Wimberley Valley News and Views October 2020

Wimberley Valley

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

NEWS & VIEWS Volume 23 Issue 11 • Wimberley, Texas • October 2020 Postal Patron

T he Wimberley Way of Living

Wimberley Valley News & Views

Page 1

October 2020

Con tra ct I n

Want Results? Call us today! ct ra nt ing o C nd Pe

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Randall Morris & Associates

ct ra nt ing o C nd Pe

213 Mesa $545,000 - Molly Wendt r me

5D ays

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600 FM 2325 Restaurant Space For Lease - Melinda

83 Saddle Rock Ridge $299,000 - Traci Maxwell

335 Eagles Nest Clay Ewing

TBD Mt. Sharp Rd $906,500 - Don Montague

l

400 Lange Rd $369,000 - Zach Adkisson

Melinda Everett, Associated Broker 512-695-5963

Traci Maxwell, Associated Broker 512-393-9996

Zach Adkisson, Sales Associate 512-217-4776

Molly Wendt, Sales Associate 512-940-1711

Clay E Ewing, Associated Broker 512-922-7475

Don Montague Sales Associate 512-921-1014

Serving the Wimberley area • Century 21 Randall Morris & Associates • 13320 Ranch Road 12 Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

Contact us today and find out how our experience can work for you!

Kurt Kimmerle

Laura Kilber

Lee Pruden

REALTOR® Associate

Broker

REALTOR® Associate

512.667.8278

512.376.8098

512.771.9463

14500 RR 12

Marti Eveleigh REALTOR®

512.618.1342

Wimberley Mountain Plaza

Wimberley Valley News & Views

Associate

Suite 2

Angel Laughlin

Ann Marie Skunda

April Carver

Barbara Latimer

Betsi Schaefer

Broker

REALTOR® Associate

REALTOR® Associate

Broker/Branch Mgr.

REALTOR® Associate

512.217.6938

512.350.1365

512.665.3043

512.557.5257

512.755.3573

Brittany Bailey

Christina Lawson

Jackie Hines

John (J.D.) Payne

Kim Cabler

REALTOR® Associate

REALTOR® Associate

REALTOR® Associate

REALTOR® Associate

REALTOR® Associate

512.648.0858

512.710.5628

512.968.4167

512.412.0897

512.695.8363

Maureen Shanklin

Melody Pruden

Pam Shultz

Sheryl Kelley

Steve Hysinger

Broker

REALTOR® Associate

Broker

REALTOR® Associate

Broker

512.517.5735

512.773.3168

512.923.3608

512.557.3851

512.461.2865

512.722.3267

HillsofTexasSky.com

Info@HillsofTexasSky.com

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October 2020

Slowly but surely

Wimberley Valley News & Views

If something seems familiar, or if you are paying close attention, you may have realized that our cover this month resembles our cover from last month. This was not by accident but rather by design.

It occurred to me, since I have had the time to take more walks than usual this year, the trees I would stroll past I would scarely notice because I saw them every day on my walk. Some days sunshine would be pouring through them casting shadows across the path. Other days cloud cover would soften the light eliminating shadows altogether. But every day the trees remained unchanged, until the day I noticed they were different.

And what a change. Dark green leaves were suddenly yellow and orange, some dangling from their branches ready to fall. As I looked closer, I noticed that the beams of sunlight were slicing through the leaves at a lower angle. Autumn was at the doorstep. In fact, each day it had been moving closer, changing my landscape, without me taking the time to notice.

Someone commented to me recently that they felt like they were living in the movie Groundhog Day. My guess is that you’ve seen this classic film, but in case you haven’t, the comment referred to every day being a repeat of the day before. I understood what they meant. This year has been unique in so many ways that I’ve lost count. But I thought about the epiphany I had during my walk and realized the same was true about this time in our lives. Even though we may not see it on a daily basis, things are changing.

And while routines we had grown accustomed to may be different in some way, large or small, in the future we will move forward, just like the seasons.

Thank you for joining us.

WVNewsViews.com Wimberley Valley News & Views

Publisher Victoria Belue Schaefer Creative Designer Cyle Johnson Ad Design Joey Johnson Cover Kevin Schaefer

Wimberley Valley News and Views, a subsidiary of Pedal Ranch Publications, is mailed monthly to all homes, businesses, and post office boxes in the 78676 zip code.

You can also pick one up from local merchants.

Contact us at info@WVNewsViews.com for information on advertising and submissions.

Wimberley Valley News and Views P.O. Box 91554 Austin, TX 78709 512-709-6935 Visit our website: WVNewsViews.com

Entire contents copyright ©2020. 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.

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October 2020

✯ CALENDAR OF EVENTS ✯ Visit WVNewsViews.com • Every Mon.-Thur. 4:15-8:30pm. Katherine Anne Porter night school to service those who have a few credits to graduate or cannot attend high school during the day. Free to attend. Applications can be found at www.kapschool.org or call (512) 847-6867.

