FALL 2021 FOOD | EVENTS | ATTRACTIONS | SHOPPING
Fall in
LOVE with Local Fall Events Guide Meet Dr. Joe Murphy
A special publication from WWW.ROUNDTHEROCKTX.COM
Friday Night Lights
2 Round The Rock | Fall 2021
2001 N. Mays Street Round Rock, Texas 78664 (512) 248-2555 MaysStreetBoutique www.maysstreet.com
Fall 2021 | Round The Rock 3
WHEN IT COMES TO MEDICARE, [WHEN IT COMES TO TO MEDICARE, [WHEN IT COMES MEDICARE,
YOU HAVE CHOICES. YOU HAVE CHOICES.] YOU HAVE CHOICES.]
yoyuou
m mee] [m Leeetlt]p let [l e ] lhpelp find find the best planplan to fitto your the best fit your [us] [huhse
health carecare needs. health needs.
part HOSpItAl HOSpItAl StAYS StAYS
part
part DOCtOr DOCtOr VISItS VISItS
part
part MEDICArE MEDICArE ADVAntAgE ADVAntAgE
part
part prESCrIptIOn prESCrIptIOn DrUgSDrUgS
med
MEDICArE med MEDICArE supp SUpplEMEnt SUpplEMEnt
A
[Are you oryou ayou loved enrolling in Medicare this year? [Are oraaone loved one enrolling enrolling in this Are or loved one in Medicare Medicare thisyear? year? Are you thinking about retiring?] No matter situation, Are you thinking thinking about No matter your Are you about retiring?] retiring? Noyour matter yoursituation, [we] [I]situation, can help get answers to answers your to Medicare [we] [I] can help you getget answers your Medicare Iyou can help you to your Medicare questions, like: questions, like: questions, like: •What is Original Medicare and areand there •What is Original Medicare areother therehealth other health care options? care options? • What •do Medicare Parts A,Parts B, C and What do Medicare A, B,DCmean? and D mean? • What •are the are differences between Medicare and other What the differences between Medicare and other health coverage? health coverage? • Is Original Medicare enoughenough health coverage for me?for me? • Is Original Medicare health coverage • Are my prescriptions covered? • Are my prescriptions covered?
part
B
C
D
supp
A B
C
D
• How much it cost? • Howwill much will it cost? • Do I have to enroll? • Dodeadlines I have deadlines to enroll?
Contact us me Contact us me
and getand answers to yourto your get answers Medicare questions today. today. Medicare questions
As yourAs independent health health your independent As your independent health care resource, [we][I] [we][I] can offer care resource, can offer care resource, I can offer you Medicare plans from dozens of you Medicare plans from dozens of you Medicare plans from several private private insurance companies. insurance companies. private insurance companies.
Mackenzie Anderson [<John[<John Doe>] Doe>] Independent Sales RepresentativeSo you’re guaranteed to getto get So you’re guaranteed [<Title>] [<Title>] Premier Medicare Solutions the plan best thethat planmay thatbe may be best [<Company>] [<Company>] (512) 599-9527 <XXX-XXX-XXXX> <XXX-XXX-XXXX> for you. for you. premiermedicaresolutions.com [<www.XXX.com>] [<www.XXX.com>] 3398223_8466 3398223_8466
4 Round The Rock | Fall 2021
003ED7BB
In This Issue FALL 2020
Hello!
Back to School!! Is it really happening? Some of my friends joked they were so relieved to send their kids back to school after the “longest Spring Break EVER!” We are so looking forward to what will hopefully be a more normal-ish school year. So to help you get closer to that normalcy, we created this issue focused on heading back to school. We have some great articles focused on academic and extra-curricular topics. We even provide a great “lunch menu” filled with all the local places to eat lunch at a locally-owned restaurant in Round Rock. Check out those mouth-watering photos. And we encourage you to take your family to a high school football game this season. Nothing could be more “normal” than attending Friday Night Lights with the great football talent, cheerleaders, dance teams, band and excitement that fills the stadium every week. Look at the Friday Night Lights schedule and pick a date! One of my favorite articles of the issue happens to be the profile on local dentist, Dr. Joe Murphy. Please take a moment to read his story and be encouraged by his determination to overcome a great obstacle. Then tell me your not inspired. Lastly, I just loved the piece that one of our contributors, Addie Gross did on all the murals found in Round Rock. I encourage you to find a few yourself and post them to Instagram with the hashtag #roundrockmurals I started Round the Rock as an online source for activities and events in the Round Rock area in 2013 when my youngest child and I got tired of always driving into Austin to find things to do. Both the website and social media channels took off and we quickly evolved into the source for what was happening in the community and an advocate for supporting local businesses. And now we have a print publication to support this as well. So thank you for picking up this issue. We hope you enjoy the stories and hold onto it, referring to it for future ideas of Round Rock fun. And if you have a minute, tell me what you think about it. I’d really love to hear from you rebecca@roundtherocktx.com
Rebecca Darling Find Round The Rock Magazine online at www.roundtherocktx.com EDITOR & PUBLISHER Rebecca Darling PHOTOGRAPHY Kelly Colson PUBLICATION & ADVERTISING DESIGN Rachel Viator
18
Rising Above the Fall: Meet Dr. Joe Murphy
5
Welcome Letter
6
Local Events Calendar
10 Guide to Fall Farms 12 What’s For Lunch: Local Restaurant Guide 14 Mural Mural on the Wall: Street Art Guide
22 Non-Profit Profile: 21st Academy 26 Friday Night Lights: Senior Shout Outs 30 Friday Night Lights: Varsity Football Schedule 32 Diary of a Soccer Mom 33 Afterschool Activity Guide 34 Say What?: Community Question
FOR ADVERTISING RATES AND INFORMATION Contact Rebecca at rebecca@roundtherocktx.com
Fall 2021 | Round The Rock 5
Out
& About
Fall Events Calendar
Fall is a busy time in Round Rock. So mark your calendars for these fun fall events you won’t want to miss!
