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Wimberley Valley

PRST STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #8 WIMBERLEY, TX 78676 ECRWSS

NEWS & VIEWS Volume 25 Issue 7 • Wimberley, Texas • June 2022 Postal Patron

T he Wimberley Way of Living

Wimberley Valley News & Views

Page 1

June 2022

Want Results? Call us today! Co

622 Skyline Ridge Lookout $1,200,000 - Molly Wendt

ial

501 Old Kyle Rd Ste. 114 For Lease - Melinda Everett

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00 Tract 1B FM 2325 $650,000 - Zach Adkisson

Melinda Everett, Associated Broker 512-695-5963

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52 Limestone Trl $797,750 - Traci Phillips

ial

6000 W US Hwy 290 $2,900,000 - Don Montague

501 Old Kyle Rd Ste. 101 & 103 For Lease - Clay Ewing

Traci Maxwell Phillips, Associated Broker 512-393-9996

Randall Morris & Associates

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.

Angel Laughlin

April Carver

Broker Associate

REALTOR® Associate

512.217.6938

512.665.3043

Barbara Latimer

Betsi Schaefer

Brittany Bailey

Christina Lawson

Jackie Hines

Kim Cabler

Kurt Kimmerle

Broker Associate/Mgr.

REALTOR® Associate

Broker Associate

512.557.5257

REALTOR® Associate

512.755.3573

512.648.0858

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Marti Eveleigh

Maureen Shanklin

Melissa Lemmon

Melody Pruden

Pam Shultz

Sheryl Kelley

Steve Hysinger

Broker Associate

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REALTOR® Associate

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512.517.5735

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512.773.3168

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Laura Kilber

Lee Pruden

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512.376.8098

512.771.9463

14500 RR 12

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Wimberley Valley News & Views

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512.722.3267

John (J.D.) Payne Jonathan Bailey

HillsofTexasSky.com

Info@HillsofTexasSky.com

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June 2022

Fade into summer

Wimberley Valley News & Views

The cool mornings and mild afternoons are a distant memory now, as we move into our most notorious season. What we’ve sown in previous months has — or some cases, has not — taken root and we’re approaching our cruising altitude for the year. This month’s issue is largely about caring for and protecting what you have – blossoming where we’re planted as they say. Our contributors offer you a wide range of expertise and services to assist in helping us all flourish. This community never ceases to amaze me with the amount of heart, kindness, and talent tucked into every pocket of the Wimberley Valley. It almost goes without saying – this is a special kind of place. I hope this issue serves you well as we savor the remaining weeks of spring that fade into summer. As always thank you for joining us. Warmly,

Editor & Creative Director Cyle Elizabeth Johnson Ad Design Joey Johnson

Cover Joey Johnson

Wimberley Valley News & Views, a subsidiary of Valentino 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 512 375 5590 WVNewsViews.com

Entire contents copyright ©2022. 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. Wimberley Valley News & Views

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June 2022

✯ CALENDAR OF EVENTS ✯ Visit WVNewsViews.com • 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 Hall on 401 Jacobs Well Rd. Our next meeting is Monday, April 11, 7pm. 6:30pm Clover Kids Program. April community service: We will be collecting items for the Dell Children’s Hospital family room. • Jacob’s Well Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, meets at the Emily Ann Theater in Wimberley on Monday, May 9, at 9:40am for chat time and 10am for our business meeting. For more information, please email 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. Email Paul, paulwilj99@gmail.com. • The Wimberley Chapter of Overeaters Anonymous meets every Monday at 4:30pm. This is a face-to-face and Zoom hybrid meeting, depending on the Covid situation. Please call or text Aida at 512-787-8313 for the meeting location or Zoom link. • Every Tues. 6:30-8pm. Community Bible Study, An Interdenominational Bible Study. To register contact Karen Bryson at 512 644 8805 or kb17@txstate.edu. • Every 3rd Tues. The Lions Club meets from 6pm-8pm at the Wimberley Community Center. Call 512-847-0207 for info. • Every Tues. at noon, Rotary Club of Wimberley meets at the EMS Classroom on Twilight Trail. Carolyn Manning is our President, 512-558-1626, director@wimberleylibrary.org • Every 1st Tue. The Wimberley Community Center hosts free medical checks 9:3010:30am. For more info call 512-847-2510. • Every 1st Wed. 5:30-7pm, Wimberley Valley Arts and Cultural Alliance (WVACA) holds a mixer at Middleton Brewing. Opportunity for members and curious non-members to meet and mingle, share ideas, learn about upcoming events and get involved. It’s always a lively good time with interesting people! Open to all. All are welcome. For more information visit WimberleyArts.org • Every Wed. Join Wimberley Valley Chamber of Commerce for breakfast at the Wimberley Cafe for networking opportunities, 8-9am. Bring lots of business cards. • Every 2nd Wed. at 11:30am. 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. Sept. thru May, 9:30am-12pm. The Hill Country Unit of the Herb Society of America meets at the Wimberley Presbyterian Church. Meetings feature: herb related topics, recipes, workshops, day trips, and camaraderie. Visitors are always welcome! Refreshments at 9:30am. Program starts at 10am. Visit HillCountryHerbs.org or email valentine_lisa@msn.com. • 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, 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. • Susanna’s Kitchen is back! Every 3rd Thursday starting June 16 with Slaid Cleaves. Best music in Wimberley. WimberleyUMC. Doors open at 7pm; concerts start at 7:30. Price: $20-25. Join us for dinner: pizza, tamales, glorious pies! For more info contact Perry at 512-914-1703 • Every Fri. Celebrate Freedom 6-8pm, pizza, 5:30pm Cypress Creek Church. Call 512-847-1222 or visit CypressCreekChurch. com. • Every Fri. Wimberley VFW Post 6441 hosts bingo nights. Doors open at 6:30pm with food concession. Earlybird games start at 7:00pm. Regular games start at 8pm. Visit vfw6441.com/bingo • Every 2nd Sat. Wimberley’s Second Saturday Gallery Trail. Visit ten galleries for art, food, and fun, 4-7pm. Email BentTreeGallery@gmail.com. Have a glass of wine and enjoy art after hours.

