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Volume 2729 Issue 5 • Wimberley, Texas • May 2024 VOLUME ISSUE 1 JANUARY 2025
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Wimberley Valley News & Views | June 2024
Angel Laughlin
Barbara Latimer
Ben Mejia
Brittany Bailey
Chloe Gatewood
Christina Lawson
Broker Associate
Broker Associate/Mgr.
REALTOR® Associate
REALTOR® Associate
REALTOR® Associate
Broker Associate
512.217.6938
512.557.5257
512.994.5423
512.648.0858
512.779.7288
512.710.5628
Curtis Reddehase
Jackie Hines
John (J.D.) Payne
Jennifer Kirchner
Jonathan Bailey
Jordan Carter
Broker/Owner
REALTOR® Associate
REALTOR® Associate
REALTOR® Associate
REALTOR® Associate
REALTOR® Associate
512.565.7848
512.968.4167
512.412.0897
512.757.7076
512.599.7587
512.842.9032
Josh Harmon-Sanders
Kim Cabler
Kurt Kimmerle
Laura Kilber
Lee Pruden
Maureen Shanklin
REALTOR® Associate
®
REALTOR Associate
REALTOR® Associate
Broker Associate
®
REALTOR Associate
Broker Associate
512.689.7556
512.695.8363
512.667.8278
512.376.8098
512.771.9463
512.517.5735
Steve Hysinger
Associate
Broker Associate
512.557.3851
512.461.2865
Pam Shultz
Sharon Wild
REALTOR® Associate
Broker Associate
REALTOR® Associate
REALTOR
512.773.3168
512.923.3608
970.318.6406
190 Oak Drive
Sheryl Kelley
Melody Pruden
Wimberley, TX 78676
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512.722.3267
HillsofTexasSky.com
Wimberley Valley News & Views | June 2024
Editor Publisher Cyle Elizabeth Johnson Assistant Editor Catarina Evangeline Johnson Cover Dagny St. Gines
The Wimberley Valley News & Views, a subsidiary of Valentino Publications, is mailed monthly to all street addresses serviced by the Wimberley Post Office in 78676. Entire contents copyright ©2026. 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.
Contact us ValentinoPublications@Gmail.com
512 375 5590
"IT ALWAYS SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE UNTIL IT'S DONE." NELSON MANDELA
Hello, Wimberley Valley! I hope 2026 is
without meeting a genuinely kind
treating you well so far. To begin, I would
individual, irrespective of age or vocation.
like to thank each and every one of you
What I hope to bring this community in
for 29 years of faithful readership and
2026 is a forum for art, inspiration,
contribution. It’s no secret that this
opinion,
publication would not exist without you.
engagement. No one in this town need
I often tell people that the News & Views
ever feel lonely or without community. If
is a community magazine, because it is. It
this statement has you rolling your eyes,
exists to serve you and your neighbors. It
you call the number listed to the left and I
warms my heart to hear time and again
will personally guide you to the water,
that our readers look forward to its
because there is plenty to quench your
arrival and read from cover to cover. I
thirst.
offerings,
business,
and
love to hear from our contributors that
Thank you for your words, your
their friends and neighbors called to
thoughts, your attention, and your heart,
congratulate them on a new business
Wimberley. If ever the News & Views can
venture or because they enjoyed an article
serve you and yours, never hesitate to
they wrote.
reach out. This is a publication for locals,
Wimberley Valley is an enchanting place
by locals and we strive to serve you even
because it is made up of enchanting
better in 2026.
people. You can’t turn a corner here Cyle Elizabeth Johnson, Page 3 Wimberley Valley News & Views | June 2024 Editor `````````
WIMBERLEY VALLEY COMMUNITY CALENDAR
• Every 1st Mon. Wimberley Apron Society meets at Emily Ann Annex Bldg. Set-up at 5:30, program 6-8pm. Exchange ideas on healthy sustainable lifestyles, gardening, cooking, homesteading. See Facebook page for more. • Every 2nd Mon. Wimberley Valley Art League meets at the Wimberley Community Center at 6:30-8:30pm. Visit WimberleyArtLeague.org • Every 2nd Mon. Wimberley 4H meets during the school year at VFW Hall, 401 Jacobs Well Road, 7pm, 6:30pm Clover Kids • Every 3rd Mon. The Wimberley Area Parkinsons Association meets at the Chapel of The Hills Church, 14601 RR 12 in Wimberley from 10am-12pm. Caregivers, friends, and relatives are welcome. Guest speakers, general discussion. Parkinson’s exercise program. Paulwilj99@gmail.com. • Every 2nd & 4th Monday, The Wimberley Chapter of Overeaters Anonymous meets at 7pm, Wimberley Presbyterian Church, 956 FM 2325 (3rd door from the right). For more info, call or text Aida, 512-787-8313.
