Austin TX, TX November 2021

N OV E M B E R 2 02 1

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

NOVEMBER 2021 PUBLISHER

Stephanie Callihan | stephanie.callihan@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Lifestyle Letter

Deborah Hamilton-Lynne deborah.hamilton@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Mary Albers

“THERE IS A FREEDOM YOU FEEL THE CLOSER YOU GET TO AUSTIN.” - Willie Nelson

L AYO UT DESIGNER

As the saying goes ‘I wasn’t born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could.’ Having

Kelsey Proctor

moved to Austin 29 years ago I was looking for that freedom, fell in love and never looked back. I am grateful every day to have landed in the city of my heart.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

There have been many changes in these 29 years and while there are some people,

Stephanie Callihan, Deborah Hamilton-Lynne, Melissa Manzelmann, Jennifer Robenault, Julie Royce

places and things I miss, I still feel the magic every time I drive past that Austin City Limits

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

sign. People often ask me what it is that makes Austin special - what draws so many peo-

Weston Carls, Mary Keeting Bruton, Nicky Duewall, Wyatt McSpadden, Annie Ray, Jared Tennant, David Brendan Hall

ple to our city. My answer is that it is truly a one of a kind place. A place where dreamers are never shamed. A place where innovators create amazing work and products. A place where you are welcomed and encouraged. A place where people collaborate freely.

A place where music fills your heart every day of the year. A place where the sun shines on one of the most beautiful natural pieces of earth God ever created. A place where independence and free-thinking is expected and inspired. A place where no idea is a bad idea. A place where people who can live anywhere choose to live.

Without a doubt I am biased and still wear the rose-colored glasses of a woman in love, but tasked with creating an issue that reflected the gratitude I feel for this city and the people who define its very essence I was a little overwhelmed. So we set out to spotlight some people, events, places, and things that make Austin what it is - a place you always want to call home and come home to. In this issue you will meet two com-

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

munity leaders. One who has helped create homes for those who experienced chronic

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

homelessness and another whose caring heart led her to serenade those in the last

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

moments of their lives. We define 10 things that make Austin one of a kind, examine

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

what differentiates a house from a home and help you prepare a table for your guests

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

while you share a toast with the 2021 World's Best Whiskey. Finally, in this season of

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

giving we share 5 ways for you and your family to give back.

Whenever I think of Austin I am most grateful to the people who call our city home.

I agree with the late comedian, Bill Hicks - “To me Texas is Austin, a bunch of cool people trying to make a difference.”

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Deborah Hamilton-Lynne, Editor EDITOR’S NOTE: While celebrating our friends at Porsche Austin's Grand Opening we missed acknowledging our friend and supporter Paul Weitz, CEO Porsche Austin.

Kjell Gruner is the President and CEO for PCNA and was also pictured in our October Good Times section.

CityLifestyle.com/AustinTX ON THE COVER Lady Bird Lake PHOTOGRAPHY BY JARED TENNANT 4

Austin TX Lifestyle | November 2021

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

Proverbs 3:5-6 Austin TX Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Austin area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this 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 TX Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE NOVEMBER 2021

FEATURES 10 Finding the "Right One." Dara Allen talks "big picture" real estate

16 Let Us Entertain You Julie Royce and Melissa Manzelmann Curate the Perfect Holiday Gathering

20 Bryan Cumby Conducting Business with Gratitude, Love and Service

26 10

26 Only in Austin 10 Things That Make Our City One of a Kind

16

20

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Trend Setter

16

Local’s Choice

18

Culinary Creations

26 Our Town 32 Local Limelight 34 Giving Back

SY LV IA SHA R P L I N (5 1 2 ) 9 1 3 - 7 1 8 1 923 Westbank Dr., Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78746 www.wilsongoldrick.com/agents/sylvia-sharplin

GOOD TIMES 1.

2.

3.

