Mueller April 2025

Mueller

April 2025

URBAN OASIS

THE SOUTHWEST GREENWAY

MORE THAN MUSIC AUSTIN CLASSICAL GUITAR

Clean Food, Fast

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As the leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance in the state, Texas Mutual takes pride in the meaningful ways we’ve contributed to the Mueller community and our fellow Texans. By investing in the state’s economy and rewarding workplace safety, we’re helping to build a safer, stronger future for Mueller and all of Texas. Visit texasmutual.com to learn more.

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APRIL 2025

Contents

12

20

16

26

8 F E AT U R ES

12 Fast and Healthy

Wanting clean food for busy people, Nelson Monteith and his wife, Mary, partnered with restaurateur Andrew Wiseheart to create Honest Mary’s.

16 An Urban Oasis

Noting key features on a stroll through the Southwest Greenway is the perfect way to celebrate Earth Day.

20 More Than Music

Learn how a school building evolved into an arts center for Austin Classical Guitar and its stage, The Rosette.

IN EVE RY ISSU E

4

Publisher’s Note GET OUT OF THE HOUSE

6

What’s New EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS

8

Meet Me at the Market LAMBA’S ROYAL INDIAN FOOD

26 Life Outdoors THE SKATE PARK AND PUMP TRACK 30 Perspectives REFLECTION BY CYNTHIA A. ALEXANDER 32 Photo Op ILLUMINATING HISTORY ON TH E COVE R

Nelson Monteith (left) and Andrew Wiseheart (right) are executing a dream of Monteith’s wife, Mary: a quick-serve restaurant that provides healthy food beyond salads.

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YourNeighbor, Neighbor,Your YourRealtor, Realtor,Your YourAdvocate Advocate Your S TAT N UMEUL E L OLCOACLARLERAELAELSETAT E EEXEPXEPRETROT NO M LL E LRE’ SR ’LSI FLEI FSETS YTL Y EL E

a real estate professional proud resident of the Mueller neighborhood, I love being As aAsreal estate professional andand proud resident of the Mueller neighborhood, I love being a part of this vibrant, close-knit community.

With its mix of modern homes, green spaces, a part of this vibrant, close-knit community.

With its mix of modern homes, green spaces, walkable amenities, Mueller truly offers something special.

Living gives andand walkable amenities, Mueller truly offers something special.

Living herehere gives me me an an inside perspective on the area’s unique market lifestyle, which I use to help clients make inside perspective on the area’s unique market andand lifestyle, which I use to help clients make informed confident decisions.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious about informed andand confident decisions.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious about thethe neighborhood, always happy to share expertise enthusiasm amazing neighborhood, I’mI’m always happy to share my my expertise andand enthusiasm for for thisthis amazing place home. place we we callcall home.

Soud Twal Soud Twal

GLOBAL REAL ESTATE ADVISOR GLOBAL REAL ESTATE ADVISOR

512.787.8617 512.787.8617 soud.twal@sothebysrealty.com soud.twal@sothebysrealty.com soudtwal.com soudtwal.com

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Mueller MAGAZINE

Get Out of the House

Editor & Publisher Liz Reingold Writers Carmen Gray Cristina Tangredi

PHOTOGRAPH BY MARGARITA GARCIA ACEVEDO

Even though the restaurant has only been open a short time, the proprietors’ Mueller roots run deep!

To honor Earth Day, Cristina Tangredi takes a deep dive into our Southwest Greenway and gives a tutorial about its natural beauty and environmental importance.

How lucky are we to have this treasure right in our own backyard!

Keeping it outside, we visit the Gaylord Sackler Skate Park and Pump Track located on the outskirts of Mueller.

This fun and exciting outdoor venue is a great place for skaters and bikers of all ages and skill levels to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Carmen Gray introduces us to The Rosette—a gem of a performing arts space that houses the talented Austin Classical Guitar group. The space is rich in history and an incredible place to enjoy beautiful music.

To round out the issue, we meet the folks at Lamba’s Indian Food at the farmers market.

Their delicious Indian fare hits the spot after spending the day outside enjoying Mueller!

Happy spring!

April is Austin at its best.

The weather is warm and beautiful, the trees have come back to life and our native plants and flowers are bursting with vibrant colors. It is truly a month to get outside and enjoy.

Our April issue embraces the healthy, outdoor lifestyle Mueller is known for. In this issue, we profile neighborhood newcomer Honest Mary’s. Although it has only been open for a few months, the healthful, fast-food eatery has quickly become a Mueller favorite.

