Mueller July 2025

Mueller

JULY 2025

A TEACHABLE FEAST AT LET’S EAT AUSTIN

BOOK EXCHANGE LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES

Solving After-School MOLLY MORSE AND AMY KISKA

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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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Contents JULY 2025

22 F EATU RES

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A Teachable Feast

The team behind Let’s Eat Austin shares knowledge gained from years of restaurant experience—without all the stress.

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Take a Book, Share a Book

Little Free Libraries enhance learning and build community one volume at a time.

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Solving AfterSchool

Recess founders Molly Morse and Amy Kiska make booking kids’ activities online as easy as ordering takeout.

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I N EVE RY I S SUE

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE Vibrant and Resilient

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WHAT’S NEW Events and Attractions

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GATHERINGS Celebrating Brighter Days

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MEET ME AT THE MARKET Making Waves: K&S Seafood

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PERSPECTIVES Poem by Cynthia A. Alexander

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PHOTO OP Calm After the Storm

COVER

Molly Morse (left) and Amy Kiska, with Morse’s daughter Isla, created the activities booking site that the mothers dreamt of having for their kids.

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Your Neighbor, Your Realtor, Your Advocate L O C A L R E A L E S TAT E E X P E R T O N M U E L L E R ’ S L I F E S T Y L E

As a real estate professional and 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, and walkable amenities, Mueller truly offers something special. Living here gives me an inside perspective on the area’s unique market and lifestyle, which I use to help clients make informed and confident decisions. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious about the neighborhood, I’m always happy to share my expertise and enthusiasm for this amazing place we call home.

Soud Twal

GLOBAL REAL ESTATE ADVISOR

512.787.8617 soud.twal@sothebysrealty.com soudtwal.com

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PUB LISH ER’S NOTE

AH, JULY... THE DOG DAYS of summer are upon us. This marks my fourth summer as a Texan, and thankfully, it hasn’t been the hottest of the bunch— though it’s still plenty warm! What I’ve learned in my time here is that there’s no use complaining about the heat. You simply learn to embrace it. After all, it’s a fair trade for our blissfully mild winters (at least compared to New Jersey!).

But let’s be honest: When the sun is blazing and the kids are out of school, keeping them entertained becomes a real challenge. That’s where the dynamic duo of Molly Morse and Amy Kiska come in. This month, we spotlight their brilliant venture, Recess—a thoughtfully curated marketplace for kids’ activities.

Born out of necessity and powered by their incredible expertise, Recess is every parent’s new best friend for

PHOTOGRAPH BY MARGARITA GARCIA ACEVEDO

A

VIBRANT AND RESILIENT

navigating the long, hot days of summer, as well as throughout the year, with purpose and play.

Speaking of keeping busy (and inspired), Sarah Welch takes us on a delightful tour of the many Little Free Libraries scattered throughout Mueller. These charming neighborhood nooks are more than just book exchanges—they’re a true reflection of our community spirit: sharing knowledge, stories and a love of learning.

If your idea of learning involves food (and whose doesn’t?), you’re in for a treat. Just a short hop over in Windsor Park, the passionate team behind Let’s Eat Austin is spreading joy through the art of cooking and mixology. Their enthusiasm is infectious and their mission—to bring people together through food—is one we can all get behind.

And in this month’s Meet Me at the Market, we shine the spotlight on the hardworking folks at K&S Seafood. The long lines at their booth say it all. Their highquality, delicious seafood is the perfect accompaniment to any summer get-together.

I’m also excited to share that Mueller magazine is now an official sponsor of the Mueller Neighborhood Association. This new partnership will help us support the amazing work being done by MNA while giving us a better way to keep you informed about community events throughout the year. We’re looking forward to deepening our connection with the neighborhood we love.

Finally, I want to address the storm that ravaged Mueller just a few weeks ago.

Although the damage was significant, the resilience of our community shone through.

Neighbors helped neighbors, and I couldn’t be prouder of the community we call home.

Until next time—stay safe, stay cool and enjoy everything the summer has to offer.