• Every 2nd Monday, Jacob’s Well Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Emily Ann Theater in Wimberley at 9:40am, for chat time and 10am for our business meeting. JacobsWellNSDAR@gmail.com
• Mon. Toddler Time, Wimberley Village Library, 10:30-11:30am • Every Mon. Stroller Strides workout, 9am, Wimberley First Baptist Church, contact Summer 512 644 4198, SMWimberleyDS@fit4mom.com • Every Tues. & Fri. 9am-noon, 42 Dominoes at Wimberley Senior Center (inside Community Center). Contact joan1950@gmail.com. • Every Tues. Gentle Hatha Yoga, 6pm, Wimb. Community Center ($10) • Every Tues. 6:30pm, Celebrate Recovery with an option for dinner served at 6pm. Calvary Baptist Church, San Marcos. Contact Celebrate Recovery Leadership Team, 512-426-3758. • Every Tues. Bilingual Spanish Storytime, 10:30-11:30am, Library • Every Tues. 6:30-8pm. Community Bible Study, an interdenominational Bible study. Men, women, Co-Ed, Spanish, Youth & Children. Register at SanMarcosEve.CBSClass.org • 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 meets at Wimberley Library. Ermias K. Gebremeskel is president, 512 210 6966, Ketema_Ermias@yahoo.com • Every 1st Tue. The Wimberley Community Center hosts free medical checks 9:3010:30am. Call 512-847-2510. • Every Wed. Stroller Barre workout, 9am, Wimberley First Baptist Church, contact Summer, 512 644 4198 or email SMWimberleyDS@fit4mom.com • Every Wed. Spanish for Homeschool Teens, 12:30-1:30pm, Wimberley Library, multipurpose room, 7th grade and up • Every 1st Wed. WV Quilt Guild, 9:30am social, 10am meeting. Presbyterian church 956 RR 2325. WimberleyValleyQuiltGuild.org. • Every 1st Wed. Transforming Stress: Unique Approach to Calm Body, Mind, Emotions, Friends Meeting Room, 6-7:30pm, contact Dr. Marianne Calvanese, ND for more information, 512 663 1820. • Every 1st Wed. 5:30-7pm, Wimberley Valley Arts & Cultural Alliance mixer at Middleton Brewing. All are welcome. WimberleyArts.org. • Every Wed. Gentle Hatha Yoga, 3pm, Burdine Theatre, EmilyAnn ($10) • Every 1st Thurs. Wimberley Chamber of Commerce breakfast, Wimberley Cafe for networking opportunities, 8-9am. Bring business cards.
Have something to add to the Calendar? Reach out to us! ValentinoPublications@gmail.com or 512 375 5590.
• Every 1st Thur. Alzheimer’s Caregiver’s Support Group, 12:30pm at the Presbyterian Church Library FM 2325. Contact Linda at 512-924-3661. • Every Thurs. Gentle Hatha Yoga, 12pm, Community Center ($10) • Every 2nd Thurs, Hill Country Bead Society, 1pm, Wimb. Community Center. All levels, types of beading, metal work. Marilyn 512-722-3549.
• Every 2nd and 4th Thur. 7pm Wimberley Toastmasters Club, First Baptist Church Wimberley, 15951 Winters Mill Parkway. Toastmasters teaches public speaking and leadership. Contact Amy, amy@texiasllc.com.
• Every 3rd Thur. Concerts at Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse, 7:30pm; $25 adults, $5 kids. Pie, pizza, tamales, coffee, soft drinks . RR 12 & CR 1492 (United Methodist Church.) WimberleyUMC.org Barnabas Connection & Mother’s Day Out scholarships. Thurs. Feb 19: Del Castillo • Every Thurs. Gentle Yoga 10-11am, Wimberley Village Library • Every Thursday, Master Gardeners at the Library, 2-5pm • Every Fri. Wimberley VFW Post 6441 bingo nights. Doors 6:30pm with food concession. Earlybird 7:00pm. Regular 8pm. VFW6441.com/bingo • Fri. Storytime, 10:30-11:30am, Wimberley Village Library • Every Fri. Stroller Strides workout, 9am, Emily Ann Theatre, contact Summer, 512 644 4198 or smwimberleyds@fit4mom.com • Every Fri. Stroller Strides Playdate with Kids Craft Fridays, 10am, Emily Ann Theatre, contact Summer, SMWimberleyDS@fit4mom.com • Every Fri. Storytime, 10:30-11:30am, Wimb. Village Library • Every 4th Friday, Art Crawl, 5-8pm, 5 Wimberley galleries open late, guest artists, refreshments. GalleryTrail.com/ArtCrawl • 1st Sat. Wimberley Market Day, 7am-3pm, rain or shine • Every 2nd Sat. Wimberley’s Second Saturday Gallery Trail. Visit ten galleries for art, food, fun, 4-7pm. Email BentTreeGallery@gmail.com. Have a glass of wine & enjoy art after hours. • Every 3rd Wed. Sept.-May, Herb Society of America, Emily Ann meeting room. • 1st Sun. of every month, Coffee & Cars, 8am-11am, at Blanco Brew Visitors welcome! Refreshments 9:30am, program 10am. January 21, Nanette • Every 2nd Sunday, 2pm Wimberley Valley Art League general meeting, Mackenroth “Herbal Tinctures” February 19, “Medicinal Herbs” Sylvia Forbes RSVP Valentine_Lisa@msn.com. HillCountryHerbSociety.org Wimberley Community Center. Everyone is welcome. Page 4 Wimberley Valley News & Views | June 2024
05 News & Views
Wildflowers and Weeds
I sometimes visit the homes of people who need help with ideas for landscaping their yards and gardens. On one such occasion a few years back, some folks wanted to know how they could get rid of a large cluster of plants in their yard that they considered unsightly. They were referring to the collection of sabal minor – also known as dwarf palmettos – that filled the dry creek bed at one corner of their front yard. They had been unsuccessful in their attempts to get rid of them, perhaps due in part to their deep roots. People have differing ideas about what constitutes beauty, and they were puzzled when I told them about the Texas state park near Gonzales designed to protect this very plant. Many desirable plants have drawbacks to close habitation with humans. I can, for instance, attest to the danger of allowing agave plants to get up close and personal with boys on bicycles. It is hard on the boys and bicycle tires. Similarly, Queen Anne’s Lace bears delicate white flowers, as does its cousin, beggar’s lice, but the beggar’s lice seeds are anything but friendly when they stick to any mammal and any textile like Velcro. My longtime Wimberley friend Susan Gibson wrote another of her masterful songs a few years ago entitled “Wildflowers in the Weeds,” which explores the intrinsic power of music expressed in the perpetual capacity of Nature. It’s a beautiful homage to another amazing Texas musician, Terri Hendrix.
