1. real estate

Wimberley Valley
PRST STD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT #8
WIMBERLEY, TX 78676
ECRWSS
News & Views
Volume 18 Issue 1 • Wimberley, Texas • December 2014
Postal Patron
T he Wimberley Way of Living
Wimberley Valley News & Views
Page 1
December 2014
Call Us First
SOLD
Reduce the stress of the real estate
process and connect with experienced
Sales Professionals that understand
your unique needs and community.
512-847-2291
www.RandallMorris.com
RESIDENTIAL
FARM & RANCH
COMMERCIAL
Randall Morris & Associates • 13320 Ranch Road 12 • Wimberley
Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.
The heart of our business is giving back to our community!
Join us in donating to the Emily Ann Theater & Gardens
at www.EmilyAnn.org
Trail of Lights: Nov 29th - Dec 31st
Experienced Agents with Outstanding Results
HOT Realty Realtors® : (L to R)
Top Row:
Steve Hysinger
Marti Eveleigh
Pam Shultz
Julie Harris
Jim Donaldson
Bottom Row:
Barbara Latimer
Laura Bertelsen-Kilber
Colleen Judd
Angel Laughlin
Debbie Donaldson
Happy Holidays
14500 RR 12 | Wimberley Mountain Plaza | Suite 2 | 512.722.3267 | HillsOfTexasRealty.com | [email protected]
Wimberley Valley News & Views
Page 2
December 2014
WVNV DEC 2014.qxp_Layout 1 10/28/14 12:14 PM Page 1
A beautiful scheme
Being thankful and showing your
love and appreciation with the giving
of gifts are hallmarks of this season.
Thinking about it on a larger scale,
I realize that these are introspective
thoughts on our part. And just like us,
the northern hemisphere looks inward
during this time. It is resting, regenerating. The diminished hours of daylight and the cold temperatures intuitively draw us within.
The wisdom of this cycle of balance between pulling inward and stretching outward – time for
reflection and time for creation – throughout the year I can only
regard as divine. I am thankful to be part of this beautiful scheme.
Happy Christmas and Hanukkah! May your blessings continue.
Thank you for joining us.
Current attraction! Tickets now
The Odd Couple
by nEil simon
nov. 14 - Dec. 7
tony award for Comedy!
Presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.
2015 Season Tickets on sale through
Nov. 26. Single Tickets sales start Dec. 8
Wait Until Dark by FrEDEriCK
Knott
Feb. 27 - march 22
masterful thriller.
Presented by special arrangement with Dramatist Play Service, Inc.
Wimberley Valley News & Views
Publisher: Victoria Belue Schaefer
Editor: Cyle Wells
Ad Design: Joey Johnson
Cover Photograph: Kevin Schaefer
Greater Tuna by jaston
Williams, joE sEars, & ED
HoWarD
april 24 - may 17
one of a kind texas comedy.
Presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.
Catch Me If You Can booK tErrEnCE
mcnally musiC by marC sHaiman lyriCs
by sCott Wittman & marC sHaiman
july 10 - aug. 2
Fun filled musical.
Presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI)
The 39 Steps aDaPtED by PatriCK
barloW From tHE noVEl by joHn
buCHan & moViE by alFrED HitCHCoCK
Wimberley Valley News and Views, a subsidiary of Pedal Ranch Publications, is mailed monthly to all homes, businesses, and post office boxes
in the 78676 zip code. You can also pick one up from local merchants.
Contact us at [email protected] for information on advertising
and submissions.
Wimberley Valley News & Views
P.O. Box 91554 Austin Texas 78709
WVNewsViews.com 512 358-6271
Entire contents copyright ©2014. 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.
Wimberley Valley News & Views
sEPt. 11 - oCt. 4
Fast-paced comedic whodunit.
Licensed by ITV Global Entertainment Limited
Other Desert Cities by jon robin
baitz
noV. 13 - DEC. 6
Finalist 2012 Pulitzer for Drama.
Presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.
tickets: www.wimberleyplayers.org
box office 512-847-0575
Wimberley Playhouse 450 old Kyle rd.
Page 3
December 2014
✯ CALENDAR OF EVENTS ✯
Visit WVNewsViews.com
• Every Sun. Celebrate Freedom 6-8pm, pizza at 5:30pm at Cypress
Creek Church. Call 512-847-1222 or visit CypressCreekChurch.
com.
• Every 1st Mon. Wimberley Merchants Association meets at the
Wimberley Cafe at 6:15pm. For more info call 512-847-6544.
• Every 2nd Mon. Wimberley Valley Art League meets at the
Wimberley Community Center at 7pm. Call 512-826-4286 for
information
• Every Tue. Wimberley Home Health offers free blood pressure
monitoring 10-10:30am at the Wimberley Community Center
in the Seniors Lounge.
• Every Tue. the Wimberley Rotary Club meets at the Wimberley
Community Center at noon. For more info call 512-847-2510.
• Every Tue. Jan-July the Hill Country Community Band rehearses
at 7pm at the First Baptist Church on Winter’s Mill Parkway. Always recruiting new members. HillCountryCommunityBand.org
• Every 1st Tue. the Wimberley Community Center hosts free
medical checks 9:30-10:30am. For more info call 512-847-2510.
• Every 1st and 3rd Tue. the Wimberley Lions Club meets at the
Wimberley Community Center. Call 512-847-0207 for info.
• Every 2nd Tue. Wimberley Shriners Club meets at the Masonic
Lodge. Call 512-847-8696 for more information.
• Every 2nd Tues. Art Society of Wimberley meets at the Art Center
of Pitzer Gallery 13909 RR12 7pm. Call 512-964-7333.
• Every 4th Wed. EmanciPet Low-Cost Mobile Spay/Neuter cinic
in Brookshire parking lot. APPOINTMENTS required EmanciPet.org or 512 587-7729; contact ARF for more info 512
847-2878. WAG for dog vouchers WimberleyWAGRescue.org
or 512 847-3200. Dog/cat vouchers PALS PreventaLitter.com
or 512 754-7257.
• Every 3rd Wed. Wimberley Valley Genealogical Society meets in
the meeting room of the Wimberley Village Library from 6:308pm, September through June, except for December. For more
information call 512-847-2034.
• Every 4th Wed. Hill Country Neighbors meets at Wimberley Community Center starting at 10am. For more information contact
512-847-6888.
• Every Thur. June-August, Café Susanna at Wimberley United
Methodist Church (corner of RR12 and CR 1492), serves lunch
from 11-1:00pm. For more information call 512-847-3144.
• Every 1st Thur. The Wimberley Alzheimer’s Caregiver’s Support
Group meets at 1pm at the Presbyterian Church Library on FM
2325. Contact Linda Germain at 512-924-3661.
• Every 2nd Thur. The Hill Country Bead Society meets at 1pm
at the Wimberley Community Center, Blanco Room. Contact
Marilyn Pierce, for more info call 512-722-3549 or visit HillCountryBeadSociety.com.
• Every 3rd Thur. Live concerts at Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse 7:30pm, $15 for adults, $5 for children, Free childcare.
Wimberley United Methodist Church on the corner of RR 12
and CR 1492. For more information call 512-722-3316.
• Every Fri. Celebrate Recovery meets in the Fellowship Hall of First
Baptist Church 6:30-9:30pm. Call 512-847-9035 for more info.
• Every 3rd Fri. The Wimberley Area Parkinsons Association meets
at the Chapel of The Hills Church, 14601 RR 12 in Wimberley
at 11am. For more information contact Gae Koen 512-847-7953.
• Every 2nd and 4th Sat. Wimberley Toastmaster Club meets at
10:30am in the Village Library. Toastmasters teaching public
speaking and leadership skills. Call 512-913-4804 for information.
• Every 2nd Sat. Wimberley’s Second Saturday Gallery Trail. Visit
ten galleries for art, food and fun, 4-7pm. Call 830-708-7433
for information.
• Every 3rd Sat. WAG Rescue’s monthly dog adoption 11-3pm at
King Feed.
• Thur. Nov. 6-23, The EmilyAnn Theatre presents Nuncrackers.
Fri. and Sat. 7:30pm and Sun. 2pm. For more information visit
EmilyAnn.org.
• Thur. Nov. 13- Dec. 6, the Wimberley Players present Other Desert
Cities. See ad (pg.3) for more information.
• Sun. Nov. 16, The Starlight Symphony Orchestra presents Tranquility and Unity, at St. Stephens Episcopal Church. For more
information visit Starlightsymphony.org
• Fri. Nov. 21-23, 10-4pm. Wimberley Art League hosts 21st Annual Show and Sale.
• Thur. Nov. 27, Thanksgiving
• Sat. Nov. 29 - Dec. 31, The EmilyAnn Theatre presents the 16th
annual Trail of Lights. Sign up online at EmilyAnn.org.
• Thur. Dec. 12-14 and 19-21. The EmilyAnn Theatre presents A
Monster Carol. For tickets and more information visit EmilyAnn.org.
Entire contents copyright ©2014. 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.
Please submit your event details at least six weeks prior to your event. Distribution is the 15st of each month.
Wimberley Valley News and Views is a subsidiary of Pedal Ranch Publications.
