Riverhill Living June 2019

RIVERHILL Summer 2019 | Vol. 3, Issue 2

Living

SAIL INTO SUMMER

By boat, bike or RV, residents approach summer with style

Master woodworker puts skills to good use

Resident spotlight: Greg Shrader

Riverhill Home Sales and Current Listings Data source is the Kerrville Board of Realtors Multiple Listing Service.

January 1, 2019 to April 30, 2019.

All residences including town homes and condos.

Riverhill Sales January 1, 2019 to April 30, 2019 SALES PRICE

NUMBER SOLD

100,000 - 199,000

0

200,000 - 299,000

6

300,000 - 399,000

3

400,000 - 499,000

3

500,000 - 599,000

1

600,000 - 699,000

0

700,000 - 799,000

0

800,000 - 899,000

0

900,000 - 999,000

0

> 1,000,000

0

Current Listings as of May 6, 2019 LISTED PRICE

NUMBER ON MARKET

100,000 - 199,000

0

200,000 - 299,000

4

300,000 - 399,000

8

400,000 - 499,000

2

500,000 - 599,000

4

600,000 - 699,000

0

700,000 - 799,000

1

800,000 - 899,000

0

900,000 - 999,000

0

> 1,000,000

0

Prepared by

1726 Sidney Baker Steet, Kerrville, Texas 78028

1

2 Summer 2019

RIVERHILL

Living

The Kerrville Daily Times’ Staff Carlina Villalpando Publisher Jeanette Eastwood Nash Assistant Managing Editor Parastoo Nikravesh Special Sections Editor Contributors Nancy Foster Sharon Smith Jeff Talarico Rhonda Wiley-Jones Photography Tom Holden Advertising Brandon Baldwin John Doran Luly Miller Claudia Richards Composition Dean Heep Johanna Rangel Contact Riverhill POA www.riverhillpoa.com Send story ideas to riverhill@dailytimes.com Contact The Daily Times 429 Jefferson St., Kerrville www.dailytimes.com 896-7000

Letter from the President Riverhill is booming! We have new homes under construction, lots of remodeling and homes being bought and sold.

This is such a great place to live, I’m so glad you are part of it.

July 6 is fast approaching, and I hope you all have it marked on your calendars! Why, you ask?

Well, it’s the Second Annual Ice Cream Social. Last year’s inaugural event was attended by over 100 people who enjoyed a few scoops of yummy goodness with all of the toppings.

Please join us this year, and let’s make it an even bigger event on the lawn and veranda (I just love that word) of the Riverhill Country Club mansion.

Come, meet your neighbors and have a great time. Everyone is welcome, whether you are an APOR member or not.

I want to remind you all about some things our association does. All residents, members or not, are required to have any construction changes approved by the association before work begins. I say this because if there’s one thing we don’t want to do is have someone complete a project only to have it removed because it doesn’t fit the guidelines.

That brings up another point. I made the comment at our annual meeting in October that neighbors should talk to neighbors. What I meant by that is we live in a society where most people don’t know who their neighbors are. I myself am guilty on some counts of this.

When we know our neighbors, we can open a dialogue with them and share concerns with one another when something comes up. We still get “complaints” about people not mowing their yard or having too many cars in the driveway or on the street, as well as other things.

I’m not saying that we shouldn’t be notified if the situation warrants, but we have found that when we get involved, a simple conversation between the two parties would have remedied the situation.

“Get to Know Your Neighbor” should be your first choice with the handling of any issues.

Please make it your mantra.

I am still in need of about five more homeowners who are willing to sit down with us, hear the plan we have and brainstorm with us on how we might be able to accomplish some of our goals.

Please consider serving with us. You can email me directly at Jeff.RHPOA@ gmail.com or call my cellphone at 830.459.6525. I encourage you to consider helping with our project.

We want your voice to be heard.

Until next time ...

Jeff Talarico Riverhill POA Board President

On the Cover Photo by: Tom Holden Model: Jimmy Stutz with “La Tempestad,” the boat he built.

Riverhill Living 3

Table of Contents News

6 New members 6 Ice Cream Social Photos

7 Spring Yards of the Month 8 Bragging Rights 10 Resident Spotlight 13 Jimmy Stutz: Master of the Craft Columns

12 Golf Tip 16 Trip Tips 18 Sailing into Summer 20 Green Tips 22 Words on Wealth Travel

10 Resident Spotlight: Greg Shrader 4 Summer 2019

24 Travel Tales

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Riverhill Living 5

News

Welcome APOR’s Newest Members Below is a list of residents that have joined the Association of Property Owner’s of Riverhill since March 1st. Please go to our website at www.riverhillpoa.com to see the list of those members who joined last fall.

