Wimberley Valley News & Views - Vol. 26 Issue 12 - November 2023

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Volume 26 Issue 12 • Wimberley, Texas • November 2023 Page 1

Wimberley Valley News & Views | November 2023

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Wimberley Valley News & Views | November 2023

Gratitude

Wimberley Valley

Summer felt like forever and now I can’t believe November is actually here! I am so grateful to be able to sit on our porch swing and feel a gentle breeze while whispy grey clouds float by like angels.

We have such a special issue for you this month. The beautiful glass pumpkins from Wimberley Glassworks grace our cover. We had the pleasure of watching a few of these gorgeous gourds being created in their hot shop. Our family was captivated and I have a renewed appreciation for all things glass. They make it look so easy but their artistry is decades in the making. I highly recommend a trip to Wimberley Glassworks to peruse their beautiful pieces (both art and functional) and watch glass being blown.

There’s nothing like it.

We’re also grateful to be featuring the Bell House Wimberley in this issue. They’re excited to announce their availability as venue for rehearsal dinners, bridesmaids lunches, and small weddings.

It’s another magical space in this enchanted town for gathering with family and friends – in love and deep gratitude for our time together.

Happy November, y’all.

– Cyle

•

NEWS & VIEWS Editor, Publisher Cyle Elizabeth Johnson Ad designer, Publisher Joey Johnson Cover Wimberley Glassworks

Entire contents copyright ©2023. Reproduction of any of this publication requires written permission of publisher. We are not responsible for the products and services advertised or the views contained in this publication.

Shinrin-yoku

by Tim Thompson

The windswept plains of the Da- ments have shown measurable physiological and psychological kota Territory where my grandfather health benefits from spending time viewing forests and breathing was born were nothing like the shel- the forest air. The Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and tered fjord in Norway from whence Fisheries actively promotes personal contact and immersion in the his grandparents came. The American atmosphere of the forest as a health benefit. plains offered land – lots of land – but The heavily wooded cedar-oak plateau where we live provides hardly any trees, leading most settlers parkland and private forests perfect for the practice of forest bathto build homes from the materials at ing. I recommend spending some time getting reacquainted with hand, namely, the thick sod of the tall grass prairie. It was in one the beautiful trees, shrubs, and wildlife of the Texas Hill Country of those sod houses that my grandpa was born in 1885. His stories as soon as you can! of learning to live peacefully with neighboring native villages and Horticulturist Tim Thompson has managed the garden center at regular visits from wolf packs made for fascinating firsthand re- King Feed and Hardware for the past 25 years. They offer everycounting of the American west. thing you need to have the garden of your dreams without stressMissing from his early life were the trees that cover so much of ing your budget. Pick up Tim’s Tips, free one page sheets on how the continent. Fueling the growth of a young nation, forests from to carry out dozens of gardening projects available only at King the east coast to the Mississippi valley provided nearly everything Feed Nursery. Call Tim at 512 847 2618. settlers needed to make a new life from housing to trapping and hunting with wild berries and fruits along the way. Life beyond the forest was hard to imagine and even harder to accomplish, so it is not hard to understand why he spent much of the rest of his life as a dairy farmer in the heavily wooded Cascade foothills.

Our species has a long-time relationship with wooded landscapes, sometimes making lives that depend on lumber and fuel from the trees, and often relying on the presence of food and water available in the forest. That deep and lasting connection has brought humans to a near supernatural relationship with forests.

The Japanese department of health recommends “Shinrinyoku,” which translates to “forest bathing” in English. Experi Page 3 Wimberley Valley News & Views | November 2023

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

• Every 2nd Mon. Wimberley 4H meets during the school year at VFW Hall, 401 Jacobs Well Road, 7pm, 6:30pm Clover Kids • Every 3rd Mon. The Wimberley Area Parkinsons Association meets at the Chapel of The Hills Church, 14601 RR 12 in Wimberley from 9-11am. Caregivers, friends, and relatives are welcome.

Guest speakers and general discussion. Parkinson’s exercise program. Email Paul, Paulwilj99@gmail.com.

• Every Mon. Celebrate Recovery 6:30-8:30pm, Cypress Creek Church, in the den. 512-847-1222 or CelebrateRecovery@CypressCreekChurch.com. Potluck at 5:30pm every 2nd Monday.

• Every 2nd & 4th Monday, The Wimberley Chapter of Overeaters Anonymous meets at 7pm, at the Wimberley Presbyterian Church, 956 FM 2325, Wimberley, TX 78676. (3rd door from the right). For more info, call or text Aida at 512-787-8313.

• Mon. November 13, Jacob’s Well Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Emily Ann Theater in Wimberley at 9:40am, for chat time and 10am for our business meeting. JacobsWellNSDAR@gmail.com for more.

• Mon. Toddler Time, Wimberley Village Library, 10:30-11:30am, beginning January 9.

• Every Mon. Stroller Strides workout, 9am, Wimberley First Baptist Church, contact Summer 512 644 4198 or email SMWimberleyDS@fit4mom.com • Every Tues. Bilingual Spanish Storytime, 10:30-11:30am, Wimberley Village Library • Every Tues. 6:30-8pm. Community Bible Study, an interdenominational Bible study. To register contact Karen Bryson at 512 644 8805 or KB17@TXState.edu.