Liz Reingold Publisher

Photographer Margarita Garcia Acevedo Marketing Coordinator Alexandra Garcia

WAINSCOT MEDIA Chairman Carroll V. Dowden President and CEO Mark Dowden VP, Group Publisher, Regional Thomas Flannery VP, Content Strategy Maria Regan Creative Director Kijoo Kim Art Director Rosemary O›Connell Executive Editor Richard Laliberte Associate Editor Sophia Carlisle Advertising Services Director Jacquelynn Fischer Operations Director Catherine Rosario Production Designer Chris Ferrante Print Production Manager Fern Meshulam Advertising Production Associate Griff Dowden

Mueller magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Mueller, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2025 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

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HEMBREE BELL

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Founding Attorney Hannah Hembree Bell

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WHAT’S NEW

In the Neighborhood

MUELLER NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

POLLINATOR GARDENING EVENT To honor Earth Day, help welcome butterflies and other pollinators to Mueller and learn about the environment at this family-friendly event.

Plant native milkweeds, make zinnia seed balls, learn about recycling, talk with a tree care specialist, make signs for garden areas and learn how to help friendly pollinators make Mueller home.

Sponsored by the Mueller POA’s Landscape Committee.

Saturday, April 26, 8 a.m.

Save the date for the communitywide spring yard sale. For additional information, contact the Mueller Neighborhood Association Event Committee my emailing contact@ muellerneighborhood.org.

Friday, April 25, 4 p.m. | Saturday, April 26, 6 p.m.

John Gaines Park | 2708 Sorin Street

AT THINKERY: SENSORYFRIENDLY BACKPACKS

Enhance your visit with Thinkery’s sensoryfriendly backpacks, designed to support sensory needs. Each backpack includes noise-cancelling headphones, a 5-minute timer, adult- and child-sized sunglasses and two sensory items— supplies perfect for individuals looking for a sensory-friendly experience. Stop by the front desk to check one out during your next visit.

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 Let’s Get Social!

Join our online community.

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MEET ME AT THE MARKET

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Many of the specialties that Garrima Lamba (right) sells at Lamba’s Royal Indian Foods offer classic flavors from Northern India.

Second to Naan Schooled in history and trained in medicine, Garrima Lamba found her true calling in making high-quality foods from India.

BY CARMEN GRAY

Inside the buzzing building at the Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller on a sunny Sunday, I stopped by a very popular Indian food stand to grab some freshly made naan and a chana masala to go with it for a delicious lunch.

The proprietors of Lamba’s Royal Indian Foods have been selling their mouthwatering samosas and more at the market since 2012, so it’s likely you’ve had a chance to try their savory products.

But did you know they came to be?

Garrima Lamba is almost always there, proudly offering samples to taste, and

told me as she handed me a piece of naan with cilantro chutney, “My butter chicken is a perpetual best seller. It sells out before anything else!” I have tried it and it does live up to its reputation.

Lamba told me that she and her husband, Gurpreet, are originally from India. They first lived in California and then moved to Houston before settling in their current home in Austin.

She says it took them a while to find the best city in America! Clearly, they are both fans of Austin.

But before coming to the United

States, Garrima Lamba was quite the scholar in India. When she was a young adult, Lamba was fascinated with history and studied it. Later, she attended medical school. Afterward, she started working in the hotel industry, and followed that venture by working with Estee Lauder cosmetics.

As you can see, Lamba has a passion for learning new things and has a diverse background in many fields.

This history buff and medically trained businesswoman and her husband decided to embark on a dream to share their

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MEET ME AT THE MARKET

special family recipes by venturing into the food business. And clearly, it has been a success.

Family Recipes

The family-owned business specializes in traditional north Indian cuisine. “My father retired as a dean of a hotel school in India, where we were always exposed to delicious food and fine dining,” Lamba says.

Many of her recipes were learned from her grandmother, also a great cook. “She always loved to cook for everyone and would walk down to the hub of spice markets in Delhi, where she used to bring fresh spices and used to ground herself,” Lamba says. “That smell of freshly grounded garam masala still lingers on for me.”

These days, you can feel the love for the home-cooked dishes in the Austin area at the Georgetown Farmers’ Market on Saturday and Dripping Springs, Marble Falls as well as Hutto during the week. The couple also deliver to Farmhouse Delivery wholesale and around the Austin area.

They have been a part of selling food at festivals, too! You can find them at Austin City Limits, where they have sold for the past nine years.

“We are committed to using the best of local and natural ingredients to produce flavorful Indian dishes,” Lamba says. “All our meals are skillfully prepared with exotic Indian spices. We cater to a variety of palettes: vegan, gluten free and meat options, too.”

Lamba was handing a fragrant soft and tasty filled bread to prospective customers and gave me a taste of stuffed potato and lentil bread. It was deliciously flavored with peppy spice powders and crunchy onions with just the right amount of spice and an enjoyable tinge of tanginess. She said it was best served with cilantro chutney.