Remember our fiscal year runs from October 1st to September 30th of the following year. Support your POA! It’s never too late to join.

• Roy Boudreaux • Dorothy J. Schmidt • Will & Dorothy Schmidt • Carl & Doris Schulse • Charley and Nancy Chipman • Audrey Dillon • John & Glenda Ewing • Justin & Kathleen Foster • C. Wayne & Dana Tucker • Robert Gohlke • Kenneth Hammond • Larry & Diana Howard

Ice Cream Social WHAT: Annual Ice Cream Social WHEN: Saturday, July 6, 2019, from 2 - 4 p.m.

WHERE: On the Riverhill Mansion grounds and veranda WHO: YOU! 6 Summer 2019

Did you know?

Siding and paint colors • All siding must be solid wood, hardboard siding or equal.

• No plywood siding is allowed.

• All siding must be stained or painted. Colors must be earth tones or natural tones such as; subdued shades of blue, brown, beige, green, gray, tan or white.

• Not acceptable: shades of lavender, maroon, orange, pink, purple, red, turquoise, yellow, or black, or any brilliant color. This applies to all wood fences as well.

• Paint colors must be submitted to the Association of Property Owners with an application to the Architectural Control Committee. Applications are available on our website at www. riverhillpoa.com and the names of the current Architectural Control Committee are listed under “Contacts”.

Yard of the Month/Yard News

Yards of the Month May Congratulations to our May Yard of the Month winner Jana Spurlock at 512 Rolling Green Drive.

What a beautiful array of multicolored flowers mixed with native grasses and salvia. What a beautiful spring sight to behold.

Courtesy photo

June Congratulation to our June Yard of the Month winner Dan and Linda Ehrenreich at 520 Sand Bend.

Pictured here are beautiful small trees flagging each end of this landscaped area with sago palms, prickly pear cactus and blooming yuccas. Things are really looking green at the Ehrenreich’s!

Courtesy photo

Riverhill Living 7

95 and counting

Bragging Rights

Helen White celebrated her 95th Birthday at her daughter’s (Judy Standridge) home on Fairway Drive in Riverhill.

Have an accomplished child or grandchild?

Get a hole in one or other recent good news? We’d love to share it! Send a photo to riverhill@dailytimes. com to be featured in the fall issue.

50 years of bliss Dan and Linda Ehrenreich were married on June 28, 1969, in Binghamton, New York.

Courtesy photos

Make like a tree

Wedding bells Merci Perry, the youngest daughter of Riverhill residents Mr. and Mrs. Rick Perry, will be married on June 22 at Riverhill Country Club. She is marrying Luke Schlenker of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Merci and Luke met at Dallas Baptist University, where Merci received a BS degree in psychology and Luke earned a BBA in business entrepreneurship. The couple will reside in Spring Branch and work for Hillside Fellowship.

8 Summer 2019

A big brag for Ford Smith on Rock Creek Loop. He not only planted these trees 25 years ago but maintains both circles on Rock Creek. Every spring, he trims the trees, fertilizes and kills the weeds. Thank you, Ford, for volunteering your time for 25 years and keeping us “Riverhill proud!”

4th generation Congratulations to Riverhill resident Doug Jones and his new greatgrandson. Pictured from left to right: Harrison Jones (5 months), Blaine, Darrin and Doug Jones.

Keeping their skills sharp Pictured here are participants from a recent law enforcement firearm recertification class — Texas style. Many included were in the “Over the Hill” gang.

Accomplished Officer Kristy Harris is a full-time Investigator with the Kerrville Police Department; she is also preparing to graduate from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, with a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice (and a 3.9 GPA).

She applied to University of Denver and to Baylor University for her masters in social work (MSW) and was notified by Baylor 24 hours after her application package was sent to the acceptance board that she had been accepted, despite being told it would be 4-6 weeks.

When she retires from the police department in 6 years, she wants to work for the VA as a Social Case Worker and give back to our veterans and those who have given so much for us as she is a U.S. Coast Guard Veteran, too.

She was also just sworn in by the United States Marshal Service to be assigned to the Unites States Secret Service and attached to The Southwest Texas Terroristic Task Force.

