Mueller
October 2026
Starstruck MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY’S LASTING MARK ON MUELLER
INVEST IN YOURSELF
LEE VALLELY’S TIPS FOR WELLNESS
KEEPING SMILES BRIGHT
AUSTIN INSTITUTE OF DENTAL MEDICINE 0 MUE_Cover_1026_final.indd 19
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With Over 50+ 5 Star Reviews LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. REAL RESULTS. HAPPY FAMILIES.
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Contents OCTOBER 2026
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F EATU RES
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Invest in Yourself
In this latest installment of Lee Vallely’s wellness series, she shares her biggest tip for staying healthy: Don’t put your own self-care last. 18
Starstruck
The Alamo Drafthouse Mueller was recently dedicated as the Matthew McConaughey Cinema, ahead of the release of the actor’s latest film. 22
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Keeping Smiles Bright
At the Austin Institute of Dental Medicine, dentistry is just the beginning.
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I N TH I S I S SU E
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE A Touch of Fall
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WHAT’S NEW Hello, October
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MEET ME AT THE MARKET Tail-Wagging Treats
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LIVING WELL The Pink Fight
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PERSPECTIVES Porch Geese
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PHOTO OP A Dip in the Lake
COVER
Matthew McConaughey at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. Photograph by Erika Rich
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PUB LISH ER’S NOTE
Mueller MAGAZINE
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IT’S FINALLY FALL. What a relief! After those brutal temperatures a few weeks ago, the cooler mornings and promise of fall are more than welcome. And with fall comes plenty of excitement as we head into the final months of the year, with community events, holiday activities, and lots of reasons to get out and enjoy Mueller. This October issue is all about feeling good, starting with your smile. We’re excited to introduce you to the talented team at the new Austin Institute of Dental Medicine, right here in Mueller. Their goal is to make dental care easier by bringing general dentistry, specialists, and advanced treatments
PHOTOGRAPH BY MARGARITA GARCIA ACEVEDO
Editor & Publisher Liz Reingold
together under one roof, and making the experience as comfortable as possible. And speaking of smiling, did you know our Alamo Drafthouse was recently renamed in honor of Texas icon Matthew McConaughey? Our own Carmen Gray was at the dedication celebration and even got up close and personal with McConaughey. She shares her fun experience with us in this issue. We also check back in with resident health and wellness expert Lee Vallely, who reminds us that small, everyday changes can make a big difference in how we feel and our overall health. And because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Mueller resident Shannon Holmes shares important information every woman should know, along with ways we can support the cause. There’s a lot packed into this issue, and hopefully plenty to make you smile and maybe even feel inspired. Now get outside and enjoy these cooler temperatures. Fall in Austin is something worth celebrating!
Writers Carmen Gray Shannon Holmes Photographer Margarita Garcia Acevedo Marketing Coordinator 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
Liz Reingold Publisher
muellermagazine.com @muellermagazine
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.
Have a story idea?
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Email the editor: Liz.Reingold@muellermagazine.com
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EMPOWERED CAFE NOW OPEN! EmpoweredCafeATX.com Tue-Fri 7am – 2pm | Sat-Sun 9am – 2pm Carlin Wealth Management Group is proud to introduce Empowered Café, a full-service coffee house also offering juices, pastries and breakfast tacos from a friendly staff of individuals with Down’s Syndrome. Café: contact@empoweredcafeatx.com | 512 855 1222
22 Eventful Years Guiding Families with their Financial Decisions and Celebrating Goals Achieved!
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1701 Simond Ave, Unit 104 | Austin TX 78723 – Parkside Building (facing the park) CWMG: Carlinwmg.com | Info@Carlinwmg.com | 512 688 7414
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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
Austin Institute of Dental Medicine
Carlin Wealth Management
AIDM offers comprehensive and specialty dental care for families in Mueller, all in one location. From preventive care to implants and restorations, we provide comfortable care, transparent pricing, flexible payment options, and welcome new patients without referrals. 737-434-2436 | aidm.org
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
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
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 | dishsociety.com | @dishsociety
Empowered Cafe
European Wax Center
Floyd’s 99 Barbershop
Honest Mary’s
Kuper Sotheby’s
Mueller Silent Market
Nature’s Treasures
Crane & Holtzman
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
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
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
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
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
Honest Mary’s fuels the Mueller community with lifegiving fast food—clean, chef-crafted bowls made fresh and fast. Perfect for families, busy professionals, and active lifestyles. 512-375-3906 | honestmarys.com | @honestmarys
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
S A N TA
CATARINA Mexican Restaurant
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
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
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
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Family owned, family focused. Eyecare for the whole family.
