HEALTH + WELLNESS PRACTICE GRATITUDE FOR OUR PLANET WITH KINDFOLK APOTHECARY & WELLNESS
Autumn is Here — Let the Generosity and Feasts Abound!
Although autumn officially begins in late September, as the weather gives Texas a slight break in temperatures, my family’s first real peek into the holiday season of celebration begins in November, centered around a Thanksgiving meal. Whether it’s a family gathering or a Friendsgiving, the joyous times together commemorate the blessings of friendship and family.
For me, it’s the only time I see a whole turkey served, which is one of my favorite meals! I remember my favorite recipe, given to me by a coworker in my early 20s, is still handwritten on its original paper today (and who says print is dead?) and served annually. Sweet potatoes with brown sugar, butter, and a crushed pecan topping! It’s one of our Texas family favorites. I’m a true Texan, born, raised, and love it here! Whatever your background, traditions, and beliefs are, I pray you take a moment to reflect and share your thanks for the wonderful blessings you can see, love, and experience all around you.
If your thankful heart yearns to help others, there are so many ways to give back, like those you can read about in this issue. Matt Maples of USA Cares helps our veterans transition back into the normalcies of everyday life. And read how Jeff Brecht of Osaic Wealth invested over a decade serving the Cedar Park Chamber, lending support to countless businesses he has been fortunate to encounter through his service to our city. And Ursula, owner of Hang Ups Picture Framing, who came from Germany and has spent her life here helping others commemorate their memories. If walls could talk, imagine the countless stories she has been privy to!
Today, I’m incredibly thankful for all of my business partners, whom I’ve had the good fortune of getting to know how deeply they care about our city. May resources flow abundantly, and your businesses prosper as you continue to serve our community!
Whether you are traveling for the holiday, watching football, preparing your Black Friday shopping list, or decorating for the upcoming season, loosen the belt buckle and indulge in that second helping of mashed potatoes and gravy, cornbread dressing, and pumpkin pie topped with an extra heaping of fresh whipped cream. Count your blessings and say thanks for those beautiful people in your lives!
Yes, Cedar Park and Leander, I’ll see you around town~~
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Pam Dugdale | pam.dugdale@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Megan Marshall | megan.marshall@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Myke Toman
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ronnie Sykes, Brittany Dawn Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
inside the issue
Connect with Nature that Nurtures
Take
Planning Today for Tomorrow’s Wins
Hear
Standing with America’s Heroes
Support
Frame
NOVEMBER 2025
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Chamber celebrates 15th anniversary of food pantry, clothes closet, and diaper ministry Reveal Resource Center. 2: Working out is better with supportive friends during Jazzercise ATX’s next-level Vital Sculpt HIIT format. 3: De Gracia & Estevez Cigars sponsors charity golf tournament for Fire Rescue at Horseshoe Bay. 4: LDS Church donates three homes and vehicles to support women and children at Yesterday’s Gone. 5: Sabella shows determination to achieve goals during cerebral palsy-adapted workout with REIZ’s Mziya Weber. 6: Skaters pose on the rinks with team members at Ice & Field at The Crossover. 7: Veranda Bar & Restaurant hosts grand opening, bringing authentic Indian flavors to Leander.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
CEDAR
www.liveyounger.com/janekieffer janet@youthingnotaging.com
business monthly
Red
Horn Scottsdale introduces Chef Rob Snow’s new food concept
Known for his work at Greenhouse Craft Food and Cork & Barrel, local culinary rockstar Chef Rob Snow joined the Red Horn family with a vision to give your favorite brews and beans new best friends. That includes hot dogs like the Elote Dog (pictured) and Banh Mi Dog, and burgers like the Double Onion Smash and Mushroom Bacon Swiss. You’ll also find delicious breakfast sandwiches, bowls, and tacos in the mornings. Eat up! redhornbrew.com
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Good Shepherd Church hosts 14th Annual Follow The Star
December 4th through 6th, 6:30 to 9:00 PM, join Good Shepherd for their live production of the life of Jesus at 700 W Whitestone Blvd. Put on for free by a cast and crew of 350, Follow The Star goes beyond the traditional Nativity scene, allowing you to walk, drive, and experience the full story through ten scenes. Plus, you can give back to Hill Country Community Ministries by bringing non-perishable food item donations. gstx.org