Sep thru Oct
(Events are subject to change, please check with organizers prior to attending.)
Sep thru Nov
Friday Night Lights Thursdays & Fridays in September, October & November
Who’s ready for some High School Football? All of the Round Rock High Schools play some GREAT FOOTBALL and it’s entertaining for everyone with bands, cheer, and of course, a great game. Make sure to make it out to a game this season! See pg.30 for the 2021 Fall Football Schedule
6 Round The Rock | Fall 2021
Friday Fun Nights at Yonders Point September 3rd, September 24th, and October 9th
RR Parks and Recreation Department host FREE “Friday Fun Nights” at Yonders Point at Old Settlers Park. Bring the entire family and enjoy fun themed activities on select Friday nights - from live music & hammock swinging to star-gazing and food.
Sep thru Oct Round Rock Market Days
September 4th & October 2nd RR Parks and Recreation Department host FREE “Friday Fun Nights” at Yonders Point at Old Settlers Park. Bring the entire family and enjoy fun themed activities on select Friday nights - from live music & hammock swinging to star-gazing and food.
Sep 11
Brushy Creek Backyard BBQ Cookoff & Family Festival September 11th
The Brushy Creek MUD is hosting the 13th Annual BBQ Cook-Off & Family Festival at the Community Center. Enjoy activities, BBQ at its best and a FREE live music concert series.
Sep 18-19
Round Rock Parks & Recreation Family Campout September 18-19
Come spend the night in Old Settlers Park! You’ll pop your tent around the Lakeview Pavilion, eat dinner, have fun, play games, sit around the campfire eating s’mores, watch a movie in the park and then off to sleep under the stars. Wake up with the sunrise and enjoy breakfast.
Oct 2-3
Fall Harvest Festival at Lone Oak Barn October 2nd & 3rd
Lone Oak Barn is hosting their 2nd annual pumpkin patch & Fall Harvest. Join them for a weekend of pickin’ pumpkins, train rides, live music, food trucks, local brews, a petting zoo, and lots of outdoor family fun.
Oct 10
Oct 1-2 Nitro Circus October 10th
Round Rock Chalk Walk Arts Festival October 1st & 2nd
Round Rock Chalk Walk Arts Festival features hundreds of artists, vendors, sponsors, foods and drinks, local and regional musicians, theatrical performances, and a children’s area with performances. Round Rock Chalk Walk Arts Festival will be held at Dell Diamond in Round Rock, Texas, where artists and vendors exhibit, showcase and sell their work.
Nitro Circus: You Got This Tour is an explosive, high adrenaline action sports spectacular starring the best athletes in FMX, BMX, Skate, Scooter and more --and it’s all coming to Round Rock for one night only! These real-life action heroes are sure to inspire fans of all ages as they push the limits with record-breaking attempts every night.
Hairy Man Halloween Trail of Fun October 16th
Oct 16
Instead of the Hairy Man Festival, the Brushy Creek MUD brings you an extraordinary Halloween trail experience that allows for physical distancing. Bring the entire family to the Hairy Man Halloween Trail of Fun!
Fall 2021 | Round The Rock 7
8 Round The Rock | Fall 2021
PLACES
Guide to Fall Farms pg 10
What’s For Lunch? Local Restaurant Guide pg 12
Mural Mural on the Wall pg 14
Fall 2021 | Round The Rock 9
Guide to Fall Farms
One of our favorite fall activities in Central Texas is heading out of the city to spend a fun day at a local farm. And lucky for us, there are many to choose from! Take a look at these local farms and plan a fun day out with your family!
Sweetberry Farms www.sweetberryfarm.com
Elgin Christmas Tree Farm WHAT:
Fall Fun
Sweet Eats Fruit Farm
WHEN:
October 2-31
WHAT:
Fall Festival
WHERE:
Elgin
WHEN:
September 18November 20
WHERE:
Georgetown
www.elginchristmastreefarm.com
WHAT:
Harvest Fall of Fun
WHEN:
September 18thNovember 7th Marble Falls
HOW MUCH: $10 admission/person
WHERE:
HOW MUCH: Free admission, activites individually priced.
Sweetberry Farms is located in Marble Falls and offers “Harvest of Fall Fun” with hayrides, train rides, berry bounce, pumpkin painting and lots of photo opportunities. New this year will be the Barnyard Maze in addition to the Candy Corn Kid Maze and Texas Adult Maze.
10 Round The Rock | Fall 2021
Elgin Christmas Tree Farm is located in Elgin and offers both weekday & weekend Fall Fun for the whole family. The Farm has animals to visit, hay rides, train rides, mazes, duck races, and more. There will be plenty of pumpkins for photo opportunities but none for sale this year. They welcome you to bring your own picnic. Join the Farm Family on their website for an admission coupon.
www.sweeteats.com
HOW MUCH: $12 admission/person
Sweet Eats Farm is a pick-your-own fruit farm in Georgetown that also hosts fun farm activities from Pony Rides and Pig Races to their Hay Maze & Giant Petting Zoo. Come, pick fruit and only pay for what you pick, or stay for all the fun farm activities and enjoy unlimited access to all the farm fun. This Fall, they are hosting a flashlight hay maze after dark!
Barton Hill Farms
bartonhillfarms.com WHAT:
Fall Festival & Pumpkin Patch
WHEN:
Weekends in October and November
WHERE:
Bastrop
HOW MUCH: Visit the website for tickets and more information
Barton Hill Farms is a beautiful fall farm located on the banks of the Colorado River near Bastrop. The Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch is open on weekends only and offers lots of fun - a pumpkin patch, 5-acre corn maze, frontier games, jumping pillow, live music and more.
