Recipients awarded for city beautification projects

“Who keeps Wimberley beautiful? We all do!”

This slogan rings true each year when the Keep Wimberley Beautiful organization passes out generous grants to award winning applicants who have a great idea for achieving a beautification project for our town--and are willing to carry it out themselves, as volunteers.

This year’s 2018 recipients for the Keep Wimberley Beautiful Community Achievement Awards are Jim Miller, the Institute of Cultures for the Wimberley Valley, and the Veteran Memorial Plaza.

Master gardener Jim Miller said, “I got tired of looking at the eroded intersection of Spoke Hollow Rd. and RR12.” Gentry’s Cove is a spot where neighbors had strew wildflowers for years, but which showed no results to color the jumble of weeds and rocks. KWB is sponsoring his project to do it right: lay down the topsoil to germinate 19 species of wildflowers and 16 species of native grasses.

Veteran Rodger Parker accepted the KWB award to purchase 7 nice new benches to replace the makeshift ones at the Memorial Plaza. Parker stated, “The Plaza is 12 years old, now, and a much-needed renovation plan is underway by volunteers, which includes landscaping, handicap restroom, and walkways. Help is always welcome!”

Suzanne Gordon represented the Institute of Cultures for Wimberley Valley as she accepted a generous KWB grant to help with a 5-acre extensive landscaping project surrounding the Winter’s House at the RR12 and River Rd. intersection. The historic house has been converted into a museum, and the landscaping will continue to unfold weekby-week. “I especially look forward to the new sidewalk and benches where visitors can relax and enjoy these historic premises,” Gordon said.

Keep Wimberley Beautiful looks forward to awarding grants for partnerships with members of the community. Unlike most grant applications, the KWB application is simple and painless. The KWB members earn the money to sponsor these projects at the Village Thrift Store, and are happy to pass it out to those who will aid them in preserving the magic and rustic character of our town.

Last year, this KWB program sponsored the WHS Art Club and shop students who provided artfully-painted benches for The Quarter, this summer, earning them a hometown legacy, as well as significant community service needed for college resumes.

Anyone, or any group may contact KWB for a 2019 application (deadline August 31, 2019), and submit it or questions to Sharon Carter at : [email protected]