Austin Life, TX August 2019

AUGUST 2019

CHILDREN ARE THE

FUTURE

LifestylePubs.com/Austin

AUSTIN ANGELS BRINGS HOPE

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

AUGUST 2019 PUBLISHER

Corey Mercke | corey.mercke@LifestylePubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Roslyn Bond | roslyn.bond@LifestylePubs.com CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lesson Medrano

A Class Act FOR MANY OF US, AUGUST IS A BITTERSWEET TURNING POINT IN THE CALENDAR YEAR. Summer freedom is drawing to a close, and the school bells will be ringing any day now. While the lazy days of sipping cool beverages poolside may be numbered, this month brings a sense of renewal. New routines, new clothes and new school supplies often come to mind in August.

This issue, we wanted to celebrate some of our cutest residents: kids and pets!

There’s no doubt we have some serious pet lovers in Austin. Meet a few of them (and their four-legged friends), and you’ll find what makes the bond between humans and animals so special. We also whipped up a recipe for homemade dog treats so you can spoil your loyal companions.

This time of year is about bringing everyone together. When’s the last time you had family portraits taken? We offer some tips for styling the most successful couples photo sessions—fur babies included—by the talented Lesson Medrano Photography.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

Cheers to another wonderful month ahead, Austin. We hope to see you around!

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Corey Mercke, Publisher

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson EDITORIAL MANAGER Nicolette Martin AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

LifestylePubs.com/Austin ON THE COVER Student Samia from International Montessori House of Children

advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LESSON MEDRANO 4

Proverbs 3:5-6 Austin Life™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the

Austin Life | August 2019

US Postal Service to some of the Austin areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Austin Life™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE AUGUST 2019 FEATURES 12 Austin Angels Brings Hope Empowering Youth in Foster Care, One Child at a Time

14 Love is in the Air Lesson Medrano Photography Showcases Her Couples Photo Sessions Around Town

24 Iconic Contemporary Build Settled in the Lush Hills This Beautiful Home Offers Elegant and Ample Space for Working Thoughtfully

26 Children are the Future Passionate Young Woman Takes Over Family Business with a

12 14

Vision of Preserving Traditional Montessori Roots

24

DEPARTMENTS

26

4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

12

Giving Back

14

Our Town

16

Locals Only

20 Back Stage 24 Open House 26 Locally Owned 30 Animal Kingdom 32 Lifestyle Calendar

GOOD TIMES

Blues on the Green in Zilker Park Austin City Limits Radio's Blues on the Green is a traditional Austin event that brings thousands of folks together once a month throughout the summer for a series of free summertime concerts in Zilker Park. Don’t miss out on their last summertime concert Aug. 7 at 8 p.m.

8

Austin Life | August 2019

AROUND TOWN an entire room where he utilizes different species of wood for color spectrum, artistic spacing and placement. He focuses on symmetry, geometry and design work while honoring and highlighting the natural beauty in each individual piece of wood. The photo features a collaboration with Peglars Custom Carpentry. Find out more at YehudiCarpentry.com (social:

@Yehudi_

Carpentry) or call Nicholas Debs at 512.999.8093.

AUSTIN'S TOP RATED DOG TRAINER: PAWSITIVELY TIFFANY If you are finding it hard to make time to train your dog, Tiffany can train your dog without you ever having to leave your home. Tiffany enhances the bond between your pet and family by using behavioral dog training techniques. She is a toprated certified professional dog trainer and has successfully trained numerous dogs of every breed, age, temperament and behavior issue imaginable.

She provides dog obedience training that results in happy, confident and obedient dogs as well as happy, confident and satisfied owners.

PawsitivelyTiffany.com

THE LOST LEI IS THE HOTTEST NEWEST TIKI BAR DOWNTOWN The Lost Lei is a new Tiki bar in Austin’s downtown historical warehouse district located on Fourth Street between Colorado and Congress. The entrance is hidden at the northeast corner of the Ra Sushi and Capital Grille building. Their craft is Tikiinspired cocktails with an aim for guests to indulge in a rum-soaked, nighttime escape atmosphere.

