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Whether you’re heading back to school, back to work, or simply getting back into routine, August is the perfect time to prioritize your oral health. A healthy smile starts with preventive care, and our team is here to help you keep yours bright for every season ahead.
Schedule your visit today and start fall with confidence.

I’ve come to believe that children and pets share a secret agreement to make life more entertaining for the adults around them. How else can we explain their uncanny ability to create chaos in record time? Leave the room for two minutes, and suddenly scribbles are all over the wall and pillow stuffing covers the floor.
(It’s no wonder that there’s a universal truth among parents and pet owners that if the house is suspiciously quiet, it might be time to investigate.)

Kids and pets alike are able to fill our homes and hearts with laughter and love. I know my family’s old dog lived up to the name Chewie by tearing open every toy at the seams. But looking back, despite his blatant lack of remorse… I am beyond grateful for those times, messy as they may be. It’s all about perspective.
As adults, it’s easy to focus on the cleanup, the schedules, and the responsibilities that come with caring for others. Yet years later, are those really going to be the things you look back on with frustration?
Family life isn’t always tidy, point blank period. There are muddy paw prints after the rain, late-night rushes through nearly-forgotten projects, and plenty of “oops” moments in between. However, there’s also that adoption day photo you have displayed on your mantle, the first day of school each year featuring the coolest new backpack, and preparing for friend meet-ups at the park. Woven throughout the chaos are beautiful, wholesome memories.
Whether or not you personally have kids and/or pets, I hope this issue encourages you to appreciate the furry and not-so-furry family members who make life an adventure. And I want you to remember that what matters most is—and always will be—celebrating the simple joys.
Thank you for continuing on the Cedar Park City Lifestyle journey with us for nearly four years now! Boy, does the time fly. We are so proud to call Greater Austin home, and to see how dedicated our community is to fostering a peaceful place for families to grow up together.

Before summer officially comes to a close, make sure to get out and have some fun soaking up the sunshine!
MEGAN MARSHALL, EDITOR
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Pam Dugdale | pam.dugdale@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Megan Marshall | megan.marshall@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS
Myke Toman, Aaron Cash
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Kali Kasprzyk
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Sarah Throop, Stephen Krohn, Carlos Nevarez, Janie Jones
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Learn

/franchise.






























1: Camp Amigo, an annual camp hosted by Austin Smiles, participates in goat yoga. 2: Dedicated volunteer of Hearts Therapeutic Riding Center working with joyful adaptive rider. 3: Pointe 183 Animal Hospital runs booth at Leander Old Town Street Festival. 4: Live artist creates bird painting during Juneteenth Block Party held at Robin Bledsoe Park. 5: Candlelight Ranch is certified to provide Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning for visitors. 6: Retired mare Whisper, adored by riding program students and currently up for adoption. 7: Tech Assistant Lanah poses with happy Whitestone Animal Hospital visitor.



1: Technician and Rehabilitation Assistant Carissa takes care of pup patient. 2: Bunny the cat finds forever home, surrounded by Sydney’s Cat Lounge team and volunteers. 3: Before Gandalf was old enough to leave, this adoptee visited the lounge until adoption day.




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Behavior challenges are solved with emotional safety, trust, and partnership. This is why See Spot Behave is committed to leading with kindness and respect toward both dogs and their owners. Through their program See Spot Have Fun, they take this up a notch by getting their clients out into nature. With guided training sessions at places like Lakewood Park and Devine Lake Park, they help grow your connection. Learn more online about signing up. seespotbehave.com

Recognized as a founding member of the Dove Award-winning trio Phillips, Craig, and Dean and for more than 40 years of ministry, Randy Phillips steps into a new chapter as a children’s author. His debut book, Guppy and the Silvery Hook, offers parents a powerful tool to help children understand that boundaries and rules are rooted in love and care. Phillips hopes the story empowers parents to guide their children toward safe independence. guppyandthesilveryhook.com

This summer, Little Leaps Play Cafe held their Chamber ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate their beautiful Leander location. A family-owned indoor play and cafe space designed for children ages 0 to 6, Little Leaps supports connection, community, and joy. Your kids can participate in open play sessions, and you can book the space for private parties for up to 30 guests. Memberships are available to make the most out of your ongoing experience. littleleapsplaycafe.com

A nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for Texas children living with rare and undiagnosed medical conditions, CC4C provides tons of fun opportunities. They recently held their annual adaptive summer trip to Utah, where kids and their parents made memories that will last a lifetime. That includes participating in everything from paddle sports to biking to equestrian. Families leave the National Ability Center feeling proud of their children’s strength, resilience, and courage. cc4c.org

Give vulnerable pets across the area a new future with Austin Pets Alive!
ARTICLE BY MEGAN MARSHALL | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF AUSTIN PETS ALIVE!