Classic Favorites The aloo gobhi also looked quite appealing. It is a hearty potato and cauliflower dish that Lamba says “is probably the most common and basic vegetable curry you will find anywhere in India. It is a delicious vegan dish best eaten with our naan.”

For vegan lovers, the aloo baingan is an amazing combination of potatoes and eggplant that makes a flavorful side dish when cooked with onion, tomatoes and spices.

The aloo baingan preparation is thick in consistency.

Another popular North Indian dish that is made very often in Indian households is red beans curry.

This consists of boiled red kidney beans simmered in spicy oniontomato gravy. It is a very healthy dish best served with Lamba’s basmati rice or naan.

Palak paneer is a classic, and is one of the most beloved north Indian dishes. Lamba’s palak paneer contains Indian cottage cheese in spinach gravy.

And perhaps you may or may not realize it, but chicken vindaloo, which is a tangy, spicy curry from the Goa region of India, has roots in vinh d’alho, a stew brought to the region by Portuguese colonists.

It is an Indian restaurant staple, and it comes in countless variations— some fiery, some mild—from the subcontinent to the British Isles.

Lamba’s chicken vindaloo feels mild on the spice meter to me, but I do like my spicy dishes!

If you can’t take a trip to India anytime soon, just head to the market on Sunday to travel there with your taste buds. The hardworking couple make it easy to enjoy their homemade, tried-and-true recipes and products.

Writer and editor Carmen Gray has lived in Austin since 1992.

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Get in Here!

Become a contributing writer or photographer for Mueller magazine.

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To contribute, contact Liz Reingold at Liz.Reingold@muellermagazine.com

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Fast and Healthy

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Wanting clean food for busy people, Nelson Monteith and his wife, Mary, partnered with restaurateur Andrew Wiseheart to create Honest Mary’s.

It’s a challenge for many of us: how to find fast, casual and healthy food for busy folks on the go. This was the exact issue facing Nelson Monteith and his wife, Mary, who are passionate about clean, healthy eating. But, like many young Austinites, they live a hectic lifestyle that makes it difficult to consistently eat well.

While attending a wedding in Dallas in 2015, Mary came across an article that described a new concept out of California: healthy food that was also convenient and easy. The light bulb went off. She looked at Nelson and said, ‘Let’s start a healthy fastfood restaurant!’”

At first, he just laughed; neither of them had experience in the food business. But as time went by, the idea started to make more sense. At the time, there were really no places in Austin offering fast, fresh, healthy foods beyond just salads.

Ironically, Nelson was simultaneously toying with several ideas about businesses to open here in Austin and just couldn’t seem to hit on the one that resonated with him.

This concept, however, brought together many of the things that were important to them: a health-focused, quick-service restaurant that balanced convenience with quality. And they came to realize that there

was quite a demand for this that was not being met. It was a recipe for success, and Honest Mary’s was born!

An idea that Nelson Monteith (left) and his wife, Mary, had for a health-focused, quick-service restaurant has blossomed into multiple locations with help from Andrew Wiseheart (right) who brought restaurant experience to the venture.

An Open Concept The intent was for this venture to be about not only the food they served, but also the core values that were important to them.

They genuinely care about people and wanted to create a place where everyone—guests and team members alike—walk away better than when they came in. The goal was to

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make their restaurant the polar opposite of traditional fast-food establishments by offering nourishing food and welcoming hospitality in uplifting spaces.

Even the name Honest Mary’s embodies what they were hoping to achieve. As Monteith describes it, “We wanted to create a place as trusted as eating in your own kitchen—without the hassle. This is why our kitchens are open-concept. We want our guests to see the sweet potatoes being chopped, sauces being whisked, sipping broths simmering and brussels sprouts roasting. It’s all out in the open because we have nothing to hide.”

They began with two locations, one in the Arboretum and one in Rosedale, but it wasn’t until 2019—when Monteith connected with Andrew Wiseheart and

his crew from Mueller’s former favorite, Contigo—that things really gelled.

Wiseheart brought a wealth of knowledge to the table, having worked in some of the finest kitchens in the world and having run several of his own businesses.

But it was common values that created this partnership made in heaven. It also gave Wiseheart an opportunity to be more present at home with his family without the demanding late nights that come with working at fine-dining restaurants.

Returning to Mueller felt like a full-circle moment for Wiseheart. “Mueller has always been a special place for me—a community where I saw so much potential and growth,” he says. “To now be a part of it in a new way with Honest Mary’s feels like coming home. I’m excited to continue serving this

community that has meant so much to me, now with a focus on nourishing families and fostering connections through healthy, life-giving food.”

Mary’s, Multiplied Honest Mary’s has now grown to four locations with the addition of Mueller and one in Cedar Park. The owners have also strengthened all the things that make the business run. Food quality, operations and overall culture have improved, and they are proud of the environment they have created for the staff. They have cultivated a workplace where people thrive, and enjoy low turnover rates because team members truly enjoy working there.