The hours are weekdays 4 p.m.-2 a.m., Saturdays 2 p.m.-2 a.m. and Sundays 2 p.m.-12 a.m. Happy Hour is every day until 7 p.m. and live entertainment is every Friday and Saturday night 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m.

LostLeiAustin.com

YEHUDI CUSTOM CARPENTRY BLENDS EXOTIC WOODWORK AND ARTISTIC EXPRESSION

10

Nicholas Debs designs one-of-a-kind woodwork

We are always accepting submissions for announce-

designs utilizing wood from around the globe to

ments you’d like to see included in our Around Town

bring a unique touch to homes and businesses.

section. Submissions are accepted via the Contact

He specializes in cohesive themes running through

Us tab at LifestylePubs.com/Austin.

Austin Life | August 2019

decorative & large canvas artist JoannaNichols.com 512.423.2181

Our Austin City tours include Sunset Tours, Lake Flights, The Capitol Building, Downtown Austin, and more!

We can accommodate any request, large or small, as our goal is to provide you with the best experience possible.

Gift Certificate Flights

Helicopter tours make great gifts for friends and family. Just book one of the ‘Available Tours’ for them and let us know when they’d like to fly!

Custom Tours

On-Site Tours

School Presentations

Let us know where you’d like to go or what you’d like to see and we’ll do the rest!

We’ll come to your location and provide helicopter tours for your employees for as long as you need us.

We will arrive at your school and land one of our helicopters then give a student presentation.

Designated Tours

Family Reunions/Party Gatherings

Bucket List

We have variety of tours to the most popular locations around the greater Austin, Pflugerville, Round Rock and Georgetown areas. We’ll come to your town too! Just let us know and we’ll be there to fly you over the areas special to you.

If you’ve decided to have a large gathering, whether it be family reunion, birthday party, Fraternity or Sorority party… etc. Just let us know where to arrive and we’ll come to provide helicopter rides on-site for up to 3 hours.

You would probably be interested in taking one of the most popular items (helicopter tour) off of your bucket list. Give us a call we’ll give you a helicopter flight to remember for a lifetime. This is one experience you won’t soon forget!

Wedding Proposals

Corporate/Private Packages

If you've found that special someone and want to make it ‘official’ by popping ‘the question’, let us know and we’ll give you some great ideas how use the helicopter to make it unforgettable.

We have custom group packages available. If your company would like to have a ‘running credit of tours’ with us just let us know and we’ll help set it up. Your credit can be used anytime you’d like to send over clients or employees for tours. Your secured private ‘blocks of tours’ can be used at a later date. It’s a really great way to have your own person helicopter on standby for your company’s tour needs. It’s very popular with private customers as well! Imagine being able to just send over friends and family for tours when they come to town for a visit! It’s been a huge hit having your own person helicopter available when the need for excitement arise.

GIVE US A CALL OR TEXT TODAY! 512.572.4354

www.atxhelitours.com August 2019 | Austin Life

11

GIVING BACK

Austin Angels Brings Hope

EMPOWERING YOUTH IN FOSTER CARE, ONE CHILD AT A TIME ARTICLE PAIGE PROCKNOW, AUSTIN ANGELS | PHOTOGRAPHY AMANDA HOFFMAN ART

12

Austin Life | August 2019

DARING TO DREAM

ESTABLISHED IN 2010, AUSTIN ANGELS IS A FOSTER CARE NONPROFIT CREATED TO HELP EMPOWER CHILDREN AND BUILD SUSTAINABLE FOSTER HOMES. They wrap community around children in the foster care system and their caretakers by offering consistent support through intentional giving, relationship building and mentorship. Austin Angels utilizes community support through two main programs: Love Box and Dare to Dream. Austin Angels is the headquarters for National Angels, which has more than a dozen chapters across the country.

The programs offered by Austin Angels focus on the root causes that can make future success a challenge for children in foster care. The future of these children depends on the investment of our community.

