Mueller October 2025 by Wainscot Media

SHARING THE GIFT OF MUSIC ANDREW BAIRD MAHJONG! JOIN THE FUN

DishingFreshUp

LYONS OF DISH SOCIETY

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.

A restaurant concept born in Austin finally finds its way back.

A game with a rich global history is enjoying a resurgence. Join the fun, right here in Mueller. 24

Andrew Baird, who holds master’s degrees in both music and education, finds joy in teaching others to make music.

4 PUBLISHER’S NOTE Welcome, Fall!

8 WHAT’S NEW Events and Attractions 12 MEET ME AT THE MARKET Central Matcha

PERSPECTIVES Poem by George Villanueva 32 PHOTO OP Neighbors on the Nest

native Aaron Lyons, founder and CEO of Dish Society.

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

aWELCOME, FALL!

AHHH… OCTOBER. The air is cooler, pumpkins are popping up on porches, and Mueller is buzzing with that perfect mix of fall fun and spooky excitement. The holiday rush hasn’t quite begun, but festivals, gatherings, and Halloween plans are already filling the calendar.

This month, we highlight Dish Society—owner Aaron Lyons shares how his vision grew into one of Mueller’s favorite local spots and why this community feels like home for their team.

With school back in full swing, we also shine a spotlight on the Music Academy of Austin. Whether you’re picking up an instrument for the very first time or brushing up on your skills, they have classes and groups for every age and stage, because it’s never too late to add more music to your life.

And have you noticed? Mahjong seems to be everywhere, from TV and social media to game nights across Austin and even right here in Mueller. We take a look at the history of this timeless game and why it’s suddenly the hottest trend around.

Finally, in Meet Me at the Market, Carmen Gray introduces us to Central Matcha, an energizing (and delicious) treat.

As you flip through these pages, we hope you’ll also enjoy all that October has to offer in our neighborhood. From the Mueller Harvest Festival to our epic Halloween celebrations, there’s truly something for everyone this season.

Liz Reingold Publisher

Editor & Publisher

Liz Reingold

Writers

Carmen Gray

Cristina Tangredi

Photographers

Margarita Garcia Acevedo

Marketing Coordinator

Alexandra Garcia

Social Media and Content Intern

Nicole Higgins

WAINSCOT MEDIA

Chairman

Carroll V. Dowden

President and CEO

Mark Dowden

SVP, Group Publisher

Thomas Flannery

VP, Content Strategy

Maria Regan

Creative Director

Kijoo Kim

Art Director

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 2025 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

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!

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 | www.craneholtzman.com

Dish Society

Dish Society is a Mueller neighborhood favorite for locally sourced food, everyday feel-good meals, good vibes, and great company

512.623.1498 | www.dishsociety.com @dishsociety

Honest Mary’s

Honest Mary’s fuels the Mueller community with life-giving fast food—clean, chef-crafted bowls made fresh and fast. Perfect for families, busy professionals, and active lifestyles.

512.375.3906 | www.honestmarys.com @honestmarys

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 | www.Originhotel.com @origin_austin

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 | www.theherbbar.com @theherbbar

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 | www.sotheybysrealty.com @soud_twal

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

Floyd’s 99 Barbershop

Floyd’s 99 Barbershop offers expert cuts, shaves, and color for EVERYONE—set in a fun, familyfriendly space with our iconic poster wall and lively music.

325.268.5906 | www.Floydsbarbershop.com @floyds99atx

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 | www.muellersilentmarket.com @muellersilentmarketteam

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 | www.texasmutual.com @texasmutual

The Salty Sow

At Salty Sow, we serve up bold, farm-sourced Texas comfort food with a Southern twist—bringing people together for unforgettable meals and good times.

512.391.2337 | www.saltysow.com @saltysow

Thinkery

Thinkery, a nonprofit children’s museum and home to Little Thinkers Preschool, sparks joyful, playbased STEAM learning so ALL children cultivate a lifelong love of learning.

512.469.6201 | www.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 | www.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 | www.viomedspa.com @viomedspa.mueller

In the Neighborhood

VAURA PILATES GRAND OPENING

Get ready, VAURA Pilates is coming soon to Mueller, with its vibrant, energizing Reformer Pilates studio set to launch in October! Stay tuned for updates as the muchanticipated debut nears, you’ll want to be among the first through the doors.