Women's Symphony League Presents Crescent City Couture Luncheon The WSL welcomed American fashion expert, Carson Kressley, to their “Crescent City Couture" Luncheon. Co-chairs Lisa Tully, Jennifer Johnson, and Elizabeth Kemp Rose created a memorable event at the JW Marriott Hotel complete with fashions by the Garden Room and charming repartee between Mela Sarajane Dailey and Carson. Event proceeds benefit the Austin Symphony Orchestra and its youth education programs.

4.

5.

6.

1. President-elect, Katie Kaighin and President, Jennifer Bell | 2. Fashion expert, Carson Kressley's Tips | 3. Fashions by The Garden Room | 4. Co-Chairs Lisa Tully, Honorary Chair Sarah Butler, Jennifer Johnson, Elizabeth Rose | 5. VIP reception sponsored by AT&T | 6. Special guest, Carson Kresley and moderator, Mela Sarajane Dailey

The Austin Texas House In The Heart of 78704

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Austin TX Lifestyle | November 2021

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TREND SETTER

F I N D I N G TH E

“ R I G HT O N E .”

DARA ALLEN TALKS "BIG PICTURE" REAL ESTATE “THERE WILL NEVER BE A MOMENT LIKE THE ONE WHEN YOU WALK INTO A HOUSE AND YOU KNOW YOU ARE HOME - YOU’VE FOUND THE RIGHT ONE. IT’S AN EMOTIONAL CONNECTION THAT YOU CANNOT PUT A PRICE ON.” What makes Dara Allen one of the top agents in Austin is the way she differentiates between buying a house and buying ARTICLE DEBORAH

a home. It’s in the personal connection to her clients - be they

HAMILTON LYNNE

buyers or sellers- and the way she extends that emotional con-

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF

nection to each property she lists or sells.

DARA ALLEN LUXURY GROUP

Post-pandemic residential sale prices are through the roof, especially in the in-demand Austin luxury market. With 184 people moving to Austin a day, finding and buying the right property can be a daunting task.

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Austin TX Lifestyle | November 2021

Enticed by lower taxes, good weather, choices of good schools, a healthy outdoor lifestyle, and Austin’s independent mind-set, buyers are moving to Austin from high dollar markets such as California and New York. Pleasantly pleased with the amount of dirt and square footage their money will buy they are often baffled by septic systems, wells and propane that some vintage Austin properties include. Boundaries for the many independent districts in the Austin area are sometimes confusing. Allen ‘s extensive knowledge of Austin’s private and public schools enables her to match the families with the schools, the communities and the commute time that will provide the best quality of life for the entire family.

With inventory on the low side, Austin is a seller’s market. So what are buyers looking for?

Allen recently sold the Barton Creek home pictured in this article which embodies many of those things that buyers are looking for - a tastefully designed home with interiors that marry Texas stone with European touches, a huge 4,000 square foot exterior patio and living space, a negative edge pool complete with a killer view and additional water features, a beautiful kitchen and extras like the warm wine room.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/AustinTX

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TREND SETTER (CONTINUED)

Allen elaborated, “Covid has changed everything. People are staying close to home and enjoying their homes more. A swimming pool is a must - it is the first thing people expect. Kids can’t go to the parks so expanded playscapes are now part of the landscape. We are seeing more adult play areas as well - pickleball, sport, and tennis courts. People are getting away from the cold, stark modern looks of all whites and grays in favor of warmer tones and more cozy decor.

They can’t travel as much so they are bringing Europe and the Mediterranean touches and color palettes back into their homes. Exterior space is a huge asset as people are entertaining at home more often. Outdoor living rooms and outdoor kitchens are often as spacious and well equipped as those inside the home. Beautiful kitchens are always an asset. Proximity to the lake or a golf course and sweeping views are always a draw.”

When you are hoping to find the “right one” it is nice to have an agent who keeps the big picture in mind. Part of Allen’s magic is knowing what it takes to make a house a home.

