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HERE’S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT MARY LYNNE GIBBS! “The best! Mary Lynne helped us nab our dream home in a multiple-offer listing. She is intuitive, engaging, knowledgeable and accessible. Love her!” —J. and S. Eckert
“You delivered exactly what you promised—a new home I would enjoy in my price range. I was always able to reach you or your assistant promptly via phone or e-mail. You listened, helped me to aim for realistic goals, and stuck with me until our deal closed—and it was a complicated one! I am very glad you had me get every property inspected because that did save me future problems. My friends recommended you, and I would recommend you to any friend, co-worker, or family member.” —M. Eby
“Mary Lynne’s talents as a real estate agent are unsurpassed . . . from the time she won ‘Rookie of the Year’ until today, when she is one of the top producers in Austin. Mary Lynne’s level of excellence has been a great asset to her clients and all of us who have had the opportunity to work with her.” —M. Tennant
“We have already recommended Mary Lynne and if W ever sells another home she will be the first to know! Her service knocked my socks off! She always delivered everything she promised, and she was always accessible.” —D. Wahl and J. Williams
“Our home had been on the market for months w/o any real interest when a trusted friend gave me Mary Lynne’s name. Within days of hiring The Gibbs Team, we had multiple offers on our home. We could not have been more pleased with the service, efficiency &, most importantly, the sale of our home.” —J. & C. Woosley
“Mary Lynne is fabulous—the best client service I’ve ever seen in the realty profession! She helped my husband and I find and purchase the perfect home. She brings her passion, knowledge, and experience to every transaction. She knows the market, she knows what’s hot and what’s not, and she can negotiate through the challenges to get you what you want. She was extremely patient with us for more than a year as we studied the area and decided on what we wanted. She helped us focus our search, both by location and price, and never tried to oversell us into something that we couldn’t afford. Once WE became serious about our search, she helped us find the perfect home in a matter of 2 weeks. She is so well respected in the Lakeway community and has great connections to insurance, inspection, and other support services for your new or existing home.” —S. and A. Mackey
MARY LYNNE GIBBS
Each office independently owned & operated.
Broker, ABR, CLHMS, CRB, CRS, e-Pro, GRI Keller Williams Realty – Lake Travis c 512.431.2403 | o 512.750.2188 AustinLuxuryBroker@gmail.com | www.AustinLuxuryBroker.com
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14524 Broadwinged Hawk Drive
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410 Luna Vista Drive, The Hills, TX 78738 $950,000 | MLS 9477695 4,204 sq.ft., 4 bed, 3.5 bath, 3 liv, 2 dine, New build by Seven Custom Homes
14512 Broadwinged Hawk Drive
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14416 Broadwinged Hawk Drive
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3708 Broadwinged Hawk Cove
45 Hedgebrook Way, The Hills, TX 78738 $799,000 | MLS # 9260591 4,200 sq.ft., 5 bed, 3.5 bath, 3 liv, 2 dine, Complete modern renovation
Amber Hart
realtor,® ba
CLHMS, ILHM, CNE 512.415.9023
keller williams - lake travis 1921 lohmans crossing suite 100 austin, tx 78734 www.amberharthomes.com
Remarkable Value – Priced well below Replacement Cost! Lake Travis Waterfront Home Located in one of the most sought after Deep Water Coves on the South Shore, remained Navigable during the drought. One of the largest private boat docks on the lake, will accommodate multiple length boats. 5BR / 4.5 BA. Wood Floors, Cabinets & Trim were all milled on site from re-claimed Long Leaf Pine. Screened in Stone Lounge w/ Outdoor Kitchen, Wood Decks span the length of home connected by Cable Swing Bridge. 3rd Level Observation, All Levels offer Lake & Hill Country Views! Offered at $2,195,000
Waterfront & Lake View Acreage Lots in Lake South. Desirable Location, Perfect Orientation allowing long Distance Lake Views & Southern Breezes. Easy Building Sites, 10 minutes to New Lake Travis Middle & Elementary Schools. 15 minutes to Hill Country Galleria. Prices range from $365,000–$525,000
Stunning Waterfront home on the Main Channel w/ Private Boat Dock. Luxurious Master Suite, 4 large Bedroom suites with Separate Full Baths + additional guest suite w/ separate living area / ada accessible. Media Room, Game Room, Office / Study. Home has exceptional AV / Smart Home Features. Multiple Patios for Outdoor Entertainment. Pool / Spa / Waterfall. Offered at $1,639,000
Well maintained Home in Desirable area of Lake Travis on 1.8 acres, Includes Cove Frontage on Lake Travis, Lake Views from many Living Spaces. Fenced / Gated Estate includes Multiple Living areas & over 2500 sq ft of Patio / Veranda. Office / Studio attached w/ Separate Entrance. Walls of Windows, 1000 Gallon RO System. Lake Access via HOA park within Walking Distance. Offered at $779,000 Exceptional Value!
Joni Langle
REALTOR®
512-413-2712 jonilangle.com Texas Monthly 5-Star Professional 2012, 2013, 2014 & 2015
STEINER RANCH STEAKHOUSE (512)381-0800 • 5424 Steiner Ranch Blvd., Austin, TX 78732 www.steinersteakhouse.com
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218 Tempranillo Way
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2015 #1 Coldwell Banker Agent, Austin | 2013, 2014 Austin Home Builder’s Agent of the Year | 2012 Texas Home Builder’s Agent of the Year 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015-2016 Austin’s Platinum Top 50 Real Estate Agent | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015-2016 Texas Monthly 5 Star Real Estate Agent
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WHAT ARE YOU DOING NEW YEAR’S EVE? It’s never too early to make your plans! Join us for Cocktails, Dinner & Dancing to Groove Knight Benefiting HelpOurWounded.org
Founded by Rosie Babin Tickets Ticket: $125 VIP Ticket: $175 Cash Bar CIRCLE OF PATRIOTS $10,000 Medal of Honor $7,500 Distinguished Service Cross $5,000 Silver Star $2,500 Legion of Merit $1,000 Bronze Star $500 Medal of Triumph $250 Medal of Achievement Circle of Patriots and VIP will be invited to a Pre-Party. Circle of Patriots will receive recognition in the program.
DECEMBER 31, 2016 SONESTA BEE CAVE HOTEL 7:00 pm Cocktails on Rooftop COLONY BALLROOM 8:00 pm – 12:30 am Dinner and Dancing 12:00 am Champagne Toast
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TICKETS Contact the Gala Advisory Board: Chairperson: Dottie Stevenson 512-266-6460 Brooke Toeller 512-808-7115 Joan Astorino, Diane Jackson, Donna Lochow, Gretchen Nearburg, Ann Neighbors, Paula Tye
Waterways Magazine 604 Peterson Lane; Lakeway, TX 78734 waterwaysmag@gmail.com www.waterwaysmagazine.com
Fall 2016
EDITOR/PUBLISHER: Cathie Parssinen 512.785.6313 ART DIRECTOR: Sheila Parr ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: Brooke Toeller 512.808.7115 waterwaysmagsales@gmail.com CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL: Michael Griffith, Cathie Parssinen, Karlee Steele, Brooke Toeller, Cynthia Webb, Stephanie Whitten
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PHOTOGRAPHY: Kara Buse, Steve Laukhuf, Patti Melton-Pieszchala, Brandi Nellis, Cathie Parssinen, Brooke Toeller Cover Photo by Brandi Nellis Follow us on Facebook!
ABOUT THE COVER This photo of Brianne Dart and Karlee Steele, both melanoma survivors, captures them on the deck of Lucy’s Fried Chicken as they share a glass of champagne and rejoice together at being cancer free. Read more about their stories of diagnosis, treatment and recovery on page 16.
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16 ABOUT THE COVER 22 KEEPING HEALTHY & FIT 30 TOAST OF THE TOWN PARTY 32 MAD ABOUT PINK 42 BIRTH OF THE PENINSULA 44 LAKE TRAVIS AFTER DARK! 56 BEE CAVE POLICE GALA 60 FARM TO PLATE 2016 64 ESSENTIAL LAKE PITSTOP
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66 JULY 4TH AT THE HCG 68 BREAKTHROUGH AUSTIN 70 CHARITY GOLF FOR HOW 72 HAPPENINGS AND GATHERINGS 74 DI TAKES TOP AWARDS!
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The Finest Lake Travis has to Offer!
WATERFRONT CUSTOM WITH NEW BOAT DOCK JUST PAST LAKEWAY CITY PARK. 1404 HURST CREEK ROAD. OFFERED AT 1,185,000
HILL COUNTRY LIFESTYLE IN GATED COMMUNITY OF BELVEDERE. 7809 LYNCHBURG DRIVE. OFFERED AT 1,295,000
GOLF COURSE VIEWS IN GATED COMMUNITY OF THE HEIGHTS AT FALCONHEAD. 4113 SUGARLOAF DRIVE. OFFERED AT 1,050,000
GATED HILL COUNTRY ESTATE IN RIM ROCK. 155 DIAMOND WOOD COURT. OFFERED AT 710,000
Tammy Templin Realtor® 512-796-5559 tammy@tammytemplin.com www.tammytamplin.com
Previews International Property Specialists, serving Lake Travis area
ABOUT THE COVER
Karlee Steele & Brianne Dart: Reclaiming a Future STORIES BY KARLEE STEELE, CYNTHIA WEBB, STEPHANIE WHITTEN PHOTOS BY KARA BUSE, STEVE LAUKHUF, BRANDI NELLIS
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MET KARLEE STEELE at the hair salon where she was rehearsing a speech while getting her hair styled. When I asked her what she was reading, she said that she was the keynote speaker at the Meredith’s Mission for Melanoma Gala at the UT Ballroom that same evening. On Monday, I emailed her, asking how it went and if she would share her speech with me. That very same morning, I heard a story on NPR about Dr. Jim Allison and his pioneering work in immunology that has benefitted some melanoma patients. Karlee and I met for lunch, and I heard more of her story. She talked about Meredith Kluck, who had the exact same type of melanoma Karlee had but who lost her fight in October, 2015. At about the same time, I was reaching out to Brianne Dart, another young woman in Bee Cave who was receiving the same type of treatment as Karlee. The simultaneous convergence of all these interrelated stories provided the inspiration for Waterways cover story . . . a story that begins below with Karlee’s speech.
