Mueller November 2023

Mueller

November 2023

TIPS FOR HEALTHIER HOLIDAYS

SOURDOUGH PROJECT’S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

TEXAS MUTUAL CEO

JEANETTE WARD

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NOVEMBER 2023

Contents

22 18

14

28 10

IN EVE RY ISSU E

F E AT U R ES

14 18

A Decade of Fun and Learning

Mueller’s premier children’s museum celebrates its history of promoting knowledge and creativity throughout the Austin area.

5 Mindful Tips for Healthier Holidays

A Master Pilates teacher offers ways to stay balanced and energized during a hectic season.

22 Mutual Affection

How Texas Mutual CEO Jeanette Ward rose through the ranks and helped bring her company—and appreciative employees—to Mueller

28 Seasonal Serenity

One of our writers finds gratitude and warmth at a time of change and celebration.

4

Publisher’s Note WORDS OF THANKS

6

What’s New EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS

10 Meet Me at the Market SOURDOUGH SUCCESS 32 Photo Op AUTUMN INSPIRATION

O N T HE COVER

From left: Thinkery board president K.C. Barner, past president John Antonelli and CEO Andy Bell celebrate 10 years in Mueller at the museum’s Spark After Dark gala.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Mueller

Thank You!

PHOTOGRAPH BY MARGARITA GARCIA ACEVEDO

have some great photos to share with you.

We are also thankful for those local leaders who understand the importance of giving back to the greater community. There is no better example of this than Jeanette Ward, the CEO of Texas Mutual in Mueller. Jeanette has not only accomplished much in her career but also has dedicated herself to community service. We are so happy to tell her story.

Mueller resident and contributing writer Hayley Killebrew gives us a heartfelt reflection about the gratitude and wonderful memories this time of year conjures up for her.

It’s a beautiful peek into what the season means.

Rounding out this jam-packed issue, we also discuss tips on how to stay healthy and feel great this holiday season. Tips include healthful eating, which we highlight in this month’s Meet Me at the Market feature about the Sourdough Project. Its proprietors are dedicated to providing healthful snack options and are a Farmers’ Market fan favorite.

And finally, we offer great options for dining, shopping and relaxing right here in Mueller during the holidays in our Holiday Gift Guide. Remember to frequent our local businesses during the holidays. They need you!

For me personally, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year. This year, aside from my health, my family and my friends, I am so thankful for this community and all that it gives each of us.

As we enter the holiday season, we are four issues into publishing Mueller—and I can’t put into words the gratitude I feel for this amazing community that has jumped right on board with our magazine.

I have heard from so many of you who want to contribute by writing, sending photos or supporting us by advertising.

I have even been stopped on the street (usually while walking my puppy) by Mueller residents who just want to say hi!

This issue, we give thanks for our very own Thinkery children’s museum, which just celebrated 40 years in Austin and 10 years right here in Mueller and which brings joyful learning to children throughout Austin. I enjoyed attending the museum’s Spark After Dark gala and

Liz Reingold Publisher

MAGAZINE

Editor & Publisher Liz Reingold Art Director Sue Park Copy Editor Nancy Fass Contributing Writers Carmen Gray Haylee Killebrew Lee Vallely Photographers Margarita Garcia Acevedo Social Media Manager Evan Hadd

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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Get in Here!

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

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WHAT’S NEW

In the Neighborhood MERGING MUELLER HOLIDAY EVENTS Come join your neighbors as two favorite events—Mueller Tower Holiday Lighting and the Merry & Bright Celebration—are combined into one.

Enjoy music, food, movies and fun on December 1 as the community rings in the holiday season. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. at Mueller Lake Park.

V/O MED SPA TURNS 1 KERBEY LANE KINDNESS This quarter, as part of Kerbey Lane Cafe’s Kerbey Kindness platform, the restaurant is happy to announce its newest giveback recipient, Thinkery, in honor of the children’s museum’s 10th anniversary in Mueller.

From October through December, Kerbey Lane will donate a portion of proceeds from its monthly pancake specials to Thinkery. Thinkery’s mission is to lead the future of play-based STEAM learning experiences that inspire and equip all children to be confident, creative thinkers (see page 14).