Dance off Kenslea Braaten, age 10, dances for Fredericksburg Dance Company. Recently, her group’s contemporary routine was awarded first place overall. They have received various high awards for this and the tap dance throughout competition season, however, this was the top! Proud parents are Christopher and Meredith Braaten

On the field and in the band Cade Braaten, age 13, plays for the Kerrville Indians. His team won first place in the Spring Fling Baseball Tournament in Boerne in March. Cade also plays the French Horn for the Spike Band at Hal Peterson Middle School. He qualified to play for the all-region band, and the Spike Band recently received the highest award at the UIL competition. Lastly, Cade competed in Math UIL for HPMS. He placed second in the Tournament of Champions. Christopher and Meredith Braaten are Cade’s proud parents.

Riverhill Living 9

with

Resident Spotlight

Q&A Q: How long have you lived in Riverhill, and why did you decide to move there?

A: Laura and I moved to Kerrville with our son and

daughter, Travis and Virginia, in 1995. We lived in Oak Hollow Estates and joined Riverhill Country Club. Both of our children graduated from Tivy High School.

I was transferred to Lufkin in 2009 but we always planned to move back to Kerrville and preferably to RIverhill when I retired. We were fortunate to find some lots in Riverhill in 2015; purchased them, leased a house in Riverhill and hired a contractor to build our new home that was completed in 2017.

Q: What do you like best about living in Riverhill?

A: Riverhill is a friendly, diverse and eclectic community and we’ve developed wonderful friendships with many of the residents. Being able to play one of Byron Nelson’s favorite golf courses is certainly a blessing.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do in Kerrville or Kerr County?

A: Teeing off with my friends at Riverhill and watching our beautiful sunsets with my wife are two of my favorite things to do.

Q: Where do you work and/or volunteer, and what is your job title and/or role there?

A: I serve on the board of directors for Peterson Health

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy in your free time?

A: Golfing and yard work take up a fair amount

of my time. I also enjoy visiting the Hill Country Shooting Sports Center for target shooting and take some of my friends to Lake Amistad in Del Rio for

10 Summer 2019

fishing when the wind and weather cooperate.

Q: What is your favorite holiday tradition that your family and/or friends do?

A: Thanksgiving Dinner is a tradition at our house but

with our children now splitting time with the in-laws that gathering sometimes is not as large as it has been.

Preparing the meal, including baking home-made rolls, is one of my favorite things to do. Two years ago, our children were at their other families so we invited some folks we met at Riverhill to join us. We did the same last year and hope that can become a new tradition.

I’ve received some great gifts in my life but have to list three as the best. To me, love, forgiveness and hope are great gifts that lead to our greatest gift of all, salvation.

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?

A: After a career in the information business

what bothers me is the number of people who somehow manage to form uninformed opinions.

But even more troubling are people who rely on misinformation to further their agendas.

Q: What is the best and worst thing about getting older?

A: The best thing about getting older is having more time to do the things you want to do. The worst thing about getting older is not having the time to do the things you want to do.

Q: What’s the best advice you’ve been given and from whom?

A: One of my former bosses told me, “It

doesn’t cost you anything to be nice.” I believe he meant being nice, humane, understanding and compassionate just when you have to is not enough.

One sets oneself apart by being better and striving to live those qualities and do your best for yourself and others all the time.

Q: Who inspires you?

A: My wife Laura inspires me to strive to be as good as she is and good enough for her.

Photo by Tom Holden

in Kerrville. I’m also honored to serve on the board of the Nimitz Foundation in Fredericksburg, operator of the Nation Museum of the Pacific War. Although I’m no longer working in the newspaper business, I’m still involved by serving as president of the Texas Newspaper Foundation in Austin. I also volunteer at Kerrville First United Methodist Church. And, Laura is the housekeeper and I am the cook.

Greg Shrader

“ “The best thing about getting older is having more time to do the things you want to do.

The worst thing about getting older is not having the time to do the things you want to do.�

Riverhill Living 11

On the course

Golf Tip of the Month

By Matt Trevino, PGA Director of Golf, Riverhill Country Club The first question I ask during a putting lesson is what is more important speed or direction? What is your answer?

Speed is more important since speed determines the break of a putt. Direction is certainly important and there are several things you can do to help you with direction.

1. Line your ball up — either with the label or with a sharpie line on the ball 2. Spot putting — picking a spot in front of you to roll the ball over Doing either of these will help you feel more confident about your direction, so when you get over the putt you can focus on the speed of the putt.

