CELEBRATING DIVERSE VOICES CINE LAS AMERICAS FILM FESTIVAL
YOUR BIG DAY WEDDING PLANNER JEN SEALS
Setting The Stage SUMMER
THEATRE IS BACK
ALL ALL SUMMER SUMMER KIDS KIDS EAT
MAY 25 MAY 25 - JULY 31 - JULY 31 th th stst - JULY 31st
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FEATURES
16 Setting the Stage
Austin ISD Summer Theatre Series opens the door for students interested in performing arts, allowing them to create magic one musical at a time.
20 The Big Day
Jen Seals of Seals & Co. Events talks us through her best tips and tricks on how to make your wedding day the best day.
24 Celebrating Latin American Film
The Cine Las Americas International Film Festival gives audiences a look at some of the best storytelling in film from diverse voices.
IN THIS ISSUE
4 PUBLISHER’S NOTE Settling Into Summer
8 MEET ME AT THE MARKET An Unexpected Gem
12 WHAT’S NEW Community Updates
28 BETTER HEALTH Have a Safe Summer
30 PERSPECTIVES Never ending story
32 PHOTO OP Summer is Here
COVER A moment from “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” a production from the Austin ISD Summer Theatre Series.
wSETTLING INTO SUMMER
WELCOME TO JUNE, when summer vacations are underway, and life settles into a slower, sweeter rhythm.
The heat may be setting in, but the team at the AISD Performing Arts Center is preparing for a “Frozen” summer. Fresh off their 10-year anniversary, they’re hard at work on this year’s student-run production. You won’t want to miss this one!
June also brings wedding season into focus. This issue, we caught up with Jen Seals of Seals & Co. Events for smart, practical advice on planning a day that feels both seamless and personal.
Carmen Gray returns with a look at the Cine Las Americas International Film Festival, sharing its history and the lasting impact it’s had on Austin’s film scene.
In our market story, Carmen also introduces Kimberly Jenkins of Kimberlalei Co., whose unique offerings, from handcrafted jewelry to healthful sea moss, make for an unexpected and intriguing mix.
Whether you’re traveling or staying close to home, we hope you find time to enjoy the pace of the season.
Liz Reingold Publisher
muellermagazine.com @muellermagazine
Mueller MAGAZINE
Editor & Publisher
Liz Reingold
Writer
Carmen Gray
Photographer
Margarita Garcia Acevedo
Marketing Coordinator
Nicole Higgins
WAINSCOT MEDIA
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Carroll V. Dowden
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Mark Dowden
SVP, Group Publisher
Thomas Flannery
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Maria Regan
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Kijoo Kim
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Rosemary O’Connell
Executive Editor Elaine Quilici
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 2026 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
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DIRECTORY OF SPONSORS
Many thanks to our committed sponsors, who make it possible for us to bring you high-quality local stories each month. Shopping and doing business close to home are excellent ways to support our community. When you visit our sponsors, please tell them Mueller magazine sent you!
Alite Laser
Austin’s locally owned, family-run laser clinic for over 30 years. Offering expert laser hair removal and electrolysis, ethical treatments, real results, and payas-you-go care. Look good, feel great, be confident. 512-328-1555 | alitelaser.com
Dish Society
Dish Society is a Mueller neighborhood favorite for locally sourced food, everyday feel-good meals, good vibes, and great company
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Floyd’s 99 Barbershop
Floyd’s 99 Barbershop offers expert cuts, shaves, and color for everyone—set in a fun, family-friendly space with our iconic poster wall and lively music. 325-268-5906 | floydsbarbershop.com @floyds99atx
Nature’s Treasures
Explore the beauty of Nature’s Treasures, your iconic rock and crystal shop since 2000, and invite nature into your daily life with home and garden décor, jewelry, sage and pocket stones. 512-472-5015 | ntrocks.com @naturestreasurestexas
Mexican Restaurant
Santa Catarina
Santa Catarina is a boutique family restaurant with homestyle cooking from South Central Mexico. Our bar features 100% Agave tequilas and Mezcales. All of our juices are homemade: no sugar added. 512-291-7154 | santacatarinarestaurant.com @santacatarinatx
Carlin Wealth Management