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Black Swan Yoga expands to Cedar Park with grand opening
Accessibility and affordability are the name of the game for Black Swan Yoga. Austin’s beloved donation-based yoga community opened its newest studio on Lakeline Blvd with the mission of creating a safe space where every person can come as they are and enjoy their practice. Their grand opening celebration on September 13th was a day full of festivities with local vendors, door prizes, and a complimentary yoga class. Book a class today! blackswanyoga.com
Photography by Ronnie Sykes
Photography by Greg Dugdale
Photography by Red Horn
The All Good welcomed to emerging Railyard district in September
A new community hangout space and bar is here! Created by Gail Hastings and Trey Dart, the couple behind Shooters, along with the team at Designtrait Architects, The All Good now offers a laid-back space with fun for all. Austin’s viral smashburger sensation JABS will be a permanent food truck, while The All Good will serve 20-plus beers and wine on tap. Play lawn games and arcade machines, and catch the latest sports screenings. theallgoodbar.com
Photography by Brittany Dawn Photography
CONNECT with NATURE that NURTURES
Refresh your mind, body, and soul with the magic of herbalism at KindFolk
Apothecary & Wellness
ARTICLE BY MEGAN MARSHALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY MYKE TOMAN
Need a calming cup of Love Supreme Tea or craving the sweetness of herbal honey? KindFolk Apothecary & Wellness has you covered with locally sourced, organic ingredients, alongside a dedication to holistic education and a commitment to caring for the planet.
Owners Claire Pyott and Nae Catbagan first met during COVID, when they were simply squares on one another’s screens. Both were attending the Wildflower School of Botanical Medicine, which teaches the responsible, ethical, and safe use of herbal medicine.
“Herbalism was always a glimmer in my peripheral when I was little. I definitely pay a lot of homage to my grandmothers for planting the seed of curiosity,” says Nae. “They’re from the Philippines and immigrated over, and there were a lot of things they’d do with plants that I, at the time, didn’t understand. All I knew was that it was magic.”
It was when she had her first child that Nae’s glimmer glowed even brighter and she decided to dive into her own research, just as Claire was finding her own footing.
“I was a newly single parent, and I was just tired of being afraid of the unknown,” says Claire. “I did Wildflower because I wanted to empower myself to know what to do if we got sick or my neighbors got sick. I could go outside again and not be worried about what was going to happen.”
Despite the initial virtual distance, the two developed a deep friendship that bloomed into a business. In the three years since launching KindFolk, Claire and Nae have found that, even in the stickiest moments, they can move forward with ease. They are the yin to each other’s yang.
Their journey evolved from markets to a storefront, which was designed to be a place where people can find what lights them up and feel like they’ve stepped into an undeniably positive second home.
“When you’re caught in that undertow and getting swept away, that’s when things start to fall off the rails. You forget how to listen to your own inner voice,” says Claire. “It’s important to carve out little pockets of time, whether it’s signing up for an hour or two of a workshop to have some tea, learn about something, do a craft, try something new… It’s about taking a beat to be like, ‘What is my soul crying out for right now?’”
Education is at the forefront, with the goal of giving customers tools to reach for when life gets overwhelming. To further enrich their lives, KindFolk partners with other local entrepreneurs who are similarly passionate about herbalism.
“We’re both Aquarians. So, the idea of commodity and consumerism could be very icky for us, but I think that’s even more reason why we chose a storefront. We want to show people that there are other ways to go about consuming,” says Nae. “We can invite them to be mindful about what they want versus what they need.”
Claire and Nae believe herbalism is our birthright—an ancestral tradition that deserves to be practiced with care. That’s why they offer herbal consultations, getting to the root of your health journey.
“The most fulfilling part is the connections, seeing community come together. That has always been a big desire of mine, to create space for these things to flourish,” says Nae.
“Being of service to others fills my cup,” says Claire. “Something ‘simple’ can make a big impact and shift something in somebody so they can be a more vibrant version of themselves.”
