Kerr County People Magazine May-June 2010

People Kerr County

T H E P R E M I E R M AG A Z I N E C E L E B R AT I N G T H E

From the heart the birth of

rita’s

famous tacos

COMPLIMENTARY

MAY-JUNE 2010

P E O P L E & L I F E O F K E R R CO U N T Y

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CONTENTS MAY-JUNE 2010 Dear Friends & Neighbors, Modern technology is a great complement to traditional media, so we put each issue of this magazine on our website for easy viewing worldwide.

If friends and family in distant places are happy with the digital version, it’s no longer necessary for you to send a copy via snail mail.

In addition, we now have a Facebook page which allows us to post additional photos and other items of interest that we don’t have room for in the magazine. So please check us out on the web and tell your friends and relatives around the world.

Abundant Blessings,

EVENTS 22 Riverhill Women’s Fashion Show 24 Hill Country Charity Ball 26 Tom Moore High School

ARTIC LES 5 The Ameri-con Game 8 What is the Point?

14 Rita’s Famous Tacos 16 Feed the Birds

COVER

17 DIY or Pro? 19 Title Talk

Rita Guerra Rita’s Famous Tacos

20 All about You 27 Spring Hair Trends 28 Inside the Homes of Kerr County People

Photo by Mia Church Photography 830.285.2645

31 Massage and WeightLloss 32 Road to Recovery 33 Palliative Care 34 Water vs. Cola 35 Doing it Together

Visit us online at kerrcountypeople.com Diane Ferrell Editor & Publisher diane@kerrcountypeople.com

830-285-0973 Mark A. Jackson Studio Rio Art Director mark@kerrcountypeople.com

Kerr County People PO Box 291402 Kerrville, TX 78029 KCP reserves the right to edit and/or refuse any submitted materials.

The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of KCP. Ads created for this magazine are copyrighted by Studio Rio and and may not to be used in other publications or print without permission .

All Rights Reserved Copyright 2010 Kerr County People Magazine.

37 Coping with the Heat 38 Peterson RMC Volunteers

D EPARTMENTS 6 The Arts 9 Restaurant Review 10 Kerr County Cuties 12 People & Stuff 36 Women's Health

mia church photography 2

830.285.2645

kerrcountypeople.com

May-June 2010

THE AMERI-CON GAME

by Doyle Weaver

V

ictims in a confidence game are known as marks, the crooks are called con-artists and their accomplices are known as shills. A con-game takes advantage of our greed, dishonesty, vanity, and compassion. As patriotic Americans, we in good faith have mistakenly relied on our politicians to be honest and protect us from con-artists.

The sad truth is we have become marks in one financial con-game after another and our politicians act more like shills for a small group of rich and powerful insiders who are nothing more than clever con-artists.

One of the most notable con-artists in American history was an Italian immigrant named Charles Ponzi. His name is now notoriously attached to any pyramid scheme or confidence game which are commonly known as Ponzi schemes. A Ponzi scheme can be defined as a fraudulent operation that pays financial returns to its investors from their own money, and in particular, new money paid into the system by subsequent marks, rather than from actual profits earned.

A Ponzi scheme requires an ever-increasing flow of money from new marks to keep the scheme going. Using this definition, we can see Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are structured like a typical Ponzi scheme.

For those of you who do not know, these federal programs are broke or fast going broke and are unsustainable. There are no Social Security “trust funds” in reserve to pay the ever increasing obligations promised by the programs.

These defunct federal programs are not the only financial problems Americans face. In the fall of 2008, Congress took the unprecedented action of “bailing out” some of the nation’s largest banks and financial institutions under the premise that they were “too big to fail.” The culprits, credit default swaps and derivatives, blamed for this fiasco were strange financial instruments

only insiders supposedly understand. Most of us have no clue what a credit default swap or derivative is all about, but it appears these alleged financial instruments whose defaults brought the financial world to its knees are nothing more than trillion dollar Ponzi schemes.

A bailout is where Congress unlawfully socializes an insider private debt. That means the bill for these insider fraudulent debts are handed to you, your children, your grandchildren, and your great-grandchildren to pay. Unfortunately, for the American people, there seems to be no end to the trillions of dollars of fraudulent private debt our government is willing to force upon America for the benefit of insiders.

In March of this year, Congress enacted a health care legislation which will most likely end up as much of a Ponzi scheme as the foregoing programs just mentioned.

Universal health care may only be an emotional and symbolic cover for an ulterior purpose of extracting large amounts of money from the American people and transferring it to this small group of rich and powerful insiders. If only there was an end in sight to the corruption.

As I write this article, Congress is seriously considering new “Cap and Trade” legislation.

Supposedly, we need a carbon tax to save our planet. This carbon tax program is another scheme for insiders to loot trillions for their own private benefit at the expense of the American people and their descendents.

There are so many other schemes we, the American people, are about to be fleeced with I cannot recount them all in this article.

Keep your eye on the trillions of dollars in private pension and retirement funds and proposed additional tax programs like the VAT (value added tax) or a national sales tax.

In the meantime, we, the American people, are subject to an insidious hidden tax called inflation. No new legislation is needed by Congress for this tax scheme to be implemented. Some of us may think we are immune from the impending day of financial reckoning in this country because we think we are not part of that “progressive” income tax bracket that is promised to pay the bill for everyone else. Do not be fooled. There are not enough taxpayers in this country to pay this ever accumulating American debt obligation.

The debt service alone is unsustainable.

As I write this article, crude oil prices are up to $87 per barrel. This increase in oil prices has very little to do with speculators and absolutely nothing to do with oil shortages or greedy oil companies. In the international oil market, oil is traded in United States currency.

When the Dollar loses value, it takes more Dollars to purchase the same barrel of oil. If you want to know the current value of the Dollar, just watch the price of gasoline at the pump. The higher the gasoline price, the less the Dollar is worth in all markets, not just the oil market. Inflation is just another scheme to fleece Americans and to provide an everincreasing flow of money to fuel these AmeriCon games.

Doyle Weaver earned his Juris Doctor (JD) degree from Regent University School of Law in Virginia Beach, Virginia and is licensed since 1991 in the Commonwealth of Virginia and since 1997 in the State of Texas. He is the owner of Weaver Law Group, P.C., a full service law firm in Kerrville. Mr. Weaver is also the host of the half-hour television program, The Hill Country Lawyer, currently aired each Friday at 9:30 a.m. on local, KVHC television station.

WEAVER LAW GROUP, P.C. A Professional Corporation

A FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM

Doyle Weaver Attorney At Law

830-896-3000

843 Sidney Baker St., Suite 101 Kerrville, Texas 78028 KCP │May-June 2010 │5

in Kerr County

MAY-JUNE 2010

•American West Handbags • Tex as Foods •

ARTS THE

Unique Gifts For All Occasions!

Wayne J. Este, Owner 10 01 J U N C T I O N H W Y. AT I N N O F T H E H I L L S K E R R V I L L E • T E X A S • 2 57- 4 3 0 0

•Paintings • Sculpture • Prints • Pottery•

American Indian Jewelry & Art

Fine Silver • Gemstone Jewelry

a juried exhibit featuring many of the best gourd artists in America

JUDY RICHIE

May 27 to July 11, 2010 Reception & Awards Saturday, May 29, 2010 1–3 pm

ANGELA LEXOW TERRI CAMP

MARSHA MEFFERD

NO ADMISSION CHARGE

Hours: Tues. - Sat. 10–4, Sun. 1–4

228 Earl Garrett - Downtown Kerrville KERR ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTER 830-895-2911 www.kacckerrville.com Ad for Kerr County People magazine 1/4 pg - 3.757” wide x 4.593” deep - full color

DUE: APRIL 1, 2010

May-June Featured Artist

Andy Thomas Western Artist

Giclee Print

Museum Hours: Tues-Sat 9am-5pm 1550 Bandera Hwy. Kerrville, TX 78028

www.museumofwesternart.org

830-896-2553

SECOND PLACE AWARD ($2,500)

CHARLES BROWNING MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ($3,000)

RICHIE MILLER

DANI STEVENS

Kerrville – Percussion

Kerrville – Flute

JAMES SMITH Fredericksburg – Saxophone

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THIRD PLACE AWARD - TIE ($2,000)

Fred Fellows, "An Honest Days Work"

these four fine students as they embark on their careers in the performing arts!

