Mueller December 2023

Mueller

December 2023

THE RISE OF

TEXAS FRENCH BREAD

GET READY FOR WINTER

NEW YEAR’S EVE MUELLER STYLE

Serving Smiles at Ronald McDonald House

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DECEMBER 2023

Contents

16 20

10

28 IN EVE RY ISSU E

24

8

Publisher’s Note LOOKING BACK—AND AHEAD

6

What’s New EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS

10 Meet Me at the Market TEXAS FRENCH BREAD F E AT U R ES

16

Shelter in a Storm

Mueller’s Ronald McDonald House provides housing, food and support for families with healthcare needs.

20 Get Ready for Winter

Last year’s cold snap brought home the importance of being prepared with smart steps around the house.

24 Merry and Bright

Signs of celebration adorn and illuminate the local community.

28 5 Ideas for a Very Mueller New Year

Ring in 2024 with your community—whether you’re a homebody, partier or something in between.

26 Better Health IS IT A SICK DAY? HOW TO TELL 30 Living Well WHY ESTATE PLANNING IS A PRIORITY 32 Photo Op SEASON’S GREENINGS

O N T HE COVER

Staff members at the Ronald McDonald House have a spirit of giving year-round as part of their work supporting families.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Looking Back— and Ahead

PHOTOGRAPH BY MARGARITA GARCIA ACEVEDO

community project.

This December issue is special. As we all enjoy multiple holidays, it is so important to remember those struggling.

This issue, we honor the Ronald McDonald House, which houses families whose children are being treated for serious illnesses. Special things happen every day in this building right here in Mueller.

We also talk to the owners of Texas French Bread about their love of our Mueller Farmers’ Market and their grit and determination to rebuild after the tragic fire that destroyed their store. Stop over and try their baked goods—they are fantastic!

The holiday season here in Mueller is always joyful and full of energy. In this issue, we show the neighborhood in all its colorful glory and talk about ways to ring in the New Year right here with our friends and neighbors.

And with December comes winter. Like it or not, cold and potentially freezing weather is on the way. Some advanced preparations could save you and your home from winter hazards. We give some great tips on how to keep safe and warm this season.

So, as we turn the page on 2023 and welcome 2024, my resolution to this incredible community is to continue to tell the stories and highlight the people who make Mueller unique and special.

Happy holidays!

The end of another year—and wow, what a year it has been!

Just 12 months ago, the thought of Mueller Magazine was not even on my radar, and here we are just a few short months later and the magazine is not only a thought but an amazing reality.

I’ll be honest, it has been an enormous undertaking to get the magazine off the ground, and I could not have done it without the support of this incredible Mueller community.

From the residents who continue to give me terrific feedback to the business leaders who have understood the benefit not only to their own companies but also to the entire neighborhood by advertising with us, our success has been a true

Liz Reingold Publisher

Mueller MAGAZINE

Editor & Publisher Liz Reingold Art Director Sue Park Copy Editor Nancy Fass Contributing Writer Carmen Gray 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 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 publisher. Copyright 2023 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

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WHAT’S NEW

In the Neighborhood PEDIATRICIANS BRANCH OUT IN MUELLER An already established pediatric doctors’ office opened its doors in Mueller on November 29. Grow Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine—owned and operated

by Juliette Owens, MD, and Laura Wise, MD—moved its existing practice to a new location at 1401 Philomena Street, Suite 120. The doctors are currently accepting new patients and look forward to taking care of Mueller’s youth.

Welcome to the neighborhood!

PLAN NOW FOR THINKERY CAMP Dive into a summer of boundless exploration at Thinkery Camp, where a unique child-led curriculum empowers young minds to chart their own educational adventures. Secure a spot for students in kindergarten to fifth grade in Austin’s most playful camp at thinkeryaustin.org/camp.

WHAT IS IT? If you drive or walk around the areas of Simond or Mattie Streets, you may see this cute little robot cruising around. The question is, where did it come from and what is it doing? Many seem to think it is a beta program for a delivery service, but that is not confirmed. If anyone out there knows, drop us an email at hello@muellermagazine.com.