• Tues. June 14, Flag Day • Sun. June 19, Fathers Day, Juneteenth • Tues. June 21, Summer begins

Have something to add to the Calendar of Events? Email us at info@WVNewsViews.com Wimberley Valley News & Views • 512 375 5590 • P.O. Box 91554 Austin, Texas 78709 Wimberley Valley News & Views

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June 2022

Growing pains Nature’s bounty allows us to see firsthand how beautifully her processes work together to bring about new generations to inhabit and replenish the Earth. Every seed that sprouts carries the ancient genetic instructions of its forbears, honed by countless years of evolutionary growth and adaptation. As each species makes the changes necessary to perfect its habitation in the places where it lives, it must constantly find its place in the ever-changing ecosystem as it develops and evolves as well. Along the way, there are inevitable failures that cannot reproduce with the fecundity required by the environment, or whose adaptations do not make its life and death a successful venture given the challenges and threats it faces. My favorite stories of plant species involve complex machinations of renewal and resurrection, like the Texas Mountain Laurel. Evolving in a harsh environment where long droughts and weather extremes are common, they developed seed coats nearly as hard as a rock. Some seeds fall on ground where they are etched by gravel or sand, then deposited in a damp, partly shaded spot where they can sprout and get a good start before facing the unrelenting Texas sun. Most will resist sprouting for years until multiple freeze/thaw cycles or a passing wildfire will scarify the seed, allowing it to sprout and make its stand in the living world. Our species also goes through evolutionary processes, made even more complex by the personal, ethnic, and racial realities of

by Tim Thompson

the places we call home. For instance, adapting to meet new demands made by culture and science would be challenging enough without the complicating horrors of racism and ethnic cleansing. War, and the sadly human propensity to resort to violence puts countless lives needlessly at risk. Our innate intelligence has long given us an active hand in our own evolution, but we have a mixed record of practicing traits adaptive for the whole species–traits valuable enough to pass on to the future. Emulating practices of Mother Nature that teach how to survive and flourish in a changing world is a good place to start. 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.

Buying a home: An accepted offer by Alice Gumbert Lebkuecher is just the beginning… As a homebuyer or seller, an accepted contract is exciting. But hang on... the deal’s not done. Thankfully, if you’re working with a Realtor, he or she can guide you through all the potential twists and turns on the way to closing. An option to back out... For starters, most purchase contracts include a termination option. The buyer pays the seller a fee for a specified period of time during which the buyer can cancel the contract. The buyer can exercise this option for any reason. In fact, he doesn’t even have to explain why. A closer look at the property... Buyers usually hire inspectors during the termination-option period. Inspections that reveal items in need of repair may prompt a buyer to ask for a price reduction or repairs prior to closing. Or the buyer may simply choose to cancel the deal. Financing considerations... Transactions sometimes unravel when a buyer cannot obtain the financing specified in the contract or the property does not meet the lender’s requirements. For example, appraisals can come in lower than the purchase price, or there may be issues with obtaining insurance for the home. Wimberley Valley News & Views

The list goes on... Option periods, inspections, and financing are three common trouble spots for transactions, but there are many others. Problems with title insurance or the survey, disagreements about items that convey, issues related to home owner associations, or damage to the property after acceptance of the contract but before closing are a few examples of issues that can arise. You have a valuable resource... Communicating with your Realtor about each stage of the transaction will minimize surprises and increase the chances that your transaction will proceed smoothly. For more information on this subject and others, give me a call today. This article was written for the Texas Association of Realtors March 18, 2018.