• Every 1st Mon. Wimberley Merchants Association meets at the Sassy Scrapper’s at 6:15pm. For more info call 512-847-6544.

• Every 2nd Mon. Wimberley Valley Art League meets at the Wimberley Community Center at 6:30-8:30pm. Visit WimberleyArtLeague.org for information.

• Every 2nd Mon. Wimberley 4H meets during the school year at VFW on 401 Jacobs Well Rd. Wimberley.

Every 2nd Mon. 10am the Jacob’s Well Chapter NADAR (National Society Daughters of the American Revolution) meets at the Emily Ann Theater. For information contact Laura Chalberg at jacobswellnsdar@gmail.com.

• Every 3rd Mon. The Wimberley Area Parkinsons Association meets at the Chapel of The Hills Church, 14601 RR 12 in Wimberley from 9-11am. Caregivers, friends, and relatives are welcome.

Guest speakers and general discussion. Parkinson’s exercise program For more information contact. Paul 361-265-8161 or visit WimberleyAPA.com.

• Every Tues. 6:30-8pm. Community Bible Study, An Interdenominational Bible Study. 2019-2020 Course of Study: 1&2 Peter, Joshua and Christian Living. To register call 512-808-9156 or email paula.king206@yahoo.com.

• Every Tue. Wimberley Home Health offers free blood pressure monitoring 10-10:30am at the Wimberley Community Center in the Seniors Lounge.

• Every Tue. The Wimberley Rotary Club meets via Zoom at Noon.

For information to join the meeting, call 512 847-2510.

• Every 1st Tue. the Wimberley Community Center hosts free medical checks 9:30-10:30am. For more info call 512-847-2510.

• Every 1st and 3rd Tue. the Wimberley Lions Club meets at the Wimberley Community Center. Call 512-847-0207 for info.

• Every 2nd Tue. Wimberley Masonic Lodge meets at 181 Masonic Road, meal at 6pm and lodge stand meeting at 7pm. Call 512847-3463 for more information.

• Every 2nd Tues. Art Society of Wimberley meets in Art Room.

100 Melody, 7pm. Call 512-964-7333.

• Every 2nd Wed. Sep. Through May, Wimberley Garden Club meets at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection at 101 West Spoke Hill Drive. Refreshments at 9:30 a.m. Programs start at 10 am. For more information visit WimberleyGardenClub.org.

• Every 2nd Wed. 11:30-1pm. Wimberley Area Cancer Support Group meets in the Wimberley Visitors Center board room, brown bag lunch. If you have cancer now or in the past, grab your lunch and join us for a relaxing time with others who share your journey. Call Sharon East at 512-924-2002 or Dave Boyd

at 512-923-9373 for additional information.

• Every 3rd Wed. August thru May, 9:45-12am. The Herb Society of America Hill Country Unit meets at the Wimberley Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 956 RR 2325, For more information visit HillCountryHerbs.org.

• Every 3rd Wed. EmanciPet Low-Cost Mobile Spay/Neuter cinic in Brookshire parking lot. Appointments required EmanciPet. org or 512 587-7729; contact ARF for more info 512 8472878. WAG for dog vouchers WimberleyWAGRescue.org or 512 847-3200. Dog/cat vouchers PALS PreventaLitter.com or 512 754-7257.

• Every 4th Wed. Hill Country Neighbors meets at Wimberley Community Center starting at 10am. For more information contact 512-847-2849.

• Every 1st Thur. The Wimberley Alzheimer’s Caregiver’s Support Group meets at 1pm at the Presbyterian Church Library on FM 2325. Contact Linda Germain at 512-924-3661.

• Every 2nd Thur. The Hill Country Bead Society meets at 1pm at the Wimberley Community Center, Blanco Room. Contact Marilyn Pierce, for more info call 512-722-3549 or visit HillCountryBeadSociety.com.

• Every 2nd and 4th Thur. 7pm Wimberley Toastmasters Club meets at First Baptist Church Wimberley, 15951 Winters Mill Parkway, Wimberley. Toastmasters teaches public speaking and leadership. For more info contact Amy O’Neil at amy@texiasllc.com.

• Every 3rd Thur. Live concerts, best music in the Hill Country at Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse, 7:30pm; $20-25 for adults, $5 for children. Food, coffee and soft drinks available. Corner of RR 12 & CR 1492 (Wimberley United Methodist Church.)

For more info go to www.wimberleyumc.org Proceeds benefit Barnabas Connection & Mother’s Day Out scholarships.

• Every Fri. Celebrate Freedom 6-8pm, pizza, 5:30pm Cypress Creek Church. Call 512-847-1222 or visit CypressCreekChurch.com.

• Every 2nd Sat. Wimberley’s Second Saturday Gallery Trail. Visit ten galleries for art, food and fun, 4-7pm. Call 830-708-7433.

• Every 2nd Sat. WAG Rescue’s monthly dog adoption at King Feed.

Call 512-847-3200 for more information.