“There is a beautiful margin of people who are called to adopt and a beautiful margin of people who are called to foster, but then there’s this huge portion of people who see this big need but don’t know how they can be a part of the solution. So we created a nonprofit that gives people the ability to walk alongside foster children and truly change how they experience care,” says Susan Ramirez, Founder and CEO of Austin Angels.

LOVE BOX AND DARE TO DREAM

In the Love Box program, volunteers are connected with families on a monthly basis to help meet practical and emotional needs.

Volunteers commit to a year of delivering monthly love boxes containing household items, food, school supplies, clothes and “extras”, all of which are tailored to the family’s specific needs. The Love Box program strives to connect with foster families to ensure that every family member receives support and encouragement from their community. The Love Box is more than just a box, it’s a resource to build long-term relationships for kids in care. The Dare to Dream program connects older children and youth to mentors in an effort to build deeper relationships with an increased focus on teaching life skills, exploring possible career paths and discussing goals and dreams and how to reach them. Mentors meet regularly with each child to work on skills including money management, obtaining a driver's license and navigating public transportation.

Mentors provide extra support and guidance in order to help these youth reach their fullest potential.

“IF WE CAN CREATE A RELATIONSHIP WITH A CHILD WHERE THEY FEEL SAFE, WE HAVE CREATED A RELATIONSHIP THAT CAN HEAL PAST TRAUMA.” —KATIE QUARTUCCI JOIN OUR EFFORTS There are many ways to partner with Austin Angels and support them in their mission, including donating, volunteering or hosting a fundraising event. To service foster families that do not yet have Love Box sponsors, Austin Angels holds fundraisers throughout the year. On Oct. 26, 2019, they will host a Masquerade Ball at the Austin-American Statesman. Their goal is to raise money in order to grow and serve even more children in Central Texas.

AustinAngels.com August 2019 | Austin Life

13

OUR TOWN Brushy Creek Park

ARTICLE ROSLYN BOND | PHOTOGRAPHY LESSON MEDRANO

IT IS ALWAYS A DAY TO REMEMBER WHEN BEING PHOTOGRAPHED BY THIS TALENTED CAMERA ARTIST. Lesson Medrano was born in Austin and loves to capture her beautiful city through her lens. She specializes in weddings, engagements and portrait sessions.

“Photographing people is such a joy,” Lesson says. “I especially love couples sessions because you get to hear their story, laugh with them, see their

Love is in the Air LESSON MEDRANO PHOTOGRAPHY SHOWCASES HER COUPLES PHOTO SESSIONS AND WHAT MAKES THEM SO MEMORABLE 14

Austin Life | August 2019

silly sides and just have fun!”

FAVORITE LOCATIONS: 1. RED BUD ISLE: Beat the crowds (and the heat!) with this beautifully shaded park on the water. It’s super dog-friendly, so a great place to include your fur baby in the photos as well. We are in Austin after all!

2. SOUTH CONGRESS STREET: Get your Austin fix with the ever-bustling SOCO! With so many unique and vibrant spots to shoot, this area definitely brings out the creative and fun side in everyone.

3. AUDITORIUM SHORES: It’s one of Lesson’s alltime favorite places to get amazing skyline shots as well as Austin’s beautiful lake. Cozy up on the pier or stroll hand in hand along the many hiking trails.

AUDITORIUM SHORES

RED BUD ISLE

SOUTH CONGRESS STREET

LESSON’S TIPS: 1. Wear clothes you feel amazing in; comfort is important too, so bring a couple of options.

Book your session today and capture a moment in time with your favorite somebody.