One drill that can help you with your speed is called the ladder drill. Start by rolling your first ball 5 feet and then roll each additional putt past the previous one until you get to 25 feet, if you don’t get the ball past the previous ball start over. The closer the balls are and the more balls between 5-25 feet, the better you control your speed.

For any help with your game, the Riverhill Professional staff is here to help and can be reached at 830-792-1143.

Also, we will have 4 junior golf camps and a Junior PGA team over the summer if you know juniors that would like to learn how to play or further develop their games.

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12 Summer 2019

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Feature

Master of the Craft Riverhill resident puts woodworking to good use

T

Story by Nancy Foster

here’s a woodworking genius in the Riverhill neighborhood, and his name is Jimmy Stutz.

He lives with his gracious wife Betty in a beautiful home on Highland Drive, and from his home workshop, he creates wooden bird carvings so beautiful that each is a masterpiece.

He’s also known as the man who built his own sailboat, the 18-foot “La Tempestad,” which took four years and hundreds of hours to build and ultimately satisfied a quest he’d had since childhood.

How this multi-talented man finds time to create is a wonder in itself. Jimmy just reached an admirable milestone as a teacher, racking up 50 years educating students on woodworking in different levels, architectural drafting and design, graphic design and

illustration and commercial photography.

From 1986-2000, he even taught drafting and woodworking at Tivy High School.

His latest position, teaching architecture and photography at Clark High School in San Antonio, will conclude at the end of the school year. Jimmy is headed into retirement.

The Path to Woodcarving Jimmy’s love of nature started at an early age. He grew up in Mission, Texas, where free time was spent with his brothers duck hunting in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. He came to appreciate the many species of ducks indigenous to the area, and an interest in art and whittling led to a passion to creatively capture their beauty through wood carvings.

After serving in the U.S. Army and gaining a BS

Jimmy Stutz sits aboard “La Tempestad,” the boat he built. Photo by Tom Holden

Riverhill Living 13

Ready to let his imagination take flight, Jimmy Stutz examines a piece of wood that he will turn into a hand-carved bird. Photo by Tom Holden.

degree from Pan American University (now University of Texas Rio Grande Valley) and a master’s degree in Industrial Technology from Texas A&M, he used his non-teaching hours to remodel homes, construct cabinetry and build fine furniture. Tables, desks, entertainment centers and doors — you name it; every piece he turned out could easily be considered heirloom quality.

Carving as a hobby By the early 1980s, Jimmy had honed in on bird carvings as a specialty, including various species of duck decoys that are created as art rather than for actual usage. Today he creates from his home workshop, a spacious and orderly expanse stocked with “anything and everything” necessary to complete his numerous projects, including assorted bandsaws, jigs, sanders, chainsaws and special woodworking tools. From here, he creates realistic geese, pelicans, swans and all types of shorebirds, all displaying meticulous detail.

Jimmy has an eye for wood and a network of friends and family who tip him off to sources.

He’ll take his chainsaw and trailer anywhere to retrieve salvageable pieces of cypress, red cedar, mesquite, cottonwood and other suitable woods, but he always asks permission of the landowner. A lifelike 36-inch Canada goose was carved from a dead cypress

14 Summer 2019

tree hauled out of the Guadalupe River and a graceful 30-inch-high blue heron came from a downed tree in Cypress Creek that was knocked over during the flood of 2002.

His designs come from photographs, patterns and direct sketches on wood. Each chosen block of wood is held in a vise and attached to a “T” post while the carving process takes place using precision tools and a surform tool for texturing.

Finishes may be natural, painted or stained with clear lacquer. While many of his creations have been gifted to cherished friends and relatives, others are sold through a gallery in Rockport.

The La Tempestad project Jimmy’s desire to build a boat was sparked during undergraduate studies at Pan American University.

When he watched his professor and a college employee build two wooden boats in the Industrial Arts Building, he was hooked — but he didn’t have the funds at the time to build his own, so “this idea was put on hold for 40 years.” Fast forward to 2010, when the urge resurfaced and became a reality.

“It took me four years to plan and build, but it was the most fun I‘ve ever had in my home workshop.”

The technical specifics of the sailboat build are complex. Jimmy explains that The La Tempestad “was

A few of the handcarved birds found in Jimmy’s workshop. Photos by Tom Holden.

constructed of white oak for the framing, covered with marine grade plywood; the exterior was fiberglassed and painted with marine grade paint. The centerboard is made of 3/8-inch steel, the rudder was made of 1/2-inch aluminum and the 22-foot mast is made of aluminum.