Reimagine self-care when you head to kindfolkapothecary.com and 901 N Vista Bridge Blvd Suite 300, Cedar Park.
KINDFOLK
Planning Today for Tomorrow’s Wins
EXPLORE COMMUNITY GROWTH WITH OSAIC WEALTH FINANCIAL ADVISOR JEFF BRECHT
Jeff Brecht is a financial advisor with Osaic Wealth who believes the first step to success is listening. He helps clients avoid pitfalls they might not see, focusing on details that protect both families and their businesses. His mentorship meets people where they are, so they can plan wisely for the future.
For over a decade with the Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce, Brecht has witnessed tremendous progress, celebrating new businesses along the way and enjoying seeing owners turn their dreams into reality.
He has called Cedar Park home since 1999, when the city was still finding its identity. His parents moved here a decade earlier, and he remembers visiting often, impressed by how the region could “Rubik’s Cube” big box stores together. He also recalls how forward progress truly began with the new 183.
“You used to go into Austin for a lot of things, but you don’t have to anymore. And boy, isn’t it nice to have that stuff in your backyard,” says Brecht. “It really does contribute toward that identity statement, ‘Who are we?’ It gives you that sense of community that, ‘Oh, well, we’re Cedar Park!’ It’s a mindset, an ideal, an ideology. It’s so much stronger than any monument.”
Two developments that especially reshaped the city were Ascension Seton (formerly Cedar Park Regional Medical Center) and the H-E-B Center, destinations for health and
ARTICLE BY MEGAN MARSHALL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MYKE TOMAN
entertainment, respectively. The Bell District is a recent addition that’s similarly making big waves.
“When you have a public library make national news, you don’t get much more successful than that,” says Brecht. “These were plans that were laid years and years ago. So, what’s been exciting is watching these things come to fruition.”
From Cedar Park to Leander, Georgetown to Liberty Hill, Brecht has seen the area serve as an incubator for growth. A strong economy fuels leisure businesses and out-of-the-box ideas. That same energy attracts companies from across the country—particularly California—like moths to a flame.
“Large and small companies have realized that there’s something special here, and they want to be part of it. They understand optimism, and when there’s optimism, there’s opportunity. When there’s opportunity, they’re going to chase that,” says Brecht.
It’s an environment that encourages entrepreneurship, but success takes rolling up your sleeves and putting in the work.
As people move through life, Brecht helps them navigate investments like college savings, retirement funds, and life insurance. It’s about growing a nest egg so you can live the life you want.
When people are in motion, there’s money in motion. And with a financial advisor in your corner to be a resource and talk through your goals, you’re positioned for greater achievement.
“We’ll look back one day and realize these really were the golden years for this region,” says Brecht. “With the years I’ve been in the Chamber, there have been so many fabulous people who have come through that organization. They’ve started businesses and then given back to the community in a variety of ways. It puts what’s important back into focus.”
Learn what Jeff Brecht can do at osaic.com and call 512-895-9211 for a complimentary review.
“If you have all your basic needs met, that gives you a solid foundation to take risks and grow something further. You can do that from a position of strength.”
Standing with America’s Heroes
Find out how USA Cares saves lives by bridging the gap for veterans in need
Before becoming the Texas Director of USA Cares, Matt Maples was pastoring a church in the Texas Panhandle. When his wife received a call inviting her to serve as a program director at Texas Baptist Children’s Home, they made the faithful decision to move to Round Rock.
After arriving, Maples began looking for ways to continue serving others, particularly through nonprofits. That search led him to connect with USA Cares President and CEO Matt Castor on LinkedIn. Their conversations about what the organization does to support veterans and their families shifted Maples’s perspective on life in a powerful way.
“It brought me back to my own story,” says Maples. “When I finished high school, I tried to join the military but couldn’t. I talked to all the branches, but I have asthma, so I just wasn’t eligible. It was sad to me because I was born at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, where my father was a U.S. Marine. And my grandfather, one of the most significant influences in my life, served in the U.S. Army in World War II.”
The military has always been close to his heart, and while he couldn’t serve in the way he once dreamed, Maples feels blessed to be in the position to give back now.