Where do they go from here? If you ask them, they are just getting started. They

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are evolving and fine-tuning their menus to reflect changes around them. They continue to focus on learning new industry ideas without compromising their core mission.

This includes monitoring the latest reports about the negative impacts of vegetable and seed oils on gut health. In response, they have adapted their menu to significantly reduce these oils while still making their bowls delicious.

The goal is to add two to three new Honest Mary’s locations per year, eventually scaling up to 20. Next up?

The River Oaks section of Houston.

This is particularly exciting for Monteith, who hails from Houston.

It feels like a homecoming for him.

Regardless of how many locations they have on the horizon, Monteith and Wiseheart both have a soft spot for Mueller. “Mueller is a vibrant, family-friendly community that

perfectly aligns with Honest Mary’s ethos,” says Monteith.

He points to appealing features such as the neighborhood’s walkable layout, abundant parks and lively farmers market. “It’s a neighborhood that embraces an active, healthconscious lifestyle,” he says. “Our goal is to be a gathering place where families, friends and neighbors can connect over fresh, wholesome food.

The play area next to our Mueller location is a nod to this vision, offering parents a space where their kids can play while they enjoy a healthy meal.”

There is plenty to enjoy for the whole family at Honest Mary’s.

Whether it is lunch on the go, dinner for the family or a quick dose of sipping broth to warm you up on a chilly day, you can always count on it being nourishing, healthy and delicious.

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An Urban Oasis Noting key features on a stroll through the Southwest Greenway is the perfect way to celebrate Earth Day.

BY CRISTINA TANGREDI

This Earth Day, celebrate by taking a stroll through the Southwest Greenway and immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Mueller’s own backyard. The greenway is more than just a park—it’s a living example of ecological restoration. By bringing back native plants and supporting local wildlife, it offers a special way to connect with nature.

As you explore the 26-acre greenway, you’ll encounter a variety of native prairie grasses, a thriving pond ecosystem, unique public art and thoughtfully designed green spaces that provide vital habitats for local fauna. The greenway represents our

community’s commitment to caring for nature, appreciating wildlife and honoring our roots.

As you stroll this local gem, be alert to key features and characteristics that help make the greenway appealing and important, including these:

A Restored Prairie The Southwest Greenway was carefully restored to reflect the original Texas prairie ecosystem, which has been largely lost due to urban development. In fact, less than 1% of Texas’ native prairies remain today.

This restoration effort includes a

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diverse mix of prairie grasses such as big bluestem, little bluestem, Indian grass and shortgrass prairie, all of which play a vital role in improving air and water quality, cooling the city and supporting local wildlife.

The prairie acts as a natural filter, removing pollutants from the air and absorbing greenhouse gases like CO₂.

It also helps reduce flooding by slowing down stormwater runoff.

A Thriving Pond Ecosystem At the heart of the greenway lies a fiveacre pond, serving as a natural water filtration system. This pond captures runoff from the surrounding area, filters it and gradually releases it into a nearby creek that eventually feeds into the Colorado River.

The pond is a home for a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish species such as bluegill, yellow perch, fathead minnows and mosquito fish. It provides a critical habitat for these creatures while also supporting the overall health of the ecosystem.

A Haven for Native Species Throughout the Southwest Greenway, you’ll discover an abundance of native plants and trees that provide food, shelter and nesting sites for local wildlife.

Among these are pecan and Eastern red cedar trees, along with donated and rescued trees that have been carefully replanted to preserve Mueller’s green spaces.

The riparian gardens are designed to attract animals by offering water, food, nesting materials and perching spots, creating an ideal habitat for birds, butterflies and other wildlife.

As you explore, keep an eye out for native plants such as anacua, mountain laurel and prickly pear. These plants contribute to the ecosystem by providing essential resources for pollinators and animals.

Additionally, the sensory garden allows you to truly connect with nature, with the opportunity to enjoy the fragrant blooms when they are in

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season. The greenway is a sanctuary for both plants and wildlife, embodying a commitment to ecological preservation and community enjoyment.

summers more by eating up to 12,000 insects per day, and they are a joy to watch in the evenings as they perform their aerial acrobatics.

Structures that Tell Stories The greenway is also home to several unique sculptures that celebrate the connection between art and nature. When strolling through the greenway, be sure to check out these striking installations.

One of the most notable is the Microscopic Pollen Sculpture by Chris Levack. This larger-than-life statue magnifies pollen 700,000 times its actual size, highlighting its essential role in plant reproduction and insect diets.

Another must-see is the spider sculpture by Dixie Friend Gay, which pays tribute to spiders and their crucial role in controlling insect populations and maintaining ecological balance.

You can walk underneath it and gaze up in awe.