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
Comprehensive Eye Exams Contact Lens Exams Diabetic Eye Exams Great for Pediatric Eye Exams kids! Myopia Management Dry Eye Treatment Cataract Consultations LASIK Co-Management Medical Eye Emergencies
512-276-6117
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
Scan to Schedule Your Appointment
Dr. Nick Chu, O.D.
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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
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
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W HAT ’S NEW
Hello, October The fall season is in full swing this year in Mueller!
STITCHING FOR CHARITY Do you like to knit or crochet? The Mueller Stitching for Charity group is looking for new members. They meet on the first and third Thursdays of the month at 2 p.m. and make items for various local charities. Please contact Julie Berman at bill.julieb@gmail.com if interested.
SADDLE UP
LEARN MORE
Saddle Up for Inclusion at the 2026 DSACT Buddy Walk® on Sunday, Oct. 18, at Reunion Ranch! Join hundreds of families, friends, and supporters for Central Texas’ largest celebration of the Down syndrome community.
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.
Register, donate, or learn more by scanning the QR code.
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ECO FEST Martin Luecke, who has served on the Mueller Commission since 2015 and was the past president of the Windsor Park Neighborhood Association is now spearheading a new project: The Shade the Streets project has been planting thousands of trees on the East Side for the past two years. Join the community for Austin EcoFest on Saturday Oct. 17, at Bartholomew Park with kids activities, food, music, local environmental groups, Congressman Lloyd Doggett, free mulch and 800 free trees from Tree Folks. The event will bring together neighborhoods from across East Austin to celebrate trees and people can even climb the big live oak with the Urban Forest team.
THINKERY Thank you to everyone who joined us at Imagine That. Over 300 Austinites came together at Branch Park Pavilion to raise funds to support Thinkery’s work.
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M EET M E AT TH E MARKET
Rosie and Hershey are captivated by the treats they are about to receive.
Tail-Wagging Treats Stop by Poochie Trends Pet Bakery for treats you and your pup will love. BY CARMEN GRAY AUSTIN IS ONE of the most dogfriendly cities in the country, and Geraldine Taylor, owner of Poochie Trends Pet Bakery, knows a thing or two about how to keep our furry friends happy. For Taylor, her business is about much more than selling treats. It is about helping pets live healthier, happier lives and creating a community where dogs and their owners feel welcome. You’ll find Taylor enthusiastically loving on different regular pups that she knows by name as they stop by for a treat on any given Sunday at the Texas Farmers Market at Mueller. Her booth stands inside, right in the
middle of everything, and both dogs and their owners know exactly where to find her. She greets familiar faces, introduces herself to new customers, and hands out free samples to plenty of curious pooches. The response is almost always the same: happy dogs, wagging tails, and owners eager to see what their pets think. It is easy to see that Taylor has built genuine relationships with both her two- and four-legged customers. Taylor founded Poochie Trends Pet Bakery in 2007, along with her late mother. They started with a vision of creating truly natural, preservative-free treats for dogs, ensuring they get only
the best ingredients. The inspiration for Poochie Trends came from Taylor’s own struggle to find healthy, natural treats for her beloved dog, Biloxi, without questionable additives. “I decided to take matters into our own hands and began experimenting with baking treats and foods for her.” What started as a personal project soon grew into something much bigger. Taylor’s friends and coworkers began asking her to make treats for their dogs, and she quickly realized she had created something people and their pets genuinely loved. She decided to turn her passion into a commercial business.