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Austin TX Lifestyle | November 2021

Having celebrated 22 years in the luxury market, real estate is Dara’s passion and she exhibits an intense knowledge of housing markets, trends, marketing and advertising, schools, new construction, complex financing and interior design. A specialist in many of Austin’s most desirable areas, including Westlake, Barton Creek, Seven Oaks, Spanish Oaks, Tarrytown and Pemberton Heights, Dara was the founding agent for Compass in Austin. Appointed

by Robert Reffkin, CEO of Compass, she was the first Sales Manager for the Austin office. In 2020, she transitioned to her current position as Director of Luxury Estates for Texas. Dara lives in Austin with her husband, actor/producer Todd Allen, and their youngest daughter, Shelby.

CityLifestyle.com/AustinTX

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The Dara Luxury Group is a real estate group affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by federal, state and local laws. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Find Exclusive Listings at DaraAllen.com

Dara Luxury Group

Dara Allen Director, Luxury Estates 512.296.7090 Dara@DaraAllen.com

LOCAL’S CHOICE

LET US ENTERTAIN YOU JULIE ROYCE AND MELISSA MANZELMANN CURATE THE PERFECT HOLIDAY GATHERING ARTICLE JULIE ROYCE AND MELISSA MANZELMANN PHOTOGRAPHY WESTON CARLS

YOU CAN CREATE A STUNNING TABLE BY USING WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE ON HAND. We chose Melissa’s grandmother’s china from the 1940s, as our base line to assemble from. The eucalyptus green, antique blue, and silver trim gave us our color pallet to build on.

Combining silver and gold accents for the candle sticks, napkin rings, as well as mixed metals for the flatware gave our setting a unique flare! Adding the greenery to the napkins, wrapping a garland of leaves through the center of the table, brought a lush and layered look to carry your eye throughout the setting.

7 TIPS FOR CREATING A WARM AND INVITING DINNER TABLE: + Use what you already have, don’t be afraid to mix and match pieces to build your color scheme. + Add varying heights with candles and platters so the table doesn’t seem one dimensional. + Throw in greenery and/or flowers for a lush look. + Add name place cards. + Throw in sparkly elements to make it festive! + Marry the traditional to the modern. + A gorgeous floral centerpiece always brightens the room adding color to the landscape.

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Austin TX Lifestyle | November 2021

+ Curated by Jolie Soiree https://joliesoiree.com/ + Contadi Castaldi” Sparkling Cava + Macaroons from La Patasserie www.lapaustin.com + Charcuterie board by McCayla Velilla https://instagram.com/ theboujeequeso?utm_medium=copy_link + Wines selected by Sommelier Penelope Gilfort https://www.vinovinyasayoga.com/about + Pies www.tinypies.com

+ Domaine de Triennes Sainte - Fleur Viognier, William Chris High Plains Rose and Red Blend + https://www.williamchriswines.com/collection/wine, Felix Solis ‘Medusa’ Albarino + Dessert sideboard designed by Katie Starley of Beyond Boards https://www.instagram.com/beyondboardsatx/?hl=en + Treats https://tonistoffee.com/ + Tablescape design https://joliesoiree.com/ + Flowers by https://theflowerstudioaustin.com/ CityLifestyle.com/AustinTX

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Austin TX Lifestyle | November 2021

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AR

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FE

BRYAN CUMBY

RR

O B E N AU L T

CONDUCTING BUSINESS WITH GRATITUDE, LOVE AND SERVICE

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Austin TX Lifestyle | November 2021

“I found myself making random donations to Alan’s cause,” Cumby recalled. “I followed him as a friend and a small donor. And then, through his work with people on the street and his real estate background, he came up with the notion of trying to create a community for folks who experienced chronic homelessness. He wanted to provide them with a community they could live in and get access to services that would help them deal with what they had encountered in their lives and try to give them a support system.”