It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year by Kern Deschner
We have all heard the holiday song by that title which promotes the virtues of “The Season” with its abundance of goodwill and joy. I don’t ``` think any of the songs warn us of the excesses of eating, spending, and celebrating that will have to be faced. January always gets the unenviable duty of having us take down the pretty decorations, pay the bills, and watch endless TV commercials about gym memberships and diet plans. But, starting in January, we at the ranch enter The Most Wonderful Time of the Alpaca Year. For the last 8 months, things have been routine. There was one show in October, and a couple of this year’s crop of babies have been born, but the real action starts about now. By May, we will have been to shows in Houston, Wichita Falls, Ft. Wayne, Denver, White Plains, Cheyenne, and, maybe this year, Kansas City. About 30 new babies will be born and most of their moms will be re-bred. Some of those babies will be born a little premature and will require tender assistance and some overnight monitoring until they can fly on their own. Thankfully, we have the big barn for the first time this winter, so we won’t have to be outside in a cold dark pasture at 2am like in past years.
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Listening to Susan’s fingerpicking styling on her big-sound dreadnought as she deftly plucks the way through arpeggios behind her clear, pure voice, it’s easy to imagine her sifting through her collection of Texas by Tim Thompson wildflower seeds to plant each of them in just the right place at just the right time – the sower and the seed springing from the ``` ancient parable into our collective garden today. Indeed, each of us has the chance to inspire as well as challenge the lives around us, whether as wildflowers or as weeds full of wisdom and beauty. Horticulturist Tim Thompson managed the garden center at King Feed for over 25 years. They offer everything you need to have the garden of your dreams without stressing your budget. Call King Feed at 512 847 2618.
There will be a long weekend tucking a thousand bales of spring hay into the barns. Then there will be a whirlwind weekend of shearing the entire herd. That weekend will have lots of noise, dust, and hair, but also 20 workers doing a coordinated dance. There will be many breakfast tacos, sandwiches, and cold-water bottles and – at the end of the day – after bagging up a lot of gorgeous fleeces, will come the time of stories and camaraderie over pizza, beer, and wine. Maybe you can even persuade Nichole to give your sore neck a chair massage. Back at the house, the hot shower will be amazing. All of this comes in addition to the usual full-time work running the ranch. But, when your jeans have work-tears, your worn gloves are in your back pocket, your boots are dusty, your knife has hay in it from cutting the ties, and your hat is not just for decoration, you do really feel a connection to the land and the people who did this before you. You gotta wear the dirt to really feel like a rancher. And we will be wearing dirt often during this most wonderful time of the year.
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.
Wimberley Valley News & Views | June 2024
06 News & Views
Nurture With Love Another semester and year have ended at the Wildflower Music Studio. This is my favorite time of the year, as I consider what things to accomplish with my students and myself in the new year. Looking back on the year, I first celebrate all that my students have achieved. We truly had a blessed year of learning and performance. Looking forward, I consider what overarching theme to use to frame my next year at the studio. Dr. Shinichi Suzuki framed much of his philosophy around the concept of nurturing a seed to its full potential. When we look at a small seed, we cannot predict how that seed will grow. If we do nothing, it is unlikely the seed will reach its full potential. However, if we nurture the seed with sunlight, water, and nutrients, we will encourage the seed to grow into its potential. Our students are like the seed. Although we cannot see how our students will ultimately develop or what mastery levels they will achieve, we can remain consistent in our attention and discipline as we continue to do the work of learning and practice. One studio family gifted me with a potted amaryllis; I have spent my holiday time watching it grow and bloom. This plant is a metaphor for my students and their learning. At first, the growth happens slowly, almost invisibly. I water the plant and wait. I ```````
Let Your Child Shine Beyond the School Day When a child struggles with reading, school can start to feel like a place where their challenges take center stage. As parents and educators, it’s natural and necessary to focus on closing learning gaps. Targeted instruction matters. Support matters. But just``````` as important is making space for our children to be seen for who they are beyond those challenges. Every child is more than a reading score, a spelling test, or a report card comment. When working with students who struggle with reading acquisition, we focus on areas of need; rightfully so. At the same time, children need adults who recognize their strengths and help them see their own potential. While we work in a specialty area, creating an encouraging environment through support and building a team of advocates for the child are key. That philosophy applies at home, too. So how can families support growth while also protecting confidence? Intentionally highlight strengths and progress, especially outside of school. Children are naturally good at different things: building, drawing, problem-solving, storytelling, athletics, kindness, or creativity. These strengths deserve just as much attention as academic goals. At home, this support can be both simple and powerful: Make time for activities they enjoy and feel successful doing. Confidence built in one area often carries into others.
by Casey Harrison, LDT, CSLDS, CALT-QIT
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take photographs to compare one day to the next, thinking the growth may be more evident if I can see it with time-lapse photographic evidence. One day, the plant shoots upward, and fairly soon after, it blooms with the most vibrant color. Like the amaryllis, my students also grew — slowly and imperceptibly at first — and then ```````````````` exponential growth appeared.
by Paula E. Bird
From small nurturing steps, the magic happened. The plant grew and revealed the potential we knew was there all along. The studio families and teachers nurtured their students with love, encouragement, and support. We stayed consistent with practice and learning. We all grew and blossomed. Join us and see what growth your small nurturing steps will reveal.