IT’S MY PARK DAY—NOVEMBER 1

Come join the community-led day of service to improve parks and green spaces on November 1. This fun outdoor event is sponsored by Friends of Mueller Greenways, Mueller POA, MNA and Austin Parks Foundation. Click on the QR code above to join The Friends of Mueller Greenways and receive email updates.

LA MEZCA MEZCAL BAR

New from the sisters behind Veracruz Fonda & Bar: La Mezca brings Mexico City’s spirit to Mueller. A bar dedicated to mezcal, offering an immersive, sensory journey celebrating small-batch spirits and the maestros whose craft and heritage shape each pour.

MNA COMMUNITY POTLUCK CELEBRATION

October 25 will be the celebration of Mueller Cultures. Bring a favorite dish to share your family traditions and flavors with Mueller neighbors. Look for MNA updates on date, time, and location.

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.

TREASURE HUNT!

The fall community yard sale will be November 8, 8 a.m. to noon. This MNA event draws treasure hunters from across Austin! Declutter, earn some cash, and donate what’s left to charity at neighborhood drop-off locations.

"HE SAVED MY LIFE"

Austin resident Linda S. had been experiencing the painful side effects of Peripheral Neuropathy, "my feet and legs were extremely painful and my doctor told me there was nothing they could do. That I would have to take Gabapentin for the rest of my life." Then she met Dr. Brown.

Peripheral Neuropathy is the pain, discomfort and numbness caused by nerve damage of the peripheral nervous system. Linda explained that daily tasks like opening doors and using the bathroom were overwhelmingly painful. "How can you live for the next 30 years when you don't even want to get out of bed to do simple things?"

Linda hasn't worn socks in five years and was wearing shoes two sizes too big so that nothing would 'touch' her feet. She was experiencing the burning, numbness, tingling, and sharp pains that those suffering from neuropathy often describe. "The way that I would describe it, it's equivalent to walking on glass."

Unfortunately Linda's story is all too familiar for the over 3 million people suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy.

If you are unfortunate enough to be facing the same disheartening

prognosis, you're not sleeping at night because of the burning in your feet. You have difficulty walking, shopping, or doing any activity for more than 30 minutes because of the pain. You're struggling with balance and living in fear that you might fall. Your doctor told you to 'just live with the pain' and you're taking medications that aren't working or have terrible side effects.

Fortunately, four months ago

Linda read an article about a new type of clinic in Austin that works with difficult to treat cases such as Peripheral Neuropathy suffers, without invasive surgeries and medications.

Dr. Lucas Brown DACM, L.Ac, founder of Rosedale

Acupuncture & Wellness is using the time-tested science of Acupuncture and technology originally developed by NASA that assists in increasing the blood flow and expediting recovery and healing to treat this debilitating disease.

"Now when I go to bed at night I don't have those shooting pains. I don't have that burning sensation. I don't have pain coming up my legs," Linda enthusiastically describes life after receiving treatment with Lucas. "I can wear socks and shoes!"

Now Linda and her sister operate a successful dog walking business, sometimes covering up to 5 miles a day.

"It's life altering. As far as I'm concerned Lucas saved my life!"

Dr. Brown has been helping the senior community for over 10 years using cutting edge and innovative integrative medicine. Specializing in chronic pain cases, specifically those that have been deemed 'hopeless' or 'untreatable', he consistently generates unparalleled results.

What was once a missing link in senior healthcare is now easily accessible to the residents of Austin and the surrounding area.

If you missed too many tee times because of pain or you've passed on a hike in the greenbelt because you're afraid of falling, it is time to call Lucas and his staff at Rosedale Acupuncture & Wellness. Center.

It's time you let your golden years BE GOLDEN.

Dr. Brown is now accepting a limited amount of new patients. In an effort to protect his patients, both current and future, he has made the difficult decision to limit the number of patients seen in his clinic. Only 10 new neuropathy patients will be accepted before the end of Oct. 2025.

From ENGINEER to ENTREPRENEUR

Patrick Cheung’s career has taken him from Boeing to Petco and Whole Foods. In founding Central Matcha, he has finally found home.

BY CARMEN GRAY

IT’S EASY TO SEE why Patrick Cheung’s business, Central Matcha, is thriving. He’s enthusiastic, energetic, and exceptionally driven. The only child of immigrant parents from Guangzhou, China, Cheung was born and raised in San Francisco’s Chinatown. He worked hard to earn a scholarship to California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, where he studied engineering.