Austin Pets Alive! has been changing the lives of at-risk animals for nearly three decades. Founded as an all-volunteer advocacy group, the organization set out with a simple but ambitious goal: save more animals. Today, that goal fuels a multiprogram nonprofit that employs nearly 200 people and mobilizes countless volunteers, all working toward giving vulnerable pets another chance to thrive.
APA!’s reach extends far beyond its shelter. It also operates a full-service veterinary hospital staffed by dedicated medical professionals, leads behavior rehabilitation programs, and responds to disasters when communities are in crisis. There is even a Positive Alternatives to Shelter Surrender (PASS) Program, which helps Texas families access resources when hardships threaten their ability to keep their pets.
Supported by a network of businesses and organizations, APA!’s impact surpasses Austin city limits. The nonprofit trains
and educates hundreds of shelters across the country, sharing strategies that improve outcomes and adoption metrics.
“When you walk around our shelter, you know that every single animal there wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for us. What always brings me comfort is knowing that they’re here now and they’re safe,” says Director of Public Relations & Communications Luis Sanchez. “We give them their second, and maybe last, chance to find a family.”
Sanchez first got involved with APA! when a neighbor working there recognized the difference he was making with another organization and encouraged him to check it out. Having fostered seven dogs—and ultimately adopting the last one—he deeply resonated with the cause.
Over the past three years, Sanchez has witnessed both the challenges and triumphs of animal welfare work. While the industry can certainly be emotionally demanding, he believes the rewards are immeasurable.



“This is our 15th anniversary of being a No Kill city, with Austin being the biggest No Kill city in the country. We fight hard to keep it that way,” says Sanchez. “It’s knowing at the end of the day that if we can maintain Austin as the safest city for animals, we’re doing something right. The gap sometimes feels a little too big, but we just keep on working at closing it.”
One way APA! closes that gap is through the Transport Program, which emerged from the winter storm of 2021, when shelters across the state faced unprecedented strain. Volunteers assist with getting pets into vans or onto planes as they head to their new homes with rescue partners and adopters outside of Austin.
Whether someone wants to get hands-on or lend their skills behind the scenes, APA! offers volunteer opportunities designed to fit a variety of schedules and interests. You can support data analytics projects, assist with social media marketing, or take part in walking, cleaning, and feeding. There are meaningful ways for everyone to contribute.
For those considering fostering, Sanchez emphasizes that patience is the greatest gift. During weekend sleepovers or month-long stays, make sure you give the animals time to adjust to your environment. Space and grace are the name of the game to make them feel secure.
And at the end of it all, you might just adopt!
“Even if you have a certain breed in mind, you’ll be shocked at how many purebreds are in the shelter system—Bostons, Frenchies, poodles, golden retrievers,” says Sanchez. “But even if you have your mind set on a breed, you might fall in love with something else entirely. Be open to visiting a shelter and seeing which animal is the best fit for your family.”
Ready to open your heart to a furry friend, or interested in donating supplies or your time? Learn more at: austinpetsalive.org

• 7,831 adoptions
• 10,959 foster placements
• 10,794 intakes
• 2,559 pets transported
• 98,358 volunteer hours










CHAMPION HEALING ALONGSIDE WILLIAMSON COUNTY CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER
The Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center team nurtures and stewards a mission to provide hope, healing, and justice for children and families impacted by abuse. Their work builds a future where education and compassionate care create lasting change.
ARTICLE BY MEGAN MARSHALL PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF WCCAC
As a holistic nonprofit, WCCAC provides kids with case management, comprehensive support, and trauma therapy. The team is always looking for new, better ways to protect children in need.