• Every Sun. The Wimberley Cycling Club fun no drop ride 10-20 miles. Meet 2:30pm Blanco Brew coffee shop. 14200 Ranch Rd 12. Join us on Facebook @Wimberley Cycling Club for more info.

• Every Sun. 4:30pm, The Wimberley Chapter of Overeaters Anonymous meets at the Wimberley Presbyterian Church, 956 FM 2325. OA is for anyone who has compulsive eating issues (overeaters, anorexics and bulimics.) We follow the 12-step recovery program adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous. For more info, please contact Aida at 512-787-8313.

Wimberley Valley News & Views • 512-709-6935 • P.O. Box 91554 Austin, Texas 78709 Wimberley Valley News & Views

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October 2020

Thinking about self reliance Among the truths we have been faced with this year is the realization that even in our physical separation, we are at least as dependent on one another as we have ever been. Using our ubiquitous technology to order our groceries and have them brought to our car at curbside is only one of the ways we are increasing our dependence on others for our sustenance. Big tech companies have reaped huge profits taking care of us in our homes, delivering almost anything to us with a few clicks of a computer mouse.

My Grandpa Swenson’s life necessitated that he be a mechanic, carpenter, and welder in addition to a dairy farmer. If he needed a water pipe to extend from the creek up to the house, he cut down a Western Red Cedar and shaped it into hexagonal lengths fashioned into a tube shape, held together by bands of metal he forged himself. The water tower he built from the same materials provided running water for his family for many years.

Alienating ourselves from the processes of creating or growing some of the things we need probably has exacted a price we do not yet fathom. Few of us could make a dining room table, let alone a computer, so we buy them from people who can. The resulting consumerism defines our civilization.

Would it be good for us to turn away from some of that culture and be more involved in producing some of what we need? What

by Tim Thompson

better way than to take charge of our food? Maybe you do not have the resources to raise a milk cow but growing a food garden is a task that can start at any size and grow with time and resources. It can be a first step toward food independence.

Reconnecting with the fundamental Earth by digging in it with our hands can bring us into a humbled relationship with the very source of our lives and being. Living in the connection that gives us our humanity can be very fulfilling indeed.

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 is just the beginning

by Alice Gumbert Lebkuecher

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.

The list goes on: Option periods, inspections, and financing are three common trouble spots for transactions, but there are many others. Problems Wimberley Valley News & Views

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.

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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October 2020

Tree lightning protection systems Storms in Central Texas remind us of a related issue regarding trees and safety: lightning damage. Our business has installed a number of tree lightning protection systems in Central Texas, but how do you know if you need one, and how exactly to those systems work? The following information provides answers to these questions.

Every year in the United States, more than a million trees are struck by lightning. Some of those trees sustain little damage, but others are killed immediately, or they sustain enough damage that they eventually die from boring insects and other secondary invaders. Many people are unaware that a lightning strike to a tree can damage nearby structures as well. This can happen when lightning that strikes a tree side-flashes or “jumps” to more conductive materials, such as metal downspouts.

The National Fire Protection Association Standards indicate that candidates for lightning protection systems include trees that are within ten feet of a structure, are taller than the structure, or have limbs over the structure; trees of historic interest or high value; trees in recreational areas (under which people tend to gather during storms); and trees prone to strikes due to their location on a hill, in a pasture, or near water. I should note that trees equipped

with lightning protection systems should not be considered safe havens from storms. The likelihood of damage from lightning is greatly reduced for such trees but not guaranteed.

Tree lightning protection systems work by installing conductors and connecting them to a ground rod. This directs the electrical charge to the earth where the energy is dispersed. Properly installed according to ANSI (American National Standards Institute) A300 standards, these systems have proven very effective in protecting trees and reducing risk of side flash.

Annual inspection of tree lightning protection systems by a qualified arborist is advised. As a tree grows, conductors may need to be extended and fasteners replaced.

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.

The not-so-hidden talents of your real estate pro A home is one of the largest purchases you’ll make in life, and I’m here to make it a positive experience you will never forget! You know I can help you buy or sell, but here are some other perks I can provide you.

Skills for a Smooth Transaction: I will use my exceptional sales and marketing skills during every point of the transaction. My goal is to negotiate a fair and competitive price whether it’s for a home you are selling or the dream home you want to purchase.

Save You Time and Energy: I’ll handle all the hard work during your transaction — marketing, communication, paperwork — leaving you with less stress and more time for what you actually want to do.

Perks After the Sale: I’ll pop by occasionally with small items to brighten your day-to-day and send you monthly information you’ll find of value. I want to continue the relationship past the sale so you know I’m available to help with all of your real estate needs.

Network of Referrals for All Your Needs: My robust contact list of trusted professionals is full of contractors, accountants, mortgage pros and other experts to assist you in any area of your life.

A Real Estate Guide: I stay up-to-date on market trends and Wimberley Valley News & Views

by Steven Austin

by AJ Harwood

news to keep you informed. Whether you’re currently in a transaction or just curious, I’m here to answer your questions and provide information on the market and industry.