Crows Nest Farm
www.crowesnestfarm.org
Evergreen Farms
WHAT:
Fall Family Fun Days
WHEN:
Saturdays in October
WHAT:
Pumpkin Hunt
WHERE:
Manor
WHEN:
October 3November 1
WHERE:
Elgin
HOW MUCH: $12 admission/person
Every October, Crowe’s Nest Farm hosts Saturday Fall Family Fun Days that are open to the general public with animal shows, hay rides, pumpkins, and more! Located in Manor, Crowe’s Nest Farm is a 100-acre working farm filled with hundreds of domestic farm animals and Texas wildlife, gardens, and educational exhibits.
www.evergreen-farms.com
HOW MUCH: Free admission, activites individually priced.
Evergreen Farms will host the Pumpkin Hunt which includes a wagon ride into the Christmas tree fields to locate mini pumpkins that are hidden in the trees. After the Hunt, enjoy pumpkin decorating on the pavilion along with great concessions at the concessions stand and other activities and games.
MISSED AN ISSUE? We’ve got you covered!
For your convenience, all of our issues are also available online. www.roundtherocktx.com
Fall 2021 | Round The Rock 11
What’s For Lunch?
Round Rock is home to some amazing food. With so many choices, deciding where to go can be overwhelming! We took the work out of it for you by putting together a list of our favorite locally-owned Round Rock restaurants that have a delicious lunch menu and something for everyone!
The Oaks at Forest Creek 95 Twin Ridge Pkwy.
American grill featuring appetizers, salads, wraps, sandwiches, burgers and wings
Promise Pizza 1500 S A.W. Grimes Blvd. #410 Organic pizzeria offering pizza, pizza rolls, wings, salads and burgers
The Rock Sports Bar 114 E. Main St.
American eatery offering appetizers, wings, burgers, sandwiches, and salads. *Vegetarian Options
*Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten Free Options
Greenhouse Craft Food 1400 .E Old Settlers Blvd.
Farm to fork eatery offering, appetizers, hand-crafted sandwiches, burgers & daily specials. *Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten Free Options
Papi’s Pies
10 Chisholm Trail Suite B A homestyle Mexican and Bolivian cafe offering croissants, quiches, frittatas, salteñas, salads, sandwiches and pies *Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten Free Options
URBAN Eat.Drink
110 S. Harris St.
Upscale, casual dinning offering salads, burgers tacos and sandwiches *Vegetarian Options
12 Round The Rock | Fall 2021
Nancy’s Sky Garden 1105 S. Mays St. Ste 300
An Asian Fusion cafe that sources local produce and offers a “clean eating” menu, offering fresh rainbow bowls, vegetable plates, soups and rice paper rolls. *Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten Free Options
High Country Market & Gastro Pub 3701 Gattis School Rd.
A specialty market and cafe offering burgers, sandwiches and pizza.
Slapbox Pizzicheria 201 E. Main St. Suite 102
Italian pizzeria offering pizza, calzones, meatballs, salads, subs and wings *Vegan and Gluten Free Options
Wiseguys Chicago Eatery
BUY ONE
3200 Greenlawn Blvd.
Chicago style eatery offering chicago dogs, cheesesteaks, burgers, sandwiches, pizza and salads.
GET ONE 50% OFF ANY WAFFLE OF EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE
*Bunless Options
THIS OFFER VALID FOR IN-STORE PURCHASES ONLY. Not valid with other offers. Must present ad at time
of purchase. Exp. 12/31/2021
1300 Gattis School Rd Round Rock Finley’s Round Rock 410 W. Main St.
American grill offering appetizers, wings, sandwiches, burgers. *Vegetarian and Gluten Free Options
Waffle Love
1300 Gattis School Rd. #100 All things waffles! Offering creative sweet & savory waffles.
Liberty BBQ
103 E. Main St.
Full service BBQ joint offering BBQ sandwiches, wings, flatbreads and salads. *Bunless Options
Fall 2021 | Round The Rock 13
Round Rock is stepping up its photo-op game. While we may not yet be at an Austin-level tier for street art, Round Rock definitely has some creative backdrops popping up all over the place! If you’re out there “doin’ it for the
ON THE
WALL
‘gram”, then don’t miss these 13 most” Instagrammable” spots in Round Rock.
1.
2.
BRIGHT AND BOLD 200 University Blvd #230, Round Rock
Greetings From Round Rock
The Yogurt Experience has the most cheerful, colorful mural in all of Round Rock! It’s guaranteed to make you smile. The nice thing about this mural is that it spans the entire wall, so you can get the words in the picture or just have the beautiful colored stripes. And the fact that there’s delicious fro-yo here as well gives you another reason to check out this cute shop!
Dell Diamond, 3400 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock You can find this mural inside the Round Rock Express field, Dell Diamond. The only way to get to it is with tickets to a game. We had a great time at a Sunday home game for their Kids Day promotion. Free train rides outside the ballpark before the game, and kids get to run the bases after the game. There’s also a couple of playgrounds for kids inside the ballpark. It’s a very kid-friendly place!
3.
4.
HELLO SUNSHINE
1300 Gattis School Rd #100, Round Rock
OCTOPUS WALL
Waffle Love has a groovy vibe throughout the entire shop, and my favorite piece of wall art has got to be the Hello Sunshine mural. Don’t forget to flash your peace sign when you ask a nice customer to take your picture here.
2850 N Interstate Hwy 35, Round Rock
5.
On the side of the building at Salt Traders Coastal Cooking, you can find this impressive giant octopus mural. It spans the length of the entire wall!
