Wimberley Valley News & Views - Vol. 27 Issue 4 - April 2024

Light and Hope

As a native Texan, I am well-acquainted with year-round fluctuations in weather. My hometown was in a semitropical part of the state where flowers and vegetables thrived yearround and bougainvilleas clothed landscapes in brilliant fuchsia year after year. My university, five hundred miles north, introduced me to regular if infrequent ice and snow as well as brutal, summerlong heat waves.

The one thing Texans experience and universally cherish is Spring. My dear friends who have moved to other countries and states tell me that not having bluebonnets in the spring was one of the first disappointments in their new homes.

Springtime is a powerful statement of the Earth that life begins anew and is reborn every year. Even in parts of the world where wintry weather persists, spring is awaited with anticipation and enjoyed with enthusiasm even in its short stay. A late May visit to Yellowstone National Park recently included completely frozen lakes and three days of snow, but the local stores were fully stocked with vegetable seeds and backyard Adirondack chairs. Hope springs eternal.

I have now had the joy of living over half of my life in our home here in Wimberley. I follow the expectations of every month in flora and fauna and look forward to each new season. We are still enjoying the bluebonnets and poppies, the mountain laurels with their heavy perfume, and the spikey blossoms of the yuccas

by Tim Thompson

and agaves. The live oaks are shedding leaves that will decompose and feed them for years to come even as the new leaves and blossom tassels appear. The other oaks: Sierra, Burr, Mexican white, Blackjack, Shumard, and Texas red, have already enshrouded themselves in brand new foliage. The cedar elms will be among the last to leaf out, right before our bigtooth maple tree.

I urge you to notice and enjoy the springing forth and the promise of life this year in much the same way as a neighboring family in my hometown, who named their daughters “Luz” and “Esperanza.” In English: “Light” and “Hope.”

Horticulturist Tim Thompson managed the garden center at King Feed and Hardware for over 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.

A little ole show in Houston

In March, we went to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) to participate in the alpaca competition. We have not been to HLSR in several years but this year was the first year that the HLSR alpaca event was sanctioned by our national alpaca organization. Now an official alpaca show, the competition became a lot stronger. Alpacas arrived from as far away as Colorado and North Carolina. Official sanctioning lends credibility to this new Houston show and will help it grow. Of course, the HLSR is already the biggest rodeo in the United States, and second only in the world to the Calgary Stampede. It is a massive event of which the alpacas are really just a tiny fraction.

The biggest stressor of any show is arriving and leaving. The whole snarling mess of dragging trailers, competing for parking places, detaching and parking the trailer, and trying to load and unload your animals and tack as quickly as possible, is a major headache. At the HLSR, they control the traffic beautifully. There are lots of helpful police and easy trailer parking. Best of all, what an incredible luxury it is to have a team of smiling volunteers surround your arriving trailer, before you have even rolled to a stop, with 4-wheelers to unload everything and take it to your stalls. We

by Kern Deschner

have not had this happen at any other show and it is a breathtaking convenience! The reverse happens when you leave. So incredibly efficient.

Most shows that we attend are in small towns where there may not be many spectators coming by to look at alpacas. The HLSR is entirely different. There are tens of thousands of people at the rodeo, coming from all sectors of livestock world, and many of them want to hear about alpacas. Generally they were already livestockinterested, some even veterinarians, and they signed up for our association’s website, were eager to hear about alpaca ownership, took all of the ranch swag, and took hundreds of selfies. We made more interested contacts at the HLSR than we have at all the others this year combined.

A third great thing about the Houston show is, well, Houston itself! Sure it’s crowded and there’s a lot of traffic and it is humid. However, they have nice hotels at reasonable rates, there are dozens of fantastic places to eat, and there is so much entertainment that it’s hard to choose what you’re going to do in the evening. It looks like the Houston livestock show and rodeo is going to become a regular stop for us.

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.

Ancient water

by Rance and Betsy Mosley

For this month’s article I would like to discuss the Earth’s Water Cycle.. The Water Cycle involves the continuous circulation of water in the Earth/Atmospheric System. The water cycle is the motion of the water from the ground to the atmosphere and back again. The most important processes involved in the cycle are evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, and run off. If this cycle is continuous have you ever wondered how old the water on Earth really is?