• Every 3rd Tues. The Lions Club meets from 6pm-8pm at the Wimberley Community Center. Call 512-847-0207 for info.

• Every Tues. at noon, Rotary Club of Wimberley meets at the EMS Classroom on Twilight Trail. Carolyn Manning is our President, 512-558-1626, Director@WimberleyLibrary.org • Every 1st Tue. The Wimberley Community Center hosts free medical checks 9:3010:30am. Call 512-847-2510.

• Every Wed. Stroller Barre workout, 9am, Wimberley First Baptist Church, contact Summer, 512 644 4198 or email SMWimberleyDS@fit4mom.com • Every 1st Wed. 5:30-7pm, Wimberley Valley Arts & Cultural Alliance (WVACA) mixer at Middleton Brewing. Members & non-members meet, mingle, share ideas, learn about upcoming events, get involved. All are welcome. WimberleyArts.org.

• Every Wed. Join Wimberley Valley Chamber of Commerce for breakfast at the Wimberley Cafe for networking opportunities, 8-9am. Bring lots of business cards.

• Every 3rd Wed. Sept. thru May, 9:30am-12pm. Hill Country Unit of the Herb Society of America, Wimberley Presbyterian Church.

Visitors welcome! Refreshments 9:30am. Program 10am. HillCountryHerbs.org or Valentine_Lisa@msn.com.

• Every Wed. Spanish for Homeschool Teens, 12:30-1:30pm • Every 1st Thur. The Wimberley Alzheimer’s Caregiver’s Support Group meets at 12:30pm at the Presbyterian Church Library on FM 2325. Contact Linda Germain at 512-924-3661.

• Every 2nd Thursday, Hill Country Bead Society meets at 1pm at the Wimberley Community Center. All levels and types of beading and metal work. Marilyn Pierce at 512-722-3549.

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

•Every 3rd Thur. Live concerts at Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse, 7:30pm; $20-25 adults, $5 children. Food, coffee, soft drinks available. Corner of RR 12 & CR 1492 (Wimberley United Methodist Church.) WimberleyUMC.org Proceeds benefit Barnabas Connection & Mother’s Day Out scholarships. Thurs. November 16: Dale Watson • Every Thurs. Gentle Yoga 10-11am, Wimberley Village Library • Every Thursday, Master Gardeners at the Library, 2-5pm • Every Fri. Wimberley VFW Post 6441 hosts bingo nights. Doors at 6:30pm with food concession. Earlybird games at 7:00pm.

Regular games start at 8pm. Visit vfw6441.com/bingo • Fri. Storytime, 10:30-11:30am, Wimberley Village Library • Every Fri. Stroller Strides workout, 9am, Emily Ann Theatre, contact Summer, 512 644 4198 or smwimberleyds@fit4mom.com • Every Fri. Stroller Strides Playdate with Kids Craft Fridays, 10am, Emily Ann Theatre, contact Summer, 512 644 4198 or email SMWimberleyDS@fit4mom.com • Every Fri. Story Time, 10:30-11:30am, Wimb. Village Library • Every 2nd Sat. Wimberley’s Second Saturday Gallery Trail. Visit ten galleries for art, food, fun, 4-7pm. Email BentTreeGallery@ gmail.com. Have a glass of wine & enjoy art after hours.

• 1st Sat. Wimberley Market Day, 7am-3pm, rain or shine • 1st Sun. of every month, Wimberley Coffee & Cars, 8am-11am, at Blanco Brew located at 14200 Ranch Road 12

• November 10, 9am, Wimberley First Baptist Church, Fit4Mom Wimberley first anniversary celebration • November 22 , Stars Over Wimberley with Sarah Jarosz, 7:30pm, Wimberley Players Theatre, 450 Old Kyle Road in Wimberley $100 reserved seat tickets for the benefit concert go on sale October 25 at 9am, visit StarsOverWimberley.org • Thursday, November 30, 7:30-9pm, 7A Ranch, Outlaws in the Opera House Comedy Showcase, $15-$40. Visit EventBrite.com • Thursday, December 7, The Bell House Wimberley, cooking class with Chef Sibby Barrett & Saturday, December 9, cooking class with Chef Doug George. TheBellHouseWimberley.com for class details and registration.

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Wimberley Valley News & Views | November 2023

Have something to add to the Calendar of Events? Email us at info@WVNewsViews.com or call us, 512 375 5590.

The alkaline state Last month, we discussed how water is our most precious resource and how pristine the water must have been that our hunter-gatherer ancestors had access to. The water that came from natural aquifers then would have been rich in magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium, and other trace minerals which would have caused it to be naturally alkaline.

You may be asking what is alkaline?

Alkalinity is the measure of a substance’s resistance to acidity.

This brings us to the pH scale which measures whether a substance is acidic or base. The scale has values ranging from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (the most basic). The pH scale in regards to water is really the measure of the relative amount of free hydrogen and hydroxyl ions in the water. If water has more hydroxyl ions than hydrogen ions it is alkaline and will have a pH higher than 7. The benefit of water having a higher pH is that once the ionized antioxidant in the form of hydroxyl ions (oxygen molecule with an extra electron) donates its extra electrons to free radicals (oxygen molecule that is missing one electron) you are left with lots of oxygen. One of the benefits of having all the extra oxygen in the body is the boost in energy.