Wimberley Valley News & Views • 512-358-6271 • P.O. Box 91554 Austin, Texas 78709
WVNewsViews.com
Wimberley Valley News & Views
Page 4
December 2014
Feeding us all
Omnia vivunt, omnia inter se conexa
“Everything is alive; everything is
interconnected."
Cicero 106 BCE – 43 BCE.
“I am he as you are he as you are
me and we are all together.”
John Lennon 1940-1980
I love nearly everything about gardening. The physical labor
of turning a garden fork full of earth is rewarded by the joy of
finding healthy earthworms wriggling their way through the soil.
Setbacks like a fence that needs mending or an untimely spring
hailstorm are more than compensated for by the miracle of tiny
tendrils breaking the surface and the incomparable fresh smell of
the garden after a refreshing rain. Spending time outdoors in the
midst of Nature having its way with the Earth is just an added
bonus. (not unlike getting to quote Cicero and John Lennon in the
same column)
It’ll be some time before we understand some of the secrets of
the cosmos, but if we can manage to keep our species going for
long enough, I am confident we will continue to pursue knowledge
about everything that is, and that will certainly lead us to deeper
understandings of how connected we really are to, well, everything.
As I learn more about the laws that govern all life on Earth, I am
amazed at how the intricate web of interdependent plants, animals,
fungi, and microbes of which we are a part has evolved here over
by Tim Thompson
eons. The propensity of life to keep going seems perhaps as powerful as the physical laws that define what happens and where, how
and when it happens. The mysteries we investigate are almost as
fascinating as the answers to them.
Next time you eat tasty vegetables from your garden or from the
market, think about how the truly awesome chain of life brought
that food to you. The light of our star, minerals, and gases of the
Earth have conspired with the genetics of living things and the
continuing spark of life to feed you and me and seven billion people every day. Amazing? Oh yeah.
Every day is a gift of wonder.
Horticulturist Tim Thompson has managed the garden center at King
Feed and Hardware for the past 25 years. They offer everything you need
to have the garden of your dreams without stressing your budget. Pick up
Tim’s Tips, free one page sheets on how to carry out dozens of gardening
projects available only at King Feed Nursery. Call Tim at 847-2618.
Coding for elementary students
What is all the buzz about coding –
that is computer programing – for young
students? A 2012 STEMconnector jobs
overview, created by The Alliance for
Science and Technology Research in
America, proclaims that by 2018, there
will be more than 8.6 million workers
in the United States in science, technology, engineering and mathematics occupations. If self-employed individuals are
included, the number jumps to 15.7 million workers. Seventy-one
percent of those jobs will be in computing. This forecast of the
future job market has encouraged educators to consider teaching
the skills necessary to equip our students to enter this competitive
field. In fact, the question has been asked why we don’t teach students to write the language of computers – coding – just like we
teach students to write.
The additional and even more pressing concern is the huge gender gap in the computer science field. Statistics indicate that currently only 18 percent of computer science majors in college are
women even though women represent 57 percent of undergraduates. It seems that social pressure by the high school years significantly affects choices that girls are making about their future career
paths. These pressures don’t seem to exist at the elementary level.
Several groups have been actively creating coding curriculum for
Wimberley Valley News & Views
by Marsha Acock
elementary students and making it freely available. Third through
Sixth Grade students were introduced to coding at St. Stephen’s
Episcopal School through a short course last spring. The course
was full of creative activities and the programing concepts seem
to come very easily to this age group. There was no difference in
the enthusiasm from girls or boys. The school plans to expand the
program in 2014-2015. Like so many other skills routinely introduced at an early age, it seems that everyone can understand and
learn computer programming when they are young and unafraid!
St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, established in 1989 as an active
ministry of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, enrolls children from
PreK3 through 6th grade at the 52-acre campus it shares with the
Church. St. Stephen’s is fully accredited, including preschool, by
the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools and its curriculum includes weekly chapel services, Spanish instruction at
all levels, studio art, music, technology, archery instruction and
indoor and outdoor physical education. The campus consists of a
fully-equipped gymnasium, library, technology and science labs,
three play-grounds, discovery garden and outdoor classroom and
nature trail.
Marsha Acock is Head of School at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School
in Wimberley. Enrollment is still open for the 2014-15 school year.
To learn more, visit ststeveschool.org or contact Marsha Acock at
[email protected] or at 512.847.9857.
Page 5
December 2014
Get a head start on spring
T R A N S F E RS W E LCO M E !
• Small Classes
• Well-Rounded & Challenging
• Character-Building
Enrolling PreK3-6th Grade! Call Today! 512-847-9857
6000 FM 3237 • Wimberley, TX • www.ststeveschool.org
LT Custom Framing & Creations
512-847-1666 LTCustomFraming.com
Now Featuring a Variety of Local Artists in New Gallery
Oils, Photograpghy, Watercolors, Jewelry, Pottery, Clay on Canvas
Lorrie Dunks – Proprietor – 715 Fm 2325 – 512-847-1666 – M-F 10-5 S 10-3
STEAK NIGHT
5PM – 7PM
2ND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH
RESERVATION ONLY
10 oz. Rib-eye
Cooked over live coals,
Salad, Baked potato, drink and dessert.
MISSMAESBBQ.COM
10:30am-7pm Mon-Sat
ONLY $19.99!
847-9808 419 FM 2325
by Lindley Pond
Hopefully by the time you read this
article, the great temps are still with us
and the rains have continued, not in the
torrential down pour fashion some of us
experienced in October and November,
just light drenching here and there to
keep things plants thriving as well as our
wildlife.
Never in all of my years have I seen so many acorns…what a
great sign! So as I said in my November article, it may not seem
like a great time to do too much outdoors but planning and prep
can make all the difference in your spring and summer enjoyment.
By now, we’ve all cleaned up as much as we can. Hopefully we’ve
mulched those things near and dear to our hearts and we can sit
back and think about what it is that will make “our” place a haven
for those outdoor gatherings.
It’s still a great time to tackle tree trimming, removing dead
wood and ball moss and raising the canopy for healthier growth.
New trees can go in now and will have ample time to get established. If constant maintenance of wooden structures is eating a
hole in your budget for “yardscapes”, a more permanent solution
would be a stone patio. This will give you the space you need without the need for staining, painting…
You may have also found that the force of water has given you
drainage problems that were hidden due to the drought. Great time
to tackle those before the spring rains as well. If you are a veggie
gardener, it’s a perfect time for setting up your seed starting station
for that spring bounty. Starting them now puts what you grow and
eat in your hands and kids will love watching their seeds turn into
transplants ready for the veggie patch next year.
Which ever project tickles your fancy, Lindley Pond Landscaping is happy to help you set it in motion. Feel free to give us a call.
.or drop us a line. We’ll help you make sense of it all.
We’re here to help fulfill your “outside dreams.” Call us for a free
consultation and design. Lindley Pond is owner of Lindley Pond
Landscaping. We are here to make things out of your reach happen. Don’t hesitate to call or email. We’d love to help you design
the shady spot you deserve. We’ve been helping folks in Central
Texas for over 15 years. Give us a call for design and installation
of your new “lawn.” Contact us at 512-775-1629.
MAIL
STOP
Mail Stop
Stop
Mail
Copies
• Labels • Gifts • Rubber Stamps • Typing • Notary
#OPIESs,ABELSs'IFTSs2UBBER3TAMPSs4YPING
#OPIESs,ABELSs'IFTSs2UBBER3TAMPSs4YPING
Postal Services • Packing Service & Supplies
.OTARYs0OSTAL3ERVICESs0ACKING3ERVICE3UPPLIES
.OTARYs0OSTAL3ERVICESs0ACKING3ERVICE3UPPLIES
KODAK Digital Printing • Secure Shredding 89¢/pound
847-9622
847-9622
phone: 847-9622
~ fax: 847-9832
M-F9-5
9-5&&Sat
Sat10-3
10-3
FedEx
M-F
FedEx!TTHE6INEYARDs
!TTHE6INEYARDs13501
13501Ranch
RanchRd
Rd12,
12,Ste.
Ste.103
103
®
®
TEXAS HILL COUNTRY SHUTTERS
Blinds & Shades, Too!
Better Quality,
Service & Prices
than Big Box Stores
• Lindley Pond
512.775.1629
• Lindley
Pond
April Saunders,
Owner
830.624.6521
& Window Specialist
~ Canyon Lake ~
texashillcountryshutters.com
Wimberley Valley News & Views
Call, email or visit my website to request
[email protected]
complimentary consultation and design [email protected]
To help you enjoy your outdoors!
512.322.9519 [office]
www.lindleypondllc.com
512.775.1629
[mobile]
Page 6
171 Wren Road
Johnson City, TX 78636
December 2014
Thanksgiving delights revisited
One of the perks of the holiday season is that it presents a wonderful excuse
to take time to peruse recipes and think
about great food! There are innumerable
resources for seasonal culinary delights
– the online wonder Epicurious.com and
good, old Martha Stewart, to name a
couple. And of course, family recipes deserve serious consideration as we honor our history and enhance
our traditions. I lick my lips as I read through the recipes I have
accumulated, hoping to settle on a delectable menu to thrill my
loved ones’ taste-buds. That, in itself, is a challenge, but the biggest test for me is always time. It is important to be very realistic,
and carefully plan my time around work, conversation and rest.