WHEN BRYAN CUMBY DROVE TO AUSTIN FROM DALLAS IN

That was the beginning of Cumby’s philanthropic journey. He

1991, HE TOWED THE SMALLEST U-HAUL TRAILER HE COULD

adopted a “give back” mindset after finding success in Austin— an

GET. It had everything he owned inside of it— things he needed to

experience he describes as a blessing for which he is forever grateful.

set up a new life. The 6th generation Texan came to the Capitol city

“Austin’s been very good to me. I didn’t know a soul in this town.

for the “vibe.” He felt there were opportunities here that didn’t exist

I’ve been able to serve on boards for the Paramount Theater, Junior

in the bigger cities of his home state. And maybe part of him just

Achievement Central Texas, and the Boy Scouts of America. Austin

wanted to forge his own path away from Dallas— the city his ances-

opened its arms to me as an outsider coming in,” Cumby explained.

tors helped found in 1841.

“In large part, one of the reasons that I adopted a community service

“I felt like Austin was a place that a young person could land and get involved with what was going on,” Cumby said.

model early on in my career was because I felt an obligation to give back to the place that gave me the opportunities that I’ve had.”

Now, he is head of Cumby Group, a family firm specializing in

As a real estate developer, Cumby’s business has built and

real estate development. For the last twenty years, the company

donated ten homes in the Community First! Village, with five more in

has acquired land, gotten projects titled, and designed and built

the process right now.

CONTINUED >

residential homes primarily in and around Austin’s urban core.

“For the last twenty years, Austin has been trying to reach its potential. You’ve got this interesting convergence of state government and a high quality of outdoor living, together with higher education at the University of Texas. As Austin has evolved, you see a natural progression in the way the economy has developed,” Cumby said. “It’s nothing short of amazing. Some of it has happened just because Austin is a cool place to be, but there was also a serious plan laid for how to go about the business of developing Austin’s local economy. And it’s been pretty effective.”

Community First! Village + 51-acre master planned community in East Austin + Houses more than 200 residents who experienced chronic homelessness + Cumby Group has so far built and donated 10 homes, have 5 in process, and plan to do more in the future

Like the evolution of a city, Cumby has experienced his own growth as a businessperson and a citizen. When he first got to Austin, one of his community and networking strategies was to get involved with organizations he believed in. He joined the Austin Chamber of Commerce and got on a committee. There, he met Alan Graham, who was a real estate developer at the time.

Cumby and Graham became fast friends. They served on the Board of Directors of the Austin Chamber of Commerce throughout the nineties. A couple of years later, Graham decided to follow what he described as “a calling” to serve others in need. He started Mobile Loaves and Fishes as an outreach effort to provide food, clothing, and hygiene items to chronically homeless people.

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Bryan Cumby's Community Outreach:

BRYAN CUMBY (CONTINUED)

“We work with communities and try to leverage other funds from the city to help enable improvement projects in public parks in those areas we develop in,” Cumby said. “We think that’s just part of what we should be doing when we go in and become part of a neighborhood.”

Cumby is also a large investor in Opportunity Austin— the economic development engine of the Austin Chamber. He believes this “give back” model is good for communities,

+ Community First! Village / Mobile Loaves and Fishes + Austin Chamber of Commerce / Opportunity Austin + Junior Achievement Central Texas + Austin History Center + The Boy Scouts of America

businesses, and people.

“Quality of life starts with a paycheck,” Cumby said. “We can create good-paying jobs that benefit people who want to live here and people who do live here now. We created as many jobs in Austin from January to July 2021 as we did in the entire year of 2020, which was a record year.”

It’s nothing short of remarkable. But, Cumby says, Austin made another list recently where

“We’re excited about the expansion that’s underway,” Cumby said.

the city was identified as one of the least affordable places to live.

“It’s a real-world solution that’s working. And it’s almost all privately

“Our company wants to be part of trying to figure out how to crack

funded, which I think is also amazing. We’ll continue supporting

the code and to create more thoughtful development in the urban

Community First! in any way that we’re capable of into the future as

core that still respects the wishes of the neighborhoods but allows for

they continue their journey. I look at this as a marathon, not a sprint.

greater plan density and greater volumes of housing to be developed

We’re in it for the long haul.”

in shorter periods of time,” Cumby stated. “We want to do something

Through his friendship with Graham, Cumby’s understanding of

about making Austin more affordable. It’s a travesty that our teachers,

chronic homelessness deepened, and his commitment to helping

nurses, firefighters, and police officers can’t afford to live in the same

solve it became more significant.

city that they serve every day. It doesn’t have to be this way.”