The first process to discuss is evaporation. Evaporation is the change of water from liquid to gas. Evaporation needs energy in order to take place. The energy can come from the sun, atmosphere, the Earth, or objects on the Earth such as animals and humans. When we sweat, water is secreted onto the skin and our body is cooled by the evaporation of water from the skin.

The next process is transpiration, which is the evaporation of water from plants. An interesting fact is that only 1% of the water that passes through plants is used in the growth process of the plant. The remaining 99% is passed into the atmosphere. This definitely gives me a new perspective on how important plants are to planet Earth.

The third process is condensation, which is where water vapor is changed into a liquid state. In the atmosphere, condensation may appear as clouds, fog, or dew. Condensation is the difference between two temperatures: the air temperature and the dew point temperature. The dew point is the temperature at which dew can

form. This is the point at which air becomes saturated and can not hold more water vapor.

Next we have precipitation, which is when tiny condensation particles grow too large for the rising air to support and it falls to the Earth in the form of rain, hail, sleet, or snow. Lastly, we have runoff, which is when there is excessive precipitation and the ground is saturated. Rivers and lakes are the result of runoff. Some runoff evaporates into the atmosphere, but most of the water returns to the oceans. When water from the runoff evaporates it begins the cycle over again. Some of the water soaks into the soil and groundwater, as in natural springs and aquifers, where it is drawn into plants again for transpiration to take place.

Water is our planets’ most precious resource and I believe in order for us to protect it we desperately need to understand the Earth’s Water Cycle. I plan to explore what can be done environmentally to help sustain and protect this process. The Earth has been recycling water since it was created and scientists estimate that up to 50% of the Earth’s natural source of water is from the beginning of creation. This means that the water we drink today is the same water that the wooly mammoths, dinosaurs, and the first humans ever drank. That is pretty cool!

Rance & Betsy Mosley are the owners of Blue Jug of Wimberley and My Wimberley Office Space. Rance retired from teaching after 28 years & now manages and operates Blue Jug while Betsy teaches at Blue Hole Primary. Stop by & try the best tasting water in the Hill Country. Located at 14201 Ranch Road 12, Suite 1. Contact us at 512 387 1001 or email Rance@bluejug.com.

Skincare magic

Experience the magic of skincare that rejuvenates and nourishes, leaving you looking your best for all those special moments. Cryofacials with Neveskin™ Face offers 8 facial treatment options to promote firm, bright, lifted, calm, rejuvenated, and youthful skin for the ultimate facial experience. It’s one hundred percent non-invasive, with zero downtime!

So what is noninvasive anyway? Non-invasive treatments are described as skincare treatments that do not puncture the skin or otherwise impact the underlying tissues. These treatments are quite comfortable and often relaxing. There is no downtime whatsoever.

Why are noninvasive skincare treatments so popular? One of the main benefits of non-invasive cosmetic procedures is that they are less invasive than traditional surgery. This means less downtime, less recovery time, and fewer risks. Performing non-invasive procedures in a single appointment with little discomfort is also possible, and can be performed many times the same day as a very important event, as say, a wedding! Oh yes, I did dare say it.

So why are we such proponents for the Neveskin ™ Face device and its use?

by Jesseca Zollars Smith

• Improves collagen production, slims, and tightens

• Brightens dull-looking skin, suppresses melanin, and gives skin a glass like appearance

• Strengthens the skin, with immediate results

• Reduces puffiness and dark circles

• Effect of smoothing or ironing out fine lines

... and much more!

Experience the magic of Cryofacial Neveskin™ Face at MISSION Day Spa this wedding season and all year round. MISSION Day Spa offers a series of our CryoFacial/Neveskin Face facials of 5 at a discounted rate. Five sessions, once a week for lasting results. Can be added to any facial... And it’s 100% non-invasive with no downtime.