2. Make it a date night! Plan on going out after the shoot— you’re probably already dressed up.

3. Bring your fur baby. I love when couples want to include their first furry loves.

LessonMedrano.com 512.876.3618 Social: @LessonMedranoPhotography

4. Don’t forget to have fun!

August 2019 | Austin Life

15

LOCALS ONLY

ARTICLE COREY MERCKE PHOTOGRAPHY LESSON MEDRANO

RAWSON SAUNDERS, A BEACON OF HOPE

Dys·lex·i·a = Extraordinary TUCKED AWAY INSIDE TARRYTOWN LIES A GEM

“We believe in our entire school being completely

OF EDUCATION BUILT UNLIKE ANY OTHER SUR-

departmentalized,” Laura says. “This allows our teachers

ROUNDING IT. The children who attend Rawson

to truly teach their passions best and [is] instilling even

Saunders from the beginning of their education form

further trust in our student’s abilities.”

structured yet intimate and trusting relationships with

Reading comprehension is the biggest challenge

their teachers—some even more than the adults in

for a student with dyslexia—so how does Rawson

their life thought was possible.

Saunders overcome this? With practical applications

“This school is a model, not just for children with dyslexia, but for all children,” says Laura Steinbach, the head of the school.

16

of subjects and a more intimate setting, they are able to achieve greater results.

“We don’t simply read about science because our stu-

Laura believes that success is self-perpetuating and

dents’ intellectual abilities are far ahead of their reading abil-

begins with not only the size of the classes but the con-

ity, so we use applied science for true interface,” Laura says.

nections made within them. The connections in the school

A motto at Rawson is “easy reading makes reading

are clearly visible through the white stone walls leading

easy,” and it stands for what they describe as a full-in-

out to the wooden boardwalk. It connects the main facility

teraction learning system. With smaller headcounts in

to its sister classrooms, each with their own specific roles.

CONTINUED >

Austin Life | August 2019

August 2019 | Austin Life

17

LOCALS ONLY

(CON TI N U ED)

the classroom, no child is able to hide or fade in the back. All of

cook of the school to join in. From yoga and meditation elec-

their peers are struggling with the very same issues, so they have

tives to survival skills and vegetable gardening, all are invited to

less fear while learning.

participate. This allows both adults and students alike to thrive

The students learn with a hands-on, multi-sensory approach that is catered to their individual styles. They use visual stimuli versus mere textbooks, so they are able to grasp a better understanding of the subjects. This accelerates their learning process immensely.

Each student has every opportunity to flourish, purposefully pushed to surpass their own self-images from yesterday into the accomplished decision makers of tomorrow.

in full practicalities of knowledge while engaging again with the stories behind the lessons.

Every parent wants the best for their child, yet what can they do if their child internalizes their frustration, not knowing how to describe the struggle itself? After all, they were told everywhere else to just “dear” (read) about it.

Rawson Saunders, as I personally feel being dyslexic myself,

“I don’t feel like I’ll always be last there,” a former student says.

is not just another school setting the bar. Rather, it is an

With the class structures like Academic Language Therapy (ALT),

ever-changing community of leaders, teachers and guides at the

the students are driven to collectively put the pieces together for each

helm of a daily redefining of what dyslexia really means to the

subject and connect with the story behind the lesson, thus making

children who come face to face with its struggles. One might

their reading comprehension of the subject itself that much easier.

even call the team at Rawson a new beacon of hope in the eyes

The community at Rawson is another integral part of the learning. They start with the students and invite even the head 18

Austin Life | August 2019

of those families asking for help for their children who will be changing the very story of dyslexia into tomorrow.

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“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.”

DR. MARIA MONTESSORI

Authentic Montessori School Family Owned for 65 Years Accredited Montessori Teachers 1 1 1 2 4 J O L LY V I L L E R D , A U S T I N , T X 7 8 7 5 9 | 5 1 2 - 3 4 2 - 1 0 3 3 6420 HART L ANE, AUSTIN, T X 78731 | 512-343-0071

August 2019 | Austin Life

19

BACK STAGE

Ka leidoscopes' Musica l Jour ney to Stardom

DYNAMIC FEMALE DUO COMBINE THEIR MUSICAL SKILL SETS TO CREATE THE EXTRAORDINARY SOUND THAT IS KALEIDOSCOPES ARTICLE ROSLYN BOND | PHOTOGRAPHY SPENCER GIBB PHOTOS AND LESSON MEDRANO STEPPING ONTO A STAGE AND PERFORMING