Inquiring minds want to know!

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V/O MED SPA MARKS ONE YEAR V/O Med Spa rolled out the red carpet on November 16 to celebrate its one-year anniversary in Mueller.

In its first year in the neighborhood, V/O Med Spa has set the standard for cuttingedge aesthetic services for both women and men. V/O Med Spa looks forward to keeping Mueller beautiful for many years to come!

JANUARY EVENTS AT LAZARUS Kids rule at Lazarus Brewing Company in January:

Movie night: “Mean Girls,” with free popcorn.

January 10, 7 to 9 p.m.

Who let the dads out?!

Dad and kid meetup (free drip coffee for all fathers).

January 20, 10 a.m. to noon

Storytelling by the fire: Join the Lazarus Bookmaster for story time and kids’ activities including coloring and chalk art.

January 27, 10 a.m.

Bluegrass: Live music.

Tuesdays, 6 to 8 p.m.

DISHING IT OUT The Houston-based, all-day cafe brand Dish Society opens its first Austin location at 1900 Aldrich Street in Mueller. Dish Society partners with local Texas producers to provide an approachable, ingredientdriven menu to the neighborhood for breakfast, lunch, social hour and dinner. For more, visit www.dishsociety.com or look for the restaurant on social media @dishsociety.

DECEMBER 2023

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Happy Holidays from

Mueller Magazine

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MEET ME AT THE MARKET

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Murph Willcott makes baked goods sold at a variety of locations, including Mueller’s Farmers’ Market.

Bread Winners Murph Willcott and Carissa Ries leavened tragedy with determination to make Texas French Bread rise again.

Creative, determined, resilient: These words are often used to describe entrepreneurs who put their hearts and souls into their businesses. Each term applies to Murph Willcott and Carissa Ries, the husband-and-wife team that owns Texas French Bread (TFB).

This duo has truly weathered the storm over the years and continues to turn out delicious baked goods here at the Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller as well as throughout Austin.

The business was founded in 1981 by Willcott’s parents. His mother, Judy, began baking French baguettes out of their home for her friends who had just opened Jeffrey’s Restaurant.

“We were literally the only game in town if you were looking for a decent baguette!”

Willcott says. Word quickly spread, and soon after, the family opened its first bakery on the corner of 34th and Guadelupe.

Before they knew it, lines were around the corner on weekends, with people clamoring

for fresh muffins, croissants and coffee.

After several satellite locations, temporary pop-ups and farmers’ markets, including Mueller’s, the business finally settled into its longtime home on 29th Street.

“In those days, my mom was committed to a few defining principles,” Willcott recalls. “Everything was made by hand, from scratch—no mixes, preservatives or stabilizers—using the finest ingredients she could get. In that respect, little has changed.”

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Success—and Disaster These days, all baked goods at TFB are made with 100 percent organic flour, much of it grown in Central Texas and milled at Barton Springs Mill. “We take no shortcuts, and we do our very best to produce breads and pastries of the highest quality,” Willcott says.

Customers have noticed. TFB has a loyal following that has supported the bakers over the years in all their locations.

But in early 2022, tragedy struck when TFB’s flagship bakery burned nearly to the ground. For many, this would have derailed the business. Instead, Willcott and Ries pulled themselves up and immediately pivoted.

They realized that the first priority was getting back to their roots—and back into the Mueller Farmers’ Market. “For an ‘old Austin’ company with roots in the old Austin neighborhoods north and west of UT, Mueller has been a wonderful place for us to grow our community and get our products in front of folks who might be more closely associated with a newer Austin,” Willcott says.

Murph Willcott and Carissa Ries pivoted their business and opened a trailer and garden space after a devastating fire.

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Rebuilding a Business The couple began baking out of a commissary baking space in Northeast Austin and soon after opened a trailer and garden space adjacent to their old brick-andmortar structure.