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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June 2022

Biochar and your trees In the 1950s, a Dutch soil scientist made a significant discovery in the Amazon rainforest. He found terra preta, a type of charcoal that people in the Amazon Basin had used for centuries. This black earth improved agricultural productivity by making poor soils more fertile. Its modern name, biochar, comes from how it is formed – the heating of biomass (plant waste) in a process called pyrolysis. In recent years, biochar has become the subject of research studies, not only for agricultural use but also for improving soils in the landscape setting. Results have been positive, and biochar products are now available for use on trees and shrubs. Biochar benefits these plants, in part, by its ability to manage resources critical to plant health. Because it is extremely absorbent, biochar can store excess water, beneficial microbes, and soil nutrients, releasing them back into the soil when the plant needs them. Research findings have shown that biochar enhances soil fertility, reduces nutrient leaching, reduces ground water contamination, increases soil microbial activity and water retention, stimulates growth, and reduces susceptibility to disease and insect infestation. In the process of pyrolysis, much of the carbon, which would otherwise be released into the atmosphere, becomes sequestered in

the soil. Biochar stays in the soil for years. In choosing biochar as an enhancement to tree health, property owners should be aware that it can vary in quality and composition, depending on how it is produced. For example, some biochar products are completely organic, while others contain inorganic additives that your plants may not need. The biomass source and production practices used can also influence the product outcome. A qualified arborist familiar with biochar should be able to determine from the source, product labeling, and perhaps a property soil analysis whether a particular biochar product is appropriate for a given soil type. For an excellent review of the history, benefits, research findings, and uses of biochar, web search Biochar: A Game Changer for Soils and Delving into Biochar, a two-part article series from The Landscape Contractor magazine. 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.

In case of emergency, be prepared It’s almost impossible to predict when a crisis may occur, but here are a few basic measures you can take to be prepared for unexpected weather or life events. • Know your evacuation routes. These may change depending on the situation, so you’ll want an idea of the different scenarios you may face. Identify your city’s major evacuation centers. • Select your meeting places. Set one in the neighborhood, one in town, and one out of town. That way your family can regroup if something pops up when you’re not together. • Stay connected. Sign up for emergency alerts from your local municipalities. Police Facebook and Twitter pages are a great place for real time updates during emergencies. • Assign roles. Discuss what each family member will handle during an emergency. For example, mom turns off electricity and water, dad gets the important documents, kids get the pets, etc. • Consider a generator. Generators will help keep the lights on should you lose power. Some are powered by gas, others by rechargeable battery or solar. • Stock up. See what you already have. If the electricity goes, use the food in the fridge first before consuming non-perishables. Have at least three days worth of bottled water ready. • Collect important documents. Store physical documents like birth certificates, financial information, and family records in a Wimberley Valley News & Views

by Steven Austin

by AJ Harwood

fireproof or waterproof box and take it with you during an evacuation. If you are wondering what your own home would look like on the market, give me a call! I am happy to run a comparative market analysis to see what homes in your neighborhood are going for right now. 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 and Texas Hill Country area. If you’re thinking of selling your home, give me a call! Experience matters! I would be honored to help you through the home selling process. This information is designed to provide a brief overview of the subject matter covered and is offered for general educational and informational purposes only. Used with permission by the Buffini & Company.

Allison “AJ” Harwood, JD, MBA, GRI, is the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX REAL PROPERTIES. When Experience matters…Call “AJ” Today! Your Hill Country Luxury Property Expert. Member: Institute for LUXURY HOME MARKETING. 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. Page 6 June 2022

Surveillance Time travel. We may want to go forward and see the future but we would definitely be behind the times. We may long for the glamour of the past but then we forget about disease, smells, and bad food. From a financial standpoint, the best thing to do would be to travel back 120 years, buy Spindletop, and then come back to now. Wouldn’t it be great to go back to 2012 and buy Bitcoin for a dollar?! But one thing I never really thought about was going back 25 years and being part of the start-up for something like Pinecone Research, or even Survey Monkey, companies that specialize in polling. Who knew that surveys would become such a big deal? For example, we travel to alpaca shows and we stay in reasonably comfortable travel hotels. They are so generic I can hardly remember their names. And every one of them sends me a survey. Also, the auto dealership, restaurants, the doctor’s office and the hospitals, hotels, airlines, and on and on. They all want surveys. And they really want you to answer these things because they keep sending them back if you don’t fill it out. Once, on a mid-priced ocean cruise, the maître d’ got on the PA system at our last dinner and said, “For the survey, five is the number to check! Check fives on everything!” If you are involved with hospitals you have heard of Press-Ganey, a survey company. When the administrators are wringing their hands over the results, they only want to look at top box scores. Anything less than check-

by Kern Deschner

ing a top box is like giving the middle finger to the hospital. Who has ever had a top box score in an ER, where there is noise and pain? Further, there is now an industry that helps businesses deal with bad reviews, mitigating the damage, burying the bad ones while profiling the good ones. Who knows what a survey really means? The problem with all of this is the inflation of survey scores. Everyone wants an A-plus. We worry when approval goes from 98.7 down to 98.2. There is no room for true exceptionalism. So if you are a surveyor out there, let me explain something; if I check a three out of five, that means an acceptable job. I’m not upset, I’m happy. If I give you a four out of five, that’s like getting an extra big tip at a restaurant. I’m very pleased. I will talk to you up. I will definitely come back. A five out of five? Well, a five out of five is something like when Jesus picks up some dust, spits on it, puts it on a blind man’s eyes so he can instantly see. A five out of five is miraculous service, and it doesn’t happen very often. So don’t be upset if I don’t give you a five, unless you have performed an actual miracle. By the way, when you come and visit our ranch, be sure and check five on the survey! The number you wanna check on our Yelp survey is five! 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 512 753 9962, or at tierra@alpacausa.com.