Torchy’s art 1500 N Interstate Hwy 35, Round Rock 2150 E Palm Valley Blvd Ste 100, Round Rock
You can find cute little devil murals at both! The big wall outside of Torchy’s off I-35 has a bunch of little red devils. The wall next to the order line at the Torchy’s off Palm Valley has one little devil with a pitchfork. BONUS: The Torchy’s at 1500 N Interstate Hwy 35 also has this cool wall inside that says Damn Good!
14 Round The Rock | Fall 2021
6.
7.
ROUND ROCK GARDENS 901 Sam Bass Rd, Round Rock
THE BLUE WALL
Round Rock Gardens has a sweet little hidden photo-op set up in the tropical plants section of their store. See if you can find the velvet green couch, plant backdrop, and neon sign that says #RoundRockGardens. My boys were actually the ones who spotted this one while we were there buying plants one day. They were excited to add another one to our list!
1 Ikea Way, Round Rock Round Rock is the proud location of the area’s only IKEA. Stop by for a $1 ice cream, maybe pick up a new couch, and don’t forget to snap a selfie at the big blue wall!
8. 9. RETRO CARS
MERIDIAN Red Lion
2400 N Interstate Hwy 35, Round Rock
On the side of the building of Rudy’s Car Wash, you can find this old-timey car and gas station mural. It’s cool and quirky and fun!
2555 N Interstate Hwy 35, Round Rock
10. The World is a Better Place With You In It
Meridian School has a giant red lion on the side of their building. Go during non-school hours to snap a selfie here. This wall really pops! Check out the cool design on the Mays Street side of the building too!
11.
2001 N Mays St # 6, Round Rock Mays St Boutique is the home to a very special and meaningful mural in Round Rock. Mural artist, Rachel Viator painted butterflies fluttering around the Earth along with the words “The world is a better place with you in it.” The butterflies are a symbol of hope and rebirth, which are there to remind anyone considering suicide that there is always hope. Former owner of Mays St Boutique, Sandy Deli, said it was her way to contribute, years after her teenage son’s best friend took his own life.
12. ROUND ROCK FIRE WAGON 3151 S IH 35 Frontage Rd Ste 630, Round Rock
Firehouse Subs happens to be my middle son’s favorite place to eat, so we go here a lot. There’s a really cool mural of firefighters at the round rock of Round Rock at this location! We love how the artist made the fire truck look like an old Wells Fargo wagon, referencing the wagon ruts you can see in the ground as you walk along the riverbed near the round rock.
mooya cow 200 University Blvd Ste. 400 Ste. 400, Round Rock. MOOYAH Burgers has an impressive mural inside. Just in case you needed an excuse to get some fries and a shake. That cow with the sunglasses is too cute!
13. Treatin’ Not Cheatin’ 1312 Round Rock Ave, Round Rock 620’s Healthy Hub has delicious protein shakes, teas, and coffees, as well as a beautiful wall of faux-greenery and a bright pink neon sign that says Treatin’ Not Cheatin’. It’s hard to resist not snapping a selfie here.
Addie Gross is a mom of 3 boys and local blogger at Austin Fun For Kids. She has a passion for getting out with her boys and exploring all of what Round Rock and Austin have to offer, and finding fun local hikes is her specialty. She loves sharing her adventures on Instagram(@austinfunforkids).
Fall 2021 | Round The Rock 15
chalkwalk.org
join us at
DELL DIAMOND 3400 E Palm Valley Blvd • Round Rock, TX
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1 2 p.m. - 9 p.m.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
This year’s Chalk Walk Arts Festival will be bigger and better than ever with world-class art, chalk murals, live music, great food and plenty of fun for the whole family!
F R E E A D M I S S I O N • F R E E PA R K I N G OV E R 1 0 0 C H A L K A R T I S T S
Find more great Round Rock Events and Activites at www.RoundtheRockTX.com
Follow us 16 Round The Rock | Fall 2021
KIDS ACTIVITIES • LIVE MUSIC
learn more at cha lkwalk .org
FEATURES
Rising Above The Fall pg 18
The 21st Academy pg 22
Fall 2021 | Round The Rock 17
Dr. Joe and Karen Murphy with their daughter, Jenny, and her family.
18 Round The Rock | Fall 2021
RISING ABOVE
T H E
FA L L
Overcoming obstacles in everyday life is to be expected. And we may grumble about them, even struggle a bit. But after my lunch with Dr. Joe Murphy, a Round Rock dentist and community member, I wanted to look at obstacles with a different perspective.
STORY BY Rebecca Darling
D
Round Rock poll eight years in a row! The group also gives back to the community by hosting events with the Capital Area Dental Society, to help people in the community who can’t afford dental work.
r. Joe Murphy practices dentistry in a wheelchair, paralyzed from a mountain climbing accident in the 80’s. He didn’t hang up his drill & toothbrush after becoming paralyzed, he found a new way to take care of his patients.
They have also partnered with Texas Baptist Children’s Home and Sacred Heart to create clinics as well. And Dr. Hoffman travels to Central America each year on a dental mission trip.
Not only that, this lifelong swimmer decided he wasn’t going to let the fact that he couldn’t use his legs to swim stop him from getting back in the pool. Dr. Murphy went on to compete in the 2008 Paralympics in Barcelona. The OLYMPICS. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Lifelong California natives, Dr. Murphy and his wife Karen, moved to Round Rock in 1982 after visiting Texas for interviews during dental school. They liked the Austin area and found the Round Rock suburb to be the perfect place to raise their children.
about them, as evident by him canceling our first meeting due to a late-afternoon dental emergency. His patient was taking her daughter to college the next morning and he couldn’t bear to send her off to such a momentous occasion in pain.
Very soon, he joined a dental practice with Dr. Mike Smith in a building off of Mays Street, across from the YMCA - and thus Round Rock Dental Group was born.