Carlin Wealth Management Group helps families optimize the efficiency of their finances. It also introduces Empowered Café, creating opportunities and inclusion for a staff with Down syndrome. 512-688-7414 | carlinwmg.com
Empowered Cafe
Empowered Café is a full-service coffee house, also offering juices, soup, sandwiches, and pastries from a friendly staff of individuals with Down syndrome 512-855-1222 | empoweredcafeatx.com
Kuper Sotheby’s
A distinguished real estate advisor and proud Mueller resident, offering expert guidance whether you’re buying, selling, or exploring the neighborhood. 512-831-6577 | sotheybysrealty.com @soud_twal
Origin Hotel
Discover Origin Hotel Austin, blending Texas charm with modern comfort, stylish rooms, and all-day dining from Blue Lacy right in the heart of Mueller. 512-861-1140 | originhotel.com @origin_austin
St. Austin Catholic School
Since 1917, St. Austin has partnered with families to form Christ-centered, academically strong, moral community leaders through faith, service, scholarship, and a nurturing Catholic environment. 512-886-1756 | staustinschool.org
Crane & Holtzman
Crane & Holtzman is a boutique, full-service accounting firm providing tax, consulting, and accounting services to individuals, businesses, and trusts. 512-215-0057 | craneholtzman.com
European Wax Center
European Wax Center is the numver one safe place to start removing hair safely and effectively at an incredibly affordable price. First Time Guests can try it for free. 512-617-9157 | waxcenter.com/pages/first-wax-free @europeanwax
Mueller Silent Market
Since 2008, the Mueller Silent Market Team has specialized in Mueller and Central Austin real estate, offering expert guidance on both public and private listings. 512-913-8642 | muellersilentmarket.com @muellersilentmarketteam
Parkside Family Vision
Parkside Family Vision provides comprehensive, familyfocused eye care in Mueller offering routine exams, advanced myopia management, and stylish eyewear with warm, personalized service to help your whole family see their best. 512-276-6117 | parksidefamilyvision.com @parksidefamilyvision
Texas Mutual
As the state’s leading workers’ compensation provider, Texas Mutual Insurance Company is dedicated to protecting employees, supporting local communities, and fortifying the state economy. 512-224-3800 | texasmutual.com @texasmutual
CATARINA SANTA
The Herb Bar
The Herb Bar, Austin’s oldest apothecary, has served the community for nearly 40 years with teas, tinctures, organic body products, and holistic workshops focused on wellness and connection.
512-444-6251 | theherbbar.com @theherbbar
ThoroughFare
Fresh made from scratch food made from all clean ingredients in a full market experience including a bakery, cafe, deli, and grocery. thoroughfare.com | @thoroughfare
Thinkery
Thinkery, a nonprofit children’s museum and home to Little Thinkers Preschool, sparks joyful, play-based STEAM learning so ALL children cultivate a lifelong love of learning.
512-469-6201 | thinkeryaustin.org @thinkeryatx
Vaura Pilates
Vaura Pilates fuses reformer precision with athletic training in a sensory rich studio. Energize your body, elevate your mind, and awaken within. 512-481-2795 | vaurapilates.com | @vaura-mueller
VIO Med Spa
Feel great, look amazing at VIO Med Spa. Our medical professionals specialize in skin rejuvenation, Botox, cosmetic injectables, skin care, weight loss and body contouring.
521-900-1051 | viomedspa.com @viomedspa.mueller
An Unexpected GEM
At Kimberlalei Co., beads, bracelets, and sea moss await those who want to try something different.
BY CARMEN GRAY
SEA MOSS, WAIST BEADS, bracelets, and other jewelry pieces. These are the unique items you’ll find at Kimberlalei Co., one of the stalls facing the splash pad on Sunday mornings at the Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller. The woman behind the products, Kimberly Jenkins, is as charming and intriguing as what she offers.
Waist beads have adorned women in many West African cultures for centuries as a way to reclaim culture and connect to heritage; they also promote body positivity. The waist beads at Kimberlalei are colorful and distinctive, as are the other jewelry pieces, all made by Jenkins with care. She also sells a product you may not be familiar with: sea moss.
MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE
Sea moss, also known as Irish moss or red seaweed, is an algae that grows in the Caribbean, off the coast of Ireland, and in parts of Vietnam. Jenkins discovered sea moss while seeking health solutions; she found it to be a powerful supplement.