When outside exercise isn’t an option Do you have an energetic dog who relies on outside activity daily? Here are some indoor ideas to keep them fulfilled when the weather isn’t conducive to outdoor exercise. Snuffle mats and puzzle toys. These are great options for food motivated dogs. A snuffle mat is a mat made with long felt pieces, like a shaggy rug, you can hide pieces of kibble down deep into the mat and your dog has to work with their nose to find each piece. There are tons of puzzle toys on the market from easy – for beginner puzzle puppies – to advanced for a more experienced dog. Nose-work games. One easy way is to collect 5-10 small boxes or shoe boxes and spread them out in an open area. If your boxes look alike, use a marker to mark the bottom of the box you will use for treats. Hide a few treats in one box and spread the boxes out. Have your dog in another space until you are ready. Bring them out and allow them to sniff around the boxes. Once they alert, paw the box, try to open it with their nose, or whatever their signal is that they have found the treats, open the box and let them eat the treats. You can do this several times moving the treat box to a different space. You can also change it up by changing the number of boxes, putting them in different formations or areas. Hide and seek. This is a great game to get your dog running Wimberley Valley News & Views

by Diana Ozimek

around and burning some energy. Here’s how we play the game in our house. We throw the ball down the hall for our dog to get it, then we run and hide. She will go all around the house looking in rooms, closets, bathtubs… until she finds us. Put this on repeat until you are both tired! If your dog doesn’t understand what to do when you disappear have another household member help them the first few times then they will start to catch on. And of course, you can always practice their obedience training around the house or Google a new trick and start teaching it. Diana Ozimek is the owner and lead trainer at Good Dog in the Making. She is excited to bring her puppy training expertise to her new community and help families raise a confident, well-mannered dog. GoodDogintheMaking.com, 773 899 1960.

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June 2022

The truth about refrigerator filters by Randy Lawrence

Bruce and Tracy Levinson 817-776-3045

300 River Road, Wimberley, 78676 Tracy@thebellhousewimberley.com

Almost every new refrigerator available today comes with a built-in activated carbon filter designed to improve taste or odor. Most models also have some type of reminder system that tells you when to replace the filter cartridge. Many people have questions about these filters. Is it necessary to have the filter in the first place? If so, how important is it to change that filter as soon as the reminder is activated? Here are a few interesting facts about these filters that may help clear up some confusion and possibly save you some money in the long run. There are two main types of filter change reminders in today’s refrigerator models. The most common is a basic timer system. This system will simply count down a pre-set amount of time (usually six months) and then activate a light which tells you to replace the filter. The main drawback to this method is that it does not take into account the volume of water used. For example, you could go six months without using the ice or water dispenser and the unit will still indicate that it’s time to change the filter. It’s a fair assumption that the majority of these filters are thrown away far too soon. The other type of reminder system is a little less common. It involves a flow meter which counts gallons as they are used through the dispenser. This is a more efficient method than the timer because it actually measures water usage. Unfortunately, neither technology knows what your incoming water quality is. This can greatly affect the lifespan of the filter. If you are on a chlorinated water supply, your filter life will be shorter. If you have a whole house treatment system, like a softener or carbon filter, then the life of your filter would be greatly increased. If your refrigerator is fed by a reverse osmosis system, then your built-in filter becomes completely unnecessary and can be removed or bypassed. Each case is slightly different, but at $40-$60 per filter it pays to know the facts so you aren’t wasting money on unnecessary replacements. 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.

•Septic Pumping •Cleaning

“When you want quality, call a pro.”

ProQuality Water Systems

•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

Randy Lawrence A

512-618-1334 (830) 822-3533

full service water treatment company specializing in customer service

integrity

Certified by the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality Class III License # WT0002693

www.proqualitywater.com

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June 2022

Kindness comes from strength If one comes across some random weirdness in a local grocery store parking lot, these are strange times indeed. And one, being me, found such weirdness in the form of a torn out piece of loose-leaf notepaper on the ground, where I picked it up and promptly read it. Which says a lot about my weirdness. But that’s another story for another day. Okay, ready for some drama? Here we go: Only a greedy apple-picker (although the author didn’t use the word apple-picker) takes two parking spaces for their oversized “big ego” car to compensate for their small minds, etc... The last bit emphatically underlined. I love the etc… part. Sort of puts a fine point to it, doesn’t it? Wow, I thought, this is really good, especially since the author wrote in a girly pink ink with a sweet Palmer-style cursive. You almost expected to see hearts above the i’s. But there was more; a response in a stately blue ink penned below. I’m very sorry to have made you so angry. I should have checked to make sure I was parked correctly. I sincerely hope your day goes much better than this unfortunate beginning. That, my friend, is a diagram of a good apology – no firing angrily back, no calling Ms. Pink Ink a bigger apple-picker, no justifying how they can poorly park their massive SUV across two parking spaces anytime they want because might makes right. Accountability. Apology. Acknowledging the wounded party’s value in this world. And do you notice how this author wasn’t diminished