Jesseca is the owner of MISSION Day Spa. She is a Licensed Master Aesthetician, Licensed Continuing Education Provider for TDLR, and Licensed Aesthetics Educator, sensitive skin specialist, oncology esthetics trained. Wimberley resident, Jesseca apprentices Wimberley ISD students at her spa. With 30 years in the spa industry and a background in cosmetics chemistry, Jesseca holds CE classes Monday evenings and online. Call 512 522 6467!

“We only make it if we all do.” MissionDaySpa.com

“Great class!”

Pacing

“Aw, thanks.” But I know that the person is actually saying that the class matched their pace perfectly.

You see, I believe the most important aspect of success in anything you do is being in control of your ability to pace things out. We have an opinion about how things should go. If things are going faster than we think it should, we think we are unable to do the thing. If the thing is going too slowly, we get bored with it or think it will never happen.

So in a “great class”, the person did not get frustrated because things were too fast or too hard. The person did not have to struggle to keep up, and therefore never entertained doubts about whether this was a good thing to be doing. And also, the person never got bored. Or was never pulled back. Or was stopped in his journey, whatever that may be.

As a teacher, it is my job to be in tuned to whether things are going too fast or too slow. I have way too much power to give people too much and make them think they are unable. I also have too much power in that I can go too slow and make people think that they will not ever get where they want to go.

In life though, I know that if I am frustrated or feel unable to complete a project, I am going too fast and need to slow down. If

by Sarah Geenberg

I am getting bored or think it is not going to happen, it also may just mean things are not going as fast as I’d like and I need to have patience.

I recently re-learned this lesson with our Grandmaster, who said that if you have a headache, just slowly and gently stretch your neck. I’d heard this from him before. So I’d stretch my neck a few times, get frustrated that it was not working on my time frame, give up, and take a pill. But this time I learned that he stretches a hundred times. So I decided to try it. And it worked!

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

Good-bye dental phobia

Put the days of poor oral health and aesthetically flawed smiles behind you. Now you can conquer your dental anxiety with sedation dentistry at San Marcos Gentle Dental. Dr. Donnelly has been providing sedation dentistry for his patients for many years and can give you an opportunity to have a positive dental experience by reducing your stress and delivering great results. Even if past experiences have kept you from the dentist for a long time, there is no need to be embarrassed. You can be confident in knowing that Dr. Donnelly and his team ensure a comfortable, anxiety-free visit for patients just like you. You can rest quietly and calmly during your sedation dentistry appointment with peace of mind.

Whether you struggle with a gag reflex or have sensitive teeth or gums, sedation allows you to have dental procedures without the stress you may have previously experienced. With a relaxed patient, treatment is easier for the patient and allows the dentist to perform multiple procedures at one appointment. This allows you to save time by getting your treatment done in one day at one visit.

by Robert Donnelly, DDS

Dental phobia can often lead to years of neglect, poor oral hygiene and extensive dental disease. Extended time away from the dentist can cause gum disease, tooth infections, or even tooth loss. At San Marcos Gentle Dental we want to give you a chance to attend to your health stress-free.

If you or someone you know are interested in learning more about maintaining oral hygiene, Dr. Donnelly is here to help you. You can contact San Marcos Gentle Dental by calling 512 396 5225 where we will be happy to get you scheduled. Come see why Dr. Donnelly was voted a Texas Super Dentist by Texas Monthly Magazine and Best Dentist in Hays County!

1337 Thorpe Lane

San Marcos, TX 78666

512-396-5225

Fax: 512-396-7022

Sanmarcosdental.com

Master of The Academy of General Dentistry

J. Robert Donnelly, D.D.S.

The Wimberley Art League presents

Wimberley Arts Fest

Saturday, April 27 & Sunday, April 28

10am-5:30pm, Saturday • 11am-4pm, Sunday

100 artists from across the country will join us from 14 different states. Enjoy the works of great painters, potters, porcelain artists, photographers, wood workers, sculptors, jewelers and more.

The Twelve Kings Car Club will be on hand with a classic car show on the same grounds all day on Saturday. See 100 pristine restored cars of all makes and models. The car show proceeds will benefit several local Wimberley charities.

