Kerr County People Magazine September-October 2020

People Kerr County

T H E P R E M I E R CO M M U N I T Y M AG A Z I N E

SEPT-OCT | 2020

Since 2007

O F K E R R CO U N T Y, T E X A S

Partners In Life Partners In Business Dwayne Downey & Gyanne Kuykendall

Texas-Sized Party at

The Legendary Y.O. Ranch Headquarters g n i

c n ta

Y.O. RANCH SOCIAL CLUB is D 2020 Saturday September 19th Featuring Music By

Just like the old days, when ranches celebrated the proceeds of a long cattle drive. There will be real Texas food including roast pork and beef on a spit.

Ticket for the Evening $200 Per Person Includes Concert, Dinner & Open Bar

All Inclusive Weekend

Tracy Byrd

$1,000 per person (double occupancy) Lodging and meals : Includes Friday night party at pool (food and drinks), Saturday Brunch, Dinner, open bar, concert and Sunday Brunch.

Call or Visit our Website for tickets before they’re all gone!

Gary Glenn & The 20X Band

Y.O. Ranch Headquarters 830-640-3222 YORanchHeadquarters.com Follow us on Facebook at Y.O. Ranch Headquarters

Keeping the traditions and history of the legendary Y.O. Ranch alive!

Look

inside

FEATUR ING

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER│2020

THE HUNT GARDEN CLUB

By Kari Short

Page 22

A R T I C L E S

On the RUN

escaping psychotropic drugs, naturally

5 Wellness Tips with Dr. Miloy 8 Backyard Birding with Wild Birds Unlimited 23 Hunt Garden Club Seeds of Hope 26 On the Run with Dana Cardwell

Page 26

30 Liberty Kitchen—an Oasis in Ingram 34 Health Tips with the Apothecary Shoppe 35 Community Service with the Dietert Center 36 Insurance Tips with Amber Thomason 39 Gardening with the Plant Haus 2

C O V E R

Kerr County People Kerrville, Texas Info@KerrCountyPeople.com

830-285-0973 Diane Ferrell Editor & Publisher diane@kerrcountypeople.com

Mark A. Jackson Art Director - Graphics studiorio@omnitx.net facebook.com/kerrcountypeople

S T O R Y

Page 10

Partners In Life Partners In Business Contributing Editors Skye Alexander Anne Schneider Contributing Writers Skye Alexander Kathleen Cook Contributing Photographer Tony Gallucci

Visit Us At KerrCountyPeople.com

KCP reserves the right to edit and/or refuse all submitted materials. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of KCP. Content is copyrighted by KCP and may not be reproduced without written permission. All rights reserved. Copyright 2020, Kerr County People Magazine.

4 | SEPT-OCT 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

Dwayne Downey & Gyanne Kuykendall

WE LLNESS TI PS

Weight Loss

Lose it and Keep it Off with Balance MD

by David R. Miloy MD

The Covid 19 pandemic has shown us that being overweight makes us vulnerable to infection and bad outcomes. The virus is hitting those with weight problems hard. In my practice, I’m also seeing the impact of social distancing on weight gain, which of course is increasing their chances of not fending off the Coronavirus well. It’s also putting them at greater risk for heart disease, cancer, stroke, dementia, and many other common diseases.

Now more than ever, it’s critical to be healthy. With 75% of American adults overweight or obese and the annual cost of obesity being $10,000 per year (Milken Institute), it makes more sense than ever to use the pandemic as an opportunity to go to work on ourselves.

The most important key to success is long term guidance and support from a physician who has years of experience in the science of weight loss. Since medical school I’ve been passionate about helping patients make sustainable lifestyle changes to naturally lose weight. I’ve learned that if the process is enjoyable and meaningful then it will be sustainable. That process is different for each person. My weight loss coaching identifies each person’s “ Why ” and then applies their values to create alignment with their behavior to produce substantial results. When done correctly change is fun and profoundly rewarding without feeling deprived.

This program can be done in person or remotely online with video conferencing.

How does it work?

Balanced MD Consist of Five phases: 1. Personal Momentum & Discovery Phase 2. Mastery Phase & Personal Growth Phase 3. Wellness Phase 4. Maintenance Phase 5. Termination Phase

What you can expect: Personal Momentum Phase

• Weight loss of 10-15 lbs • We meet weekly one on one during the first month • You start by answering the following question, “What will weight loss give me?

• Remove clutter and unnecessary tolerances that are obstacles to you focusing on your health.

• Learn quick and easy “Rules of the Road” to eating so you won’t feel deprived.

• Establish belief that you can succeed. Help you substitute delicious healthy for unhealthy foods.

• Apply “training wheels” to help you raise eating awareness using technology.

• Experience increased energy, stamina, and mental clarity.

Mastery & Personal Growth Phase

We meet every other week for two months.

• Weight loss of 15-20 lbs.

• Start each session with focusing on what is most important to you right now.

• Master Emotions.

• Master eating and all lifestyle strategies: rest and exercise.

• Experience inner peace.

Focus on personal values and learn how to live more consistently from them.

Develop a life vision statement and explore strategies to help you gain clarity of your life purpose.

Wellness Phase

Meet monthly for three months and master relapse scenarios.

• Weight loss of typically 15-20 lbs.

• Firmly establish and solidify self-sustaining positive feedback loop.

• Continue to establish and move towards life purpose goals.

• Reinforce self-correcting mechanisms for maintaining weight loss permanently.

• Buy new clothes!

Maintenance Phase (optional)

• Provide long-term support with monthly meetings.

• Apply self-correcting strategies when relapse occurs.

• Gain confidence and long-term success.

Termination Phase

You are now self-correcting and able to hold yourself accountable. You have acquired the skills to remain immune to weight gain. Before working with me, it’s important you’re ready to begin for yourself. The motivation must come from within and not be something you feel like you “should do” or try to do for someone else. It’s critical you possess healthy selfishness for selfcare. I will be there every step of the way to guide, support, and celebrate with you as you achieve your transformation.

Please feel free to reach out for a free meet and greet session to learn more.

David R. Miloy MD, internist and life/ wellness coach is located at 1411 Water Street, Kerrville and may be reached at 830-895-5599. Visit his website OptimumHealthDoc.com.

KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | SEPT-OCT 2020 | 5

Where outdoor living comes to life.

235 Goat Creek Cutoff Rd Kerrville, Texas 830-367-3222 AllTexLandscapes.com

Serving the Hill Country for Over 25 YEARS !

Custom Landscape Design • Licensed Irrigation • Retaining Walls • Flagstone Walks & Borders • Landscape Lighting •Pergolas & Decks • Water Features • Outdoor Kitchens • Wrought Iron Fencing • Privacy Fencing

H

AT W O R D R A K

Protecting Your Dream Diane and Bob Green Owners

At Kerr County Abstract & Title Co., we are a hardworking family. When work ends, we return to our own homes and families. We understand the importance of homeownership and are committed to protecting that dream for you and your family.