After graduating in 2016, Cheung began his career at Futura Industries in Utah, designing components using 80/20 aluminum. A natural teacher, he points out during our interview the aluminum pieces supporting the awnings on a nearby building. “Those are the kinds of designs I worked on at Futura,” he explains with a smile. “It was fun, like playing with Legos.”

Cheung soon moved on to work for Boeing’s defense division in St. Louis, Missouri, where he contributed to the F-15 fighter jet program and learned the ins and outs of working in a large corporation. “There were so many training programs to take advantage of. It was an amazing learning experience,” he says.

A CHANGE OF PACE

After five years in Missouri, Cheung decided he wasn’t interested in climbing the traditional corporate ladder. Eager for a change, he relocated to New Jersey to work at Petco’s distribution center, spending two years in their manufacturing department. Eventually, Cheung found his way to Austin after landing a job at Whole Foods. There, he worked in the scheduling department and began interacting more directly with clients and customers, an environment that suited his personality well. The job also gave him opportunities to travel, which he enjoyed. But something else continued calling to him, a passion that had quietly taken root years earlier.

Patrick Cheung, founder of Central Matcha

“It all started with an unexpected trip I took to Japan right after college,” Cheung recalls with a grin. He explains how, during a weekend getaway with friends, a flight back home was overbooked. Encouraged by his friends, he took a travel voucher in exchange for giving up his seat. As he still had time before starting his job at Futura, that voucher led to a three-week solo trip to Japan.

MATCHA CONNECTION

“Matcha is everywhere in Japan,” Cheung says. “I love energy drinks, so I figured I had to try it. My first taste? Honestly, I didn’t understand the hype.” But that changed when he traveled to Kagoshima on a high-speed train.

“While I was in Kagoshima, staying at a pod hotel, I met this guy, a farmer, who really changed my mind about matcha.” It was this local farmer who introduced him to traditional matcha and explained its origins and preparation. It was that second cup, crafted by the farmer himself, that stuck with Cheung

for years. The two stayed in contact, and that relationship eventually became the foundation for Central Matcha. When Cheung decided to start selling matcha drinks, he knew quality would be key, and he knew exactly where to source it.

In 2022, Cheung became a weekend market warrior, selling his drinks at farmers’ markets around Austin. In March 2024, he landed a coveted spot at the popular Mueller Farmers’ Market.

“I remember it was Saint Patrick’s Day, which felt perfect, green everywhere,” he laughs. That day went well, and business has been steadily growing ever since.

GENTLE ENERGY BOOSTER

I visited the Central Matcha booth on a Sunday morning just as it opened, and I’m glad I arrived early. Across from the Texas Mutual building, customers were already lining up for the appealing iced matcha latte, a refreshing treat on a hot day. I wasn’t disappointed: It had

just the right amount of sweetness to enhance the mildly grassy flavor, and I appreciated the smooth, elevated energy it gave me afterward.

Cheung prides himself on using local ingredients. His drinks feature local honey, and when Texas strawberries are in season, he offers a special Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte. “It’s super popular starting in February or March,” he says. I’ve made a mental note to try it when it returns next spring.

Until then, I could try making my own at home, but I know it won’t be quite the same. Fortunately, Central Matcha’s ceremonial-grade matcha powder is available at the market, in stores, and online.

Learn more or order your own matcha, sourced from Kagoshima, Japan, at www.centralmatcha.com.

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

Austin native Aaron Lyons, founder and CEO of Dish Society

Dishing Up Fresh

A restaurant concept born in Austin finally finds its way back.

WWHEN AUSTIN NATIVE Aaron Lyons launched Dish Society in 2014, he wasn’t trying to reinvent the restaurant world. He just wanted to solve a problem he kept running into every time he ate out. “I had always been conscious of what I ate and where it came from,” Lyons says. “But I found it really challenging to find something that fulfilled those needs in a convenient, accessible way.”

That thought simmered throughout his early career. After graduating from UT, he landed a job that required constant travel. Living out of a suitcase

and eating out for every meal, he experienced food culture in cities across the country. And, over time, he noticed a pattern: There was a noticeable gap in the dining space between fast-casual chains like Chipotle and more polished sit-down restaurants like Houston’s. What was missing was something in the middle. He couldn’t find real food, thoughtfully sourced, served in a way that fit his lifestyle.