V/O Med Spa—an innovative, luxury medical spa specializing in cutting-edge aesthetic services for women and men—invites you celebrate its anniversary in style.

Located near Mueller Lake Park at 1900 Aldrich Street, the spa’s staff of experienced specialists is committed to delivering the very best aesthetic medicine and wellness services.

Stop in and enjoy the celebration while you take time for yourself!

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WHAT’S NEW

In the Neighborhood

AMLI OPENS A THIRD LOCAL APARTMENT COMMUNITY AMLI Residential is pleased to announce its latest Mueller opening, AMLI Branch Park. This 406-unit apartment complex is located at 1911 Philomena Street.

Residents enjoy two separate pools outfitted with private and community cabanas on the three-quarter-acre pool deck, along with a dog park, beer garden, grill station and hammock grove, as well as other community amenities and 20,000 feet of convenient ground-floor retail space.

NOW OPEN: TOY JOY AT THINKERY Toy Joy provides kids (and adults!) a fun and joyful experience through its wide variety of favorite toys, games and collectibles. Enjoy the same Toy Joy experience you know and love now at Thinkery! Thinkery members receive a 10 percent discount at Toy Joy at Thinkery and all Toy Joy locations (excluding the Austin Bergstrom International Airport outpost). Learn more at thinkeryaustin.org/membership.

FESTIVE OFFERINGS AT LAZARUS BREWING COMPANY ‘Tis the season for fun at Lazarus: • Live Bluegrass, Tuesdays, 6 to 9 p.m.

• 12 Days of Christmas, December 13-24 • December 20: Movies at Laz, featuring “Home Alone.” Join in for family fun and enjoy free, fresh popcorn.

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MEET ME AT THE MARKET

Sourdough

SUCCESS How Jennifer and Danny El-Azzi turned a personal cracker recipe into the booming Sourdough Project

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A passion project is one that fuels your creativity, fosters selfawareness and personal growth, and nurtures your dreams—in other words, the Sourdough Project. There are no two people more passionate about their own project than Jennifer and Danny El-Azzi.

What began as Jen’s quest to find foods that she could tolerate given her difficulty digesting gluten turned into a flourishing business at the Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller and beyond. Researching gluten intolerance, she learned that those

who suffer with this issue can often eat slow-fermented sourdough foods.

That set her on the journey to create her very own crackers.

Using just four simple ingredients (heirloom wheat from Barton Springs Mill, organic extra virgin olive oil, sea salt and water), she developed her now-popular crackers.

A weeklong cold fermentation process is critical to making the flavorful, flaky and tangy crackers.

Some people think the crackers taste cheesy, but Sourdough Project products are completely dairy free.

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Jennifer and Danny El-Azzi parlayed a personal need for gluten-free foods into a cracker recipe that launched a product line under the couple’s Sourdough Project brand. They have expanded into a growing number of area outlets but hold a special fondness for Mueller’s Farmers’ Market, where their products first took off.

From Kitchen to Community

While recipes started out as a personal project in the El-Azzi kitchen, the couple quickly realized they were really on to something and began selling their products at the Mueller Farmers’ Market.

Sourdough Project products became an instant favorite among patrons.

Before the couple knew it, demand became so great that they began selling in Central Market, Whole Foods and Wheatsville Food Co-op as well as smaller specialty shops such as Antonelli’s Cheese Shop and Royal Blue Grocery.

Regardless of their success

throughout Austin, their roots at Mueller’s own Farmers’ Market hold a special place in their hearts. “This farmers’ market isn’t just a place of business, it is the beating heart of the community,” Jen says. “Friends from the entire area come to meet up and catch up here.”

Enthusiastic Customers

As the business has grown, it has expanded beyond making just crackers.

The Sourdough Project now offers other delicious sourdough-based products such as brownies and graham crackers.

Feedback coming directly from customers is tremendous and the

couple takes it very seriously. They use comments to improve their products and develop new ones.

The business has become a community project that continues to flourish and grow. “Our business has taught us that you can only go as far as your customers can take you,” Jen says. “Lucky for us, we have the best customers!”

You can find the Sourdough Project right in the center aisle of the indoor pavilion at the market. Come by to sample products and learn more or just say hi to Jen and Danny. Each week, they look forward to catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.