I select recipes for Thanksgiving dinner (served at around 2:00
at our house) which can be successfully accomplished in the free
time I have before everyone takes a seat.
Now to consider the visuals of Thanksgiving; it takes only a
glance outside to thank our lucky stars that the Texas Hill Country
is home. Bring the colors that are so prominent out-of-doors into
your table – oranges, yellows and rust. Add a complimentary color
to make them “pop” – dark purple or rich aqua candles and napkins
could work well. Pull out your beautiful oven-to-table stoneware,
dinnerware and serving pieces to be sure they are ready to go. Preprepare any recipe that can be made in advance and refrigerate.
Weather permitting, start Thanksgiving Day on your porch or
by Temple Wynne
patio – your house guests will love it! Decorate the patio table
(or your coffee table in front of the fire) with orange, yellow and
purple pansies. Be sure that the insulated coffee carafe is ready for
company and the rolls are in the warmer. Lastly, be secure in the
fact that guests love a leisurely morning! Preplanning tasks that
you would like to pass on to helpers definitely makes the day more
pleasant. If you are organized enough, it will be a breeze! At noon,
orchestrate the setting of the table; 12:30 pm, set out some good,
locally-made cheeses, pears, apples and nuts, served with chilled
wine or icy, spiced tea. At 1:30 carve the turkey and lay out the
feast. And at 2:00, count your blessings and enjoy!
Temple Wynne is the owner/buyer at River House, 104 Wimberley
Square. River House specializes in customer service, offering gift
registry, beautiful accents for home and table, ladies’ jewelry and
accessories, fine paper and the best toffee ever! 512-847-7009 or
RiverHouseWimberley.com.
ssentials
EH
for
Gracious
ill Country Living
Celebrating
Our 9th Anniversary!
Open Daily
All Christmas 20% off
847-7009
Nov 15 - 17th
104 Wimberley Square • www.RiverHouseWimberley.com
The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth
by Jackie Maloy
A seller of real property in Texas and a
real estate broker must disclose to a prospective buyer any known material defect
in the property. The broker’s duty to disclose known defects is the same without
regard to whom the broker represents in
a transaction. The Property Code Section
5.008 – the seller’s disclosure statute-requires a seller to complete a seller’s disclosure notice and deliver it to the buyer on or before the effective
date of the contract (the date the contract is signed by both parties).
If the seller fails to timely deliver the notice, the buyer may terminate the contract for any reason within seven days after the buyer
receives the notice.
Common questions concerning the seller’s disclosure notice:
Are there any exemptions? New home exemption or builder exemption, trustee or executor of an estate exemption and the lender
after foreclosing on a property are not required to complete the
seller’s disclosure notice. However, all sellers are required by common law and other statutes to disclose any known material defect.
Must a seller disclose a previous death on the property? Neither the seller nor a broker must disclose deaths that occurred by
natural causes, suicide, or accidents unrelated to the condition of
the property. A seller must disclose a death caused by murder or a
death caused by an accident related to the condition of the propWimberley Valley News & Views
erty.
If a seller receives a copy of an inspection report from a buyer and the contract with that buyer falls through, must the seller
or broker provide copies of the previous inspection report to the
subsequent purchaser? Yes. Having received information about
defects noted in the report, the broker and seller are charged with
knowledge of any material defects revealed and are required to
disclose these defects to the subsequent buyer. The Texas Association of Realtors seller’s disclosure notice asks the seller to identify
and attach copies of any previous inspection reports.
If a seller repairs all the items in need of repair, must a seller
provide a purchaser with a copy of that inspection? Yes. It is prudent to provide the subsequent purchaser with the previous report
and invoices showing that repairs were made. Once an item is repaired, it is no longer defective, and disclosure of repaired items is
not required except as noted in the seller’s disclosure notice (previous fires, flooding, foundation repairs, termite treatment).
Disclosure, disclosure, disclosure protects buyer, seller, and the
broker from lawsuits.
Source: Independence VOICE from mark Sprague, ITC State
Director of Information Capital. Austin MLS. Jackie Maloy,
Broker Assoc. of Partners In Real Estate Group, Keller Williams
Realty. 512-842-1272. Building trust with her clients for over 28
years with Local Knowledge and Global Connections. Jackie@
jackiemaloy.com, WimberleyHillcountryRealEstate.com.
Page 7
December 2014
Simplicity is not too much to ask
Depending upon the quality of your
water supply, water treatment systems
can range in size from compact units
designed to be tucked away in a small
closet to multiple pieces of equipment
requiring a large area. Often a system
will have been modified over time with
plumbing repairs, and the addition or replacement of equipment.
In many cases, these modifications are done in a way which makes
the installer’s job as easy as possible. Simply connecting a brand
new softener to an existing maze of old pipe or running unsupported pipes at odd angles to connect a new piece of equipment
are examples of shortcuts which demonstrate a lack of concern for
the finished product. The result is a pieced together system which
makes access for service difficult, and typically takes up far more
space than necessary.
While the operation of the equipment and the product water
quality are the most pressing concerns, it is almost as important
that the system be simple and streamlined to eliminate problems
when the need arises for maintenance or service. When discussing the work to be performed, you should address any concerns
you may have about the current system, and clarify the scope of
work to be done. If a piece of equipment is to be replaced, ask
how the new connections will be made. Also, be sure to ask what
will happen to the old unit. Many times, the equipment will be
simply left in the immediate area for the homeowner to dispose
by Randy Lawrence
of. Obviously, it affects the equipment dealer’s bottom line to perform work beyond a simple “cut and paste” installation, but it’s
reasonable to expect your water system to be carefully planned and
installed in a user-friendly and space efficient manner. It usually
takes a little more time, and a few additional fittings, but when the
technician puts forth the extra effort to simplify the system, it can
make a world of difference. If you’re concerned about the treatment equipment you currently have, a trained and licensed professional can suggest ways to improve the layout, performance, and
overall efficiency of your system.
Randy Lawrence is the owner of ProQuality Water Systems, a
full service water treatment company. He is one of only six Class
III Certified Water Treatment Specialists in Hays County (LIC#
WT0002693). With over 15 years of experience he has serviced
Wimberley and surrounding areas for over a decade.
“When you want quality, call a pro.”
ProQuality
Water Systems
Randy Lawrence
A
512-618-1334
(830) 822-3533
full service water treatment company specializing
in customer service
&
integrity
Certified by the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality
Class III License # WT0002693
www.proqualitywater.com
Freeze protection for your home
Living in central Texas we are blessed
with mild winters, but when it does
freeze and ices over it can cause damage to your home as well as your plants.
There are some simple steps you can
take to make sure when it does freeze
that your home and plants withstand the
weather.
First, let’s talk about freezing conditions and your pipes. When freezing
temperatures occur, the water in your exposed pipe expands causing pressure to build up. Most piping systems allow for expansion
and contraction, but only to a certain point. Once there is nowhere
else for the pressure to go, the pipe will usually crack or burst. The
damage from a busted pipe can be very costly. Here are some ways
to help keep your pipes from busting
Wrap all exposed pipes in foam pipe insulation that is split
down the center and allows the user to slip it over pipes. Install
cold weather faucet covers on all outdoor spigots (faucets). If you
have a well house you can install heat tape, heat tape is basically
a special insulated wire that runs along your pipe and is plugged
in an 110v power outlet to prevent pipes from freezing. Heat tape
usually has an automatic thermostat; most are activated around 380
F and turn off at 450 F. Remember if you decide to use heat tape
follow the manufacturer’s instructions. One final tip is to install
a heat lamp in your well house. When used in conjunction with
Wimberley Valley News & Views
by Cary Palumbo
a thermostatically controlled device it’s a quick and inexpensive
way to keep your pipes from freezing.
Now here are a few tips to help keep your plants from freezing. My first tip is to purchase some frost protection fabric. Frost
protection fabric is light weight permeable material that protects
plants from frost, cold and freezing temperatures while also protecting against UV plant burn. You can also use old bed sheets; just
keep in mind that they are made of a heavier material and are more
likely to damage your plants when freezing rain adds weight. Another tip is to use empty plant pots or buckets to cover your plants.
Cary Palumbo has been with Wimberley Ace Hardware for fifteen
years. He is the Assistant Store Manager. Wimberley Ace Hardware Annex is open and located at 14307 Ranch Road 12 (at the Y)
and open daily, Call 512-847-2356 or visit Facebook.com/WimberleyAceGift.
Wimberley Ace
Phone: 512-847-2356
14307 Ranch Road 12
Wimberley, TX 78676
www.WimberleyAce.com
The helpful place.
Canyon Lake Ace
Phone: 830-964-2797
1150 FM 2673
Canyon Lake, TX 78133
www.CanyonLakeAce.com
Unbeatable Customer Service,
Selection, Competitive Prices,
and Close to Home
Page 8
December 2014
Five ways to pay it forward
In celebration of Thanksgiving, take
the opportunity to say “thanks” by doing a good deed for someone else. This
month’s information features five actions to help you pay it forward. Whether
you want to commit your time to volunteering or simply write a kind note to
someone, the list is intended to help you
make a positive impact on another person’s life while reaping the
benefits of generosity.