Liz Reingold Publisher

Mueller MAGAZINE

Editor & Publisher Liz Reingold Writers Carmen Gray Sarah Welch Photographers Margarita Garcia Acevedo Howard Friedman Marketing Coordinator Alexandra Garcia Social Media and Content Intern Nicole Higgins

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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Your family isis Your family Your family growing.

Your growing. Your home should growing. home shouldtoo. too.You BEFORE BEFORE

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home should

Complimentary virtual Complimentary virtual consultations available. consultations available.

Contact us today.

Contact us today.

Complimentary virtual consultations available.

Contact us today.

AFTER AFTER

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remodelb.com (737) 747-3305 remodelb.com (737) 747-3305 remodelboutique remodelboutique

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WHAT ’S NEW

In the Neighborhood

SUPPORT AUSTIN’S ONLY CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

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Join Thinkery for an unforgettable evening filled with vibrant color, playful surprises and hands-on inspiration. Imagine That is a celebration of creativity, community and the bright futures we’re building together, one young innovator at a time.

Thursday, September 18 Learn more at www.thinkeryaustin.org/imaginethat.

of

A NEW LOCATION FOR HERB BAR After 40 years in the same spot, Austin’s beloved Herb Bar has moved to a new home at 3200 Merrie Lynn St.—just off Manor Road and right around the corner from Mueller. The cozy new space still has everything you love: bulk organic and wildcrafted herbs, homeopathic remedies, essential oils, unique jewelry and more.

SERVING TEXAS EDUCATORS The Teacher Retirement System of Texas opened its relocated Member Center (left) and headquarters in May. TRS’s new facility at 4655 Mueller Blvd. offers a more accessible location outside of downtown Austin.

The state agency serves more than 2 million active and retired public educators and their families.

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r Sign up

MUELLER 4th OF JULY

COHERE LAUNCHES A NEW MUELLER WEBSITE Check out the new Mueller website (https://lifeatmueller.com) for visitors and residents, with news on pools, parks, events and more. Mueller Property Owners Association members can also log into a portal with homeowner information and resources.

2025 Parade and Festival

4th

of JULY

Schedule

BECOME A GREENWAYS FRIEND

10:00am – Parade departs Ella Wooten Park 10:45am – Welcome at Branch Park Pavilion 11:00am to 1:00pm – Festival (Branch Park)

r Sign up to be in the Parade, or to Volunteer at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F094CAAA622A13-56808848-volunteer

Join the Friends of Mueller Greenways to get news on workdays, educational programs and other activities in Mueller greenways. The Friends organization was formed to promote Mueller’s diverse urban nature and restore and conserve native plants, habitats and ecosystems in Mueller greenways. Friends’ partners include the Mueller Property Owners Association and Landscape committee, Mueller Neighborhood Association, Austin Parks and Recreation Department, and Austin Parks Foundation. To learn more, scan this code.

LEARN MORE The Mueller Neighborhood Association is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit building a strong, inclusive and connected community through events, activities, advocacy and outreach. To learn more about Mueller, visit www.muellerneighborhood.org.

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GAT H ERI NGS

Celebrating Brighter Days

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ON MAY 29, just a day after a powerful storm swept through Mueller, those who were able gathered for a casual networking happy hour cosponsored

by Mueller magazine and Origin Hotel. It was a joyful opportunity for our local businesspeople to get together, reminding us of how strong the Mueller community really is.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY HOWARD FRIEDMAN

Business leaders showcase opportunity and resilience in the storm’s aftermath.

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 Let’s Get Social!

Join our online community.

FOLLOW US

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@muellermagazine

Have a photo or story you think should be featured?

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M E ET M E AT TH E MARKET

Right: Royal red shrimp (must be pre-ordered) are a deep-water shrimp and a delicacy from K&S Seafood.

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Making Waves K&S Seafood owners Scott and Kim Treaster have won enthusiastic customers with catches brought fresh from the Gulf.

market day. Get to their spot right outside of the entrance to the pavilion on the corner of Philomena and Aldrich as soon as the market opens to ensure a good variety of choices.