The most important benefit is the ability to scavenge free radicals.

Free radicals are unstable atoms that are formed during metabolism or by exposure to environmental toxins. In excess, free radicals can damage cells, cause diseases, and accelerate aging. This is why it is so very important to keep your body in an alkaline state

and from becoming too acidic.

Initial signs of body tissue acidity include feeling weak, tired, having low energy, experiencing heartburn, and increased dental decay to name a few. Signs of long-term acidity are far more serious and include osteoporosis, weak immune system, chronic digestive problems, joint and ligament problems, fungal and bacterial infections, and cancers. Everyone could dramatically slow down the aging process if you were to keep your skin, muscles, organs, and glands alkaline like they were when you were a baby.

This requires us to consume more alkaline foods and beverages.

I would encourage everyone to add more alkaline foods and beverages into their diet because who doesn’t want to look and feel healthier?

Rance and Betsy Mosley are the owners of Blue Jug of Wimberley and My Wimberley Office Space. Rance retired from teaching after 28 years and now manages and operates Blue Jug while Betsy teaches at Blue Hole Primary. Stop by and try the best tasting water in the Hill Country. Located at 14201 Ranch Road 12, Ste. 1.

Contact us at 512 387 1001 or email Rance@bluejug.com.

Retiring Old Glory When I was growing up, my father would fly an American Flag in front of our house for every Fourth of July, Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Pearl Harbor Day, VE Day, and VJ Day. We would all salute and say the Pledge of Allegiance while he raised the flag. After he died, my mother kept flying that same flag for many years.

Last October, my mother passed away.

All her personal effects were distributed and one thing I was left was that tattered, frayed old American flag. While it had sentimental value, I also felt it was disrespectful to keep it in service because it was so tattered and worn. I knew it would just be torn up more. It was time for it to be retired. I looked on the American Legion site, Defense Department site, and the Boy Scouts site, and they all agreed that the flag should be properly folded, treated with respect, and placed on a fire honorably. I felt like that was the proper plan rather than sticking it in the top of the closet.

So, on a bright day in October, one year after my mother had passed away, and when there had been a recent rain, it was time to make a small fire. It turns out that it was is a tough old flag and it was not going to retire easily. I tried to start a small fire, but all the matches were wet. An entire box. Great. So I went inside to get

by Rance and Betsy Mosley

by Kern Deschner

the butane lighter, which worked fine in the kitchen. When I took it outside, however, it didn’t work either. I could almost hear the flag, laughing at me. Finally, I got some kindling started with a magnifying glass and poured all the wet matches on the little path of fire. They just managed to put it out. So I had to start over again.

Now it could tell that the flag was really having a good chuckle.

After much work, and a little kerosene, I finally got enough of a fire going that I could sustain with various sticks I found lying on the ground. After I got a good roaring flame, I respectfully laid the folded flag on the fire, stood back, and said the Pledge of Allegiance and then the Lords Prayer for good measure. It took awhile and I stayed to make sure it was finished, but the flag was ultimately consumed by the flames and its spirit went to be with my parents.

While I was looking at it, I knew that I was letting go of a piece of family legacy, but it was time, and was honorable. I remembered my father and uncles who fought in World War II and Korea, my grandfather, who fought in World War I, and the 14 relatives that I had on my mother’s side that fought for the Union Army in the Civil War. They all fight for Old Glory and I hope they are pleased with my attempt at respect.

Rhonda and Kern Deschner are experienced alpaca ranchers raising alpacas through all kinds of Texas weather since 1997. Tierra Prometida Alpaca Ranch can be visited by calling Rhonda at 512 753 9962, or at tierra@alpacausa.com.

Page 5 Wimberley Valley News & Views | November 2023

We are thankful for you, mama!

Moms, you are the heart and soul of our families, the unsung heroes of our lives. Every day, you wake up with a boundless well of love and dedication, ready to tackle the challenges that come your way. Your strength knows no bounds and your resilience is an inspiration to us all. It’s time to pump you up, celebrate your incredible journey, and remind you just how amazing you truly are.

First and foremost, your love is boundless. It’s a force that shapes our lives and molds us into the people we become. Your hugs and words of encouragement are the balm to our wounds and your unwavering support empowers us to chase our dreams.

Your love is a beacon of light that guides us through the darkest of storms.

Your multitasking abilities are legendary. From managing a household to building a career, you juggle countless responsibilities with grace and finesse. You’re the queen of organization, the master of time management, and the ultimate problem solver.

You’re a living testament to the idea that women can do it all and do it well.

Moms, your sacrifices are immeasurable. You put your needs and desires aside to ensure that your family’s needs are met.

You give up sleep, personal time, and sometimes even your own dreams to provide for your loved ones. Your selflessness is a shin-

by Summer Britt

ing example of love in its purest form. Your patience is infinite.

You handle temper tantrums, teenage rebellion, and all the ups and downs of parenthood with grace and understanding. You are a teacher, a mentor, and a guiding star, always there to help us navigate life’s challenges.

Moms, you’re our biggest cheerleaders. You celebrate our achievements, no matter how small, and lift us up when we stumble. Your belief in our potential is the wind beneath our wings, propelling us to reach new heights.

Today, let us take a moment to appreciate you, to acknowledge your strength, your love, and your unwavering commitment. You are extraordinary and the world is a better place because of you.