There, they are now serving breakfast and lunch along with fresh baked goods daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The location has kept the business going during a difficult time, as has TFB’s presence here in Mueller.

The holiday season is always special for TFB. Seasonal items such as cranberries are used in holiday offerings, conjuring up memories from days past.

Items such as cranberry tea bread are customer favorites and sell out fast. The pair ships their baked goods nationwide, so for last-minute holiday gift ideas, visit https://texasfrenchbread.com or stop by the Farmers’ Market in the center aisle of the indoor pavilion to grab and go.

The future looks bright for TFB as it continues to rebuild. Mueller Farmers’ Market will forever hold a special place in the couple’s hearts and business.

“Going to the Mueller market on a busy Sunday morning is so much fun,” Willcott says. “It always reminds me how vibrant Austin has become, and it helps me find new ways of thinking about both our city and how Texas French Bread can continue to engage and serve our expanding community.”

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Get in Here!

Become a contributing writer or photographer for Mueller magazine.

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

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Shelter in a Storm Mueller’s Ronald McDonald House provides housing, food and support for families with healthcare needs.

It’s the holiday season, and for many of us that means juggling festive parties and family gatherings. But for others it means spending time navigating medical treatments that upend family life. When children are involved, this can mean leaving home for weeks or months to access medical care that kids desperately need.

For nearly four decades, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas (RMHC CTX) has been supporting such families here in Austin by providing housing, meals and smiles.

“Family is the center of a child’s whole world,” says Derrick Lesnau, interim CEO of RMHC CTX. “Parents and family members are the source of a child’s strength, courage and comfort. This is especially true when a child is injured or ill.”

RMHC CTX’s mission is to keep families together through family-centered care by providing free lodging, meals and support services. This not only helps relieve emotional and financial stresses but also enables family members to stay closely connected with a child’s medical team and be present for medical decisions.

The staff at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas includes (standing from left) Caroline Targonski, Hannah Grabbe, Fiona Graham, Ben Yeager, Paula Duke, (seated from left) Giovanna Alanis-Vega and Elizabeth Wallace, with the facility’s sculptured namesake.

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“It was essential for us to be here at Ronald McDonald [House]—it was a huge help for us. ... The staff was very supportive, and they helped us a lot every day.

This is a home away from home. ” - Carol Castillo

Above, from left: Ronald McDonald House Operations Manager Giovanna Alanis-Vega and Volunteer and Programs Director Paula Duke. Top right, from left: Carol and Sophia Castillo, who stayed at the house while Sophia was treated for scoliosis.

A Growing Effort RMHC CTX opened in Austin in 1985 with eight small bedrooms and one staff member.

By 1989, the organization outgrew its first location and moved to a facility with 13 rooms at 15th and Trinity Streets.

By December 2007, the program had expanded significantly and opened its doors at its current location in Mueller next to Dell Children’s Medical Center. The 30,000-square-foot facility with 30 guest suites more than doubled RMHC CTX’s capacity for care. The structure is also the first Ronald McDonald House in the world to be designated platinum LEED, a green-building certification.

Over the years, countless families have been given comfort and care during a time when they really needed assistance.

Carol and Sophia Castillo, from the Philippines, recently stayed at RMHC CTX and attest to how important that was to

Sophia’s recovery.

At age 11, Sophia was diagnosed with scoliosis. She had to use a brace and needed extensive medical treatment. “It was essential for us to be here at Ronald McDonald—it was a huge help for us,” Carol explains.

“It felt comfortable. We met a lot of people here from different places. We understood each other even though we all had different languages. The staff was very supportive, and they helped us a lot every day. This is a home away from home. It gave us so much comfort during our medical journey here in Austin.”

Sophia also feels strongly about her time at RMHC CTX. “This was our very first time being here in America,” she says. “It was a great experience for me and my mom. We were both nervous. But we’ve explored a lot here, and it was so fun experiencing things we don’t usually experience back in the Philippines. Our stay here was very happy.”