“We bring together all of the professionals involved in child abuse investigations under one roof so that, in times of crisis, kids and their families aren’t having to go from location to location,” says Development & Communication Specialist Caroline Gatlin. “We see the best outcomes when people are working together and kids can access the resources at one time, in one place.”
Because prevention is just as important as intervention, WCCAC developed a robust education program that now reaches approximately 24,000 parents, professionals, and students yearly. By empowering kids to speak up about abuse, the center reinforces that what happened is never their fault.
Community members who want to make a difference can volunteer in ways that fit their schedules, both individually and alongside corporate and church groups.
“I had the pleasure of seeing us through our 25th anniversary, and we’re approaching our 30th next year,” says Chief Advancement Officer Tiffany Sturman. “Through that time, we’ve had some kids who, now in adulthood, revisit us to intern, volunteer, and give back. There’s a generational change and legacy that this organization has.”
Throughout the year, WCCAC hosts events that connect residents to its mission. From the annual clay shoot and holiday market to a new spring bruncheon in the works, attendees have opportunities to sustain this life-changing work.
Its signature fundraiser, Hope, Heroes, & Handbags: Designer Purse Bingo, takes place September 12th at The Sheraton Georgetown. Roughly 800 guests will gather to watch 15 local detectives model luxury handbags down the runway while themed tables transform the ballroom. Each year brings new surprises, including


crowd-favorite performances that may even feature a choreographed dance by our county’s police chiefs.
“This really marries our mission into the event alongside the community, and celebrates those who are doing a lot of hard work to keep that community safe. It gives them a moment to shine,” says Sturman. Hope, Heroes, & Handbags raises critical funding to expand services, remove barriers to care, and ensure children receive the support they deserve.
Every aspect of WCCAC is designed for children to feel safe. Calm, trauma-informed spaces provide comfort, while an exceptional medical program includes a nurse practitioner, contract nurses, and around-the-clock forensic interviews and family support. As one of the only Children’s Advocacy Centers in Texas with this level of medical coverage, WCCAC offers an extraordinary level of care.
“It’s thanks to supporters who take the time to understand what’s going on and say, ‘We may never know the names of the kids, we may not know the families… but we believe in them and we’re behind them,’” says Gatlin. “This work doesn’t get done with just our staff and our board—it takes the whole community.”
Discover ways to give back at: wilcocac.org





















Create, learn, and get a taste of Kushi Ecuadorian
Chocolate
ARTICLE BY MEGAN MARSHALL | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF KUSHI ECUADORIAN CHOCOLATE
For eight years, many locals satisfied their sweet tooth at the Ecuadorian Chocolate Factory. But you may not know that the beloved destination recently began a new chapter, now under the ownership of an enthusiastic family eager to build on its legacy.
Today, the business proudly operates as Kushi Ecuadorian Chocolate.
“Kushi,” which means “happiness” in Quichua, reflects the connection the team hopes every guest feels when they walk through the door. A true bean-to-bar chocolate maker, they reimagined the space with a cacao tree display highlighting the farm-to-factory journey.
For owner Katherine “Kat” Ayala Dillon, this is an opportunity to share one of her homeland’s most iconic treasures.
“Through Kushi, I can introduce people to our country’s incredible diversity and culture,” says Kat. “It’s incredibly meaningful to do this in Cedar Park. The community has welcomed us with open arms and a commitment to supporting local businesses that has made us feel like family since day one.”
Opening Kushi was equally exciting and intimidating. As a wife, mother, and immigrant building a life in a new country, Kat wondered whether she could succeed with this endeavor.
“I also had one very real worry: I love chocolate so much I was afraid I’d eat all the inventory,” says Kat. “However, the more I learned about cacao farming and production, the more I realized this was meant to be my story. I’m grateful every day that I get to share this passion.”
Visitors can get involved through Kushi’s Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Experiences, creating their own chocolate bars while learning the history of cacao. Kat and her team plan to host monthly experiences designed to bring people together.
Kushi offers bars ranging from 55% to 100% cacao, along with handcrafted barks, bonbons, and hot chocolate bombs. Seasonal specialties include customizable chocolate-covered frozen bananas and strawberry cups.
“The Dubai Strawberry Cup has quickly become a customer favorite,” says Kat. “Since these won’t be around forever, now is the perfect time to try them!”
Keep up with events on Instagram @kushichocoec and visit 251 N Bell Blvd #110, Cedar Park .