And if you swing by after 11? Expect a heartbreak of crossed-out menu items—shrimp, oysters, crab claws, snapper, flounder, mahi-mahi and more—snatched up by early birds.

HIGH DEMAND It’s the same story every weekend, and it all started very humbly with a couple of roadside bait stands in Georgetown and Wimberley, a few coolers and some handwritten signs.

The turning point came when Kim asked Scott for a few extra pounds of shrimp for her coworkers. Suddenly

PHOTOGRAPHS BY CARMEN GRAY

BY CARMEN GRAY

WHEN YOU THINK of fresh seafood, places like New Orleans, Seattle or Boston might reel in your attention.

But landlocked and often-parched Austin? Not so much. That’s exactly why Scott and Kim Treaster are quite a hit at the Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller weekend after weekend.

The husband-and-wife duo behind K&S Seafood have been turning heads (and filling plates) with their stunningly fresh, Gulf-harvested fish since 2008. Every week, they set up shop at local farmers markets around the Austin area, bringing in the ocean’s bounty straight from the coast.

These days, regulars aren’t taking chances—many call or text ahead to claim their seafood treasures before

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M E ET M E AT TH E MARKET

crabmeat and the delectable red shrimp (must preorder), and they are all incredibly fresh and delicious. There’s a reason why: The Treasters refuse to sell leftovers. “Fresh means fresh,” Scott emphasizes. “It makes all the difference.”

They champion sustainability, too—working in harmony with Texas Parks and Wildlife to help preserve fish populations while occasionally treating customers to flown-in specialties like Alaskan salmon, halibut or even Idaho trout. the requests kept rolling in. “That’s what got us really going,” Scott says.

They soon moved to the Cedar Park Farmers Market and watched the crowds clamor for their goods. One Saturday, just an hour into her second market day, Kim called Scott with exciting news: She’d completely sold out. Scott, still en route to Wimberley, turned around, met her with more seafood—and they sold out again.

Nowadays, every Thursday before sunrise, Scott makes a coastal run to hand-select the freshest catches directly from the boats of trusted Gulf fishermen. And with a lifetime of fishing experience—from the Texas coastline to the waters off Maui—that’s a standard you can count on for top selections.

I’ve tried their large shrimp, jumbo

REPEAT CUSTOMERS You’ll find that repeat customers keep coming back for more each Sunday. I met a tall, boisterous character named Wild Bubba picking up a preorder when I was there recently. I learned that K&S Seafood has up to 75% loyal repeat buyers. It’s no wonder, given that it takes at least 3½ hours to reach the coast from Austin. Having grown up in Houston and spent many summers in Galveston, I was accustomed to fresh-caught seafood regularly as a child and teen. It’s nice to have K&S Seafood at the Mueller Market on Sundays as an alternative.

Aside from Wild Bubba and me, the K&S fan base includes many

East Coast transplants homesick for easy access to fresh seafood, Scott tells me. “They come to grab our fresh scallops to grill or to try some of our Gulf shrimp, which has a flavor all of its own,” he says.

And there’s another product that sells really well for them, too: the famous Texas redfish, also known as red drum. It has a mild, sweet flavor and a firm, white, flaky texture, which is perfect for baking, blackening or grilling.

With summer in full swing, why not stop by and try some of the fresh catch available at K&S Seafood? Whether you’re planning a backyard cookout or a cozy dinner at home, you can bring the flavors of the coast to you. It’s the perfect way to savor a little sunshine—no sand required. Pair it with a light salad, a chilled drink and good company, and you’ve got yourself a meal that feels like a mini-vacation. At K&S Seafood, quality and freshness are always on the menu, so swing by early on Sunday and make your next meal something special.

Carmen Gray has lived in Austin since 1992. She is a retired teacher, a published author and a freelance writer.

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Get in Here!

Become a contributing writer or photographer for Mueller magazine.

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

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A Teachable Feast The talented team behind Let’s Eat Austin shares knowledge gained from years of restaurant experience— without the stress.