1) Volunteer. It’s one of the best ways to help others and make
an impact in your community. Find a local charity and volunteer
for a few hours a month or help someone that you know.
2) Mentor someone. Mentors provide useful insight and help
guide people along their career paths. A fancy title and corner office aren’t required to be a mentor; you just have to be comfortable
enough to share your experiences, give advice and offer an ear to
listen.
3) Share a skill. Are you a whiz at creating spreadsheets or using photo-editing software? Teach others how to do it. Many local
colleges offer non-credit classes led by experts in the community.
Additionally, many cities and towns offer classes through their
community services divisions. If you don’t have time to teach a
class in person, try online. Websites such as Skillshare.com give
experts a platform to share their knowledge and skills with students from all over the globe.
4) Use your skills to help others. Knit hats for newborns, make
dinner for a neighbor who is sick or just had a baby or help an
elderly neighbor with repairs around the house. Whatever it is, let
your skills help improve someone’s day.
5) Write a kind note to someone. It doesn’t matter who you
write the note to; the only requirement is that it’s genuine. Write
an encouraging note to your niece who’s in her first year of high
school, write a note to a former teacher and explain how much
they impacted your life. Not only will it boost the spirit of the person who receives it, it’ll also encourage them to strive higher and
maybe write a note of their own.
I wanted to take the opportunity to let you know how grateful
I am for your business. It’s a pleasure to be your trusted real estate professional. 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, CIAS is the Broker/Owner
of RE/MAX REAL PROPERTIES and is Wimberley’s “Peak Producer” offering Professional Representation for both Buyers and
Sellers in Real Estate Transactions. He may be contacted at 512847-“SOLD” 7653 or at [email protected]
The importance of tree diversity
In October, I attended the excellent
Texas Tree Conference sponsored by
the Texas Chapter of the International
Society of Arboriculture. One of several
outstanding presentations was from Dr.
John Ball of South Dakota State University on the importance of tree diversity.
Since my last column in this publication
addressed fall and winter tree planting, some of Dr. Ball’s points fit
nicely with that topic. He led with the observation that the greater
the number of species in a genus, the greater numbers of pests that
infest, and can bring harm to, those species. While many pests attack more than one species in a genus, they tend not to cross over
to another genus. An example we’re familiar with in Texas is oak
wilt, which pathogen can impact more than one species of oak but
confines itself to the oak genus.
Dr. Ball pointed out that with global commerce, we’ve seen
pests introduced from overseas that are devastating tree populations. An example is the emerald ash borer from Asia that has
killed millions of ash trees in the Midwest and is traveling south
and west.
The upshot of this is to plant diverse tree genera. For us, that
means instead of planting, say, a live oak, a Monterrey Oak and
a chinkapin oak, a better option would be to plant a chinkapin
Wimberley Valley News & Views
by AJ Harwood
by Steven Austin
oak (genus Quercus), a Mexican sycamore (genus Platanus) and
an Arizona cypress (genus Cupressus). Some municipalities use
guidelines such as the 10-20-30 rule to reduce the possibility of
devastating tree loss from pests. This means the municipal tree
population (as in street trees) would have no more than 10 percent
of any one species, 20 percent of any one genus and 30 percent of
any one family. Planting with a more diverse selection of genera
will go a long way to reduce catastrophic tree loss in communities
and the expenses related to those losses, such as tree removals.
A place to start is the Texas Forest Service Tree Planting Guide
that makes recommendations from various genera. See TexasTreePlanting.tamu.edu – Texas Tree Selector.
A Wimberley resident, Steven Austin is a member of the Texas
Chap¬ter of the International Society of Arboriculture and is an
ISA Cer¬tified Arborist and ISA Tree Worker/Climber Specialist.
His exper¬tise includes integrated pest management of trees and
shrubs and state-of-the-art organic treatments. He holds a commercial pesti¬cide 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 and
can be reached at 512-392-1089 or toll-free at 800-443-8733.
Page 9
December 2014
A fool and his money
“I want the cheapest door you have.”
We hear it all the time.
A recent survey of residents in the
Austin metropolitan area indicated that
5,000 homeowners planned to purchase
a new garage door in the next year. I
suspect there are another 5,000 homeowners that will need to purchase a new
door but do not realize it. This is a perfect scenario for the marketing managers for garage door manufacturers – it proves planned
obsolescence works. Most of the homes are not twenty years old. In
fact, the majority of doors I see replaced are less than ten years old.
Why they don’t last has been presented here in a number of forms
over the years but some significant points are worth repeating as
more new doors are purchased during the winter and early spring
than the rest of the year.
First, are warranties. No one in marketing is going to recommend
a shorter warranty than necessary. Yet no one in engineering is going
to recommend a longer one than the product will function. Check
the moving parts warranty. With most doors you will be shocked.
The critical parts on a garage door are inside. Ask questions, ask
for documentation and pay attention to the terms of the warranty. Is
it prorated, does it cover labor, who do I have to call to get service
and what is the lead time.. Ever try to get a home warranty service
from a big box store?
Keep in mind the impact on your home. Studies have shown the
right door can materially raise the resale value of your home. There
are hundreds of styles, colors and options.
Most of these guidelines apply to garage door openers as well.
Why does one company offer a five year warranty while another
stands behind their entire product for as long as you own your home?
The guy touting the lowest price does not have the best product.
The bottom line: Not all like products are the same. Do your
homework, compare specifics and remember with garage doors,
you get what you pay for.
Rich Trader is a professional garage door installer for Precision
Overhead Garage Door Service. For more information or to schedule an appointment please call 512-218-9720 or visit PrecisionDoor.net.
A Name You Can Trust
Rich Trader
512-218-9720
Canyon Bend @ 290 • Dripping Springs • www.precisiondoor.net
Languages
I am writing this on a train from Nice,
France to Milan, Italy (of course). We
missed a train connection in Ventimilia
so I hope we are not sitting in someone
else's seat, now that we caught the next
train. Rhonda is pretty good with French
and we had no problem in France, but, ten
kilometers over the border, it's all Italian,
and it may be embarrassing to have to explain ourselves in French, English, Spanish and by waving hands.
In France, everyone was outrageously friendly to us just as soon
as Rhonda broke out the French. Often we saw a smile and heard
a relieved sigh followed by, "Ah, oui, en français!" when Rhonda
spoke French to shopkeepers who really didn't speak English at
all. But, hey, it's France and it's their country! Ten kilometers into
Mexico I wouldn't expect to be addressed in English.
I wonder if our unique American insistence on having our documents, ballots and answering machines be bilingual is an overcompensation for our American assumption, usually correct, that you
can always find an English speaker anywhere, that we are nationally terrible at other languages and that we don't want to look that
way. The French have often been criticized as being rude to Americans but everyone we met just wanted is to hear their language.
Just trying to speak French showed them respect and they were
satisfied with that. Are we any less patient with foreign visitors
Wimberley Valley News & Views
by Rich Trader
by Kern Deschner
who have no knowledge of English when they visit here?
There are a lot of languages. The first two years of medical
school were all about learning the language. Alpaca breeders have
their language, too, and it can get technical. Visitors will hears us
talk about general things like the personality and beauty of the alpacas but, before long, questions come up about comparative quality. That is when things get technical. Now we bring up EPD’s,
conformational details, fiber micron statistics and all the strategies
we use to maximize the breeding potential of the best alpacas. New
visitors to the ranch usually glaze over at this point. My experience
in France has helped remind me that sometimes, when we have
ranch visitors, we need to slow down the technical talk and put
things in simpler terms. We had to ask for that in France and our
visitors need to feel free to ask for it at the ranch. When you visit
our ranch, we promise to try hard to put the explanations "in English" so you can understand. Or in French, if Rhonda is around!
Rhonda and Kern Deschner are experienced alpaca ranchers
raising alpacas through all kinds of Texas weather since 1997.
Tierra Prometida Alpaca Ranch, found on FM32 near the Devils
Backbone rest stop, can be visited by calling Rhonda at 512-7539962, or at [email protected].
Page 10December 2014
Understanding negotiations
by Brenda Samford
1) Human nature is the biggest problem for sellers and buyers to overcome
in a changing market. Prices stagnate
or drop a few percentage points and it’s
amazing how different buyers and sellers react. Sellers still think their house
is “special” and immune to the market.
Buyers figure every seller is about to be
foreclosed on and make ridiculous low-ball offers. Smart buyers
do their homework, know what size home they need, how much
they can afford and then search the market for what they want and
negotiate fairly.
2) When you make an offer, know the recent comparable sales;
it’s the best bargaining tool. Have your Realtor provide the comps
you are basing your offer from and a brief letter explaining the
offer.
3) Find out as much as you can about the seller’s motivation
– retirement, job, divorce, wants to move up but only if he gets
the right price. If a buyer knows the seller’s motivation they can
negotiate a better deal or move on to the next property.