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BUILDING A BUSINESS Today, Taylor remains just as passionate about pet well-being as she was when she first began baking for Biloxi. She says, “I do what I do because I’m passionate about pet well-being, and I believe every dog deserves nourishing, tasty treats. Seeing the joy our products bring to pets and the peace of mind they offer to owners is incredibly rewarding and keeps my passion alive.” Her words are reflected in the way she interacts with every dog who visits her booth. Whether she is handing out a sample, greeting a longtime customer, or simply giving a pup some extra attention, Taylor’s love for animals is unmistakable. Taylor became a vendor with the Texas Farmers’ Markets in 2010, but expanded to both Mueller and Lakeline at the same time in 2021. She says it has been a fantastic
experience connecting directly with her customers and the community at large. The farmers’ markets have given her an opportunity to introduce her products to new customers while also staying connected to the loyal pet owners who return week after week. There are plenty of choices at Poochie Trends Pet Bakery, but Taylor says the beef liver jerky, chicken jerky, cheesy chicken bones and pupcakes are consistently the top sellers at the Mueller Market. With reasonable prices and treats that clearly have the approval of Austin’s pups, it is easy to understand why the booth has become a favorite stop. If you’re visiting the Mueller Market on a Sunday, just follow the wagging tails. Chances are, they’ll lead you straight to Taylor and Poochie Trends Pet Bakery. OCTOBER 2026 |
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Invest in Yourself
In this latest installment of Lee Vallely’s wellness series, she shares her biggest tip for staying healthy: Don’t put your own self-care last.
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PHOTOGRAPHS BY LEE VALLELY
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IF YOU’VE BEEN following Lee Vallely’s wellness series over the past year, you’ve probably noticed a common thread. Whether she’s sharing insights on movement, strength, or healthy aging, her message remains remarkably consistent: Wellness isn’t about perfection or the latest trend. It’s about creating a body that allows you to fully enjoy your life. Her philosophy is simple but powerful: The healthiest habits are often the ones that are easiest to sustain. “For me, wellness is having the strength, mobility, energy, and resilience to fully participate in your life at every age,” she says. It’s a definition that’s evolved over time. Earlier in her career, wellness often centered on exercise itself. Today, Lee sees movement as just one piece of a much larger picture. True wellness means building a body that supports the life you want to live, not just today, but years from now. It’s about moving with confidence, managing stress, nourishing yourself well, recovering properly, and developing habits that help you remain strong, capable, and independent through every stage of life. “True wellness is investing in yourself today, so you can continue living life on your own terms tomorrow.”
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CUTTING THROUGH THE NOISE
For many people, getting healthier feels overwhelming. Social media is full of complicated workout programs, restrictive diets, expensive supplements, and promises of quick results. It’s easy to believe that becoming healthier requires a complete lifestyle makeover. Lee doesn’t see it that way. Instead, she encourages people to start small. Rather than trying to change everything at once, she believes lasting wellness comes from making one manageable improvement, then building from there. A short walk around Mueller Lake Park after dinner, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, spending a few minutes stretching in the morning, or adding more whole foods to your meals may seem insignificant on their own, but over time those small choices compound into meaningful change.
“The little things you do consistently matter far more than the big things you only do occasionally,” she says. That philosophy extends beyond fitness. Wellness isn’t something you check off a list after completing a workout. It’s reflected in the choices you make throughout the day. That can mean how you move, how you fuel your body, how well you sleep, how you recover, and how you respond to life’s inevitable stresses. One area Lee believes deserves particular attention is mobility. While strength training often gets the spotlight, maintaining the ability to move comfortably through everyday life becomes increasingly important as we age. “Mobility keeps you independent,” she explains. “It’s what allows you to get down on the floor to play with your grandchildren, carry groceries without pain, travel comfortably, or simply move
through your day with confidence.” The good news is that mobility doesn’t require hours in the gym. Spending just a few minutes each day stretching, working through gentle movements, or simply avoiding long periods of sitting can make a significant difference over time. Lee also challenges one of the biggest misconceptions she encounters: that exercise has to be all or nothing. Too often, people believe that if they can’t fit in a full hour-long workout, there’s no point in doing anything at all. But wellness isn’t built on perfection. It’s built on consistency. Some days, that may mean a strengthtraining session. Other days, it might be a brisk walk, a Pilates class, or a few minutes of intentional movement between meetings. Every bit counts. “It’s never about being perfect,” Lee says. “It’s about continuing to show up for yourself.”