THIRD PLACE AWARD - TIE ($2,000)

Where The Legend Lives

,1"4 4$)0-"34)*1 8*//&34

“Our Grand Entrance�

EVANA TOLL Kerrville – Double Bass

KPAS... enriching our community through the performing arts!

have you ever wondered ... what We are so fortunate in Kerr County to have such a variety of performing arts. For a one-of-a-kind experience, you must consider “The Point”—a natural amphitheater carved into the banks of the Guadalupe in Ingram.

is the point?

enjoying the plays that begin around dark-thirty, just as the sun fades into a star-filled night above the Guadalupe.

This summer’s line-up, The Neverending Story, Cats, and A Tuna Christmas each will showcase an abundance of local talent. Season

Over fifty years ago, Edith McAshan and Mrs. Raymond B. Moses crawled through a window of an old skating rink on that site and conjured up the idea of having plays there. With little more than their

tickets are available for only $30 by calling 830-367-5121. Or visit their web site, hcaf.com for more details.

Make this your year to experience the Point.

enthusiasm, they convinced others to join the project and in June 1959, the Hill Country Arts Foundation

Summer Outdoor Theatre

opened its doors with a pavilion (the old skating rink!).

That first season was an ambitious one with six theater productions and a concert series that included a pianist, a string quartet, a soprano, and dancers. The foundation also offered a complete schedule of arts and crafts classes to support local creative minds.

The usually tranquil Guadalupe crested to a 25-year high right after the first season, washing the stage downstream. Evolution happens and many things have changed since 1959. But one thing remains the same—

Get To The Point HILL COUNTRY ARTS FOUNDATION

SEASON TICKET SALE

ROW

120 Point Theatre Rd S Ingram, TX 830.367.5121

Going Green April 24 - May15

2010 SUMMER OUTDOOR THEATRE ADMISSION TO 3 SHOWS only $ 30

N

First Harvest

The everEnding Story

SEAT

June 11-26 a

TUNA

Christmas Aug 6-21

Juried by Juan Granados Associate Professor at Texas Tech University

July 6-21

th

9 2 y a M s ale End

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A Regional Exhibition

DATE

EVENT

Expanding Horizons May 22-June 26

EVEN

T ID

8 │ KCP │ May-June 2010

Gallery Hours Tue-Sat 10am-4pm

Marilyn Branham, Sue Hovey and Peg Shaifer

YOUNG ARTISTS’ CAMP

YOUNG ACTORS’ CAMP

Interactive performing arts camp for ages 7-12 July 19-23 or July 26-30, 9 am-3pm $150 per week - Call for details

Juan Granados

Visit Us At

www.hcaf.com

Visual arts camp for ages 4-5, 6-7, 8-10 & 11 up July 5-9 or July 12-16, 9am - noon or 2-5pm $100 per session - Call for details

FOOD and RESTAURANT REVIEW

by Wayne J. Este

Hamburgers

in West Kerr

I’ve always enjoyed a good hamburger, be it lunch or dinner, and yes, sometimes breakfast. I decided to try local cafes in search of the very best.

Meanwhile my belt buckle remained in the same spot, but the notches on the leather shifted.

Since I drive from Hunt to Texas, etc. in Kerrville each day I thought this would be an opportunity to compare burgers (beef!) along that route.

The Hole in the Wall at 2590 Junction Highway, is like walking into a 50s or 60s diner—posters of famous stars, cars, and 45 RPM records cover the walls. Remember 45s? The prepared-to-perfection half-pound burger is served on their own homemade bun, making it a tasty burger. The fries were just okay. The folks there are very friendly and the café is spotless!

The log cabin on the corner of Highway 39 and Old Ingram Loop houses the River Café. The owners have a long history in food service and are very hospitable. The décor is simple, but fresh and clean.

Their one-third pound burger comes with your choice of sourdough, sweet white or wheat bun. I like the sourdough with the juicy 80/20

blend of beef cooked to your desire; here you can order never-frozen, fresh-cut fries or homemade chips. I can recommend both. They boast about their “Hot Dam Ruben,” so give it a try.

A long time favorite has been The Hunt Store. Located on Highway 39, in beautiful downtown Hunt, you’ll find the outside looks the same, but the new owners have rearranged the inside. The improvements are good and the burgers remain great. You assemble your eight-ounce burger on a sesame seed bun with a plate of fresh lettuce, onions and tomatoes. Their seasoned fries are always my choice. The Hunt Store is a fun place to take those visitors who want to experience an authentic Texas country store/café.

I invite your comments. Why not make May and June “Try Local Burgers Months”? I’ll be waiting to hear from you.

Wayne and Pam are residents of Hunt and own Texas etc., located at Inn of the Hills, Kerrville. To read Wayne’s previous reviews, go to kercountypeople.com.

HOMEMADE SOUPS • 24ft SALAD BAR SANDWICHES • QUICHE PLATE COFFEE BAR • HOMEMADE DESSERTS FULL SERVICE BLUE BELL ICE CREAM BAR

A

Ta s t e Of Ol d M e x ic o Bistro Style

When you dine at Francisco’s, whether

inside or out, you are warmed to the soul.

There’s a hint of history, a concoction of traditions going back for centuries.

A Taste of Old Mexico in the Heart of Downtown Kerrville!

M-W 7 am – 3 pm TH-FRI 7 am – 4 pm SUN 11 am – 2 pm

We’re Not Your Typical Salad Bar

NOW OPEN SATURDAYS 11am-2 pm

R E S T A U R A N T

Lunch 11 - 3 Mon - Sat Dinner 5:30 - 9 Thurs - Sat

201 Earl Garrett ● Kerrville ● 257-2995

225 Earl Garrett Kerrville

896-0107

KCP │May-June 2010 │9

y t n u o C r r Ke Cuties Gideon West Kerr, 15 months Submitted by Mom Kim Kerr, Leakey Thea Ratza, 10 months Submitted by Grandmother Rhonda Ratza, Kerrville

MOTHER’S DAY

Josephine Leigh Jons, 4 months Submitted by Hugh & Kamme Jons, Kerrville

Keithan Edward Garcia, 5 days Submitted by parents Nathan and Kendra Garcia

Teleflora’s Rainbow Pitcher Bouquet

pour on love.

410-A Main Kerrville, TX

The

Rose Shop

257-8311 theroseshopkerrville.com 10 │ KCP │ May-June 2010

Custom Picture Framing Creative Design Excellent Selection Quality Craftsmanship Professionally Trained Staff

410-b Main St. • Kerrville • 895-2006

Napa FireLites produce a dramatic flame that crackles and dances as if to music. NapaFireLites are an unexpected addition to any romantic evening, dance party, poolside celebration or whatever you can imagine.

Deco Breeze Figurine Fans

As seen in Country Living and Décor magazines. Each Figurine Fan is artistically sculpted in beautifully colored ironwork and stands majestically on any table or desk. Measuring up to 23” inches in height, these unique decorative fans are made with top-quality 20 watt copper-spun motors and are ideal to make any personal space more comfortable.

With its decorative appeal, a Figurine Fan can easily become a permanent part of any desk, vanity, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom or other personal space décor ensemble,adding a decorative dimension and making it easily accessible for frequent use.

Celebrate Mothers’ Day Graduation Summer Fun 25% Off Storewide thru June

Izzi Bear 

The Most Complete Children’s Store in the Hill Country

Including A Collection Of Fine Ladies Wear & Mothers-To-Be Registry!

Scandle Massage Candle We’ve all seen the steamy movies where one character decides to turn up the heat by pouring hot candle wax on the other. Though the scene makes for hot cinema, the reality is usually a painful mess.

That’s where the Scandle Massage Candle comes in.

Though the name may be a little hokey, the Scandle Candle, which burns at only two degrees above normal body temperature, offers a little warmth without the burn.

Instead of wax, the candle produces a soothing, fragrant massage oil for a romantic treat.

227 Earl Garrett • Kerrville, Texas • 830.896.1033 • Open 10-5 Mon-Sat

PJ Harlow Loungewear Put it on day or night and you will truly experience complete body-clothing harmony. So soft and light you’ll feel like you’re wearing nothing at all! Its spa casual elegance sets it apart from any other loungewear on the market today.

As featured on Dr. Phil

Resort now open

You may remember the much-loved Lazy Hills Guest Ranch—it has been refurbished, fabulous new features added, and is now Lazy Hills Retreat & Conference Center. Perfect for your meetings, weddings, reunions. LazyHillsRetreat.Com. 830-367-1445.