Make You a Hero: I am a part of a vast network of agents across North America who can set your family and friends up with a great experience. If you need a referral for an exceptional agent outside our area, give me a call!

If you’re thinking of selling your home, give me a call! 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.

Allison “AJ” Harwood, JD, MBA, GRI, is the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX REAL PROPERTIES and was recently Ranked as the #1 Top Producer for the First Quarter of 2020 in the RE/MAX system for the Austin Texas area. He is Wimberley’s “Peak Producer” offering Professional Representation for both Buyers and Sellers in Real Estate Transactions. He may be contacted at 512.847.“SOLD” 7653 or at AJ@REMAXRealProperties.com or drop by our office location at 160 South River in the South River Business Park, Wimberley, Texas 78676.

Page 6 October 2020

Pulse of the community When you want to put your finger on the pulse of any community you hurry right down to your local library. That is exactly what I did after moving to Wimberley seven years ago.

I fell in love.

What is it exactly about the things you love that make you love them? Well obviously it is the satisfying feeling of holding a hardback book in your hand and itching to find out what is inside.

At least that is love for me.

Our library, however, is so much more. Sure, there are a lot of books, but also movies, audio books, computers, digital books, and especially the helpful people.

The librarians are the superheroes of our library. They make sure that this library is a place for everyone. There are programs for children, teens, and adults. There are movie nights with documentaries that provoke thought and discussion. There are meeting rooms for every type of group.

There are summer programs for the kids where you can see everything from live theatre to live snakes.

The volunteers help the superheroes. The butler to Batman, if you will. They shelve the books, man the circulation desk and work in the back room getting books ready for you. They also sort

through the wonderful donations and sell donated books to make money to buy more books. Pretty cool, right?

I am so grateful to the people who had the foresight to plan and build this wonderful resource for us to enjoy. We have grown so much as a community that the library is planning a big expansion.

I am happy to be a part of that to make sure that future generations will enjoy the same benefits that we enjoy. I don’t know what a “library” will look like in ten years, but I can’t wait to find out.

So, please drop on by, we would love to see you. You will be welcome. We will help you find books, movies and provide a computer for you to use here. I hope to see you soon.

Chris Weaver is a retired educator from Pennsylvania. Here in Texas she spends time with the grands, and loves all things Wimberley.

What to do in your garden right now By the time you read this article, hopefully our temp’s have dropped and the wrath of our summer’s heat is all but a memory. We were blessed with an above average amount of rain and even saw some summer showers which kept things green longer than normal. Even as I write this article, I find that my garden, my soil, my fruit trees need a little tweaking. Now’s the time to make those changes.

First on the list, as always, make a plan. It may have necessities and of course it will have the in a perfect world items. Start small and start smart. Enriching your soil with organic compost, leaves, bone meal and a good tilling is key for any garden whether it be in your landscaping or for your belly. Take a good look at your water source for any and all planted areas. If you are using regular spray irrigation, see about switching to drip. Not a hard fix and this can be done even if you have an irrigation controller. These use far less water and deliver the water where the plant needs it the most.

If you have a garden now is the time to be thinking about planting seeds or seedlings for your fall and winter harvest. If you are more inclined to a landscape now is the time to plant woodsy plants and trees. Think about hot spots in your scenery and plant a native tree that will soon enough provide shade for people, plants and pets.

Installing rain gutters with either rain barrels for water collecWimberley Valley News & Views

by Chris Weaver

by Lindley Pond

tion or a full on rainwater collection system is something you may want to save for. Mulching in preparation for winter will help retain moisture and give your beds a fresh look. If it’s lawn you are looking to lessen, think of all the options you have – patio, decking, butterfly gardens, bird sanctuaries – the sky is the limit. Don’t get overwhelmed. Taking one step of the planning at a time will allow things to fall in place naturally. Starting with a list is the best way not to spin your wheels or waste your money. Happy fall.

We’re here to help fulfill your “outside dreams.” Call us for a free consultation and design. Lindley Pond is owner of Lindley Pond Landscaping. We are here to make things out of your reach hapLINDLEY POND FONT:or Frederika The Great pen. Don’t hesitate to call email.

We’d love to help you design LANDSCAPING FONT: Avenir Book the shady spot you deserve. We’ve been helping folks in Central PURPLE: PMS 2082 Texas for over 15 PMS years.

GREEN: 7473 Give us a call for design and installation of your new “lawn.” Contact us at 512-775-1629.

P: 512.775.1629 W: lindleypond.com E: lindleypond171@gmail.com

Page 7

October 2020

Low flow problems from your faucets

by Randy Lawrence

120 Joe Wimberley Blvd.

Suite 106 Wimberley Pharmacy Building

Steven E Austin

Arborist Representative ISA Certified Arborist #TX-3616AT

1324 Old Martindale Road, San Marcos, TX 78666

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

CUSTOM WINDOW COVERINGS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES

Beat The Heat... Solara& Complete Cellular Shades •line The best for our Texas heat!