So, keep shining, keep loving, and keep being the incredible moms that you are. We see you, we love you, and we thank you for everything you do.

Summer is the owner of FIT4MOM Wimberley. She is a mother to two amazing toddlers and five fur babies, and a wife to the love of her life. She graduated from Texas State University with a BBA, majoring in marketing. She loves working out, baking, and spending time with family and friends. Contact Summer at 512 644 4198 or smwimberleyds@fit4mom.com. Learn more at SanMarcosWimberleyDS.Fit4Mom.com

Local produce, eggs, dairy & pasture-raised meats Intentionally curated to connect consumers to quality food producers in Texas.

Family meals, grab & go salads, seasonal soups & much more.

All made without the use of seed oils & real food focused.

Located at The Junction. thegoodplacetx.com 512 648 1679

Page 6

Wimberley Valley News & Views | November 2023

STAY COOK VENUE

Venue The Bell House Wimberley is a one of kind space.

We are a private Texas Hill Country home uniquely designed for rehearsal dinners, bridesmaids luncheons, & weddings.

40 people or less is our sweet spot.

Stay

We offer 2 short-term rental spaces.

4-minute walk to Wimberley square & private access to the Blanco River.

Cook

Thursday, December 7 – Chef Sibby Barrett Saturday, December 9 – Chef Doug George owner of GRAZE Visit TheBellHouseWimberley.com for class details and registration.

Page 7

Wimberley Valley News & Views | November 2023

Deep in the ART of Texas: Plein Air

by Theresa Vincent

It’s 8:00 on a Friday morning, and I and a half dozen other “plein air” artists are gathering on a hill overlooking the Wimberley valley. Everyone exchanges quick greetings, while at the same time eyeing the possibilities for the best composition. Half the group settles on distant views of the valley, while a couple of us have a go at the little cabin nearby. Another decides to try his hand at an old goat shed. The race is on – not against each other, but against the sun. Colors and light will look completely different in a very short time, and all of us will be packing it up by late morning.

Tim Donnelly The plein air approach – a French term meaning painting outdoors, on location – was pioneered by John Constable in the early 1800s, but was really developed on a broad scale by the Impressionists. With paint being available in tubes for the first time, the Monets and Renoirs could pack up their gear and head outdoors to capture the light, color, and exciting thrill of nature and life in real time.

Jim Street To learn more, scan here or visit us online at WimberleyValleyArtLeague.org For the latest news follow Wimberley Valley Art League on Instagram & Facebook.

Search Art in Public Places.

And yet, even in our own small group, the results exhibit a wide array of styles and media. Carefully executed watercolors, delightful gouache works, and loosely brushed oil paintings provide vastly different interpretations of the morning’s scenes. There’s no competition in these weekly outings; everyone works at their own pace. But for all the obstacles of painting outdoors, there is simply no substitute for the colors and vibrancy captured when painting directly from life.

Jim Street, the leader of the Wimberley plein air painters’ group, reminds me of the other reasons I keep pushing myself to paint outdoors. “Painting on location has not only changed the way that I paint, but also the speed with which I complete a painting, whether working en plein air or in the studio.”

Plein air painting is taking off everywhere in a big way, with organized competitions becoming an increasingly popular draw for both artists and art collectors alike. Six artists from the Wimberley Valley Art League recently participated in the Buda Plein Air Painting Competition, which included three days of painting at one’s own pace, as well as a “Quick Draw” competition on Saturday morning.

In spite of the quirks of painting with sunshine one minute, clouds the next, and even a quick shower, we managed to turn out some credible pieces of art. Celeste Perez Smith took third place in the main competition with her rendition of a stand of beautiful oak trees, while Jim and I each took home two Honorable Mentions. Not a bad showing for our little town!

If you’d like to join us on our Friday morning sessions, simply drop Jim an email at Jim@JimStreet.com.

You can come once a week or once a year – there are no meetings, no dues, no Upcoming Events: requirements at all other than a desire to jump in and try it out.

November 11: Pitzer Fine Arts 45 Year Anniversary November 13: Artist Presentation Lisa Motley November 17: Opening Reception WVAL Juried Gallery Show

Tim Leibrock

Page 8 Dragon Doe

Wimberley Valley News & Views | November 2023

Just enjoy & be grateful I’ve recently become aware of how much expectations and arbitrary goals have clouded my experience of joy when exercising. But really, how much does a six pack and being able to run 7 minute miles really matter? They don’t. Not when compared to moments of pure joy I remember while running or walking or climbing a boulder or playing with a ball or stick or rock without a care in the world. And by the way, it felt good to just be moving.

I remember hours of playfully exercising. I wasn’t thinking of any of my daily worries. I was just messing around and I didn’t care about any outcome. I also felt gratitude that I had the time and energy to just get out and do what felt like nothing significant – while totally doing everything that my body needed to be healthy.

Then, I started to realize I also had expectations around eating. I realize that I can eat, do it all correctly, and take all of the joy out of it. Or, I could remember how it feels to go out and just move around for the sake of moving around, and I can create that experience while eating. Turns out, I cannot eat food that is bad for me and get the same feeling. But, I can joyfully prepare the meal without any hurry and I can eat what I really feel like eating that moment.

Then, I realized I can do the same thing with people. I have a conversation and have expectation of how things should go, or I can just be there, enjoying and being grateful for the experience.