“MOMMY LOOK! This tadpole is one of the ones that still has a tail and little legs too!” That’s not what you thought I was going to say was it? You see it’s a hike. A climb. A Texas climb straight up from Lake Travis, through the Lake Pointe Preserve, straight up. I know this climb well, in fact my son and I know it very well as one of our favorite fishing and tadpole spots. It’s hidden under crystal green spring waters only found in the Texas hill country. No one is ever there. Ever. Which is why we love “our spot” so much. As we journey home that crisp day in January last year my phone rings. Weird, as it was a holiday Monday, I knew it was the call we anticipated for 10 days. “Karlee, Dr. Gambarian, your Brianne Dart and Karlee Steele pulling up the hill ahead of me with determined surgeon. The needle biopsy we did 3 weeks ago, vigor and speed that only 9-year old little boys the one that we thought was negative. Well it’s have. actually, positive. After your second surgery last “Mommy, why did you stop? You’re never far week it has been confirmed you have stage 3 behind me. Usually I am the one trying to catch melanoma. up to you. Let’s go mommy!” “Wait. What do you mean?” “Coming babe, I’ll be right there.” And so I “I mean you need to find an oncologist was. As I always am for him. But now what? immediately. You have full blown melanoma I can’t put words around what it feels like to skin cancer. Not skin cancer on the outside of get the cancer call. You can’t describe it unless your skin. But inside. It’s in your nodes under you have traveled down that path and heard those your right arm. I have an oncologist I can recomwords. Stage III cancer—how do I have stage III mend. And you need to make an appointment cancer? I eat more veggies before 10 am than most tomorrow . . .” eat all day. I teach cycling class 3 days a week and So there I stopped, up that steep Texas exercise 6 days a week. Weekly, I meal prep and climb I referenced. Stopped dead in my tracks. plan to put the most nutritious food in our bodies. Rocks sliding out from underneath my feet and I take pride in living a strong healthy life not only tears falling. Hidden, thankfully, behind my for me but, more importantly, for my son. sunglasses. The kind of tears you can’t control. I sneak off away from little ears in the house They just fall. and call my parents. As their only daughter, I Fortunately my son and our big red dog were
16 Waterways | Fall 2016
deliver the news. And I am thankful it’s me with the cancer and not my parents. I say, “Don’t ask me any questions because I don’t know any answers right now. I know it’s a holiday Monday, I have cancer, and I need an oncologist.” Tuesday morning appears. The hectic routine of the school morning occupies the time quickly. My first call goes into Dr. Rhodes my amazing dermatologist. I get hold of her right away. Fortunately I have her on speed dial, and she accepts my calls. I found Dr. Rhodes the first week I lived in Austin. She and I have had a quick bonding opportunity over the last 5 years—thanks to skin cancer. When my son and I moved to Austin 5 years ago. I was diagnosed with melanoma on my leg, stage II. 2 surgeries, sentinel node biopsy, clear margins, no further protocol except skin checks every 3 months. Easy. I can do that. 2 years later, in June of 2013 a new mole appears on my shoulder, in a matter of 5 weeks. It comes out of nowhere, I have a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach so I text Dr. Rhodes. Need to see you, I know we have an apt in 3 weeks, but don’t want to wait. Come in today she says. I do, stage 1 melanoma. Round two here we go. I got this, again. 25 stitches later clear pathology. See you in 3 months. Happy life here I come. So I call her again. Deliver different news this time—news that either of us want to accept. Dr. Rhodes helps me get into an oncologist that week. At my first appointment here in Austin all the options are explained based on my diagnosis. They order scans. The news is scary. Actually, the not knowing before the scans is terrifying. You find yourself in and out of doctor’s appointments and hear words, like interferon, reoccurring melanoma, infusions for 6 hours a day for a year, disability, and melanoma “the silent killer. “ And those are the words I remember. In my head all I can think is how do I now have an oncologist, and what in the hell is she saying? The only word you hear is cancer.
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My girlfriend and running partner and I leave that first appointment. It’s raining. It’s cold and the news is heavy. We sit side by side at a local restaurant for hours. We don’t say much. I can’t, I’m processing. I know what we are dealing with now: Stage III recurrent, malignant melanoma in the right lymph node chain under the arm. Not good. Where did it come from on the inside— how does that happen? I decided quickly to educate myself, ask a lot of questions and build the best plan I could. I’m a planner, I tackle life head strong, love adventure and take pride in being present. Passionate, motivated and determined, positively sunshine, that’s what I am known for, so being stagnant, managing through stages of emotion and grief wasn’t going to help me. I needed to make it happen. Now. So I wake up early and craft an email to 2 of my dearest childhood friends. Conveniently both are doctors living in Houston and working in the medical center, one a dermatologist and the other a pediatric immunologist, who happened to be battling breast cancer at the time. I share what I know, what should I do and tell them I want to be at MDA in the Melanoma Center. I want in, how do I get in? They tell me what to say in my application process . . . use words like malignant, stage III and recurrent melanoma, and you will get in. I get my first appointment at MDA within 2 weeks because of the type of cancer I had. From day one, the experience at MDA was remarkable. After a full day of testing, scans, blood work, and meeting my oncology team I wrap my head around beating this silent killer. And I have a team, an oncology team, the smartest collection of team players, dedicated to this disease and to conquering it. My team is confident and outlines the plan. I don’t have much input except to pick dates for surgery and treatment. I want to share with you a resource, Wonders & Worries. Wonders & Worries works with families in all stages of survivorship, who are affected by any serious or chronic physical illness. They provide individual and group support services for children ages 2-18, in addition to parenting support for parents and caregivers. Our family took advantage of these incredible services and the even more amazing counselors. They were able to prepare us for what to expect within the family, words to use to explain this life chapter to my son and individual counseling to console him on mommy’s illness and the different stages. Valentine’s Day last year I share the news with my son. The hardest conversation I have ever had to have. It takes nothing but incredible courage and faith. Shortly thereafter, surgery at MDA, surrounded by my mother and four closest
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girlfriends, I am wheeled away and surrounded in prayer. A radical dissection down my right side was our first step. Once discharged I was able to recover in Austin. When I arrive home my son wasn’t scared by my condition and the new attachments to my body because of his counseling and hands on experience at Wonders and Worries. We made helping mommy move from bed to couch fun and cleaning drains fascinating. I was in great hands with my little in-home Oncologist 24-7. During the 3rd week of recovery a minor setback lands me back in the hospital for a week. A soft tissue infection. Needless to say it was the worst I felt through the entire journey. The worst. However it was during this time, that we learned the official results from the surgery, the cancer was contained to the entire lymph node chain that was removed. I was cancer-free as the surgery removed it all! We celebrate over jello and painkillers. We were winning the battle but it still wasn’t over. Treatment options to follow from Team MDA. We have 3 to choose from. One that is highly recommended because of the amazing advancements in immunotherapy. However it is a trial, and I have to be a perfect match. Strong enough and healthy enough to get accepted. It is also a trial of 25 with only one slot still available. We have to wait another 2 weeks to learn if I am a match. Good Friday we receive the news that I am accepted and my first treatment date is in May. Trips to MDA follow weekly, Tuesday was our lucky day. I made it fun—I made it about my amazing support network of girlfriends (which allowed for my parents to have a break as well). Girlfriends came from Florida, San Antonio, El Paso and Austin for our road trips, since I needed a driver for the trip home from Houston. It was about being present with my wonderful friends, for 7 or 8 hours of uninterrupted girl time in the car. As busy working moms, we don’t even get 7 or 8 minutes, much less 8 hours. The time and perspective with these girls was precious—the memories won’t ever escape. I was able to go back to work during this time which was a blessing. While managing through the injections and working, some days were better than others. My work support group couldn’t have been better or more understanding. It was great for me to be winning small pieces of my life back. At the end of August, I successfully completed my treatment and received glowing reviews from my oncologist. The targeted therapy consisted of 2 vaccines. We learned this therapy essentially taught my body’s t-fighter cells to recognize and fight against melanoma in the future. The immunotherapy objectives were accomplished over time. 2016 finds me with my life back. My son and I
Karlee Steele and Brianne Dart
are back into our regular routine, I’m feeling better than ever and thankful to be hiking to “our spot.” Praise God! The take-home I want you to hear today is two-fold: the big cancer as I call it, originated from my second melanoma in 2013. The one that was stage 1 melanoma. Though pathology was clear, and we thought we removed it 2 years prior, we didn’t. It was so aggressive even at that early stage that it traveled into the lymph nodes of my right shoulder. There is stayed, silent, for 2 years. Once it decided to attack, it exploded. I found the swollen node under my arm Thanksgiving Day. I immediately sent Dr. Rhodes a text from out of town because I knew exactly what it was. It was that awful gut feeling telling me something wasn’t right. The kind of feeling you never doubt. I didn’t have time to place myself on the back burner or delay in making phone calls for doctor’s appointments—and this was before I knew it was cancer. Hear me when tell you my tumor was doubling in size every ten days. As busy professional adults, distracted by so much, we don’t always prioritize our health—we take care of our kiddos immediately and family members. But not ourselves. If I hadn’t acted right away and been my own advocate for my health, the story would be much different. Secondly, I now find myself at a crossroad where I am ready to keep fighting and give to those who can’t—by inspiration, awareness and raising funds. That is why I was so very honored to share my story on behalf of the Morton family. The journey has been long, scary and enlightening—most importantly, it has allowed me to share and inspire others. I am confident that was God’s plan. If I can educate or inspire one person, one family and make a difference, then I know this journey, and battle, has been worth it to me.
Melissa Mandry GRI, MBA, REALTOR
LAKE TRAVIS 1921 Lohman’s Crossing Ste. 100, Austin, Texas 78734
LICENSE NUMBER #614968
Direct: 512-296-4714 4 MelissaMandry@gmail.com m MelissaMandryRealEstate.com m
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Karlee Steele and Brianne Dart
ABOUT THE COVER
Brianne Dart Finds “The Brighter Side of Cancer” STORY BY CINDY WEBB | PHOTO BY KARA BUSE
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N JUNE 14, 2015, Brianne Dart was a vivacious 30-year-old, living in Lakeway, with her husband Dave and their four young children. On June 15, Brianne found she was fighting for her life against stage IV metastatic melanoma. “The only symptoms I had were lumpy breasts,” said Brianne, who was still nursing the couple’s youngest child, two-month-old Michael. “I thought they were just clogged milk ducts.” Fortunately her OB/GYN, Claire Hoverman, M.D., at Hill Country OB/GYN Associates, scheduled a mammogram. “I went in for the mammogram and was almost sent home. They said, ‘Well, it’s not cancer…,’ because they were looking for breast cancer. Every cancer has it’s own unique look. Luckily, I was also experiencing a really bad pain in my side.” The report of additional pain prompted radiologist, Kevin Barker M.D., to order a scan of her side as well. “After that it was a whirlwind,” said Brianne. “CT scans showed there were multiple lesions all over my body.” This was not Brianne’s first experience with melanoma. In 2006 a mole was removed from her neck that proved to be melanoma. “All my lymph nodes were clean and they didn’t have to put me on any treatment,” said Brianne. She was simply advised to have a lung X-ray once a year for five years and annual skin checks. After five years, she thought she was “clean and clear.” “When I was diagnosed [this time], I wasn’t shocked. I’m not above cancer,” she said. “Cancer happens to millions of people all over the world, so why should I be an exception? I was determined to fight.” But reality hit when an Internet search indicated that she had only a five percent chance of living five years. “What scared me and made me sad, was not that I was going to die, but that I was going to leave my children without a mother, and my husband Dave without a best friend,” said Brianne. She was quickly referred to MD Anderson Cancer Center, under the care of melanoma medical oncology specialist, Rodabe Amaria, M.D. There she received what initially seemed more bad news. Her cancer was so advanced that the only treatment they could offer were clinical drug trials. “It was scary, because a clinical trial pretty much means, ‘We don’t know how this is going to affect you, or what the long-term effects are going to be,’” said Brianne. “But, it was my only option.” Due to the groundbreaking work of cancer immunotherapy pioneer, Jim
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Allison, Ph.D., Brianne was started on two drugs which, unlike traditional chemotherapy, do not kill cancer cells, but activate the body’s own immune system to identify and fight the rogue cells. Side effects range from mild to serious, with autoimmune responses being the worst. “A lot of people were experiencing autoimmune problems and had to go off the trials,” said Brianne. Fortunately, her primary side effects were not life threatening: itchy skin, fatigue, and achy muscles. “God gave me a pretty positive outlook on the whole situation,” said Brianne, who kept a blog about the experience titled, “The Brighter Side of Cancer” (https://brianneandfam.wordpress.com). She and Dave traveled to MD Anderson every two weeks for her treatments. “We’d find a babysitter, travel to Houston, meet the doctor, do my scan, and get my treatments,” said Brianne. “Then we would go out for a nice dinner. Instead of looking at it as a drag, we tried to turn it around and make it a date.” Another positive for the family was the support given by the Lake Travis Community. “I think my story just broke people’s hearts,” said Brianne. “Everyone was praying for me. We received probably a total of 70 meals. People I didn’t even know would just drop off diapers. It was so kind.” Musicians Woodshed even held a benefit concert for the family. “It raised money for childcare, travel expenses and some of the treatments,” said Brianne. “To see the community doing that uplifted me so much.” But nothing uplifted the family as much as Brianne’s three-month scans. “The original scan showed about 30 different metastases throughout my body,” said Brianne. “Three months later they could not find any.” Her body had responded to the drugs just as Dr. Allison and his team had hoped: her T cells were identifying and attacking the cancer cells. Brianne continues to undergo treatments every two weeks, but is relieved that she can now receive them in Austin instead of Houston. She credits her husband and her children for getting her through the dark days. “Dave has been amazing,” said Brianne. “He is such a positive person. My family gave me something greater to live for,” she added. “I had to be there for my children, even when I was really sick. I wasn’t able to dwell on cancer all day. They were my heroes without even knowing it.” “I am more content with my life now,” she said, when asked how her life has changed. “With this peace I have now, little things are not a big deal. I am just so happy to be here.”
