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All over Wimberley, the turkey and pumpkins have been stowed to make way for the glittering lights and ornaments of Christmas, Hanukkah and the other holiday observances and rituals of the season. Gone are the autumn leaves from the Cypress Creek bridge and in their place are the holly and wreaths depicting the winter celebrations ahead. Businesses around the square and in the Quarter Shops are hanging lights, decking columns and creating vignettes to get customers into the holiday spirit.

Wimberley Mayor Gina Fulkerson announced that she will not be seeking re-election when her term finishes in May of 2024.

For families facing a crisis at this time of year, Christmas gift giving and receiving can seem like an unattainable goal. But thanks to Wimberley Good Neighbor, an all-volunteer organization, 25 families will get some of the Christmas spirit despite their circumstances.

Sure to help with veterinary fees associated with a new crop of puppies, Saori weaver Kathy Utts handed over a check for more than $3,000 to the Executive Director of the Wimberley Adoption Group and Rescue, Pat Davis, next to their boot at the group’s shop, Treasures on Twelve.

The Shade Tree Cigar Lounge held its grand opening in Woodcreek last weekend. Owners Chad and Andrea Smith of Buda welcomed guests with a generous buffet of barbecued meats and tours of their spacious humidor offering a hundred premium cigars. Behind the bar serving beer and wine were managers Kirby and Sharon Rogers. Well located next to Hill Country Spirits, the lounge allows visitors to bring their own spirits purchased from their next door vendor.

The last Wimberley Market Day for the year is on Saturday, December 2. Celebrating all things Christmas, the Wimberley Lions Club, vendors, and volunteers from the community will be in high spirits to ensure a festive experience for shoppers and visitors alike. Taking an afternoon away from his busy seasonal schedule, Santa Claus will be at booth #325 on Lions Field to receive gift wishes and take photographs with his fans of all ages. Lion Amy Cox said, “Naughty or nice, come see Santa!”

Hays County Commissioners Court voted unanimously to approve the use of American Rescue Plan Act Funding for a Rental/ Utility Assistance Program for Hays County residents at their regularly scheduled Nov. 7. The program will be run through the Blanco River Regional Recovery Team.

THE HAYS COUNTY HISTORICAL COURTHOUSE

As time runs out next week on the fourth special session, Gov. Greg Abbott said he will continue to fight for school choice, despite the Texas House once again decisively rejecting it when 21 Republicans largely from rural districts joined Democrats in stripping it from a $7.6 billion education bill. The Austin American-Statesman reported it is unclear what Abbott’s next move will be.

Behind the Martha Knies Keep Wimberley Beautiful Park, located next to the Wimberley Radio station, you can walk down a ramp to the Cypress Creek Nature Preserve Trail. This 7.2 acre Preserve is owned by the City of Wimberley. The trail leads up to The Blue Hole Park and eventually to the parking lot near the swimming hole. The land in this Preserve has never been developed or farmed and gives you an opportunity to view a pristine riparian landscape, which is a unique ecosystem.