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10 Years of Fun and Learning Mueller’s premier children’s museum celebrates its history of promoting knowledge and creativity throughout the Austin area.

Mueller is known for its vibrancy and energy. Case in point: If you find yourself anywhere near the downtown area during daytime hours and close your eyes to really listen, you can often hear the buzz of joyful laughter or even the music of children’s songs coming from a steel drum. You may also see school field trips, summer camps and excited children milling about. Those wonderful sights and sounds emanate

right from our very own Thinkery children’s museum.

A staple in the community, the museum is celebrating 40 years in Austin and 10 years here in Mueller.

Thinkery was founded as Austin Children’s Museum in 1983 by a group of parents and educators dedicated to providing educational and cultural opportunities for local kids. It began as a mobile museum that presented

programs in schools, libraries and other public spaces.

Not until 1987 did Austin Children’s Museum open its first dedicated location downtown on Fifth Street. It stayed there 10 years before moving to Second Street, where it also stayed 10 years.

In December 2013, Austin Children’s Museum became Thinkery and opened the Mueller location that has since become an anchor of our community.

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“At Thinkery, we believe in playfulness, belonging, innovation and collaboration.”

- Thinkery CEO Andy Bell

NOVEMBER 2023

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Partnering to Promote STEAM The vision was to enable all children to cultivate a lifelong love of learning.

Thinkery’s mission was to become a leader in play-based, STEAM learning— an educational approach that uses science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics—to both inspire and equip children to become confident, creative thinkers.

“Children possess innate curiosity, creativity and boundless potential,” says Thinkery CEO Andy Bell. “When they have the opportunity to cultivate a love

of learning, they thrive, benefiting from all that childhood has to offer while building the durable skills needed to enter a rapidly evolving workforce and world.”

Over the past 10 years, Thinkery has expanded its reach and worked with many groups in the area, enabling children throughout Central Texas to benefit. To name a few of the museum’s partnerships, Thinkery has: • Worked with Del Valle Independent School District to launch the STEAM

Institute •C ollaborated with the University of Texas at Austin on an early childhood learning project called Thinkery Connect •W orked with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area to develop an after-school program called CREATE (Collaboration to Realize Equity and Teach Engineering) Thinkery is also proud of its Open Door initiative, which provides free or discounted admission for those in need.

Previous page: Thinkery’s history includes an Austin Children’s Museum location on Second Street. This page: Thinkery’s Mueller site offers children a variety of ways to create using science, technology, engineering, arts and mathmatics.

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A Playful Party “As we celebrate 10 years of joyful learning at Thinkery, we also celebrate 10 years of being part of the Mueller community,” says Bell. “At Thinkery, we believe in playfulness, belonging, innovation and collaboration, and we imagine a future where all children have the opportunity to cultivate a lifelong love of learning. This vision is what drives us to do what we do best—provide joyful, play-based learning experiences.”

And what better way to mark this special milestone then by throwing a funfilled party?

On October 17, Thinkery was transformed into a grown-up playground for the Spark After Dark gala. Patrons, donors, Mueller residents and friends alike channeled their inner child and enjoyed an evening of play, food, drink and celebration. Notable speakers shared their feelings about how important Thinkery has become for children throughout Austin as well as their visions for what is still to come. An amazing time was had by all!

The future is bright for Thinkery as well as for all the children whose lives are impacted every day within its walls. To learn more about Thinkery initiatives, the schedule of programs happening daily and ways you can contribute to Thinkery’s future success, visit www.thinkeryaustin.org.

We look forward to the next 10 years and beyond of joyful sounds and play at Thinkery, right here in Mueller.

Top left, from left: Thinkery board president K.C. Barner, past president John Antonelli and CEO Andy Bell. Above: The Spark After Dark gala featured (center) Bell and event cochairs (from left) Denise Adame Garcia and Kelli Hodges, along with fun activities.

NOVEMBER 2023

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Author Lee Vallely (center) says consciously choosing healthful behaviors can combat stress and fatigue while fostering overall wellness.

5

Mindful Tips for

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A Master Pilates teacher offers ways to stay balanced and energized during a hectic season.