I realized long ago that often people were coming to class – whether they be karate, yoga, or Tai Chi classes – in order to get away and be free of worries for an hour. Now I realize that they can get even more if they get rid of expectations. They can simply come, enjoy, and be grateful.

Sarah Geenberg is the owner of Wimberley Karate and Yoga Studio, near Blue Hole, and OnlineSeniorsYoga.com. The yoga, Tai Chi, and karate classes are building again. Classes are offered indoors, outdoors, and online. Feel free to come check us out.

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

Trees & storm damage As a result of a recent storm in our area, a number of trees sustained damage and some of the tree and limb failures inflicted damage to properties. In fact, most damage to properties during storms is caused by falling trees and limbs. As indicated in an article by the Bartlett Tree Experts educational staff, it isn’t possible to totally protect your trees and property from storms, but risk of damage can be reduced by having a qualified arborist inspect your trees for defects and conditions that predispose them to failure.

These defects and conditions can include presence of decay in the branches, trunk, or roots; overextended branches with foliage concentrated at the ends; stems or branches of similar size that originate from the same junction; soil heaving opposite a trunk lean, and similar situations.

Proper pruning can improve weight distribution in and wind flow throughout the canopy and reduce stress on weakened areas of branches. Properly installed support cables and braces, where needed, are also effective in reducing risk of failure. Tree lightning protection systems may also be appropriate in certain situations.

Property owners should be aware that topping and lion’s-tailing are not proper pruning practices and can even increase failure risk.

Among other reasons that topping is bad for trees, it produces extensive sprouting. These sprouts can grow into branches that form weak attachments. Lion’s-tailing, an unfortunately common prac

by Sarah Geenberg

by Steven Austin

tice, removes too much foliage along the length of the branches, leaving it concentrated at the branch ends. This increases risk of branch failure, and it’s also unhealthy for the tree. If your tree has sustained storm damage, or even poor pruning, restoration pruning may be appropriate to improve structure and appearance.

Through the years, we’ve occasionally received feedback from clients who noticed that their properly pruned trees had held up better during storms than neighboring trees that had not been pruned, or properly pruned. Again, preventative maintenance of your trees doesn’t remove all risk, but it can certainly reduce it, and that’s a worthy objective.

A Wimberley resident, Steven Austin is a member of the Texas Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture and is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist and ISA Tree Worker/Climber Specialist. His expertise includes integrated pest management of trees and shrubs and state-of-the-art organic treatments. He holds a commercial pesticide license with the Texas Department of Agriculture and is Texas Oak Wilt Certified by the Texas Forest Service.

Steven is an Arborist Representative for Bartlett Tree Experts. Call 512 392 1089 or toll-free at 800 443 8733.

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Wimberley Valley News & Views | November 2023 1324 Old Martindale Road, San Marcos, TX 78666

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J. Robert

Master of The

Developing good oral hygiene habits at home by Robert Donnelly, DDS In addition to visiting the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings at least twice a year, it's important to maintain good oral health care at home. Brushing and flossing your teeth properly, as well as using mouth rinse, minimize your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

In order to effectively remove cavity-causing bacteria, you should brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day. Hold your tooth brush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth and brush in a circular or elliptical motion, pressing just firmly enough to reach between your teeth. Brushing too hard or using a sawing motion could cause your gums to recede and damage your teeth. Start brushing at the gumline and work your way down onto the teeth, brushing a couple of teeth at a time until you cover your entire mouth. Make sure to brush the outside and inside of your teeth, the chewing surfaces and between teeth, as well as your tongue.

Always make sure to use a soft-bristled brush because hard bristles can damage your teeth and gums. Old toothbrushes with worn and frayed bristles are ineffective and may harbor harmful bacteria.

Make sure to change your toothbrush every three to four months or after an illness.

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When it comes to choosing the best toothpaste for you, it's important to think about your unique oral health needs. Some toothpastes aim to alleviate pain associated with sensitive teeth or to control plaque and tartar, and even remove stains and whiten teeth. If you are not sure of the best kind of toothpaste for you, I can always help you to determine which is right for you.

Flossing is just as important as brushing your teeth. Flossing removes plaque and debris between your teeth, polishes the surfaces of the teeth, helps control bad breath and reduces your risk of gum disease. Floss for two or three minutes at least once a day, using an up-and-down motion and making sure to floss below the gumline.

Mouthwash you can use to help freshen breath and prevent tooth decay. Research shows that using a germ-killing mouthwash in addition to brushing your teeth can reduce plaque and gingivitis more that brushing alone.

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

Smelly water?

by Randy Lawrence

One major water quality issue shared type of system, but the need for extra equipment can be cost proby many of us is water which emits a hibitive for many.

Many people aren’t aware that reliable, user-friendly equipment rotten egg odor caused by hydrogen sulfide gas. This problem is unique to has been developed which will aerate and filter your water inside homes whose water source is a private a sealed, pressurized tank. This tank takes up very little space and well, as municipal and community water can be used alone or as pre-treatment for a water softener. The supplies are required to treat the water result is water that is completely free of hydrogen sulfide, iron and at the source. In the past, getting rid of any sediment that may come from your well, without the need for rotten egg odor has been inconvenient chemicals or maintenance by the homeowner. Contact your favorand expensive, but recent advances have ite licensed water treatment specialist to discuss details on how to made eliminating it a much easier task make your water smell better! to accomplish.