Wimberley Valley News & Views

by Leslie Tourish, LPC

by admitting she was at fault? In my eyes, my respect for her grew. This parking lot kerfuffle points to a bigger issue. People are overwhelmed these days after holding it together for such a long time. Pull the camera back. Two individuals entered a grocery store where some wear masks because of fears of Covid-19. They probably ended up spending much more on groceries that day than this time last year. Had been listening to the news on the way to the store, they might have heard about a Russian military unit blowing up civilians in a train station, apartment building, or a maternity ward. Unsettled times don’t always bring out the best in us. We might not have the power to stop viruses, inflation, wars, bad parking, or snarky comments; we can choose to be curious to what we’re telling ourselves in the face of such events. When we’re angry we tend to feel victimized. It’s personal. Stop and consider – have we really been harmed? Someone is rude or calls you a name – what have the actual consequences been? If we personalize an unhappy encounter, we absorb it and become diminished. Former slave who rose to become Greek Stoic philosopher, Epictetus, wrote: Another person will not do you harm unless you wish it; you will be harmed at just that time at which you take yourself to be harmed. Each day is precious and our energies are finite. Decide to use your energy where you have the power to do good. What you put out there – you’re the first one in the receiving line.

Leslie Tourish, LPC, is a Dripping Springs psychotherapist in private practice. To contact Leslie, visit LeslieTourish.com orLATourish.com

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June 2022

Fish oil and healthier skin You’ve heard about Omega-3s benefits for your health, but did you know they are crucial for supple, clear, healthy skin? Skin cells are short-lived with a rapid turnover rate, meaning nutrients needed to build new cells must readily be on hand. Omega-3s are a key component in the fatty membranes of skin cells. Without this special type of fat on hand, the body must build new cells with “inferior” fats, resulting in less than optimal skin health. As we age, getting enough Omega-3s is even more important as they are necessary to ensure healthy cell membranes that keep skin hydrated. The primary cause of skin aging is the sun’s UV rays. Think of Omega-3s as internal sunscreen. The two kinds of Omega-3s found in fish oil, EPA and DHA increase resistance to UV light and act as protection from harmful free-radicals formed when unprotected skin is exposed to the sun. EPA goes one step further to help block the release of UV-induced enzymes that break down collagen which leads to fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin. Any condition that ends in -itis indicates a problem associated with inflammation. Dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea and eczema are inflammatory conditions of the skin. If you’ve visited a dermatologist lately, chances are he/she probably didn’t speak with you about your diet. A number of credible studies strongly correlate the Western diet with inflammatory skin conditions, acne and oily skin,

by Karen Laine, Para-Medical Aesthetician

specifically dairy, refined carbohydrates and grain foods. Along with diet changes, Omega-3s can improve these conditions by greatly reducing silent inflammation in your body. Unlike acute inflammation from surgery or injury, silent (chronic) inflammation is much more dangerous because it isn’t readily apparent. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health conditions like heart disease, arthritis and possibly even some types of cancer. Whether you’re goal is to fight aging, reduce inflammation, clear up acne or simply improve your skin’s health and appearance, high quality Omega-3 supplements are great additions to your beauty regimen. 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 14500 Ranch Road 12, suite 20, in Wimberley.

120 Joe Wimberley Blvd. Suite 106 Wimberley Pharmacy Building

Intravenous & intramuscular therapies: Why do we provide them? How to stay healthy & positive! by Breca Tracy, PhD Life is a challenge – absolutely – but there is one thing we are always in control of! Staying positive and treating our bodies right. Can I get an amen? Question: Are you providing your body with the proper nutrients and vitamins it needs to perform its best on a daily basis? Let’s not take our health for granted; let’s be proactive and treat ourselves and families to something great! Have you heard of immune supporting intravenous (IV) therapies? We, at REGENERATE, are the biggest fans of IV therapies, including high-dose vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential to life itself. We can’t live without it and our bodies can’t make it. A very small percentage of the vitamin C we consume is absorbed by our bodies. However, when it’s delivered by IV, vitamin C is much more available for your body to absorb! High-dose vitamin C is especially useful when you are under greater than usual amounts of stress, feeling excessive fatigue, or when your immune system needs bolstering. Providing vitamins and nutrients intramuscularly (IM) and intravenously (IV) is the most effective way of correcting the essential vitamin and mineral intracellular deficits. Why? Because the vitamins and nutrients are delivered directly to the bloodstream, bypassing any obstacles in our digestive system that would block direct absorption. Wimberley Valley News & Views

Intravenous IV treatments are exceptionally powerful because they bypass issues with oral administration, including upset stomach, absorption issues, and potency loss. In addition, very large doses can be administered via IV without gastrointestinal side effects, which can limit dosing. REGENERATE works with a PCAB-certified compounding pharmacy and meets the highest standard for compounding pharmacies. They are diligent in providing the best quality and consistent vitamins for our patients. Here at REGENERATE, we are passionate about serving our local community! One of the ways we serve is by providing quality products and services to help support the body's immunity. Let’s be healthy and well together, what do you guys think? For more information, please contact us! We would love to further educate you on therapies we offer here in Dripping Springs. We have a very unique team of experts here in Dripping Springs. Come see us, call us, or email us! Dr. Breca Tracy currently serves as Director of Science & Operations at REGENERATE Dripping Springs. Breca has resided in Dripping since 2007 after obtaining her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Contact us at 512-368-4548, 800 Hwy 290 W, Building F, Suite 200. NaturalHealingTX.com.