Lyndsey Powers-O’Quinn Lyndsey insists that Lake Wobegon, Minnesota is not a mythical place—she knows this because she grew up there. She also claims it’s impossible not to develop an array of personality quirks when you share DNA with people who are so nice that four cars will sit patiently at a four-way stop all afternoon, each encouraging the other to go first. Her relatives, the people she claims were the impetus behind A Prairie Home Companion, do not understand why others find the show amusing—which, of course, she finds hilarious.

No doubt because of this early geographic quarantine she went on to become a professional wanderer. “Name the place,” she says, “and I’ve probably lived there.” Her travels around North America segued into a medley of occupations: pistachio buyer for a nut company in Chicago, various assignments at Climbing magazine in Aspen, owner

From this to this

of a personal training studio in Gloucester, Massachusetts and a 50 acre maple sugar farm in Quebec.

In her current iteration, she works as an assistant to Kerrville real estate developer, Brent Bates. In her spare time she’s a business writing consultant—rescuing dangling participles, helping clients decode the meaning of blind carbon copy, and explaining why it’s not okay to say “please find enclosed the enclosed enclosures.” She is also a part-time writer for Kerr County People—covering this issue’s story on Rita’s Famous Tacos.

When asked about her passions, she admits to a disturbing preoccupation with pinball (The Addams Family in particular), a fondness for old cemeteries, a love of observational humor, and to being a fitness and nutrition fanatic. She also confides that out of sheer necessity she’s developing a 12-step program for self-help addiction.

She lives in Hunt with her husband, Brad, her very hairy cats.

Linda Phillips & Lisa Self attended “A Toast to the Animals” benefit for the Kathleen C. Cailloux Humane Society on March 27 at the Museum of Western Art. For more photos of this event fan us on Facebook.

Do you know a deserving woman who needs a makeover? Fresh hairstyle, makeup and clothes, perhaps even a little Botox? Look for details in our next issue. Nominations accepted beginning September 1.

Sponsored by Kerr County People Nuskins Upscale Boutique Ingram Veterinary Clinic Nicole Scissorhands Kerrville Daily Times Ranch Radio 12 │ KCP │ May-June 2010

Bella Luz Raenna & Pam @ The Ritz So Fast Printing Comanche Trace

People online As an adjunct to Kerr County People, you may now see additional photos, tidbits, and other info by fanning us on Facebook.

People Kerr County

People and

Songs of the Martin

A new recording by Kerrville guitarist Kevin McCormick.

This CD captures the simple beauty of Kevin’s sound on an 1840s C.F. Martin guitar. For photos of the CD release party hosted by the 1550 Gallery on April 17, as well as more about Kevin’s new CD and the 1550 Gallery, fan Kerr County People Magazine on Facebook.

Mia Church,

Delectable delights

local photographer who photographs many Kerr County People magazine covers (including this issue), also shot the cover and story photos of Thomas Haden Church for the June issue of Cowboys & Indians magazine. Look for it on newsstands everywhere.

CarteWheels Caterers’ open house on March 27 was a gourmet fantasy. One KCP taster’s favorite was the Frissee Salad with lardoons and tiny croutons, topped with a fried quail egg. www. cartewheelscaterers. com. Fan Kerr County People Magazine on Facebook for more photos.

Grill Master Bruce Oehler gives Kirk Keller of Wanna Be Chef the low-down on grilling steak.

Airs on local TV station KVHC every Tuesday at 9 A.M.

Local TV programs Attorney Doyle Weaver interviewing Ilse Bailey for his weekly show, Hill Country Lawyer, which airs Friday mornings at 9:30 on KVHC. Email your legal questions to news@kvhc.com.

stuff Dance Dance Dance

You’ll immediately know Nursel Conrad “isn’t from around here” the moment you hear her charming accent. Nursel has chosen, however, to live here since 1974, raising her family and teaching her beloved ballet. Her heart and soul are here.

At the mere age of eight, Nursel was chosen to attend the Government Conservatory in Ankara, Turkey. After completing nine years of study there, she joined the Turkish National Ballet Company. She has performed in all major ballets, including Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, Les Sylphides, and Coppellia. Before opening The Kerrville School of Dance in 1985, she taught ballet at Schreiner University.

Nursel takes pride in the fact that her students learn more than a talent. Each student is treated as an individual and encouraged to strive for his or her own personal best. Students have a tremendous amount of fun learning dance, while developing strong core values and self-esteem, which helps them in all areas of life.

Kerrville School of Dance offers a variety of classes, from beginning ballet to belly dancing. kerrvilleschoolofdance.com 804 Water Street, Kerrville 830.896.6116

KCP │May-June 2010 │13

cover story Rita’s tortillas don’t come out of a package or a tortilla maker—they’re handmade daily in the Mexican tradition Rita’s mother taught her as a child.

Rita Guerra

is one of those rare individuals who can say with absolute certainty that she is doing what God put her here to do.

The woman whose name has become synonymous with the best breakfast tacos in Kerrville smiles affectionately at the hungry group gathered in her cozy restaurant on a chilly March morning.

“Kerrville is my family and I love cooking for my family. Everything I prepare for them is filled with love,” she says with a smile. “I want to tell all my customers from the bottom of my heart how much I appreciate their support. They’ve been so good to me.”

Born in Kenedy, Texas and raised in Monterrey, Mexico, Rita learned from her mother what she calls “the art of cooking from the heart.” “Every day my mother would prepare the same bean and homemade tortilla meals. They were so infused with her love. It never occurred to us children to ask why we ate the same thing every day.”

Because of the abundance of warmth and love her mother brought to their lives, Rita and her brother and sister never realized the family had no money.

It was from her mother, Rita says, that she learned successful cooking is about intention. She also acquired a work ethic that taught her the importance of waking early to get the most out of each day. “At the age of nine my mother would pick cotton all day, then come back and prepare food for the workers.

She was a special person.”

Photo by Mia Church

by Lyndsey Powers-O’Quinn

from the

t r a he

Downtown realtors, Micah Fore, Sunny Wood, Laura Fore and Lew Wood take time to enjoy one of Rita’s savory plate lunches.

The Birth of Rita’s Famous Tacos As a widowed mother of seven, Rita came to Kerrville in 2000 and her daughter encouraged her to stay. On a spring day in 2004, without a job but possessing intrepid entrepreneurial spirit, she made a batch of twenty breakfast tacos and sold them to the willing workers of Joel’s Appliances. Six months of word-ofmouth referrals later, she was selling 200 of her famously fresh tacos every day door-todoor to grateful office workers throughout Kerrville. She became such a welcome fixture in the morning that businesses across town left their side doors open with money waiting so as not to miss a delivery.

It didn’t take long for news of her success to reach the office of the Kerrville Health Department. In 2005 they put her on notice to find a commercial space if she wanted to continue selling her celebrated tacos. Shortly after, she and a partner opened the first Rita’s Tacos on Memorial Boulevard. She stayed for a year before deciding it was time to go out on her own.

She located the perfect commercial space on Earl Garrett, but did not have the money or means to open the restaurant she had always dreamed of owning. Despondent, but not discouraged, she trusted in God’s will and believed it would work out. Within a few short weeks her prayers were answered—by real-life angels right here in Kerrville.

In a scenario that can only be described as classic Kerrville, the people for whom she had opened her heart and kitchen were grateful for the opportunity to give back. She still tears up when telling the story of how members of the community rallied to help.

A local attorney handled her legal issues at no charge; the landlord on Earl Garrett was willing to give her a chance though she had no money or credit; and several area tradesmen provided the commercial kitchen equipment and the installation labor. “The Lord was with me. Those kind men told me I could pay them whenever I was able.” To this day she remains overcome with gratitude for this outpouring of support. “I have so many people to thank, so many people I am grateful to know.”

Redefining Customer Service Four years later, Rita’s Famous Tacos at 209 Earl Garrett, as well as her second location at 2523 Memorial Boulevard, are as busy as ever. Bleary-eyed locals begin wandering in at 6:00 A.M., welcomed by the enticing aroma and the warmth of her open-air kitchen.

In addition to twelve varieties of breakfast and lunch tacos, she offers Monday–Friday lunch plates featuring chalupas, enchiladas, crispy tacos, and fajitas—always served with her fresh, handmade tortillas. Her carne guisada is clearly a favorite with one local business owner who raves, “it’s absolutely the best I’ve ever tasted!”

Rita refuses to prepare large vats of ingredients ahead of time, preferring to make small portions every fifteen minutes or so throughout the morning. This way, she says, the food is constantly fresh—a special touch her customers have come to expect.