BY LEE VALLELY

The holidays are upon us, but along with fun times joining friends and family come hectic schedules, stress and fatigue. This can get you out of your normal health and fitness routines and make you feel out of balance.

The good news is that when you practice mindfulness, you may be able to indulge in the food, fun and activities of the holidays while still feeling great. Here are five mindful health tips for the holidays that will help keep you on track.

Moving 1 Keep One of the most important

tips is to maintain good exercise habits during the holidays. Whether that is Pilates, yoga, running, biking or any other preferred activity, a consistent routine will benefit your mind, nervous system and overall well-being.

Even if you can only squeeze in 15 minutes a day, a small amount of activity can go a long way toward keeping you mentally and physically fit during this season. You will also have more energy and feel more grounded throughout a busy time of year.

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Mindfully 3 Eat As we fall out of our normal routines during the holidays, our eating habits

Hydrated 2 Stay Staying hydrated is a pillar of

health that is especially critical during the holidays, when you can often feel depleted and fatigued. Water is one of the body’s best defenses against inflammation. Your body is constantly dealing with inflammatory free radicals caused by stress, environmental toxins and by-products of your body’s normal processes. The hydrogen in water deactivates free radicals and clears them from your system.

But there’s a lot more to hydration than drinking the proverbial eight glasses of water a day. More important is how much of that water reaches your cells and how your body uses it. Make sure you have plenty of electrolytes in your hydration so your cells communicate electrically with one another. Consider taking magnesium, but always be sure to consult a doctor before taking any new supplements. Adding a pinch of salt to your water (preferably room temperature or warm) will also improve cellular hydration and help reduce fatigue.

can suffer. We may eat too much or indulge in foods that don’t make us feel our best.

We may also eat on the run or eat emotionally, also called stress eating. In fact, 33 percent of adults say they regularly overeat or eat unhealthy foods to manage stress.

One way to avoid these potential hazards, especially during the holidays, is to keep your kitchen and office workspace stocked with healthy, balanced foods. With some basic preparation, you can plan your meals and have healthy snacks ready to go in advance. Create your grocery list with those healthy items in mind, and stash bloodsugar-balancing snacks like nuts or healthy protein bars in your purse or car.

To encourage smarter food choices before you head to an office holiday party or friend’s cookie swap, eat a satisfying snack or meal that contains protein, good fats from olive oil or avocado, and some greens. Also be sure to drink lots of water (with electrolytes) throughout the day. You will be less tempted to graze if your tummy is already happy. And—since it is the holidays, after all—you should allow yourself a few indulgent choices!

Deeply 4 Breathe Meditation has many proven benefits, but

it’s not for everyone. One thing we can all do, however, is breathe better. Breathing improves breath competency, which is our ability to oxygenate our brain and body more effectively in a conscious way.

Over time, our breathing patterns change due to environmental stressors and other causes of anxiety, like a busy holiday season. Stress causes shallow breathing, and shallow breathing causes more stress. It’s a vicious cycle!

Research shows that deep breathing can have a direct effect on the overall activity level of the brain because the brain needs oxygen to function properly and optimally.

Breathing slowly and deeply (preferably through the nose) for a few minutes a day is a terrific way to calm down and feel more refreshed and alert.

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Better 5 Sleep Sleep has an enormous impact on your health and daytime

functioning. It affects your brain, hormones and immune system. The quality of your sleep will influence your daily mood, your perspective and, of course, your energy. Sleep is a foundation for stable mental and physical health along with overall performance.

Days off during the holidays can be a great time to optimize your sleep routines and improve your sleep. However, deciding how much sleep you need means considering your overall health, daily activities and typical sleep patterns.

These suggestions can help improve the overall quality of your sleep: • Limit screen time—and yes, that includes your phone—a few hours before bed.

• Dim your lights in the evening as you wind down from your day, especially in your bedroom.

• Try yoga nidra, one of my favorite types of yoga, to relax into sleep.

There are many free apps, podcasts or YouTube videos to help.

Whatever the holiday season has in store for you, remember that with just a bit of mindfulness and attention to your health and wellbeing, you can enjoy the season and feel great at the same time!