Paula E. Bird has taught in the Wimberley area for over 20 years. Recently retired from Texas State University and the Austin Symphony, she has performed at Carnegie Hall as a founding member of the Artisan String Quartet. Joined by her business partner, musician Ian Lee, the pair serves over 100 students in the Central Texas area. Contact her at birdtull@prodigy.net or (512) 694-7687. Reflect on challenges with a growth lens. When something is hard, talk about what your child handled well. What did they rise to meet? What worked? What may they try next time? Focus on progress, not perfection. Celebrate effort, strategies, improvement—even small steps forward matter. Name the positives out loud. Children internalize what they hear. Point out perseverance, creativity, or problem-solving in everyday moments. Talk about ideas, experiences, and interests. Rich conversation strengthens thinking, language, and connection. When children begin to see themselves as capable learners with valuable strengths, everything changes. Supporting challenges and nurturing confidence are not opposites—they work best together. This balance, addressing challenges while nurturing strengths, is at the heart of the work we do at Wimberley Dyslexia & Learning Center. Through individualized, structured literacy instruction and intentional relationship-building, we support the whole child, academically and emotionally. Our goal is not only to strengthen reading and language skills, but to help children see themselves as capable, confident learners. Casey is a Certified Academic Language Therapist (ALTA), Licensed Dyslexia Therapist (TX, ALTA), Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist (IDA), and a Qualified Teacher with over 27 years of experience. She works with parents, teachers, and PK-12th grade students at her private practice, providing dyslexia therapy, literacy instruction, consultations, resources, and training. She sits on the National Board at-large of the Academic Language Therapy Association. Her podcast, Together in Literacy, focuses on dyslexia, literacy instruction, and the whole child. Author of Teaching Beyond the Diagnosis - Empowering Students with Dyslexia Through the Science of Reading. She resides in Wimberley, with her husband, their three daughters, and many animals in their little slice of the country.
Wimberley Valley News & Views | June 2024
A Colorful Path B Y
T O M
W I L E Y
C A R O L I N A
S O R A ,
W E T L A N D S
Reflection often allows us to examine chapters of our lives.
Myrtle Beach wasn’t as developed, and the pair enjoyed
For artists, those periods might lead to current works and
pristine scenes to inspire them. Rebecca was able to sell
techniques. Rebecca Briley followed a colorful path which
some work for local beach houses. Maybe those words “Go
influenced the work she exhibits today.
figure it out!” were paying dividends.
As a youngster in North Carolina, Rebecca was once given a
Rebecca would follow her husband on jobs in Kansas City
painting which a relative had produced. She marveled at this
and Oklahoma City before arriving in Dallas. Her MFA degree
possession as she touched the surface. Now she could hold
enabled her to teach art at a community college. Programs
a painting and think about how someone was able to use
were half instruction and half practicals in the studios.
paints to put together a colorful scene.
Rebecca claims she was “learning on the go,” as she taught
There were few opportunities for art in public schools. She
elements of design to her classes. As her students learned,
enjoyed drawing. Later, she used small bottles of model
she learned. She enjoyed the relationship with her students.
airplane paints, thinking those were the only paints available.
Twelve years ago, Rebecca moved to Wimberley. A friend in
At the University of North Carolina, Rebecca made a
a local yoga class recommended she join the Wimberley
dramatic decision to jump from the nursing program to art.
Valley Art League. Remembering her experiences at Myrtle
She was ecstatic! It was the 70s, and students were liberating
Beach, she was excited to find a group of artists working
themselves with bold decisions.
with plein air in Wimberley. Many of her bold, colorful scenes
It was a struggle at first. Many of her instructors offered little
exhibited in galleries today come from working directly in
help. When she wanted direction on a particular painting,
the Hill Country landscape. Rebecca Briley exhibits through locations such as the
their advice was usually, “Go figure it out!” In the mid-80s, a friend was creating plein air paintings and
Wimberley Art League Gallery at the Community Center and
encouraged Rebecca to accompany her. The two would trek
at the New Braunfels Art League Gallery. Knowing the stories
to Myrtle Beach and set up two tents – one to sleep in and
of her colorful paths allows a visitor to appreciate her
one to set their paintings to dry. It was a wonderful time.
paintings even more.
``````````
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Wimberley Valley News & Views | June 2024
Gabria Cathcart FNP-C, IFMCP Are you in that peri-menopausal or menopausal stage of life and struggling to feel like your old self? Are your cycles becoming more intolerable? Have you gained weight and don’t know why when you haven’t changed your eating habits? Are you struggling with? Fatigue • Memory • Weight gain • Mood swings Low libido • Hair loss • Joint pain Sleep disruption • Hot flashes and night sweats
It doesn’t have to be this way. You can notice changes in your body with a few simple tweaks. Hormones are a huge part of our sense of well-being and our overall health. As women, we spend approximately 40% of our lives in a menopausal state. Improve your metabolic flexibility and improve or eliminate those symptoms that are causing disruption in your life. If these symptoms sound like you and you would like to have a conversation, I would be happy to help.
512 887 1817
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GabriaNPC.com
Wimberley Valley News & Views | June 2024
09 News & Views
by Sarah Geenberg
Happy New Year!
You can think right through the difficulties towards a solution without even having to lift a finger. And when you imagine yourself doing something over and over, the right actions will become apparent and easy to do. You can get to the point where you can’t wait to get the chance do them. Most people are not patient enough to let big things happen. But the most valuable, worth-while things take time to care for, shape. and mold. Better, you’ll eventually find that the wait time to the goal is the most juicy part of life. It is the journey, not the destination.