Waters Point Resort, 13401 Ranch Road 12 WimberleyArtsFest.org

Gentry

Roland

Leal

DEEP IN THE ART OF TEXAS

Wimberley Arts Fest 2024

by Jan Fitzhugh

Picture yourself alongside a peaceful, meandering river, enjoying fine art and live music, kicking back in the sun-sprinkled shade of an ancient pecan orchard. It’s not a dream. It’s Wimberley Arts Fest 2024! The venue is the Waters Point Resort, next to the Blanco River just south of the square.

Now in its 17th year, Wimberley Arts Fest, a festival presented by the Wimberley Valley Art League, has gained a national reputation as a fine arts festival organized by artists. There’s plenty of shade and onsite parking, great food and drinks, and continuous live music throughout the festival.

You’ll see the incredible, juried art of 100 artists from across the country. This year, artists will join us from 14 different states. Enjoy the works of great painters, potters, porcelain artists, photographers, wood workers, sculptors, jewelers and more. There is sure to be something for everyone. Take your time and spend a day meeting and chatting with the artists and strolling beneath the trees to get a glimpse of their beautiful work.

Live music from nine talented local and regional bands will play throughout both days. From Jazz to Americana to Country and Folk music, we’ve got something for every musical taste. There will be plenty of comfortable seating if you want to sit back, relax and just listen to the music, or just listen as you enjoy your leisurely stroll through the festival.

For classic car lovers, the Twelve Kings Car Club will be on hand again this year, for a classic car show on the same grounds throughout the day on Saturday. Approximately 100 pristine restored cars of all makes and models will be on display. The car show proceeds will benefit several local Wimberley charities.

This will be a weekend of fun that you don’t want to miss! We hope you’ll join us on April 27th and 28th to experience all of this for yourself at the Waters Point Resort, 13401 Ranch Road 12 in Wimberley. The festival hours are from 10:00 to 5:30 on Saturday, and from 11:00 to 4:00 on Sunday.

The festival is free, with on-site parking offered for $10. Free shuttles will also run continuously throughout the festival to nearby parking areas and the Wimberley Square. For more information, visit WimberleyArtsFest.org.

Maxine Price

Christman

TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE ART

Welcome to Wimberley, one of the Texas Hill Country’s premier destinations for discovering the works of skilled artists and artisans! Snap a selfie at Wimberley’s newest mural, by local artist Theresa Vincent, next to the Wimberley Valley Museum. Then use the “Gallery Trail Wimberley” QR code to visit our art galleries, most of which are within walking distance of the town square.

1. PITZER'S FINE ARTS

13909 Ranch Road 12

2. ART ON 12

13811 Ranch Road 12

3. WILDFLOWER ART GALLERY

13801 Ranch Road 12

4. RODNEY BURSIEL GALLERY

13909 Ranch Road 12

5.WIMBERLEY VALLEY ART LEAGUE

Wimberley Community Center

14068 Ranch Road 12

6. 220 FINE ART GALLERY 220 Old Kyle Road

7. HILL COUNTRY COLLECTABLES 14015 Ranch Road 12 #2

8. WIMBERLEY GLASSWORKS 6469 Ranch Road 12

9. SILO GALLERY & GLASS STUDIO 7990 Ranch Road 12

Thursday, April 11 – Wimberley Valley Art League

Student Show Reception - Community Center

Friday, April 12 & Saturday, April 13

WVAL - Jenny Granberry watercolor workshop

Saturday, April 13 – Art on 12 – Second Saturday celebration

Saturday, April 20 – Deadline for 220 Fine Art Gallery Call for Art: Water Weighs

Monday, April 22 – WVAL meeting and artist presentation: Vicki Evans

Saturday, April 27 & Sunday, April 28 – Arts Fest

Dispensary

One of the most valuable assets on your property are oak trees. They add beauty and value. Property values can drop significantly where there is a large tree die off. Oak Wilt arrived in the Hill Country years ago and is one of the most destructive tree diseases in the United States. What most people do not realize is that there are proven methods to slow the spread of Oak Wilt and treat trees to reduce mortality.