Additionally, the chimney swift tower is a tall, manmade structure that provides nesting space for chimney swifts. These birds help us enjoy

Beyond its natural beauty, the Southwest Greenway also serves as a vibrant community hub for the Mueller area.

Along the trail, you’ll find the Red Bud Free Fridge, part of the ATX Free Fridge initiative. This community-driven refrigerator provides food and supplies for neighbors in need, supporting mutual aid efforts in Austin. The park also features picnic tables with beautiful views of the pond, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful outdoor meal.

The greenway is a wonderful example of how urban spaces can be restored to support nature and the community.

This Earth Day—or any day—take a walk through this unique landscape and appreciate the beauty, history and ecological importance of Mueller’s own prairie park. Whether you come for the wildlife, art or simply a breath of fresh air, the Southwest Greenway offers an experience that celebrates the best of Austin’s natural world.

Cristina Tangredi is a communications professional dedicated to creating community-first communications, and has over seven years of experience in nonprofits, government agencies and PR firms.

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Music and More How a school building evolved into an arts center for Austin Classical Guitar and its stage, The Rosette

BY CARMEN GRAY

Just a couple of blocks south of

Guadalupe, tucked into the historic Hyde Park neighborhood off of 40th Street, you’ll find the Baker School, a 60,000-squarefoot building that was first built in 1911.

It was designed by local architect Roy L. Thomas—whose work includes many iconic Austin buildings, such as the Stephen F. Austin Hotel—and is named after Dewitt Clinton Baker (1832-1881), a businessman who helped to establish Austin’s public school system.

The school building is a prime example of neoclassical, turn-of-the-century architecture in Austin. Additions to the north and south were constructed in 1924,

which matched the original architecture.

Later, in 1939, a two-story steel truss and concrete addition created an interior courtyard on the original building’s west side. Finally, another two-story steel truss and concrete addition was added to the northwest corner of the building in 1958.

In addition to its physical transformations and additions, the building also experienced several functional changes within its walls. It began as an elementary school but became a middle school in 1973 and then a high school in 1980 until the 1990s. Then it was a district administrative building with Austin ISD. In 2019, the building was purchased by

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Matthew Hinsley has been executive director of Austin Classical Guitar for almost three decades, overseeing the growth of programs, including those taking place at The Rosette venue.

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Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas (ADC) for its new corporate headquarters. Instead of redeveloping the site, the company elected to honor the school’s rich history by restoring its original character.

When you learn about The Rosette, a venue that is now housed in the former school gymnasium, you’ll likely agree that we are lucky to have this repurposed historical building close to the Mueller neighborhood.

Mosaic of Programs The Rosette’s story began in summer 2021, when Austin Classical Guitar (ACG) moved to the Baker Center after years in northwest Austin. With support from Alamo Drafthouse founders Tim and Karrie League and a skilled team, ACG transformed the space into a unique arts venue.

The venue is named after the decorative mosaic on guitars, and this theme is woven throughout the facility, including in a striking 60-inch wood inlay in the main lounge. When you visit for a show (check out the link to a discounted upcoming performance on the next page), keep an eye

out—you’ll see it everywhere!

Inside The Rosette is a black box-style theater space, which can be adapted to accommodate a wide range of programming—live concerts, of course, but also rehearsals, classes, recording sessions, theater, lectures, receptions and more.

One recent afternoon dress rehearsal event featured two guitars, a violin and a cello premiering a film score commissioned for the old 1925 Phantom of the Opera silent movie. The combination was very creative and a perfect expression of the collaboration of live music and silent film.

Joshua Friedman, who handles grant management and donor relations for ACG, gave me a tour through the space, explaining the history and services provided

by ACG. As he pointed out the many stunning portraits that hung throughout the gallery, he noted that ACG was incorporated in 1990 and is the largest nonprofit arts organization dedicated to classical guitar in the entire United States.

ACG’s programs and services are driven by the belief that music can be a catalyst for enduring, positive change in people’s

lives and in communities, and that opportunities to engage in music and music-making should be universally accessible, welcoming and responsive to the needs of those participating.

Community Connections ACG has also built programs in more than 40 other Texas school districts, in over 30 U.S. states and as far away as Nepal and Uganda. In 2010, ACG began working in the Travis County Juvenile Justice Center, Gardner Betts, and went on to create the state’s first and only daily for-credit performing arts course for incarcerated youth. Their juvenile justice services now operate in five Texas facilities.

They also have a 15-year partnership with Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, through which they created the world’s first lifelong learning system for classical guitar in braille, now used worldwide.

While admiring the portraits, I met Justice Phillips, the box office/patron services director and composer. Phillips started playing classical guitar in sixth grade

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READER DISCOUNT As an expression of gratitude for readers of Mueller magazine, ACG is offering discounted tickets for an upcoming concert to hear one of one of the world’s most captivating musicians, Chinese guitarist TY Zhang!