ABOUT THE COVER
Meredith Morton Kluck STORY BY STEPHANIE WHITTEN | PHOTO COMPLIMENTS OF THE MORTON FAMILY Meredith had just turned 22 in October, 2002, when she was first diagnosed with Stage 1B melanoma. In November, Meredith had surgery to remove the melanoma. Happily, the surgery was successful, and no follow-up treatment was recommended. In May, 2015, Meredith married Christopher Kluck. Ten days after her wedding, Meredith found a lump under her left arm. Within less than a month after her wedding, she was diagnosed with a recurrence of the malignant melanoma that first struck her almost 13 years earlier. Pathology following surgery in July showed Meredith had the most common type of melanoma – the BRAF gene mutation. It was considered Stage 3 since it had spread to the other lymph nodes. We were told about new targeted therapies that would help build up her body’s immune system to fight this type of melanoma. Meredith Morton Kluck
She went to Dallas to interview for a Stage 3 drug trial testing two FDAapproved drugs to target her type of melanoma. At the end of August, new scans found spots on her liver, back bone, and pancreas. Her status was changed to terminal Stage 4, which eliminated her as a candidate for that trial, but she was eligible for a Stage 4 trial being conducted in Austin in which the two drugs were being administered together. Previous trials that administered these two drugs together had very positive outcomes for a larger percentage of patients, and the FDA was “close” to approving the two drugs together. Unfortunately, another biopsy showed that the tumor on her pancreas was a different form of cancer, one that made her ineligible for the Stage 4 trial. Meredith had one drug treatment on September 23rd but was put in the hospital less than a week later to manage her severe pain. She was given 2 radiation treatments in October, one on her 35th birthday and another a few days later. By then, we received the devastating news we had struggled so hard to prevent. Meredith passed away on October 6, 2015, just four months after her marriage, three months after her diagnosis, and less than a week after her birthday. It was Meredith’s wish to promote melanoma awareness and prevention to support other victims in their fight against this disease. The ongoing work to establish Meredith’s Mission for Melanoma as a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization reflects our effort to honor Meredith and her wish. Our goal is to raise funds for donations to M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, as well as the future University of Texas Medical School in Austin, in support of their research in melanoma medical oncology. For more information or to donate, visit www.meredithsmission.org.
KEEPING HEALTHY & FIT
Jim Allison, Ph.D., and his Pioneer Research in Molecular Immunology STORY BY CINDY WEBB Waterways’ cover story features the journey of two young Lake Travis mothers from late-stage, untreatable melanoma to remission. Karlee Steele and Brianne Dart are deeply grateful to Jim Allison, Ph.D. and his breakthrough research in immunotherapy that resulted in the treatments that led to their phenomenal recoveries. Jim Allison’s discoveries and dedication led not only to prestigious awards, such as the Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award and the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences but, more importantly, to lives being saved—like Karlee’s and Brianne’s. Allison is the chair of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Immunology department and Executive Director of the Moon Shots Program immunotherapy platform. He has spent his career studying T cells, white blood cells that serve as the immune system’s customized guided weapons, and has tried to understand how cancer avoids detection by them. “Jim Allison found a way to remove the brakes that stop T cells from fighting tumor cells – a discovery that opens brand new and very effective ways to treat cancer,” said Joseph Goldstein, M.D., Chair of the Lasker Medical Research Awards Jury, Nobel Laureate and Chair of Molecular Genetics at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Allison earned his bachelor’s degree in microbiology and then a doctorate
in biological sciences from UT-Austin. After completing a postdoctoral fellowship in molecular immunology at Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation in La Jolla, California, Allison joined the MD Anderson faculty in 1977, focusing his research on T cells. He later moved to the University of California, Berkeley, and then to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, before returning to MD Anderson in 2012. He is considered the father of immune checkpoint blockade — an entirely new way of treating cancer that is yielding unprecedented results. Allison’s passion for cancer research is professional…and personal. Allison lost his mother to lymphoma when he was 11 years old, and a brother to prostate cancer, a disease he himself has survived. “My family has suffered greatly from the ravages of cancer, so cancer treatment has always been in the back of my mind,” he said. “But I didn’t set out to develop a cancer treatment. If I had, I probably would have missed something important, because the target we found isn’t on tumors, it’s on T cells.” By uncovering the basic science and biology of T cells, Allison was able to set loose those powerful T cells on certain types of cancer. And it is those fighting T cells that gave Karlee and Brianne back their lives and hope for a future without melanoma.
LOOK FRESH. NOT ARTIFICIAL. Whether it’s maintaining healthy skin or a youthful apperance, looking fresh is about being the best version of yourself at any age. Candace Thrash, M.D.
Board Certified Dermatologist
FreshDermatology.com FreshDermatology.com 1008 RR 620 S.Convenient Suite 101 |Online Lakeway, Texas 78734 Now Offering Booking!
Located Located at at 620 620Located & & Lakeway Lakeway Blvd. Blvd. •• 512.615.5600 512.615.5600 at 620 & Lakeway • 512.615.5600 | 512.615.5600 1008 RR |620 S., Ste. 101 Lakeway, TX 78734 1008 1008 RR RR 620 620 S., S.,Ste. Ste.101 101 |freshdermatology.com Lakeway, Lakeway, TX TX|78734 78734
Fresh Dermatology SKIN CANCER: SOME CLOUDS HAVE A SILVER LINING Skin cancer can be a devastating problem, and it’s on the rise. But there is some good news, and what you know can help you. The majority of skin cancers are not melanoma. News that a friend or relative has skin cancer can lead to a lot of worry. But while all skin cancers are a serious problem and need to be treated, they are not all life threatening. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are more common than melanoma, and, in the majority of cases, can be cured with surgery. It’s preventable. Most skin cancers are triggered by sun exposure. To protect yourself from skin cancer: seek shade, wear protective clothing, use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and avoid tanning beds. You can look for it yourself. Some cancers hide inside the body, hard to detect on your own. But if you get to know your moles, you may recognize when something has changed. Download the “Body Mole Map” at aad.org and start checking your skin monthly. New drugs are making a difference. For decades there were very few options in the treatment of advanced skin cancers. But several new medications are showing promise at fighting the disease. Your donations can make a difference. Organizations such as the American Academy of Dermatology, The Skin Cancer Foundation, and The Shade Project provide grants for research, skin cancer screenings, and shade structures. Donating to one of these organizations can make a difference in someone’s life, maybe even your own! 1008 RR 620 S., Ste 101, Lakeway, Texas 512-615-5600 www.freshdermatology.com
Cosmetic & Medical Services
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FreshDermatology.com Located at 620 & Lakeway Blvd. • 512.615.5600 1008 RR 620 S., Ste. 101 | Lakeway, TX 78734
Lakeway Dermatology
Oak Canyon Dentistry
MELANOMA IS A SERIOUS skin malignancy that can be fatal. Early detection is critical. Regular self-skin examinations and establishing care with a dermatologist are both important. Risk factors include a family history of melanoma, a personal history of atypical (dysplastic nevi), a history of significant sun exposure, and having light-complected skin. Melanoma may develop even in parts of the body that are usually covered and protected from the sun. It is very important to see your dermatologist at least once a year for a comprehensive skin examination. I joined Lakeway Dermatology in December 2015. Along with Dr. Mary Ana Cunningham and Dr. Emily Prosise, I regularly perform full body skin examinations and screen my patients for melanoma, atypical (dysplastic) nevi, non-melanoma skin cancers, and other skin conditions. I am boardcertified in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology, Dermatopathology, and Dermatology. The definitive diagnosis of melanoma and other skin cancers rests on histologic examination. As a clinical dermatologist and a dermatopathologist, I am able to correlate the clinical and microscopic features of the lesion being being examined.I educate my patients about how to examine moles and emphasize that growth of the lesion is most important, especially when rapid, or accompanied by color change or symptoms including bleeding or itching. Sun protection is critical, and I recommend zinc- or titanium-based sun screen, with frequent reapplication, as well as sun-protective clothing at all times. I am truly honored to be a resident and a healthcare provider in this community and hope to see you at Lakeway Dermatology very soon! (Alde Carlo Gavino, M.D.)
AS A NATIONAL DENTAL lecturer on the topics of current dental techniques and bonded, metal-free dentistry and whose work has earned publishing rights in numerous dental journals, it is easy to assume Dr. Steven Haase is very experienced and at the forefront of his profession. At his Bee Cave office, Oak Canyon Dentistry, you will experience what modern dentistry has to offer, including a comprehensive list of general, specialty, restorative and cosmetic dental services to meet the needs of the entire family, providing convenience without the need to travel to multiple offices. Patient satisfaction is top priority, and the team at Oak Canyon Dentistry strives to create an environment where patients feel comfortable and free to discuss their dentistry needs. Dr. Haase proudly serves patients from Austin and surrounding areas, across Texas and from across the United States. Same day crowns and bridges eliminate the need for impressions, temporaries and 2 week waits for the new crown. Other services include, “bleaching for life,” metal free fillings, veneers and full mouth restoration. Doctor Haase does not refer his child patients to other practices but gingerly treats them, allowing them to participate in their dental experiences. He wrote the Children’s book, “Visiting the Tooth Doctor” to offer a unique look at dentistry from a child’s viewpoint. Look at the reviews of Oak Canyon Dentistry and you’ll be convinced Oak Canyon Dentistry is the office for you. Call for an appointment!