Now Offering of insulation Custom Draperies!

Beautiful new–Window • Save energy Stay coolTreatments, Blinds, Shutters, • Great colors, styles, and prices Woven Woods, Cellular Shades and More.

• Fast available delivery and installation Most in two weeks or less.

• Blinds,service Shades,&Shutters Better lower We’ll have you covered! prices than the big box stores.

Free estimates

512-847-8970 Superior service before and after the sale

MadeintheShadeof Wimberley.com

Thanks to technological advances, water softeners have certainly become more reliable than ever before. However, even with significant improvements, there are still issues that may arise which technology cannot alert us to. One problem that can happen over time is a breakdown of the resin inside the softener unit. It's important to be able to recognize the symptoms of this issue in order to keep a small problem from turning into a big one.

All water softeners are designed around a quantity of small plastic-looking beads called ion exchange resin. When viewed under magnification, these resin beads resemble a ball of yarn. Along the "yarn" are exchange sites which allow the resin to complete the job of removing hardness minerals from the water. If you were to hold these resin beads between your thumb and forefinger, you would find that they resemble tiny ball bearings and are very firm to the touch. However, there is one variable which can significantly shorten the life of this critical component – chlorine.

On non-chlorinated water, this resin can last more than twenty years. On city water, resin life can be reduced to ten years or less.

Once the chlorine takes its toll, the resin beads begin to expand and soften. As this process advances, the degraded beads will begin to take on a Vaseline-like consistency and will start to impede the flow of water through the softener. Since it is a slow process, it can be difficult to notice the changes in water flow into your home.

You may notice that you can no longer run multiple faucets without a significant pressure drop or that the flow rate slows while running only a single outlet.

If left unchecked, this problem can lead to physical damage inside the water softener and occasionally can lead to a release of resin beads into your home's plumbing system. At this point, the best bet is to bypass your water softener. If this solves the pressure issue in the house then it is time to call your water treatment professional for replacement of the resin bed.

Randy Lawrence is the owner of ProQuality Water Systems, a full service water treatment company. He is one of only six Class III Certified Water Treatment Specialists in Hays County (LIC# WT0002693). With over 20 years of experience he has serviced Wimberley and surrounding areas for over a decade.

“When you want quality, call a pro.”

ProQuality Water Systems

Randy Lawrence A

in customer service

&

integrity

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

Wimberley Valley News & Views

512-618-1334 (830) 822-3533

full service water treatment company specializing

www.proqualitywater.com

Page 8

October 2020

Undoing schooling School is great! But there are accidental negatives to that type of learning, and the problem becomes more apparent the better the student does. They are undoable and in karate class, we hit these things head-on.

Most students, especially the top ones, fear failure. That fear may help them in school and get them into a great university, but there is a downside. I know. And I am glad karate brought me another direction.

In life as an adult, failure to get the wanted result is a learning opportunity and nothing more. The adult can always create more opportunities to try again, and failure only comes if the adult quits.

Kids generally don't get that opportunity in school. Adults, who were also "schooled," often have no experience in trying again and again, either. They have no idea that every time they repeat something, they expand. Instead, they don't get the results and say it just wasn't meant to be or they are somehow not skilled enough.

That is simply not true.

Anybody can become skilled if there is enough repetition involved. In karate, black belts did not necessarily start off as the best students. Black belts are simply the ones who had the tenacity to try and try again. And through that, they became extremely skilled. We have a motto, "Seven times down, eight times up." I wish kids could learn that in school.

by Sarah Geenberg

We have classes in an outdoor gym Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30, Saturday at 9:00 for everybody and Senior's (old people) class at 9:00 on Tuesday under the trees. It is good for children under ten to have an adult in class with them, for then the parents are learning these concepts, too. We always have family discounts, but now we are further working with families who temporarily can't pay as much.

We wish you all the best this semester!

We now offer small outside and in-studio classes as well as online.

Sarah wants to thank everybody for supporting the school in various ways during this time. The support has been a lifesaver for the school and has motivated her to keep fighting for it. Please know how much your contributions to small businesses matter, and in a bigger way than the contribution itself.

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

Stress and inflammatory skin conditions

by Karen Laine, Para-Medical Aesthetician

Do you find skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, psoriasis or eczema flare prior to a big event, following traumatic life circumstances or other stressful times? Inflammatory skin disorders are exacerbated by the body's inability to deal with the physiological response of stress and the fight or flight response. The body reacts to stressors whether physical, mental or emotional in basically the same manner. The body isn't capable of recognizing the type of stress it's up against.