While cooking and visiting with customers, she also keeps an eye on ingredients, constantly updating the inventory records she keeps only in her head. She knows what her regulars like and has their orders started

before they come in the door. Made-to-order tacos are waiting for faithful customers who pay a week in advance. “It’s important that my customers always feel like they’re at home,” she says.

She considers her employees like family, too, and is quick to praise their importance to her success. “I couldn’t do any of this without them,” she insists.

Before coming to Kerrville, Rita had a bridal and tailoring shop in McAllen, Texas, and when she’s not in the restaurant or making her weekly Sam’s Club run, she still loves to sew and crochet. One of her goals for 2010 is to have a private show at Inn of the Hills featuring her large collection of crocheted afghans.

She’s also writing a cookbook that she hopes to finish this year. She’s ready to spill her trade secrets for making sumptuous pastries, classic Mexican food, as well as lighter fare.

Rita’s Famous Tacos Cookbook will not be “Mexican” she insists, but rather about cooking “homemade”—like her mother used to do.

The one consistent ingredient in every recipe? Love, of course. Always love.

Rita’s Famous Tacos is open daily 6 A.M. to 2 P.M. 209 Earl Garrett 2523 Memorial Take out or dine in.

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830.370.7223 Ask for Sheri 16 │ KCP │ May-June 2010

FEED THE BIRDS!

I

Kevin&&Linda LindaPillow Pillow byby Kevin

t’s an exciting time to feed the birds. Feeding the birds isn’t just a wintertime hobby—spring and summer months are great times to feed the birds, too.

During this time each year, hundreds of wild bird species return from their tropical, wintering grounds to nest and raise their young. With this massive migration comes the opportunity to attract the widest variety of birds to your yard more than any other season.

The boys are all dressed up in their Sunday best—sporting their brightest breeding plumage. The girls start sitting on nests. Woodpeckers, bluebirds and other parents will attempt to keep their fledglings corralled in your yard and at your feeders.

These fledglings will return to your feeders year after year!

Feeding the birds during the spring and summer months allows nesting females to spend less time foraging. This leads to better protection of eggs from predators and earlier fledging of the nestlings. What this boils down to is that the survival rates are much higher for their broods.

Continue to offer fresh seeds and peanuts that will provide the birds with the necessary energy to defend territories and raise healthy families.

Serving live mealworms might sound icky but they are loaded with protein and can attract wonderful insect eating birds to your yard. High-energy suet should be served throughout the nesting season. It is a food that the parents can feed easily to their nestlings. Serving a food that is calcium fortified will be beneficial for strong eggs and healthier bones.

Combining the excitement of seeing so many colorful birds and helping them thrive during the spring and summer months makes this one of the best times of the year to feed the birds.

Happy Birding!

Kevin & Linda Pillow are the proud owners of Wilds 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. 830-8957393. wbu.com/Kerrville.

LANDSCAPING AND GARDENING

DIY or go PRO

by Zack Derese

The Outdooor Guy

T

he real difference

between a project that you do yourself and one that is professionally done is performance, speed, and repair. Of course, you are looking only at how much money you can save, but what does that matter if what you’ve done isn’t right? A landscaping project is one place where this thought is made clear. The act of sodding, planting trees, and creating flower beds, among other things, is back breaking, but doable. The knowledge can be learned by reading several books and studying up on different schools of thought, but you don’t need to know codes, understand how to calculate soil compaction, or water pressure.

The real question is will your work be up to standards. If your landscaping will be out in front where everyone can see it, you need to make sure that what you are doing will look right. As always, a competent landscape designer can be worth their weight in gold to get you started in the right direction.

DIY Landscape Projects Sodding If there is no grass in your yard,

then sodding is something any homeowner can handle. Do a good deal of stretching first, both upper and lower body, because this is grueling work, and you will be sore after. Read up on how much water is needed once the sod has been rolled out and how to maintain it after. The trick is to find someone who has the yard you want and ask them what they did to get it.

when the book leaves something out is where professionals earn their pay.

Planting Trees Here again, this task is

grueling but doable. The trick here is knowing the right time of year to plant a particular tree, how much water to use through the first week, if you should use ropes or wire to help it to stand, among other things. Research is key. So is lifting with your legs.

Planting Flowers, Shrubs, & Other Plants This is a chore that just

takes time, but if you like digging around in the garden, then this is right up your alley.

Employees at any nursery can tell you what soil combinations will work best and when to plant certain items.

Big Do It Yourself Projects

The professionals have seen all the problems that can occur and know not only how to fix them but how to prevent them from happening altogether. This fact is not to discourage you from trying your own hand at certain projects, but more to acquaint you with the real difference between DIY projects and professional projects. If you can live with mistakes, then charge ahead. Plus, with landscaping, much like a bad haircut, it will soon grow out.

Zack Derese has deep roots in Kerrville. As owner of Kerrville Landscaping, Inc., he has been in the landscape business for over 15 years. He is a Landscape Designer, holds an Irrigation License (LI#9453), a Backflow Prevention License (BPAT #10754), is NCMA certified for Segmental Retaining Walls, and is a Water Feature Specialist. You can reach him at zack@kerrvillelandscaping.com or call him at 830-377-4861.

There are many landscaping projects that require much more work than the items listed above. Some of these projects include patios, water features, retaining walls, etc.

These projects require not only muscle and time, but construction knowledge and experience. You can learn anything from a book or watching a demo, but in real life problems occur. Parts don’t fit, something won’t cooperate, and knowing what to do

Kerrville Landscaping. Inc KCP │May-June 2010 │17

Appraisals  Estate Jewelry Buyers and Sellers

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804 Water Street Kerrville 830.896.6116 KerrvilleSchoolofDance.com 18 │ KCP │ May-June 2010

Title Talk

by Diane Green

A Title Company’s Commitment After signing a contract to purchase a home or piece of land and escrowing the contract with a title company, you will receive a title commitment. We get frequent calls from buyers asking, “What did you just send me?” or “What do I do with this document?” Below is some basic information about the commitment.

ABCs of The Title Commitment Schedule A This portion of the title commitment contains basic information about the proposed transaction, including proposed policy amount, current owner of record, and legal description of the property.

Tip: Make sure each of these items is consistent with your signed contract.

Schedule B Here you will find exceptions from coverage. These items were discovered during the title search and include property restrictions.

Standard exceptions such as mineral and water rights can be found here. The title policy will not insure against loss from problems listed in Schedule B.

n e p O w No Make Your Next Event Memorable!

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Tip: Check Schedule B for restrictions on the use of the property. Talk to the title company if you have concerns.

Schedule C This section lists requirements that must be met before closing.

Common requirements include paying taxes and recording a release of lien. Existing liens that must be paid at closing are listed here. You will also find any title defects—items such as federal or state tax liens, abstracts of judgment, and pending lawsuits.

A tranquil meeting and recreational facility on 725 acres eight miles outside Kerrville. A place to relax, renew, reflect…then return to your life feeling energized and refreshed.

Tip: Talk to the title company about fulfilling unusual requirements to avoid a delay in closing.

A title commitment offers a statement of the terms and conditions on which the title company is willing to issue you a title policy. Take time to read the document and ask questions before your closing.

Diane Green moved to Kerrville in 1972 with husband, Bob, and immediately began her title insurance career at Kerr County Abstract & Title Co. Diane and Bob feel grateful to have raised their family in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. This is Diane’s 38th year in the title business. She is the owner of Kerr County Abstract. To learn more, call 257-5151 or visit www.kerrtitle.com.

Lazy Hills Retreat & Conference Center 375 Henderson Branch Rd, Ingram, TX

830-367-1445

lazyhillsretreat.com office@lazyhillsretreat.com KCP │May-June 2010 │19

Everything We Do is all about you.

by Kathy Dietert, RN, BSN and Ode Young, MD

Trying to ignore the all-too-familiar pre-flight instructions from the flight attendant, I found myself listening anyway. What struck me was the part about donning our own oxygen masks before assisting anyone else with theirs. It made total sense, of course.

it’s

something I learned a long time ago, but seem to have to re-learn over and over—to help others, we have to take care of ourselves first. I falsely believed that if I did something for myself I was taking away from others.

What is sublative rejuvenation? This unique combination of ablation and skin resurfacing reduces wrinkles, tightens skin, and minimizes visible scars. Patients are pleased with fast visible results of smoother, brighter, and tighter skin.