3464 RR 620 S, Bee Cave, Texas 512-263-0057 www.lakewaydermatology.com
12101 Bee Caves Road, Suite 5-H, Bee Cave, Texas 512-263-5566 www.oakcanyondentistry.com
LEILANI M. CONNORS PT FAAOMPT, DIRECTOR • Neck, Back and SIJ pain • Shoulder, Hip, Knee, Ankle & Foot
Injuries • Tendonitis, Bursitis, Arthritis • Post Motor Vehicle Accidents • Pre and Post Surgical Conditions • Chronic Joint & Muscle Pain • Headaches • Movement System Impairments • Sports Injuries • Muscle Imbalances
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Women’s Health Specialty
512-263-1795 achievempt@gmail.com • www.achievempt.com 1310 Ranch Road 620 South Suite B-10 Lakeway, TX 78734 Lakeway Plaza – near The League
Wink Medical Aesthestics WINK HAS THE TOOLS to help you look like YOU, only better!...and just a little younger! The goal is to have everyone wondering, “Did you just get back from vacation? Get a new haircut? Lose weight?” Wink is very conscious of the fact that most clients don’t want everyone to know they “did something”. With our services, you will improve your overall look without it being blatantly obvious! It’s your little secret….. Wink Wink! Many factors can contribute to looking older or tired. We consult with you on your concerns, budget and lifestyle to determine the best treatment plan for you, in a relaxed, low-pressure setting. At Wink, you are not just a client, you will become our friend. Among the cutting edge technologies and procedures Wink offers are Ultherapy to lift, tighten and tone; Juvederm Voluma to correct volume loss common over the age of 40; Sublative Rejuvenation to stimulate collagen and elastin in the deeper dermal layer; SkinPen Microneedling to correct fine lines and wrinkles in the outer epidermis and MD Resurfacing Treatments, the “Heal before your Peel” treatment with no downtime! Our Club Wink offers a cost effective way to improve skin health and maintain beautiful results! For a small monthly fee, club members choose from 5 amazing treatments, such as HydraFacial MD, Skinceuticals Micropeels and SkinMedica Peels and also receive discounted Botox, discounted products and additional savings on Sublative Rejuvenation and Skin Pen Microneedling. Call today and set up your free consultation to learn how to get back to YOU, only better! 2127 Lohman’s Crossing Road, Ste 302, Lakeway, Texas 512-263-2400 www.WinkMed.com
Achieve Manual Physical Therapy Lakeway Orthodontics ACHIEVE MANUAL PHYSICAL Therapy (AMPT) is an outpatient physical therapy clinic established in the fall of 2007 by owner and director Leilani M. Connors, PT, FAAOMPT. AMPT specializes in orthopedic, manual physical therapy. To maintain the highest standards of care, AMPT’s staff is primarily made up of fellowship-trained physical therapists. In addition, AMPT serves as a clinical site for The Manual Therapy Institute. The Manual Therapy Institute offers a program of post-professional clinical and didactic education that prepares the clinician for the subspecialty of orthopedic manual physical therapy. AMPT treats athletes for sports injuries at every level, from young athletes (middle school and high school sports) to college level and professional athletes (MLB players, members of the PGA and WWF wrestlers). Common sports-related injuries treated include: ACL injuries, rotator cuff injuries (preand post-surgical rehab), labral tears of shoulder and hip, adhesive capsulitis, hypermobility syndromes of spine and shoulder and bicipital tendonitis. Therapeutic interventions include: spine and peripheral joint mobilizations, myofascial and neural tissue mobilizations, movement systems assessment with corrective treatment strategies, biomechanical screens with functional integration approach, HEP with emphasis on movement system impairments and unloading equipment (Vigor unloader and treadmill) for lumbar cervical spine conditions. AMPT seeks to provide comprehensive, highly skilled care utilizing the current best evidence-based treatments. Patients are seen by the same fellowship-trained physical therapists, from initial evaluation to discharge. The clinic features state-of-the-art unloading a gravity resistance equipment for safe, adjustable, low-impact therapy. 1310 RR 620 S, Ste B-10, Lakeway, Texas 512-263-1795 www.achievempt.com
BRACES, INVISALIGN AND retainers never seemed like so much fun as they do at Lakeway Orthodontics. Jeff Dykes DDS, MS and team consistently wow patients while delivering perfect smiles in a fun and laid back office atmosphere. Dr. Dykes has undergone extensive masters level education while studying Orthodontics beyond the regular dental school curriculum at the University of Texas Dental School in Houston. Dr. Dykes makes your top priority his top priority to provide the most ideal smile and bite result possible. He also utilizes the latest technological instruments such as, lowdose X-Ray imaging and 3D virtual treatment software to provide a safe and comfortable treatment experience for every patient. Patients are always remarking how they feel like they are visiting good friends when they come to each appointment! The spacious treatment area is neatly decorated in the modern hill country decor that makes one feel like they are anywhere but a doctor’s office. Family and friends are always invited to join the team and patients while at each appointment, in the clinic, but the reception area is a comfortable oasis all it’s own. The beverage center serves up coffee, tea, and water for those enjoying the comfortable quiet in the reception. The free Wifi is not only reliable but fast to allow simple browsing or heavy duty work emails to be done with ease. The experience is made extremely convenient for busy families by the central location of the office at the corner of Lakeway Blvd and 620 South next to Moreland Properties. Call Lakeway Orthodontics for your complimentary Orthodontic consultation and meet with Dr. Dykes today to figure out your options! 1007 RR 620 S, Ste 201, Austin, Texas 512-263-2993 www.lakewayortho.com
April Durr, LE Michele Wood, LE Gregg Wood, MD Meghan Richmond, ND Phyllis Teal
Your Orthodontic Home (512) 263-2993 www.LakewayOrthodontics.com Specialist in Orthodontics for children, teens & adults.
. Invisalign & Clear Braces . Low Dose Digital Images . File all Insurance for our Patients Centrally located at 620 & Lakeway Blvd 1007 RR 620 S, Ste 201, Austin, TX 78734
Beansprout Pediatrics live. love. grow. BeansproutPediatrics.com BOARD CERTIFIED PEDIATRICIANS
Brian Temple, M.D., F.A.A.P.
Danielle D. Grant, M.D., F.A.A.P.,
)DWKHU RI WKUHH ERDUG FHUWLĂ€HG in pediatrics, special interest in international medicine
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Welcoming Veronica Parker, M.D. to the Beansprout Team! Now accepting new pediatric patients of all ages! ,QWURGXFLQJ QHZ 3HGLDWULF %RDUG &HUWLĂ€HG 1XUVH 3UDFWLWLRQHUV
Sarah Berger and Jen Loiaza EXPANDING HOURS FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR SEPARATE WELL AND SICK AREAS
New extended hours: M–Th 8am–7pm, F 8am–6pm, Sat 8am–12pm Same day sick visits Early walk in: 8am–9am • Late clinic: 5pm–7pm Allergy testing & treatment • International travel consultations Concussion and Pre-Concussion Baseline Testing • Vision Screening as young as 6 months old • ADHD management and treatment
BEANSPROUT PEDIATRICS OFFERS complimentary prenatal visits, routine newborn care, well child care, camp/sport physicals, travel medicine consultations, ADHD management, minor wound care, allergy testing and treatment (Sublingual Drop Therapy), concussion testing (IMPact) and many other services. They run a walk-in clinic M-F 8-9 AM. They offer expanded hours through Beansprout After Hours Clinic M-Th 5-7PM, F 5-6PM and Saturday 8am-12pm. Dr. Danielle Grant opened Beansprout Pediatrics in 2010. Beansprout Pediatrics is located at 13917 TX-71 in front of the Field Of Dreams on Hwy 71 W near the Hamilton Pool Rd intersection. With more exam rooms and larger separate well and sick areas, this vibrant office caters to patients from newborns to adolescents. Dr. Grant is a mother of three and an active member of the community. She graduated from UConn Medical School and completed her Pediatrics residency at Baylor/Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. Dr. Temple joined Beansprout Pediatrics in 2013. He was in private practice in Oregon for 5 years and is board certified in pediatrics and attended residency at Texas Children’s Hospital as well. He enjoys travel medicine and dedicates time to disaster relief, helping underserved populations around the globe. Dr. Veronica Parker will be joining the Beansprout team and will be accepting new pediatric patients of all ages starting mid-August. Dr. Parker is a graduate of Texas Tech Medical School and completed her pediatric residency at St. Louis University. We are excited to welcome her to our team! Sarah Berger and Jennifer Loaiza are pediatric board certified nurse practitioners and have just celebrated their one year anniversary with Beansprout! 13917 W. Hwy 71, Ste. A, Bee Cave, Texas 512-610-7030 www.beansproutpediatrics.com
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Lisa M. Jukes Wellness Center 5656 Bee Caves Road, Suite B101 Austin, TX 78746 Lisa M. Jukes, MD
New State-of-the-Art Facility opens September 12th! Register today to save your spot! GymKids | Gymnastics Tumbling | Trampoline Cheer Parkour Adult Fitness Explorers Preschool Camps | Fun Fridays Birthday Parties Free Trial Classes!
info@ChampionsTX.com | 2105 RR 620 South (Behind Valero) in Lake Travis Check out our central Austin location at WAYA!
“Lava Lamp” specialty cocktail (lemon drop martini Paul Flavion, Amy Preston, Todd Last with a jello shot) created by Austin Catering
Shelby Marquardt, Venus Strawn Toast of the Town Committee Co-chair, Julie Niedert; Katrina Spangenberg, recipient of a St. David’s Neal Kocurek Scholarship; David Booth, Slavka Glaser
A TOAST OF THE TOWN PARTY
Studio 54 STORY BY BROOKE TOELLER | PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
David and Kathleen Christ
T
HE 2016 Toast of the Town featured twenty spectacular fundraising parties specifically designed to endow the annual Neal Kocurek Scholarships provided by St. David’s Foundation. These merit and need based stipends support students that have committed themselves to study and work in various health-related fields at colleges and universities throughout Texas. The parties that fund these scholarships offer guests incomparable experiences, such as the one offered by the Studio 54 Disco Party, held on May 14th at David Booth’s private hangar, home to his personal jet! Guests at this fabulous, jet set experience sported an assortment of wild and colorful outfits that dominated fashion statements of the late ‘70s and early 80’s. At the time of this party, $480,000 had been raised cumulatively by Toast of the Town parties. The St. David’s Foundation matching component triples the $480,000 donation total
Nathan and Sally Warnecke, Blair Adams
Mark Robson, Lindete Sparks
Rebecca Brannan, Tosca Gruber, Susan Hackney, Lisa Bagby Joni Schoener Bentzin, Sue Gove
Mike Niefl, Russell Davis, Gail Page, Delaine Self, Jeff Ashpitz, Renata Marsilli, Nicole Niefl
Matt and Katharine Gallagher
Franco Herrera, Kevin Smothers, Lance Avery Morgan, Rob Giardinelli Robert Sek, Johanna and Mitch Vernick
Martin Hale, Lisa Trahan
30 Waterways | Fall 2016
Robert Stoltz, Eve Michael
Toast of the Town 2016 was a blooming success. Contributions of more than $491,500 were matched two-to-one by the St. David’s Foundation Community Fund, providing a total of $1,474,500 for the St. David’s Neal Kocurek Scholarships. We would like to give a grand bouquet of thanks to the sponsors, hosts, partygoers and special guests who made Toast of the Town flourish in 2016.
stdavidsfoundation.org
Pradeep and Rushmi Kumar
to $1.4 million. Since its inception in 2005, the St. David’s Neal Kocurek Scholarships have awarded over 340 scholarships to students in medicine, nursing, physical therapy, biomedical engineering and other health-related careers. $7,500 is awarded per scholar each year for up to eight years, and grants may total up to $60,000! In 2015, the Foundation awarded 55 scholarships. Katrina Spanenberg, a 3rd year student at the University of Texas, is a current recipient of a Neal Kocurek Scholarship. The youngest of three daughters from a family facing significant financial challenges, she shared how profoundly grateful she was for this life-changing opportunity.
Jim and Marisa Bushee
Dana and Dennis Jakubowicz
J.P. McGee, Sandra Jarman, Joan and Blake Holman
House-smoked, honey-glazed smoked salmon with cucumber-tarragon cream sauce (compliment of Austin Catering)
Bud and Karen Neeley Jane and Michael Driscoll
Damon and Becky Holditch
Kat and Vince Brooks Renata Marsilli, Ghadeer Okayli, Jasmine Michael, Jinous Rouhani, Toast of the Town Committee Chair Tobie Funte Flannery, Gail Page
Venus and Bill Strawn
Dave Mintner, Jason Stubo, Christina and David Mintner, Diana Mintner Windy Hill, Kathryn Naegler
Keynote Speaker and Survivor, Jenny Peterson
Mike Shultz, Karen Shultz, Interim Executive Director
Mad About Pink! STORY BY BROOKE TOELLER PHOTOS BY PATTI PIESZCHALA
Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo, Tanya Acevedo
Linda and Robert Geller
T
HIS ANNUAL Gala, benefitting Susan G. KomenŽ Austin, raises funds to provide breast health services to more than 3,000 people in the Austin area annually. Over the previous four years, this gala has raised more than $1,100,000 to assist both women and men throughout the greater Austin area who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Presenting sponsor, Texas Oncology, hosted the 5th Annual MAD about Pink! at the JW Marriott. The event raises awareness about Komen Austin and the critical impact it exerts with its efforts to save lives locally and with its support of global research. Co-chaired by Karin & Bob Foster and Amy & Adam Mosier, the gala featured 60’s attire inspired by Mad Men; a VIPINK! Cocktail reception, sponsored by Lexus of Austin and Lakeway; a live auction and raffle; and a Pink! After Party with music performed by The Eggman. Jenny Peterson,
Anat Adi-Atias, VP, Diamonds Direct Austin, sponsor
Lisa and Matt Dow
Delaine Ward, Robin Thigpin, Karen Quintos Corbin Davenport, Abby Argo, Vicki Roberts, Dealer Principal and owner of Lexus of Austin and Lexus of Lakeway (event sponsor); Jeff Nash
32 Waterways | Fall 2016
Brandon and Jenny Aghamalian Jessica Michenock, Shelby Marquardt
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CHARLOTTE SANDERS Realtor ® 512.587.1241 charlottesandershomes@gmail.com
8412 Lime Creek Road $2,675,000 | 6,222 sq.ft.
Listing Agent: Lauri NcNevin, Realtor ®
Vicki Roberts, who donated the over-sized guitar to the Live Auction, is laughing because she also placed the high bid on the guitar and won it back!