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SELF-CARE
Of course, consistency isn’t always easy. Between careers, family responsibilities, community commitments, and endless to-do lists, self-care is often the first thing to disappear. Movement, strength training, and recovery can quickly fall to the bottom of the priority list. Ironically, Lee points out, those are often the habits that help us navigate life’s busiest seasons with more energy, resilience, and confidence. When we care for ourselves consistently, we’re better equipped to care for everyone and everything else that depends on us. Rather than viewing wellness as another obligation, Lee encourages people to see it as an investment. Every walk, every stretch, every healthy meal, and every good night’s sleep contributes to the future version of yourself. Perhaps that’s why her message resonates with so many readers. It’s realistic. It leaves room for busy schedules, changing seasons of life, and the understanding that no one gets it right every day. Rather than chasing ambitious goals or waiting for the “perfect” time to begin, choose one small habit that supports your future self and start there. That one decision may lead to another, and then before you know it, they can become the foundation for a healthier, stronger, more vibrant life. Wellness doesn’t have to be complicated. It doesn’t even require expensive equipment or dramatic transformations. It begins with one intentional choice, repeated consistently until it becomes part of who you are. “The greatest investment you can make isn’t simply in living longer. It’s in building the strength, mobility, and resilience to live better and fully enjoy every chapter along the way.” To learn more about Lee, visit her website leepilates.com or follow her on Instagram and TikTok @leepilatesmethod. OCTOBER 2026 |
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A
The Alamo Drafthouse Mueller was recently dedicated as the Matthew McConaughey Cinema ahead of the release of the actor’s latest film. BY CARMEN GRAY
AS IF THE Mueller neighborhood doesn’t already have enough close encounters with famous filmmakers and award-winning actors, with Austin Film Studios next door, the Alamo Drafthouse Mueller was recently officially dedicated as the Matthew McConaughey Cinema on Monday, August 10. The festivities began with vibrant music performed by the talented Heart of Texas Mariachi inside Barrel O’ Fun bar downstairs, while guests sipped McConaughey’s new Pantalones brand of tequila. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson mingled with the crowd, along with several members of the press and McConaughey aficionados. The
atmosphere was lively and distinctly Austin, with music, drinks, film, and a hometown celebrity all coming together under one roof. McConaughey, accompanied by his wife, Camila, and children, Levi, Livingston, and Vida Alves, emerged from the stage doors to an enthusiastic crowd. The award-winning actor and Texas native took the stage with his usual debonair charm as Mayor Kirk Watson proclaimed August 10 as Matthew McConaughey Cinema Day. Alamo Drafthouse Director of Brand Strategy John Smith then unveiled the new Matthew McConaughey Cinema plaque, officially marking the theater’s new name.
PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIKA RICH
Starstruck
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Right: McConaughey with Mayor Kirk Watson for the plaque dedication. Above: Writer Carmen Gray with McConaughey.
Director Andrew Patterson also gave praise to McConaughey for his role in his new film, “The Rivals of Amziah King.” McConaughey got the crowd excited about the film, calling it “a story about the misfits and outcasts that has a whole lot of heart and a whole lot of soul.” After the dedication speeches, guests were led upstairs to view an advance screening of the film, but I lingered for a moment to grab a photo with McConaughey and let him know Mueller Magazine was thrilled to feature him. I floated on cloud nine as I made my way up to the theater to see him on the big screen. OCTOBER 2026 |
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McConaughey with the mariachi band.