This new year is definitely about new beginnings. And I look forward to it! I personally don’t do new year’s resolutions. But I do like to imagine wonderful things that are to come. And I like to actively ready myself for them. What do I want to walk into this year?
Our imaginations are wonderful things, for we do step right into what we imagine. I remember going to a class when I was in my 20’s, and they told us to imagine what we would look like at 70. Then they showed us a great-looking in shape, muscular 70 year-old man and an upright, toned 70 year-old woman with her shoulders back and smiling. They asked us if that is what we had imagined for ourselves. It was powerful, for I had imagined myself to look like my Grandmother. But my Grandmother had lived in a different time, and exercise was not valued, then. I saw that things could be different than I thought. It is easy and safe to sit comfortably somewhere and just think. Or better, go on a walk or do easy chores and think: Even if I don’t think this is possible, what if it was? How would I do it? Should I try a little step towards it and see how it goes?
Sarah Geenberg is the owner of Wimberley Karate and Yoga Studio. They have classes every day except Sundays. First class is free, so come by, anytime.
Wimberley Karate and Yoga Studio Sarah Geenberg 512 971 8528 501 Old Kyle Road WimberleyKarateYoga.com
Achieve a Natural Smile with Tooth-Colored Fillings In many cases, when people have any work on themselves done they would like for the by Robert Donnelly, results to look as natural as possible. DDS 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. I understand the importance of wanting to have a beautiful smile and am able to give my patients what they want using tooth-colored fillings. With toothcolored 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 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, who knows how to bring out the best in your smile. It can make all the difference. If you or someone you know suffers from dental anxiety, please contact us at 512-396-5225 so we can help you take the needed steps to get a healthy mouth and smile... and get rid of dental anxiety once and for all. Come see why Dr. Donnelly was voted a Texas Super Dentist by Texas Monthly Magazine and Best Dentist in Hays County!
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J. Robert Donnelly, D.D.S. Master of the Academy of General Dentistry
1337 Thorpe Lane San Marcos, Texas 78666 512 396 5225 Fax: 512 396 7022 SanMarcosDental.com
Wimberley Valley News & Views | June 2024
10 News & Views
by MardeeCalkins
Preparing, Staging, and Marketing Your Wimberley Home for Success Selling a home in Wimberley is about more than listing a property—it’s about presenting a lifestyle. Buyers are drawn to our Hill Country charm, natural beauty, and relaxed elegance. Whether you’re
preparing a modest cabin or a luxury estate, these steps can make a measurable difference in your final sales price and time on market. 5 Ways to Prep Your Property for Sale Handle deferred maintenance. Fix leaks, cracked tiles, loose railings, and HVAC issues before going to market. Declutter with intention. Buyers want to see space, not storage. Remove excess furniture and personal items. Freshen paint and finishes. Neutral, light tones photograph beautifully and reflect Hill Country light. Deep clean—everything. Windows, baseboards, grout, and ceiling fans matter more than you think. Pre-inspection advantage. A proactive inspection can prevent surprises and show that you want to be a good seller that cares for your home. 5 Staging Tips: Inside & Out Create flow indoors. Arrange furniture to highlight natural light and views. Highlight architectural features. Stone fireplaces, wood beams, and large windows deserve center stage.
Honee Buns Hello, Wimberley neighbors! I am Bailey Stoker, owner of the new waxing studio, Honee Buns Waxing! I am so grateful and eager to share my story with you. by Bailey Stoker The name Honee Buns is near and dear. In honor of my fabulous late grandmother. Honee did not want a ````` “typical” grandma name so Honee Buns it
Outdoor living counts. Stage porches, decks, and patios as usable extensions of the home. Landscaping polish. Trim trees, refresh mulch, and add native plants for low-maintenance appeal. Lifestyle touches. A cozy reading nook or coffee setup helps buyers see how they can live comfortably in their new home. 5 Smart Ways to Market a Property Professional photography & video. Essential for today’s online-first buyers. Drone imagery. Especially powerful for acreage, views, and Hill Country terrain. Compelling property storytelling. Buyers want to see how the home can fit their family and lifestyle, not just the features. Targeted digital marketing. Reach buyers relocating from Austin, Houston, and beyond. Strategic pricing & timing. In a nuanced market, accuracy matters. When thoughtfully prepared, staged, and marketed, a Wimberley home doesn’t just sell—it stands out. The right strategy honors the home, the land, and the lifestyle buyers are searching for. Mardee is a 30-year Wimberley resident and a Realtor with Bramlett Partners. With decades of experience as both an architectural designer and real estate professional, she is client-focused and committed to integrity for all parties. MardeeCalkins.com
think I’d open my own waxing studio and name it after her. I’m so grateful to be raising my son in our precious town and now owning my business! Thank you for reading, and I hope to take care of you. My first special is a $35 dollar Brazilian wax or free upper lip with purchase of an eyebrow service! I will also be doing a full leg special of $75 for the month of February! With much love, Bailey Stoker
Bailey grew up in Austin and graduated from Regents. She and her was! As a teenager I lived with Honee. Now that I’m older and husband have lived in Wimberley for three years where they are have my son, I realize how blessed I was to have had that. She raising their two-year-old son, Mason. Her family enjoys scuba diving taught me grace, kindness, and resilience. It was tradition for us in San Marcos, watching movies, and hanging out in Wimberley. girls to get our eyebrows waxed together. Honee Buns Waxing is located at 950 FM2325, Suite C. Contact Flash forward, I received my esthetician license and Honee had Bailey at 512 710 8870 and HoneeBunsWaxing@gmail.com. moved to assisted living. She hated when her eyebrows and lip weren’t waxed. She called them her “fuzzies and whiskers”. I would pack up my wax pot and come straight to her! I once waxed her in the rehab facility after her stroke. Because even after a stroke, Honee needed her fuzzies and whiskers gone – that was just the type of lady she was. Looking back I realized waxing is much more than removing hair. It’s a way to feel confident even on our hardest days. All those times we got waxed, never did I think that one day I would be the one waxing Honee. And never in my dreams did I Page 10 Wimberley Valley News & Views | June 2024 ``````
11 News & Views
Secrets to Selling A House
Selling Secret #7: Half-empty closets Storage is something every buyer is looking by Alice for and can never have enough of. Lebkuecher Selling Secret #6: Light it up. Maximize the light in your home. After location, good light is`````` the one thing that every buyer cites that they want in a home. Clean the windows and increase the wattage of your light bulbs. Selling Secret #5: Conceal the critters. You might think a cuddly dog would warm the hearts of potential buyers, but you’d be wrong. Not everybody is a dog- or cat-lover. Selling Secret #4: Take the home out of your house. One of the most important things to do when selling your house is to de-personalize it. Consider hiring a home stager to maximize the full potential of your home. Staging simply means arranging your furniture to best showcase the floor plan and maximize the use of space. Selling Secret #3: Kitchen comes first. You’re not actually selling your house, you’re selling your kitchen – that’s how important it is. The benefits of remodeling your kitchen are endless. The best part is that you’ll probably get 85% of your money back. The fastest, most inexpensive kitchen updates include painting and new cabinet hardware. Use a neutral-color paint so you can present buyers with a blank canvas where they can start envisioning their own style.