Page 10 June 2022

Slow is smooth, smooth is fast Due to Covid, I had to get another job to keep things going at the studio. I am a bookkeeper and office manager at Geo Growers in Dripping Springs. We sell soil, and most of it is organic. When my boss, George Altgelt, teaches a person how to run the big earth-moving machines, he tells them, “Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.” That is, if you don’t get in a hurry, you’ll avoid a lot of the rough spots that slow you down and mess you up. Even though I haven’t run those machines (I might break a nail), I have found the teaching is applicable when I’m trying to get things done. In yoga, “slow is smooth, smooth is fast” is definitely the difference between long-term success (I feel great!) and failure. Pushing it creates fatigue, injury, and takes away all joy. It literally stops the process of seeing and experiencing things newly. Slowing down allows for mistakes and hang-ups, gives people a chance to relax, and opens things up. In karate, people always want to go to too fast. Punching a bag too hard too soon always results in a hurt hand. Then practice can’t happen for a while. Alternatively, slowly and softly punching a bag while figuring out the correct ways and strengthening the hand results in consistent practice that builds great strength. “Slow is smooth, smooth is fast” continues into fast is powerful.

Wimberley Valley News & Views

by Sarah Geenberg

Inexperienced, younger people have more physical strength, but that strength is often fleeting, easily broken, and misused. Experienced or older people have a deeper strength that is solid. “Slow is smooth, smooth is fast” guarantees that dependable core.

Sarah Geenberg is the owner of Wimberley Karate and Yoga Studio, near Blue Hole, and OnlineSeniorsYoga.com. The yoga, Tai Chi, and karate classes are building again. Classes are offered indoors, outdoors, and online. Feel free to come check us out.

Wimberley Karate and Yoga Studio Sarah Geenberg (512) 971-8528 501 Old Kyle Road Wimberley, TX 78676 wimberleykarateyoga.com

Page 11 June 2022

Oral cancer awareness Our office is not only dedicated to your smile, we’re also dedicated to your overall wellness. Dr. Donnelly includes an oral cancer screening as a part of your regular exam and cleaning. The Oral Cancer Foundation estimates that 53,000 Americans will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer in 2021. There are two distinct causes of oral cancer. One is through the use of tobacco and alcohol, a long term historic problem and cause, and the other is through exposure to the HPV-16 virus, the same one which is responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancers in women. While some think this is a rare cancer, oral cancer will be newly diagnosed in about 100 new individuals each day in the U.S. alone, and a person dies from oral cancer every hour of every day. Unfortunately, the majorities are found as late stage cancers, and this accounts for the very high death rate of about 45% at five years from diagnosis. Lack of diagnosis is not occurring because most of these cancers are hard to discover, it is because of a lack of public awareness and patients waiting to seek treatment because of it. You are the most important factor in the early diagnosis of oral cancer through routine screenings at our office. We have the skills and tools to ensure that early signs and symptoms of oral cancer and pre-cancerous conditions are identi-

fied. The most common symptoms include red or white spots or sores anywhere in your oral cavity, a sore that bleeds easily or does not heal, a lump, thickening or rough spot, or pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips. The best way to prevent oral cancer is to avoid all tobacco products and only drink alcohol in moderation, maintain a healthy, balanced diet, and limit your exposure to the sun. Remember to schedule your regular checkups for everyone in your family at least twice a year, and if you notice any unusual changes, lumps or bumps schedule a visit immediately by calling 512-3965225. Voted Best Dentist in Hays County and recognized as a Super Dentist in Texas Monthly Magazine.

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

Avoiding probate Probate is the process of proving the validity of a will and supervising the administration of an estate usually in the probate court. State law governs the probate court, so the process can vary from state to state. Supervising the administration of an estate can result in additional expense, unwanted publicity, and delays in the distribution of estate assets for a year or longer, which is why planning to avoid the probate process may be beneficial. A few options to transfer assets on death directly from the decedent/owner to others without probate... ... A revocable living trust is a separate legal entity that can be set up to hold assets. You can transfer most assets to a living trust while you’re alive and have complete control of those assets during your lifetime. You can also direct who is to receive the assets upon your death. The use of trusts involves complex tax rules and regulations and typically involves upfront costs and ongoing fees. Seek the counsel of an experienced estate planning professional before implementing a trust. ... Name a beneficiary. Many types of accounts allow you to designate beneficiaries to receive assets directly upon your death, avoiding probate. Examples include life insurance, annuities, and retirement accounts such as IRAs and 401(k)s. ... Make accounts payable on death. Certain other accounts, such as bank accounts and brokerage accounts, also allow you to Wimberley Valley News & Views