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PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY LET’S EAT AUSTIN

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Opposite page: The co-founders of Let’s Eat Austin, including Megan Smith (top) and Aaron Andersson (bottom) teach culinary and bartending techniques in classes that welcome experienced cooks and novices alike, with many ingredients grown or raised on-site.

IF YOU CATCH a whiff of something amazing drifting down Berkman Drive toward Windsor Park, there’s a good chance it’s coming from a quiet little house on the corner. It might look like any other home from the outside, but behind that fence is something special.

Inside the house has been turned into a versatile kitchen and dining space, and the yard is full of carefully tended gardens with veggies, fruits, herbs and even a few chickens providing fresh eggs. This hidden gem tucked into the neighborhood is the locally owned and operated culinary school Let’s Eat. It all began with a chicken— actually a few chickens—and

a young Aaron Andersson, fresh out of UT with a degree in chemical engineering, who found himself staring at a mountain of eggs wondering what in the world he was supposed to do with all of them.

So he started cooking.

What started as a practical solution quickly evolved into something deeper. The scientific processes behind food—how temperature, time and technique change a simple ingredient—fascinated him.

That curiosity led him to Le Cordon Bleu, where he met Megan Smith on the ACF competitive cooking team. Together, they began to imagine something outside the traditional restaurant grind.

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In 2017, Andersson, Smith and bartender Whitney Hazelmyer founded Edamus (Latin for “Let’s Eat”), a culinary studio where they could teach others the techniques they had spent years mastering in restaurants and bars.

Today, the business is better known as Let’s Eat Austin, a name that reflects not just what they do but how they do it: with approachability, warmth and community at the center.

“We’d seen the inefficiencies of the industry up close,” explains Smith. “We wanted to do things differently—to share our knowledge without the burnout.”

A BLEND OF SKILLS Each of the three founders brings a distinct voice and skill set to the table.

Andersson, who grew up in the small Texas town of Ponder, is a builder and teacher by nature. Whether it’s

constructing a chicken coop, growing an herb garden or toasting and grinding whole spices, he believes in engaging with the process from the beginning.

His dedication to comfort food is unwavering—his cinnamon rolls are legendary— but he rarely teaches it. “I don’t want to get burned out on what I love,” he says.

He teaches the majority of Let’s Eat classes, where his calm, methodical approach makes even the most intimidating techniques accessible to students..

Smith brings a different kind of energy. Originally from Virginia, she enrolled in religious studies at the University of Virginia before moving to Austin to become a food writer. Culinary school changed her trajectory.

“Once I got into a kitchen, I didn’t want to leave,” she recalls. “My superpower is

Above: Let’s Eat Austin co-founders (from left, Whitney Hazelmyer, Aaron Andersson and Megan Smith) approach culinary creativity with a lighthearted touch that helps make their space welcoming to all.

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pulling ideas out of the ether—creative direction, menu design, connecting the dots.”

With a combination of humor and creativity, Smith handles the conceptual end of things, and her energy and enthusiasm are palpable.

Her brunch classes are a fan favorite, and she is particularly known for what are arguably the best biscuits in Austin.

Golden, towering and tender, they have become a local favorite.

Hazelmyer has the most eclectic talents in the group. A medium, mother, motorcycle YouTube personality and world-class bartender, she first entered the industry working in her family’s Minneapolis bar, Grumpy’s.

After refining her craft in Baltimore and Austin, she helped design the drinks program at Watertrade, the speakeasy attached to Otoko, where she met Andersson. She was also named one of the top 100 bartenders in the world by Bombay Sapphire.

Hazelmyer’s smoked Old Fashioned is her signature cocktail. “You can tell a lot about a bartender by their Old Fashioned,” she says. “Balance is everything.” Oh, and she is also the group photographer!

BUILDING KITCHEN CONFIDENCE Together, the team has created a uniquely welcoming space that empowers everyone from those new to the kitchen to budding chefs. Classes

range from knife skills to handmade pasta to Japanese cocktails—and they’re tailored to beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike.

But they are just getting started.

Currently, they are building new class menus to excite and inspire students.

And long-term, there’s a cookbook in the works and perhaps a line of signature products such as jams, sauces, T-shirts and whatever else sparks joy and flavor.