9 Tips for Developing Better Habits
Selling Secret #2: Always be ready to show. Your house needs to be “show-ready” at all times – you never know when your buyer is going to walk through the door. Selling Secret #1: The first impression is the only impression. No matter how good the interior of your home looks, buyers have already judged your home before they walk through the door. You never have a second chance to make a first impression. It’s important to make people feel warm, welcome, and safe as they approach the house. Spruce up your home’s exterior with inexpensive shrubs and brightly colored flowers. Entryways are also important so make it welcoming by putting in a small bench or a vase of fresh-cut flowers. If you are thinking of selling your home, now is a great time to sell. Call me today to discuss getting your home ready to sell. 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.
Keep carrot sticks or nuts nearby. 5. Get others on board; tell people about the habit you’e adopting. The more people you tell, the more accountable you’ll feel. 6. Have realistic expectations. Changes don’t happen overnight – they happen over several weeks and months of consistent action. 7. Do it for 30 days. Studies show it takes 30 days to form a habit. Stay committed to your habit for a full 30 days. If it hasn’t become automatic by then, try to pinpoint the challenges you’re experiencing so you can try again. 8. Take on one habit at a time. Although you may feel motivated to revamp your life and change several habits at once, doing so may prevent you from adopting any of them. Focus on one good habit at a time. Once it becomes routine, take on another. 9. Reward yourself for a job well-done! Consider how to reward yourself ahead of time to have something to look forward to.
More than half of adults make New Year’s resolutions each year. Many give up after a few weeks because they haven’t turned their `` goals into habits. Whether you want to lose weight, save for a home, or eat more vegetables, adopting good habits is sure to help you reach your goals. Here are a few tips: 1. Get motivated. Why do you want to adopt the habit? How will your life improve once you develop this habit? What will happen if you don’t? These questions will help you streamline your goal and maintain motivation when you need it the most. Write down 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, Buffini & Company. your answers and post them where you’ll read them daily. 2. Start small; lasting habits take time to develop. Start by setting Allison “AJ” Harwood, JD, MBA, GRI, is a broker associate with small goals that will eventually lead you to accomplishing your Compass and Founder & Principal of the Hill Country Ranch Luxury end result. Focus on manageable changes at the beginning of your Group. With decades of real estate experience and advanced legal and transformation; habits are more likely to become automatic. business credentials, AJ provides sophisticated representation for 3. Set reminders; it’s easy to fall off track when you’re in the buyers and sellers. AJ’s background in law and business, combined process of adopting a new habit. Consistency is key. with deep market knowledge, allows him to guide clients through 4. Replace a bad habit. If you want to kick a bad habit, it helps to complex transactions with confidence and clarity. Call today and replace it with a better one. Trying to quit eating sugary snacks? begin a strategic conversation, 512 848 6612. Page 11 Wimberley Valley News & Views | June 2024 ```
by AJ Harwood
12 News & Views
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 most 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 to remove excess soil around sensitive roots without damage. It promotes rapid root growth for improved nourishment. Hydration: It’s critical for new transplants to have adequate water – especially under drought conditions. 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 provides that can reveal nutrients 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 33% 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.
by Joe Harris
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. Pest and disease management techniques should be applied before damage reaches irreversible levels and severely affects the health of the tree. Joe grew up in Charlotte, Michigan, as a second-generation arborist. He attended Texas State, joining Bartlett while he was there. Joe worked 5 years as an arborist climber and crew leader, transitioning to Arborist Representative. He and his family love spending time on the San Marcos river. Visit Bartlett.com or call 512 392 1089 to schedule an appointment.