712 Earl Garrett St. • Kerrville, TX 78028 • 830.257.5151 • www.KerrTitle.com 6 | SEPT-OCT 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

m o o r w o h S w isit Our Ne

V

1800 A Broadway A, Kerrville

830 257-2425 HillCountryLighting.com

Serving the Hill Country for over 30 Years

m la G to es o G ty u ea B e er h W Hair · Skin Tanning & Boutique

AJ Nelson Stylist

April Andrews Stylist

Danielle Distefano Stylist

Salon Hours M-F, 10-5 Late Appointments Available Sat/Sun By Appointment Only

Josie Castorena Chelsea Delacerda Microblading Aesthetician

Tanning/Boutique Hours M-F, 10-6, Sat 10-3

Brazilian Blowout Certified Salon

830.257.1105

1810 Junction Hwy #109 GlamBarKerrville.com

KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | SEPT-OCT 2020 | 7

?

BACKY A R D BI R DI N G

?

Where’d They Go? ? ?

As

by Kevin & Linda Pillow

the last days of summer roll around, you may notice fewer birds at your feeder station—the normal progression in the bird world. In the southern half of the United States this usually occurs in late September through November, with October showing the fewest birds. Most birders are surprised by this because just weeks prior the birds were going crazy at the feeders.

Nesting season is February to September and is the busiest time at your feeders simply because birds need so much food to raise their young. Most of our nesting birds have two to three broods. That’s a lot of birds eating a lot of food, but then all of the sudden comes late September, and poof, they seem to be gone.

They’re doing what they naturally do at this time of year.

When birds are done nesting, it’s time to start caching seeds and nuts for winter; they’re out foraging and cleaning up our fields. Fall is when most of our flowers and grasses have gone to seed and that is exactly what birds are looking for. Much of this activity is weather driven—if we have a lot of rain in the spring, they have plenty of natural food in the fall. In severe droughts, they continue visiting feeders due to a lack of natural food.

This slow-down will end once natural food sources are depleted, usually around Thanksgiving. Even though activity is slow, don’t stop feeding, as birds love a reliable food source.

Same goes for your water source; even though they aren’t eating heavily, they all come in for water. It’s a good time to clean out nest boxes so come wintertime they can use them for roosting in inclement weather. The birds will be back soon enough, I promise!

Happy Birding!

Kevin & Linda Pillow are the proud owners of Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop located at 855 Junction Hwy in Kerrville. Each staff member is a Certified Bird Feeding Specialist and can help you discover a refuge in your own backyard. 830-895-7393.

8| SEPT-OCT 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

HIGH SPEED BLACK & WHITE COPIES 229 229 Schreiner Schreiner St. St. •• Kerrville, Kerrville, Texas Texas 78028 78028 830-257-4101 830-257-4101 •• 830-792-3282 830-792-3282 fax fax rose.bradshaw@sofastprinting.net rose.bradshaw@sofastprinting.net or or wally@sofastprinting.net wally@sofastprinting.net

Fresh Seasonal Fruit & Vegetables

P R O D U C E

Junction, Texas Pecans

Much of our produce comes from our Jenschke Family Farm in Luckenbach, Texas.

830-257-4005 10 – 5 Mon – Sat 313 Lemos St., Kerrville

Let's Get To The Point

. . . Not all masonry work is created equal From layout to cleanup we are committed to being professional, thorough, punctual, and respectful.

We pride ourselves on attention to detail, our eye for precision, and Customer Satisfaction.

KERRVILLE MASONRY Stone ● Brick ● Stucco

Call David Valdez today at 830-370-0448 FREE CONSULTATION

KerrvilleMasonry.net

KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | SEPT-OCT 2020 | 9

Cover Story

by Kathleen Cook

Partners in Life

Dwayne Downey and Gyanne Kuykendall 10 | SEPT-OCT 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

Partners in Business Aaron Plumbing and Hager Plumbing

Y

ou may never give your plumbing much thought until that awful moment, usually in the middle of the night or the weekend, when your pipes spring a leak, the toilet overflows, or a mysterious pond suddenly appears in your front yard during the family reunion. After the initial panic disappears, because you thankfully know where the water cut-off valve is—who you ‘gonna’ call?

Our basic need for functional plumbing at the turn of a faucet pretty much puts us all in the same boat, no matter our economic or social status.

When the plumbing doesn’t work, all else we value moves way down the list.

During an emergency really isn’t the time to experiment with a plumbing company you don’t know. You want knowledgeable service—you want it fast and you want to trust that the job is done correctly. There’s nothing better than hearing your plumber say, “Don’t worry, we’ll be out within an hour.”

So, how do you find this magical plumber? You start with your advance research, you interview friends and neighbors, and you read this very timely story about Aaron/Hager Plumbing.

F

irst you want a company that is experienced, respected, and known in the community for its exceptional customer service.

Husband and wife co-owners/operators Dwayne Downey and Gyanne Kuykendall bring over fifty-two years of combined plumbing expertise to their business. Gyanne adds, “Our experience of managing businesses in our past has shaped and prepared us for running our plumbing business today.”

They received their best training while managing well-respected Whelan Plumbing in Kerrville for twenty-six years. They know every aspect of the plumbing profession and more than satisfy their customers’ expectations. Dwayne says, “I tell our plumbers to make repairs or service for our customers the same way they would if working on my home. Which means it needs to be done right the first time.”

N

ext you want a company that shows up on time, does a thorough job of assessing the situation and clearly explains service options and costs. Dwayne and Gyanne promise they will never upsell their customers into purchasing services or products that aren’t required to do the job. Whether it’s a simple faucet replacement or designing an entire kitchen, this is their customer service philosophy. This is especially reassuring to people who don’t know much about plumbing or are on limited budgets. And besides, that’s plain good ethical business practice.

B

eing respectful of their customers’ property is also a must. In this time of pandemic health concerns, it is good to know that Dwayne and Gyanne require all their associates to wear masks and other protective garments when working in a customers’ environment, for your protection and theirs. Part of their service, at anytime, always includes wearing protective foot coverings indoors, protecting the work area, and cleaning up all materials used on the job. Since plumbing is the first line of defense for good community health, you’ll be glad to know how important this fact is to Dwayne and Gyanne. continue to next page KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | SEPT-OCT 2020 | 11

Continued from previous page

“Centurion Custom Homes has worked with Dwayne and Gyanne for sixteen years. Really enjoy their professionalism and industry knowledge. We were extremely excited when they started their own plumbing business.” Cris Miller Centurion Custom Homes

Customization takes your shower to the next level.

“It’s been a pleasure working with Dwayne and Gyanne for more than twenty-two years in the construction industry. They’ve been a vital member of our team, helping us provide quality custom homes for our customers.

Thank you for all that you do for us and we look forward to many more years working together.” Mike Dyal Dyal Custom Homes Aaron Plumbing's Boot Ranch foreman Robert Forseth checks a nearing-completion luxury bathroom.