Randy Lawrence is the owner of ProQuality Water Systems, a One common method of treating well full service water treatment company. He is one of only six Class water for hydrogen sulfide was to inject chlorine directly into the III Certified Water Treatment Specialists in Hays County (LIC# water as it is pumped from the ground. These chlorine systems WT0002693). With over 20 years of experience he has serviced can often be maintenance intensive and prone to breakdown. It Wimberley and surrounding areas for over a decade. is also difficult to maintain a consistent level of chlorine without constant monitoring. Additionally the homeowner is responsible “When you want quality, call a pro.” for proper dilution rates so as to avoid exposure to high levels of this caustic chemical.

Another way of removing odor is to use a well water storage Water Systems tank, allowing the release of the gases. This is an effective way to remove the gas without harmful chemicals, but it typically reRandy Lawrence quires a large amount of space, as well as a separate pump to re512-618-1334 pressurize the water. Unfortunately, storing water in a tank subA (830) 822-3533 & jects it to possible bacterial contamination from outside sources. www.proqualitywater.com Ultraviolet disinfection and filtration are usually recommended when water is stored in a holding tank. There are benefits to this

Page 10 Wimberley Valley News & Views | November 2023

ProQuality

full service water treatment company specializing in customer service

integrity

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

San

Kick off your gratitude campaign Welcome the holiday season with a gratitude campaign! Show friends, family, and neighbors how much they mean to you with the following activities.

• Write letters. Identify 10-12 people to write to this month. Set calendar reminders to pick up the pen! Mail the letters as you go, so you have less to address and send at a time.

• Formula for all-star note writing...

Close your eyes and visualize the person. Describe their value in your life. Consider their personal experience and what’s going on for them. Ask yourself, How can I make this person’s day? Keep it short and sweet.

• Send a gratitude gift. Say thanks to friends or family members with a small appreciation gift like a digital card for coffee, pie for Thanksgiving, pizza delivery, a batch of fresh-baked cookies, etc. Have the gift delivered straight to their door (like a pizza or pumpkin pie from your favorite bakery) or drop it off on the porch or mailbox – just make sure to send a heads-up!

• The happiest and healthiest people understand that gratitude is a daily act. I want to take this opportunity to tell you how much I appreciate you and thank you for your business and referrals that has allowed my business to thrive. Thanks again for the opportunity to be the trusted real estate resource for you, your family, friends, and associates.

Thinking of selling? Your home may be worth more than you think. Call me for a complete comparative market analysis to see what homes in your neighborhood are selling for right now. At the end of the day, real estate is local, and I can walk you through what’s going on and how it applies to you in the Wimberley and Texas Hill Country area. If you’re considering listing your home for sale this fall – give me a call! Experience matters! I would be honored to meet with you.

This information is designed to provide a brief overview of the subject matter covered and is offered for general educational and informational purposes only.

Used with permission by the Buffini & Company.

Allison “AJ” Harwood, JD, MBA, GRI, is the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX REAL PROPERTIES. When Experience matters…Call “AJ” Today! Your Hill Country Luxury Property Expert. Member: Institute for LUXURY HOME MARKETING. He is Wimberley’s “Peak Producer” offering Professional Representation for both Buyers and Sellers in Real Estate Transactions. He may be contacted at 512.847.“SOLD” 7653 or at AJ@REMAX.net or drop by our office location at 160 South River in the South River Business Park, Wimberley, Texas 78676.

Here’s how to make a big impact on your credit score Pay bills on time. Payment history, which myFico revealed makes up about 35% of your FICO Score, has the singlebiggest effect on your credit score. By law, late payments cannot be sent to the reporting bureaus until they are 30 days overdue (though you can still incur late fees). So, while you have a short grace period, staying on top of credit card payments and making sure any outstanding bills don’t go to collections is critical – these dings can stay on your credit report for seven years.

Reduce your credit card balances... or don’t carry a balance.

We recommend setting up automatic payments whenever feasible to make managing your balances easier (bonus: automating also ensures your bills will be paid on time). Paying off credit cards monthly is a great way to keep your credit-to-debt ratio down and see long-term benefits reflected in your score. Importantly, you do not need to carry a balance on your cards to improve your credit.

Apply for new accounts only when you need to. And only when you have a plan to pay them off. There should be a significant advantage to applying for a new card or line of credit and showing too much new credit can drain your score. Length of history is responsible for about 15% of your credit score, so it’s important

by AJ Harwood

by Alice Lebkuecher

to show you’ve been able to keep accounts with a long history well-maintained. Often, when making a big purchase – like a mattress or an exercise bike – the company will offer its own financing – but beware! Doing this is opening a new account and counts against your credit.

Check your credit report for errors. Like humans, lenders and credit score reporting bureaus aren’t perfect. While rare, mistakes can be made that have serious implications for your score. Lender clerical errors, giving an inaccurate SNN, applying for credit under different names, or the reporting bureau inadvertently applying loan or credit information to the wrong account are all examples of potential issues. myFICO explains how to fix errors on your report, and you can check your credit report for free once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com.

This article was written in a blog post for Sente Mortage.