The vision for Dish Society began to take shape when Lyons returned to Austin for graduate school. “I used

that time to do a ton of research,” he explains. “I interviewed dozens of restaurant owners and managers and wrote the business plan that would eventually become Dish Society.”

At the time, he hoped the first location would open in Austin. But that dream proved more complicated than expected. “I was living in Austin, trying to find a space and investors, and I completely underestimated how hard it would be. None of the real estate developers wanted to take a chance on an undercapitalized, first-time restaurateur.”

A HOUSTON LAUNCH

After a year of chasing leads and facing rejections, Lyons expanded his search to Dallas and Houston. Eventually, he found a landlord in Houston’s Galleria area willing to give him a shot. It would take nearly a decade before Dish Society returned to Austin, but the dream never faded.

Dish Society finally made its way back to where it all started, opening its first Austin location right here in the heart of Mueller. For Lyons, it felt like a homecoming. “I’ve always loved the Mueller area,” he says. “I remember flying in and out of the old airport as a kid. Having watched it grow over the years into this vibrant, walkable community made it feel like the right place to be.”

That connection goes deeper than nostalgia. As a brand built around fresh, locally sourced food and a relaxed, welcoming vibe, Dish Society fits right in. “What most attracted me to Mueller is that it’s somewhere I’d live with my family if I still lived in Austin,” Lyons says. “It’s full of young professionals and families who want good food and accessible options. We want to be the kind of place people can frequent any time of day. We are there for breakfast with the kids, a working lunch, or a casual dinner after a walk around the lake.”

Dish Society has already found its rhythm, serving up an all-day menu of farm-fresh fare with favorites including brisket-stuffed sweet potatoes, seasonal salads, power breakfast bowls, and specialty lattes. They also offer a popular kids’ menu and a full bar for the grown-ups.

DISH SOCIETY FAST FACTS

Location 1900 Aldrich St. Social Hour/Happy Hour

Monday through Friday, 7-9 a.m. and 2-6 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday, 4-7 p.m.

Website www.dishsociety.com

Online ordering, curbside pickup and delivery are available.

Loyalty program

Learn more on the Dish Society app.

COMMITTED TO LOCAL

The restaurant prides itself on partnering with nearby farms and vendors to keep every dish fresh and deeply connected to a variety of Texas flavors. Over time, its growth has opened opportunities to collaborate with an even wider variety of local suppliers, ensuring that ingredients are always locally sourced and at their peak. This commitment not only supports the community but also delivers a dining experience that tastes like home.

Dish Society has come a long way since its first Houston location. Today, there are seven locations across Houston and Austin, with more on the

way. One major milestone ahead is a new location opening inside Houston’s Hobby Airport next year.

Lyons credits much of the company’s success to the systems and team culture they’ve built over the past decade. “When you open a restaurant, you think you’re in the food business,” he says. “But what you realize is that you’re actually in the people business. Your team determines your success. You have to build a strong culture, and that leads to strong execution and exceptional guest experiences.”

The short-term focus for the team is making sure each location is performing at its best. Down the road? Lyons is looking to add additional

Austin locations, expansion into the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and eventually, growth outside of Texas. “The key,” he says, “is growing at a pace that lets us maintain the quality and community partnerships we care about.”

As for Mueller, Dish Society plans to stay rooted here for the long haul. “We’re so grateful to the residents here for accepting us,” Lyons says. “We’ve had our share of growing pains. Opening our first store outside of Houston came with some challenges, but the community’s been patient, supportive, and incredibly kind. We look forward to being a true neighborhood staple for many years to come.”

Mahjong!

A game with a rich global history is enjoying a resurgence, in part for its tradition of encouraging social connection. Join the fun right here in Mueller.

WWHEN YOU HEAR the word mahjong, what comes to mind? It might be remembering your grandmother around the kitchen table with her friends. Or it might be that strange game online that looks like solitaire but isn’t. Regardless, suddenly, mahjong seems to be everywhere—and it’s actually cool again!

Mahjong isn’t just a quirky pastime. It has true cultural history. It originated in China during the 1800s in the Qing dynasty. Some say it was a game for the nobility. Others believe it was invented by fishermen to pass time between catches. Either way, it took off fast. By the 1920s, mahjong had made its way to the U.S., introduced by Chinese Americans and eventually adopted by wealthy socialites. It was all the rage, until, well, it wasn’t. The game faded

for a few decades, but fast forward to the present and mahjong is having a moment.

Mahjong is a bit like gin rummy, only with tiles instead of cards, and a whole lot more rules. The tiles are decorated with bamboo (Bams), circles (Dots), Chinese characters (Cracks) winds (NEWS), dragons, and flowers. The idea is to make groups, sets, or runs all guided by a daunting card of winning hand options that, for novices, look a bit like Hieroglyphics. Initially, it can be overwhelming and complicated, but once it clicks, it is lots of fun and very strategic. Players put on their best poker faces, bluff each other, and when they win shout out “MAHJONG!” And, if you throw in some snacks and beverages of choice, it can be a party.

BACK IN VOGUE

How did this old-fashioned tile game find its way back to popularity?

Movies like Crazy Rich Asians brought mahjong back into the spotlight in a funny way. Then came TikTok, where influencers began posting about girls’ nights out and brunches centered around chic mahjong sets, craft cocktails, and fun. It became a social media phenomenon. This led to millennials and Gen Zer’s starting to organize mahjong nights the way they used to plan wine tastings or dinners out with friends.

The real magic of mahjong, though, isn’t just the game itself. It’s in the gathering. In Chinese culture and beyond, mahjong has always been about connection. Families would sit down after dinner to play a few rounds, catching up, and telling stories. For immigrant families, it became a way to keep tradition alive. In Jewish American communities, particularly among women in the 20th century, mahjong became popular, with friends getting together for some fun and socialization.

Those traditions are still being passed down, but they are also evolving. Today, people are playing not just for fun, but for belonging. It resonates cross-culturally, intergenerationally, and it’s screen-free (except for the many online groups).

FIND YOUR GAME

So, where do people in Austin play mahjong? As has traditionally been the case, groups of friends often meet to play in their homes. In fact, there are groups right here in Mueller. But there are many other local options. There are postings on social media promoting mahjong groups, pop ups, parties and tutorials that are showing up all over town. On any given day, you can find people playing in the park or even at Central Market.

It’s not a simple game to learn, but it is fun and rewarding once you do. If you’re lucky enough to have friends or relatives to teach you, that is a great way to learn. There are also group classes and lessons available locally. If none of these ways work for you, there

are also many online platforms (like Mahjong4Friends or RealMahjong) where you can learn to play online.

We are living in a time when people are craving real connections. Mahjong offers exactly that plus a bit of strategy, some luck, and a lot of fun. And don’t for a minute think that mahjong is only for the gals. Men are learning the game too because it really does create a fun activity for friends and family.

Whether you’re playing with your grandmother, hosting a mahjong night with your friends, or just trying to understand what in the world a “Pung” is, one thing is for sure: Mahjong is back, and it looks like it is here to stay. Now, go find some friends, shuffle those tiles, and get ready to shout “MAHJONG!” like you mean it.

Sharing the Gift of Music

Andrew Baird, who holds master’s degrees in both music and education, finds joy in teaching others to make music.

BY SCOTT EDDY

BBY THE TIME he was twelve, Andrew Baird knew exactly what he wanted to do with his life. It was the moment he first picked up a guitar, and something clicked. “I remember it vividly,” he says. “I didn’t know the practical side of pursuing music yet, but I knew I wanted to keep playing forever.”

Now, years later, Baird is turning that passion into something bigger than himself in the form of a vibrant, inclusive music school right here in Mueller, the Music Academy of Austin.

Andrew Baird (top), founder of the Music Academy of Austin and one of its teachers, holds a bachelor’s degree from Berklee College of Music (Boston), a master’s degree from New England Conservatory of Music (Boston), and a second master’s degree in music education from Hunter College (New York City).

Born in Houston and raised in Austin, Baird’s musical journey has taken him across the country and back again. He studied guitar performance at Berklee College of Music and earned a master’s degree at the prestigious New England Conservatory. After launching his career in New York City, Baird continued his studies with a second master’s in education, this time focused on teaching the next generation of music educators. He spent years training teachers in NYC’s public schools, all the while writing, performing, and recording his own music under the solo project Bird Actors.