12 | SEPT-OCT 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

Family strong Aaron Plumbing and Hager Plumbing

co-owners Dwayne Downey and Gyanne Kuykendall have a blended family…

“Our youngest son Taylor of Alamosa, Colorado is an ecologist and GIS specialist for Espinoza Consulting Services in LaJara, Colorado. Our oldest son Kyle of Austin, Texas, is the global sales manager for Oracle.

Although neither pursued plumbing as a career, we could not be prouder or happier for our sons and their success.”

Kyle Downey Taylor Applewhite

The showroom, open by appointment to give individual service, is like an art gallery with fixtures of all designs, brands, and price ranges, beautifully displayed.

KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | SEPT-OCT 2020 | 13

Continued from previous page

Starting young, making a lifetime career

Helping you achieve that dream kitchen, bath, or spa

Gyanne and Dwayne, a Tivy graduate who started his career in plumbing at the age of twenty-three, purchased Aaron Plumbing with other partners in 2015—starting with only three employees. In 2018, they purchased Hager Plumbing and now boast twenty-one employees and twelve fleet trucks. Both companies operate out of the same Kerrville office. Simply stated, they’re a full-service plumbing company with twentyfour-hour service.

Aaron Plumbing focuses on new design projects and works closely with people, their builders, and architects to create beautiful kitchens, baths, spas, and many other water features in their home or business. They handle many new construction projects from the beginning of design planning to the final installation of fixtures. “We’re very proud of the excellent work our new construction crew does,” Dwayne says.

Gyanne reflects on how far they’ve come. “Now thirty-six years in the plumbing industry, Dwayne is living his dream as a partner in Aaron Plumbing and Hager Plumber.”

“When I was twenty-three,” adds Dwayne, “I never knew that I would go as far as getting my master plumber license, much less running two companies. When you’re young you don’t usually think that far ahead. That’s why we encourage young men and women to look at the future in plumbing as a great opportunity for a lifetime career in this essential business.”

“The average plumber is fifty years old and older,” Gyanne continues. “It’s a great trade and we try and encourage as many men and women to take advantage of our on-the-job paid training. We love to watch our employees get their plumbing license. It means that plumbers will continue to protect the health of our nation.”

The showroom is where Gyanne’s expertise shines as she guides a client through the myriad choices available today in plumbing trends and fixtures. A sixth-generation Texan, she understands what her Hill Country clients want. She offers a calm and reassuring presence whether her clients are building a new home, remodeling, or just replacing a broken or worn out fixture.

The showroom, open by appointment to give individual service, is like an art gallery with fixtures of all designs, brands, and price ranges beautifully displayed. Traditional styles mingle with modern shapes and unusual metals, plastics, and glass. In fact, some styles look more like works of art than plumbing fixtures.

“Every time we travel and stay at hotels or resorts,” recalls Gyanne, “we check out all the plumbing and fixtures. We look and discuss what they could have done to make it even better.

Then we laugh realizing we’re on vacation and talking business.

It’s just what we do to run our business. We’re always looking for new and improved ways to do things.”

The Hager Plumbing Team Kathy Farrell, Anthony Garza, Seth Chamlee, Jeremy Allen, James Gunnels, Keefe Seeley, Nick England, Stacy Hartman

14 | SEPT-OCT 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

The Aaron Plumbing Team Back Row: Steve Schneider, Rob Bradley, Adam Diaz, James England, Dallas Jones, Jonathan Peters.

Front Row: Kyle Arnold, Derek Crawford, Robert Forseth, Gary Arnold, Matthew Allen.

Repair and service ready to roll 24/7 Hager Plumbing is the repair and service end of the business.

Their white trucks with red Hager lettering are ready to roll, day or night, 24/7. These thoroughly trained and licensed service technicians are the ones you will meet in that emergency or for any repair and service needs you have in your home or office.

Dwayne and Gyanne are proud of their service crew, all trained professionals who have achieved their master plumber’s designation or are working to achieve that status under the guidance of a master plumber.

What’s new in plumbing?

“We’re installing many spa bathrooms with free-standing tubs and luxurious showers that incorporate the clients’ hilltop views,” states Dwayne. “And we’re seeing a desire for petfocused indoor bathing stations with warm water and elevated ramps so people can bathe their pets without having to kneel on the floor. Recently we helped a client design a horse bathing system in her barn for her professional horse operation.

“People are also interested in energy-efficient tankless water heaters and improved water quality with reverse osmosis water systems. We love coming to work. Our clients have great ideas and we help their dreams become realities.

“Another area we specialize in is building and remodeling baths and kitchens to be ADA compliant (Americans with Disabilities Act). There are many fixtures now available to make the use of these rooms more efficient for people who need better access to their facilities because of mobility challenges. We enjoy

helping clients re-think their existing space so they don’t have to move from their homes. There are many possibilities we can share with people who want to age in place gracefully and comfortably.”

Dwayne and Gyanne invite you to give them a call to set up an appointment to visit the showroom and discuss plumbing possibilities for your home or business.

Aaron Plumbing, Master #39223. 418 Clay St. Kerrville.

830)-257-6877. AaronPlumbingTX.com. Hager Plumbing.

(830) 895-4190.

Kathleen Cook is a professional Kerrville artist who also likes to write. She is known for the beautiful color and light in the people, places, and things she likes to write. Visit her website KathleenCook.Com.

“I’ve done business with Dwayne and Gyanne for over fifteen years. Honest, professional, and reliable are the words that come to mind. I’m so happy they are having success as owners and entrepreneurs!” Mike Stavinoha Owner, Stavinoha Homes

KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | SEPT-OCT 2020 | 15

Explore. Experience.

Ingram's Finest - All In One Place Nestled on the Historic Old Ingram Loop

Boutique Clothing Jewelry ● Unique Gifts

vrbo.com/471743,482894,824102 Airbnb and Glamping Hub 830-367-3553

Three Cozy Cabins ● Guaranteed Relaxation

Even Hotter Things Coming Soon . . .

128 Old Ingram Loop, Ingram TX Tues – Sat 10 - 5 830-367-4688 16 | SEPT-OCT 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

Shop. Ingram, Texas Unique Collectables & Gifts Located on Historic Old Ingram Loop Since 1983

the

Clothing & Jewelry Refurbished Furniture Antiques & Home Decor

Vintage Gypsy Mon-Sat 10:00 ~ 6:00 216 Hwy 39, Ingram, TX 367-3570

.

.

Antiques Architectural Repurposed Ladies' Apparel Jewelry Gifts

.

.

Front Door Parking Along with Several Other Stores

Normal Hours: Wed – Sat 11-4 Call us for updated hours

SouthWesternElegance@Gmail.com THE ULTIMATE GIFT SHOP 206 Old Ingram Loop Ingram TX The Creek Boutique.com 830-367-4749 We’re @ 8th Street Market, 3272 Junction Hwy, Ingram, TX 78025 Comfort Texas, Too!