Jimmy quips that “about a jillion stainless-steel screws” went into the project and reminisces that the framing of the cabin was a “true test of my woodworking skills.”

The finished product ultimately met his satisfaction, and the sailboat debuted on September 20, 2014, in Rockport. It remained berthed there until last year, when it miraculously escaped the devastation of Harvey and was subsequently moved to his home workshop.

Retirement As the chapter on his illustrious teaching career closes, this accomplished man looks forward eagerly to retirement. Betty can’t wait for more togetherness time, and they both enjoy spending time working on their beautiful yard and playing with their young pup, Dr. Beauchamp. Thankfully, Jimmy will continue to turn out more beautiful waterfowl sculptures.

“I believe the need to create is in all of us,” he says.

For the remarkable Jimmy Stutz, that need will continue to be fulfilled.

Riverhill Living 15

Trip Tips

Your Path to Texas State Parks

W

hether you want to hike or bike, go caving or birding, find time with family and friends or enjoy the quiet of nature alone, your Texas state parks system has something for almost everyone.

With nearly 100 parks, the list of sports, activities, accommodations, events, programs — planned and selfguided — is unexpected. The wealth of the state’s wildlife, landscape and waterscape offers athletic outlets, history lessons, education and entertainment.

Why go?

There are plenty of reasons to head outdoors and enjoy your state parks.

Unplug from technology and get back to nature. Enjoy nature without interruptions from phones and tablets.

This can improve mental health and offer quality time for families.

You can find one close to your location if you want to save fuel, one farther afield if you want to see more Texas scenery, or if you want to experience several parks in one geographical area each year as a family vacation.

How to plan?

A variety of possible activities abound, but not all in every location, and there are stipulations for being a responsible park user and participant.

The Texas State Parks website, state parks regional guides and The Texas State Parks Guide have a surprising array of offerings that can generate interests in new directions or guide you to standby, favorite activities.

When planning a trip to one of our Texas state parks, you will find activities, events on special dates, programs provided for special interests, even Texas Outdoors Workshops on

16 Summer 2019

Quick Tips

How to get ready?

Tour the Texas State Parks website at https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/ to learn all you need to know about your next steps. This may be the least expensive and most enjoyable vacation you have and/or your family has ever taken.

• Texas State Parks Guide (free book) • Texas State Parks & Wildlife (magazine subscription; $$$) • Texas State Parks website (https://tpwd.texas.gov/ state-parks/) • Texas Travel Guides by region (downloadable pdf files) https://www.tourtexas. com/travel-guides

“

• Only four parks host waterfalls, rain dependent.

• State parks will work with you to place multiple family groups adjacent, if possible.

• State parks allow you to bring your horse if you have proof of a negative Coggins test.

• Some parks set up geocaching for you, a treasure hunt; others will let you set up your own.

• Only Lakes Whitney and San Angelo allow zones for users to fly remote-controlled aircraft.

• State parks do not allow any alcohol to be displayed or drank on premises, nor can it be sold.

• You may not show, display or fire a handgun. If you have a license, check before going.

learning to camp and other types of adventures.

Maps, season passes, the cost to individual sites, rules and regulations — it’s all available to help you plan an overnight stay or a three-week vacation to please everyone on the trip.

Travel Resources

“I have been to Garner State Park, Enchanted Rock State Park, and Lost Maples State Park. We are so fortunate to have these parks within an hour from Kerrville. They all have great hikes.

Garner State Park has the benefit of the beautiful Frio River and is a sight to behold.

Fort Davis State Park is also one of my favorite places to camp and hike.”

~ Andy Magee, Riverhill Resident

““

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Courtesy photo by Chase A. Fountain/Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

“Some of my best childhood memories were made at our state parks. From learning to waterski at Inks Lake to watching my first ‘Broadway’ play at Palo Duro Canyon, the times spent with family camping under God’s creation always brings back fond memories. As I raised my children, I made sure we visited our state parks as often as possible to give them that same joy. ”

~ Leslie Barnett Riverhill Resident

“When I started camping in 2012, I learned that the Texas state parks were everywhere, and many parks within a 200 to 300 mile radius of Kerrville!” ~ Lynn Perilloux Riverhill Resident

Meet the columnist

Rhonda Wiley-Jones facilitates workshops on keeping a travel journal, travel writing and the craft of writing. She is the author of her memoir, “At Home in the World: Travel Stories of Growing Up and Growing Away,” and is currently writing fiction. Contact Rhonda at rhonda@rhondawileyjones.com or visit rhondawiley-jones.com.