by Robert Donnelly, DDS

by Scott G. Hackett, CFP®

designate beneficiaries to inherit the account at your death without going through probate. ... Own real estate jointly or create a life estate. Owning property jointly, as joint tenants with rights of survivorship, is another way to transfer property at death while avoiding probate. When one joint owner dies, property ownership automatically transfers to the surviving joint owner. You can also create a life estate in the property. In this case, you transfer ownership of the property to others, often called remainder beneficiaries, while you retain a life estate in the property. This means you have the right to use and control the property during your lifetime. Upon your death, complete ownership of the property passes to the remainder beneficiaries. 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.

840 E. Summit Drive Wimberley, Texas 78676

www.HackettFinancialGroup.com Scott@HackettFinancialGroup.com

512.847.0630 Custodian Services with

Page 12 June 2022

Options for incapacity Incapacity is a legal determination that an individual is unable to make decisions for him or herself. This can be because the individual is a minor and lacks the maturity to make a thoughtful decision, or because the individual suffers from a mental disability that limits rational

thought processes. When financial or medical decisions must be made for an incapacitated person, first refer to any documents executed by that individual to address this circumstance. Medical Powers of Attorney, Statutory Powers of Attorney, and Durable General Powers of Attorney permit a person when well to name agents to make decisions for them if they later become unable to do so for themselves. These documents are activated when needed using a HIPAA Release to obtain a written statement from the treating physician stating the diagnosis and disability. The Powers of Attorney permit an easy assumption of the ability to act in the incapacitated person's best interests. If, however, there is no advance planning, then the matter must be submitted to the county court at law. A local judge must first decide whether the proposed ward is in fact disabled, then if so, deter-

by Carrie Campbell

mine the appropriate guardian. A treating physician must complete an extensive report that includes their 1) professional relationship with the proposed ward; 2) opinion regarding the general nature and degree of incapacity, and the reasons for this opinion; 3) medical history; 4) prognosis and severity of the incapacity; 5) how, and in what manner, the proposed ward's physical or mental health affects his or her ability to make or communicate responsible decisions; and 6) ability to participate in court proceedings. The judge will also appoint its own attorney to independently review the records, speak to the medical providers, and interview family members. The attorney ad litem will report to the judge their findings and recommendations. If the judge agrees that a guardianship is needed, the judge will appoint a guardian who must post a bond, then file an inventory, annual reports, and annual accountings to assure the court that the ward's needs are being met.

Carrie Campbell has lived and practiced law in Wimberley since 1997. She is the managing partner of Mounger & Campbell law firm. Carrie is an active member of the Rotary Club of Wimberley and president of the Wimberley Village Library Foundation. She proudly has three wonderful daughters and two lively grandsons.

Litigation: What is your story? A good trial lawyer is a good storyteller. The fact that lawyers are sometimes referred to as wordsmiths reflects the fact that they are fluent in language or skilled in the use of words. Another term, mouthpiece, reflects a deeper level of the use of words. The trial lawyer speaks for the client and must tell the client’s story in a fashion that moves the listener to become involved in that story and to make certain that it has a just ending. In order to effectively speak on behalf of the client, the lawyer must discover the greater story behind what may appear to be merely unfortunate circumstances or mundane facts. Circumstances and facts do not exist in a vacuum, rather they are embedded into the fabric of a person’s life. Each person has a story which, properly told, puts flesh on the bones of the circumstances or facts and brings their case to life. I recall as a young lawyer hearing the eloquent northeast Texas lawyer, Scotty Baldwin, explain how what appeared to be a rather routine damage suit was, when properly explained, an opportunity for the jury to protect the reputation and future of a local syrup producing business built up over decades by the loving toil and sweat of a hard-working family who loved the land and their community. A jury hearing the story in that light was motivated to act to see that the story ended with a just result to the family whereas a jury presented with a less compelling view of the same facts would not Wimberley Valley News & Views

by Roland Brown

be so motivated. I have come to realize that my love of well-crafted songs and of the songwriters who compose them comes from the same desire that I have to discover and communicate my clients stories to insurance adjusters, opposing attorneys, focus groups, judges, and juries. When I occasionally try my hand at writing songs, I find myself employing the same skill sets used to prepare a lawsuit such as careful observation of the human condition and choosing language, analogies, and quotes that resonate with the listener. The takeaway for you is that if you find yourself in litigation, make sure that your lawyer really gets your story. Attorney Roland Brown handles exclusively personal injury claims. Roland, who offices in Wimberley, has been voted HAYS COUNTY’S BEST PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY for 2020 and for 2021 in annual polls of Hays County attorneys. For more information call 512 847 2500.