Their relationship with the Mueller community is especially meaningful. “We’re just three minutes down Berkman!” Megan says with a grin. They’ve hosted countless neighborhood date nights, team-

building sessions and family classes.

They consider themselves an extension of the Mueller family, looking to nourish, connect and collaborate with the community.

Ultimately, Let’s Eat Austin is about more than food. It’s about empowerment, connection and the belief that anyone can become more confident in the kitchen or behind the bar, with the right support. This creative trio is inspired to serve, teach and build something delicious together.

So if you find yourself craving more than just a good meal; If you want to laugh, learn and enjoy the company of others, try Let’s Eat Austin, where there is always a seat at the table.

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4321 Scales St.

2136 Antone St.

2017 McBee St.

Mark Welch, age 2, explores the Little Free Library at Branch Park, taking a break from the playground to read.

Leaving the park, he drops to the middle of the sidewalk, eager to look at his book.

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2013 Antone St.

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY SARAH WELCH AND COURTESY SYLVIA MARTINEZ-HALEY AND LARKIN TACKETT

Take a Book, Share a Book How Mueller’s embrace of Little Free Libraries enhances learning and builds community one volume at a time.

BY SARAH WELCH

4104 Camacho St.

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O 2000 McCloskey St.

ONE DAY LAST FALL, I was rummaging through a Little Free Library (LFL) on Antone Street looking for a new board book or two for my toddler when the homeowner stepped out his front door. For a moment, I was embarrassed. “You caught me stealing books!” I said, sheepishly.

“Not at all,” he reassured me.

“That’s what they’re there for.”

The homeowner and I made small talk. I told him about how much my little guy loves books, and he shared that he and his wife often swing by Half-Price to buy children’s materials for their LFL. He complimented my bookish T-shirt, and we wished each other well before I continued my walk, weighed down by board books but feeling lighter than I had all day.

The Little Free Library movement began in 2009 with

a single box in Wisconsin. The concept is simple: Set up a bookexchange box in front of your house, in a park or in a public garden, stock it with books and encourage neighbors to take what they’d like and leave a book behind when they can. Today, there are more than 200,000 Little Free Libraries registered with the nonprofit in over 100 countries, tracking 400 million books shared.

While the global growth is impressive, the impact of the movement is clearest when we zoom all the way in, to the little moments of community engagement they foster in neighborhoods like Mueller.

A SPIRIT OF SHARING Littlefreelibrary.org’s interactive map shows seven registered LFLs in Mueller, but there are far more.

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These little libraries exemplify...what’s great about a neighborhood: sharing, learning, giving, receiving and community.”

- Larkin Tackett

2136 Antone St.

You can hardly turn a corner in Mueller without seeing at least one “book house” (as my toddler calls them) inviting neighbors to browse.

There’s the Mueller TARDIS on Camacho, the Macleods’ Little Free Library on Berkman and the not-soLittle Free Library in Branch Park with its several compartments and a built-in reading nook. There’s even a little free art exchange—a twist on the traditional LFL—on Threadgill.

I spoke with three Mueller LFL stewards. Larkin Tackett started

his Little Free Library on McBee Street more than seven years ago in memory of his mother, Wendy Wayne. Sylvia Martinez-Holly set up her library on the Antone wedge in 2013 to celebrate her toddler son, now a teen. And Ann Kitchen, whose husband caught me “stealing” from their Antone LFL last fall, inherited hers from the previous owners of the house.

“We were intrigued,” Kitchen says, “so we left it there!” Active LFL stewards, Kitchen and her husband replaced the original box with a bigger one, and they plan to have their young nieces paint it this summer.

Though each library has a unique origin story, they all embody the spirit of Mueller. As Tackett puts it, “These little libraries exemplify so much of what’s great about a neighborhood: sharing, learning, giving, receiving and community.”

NEIGHBORHOOD MOMENTS Little Free Libraries not only are maintained by the community— although Kitchen and her husband do shop at Half-Price for new stock, all three stewards note that books rotate organically more effectively than they’d expected—but also in many cases built by the community.