While it is clear that these two are both phenom-

FOR A CROWD COMES AS NATURAL AS A HUMAN

enal vocalists, they also play instruments, and they

BODY’S HEART BEAT FOR THIS FEMALE DUO WHO

incorporate them into their performances for the full

PROVED THAT DREAMS REALLY DO COME TRUE

musical experience for their fans. They write 100% of

AFTER THE RELEASE OF THEIR FIRST STELLAR

their songs, which showcases their musical authentic-

EP RECORDING, KALEIDOSCOPES.

ity and what ultimately draws their fans in.

Liv and Nova live day in and day out with the sound

“We would like our music to represent in the community

of music running through their veins. The two met in a

a sense of freedom and creative expression without being

music program at Austin Community College where

boxed in any labels or being censored,” Nova says, “We’d

they immediately began their journey of creating music

like to give back to the community, back to the schools and

together. Shortly after recognizing the musical talent

back to the LGBTQ community in any way that we can

they possessed together, the female duo came to life in

with fundraiser, charity events and simply putting on a

October 2018; however, the two musicians have been

great show so that people can feel inspired.”

playing music their entire lives and now revel in the pursuit of their much-obliged passion.

20

Austin Life | August 2019

Kaleidoscopes has broken barriers in sound while connecting listeners of all walks of life and ages. Liv is an

Liv (left) and Nova (right)

impactful lyricist from Hammond, Indiana, and Nova is a powerhouse vocalist from Inglewood, California. They were both raised by supportive and loving parents who encouraged their journey every step of the way, which has guided them on the path of their musical stardom.

“I feel like I make a new friend with every fan I meet overtime and gain new supporters each time we perform. I love connecting with new people; I feel anyone who is drawn to our sound just wants to be happy, so let’s all get to know one another and do just that!” Liv says.

This inspiring and talented female duo do more than perform for an audience, but rather strive to create a community-building experience with every production they create. Don’t miss out on a live performance from them by checking out their website and social media and discovering what Kaleidoscopes is truly about!

THE KALEIDOSCOPES TEAM: Manager: Nick Kleutsch Hair Stylist: Dallah Abdallah Studio/Engineer: RAM at Spitshine Studios and MC Righteous at Curtland Studios Graphic Designer: Chris Moak KaleidoscopesMusic.com Social: @KaleidoscopesMusic Email: Kaleidoscopes0905@gmail.com

August 2019 | Austin Life

21

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H O W I T W O R K S : During 45 minute sessions in our salt room, we turn down the lights to a dim glow, play tranquil music, and actively pump salt into the air via a machine called a Halogenerator. Not only are you surrounded by more salt than you've ever seen in one place, but you are both breathing in micronized salt particles as well as being coated by these fine granules. The mechanism behind everything we do is an osmotic transfer, salt pulling water to it. This process can help to alleviate the symptoms of many respiratory issues along with a few skin conditions. Not only that, but the salt cave is surprisingly relaxing! Many visitors describe having the same euphoric sense they experience after leaving a massage.

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Austin Life | August 2019

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23

OPEN HOUSE

Iconic Contemporary Build Settled in the Lush Hills THIS BEAUTIFUL HOME OFFERS ELEGANT AND AMPLE SPACE FOR WORKING THOUGHTFULLY AMIDST THE PEACE OF THE NATURE THAT SURROUNDS

DESIGNED BY AWARD-WINNING ARCHITECTSÂ TED YOUNG, LARRY SPECK AND PAUL LAMB AND RECONSTRUCTED WITH EXQUISITE ATTENTION TO DETAIL

BY CROWELL BUILDERS, THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST UNIQUE CONTEMPORARY HOUSES IN THE REGION AND WILL BE CONSIDERED A LANDMARK FOR YEARS TO COME. Settled into the hillside just beyond Red Bud Isle, the home is secluded yet remarkably convenient, just minutes from downtown.