Alice Gumbert Lebkuecher is a sales agent with Keller Williams Realty, Partners in Real Estate, in Wimberley. She works with both buyers and sellers in Wimberley and surrounding areas. To contact her, call her cell at 713 253 1311 or by email at AliceinWimberley@gmail.com.

Page 11 Wimberley Valley News & Views | November 2023

Year-end investment tips to consider 1. Review your investment portfolio.

• Assess how your investments have performed over the past year.

• Consider asset allocation; ensure it aligns with long-term financial goals.

2. Tax planning.

• Assess your tax situation. Optimize your investments for tax efficiency.

• Tax-loss harvesting; offset capital gains with capital losses.

• Contribute to tax-advantaged retirement accounts – IRAs and 401(k)s – before year-end deadline to maximize your tax benefits.

3. Rebalance your portfolio to maintain your target asset allocation. Sell over performing assets and buy under performing ones to bring your portfolio back in line with your goals.

4. Review your investment goals and adjust your goals if necessary based on your changing financial situation.

5. Ensure your portfolio is diversified across different asset classes, sectors, and geographic regions to reduce risk.

6. Analyze the fees and expenses associated with your investments. Look for ways to reduce costs, such as by investing in lowcost index funds or ETFs. 7. Make sure you have an adequate emergency fund in place.

8. Stay informed.

• Keep yourself updated with the latest economic and market news. Understand how global events might impact investments.

• Consult a financial advisor.

• If you're uncertain about your investment strategy, or if you're considering major changes, it can be beneficial to consult a financial advisor who can provide personalized guidance.

9. Stay disciplined. Avoid making impulsive decisions based on short-term market fluctuations. Stick to your long-term investment plan and remain patient.

10. Document your investment strategy. Update your investment plan or policy statement, documenting your investment goals, risk tolerance, and strategies.

Remember that investing involves risk, and it’s essential to base your decisions on your individual financial situation and goals. Consider seeking advice from a financial professional who can provide guidance tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.

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

Contact Scott at 512-847-0630.

Recommendations for young adults We forget as parents that when our child turns 18 that we are quite suddenly limited in our decisionmaking authority. Regardless of whether your child is still in high school, you may no longer make health care decisions for them. In fact, because of privacy laws, you have no legal right to access their medical records or speak to their medical providers. It’s a little scary.

I recommend that all adult children (18 years of age and older) who are still dependent on their parents for support, execute these basic documents: 1. A HIPAA release that allows access to medical information for persons listed.

2. Medical Power of Attorney that appoints the person(s) the adult would prefer to make medical decisions on his or her behalf if they are unable to make decisions for themselves due to extreme illness or injury.

3. A Statutory Durable Power of Attorney that names the person the adult would prefer to make financial decisions on his or her behalf if they are unable to make financial decisions for themselves due to extreme illness or injury.

4. A Supported Decision-Making Agreement that allows a parent to help them gather information, review options, and commu

by Scott G. Hackett, CFP®

by Carrie Campbell

nicate decisions on the young adult’s behalf (although not make the actual decision for them.) Young adults at university may also wish to include parents on their bank accounts to freely move funds if needed.

Eighteen-year-olds have the legal ability to contract, but need assistance understanding the rights, duties, and consequences of any specific contract – especially credit card applications, rental agreements, student loans, and/or car notes. A good decision is an informed decision. A short contracts review with an attorney experienced in contracts is a significant benefit to youth setting out into the world. Paying for an hour’s consultation is well worth the expense in avoiding financial regrets.

Carrie Campbell has lived and practiced law in Wimberley since 1997.

She is the managing partner of Mounger & Campbell law firm. Carrie is an active member of the Rotary Club of Wimberley and president of the Wimberley Village Library Foundation. She proudly has three wonderful daughters and two lively grandsons.

Page 12 Wimberley Valley News & Views | November 2023

Litigation: That glassy-eyed look She looks at him; he looks at her; they both look back at me. There it is – that look that says what in the world are you trying to tell me?!

These two nice folks and their pre-teen child were injured and have asked me to help them recover their damages from the other driver’s insurance company. I am explaining to them that I cannot represent the wife who was driving when the crash occurred and represent the husband and child as well unless they sign a waiver of the potential conflict of interest. This is one of the most difficult conferences which I encounter in my practice.

So why is there a potential conflict of interest? Even though the crash report may reflect that the driver who hit them was at fault, that driver’s insurance company might nevertheless argue that the driver of my clients’ vehicle contributed to cause the crash. Since a jury might agree that the wife was partly at fault, a lawyer acting solely in the interests of the passengers in the vehicle would sue both drivers so that no matter who was found at fault, the damages awarded by a jury would be recoverable from either or both liability insurance policies.

by Roland Brown

Failing to include the wife as a defendant could risk some, or even all of the damages, being unrecoverable. Hubby is thinking no way I’m suing my wife; she did nothing wrong! Why would you even suggest that? Of course, I have just explained why, but the concept is so at odds with typical family unity that my explanation sounds like Greek to them. I’ve had some potential clients leave to “think about it” – never to return. Perhaps some other lawyer took the case without such a careful explanation or maybe did a better job than I did in explaining it. Generally, though, the eyes clear up and the clients sign a document that says I’ve explained it all to them, they understand there is some risk in that, and they still want me to represent all of them. Usually, it all works out well. If a serious conflict should develop in a case, we would reevaluate and I might have to withdraw and let the clients retain separate attorneys, although I don’t recall that ever happening in my experience.