Ilona and Doug Toole Auctioneer Heath Hale, Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo
Christine Wren, Robert Dean, Mike Flannagan, Laura Goodson
Danny and Jennifer Stevens
Maria and Erik Pronski
a breast cancer survivor and author of “The Cancer Survivor’s Garden Companion”, delivered a powerful and inspiring keynote speech. Karen Shultz, Interim Executive Director of Komen Austin stated, “This event raises critically needed funds to support our local area community health partners who help us provide lifesaving breast health services.” The Pink Diamond Award recipients were honored for their dedication and service to Komen Austin’s mission. This year’s recipients were: INK PR, Outstanding Community Partner; Karin Foster, Outstanding Volunteer; Stephanie Hansen, Outstanding Philanthropist; Jennifer Stevens, Excellence in Advocacy; and Shauna Martin, who received the Ana Sierra Warrior Award. Karen Shultz, Interim Exec. Dir.; Katie Robertson, Marketing & Communications
Tom Fish, Adam Mosier, Jeremy Mosier Pink Diamond Awards are sponsored by St. David’s Healthcare & Foundation. This year’s Award Winners are: Stephanie Hanson, Outstanding Philanthropist; Karin Foster, Event Co-chair and Outstanding Volunteer; Joey Held and Emily Grossman accepting the award on behalf of INK PR, for outstanding community partner; Mayor Steve Adler; Shauna Martin; Ana Sierra, Warrior Award Winner; Denise Bradley, St. David’s Community Affairs Director; Karen Shultz, Interim Executive Director, Susan B. Komen® Austin
34 Waterways | Fall 2016
Lisa Copeland, Lisabeth Thomas, Cherie Mathews, Karen Quintos, Melinda Garvey
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Philip Jalufka, President and CEO of Legacy International Resort Properties; Shan Jennkins of Jenkins Custom Homes; Tod Arbogast of Arbogast Homes; Emily Lubbers of Home Builders Michael DeMarco of Lake Travis Builders; Curt Sexton of Laurel Haven Homes; Tommy Roberts of Triton Austin, and many more; Bill Hayes, Legend Association of Greater Austin (HBA) Communities Chief Operating Officer; Haythem Dawlett, Founder and Principal of Legend Communities; Tomas Martinez, owner of Luxury Home Magazine
Birth of The Peninsula at Rough Hollow STORY BY CATHIE PARSSINEN | PHOTOS BY NIKKI ACOSTA
P
RISTINE AND majestic, the Peninsula rises up, untouched, from a sapphire-blue throne of water. Part of the 1,887 acre Rough Hollow Lakeway community, The Peninsula is poised for a transformation that will bejewel her shores with a crown of 81 homes priced in the millions. At the end of June, Legend Communities, Inc. and Crescent Communities, LLC revealed the list of five preHaythem Dawlett, Founder and Principal of Legend Communities; Grant Dawlett; Bill Hayes, ferred builders that will construct the first homes that will inaugurate the birth of this prestigious neighLegend Communities Chief Operating Officer borhood. They are Arbogast Homes, Jenkins Custom Homes, Lake Travis Builders, Laurel Haven Homes and Triton Austin. The Peninsula is the last gated, exclusive lakefront community in Rough Hollow and in Lakeway. It will be the most prestigious among the 19 diverse neighborhoods that make up this acclaimed, award-winning, Master-Planned Community. The Hotel Granduca hosted the announcement and celebration of the Builder Reveal, where the distinguished group of homebuilders and guests listened to remarks from the Development Team. Among those who spoke were Haythem Dawlett, Founder and Principal of Legend Communities; Bill Hayes, Legend Communities Chief Operating Officer; and Philip Jalufka, President and CEO of Legacy International Resort Properties, the Exclusive Sales & Marketing Firm for The Peninsula. Emily Lubbers, Executive Vice President at Home Builders Associations of Greater Austin, announced that the Peninsula would host the Spring 2017 Home Builders of Greater Austin Parade of Homes™ tour. This prestigious honor marks the third time in a decade that Rough Hollow Lakeway has been selected to host the HBA Parade of Homes™. The Peninsula sparks great excitement within the local real estate community, as it will provide yet another Lakeway gem to present to clients looking for waterfront properties in physical settings that are truly extraordinary. And these homes will join a Master-Planned Community with unparalleled amenities that include community pools, Austin’s most prestigious Yacht Club & Marina, fitness facilities and miles of running and biking trails. It is noteworthy that Legend Communities, whose operations are directed by Founder and Principal, Haythem Dawlett, has been a partner to all aspects of the development of Rough Hollow Lakeway, from the moment of the original inspiration through all phases of implementation. This level of consistent local leadership and commitment to shepherding this project to completion is increasingly rare. If one looks at the history of some of the major businesses or organizations in Lakeway and Bee Cave over the past decade, a pattern emerges whereby many of these valuable assets were sold and resold, often to corporate interests with headquarters in distant places. As a community, Rough Hollow Allison Winslett, Rough Hollow; Ginger Carter, Crescent Communities; Jennifer Star, Rough Hollow; Staci Wimbush, Legacy International Resort Properties has reaped great benefits from the leadership that has guided its growth. PHARIS D PLANNING LANDSCA
Jean Barreiro, Kimo Storke, Monica Fabbio, Mary Lynne Gibbs, Judy Woofter
42 Waterways | Fall 2016
Tommy Tucker, Residential Vice President, Crescent Communities; Philip Jalufka, President and CEO of Legacy International Resort Properties
Steve Guy, Legacy International; Loren Dickey, The Peninsula at Rough Hollow Luxury Homes Sales Executive; Chat Wynn, Crescent Communities
Inaugural Homesites Approaching SOLD OUT • Final 61 Homesites Just RELEASED
ABOVE
CALL LUXURY TO SCHEDULE YOUR
EXPERIENCE P A C K A G E
Join us for a private tour of the neighborhood, a sunset sailboat excursion and dinner at Canyon Grill.
Developed D l d by b Legend L d Communities C iti in i partnership t hi with ith Crescent C t Communities. C iti Exclusively marketed by Legacy International Resort Properties. Obtain the Property Report required by federal law and read it before signing anything. No federal agency has judged the merits of value, if any, of this property.
THE
PENINSULA AT
ROUGH HOLLOW
A PRIVATE LAKESTYLE NEIGHBORHOOD
Naturally secluded, yet closely connected. The Peninsula at Rough Hollow is nestled high above spectacular Lake Travis and just a short ride from downtown Austin. As part of a masterplanned community featuring world class amenities such as Lake Travis’ most prestigious Yacht Club & Marina and over three miles of lake shoreline, The Peninsula is truly above all else. The Peninsula is the proud host of the Spring 2017 Home Builders of Greater Austin Parade of Homes™ tour.
LIMITED NUMBER OF LUXURY HOMES & HOMESITES AVAILABLE • HOMESITES FROM THE $300s TO $1M+
512.413.7573 • PeninsulaLakeTravis.com
Lake Travis After Dark STORIES BY CATHIE PARSSINEN AND BROOKE TOELLER | PHOTOS BY PATTI PIESZCHALA The same sun that torments us during the day also gives us those warm and sensuous night-time temps that make our “After Dark Adventures” so pleasurable! Here is our display of Lake Travis playing after dark!
SPICEWOOD SUMMER POOL PARTY Is there anything more iconic than the great summer pool party? It is the ultimate chance to socialize with friends in a genuinely casual setting . . . no shoes, no shirts, no problem! Waterways has often featured charity events held poolside, but in most of these cases, dress was almost always “Austin Summer Chic” . . . translation: 6 inch heels, cocktail attire, catered menu of elegant small bites, and sizable donation requested! Hey . . . those can be fun too! Ken and Bethany Thoreson have lived in Spicewood since 2005, and it is clear from the beauty of the setting they have created that they take the pleasures of outdoor living seriously and are gracious enough to share those pleasures with friends! These annual parties celebrate both summer and Bethany’s birthday, and the 2016 party was the 6th the Thoresons have hosted. This year the David Grissom Band and Lixbox Band played in the beautiful outdoor amphitheater. The Dave Grissom Band performed!
Cheri Finch, Crystal Ropp
Christie Wilke, Stefano Intelisano (keyboards musician with the David Grissom Band)
Dennis and Marci Laczko Kelley Ann McGonigal, Bethany Thoreson, Terry McGonigal, Beto Jamimes
Kimberly Papineau, Bethany Thoreson
front: Krissy Kris, Maressa Cobb, Phil Read, John Doe, Randall Kubiak, Rebecca Jones; back: Angela Austin, Sheryl Papia
44 Waterways | Fall 2016
Ken Thoreson, Patti Pieszchala, Bethany Thoreson
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LAKE TRAVIS AFTER DARK
DINNER CONCERT AT STEINER RANCH STEAKHOUSE The setting at the Steiner Ranch Steakhouse, sitting majestically on its hill with sprawling views of Lake Travis stretching out below, was pure magic. Once the relentless Texas sun went down and the lake breezes kicked in, guests settled in to enjoy the four-course dinner that accompanied a concert by the Bellamy Brothers. A seafood tray of seared Ahi tuna, shrimp cocktail and salmon toronadas introduced the menu in style. It was followed by a choice of three salads and four entrées, including a ribeye, seasoned and grilled to perfection or tender filet mignon, both accompanied by mashed potatoes and asparagus. For the seafood lovers there was a seared Chilean sea bass with a ginger soy glaze, asparagus and orzo (my choice and it was outstanding!) or broiled jumbo scallops, topped with asiago and mornay sauce. Perhaps the “pièce de resistance” was the “I’d lie to you for your love” Bread Pudding or the “Kids of the Baby Boom” Crème Brulée! Truly, guests were treated like pampered quarterhorses . . . watered, fed and exercised! For the cocktails, wine and dinner were followed by a terrific concert by the Bellamy Brothers, who sounded just as good as they did back in their hey-day, and there was plenty of two-stepping on the dance floor under a mile-high roof of stars. They sang all their old hits and even sang “Red Neck Girl” twice. And I could have listened to it twice more!
“I’d lie to you you for your love” Bread Pudding
Howard and David Bellamy
Bobby and Joleen Steiner
46 Waterways | Fall 2016
Bobby and Joleen Steiner
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LAKE TRAVIS AFTER DARK
SUNSET AT CANYON GRILLE ROUGH HOLLOW
Cole Hajek
Allison Scott, Thomas Austin, Nick Efstation, Shane McDougal, Maria Sprow, Katy Laswell, Daniel Cockrell
48 Waterways | Fall 2016
Get ready for a treat! The restaurant formerly known as The Grille at Rough Hollow has a new name and new owners. Overlooking one of the most magnificent canyons on Lake Travis, the new name, Canyon Grille Rough Hollow, couldn’t be more perfect. Haythem Dawlett, and Ed Gieselman have partnered as new owners of the restaurant. Dawlett is a development partner for many developments, including Rough Hollow, and has given broad support to multiple civic organizations within the Lake Travis community. Gieselman, originally from Kansas City, has 28 years of experience as a restaurateur and owns 15 José Peppers restaurants in Kansas City. Located deep in the heart of Rough Hollow, Canyon Grille offers superb cuisine under new chef Martin Eason, specialty drinks, and a fun atmosphere. From starters like the Espinaca Con Queso to the phenomenal smoked salmon or fall-off-the-bone ribs, the tempting options on the new menu will make the new Grille a visit-and-linger location! In addition to an extensive wine and liquor menu, Canyon Grille also features a variety of delightful margaritas, complimentary valet for lunch and dinner and a fantastic Sunday Brunch. I recently visited Canyon Grille and Cole Hajek, Robert Lee Puckett, Emma Kate Staton, ordered the delectable Habanero Bacon Jenny Staton, Kenneth Black Wrapped Shrimp, which was filled with queso fresco, fresh jalapeĖos, and was finished with a habanaro honey glaze. I drank a Chili Patron cocktail, which was refreshing, and had a spicy bite. Our waitress (who happened to be Gieselman’s teenage daughter) worked hard and hustled all night to ensure all patrons were happy. Between the live music, spectacular food, and breathtaking views, Canyon Grille will earn a new place in the Lake Travis community.