Riverhill Living 17

Sailing into Summer By boat, bike or RV, Riverhill residents are ready to head into summer with unique style.

1

Courtesy photos

2

4

3 18 Summer 2019

5 1. Riverhill resident Lynn Perilloux enjoys taking her camper to Texas’ many wonderful state parks.

2. Riverhill resident Craig Magee heads out for a mountain bike ride at Flat Rock Ranch in Comfort.

3. Beautiful view at the top of mountain bike trail.

Check www.flatrockranch.net for more information.

4. Another fun thing to do in the summer is paddle board on the Guadalupe River. Rentals are available at Louise Hays Park.

5. Riverhill residents Dorothy Schmidt, Andy Magee and friends hike Enchanted Rock in Fredericksburg.

Kerrville Funeral KFH Home Gene and Katie Allen, his family and the staff take great pride in being a part of the Kerrville community.

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Gardening

“ I prefer to use plants that are either native or well adapted to our area, as they generally require less water and they tolerate the warmer temperatures better.�

20 Summer 2019

Green Tips

Gardening queries Do you have questions?

Master Gardeners have answers. Contact them at 830-257-6568 or kerr@ag.tamu.edu.

(Hill Country Master Gardeners, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service)

Get ready for summer in the Hill Country

By Frank Dunlap, Master Gardener

S

pring is glorious this year!

The natural elements have brought us beautiful flowers and greenery.

But summer is just around the corner, and that means preparing your landscape for hotter and drier days and nights.

Column author Frank Dunlap works in his garden at his home in Riverhill.

Dunlap has been a member of the Master Gardeners program for three years.

Courtesy photo

You can begin by inspecting your irrigation system for leaks and looking for areas that are being under or over-watered. If you use a timer, check to be sure that it is working and that it is set to water in the early part of the day.

Remember, too much water can be just as bad for many plants as too little water.

If you have not already done so, consider applying clean mulch to all exposed beds. A good 4 inches of mulch will keep the roots cooler and help retain moisture while deterring weeds.

Be sure to not “pile” mulch around plant stems and tree trunks, as this can cause root rot, “girdling” and certain funguses to accumulate around them.

Finally, I prefer to use plants that are either native or well adapted to our area, as they generally require less water and they tolerate the warmer temperatures better.

As you replace older plants, consider using native plants.

It’s not too late to add new plants to your landscape.

Riverhill Living 21

Words on Wealth

Risky Business How much market risk are you really willing to accept?

If you’re like a lot of investors, you may have trouble quantifying the level of risk you are comfortable taking on in your portfolio.

Do you like to play it safe, staying in conservative investments even if it means potentially missing out on bigger returns?

Or are you willing to take on more risk in the hopes of capturing higher gains?

If you’re not sure where you land on the spectrum, consider the following eight tips to help define your views on investment risk:

1

Define your goals.

Your financial plan should be structured to help you get from where you are now to where you’d like to be with key goals, such as saving for your child’s college education or retirement. Your investment strategy should be a key part of this financial plan.

Define exactly how much money you will need to save, and when you will need it by. When your goals are crystal clear, it can be easier to weigh the various risks and choices you must make to achieve them.

2

Consider the general market environment.

It seems fair to say that investors’ willingness to accept risk increases in periods when the stock market has performed well for an extended period of time. In the past decade, stocks have generally been on the upswing. On the heels of such a positive market, investors’ level of confidence about owning assets that are subject to fluctuation may be higher.

By contrast, investors sometimes become more skittish in periods when markets are struggling.

Confidence in stocks and other variable investments tends to decline when the market is not performing well.

22 Summer 2019

3

Accept market moves as normal.

It’s a known fact that stock markets move up and down — sometimes significantly — which means there’s always risk that a particular investment could lose value.

Keep in mind that historically markets have recovered, and the reward potential of investing in future growth of global businesses remains strong.

Prepare yourself for the fact that investing is not a smooth upward climb, and a smart strategy can help the market moves work in your favor.

4

Recognize that time is one of the biggest influences on risk tolerance.

If you have a decade or more to reach your goals (such as retirement), you likely can ride out market downturns or even extended flat or negative markets.

If you expect to reach your goals (such as a new home) in the next few years, you may need to think more about how to protect your investments against the impact of market moves.

With this in mind, your risk tolerance will likely adjust as you get closer to achieving various goals.