Round Rock Dental Group has been serving patients for 43 years. They have had various dentists and specialists in the practice over the years.
“As much as I love what I do in dentistry, the people are what make it enjoyable.” Dr. Murphy says.
Both he and Dr. Eric Hoffman kept RRDG going through the pandemic, never closing, and making themselves available to patients. It’s not a surprise that the group has won “Best Dental Group” in our Best of
He is truly invested in his patents and cares
Dr. Murphy was the first dentist in the Round Rock Rotary Club, serving for many years as an officer. When he became president, he shifted his focus to give back to the community. He helped create a local scholarship for Round Rock students who “fell between the cracks.” Frustrated with all the top students getting all the scholarships, they looked for good students who were involved in extra-curricular activities who hadn’t received any other scholarships. In 1988, Dr. Murphy was on the first vacation he had taken in 6 years since graduating from dental school. He went to Southern California to go mountain climbing with his friends. He had spent his life in the mountains - rock climbing, skiing, mountaineering - so a trip like this
Fall 2021 | Round The Rock 19
was not out of the ordinary. While trying to get back to camp on a cold day, they weren’t roped up and he slipped and fell. As he was sliding down the mountain, he hit a tree and severed his spinal cord. The complete injury resulted in a full paralyzation from the waist down. “Literally 10 weeks to the day I fell off the mountain and broke my back, I was back in the office seeing patients. Haven’t lost a beat since.” Murphy recalls. When asking what the motivation was to have him work so hard, he simply responded, “My family.” He also credits his friend, Mike, for running off the mountain to get the search & rescue team and tears up when speaking of him. “If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have made it off.” Dentists use foot pedals to run much of their equipment. Dr. Murphy researched and found hand controls to enable him to continue to practice. It was hard to start back to work in a wheelchair and he would come home completely exhausted. But he adapted fairly quickly and was able to return to full-time dentistry. Dr. Murphy grew up playing water polo as a teenager. After the accident, he figured one of the best ways to stay in shape was with swimming. “When I first got in the water, I didn’t know if I was going to get back to the side. After being the water bug I was all my life, I was surprised at how much effort it took to swim.” he recalls. By the end of the week, he was swimming laps and continued to swim for the next year before heading to his first swim competition in Dallas the following year. He surprised himself by winning every event. Swimming allowed him to fulfill that desire to be competitive. He had no intentions to take it to another level but the following year, he qualified for the National team and competed at the PanAmerican Games in Venezuela, winning 3 gold medals, 2 silver, and a bronze. Next, he went to the World Championships and won more medals there. Finally, he qualified for the Olympic team and competed in 4 events at the 1992 Paralympics in Barcelona, Spain. While he didn’t win any medals, he finished 9th & 10th in his events. Every one of his events, he finished with his personal best.
20 Round The Rock | Fall 2021
ABOVE: (top) The Round Rock Dental Group, (lower left) participating in a Community Dental Day event with the Capital Area Dental Society, (lower right) Dr Eric Hoffman and Dr. Murphy.
“I couldn’t have been any happier with my performance. All I did was my absolute best. I wish I could take that confidence I gained and bottle it - give it to people.” Dr. Murphy says. When asked to recall what Round Rock was like in the 1980’s, Dr. Murphy notes the same thing everyone does when I ask this question - NO TRAFFIC. His fondest memories are seeing guys playing dominos outside of a gas station in Downtown Round Rock. He used to stop to talk to the guys - remembering they were 2 & 3 generation Round Rock natives. He and Karen have enjoyed raising their
children in Round Rock. His daughter, Jenny, is married and living in the Houston area with her husband and 2 young children. The Murphys endured hardship when they lost their son, Jamie, several years ago in a sudden accident. They continue to live in the area and spend weekends enjoying Lake LBJ. Dr. Murphy is a Round Rock legend who is full of determination & perseverance. The next time you feel sorry for yourself for having to overcome a problem or obstacle, think of Dr. Murphy and be inspired and motivated by his fortitude to never give up and try something new.
Julie Burton, Realtor 512-810-9473
www.JulieBurtonSellsHomes.com
Fall 2021 | Round The Rock 21
The 21st Academy Empowering Kids to Become Lifelong Learners STORY BY Catherine Parker
What is ESTEAM? Simply, it is adding Entrepreneurism to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics education. With student-driven and hands-on projects, kids master subjects and topics while learning by doing. The 21st Academy’s most popular annual event is grounded in entrepreneurism. Everyone is encouraged to participate, empowering kids as young as 5 to develop products for sale.
Annual Children’s Business Fair
ABOVE: From Left to Right, JoAnn Nolte, Sara Schoonover, Nicholle Walton-Durban, Stephanie Tyler, Stephanie Shuttles
L
ooking for an education to engage students and enliven their curiosity, founders Nicholle Walton-Durban and Joann
Nolte joined forces to create a self-directed, student-driven learning environment. As parents and guardians look for more flexibility in education, the 21st Academy incorporates online learning, enrichment programming and an in-person micro private school environment to fill that need.
22 Round The Rock | Fall 2021
The ESTEAM Academy hosts an annual Children’s Business Fair. Held each April, the 4th Annual Children’s Business Fair in 2021 featured 40 booths ran by 50 young entrepreneurs. Each participant made and marketed a product of their choosing in an outdoor Farmers Market style fair.
History of the 21st Academy Nonprofit The Chasco Family YMCA sponsored the The 2020-2021 school year saw some students pivot to new educational models with ease. Other students had difficulties, leaving parents and guardians searching for a better solution. After several years of afterschool enrichment education in area schools and leading a micro private school, Nicholle Walton-Durban and Joann Nolte formed a nonprofit to further their mission in 2020. It became the parent organization to the ESTEAM Academy and the ESTEAM Learning Labs.
event and donated its space on Mays Street for the Children’s Business Fair. Students contributed to the 2021 event with products from painted rocks to kid-created snacks to tie-dyed shirts.