“The most impactful experience I’ve had with chronic homeless is

In the end, Cumby wants to be part of helping drive the thought

moving these two fellows off the street. It was the hardest work that

processes and transformational thinking around how Austin is devel-

I ever engaged in because sometimes it doesn’t work out,” Cumby

oped in the long term. He wants to do this by working with the city to

explained. “But Alan and his wife Tricia told me you have to do what

create more sustainable or affordable housing around Cesar Chavez

your heart’s calling you to do, and you can’t have any expectations.

and South Congress in the urban core. And making service a signif-

Just keep on putting one foot in front of the other. They’re extremely

icant part of his commitment to Austin’s economy and people will

inspirational in that way.”

undoubtedly pay a debt of gratitude to the city Cumby calls home.

Cumby says he knows a lot more about the roots of homelessness than he did before becoming involved with Graham’s work. It’s been a journey he didn’t expect to take.

“People misunderstand homelessness,” Cumby explains. “At its core, it’s about mental illness and addiction. I don’t think anybody who is functioning at a high level would choose that lifestyle. We’ve got a lot of work to do in that area.”

In addition to Cumby’s involvement in Community First! Village, his business goes into dense urban areas to work with residents to identify community and neighborhood needs. For example, in the past few years, The Cumby Group has donated money to community parks to support significant improvements.

22

Austin TX Lifestyle | November 2021

"We'll continue supporting Community First! Village in any way that we're capable of into the future as they continue their journey. I look at this as a marathon, not a sprint. We're in it for the long haul." – Bryan Cumby, CEO, Cumby Group

CityLifestyle.com/AustinTX

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OUR TOWN 10 THINGS THAT MAKE OUR CITY ONE OF A KIND

ONLY IN AUSTIN PEOPLE DON’T LIVE IN AUSTIN TO WORK, THEY WORK TO LIVE HERE. - Robert Rodriguez Austin is consistently named the best place to live in the U.S. by various prestigious publications such as U.S. News and World Report. And chances are that you may be among the 184 people who move to the fastest growing city in the nation every day. So why is everyone flocking to this boomtown?

What makes Austin so desirable and different? It could be the rolling hills and lakes, the wealth, the technology, the start-up scene, the sunshine, the abundance of things to do or the availability of jobs boosted by the large corporations relocating or building hubs here. You could have come to SXSW or ACL and decided to stay. It could be the friendly people who will support almost any idea or venture no matter how crazy it seems. Whatever the reason and however you got here just thank your lucky stars that you ended up in our piece of paradise. We are grateful for you and grateful for the things that give Austin its big personality and make it one of a kind. As the t-shirts and bumper stickers say, “Keep Austin Weird.”

26

Austin TX Lifestyle | November 2021

A

AUSTIN

ARTICLE DEBORAH HAMILTON-LYNNE PHOTOGRAPHY JARED TENNANT,

DAVID BRENDAN HALL, ANNIE RAY,

1. THE LIVE MUSIC CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

WYATT MCSPADDEN

2. El Arroyo Sign

Live music can be heard every day and every night. I have heard live music in the parking lots of dry cleaners, thrift stores and pizza joints. From state of the art venues like the ACL Moody Theater to iconic clubs like the Continental Club, Saxon Pub, Broken Spoke,

ONE OF A KIND

Antone’s and the Elephant Room to grocery store patios at Central Market live music is everywhere.

2. EL ARROYO SIGNS Since 1975 El Arroyo has been serving up Tex-Mex with a side of laughs. The signs are so clever and popular that an entire array of merchandise, books, cards and stickers have been created from them.