LUCY’S FRIED CHICKEN Lucy’s has a novel menu that draws on themes of southern comfort food and boasts items you truly will not find at any other Lake Travis restaurant. Fried Green Tomatoes, Deep Fried, Buttermilk Breaded, Deviled Eggs with crispy Chicken Skin aioli; Lucy’s Cajun Boil (shrimp, andouille, corn and red potatoes); the Burn-It Bowl (mashed potatoes topped with chopped chicken, sweet corn, onions and red bell peppers covered with poblano chorizo gravy). And then there’s the Chicken…fried, grilled, hot, cold, in salads and sandwiches, on top of spaghetti, in baskets and on plates. A wonderful selection of “southern” style vegetables complements the entrées: mashed potatoes, black eyed peas, collard greens, grilled corn on the cob, smoked potato salad, creole okra, grits and slaw!! If I mention the desChristha Demato with Snickers; serts, you may drool on the magazine! Ashleigh Raymond with Ava! Perched high on the cliffs, the view of a newly restored Lake Travis is spectacular. Lucy’s also welcomes hounds of all varieties. The evening we shot our cover, I ran into a friend of mine with his dog Charlie. He ordered a basket of chicken for himself and a plate of Tenderlovin’ Chicken Tenders ($9.50) for Charlie. I was surprised he didn’t get her a beer too! We love our pups! The manager and the staff couldn’t have been more helpful. Lucy’s is certainly a welcome addition to the Lake Travis After Dark scene.
Tucked in the heart of Rough Hollow, an Award Winning Community, Canyon Grille offers more than a breathtaking view of the beautiful Lake Travis. Formerly known as The Grille at Rough Hollow, Canyon Grille brings a Southwestern flair and well crafted cocktails. Come enjoy a glass of wine or a margarita while enjoying the view and live music on our covered patio.
Have Lunch or Dinner with us on Tuesday – Saturday, or Brunch & Dinner on Sunday.
103 Yacht Club Cove
We offer complimentary valet service for lunch and dinner.
512-261-3444
Lakeway, Texas 78734
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LAKE TRAVIS AFTER DARK Jason Easter, Nate Holland, Alex Billington, Max Jackson, Lyndy Watkins
SUNDANCER GRILL EVOKES THEMES OF THE ISLANDS
Owners Pete Clark and Ben Nathan describe Sundancer Grill as “a neighborhood bistro with Caribbean flair”. The restaurant, which resembles a Bahamian Village cottage, is located at the Sail & Sea Yacht Club at the entrance to Steward Cove on the shores of Lake Travis. The views of the water and the sailboat docks are charming, offering a great setting for dining. Sundancer Grill will not disappoint those looking for traditional lakeside “comfort” staples (burgers and sandwiches, for example, are on the menu), but the eatery goes beyond that by also offering tasty items with an island twist. Inspired by owner Pete Clark’s travels to the Caribbean, Sundancer Grill serves dishes that evoke fond memories of a Jamaican getaway: spicy island wings (grilled, not fried), conch fritters, and jerk chicken, to name a few. Those in search of healthier fare will find plenty of options among the fresh salads and seafood entrees, and several items are marked gluten-free. In keeping with the American-bistro-meets-island-vacation theme, the cocktail list includes some authentic tropical favorites including the Dark ‘n’ Stormy, the Painkiller and the Paloma. In addition to the airy main dining space, the restaurant also features an outside patio/bar and outdoor pavilion. The outdoor pavilion is where the annual Sundancer Crawfish Boil is held. A courtesy boat dock is available for those who come by boat. For those with little ones, not only do kids eat free on Mondays but this family friendly restaurant also offers a mini-playground that is kid tested and approved! Lake Travis is definitely a tourist location, but we have the pleasure of living here and the luxury of lakeside dining year around. Be sure to try it after dark! Magic!
Kelly Newberg, Teresa Summerlin, Lisa Butcher
Ryan Rogers, Jana Birdwell, Bridget Shoemaker, Karla Burgess
ROCCO’S GRILL Gathering underneath the 200-year old Live Oak tree on Rocco’s outdoor deck is one of the delights guests enjoy during the warm evenings of summer and early fall. In addition to a collection of premium wines, two of the most popular cocktails ordered by customers are the Blushing Bee, which combines watermelon infused Tito’s Vodka, Agave Nectar and fresh lemon juice, and Rocco’s Lemon Drop, a luscious mix of Tito’s Vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon juice and sweet n’ sour. Oysters remain a favorite, whether it is fine Texas Gulf Oysters on the half shell, Michilada Oyster Shooters or Half Shell East Coast Oysters with lemon, horseradish and cocktail sauce. In fact, according to Ally Piazza Johnson, seafood dishes across the board remain some of the most ordered entrées, whether it is red fish topped with crab claws and tails or the grilled Salmon Alessondra topped with lump crab, capers and basil lemon butter. Assorted fine pastas are also available for those who need a carb fix! Rockey and Linda Piazza, long-time Lake Travis residents, relocated their 14-year old, family-owned restaurant, Rocco’s Grill, from Lakeway to its present location in Bee Cave in the summer of 2015. Kay & Larry Blount
50 Waterways | Fall 2016
Bonnie and Gary Johnson
e.h. “Bubba” Breazeale, realtor®
Experience does count!
since 1982
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LAKE TRAVIS AFTER DARK
RUSTY RUDDER LAKE TRAVIS The Rusty Rudder Lake Travis is now open and bustling! Known as a place “where the good times float,” four local friends came together to create a family friendly restaurant with good food, a full bar, and live music. They opened right before the 4th of July, and the Lake Travis community is thrilled to have the revival of this iconic lakeside restaurant where Carlos ’n Charlie’s once floated before being forced to close due to the drought and seriously low lake levels. Come by land, sea, or foot and anchor up to one of the two bars for some food, drinks, and fun! The Rusty Rudder also has 36 courtesy docks for the boaters of Lake Travis and sells shirts, tanks, and hats. The slogan that sets the atmospheric tone for this floating restaurant is “Rusty Rudder Lake Travis—Where it’s Always Happy Hour and the Watering Hole NEVER RUNS DRY—Slow down & come around!” Located at Emerald Point Marina, the Rusty Rudder has a panoramic view of the Marina docks and nearby coves, including the popular Devil’s Cove. Customers that anchor their boats at Emerald Cove Marina are delighted to have the new restaurant up and running. The menu offers a variety of Starters, including Lobster Rolls, Fried Calamari, Michelada Oyster Shooters and a selection of salads, burgers, tacos and pasta. The Rusty Rudder serves cold beers and cocktails in a “Jimmy Buffet” atmosphere and features live music several times a week from area acclaimed bands such as Suede and Dysfunkshun Junkshun. The lake is full, the boats are out, the Rusty Rudder is open, and life around Lake Travis is good again!
Michael and Mondie McFaddin
52 Waterways | Fall 2016
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LAKE TRAVIS AFTER DARK
THE OASIS Thousands of people assemble from all over the world on the multilayered decks of the Oasis on Lake Travis to witness the legendary sunsets over Lake Travis. The views truly are breathtaking, especially when Lake Travis is full, as it is now. And it is worth every dollar to order one from among the many Specialty Cocktails to watch the sun set in style. Great choices are the Oasis Cooler, the Oasis Daydreamer, the Perfect Margarita, or my personal favorite, the Oasis Mexican Martini. A diverse menu of Tex-Mex staples insures that you don’t drink on an empty stomach! Several nights a week on the third floor Starlight Terrace, the Oasis provides live music. Local cover superstars like Suede, Dysfunkshun Junkshun and The Eggman keep guests dancing under the stars. And on Salsa Sunday’s, The Brew plays up-beat Latin music and even gives salsa lessons. All shows are family friendly, and in the evening kids love taking their turn on the dance floor. Languages from all over the world can be heard at the Oasis, but the Oasis is more than just a tourist destination . . . it’s a guilty pleasure for most Austinites who, for the most part, are never too proud to join together with the tourists in an appreciation of a local treasure!
Kattie and Travis Jacques
54 Waterways | Fall 2016
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Mike Murphy, Bee Cave Mayor Caroline Murphy
Officer Ryan Halley, Officer Joe Thor Reid, Officer Stephen Moring, Officer Keith Howard
Sr. Officer Kevin Hendricks, Sgt. Joseph Sanchez, Patrol Officer Scott Olson
Bee Cave Police Gala STORY BY BROOKE TOELLER PHOTOS BY PATTI PIESZCHALA Teresa and Gary Miller, Bee Cave Chief of Police; Foundation President Teresa Breuggeman Brett Spicer, Sr. Dep. Sheriff, Special Operations Division Lake Patrol Unit of the TCSO, Heather Spicer, Claudete Gunsalus
H Katie Dorering, Matt and Jenn Johnson
(back) Chad Bockius, Jerry Phillips, Bill Lowe (front) Jamie Bockius, Cecelia Lowe, Lisa Baker
Pierre Kerbage, Maria and Raymond Keyrouz, Marcel Rahme
56 Waterways | Fall 2016
Roxanne Mayne exhibits Sportsman’s Finest donation!
ELD IN THE Colony Ballroom at the Hill Country Galleria’s Sonesta Hotel (the event’s presenting sponsor), the 2016 Bee Cave Police Benevolent Foundation Gala raised more than $20,000 through ticket sales and a live auction to support the Bee Cave men and women in blue and other public safety employees! The Bee Cave Police Benevolent Foundation took time to recognize and thank Officer Joe Reid, who was awarded the 2015 Bee Cave Police Department Officer of the Year. The Sonesta served a delicious meal and, following the live auction, patrons had a blast dancing the night away to the Chevelles. Teresa Breuggeman, President of the Bee Cave Police Benevolent Foundation stated, “The event was very well attended and we were able to raise funds for a very worthy cause. We are grateful to the Bee Cave Police Officers that continually keep our community safe.” Monies raised at this event serve the mission of the Bee Cave Police Benevolent Foundation, which is: “To provide financial assistance and benefit to Bee Cave Police Department and other area public safety employees and their families; and to support community and law enforcement initiatives, memorials, scholarships, and educational programs.” Be sure to save the date, as next year’s Bee Cave Police Benevolent Foundation Gala will be held Saturday, February 25, 2017 at the Sonesta Bee Cave Hotel. To learn more about the Bee Cave Police Benevolent Foundation, or to donate online, please visit bcpbf.org. (back) Misha Kubena, Denise Whitfield (front) Chris Jecker, Mary Beth and Mike Farr
Officer Keith Howard, Jamie Howard
2016 BEE CAVE POLICE FOUNDATION YEARBOOK....WE WERE THERE!
Larry and Kay Blount Lake Travis Fiddlers
Meghan Richmond, Gail and Bob Stubbs Auctioneer Scott McClain
(front) Sr. Lt. Bill Pitmon, Jessica McClain, Claudete Gunsalus (back) Meghan Richmond, Sibel Allison
Debra and Jason Brown, Officer John Meiners Adrien Overstreet, Dan Myrick
Elena Reid, Joe Reid, Bee Cave Police Officer of the Year Erin Mitchell, Texas Ranger Sandra and John Dallas Cody Mitchell
Alice Flores, Sr. Officer Gabriel Flores
Gina Vetro, showing off her prize, placed the high bid for a date with Sr. Lt. Bill Pitmon!