Pamper your dog with Petbar’s full-service care and vaccination events

When Garrett and Aisling Dewan invested in a Petbar franchise—and later acquired a second location—they saw the value of bringing a convenient, all-in-one dog care destination to the community.
Offering full-service and self-service washing options, Petbar welcomes dogs of all breeds, sizes, ages, and personalities. No matter the type of pampering needed, the team is committed to helping each dog look and feel their best.
The Dewans and their team understand that no two dogs are alike, which is why they avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. Every appointment begins with observing the dog’s body language and comfort level. Nervous dogs are given time to build trust, while high-energy pups are allowed to settle down before grooming begins. Through calm voices, predictable movements, and opportunities to explore the space, Petbar creates a paw-sitive, safe experience.
“The bath memberships are the best value service that many clients overlook.
By being a bath member, you get to bring your dog in monthly for a full bath, brushout, and nail trim,” says Garrett. “This helps maintain the coat between grooms and makes the grooming process easier.”
Beyond these services, Petbar strives to be a trusted partner in every pet’s care. That’s why during the second week at each store, they offer a low-cost vaccine event through Pop-Up Pet Vax. This gives neighbors the chance to see what Petbar is all about while easily getting much-needed shots.
Made up of people who genuinely love animals, the team is dedicated to the well-being of all of their clients.
“Petbar as a brand is highly focused on quality and compassion,” says Garrett. “We have a model that really works and is repeatable across locations. Clients will receive the same love and care no matter which store they visit.”
Book at the Cedar Park or Lakeline location at: petbarinc.com






ARTICLE BY MEGAN MARSHALL PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF FIRST FOUNDATIONS
The name First Foundations reflects the school’s mission: building strong foundations for lifelong learning. Serving children in preschool, bridge, and primary-year programs, they blend academic readiness with exploration, creativity, and play.
First Foundations recognizes that young learners thrive when they are actively engaged in meaningful, hands-on experiences that help make sense of the world around them.
“When children are encouraged to ask questions, explore new ideas, and create something uniquely their own, they learn that their thoughts and perspectives matter. Rather than viewing learning as simply finding the ‘right’ answer, they develop confidence in their own reasoning, problem-solving abilities, and imagination,” says Founder and Director Steffani Wilkins.
While First Foundations offers a variety of enriching programs, two stand out for Wilkins: Spanish and music.
The Spanish program introduces children to a new language through fun, age-appropriate activities. Students learn Spanish vocabulary, pronunciation, and basic conversation while gaining an appreciation for Spanish-speaking cultures.
Alternatively, the music program is backed by research showing how music education supports early brain development. As students progress, they gain onstage confidence while playing instruments such as handbells, glockenspiels, and recorders.
First Foundations is about more than memorizing worksheets. Every lesson is thoughtfully prepared for kids to build skills that extend outside of the classroom.
“Since children have different learning styles, our goal is to incorporate many different ways they can learn,” says Wilkins. “Foundational skills in literacy, language, math, and critical thinking are intentionally introduced and reinforced, but taught in ways that foster a love of discovery.”



A key part of their philosophy is teaching children that failure isn’t something to fear. Rather than shielding them from disappointment, this school emphasizes the importance of regulating emotions and moving forward.
“Many of the world’s greatest discoveries and innovations emerged through trial, error, and persistence,” says Wilkins. “By giving children opportunities to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them, we help them develop resilience, perseverance, and self-confidence.”
Learn about enrollment at: firstfoundations.com




















ARTICLE BY MEGAN MARSHALL
Four family-friendly, animal-packed places you need to visit

Discover an unforgettable adventure when you book a private tour at Indian Springs Ranch. Your reservation will include transportation around the ranch, where an animal care specialist will introduce you to their furry friends. Expect to see camels, buffalo, zebras, and llamas while learning about each species—and feeding them their favorite treats! If you’re visiting this autumn, don’t miss their annual Fall Festival for even more fun.
indianspringsranchatx.com | Located in Manchaca
Escape the hustle and bustle at Mini Mischief Ranch, where private experiences are designed to help you unwind. Each visit offers an opportunity to connect with nature and spend quality time with friendly goats, pigs, mini cows, donkeys, and chickens. Wander the property at your own pace with your loved ones. And watch their calendar for community events like Sip & Snuggle evenings and Critters & Coffee morning socials.
minimischiefranch.com | Located in Taylor
As a fully regenerative farm and compassionate sanctuary, Fluffy Bottoms Farm provides loving care for rescued, rehomed, and abandoned animals. Visitors are invited to tour the farm nearly every day. Animal lovers can become part of the mission by sponsoring a resident, supporting veterinary care, feeding, and shelter. Or you can virtually adopt a “Fluffy” for a year, whether that’s a donkey, sheep, or sugar glider.
fluffybottomsfarm.com | Located in Driftwood
Plan your perfect outing at Screaming Goat Funny Farm with two reservation types. Guided tours offer exclusive behindthe-scenes access, giving you the chance to hear about the animals and their care. Alternatively, self-guided visits allow you to leisurely soak in the surroundings while, of course, petting and grooming. With options to stay on the property, you can turn your trip into an overnight getaway.
screaminggoatfunnyfarm.com | Located in Belton