ESTEAM Academy In 2016, the Learning Fun 101, a LEGO enrichment program and the 4REELZ Film Academy merged to form the ESTEAM Academy. Its mission was to create a project-based arts and technology school. According to one of its founders, Nicholle Walton-Durban, “not every learner learns
21st Century Teen Program As the ESTEAM Academy’s students move through its program, a Teen Program is on the horizon for the later high school years. It will be based on apprenticeships introduced earlier in the program. Older students work with intention towards a self-declared goal, gaining experience in a chosen field.
ESTEAM Co-Lab Once a larger campus is completed, the 21st Academy wants to apply the co-working concept to education. It will be a membership-based option for students that travel extensively, like serious student athletes. They can come in for guidance then continue their education on the road.
More about ESTEAM Academy and Learning Labs
ABOVE: Students battle lego robots they designed in the Battle Bots,one of the many classes offered at ESTEAM Learning Lab. LEFT: In the Space and Rocket Club, students explore the world of space science and rockets.
Durban has seen attitudes change with support through difficulties and adds, “like the struggling reader, who says, work on it then I can get there.”
The ESTEAM Academy is an Acton Academy affiliate, based in Austin.
How the Community Can Help
Edu-Stead
the same way.” With customizable learning plans, students are never behind. They reach 100% mastery before moving forward at their own pace in a positive environment.
According to the executive director, donations are always appreciated to further their mission. Donations can provide scholarships for the afterschool programs and summer camps along with its long-term goal of building a larger facility.
Some students prefer the online learning environment. The 21st Academy fills that need with its Edu-Stead program.
Edu-Stead in an online learning collective for self-sufficient learners who like to think big. It helps students “We create environments for individual learners,” said set goals and keep them accountaDurban. According to Durban, the ESTEAM Academy ble during their online educational breaks down barriers of traditional education, like journey. calling students heros.
The 21st Academy is part of Amplify Austin’s Day of Giving along with Donor Box.
Coming Soon to the 21st Academy
Each hero is on a hero’s journey through their education. Students in the Academy are given the freedom and flexibility to move at their own pace. In addition, even struggling students are reminded, you are capable, you can do this.
In addition to a student-driven learning environment, ESTEAM uses the Socratic method of learning. Based on the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates, both learners and guides ask and answer questions for a deeper level of understanding.
Just as founders Nicholle Walton-Durban and Joann Nolte encourage their students to pursue dreams and goals. They do the same, with plans to expand the 21st Academy.
21st Academy is located at 12 Lake Dr., in Round Rock. Currently its micro private school is on a waitlist. Afterschool programming is open for enrollment though the end of 2021. For more information visit 21st-academy.org
Fall 2021 | Round The Rock 23
24 Round The Rock | Fall 2021
COMMUNITY
Friday Night Lights: Senior Shout Outs pg 26
2021 Varsity Football Schedule pg 30
Diary of a Soccer Mom pg 32
Afterschool Activities Guide pg 33
Fall 2021 | Round The Rock 25
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
SENIOR SHOUT OUTS To celebrate the 2021 football season, we’ve asked parents to share some words of inspiration to motivate their seniors
Domonic Barker
Caleigh Devonish
CEDAR RIDGE HS • CHEER Here’s to an AMAZING Senior year! Always strive to do your BEST, try NEW things and NEVER be afraid to be YOU, because you are PRETTY FREAKING AWESOME! We love you!!
ROUND ROCK HS FOOTBALL Dom, we are so proud and blessed to have you with us this year. You are our miracle and I know GOD has major plans for you. Good luck to you in football, and your future ahead. WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH and can’t wait to cheer you and the team on this year. LOVE MOM’s
Round Rock High School Senior Dragonettes We wish our Senior Dragonettes an amazing year! Alyssa, Anna, Aubrey, Brandon, Camila, Cathy, Ciara, Ella, Kaitlyn, Liv, McKenna, Nadia, Nayeon, Olivia, Samantha, Skyler, Tessa and Tiegan
26 Round The Rock | Fall 2021
Taylor Snoga
CEDAR RIDGE HS • CEDAR RIDGE ROYALTY Enjoy every moment of your Senior year! We pray that God will continue to direct you and guide you through this last one. We love you! Dad, Mom, Dylan
Sophie Zetarski
CEDAR RIDGE HS • CEDAR RIDGE ROYALTY Sophie, this is your year! Have an amazing time making memories and enjoying every minute. Your journey will take you exactly where you’re supposed to be. We all love you.
Austin Stephens
STONY POINT HS FOOTBALL Dad, KK and I are SO PROUD of the young man you have become. We celebrate you and your Senior year! Enjoy this year, Son. Make it your best!
Matt Smith
ROUND ROCK HS FOOTBALL “Only he who can see the invisible can do the impossible.”
EMMA MCBRIDE
STONY POINT HS TIGER DANCER We are so excited to watch you on the field at halftime for your last football season! You are going to be great! We love you!
Carter Wagner
ROUND ROCK HS FOOTBALL Shout out to Carter Wagner Class of 2022 RRHS Dragon Varsity Middle Linebacker! We look forward to being in the stands for your senior year & to seeing all that your future holds. You make us proud everyday!! Never forget to PEDLIYL and #proveemwrong!! Love you, M/D/H/K&L
Fall 2021 | Round The Rock 27
Lukas Morin
STONY POINT HS FOOTBALL Wishing you an unforgettable senior year. So proud of what you have accomplished thus far and excited for what the future holds. God Bless you today and always. Love you!