AN ENGAGING PROJECT
Seated in the front row, I was very taken with the movie from the start. The setting is rural Oklahoma, though much of it was filmed near Birmingham, Alabama. McConaughey’s character, Amziah, is a beekeeper and charismatic musician who regularly gathers with eccentric members of the community to sing songs. The plot thickens when there’s a clear threat to Amziah’s honey business and the community at large. There are some twists and unexpected turns in the story that kept the audience engaged. Part comedy and part crime drama, the film has been receiving praise from Roger Ebert and Rotten Tomatoes. For
Mueller residents, the theater’s location makes it especially easy to catch a screening. With the cinema just a short walk away for many neighborhood residents, seeing McConaughey’s latest film at the theater bearing his name feels like a fitting Austin experience. Following the film, a Q&A with McConaughey, Patterson, and lead actress Angelina LookingGlass was moderated by Deadline’s Anthony D’Alessandro. During the Q&A, McConaughey praised 18-year-old LookingGlass, an up-and-coming Indigenous woman who plays his foster daughter, Kateri, in the movie. When asked why they chose her, McConaughey responded, “She was
not performative during her audition.” Patterson added, “She had focus and a control I could direct.” Be on the lookout for more from LookingGlass, as she shined in the film and held her own alongside the more experienced cast. After the Q&A, the fun continued as the audience was invited back to Barrel O’ Fun for more drinks and music, this time with McConaughey himself. Musicians from the film, including The Last Bison, joined him for a live performance, giving guests one more opportunity to celebrate the new cinema and the film. The celebration lasted well into the night. For McConaughey, the honor places him among a group of filmmakers
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and performers who have been given the distinction of having Alamo Drafthouse cinemas named after them. The group includes Christopher Nolan, Pam Grier, Spike Lee, John Hughes, and Ivan Reitman. The dedication of the Matthew McConaughey Cinema felt very Austin-esque as a celebration of the city’s enduring connection to movies and the people who make them. For a neighborhood already surrounded by Austin’s film culture, it seems like a fitting addition to Mueller.
Top left: McConaughey with his wife Camila Alves. Top right and below: McConaughey behind the bar with his own private tequila label, Pantalones.
Carmen Gray has lived in Austin since 1992. She is a retired teacher, published author, and freelance writer. OCTOBER 2026 |
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Smiles Bright At the Austin Institute of Dental Medicine, dentistry is just the beginning.
F
FOR SOME PEOPLE, going to the dentist means a cleaning twice a year and maybe a filling once in a while. For others, it can feel like taking on a second job. You need a root canal, so you’re referred to one office. Then an implant specialist somewhere else. Maybe you require orthodontics, too. Suddenly you’re making appointments at different practices, repeating your medical history, keeping track of records, and trying to understand how all the pieces fit together. At the new Austin Institute of Dental Medicine (AIDM),
the idea is to take the “general contractor” job out of the patient’s hands. Located at 1401 Philomena Street, AIDM was designed as a comprehensive dental center rather than a traditional single-provider practice. General dentists, advanced specialists, and surgical teams work together under one roof, giving patients access to a much broader range of care without having to navigate a string of different offices. “The goal is to make complex dental care easier to understand and easier to access,” the AIDM team says.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF AIDM
Keeping
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EXPANDING ACCESS
AIDM offers preventive and family dentistry, orthodontics, implants, root canal treatment, dentures, full-mouth rehabilitation, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and other advanced care. Instead of sending a patient from specialist to specialist, which often takes months, the team can collaborate around the same patient and develop a more comprehensive and streamlined treatment plan. For patients, the benefit is pretty straightforward: fewer moving parts. Specialists, general dentists, residents, and faculty can review complex cases together. Shared records, imaging, and technology can reduce repetition, while coordinated planning helps patients understand how different pieces of their treatment fit together. But AIDM isn’t only trying to simplify the logistics of dental care. It’s also tackling two of the biggest reasons people avoid the dentist in the first place: fear and uncertainty. Some patients are anxious. Others have had difficult experiences in the past. And for many people, the biggest source of stress is simply not knowing what is going to happen...or what it is going to cost. AIDM’s approach is built around transparency. Because multiple specialties and technology are available in one location, the team can develop a comprehensive treatment plan and provide a clear financial estimate early in the process. Patients can understand their options, what their care involves, and what they can expect financially before treatment begins. That means no surprises and no feeling like you’re agreeing to something you don’t fully understand. Comfort is the other part of the equation. AIDM was intentionally designed to feel welcoming rather than intimidating, with small touches that acknowledge the person sitting in the chair. Something as simple as a warm lavender neck wrap reflects the larger philosophy: patients should feel cared for as people, not simply treated as a set of dental problems. For patients who need more extensive treatment or experience significant dental anxiety, IV sedation is also available for appropriate procedures. OCTOBER 2026 |
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Education is the final component of what makes AIDM different. The center combines patient care with advanced dental education programs. Patients may receive care from licensed dentists or residents in advanced dental education programs, with appropriate faculty oversight. Specialty treatment is overseen by boardcertified or specialty-qualified faculty, while advanced general dentistry is supervised by experienced faculty dentists. Cases can be discussed and reviewed from multiple perspectives, creating a culture of collaboration and continuous learning. For patients, the education component isn’t separate from care. It is part of the process, so AIDM is helping train the next generation of dentists and specialists while bringing advanced care to the Austin community. Everything that happens at AIDM is on the cutting edge of technology. Digital imaging, intra-oral scanning, 3D workflows, surgical capabilities, and other modern tools are integrated into diagnosis and treatment planning. The goal isn’t technology for technology’s sake, but better information, more efficient care, and a clearer understanding of treatment. When asked why they selected Mueller for their location, the answer was clear. “We wanted to feel like part of a neighborhood, not simply another medical office in a commercial building. Mueller’s mix of families, young professionals, children, older adults, and surrounding Central and East Austin neighborhoods made it a natural fit. The neighborhood’s emphasis on community, walkability, local businesses, and family life also aligns with the kind of dental practice AIDM hopes to build. We want to be known as Mueller’s dental home, not simply a business located in Mueller.”