3. Historic Landmarks

1. Jackie Venson

3. HISTORIC LANDMARKS From the State Capitol (circa 1888, purposefully built to be taller than the nation’s Capitol) to the Driskill Hotel (circa 1887) to the Paramount Theater (circa 1915) to the only remaining Moonlight Towers (circa 1894) in the world, Austin is steeped in history.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/AustinTX

27

ONE OF A OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)

4 Franklins BBQ

4. THE FOOD From gourmet James Beard award winning establishments to local favorites to food trucks, Austin is a foodie’s dream and we love our local restaurants and chefs. And yes, Franklin’s Barbecue is worth the wait.

5. FESTIVAL CITY Although the two best known - ACL Music Festival and SXSW - are the big draws and the reason many people come to Austin and never leave, you can find a festival every month of the year in Austin. From BBQ to books to film to hot sauce to comedy to politics to SPAM, there is a festival for everyone.

5. ACL Festival

28

Austin TX Lifestyle | November 2021

6. Mexican Free-Tail Bats

KIND

7. CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS

Although COTA is host to many races, events and con-

certs it is the only place in the U.S. where you can see the MOTO and Formula One Grand Prix races.

8. UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

The original 40 acres has now become a whopping 431 acres and is the home to 51,000+ students each

year. Austinites are fortunate to take advantage of collegiate sports, a world-class performing arts center and line-up, renowned speakers at the LBJ Presidential

Library, an outstanding art collection at the Blanton that includes a one of a kind installation by Ellsworth

Kelly and one of the most extensive humanities collections in the world housed at the Ransom Center.

8 University of Texas

7. F1

6. MEXICAN FREE-TAILED BATS The world’s largest urban bat population, estimated at 1.5 million, lives under the Congress Avenue bridge. Nightly from May to October the sky turns black as they emerge to feast on insects to the delight of onlookers stationed on the bridge and in the water on Ladybird Lake. Bat Fest held in August is the largest bat watching party celebrating Austin’s unofficial furry mascots.

CONTINUED >

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PARADISE OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)

9. Natural Paradise

10. Musician Tje Austin at Jo’s Coffee

30

Austin TX Lifestyle | November 2021

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9. NATURAL PARADISE If spending time in the great outdoors is your thing there is no better place to be than Austin. From Zilker Park and Barton Springs to the Butler Hike and Bike Trail to Ladybird Lake and Lake Travis to Barton Creek and Bull Creek greenbelts to Mount Bonnell to Hamilton Pool whether you walk, bike, run, row, kayak, swim, or practice yoga or Tai-Chi outdoors you are in the right place.

10. GOING LOCAL. There is just something about the people who call Austin home. They are warm and welcoming, supportive of any and all endeavors, creative and artistic, innovative and entrepreneurial. Austin has inspired the likes of Michael Dell, Amy’s IceCream, Tito’s, Kendra Scott, Whole Foods and the Alamo Draft House, Keller Williams and Origin. If you can dream it you can do it in Austin.

WWW.ANGELHOUSE.ME CityLifestyle.com/AustinTX

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT SWAN SONGS AND LOVE, TITO'S PARTNER TO GIVE AUSTIN HEALTHCARE WORKERS A MUSICAL TRIBUTE AND THANK YOU

ARTICLE STEPHANIE CALLIHAN PHOTOGRAPHY MARY KEETING BRUTON

T H E U LT I M AT E T H A N K YOU - S WA N SONGS SERENADE IN 1992 AUSTIN BASED SINGER-SONGWRITER CHRISTINE ALBERT PERFORMED A PRIVATE CONCERT AT THE HOME OF A FAN WHO WAS DYING AT AN EARLY AGE. From this private, intimate experience with a 40-year-old, John Swann during his final days the spark of an idea began.

That spark would continue to glow in Ms. Albert’s deeply caring heart until 2005, when she founded Swan Songs, a non-profit organization that fulfills “musical last wishes” for persons nearing life’s end.