4) Multiple Listing Service (MLS) properties usually state what
the seller owes. If not, your agent should be able to track down
the figures. There’s a big difference in negotiating with an owner
who owes more than the house is worth and one who has a lot of
built-up equity.
5) After 45 to 60 days the seller is usually absolutely sick of
keeping their house spotless and sick of people walking through.
This is when a seller may be the most anxious about selling their
house as traffic to their house has likely fallen sharply.
6) Unless you’re incredibly handy and have time and cash, go
after houses that are as updated as you can afford. This is easier
to do in a stagnant or falling market and fixers aren’t usually discounted enough to be worthwhile.
7) In a tighter market, it’s not too much to ask the seller to add
the closing costs to the price of the house. It’s better to put 20 percent down and add the closing costs to the loan than put 15 percent
down and pay the costs upfront.
8) Items to ask for that shouldn’t offend sellers are paying for
new kitchen appliances or washer and dryer. Most sellers will be
willing to do so to close the deal.
9) Don’t request anything that requires quality workmanship.
Don’t ask them to paint. They won’t do it the way you want. Also,
don’t get carried away and ask for the entire store. Be reasonable.
10) Make sure to look at the big picture. In changing markets
you should be planning to stay for at least five years, so don’t get
caught up in a $2,000 price difference. Remember, the goal is to
get the house you want to live in for some time.
Call us for a free market analysis of your home! Visit my new location at 2500 FM 2325, I would love to hear from you. This article
was written by Chris Birk and published on Realtor.com. If Brenda
Samford can be of assistance in answering any questions please
call 512-842-1286.
Wimberley Valley News & Views
Savannah Homes
“Affordable Luxury”
2500 FM 2325
Wimberley, TX 78676
512-826-5571
www.SavannahHomesTX.com
DeMasters-Daniel
Insurance Agency, Inc.
Serving the Hill Country since 1983,
call us for your insurance needs.
847-5549 • 847-9325
At the Corner of RR 12 and E Summit Dr.
Page 11December 2014
eagle
Mountain
• Flags & Flag Poles
• Patriotic giFts
• knives & cutlery
512-847-0010 • 800-385-5605
Mon-thu 9-5 • Fri til 3 • 333 FM 2325 • Wimberley
eagleMountainFlag.com
Introducing
Karen McGrath
Shear Perfection at Vicky Mayo Salon
512-920-7885
Schedule an appointment.
Vicky Mayo Salon
512-847-5707
Wimberley2x3.pdf
6/6/07
5:36:10 PM
101 F.M.3237 Suite D. Wimberley
M
Y
Y
Y
Wimberley Office
150 RR 3237, P.O. Box 727 • Wimberley, TX 78676
Office: 512/847-2278 • Fax: 512/847-5131
Are you Flying Solo?
Come fly with us.
Your last diet
by Becky Matthews
Take back your health! That phrase
means different things to different people. There is an epidemic of obesity in
North America today. Millions of books
have been written on numerous diets
promising weight loss. The emphasis is
almost always on losing the weight – that
is the goal. What is lost on most people
suffering with overweight is how to keep
the weight off after losing it. This is our calling card. This is what
makes us different and why this can be your “last diet”. There is
robust scientific evidence showing an important link between heart
disease and metabolic syndrome. Metabolic Syndrome with its associated link to insulin resistance (pre-diabetes) and excess body
fat has become an epidemic in this country because of the American diet and lifestyle. A routine blood test does not always detect
insulin resistance, leaving many to have the false belief that their
blood glucose (sugar) is okay. One of the goals of the Ideal Protein
protocol is to remove much of the carbohydrates and sugars from
the diet to give our insulin producing machine (pancreas) and the
insulin receptors a rest. This is happening during the weight loss
phase. When the dieter enters phases two, three, and four carbohydrates and natural sugars are reintroduced slowly. The insulin
receptors are now more sensitive and working more efficiently,
requiring less insulin. This decreases demand on the pancreas significantly reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Many physicians and other healthcare providers in the United
States and Canada recommend this weight loss method. It is safe
and drug free. Going back to the beginning of this article, we mentioned that most diets are focused on the weight loss but not on
how to keep it off. This is what sets the Ideal Protein method apart
and why it really can be “your last diet”. The innovators of this
method have committed to making the maintenance phases easier
to accomplish and more user friendly. They understand that losing the excess body fat will do little for us if we are not capable
of keeping it off. Come see us at Ideal Weigh and we’ll help you
“Take your health back.”
Dr. Matthews and his wife Becky co/own the Ideal Weigh weight loss
clinic in Wimberley. They invite you to partner with one of their
personal coaches to take your weight loss journey. Ask about the
discount for groups of 2 or more. Call Becky at 512-658-5488 to
get the “skinny” on the program.
Community Singles
are welcome!
Flying Solo
Food • Fun
Friendship & Fellowship
~•• www.FBCWimberley.com ••~
2nd & 4th Friday
of each month
847-9035
Activities & Location Varies.
Car-Pooling Offered
Sponsored by the Single Adult Ministry of First Baptist Church-Wimberley
Wimberley Valley News & Views
Page 12December 2014
There may be hope for
Microsoft Windows after all
Rebecca Minnick
Realtor ®
by Lee Campbell
I’ve been testing Windows 10
for a few weeks now and so far I’m
impressed. Yes, it’s a little different
than Windows 7, but nothing like
that Windows 8 mess. The installation process was quite easy except
for getting around having to use a
Microsoft email account as your
login. Simply click on create a new
account and then select local account and you can make one the
old fashioned way like I did.
The start menu uses file explorer instead of computer/network
and is actually an improvement over Windows 7, plus they insist
on change for its own sake anyway. Administrative functions are
accessed with a right click of the start menu and has everything
you need right there. This preview came with Internet Explorer 11,
with flash built in and it works well.
The right hand column of the start menu has the Metro-style
icons that you can customize which I did easily. I removed the
icons I didn’t like with a right click/remove and added Thunderbird for email and OpenOffice (free replacement of Microsoft Office), added help and the command window. This I really like.
I’m running this Beta OS in a virtual machine it seems to run
as quickly as Windows 7, and the boot time is real quick like Windows 8. Speaking of which, if you run this on a tablet you get the
Metro interface by default which it’s better suited to. This release
makes up for the fact that Windows 8 tried to force a phone/tablet
interface down your throat if you were using a PC. On my PC it
comes right up to a traditional desktop interface. Windows update
is still with us and works the same old way.
A picture really is worth a thousand words so I encourage you
to get on the publications page of my website and view the Windows 10 screen shots. There is verbiage along with the pics. There
is a little further detail on Thunderbird and OpenOffice there as
well. After Windows 8, I really thought about switching to Linux
but this looks like a fine release.
Whether you’re
buying or selling,
let me put Sotheby’s
incomparable service
to work for you!
Serving the Wimberley Valley Area
512.850.7435
[email protected]
Dedicated to the Extraordinary. The Exceptional. The Unique.
The Cedar Removal Specialists
Lee Campbell is a systems engineer with 38 years of experience
following his 1976 graduation from Syracuse University. Lee lives
in Wimberley and offers a full line of computer support. For more
information visit tcw-tx.net.
• Fully Insured •
• envIronmentally ConsCIous •
• Free estImates •
TCW
Certified Arborist
Lee Campbell
Networking
Cloud Solutions
Virus removal
Business automation
Systems Engineer
512-697-9831
13501 RR12, Ste 103
Wimberley, TX 78676
Wimberley Valley News & Views
Tree Trimming & Pruning • Low-Impact Land Clearing
Full Landscape Services • Oak Wilt Treatment
Cedar Fencing • Lawn & Landscape Maintenance
texstartreesandlandscapes.com
512-694-6607
Page 13December 2014
Grace and gratitude
During this November month of
thankfulness, I would like to bring your
attention to grace and gratitude. The
importance of expressing all aspects of
thankfulness relates to the situations that
are wanted as well as unwanted. For instance, it’s easy to be happy and grateful when you receive something you’ve
wanted, needed or wished for however, what about when you are
denied something or receive something you don’t want?
Allowing grace to step in at this point is paramount in keeping
your attitude of gratefulness alive. Sometimes it’s not about getting
what you want when you want it, but about how you receive the
answer you get. When you practice being balanced and centered
in every aspect of your life, you receive a lot more than you are
denied. Not to mention you receive what is best for you in every
given moment. Perhaps it was bad timing, or maybe someone was
more in need at the time than you and your time came a week later.
The powers that be know a lot more than what our own conscious
mind can conceive. Trust that you will always be taken care of, for
we are not set up to fail.
Always remember to breathe and smile in every situation. You
never know what can come out of a response that’s delivered with
grace or accepted with gratitude. Imagine, as you hold back those
tears and step into grace, that someone notices your inner strength
and poise. Then shortly thereafter you are offered an amazing op-
by Shawn Dubois
portunity by that same person who witnessed and commended
your gracefulness. Gratitude steps in to take the place of grace and
miracles happen. It is challenging to see things from a higher perspective but well worth the effort. Remember, sometimes denial
of what we want does not necessarily mean no, it means not right
now. When you respond to that answer with grace and gratitude
it allows for something better to come along in Divine time. Be
thankful for everything that comes into your life and gracefully
accept that which doesn’t.