“My business began in 2021 when I was using sea moss for my own health journey,” she says. Born with sickle cell anemia, Jenkins says sea moss improved her health significantly. The most noticeable change was a reduction in pain that allowed her to stop daily pain medication and decrease hospitalizations. “During the midpandemic, I was a teacher too
immunocompromised to return to school, and the district I worked for didn’t allow work accommodations for people with disabilities. I had no choice but to pivot.”
Because sea moss had improved her quality of life, Jenkins wanted to help others access it. “I wanted to make it available to as many people as I could, so the idea came to me to put it in the markets in Austin,” she says.
As a former teacher, Jenkins takes an educational approach, since many customers have never heard of sea moss. If you stop by her stall, she’ll happily explain how it helped her.
Jenkins says sea moss contains 92 of the 102 minerals the body needs to function optimally. She notes it
can help with high blood pressure, diabetes, pain, and inflammation; it also has antibacterial and antiviral properties and may aid skin issues such as psoriasis and eczema, as well as gut and thyroid health.
Jenkins began selling at Mueller when the market moved to Branch Pavilion in summer 2021. “There was a waiting list, but no one at the Mueller market—or any market in Austin at the time—was offering sea moss products. I took that opportunity to introduce it to the market directors and then to the market community.”
Her timing paid off. She’s been at Mueller ever since, selling to customers who trust her firsthand
experience. In addition to Mueller, she sells at events across Central Texas and online nationwide at kimberlalei.com. She offers four wildcrafted sea moss varieties: gold, purple, green, and a blend of all three. Caribbean sea moss naturally grows green and purple, but prolonged sun exposure can fade those colors to gold. Green and purple sea moss are harvested from deeper water and shadedried to preserve color. Green sea moss contains chlorophyll; purple sea moss contains anthocyanins (antioxidants found in darker fruits and vegetables); gold sea moss retains essential minerals and vitamins but has fewer plant compounds due to sun exposure.
On her business name, Jenkins says, “My name is Kimberly, and I was on a hit television show in the early 2000s called “The Parkers.” In one episode, the main character, Kim, called herself Kimberlale. I made it my Instagram name, and it became my identity. I guess you can say it stuck.”
Jenkins is also the founder of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Killeen and Fort Cavazos. She has worn many hats and continues to pursue better health. We’re fortunate to have her distinctive products available at Mueller.
Carmen Gray has lived in Austin since 1992. She is a retired teacher, published author, and freelance writer.
Comprehensive
Contact Lens Exams
Diabetic Eye Exams
Pediatric Eye Exams
Myopia Management
Dry Eye Treatment
Cataract Consultations
LASIK Co-Management
Medical Eye Emergencies
Community Updates
LBJ AMERICA 250
Beginning in June, the LBJ Presidential Library will showcase original documents that shaped American history. Four rotating exhibitions highlight milestones from Brown v. Board of Education to the Wright brothers’ patent, complemented by engaging public programs that explore 250 years of the American story and its lasting impact on today.
Set in Texas, a land of haunted histories and increasingly restrictive laws, “Beneath the Bluebonnets” emerges from the raw intersection of terror and endurance. Written by 12 Texas women writers including, and also edited by our very own Carmen Gray, the book is available at First Light Book Shop, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.
THINKERY ANNOUNCES NEW CEO MICHAEL SHANKLIN
Michael Shanklin brings years of experience in children’s museums and a passion for playful learning to his new role as CEO. He joins Thinkery at a time of growth, expanding opportunities for children and families to explore, play, and grow together. Learn more at thinkeryaustin.org/ceo.
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 muellerneighborhood.org.
Setting the Stage
Austin ISD Summer Theatre Series opens the door for students interested in performing arts, allowing them to create magic one musical at a time.
WWHAT STARTED IN 2016 as a small summer enrichment initiative has grown into one of Central Texas’s most beloved youth theatre traditions: the Austin ISD Summer Theatre Series (STS). From the very first shows to today’s spectacular productions, STS has provided thousands of AISD middle and high school students the opportunity to perform onstage, backstage, and in the orchestra pit, gaining hands-on experience in acting, singing, dancing, live instrumental performance, and technical theatre within a supportive, professional environment.
Thanks to the dedicated staff at the Austin ISD Performing Arts Center, AISD Fine Arts staff, and AISD teachers from across the district, the program has become the largest theatre camp in Central Texas, attracting students from all corners of the district. Performing arts educators, theatre professionals, and community volunteers work side-byside with young artists throughout the process , from auditions and rehearsals to opening night, where the shows are 100% student run.