Lee Vallely, NCPT, BASI, PMA-CPT, who has dedicated her life to movement and wellness, is a nationally certified Master Pilates teacher and the founder and owner of the Lee Pilates Method. Learn more at leepilates.com or @leepilatesmethod.

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Mutual

Affection How Texas Mutual CEO Jeanette Ward rose through the ranks and helped bring her company—and appreciative employees—to Mueller

BY CARMEN GRAY

Jeanette Ward didn’t expect the job she took in November 1993 to become a career. Yet November 17 marks her 30th anniversary at Texas Mutual, one of the premier companies here in Mueller.

Ward had graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in government in August 1993 and, as a single mom, just needed basic employment. Student loans were coming due in addition to her needing to provide for her daughter.

The job she took as a receptionist at Texas Mutual had just been created by the Texas legislature. She didn’t know anything about the insurance industry.

But she found herself falling in love with the fact that the company helped people

and businesses alike.

Ward came to realize that one key way in which Texas Mutual truly did help people and businesses—especially smaller companies—was by replacing pay lost due to debilitating medical injuries.

“Some people are injured so badly that we still take care of them 30 years later,” she says. She loved being able to support hardworking employees who relied on hourly wages—and not just support them temporarily.

But other factors also made her want to stay. “I discovered that my superpower is problem-solving,” she says. “In this industry, there’s always a problem to solve or a process to make better.” Co-workers began noticing her contributions.

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“We like the vibrancy of the walking community.

Our employees utilize so much of the neighborhood, from walking to lunch at nearby cafés to strolling through the park.”

- Jeanette Ward

NOVEMBER 2023

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Opening pages: Jeanette Ward (to immediate right of building corner) joins Texas Mutual employees in signaling love for their community. Above: In addition to Ward (center), Texas Mutual’s community leadership team includes (from left) Jeremiah Bentley, Vice President, Marketing and Community Affairs; Jackie Sekiguchi, Manager, Community Affairs; and Sarah Carney and Lillian Gray, both Community Affairs Program Managers.

A Steady Rise Within a year of being at Texas Mutual, she became an administrative assistant and subsequently an executive assistant to the CEO. Management recognized her talents and promoted her enough to keep her on a growth path. As an executive assistant to the CEO, she attended meetings and began to have opinions about the problems presented.

The CEO suggested she move into a position in financial services to analyze data used to make decisions, and she developed a reputation for being good at process improvement.

By the time Ward was in her mid-30s, she was asked to be a vice president.

In 2015, Texas Mutual was still in its original building off U.S. 290 and I-35 (the old Farm Credit building) and needed to relocate. Ward was a senior vice president by then and helped the CEO find the perfect new spot: Mueller.

One criterion for the move was to not overly disrupt employees’ commutes. Texas Mutual announced the move to Mueller in 2017. Ward became chief operating officer during the relocation in 2018, and by March 2023, she was named Texas Mutual’s president and CEO. Her climb to the top is all the more incredible given that less than 20 percent of C-suite jobs and less than 5 percent of CEO roles in the insurance industry are filled by women. Ward is in a rare club.

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Texas Mutual partners with Primrose School of Austin at Mueller and collaborated on a recent event. Attendees included (below from left) Jeremy Martin, President and CEO, Austin Chamber; Monica Muñoz Andry, President and CEO, Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; David C. Smith, CEO, United Way for Greater Austin; Cathy McHorse, Vice President, Success by 6, United Way for Greater Austin; Christy Black, franchisee and CEO, Primrose School of Austin; Vanessa Fuentes, Council Member, District 2, City of Austin; and Paul Schlaud, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Texas Mutual.

Neighborhood Partnerships Mueller has proved to be an appealing location for Texas Mutual employees.

“We like the vibrancy of the walking community,” Ward says. “Our employees utilize so much of the neighborhood, from walking to lunch at nearby cafés to strolling through the park when the weather is nice.”

A near-and-dear project for Ward is

Primrose School of Austin at Mueller, one of Texas Mutual’s tenants. The school partnered with Texas Mutual to enhance access to early childhood education for families in Austin. This partnership highlights a commitment to support working Texans as part of a corporate citizenship strategy.