ARTICLE BY MEGAN MARSHALL PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF USA CARES
USA Cares was founded in 2003 by Kentucky veterans after 9/11 as a way to step in at the very first signs of crisis for veterans and their families. Since then, it has grown into a national organization that reduces risk factors and creates lasting stability, day after day. Their goal is to give veterans room to take a breath, regroup, and gather critical resources for their next steps.
The team is especially proud that just under 89 cents of every dollar raised goes directly toward their programs and services. Instead of large ad campaigns, they focus on building relationships in communities and sharing veterans’ stories to inspire donor support.
“We time it in such a way that we can come in just before the wheels come off the bus. We know that if we can keep a family together in their home and in their job, then we have a better shot at helping them have a successful life,” says
Maples. “It’s about three times less expensive to stop a veteran from becoming homeless than it is to try to get them out of that.”
If you or someone you know could benefit from USA Cares, the process starts with a simple online application. With 18% of assistance requests coming from Texas, several staff members focus exclusively on the Lone Star State. In as little as 48 hours, a grant can be delivered to clear the slate for a fresh start. Beyond emergency aid, USA Cares equips veterans with the tools to
reintegrate into civilian life. They emphasize practical skills, like budgeting, while enabling veterans to rediscover their purpose, transition into careers, and remain connected to loved ones.
“It’s been a real honor to meet and speak with a number of veterans and hear their stories. It’s amazing to witness that selflessness, the sacrifices that so many people have made on behalf of me and you,” says Maples. “A lot of them are good at masking their problems, but that’s where we come in. They’ve helped us, so we’re trying to help them.”
Join USA Cares at the Field of Honor event in Georgetown from November 8th through 16th, in honor of Veterans Day! Learn how to get involved through volunteering or donating by emailing matt.maples@usacares.org and visiting usacares.org
THE MEANING BEHIND THE MEMORIES
ARTICLE BY MEGAN MARSHALL PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY
OF HANG UPS PICTURE FRAMING
DISPLAY WHAT TRULY MATTERS ON YOUR WALLS WITH THE PERSONAL TOUCH FROM HANG UPS
For 25 years, Hang Ups has proudly served Cedar Park and the Greater Austin area with custom picture framing, photo restoration, and printing. Owner Ursula Overdiek feels especially thankful for the generations of families who continue to walk through her doors after hearing about the shop from their parents or grandparents.
When she first started the business, it was a leap of faith, built on risk, her own skills, and plenty of market research. Overdiek considers herself lucky to have launched and evolved in a growing community, alongside employees who bring plenty of unique character to the workplace. Through it all, Hang Ups has promised consistently good design, always approached with logic and reason—and a keen listening ear.
“You have to accommodate not only their taste, style, and technical things, but their emotions. Sometimes I know more about the clients than
maybe anybody else,” says Overdiek. “I have been hugged by people you would never think would give me a hug, and even had some cry. That’s the good part, when you open the paper and show it to the people.”
What matters most is surrounding yourself with pieces that carry meaning. It’s about blending aesthetics with personal connection, not solely focusing on color coordination and proportions.
Overdiek’s loyal customers return again and again, sometimes until their walls are completely filled. She’s had the pleasure of elevating everything from family travel photographs to extraordinary heirlooms like Grandma’s silverware set.
Projects that Hang Ups has also tackled include lace scarves, jewelry, football jerseys, full uniforms, tools, vintage purses, and a taxidermied snake. There have even
been remarkable artifacts—a 14th-century Bible text and a Roman oil lamp come to mind—but she’s just as delighted to display a child’s artwork that they are so proud of.
“If you move into a new apartment or home and you have nothing on the walls, it looks naked,” says Overdiek. “You get to create an atmosphere. You choose what you want to be confronted with in a positive way. You get to make your home your cozy place.”