Like Us on Facebook (830)-367-3281

KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | JULY-AUGUST 2020 | 17

ORIGINAL & COVERS acoustic

MARK√ AMERICANA AND BLUES

M

U

S

I

C

TM

accepting gigs now . . .for booking call

MARK JACKSON 830-367-5542

MARK PIPER

615-419-0243 StudioRio@omnitx.net

happy hours | wine rooms | special events | lounge | house concerts | opening acts KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | SEPT-OCT 2020 | 17

Explore. Experience.

Equipment, Tool & Party Rentals

The Point Indoor Outdoor Theatre

• Delivery Available • Hablamos Español • Special Weekend Rates by ted tiller

OCTOBER 9 - 24 3205 Junction Hwy. Ingram TX 830-367-2773 GeneralRentalCenter.biz

Theatre/Box Office 830.367.5121 Ingram, TX 120 Point Theatre Road S.

n Sale O s t e k c i T NOW ! 

THE HILL COUNTRY ARTS FOUNDATION

e d i S s i Th n O b “Best Gru ounty” of Kerr C

CERAMIC FAIR FORM & FUNCTION by regional ceramic artists SETEMBER 21 - October 2

Now Open For Dinner Serving Breakfast All Day Daily Lunch Specials Open Daily 7am - 2pm

HUNTER HOUSE Cafe Located in the Heart of Ingram

830-367-3069  316 Hwy.39 18 | SEPT-OCT 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

BEN SUM and CYCRIS HO “Fun For Two–Seriesly”

Features a collection of series of paintings and drawings

s Art

OCTOBER 9 - NOVEMBER 6

DUNCAN-MCASHAN

V I S UA L

CENTER AND ART GALLERY

At the HCAF Visual Arts Center Ingram, Texas hcaf.com 830-367-5120

. Shop. Ingram, Texas Custom Glass & Mirror commercial and residential

Reflection of Perfection

Kerrville Showroom 3110 Junction Hwy

830.367.6074

also serving Bandera 830.367.6074 Boerne 830.249.2747

customglassmirror.net

Shower Doors Mirrors Plate Glass Tub Enclosures Tabletops Windows Cabinet Glass John & Lynn Palmer owners

REFURBISHED FURNITURE AND HOME DÉCOR GREAT PRICES!

a n n o g e You’r love us !

We Repair & Refinish

OPEN MON-SAT 830.367.2215

3167 Junction Hwy, Ingram– Across from Dollar General KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | SEPT-OCT 2020 | 19

BELLA LUZ MD

YES

YOU CAN AT BELLA

Profound® without Fillers Profound® with Fillers This revolutionary treatment tightens saggy skin in the lower face, jowls, and neck, and makes skin more elastic.

The Profound treatment is “one and done” and can provide up to a third of the effect of a surgical face-lift, which is enough to meet most people’s goals.

Also, it’s particularly effective at improving the décolleté, lower abdomen, and the skin above the knees which commonly sags with aging. Not to mention combatting CELLULITE. Yes, finally!

Dermal Fillers Dermal fillers are generally used for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, and help restore volume and fullness to skin.

Dermal fillers such as Voluma can also be used for cheek and chin augmentation.

Fillers reduce the signs and symptoms of aging by restoring hyaluronic acid. That’s exactly why the majority of dermal fillers today feature hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid binds powerfully to water. When injected it hydrates, softens, and volumizes your skin for a younger, healthier look.

MEDSPA AND WELLNESS CENTER

PRF Hair Restoration A simple, three-step process featured on programs such as ABC’s Good Morning America.

Blood, containing platelets that help repair damaged blood vessels and stimulate hair growth, is drawn from your arm. The blood is separated in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and fibrin.

The platelet-rich fibrin is injected just underneath the scalp to stimulate the regrowth of your own hair.

CORE CO2 Laser Treats both superficial and deep skin layers simultaneously with precision-control over the intensity, pattern and depth of ablation.

Experience dramatic improvement of: Skin tone & texture Sun-damaged skin Age spots Fine lines & wrinkles Acne or surgical scars

Think Bella is just about wrinkles? Think again. I have a variety of treatments and methods to refine, correct, and enhance almost any cosmetic skin condition. But you’ll never know what I can do for you if you don’t ask.

830.792.3552 | BellaLuzMD.com Facebook.com/BellaLuzKerr

Come see me and let’s talk!

All photos are actual Bella patients, used with permission.

1411 WATER STREET [ CORNER OF WATER STREET AND E STREET ] KERRVILLE, TEXAS

THE HUNT GARDEN CLUB

By Kari Short

Kathy Freeman, Kelly Conley, Carol and Gary Priour, Bernadell Larson, Carla Stang and Karen Taylor Photo courtesy Tony Gallucci

Audrey Hepburn once said, “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.�

p

erhaps no group needs inspiration for tomorrow like the children living at the Hill Country Youth Ranch. A combination charter school, home, and healing center located in Ingram on a beautiful sprawling 265-acre campus, the HCYR is designed to provide a safe, loving, and life-enhancing Christian environment for children and youth with special emotional and developmental needs.

22 | SEPT-OCT 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

planting seeds of hope A vision of hope

Envisioned and founded by Gary and Carol Priour, and built with the help of a loving community, it has been a home and lifetime family for more than 1,900 children ages five to eighteen years old. In January of 2020, Gary officially passed the day-to-day management to Krystle Ramsay, LMSW, who has worked at the HCYR for fifteen years. Since its inception forty-two years ago, the HCYR has grown to three campuses featuring an awardwinning charter school, chapels, and age-appropriate housing.

The facilities range from psychiatric assessment centers to family-style homes and apartments, transitional living for adults ages eighteen to twenty-four years old, and a wide variety of recreational amenities from sports, horse and animal care, vocational training, and outdoor adventure to arts programs such as photography, music, dance, and theater. Through the years, the HCYR has steadily expanded its facilities and increased its support through individual and corporate donors as well as year-round support of the HCYR Auxiliary and the HCYR Thrift Shop.

Rising from the ashes

However, on the evening of November 13, 2014, tragedy struck when a fire completely engulfed the recently upgraded fine arts building which included the Black Box Theater, costume shop, recording and photography studios, and equipment, valued at $500,000. No strangers to obstacles or miracles, the Priours, along with the HCYR family and many generous supporters, began the arduous fund-raising and construction process. They finally opened the Perry and Ruby Stevens Fine Arts Center in 2019, with a resident art show overflowing not only with talent, but especially with poignant reflections of their personal journeys so riveting that scarcely a visitor left without shedding tears.

Creating a bouquet Kathy says, “Ashley asked if I knew anyone who would be willing to plant a few flowers in the fine arts center courtyard. I said, ‘Are you serious? I’m the Hunt Garden Club public relations director!”

Kathy immediately realized the potential to mobilize the talent and resources of the award-winning Hunt Garden Club. No strangers to ambitious projects, the 116-member club already manages the Discovery Garden at the Hunt Independent School District as well as the Wildscape Garden in front of the HISD building.

These dedicated women spend countless hours not only creating and managing the garden, but also work with HISD teachers to incorporate hands-on educational opportunities for the students in the Discovery Garden. Most recently Kathy also personally led the initiative to renovate the Hunt welcome sign.

She knew she needed money and labor, but first had to sell the idea to the board. “They asked me, ‘How are you going to make this happen?’ I replied, ‘We’re going to have a party!’”

Kathy brought the concept before the membership, adding an idea about including a student art auction, and received overwhelming support from the membership.

That was November 2019. She had little time to raise the necessary funds, plan a relatively maintenance-free garden, and determine how to pay for it all in time for spring planting.

She enlisted the help of Kelley Conley, who also serves on the board of the HCYR. With support from HGC President Gretchen Harris, Kathy ran full steam ahead with a Chili in the Barn party theme for February 28 at Bridget’s Basket with music provided

by Danny Feller, Exit 505, and Callie Ann Hensley.

Only one thing remained slightly incongruous with the spectacular new fine arts center, complete not only with a theater, but also state-of-the-art dance, photography, art and recording studios. The vacant courtyard leading into the spectacular new facility was a stark juxtaposition. Something had to be done.

An art major with a retail and marketing background, Kathy organized a still life art class for HCYR students and asked local artist Nancy Huffman to lead it. Sponsored by Edythe and Booka Michel, within two hours the children produced ten beautiful paintings in preparation for the event. Chili in the Barn was open to the public for optional donations; more than two hundred people attended to support the HCYR and the HGC—not to mention enjoying Bridget’s delicious chili.

That’s where HCYR’s effervescent development director Ashley Phillips stepped into the picture by identifying an equally kindred spirit—Hunt resident Kathy Freeman. Originally from Houston with decades of retail experience, Kathy’s petite ballerina frame belies her firebrand nature and active ranching lifestyle.

Suzy and Larry Johnson purchased four of the ten paintings, auctioned by Danny Feller. Other buyers included Edythe and Booka Michel, Chris Booker, Joanna and Curtis Wright, Carol and Geoff Gannaway, Sandy Griffin, and Judy and Harold Wilson. Proceeds of almost $13,000 went directly to fund the continue to next page HCYR Stevens Fine Arts Center garden.

KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | SEPT-OCT 2020 | 23

Continued from previous page

Shower of flowers

Simultaneously, former HGC president Karen Taylor led the planting project with help from Carla Stang, Hill Country Master Naturalist, and Bernadell Larson, Hill Country Master Gardener.

Together they developed a plan for a pollinator garden featuring native perennials and other drought-tolerant, deer-resistant plants such as Coreopsis, Flame Acanthus, Purple Skullcap, Gregg’s Mistflower, Red Yucca, Lantana, American Beautyberry, Copper Canyon Daisies, Milkweed and Louisiana Wild Iris.

Kathy states, “Plants were selected to give color to the garden from early spring through late fall, with an emphasis on feeding butterflies and bees. Our hope is that it brings a sense of calm to the children and can also be used as a learning tool.”

Originally the HGC planned to include an interactive planting program with the children. Sadly, the COVID-19 quarantine coupled with rain altered plans. Larson and husband Stu Thompson installed the French drain. A small group of women prepared the soil and planted in April.

“I couldn’t believe it,” shares Kathy. “People were so supportive, especially HGC President Gretchen Harris. It’s all about a gift for the children.”

Chili in the Barn at Bridget's Basket.

24 | SEP-OCT 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

Talented HCYR kids contribute art for the fundraiser.

Garden of hope

Gary Priour explains, “The Hunt Garden Club is a very special group—they never gave up as the Corona challenges hit and amplified. Once our plan for having a big planting day that included all the Club members and the children went the way of social distancing, they figured out how to send out teams to accomplish the project one walkway, one planted section, one decorative feature at a time. Each team is obviously skilled and working from a common plan. I loved passing them at work there in the courtyard and saying ‘hello’ out the window.”

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Eventually the women and the HCYR will host a dedication ceremony and an interactive lesson for the children in the garden. In the interim and for years to come, the women hope the garden will give the children hope and inspiration for tomorrow.

Kari is an award-winning writer living in Ingram, Texas.

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W ELL N ESS Second in a series addressing current mental health tools, needs, and trends.

On the RUN

By Dana Cardwell, LPC, LCDC

S

eventy percent of us will be affected by trauma in our lifetime. In the last issue I described being cyberstalked and moving forward with my life. Now I want to focus on natural healing for “hijacked minds.”

Dana Cardwell, LPC, LCDC 26 | SEP-OCT 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

escaping psychotropic drugs, naturally In my lifetime I’ve completed an Ironman race, four Half-Irons, seven marathons, too many half-marathons to mention, and many smaller races—but those were not life-changing. People talk about the runner’s high or the high you get after an endurance race, but mine were different.

In fact, I think I did those races because I was not able to feel and tried so hard to push my body to actually feel—something. Anything.

Life-changing events Besides marrying my amazing husband and having my beautiful daughter, there are only two life-changing events in my life— reading Anatomy of an Epidemic (R. Whitaker, 2015) and going to Rythmia in Guanacaste, Costa Rica this year.

Anatomy of an Epidemic confirmed so much for me. It confirmed that psychotropic meds don’t cure an imbalance in the brain and can sometimes even create a brain imbalance. For some taking anti-depressants or anxiety meds, the brain doesn’t make serotonin/dopamine/GABA/norepinephrine on its own and they become dependent on a synthetic (man-made) drug to fill these substances’ receptors. The brain develops a dependence on the drug.

Further complicating the matter, some teens and young adults on these drugs present as if they are bipolar. But it may be the psychotropic medication or it could be simply the trauma they have endured. Trauma may look like one is bipolar, but it could be the brain’s amygdala that’s in constant smoke-alarm mode and is hyper-vigilant to stay safe. Asking someone, “Why are you over-reacting?” and telling them, “So you just got raped or pushed down a flight of stairs? You need to relax, here take this medication, you’ll feel better soon”—is not always the answer.

Being on anti-depressants for over twenty years, I believe myself one of many females re-victimized after experiencing a trauma.

In my book Hyper, I wrote about my anger, fear, and depression after an assault and violence. I went on to write how I became empowered by becoming an Ironman finisher. Not that I would recommend participating in major endurance races while taking those meds.

During the events I had low blood pressure and fainted, or my blood sugar went so low I couldn’t continue, or I’d get easily dehydrated. After endurance races, I often received bags of IVs in the medical tent. I truly believe the medication led to a major imbalance in my electrolytes and normal body chemistry.

The body is made to repair itself, not to be bandaged up with synthetic meds. The molecular make-up of the psych meds are not the same as what your body chemistry makes naturally.

In my twenties, anti-depressants led to anxiety and anti-anxiety meds led to sleeping pills. Luckily, I stopped the valium and sleeping pills after taking them for a short time and feeling worse while on them. After unsuccessfully trying to come off antidepressants in my thirties, I decided I had to find another way not to be a slave anymore to the big pharmaceutical companies.