Shawn Dubois is a Spiritual Counselor, Intuitive and Crystal Healer of 16 yrs. She is the owner of Inner Healing located at 111 Old
Kyle Road, Suite #212 (upstairs in The Lumberyard Plaza.) Contact her at 512-895-9557 or [email protected] and Facebook.com/innerhealing.bizmeetup.com/metaphysics-and-spirituality-in-wimberley .
50% off
any session
(First timers only please)
Call 512-895-9557
www.InnerHealing.biz
Just a peel: Better skin in 30 minutes
by Karen Laine, Para-Medical Aesthetician
Superficial or light peels are the gentlest type of peels available and one of
the true 'lunchtime' aesthetic procedures.
They only remove the top layer of the
skin, known as the epidermis, and can
give your skin and instantly brighter look
as well as a smoother, more even texture.
They can be used to minimize fine lines
and wrinkles, sun damage, mild acne scarring, age spots and dry
or flaking skin. They are usually made from alpha hydroxy or beta
hydroxy acids, known as AHAs and BHAs and include glycolic
acid, lactic acid and salicylic acid.
Nowadays it is also common to use fruit enzymes and acids
from natural sources such as pumpkins, cranberries and pineapples. There are now advanced peeling systems, which offer the
kind of results you would expect from a medium depth peel but
with the side effects of a superficial peel. These types of peels use
active ingredients to penetrate and deliver anti-oxidants and vitamins deep into the skin encouraging the new cells to grow stronger
and healthier.
A course of between six and 10 treatments is usually recommended to achieve the best results. Superficial peels do not hurt,
Wimberley Valley News & Views
you only feel a slight tingling or stinging sensation, and have virtually no recovery time. You can be a little bit pink afterwards and
may get some mild flaking of the skin but this can be disguised
with make-up. With a superficial peel you would be able to return
to work or go out straight afterwards and no one would know you
had had the treatment done. Just get ready for the compliments to
start rolling in!
Karen Laine is a para-medical aesthetician and makeup artist with
18 years experience. She utilizes an internal and topical approach
to reverse signs of skin aging, sun damage, uneven pigment, cellulite, acne and scarring. Contact her at 512-847-8052.
Page 14December 2014
The new dental visit: It’s pain free
Nobody loves going to the dentist, but ignoring or even skimping on
your oral care can result in far worse
complications than cavities! Multiple
studies have linked gum disease to
heart disease – oral bacteria may enter the bloodstream and travel to the
arteries, causing inflammation and
setting the stage for a heart attack. The inflammatory effects of
gum disease also may increase risk for diabetes, stroke and certain
types of cancer.
One problem even health conscious individuals can have is that
they suffer from dental anxiety and the thought of going to the dentist can be downright terrorizing. A solution we have to this is that
our office has invested in cutting edge technology for our patients
that make your experience literally pain free.
Another concern patients often express about coming to the
dentist is their phobia or fear of needles. Our fix to this problem
is “The Wand,” a slender device that uses a computer to control
how quickly an anesthetic is administered through an extremely
fine needle. Since the pain associated with most needle-injected
anesthetics usually is due to the practitioner injecting a drug too
quickly, The Wand can eliminate injection pain and you may not
even realize that you’ve been injected.
Many patients dread the whir of the drill during dental treatment. A laser drill or electric motor hand piece are both quieter
than the traditional drill, which we use both of in Dr. Donnelly’s
by Robert Donnelly, DDS
office. Also, headphones which allow our patients to listen to a
wide variety of music helps to create a more soothing atmosphere.
Sedation dentistry is another option for patients who have a fear
of coming to the dentist. With sedation dentistry the patient receives an anti-anxiety medication that allows them to relax or in
many cases fall asleep while under a dentist’s care.
Call San Marcos Gentle Dental today to schedule your appointment by calling 512-396-5225. Voted Best Dentist in Hays County
2013! Thanks to everyone who brought in candy for our Halloween Candy Buyback and helped support our troops via Operation
Gratitude!
Be one of the many patients Dr. Donnelly has treated who are enjoying their new smiles. Call Dr. Donnelly’s office today at 512396-5225 for a free consultation. Don’t hold back-straight teeth
are now within your reach. Voted Best Dentist in Hays County
2013. Dr. Donnelly’s goal is to provide all of his patients with a
healthy smile they can be proud of showing off.
J. Robert Donnelly, D.D.S.
Master of The Academy of General Dentistry
1337 Thorpe Lane
San Marcos, TX 78666
512-396-5225
Fax: 512-396-7022
Sanmarcosdental.com
There’s no place like home for the holidays
Compassionate Care Hospice
helps patients and families experience less stress and more quality time
all year round. At this very special
time of year, we know how important
it is for families to be together. Our
dedicated staff will give the gift of
comfort during this time of transition.
We can offer the following services
for those diagnosed with a terminal
illness:
After hours and registered nurse on call for patient care 24/7
everyday and during the holidays. We keep physicians informed
of any change in status, assuring that all of your needs are met and
communicated.
Provide specialized nursing care. Controlling the symptoms associated with a life-limiting illness enabling you to participate in
holiday activities and festivities.
Help prevent repeat emergency room visits. Reducing stress for
you and your family.
Provide emotional and spiritual support. Relieving stress for
you and your family during a heightened emotional time.
Offer personal care services. Such as bathing, dressing, light
housekeeping, meal preparation and feedings, which allows famiWimberley Valley News & Views
by Barbara Rosen
lies to focus on holiday preparations.
Distribute medications, equipment and supplies. Reducing
financial stress and providing relief that you have your comfort
needs met.
Compassionate Care Hospice (CCH) is proud to provide hospice
and palliative care to individuals that reside in the Central Texas
area. Palliative care focuses on providing patients with relief from
the symptoms, pain and stress of a serious illness. Our professional staff consists of physicians, nurses, social workers, spiritual
care coordinators and home care aides. The staff live in the areas
that we service. Call 512-295-5333 or visit CCHNet.net.
Barbara Rosen
201 Stillwater, Suite 1, Wimberley, TX 78676
phone: (512) 295-5333 | toll-free: (877) 920-5333 | fax: (512) 295-6333 |
Page 15December 2014
Conveying property in Texas
There are many methods to transfer
title to real property in Texas. Although
people try, Texas law prohibits a person
from attempting to sell or transfer what
is not wholly theirs. Therefore, you must
keep in mind whether the property you
wish to transfer is subject to a mortgage,
lien, or home equity loan. If your property is subject to a note or claim of ownership by a bank or other
third party, you will have to pay off the loan or lien before you can
transfer valid title to the property.
One of the most common tools for transferring title in Texas
is through the general warranty deed. A general warranty deed is
a conveyance in which the seller/grantor warrants good and clear
title to the property in question against all others. This is what you
should demand as a buyer unless you are very familiar with the
seller or know how to conduct a comprehensive title search at the
County's Real Property Records.
A quicker and less thorough means to transfer title is through a
special warranty deed or quitclaim deed. A special warranty deed
is a promise that the seller will defend the title only against claims
and demands by the seller and his agents. The seller in a special
warranty deed makes no promises whether there is a mechanic's or
tax lien on the property or other defect.
by Carrie E. Campbell, J.D.
When you are transferring title to land, less is not always more.
Most courts will only look at what is written or contained within
the "four corners" of the deed itself. When in doubt, be sure to
purchase or require title insurance for the property in question and
hire an attorney to conduct a review of your closing documents. A
few hours of review by an attorney can save you months and possibly years of trouble.
Documents must be filed with the real property records office
in the county where the property is located! Filing fees are cheap
insurance. Better to be safe than sorry before your liens, loans and
deeds get misplaced or lost. Having your documents on file with
the clerk will create a permanent record of the transaction and put
all other persons on notice that you are or were the legal owner of
a piece of land.
Carrie Campbell is the managing law partner in the firm of
Mounger & Campbell, LLP. She is also a wife, mother of two girls,
and is a member of the Rotary Club of Wimberley. The office is
located at 190 Oak Drive, Wimberley. For more information call
512-847-1308.
Litigation: “I got this letter”
You received a letter advising
that you may be a member of a
class of persons who may have been
wronged in some manner, typically
by a large corporation. In most lawsuits the liability facts are one of a
kind – did that defendant run that
particular red light? – or the injuries
are unique – how will the loss of an
eye affect the earning capacity of
that plainitff? Sometimes though a single set of facts will produce
a similar injury to a large number of persons. Familiar to many
longtime residents of Texas was the Ruiz vs. Estelle lawsuit pursuant to which Federal Judge William Wayne Justice virtually ran the
Texas prison system for many years trying to correct unsatisfactory prison conditions. As an aside, one of my most cherished possessions is a letter Judge Justice sent thanking my father whom he
had appointed to represent an inmate in a prisoner abuse lawsuit.