Our society doesn’t give us recognition for being self-caring, but being there for others requires that we take excellent care of ourselves. Only you know what special treatment is best for you. At Bella Luz, everything we do is all about you.

If you have achy, sore muscles, then the FAR infrared sauna is for you. Sweating is the body’s safe and natural way to heal itself and stay healthy. And relaxation is more important to your health than most people realize. A session in our sauna will accomplish both, followed by an invigorating massage that will promote better circulation and range of movement, as well as relieve muscular tension.

Our state-of-the-art facility is located in the beautiful Hill Country, facing the tranquil waters of the Guadalupe River. Our clinic emphasizes result-oriented treatments, including injectables to manage wrinkles, laser to rid of unwanted body hair, facial peels and microdermabrasion to rejuvenate your skin.

You may wonder what is a medical spa. It’s a hybrid of a medical clinic and a day spa that operates under the supervision of a medical doctor.

At our center, we treat skin conditions, for example, brown spots, redness and broken capillaries with unique elos technology that simultaneously harnesses the power of both radio frequency (RF) and optical energy.

20 │ KCP │ May-June 2010

If you just want to bring that glow back to your skin, a customized facial may be your special treat. A personalized analysis of your skin needs, followed by deep cleansing, light steam, exfoliation, and a nourishing mask, is sure to promote healthy cell renewal and brighten dull skin.

Our aesthetician can educate you about how to take the best care of your skin, and introduce you to our physician-grade skin care products such as Vivite, SkinCeuticals, or Jan Marini. Or she’ll simply guide you through the steps for a perfect make-up routine using Glo Minerals.

Now that shorts-and-sandals weather is here, spend some extra time pampering your toes and legs. Polished toenails look wonderful and make you feel so pleased with yourself. Plus, getting a pedicure or manicure on a regular schedule helps maintain healthy nails, cuticles, and feet, exfoliates dead skin, while providing relaxation and stress relief.

What are you waiting for? There’s no excuse for not treating you special.

Kathy Dietert, RN, BSN, has been a nurse for over thirty years with an extensive background in aesthetic medicine. Dr. Ode Young, MD, has been a physician for over twenty years with a concentration in aesthetic medicine for the past three years. Kathy, Dr. Ode and their trained staff provide a full range of aesthetic services at their state-of-the-art and beautifully appointed spa, Bella Luz. 1411 Water Street, Kerrville.

Call 792-3552 today to schedule your complimentary and completely confidential consultation.

MEDICAL AESTHETICS & LASER CENTER

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Eliminate lines and wrinkles for a smoother forehead.

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1411 water street (corner of water and e street) • kerrville, texas • www.bellaluzkerrville.com KCP │May-June 2010 │21

Riverhill Women’s association Fashion Show & Luncheon Brenda Bindock Tricia Hamil

Judy Pace

Shelby Braswell

Benefiting Kerrville Public School Foundation Held at the Riverhill Mansion April 8th, 2010 CAbi fashions provided by Mary Gay Wagner Doncaster fashions provided by Beth Johnson ETCetera fashions provided by Kathy Thomas 22 │ KCP │ May-June 2010

Paige Santos

Anne Overby

ewest N ` s a x Te for r e l a e D

Breedlove & Seagull Guitars Friendly Service Quality Products Competitive Prices

Fully Stocked Lindsey Pfaff

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G U I TA R S MANDOS BA N J O S VIOLINS Violin Builder On-Site

Nicia Oakes & Ida Worthington Kathleen Williams

Also offering a full range of fine instruments and accessories including orchestra sales and rentals.

H ILL C OUNTRY Music Your Friendly Little Music Store

Now Two Convenient Locations Fredericksburg Kerrville 151 E. Main 233 Earl Garrett 830.997.0900 830.895.0003

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Jeri Sprouse KCP │May-June 2010 │23

AFRICAN RHYTH MS Chair Misty O’Fiel & Co-Chair Lindsay Conklin

Amy & Robert Fairchild

Carey & Joyce Stehling

Liz & Chad Tingley

Laurie & Mike Lowe

Phyllis Whittington & David Astoria

John & Debbie Hewitt

Peggy & Gary Stork

Tito & Crystal Lozano

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Michelle & Fernando Gutierrez

Charlotte & Mike Huff Molly & Curtis Bedrich

Robert & Jenna Cummings Chris Doege & Paige Wenner 24 │ KCP │ May-June 2010

Rick & Deneise Barta

H I L L C O U N T RY

Charity Ball at Stablewood Springs Resort, April 24, 2010 Benefiting Medina Children’s Home Right Start Program Janie Altgelt, Art Bell, Kelli McLaughlin, Stephanie Skrumeda

Victor & Susie Dietzel, Dalene & Bob Reagan

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KCP │May-June 2010 │25

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Spring HAIR Trends Cutting growing-out wispy, short layers and going back to longer layers is in.

The Shag look is definitely out. For short hair, architecturally pure, stacked layering is in right now. So, it is really clean and stacked or long layers. It is very chic and sexy—getting away from looking high schoolish.

Covering Gray? Many women find a

single process brunette too harsh as they get older. Try a few lighter brown or darker blonde highlights around the face just to give softness and movement to dark hair— it’s amazing how just a few highlights can brighten your complexion.

by Holley Alfeld What is it about your hair that can add unwanted years to your look? It’s not necessarily those pesky grays. It’s the parched, brittle, and frayed strands that come from years of not enough TLC. We’re living longer and torturing our hair like never before. But that does not mean that we have to live with lifeless locks. Here are a few suggestions for taming them:

Keratin Smoothing Therapy is a

specially formulated rejuvenating treatment for the hair that eliminates frizz and curl.

The advanced formulation restores and restructures hair by infusing a special blend of natural keratin into the damaged cuticle.

The keratin is bonded onto the damaged cuticle by the heat of a flat iron to relax the hair’s subcuticle layer.

This process is an in-salon service and takes about 3 hours. The result is hair that is more manageable and takes less time to style. It will be noticeably softer and straighter with added life and shine. This can be done directly after coloring as it seals the color in as well, leaving it much more vibrant and extending the life of your color.

Protect hair by using thermal heat sprays such as Trilliant by Sebastian, Sebastian professional color-safe shampoos and conditioners, such as Drench, Penetrate, or Lite. To add volume, try Volupt or Whipped Cream, which is a protein-rich mousse that has built-in conditioners. Liquid Gloss defrizzes hair and leaves it shiny and smooth while taming static. Moroccan Oil still is a major winner in the industry for reconstructing dry, damaged hair.

STUDIO 8 is located at 100 Guadalupe Plaza, behind Jack in the Box, in Kerrville. 830-2571311. Owner Holley Alfeld divides her time between STUDIO 8 and Beautique Day Spa at the Galleria in Houston, where she currently resides. Stylists include Kari Davis, Katie Caddell, Lorie Burrows-Haines and Liz Theis.

Studio 8 HAIR SPA & MORE kerrville

E x p e r i e n c e t h e c r a d l e o f c i v i l i z a t i o n i n t h e l a p o f l u x u r y.

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CELEBRITY CRUISES RESERVES THE RIGHT TO IMPOSE A FUEL SUPPLEMENT OF UP TO $10 USD PER GUEST PER DAY ON ALL GUESTS IF THE PRICE OF WEST TEXAS INTERMEDIATE FUEL EXCEEDS $65.00 PER BARREL. *Prices are in US dollars, cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy, on select sailings and subject to availability. Itineraries and prices are subject to change without notice. Government taxes and fees are additional.

Onboard Credit is not redeemable for cash and any unused amounts will expire at 10 pm on the last night of the cruise. Onboard Credit offer is valid only for new individual bookings on select sailings, applied on a per stateroom basis and is subject to availability. Onboard Credit offer is not combinable with any other savings or onboard credit offer. All offers are subject to availability. Certain restrictions apply. ©2010 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador. 10018694 • 4/2010

†

KCP │May-June 2010 │27

3

At Home With

Julie Albright

S

Laura Fore

erenely

detached from the buzz of Kerrville, the homes, estates, and ranches of Upper Turtle Creek maintain the exquisite simplicity so beloved of Hill Country enthusiasts. The hillside property of owner and floral designer Julie Albright, long-used as a family retreat and operating camp, boasts three houses, various outbuildings, and a deep-rooted history.

Julie

The 9.48 acre property straddles a thin line between the natural and the civilized. “During the 1920s, my grandfather, Guy ‘Geo’ Maddox, brought my family to this area for an affordable family vacation,” explains Julie. “It was during the Depression, so they brought their food with them and camped out in parks––that was their holiday. My grandfather started noticing the area properties. He looked for about a year and half, then contacted his friend Charles Schreiner and said, ‘If anything comes up under 100 acres or so, let me know. I don’t want a ranch, I want something on the water and it has to be spring-fed.’ “ He purchased eighty acres of rugged land with a meandering creek line through the property. “This was the lowest point in the area and that’s why the water was so good here,” says Julie. “The creek never ran dry. It all came from the watersheds above. You could also see the gas bubbles that meant there was water pressure underneath the creek bed.” Maddox hired an architect and depicted the original specifications for the dam that, according to Julie, was designed by the same engineer as Buchanan Dam, also a friend of her grandfather.

restored homestead, workshop and foreman’s house

screened porch

3-season studio

Inside the

Homes of

Kerr 2,772 square foot main house They built the old workshop first, then eight double rock cottages that housed five generations of Houston families during the summers. Camp Maddox was locally recognized as an operating camp for families until the property was sold in 2004. Julie retained 9.48 acres with the original, tastefully restored homestead and workshop as well as a foreman’s house, three-season studio, and a newly constructed 2,772-square-foot main house featuring a native limestone exterior that’s in sync with the landscape.

Continued on next page

county

People

3

by Laura Fore

Owner & Broker of Fore Premier Properties

The sprawling estate defines simplicity and charm with an understated elegance that seems effortless. “My favorite setting is the front porch overlooking the gorgeous water,” Julie says. “It’s always there and always pristine.

It gives me great pleasure.”

9.48 acres of pure serenity

Photography by Micah Fore

Inside the

Homes of

Kerr county

People

Designed to be family-friendly and comfortable, the main house’s interior features polished, stained-concrete floors in a muted mushroom tone, oil-rubbed-bronze hardware, and a soft paint palette.The openconcept living and dining areas offer space for guests to congregate in proximity to the country kitchen that can accommodate caterers for events and parties. Extremely versatile, the property could be utilized as a primary residence, family retreat, event facility, or even a bed-and-breakfast with room for eighteen guests.

The sprawling estate defines simplicity and charm with an understated elegance that seems effortless. “My favorite setting is the front porch overlooking the gorgeous water,” Julie says. “It’s always there and always pristine. It gives me great pleasure.”

Currently on the market. For additional information or to schedule a showing contact Laura Fore of Fore Premier Properties at 830.257.4000.

A combination of insight, innovation, and integrity—Fore Premier Properties is a boutique full service real estate firm specializing in the marketing and sale of fine homes in Kerrville and the Texas Hill Country, as well as selected commercial, farm and ranch properties.

Husband and wife partners, Laura and Micah Fore provide an ideal management blend and personally oversee the needs of all clients.

www.FOREPREMIERPROPERTIES.COM

LAURA & MICAH FORE 804 WATER STREET KERRVILLE,TX 78028 C 830.459.4000 O 830.257.4000

Massage and Weight Loss – The Connection

by Audrey Stadler, LMT, CBP, RMT, BASM

S

cientific research confirms the relationship between massage and weight loss. Massage increases healthy hormone levels, reduces stress hormones and boosts metabolism by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. So what does this mean for you? As massage counteracts your body’s negative response to stress, it is easier for your body to become a lean mean weight loss machine!

Research shows that stress can actually increase appetite and cause hormonal shifts that lead to weight gain. High stress contributes to the body’s ability to store more fat, and it lowers metabolism. Well, that’s depressing news, literally! According to Dr. William Nelson, NMD, 90% of

overweight people are deficient in serotonin and dopamine. These “happy” hormones found in the brain regulate metabolism and alleviate depression. After massage, serotonin levels increase by an average of 28% and an average dopamine increase of 31%, according to a study from the Touch Research Institutes at the University of Miami School of Medicine. The study also found the hormone cortisol, the stress hormone associated with abdominal fat, decreased by an average of 31%.

Massage also releases endorphins relieving soreness from strenuous exercise.

These “feel good” chemicals have an indirect effect on the body’s metabolism.

Endorphins are the brain’s natural painkiller, and three times more potent than morphine. The more endorphins released the better you feel and faster you burn fat. Less recovery time between workouts means you can burn the maximum number of calories and improve fitness levels.

Research shows that massage can

f f o 5 1 $ orks”

have a positive effect on muscle-building capabilities, which in turn increases the ability to lose weight. According to The American College of Sports Medicine, massage significantly increases metabolism after only one hour of massage therapy. As metabolism increases, muscles grow, and weight loss tends to be easier.

So what are you “weighting” for? Make the connection. Massage is more than a guilty pleasure. Relax and enjoy your massage as you reap the benefits of a fitter, happier you. You’re worth it!

Audrey Stadler, owner of Wild Woman Works, located inside the Dietert Center at 451 Guadalupe Street in Kerrville, is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Massage Therapy Instructor, Certified BodyTalk Practitioner, Registered Aromatherapist, Reflexologist, and Reiki Master Teacher. To learn more about the services offered and upcoming classes at Wild Woman Works, Call Audrey at 830-792-3690. MT104004

Choose any combination of Reflexology, Bamboo Bliss Massage, Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage and Far Infrared Sauna.

“the w e massag

Wild Woman Works

Our Far Infrared Sauna burns up to 600 calories per hour…call for details!

Wild Woman Works Nuture Your Nature

451 Guadalupe St, Ste 201 (Inside the Dietert Center) Kerrville 830-792-3690 Audrey Stadler, MT104004

$75 value. Offer expires 7/4/2010 KCP │May-June 2010 │31

On The Road to

by Lori Michel, RN, LBSW, Director of Rehab Services at PRMC

E

xperiencing a long and difficult illness, a traumatic injury, overcoming surgery or even suffering a stroke are subjects most of us don’t spend much time thinking about. However, when a loved one or family member is faced with one of these life-threatening issues, the subject becomes all too real.

Getting past critical circumstances is always the initial focus.

Making it past ‘life-threatening’ and moving toward ‘recovery’ is certainly an answer to prayer, but what comes next? The journey from a traumatic injury or illness to where maximum independence is reached or restored is usually a process for which most are not prepared.

The road to recovery can last days, weeks or even longer depending on the original injury/ illness. Most will need some level of acute inpatient rehabilitation. Acute Rehabilitation is an umbrella term encompassing a wide range of inpatient services and therapies. These programs are designed to help patients reach the highest level of independence possible. Just a few therapies included in acute rehabilitation are: • Physical therapy concentrates on mobility and improving overall strength and endurance.

• Occupational therapy concentrates on strengthening and re-educating the muscles of the upper body. It also works to improve the functions associated with daily living such as dressing and bathing.

Acute Rehabilitation is an umbrella term encompassing a wide range of inpatient services and therapies.

• Speech and Language therapy addresses problems with communication, swallowing and cognition. It also incorporates Vital Stim therapy for patients with specific swallowing problems.

• Other programs like respiratory therapy, prosthetic services and even psychological assistance can help with the adjustments, changes and challenges a serious injury or illness can bring.

During recovery, patients depend a great deal on the support of friends and family. One issue that can hamper this support is distance.

A patient initially treated for a serious trauma or illness in a larger city (San Antonio, Austin and Houston) will usually continue their stay 32│ KCP │ May-June 2010

at that facility for inpatient rehabilitation. However, the expense of traveling and staying in a distant city can be a financial as well as an emotional burden for both the patient and their family members.

If possible, consider having them transferred to an acute rehabilitation unit closer to home. For example, Peterson Regional Medical Center in Kerrville has an exceptional acute rehab unit (ARU) located within the hospital. ARU Medical Director, Mirellé Foster, M.D. heads up this skilled multidisciplinary rehab team and has created a regionally recognized acute rehab program. Patients who have initially been treated at hospitals throughout Texas are frequently transferred to Peterson’s ARU for their continuing recovery. This allows the patient to be closer to friends and family who can support them during rehab and after discharge.

Each patient’s road to recovery will have unique challenges. Something as simple as allowing a patient to recover closer to home, can be a significant factor as they strive to reach their maximum level of independence.

The process of recovery can be over-whelming, but with the support and help of friends and family, the journey will be an easier one.