When the stress system is triggered, it produces many physical changes. It reacts by cutting off circulation to the digestive tract and diverts blood flow to the large muscles in order to fight or flee. During times of stress, the gut is unable to process and absorb nutrients properly nor expel waste through normal channels, thus inflammation occurs. Additionally, blood pressure, heart rate and muscle tension increase with the release of stress chemicals some of which are physically damaging to your body. The most sensitive cells make up the hypothalamus, a part of the brain controlling all of your hormone activity and immune system. Over time the hypothalamus struggles to manage things properly leading to adrenal burnout, thyroid problems, weight and mood problems and many types of chronic illnesses.

The key to managing these skin conditions and the well-being Wimberley Valley News & Views

of your entire body is to deal with these reactions through both diet and stress management.

• Reduce or eliminate inflammatory foods: Tran-fats, dairy and grain foods are known to aggravate the digestive system and contribute to many health issues.

• Get sleep: This is your body's repair and restore time. Employ natural supplements such as melatonin for help with sleep. Avoid stimulating behavior before bedtime, i.e. TV, computers, etc. Lower the lights.

• Find support and talk about it: Enlist the aid of a counselor or therapist. Seek natural methods and supplements for stress, depression and anxiety.

• Employ relaxation techniques: Try deep breathing, yoga, visualization, biofeedback, journaling or meditation.

• Get some exercise: This helps eliminate stress-induced chemicals and toxins from your body through sweat and improved circulation and release of feel good chemicals called endorphins in your brain. Shower with lukewarm water soon after to remove irritants from skin.

• Do something you enjoy: Try sports, reading, hobbies, a change of pace to distract your mind.

Karen Laine is a para-medical aesthetician and makeup artist with 23 years experience. Contact her at 512-847-8052. Her office is located at 120 Joe Wimberley Blvd. Suite 106, in Wimberley.

Page 9

October 2020

Invisalign treatment designed for you Getting your teeth straightened is not something just for teenagers anymore.

Many adults, just like you, who are looking for a straighter healthier smile have found that Invisalign is the best option for them. You can too! Invisalign clear retainers use the most advanced technology to give you your best smile yet.

Treatment with Invisalign is quick and easy. With invisalign, you don’t wear metal bracket braces, but instead wear comfortable removable clear aligners. Using a series of aligners made with advances, such as proprietary SmartTrack material, Invisalign treatment can straighten your teeth with 75% more predictability. Plus, your smile is shaped more comfortably than with braces. Dr. Donnelly will complete a scan and together with a team of specialists from Invisalign they will craft a complete digital treatment plan, mapping out your best smile from beginning to end. Each aligner throughout your treatment gradually and predictably moves your teeth as you continue to live your life the way you want.

Throughout your treatment, you will see your smile transform, gradually revealing the person you have always imagined yourself to be. The aligners are so inconspicuous that most people won’t be able to tell you are wearing them. You wear the aligners all the time but they can be removed when you are eating, drinking and brushing or flossing your teeth. Since the aligners are removable you are able to continue to eat your favorite foods and keep your oral hygiene consistent even while in treatment. You will be sched-

uled every few weeks to track progress and deliver new aligners.

Invisalign clear aligners can treat a wide range of teeth straightening conditions, from big to small, there is a treatment plan that can be tailored to your dental healthcare needs. When your teeth are properly aligned, the health benefits are clear. It is easier to brush and floss around properly aligned teeth and you are less likely to have areas that trap bacteria, it can reduce plaque retention, tooth decay and the risk of gum disease. Properly aligned teeth can even reduce stress on the jawbone and joints.

Be one of the many patients Dr. Donnelly has helped discover how a series of small, expertly designed shifts in your teeth can shape a whole new future for you with Invisalign. Call the office at 512396-5225 to schedule your free Invisalign consultation today and discover why Dr. Donnelly was voted Best Dentist in Hays County and is a Texas Super Dentist with Texas Monthly Magazine again this year!

Sixth place At one of the last alpaca shows before COVID shut them down, there were several new breeders in the competition. Expectations for them were limited since they were up against experienced breeders. There were fifteen animals in the ring and placings only go out to sixth place but one of the new breeders made the cut and got sixth place. For experienced breeders, sixth place is not much to brag about, but this guy was visibly delighted. After the judge made her comments and the group was released from the ring, he was strutting around with his ribbon as his family was wildly applauding. I was immediately proud of him. He stole the show! He wasn’t first place but he didn’t care. He had managed to prove that he could compete with the big boys, and outdo the nine alpacas that did not place at all.

If I want to get Rhonda to stop working, I have to take her someplace there are no alpacas. Galveston has no alpacas. I love Galveston, even lived there for a while. I know they have muddy water there but it’s really not their fault; they are down-current from the Mississippi river, otherwise known as “The Big Muddy.”

However, Galveston has The Galvez. You can almost see the old horse-drawn carriages. They have the best Mardi Gras in the United States outside of New Orleans and, unlike New Orleans, you probably won’t get robbed. You can walk around The Strand with a margarita in your hand and talk leisurely with a man from Liberia Wimberley Valley News & Views

by Robert Donnelly, DDS

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

by Kern Deschner

selling genuine Mandingo masks. There is no Starbucks but you can get good coffee and cold drinks at the Mo Betta Market.