OPENING DOORS
STS isn’t just about what happens onstage. It’s also a hands-on learning experience for students interested in lighting, sound, rigging, set design, costumes, and stage management. Before the big musical hits the main stage, students can take part in the Rising Stars Camp, an intensive instructional one-week program designed to introduce newcomers to the craft of theatre.
Over the years, many alumni have gone on to pursue careers in the performing arts, some as far as Broadway, and some even return as mentors and teachers, and others
are touring or joining professional stages around the country.
Each summer, STS presents two distinct performances: A one-act play in the intimate Black Box theatre and a full-scale musical in the PAC’s 1,200-seat Proscenium Main Hall.
In 2024, audiences delighted in “Shrek: The Musical,” a production so popular that several performances sold out completely, showcasing the talent and dedication of more than 250 participating students.
In 2025, the series celebrated its 10th anniversary with “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The New
Musical,” a vibrant and whimsical show full of dazzling choreography, imaginative sets, and a live student orchestra with more than 280 students participating in the program.
This summer marks another milestone: the 2026 Summer Theatre Series will feature Disney’s “Frozen: The Musical” as its mainstage musical production. It runs from July 23 to 26, 2026. This beloved tale of sisterhood, courage, and self-discovery promises to bring Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and Sven to life with music, magic, and heart, all performed by AISD’s own young artists.
What began as a modest summer initiative has become a cornerstone of arts education in Austin ISD, offering students a 100% free opportunity to gain invaluable experience, build confidence, and find joy through the performing arts. Year after year, STS proves that when access barriers are removed, community, creativity, and a passion for performance can truly transform lives both on and off the stage. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or discovering the magic for the first time, this summer’s “Frozen: The Musical” is sure to melt hearts and create unforgettable memories for families, students, and theatre lovers of all ages. Bundle up in July and join the Austin ISD Summer Theatre Series as Arendelle arrives on stage, bringing icy magic, winter winds, and a chance of snow to summer in Austin.
For Tickets and show information, visit the AISD Performing Arts Center at austinisd. org/arts/pac.
Be sure to follow along on social media at @austinisdpac and @austinisdsts for updates and behind-the-scenes show content.
The Big Day
Jen Seals of Seals & Co. Events talks us through her best tips and tricks on how to make your wedding day the best day.
WWHEN THE CALENDAR turns to June, weddings naturally take center stage. Although Austin weather allows for beautiful weddings nearly year-round, June still feels like wedding season.
From backyard gatherings to fullscale productions, local couples look to create their own special moments and put their own unique touches on the day. Jen Seals, founder of Seals & Co. Events, has built her reputation on helping couples to do exactly that. We caught up with her to talk about what couples are prioritizing right now, where to spend (and save), and how to create the perfect wedding.
What are you seeing couples prioritize most right now when it comes to planning their big day?
Smaller, more intentional guest lists are a big one. Couples are focusing on having their people there, not just filling seats. There’s also a move toward deep personalization over traditions. It is less about “this is how it’s done,” and more about “this is who we are and what we want.” Guest experience is also huge right now. Think immersive environments or fun, interactive food and drink moments that keep everyone engaged.
What trends or touches are you loving right now?
Custom everything. Menus, signage, outfits, even the bar setup get their own customized touches. Overall, weddings feel less formal, more immersive, and really tied to the couple and the place.
For couples just starting out, what’s the one thing they should lock in first, and what can wait?
Start with your budget. It makes every other decision easier. Then lock in your venue and date. After that, focus on your core vendors, including the wedding planner, photo/video, entertainment, beauty, and catering. The smaller details can come later once the big pieces are set.
Budgets can be tricky. Where do you recommend splurging, and where is it safe to scale back?
Spend on what people experience and what you’ll remember, like the photo/ video, food and drinks, entertainment, and a planner. Those really shape the day. You can scale back on things people barely notice or that don’t last long, like save-the-dates, invitations, day-of paper goods, and, in some cases, even florals.
Outdoor weddings are popular in Austin. What are your best tips for beating the heat while still keeping things beautiful? Timing is everything. Later ceremonies, after the heat of the day has passed, can be your friend. Keep people hydrated with plenty of non-alcoholic options and make sure there’s shade (non-negotiable). Tents are always a good idea, just in case. It also helps to give guests a heads-up on dress code, serve lighter, seasonal food, and have little emergency kits in the restrooms just in case.