Attorney Roland Brown handles exclusively personal injury claims. Roland, who offices in Wimberley, has been voted HAYS COUNTY’S BEST PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY for 2020 and for 2021 in annual polls of Hays County attorneys. For more information call 512 847 2500.

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Wimberley Office

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

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Page 13 Wimberley Valley News & Views | November 2023

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Pet food trends As everyone knows, everything on the internet is true. Particularly marketing pitches and online romance scams. With so much information swirling around it can be very difficult to separate true from false, marketing from education.

The global pet food industry is worth a staggering $147.3 billion dollars in 2023. It is projected to grow annually by 11%. With numbers like these, marketers will say anything to sell anything. Let’s look at some trends and facts about pet food.

One point to remember is that cats are obligate carnivores. If they do not have the amino acid taurine in their diets, they will develop serious cardiac issues. Many people are interested in making their pet’s food at home. That is a fine option but it takes more work than just cooking up some meat. The diet must be balanced as far as essential vitamins and minerals go. It must have high digestibility, have high nutrient availability, and be palatable. Your veterinarian can provide you with balanced homemade diet recipes that meet this criteria. Re-read those first two sentences in this paragraph if you are inclined to grab a recipe off the internet.

There are some interesting trends coming in pet food. Plant

by Tracy Sheffield, RVT

based diets for dogs are coming onto the market. Properly formulated, these diets provide proper nutrition for dogs. Don’t be surprised if, in the future, you see insect based diets.

A personalized nutrition plan can be a very good idea for your pet. A consultation with your veterinarian can provide you with the best feeding guide for your pet. An online quiz about your pet’s lifestyle is unlikely to give you the personalized nutritional information you are looking for.

Labeling is often designed to confuse pet owners. Words like probiotics and glucosamine sound great but often the percentage of active ingredients in these compounds is so low that it does your pet no good whatsoever, and doesn’t do your wallet much good either.

A talk with your veterinarian at your next visit about what diet or feeding plan is best for your pet will ultimately save you both time and money. Your pet will be happier and healthier if you have this conversation.

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

Page 14 Wimberley Valley News & Views | November 2023

Specializing in Wimberley & The Surrounding Hill Country New!

New Price!

1225 Mystic Shores $125,000 Stunning 1.8 acre in Mystic Shores!

Mickey Brown

5400 FM 2325 MLS 1387557 Amazing unrestricted 72 acres. Stock tank, views. $3,600,000 Mickey Brown & Jeff Hutto

1110 Water Park Road MLS 4594748 Beautiful 3/2.5 on 5.214 acres in River Mtn Ranch. Pool & cabana. $1,490,000 Debbie Donaldson

New!

New Price!

New!

242 Victorian Gable Dr MLS 1175070 Exquisite 4/3 on .7 acre in highly desirable Howard Ranch!

Private fenced yard. $798,000 Mickey Brown

111 GW Haschke Ln Waterfront jewel on the Blanco! 3/2 on .989 acres $1,350,000 Alice Lebkuecher

52 Acacia MLS 4783472 Modern farmhouse! 3/2 with an office $499,000 Debbie Donaldson

420 Wayside MLS 3966315 2/2 with views! Zoned commercial. 4,000 sq ft warehouse. $1,100,000 Jim Donaldson

1185 Soaring Eagle MLS 7997675 Under construction. 4/2.5 two-story modern farmhouse style home. $685,000 Jim Donaldson

New!

00 Cypress Way MLS 6998213 Great 5 acre lot on Cypress Creek.

RV hook-up. $990,000 Alice Lebkuecher

210 Cave Springs Rd MLS 9213607 Beautiful 4/2 on 5.4 acres in Lost Springs. Blanco River excess. $840,000 Jim Donaldson

New!

801 Mtn Crest MLS5457690 Amazing 4/2 with office on 1.182 acres in Mtn Crest! $725,000 Debbie Donaldson

350 Climbing Way MLS 8873739 Stunning panoramic views from this 3/3. Private Blanco River Park access. $698,000 Debbie Donaldson

New Price!

810 Mountain Crest Dr MLS 3361124 1.3 acre lot in gated community of Mountain Crest.$269,000 Linda Germain

Mickey Brown 512-468-4509

New!

68 Crazy Cross MLS 3875249 Great Somerset two-story home.

3/3 plus flex room. $599,000 Alice Lebkuecher

Alice Lebkuecher 713-253-1311

Jim Donaldson 830-857-3371

810 Sandy Point Rd MLS 7249896 3/1 on 16 acres in Burnett Ranches, Blanco River Park. $850,000 Alice Lebkuecher

Debbie Donaldson 512-665-9588

1203 Lost River Rd MLS 1799443 Beautiful ranch style on 14 unrestricted ,ag exempt acres.

Workshop & apartment. $1,350,000 Jeff Hutto

Jeff Hutto 936-327-2303

Linda Germain 512-924-3661

13210 Ranch Rd.12, Ste A, Wimberley, TX WimberleyPartners.com

Page 15 Wimberley Valley News & Views | November 2023

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Wimberley Valley News & Views | November 2023 © 2023 All Rights Reserved RE/MAX LLC Each Office Independently Owned and Operated