One of the best resources to help us understand Oak Wilt is TexasOakWilt.org. Most experts agree that it takes an integrated management system to control the spread. Below is a summary of steps that are proven to diminish the spread of Oak Wilt: Prevent new infections.

1. Do not cut or prune oak trees from January through the end of June. Always paint cuts and wounds.

2. Cut down and remove diseased Red Oak trees. Red Oaks host the fungal mats which are incubators for the disease. Beetles feed on the Red Oaks and spread the disease to healthy oak trees that are cut or wounded and not painted.

3. Do not store wood from infected trees near healthy trees. Stop the spread of disease through the root systems.

Time

With drought conditions and another Texas summer just a few months away, thoughts are turning to alternative water sources and more efficient treatment techniques. Even with forecasts predicting less than average rainfall, more homeowners are looking to the sky in hopes of preventing interruptions to their water supply. Rainwater collection systems are designed and built into many new homes. Although it can be tricky, it is usually possible to incorporate rain collection into an existing structure. When used in conjunction with treated groundwater, the stored rainwater can ease the burden on our aquifers.

One downside to rainwater collection systems, besides a potentially limited supply, is the cost of installation. Once the system is designed by a professional, you will need gutters, downspouts, collection lines, storage tanks, a booster pump and pressure tank, as well as proper filtration and disinfection equipment. For many homeowners, their budget requires them to consider other means of conserving water. Often, this includes replacing appliances and fixtures with more water-efficient models. One of the most commonly overlooked, and misunderstood, household appliances is the water softener. Without an understanding of how this equipment works, it can be difficult to know whether it is operating at maximum efficiency.

Recently, there has been a flurry of advertising aimed at those who have had a traditional salt-based water softener. Many of

by Jim and Debbie Donaldson

1. Trenching and clearing is a proven method for controlling the spread from one tree to another via root systems.

2. Check for resources on the Oak Wilt website for this method of control.

Treat high-value trees with fungicide.

1. Consult an arborist with a certified Applicator’s license.

2. Select oak trees that are high-value and begin a regimen of treatment.

Plant trees not susceptible to Oak Wilt.

1. Increase diversity on your property by planting trees that are not affected by Oak Wilt.

2. Texas A&M Forrest Service has a list of excellent choices to promote a disease-resistant yard.

Let’s work together and do our part to control the spread of Oak Wilt. If you suspect you have Oak Wilt begin by going online to TexasOakWilt.org for resources.

Jim and Debbie Donaldson are Sales Agents with Keller Williams, Partners in Real Estate Group, in Wimberley. They moved to Wimberley in 1993 and enjoy helping sellers and buyers have an awesome real estate experience. You can reach Jim at 830-8573371 or Jim.Donaldson78@gmail.com or Debbie 512-665-9588 or Debbie.Donaldson79@gmail.com.

Randy Lawrence

these products have existed for years, and are simply repackaged and heavily marketed. Unfortunately, the results produced by these alternatives typically fall far short of the claims made by their distributors. This often leaves homeowners with no choice but to scrap their investment and start from scratch. It is important to note that the only proven method of removing calcium and other hardness minerals is traditional ion exchange softening, and that recent technological advances have made softeners far more efficient and user-friendly than ever.

To maximize the efficiency of your water treatment system, ensure that your equipment is up to date and that the settings accurately reflect your particular water conditions. An experienced technician can test your water quality, check the condition and performance of your system, and make any necessary adjustments or upgrades.

Spring and your trees

Spring is a great time to prepare your trees for the stress that accompanies our hot, dry summers. Issues to consider include insect pests, leaf diseases, and nutrient deficiencies in the soil.

Defoliating caterpillars are common in many Texas trees during spring. Normally, a healthy tree can withstand some defoliation because it has energy reserves to regrow foliage. But drought stress has reduced or depleted those reserves in many of our Texas trees. A pest particularly attracted to weakened trees is the borer, and this insect can do significant damage. Having your trees treated for any seasonal pests and borer activity is a good way to help prepare them for summer’s harshness.