But something kept calling him home.

“I started coming back to Austin more often, trying to imagine if there was a way to build something here,” he recalls. It wasn’t until he attended a show at the Alamo Drafthouse that he accidentally stumbled into Mueller. “I had no idea this neighborhood even existed,” he laughs. “But once I started meeting people and getting a feel for the place, I was hooked.”

CONNECTING THROUGH MUSIC

Drawn to Mueller’s energy, walkability, and strong sense of community, Baird saw a unique opportunity to create a space where people of all ages could connect through music, whether they were picking up an instrument for the first time or returning to one after decades. That vision became a reality earlier this year when he opened the school of his dreams.

The Music Academy of Austin offers private lessons in guitar, piano, voice, drums, ukulele, bass, and orchestral instruments, along with group classes in early childhood music and music production. More recently, he’s added student ensembles, including a jazz group and even a Taylor Swift tribute band. He plans to expand into classic rock, chamber music, country, and more.

“It’s important to me that the school speaks to each individual who walks through the door,” Baird says. “We’re not just teaching notes and scales.

We’re helping people learn to express themselves musically.”

That mission is personal. Though his family leaned more toward sports than sonatas, there was still creativity in his blood including an uncle who composed music, and a cousin who sang on “The Mickey Mouse Club” back in the ’90s. But it was the teachers who spotted his natural talent early on and encouraged him to keep going that truly made the difference.

“They gave me a sense of identity through music,” he says. “Now I want to offer that same gift to others.”

COMMUNITY IMPACT

His school is already making an impact. Summer band camps have become a local favorite, and students are regularly invited to perform and record throughout the year. Baird hopes to expand partnerships with local businesses to showcase student talent, while also working behind the scenes to secure grant funding for scholarships and eventually offer college credit through music theory and curriculum aligned courses.

“In the short term,” Baird says, “my goal is to build community, help people connect and give them something to feel proud of. But looking to the future, I want this school to be a real resource for Mueller and beyond.”

For now, Baird is just grateful to be here, doing what he loves in the place he calls home. “This is truly a dream come true,” he says. “I just want to give others the same chance to find joy and confidence through music just like I did.”

The Music Academy of Austin is open year-round and welcomes students of all ages and skill levels. Keep an eye out for upcoming fall programs, new ensembles, and community showcases. To learn more, visit www.musicacademyofaustin.com.

PERSPECTIVES

Song of Mueller

POEM BY GEORGE VILLANUEVA

I sing the neighborhood vibrant, stirred by the sun’s first reach—Mueller!

Waking in the hush of morning’s gold, Where ducks drift serene across the mirror-glass pond, And limbs unfurl on yoga mats laid soft beneath the trees, breath syncing with breeze, stillness made sacred.

Here, the day begins in quiet ritual—Coffee cups warm between palms, greetings passed porch to porch, “Good morning,” says the soul of this place, And I, among neighbors, feel the world softened by kindness. Oh, how the sidewalks carry me!

Errands tucked between moments of joy—Groceries gathered where familiar faces smile, The rhythm of the week held gently in these hands. Saturday opens in song—The farmer’s market buzzes with harvest and hope, Tomatoes ripe like laughter, honey kissed by sun, Children dancing, music rising, And every booth a story told in touch and trust.

The evenings hum with gathering—Stories shared on patios, laughter echoed from lawns, The clink of glasses, the low murmur of friends returning, Where time unspools without rush.

Oh Mueller! You rise, you stretch, you grow—A place where I walk freely, speak openly, Where the soul is fed as much by presence as by the fruits of the land or the shade of the sycamore. I call you home not just for shelter—but for the breath of belonging, The welcome in each small moment, Where errands are ease, fun is found, And friendship waits just down the block. Here, under skies soft with promise, I walk in rhythm with the day, And my heart, quiet and full, Whispers: here.

George Villanueva, an Afghanistan war vet and the son of Cuban immigrants, loves cigars, sandlot baseball, live tunes and strolls with his Frenchie, Lumiere.

NEIGHBORS ON THE NEST

A BLACK-BELLIED whistling duck and a painted turtle share a quiet moment at Mueller Lake Park. This photo was taken by Eric Dreher, who has lived in Mueller since 2017. He has recently renewed his interest in photography and discovering new creatures at neighborhood parks.

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