Katelyn McDaniel
CEDAR RIDGE HS • CHEER Your goal at the start of High School was to become Varsity Cheer Captain and you made it!! It has been a gift to watch you grow into a leader, mentor and friend to all of those around you. I am so proud of all you have accomplished so far and so excited to see what you will do next. No matter where life takes you and no matter what you do, I will always be your biggest fan and loudest cheerleader. I am so thankful I was chosen to be your mom. Now is your time to shine and I have no doubt you will!! I LOVE YOU!! Mom
Ari Vela
CEDAR RIDGE HS CEDAR RIDGE ROYALTY Avri, we are so proud of you! Enjoy your Senior year and cherish every moment. We love you to infinity and beyond! -Dad, Mom, Jayce, Khaleesi & Jorah
Luke Carson
ROUND ROCK HS FOOTBALL Luke - we are so excited for you & your Senior year! Isaiah 41:10 We love you so much! Mom, Dad & Jacob
Emma Williams STONY POINT HS TIGER DANCER
Here is to your senior year, Emma! Take pride in how far you have come and trust how far you will go. Enjoy the journey. Have a wonderful year!
Theodore “Jack” Eickenhorst ROUND ROCK HS FOOTBALL Jack! We are blessed to be your parents. We’re so proud of you and can’t wait to see what God has planned for you! Love you tons, Mom and Dad
Joseph Timmins
ROUND ROCK HS FOOTBALL Joseph, Have an Amazing Senior Year! Best Of Luck with Dragon Varsity Football. Enjoy every day. Leave it all on the Field. I am so proud of you! Love always, Mom
28 Round The Rock | Fall 2021
Fall 2021 | Round The Rock 29
30 Round The Rock | Fall 2021
Belton Cedar Park Cedar Ridge Westwood Hutto McNeil Stony Point Vista Ridge Vandegrift
09-03-2021 09-10-2021 09-17-2021 10-01-2021 10-07-2021 10-15-2021 10-22-2021 10-28-2021 11-05-2021
09-03-2021 09-10-2021 09-17-2021 10-01-2021 10-08-2021 10-14-2021 10-22-2021
DATE Cedar Park Hays Round Rock Stony Point Vista Ridge Vandegrift McNeil
OPPONENT
CEDAR RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL
OPPONENT
DATE
ROUND ROCK HIGH SCHOOL
Gupton Stadium Kelly Reeves Athletic Center Dragon Stadium Dragon Stadium Gupton Stadium Kelly Reeves Athletic Center Dragon Stadium
LOCATION
Tiger Stadium Gupton Stadium Dragon Stadium Kelly Reeves Athletic Center Dragon Stadium Dragon Stadium Kelly Reeves Athletic Center Dragon Stadium Monroe Stadium
LOCATION
PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM
7:00 7:30 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00
PM PM PM PM PM PM PM
TIME
7:30 7:30 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00
TIME
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS 2021 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Fall 2021 | Round The Rock 31
Westwood Hutto
Bowie Del Valle Vandegrift Cedar Ridge West Wood Hutto
09-03-2021 09-10-2021 09-17-2021 10-01-2021 10-08-2021 10-15-2021 10-22-2021 10-29-2021 11-05-2021
OPPONENT Pflugerville Harker Heights Vista Ridge Hutto Vandegrift Round Rock Cedar Ridge Stony Point Westwood
DATE
09-03-2021 09-09-2021 09-17-2021 09-30-2021 10-08-2021 10-15-2021 10-22-2021 10-29-2021 11-05-2021
MCNEIL HIGH SCHOOL
Round Rock McNeil Vista Ridge
OPPONENT
DATE
STONY POINT HIGH SCHOOL
10-29-2021 11-05-2021
Kelly Reeves Athletic Leo Buckley Stadium Gupton Stadium Kelly Reeves Athletic Dragon Stadium Dragon Stadium Dragon Stadium Kelly Reeves Athletic Kelly Reeves Athletic
LOCATION
Center Center
Center
Center
Burger Center Dragon Stadium Kelly Reeves Dragon Stadium Kelly Reeves Hutto Stadium Kelly Reeves Athletic Center Kelly Reeves Athletic Center Gupton Stadium
LOCATION
Dragon Stadium Dragon Stadium
PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM
7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00
PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM
TIME
7:30 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00
TIME
7:00 PM 7:00 PM
Diary of a Soccer Mom
Fall is here and with it come fall sports. Raise your hand if you have kids who play soccer? We thought it would be fun to ask local blogger & influencer, Vanessa of veenicolee.com, what exactly it means to be a “soccer mom.” I mean, she should know…..she has FOUR kids who play!
When you hear the word “nutmeg”and you don’t think of the spice.
You average at least one “COME ON REF” (or worse!) per game.
Your car is a mobile locker room and it definitely smells like one too.
You drive normal to have a minivan grass clippings in your car and or suv
You don’t laugh at the ultimate fold out chair on Amazon. You bought it - and it’s amazing - It rocks, has its own shade, a cup holder and a table.
You complain about not having a life during soccer season but miss it and don’t know what to do with your “time” during off season.
Practice and game routes are planned around a Starbucks location (we need the fuel, am I right?)
You think it’s
home.
95% of your friends are also soccer moms and you look forward to seeing them at least 3 times a week.
Playing ball in the house does not apply to soccer. In fact, your child thinks it’s a funny game to “nutmeg” you anytime you are walking in the house. Hi I am Vanessa. Native Californian (I got here before it was the cool thing to do), but I now call Round Rock home and I love it! I am a mother of 4: Adam (16), Alexia (10), Adan (7) and Alix (5). My husband is my highschool sweetheart and we have lived here together for 10 years.We moved to Round Rock when my oldest daughter was diagnosed with cancer. Her battle was short but we continued to stay here because of this amazing community. We knew when we added more children, this would be the city to raise them. I am a stay at home mom that blogs (veenicolee.com), you can catch me on Instagram often (@veenicole) and I own my own social media management company - Veenicole Media Management (veenicole.co) BUT If being a soccer mom was a profession, that would be my official title. I have been in the soccer mom game for 11 years.