5

Trust your instincts, but don’t make decisions solely based on emotions.

If you are worried about what’s ahead in the markets or how your finances would fare if another Great Recession occurs, it may be time to reassess your portfolio to take some risk off the table. Yet, it’s important to not be overly swayed by day-to-day headlines.

Look for consistent, long-term trends or events that impact market fundamentals before considering action. And, be sure that any decisions you make

amounts of money at regular intervals, rather than investing lump sums at one time, can help you remain committed to your saving strategy.

Additionally, products (such as variable annuities) that allow you to continue to participate in the market’s growth potential while locking in gains may also be worth considering.

Given your timeframe, current savings, income and other financial priorities, how much risk are you willing to take to achieve your goals?

This is the ultimate question you need to answer to determine your risk tolerance.

If you want help deciding whether your portfolio is appropriate for your feelings on risk, consult a financial advisor who can provide a second opinion.

Meet the columnist Jeff Talarico is a financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies. He has been in practice for 12 years. To contact him, visit ameripriseadvisors.com/jeff.talarico.

align with your financial goals, as defined in tip No. 1 above.

6

Consider purchasing power risk.

Inflation is always a factor worth considering. Simply stated, your money more than likely won’t be worth as much in the future as it is today.

It is important to own investments that can help your asset base at least keep pace with inflation, and hopefully grow faster than the cost of living.

7

Be mindful of interest rate risk.

Fixed income instruments such as bonds carry their own risks, one of them being that if interest rates rise, bond values will decline.

Given that yields are slowly rising from historically low levels, this risk may be more significant today.

8

Explore ways to stay invested in the market while mitigating some of the risk.

Maintaining healthy diversification across a variety of asset classes is a key way to manage risk. Staying invested for the long-term and not trying to time the market is another.

Dollar-cost averaging, or investing consistent

Riverhill Living 23

Travel Tales

A Visit to India

By Sharon Smith My journey to India began on March 30, 2019. My son, Craig, and daughter­-in-law, Stacey, have opened Grace House India, a home in Central India for girls ages 8 to 15. It is a Christian safe haven for girls who are orphans, wards of the state or girls that have been given up by their parents for various reasons.

The girls are fed, cared for and educated. Most of the girls came to Grace House with a lot of trauma and abuse in their lives.

Grace House is located on approximately 13 acres.

The team that went on this trip was Stacey, my daughter-in-law, Laura Thompson, a retired Special

Education teacher in the Denton area, and her daughter Andie, who works with the deaf and blind in Austin.

I flew into Nagpur, India, from the United States and spent a night in the home of a local pastor and ministry partner, managing the day-to-day operations at Grace House. After 24 hours of travel and a 3-hour car ride, we arrived at Grace House, where the girls met us with welcome signs reading “Welcome Sharon Auntie” and singing songs.

Girls in India get very little education, but these girls are so happy to have the opportunity to go to

A resident of Grace House practices her henna art on Sharon Smith’s arm. Courtesy photo

24 Summer 2019

“

Girls in India get very little education, but these girls are so happy to have the opportunity to go to school. I found the Grace House girls to be full of energy, healthy and eager to learn. ” ~ Sharon Smith Riverhill resident

school. I found the Grace House girls to be full of energy, healthy and eager to learn.

There are 38 girls now living on the campus. There are four girls to a room with bunk beds and a place for their belongings.

When the first group of 15 girls arrived at Grace House 3 years ago, they were filthy, their heads were full of lice, and they only had the clothes they were wearing. Stacey was there to welcome them with new pajamas, dresses and play clothes.

This trip, we took four large suitcases full of clothes, swimsuits, hair adornments and flip flops.

Our team stayed in town and were bused to the campus every day before noon so we could have lunch and dinner with the girls. We took turns eating at a different table each day.

Four cooks on campus prepare three meals a day. There are chicken coops, so the girls have fresh eggs daily. Consuming beef is illegal, and there is little seafood available in the center of India. The staples are rice, lentils and a local bread similar to naan. I ate everything they served but had my fill of rice!

The food is very spicy, and my stomach had to adjust to that.

I must say I didn’t eat a whole lot since it was 105-108 degrees every day, and there is no air conditioning on campus. We did, however, have air conditioning in our rooms where we stayed in town.