Scan this code for a direct link to purchase tickets.

Enter the code MUELLER20 for the discount.

under the tutelage of Jeremy Osborne, a teacher with ACG, and continued onward at McCallum Fine Arts Academy.

After attending the University of Texas at Austin to study music composition and graduating in May 2019, Justice joined the ACG team and is now an integral part of the ACG community. It’s inspiring to see the strong connection ACG has from education to opportunities in the faces that represent it. And it’s no surprise, as ACG has gained international recognition for its work in education, which is in part due to the special person at the helm of ACG for three decades.

A Longtime Leader Matthew Hinsley has been with the organization since its inception. Identifying himself as an arts public servant, Hinsley is in his 29th year as the executive director of ACG. Hinsley joined ACG as a volunteer—it was a part-time nonprofit group operating with a budget of about $1,000 back in the ’90s.

Clearly, with his care and deep dedication, Hinsley has taken the social-improvement aspect of music and education a step further with everything he diligently developed over the years with great success.

“Twenty five years ago America had orchestra, choir and band in schools, but not guitar,” Hinsley says. “ACG has had the extremely rare opportunity of adding guitar as a completely new, for-credit course subject in many American schools. Starting in one school here in Austin in 2001, ACG has since built the curriculum and teacher resources to add guitar to every Austin ISD middle and high school, where guitar is now the second-highest enrolled music class of any kind, behind band.”

As you can see, The Rosette is more than just a concert and creative learning space.

It is a part of a place built over 100 years ago to provide educational and learning opportunities for the community.

To find out more about available classes and artistic programming, visit https://www.rosetteatx.org.

To learn more about Austin Classical Guitar opportunities, check out https://austinclassicalguitar.org. You’ll see that offerings range from concerts by international superstars to award-winning original productions that use art to elevate seldom-heard voices in our community.

Carmen Gray has lived in Austin since 1992. She is a dual-language teacher, a published author and freelance writer, and contributing editor for Latino magazine.

The Rosette’s story began when Austin Classical Guitar relocated to the Baker Center, where it has thrived under leaders including Justice Phillips (far left), who himself developed as a guitarist in part through ACG.

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Calling all Mueller poets and writers!

The new Perspectives department is for YOU! Send us your poems and short essays (max 350-400 words) to share with your Mueller neighbors.

Send submissions to hello@muellermagazine.com.

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LIFE OUTDOORS

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY TRICIA DANIEL

Brian Lovely (left) and his son, Brian, enjoy challenges and togetherness at the Gaylord Sackler Memorial Skate Park and Pump Track.

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Roll Model A father and son find the local skate park and pump track offers a place to bond and build skills.

Sitting right along Manor Road

on the back edge of Mueller is the Gaylord Sackler Memorial Skate Park and Pump Track. It’s easy to pass right by during the quieter times of day, particularly while school is in session.

But when weather permits and the timing is right, this small park on the outskirts of the neighborhood can be brimming with people of all ages and skill levels who come to hone their craft or just get outdoors and have fun!

Opened in 2022, this park offers something for skateboarding and cycling enthusiasts alike. Although technically owned by the city of Austin, it sits within the confines of Mueller. Catellus played an instrumental role in its creation and integration into the fabric of the community.

The park is divided between the skate park and the two pump tracks.

At the time it was built, the park was a pioneer as the first concrete pump track for BMX bikes in Texas.

A Place to Hang The larger of the two pump tracks has multiple branches for riders to choose from, and all riders go in the same direction. The smaller track is shaped like a figure 8 and is more suitable for beginners. It’s a great option when learning!

The park was designed to be a welcoming and enjoyable place to hang out. It offers all the amenities one could need for a great day at the skate park, including ample parking, restrooms, water fountains and a large shade structure to protect from the

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elements. The park is also well lit, so nighttime skating and biking are an option.

On a particularly warm and sunny day, local Mueller photographer Tricia Daniel snapped some photos of a fatherand-son duo as they enjoyed spending time together at the park doing what they love to do: skate.

Brian Lovely, the dad, lives in California, and Hank Lovely, the son, lives here in Mueller. Daniel chatted with them and they enthusiastically explained that their love of skating always gives them a fun activity to do together.

Safe and Inclusive For the father and son, spending time here is more than “just another walk in the park.” They both thrive on the adrenaline and the excitement of skating, and they enjoy knowing that they

always have something they can share doing together. What a great father-and-son bonding activity.

The park is unsupervised, so parents are encouraged to monitor their kids while there—or even join in for a family activity, as Brian and Hank Lovely do!

A community skatepark and pump track provide a safe and inclusive space for local skaters, BMX riders and skateboarders to practice and showcase their skills. These facilities encourage active lifestyles, promoting both physical fitness and social interaction among people of all ages and abilities.