Which Water Filter is Right for You? If you ever consider buying a filter for drinking water, it will quickly become apparent that there is a wide range of pricing and technologies to choose from. by Randy Lawrence It can be difficult to determine which type of filter is appropriate for your ```````different levels of filtration that are water supply. Learning about available can help you make an informed choice. Often referred to as taste and odor filtration, the most common type of water filter is activated carbon. Its primary use is to remove chlorine from the water, which can certainly improve taste and odor. Filters that utilize carbon include refrigerator filters, faucet attachments and filtration pitchers. It is important to note that some of these filters don’t appear to live up to the claims made by their manufacturers. Independent testing results that show this are readily available online. There are types of carbon which can remove lead and other heavy metals, but the majority of store bought filters will have little effect on these and other contaminants. While a carbon filter alone may not give you the quality of water you would like, they are often used as part of a larger filtration system. One example of this is reverse osmosis, often referred to as RO, which is a more comprehensive method of filtering drinking water, accomplishing a much greater level of filtration than a simple inline or pitcher filter. An RO unit commonly consists of two or three stages of pre-filtration, often including sediment and
carbon filters, before forcing the water through a semi-permeable membrane which removes fluoride, lead and other heavy metals. This membrane will reduce the dissolved solids content of your water by 90-95%, producing high quality drinking water which is stored in a small pressure tank under the sink. The water is forced through a final “polishing” filter before being dispensed through a separate drinking water faucet installed at your sink. A licensed Water Treatment Specialist can explain the quality concerns that may be specific to your home’s water supply and help you to determine which type of filtration system will best fit your needs. Randy 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 25 years of experience he has serviced Wimberley and surrounding areas for over two decades. “When you want quality, call a pro.”
ProQuality Water Systems
Randy Lawrence A full service water treatment company specializing in customer service & integrity Certified by the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality Class III License # WT0002693
512-618-1334 (830) 822-3533
www.proqualitywater.com
Page 12 Wimberley Valley News & Views | June 2024
13 News & Views
Preparing Your Financial Data for Your Income Tax Preparer Getting ready for tax season doesn’t have to be stressful. The key is organization. By preparing your financial data in advance, you’ll save time, reduce errors, and help your tax preparer maximize deductions. Here’s how to get started: 1. Gather Personal Information Social Security numbers for you, your spouse, and dependents Copies of last year’s tax return for reference 2. Collect Income Documents Employment Income: W-2 forms from all employers Self-Employment: 1099 forms, business income statements, and expense records Investments: 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, and brokerage statements Rental Income: Detailed income and expense reports for each property. Other Income: Retirement distributions, Social Security benefits, or miscellaneous income. 3. Organize Expense Records Business Expenses: Receipts for supplies, travel, and professional fees Medical Expenses: Insurance statements and out-of-pocket costs
Charitable Contributions: Donation receipts and acknowledgment letters Education Costs: Tuition statements (Form 1098-T) and student loan interest (Form 1098-E). 4. Review Deduction and Credit Opportunities Mortgage interest and property tax statements Childcare expenses and provider details
by Scott G. Hackett, CFP®
Retirement contributions and health savings account records 5. Prepare Supporting Documents Bank statements for verification Mileage logs if claiming vehicle expenses Any legal documents related to major life changes (marriage, divorce, home purchase) 6. Use a Checklist Create a simple checklist to ensure nothing is missed. Many tax preparers provide one—ask for it early. Pro Tip: Organize everything digitally in labeled folders or use a secure document-sharing platform recommended by your preparer. This speeds up the process and reduces the risk of lost paperwork. Scott G. Hackett, CFP® is the president of the Hackett Financial Group LLC (HFG), a fee-only registered investment advisor. Visit HackettFinancialGroup.com or reach out at 512 847 0630. Email Scott at Scott@HackettFinancialGroup.com.
Application to Probate Without a Will and reports to the court, a hearing is held. In most circumstances, If a person dies without a Will, but the judge will require that the administrator post a bond to there are assets that require a court ensure that the assets are secure. Unless all legally recognized appointed representative to convey heirs agree otherwise, the appointment of the administrator will those assets, then an Application to by Carrie Campbell, J.D. Probate must be filed that provides the be dependent on the court’s ongoing supervision and approval. The probate process without a Will typically costs twice as much names and addresses for all the as a probate with a Will, and takes up to three times as long immediate relatives of the```````````` deceased and/or people who may have depending on the number of heirs, and the type and complexity an interest in the Estate. The applicant will be applying to be an of the assets owned by the decedent. “Administrator” of the decedent’s estate and must meet the same To protect your family, avoid the extra expenses, and elude the conditions as an executor, including no felony record. Once the potential delay of a dependent administration, contact an application is filed, a citation is posted at the courthouse and all attorney experienced with estate planning to prepare a Will. immediate relatives must be served a citation by a constable notifying them that a probate case has been opened, or else they Carrie Campbell has lived and practiced law in Wimberley since must execute a Waiver of Service which is filed with the clerk of 1997. She is the managing partner of Mounger & Campbell law firm. the court. Carrie is an active member of the Rotary Club of Wimberley and Thereafter, a Petition for Declaration of Heirship must be filed former president of the Wimberley Village Library Foundation. She by the applicant asking the judge to determine who the heirs are proudly has three wonderful daughters and two lively grandsons. To and their respective interests. The petition will also ask the judge contact Carrie, call 512 847 1308 or CarrieC1970@gmail.com. to appoint an attorney ad litem to investigate and represent any unknown heirs. The appointed attorney ad litem will interview relatives, check vital statistical records, and DNA databases such as Ancestry.com to make sure that no heir is left out. Once the attorney ad litem completes his or her investigation Page 13 Wimberley Valley News & Views | June 2024 `````