A dedicated desk nook is built into the kitchen, where floor-to-ceiling windows allow natural ARTICLE MADDY HILL PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL FINKEL AND PATRICK WONG

light to flood into the workspace. A separate study and flex guest room sits just off the kitchen, boasting custom leather-clad cabinetry and a cantilevered daybed for strategic naps.

The lower level features three bedrooms, a library and a media room with a built-in custom sofa, all of which open to the lower-level terrace and pool. The spaces flow together but can be defined with pocket doors giving the option to open or seclude each area as needed, creating the ideal flexible workspace.

24

Austin Life | August 2019

DETAILS: + $9,500,000 + 1 acre + 5 bedrooms + 6 full baths + 2 half-baths + 4 living areas + 1 dining area + Two-car garage + Pool included 3200 Stratford Hills Lane StratfordHillsEstate.com Listing agent: Eric Moreland 512.480.0844 Eric@Moreland.com

August 2019 | Austin Life

25

LOCALLY OWNED

26

Austin Life | August 2019

CHILDREN ARE THE FUTURE PASSIONATE YOUNG WOMAN TAKES OVER FAMILY BUSINESS WITH A VISION OF PRESERVING TRADITIONAL MONTESSORI ROOTS

AUSTIN’S FIRST MONTESSORI EARLY EDUCA-

believed that education should prepare a human for

TION SCHOOL HAS CONTINUED TO INSPIRE AND

all phases of life. She carefully designed materials and

EDUCATE CHILDREN SINCE 1965.

methods that would promote a natural progression of

International

Montessori

House

of

Children

learning within students. Dr. Montessori’s method has

(IMHoC) was founded in 1965 by Mrs. Iranganie

been time-tested, with more than 100 years of suc-

Weerasuria, who was recruited by President Lyndon B.

cess in diverse cultures throughout the world.

Johnson from Holland. Mrs. Weerasuria’s impressive

The Montessori method is an approach that val-

resume included her diploma with the Association of

ues the human spirit as well as physical, social, emo-

Montessori Internationale (AMI), which was signed

tional and cognitive development. Each child is valued

personally by Mario Montessori, son of Dr. Maria

as a unique individual. Dr. Montessori realized children

Montessori, as well as the President of AMI.

learn in different ways and accommodated all learning

Extensive teaching across the world made her

styles. Beginning at an early age, Montessori students

the ideal directress to increase the standard of

develop structure, coordination, concentration and inde-

education, and shortly after the first location of

pendence. Classroom design, materials and daily routines

International Montessori opened in Austin, the

support the child’s ability to educate one’s self. Students

demand for Montessori education increased in the

are part of a close, caring community that mimics a fam-

area. A second location was opened with the bless-

ily structure. Dr. Montessori believed that children learn

ing of Lady Bird Johnson, who enrolled her own

best from other children, which is why Montessori class-

grandchildren, and later her great-grandchildren,

rooms are mixed-age environments. Older students enjoy

into the awe-inspiring schools. Within a 15 year span,

stature as mentors and role models; younger children

five more schools were opened in the Austin area.

feel supported, gain confidence about the challenges

Jennifer Weerasuria began working directly with

ahead and are inspired by their older peers.

her mother-in-law, Mrs. Iranganie, in 2014. During

The Montessori name was never patented, so

the years of their close partnership, Mrs. Iranganie

many preschools or childcare centers use the

guided Jennifer into management and shared her

name, even though they may not have an authentic

vision of the schools in preparation for Jennifer to

Montessori curriculum and materials or teaching

take over the family business. 2019 marked the year

staff educated in the Montessori method.

when Jennifer took full ownership of the company and when Mrs. Iranganie stepped down.

Jennifer is directly involved in the daily operations at both International Montessori campuses to ensure the

Montessori is a method of education named after

Montessori method is still honored. She also gives the

founder and Italian physician Dr. Maria Montessori.

parents her personal cell phone number to make sure

She saw early education from a scientific level and

the gap between home and school is minimal.