Another example might be a life insurance company which misrepresented how the value of a particular type policy might grow
over time. The same misrepresentation may have influenced many
people to buy the policy and they would all suffer similar damages,
i.e. their policies would not be as valuable as represented. The only
difference in their damages might be based on the amount of insurance they purchased, which could easily be accounted for in a
Wimberley Valley News & Views
by Roland Brown
settlement by apportioning settlement monies in proportion to the
size of the policies purchased. Let’s say you’re one of the purchasers and you receive a letter advising that you may be a member of
the class of plaintiffs. It will advise you that you can “opt out” of
the class but that unless you do so, you will remain a member of
the class. If you call a lawyer to ask, “What should I do?” you will
typically be told that generally you are best served by remaining
in the class. Opting out means that you either will not share in any
settlement or that you will have to file your own independent lawsuit. Unless your damages are large, you wouldn’t likely benefit
from going it alone.
Roland Brown is a litigation attorney with 38 years of experience
following his 1975 graduation from Baylor School of Law. Roland resides and offices in Wimberley and handles civil litigation
throughout the state. For more information visit RolandsLaw.com.
Litigator
THe RoLand BRoWn LaW FiRm
Personal injury • Inheritance Disputes •
Property Disputes • Business Litigation • Other Disputes
512-847-2500
12111 Ranch Road 12 • Wimberley • www.YourHillCountryLawyer.com
Page 16December 2014
Common investor biases
Can you relate to any of these?
1) Anchoring: tendency to become attached to something, even when it may not
make sense. Examples include a piece of
furniture that has outlived its usefulness
or a home or car that one can no longer
afford. It can also refer to the tendency
to either hold an investment too long or
place too much reliance on a certain piece of data or information.
2) Loss-aversion bias: the tendency to fear losses more than
celebrate equivalent gains. For example, the thought of finding
yourself $5,000 richer is nice, but the thought of losing $5,000
might provoke a far greater fear.
3) Endowment bias: investors to "endow" a greater value in
what they currently own over other possibilities. You may presume
the investments in your portfolio are of higher quality than other
available alternatives, simply because you own them.
4) Overconfidence: having so much confidence in your own
ability to select investments for your portfolio that you might ignore warning signals.
5) Confirmation bias: the tendency to latch onto, and assign
more authority to, opinions that agree with your own. For example, you might give more credence to an analyst report that favors
a stock you recently purchased, in spite of several other reports
indicating a neutral or negative outlook.
6) Bandwagon effect: decisions are made simply because "everyone else is doing it." An example of this is the extraordinary
interest in heavily hyped initial public offerings (IPO’s).
7) Recency bias: recent events can have a stronger influence
on your decisions than other, more distant events. For example, if
you suffered through the market downturn in 2008, you may have
been hesitant to continue or increase your investments and may
have missed subsequent Bull Run. Conversely, if you have been
encouraged by the stock market's recent Bull Run, you may have
increased your allocation to equities, also increasing your downside risk.
8) Negativity bias: tendency to give more importance to negative news than positive news, which can cause you to be more riskaverse than appropriate for your situation.
Scott Hackett is the president of the Hackett Financial Group LLC
(HFG), a fee-only registered investment advisor. HFG offers professional investment management, financial planning and wealth
management services. Contact Scott at 512-847-0630.
Thinking outside the Thanksgiving box
Ah, Thanksgiving.. If you love to
eat then this has to be one of your
favorite times of the year. Such a wide
variety of tastes and textures, this holiday is an epicurean delight. When it
comes to pairing wines with your feast
however, we usually hear the same old
suggestions every year. Champagne,
rosé, pinot noir, Beaujolais; these are
the wines that grace most Thanksgiving tables out there. This year, think about trying something a little
different.
For me, some of the best pairings for the feast come from the
small French region of Alsace. Straddling the French-German
border, Alsace is frequently said to produce Germanic wines in a
French style. As in Germany, most Alsatian wines are labeled by
varietal so it is a little easier for most consumers to know exactly
what grape is in the bottle. Almost exclusively white, most of the
wines are very aromatic and fruity but dry, although sweeter styles
are certainly available.
If you like to start with some bubbly, there is Cremant d’Alsace.
Usually very crisp and clean, this sparkler is the perfect thing to perk
up the taste buds. Another great aperitif is Muscat. This wine has
the grapey scent typical of this grape, but is usually made in a dry
style. Pinot Blanc is one of the most common grapes of the region
and is often features a smoky aroma. If you prefer a wine with a
little more weight to it, try Pinot Gris which makes the fullest-bodied
Wimberley Valley News & Views
by Scott Hackett
by Tim Hollaway
wines of the region. The Rieslings of Alsace are very different from
the sweet Rieslings of Germany that most people are accustomed
to. Featuring floral and mineral aromas, these dry wines provide the
perfect foil to many of the rich dishes on the Thanksgiving table. If
your tastes run to the more rich and exotic, then Gewurztraminer
(just ask for “guh-verts”) might be the wine for you. One of the
world’s most aromatic wines, it is characterized by aromas of rose
petals, grapefruit and lychee. And for dessert? Look for wines
labeled as Vendange Tardive or Sélection de Grains Noble. These
late-harvested wines are unctuous and sweet.
Happy Thanksgiving and happy eating!
Tim Hollaway is the manager of the Twin Liquors Marketplace at
the Hill Country Galleria. In Dripping Springs, Twin Liquors is
located at 598 Highway 290 E in the HEB shopping center. Visit them online at twinliquors.com for recipes, event listings and
more. Tim can also be reached at 512-402-0060 or at store60@
P r o u d t o be a n A u s t i n
twinliquors.com.
of wines
Hundreds
to choose from ...
V
isit us online at www.
twinliquors.com for recipes,
event listings, and more!
[email protected]
598 E. Hwy 290 suite 200 next to HEB ... phone 512-858-7744
Page 17December 2014
O
Talking
��������������������������
CUSTOM WINDOW COVERINGS
AT AFFORDABLE PRICES
by Tracy Sheffield, RVT
Beat The
Heat... Solara& Complete
Cellular Shades •line
The best
for our
Texas heat!
Now
Offering
of insulation
Custom
Draperies!
by Tracy Sheffield, RVT
Beautiful
new–Window
• Save energy
Stay coolTreatments, Blinds, Shutters,
• Great colors,
styles,
and prices
Woven
Woods,
Cellular
Shades and More.
•Most
Fast available
delivery and
installation
in two
weeks or less.
•Better
Blinds,service
Shades,&Shutters
lower
We’ll have you covered!
prices than the
big box stores.
Free estimates
847-5630
• 12605 RR 12, Suite 1
512-847-8970
Superior service before and after the sale
“Catering to Quilters”
MadeintheShadeof Wimberley.com
OPEN DAILY 9-7 • Sun 12-5
• Quilts •THE
Classes • Alterations
PLEASE Fabric
DO• Notions
FEED
ANIMALS!
WE EXPANDED & MOVED NEXTDOOR
NEW
WEBSITE: this
CellasFabrics.com
Redeem
coupon for
847-3313 • Across from the Woodcreek Water Tower • 15950 RR12
Mark Smith
ONE FREE BAG
OF ANIMAL FOOD512-751-4705
Limit one bag per family.
A To Z Mechanic
Diesel, Domestic, Import
Will Travel
DSO
10807 Rawhide Trail, Austin,TX 78736
512.288.1490
| Open
daily from Resident
10:00am Since
– 6:00pm
Over 30
Years Experience
• Wimberley
1992
////////////////////////////////////////////////////
///////////////////////////////////////////////
~
M
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
DeMasters-Daniel
Insurance Agency, Inc.
Television commercials often end
withRaising
one offleas
the following
from birth phrases:
to adult- Talk
tohood
yourhas
doctor.
your With
dentist.
never Talk
beentoeasier.
all Talk
totheyour
In reality
wet veterinarian.
weather we have
had thisfollowing
year
the fleas
have been
that
instruction
can thriving.
be very Indoor
difficult. It
found
themselves
isonly
verypets
hardhave
to talk
to your
doctor while
infested.
The onslaught
of fleas
has It is
they
are snapping
on a rubber
glove.
left pets scratching
impossible
to talk totheir
yourbodies
dentistand
with a
owners scratching
heads. and talkmouthful
of dentaltheir
equipment
is an owner towhile
do? There
ing What
to a veterinarian
yourare
dog is
flea products in the grocery store, flea
barking has it's drawbacks as well.
products are available online, your veterinarian carries flea products.
Sometimes you can't even remember what you were supposed
How do you get the best flea control for the money spent?
to talk
Besides,
shouldn't
they about
be doing
mostlife
of the
talking
First,about.
you need
to understand
a little
the fleaʼs
cycle.
anyway?
Actually,
there
are
a
couple
of
points
where
you
should
Without knowing it you learned the flea life cycle in fourth grade
weigh
in,
your
pet's
well-being
may
hang
in
the
balance.
science. It is exactly the same as a butterflyʼs life cycle. The folAn important
topicwith
to bring
up is any herbal supplements you
lowing
chart may help
the comparison:
may be feeding to your pet. Just because an herbal supplement is
all-natural
does Butterfly
not mean it is without
Stage
Flea side effects. The best example of this is St. John's Wort. St. John's Wort has been used by
Eggto help manage
Egg anxiety, depression
Egg
some
and phobias. What many
people do not realize is that St. John's Wort has an effect on the
Larva pathways
Caterpillar
Thingdrugs are used
metabolic
that manageSmall
howSquiggly
anesthetic
by the body. It is essential that your veterinarian be aware of any
Pupasupplements
Cocoon
Super
Cocoon
herbal
given to yourImpervious
pet to avoid
any
potential herb/
drug interactions.