Leaf diseases can cause defoliation, too, and inhibit a tree or shrub’s ability to make its food, the energy produced through photosynthesis. These diseases also diminish the plant’s appearance in the landscape. If defoliation from leaf disease occurs in several consecutive years, tree health may severely decline. Many leaf diseases, such as anthracnose and leaf spot are caused by fungi, which can be controlled through a program of treatments that begin at bud break. Other controls may include canopy thinning for better air circulation and light penetration and avoiding irrigation methods that wet the lower canopy. Any canopy thinning should be done by a qualified arborist according to ANSI standards and, especially for oak trees, at the appropriate time of year.

by Jo Harris

Nutrient deficiencies in the soil can also affect tree health. Trees need adequate amounts of macronutrients, such as nitrogen, and micronutrients, such as iron, to function and grow. Soil pH, a measure of the soil’s acidity or alkalinity, can impact the availability of nutrients to the plant. Soil testing is a good way to determine a soil’s pH and whether nutrient deficiencies are present. Then a qualified arborist can fertilize the tree according to the soil analysis prescription.

Caterpillars and leaf diseases love spring. Timely control and maintaining tree health can help your trees stand up to the challenges that our Texas summers present.

Jo grew up in Charlotte, Michigan, as a second-generation arborist. In 2004, drawn to the warm weather, Joe found himself in San Marcos where he attend Texas State and became intrigued with the inner workings of the arboricultural industry. He joined Bartlett while he was there. Jo worked five years as an arborist climber and crew leader, recently making the transition to Arborist Representative. He and his family love spending time on the San Marcos river. For more information visit Bartlett.com or call 512 392 1089 to schedule an appointment.

1324 Old Martindale Road, San Marcos, TX 78666

Saving strategies to reach your financial goals

Whether you are saving for retirement, a down payment on a new home, or kids’ higher education, these strategies will help get your funds to where they need to be:

1. What are you saving for?

Determine your short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals. For example, an emergency fund as a short-term goal, a down payment as a mid-term or long-term goal, retirement as a long-term goal.

2. Set a timeline.

How much will you save and when will you need it? For example, by 2026, I will save $35,000 for a down payment on a home.

3. Build your savings plan.

Calculate a monthly savings amount for each goal. For example, saving $583 per month will get you to $35,000 in five years.

4. Create a budget

Add the total monthly savings goals to your budget. If it’s more than you can afford, consider making a few cuts, adding extra income, or choosing a higher-yield savings vehicle.

Steven E Austin Arborist Representative

ISA Certified Arborist #TX-3616AT

bartlett.com

SAustin@bartlett.com

p 512.392.1089

f 512.392.7398

by AJ Harwood

If you are wondering what your home would look like on the market, give me a call! I would be honored to complete a comparative market analysis (CMA) to see what homes in your neighborhood are selling for right now. Real estate is local and I’m here to walk you through with the best information so you can make the best choices and know how it applies to you in the Hill Country area. If you’re thinking of selling your home, call me today. Experience matters – especially in the current changing market.

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@REMAX.net or drop by our office location at 160 South River in the South River Business Park, Wimberley, Texas 78676. 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.

April 15th tax deadline

Before the April 15 tax deadline, there are several key points to consider to ensure you file your taxes accurately and efficiently. Here’s a checklist:

1. Gather all necessary documents: This includes W-2s, 1099s, receipts for deductible expenses, and any other relevant financial documents.

2. Review changes in tax laws: Tax laws can change from year to year, affecting deductions, credits, and tax rates. Stay updated on any changes that may impact your tax return.

3. Consider tax deductions and credits: Make sure you’re taking advantage of all available deductions and credits to minimize your tax liability. This includes deductions for contributions to retirement accounts, mortgage interest, charitable donations, and more.

4. Organize your paperwork: Organize your documents and receipts to make the tax preparation process smoother. This can help you avoid missing deductions and credits.

5. Review your filing status: Your filing status (single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household, etc.) can affect your tax liability and eligibility for certain deductions and credits.

6. Check for errors: Review your tax return carefully for any errors or omissions that could result in penalties or delays in processing.