Each year Swan Songs’ grandest fundraiser, the Serenade, features nationally acclaimed artists in a traditional gala style setting. This year however, “given the strains of the pandemic on the organization and healthcare providers we work with so closely, it felt irresponsible to bring people together for a large gathering,” shared Ms. Albert. As she contemplated alternatives to the traditional event,

the strain of the pandemic, both physical and emotional, obvious

Ms. Albert contacted Amy Lukken of long-time

in their demeanor. “I thought at those moments, when they’re

sponsor Tito’s Handmade Vodka to learn if they

processing what they experienced during their shift, it might be

would continue their support using an alternative

comforting to hear a special song performed by a favorite artist

format. As the two creative thinkers brainstormed,

sung especially for them.” Once again, as has been the case

the notion of expressing appreciation to healthcare

throughout Swan Songs’ 16 years of providing private concerts,

professionals came into focus. And not only was

the Austin music community stepped up. “Never did I hear hesi-

Tito’s willing to remain involved, Love, Tito’s the

tancy when asking musicians to record a song and encouraging

brands philanthropic arm doubled down.

message for the healthcare community. Instead, it was most

The plan came together on October 17th when the two organizations presented “Love, Tito’s and Swan

caring spirit of our music community.”

Songs Serenade to our Healthcare Community.”

And so, it came together remarkably. Swan Songs, an orga-

During the livestream event, local musicians shared

nization founded to provide musical last wishes for those at

their music and messages of support with members

the end of life, pivoted to partner with Tito’s Handmade Vodka

of the healthcare community.

and to give thanks to our local healthcare providers for their

In an earlier interview Ms. Albert spoke of seeing nurses and doctors interviewed on television with

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often “When? - How? - Where?” One more time, it shows the

Austin TX Lifestyle | November 2021

heroic efforts to save lives. A well-deserved gift of thanks during the season of giving.

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GIVING BACK

5 WAYS T O G I V E B AC K SEVERAL ATX LONGSTANDING EVENTS AND TRADITIONS GIVE

NOVEMBER MARKS THE BEGINNING OF THE SEASON OF GIVING.

INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES AND GROUPS THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO GOOD WHILE HAVING FUN AND TO GIVE BACK.

01

31ST ANNUAL THUNDE RCLOUD SUBS TURKE Y TROT The Turkey Trot has grown to be the largest 5 mile run in Texas. Families and pets can participate in the 1 mile walk and the Stepping Stones Kids-K. With 100% of the proceeds benefiting Caritas (https:// caritasofaustin.org/) this beloved Thanksgiving Day tradition has raised over $4.2 million to combat homelessness in Austin. https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Austin/Thunder CloudSubsTurkeyTrot

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35TH ANNUAL COATS FOR KIDS Junior League of Austin plans to distribute 35,000

ARTICLE DEBORAH HAMILTON-LYNNE

30TH ANNUAL TOYS FOR TOTS

warm coats to Central Texas children in need this

Since 1991, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves have

year. A donation of $20 buys a new coat or you can

been bringing joy to children at Christmas. Donate a

drop off gently used coats to your local Jack Brown

toy at one of the area toy drop locations, host a Toys

Cleaners (https://www.jackbrowncleaners.com/

for Tots event at your home, office or other venue and

locations) beginning November 15th and running

collect toys for Toys for Tots, or volunteer at the local

through the first week in December.

warehouse. https://austin-tx.toysfortots.org/

https://www.jlaustin.org/coats/

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04

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SALVATION ARMY ANG E L TRE E

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OPE R ATION TURKE Y More than 30,000 volunteers work together to

Every holiday season, The Salvation Army provides

ensure that everyone receives a warm meal on

Christmas assistance to more than 7,000 children

Thanksgiving. Volunteers work throughout the year

through the Angel Tree Program in Central Texas.

to prepare, package and deliver more than 45,000

Individual and family adoptions begin November 11th.

warm meals, care packages and clothing to those

Serving Travis and Williamson counties: https://

in need from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

salvationarmyaustin.org/angel-tree-adoptions/

www.operationturkey.com

Austin TX Lifestyle | November 2021

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