CONTINUED >

ARTICLE ROSLYN BOND PHOTOGRAPHY LESSON MEDRANO

August 2019 | Austin Life

27

LOCALLY OWNED

(CON TI N U ED)

“I encourage every parent to call or text if there are questions or concerns,” Jennifer says. “If one of our students has a rough night or doesn’t eat breakfast in the morning, I want to know so we can make appropriate adjustments and decisions for that student during the day.

My priority is that the children at IMHoC are happy, safe, and successful. I take that responsibility very seriously and am honored to have the opportunity to be part of a child’s early education experience.”

International Montessori enrolls children ages 18 months to 7 years old.

Their curriculum includes a weekly Spanish class and a “mindfulness and meditation” period instructed by a certified teacher and yoga instructor.

Each campus has a beautiful outdoor environment where children are given ample amount of time for unrestricted play. Students build classroom gardens where they are responsible for the selection of plants and produce, germination, maintenance and harvest. The impressive eggplants grown by the young children will be harvested and tasted by students soon. The children excitedly point out their accomplishments and gently handle the vegetable on the vine.

The toddler environment accommodates students from 18 months to about 3 years old. Grace and courtesy are practiced, and early Montessori practical work is introduced. The toddler classroom provides a 3-year-old child the unique opportunity to experience a leadership role, which builds self-confidence and independence.

Simultaneously, the younger members of the classroom emulate the behavior and classroom etiquette displayed by the older students.

The Montessori primary classrooms are for children ages 3 to 7 years old. The prepared environment takes approximately three years for a child to complete the entire curriculum, which is separated into six areas of focused studies. At any time during the uninterrupted work time, all areas of the classroom may be explored and studied by students. Students leave IMHoC well prepared for a traditional first-grade curriculum, reading at a first- or second-grade level, and proficient in advanced mathematics and geography.

When given the freedom and support to question, make connections and probe deeply, Montessori students become self-reliant, eager and confident learners. They are able to think analytically, work collaboratively and act confidently—a skill set for the 21st century.

Isabella working on multiplication with bead board

Moving forward, Jennifer has aspirations to grow the company to offer and accommodate authentic Montessori programs for lower (first-third grade) and upper elementary (third-sixth grade).

The academic school year at IMHoC begins Sept. 3, 2019, and they are currently accepting applications for new students. Arrange a tour at one of the acclaimed campuses today by contacting the head of schools or emailing Jennifer directly at Jennifer@InternationalMontessori.net.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to set your child up for success with one of the most fundamental and proven early educational programs available.

28

Austin Life | August 2019

Mrs. Ambreen working on a color lesson with toddler students

Jennifer working with Niam on the hundred board

“ONE TEST OF THE CORRECTNESS OF EDUCATIONAL PROCEDURE IS THE HAPPINESS OF THE CHILD.” —DR. MONTESSORI FAR WEST LOCATION: 6420 Hart Lane 512.343.0071 ARBORETUM LOCATION: 11124 Jollyville Road 512.342.1033 IMHoC.com August 2019 | Austin Life

29

ANIMAL KINGDOM

DOGS WILL GO NUTS FOR THESE QUICK + EASY SNACKS

TREAT YOUR PET MAN’S BEST FRIEND DESERVES MAN’S BEST FOOD. Dogs will go nuts for these quick and easy peanut butter and oat treats.

With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you’ll be well on your way to getting your dog to do anything you ask. And, if you get hungry, you can even sneak one for yourself—just don’t let your pup see!

30

Austin Life | August 2019

+

IMPORTANT Be sure the peanut butter you use does not contain xylitol—the artificial sweetener can be fatal to dogs.

Peanut Butter + Oats INGREDIENTS + 1 cup old-fashioned oats + 1/2 cup flour + 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter + 1 egg

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat your oven to 300 F. 2. In a large mixing bowl, mix together oats, flour, peanut butter and egg until combined.