“Access to high-quality early childhood education is a fundamental

right that all families should have available within reach,” Ward says.

“Children in Austin should enter school with the foundational knowledge and skills to be curious, confident and successful learners. Our hope at Texas Mutual is to make this possible, one family at a time, through partnerships like the one with Primrose School of Austin at Mueller.”

Texas Mutual was able to donate 5,000 square feet within its building’s first floor to Primrose, and as part of the partnership, Primrose will be offering subsidized tuition for 20 students starting in 2024, with an agreement to increase the number of students each year.

Clearly, Mueller has a wonderful neighbor in Texas Mutual. Not only does this company have a history of empowering its own employees and clients but also the working families and future citizens who reside here.

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

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Magazine

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CRAFTING BETTER HOMES, CREATING STRONGER BONDS

Don’t miss your final opportunities to build new with David Weekley Homes

THAT'S THE WEEKLEY WAY We know time at home is the most valuable.

That’s why we craft the home building experience as carefully as we craft our stunning, energy-efficient homes. Our collaborative approach sets us apart, with a deeper commitment to making sure the journey – and final result – is everything you imagined. That’s The Weekley Way!

MUELLER 512-368-7549

David Weekley Homeowners Shaireen Khawaja & her children

See a David Weekley Homes Sales Consultant for details. Prices, plans, dimensions, features, specifications, materials, and availability of homes or communities are subject to change without notice or obligation. Illustrations are artist’s depictions only and may differ from completed improvements. Copyright © 2023 David Weekley Homes - All Rights Reserved. Austin, TX (AUS-23-003355)

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11/2/23 8:36 AM

Preschool – High School Math and Reading Program

Love Kumon?

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.

Receive a $25 Amazon gift card when you refer a friend!

Visit share.kumon.com for more information.

Kumon Math and Reading Center of Austin - Mueller 4600 Mueller Boulevard Suite 1007 Austin, TX 78723 737.244.0800

Get to know us and our services at:

*Your friends must submit your Referral Code through the eEnrollment Form provided by the Kumon Instructor when enrolling in Kumon in order for you to receive the Amazon.com eGift Card. Please allow two months after your friend enrolls at a Kumon Center for gift card processing. Your Amazon eGift Card will arrive via email. Visit share.kumon.com for terms and conditions. ©2023 Kumon North America Inc. All rights reserved.

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CraneHoltzman.com contact@CraneHoltzman.com 512-215-0057

Crane&Holtzman_1-4_Mueller_0923_GDRev.indd 1 10/30/23 9:10 AM

10/2/23 11:59 1:30 PM 11/6/23 AM

Seasonal Serenity One of our writers tells how she finds warmth and gratitude at a time of change and celebration.

BY HAYLEE KILLEBREW

In a place as vibrant and diverse as Mueller, you’ll find plenty of people with thoughtful and appreciative views of their community and life within it. One such person is the author of this reflection, Haylee Killebrew, who relocated to Mueller from Liberty in March 2023 and soon began writing for Mueller Magazine. With the changing season, she ponders the complex emotions evoked by a bustling yet heartfelt season—and embraces gratitude as a guiding light.

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11/6/23 10:58 AM

Writer Hayley Killebrew (left), with her husband, Addison, and daughter, Dottie, says she has long “been driven by a passion for creativity, drawing inspiration from the tapestry of emotions and events” that life presents.

As the leaves begin to fall and the skies grow cloudier, we find ourselves once again transitioning into the end of the year. This season is a unique blend of emotions for me. It’s a delicate balance of urgency, relief, overstimulation and excitement.

I eagerly anticipate filling my home with the rich aromas of seasonal scents and delectable bites, yet I’m also aware of the need for meticulous planning and mental preparation for all the upcoming gatherings and social interactions.

The holiday season, for all its joys,

can also bring a fair share of stress.

There’s just so much more to manage.

We have to prepare our homes for visitors, book accommodations for travel and carry the added mental load that these celebrations bring.

However, as the stress begins to mount, I’ve challenged myself to seek the silver lining, to discover what I’m truly grateful for this year.

Appreciating the Small Things This year, my gratitude centers around the things that warm my heart.