Galveston has history. The island has limited space so all the houses are reused. Some may be a bit ramshackle, but many are magnificent, and all of them are being used. Palm trees grow in the cracks in the concrete. There are fresh Bougainvillea flowers in the vases in the restaurants and, just to be Galveston, the vase water may have a few mosquito larvae swimming in it. But the thing I like the most about Galveston is that the people there know they are not Houston, or Austin, or Dallas, and they don’t care! If you don’t like it, I-45 runs both ways but it’s notable that six lanes of I-45 go into Galveston, and those lanes are full on the weekends.

It’s like the guy in sixth place–perfectly happy with who he is.

So, I’m not saying that I’m big on everybody getting a “participation ribbon,” but I do salute the people that are number two, or even number six. Heck, the silver or bronze medal at The Olympics means you are pretty amazing at what you do. If you’re like Galveston, and a hurricane keeps smashing you flat every few years, and you rise up again, that’s something to be proud of. And if you are in an alpaca show ring, and you can stand in the final line-up with some of the best alpacas in the world, you have plenty to be proud of.

Rhonda and Kern Deschner are experienced alpaca ranchers raising alpacas through all kinds of Texas weather since 1997. Tierra Prometida Alpaca Ranch can be visited by calling Rhonda at 512753-9962, or at tierra@alpacausa.com.

Page 10 October 2020

Qualified charitable contributions from IRAs

by Scott G. Hackett, CFP®

The Pension Protection Act of 2006 first allowed taxpayers age 70½ and older to make tax-free charitable donations directly from their IRA’s, while also satisfying their required minimum distribution. The law was originally scheduled to expire in 2007, but was extended periodically through 2014 by subsequent legislation and finally made permanent by the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015.

You must be 70½ or older in order to be eligible to make QCDs. You simply instruct your IRA trustee to make a distribution directly from your IRA to a qualified charity. The distribution must be one that would otherwise be taxable to you. However, you don't get to deduct QCDs as a charitable contribution on your federal income tax return — that would be double-dipping.

QCDs count toward satisfying any required minimum distributions (RMDs) that you would otherwise have to receive from your IRA, just as if you had received an actual distribution from the plan. However, distributions that you actually receive from your IRA (including RMDs) and subsequently transfer to a charity cannot qualify as QCDs. RMDs are calculated separately for each traditional IRA you own, but may be taken from any of your IRAs. As indicated earlier, a QCD must be an otherwise taxable distribution from your IRA. If you've made nondeductible contributions, then normally each distribution carries with it a pro-rata

amount of taxable and nontaxable dollars. However, a special rule applies to QCDs — the pro-rata rule is ignored and your taxable dollars are treated as distributed first.

The maximum amount that can be donated through a qualified charitable distribution is $100,000 per IRA owner as of 2019. This means that each spouse can donate $100,000 if you're married, but you can't "share" the limit. In other words, one spouse can't give $125,000 and the other $75,000. You're each separately subject to the $100,000 limit.

Also, your QCD cannot be made to a private foundation, donoradvised fund, or supporting organization. Further, the gift cannot be made in exchange for a charitable gift annuity or to a charitable remainder trust.

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

Litigation: The show must go on “Why litigate? Because dueling is frowned upon this day and time – and, of course, the ultimate outcome of litigation is less, shall we say, personally costly!” That was the first sentence I wrote for publication in The Wimberley Valley News and Views more than eleven years ago.

I’ve written articles virtually every month since, and in 2014 those articles began to appear in The Dripping Springs Outlook as well. I want to send a shout out to publisher, Victoria Belue Schaefer, and her fine staff who consistently put out these publications.

So, we litigate as a more civilized form of resolving disputes.

We even refer to what I do as “ ‘civil’ litigation,” although it isn’t always all that “civil.” What then happens if we can’t litigate; that is, if we can’t get to that critical part of the process, the jury trial, due to a pandemic? Presumably, we’ll eschew a return to dueling!

Back in March I had a personal injury jury trial evaporate less than 72 hours before I was to begin picking a jury due to the COVID-19 situation. The judge later offered us an opportunity to try the case via Zoom, but we did not feel we could properly present the case that way. For months we have had no jury trials. During this time, the courts have handled hearings and non-jury trials mostly via Zoom or Teams while simultaneously brainstorming on how to Wimberley Valley News & Views

512.847.0630

www.HackettFinancialGroup.com Scott@HackettFinancialGroup.com

Custodian Services with

by Roland Brown

get back to those important jury trials.

Yesterday, I observed a panel of four Texas District Court judges from our four largest cities discuss current approaches. Houston has leased a coliseum and has already successfully used it to handle the jury selection in a civil case using its ample space and numerous other safety protocols. Once the panel is winnowed down to 12 jurors in the large arena, it is then possible to move back to the courthouse to complete the trial. I applaud that approach. I understood the judge from Travis County to say that by October, Travis County cases will proceed with Zoom trials whether the lawyers like it or not. One way or the other, the show must go on, so I’m tightening my seatbelt and packing my briefcase!