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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
That means becoming part of the community outside the dental chair, too. AIDM is building relationships with local physicians, dentists, schools, businesses, families, and community organizations, with a focus on oral health education, family resources, and access to care. The immediate goal is to become a trusted dental home for Mueller and surrounding neighborhoods while continuing to grow its faculty and residency programs and make both routine and advanced care accessible. The long-term vision is bigger. AIDM hopes to establish its Austin location as a nationally recognized model for combining comprehensive dental care, advanced specialty care, education, and technology, while continuing to grow its training programs and clinical research. Eventually, the model could expand into other markets.
But beneath all those plans is a simple idea: dental care shouldn’t feel fragmented, intimidating, or impossible to navigate. You shouldn’t have to be your own dental care coordinator. You shouldn’t have to choose between understanding your treatment and understanding the cost. And you shouldn’t feel embarrassed if you’ve avoided the dentist for years. AIDM was built to bring the pieces together: specialists, technology, education, and, perhaps most importantly, people who understand that walking through the door can sometimes be the hardest part. Once you’re there, the goal is simple: Take some of the stress out of dental care and create a dental home right here in Mueller. OCTOBER 2026 |
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LIVING W ELL
The Pink Fight Get involved this October and help spread breast cancer awareness. BY SHANNON HOLMES
OCTOBER IS BREAST Cancer Awareness Month. This is the time when we can show our support for those whose lives have been touched by this disease, increase awareness, and encourage early detection through breast self-examinations and mammography. According to breast cancer statistics from the Susan G. Komen website, in 2026 it is estimated that in the U.S. there will be 321,910 new cases of primary breast cancer in women and 2,670 in men. These statistics illustrate that breast cancer can affect anyone. So, it is important to understand what is normal for your breast anatomy and to be vigilant about any changes in your breasts. If you do notice any changes, consult your healthcare provider to determine whether a mammogram is necessary, especially if you are over 40.
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UNDERSTANDING BREAST CANCER What is breast cancer? According to the Susan G. Komen website, early breast cancer is defined as being contained only in the breast, or it has spread to the axillary lymph nodes (the lymph nodes in the underarm area). This term often describes Stage I and Stage II. Stage III, or inflammatory breast cancer, can be a tumor that has spread to many axillary lymph nodes or it has spread beyond the chest wall. Stage IV breast cancer, also known as metastatic breast cancer, is when the cancer has spread throughout the body. Early detection saves lives. When breast cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat, and more treatment options may be available. The American Cancer Society (ACS) states that women have the option to obtain screening starting at age 40. However, it is strongly recommended that an annual mammogram be performed starting at age 45. Up to 98% of women can survive breast cancer when it is detected early by a mammogram. ACS also states that from 1989 to 2020, breast cancer deaths have dropped by
43% due to early detection. Another way to be proactive is by knowing what your breast cancer risk is. One factor that may increase a person’s risk for breast cancer is gender. According to the Susan G. Komen website, women are 100 times more likely to develop breast cancer than their male counterparts. Other risk factors that may increase a person’s chance of getting breast cancer include age, obesity after menopause, alcohol consumption, and hormone replacement therapy, according to the Susan G. Komen website. In addition to raising awareness about breast cancer, more action is needed. Research, patient support, access to care, and education are all necessary to create a future without breast cancer. That is why community support and fundraising matter. This October, take action by participating in the Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk in Austin on Oct. 25 at Barton Creek Square. This event unites survivors, supporters, families, and advocates to raise funds for breast cancer.