By offering a well-designed environment, the skatepark and pump track foster creativity, skill development and a sense of belonging within the community.

The park is open daily and closes at 10 p.m.

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Did You Know?

Only the moms who donate to a milk bank are saving lives of fragile babies in neonatal intensive care units and the community.

For more information on becoming a donor, scan the QR code or visit milkbank.org.

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PERSPECTIVES

Conduit April 8, 2020 Reflection by Cynthia A. Alexander I wasn’t dreaming. I wasn’t making up stuff. I was remembering when I was a little girl running outside and hearing the back door slammed behind me. Now that I am remembering , the sound was a sweet squeak from the screen door. Just outside of the door was a flower bed filled with mint herbs that made the hot air a delicious aroma in the projects. These were mints for my belly when the pain was so unbearable from the cramps.

I always wanted to be a nurse, somebody who made people feel better. Why do I empathize with people so much?

Gotta love ’em! I think about who I am. Not to other people, but to myself—I am a conduit. That’s it. Somebody who loves to connect people, a means of helping to transmit things like comfort, peace and love to others. Put a bandage on the sore spot. This is the only thing I’ve ever known—connecting others in some way.

When I was growing up a little bit more, I brought the neighborhood kids on my block to the west side of our building.

The shade was on that side, so I made a makeshift tent. It was the doctor’s quarters; at least it was to me. I gathered the children, asked them to come into the tent one by one. Open your mouth, I would say to them. Some had red tongues, some green and some blue. Those were the popsicle colors we had every day. I pressed the stick on their tongue looking deep into their throat, their ears and anything else on their head. I never ran out of tongue pressers because I used the popsicle sticks I found on the ground two weeks earlier. I was the neighborhood nurse, the conduit who cared.

This was my way of keeping everybody—the kids I mean—healthy. The sweet music heard in the background was the summer birds chirping in the trees, making the most beautiful songs. I always thought these days were the best days of summer vacation. What put an end to my nursing days was when I pierced a little girl’s ears. I was asked if I could do it—so I did. Putting the needle through the match flame, forcing it into her earlobe, and hearing her scream was exactly what I thought I was to do.

I only connected what I knew, with what I thought should be done—I still do; I am a conduit.

Cynthia Alexander has written poetry and plays all her life, never calling herself a writer. She has also produced and directed plays in Austin for several years.

She is married to Bishop Cleveland J. Alexander and has five adult children, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

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PHOTO OP

‘Something Waits Beneath’

Scenes like this in Mueller Lake Park, along with words from a prominent American artist, prompted local poet Susan Martinello to pen these verses.

I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape.

Something waits beneath it, the whole story doesn’t show.

— ANDREW WYETH

As a kid in red galoshes, I’d tromp about our snowy backyard, swipe with mittened hands at humps and bumps to uncover a watering can with ice inside or a ball my brother dropped at the sound of the dinner bell, my steps a chaotic dot-to-dot of blind wells filled with blue shadow. Massachusetts winters snuck up on us. Blizzards took our yard by surprise time and time again, while here in Texas the land lies lean in winter. At the feet of trees, not snow but fallen leaves blanket roots, the bones of earth.

They hold the lake shore where I walk, cup duck-prints at the soft edge.

Even the mud sparkles when ice paints the park, each twig and bush winking and laughing. But ice cracks, its dream drips away, back to cold mornings, faded grass. I used to sit in a leafless apple tree, a girl pretending to be Jo March in her cold garret. Now, feet on the ground, I ponder riddles inscribed by branches across the sky, puzzle the restless tingle of the earth beneath.

Have a great image for Photo Op? Submit your high-resolution shot to liz.reingold@muellermagazine.com.

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Illuminating History

Gina Manlove, a Mueller resident, mom and freelance

event and communications coordinator, came across this throwback photo that she snapped back in 2019 before construction around the tower began. The Mueller landscape certainly looks different today!

Have a great image for Photo Op? Submit your high-resolution shot to liz.reingold@muellermagazine.com.

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3/11/25 9:00 AM

A Homeowner’s Spring Cleaning Checklist from Remodel Boutique Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home inside and out! Tear this checklist out and use it to tackle key maintenance tasks and get your home ready for the season.

A Homeowner’s Spring Cleaning Checklist from Remodel Boutiq For larger updates or remodeling needs, schedule a complimentary consultation with Remodel Boutique!

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home inside and out! Tear this checklist out and use it to tackle key maintenance tasks and get your home ready for the season.