32 Round The Rock | Fall 2021
FALL 2021
Your guide to local resources for academic & extra curricular activities.
AFTERSCHOOL
ACTIVITES GUIDE
Academic
Academic
Arts & Performance
Sports
Mathnasium
Round Rock ISD Community Education
The Dance Gallery
Round Rock Karate Academy
1135 Satellite View • Round Rock dancegalleryonline.com
1400 E Old Settlers Blvd Ste 114 Round Rock rrkarate.com
Round Rock Location 110 N IH-35, #350 • Round Rock (Next to Sprouts Market) mathnasium.com/roundrock East Round Rock Location 4500 E. Palm Valley Blvd, Ste 130, mathnasium.com/eastroundrock Georgetown Location 1821 Westinghouse Rd, Ste 1140 mathnasium.com/georgetown
Offering math help for K-12, Open 5 Days a Week, Flexible Online and In-person Scheduling, Customized Programs
ESTEAM Learning Labs 12 Lake Dr • Round Rock esteamlearninglabs.com
We offer Camps, Classes, Workshops, Training, After School, Weekend, Private Tutoring, Kid Events, and sooooo much more.
roundrockisd.ce.eleyo.com
Over 350 fun and engaging enrichment classes for K-12. Fall class registration opens on August 1 with prices starting as low as $94 per class. Both virtual and in-person classes are being offered this fall.
Comprehensive dance education to children and adults in Round Rock and surrounding areas. Classes are based on sound technique and solid fundamentals in a positive and encouraging atmosphere.
Arts & Performance
Sports
Cordovan Art School & Pottery Parlor 3810 Gattis School Rd #108 • Round Rock cordovanartschool.com potteryparlor.com
Art classes for all skill levels ages 4 and up, online classes, customized classes for Homeschoolers, and Art Camps when school is out. Our Pottery Parlor locations include walk-in pottery painting.
Forest Creek Golf Club 99 Twin Ridge Parkway • Round Rock forestcreek.com
Forest Creek Golf Club offers an 18 hole Championship golf course, complete with state of the art golf carts, expansive practice facility, and a grill, serving delicious grilled and fried offerings. Forest Creek has 4 golf professionals (2 PGA and 1 LPGA) and is home to the Forest Creek Junior Academy.
Family oriented martial arts academy with afternoon and evening classes for everyone ages 4 and up. With a strong and diverse team of instructors, our classes focus on building confidence, discipline, and overall wellness in a fun, safe, and supportive environment.
Magic Basketball Club Grisham MS & Austin Sports Center North Magicbasketballclub.com
Professional coaching to players of all ages and skill levels for over 20 years through Select Teams, Train & Play, Shot Doc and Hall of Fame Training Camps, and private training. Check out our new membership packages!
Fall 2021 | Round The Rock 33
Say What?
We asked the community what they are looking forward to the most this fall in Round Rock and this is what they have to say: “Fishing at Veterans Park just as my grandmother did 50 years past when she’d grab us & the cane poles; we’d spend afternoons there, sitting with Dr. Peters while reading a good book at Prete Plaza, and Saltenas & Hibiscus Tea on Papi’s Pies patio surrounded by Nature’s beauty”
-Tina Steiner
“Live performances - Penfold Theatre Company, Ballet Folklorico, Round Rock Drums and others…as well as the interesting art shows seemingly everywhere in our town. Round Rock combines the experiences found in sight, sound and taste and blends them all together against the beautiful backdrop provided by our parks, amphitheaters, and unique street events.”
“Cooler weather, family outings and hopefully a sense of normalcy for our Round Rock families. This last year and a half has been such a roller coaster for all.”
-Mayor Craig Morgan
“We’ll take a little break after our Round Rock Express season wraps up and then lead into a lot of exciting events this fall, one of our favorites being Rodeo Austin’s Bulls in the Ballpark on November 5-6. And of course, margaritas at Jack Allen’s Kitchen on Friday nights.”
-Chris Almendarez
-Ed Francis
“The Clay Madsen 8th Annual Boots & BBQ Fundraiser Nov. 20th. Local BBQ, live music and helping our community raise money for local children that are battling cancer. “
“High school football. There’s just something about Friday Night Lights in the fall that brings an entire community together. And after dealing with Covid and other things it’ll be nice to get back to some normalcy.”
-Coach John Carter
-Sarah Cox “ My son’s high school marching band, daughters cross country seasons as well as my Kansas Jayhawks basketball! My birthday is also in October and this year I will be meeting up with a friend from high school in Charleston, SC to celebrate!”
-Danielle Weston
34 Round The Rock | Fall 2021
FR E E First Night Stay
• Dog Boarding
*
• Dog Daycare
* With purchase of 3 night stay. Discount subject to
• Dog Training
availability and cannot be combined with any other offers. Lodging discount applies to first time lodging clients only
• Dog Grooming
and is valid for any lodging accommodation selected. Code: RTR20 expires 12/31/21
• Pet Swimming Pool
ORIGINAL & FIRST LOCATION established 2008
3 LOCATIONS:
Georgetown 800 Bootys Crossing Rd Georgetown, TX 78628 512-240-6080
Round Rock
4 Lake Drive Round Rock, TX 78665 512-341-0229
Liberty Hill 13150 W. Hwy 29, Liberty Hill, TX 78642 512-515-0499
www.ActionPackDogs.com Fall 2021 | Round The Rock
35
36 Round The Rock | Fall 2021