Litigation: Just the Facts, Ma’am Wow! We head into the year of 2026 aboard a ship with folks fighting for control of the rudder and no one who seems clear on what to do when they’ve got it. In the ’70s, Johnny Cash sang, “the lonely voice of youth cries, what is truth.” That was a search for meaning; today the search is a bit more pragmatic. I am struck by the parallel of the big picture search we all participate in daily and the more focused search that is conducted by the jury who hears my client’s case. I recall the oft repeated phrase attributed to Sergeant Joe Friday from the 1950’s TV series Dragnet, “Just the facts, ma’am.” In trial, I must lead the jury to discover the truth among competing stories. Once I determine that my client is entitled to the jury’s verdict, the facts become my tools. There has always been an element of suspicion on the part of jurors that the lawyer wants to win and therefore may misrepresent what the facts are, or perhaps, through crafty language, what conclusion the facts lead to. Today though, we live in what has been described as the posttruth era in which it is commonplace for people to assert something and expect it to be believed simply because the speaker has a platform, a podium, a microphone, a recognized newspaper or periodical, or a podcast. As an avid consumer of the news, I have employed numerous processes as I seek to winnow out the true from the false. Now that process is even more complex as artificial intelligence has seized the podium and the microphone. We face an increasingly difficult search. Wimberley2x3.pdf
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When considering how this affects my by Roland Brown clients in a courtroom, I am confronted with the reality that jurors may believe something simply because it is presented on a big screen, with a ``````` lot of graphics, or in some ingenious manner. On the flip side, they may disbelieve something simply because they have been conditioned to disbelieve anything that does not support their preconceived ideas. There is no easy answer to this conundrum. I use the fancy presentations to present what I know to be the facts. I use logic and analogy to, “steer important information around others’ mental roadblocks,” as I once heard someone say. But in the end, I have to hope that my client is seen as deserving and that I have done a good job of presenting and explaining the facts. On the personal side, I enter 2026 more determined than ever to think for myself, question everything, do the hard work of finding the primary sources, and distilling the spin from the facts. I hope we can agree on the importance of that and make 2026 The Year of Truth.
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, 2021, and 2023 in annual polls of Hays County attorneys. For more information call 512 847 2500.
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Wimberley Office
150 RR 3237, P.O. Box 727 • Wimberley, TX 78676 Office: 512/847-2278 • Fax: 512/847-5131
Page 14 Wimberley Valley News & Views | June 2024
Specializing in Wimberley & The Surrounding Hill Country
150 Star Thistle Trl MLS 5696319 $685,000 Beautifully remodeled 3/2 on 2.5 private acres. Alice Lebkuecher
202 Hub Dr MLS 8499484 $4,460,000 Outstanding 5/5 4776 sq ft Blanco riverfront newly constructed home. Jim Donaldson
5400 FM 2325 MLS 1387557 $2,800,000 Breathtaking 72 acre unrestricted ranch. Has 3/1 home. Fenced & cross fenced. Mickey Brown
34 Wood Glen Dr MLS 9047346 $498,000 Well designed 3/4 home. Private, serene setting. Alice Lebkuecher
New Price!
New!
20 Meridian Dr MLS 1283253 $850,000 Beautiful 5/4 with Stunning, long distance views. Access to private river park. Alice Lebkuecher
45 La Buena Vista Dr MLS 9445074 $699,000 Commercial 6,000 Sq Ft Bldg on 1.5 acres. Alice Lebkuecher
72 Augusta MLS 591635 $549,000 Beautiful custom 3/2 home loaded with extras! Golf course access. Debbie Donaldson
16933 RR 12 #B MLS2201430 $1,250,000 Commercial property with home, guest home and workshop! Jeff Hutto & Jim Donaldson
New!
New!
3405 FM 2325 MLS8073793 $295,000 Country cottage on UNRESTRICTED PROPERTY. Can be used for STR. Jim Donaldson
6 Sonata Cir MLS 1949916 $538,000 Thoughtfully designed 3/2 by Somerset Homes, on a cul-de-sac. Alice Lebkuecher
167 Wimberley Ranch Dr MLS 9832006 $1,850,000 Extraordinary 3/5 on 14 Acres. Beautiful Panoramic Views! Jim Donaldson
5300 Fischer Store Rd MLS 2488065 $450,000 3/2 on 5.79 acres. Fully fenced, Large metal workshop. Alice Lebkuecher
New!
1951 Bridlewood Ranches Rd MLS 6785921 $3,450,000 Gentleman’s Ranch. 5 bed 7 bath, 42 AG exempt acres. Debbie Donaldson
Mickey Brown 512-468-4509
725 Blue Sky Ln MLS 8902646 $1,175,000 Inviting 3/4 on 5Acres. Workshop, whole house generator, fenced.Ag exempt. Alice Lebkuecher
Alice Lebkuecher 713-253-1311
Jim Donaldson 830-857-3371
455 E Skyline Acres MLS 5353405 $1,150,000 Beautiful, private views, 25 acre property. Minutes to downtown. Jeff Hutto
Debbie Donaldson 512-665-9588
830 Highland Springs MLS 4374382 $195,000 2.1 Acre lot at Canyon Lake. Short drive to lake. Jeff Hutto
Jeff Hutto 936-327-2303
Linda Germain 512-924-3661
13210 Ranch Rd.12, Ste A, Wimberley, TX WimberleyPartners.com Page 15 Wimberley Valley News & Views | June 2024
AJ
Reasons My Clients Refer Me to Family and Friends: • Extensive Local Market Knowledge • Trusted Advisor in Your Best Interest • Legal and Finance Background • Experienced in Contract Negotiations • Client-Focused & Attention to Detail • Timely and Effective Communicator • Committed, Full-Time Real Estate Broker
Allison “AJ” Harwood, JD, MBA, GRI Real Estate Broker Associate, Attorney
Specializing in Fine Homes, Recreational Ranches & Luxury Properties 512.848.6612 AJ@AJHSold.com AJHSold.com
Page 16 Wimberley Valley News & Views | June 2024