Last year, Craig had large brick planter boxes built, and this is where they grow many of their herbs and vegetables. He

Sharon Smith holds up a Riverhill banner while surrounded by girls from Grace House in India. Courtesy photo

Riverhill Living 25

Share your trip Did you recently travel somewhere? We’d love to share it. Send photos, captions and story to riverhill@dailytimes.com.

Residents of Grace House, located in Central India, are all smiles as they enjoy a meal together. The home is for girls ages 8 to 15. Courtesy photo

also planted several hundred fruit trees, which are now starting to bear mangos and nuts.

The second day we were there was an exceptional day for the girls. Stacey brought swimsuits for the girls, and they put them on and came out to the courtyard, where there were baskets of water balloons and a big water hose.

The chaos began! I think it goes without saying, but the water balloons went fast, so out came the giant water hose, and soon after, on came the speakers playing traditional Indian music, and it all turned into a giant dance party!

They didn’t know what a swimsuit was, much less being in the water balloon fights. They were a little shy when they first came out in their suits, as the Indian culture is very conservative. Once the fun started, it was pure bliss.

They danced and knew the words to some of the songs. The girls had been in final exams at school all week, so this was an excellent way for them to have a stress release.

Watching these girls and the joy they were experiencing was so thrilling and is a memory I won’t soon forget.

26 Summer 2019

There is a classroom on the campus, and Laura worked with the girls on their vocabulary. They are all learning to speak English and are doing very well. While they were in the classroom, one of the girls was having a birthday, so a big cake was brought in and shared with everyone.

There is also a library where the girls read, put puzzles together and play games. It is so bright and friendly with big fans to help cool things down. The library is where I spent a lot of my time. Some of the older girls are learning how to do henna art; our team was willing to sacrifice our arms and feet to the cause. If they get proficient at this form of art, they can earn money hiring out at weddings and other events.

The last night that I was there was a big event. All of the ministry staff, their families and the boys from the ministry’s boys home all came to Grace House for an extraordinary dinner.

Biryani is a dish perfected by the Muslim community, so Muslim men from a nearby village were invited to come out and cook.

Prepared in big galvanized pots,

Biryani is a rice dish that has chicken and vegetables and is served on special occasions. It was both very delicious and very filling.

After dinner, the staff built a big bonfire and gave each child bamboo stakes. Everyone gathered around the fire and roasted marshmallows for s’mores. It was an enjoyable experience for the adults as well as the boys and girls.

As I sat outside watching all these happy, healthy and energetic children I was thinking how blessed I was to experience this time with these precious girls. Most of all, I was thinking how blessed these girls were to be in this place to learn about their Heavenly Father and get an education, so they would be able to go back to their villages and support themselves or go on to university.

This was a long and hard trip, but worth every minute of travel. I was truly blessed!

If you would like to learn more about this incredible place, please visit their website, www. gracehouseindia.org.

JO ANNE ENGLISH RESIDENT OF RIVERHILLS AND MEMBER OF THE RIVERHILLS HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

Jo Anne is living the dream in lovely Riverhills, let her be the one to list and sell your home!

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D HE C A P ET O E D KSH RG OR LA W

383 Englewood Dr. $236,500 2 bedrooms, office, 2 baths, 1,629 sq. ft.

401 Highlands Dr. $799,000 3 bedrooms, 3 Full Baths, 3 Half Baths 4,372 sq. ft.

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JO ANNE ENGLISH • Broker/Owner 200 Sidney Baker St., South, Ste. 30 “In Riverhills Mall” • 830.285.0190 www.KerrvilleHomeListings.com • englishj777@gmail.com Riverhill Living 27

Our Club Members Are Our Passion Our remarkable golf club started with a friendship between golf legend Byron Nelson and renowned course designer Joe Finger. That tradition continues today with the friendships still formed and strengthened on the rolling hills of Riverhill Country Club just as Byron Nelson had hoped.

You are invited to be a part of that tradition and the present celebration of the game of golf, fabulous dining and events, world-class tennis, swim and fun for your entire family.

Many families have taken part in what Riverhill has become over the past 112 years when it began as the mansion at Cedarcrest. Many families return generation after generation to enjoy the important history of this estate and the wonderful part the club continues to play in their lives.

RiverHill Country Club has several membership packages that include resident, senior, junior, corporate and non-resident.

Summer Fun for the Entire Family!

Riverhill Country Club • RiverhillCC.com • 896-1400 •100 Riverhill Club Lane • Kerrville Please contact Membership Director Bryan Hargrove at (830) 896-1400 x2230 for more information about memberships and initiation fees.

28 Summer 2019