These companies made so much money off me that I could have bought a shiny, new Ferrari. I was being a good patient by being patient and waiting for a sign. That sign came in the form of the documentary The Sacred Science. I then read the book The Sacred Science (N. Polizzi, 2018). Polizzi writes that naturopathic medicine teaches us that the natural properties can heal us and that we don’t need to be masking our symptoms with band-aids (synthetic meds).

. . . no matter how big or small one’s trauma may be, a pill is only a Band-Aid covering up the wound.

I set up several jungle healings but felt those weren’t the right places for me (see my January 2019 article online at KerrCountyPeople.com). After watching the documentary, The Reality of Truth, I found Rythmia. Admittedly, it was expensive but very comfortable and educational—leading to a successful experience, a trip that changed my life.

Please note that my life-changing miracle didn’t come in rainbows and butterflies—it came in life-changing tears. I didn’t even know I had become sad and felt so alone, but that’s what Rythmia teaches you—that something happens around or before age seven that disconnects us from our souls and leads to our smoke alarms (amygdalas) being in constant chaos. Their goal at Rythmia is to reconnect you with your heart and soul to continue to next page become healed to live a blissful life.

KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | SEPT-OCT 2020 | 27

continued from previous page

A different way to feel better Ironically, the medicine plant ayahuasca in Quechua means “vine of the soul.” The message the plant medicine gave me is to help others who feel they have been a slave to psychotropic medication—to help those individuals who want to come off the medication to feel what they need to feel, whether it’s good or bad. I’ve been there, I can walk with them on the journey and remind them when struggles arise, and they will, that this too shall pass. It’s important to note here that negative people don’t serve us and can rewire our brains to be even more depressed or anxious. I’m gratefully now free of synthetic anti-depressants and I found my little Dana, my soul, while at Rythmia.

I want to clarify that I am not against prescribed psychiatric medication. I simply feel too many western doctors rush to prescribe antidepressants and either leave patients on the meds for a lifetime or the medication is not the right fit to begin with. For example, I’m a hyperactive person. I managed my

hyperactivity and occasional depression bouts with exercise and a healthy diet. It wasn’t until my mid twenties when I moved from Corpus Christi to San Antonio, that I started eating junk food and drinking sodas, stopped exercising, and had no social support system—leading to my increase in depression.

My goal is to impress upon doctors that a counseling therapist, a healthful diet, yoga, or other forms of exercise may be the first route to take instead of immediately placing patients on antidepressants. I lived the zombie life for too many years but I found clarification and my “Miracle at Rythmia.” Join me when I return to Rythmia in October 2020. Email me for details. If you can’t make it this year, email me for dates next year.

Contact Dana for free lunchtime mind/body wellness presentations at your business, church, or social events. Dana Cardwell, LPC, LCDC, AcuDetox, Yoga Instructor, IronChickDana@ gmail.com, visit HijackedMinds.org or call her at 830-285-5095.

Natural ways to start on the path for heal Gratitude The Daily Post (DailyPost.com, 11/2019) shared an article related to gratitude. In a ten-week study on gratitude, participants showed through functional MRIs that they had greater neural connections in the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC) which continued even three months after the study.

The study found gratitude promotes brain function even on a chemical level by releasing dopamine in the hypothalamus, leading to a decrease in stress and an increase in the body’s metabolism—an encouraging result if you want to feel better or lose weight.

As a result of the release of dopamine and an increase in the neural networks talking to the organizational part of the brain, participants saw an overall increase in self-worth and compassion for others. A nice bonus if you want to have better self-esteem and be a nicer person to others. Researchers noted that participants focusing on the positive and being grateful improved their quality of sleep while reducing feelings of anxiety and depression—additional benefits of being grateful.

It’s important to note that like exercise, being more grateful takes consistent practice. Our minds can atrophy just like our muscles. We need to exercise both, daily, to stay healthy.

Steps to becoming more grateful Keep a daily journal. List a minimum of three things you’re grateful for, daily. If you’re not ready to journal daily, at least write your grateful list.

Tell someone you appreciate them or give someone a compliment, daily.

Look in the mirror. Give yourself a compliment related to a quality you have or something you recently accomplished. Tell yourself one good thing, daily.

28 | SEPT-OCT 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy and Breath Work The symptoms of trauma can be debilitating—exaggerated startle response, hyper-vigilance, nightmares, sleep disturbances, irritability, anxiety/depression, difficulty concentrating, agitated or flat affect, feeling isolated or detached from others, avoidance, feeling disconnected from body, foggy thinking, feeling numb, impaired social or occupational functioning. Mindfulness, EMDR therapy, and yoga/breath work have been shown to improve symptoms with better retention rates than conventional psychotherapy.

EMDR taxes brain wave frequencies, i.e. high wave frequencies and slow wave frequencies, by using dual attention—taxing the working memory, allowing hippocampal activity to be moved to long-term memory. The hippocampus is responsible for long-term memories and the PFC for working memory in the present (planning, setting goals, boundaries, following through with plans, more short term memory, impulse control)—the executive function of the brain.

Trauma tends to get stuck in the amygdala acting like a smoke alarm. It triggers a fight, flight, or freeze response.

The hippocampus and amygdala are small areas in the brain, located near each other. Trauma and “getting stuck” disrupts normal thoughts, bypassing the PFC and hippocampus until EMDR is utilized to reunite neurons and link the event as an old, past memory. Trauma is then no longer experienced as so closely present. Through EMDR therapy and breath work, one can reunite and heal the brain to normal working capacity. The smoke alarm is turned off.

My life-changing miracle didn’t come in rainbows and butterflies—it came in life-changing tears.

ing stress, depression, anxiety, and trauma Breath work Breath work addresses the HRV (heart rate variable). By learning to control the HRV and our alpha brain waves, we are able to adapt and control our body’s slower waves when relaxed and internally focused as with breath work and meditation. Theta waves occur before falling asleep when we’re very relaxed and are often associated with the subconscious and creative thoughts—similar to what we may experience with a good massage when half awake/half asleep.

Delta waves take place in sleep, associated with regeneration and important for repairing the mind. Gamma waves arise with very fast bursts of high level focus and concentration, integrating information and insight, i.e. Einstein thinking.

There are many beneficial types of yoga to choose from including Hatha, Vinyasa, Bikram, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Kundalini, Restorative, Yin, and Aerial. According to Harvard Mental Health and Dr. Bessel van der Kolk (The Body Keeps the Score), studies by Amy Weintraub (Yoga for Depression) and Dr. Michele Riberio (Yoga for Trauma) show that yoga can reduce the impact of stress, decrease anxiety and depression, and increase one’s own self-soothing skills by improving overall well being and clarity. I have personally trained with each of these professionals and highly recommend yoga.

Prozac and PTSD Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a pioneer psychiatrist in the field of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder, helped coin the term PTSD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. In 1989, he conducted one of the very first studies with Prozac and trauma patients—Vietnam veterans and adults with childhood trauma.