Janet and Mark Bied
Tamara Delz, Roxanne Mayne Jessica McClain, Bill Pitmon
Officer John Meiners, Jennifer Meiners
Bill Pitmon, Patti Pieszchala
Jerry Phillips Becky and Bobby Austin
58 Waterways | Fall 2016
Gina Vetro, Former BC Chief of Police, Rusty Pancoast, Claudete Gunsalus
Foundation President, Teresa Breuggeman
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2016 Farm to Plate Restaurants and Chefs
La Condesa: Quinoa totopo with ash-roasted sweet potato, beets, skordalia and Hausbar flowers
Asti: Erica Beneke Barley Swine: Bryce Gilmore, Bradley Nicholson, and Charles Zhou Bespoke Food: Tony Oppie Boiler Nine Bar & Grill: David Bull Cafe Josie: Todd Havers Cantine: Scott Kaplan Cocoa Puro: Tom Pederson Contigo: Andrew Wiseheart Dai Due: Jesse Griffiths Eden East: Sonya Cote Epicerie: Sarah McIntosh Fixe: James Robert Greenhouse Craft Food: Rob Snow Italic: Andrew Curren Jacoby’s: Alberto Gonzales Juliet: Jacob Weaver Juniper: Nicholas Yanes
La Condesa: Rick Lopez Launderette: Rene Ortiz Lick: Anthony Sobotik Make It Sweet: Jennifer Bartos Odd Duck: Susana Querejazu Olive & June: Shawn Cirkiel Olivia: Jared Conoley Peche: John Lichtenberger South Congress Hotel: Michael Paley and Amanda Rockman Sway: Martin Wilda Tacodeli: Joel Fried Thai Fresh: Jam Sanitchat The Bonneville: Chris Hurley and Jennifer Costello Trace: Angel Begaye and James Zoller Uchi: Michael Castillo
Chef Jason Stude from Boiler Nine Bar & Grill serves Fire-roasted Roots with Sunflower, Green Goddess, Fennel, Feta and Amaranth.
Farm to Plate 2016 STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
From La Condesa: Sous Chef Sergio Ortega; Chef Rick Lopez
Paula’s Texas Spirits: In May of 2016, Paula’s Texas Grapefruit Liqueur, made exclusively with Ruby Reds grown in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, came to market, just in time for Farm to Plate!
E
ACH YEAR, Farm to Plate allows the Sustainable Food Center to shine a spotlight on the amazing food sustainably grown and raised in Central Texas, on those hard working family farmers who ensure access to their products, and on the incredible food and beverage artisans who bring these delicious products to life,” noted Ronda Rutledge, Executive Director of the Sustainable Food Center. Austin offers two of the most enchanting spring garden parties every year; one is the Umlauf Garden Party and the other is the Farm to Plate garden party at the historic Barr Mansion. Both parties follow a “sip and stroll” event format, with guests sampling small bites and enjoying an array of beverages throughout these special evenings dedicated to fundraising for art and sustainability. Over 600 guests attended the 2016 Farm to Plate and applauded the recipients of the annual Sustainable Food Changemaker Awards that honor individuals and organizations that fight hunger and promote sustainable agriculture. Every chef who participates in Farm to Plate has shown a commitment to using food
“
From Launderette: Pastrami Smoked Salmon with Herbed Cream Cheese, Capers and Pickled Pearl Onion on Pumpernickel
Launderette’s Marianne Lyles, Chef Rene Ortiz
From Fixe: Black Tea-cured salmon, Smoked almond and Sweet Tea Farm Pickles Fixe’s Micah Updike, Chef de Cuisine Zach Hunter
The Bonneville’s Farm BLT with Lamb Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato on an Open-Faced Sandwich
60 Waterways | Fall 2016
From The Bonneville: Chefs Jennifer Costello and Chris Hurley
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From Bespoke Food: Mushroom Adobo with Coconut Rice Cake and Miso Tomato Jam Michael Guidry, Claudette Kazzoun, Chef Tony Opie, all from Bespoke Food
Juniper’s Kyle Barker and Kerstin Bella hard at work! This year’s Farm to Plate featured a new VIP cocktail hour, hosted by Austin’s highly acclaimed Juniper. Chef Nicholas Yanes and his team offered a signature cocktail, savory bite and dessert, providing an intimate look into the new restaurant’s fare.
from local sources, in line with SFC’s mission. All proceeds from Farm to Plate benefit SFC’s not-for-profit programs including four farmers’ markets, organic food gardening classes, support for area farmers, and interactive cooking classes and nutrition education. Sustainable Food Center raised approximately $217K at this year’s Farm to Plate, which surpassed their goal by almost $36K! Sustainable Food Center cultivates a healthy community by strengthening the local food system and improving access to nutritious, affordable food. SFC envisions a food secure community where all children and adults grow, share and prepare healthy, local food. www.sustainablefoodcenter.org
From Trace at the W: House Smoked Pork Belly with LactoFermented Chow Chow and Local Tomato Jam From Trace: Chef de Partie, Todd Chikuma; Chef James Zoller
YUM!
From Cantine Italian Cafe & Bar: Charlotte Neitzel, Susana Silvas, Nic Collett preparing Chef Scott Kaplan’s offering of Seeded Cracker Bread, Housemade Ricotta and Kale Texas Pecan Pesto From Cafe Josie: Smoked Pepper Pimiento, Topped with a Texas Peach and Hot Pepper Jam
62 Waterways | Fall 2016
Chef Todd Havers, Cody Taylor from Cafe Josie
Lakeway Owners Michael and Bridge Bertram
Join the Take ‘N’ Bake Revolution! WHAT MAKES US THE BEST IS WHAT SETS US APART 2303 RR 620 South, Suite 200, Lakeway, TX 78734 In the Lakeway Randall’s grocery center
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S P E C I A L I Z I N G I N L A K E WAY A N D B E E C AV E
Justin Brown, Tyler Dominick
LAKEWAY SAIL & SKI CENTER
Essential Lake Pitstop STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
Y
OU KNOW the drill! You spent a couple of hours rounding up kids and boat toys, packing the cooler and loading the car. You spent all week ferrying kids to camp and to play dates, and sometimes acting as referee . . . summers can be exhausting! Meanwhile, your spouse has been out of town on business, so you have been doing double-duty, and you’re ready for a break. You have been looking forward to this chance to escape to the lake, settle in on the boat, drink in the sunshine and perhaps a beer and relax. In the car you suddenly remember that you forgot the sunscreen. And your son tells you he left his saddle float on the boat of a friend last weekend. At which point, a chorus of voices chime asking you if you remembered to get the new tow-behind tube you promised. Help is at hand! You make a critical pitstop at Sail & Ski Center on 620. 15 minutes later, you emerge with everything you forgot, as well as a few extra goodies you couldn’t resist. Sail & Ski Center has everything you could possible want to maximize your enjoyment of a day at the lake: polarized, lake sunglasses ($30-$40), Sunbum sunscreen (special water-resistant formula), Yeti cups and coolers, paddle boards, kayaks, wakeboards, water skis, wake surfers, tow-behind tubes, foam Maui mats, lake duffels, dry bags (essential to protect phones and cameras). Visit now to stock up on summer apparel at 25-60% off! Justin Brown, retail manager; Tyler Dominick, retail associate; and John Jordan, boating lifestyle consultant each have a wealth of knowledge about the center’s merchandize. As you can see, they also have a lot of fun! They invite all lake-lovers to stop by and visit. 1106 RR 620 South, Lakeway | 512.266.1515 Justin Brown, Tyler Dominick
64 Waterways | Fall 2016
July 4th at the Hill Country Galleria A.J. Vallejo with the Vallejo Band
STORY BY CATHIE PARSSINEN PHOTOS BY PATTI PIESZCHALA
Emcee Jim Swift of Sun Radio
T
HE AUSTIN-BASED band KP and the Boom Boom, led by front woman Kate Priestly, got the Independence Day crowd warmed up with an infectious brand of soul sounds that embraced elements of R&B, funk, jazz and hip-hop. AJ Vallejo and his percussion rock band took over from there and played well after dark, wowing a crowd that spanned the generations at the Hill Country Galleria Amphitheater. This year’s celebration was more subdued than last year’s. There were no bouncy games and no petting zoo, but the crowd was happy to let the live music take center stage!
Kate Priestly with KP and the Boom Boom
66 Waterways | Fall 2016
John, Zachary, and Liza Coldewey
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More than 1,200 came out in support of Breakthrough for an incredible evening of music under the stars with Patty Griffin at Stubb’s. Breakthrough raised more than $300,000 in event proceeds!
Austin’s own Patty Griffin
Alicia Flores, Breakthrough college graduate; Silicon Labs Katie Stolp, Event Co-chair Austin Mayor, Steve Adler
BREAKTHROUGH AUSTIN
Michael Griffith, Breakthrough Executive Director
Making a Difference! STORY BY CATHIE PARSSINEN PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN AND PATTI PIESZCHALA Event Co-chair Katie Stolp
O
N FRIDAY night in early May, more than 1,200 gathered at Stubb’s in support of Breakthrough’s Champion Celebration, presented by NXP. Sponsorships, tickets sales and donations from this benefit concert under the stars with Patty Griffin totaled over $300,000 in event proceeds. These proceeds are dedicated to Breakthrough’s signature mission to help students in low-income communities break the cycle of poverty and become the first generation in their families to graduate from college. In his eloquent remarks, Executive Director Michael Griffith describes the situation quite clearly:
Ted Whatley, Breakthrough Board member
Breakthrough’s Zakiyyah Kareem, George Rajanno, Freshman at Austin Achieve High School
68 Waterways | Fall 2016
“What if we could change the world around us by changing the life of a single child? What if we could tackle some of the most pressing challenges in the community simply by giving a 6th grader, who happens to be from a low-income community, a sense of what’s possible for him or herself and the experiences and support to achieve that vision? What if we could stay with that 6th grader all the way through becoming the first person in their family to obtain a college degree by providing a consistent and encompassing community of support?” It is for these first-generation 6th graders that Breakthrough exists. The reality in Central Texas is this: Our region is experiencing an ever-widening economic divide, one that has little chance of being bridged—if not for aggressive intervention. This is not a theory or a trend. Here are the facts: Nearly two-thirds of new jobs in Central Texas require a post-secondary degree. Moreover, any form of a college degree increases an individual’s lifetime earnings by 75% over that of a high school diploma. Yet less than 12% of high school graduates from low-income communities in Central Texas will earn a post-secondary degree of any kind. It’s not hard to connect the statistics. The path out of poverty, at the very least, requires a post-secondary degree. Breakthrough Austin enables and empowers students from low-income communities to become first-generation college graduates. By beginning our work with students in middle school, our program offers students
Breakthrough student Gloria Perez, Senior at St. Edward’s University
Jordan Olea, 7th grader at Paredes Middle School, Breakthrough student
Venessa Rojas, Violet Jimenez, Senior at McAllen High School
an invaluable advantage: time. The time it takes to apply the kind of learning, skills and experiences that stick and that ingrain a belief in oneself. The time it takes to develop trust—to know that we won’t give up on them. That’s why every one of our students receives our unshakable 12-year commitment. From middle school to high school through college graduation, we are there…with high quality summer, Saturday, and after-school programming and a personal advisor who guides students each step of the way. And our program works. Breakthrough students are graduating from college at nearly FIVE TIMES the rate of their low-income peers. Breakthrough Austin is a college completion program, but it is also an aspiration, achievement, and dream completion program. The most powerful force in society is a child with a dream and the encouragement, knowledge, and means to achieve that dream. And these dreams need champions. This year’s Breakthrough Champion is a man who has helped make countless dreams come true. Ted Whatley is a life-long educator, admired by many for his leadership as Head of School at St. Mark’s in Dallas, as a member of the Austin ISD school board and for the countless other ways he has contributed to our community. Ted is brilliant, funny, and honest. He has been instrumental in the success of Breakthrough from the very beginning and has opened countless doors as a founding board member, donor and volunteer fundraiser. We are deeply honored that he has recently agreed to re-join the Breakthrough board. We will need his leadership now more Jessica Darcy, founder of Breakthrough, Shayra Madero, than ever, as we aim to double the number of students we Senior at St. Edward University serve to more than 2,200 in five years.” Chief Program Officer Abby Ames, NXP Semiconductor was not only the Executive Director Michael Griffith, presenting sponsor for the Champions Carlen Long Celebration but also underwrites the 9th Grade STEM Academy for Breakthrough Manor ISD students. This summer, 75 Breakthrough students will spend a week on the NXP campus working to design and build robots. The leadership team at Silicon Labs, another major sponsor, has contributed in numerous ways to Breakthrough and to this event. Nikki Graham, Bank of America; Grace Holland Washington, Chief Development Officer; Rachel Wyatt, U.S. Trust
Breakthrough Board Member Kevin Ilcisin, Gregg Lowe
Event Co-chair Margaret Casey, Jordan Olea
Breakthrough family: Clarissa Flores, Tiffany Guerra, Freshman at Manor Early College High School; Sarah Perry, Breakthrough’s Chief Program Officer; Mia Guerra, 7th grader at Manor Middle School; Gerald Guerra Emma Whatley, Isaac Martinez
Rick Bennett and Fadya Albakry
Kacy O’Hare, Sue Kirkpatrick, Carolyn Long
Breakthrough Krystal Cantu, Chris Brown, 7th grader at Gus Garcia Middle School, Talia Allison Breakthrough’s Ivanna Crippa, Deisy Jaimes, Sophomore at Lanier High School; Alexa Henandez-Lopez, 6th grader at Decker Middle School; Breakthrough’s Alexandra Villalon
Jarrod and Lorri Winkcompleck Leah Lee, Chris Mack, Pat Lee, Susan Mack
Fall 2016 | Waterways 69
Alan Babin, CPL Alan Babin Jr., Governor Rick Perry, Rosie Babin The Color Guard of 3rd Cavalry Regiment from Ft. Hood supporting and honoring a true American Hero, CPL Alan Babin, Jr.