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Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas provides free housing and meets a variety of needs—including regular meals—for families dealing with extended healthcare needs. Families benefiting from a stay at the house often need support for weeks or months at a time.

Striving to Meet Needs Similar experiences are common among those lucky enough to be able to stay at the house. But the amazing people at RMHC CTX just can’t help everyone who needs support. After more than 25 years at its Mueller location, the organization is once again struggling to keep up with demand.

“Due to nonstop growth in advanced pediatric care in Austin, RMHC CTX has been busier than ever,” Lesnau says.

“As our hospital partners continue to expand their complex care services, including transplants, some families are needing to stay longer at our 30-bedroom house. Additionally, our waitlist remains constant, and, heartbreakingly, we

continue to have to turn away six out of every 10 families because we just don’t have enough room.”

Families that are not able to stay at the house must often make long daily commutes to see a hospitalized child while overtired and mentally exhausted.

“RMHC CTX must grow alongside our community to meet this critical need for an increased number of families to have our free home away from home near their hospitalized child,” Lesnau says.

To help as many families as possible, RMHC CTX constantly searches for ways to stretch its resources. The dream is to increase the number of families the organization can help at one time,

and leadership is navigating that process while addressing immediate needs.

The Mueller community can help by donating time, resources and even everyday household items. RMHC CTX relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers to keep things running smoothly. For a list of ways to help, visit https://rmhc-ctx.org.

This time of year—when many people enjoy time with family and friends—offers an opportunity to think about those who need help. Anything the community can do to support the incredible things happening at our very own RMHC CTX will brighten many lives and make a difference this holiday season.

DECEMBER 2023

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Get Ready for Winter Last year’s cold snap highlighted the importance of being prepared with smart steps like these.

BY CARMEN GRAY

Like it or not, winter is coming. Planning ahead and winterizing

your home can go a long way toward keeping your family and home comfortable and safe during the upcoming colder months.

Texas weather can be extreme and unpredictable at times. The 2024 “Old Farmer’s Almanac” predicts a lot of cold and snow across North America this winter and wetter-than-usual weather specific to Texas and the Deep South.

As the days get shorter, you will want to consider some weekend projects to ensure your home is ready for winter weather.

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DECEMBER 2023

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Start with Basics

Some basics that you likely already do include changing your HVAC system filter regularly and making sure any gaps around the windows and doors are filled to seal off drafts.

Have a Pure Hearth

If you have a fireplace, be sure it is cleaned and inspected by a professional service.

You’ll want to ensure there are no blockages that could keep smoke from escaping properly.

Clear Gutters

Although Texas isn’t known for its autumn foliage, you will notice plenty of fallen leaves depending on which trees are planted near your home. Live oak and juniper trees stay green all year, while deciduous trees such as pecans slowly lose their leaves and are mostly bare by January. Be sure to keep your gutters clean and clear, especially since we expect to have a wet winter.

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Mind Your Creatures’ Comfort

You’ll want to be sure to bring in your plants and animals ahead of a freeze.

Although Austin doesn’t typically get snow, we do get an occasional ice storm in January/February.

Prepare for Frozen Pipes

If you lived here during the last two winters, you probably learned a valuable lesson about wrapping your outdoor faucets/pipes. Plan ahead for any future freezes by ensuring you have insulated covers for your faucets and material to wrap any exposed pipes. Open cabinets under sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms in the event of a freeze.

The City of Austin’s website recommends that you also “drip one cold-water faucet slowly if you feel your pipes may still freeze. The faucet you choose should be the one that is the greatest distance from your main shutoff valve.” Having contact information for a good plumber isn’t a bad idea, either!

Stock Up for Emergencies

Having supplies stocked ahead of time can save you from rushing to crowded stores at the last minute. It’s good to have working flashlights, extra batteries, battery chargers, extra water and unperishable food on hand just in case.

If your power is out, you can text OUT to 287846.

Don’t wait for winter weather to arrive to get these things checked off your home maintenance list. Planning ahead will give you peace of mind during the Texas winter and help keep your holiday season stress-free.