Order your holiday gifts for loved ones early or prepare for post-Christmas redecorating at hangupsdesign.com and 500 Brushy Creek Rd #302, Cedar Park
ARTICLE BY MEGAN MARSHALL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MYKE TOMAN
Smiles Made Stronger
GET TO KNOW ABOUT DR. JENNA JESKO’S COMPASSIONATE CARE AT CEDAR PARK PREMIER DENTISTRY
Dr. Jenna Jesko is a proud mom of four whose days are packed with laughter and adventure. She enjoys exploring local restaurants and coffee shops, and taking her family on bike rides and hikes through our beautiful parks. With a lifelong passion for sports—having played herself all the way through college—she also coaches two Little League soccer teams, passing along the confidence and character growth that shaped her own journey.
Another way that Jesko has gotten involved in the community is through her role as a family dentist at Cedar Park Premier Dentistry. She was led down this path thanks to the mentorship of her childhood dentist, who encouraged her to shadow him and ultimately apply to dental school. What began as curiosity fueled by her desire to help people grew into a calling, and she’s grateful to have ended up with such a rewarding career. And she does it today alongside a team that she believes is one of the best she’s ever worked with.
“I am a family practice dentist at heart, and I absolutely love being there for people in their walks of life and for their families.”
“When the late Dr. Kondoff brought me on board with the CPPD team, she emphasized that, above everything, we are family. We treat each other like family, and we treat our patients like family—always with kindness first,” says Jesko. “We are here to help people as they are with respect.”
At CPPD, patients aren’t just treated—they’re cared for. The team is deeply committed to creating the best possible experience, and beyond their skill and expertise, they simply love what they do.
From routine care to advanced treatments, they use state-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge clinical techniques to keep smiles healthy and strong. Jesko prides herself on not only fixing what’s wrong but also uncovering why problems occur in the first place. By educating patients on the root causes, she ensures they’re set up for longterm success.
“We recently had a patient with a sleep appliance, and as he says, we literally changed his life. He is so grateful for this and asked to take our whole team out for dinner,” says Jesko. “Our team will also, on a daily basis, go out of their way to make patients comfortable. Our assistants help nervous patients stay calm with eye masks, blankets, or even just talk them through a procedure.”
Dr. Kondoff consistently put patients as the main focus, and Jesko continues that legacy. She leads with kindness in everything she does, with Cedar Park being the perfect place to practice that philosophy. Through the unique blend of art and science that is dentistry, she loves seeing patients thrive.
“This is a hard-working community doing exciting things, growing with emphasis on community first,” says Jesko. “I am thankful to have the privilege of keeping the smiles of Cedar Park healthy.”
Interested in general or cosmetic dentistry for the whole family? Book your appointment at cedarparkdental.com and see the Cedar Park Premier Dentistry team at 209 Denali Pass Dr, Ste B
H O P E
with YOU
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
Dog Bathing & Grooming Salon
NOVEMBER 7TH
Ranger Round-Up at Reunion Ranch with Sam’s Adventure Camp
850 Co Rd 255, Georgetown, TX 78633 | 10:00 AM
Sam’s Adventure Camp aims to empower children with developmental disabilities by enhancing their strengths through therapeutic camps and expert care. Do your part to aid in this mission by participating in a five-person team at their second annual Ranger RoundUp: Break Clays, Build Dreams. Great prizes will be awarded, and a barbecue lunch will be provided. samsadventurecamp.org
NOVEMBER 8TH
5th Annual Heroes Choice Car Show by Heroes Resource Center
200 Gupton Way Dr, Cedar Park, TX 78613 | 9:00 AM
Show your support for the veterans, active duty service members, and first responders in our community when you come out to the Heroes Choice Car Show. All proceeds will help with a variety of activities, made possible by Heroes Resource Center’s internal programs and external partnerships. Every vehicle type is welcome, and the event is open to the public. heroesnightout.org
NOVEMBER 8TH
16th Annual Chili Cook-Off at Texas Humane Heroes
10930 E Crystal Falls Pkwy, Leander, TX 78641 | 1:00 PM
Did you know that Texas Humane Heroes has been serving our area for 46 years? That’s cause for celebration (with chili, of course)! Get your tickets today for their ever-popular Chili Cook-Off fundraising event, which includes music, games, a silent auction, and a dog costume contest. With chili tastings galore, bring your appetite for an afternoon full of flavor. humaneheroes.org