Danielle Kress, CPL Alan Babin Jr., and Cassie LaMere, of Lexus of Lakeway
Charity Golf Benefits HOW STORY AND PHOTOS BY BROOKE TOELLER
T Ruth & Nolan Ryan, Traci Lattimore, Help Our Wounded Vice President with son Jack
HE CHARITY golf tournament and concert, held at Cimarron Hills and benefitting Help Our Wounded, surpassed the goals set by the committee, raising more than $222,000 dollars! Help Our Wounded is a local non-profit organization whose mission is to help and provide resources to seriously wounded service members and their caregivers. Dan Dan & Peggy Pitts, Golf Steering and Peggy Pitts, Golf Steering Committee Chairs, worked endlessly Committee Chairs to ensure this two day event was such a success. The evening before the golfers hit the links, a dinner and silent and live auction took place followed by an intimate concert by country singer-songwriter Radney Foster. As a long time advocate of veterans, special guest Governor Rick Perry made remarks supporting Help Our Wounded. Presenting Sponsor St. David’s HealthCare, as well as our other sponsors, helped to make the dinner and golf tournament such a remarkable affair that sponsors and players have requested to be included again next year! So SAVE THE DATE! June 4 & 5, 2017. For more information and to support Help Our Wounded, visit HelpOurWounded.org.
A live broadcast from Bucky & Erin of 104.9 The Horn
Christy Babin registering patrons
Chris & Rachel Logue
Country Music SingerSongwriter Radney Foster and Brooke Toeller Golfing for a great cause
70 Waterways | Fall 2016
PRESENTS
S U N DAY , O C T O B E R 2 3 , 2 0 1 6 A SEATED GALA AND CONCERT AT STAR HILL RANCH Central Texas Water Coalition (CTWC) is a nonproďŹ t organization advocating for policies that preserve the Highland Lakes supplying water for 2 million Central Texas residents and providing for an important regional economic engine. For more information, visit centraltexaswatercoalition.org or contact jessica@jhlcompany.com
Happenings and Gatherings
Terri Grant, Nancy Puglisi, Chandler Wehmeyer, Juli Wehmeyer
Scott and Lori Morrison, Lindsay Kelley, Chris Keefer
Decorum’s Chris Beach, Gregg Klar, Keller Williams LTMC
Phyllis Rose, Director of Volunteer Services with BCRC; Rocco C. Piazza, M.D., FACS; Ray Anne Evans, Executive Director of BCRC
THE PIAZZA CENTER, a plastic surgery practice in Austin, raises over $6,000 for Breast Cancer Resource Centers of Texas at its 3rd annual Cocktails & Curiosity event. Dr. Rocco C. Piazza has been an avid supporter of BCRC and the services the group provides to many of his breast reconstruction patients. BCRC is a local nonprofit, staffed by breast cancer survivors, that provides information, education and support through diagnosis, treatment and recovery. “This event is a way to educate the public about BCRC, as well as the process patients face who are undergoing reconstruction surgery,” Dr. Piazza said. www.thepiazzacenter.com
Thomas Bertin, Melissa Mandry, Terry and Julie Jackson
DECORUM HOME + DESIGN welcomed customers, friends and family to a grand opening at their luxurious new design center. Still located in the Shops at the Galleria, their new expanded showroom is across Shops Parkway in Suite 400, near Faraday’s Kitchen Store. The new center provides more space to showcase the full range of their elegant home products, including a stunning lighting collection.
Randy Pryor, Ivy Sheppard, Co-owners Steve and Anne Marie Pyle
THE FROG PAD Kitchen and Bath Designer Showroom celebrated its move to a new space at Oak Grove Plaza with a party for friends, vendors and customers, both old and new, to reveal the grand opening of its elegant new showroom. Outfitted with beautiful displays of cabinetry, the latest in high-end appliances, and other luxurious home products, The Frog Pad is truly an incredible resource for the Lake Travis Community. Visit soon!
Lexi Ross, Michelle Seaman, Elizabeth Arnold
Mike Smith, Kambi Dupree
Rockey and Linda Piazza, Kay and Larry Blount
ROCCO’S GRILL CELEBRATES 1-Year anniversary at their Bee Cave location Customers, friends and family joined Rockey and Linda Piazza as they celebrated the one-year anniversary of the relocation of their Lakeway restaurant, formerly at the Lakeway Commons, to 12432 Bee Cave Road, in the heart of bustling Bee Cave. Serving the Lake Travis community for 14 years, they invite you to join them anytime for fine steaks and seafood.
HAPPENINGS AND GATHERINGS
Kat Thompson, Dante DiFabio, Judy Woofter, Katie Johnston, Kim Henry, Wendy Elder, Heather Morrison
KW RED DAY (Renew, Energize, Donate) is Keller Williams Realty’s annual day of community service, held to honor the faith and compassion of Mo Anderson, currently Vice Chairman of Keller Williams Realty and, since 1995, a powerful source of inspiration and leadership for the brokerage. This year, six families in need, facing daunting financial and emotional challenges, were helped by over 100 KW Lake Travis agents. Participants hauled away large items, painted, mowed and landscaped yards and planted flower beds. In addition, over 120 bags of food were collected for the Lake Travis Crisis Ministries.
Mary Barnes
Wendy Elder, David Treto-Levlon, Melissa Mandry
Melissa Webb, Lisa Butler, Lisa Leyva, Melissa Mandry
Johnnie Fields
Dena Wenmohs
KW Volunteer, Margo Fesas
Rotary club members Donna Gunn, Dana Browning, Barker F. Keith II and Pam Dillingham with villagers from Lanjani, East Tanzania
LAKEWAY/LAKE TRAVIS ROTARY CLUB PROJECTS IN TANZANIA After a spring visit to Tanzania by members of the Lakeway-LT Rotary Club, a partnership was formed with the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center to provide artificial limbs to amputees using 3D printer technology. Participants in the “Limbs for Life” Project include Lake Travis High School students in the Interact Club as well as the Rotaract Club at the University of Texas. Additionally, the Rotary Club celebrates the successful drilling of a water-well in the village of Lanjani, East Tanzania. Producing as much as 10,000 liters of water per hour, the well will provide clean water to over 3,500 people in the village of Lanjani and to an additional several thousand in the surrounding Maasai villages and will also make it possible to build a new school. For more information, contact the Lakeway/Lake Travis Rotary Club.
Linda Wells
A COOL ARTS PARTY that combined a Group Exhibit at the Lakeway Activity Center with an Open Studio Tour presented by Linda Wells Fine Art, Tricia Perkey Fine Art and Lily Beard Fine Art at their three studios in Lakeway closed out the month of June for this active local arts community.
Directors Gay Pollock, Linda Holland, Ashley Shaw with Teen Winner Kele Roberson.
Teen Female Winner, NYCDA Director Joe Lanteri, Teen Male Winner Kele Roberson
Dance Institute Takes Top Awards at New York City Dance Alliance STORY BY CATHIE PARSSINEN | PHOTOS COMPLIMENT OF DI
I DIPA Groove Is in the Heart Teen Male OD Kele Roberson
Olivia Shopping for her prop bench in NYC Team Congratulations
74 Waterways | Fall 2016
N WHAT was the culmination of Dance Institute Performance Academy’s 6th season of competition, the young team competed at the prestigious New York City Dance Alliance in New York City. The best of the best from across the US gathered together for a level of competition that was off the charts! NYCDA travels to 24 cities during the year observing more than 20,000 dancers. From those 20,000 dancers, approximately 250 of each age group—minis age 7-10, juniors age 11-12, teens age 13-15 and seniors age 16-19— were invited to participate in NYCDA’s Outstanding Dancer Program. DI had 11 dancers that made the cut to Outstanding Dancer. Minis’ Presli James, Eva Lawlor, Juniors’ Alyssa Pratt, Kyla Stephens, Gianna Vallone, Teens’ Kele Roberson, Natalie Wong, Clarisse Rosenthal, Jordan Hall, Nick Schroeder, and Senior Luke Qualls. The OD candidates had a grueling 10 days of rehearsals for the closing gala, classes, auditions for 5-time Tony Award Winner Susan Stroman’s new Broadway “Tiny Dancer”, Hamilton, The Rockettes, Outstanding Dancer Ballet, Contemporary, and Jazz Auditions. Their Competition schedule started as early as 7:30 a.m. and often finished at midnight. DI’s Mini, Eva Lawlor also attended the Dance Awards, placing top 20, and Junior Alyssa Pratt made OD top 15. Teen Natalie Wong made OD top 12; Clarisse Rosenthal OD top 20; and Senior Luke Qualls OD top 10. The prize of the evening was awarded to Kele Roberson winner of the Teen Outstanding Dancer Award! Kele won a $750.00 scholarship; 2016-2017 1 year Convention Scholarship; 1 year scholarship to Steps On Broadway and Peridance in NYC; and a 1 week scholarship to Broadway Dance Center. DI’s Alyssa Pratt was invited to 3 call backs for Stroman’s Tiny Dancer and is still in the running. Alyssa Pratt and Natalie Wong will be modeling for Dancewear Solutions/Weissman’s, all-expenses paid. DI also brought home the Junior National Technique Award and the Teen Class Act Award, along with many other “outstanding” awards. In the National Competition, DI’s solos, Duo/Trios and Groups proudly placed in the top 10 against stiff completion. For complete results, visit Danceinstitute.com NYCDA is a huge supporter of Dance Education and College for dancers. At the Closing Gala, NYCDA gave away $5,000,000 in College Scholarships. DI’s Dannon O’Brien was the first to win College dollars from NYCDA, making it possible for him to attend College. Dannon just graduated with Honors from Marymount Manhattan College May 2016. Kele Roberson was awarded $40,000.00 to Mercyhurst University, $100,000.00 to Point Park University, and $100,000.00 to Pace University! The entire experience was amazing. If the dancers had a spare minute, they hit the streets to enjoy a Broadway Show, The Rockette’s Spectacular or to see the many sites of the “Big Apple”. The Team returned motivated and ready to start new choreography for their 2016-2017 season. DI……”dancing with Passion…..always!”
223Corinthian.com
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