Subjects for Dr. van der Kolk’s study were traumatized patients who didn’t respond to psychotherapy. He found Prozac helped the severely traumatized patients reflect on themselves in the present, whereas in the past they effectively were stuck in a hijacked mind of fight, flight, or freeze. Trauma sat in these patients’ amygdala, causing emotional dysregulation and not permitting reflection to take place in the cognitive part of their brains—the prefrontal cortex/executive function part of the brain.

Interestingly, Dr. van der Kolk notes that today he feels yoga/ mediation and EMDR are more important than chemical drug components for the brain to naturally work through trauma and release it from the amygdala. His book, The Body Keeps the Score, has valuable information on trauma research and how the body reacts to trauma.

By doing daily gratitude exercises, EMDR therapy, and breath work, you can rewire your brain to be more optimistic, more compassionate, and more peaceful. Life can be stressful but with these ingredients you can make sweet lemonade out of sour lemons.

Trauma tends to get stuck in the amygdala acting like a smoke alarm.

KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | SEPT-OCT 2020 | 29



by Howard Freeman

Liberty Kitchen

W

hen I once asked an attractive female friend who her ideal date would be, she told me with a laugh, “Well, I definitely wouldn’t want him to be as good looking as me.”

Point made. Two bright lights leave no room for sparkle.

And so it is with the stuffed pork loin and mashed potatoes at Liberty Kitchen. The mashed potatoes are good, really good as far as mashed potatoes go, but the true star is the stuffed pork loin—that’s worth writing home about.

If you’re looking for a good restaurant in Ingram, Texas, make your way to the restaurant that used to be on downtown Kerrville’s Earl Garrett Street. It’s rebranded itself and moved in with our cowboy neighbor to the west.

30 | SEPT-OCT 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

Getting there . . . getting it right If you Google “Liberty Kitchen” you may see something about the former Heritage Kitchen. You’re in the right place.

The rebranded Kitchen moved west to Ingram and opened in a new space that boasts an outdoor covered patio and indoor dining area. Original impressionist artwork treats diners inside, highlighted by a skylight or two. Bottom line—a pleasant dining room. I can’t imagine.

Goodness gracious So far, I’ve had two lunches—a hamburger with side salad and the stuffed pork loin with mashed potatoes.

Still closed to inside dining for my first lunch, Liberty Kitchen offered only takeout. I ordered indoors and since I had to wait on the bench outside for my food, the cashier asked if I’d like something to drink—because Chef Matt wanted me to be comfortable. (Dontcha love small towns?) I said water would be fine.



a dining oasis in Ingram Folks, I was told this is like triple-filtered straight-from-theheart-of-Mother Earth water. It was indeed fresh and slaked the thirst on a very hot afternoon. But the takeaway from this takeout episode is that Liberty Kitchen thinks through details like that. The service is uber-humane and even the water is good.

The burger was seasoned well, tasty, and juicy. Perhaps not as well-done as I would have liked for ordering it well done. Great nonetheless. The bun was slightly browned-to-acceptablyburned at the crown, which I happen to like. Gives it an outdoor grilled feel. The side salad came with a stellar mangobased balsamic dressing. It made the greens dance like they’d showed up at Crider’s on a Saturday night.

Now for the pork loin’s tempting menu description—“Roasted poblano, garlic, breadcrumbs, and cream cheese stuffed pork loin over our signature mashed potatoes, drizzled with a tequila-lime cream sauce.”

That’s followed by—“Texas cuisine never tasted so good.”

Frankly, it would be hard to find New York City cuisine that did either.

Let’s start with the mashed potatoes—they were uniform and competent. Could have benefited from a more generous serving of the tequila sauce. Even a 25-year sober alcoholic like me wouldn’t mind a little more tequila reduction. Still, the potatoes were quite tasty.

This is where you need one dance partner who can hold their own, and one who wears the cutoff jean shorts with boots and a silver-and-turquoise necklace.

The tequila-lime cream sauce was indeed good drizzled over the juicy, perfectly cooked pork. Definitely not undercooked like many of us worry about at home and not overcooked to the point of being—as my wife likes to call it—wood. A thin layer of nicely browned fat rimmed the meat, giving it a satisfying, salty crunch.

When I finally pushed back my plate, which had two bites of pork left and probably five forkfuls of potatoes, I felt badly because I didn’t want to waste any. But I knew I had back-toback-to-back phone calls coming up and a nap was out of the question.

Oasis in Ingram, Texas Liberty Kitchen’s dining room offers four to five booths and about eight tables, with another six to eight tables on the outdoor patio. The patio’s slatted walls provide plenty of natural ventilation. This covered outdoor dining option is set back from the street, behind Liberty Kitchen.

If you live in Hunt, Kerrville or, heck, even San Antonio, treat yourself to this oasis in Ingram, Texas. Just be sure to save me any leftovers.

Liberty Kitchen, 109 Highway 39, Ingram.(830) 367-5066 or after hours please use contact form or call (830) 343-5431.

Howard Freeman is a writer and fundraiser who was born and raised in New York City.

He and wife Karen, a native of Kerrville and artist whose work can be seen at Slate Gray Gallery in downtown Kerrville, live in Comanche Trace with their three sons. Visit Howard’s blog at AmericaDowntown.com.

Editors Note: We’ve all gotten used to things changing on a dime in this Covid world—after this article was written Liberty Kitchen changed its menu to burgers and shakes—yum—who doesn’t like a great burger? Who knows what changes lie ahead for any of us? To keep abreast of Liberty Kitchen’s news, follow it on facebook.

 KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | SEPT-OCT 2020 | 31

Kerrville Nobody sells more real estate than RE/MAX.* Stop by and let us show you why!

*As measured by residential transaction sides.

1835 Sidney Baker • Kerrville, TX 78028 • Office: 830-895-7771 500-C Main Street • Kerrville, TX 78028 • Office: 830-896-3200 32 | SEPT-OCT 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

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a natural healing therapy for these challenging times

Reiki is a hands-on technique that promotes relaxation and supports your healing at multiple levels: • catalyzes your body’s natural ability to heal • reduces stress – physical and emotional • stimulates your immune system • assists pain management

R

eiki’s energy brings your body to a place of balance that fosters healing naturally. Reiki supports other health care modalities and may increase their effectiveness.

Hospitals and patient programs, including Houston’s M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and our own South Texas Veterans Health Care System, encourage the use of this worldwide integrative therapy.

Your relaxing hour and a half Reiki appointment includes 75 minutes on a massage table. You lie fully clothed as the practitioner lightly places her hands in a sequence of positions, typically on the head, chest, and back. Reiki involves only a light touch, with no manipulation of the body.

Anne Schneider, a Kerrville Reiki Master with fourteen

years experience, is a member of The Reiki Alliance—an international organization of traditional Reiki Masters.

Schedule your Reiki session now with Anne at her Ventana Al Cielo Studio.

Interested in learning Reiki as a natural healing therapy to practice on yourself and if you choose on others, including pets? Anne’s ten-hour weekend Reiki I training is simple to learn and practical to use. Contact Anne now to register for one of her next trainings, September 25-27 or October 23-25.

