good things that has come out of 2020.
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Wimberley Office
150 RR 3237, P.O. Box 727 • Wimberley, TX 78676 Office: 512/847-2278 • Fax: 512/847-5131
Tracy Sheffield, RVT works with her husband, Dr. Mike Sheffield, at Wimberley Veterinary Clinic. Wimberley Veterinary Clinic sees all kinds of animals, dogs, cats, horses, birds, pocket pets, reptiles and other exotic animals. Make your boarding reservations online at WimberleyVetClinic.com or call us at 512-847-5630.
•Septic Pumping •Cleaning •Repairs DRIPPING SPRINGS: 858-2040 BUDA: 312-0002 WIMBERLEY: 847-5070 AUSTIN: 445-5489 LAKE TRAVIS: 263-3993 SAN MARCOS: 396-7070
Wimberley Valley News & Views
847-5630 • 12605 RR 12, Suite 1
Page 14 February 2021
Specializing in Wimberley & The Surrounding Hill Country Pending
1132 Haynes St MLS 6184679 Great fixer upper in SM, close to downtown, school & river. 3 bedroom 1 bath attached carport. $182,000 Ross Pelc
2370 Wayside Dr MLS 1386756 $729,000 20.29 Acres. Cleared of cedars ,wildlife exemption. Well, septic, fully fenced, tiny house.Alice Lebkuecher
Sold
New
2901 Mt Sharp Rd MLS 9044685 $595,000 3/3 on 5 ag exempt acres. Needs updating. Gorgeous oaks! Alice Lebkuecher
103 Ridgewood MLS 7935152 $432,900 Very nice new 3/2.5 with office and bonus room. Alice Lebkuecher
Sold
000 Joe Wimberley Blvd MLS 9981986 Commercial 1.169 Acres, Zoned C1 $325,000 Jim Donaldson
New
122 S Rainbow Ranch Rd MLS 6828422 Custom built 4/3 on 9+ acres. Media room, office, 3 fireplaces. Jim Donaldson
400 Spoke Hollow MLS 2547804 7.6 acres with 180 Degree Panoramic views. $375,000 Mickey Brown
195 Bluebonnet Breeze Rd MLS 9626395 $29,950 Gorgeous panoramic view lot in Fischer. Gated community. Greg Ward
Pending
New and Pending
Sold
300 Windmil Cove #D MLS 5647086 50 acre tract in River Mountain Ranch. Private Blanco River Park.Ag exempt $1,161,000Alice Lebkuecher
2020 Jacobs Well MLS 2244713 $1,150,000 Craftsman style 3/2.5 w/study on Cypress Creek. 3+ acres! Alice Lebkuecher
114 Allegheny Ct MLS 6053116 $499,000 Great 3/2 on 5 acres. Bring your horses! Alice Lebkuecher
1200 Skyline Dr MLS 5935040 $695,000 Beautiful porch views from this 3/2 on 6+ acres. Office Debbie Donaldson
Sold
New Price
Sold
Sold
11 Overbrook Court MLS 1038699 Elegant Custom Golf Course Home & Guest House $500,000 Linda Germain
235 Smith Creek Rd MLS 3968200 Cabin on Smith Creek! 3/2 log style home on 2.49 Acres. $465,000 Jim Donaldson
29 W Inwood Forest MLS 3250694 Private 3/2 on 1.5 acres. Open living, energy efficient. Beautiful Oaks. $325,000 Jim Donaldson
49 Whistling Wind Ln. MLS 7437294 Light Bright 3/2/2, Move-In Ready! $349,000 Linda Germain
Mickey Brown 512-468-4509
Alice Lebkuecher
Jim Donaldson
Debbie Donaldson
713-253-1311
830-857-3371
512-665-9588
Jeff Hutto 936-327-2303
Greg Ward 512-648-7538
Ross Pelc 512-270-1703
Linda Germain
512-924-3661
13210 R anc h &RViews d.1 2 , St e A, Wimberley, TX WimberleyPar tn er s2021 . co m Wimberley Valley News Page 15 February
REAL PROPERTIES
MAIN OFFICE DIRECT (512) 847-SOLD (7653) • www. AJsTexasHomes.com NEW OFFICE ADDRESS: 160 South River, SOUTH RIVER BUSINESS PARK, WIMBERLEY, TX 78676
We can do this! Wimberley Strong!