What’s one behind-the-scenes detail guests would never notice, but makes a huge difference to the overall experience?
A well-managed timeline with built-in buffer time. If it’s done right, no one notices, but everything feels smooth and easy.
Looking back at all the weddings you’ve planned, what’s one moment that always ends up being the most meaningful?
Right after the ceremony, when the couple walks back down the aisle together. The joy on their faces is just the best. I’m usually there with bubbles, and it’s such a fun, real moment.
Why should couples choose a wedding planner rather than trying to go it alone?
Because it turns a potentially stressful day into something you actually get to enjoy. It’s an investment in your sanity, and it lets you be fully present on your wedding day.
Find more information at jen@ sealscoevents.com or @seals_co.
The Cine Las Americas International Film Festival gives audiences a look at some of the best storytelling in film from diverse voices.
BY CARMEN GRAY
Celebrating Latin American Film I
IF YOU’VE EVER visited the nearby AFS Cinema, known for its programming of independent and international films, you may already be familiar with an annual event held each May: The Cine Las Americas International Film Festival (CLAIFF). What many attendees may not realize, however, is that this now wellestablished festival began in a living room in a modest Hyde Park home in 1997.
Laura Coger, along with three friends, wanted greater access
to Latin American cinema in Austin. At the time, such films were rarely screened locally. Determined to change that, they organized supporters and secured sponsorships to launch what they called “The Festival of Latin American Cinema” in the spring of 1998.
Coger’s passion for the project had been building for years. Six years earlier, after living and studying in Costa Rica and Mexico, she traveled to Cuba for the first time—an experience that left a
lasting impression and deepened her appreciation for Latin American storytelling. Around the same time, Charles Nafus, a professor of Radio-Television-Film at Austin Community College and a board member of the Austin Film Society, stepped in as an advisor to the fledgling effort. He, too, had noticed the absence of films from Mexico and other Latin American countries in Austin’s cultural landscape.
By the late 1990s, Austin was rapidly growing, with major companies such as Dell, 3M, and Motorola establishing a presence in the city. Many brought strong ties to Latin America, contributing to a more diverse population. Nafus recognized that this evolving community would not only appreciate the festival but help sustain it.
The first festival took place at the Dobie Theater near the University of Texas campus from April 29 to May 2, 1998. What began as a grassroots effort quickly gained traction, building a loyal audience year after year.
Opposite page: Executive Director Gabriel Ornelas
This page from top: Moments from the 2026 launch party.
A LASTING IMPACT
Fast forward to 2026, and CLAIFF has grown into a major cultural event, drawing filmmakers, actors, and audiences from across the country and beyond. Now hosted at AFS Cinema, the 2026 festival featured prominent guests such as Lou Diamond Phillips and included a full slate of screenings, panels, and celebratory events, from galas to after-parties.
This year’s opening night film, “American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez,” reflected the festival’s continued commitment to showcasing influential Latinx voices. Narrated by Edward James Olmos, the documentary follows director David Alvarado, Valdez’s brother, as he examines how Valdez’s upbringing in a migrant worker family in Delano, California, shaped his creative work. That experience inspired “Zoot Suit,” which moved from the stage to Broadway and eventually to Hollywood. Its success later led to “La Bamba,” Valdez’s biopic about music icon Ritchie Valens. The film also highlights Valdez’s lasting influence on Chicano theater and cultural institutions.
For more information or to get involved, visit cinelasamericas.org.
Carmen Gray has lived in Austin since 1992. She is a retired teacher, published author, and freelance writer.
Have a SAFE SUMMER
Simple steps can prevent these common causes of seasonal injury and illness.
SWIMMING AT THE beach, hiking in the woods: There’s no shortage of appealing summertime adventures. But spending more time outdoors also raises the risks for injuries. A little caution and use of sound judgment can help you make the most of the sunshine while avoiding any unnecessary trips to the emergency room.
Here are seven common warmweather emergencies— and tips on avoiding them.
1. SEVERE SUNBURN
While minor-to-moderate sunburns can be treated at home with overthe-counter remedies like aloe vera, severe sunburn can require
emergency treatment. Warning signs include blistering skin and uncontrollable pain. The true extent of a sunburn may take 12 to 24 hours to develop. Steps to prevent sunburn include using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more. Reapply it every two hours and every time you come out of the water. Also consider wearing a brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect the face and eyes.