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ARTICLE BY MEGAN MARSHALL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARLOS NEVAREZ

Opening the doors to Amani Pediatric Dentistry has been everything Dr. Tony Machani hoped it would be—and then some. What surprised him most was how fulfilling it would be to create a place where families immediately feel welcome. Kids are confident climbing into the chair.



For Tony, the most rewarding moment is watching a patient arrive nervous and leave the office high-fiving with a smile.
“This is the practice I always wished existed,” says Tony. “Getting to run it and meet new families and kiddos in the community that trust us with their care feels like a privilege, and I don’t take it lightly.”
He believes the most underrated quality of a pediatric dentist is the ability to educate. It’s about identifying gaps in parents’ understanding and providing information without making them feel judged for what they don’t know.
That philosophy recently made a life-changing difference with an infant frenectomy. A mother came to Amani exhausted due to breastfeeding struggles. After evaluating her child, Tony and his team identified a tongue tie, walked this mother through the procedure, and supported her decision to move forward while continuing to work with her lactation support.
“She came back weeks later and told me that nursing had completely changed. Her baby was latching and she wasn’t in pain anymore,” says Tony. “Her baby was thriving, and as a result, so was she. It was truly beautiful to see.”
Education extends beyond the office, as well. Tony loves going directly into the community, whether he’s visiting classrooms or attending local events. Those interactions create opportunities to connect with children about their oral health in a completely different way.
One especially meaningful experience came this spring when he participated in Career Day at Lago Vista Elementary, bringing back his own childhood memories of listening to adults share their professions.
“I got to talk about what I do and why I love it, but what I didn’t expect was how brighteyed and bushy-tailed they were. Hearing kids talk about wanting to be storm chasers, veterinarians, teachers, and dentists, and realizing that I was in a role where I could encourage them and validate their long-term aspirations, was genuinely humbling,” says Tony. “The idea that showing up honestly might inspire even one of them is not something I take for granted.”
Schedule your child’s appointment at: amanipediatricdentistry.com



Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
AUGUST 7TH & 8TH
Cedar Park Rodeo presented by BUSCH LIGHT
2100 Ave of the Stars, Cedar Park, TX 78613
The Cedar Park Rodeo returns to the H-E-B Center for a weekend full of fun. This local family tradition features professional rodeo events, including bareback riding, calf roping, and steer wrestling. And of course, there will be fan favorites like mutton busting and frisbee dogs! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Sammy Wallace Memorial Foundation. hebcenter.com
AUGUST 15TH
Austin Steam Train Association hosts Wild West Rider
401 E Whitestone Blvd C-100, Cedar Park, TX 78613 | 9:00 AM
Sit back, saddle up, and enjoy a relaxing journey into railroading history aboard the Bertram Flyer! The Austin Steam Train Association is doing it up in style with a special theme, the Wild West Rider. For 44 miles, you can experience the area from beautifully restored vintage railcars. Drinks are available for purchase in the Cedar Park Car. austinsteamtrain.org
AUGUST 16TH
Mom and Pop Card Show at The Fieldhouse
1717 Scottsdale Dr Suite 160, Leander, TX 78641 | 10:00 AM
Calling all collectors! The Mom and Pop Card Show is returning for a full day of sports cards, Pokémon, TCG, collectibles, and more at The Fieldhouse. Running until 5 PM, this laid-back experience is your chance to explore vendor tables and connect with people who share your interests. Food trucks and a full bar are available on-site. thefieldhousetexas.com




























































