“Despite having a kit to build the library, I didn’t have all the tools and struggled to the set the foundation,” says Tackett. “My neighbor Bill saw that I needed help and walked across the street to help me set the library up straight.” And MartinezHolly’s neighbor Joe Denton helped her family prep their post for installation in 2013.

“I think LFLs are great reminders that reading is fun,” says MartinezHolly. “They are a great way to share and discover wonderful stories or recipes with others.”

All three stewards reflect fondly on the serendipitous meetings and happy memories their Little Free

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Libraries have inspired almost more than on the books themselves.

Kitchen recalls greeting a mom who stopped by with three young kiddos in a wagon, then watching as each child found a book they wanted to take. And Martinez-Holly notes that, whenever she sees someone perusing, she makes a point to greet them with a friendly, “Hi, Neighbor!”

CREATING CONNECTIONS “We have all types of visitors,” says Martinez-Holly. “It’s fun to see young kids and their parents finding books, as well as grownups on their own taking a walking or biking break.”

Tackett notes that they’ve seen books for every stage of life passing through their Little Free Library.

“We’ve seen books about pregnancy and books about aging. Readers of all ages seem to give and take from our library.”

Each of these stories reflects a larger truth about Mueller: that it’s a neighborhood rooted in connection.

Whether it’s offering a helping hand with a post hole, dropping off a stack of outgrown picture books or pausing to chat with a neighbor while browsing the shelves, these little exchanges add up to something bigger. They remind us that community is built page by page, moment by moment.

So next time you pass a Little Free Library, take a look inside.

You might find your next favorite book. Or maybe, like me, you’ll find a small, much-needed moment of connection with a neighbor you otherwise might never have met.

Sarah Welch is an editor and writing coach living in the JJ Seabrook neighborhood. Her writing community, The Inkwell (inkdroplit.com), helps authors build fulfilling writing practices in busy everyday lives.

4024 Camacho St.

LEARN MORE Interested in setting up your own Little Free Library? Visit littlefreelibrary.org for many of the resources you need to get started.

For a map of existing Little Free Libraries in Mueller, scan this code.

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Solving After-School

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Recess founders Molly Morse and Amy Kiska make booking kids’ activities online as easy as ordering takeout.

Opposite page: Amy Kiska (left) and Molly Morse (right) started Recess when Morse became frustrated looking for online information about local children’s programs for her daughter, Isla (this page).

IT ALL STARTED with a Disney movie and a frustrated mom hunched over a laptop on a weekday night.

Her daughter had been begging to take gymnastics, and with her husband out at a workrelated happy hour, she finally carved out time to search. She got to page six of Google search results, clicking through one unhelpful website after another, each offering more questions than answers: What age groups?

What times? How many people are on this waitlist? Why aren’t

prices listed? One class ended before 4 p.m.; another was already full; and a third was a 30-minute drive away.

All of these were impossible to manage with her work schedule. Hours later, she had nothing to show for the effort. Her daughter’s dreams were on hold and she hadn’t even eaten dinner.

In that defeated moment, she opened DoorDash to order food.

A flash of rage hit. Why was it so easy to order sushi from her couch yet so hard to find a

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Mueller’s public spaces and walkability have helped Morse and Kiska hone their ideas through conversations with other parents they meet while out in the community with their children.

gymnastics class for her kid? There had to be a better way.

That mom was Molly Morse, cofounder of Recess, and that night changed everything. She picked up the phone and called Amy Kiska, her longtime friend and colleague.

“This is it,” she said. “This is so painful, so overlooked. We could have a genuinely positive impact fixing this.”

Kiska, six months pregnant at the time, didn’t hesitate. Within weeks, they had poured themselves into research and user interviews.

By December, Kiska had her baby.

One month later, Morse and Kiska launched the beta version of Recess.

And just a few weeks after that, they had multiple offers from investors— one of whom danced in celebration on LinkedIn, posting, “This is a space I’ve wanted to invest in for a decade.”

SHAPED BY PARENTS Recess is reimagining how parents discover and book kids’ activities, building the go-to marketplace for after-school classes, summer camps, school holiday care and more. Think OpenTable for kids’ programs.