Peterson Regional Medical Center’s Acute Rehab Unit (ARU) consists of 26 private rooms specifically designed to accommodate the needs of those patients needing acute inpatient rehabilitation. The ARU includes private patient rooms, a private dining area, a patient activity area, laundry facilities and access to the therapy gym, which overlooks Kerrville. There is also a transitional living apartment that simulates a home environment that helps prepare patients for a return to independent living. Please call our ARU team if you need more information about transferring a patient or know someone who might benefit from our services. 830-258-7824

551 Hill Country Drive Kerrville, Texas 830.896.4200

Insights Into Hospice and Palliative Care

D

espite advances in procedural interventions, diagnostic testing and medical treatment options in the last decade, eventually each patient that we serve will face the end of life. Specialists in hospice and palliative care are skilled in helping patients and families prepare for death and deal with complex, debilitating symptoms.

Hospice care is the provision of coordinated, comprehensive palliative care to terminally ill patients and supportive service to families and significant others in the home, hospice units, or facility-based settings.

An interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals provides care of the physical, social, spiritual and emotional domains in the last stages of illness, during the dying process and during the bereavement period.

This team typically includes a physician, nurses, a social worker, a chaplain, certified nursing assistants, community volunteers and secretarial support. All members of the team have specialized training in hospice care.

The hospice philosophy recognizes dying as a part of the normal process of living and focuses on maintaining the quality of the remaining life. Hospice care affirms life and does not hasten or postpone death. The model of care includes the hope and belief that through skilled care and the promotion of a caring community sensitive to their needs, patients and families are free to prepare physically, mentally and spiritually for death in a way that is satisfactory and potentially healing.

The World Health Organization defines palliative care as “an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problem associated with lifethreatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual.”

Palliative care aims to alleviate symptoms of the underlying illness. Symptoms may be

by Jackie Newman & Cindy Brown related to the underlying disease process or the side effects of curative treatments.

Like hospice care, palliative care involves an interdisciplinary team of professionals who provide coordinated medical, nursing, social work and spiritual care services.

Palliative treatment may include aggressive measures to control pain and other distressing symptoms. Chemotherapy,

“The secret of the care of the patient is in caring for the patient.”

Francis Peabody, MD

radiation, therapy and surgical intervention with the primary intent of symptom control and enhanced quality of life are examples of some potential palliative measures.

It is not always easy to determine when to move toward end of life care. Ideally, this progression should be an incremental event rather than a sudden shift of focus.

Discussions about progression of disease are important because quite often, the patient family and the care team have divergent views, expectations and goals about the prognosis and treatment of an illness. Patients and families may be reluctant or fearful of discussing end of life care, and often fear the loss of relationships, control, independence, identity, financial security and death as they face a terminal diagnosis Health care professionals may be generally uncomfortable discussing end of life care

due to the inherent difficulty in determining disease prognosis. However, recent studies indicate that end of life discussions allow patients and caregivers to choose treatments that improve quality of life, decrease aggressive medical care when appropriate, and enroll in hospice earlier, without negative psychological impact.

Early collaboration with a palliative care team benefits the patient and family by forming supporting, trusting relationships early in the disease process. This collaboration may make the transition to hospice care less difficult when the need arises. Additionally, the multidisciplinary nature of the palliative care team allows for early identification and support of emotional, spiritual and social factors that may influence the disease process.

Patients are generally eligible for hospice care when the patient has a terminal illness and a life expectancy of less than 6 months, based on the physician’s judgment regarding the normal course of the individual’s illness. Generally, the patient’s physician makes the initial referral to a hospice program and the hospice program’s medical director confirms eligibility for hospice services. The National Hospice Organization has developed guidelines to help clinicians determine prognosis for selected non-cancer diseases.

Jackie Newman is a RN and community educator representative for VistaCare. She has over 35 years of health and hospice care experience. Jackie is available to do community programs about the hospice benefit.

Cindy Brown is in her fourth year as a community education representative with VistaCare.

VistaCare Hospice, 1001 Water Street, Suite B-100.

830-792-6200.

KCP │May-June 2010 │33

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Water vs. Cola

by Dr. John Bilderback, Chiropractor

When you’re thirsty, what beverage do you reach for—water or a soft drink?

•

Three-quarters

•

of us are chronically dehydrated. An adult’s body is made up of about 60 percent water; the brain is 70 percent water.

Therefore, it’s no surprise that dehydration can lead to serious health problems. The good news is, simply drinking more water can aid myriad conditions, ranging from weight gain to cancer.

Consider this: • • • • • •

One glass of water after dinner will shut down midnight hunger pangs in nearly 100 percent of dieters.

Drinking eight to ten glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 88 percent of sufferers.

Drinking five glasses of water a day decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45 percent, breast cancer by 75 percent, and bladder cancer by 50 percent.

Lack of water is the number one contributor to daytime fatigue.

A mere 2 percent drop in body water can trigger short-term memory loss and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or printed page.

Mild dehydration will slow down metabolism by 3 percent.

Now consider this: • • • • •

You can put a T-bone steak in a bowl of cola and it will be gone in two days.

You can clean a toilet bowl by pouring a can of cola into the bowl; wait one hour, then flush clean.

Pour a can of cola on the terminals of your car’s battery to bubble away corrosion.

Clean rusted bolts by rubbing them with a cloth soaked in cola for several minutes.

Cola removes grease stains from clothes and road haze from your windshield.

34│ KCP │ May-June 2010

•

•

In many states highway patrol carries two gallons of cola to remove blood from the highway after a car accident.

To carry cola syrup (the concentrate), commercial trucks must have a hazardous material card reserved for highly corrosive materials.

The active ingredient in cola is phosphoric acid and it can dissolve a nail in about four days.

Phosphoric acid also leeches calcium from bones and is a major contributor to osteoporosis.

Now the question is, would you like a glass of water or a cola?

Call Dr. Bilderback today and mention this article to receive your initial exam free of charge.

Dr. Bilderback received his degree from Western States Chiropractic College in Portland, Oregon in 1985 and has been serving the folks of Kerr County and surrounding area for more than twenty years.

Back, Joint or Muscular Pain?

I Can Help You!

BILDERBACK CHIROPRACTIC

Serving Kerr County for 20 Years

Dr. John Bilderback, D.C. 1416 Sidney Baker, Kerrville M-F: 8-11 & 1-5 Saturday A.M. by appointment New Patients & Walk-Ins Welcome

257-2323

FITNESS

by Diane Ferrell

H

doing it together

ave you ever tried to stay on a weight loss program when everyone is tempting you?

Perhaps their intentions are not malevolent when they say, “Oh, you can have it just this time. It’s only a 100 calories.” Or, “A little bit won’t hurt.” They might even say, “This can’t hurt you. I eat it.”

Eating it could be fine for them (or not!), but that doesn’t mean it’s good for you.

If you have gained weight over time from a poor lifestyle, that “one time” could be okay. But there are many who have food addictions. In that case, just one time can create lots of problems. How many people do you know who will say to an alcoholic, “Here, have just this one.”? Food addiction is just as serious to the person who is dealing with it.

Pat’s efforts. And we have both benefitted greatly.”

Pat Pattillo is happy that he lost 40 pounds and increased his fitness level. “The fact that Sheri and I are both on the same program has added a whole other factor to our relationship. I know I won’t go home from True Fit and have to resist a fresh batch of brownies. We are on the same page.”

kept making attempts to improve, but would fall short. Trish had several friends who made dramatic changes working with Jose, so she gave him a call—they were impressed with his nutrition, training, and human psychology knowledge.

Within three months of twice a week classes and a new healthier diet, they had reached their goal—Trish 15 pounds and Dwayne 35. Though exhausted after the workouts, they celebrated their successes and soon began enjoying grocery shopping together for their healthy meals.

Trish says, “We even started walking the hill where we live every day. It’s about 2.5 miles with pretty good elevations. It’s a special time for us—to unwind, talk about things, plan, discuss, dream. We hardly think of it as exercise anymore.”

“Working with Jose was great for our marriage. It strengthened us physically and emotionally.

Sharing that experience made us aware on a daily basis of the other person’s feelings. We Dwayne & Trish Mosser, Jose, Sheri & Pat Pattillo got to encourage, empathize, compliment, congratulate, and help each other reach our goals. It’s not that “I still remember the day Pat made the call,” Rick Perry (not that Rick Perry) and wife Holly we weren’t doing things like that before, says Sheri Pattillo. “We were in the car on the have made it a family affair, working out with but I think our goals would have been more way to Fredericksburg and he said, ‘I have to their kids. Rick says that he had worked out difficult to achieve individually.” do something. I’m going to call this guy Jose. his entire life, so he wasn’t too excited at I’ve seen people have great results with him.’ first. But found that working with Jose was Supporting the ones you love in their Pat called him from the car and set up an different and soon lost 20 pounds. Holly worthwhile endeavors is always a good idea. lost 8 pounds and cherishes the memories appointment.”