2. HEAT ILLNESSES
Heat cramps and heat stroke represent a spectrum of illnesses that occur when the body begins to lose the ability to regulate its temperature.
Heat exhaustion is marked by heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea and thirst. When heat exhaustion becomes heat stroke, it can cause confusion and even unconsciousness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency—call 911. Children and the elderly are typically more likely to suffer from heat stroke. To limit your risk of heat-related illness, stay properly hydrated, especially with water and/or fluids with electrolytes. Limit soda and alcohol. Carry a reusable water bottle wherever you go. Thirst is a sign of dehydration: If you feel thirsty, it’s time to catch up on fluid intake. Avoid outdoor exercise or other physical activity during the hottest times of day.
3. FIREWORKS-RELATED INCIDENTS
Fireworks are a time-honored summer tradition, but when used improperly, they can lead to serious burns, deep cuts and eye injuries. Reduce your risks by using legal fireworks and following all safety guidelines on the package. Never light fireworks in your hand. Leave duds alone—don’t walk up to them to see why they didn’t ignite. Douse all used fireworks in a bucket of water. If you have any doubts about handling fireworks safely, attend a community event and leave the seasonal show to professionals.
4. SPORTS INJURIES
A little planning can help you stay on the field or court longer and avoid injuries like muscle sprains, muscle strains and twisted ankles. Always stretch and perform warmup exercises prior to starting any kind of physical activity. Give yourself time to cool down after you play. Stay properly hydrated. If you’re cycling, skateboarding or riding scooters, wear a helmet. Avoid aggressive speed and maneuvers when bicycling, riding a personal watercraft or operating any type of vehicle.
5. PLAYGROUND MISHAPS
Trips and falls on the playground can lead to scrapes, bruises and lacerations. Keep children safe by always supervising them and limiting running and horseplay as much as possible. Look for playgrounds with softer ground cover such as rubber or mulch instead of asphalt or concrete. Discourage high-risk activities such as pushing a child higher on a swing than they find comfortable. Check the temperature of playground surfaces such as slides before children begin playing on them.
6. TICK BITES
A tick bite can lead to a condition called babesiosis, a bloodstream infection that brings flulike symptoms such as body aches. Tick bites can also cause Lyme disease. The hallmark of Lyme disease is a rash that classically looks like a bullseye. It occurs on average in about seven days at the site of the tick bite and can cause fever, chills, headache, fatigue and muscle and joint soreness.
Ticks can bite not only in the woods but even in your backyard. Prevention includes wearing moisture-wicking,
long-sleeve shirts; long pants; and tall socks to cover your skin. Check yourself for ticks or signs of a bite when you step back indoors.
7.
BARBECUE HAZARDS
Never light a gas grill with the lid closed. If the grill doesn’t light immediately, let gas dissipate before attempting to light again. Use only the amount of lighter fluid you need to start a charcoal grill. Cook any meat, seafood or poultry thoroughly and to temperatures recommended by the USDA. Keep food—and guests—safe by refrigerating leftovers so they don’t spoil in the sun.
GUARD AGAINST DROWNING
Drownings are the leading cause of death among young children. Ways to reduce risks include:
• Be aware that small children can drown in shallow water.
• Make sure at least one adult swimmer provides constant supervision of any children near or in the water.
• Install fences and gates around home pools. Consider adding an alarm that alerts you anytime someone goes into the water.
• Prohibit children from running around the outside of pools to reduce the risk of slips and falls.
• Enroll children in swim lessons. Have them wear life jackets, vests and floaties in the water if they can’t swim.
• Never dive head-first into water unless you know how deep it is. Instead, wade in or jump in feet-first.
• Always swim near a lifeguard. Heed red-flag warnings for high rip currents at the shore. If you get caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore.
PERSPECTIVES
Never ending story
BY CHARLES CANN
The scene is set liars dissemblers and deacons in severe tailored suits sit and pose before one another in glided and sumptuous rooms before tables laden with delicious forbidden viands and cooling intoxicating drinks around the room they are guarded by sharp eyed men with wires in their ears and deadly bulges in their coats servants at their left hand hold scripts that will counter any and all the objections from the masses who toil in ignorance like ants out the darkened glass window and far below all believing in free will