Homeowner’s Spring Cleaning Checklist

For larger updates or remodeling needs, schedule a complimentary consultation with Remodel Boutiq

Exterior Maintenance: • • • • •

Homeowner’s Spring Cleaning Checklist

Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts Power wash driveways, patios, and walkways Refresh exterior paint and inspect siding for damage Trim trees and shrubs to prevent overgrowth Inspect your foundation for cracks or settling

Exterior Maintenance: Indoor Maintenance:

• • • •• •

• • • •

Plumbing & Electrical:

Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts

• •

Drain your water heater to remove sediment buildup Schedule seasonal maintenance for plumbing and electrical systems

Windows & Organization:

Plumbing & Electrical:

•

Deep-clean windows and replace damaged screens • Drain your water heater to remove Declutter and donate unused sediment buildup household items • Schedule maintenance for Organize garage and storageseasonal areas

Check for leaks under sinks and around Power wash driveways, patios, and walkways • appliances Refresh paint and inspect Test smokeexterior and carbon monoxide detectorssiding • Clean and service your HVAC system for damage plumbing and electrical systems before summer Pest Prevention: Trim trees and shrubs to prevent overgrowth Check and change air filters for better Inspect your foundation for cracks or settling • Check for termites Windows & Organization: air quality (March–June is Clean your dryer vent to prevent fire hazards peak season!)

Indoor Maintenance:

Deep-clean windows and replace damaged screens • Check for leaks under sinks and around • Declutter and donate unused Tackling these tasks will keep your home in top shape and help prevent costly repairs down the road. appliances household items If you're ready for a bigger refresh, Remodel Boutique is here to help!

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors • Organize garage and storage areas • Clean and service your HVAC system before summer Pest Prevention: Contact us today to bring your dream home to life!

• Check and change air filters for better air737-747-3305 quality Check for termites (March–June is | howdy@remodelb.com | Remodelboutique | •RemodelBoutique.com • Clean your dryer vent to prevent fire hazards peak season!)

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•

3/7/25 11:08 AM

Spring Has Sprung!

Spring Has Sprung!

Spring Has Sprung!

Spring Has Sprung!

Spring Has Sprung! in the Mueller Real Estate Market in the Mueller Real Estate Market ininthe Mueller Real Estate Market inthe the Mueller Real Estate Market Mueller Real Estate Market

Recently Sold, Current Listings & Coming Soon Recently Sold, Current Listings & Coming Soon Recently Sold, Current Listings &&& Coming Soon Recently Sold, Current Listings Coming Soon Recently Sold, Current Listings Coming Soon

2028 Emma Long 2028 Emma Long 2028 Emma Long 2028 Emma Long 2028 Emma Long

4702 Eberly 47024702 Eberly Eberly 4702 Eberly 4702 Eberly

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2125 McCloskey seller represented 2125 McCloskey - seller--represented 2125 McCloskey seller represented 2125 McCloskey - seller represented 2125 McCloskey - seller represented

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3-Bed Parkside Condo --Coming Soon!

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3-Bed Parkside Coming Soon!

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Hilary Herrin Realtor® Hilary Herrin Realtor® Hilary Herrin Realtor® Hilary Herrin Realtor® Hilary Herrin Realtor® Mueller Silent Market Team Mueller Silent Market Team Mueller Silent Market Team Mueller Silent Market Team Mueller Silent Market Team hilary@muellersilentmarket.com hilary@muellersilentmarket.com hilary@muellersilentmarket.com hilary@muellersilentmarket.com hilary@muellersilentmarket.com 512.913.8642 512.913.8642 512.913.8642 512.913.8642 512.913.8642 Compass is a licensed real estate broker.

All material is intended for informational purposes only and isand compiled from from sources deemed reliable but isbut subject errors, changes in price, condition, sale, sale, or sale, Compass a licensed estate broker. material is intended informational purposes and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is to subject toomissions, errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, Compass is aislicensed realreal estate broker.

All All material is intended for for informational purposes onlyonly is compiled sources deemed reliable is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, or or Compass is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or without notice.

No statement is intended made asmade to theto of any or is measurements (including square footage).

This is not to solicit already No financial or legal advice withdrawal without notice. statement is asaccuracy to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage).

This is not intended toproperty solicit property already listed. financial or legal advice withdrawal without notice.

No No statement is made the accuracy ofdescription any description or measurements (including square footage).

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No No financial or legal advice Compass is a withdrawal licensed real estate broker. is foras only and from sources deemed reliable but is subject errors, omissions, changes inlisted. price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All No material statement is made as toinformational the accuracypurposes of any description orcompiled measurements (including square footage).

This is nottointended to solicit property already listed.

No financial or legal advice provided.

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Photos may be virtually staged orstaged digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions. provided.

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Photos may be any virtually or digitally enhanced and reflect actual property conditions. provided.

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and maymay notnot reflect actual property conditions. withdrawal without notice.

No statement is made as to the accuracy of description or measurements (including square footage).

This is not intended to solicit property already listed.

No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions. provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

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