Parents can search, book and organize everything in one place. Best of all, bookings sync directly with providers’ systems, so there is no more phone tag, guesswork or PDF camp calendars from 2014.

The partnership between Morse and Kiska was magic from the start.

Kiska, Recess’ CEO, is no stranger to building things from the ground up. One of the first five employees at Christian Louboutin, she led the brand’s global expansion to 35 countries. Morse, COO, brought deep expertise in marketplace operations from several venture-backed startups.

They had worked together at

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Infarm, launching its U.S. business mid-pandemic. That trial by fire proved they work well with each other even under pressure—and sparked the dream of one day starting something together.

Launching Recess has been as fast-paced as it’s been mission-driven.

Within five months of that first latenight epiphany, the company had funding in the bank and was rolling out features like instant booking. But the team is focused first not on scale but on real impact, starting in their home base right here in Austin.

Why Austin? For starters, Morse lives here, but it’s also a tech hub brimming with entrepreneurial energy. Mueller, the densest Austin neighborhood outside of downtown and also Morse’s home, became the perfect test neighborhood.

“It’s walkable with tons of public spaces, and that naturally engenders lots of chance encounters, conversations and cool ideas,” Morse says. “I’d run into business owners at the farmers market, get pitch advice from a neighbor at the basketball court or swap stories with other moms at Thinkery.”

Ideas for Recess were shaped by real conversations with real parents, all happening right in our backyard.

“This is a place where parenthood and entrepreneurship have intersected pretty naturally for me,” Morse says, “and it’s been the perfect ecosystem to start Recess.”

UNITING SCATTERED PROGRAMS The problem they’re solving is one many parents know too well. School ends at 3 p.m., but work doesn’t. Signup windows for camps and classes feel like a competitive sport. And the burden often falls disproportionately

on mothers, some of whom leave the workforce completely because they can’t figure out how to piece it all together.

“We’ve heard so many stories from parents who feel trapped—like they have no good options,” the team shares. “We want to change that. We want to make it easier, not harder, to do something good for your child.”

What surprised Morse and Kiska most along the way was just how many amazing programs already exist—if you can find them. Once they really dove into the data, they uncovered a world of options: DJ workshops for middle schoolers,

STEM intensives at UT, flamenco classes for toddlers, even a camp where kids train their dogs.

“There’s this perception that there’s nothing out there, but that’s only because the options are hidden and scattered,” they say. “We just needed to create a single place to find it all.”

In the short term, Recess is focused on fine-tuning its product in Austin, listening closely to both parents and providers. But over the next few years, the vision will become national.

The founders plan to expand city by city, making sure Recess works as seamlessly in Phoenix or Philly as it does in their own neighborhood.

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LEARN MORE Recess is just beginning, but the service’s foundation is now set and the platform is ready to grow. “We’re hiring,” the team says. “We’re looking for people who care deeply about helping families [and] want to build something that makes a real difference.”

For more information, visit hello-recess.com.

The platform currently serves families with elementary and middle school kids—the group most affected by the school/ work gap. But they’re already laying the groundwork to support families across the full journey, from parentand-me baby classes to teen internships and even college prep.

The story of Recess is still being written, but one thing is clear: it was born out of a personal need and built by people determined to meet it

with empathy, ambition and a bit of startup scrappiness.

In a world where ordering tacos is easier than enrolling your child in karate, Recess is saying: Enough. Parents deserve better. And they’re making it happen one activity at a time.

“If you can find the program that clicks for your child, it’s such a feel-good moment as a parent,” Morse says. “You’ve got the care you need and your kid is having a fantastic time. That’s such a parenting win.”

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PERSPECTIVES

Advice to the Younger Generation POEM BY CYNTHIA A. ALEXANDER

I would tell the younger generation to learn their ABCs: Authority—who will you follow?

Be yourself. Don’t pretend to be someone you are not.

Care about others. Have mercy.

Do I know who I am? Ask yourself this question.

Everything you do matters. The bridges you cross, you may have to cross over again.