DECEMBER 2023

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Merry and Bright

Signs of celebration adorn and illuminate the local community.

There is nothing quite like Mueller during the holidays. Our usually lively neighborhood is even more vibrant during this season, as evidenced by these views—from photographer Jane Yun, Catellus Development Corporation and the Mueller magazine staff—of the community in all its festive holiday beauty.

DECEMBER 2023

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BETTER HEALTH

Too Sick for School?

5 tips to help you decide whether your child should be kept home from school.

PLAN AHEAD FOR YOUR YOUNGSTER’S NEXT SICK DAY Don’t wait until your child has to miss school to figure out how you’ll handle it.

It’s decision time. Your child must get

ready for the morning school bus but is feeling sick. You’re pretty sure it’s not a serious illness—and you have a busy day planned.

Should you keep the child at home? These five tips can help you make the call.

A CHILD WITH A 1 KEEP FEVER HOME. A fever is any

temperature above the normal range of 98 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. (Add a degree to readings taken orally or under the arm.) Oral temperatures can be skewed if the child just drank something hot or cold. If you use an ear device, be sure ear canals are clean. If you’re in doubt about the thermometer’s accuracy, take your own temperature, too.

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. A 2 stuffy nose, a sore throat, sneezing or

even a light cough isn’t an absolute reason to miss school; many healthy children have seven to 10 colds per year. But kids who are lethargic, coughing heavily and showing other signs they need extra care aren’t going to get much out of school—and they’re probably infectious.

BE MORE LENIENT WITH YOUNGER KIDS. You’re probably more likely to send an older child to school, and that’s not unwise.

A sick first grader in tears may trigger a midday call from the school nurse, while an older child may tough it out—and should know enough not to sneeze on his or her friends. Also, it’s harder for a high schooler to compensate for a missed day of classwork.

3

HEED THE SIGNS. 4 Depending on the circumstances,

one episode of vomiting may not mandate a day at home. Neither does a cold in a child with asthma if peak flows are good. But bouts of vomiting or watery diarrhea, a heavy or frequent cough with mucus, persistent pain or a widespread rash justify an absence.

CALL YOUR PROVIDER. 5 You may not be able to talk with

a healthcare professional in time for your morning decision, but if your concern lingers, be sure to seek medical advice.

• KNOW YOUR SCHOOL DISTRICT’S SICK-CHILD POLICIES. Do certain contagious bugs mean mandatory absence? Will your child need a note when he or she returns?

• HAVE A NETWORK. Is the babysitter or childcare provider prepared to deal with a mild illness? Have you identified friends, neighbors or relatives who can bail you out in an emergency—and agreed to do the same for them?

• DECIDE WHO’S ON DUTY. If one parent has to take off work to look after a sick child, will you take turns? Will it depend on whose job duties are more critical that day?

• HAVE A WORK-AT-HOME PLAN. Do you have a home computer on which you can work while you tend to a sick youngster? What is your company’s policy on time off to care for sick children?

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Reach

virtually EVERY home in Mueller with your business message.

Mueller

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

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Ideas for a Very Mueller New Year Ring in 2024 with your community—whether you’re a homebody, partier or something in between.

New Year’s Eve...a time to get out and party with your friends until the wee hours of the morning—or maybe not.

What if your idea of ringing in the New Year is more like curling up on the couch with a good book? If you struggle to stay awake until the clock strikes 12, try some of these communally invigorating ideas for a very Mueller New Year’s Eve. It will be midnight before you know it.

HAVE A PROGRESSIVE PARTY 1 Grab your neighbors and move the

party from house to house. Have a signature cocktail or special dish to eat at each stop.

Spend 30 to 45 minutes in each home before moving on. This takes the pressure off one person hosting and preparing the whole party.

MAKE IT A GAME NIGHT Have each guest either bring their favorite board game or choose games such as charades or musical chairs. Choose teams and rotate games as the night goes on—just don’t get too competitive!