Roland Brown is a litigation attorney with forty-plus years experience handling civil litigation throughout Texas. For more information call 512-847-2500 or visit RolandsLaw.com.

Practice Areas

512-847-2500

• Personal Injury • Wills and Probate Visit us at RolandsLaw.com

Page 11 October 2020

3996 E. Hwy 290 Back Building Dripping Springs 512.964.4467

Wimberley Valley News & Views

Page 12 October 2020

Health care is a collaborative relationship. We can all agree that our current conventional model could use some refreshing. Our model at Functional Wellness Clinic is relationship-based care whether you are seeing us using the membership route or you choose to go the “a la carte” option. We purposefully keep our practice small to give you the quality time that you need to obtain optimal health. We work to keep you well.

Gabria Cathcart, FNP-C, IFMCP

We offer transparent pricing and reasonable fees so that you can have access to the one-on-one care that is needed to maintain health.

We believe deeply in holistic care as we have seen it time and time again to help patients get better when you are looking at the whole person not just a set of symptoms. Changing your health takes time and dedication both from the practitioner and the patient. In working with you from this perspective better health outcomes are achieved.

At Functional Wellness Clinic and Consultation, we are a clinic that is all about root-cause resolution... digging deep into what causes your disease. Start your journey to health today with our unique functional and lifestyle medicine membership programs.

Memberships to begin August 1, 2020. Please visit our website for more benefits of memberships and in-depth detail of each plan.

Primary Care Membership $125 per month & includes: • 5 visits per month, includes telemedicine visits, as needed • Relationship-based care • Chronic disease and acute illness management • Transparent pricing • Extended visits • Complete ICD-10 billing so your HSA and Flex dollars can apply

Functional Medicine Membership $189 per month & includes: • 2 visits per month, includes telemedicine visits, as needed • Relationship-based care • Transparent pricing • Extended visits • Complete ICD-10 billing so your HSA and Flex dollars can apply

512-887-1817 • www.functionalwellnesscc.com 15572 Ranch Road 12 Suite 3 Wimberley, Texas 78676 Wimberley Valley News & Views

Page 13 October 2020

Horns

by Tracy Sheffield, RVT

Wimberley2x3.pdf

6/6/07

No, this column is not about musical instruments. It will start with a trivia question. What is the difference between horns and antlers?

Antlers are shed, horns are permanent.

Antlers are found exclusively in the Cervidae family. That is made up of deer and their relatives, elk, moose etc. Horns are found in the family Bovidae which includes cows, goats, sheep, antelope etc.

Horns have a full bone core and are covered in keratin, that is the same substance that makes up human fingernails. They start growing soon after the animal is born and grow across the animal's lifetime. If they are damaged or removed they do not grow back.

Both males and females can have horns though it is more usual for the males to have them. Horns typically grow in symmetrical pairs. Usually, animals only have one set of horns but there are some interesting breeds of sheep that grow multiple sets of horns.

De-horning, if it needs to be done should be done at a young age. Complete healing from de-horning can take time. Show animals that need to be de-horned should have the procedure done well in advance of any competition to allow for complete healing of the surgical site.

Animals that may need to defend themselves against predators should not be de-horned. Goats are known to become stuck in fences after putting their head through wire mesh fences to graze and then they are unable to pull their heads back in due to their horns. Talk with your veterinarian about this situation. They should be able to offer some interesting solutions to this problem without de-horning an animal that needs horns for their defense.

Broken horns can bleed profusely and veterinary attention can be required to stop the blood flow.

When is a horn not a horn? The rhinocerous horn is not a horn.

It is all keratin without a bony core. Giraffes and okapis have little bony growths called ossicones that start as cartilage and eventually harden and fuse to the skull.

Be sure to let your veterinarian know if you have any “horny” questions.

5:36:10 PM

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Wimberley Office

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

Tracy Sheffield, RVT works with her husband, Dr. Mike Sheffield, at Wimberley Veterinary Clinic. Wimberley Veterinary Clinic sees all kinds of animals, dogs, cats, horses, birds, pocket pets, reptiles and other exotic animals. Make your boarding reservations online at WimberleyVetClinic.com or call us at 512-847-5630.

•Septic Pumping •Cleaning •Repairs DRIPPING SPRINGS: 858-2040 BUDA: 312-0002 WIMBERLEY: 847-5070 AUSTIN: 445-5489 LAKE TRAVIS: 263-3993 SAN MARCOS: 396-7070

Wimberley Valley News & Views

847-5630 • 12605 RR 12, Suite 1

Page 14 October 2020

Specializing in Wimberley & The Surrounding Hill Country Pending

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13210 R anc h &RViews d.1 2 , St e A, Wimberley, TX WimberleyPar tn er s2020 . co m Wimberley Valley News Page 15 October

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Wimberley Valley News & Views

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Page 16 October 2020