SOLD!
NEW LOT LISTING!
SOLD
LOT 14 ESCONDIDA RANCH STUNNING 20.08+/- AG EXEMPT ACRES, POND, WET WEATHER CREEK VIEWS! GREAT BUILDING SITES FOR A LUXURY HILL COUNTRY HOME! $562,240
188 GLEN ELLEN COURT THIS 1.87+/- ACRE LOT IN “THE VINEYARD” HAS STUNNING MAJESTIC LIVE OAK TREES! PARTIALLY CLEARED BUILDING SITE! $317,000
160 AUGUSTA SPACIOUS 4/3/2 GOLF COURSE HOME OVERLOOKING THE 13TH FAIRWAY! BONUS SUN-ROOM OFF THE KITCHEN AREA! $349,700
2251 S RAINBOW RANCH MAKE THIS SPACIOUS 3,687+/-SQ.FT, 4-BEDROOM/4-BATH/4-CAR GARAGE HOME ON 10.45+/- ACRES YOUR HAVEN IN THE HILL COUNTRY! $699,700
PENDING IN 3 DAYS!
PENDING
TWO LOTS!
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600 SHADE RD STUNNING 2/2/2 LOG HOME W/SPACIOUS FRONT PORCH ON 5.77+/- ACRES IN SOUGHT AFTER BLANCO BEND W/ BLANCO RIVER ACCESS! $547,000
35 LA BUENA VISTA MAKE THIS SPACIOUS 2/2 HOME YOUR HAVEN IN THE HILL COUNTRY! SPECTRUM INTERNET/CABLE! SUPER LOCATION JUST MINUTES TO DOWNTOWN! $279,700
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105 WIGEON NEW LISTING NEAR HAYS CITY! SPANISH STYLE 3/3/2 CUSTOM HOME ON 2+/- ACRES W/A TEXAS “KING RANCH” APPEAL! DESIGNER’S DREAM FOR ENTERTAINING! $569,700
NEW PRICE!
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310 WIMBERLEY SQUARE THIS PROPERTY WAS BUILT IN THE MID 1930’S IN THE HEART OF WIMBERLEY! STEEPED WITH HISTORY! ZONED C-1! GREAT OPPORTUNITY! $697,000
OO LEATH HOLLOW LONG DISTANT HILL COUNTRY VIEWS FROM THIS 10.285+/- ACRE TRACT! ZONED RESIDENTIAL! GREAT OPPORTUNITY! $349,700
1100 THOMPSON RANCH MAKE THIS UPDATED TINY CABIN YOUR WEEK-END GETAWAY! SHORT TERM RENTALS OK! LONG DISTANT HILL COUNTRY VIEWS! $780,000
000 BROOKMEADOW DR RARE 5.032 +/- ACRE TRACT IN BROOKMEADOW! POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY W/CITY APPROVAL! MAJESTIC LIVE OAKS! $349,700
NEW LISTING!
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COMMERCIAL LOT!
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1003 LONESOME TRAIL UPDATED 3/2 MANUFACTURED HOME ON 11.9+/- ACRES CONVENIENT TO AUSTIN AMENITIES AND OTHER HILL COUNTRY DESTINATIONS! $599,700
1051 COUNTY ROAD 1492 NEW LISTING IN WIMBERLEY TEXAS! THIS UPDATED AND UNIQUE “EARTH STYLE HOME” BUILT PARTIALLY UNDERGROUND ON 1.47+/-ACRES! $434,700
220 BENNEY LANE COMMERCIAL LOT IN DRIPPING SPRINGS! SUPER LOCATION - LOT 5 (1.5+/- ACRES) ON BENNEY LANE IS ZONED CS – COMMERCIAL SERVICES! $597,000
2925 MAIL ROUTE RD, FISCHER, TX NEW LISTING IN FISCHER, TEXAS! MAKE THIS UPDATED HOME ON 24.2+/ACRES W/SEASONAL CREEK YOUR HAVEN IN THE HILL COUNTRY! $799,000
Wimberley Valley News & Views
SOLD!
Page 16 February 2021