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BREAK A SWEAT 3 Find the health enthusiasts in the

neighborhood and plan an evening walk or jog though Mueller. Then find your Zen with some yoga and close the year out in healthy style!

DO A PUB CRAWL 4 For those of you who don’t mind getting

out, see how many Mueller watering holes you can visit before the clock strikes 12. Luckily, Mueller is completely walkable!

HAVE A PAJAMA PARTY 5 Invite all your guests to come in their PJs

and serve breakfast for dinner. Make sure there is plenty of hot cocoa to go around.

No matter what your preference for New Year’s Eve, spending time with our very own Mueller community is always a great choice.

And don’t forget to reach out and include a neighbor or two who might be alone this holiday season.

Happy New Year, Mueller!

DECEMBER 2023

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LIVING WELL

Why Estate Planning Should Be a Priority in 2024 Seasonal reflections make the holidays an ideal time to prepare for your family’s future.

BY LANCE KUTNICK

Lance Kutnick offers expert guidance on estate planning.

During the holidays, the air is filled with the joy and promise of a new year, bringing with it a sense of reflection, gratitude and renewed focus on family. As you gather around the dinner table or exchange gifts, it becomes an opportune time to solidify your legacy through estate planning.

While the topic seems less than festive, it is an essential aspect of ensuring that loved ones are taken care of in the future. So as the calendar turns and you make resolutions for self-improvement and personal growth in the coming year, it’s equally important to extend these resolutions to encompass the security of loved ones.

Estate planning is not just about finances; it’s also about providing a road map for the future, ensuring that our families are protected, our wishes are honored and a lasting legacy is established.

Peace of Mind It is important to make sure that minor children are taken care of by your nominees; that probate is avoided, which can save thousands of dollars in legal fees; and that assets are made available for timely

Lance Kutnick, Attorney at Law P. 512-887-8821 E. lance@scionlawfirm.com

disposition to your loved ones, which can again save the estate significantly.

The end of the year is an opportune time to review existing estate plans or initiate the process if it hasn’t already been addressed.

Establishing clear directives for the distribution of assets, appointing guardians for dependents and outlining healthcare preferences are vital components of comprehensive estate planning.

This thoughtful consideration allows individuals to approach the new year with peace of mind, knowing that they have taken proactive steps to secure their family’s future.

Engaging in estate planning discussions during the holiday season can also strengthen family bonds. These conversations promote transparency and understanding among family members, fostering a sense of unity as everyone works toward a common goal.

As you bid farewell to 2023, welcome the new year with a commitment to securing your family’s future. Estate planning is not just a financial strategy; it’s a gift of peace and assurance for ourselves as well as those we cherish most.

Lance Kutnick is the owner of Scion Law Firm, which has a mission to keep clients and families out of conflict and court, designing estate plans unique to each family to ensure that your wishes are carried out and not dictated by the state.

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Quality Work & Quality Service Now is the ideal time to be proactive and take control of your taxes. Let your neighborhood CPAs be that strategic partner to help you plan and maximize your savings.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation for personalized, expert guidance.

Get to know us and our services at: CraneHoltzman.com contact@CraneHoltzman.com 512-215-0057

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10/2/23 1:30 PM

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PHOTO OP

Season’s Greenings

Mueller was Merry and Bright for the community event bearing that name on December 2. The neighborhood was alive with the joys of the season. A sunset concert in Mueller Park, Frosty on the big screen and the lighting of the iconic Mueller Tower all made the evening special. Happy holidays, Mueller!

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12/4/23 4:58 PM

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Sunday- Thursday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

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Happy Hour: 3 p.m.-6 p.m.

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12/4/23 8/2/23 10:56 10:03 AM

New Year, New Home, New Possibilities.

Hilary Herrin Realtor®

Amanda Trevino Broker Associate

info@muellersilentmarket.com

We live here.

We work here.

We know Mueller.

512.761.5476

Mueller Silent Market Team is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by federal, state and local Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

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