Failure is not failing—it’s a learning tool.

Grateful for everything—always know being thankful is a part of love.

Have a plan. Know what, where and why you’re doing what you do.

I am important. You are the best at what you do.

Joy is better than happiness. What’s inside counts; the outside is but for a moment.

Keep a list of what people tell you—you’ll need proof one day.

Listening is vital. Everyone can teach you something.

Manage your affairs. Know what goes on in your life.

Notice your surroundings. Be watchful.

Opportunity will come your way—whatever you need in life will surely come. Don’t give up.

Pay your bills. Buying a home, car, etc., is easier when your credit is good.

Quit complaining—no use.

Relax when you can—your mind, body and soul need a break.

Save some money. Always have a pot to pull from.

Thank people. Everyone deserves a thank-you.

Understand people—even if you don’t get it. Understand.

Vigilance is important—because there may come a time when you need to say what happened.

Watchful is vigilant—because there may come a time when you need to speak what happened.

X—Cross out things that are done.

Yield to others. It’s OK to let others have the right-of-way sometimes.

Zealous—find your passion and go for it.

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

CALM AFTER THE STORM MUELLER TOOK a direct hit from a massive storm in late May. These photos from the neighborhood show Mother Nature’s fury—as well as her way of saying with a rainbow that brighter days are ahead.

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Discover Healing Local Clinic Offers Breakthrough Solution for Shingles and Postherpetic Neuralgia Shingles, a sinister foe that strikes with searing pain and emerges as a painful rash.

While shingles itself is a harrowing experience, its aftermath can be equally debilitating, known as Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

This relentless pain persists long after the initial shingles outbreak, lingering for months or even years.

For Georgia W., the agony lingered for almost eight excruciating months. The initial encounter with shingles was an ordeal in itself, but what followed was a protracted nightmare.

"I felt like I was trapped in a never-ending storm of pain, each day darker and more agonizing than the last. It’s hard to say this now, but I was at a point where life wasn’t worth living."

The Beacon of Hope: Rosedale Acupuncture & Wellness Amidst the darkness, Georgia discovered a beacon of hope – Rosedale Acupuncture & Wellness and their ground-breaking ATP Resonance BioTherapy®.

ATP Resonance BioTherapy® targets damaged cells affected by injury or illness, rejuvenating their energy production and providing the essential fuel for healing and repair. It's a proven, medical solution for those whose cells are depleted and can no longer recover on their own.

Dr. Lucas Brown, explains the science behind the therapy: "In conditions like shingles and postherpetic neuralgia, the cells' energy is depleted, hindering their ability to recover. ATP Resonance BioTherapy® steps in as a precise intervention, restoring cellular energy and facilitating the healing process at its core."

Your Path To Healing Starts Here Just one month later, Georgia found herself having more good days than bad, and eventually, she got her zest for life back. Her testament to Rosedale Acupuncture's transformative approach resonates with overwhelming joy.

"I never imagined I would be preparing Thanksgiving dinner for my entire family without the looming threat of pain.

Rosedale Acupuncture gave me back my life, and as I stirred pots and set the table, I found myself eternally grateful for them."

Rosedale Acupuncture Wellness specializes in treating complicated conditions and

chronic pain, ranging from persistent sciatica to challenging cases like failed back surgeries and fibromyalgia. What sets them apart is their commitment to treating the root cause of pain through integrative therapies, not just masking symptoms with a temporary fix.

An Integrative Approach Dr. Brown emphasizes their approach: "Our mission is to unravel the complexities of pain, not merely mask symptoms.

Whether it's a common ailment or a formidable condition, we strive to provide lasting relief through integrative therapies tailored to each individual."

To those grappling with the aftermath of shingles or other chronic pain, Rosedale Acupuncture extends an invitation to embark on a journey to lasting wellness.

Don't let pain dictate the terms of your life. Rosedale Acupuncture & Wellness is here to guide you toward a future free from the chains of suffering. Call 512-623-1996 to schedule your consultation today.

Visit RosedaleAcuWell.com to learn more, or call (512) 623-1996.

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