Practice Area

• Personal Injury 512-847-2500

Visit us at RolandsLaw.com

Page 13 June 2022

Springtime

Steven E Austin

Arborist Representative

by Tracy Sheffield, RVT

ISA Certified Arborist #TX-3616AT

bartlett.com SAustin@bartlett.com p 512.392.1089 f 512.392.7398

1324 Old Martindale Road, San Marcos, TX 78666

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6/6/07

5:36:10 PM

Superior service before and after the sale

MadeintheShadeof Wimberley.com

CMY

Wimberley Office

150 RR 3237, P.O. Box 727 • Wimberley, TX 78676 Office: 512/847-2278 • Fax: 512/847-5131

It is the time of year when Mother Nature throws her worst at us. Hurricanes, tornadoes, and wild fires, springtime in Texas can be exciting. A little pre-planning can save a world of heartache. Get your pet health records together. Most veterinarians will provide an app or a portal so you can access records easily. Next time you are spending time on your phone, learn how to access your pet records so you can retrieve them whenever needed. Make sure your pets are microchipped. If they are on medications, talk with your veterinarian about a small emergency supply. This can make a world of difference in getting through an emergency situation. Do a pet carrier check. Make sure all pets that need a carrier have one and that it is in usable condition. Know your evacuation route and what pet care or boarding facilities are available at your destination. Find out what their requirements are for boarding and make sure you have what you need to check them in. Planning ahead for horses and other livestock is just as critical. Make arrangements now for a safe evacuation destination. If you do not have a trailer or are unable to use your trailer during an evacuation make sure you have the following... Use a livestock marking grease crayon to write your contact information on the horse. Use an identification tag tied into the mane. You can also use a sharpie to write information on the hoof. However, that can be difficult to see and can wash off relatively quickly. If you have to turn your horses loose, make sure they are not wearing a halter or anything else that could get caught on something or melt onto them in case of fire. Take clear photos of all your pets in case you need to make posters. These photos may come in handy when proving ownership of an animal as well. Talk with your veterinarian about microchipping, emergency medicine supplies, and how to access your pet's health records. 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.

847-5630 • 12605 RR 12, Suite 1 Wimberley Valley News & Views

Page 14 June 2022

Specializing in Wimberley & The Surrounding Hill Country Sold

Sold

1612 S IH 35 San Marcos MLS 5250181 Business ready ,well developed property. Ample parking. $4,800,000 Jeff Hutto

1514 Thompson Ranch Rd MLS 4247122 Oasis on 9.98 acres! Stunning views, pool, guest house, workshop. Unrestricted. $1,995,000. Mickey Brown

3016 Flite Acres MLS 3563147 Total remodeled 4/3 Blanco Riverfront home on .533 acre, pool. $1,790,000 Alice Lebkuecher

2325 Purgatory MLS 2208709 $389,000 Beautiful 5 Acre tract, level, perimeter fence. Jim Donaldson

Sold

New

Sold

73 Saddlerock Ridge MLS 7149038 Beautiful 3/2 on greenbelt. $529,000 Alice Lebkuecher

501 CR 1492 MLS 7074927 Cozy & private 2/2 on 1.26 acres. Many large trees. Firepit. $465,000 Jim Donaldson

TBD Pinion Trl MLS 3258544 Rare, private 3.417 acre tract in Wimberley ETJ, No HOA. Level sites $325,000 Greg Ward

104 Blanco River Rapids Rd MLS 8221513 Great 1 acre site w/ Blanco River access. $140,000 Mickey Brown

Pending

New & Pending

107 Bluff Rd MLS 1101938 Blanco Riverfront with Views! 6/4 on 2.241 Acres. $1,500,000 Alice Lebkuecher

Rosewood Cir MLS 8155636 Great Somerset 3/2 new build! $545,000 Alice Lebkuecher

122 Tulley Ct MLS 6924213 Great Commercial 1.174 acre Tract. Water & Sewer available. $335,000 Alice Lebkuecher

10 Tanglewood Trl MLS 4679128 Unique 3/2 on 2 lots. Fireplace, fenced yard. $395,000 Debbie Donaldson

Sold

New

Sold

11401 Eubank Dr. No. Austin, MLS 1103250, 3/2/2, 2 living areas, 1,644 sq.ft. $500,000 Linda Germain

237 Emerald Garden Rd SM MLS 2590330 4/3 in La Cima on greenbelt! Community pools,trails, workout & activity rooms. $636,410 Jeff Hutto

330 Heart Springs Rd #D Paradise on 5 Acres! Access to Deadman’s creek, canyon & grotto with waterfall! $1,700,000 Alice Lebkuecher

747 Saddleridge Dr., MLS 3937405 Custom Home, 3,129 sq ft, Views on 10 Acres! $1,400,000 Linda Germain

Mickey Brown 512-468-4509

Alice Lebkuecher 713-253-1311

Jim Donaldson 830-857-3371

Debbie Donaldson 512-665-9588

Sold

Jeff Hutto 936-327-2303

Greg Ward 512-648-7538

Chloe Glasscock-Williams 512-956-2826

Linda Germain 512-924-3661

13210 R anc h &RViews d.1 2 , St e A, Wimberley, TX WimberleyPar tn er s . co m Wimberley Valley News Page 15 June 2022

Wimberley Valley News & Views

Page 16 June 2022