Sometimes being on the same track—doing of working out with the entire family. They it together—is even better.

“I thought it would only work if we did it agree that working with Jose is different than together. I knew Pat would be put on a diet past experiences. and I didn’t want him coming home from working out to face me making a big, high Trish and Dwayne Mosser felt they had TrueFit Training calorie pasta dish. So I decided to work become a little lazy and made excuses for located at 5 Points out one day a week and learn the program their extra pounds, saying that maybe that’s Kerrville. 792-6643 to build my own strength and to support just the way mid-50s is suppose to look. They But what would happen if those around you actually support your efforts? What if you’re on the same track?

Several couples who choose a healthy lifestyle recently answered those questions.

KCP │May-June 2010 │35

W O M E N ' S

H E A L T H

by Niessa Meier RN, CNM

women helping women

In

our area women have the option of Certified Nurse Midwives and Ob/ Gyn doctors to meet your women’s health care needs. Most people are familiar with doctors, but may have some questions about who midwives are, what they do, and how midwives and doctors can work together to provide the very best care.

When I say the word midwife, most people think of rural women delivering babies at home. While some midwives practice this way, there is a lot more to midwifery care than that. Midwives care for women throughout their lives. We are compassionate and caring from that very first “female” exam, pregnancy and childbirth, well woman visits, menopausal concerns and beyond. These are normal stages of life for most women. We seek to promote health with a focus on lifestyle choices like diet, exercise, avoiding tobacco and more. At each visit we will review your records and discuss your life, finding areas where you can promote your own health.

We will also use appropriate screening tools to be sure we are aware of any developing problems early on. Most importantly, we will listen to your concerns and tailor your healthcare to suit your needs.

There are several different kinds of midwives, but by far the most common is the Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM). CNMs are registered nurses who have returned to school for an advanced degree and have passed a national certifying exam. We can write prescriptions,

36│ KCP │ May-June 2010

see women for prenatal and gynecology visits and (the best part!) deliver babies.

“Midwives offer evidencebased health care services.

In today’s world of high technology, midwifery services provide the individualized care women need.”

Doug Laube, MD former president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

The best of both possible worlds, in my opinion, is to have a nurse-midwife at your side in a hospital. Then you get the nurturing and the advocacy, and the back up if there are complications.”

Ann Pleshette Murphy, Parenting Contributor, Good Morning America

When doctors and midwives work together in one practice it is called the collaborative practice model of prenatal and gynecology care. This means that Ob/Gyn doctors and Certified Nurse Midwives work together to care for our patients. Research shows that patients love this model, they feel that it offers quicker appointment scheduling, more time with providers, more health information and more specific diet information than physician only practices.

For more information on Certified Nurse Midwives check out www.midwife.org.

Niessa Meier is a Certified Nurse Midwife and the newest addition to Ob/Gyn Associates.

She is a mother of three and has worked in women’s health for 10 years as a labor and delivery nurse, childbirth educator and lactation counselor.

Since 1999 the number of births attended

by CNMs in the United States has nearly doubled—in 2007 midwives attended 10% of all vaginal births. Most CNM attended births take 1331 Bandera Hwy Ste 2 Melissa G. Wampler, M.D. place in hospitals, M. Elizabeth Ruiz Wilfong, D.O. about 96% in 2005, Annette Jones, RN, CNM, MSN with the other Kathy Bogie, RN, WHNP 4% being in birth New Patients Welcome centers and at home.

Niessa Meier, RN, CNM Nationwide, more than half of all visits to nurse-midwives are not related to Board Certified by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology pregnancy at all.

Wo m e n ’s H e a l t h c a r e Specialists

895-7755

OB/GYN ASSOCIATES, P.A.

By Margaret Green RN, BSN

Coping with the heat As we enter into our wonderful Texas summer, we need to find ways to cope with the never-ending heat. There are many helpful tips for us to remember.

PLAN YOUR DAY

Before we start doing things that require us to be out doors, we need to remember to plan our day. If we are doing physical labor we need to try to perform these activities in the cooler part of the days; early morning or late evening are normally the coolest times. Even simple activities such as taking out the trash can be very exhausting.

PLAN TO HYDRATE

Whether we are weeding the flowerbed or just running errands in town we need to plan to stay hydrated. We can all be guilty of not drinking enough water but it can be especially dangerous during these hot summer months. We need to replenish our bodies with water during the day when we spend any time in the heat. Drinking water, non-alcoholic beverages, juice, or electrolyte beverages will help to keep us hydrated.

PLAN TO REST

When we are out in the heat, we need to set aside time for rest periods. If you are not able to stay out of the heat during the hottest part of the day then you need to take frequent rest breaks. If your home is not air-conditioned, remember that many public places such as malls, library, and grocery stores are perfect places to go for a cool afternoon.

If you are going to have to be out in the heat or in and out of hot cars that you plan how to stay cool. Cool beverages, cool mist fans, cool clothing, and damp cloths can help us stay cool. We need to know what works best for ourselves and plan ahead to prevent any problems.

WARNING SIGNS

The following are common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion.

Feeling faint or dizzy Nausea Heavy Sweating Rapid Heart Rate Low Blood Pressure Cool, moist, pale skin

Low-grade fever Heat cramps Headache Fatigue Dark colored urine

These signs and symptoms warrant close observation and possible medical care. With any questions regarding specific symptoms, we recommend that you contact your healthcare professional.

PLAN TO PREVENT

It is very important that if you have medical conditions such as heart problems, diabetes, or a history of heat stroke that you plan ahead.

Margaret Green, RN, BSN, is assistant administrator at Tri County HomeHealth. Tri County Home Health has been serving our friends and neighbors in Kerr and surrounding counties since 1994. Kathy Dietert, RN, BSN, is Director of Health Services and Annabelle Lindner, RHIT, is the Administrator.

Locally Owned & Operated

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Serving Bandera, Bexar, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Medina and Real Counties for more than a decade.

Join Our Team making PRMC a Better Place

Jerry & Marilyn Jenkins

by Martha Kies Volunteer Auxiliary Coordinator Peterson Regional Medical Center Jaye George

F

inding yourself with some extra time on your hands and maybe thinking about giving back to the community? Peterson Regional Medical Center is a great place to start. Our volunteers come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences.

Our needs are simple—a willingness to share your smile, deliver a newspaper to a patient’s room, or escort a visitor to medical records. A very select group makes homemade bears to be given to children in the emergency room or surgical area. The bears’ faces are often painted by a gentleman whose earlier call to fame was an insurance agent. A retired college professor pops popcorn and strives to reach his popcorn sales goals each week. I might mention that the person who wrote the manual on how to clean the popcorn machine is a retired rocket engineer.

One of our greatest needs is for a courtesy driver to offer visitors a ride from their car to the front door. Most everyone tells the driver that they need to walk, but on some occasions patients really need assistance getting into the hospital, so the cart needs to be operational from eight to five every day with each driver doing a four-hour shift.

The hospital food service has started a vegetable area to be able to serve the freshest vegetables. One of our volunteers, a retired builder, is going to build a green house when he is not shredding documents or driving the cart.

The Auxiliary gift shop, which has a very nice gift selection, as well as fresh flowers, is open Monday through Friday and half a day on Saturday. There are opportunities to work in the gift shop, again in four-hour shifts.

So, whatever your background, if you have extra time you would like to give to the community, please come see us. We have a place for you and you’ll enjoy your time spent here!

Nancy Olive

Mary Strickland

Floyd Erwin

Jerry Halpin Linda Hipskind

Shirley & Bill Winchester

Martha Kies, Volunteer Auxiliary Coordinator for Peterson Regional Medical Center, brings to PRMC her love of helping people, as well as expertise in volunteer coordination from serving 11 years as Asst. Volunteer Coordinator of Community Relations with Kerrville State Hospital. You may call Martha at 258-7495 or email her at mkies@petersonrmc.com.

38│ KCP │ May-June 2010

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No Appointment Necessary KCP │May-June 2010 │39

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And changed their minds We swapped people’s rides forever. for a week.

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Ford quality can’t be beat by Honda or Toyota.* *Based on RDA Group’s GQRS cumulative survey at three months of service in three surveys of 2009 Ford and competitive owners conducted 9/08–5/09.

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