3. Roll your dough out on a flat surface to about 1/2-inch thickness.

4. Cut out your dog’s favorite shapes with cookie cutters.

5. Place your treats onto a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.

Makes about 36 1-inch diameter treats.

August 2019 | Austin Life

31

AUGUST

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

1

in the cool pool while watching The Little Mermaid in the background. The

FACEBOOK OFFICE HOURS Facebook

Let's Get Social!

Brand Networks will be hosting office hours at Facebook to discuss

movie will start at 8:30 p.m.

10 THE AUSTIN FLEA

VAMPIRE WEEKEND

Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater

Vampire Weekend has confirmed the itinerary of its most ambitious

The Brewtorium

North American tour to date, running

Facebook and Brand Networks. If

The Austin Flea features all local

May 17 through Oct. 8. Produced by

you have any questions or a new

handmade items and vintage wares

Live Nation, the Father of the Bride

client they could help you with, feel

from some of Austin's most amaz-

Tour will feature the band’s biggest

free to stop in! They will be in the

ing and talented vendors 12-5 p.m.

headline shows here in Austin.

Colorado conference room.

Find one-of-a-kind gifts for any

300 W. Sixth St.

occasion including jewelry, bath/

shared clients and what's new at

body products, original artwork,

3

paper goods, textiles and so much more. Entrance to the event is free and open to all ages. Shop local!

POCO

24-25 AUSTIN ARTWORKS FESTIVAL Paramount Theater

Austin ArtWorks Festival is a two-

One World Theater

Some describe Poco as the "farm team" for the Eagles, and the vocals and harmonies affirm this.

More importantly, Poco is part

11

day event beginning at 9 a.m. each

NATIONAL CAREER FAIRS

like ceramics, jewelry, digital work,

day at the Paramount Theater.

This event showcases products

Holiday Inn Austin Midtown

photos, fiber, metalwork, sculptures,

of the mystique of country rock's

Ready for a new career? National

glass, mixed media, wood, graphics,

emerging years, from Flying Burrito

Career Fairs is the industry leader,

painting and much more.

Brothers/Gram Parsons to Buffalo

and they are bringing employers and

Springfield, The Byrds and CSN.

future employees together faster than ever before. Come to the live

7

recruiting/hiring event 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

16-18

BLUES ON THE GREEN Zilker Park

Pack a blanket and the family and make your way to Zilker Park for this

32

21

ANIME AUSTIN

31 AUSTIN INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC FESTIVAL Spokesman

Since its founding in 2015, AIM Fest has made a commitment to bring

Crown Plaza Hotel

Austin a diverse lineup of exclu-

summertime tradition. Held monthly

Anime Austin is returning for 2019

sively instrumental performances.

from May to August, Austin's largest

at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Friday

Previous years have included acts

free concert series will welcome

at 12 p.m. Praised as a fresh anime

like El Ten Eleven, Scale the Summit,

groovy performances

by local

experience in the Austin area, they

Silhouette of Nude (Japan), UT Steel

up-and-comers and Austin legends.

are working hard to be even better

Pan Ensemble, Fyer, Catbamboo, My

each year. Anime Austin is a place

Education and more. Tickets are $20.

9

where you can enjoy Japanese

FLOAT FLICKS

Sunday at 5 p.m.

animation, pop-culture, video and board games. The event ends on We are always accepting submissions

El Salido Pool

for events you'd like to see included

Join Austin on the water at the El Salido

in our Calendar section. Submissions

Pool for this summer favorite, a movie

are accepted via the Contact Us tab at

at the pool. Come swim, dive and float

LifestylePubs.com/Austin.

Austin Life | August 2019

LESSON MEDRANO PHOTOGRAPHY

VISIT www.lessonmedrano.com CONTACT info@lessonmedrano.com INSTAGRAM @lessonmedranophotography

Vickie Lasher, Branch Manager NMLS #235812 512-710-8449 vlasher@afncorp.com

www.vickielasher.com

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