Please note that private Reiki sessions and group trainings will follow local guidelines in place at the time for personal safety during the pandemic.

KERR ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER Earl Garrett Street ● Downtown Kerrville

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Anne@ReikiTexas.info or (830)739-5828. Visit her website at ReikiTexas.info.

KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | SEPT-OCT 2020 | 33

W ELL N ESS

Arm Yourself Against Infection

by Sabrina Griggs, RPH

W

hether it be Covid or one of the other garden variety diseases that no one talks about anymore, your own immunity is always your best defense. And the path to building that immunity is through proper nutritional supplementation. While eating healthy is laudable, our food supply no longer provides sufficient levels of nutrients to maintain good health and immunity.

Vitamin C has long been known for building immunity, take at least 3,000-6,000 milligrams daily when well. If any symptom of infection pops up, increase to 1,000 mg per hour while awake, excess will be excreted without harmful side effects. Zinc is a powerful player in immunity as well. It is known to stop the replication of viruses (hint, hint). Daily recommendations vary with 80 mg being the current trend, we lean toward 50 when well, 100 at onset of symptoms. Next up is Vitamin D, ideally combined with Vitamins A and K in the proper ratio. A topquality multivitamin should provide trace minerals and vitamins.

Because 70% of immunity begins in the gut, daily probiotic

support is essential. Omega 3s (EPA/ DHA) maintain cardiovascular health and brain function.

Additionally, boosting nitric oxide production reduces oxidative stress and supports the cardiovascular system. The herb echinacea is a powerful immune booster available in many forms. Quercetin improves the bioavailability of zinc, similar in action to hydroxychloroquin. NAC (n-acetyl cysteine) protects mucous tissues of the nasal and oral passages and acts as an antioxidant and expectorant.

For more in-depth information and the best products to support your immunity, drop by the Apothecary Shoppe, your only locally owned compounding pharmacy and the area’s premier wellness center.

Sabrina Griggs, RPH, has thirty years of broad-spectrum pharmaceutical and nutritional healthcare knowledge. She is the owner/pharmacist at Apothecary Shoppe, 1228 Bandera Hwy, Kerrville.

830-257-0732.

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www.hillcountryaudiology.com 34 | SEPT-OCT 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

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CO MM U N I TY

Everybody needs a PAL, a Hot Meal, and a Warm Smile

I

t’s great that many of our seniors live independently—but what happens if they should fall, become ill or need assistance? The Dietert Center’s PAL is here to help, 24/7.

Our PAL—Personal Alert Link—emergency response systems provide peace of mind for anyone living alone. The home systems consist of a small water-proof help button that is worn around the neck or wrist. A press of the button summons an operator—any time of the day or night. There’s also a home system whose button automatically activates when a fall occurs.

Or the PAL MobileCare which works anywhere there is cell phone service! This wearable PAL allows the user to speak directly into the device to talk with the operator, wherever they may need help, even if away from home or traveling. The PAL MobileCare automatically activates if a fall is detected and locates the user via GPS technology.

Unlike other systems sold on the internet, friendly Dietert staff will install the PAL of your choice plus provide on-going service and support. There’s no equipment to buy or long-term contracts.

Quality Care.

by Brenda Thompson

For 50 years, Dietert has been feeding Kerr County’s elderly. A hot, nutritious meal is the lifeline that keeps many of our seniors independent and in their homes.

Every weekday, Dietert’s Meals On Wheels program provides a hot lunch and warm friendship to approximately 300 homebound seniors. More than 68,000 meals were delivered by smiling, dedicated volunteers in Kerr County last year. No senior in Kerr County should go hungry!

Help feed a senior by donating meals for a day, a week, a month, or even a year. Secure donations may be made on our website, DietertCenter.Org, mailed or dropped off. Our seniors thank you!

For more information about PAL or Meals on Wheels, call (830) 792-4044.

Brenda Thompson is the Dietert Center’s Executive Director.

Contact her at 830-792-4044, ext. 247, or visit the Center’s website: DietertCenter.org. The Dietert Center is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization located at 451 Guadalupe Street in Kerrville.

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KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | SEPT-OCT | 2020 | 35

INSUR INSURAANNCE CE TITIPPSS

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When youknow knowainformation ahurricane hurricaneisis expected, Service (IRS) can provide more on types of 2. Most states your require youfor to the apply for one or licenses, prepare of impact. prepare yourhome home for thepossibility possibility ofmore impact. business structures. permits or identification numbers.

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Also talk to your State Farm® agent about special small business insurance needs. You'll want to do your best Also, prepared with aaHome Inventory might Alsobeing talk to your State Farm® agent about special small Also, being prepared with Home Inventory mightbe behelpful helpful to protect the investments you've made, and important ififbusiness you to claim in case of lost needs.

You'll want to your youneed needinsurance tofile filean aninsurance insurance claim inthe thedo case ofbest lostor or coverage can vary by business. We are small business owners damaged possessions, help settlement, and to protect the investments you'veaamade, and important damaged possessions, helpsecure secure settlement, andprove prove and would love to help you get started on your dream today. coverage can vary byproperty business.loss Wefor aretaxes. small business owners useful when verifying useful when verifying property loss for taxes. and would love to help you get started on your dream today.

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36 | SEPT-OCT 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE 36| | SEPT-OCT SEPT-OCT2020 2020 | | KERR KERRCOUNTY COUNTYPEOPLE PEOPLEMAGAZINE MAGAZINE 36 36 | SEPT-OCT 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

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ome Things Are Difficult to Face Putting things off never makes things easier—only harder.

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The Bulbs of Fall

by Trena Cullins

For the price of a coffee shop coffee you can start a bulb garden that will multiply year after year. Most spring-blooming bulbs are planted in September and October.

Bulbs are rhizomes, which are horizontal subterranean plants—notably different from a true root as they have bulbs, nodes, and leaves. Rhizomes naturalize and multiply quickly—the reason you dig up and separate them in August every two or three years. Replant rhizomes with a generous helping of bulb food in an area that is sunny for four to six hours per day.

Irises are a favorite bulb and naturalize well here. Daffodils, also known as narcissus, are another naturalizing bulb for our area. These, along with grape hyacinths, paperwhites, and amaryllis also naturalize. These also need to be divided every few years.

Inspect your plant divisions for signs of

disease and root-damaging insects such as wireworms, weevils, and grubs. If needed, a good garden dust applied to the soil before replanting should stop them doing any harm. Application of beneficial nematodes in the spring and fall also assures a pest-free environment.

A little bulb gardening in the fall will bring you generations of gorgeous blooms in the spring.

Texas Master Certified Nursery Professional Trena Cullins (#4985) has been with The Plant Haus 2 for twenty years. Trena and her experienced staff have the knowledge to serve your gardening needs. 604 Jefferson, Kerrville. 830-792-4444.

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KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | SEPT-OCT 2020 | 39

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