7. Consider filing an extension: If you need more time to prepare your tax return, you can file for an extension using Form

4868. However, keep in mind that this only extends the deadline for filing your return, not for paying any taxes owed.

8. Pay any taxes owed: If you owe taxes, make sure to pay them by the April 15 deadline to avoid penalties and interest charges. You can pay online, by phone, or by mail.

9. Consider retirement contributions: Contributions to retirement accounts such as IRAs and 401(k)s may be deductible, so consider making contributions before the deadline to reduce your tax liability.

10. Consult a tax professional: If you have complex tax situations or are unsure about how to handle certain deductions or credits, consider consulting a tax professional for guidance.

By considering these key points before the April 15 tax deadline, you can ensure that you file your taxes accurately and in a timely manner.

Advance Directives

If you are able, you can communicate your concerns and wishes directly to your medical providers. However, if you are injured, unconscious, or no longer competent to make your own decisions, then someone else must be granted the legal authority to make medical decisions for you. Advance Directives are documents prepared before any such disability and permit you to name the person you want making health care decisions on your behalf. Without Advance Directives, then a court appointed guardian is necessary to act for you.

Advance Directives are often requested by hospitals and other medical professionals. The documents include a Medical Power of Attorney, Directive to Physicians, and if applicable, a Do-NotResuscitate Order. The Medical Power of Attorney contains your appointment of an agent to make your routine health decisions if you can’t do so for yourself. These routine considerations include where you live, who your medical providers are, consent for medical procedures, and appropriateness of artificial life support. A Directive to Physicians is a binding document with your instructions regarding artificial life support. A Do-Not-Resuscitate Order (more commonly known as a DNR) is obtained from your physician once you are in a final illness that allows you to refuse life sustaining CPR if your heart stops beating or you stop breathing.

by Carrie Campbell

Other than the DNR, the forms for Advance Directives are available at our local library or online. If you attempt to fill out the forms yourself, make sure that you are using Texas forms. Similar documents are used in other states. Otherwise, Advance Directives are often included in estate planning legal services. The advantage of having an attorney to assist with Advance Directives (although it is not required) is that the right attorney will review with you the skill sets, logistical considerations, or other practical matters for determining the best person(s) to serve as your agent(s). I also recommend including a HIPAA Release (medical privacy release) which makes the activation of any Powers of Attorney much easier.

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.

Scott G. Hackett, CFP® is the president of the Hackett Financial Group LLC (HFG), a fee-only registered investment advisor.

Litigation: It does matter

Roland Brown

At 5:00 P.M. on a recent Monday, a seasoned district judge looked down from the bench and said to me, “You get to go home.” I had been called out of the jury panel on which I was serving as a prospective juror to be separately questioned by the lawyers about an opinion I had expressed. Over the years I have always answered each jury summons I received and appeared for duty, only to be excluded because attorneys are not generally selected as jurors. This case though was a highly emotional criminal case and these attorneys apparently felt that perhaps the general rule of bypassing attorneys as jurors might not apply. For that reason, I was still on their short list as the process was about to conclude. As it turned out though, my strongly held opinion, formed over a lifetime of experience with certain types of witnesses, was too concerning for one side’s lawyers to risk taking me as a juror and I headed for home.

Judge Gary Steel had done a masterful job of carefully explaining to the panel the importance of our laws, of the jury system, and of the process that would be followed that day. His respect for the law and the process was stirring, particularly in today’s climate

in which our judicial system is under attack from all sides. The lawyers for the Hays County District Attorney’s office and for the accused were excellent and asked probing questions of the panel. As panel members responded to those questions, I was struck by the fact that too many of the panel members obviously did not appear to recognize the value of such core constitutional principles as according to their fellow citizen a genuine presumption of innocence, of holding the powerful state to its burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and of not holding it against the accused if he exercised the Fifth Amendment privilege, which he held in common with every member of the panel, to refuse to testify if he so chose. The founders of our country certainly understood the need for such protections, but the more than two hundred years that separate us from their experiences seem to have dimmed our own perspective. In a day when there is a leaning towards authoritarianism in government, regaining that perspective is important. It is wisely said that those who fail to learn from the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them.

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