It’s that cup of cider at the perfect

drinking temperature on a crisp morning while I sit on the front porch in my favorite sweater.

It’s the hearty belly laugh shared over old stories with a relative I only get to see during these grand family gatherings.

It’s a slice of buttermilk pie made from a recipe I learned when I was 13 —a dessert that reminds me how much I’ve grown since my days as a poppunk-loving, awkward teenager.

It’s those rich scents that waft through every home I enter, whether it’s the familiar aroma of nostalgic family dishes or the comforting flicker of wood-wick candles.

It’s the gentle realization that I need to pause, take a deep breath and immerse myself in the magic of the holiday season, allowing the joy it brings to counterbalance the coldness outside.

As we approach this season of change and celebration, I encourage you to discover your own sources of warmth and gratitude.

Whether it’s a cherished beverage, a shared laugh, a beloved recipe or the scents that evoke memories, take the time to embrace these moments of joy. Amid the hustle and bustle, they remind us of the true essence of the holiday season and warm our hearts in the most magical way.

It’s in these moments of warmth that we find solace, connection and the true spirit of the season.

NOVEMBER 2023

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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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8/10/23 11:50 AM

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

As the holiday season approaches, there’s a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our community by supporting locallyowned businesses.

Beyond the twinkling lights and festive decorations, there lies a vibrant tapestry of small enterprises that form the backbone of Mueller. These local shops, boutiques, and eateries are more than just places to buy gifts; they are the heart and soul of our neighborhood. So, this holiday season, let’s come together and celebrate the spirit of giving by supporting the businesses that make our communities unique and vibrant.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

BATCH CRAFT BEER & KOLACHES Come enjoy Batch’s beer garden, lit for the holidays! Hot coffee, cold beer, and delicious kolaches right in Mueller’s back yard. Pre-orders available for holiday gatherings. Holiday beer releases and special events all season long. Visit us at BatchAtx.com and follow us on Instagram @BatchATX. See you at Batch!

3220 Manor Road | 512-401-3025 | batchatx.com

CAPRIOTTI’S SANDWICH SHOP Elevate your holiday gatherings with Capriotti’s catering services.

Impress your guests with our platters of delicious sandwiches, salads, and sides, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for business meetings, parties, or gatherings of any size. Let us handle the food, while you bask in the compliments. Indulge in the fresh, premium ingredients and craftsmanship that have made Capriotti’s a beloved destination for sandwich lovers and a go-to choice for unforgettable catering experiences.

The Origin Hotel is your go to for the Holidays. Whether it is for family and friends coming to visit, or a staycation for yourself, our special holiday rates will warm your heart!

1200 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Suite 360 | 512-520-5885 | capriottis.com

1825 McBee Street | 512-861-1140 | originhotel.com/austin

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THE ORIGIN HOTEL

11/6/23 12:01 PM

PHOTO OP

Autumn Inspiration

An everyday Mueller scene—a

supermarket display at H-E-B—calls to mind a quote appropriate for the season: “As long as autumn lasts, I shall not have hands, canvas and colors enough to paint the beautiful things I see.”

– Vincent van Gogh

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1905 Aldrich Street, Suite 115 Austin, TX 78723 (512) 827-3553 www.aviatorpizza.com

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

Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Pizza by the slice (daily): 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

See our website for our other locations!

Follow Us   @aviatorpizza

8/2/23 10:56 AM

The Mueller Silent Market Team The Mueller Silent Market Team has been helping people buy, sell, has been helping people buy, sell, and lease in Mueller since 2008. and lease in Mueller since 2008.

We live here. We work here. We know Mueller.

We live here. We work here. We know Mueller.

Hilary Herrin ® Realtor Hilary Herrin

Realtor® Amanda Trevino Broker Associate Amanda Trevino Broker Associate info@muellersilentmarket.com 512.761.5476 info@muellersilentmarket.com 512.761.5476

40 + 40 +of combined experience Years

$82M + $82M + 2022 sales volume

Years of combined experience

2022 sales volume

530 + 530number + of homes sold Total

232 + 232 +of homes sold Number

in Mueller Total number of homes sold in Mueller

off MLS in Number ofMueller homes sold off MLS in Mueller

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.

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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10/9/23 8:31 AM