Whether you are walking in honor of a loved one, in memory of someone, or simply to support the mission, your participation will truly make a difference. The funds that are donated at the Susan G. Komen Walk help to support various initiatives. These donations help provide support for breast cancer patients and support breast cancer research. You don’t have to walk to make a difference. If you are unable to attend the walk, consider donating towards the cause. Every donated dollar brings us one step closer to eradicating breast cancer forever. Please join us on Oct. 25, 2026, at the Susan G. Komen More Than Pink walk at Barton Creek Square, or you can donate to support the fight against breast cancer on the official Susan G. Komen website. Collectively, we can make a change. Shannon Holmes is a native Austinite, ARA Imaging professional, devoted animal lover, proud mom to a Dobie and Boxer, AAC foster Mom, and a Bible student who finds joy in helping others. OCTOBER 2026 |
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PERSPECTIVES
Porch Geese BY HILAL ISLER
THERE’S SOMETHING FAINTLY unsettling about
“neighborhoods of the 1980s” that people gesture to
and intimate; a little absurd and yet so attended to.
safety—but they also carry exclusion.
Mueller’s porch geese—the way they’re both kitsch They’re never just objects, are they? It’s as if they’re a
often carry an unspoken ideal: stability, sameness, The porch geese in this neighborhood today are
kind of quiet language all their own.
cheerful, yet watchful. Guarding. Repetitive. Almost
whether the geese stand in for a certain idea of home
met yet—and maybe won’t ever meet.
For the families who keep and dress them, I wonder
as continuity. The geese are ritual objects, and changing
like placeholders for the people in Mueller we haven’t When my family and I first moved here from
their outfits with the seasons—raincoat in spring, flag
the Midwest last year, I was looking for ways to
act of care. In neighborhoods where lives can feel
rules? What is being performed, and for whom? I had
in July, scarf in winter—becomes a small, repeatable
fragmented or transient, the goose is stable. It’s always there, no threat of migration. A benign witness.
understand what it means to live here. What are the never seen a porch goose before coming to Mueller. At the very least, a porch goose is a signal that
Yet there’s also something about control embedded
someone, somewhere in that house, is choosing a
can make it cheerful, festive, appropriate. It performs
And that act is a kind of reaching out, even if it never
visible to others. It’s a signal to neighbors: we’re here,
Each time I pass one, I find myself looking for what
in them. The goose is fixed, obedient, dressable. You a kind of idealized domestic life: orderly, seasonal, we participate, we won’t bite.
And then there’s the 1980s of it all. Nostalgia for
that era, when porch geese first became a thing in suburban American spaces, might point to a
tiny outfit and stepping outside to dress this bird.
quite becomes connection. It’s care. It’s community.
has changed—the scarf, the hat, the small gesture of attention. It feels, in its own way, like a conversation I’ve only just begun to hear.
There is a porch goose outside our house now. I’ve
longing for a time imagined as more legible. Before
started dressing it: tentatively, in tune with the season.
attention and community. In that sense the porch
easily it slips into ritual. I’m not sure, but I think this
everything sped up. Before digital life fractured
goose becomes a relic of a slower, more bounded world: front yards instead of Facebook feeds, neighbors instead of networks.
Of course, that nostalgia is selective. The
It surprises me how much care the act requires. How might just be how belonging begins.
Hilal is a Mueller resident. She teaches at UT Austin and has just published her debut story collection, “Har Mar.”
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PHOTO OP
A DIP IN THE LAKE TURTLES AS FAR as the eye can see! These little friends were seen sunning their shells at Mueller Lake Park.
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Turning over a new leaf? Let’s make your next move a good one.
Hilary Herrin, Realtor® Mueller Silent Market Team M: 512.913.8642 hilary@hilaryherrin.com
Mueller Resident & Realtor 18 years helping neighbors
Compass is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.
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