Adult
Beautiful Insect Blood Sucking, Itch Causing
Another piece of information that
your veterinarian will want to
Nightmare
know about is any change in water consumption. Increasing water
volume
or decreasing
intake
are serious
indicators of
Each intake
flea product
works onwater
different
stages
of the lifecycle.
a
change
in
your
pet's
health.
Also,
if
your
pet
is
on
Some products cause eggs to fail to reach the next stage.medication,
Some
any change
food
ortowater
be reported
products
causeinthe
larva
fail toconsumption
reach the next should
stage. Some
prod- to
yourkill
veterinarian
immediately.
ucts
the adults. Nothing
but a blowtorch affects the pupa stage.
AnyFinally,
pupa inyou
yourshould
house or
on your
property
willhome
turn into
bring
up any
major
life adult
changes.
fleas
matter what relatives
you do. decided to live with you for the next
Havenoout-of-town
Different
products
different
Knowing
three
months?
Have are
youideal
beenforaway
fromsituations.
home more
often than
which
to useferal
for your
situation
is the only wayAll of
usual?product
Have some
cats particular
moved into
the neighborhood?
to
successfully
manage
Thecause
clerk at
the grocery
store that
these
things can
stressflea
anproblems.
animal and
behavior
changes
is
unlikely
to
be
able
to
help
you
make
the
right
choice
and
there
is
range from inappropriate elimination in the house to destruction
a very real danger of getting a product the wrong strength for the
of the house.
size and type of pet you own.
So make sure that you talk with your veterinarian when you
You may feel you have saved money by purchasing your
have
theover
opportunity.
It can
save
pet's
life.
products
the Internet
but if
it isyour
not the
right
product for your
situation
you will RVT
still have
fleas
even
“savingDr.
money
the
Tracy Sheffield,
works
with
herafter
husband,
MikeonSheffield,
Internet.”
at Wimberley Veterinary Clinic. Wimberley Veterinary Clinic sees
have
thehorses,
right products
for your
all Your
kindsveterinarian
of animals,will
dogs,
cats,
birds, pocket
pets,petʼs
reptiles
individual
GettingMake
flea control
right the reservations
first time is the
and other situation.
exotic animals.
your boarding
online
way
to save money and keepor
you
and
pet from scratching
at WimberleyVetClinic.com
call
usyour
at 847-5630.
your heads.
Serving the Hill Country since 1983,
call us for your insurance needs.
847-5549 • 847-9325
15501 Ranch Road 12 • Wimberley
Wimberley Valley News & Views
Wimberley Valley News & Views
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
www.WimberleyVet Clinic.com or call us at 847-5630.
Page 30
August 2007
847-5630 • 12605 RR 12, Suite 1
Page 18December 2014
Specializing in Wimberley and the Surrounding Hill Country
Where your future
Takes shape
13210 Ranch Rd.12,
Wimberley, Tx
Jackie Maloy
512-422-6381
Each office is independently owned and operated.
Kim Cabler
512-695-8363
422 E Blanco Bend Dr. MLS 3294639
On the Blanco River, 2.26 Secluded
Acres. 3 beds/3 baths. $875,000
351 Bluffview Dr. MLS 1342180
15 Acres, Beautiful home, Pool, Barn,
Horse Ready. $1,150,000
5 Tremont Trace, MLS 3306508
Entertainer’s Dream, 4 beds/4.5
baths. $420,000
Reduced
Mickey Brown
512-468-4509
Alice Lebkuecher
713-253-1311
300 Chapparal Drive, MLS 9147351
Charming 2/1, on 1/2 Acre, 2 living
areas. $176,500
41 Doolittle Dr. MLS 6914075
3 beds, 2 baths, 2 dining and living
area. $265,000
RR 3237, MLS 8888345
Waterfront lot! Appx. 106ft on Smith
Creek. Cleared. $83,700
Active
Contingent
108 River Road Cir. MLS 9251668
2 bedrooms, 1 & 1/2 baths, Blanco
River Access. $415,000
12969 FM 2325, MLS 9928637
19 Acres, Main & Guest homes, Ag
exempt. $545,000
41 Pebblebrook Ln. MLS 6471148
Charming 3/2 Cul de sac.
1 Car garage. $179,900
Victoria Welsh
512-567-5797
Melissa Lemmon
512-216-8822
Ann Marie Skunda
512-350-1365
130 B Utterback, Stylish Plum Creek
Townhome, Including all Appliances,
$143,500
237 Pebble Brook Ln MLS #9211492
Charming 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath on a
quiet cul-de-sac. $192,000
Wimberley Valley News & Views
200 Rodney Lane, MLS#3637017
Panoramic views from custom built
home. $199,900
Linda Germain
512-924-3661
Page 19December 2014
REAL PROPERTIES
Home of the Best Agents ®
Buying or Selling? Call us! (512) 847-SOLD (7653)
Houston Direct: (713) 668-SOLD (7653)
in the World SELLS more
www.REMAX-Wimberley.com NOBODY
Real Estate than RE/MAX!
®
PENDING IN
11 DAYS
NEW PRICE
PENDING
PENDING IN
2 DAYS
ENCHANTING 3/2/1! BRIGHT & SPACIOUS
Split Floor Plan w/High Ceilings & Lots of
Windows, Backyard & Majestic Live Oak!
$184,700 Call AJ today!
AMAZING LIVE WATER & HILL COUNTRY
Views w/2 Homes on 30.39 +/- Ag
Exempt Acres on Lone Man Creek
$1,347,000 Call AJ today!
UPDATED ROCK HOME ORIGINALLY
Built in the 1940’s Overlooking Cypress Creek
on Historic Mil Race Ln! Downtown Wimberley!
$631,500 Call AJ today!
METICULOUS, CUSTOM 4/3/4
Home on Estate Sized Lot in Sierra West!
Covered Patio & Stunning Back Yard.
$424,700 Call AJ today!
SOLD
SOLD
WATERFRONT
SOLD
EXTRAVAGANT HILL COUNTRY
Estate on the Blanco River! Updated
2-Story 4/3.5/2 Main House on 2 Lots.
$1,390,000 Call AJ today!
AMAZING 4/2.5/2 HILL COUNTRY CUSTOM
w/Separate 1/1 Guest Quarters on 5+/-Acres
in Saddleridge! Sparkling In-Ground Pool!
$460,000 Call AJ today!
STUNNING CUSTOM 4/3/2 HOME
on 1+/- Acre! Open Floor Plan! Grand
Cedar Deck & Outdoor Pavilion.
$324,700 Call AJ today!
SPECTACULAR 3/2/2 HOME
In Woodcreek! Recent Updates! Beautiful
Live Oaks! Roomy Kitchen! High Ceilings!
$202,750 Call AJ today!
SAN MARCOS
NEW PRICE
COMMERCIAL
REDUCED
FALCONWOOD
5BD/2.5BA/2CG, +/-2,629 sqft
+-/3 Acres! Open Kitchen!
$399,700 Call Aaron today!
SPACIOUS HOME, PEACEFUL VIEWS
5Bd/3Ba/2CG, +/-2,468 sqft
Access to Cypress Creek!
$234,700 Call Aaron today!
PENDING
REDUCED
RIVER MOUNTAIN RANCH
5 Bedroom/3 Bath,3 Car Garage
5 +/- acre, Ag Exemption
$530,000 Call Shelli today!
Allison “AJ” Harwood
JD, MBA, GRI
BROKER/OWNER
Member: Houston, Austin & Central Texas MLS
PANORAMIC VIEWS ATOP BEAUTIFUL
10 +/- Acre Gem Known to Locals
As Beautiful Spoon Mountain!
$299,000 Call Shelli Today!
Pat Bruns
512-376-8219
REALTOR®
Wimberley Valley News & Views
Shelli Beck
512-739-7780
REALTOR®
1,500+/-SQ.FT. OFFICE
W/3.21+/- Acres with views!
Minutes from town.
$239,700 Call Ron today!
LAST LOT AVAILABLE!
7.494 +/- acres in 4 Lot/Tract
Tuscany Villa Subdivision.
$184,500 Call Ron Today
26+/- AC
UNRESTRICTED
REDUCED
3300+/- SQ FT WORKSHOP
2428+/- Sq Ft Ranch Style Home
960 +/- Sq Ft Mobile Home
$695,000 Call Pat Today!
AMAZING VIEW!
2051+/- sq ft Home on +/-3.67 acres
And +/- 320 sq ft Guest Cottage
$469,000 Call Pat Today!
Aaron Freeman
512-761-1158
REALTOR®
ABR, SRES
Cybill Wood
512-826-1782
REALTOR®
Ron Freeman
512-838-1999
REALTOR®
Page 20December 2014
Each office is independently owned and operated.
MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE
MLS
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY