April 2025 WAN by westaustinnews

Helping Hand Home Hosts The Crystal Ball

Over two thousand distinguished guests gathered at the Palmer Events Center for one of the largest celebrations of the year, the Helping Hand Society of Austin’s 82nd annual gala, The Crystal Ball. Chaired by Meredith Bagan and Taylor Harper, the event featured a full day of festivities, beginning with a champagne brunch and the presentation of the ball’s First Grade Princesses, an introduction of the Helping Hand Girls (9th graders) and the college-aged Debutantes.

Guests reconvened for the event’s hallmark black-tie Debutante Presentation Gala where 9th grade Helping Hand Boys and Girls are also presented. Excitement permeated the Event Center as thousands of guests reunited with old friends and prepared for more festivities to come. After a spirited cocktail hour, guests

were treated to a delicious meal as the 9th Grade Helping Hand Boys and Girls were presented one by one, followed by the presentation of Debutantes, their Escorts and Junior Escorts. Following the presentation, guests of all ages danced the night away to the music of Love & Happiness.

Funds from the evening beneﬁt Helping Hand Home for Children. For more than 130 years, Helping Hand Home has served children who have experienced complex trauma. Through a continuum of care, Helping Hand Home provides a safe haven for children to heal through three program areas, including foster, adoption, postadopt services; 24-hour residential and therapeutic care; and an onsite University of Texas Charter School. To learn more about Helping Hand Home, visit www.helpinghandhome.org.

PHOTOS BY JETTER PHOTOGRAPHY

Around the Neighborhood:

Around the Neighborhood

Barton

April. The

(tacos and pastries), lunch selections (sandwiches, salads, and entrees), dinner options (entrees and features), and a full coﬀee bar. Weekly business hours are Monday-Tuesday. 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Wednesday-Sunday 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Sure to be a neighborhood gathering place, the family-owned and operated business looks forward to meeting the community at their Grand Opening on May 4th from 12 to 3 p.m. Live music will be provided by the St. Michael’s Prep High School Jazz band.

Little Words Project is holding a Mother’s Day Celebration at Domain NORTHSIDE Location, 3200 Palm Way, Ste 132 (near Yeti) on April 26-27, from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for proactive Mother’s Day (May 11th) shopping. The event will feature handson classes for crafting customized bracelets and ﬂoral bouquet-making in partnership with UrbanStems, card making, gold foiling, live portraits, and an appearance by Little Words Project founder and CEO Adriana Carrig. Secure a spot in the weekend classes by visiting littlewordsproject. com/pages/events. 8 8

The Flower Hill Center will hold its “Flower Hill Fête” on May 3rd, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at its historic property, 1316 W 6th Street. The community is invited to attend the unveiling of the property’s historic garage conversion into a vibrant event space. Festivities will include a raﬄe, live music, curated bites, beverages, and a KidZone for family fun. “Pick-your-price” tickets of $25, $50, or $75 (kids 10 and under are free) can be purchased at www. ﬂowerhillcenter.org. Sponsorships are still available; all donations will help this Austin treasure live on.

Pins Mechanical Company, located in St. Elmo’s Art District at 4323 S Congress Ave., held its grand opening on April 17th. The 43,000-square-foot space oﬀers a diverse range of games and interactive activities for drop-in fun (family and dog friendly) or event scheduling. They also have three bars serving craft cocktails, local and regional draft beers, THC-infused seltzers, nonalcoholic options, and drink specials. Bring your own food, but no alcohol; this option is served on-site. Email Jordan at Jordan.kaiser@risebrands. com for event scheduling or visit https://www.pinsbar.com/locations/austin for more information.

1. What’s something about you that not many people know? I’m a huge “Star Wars” fan. Not enough to dress up and go to conventions, but I love the movies, the books, the comics, and I’m a wellspring of utterly useless “Star Wars” trivia.

2. What was your first job? My parents insisted I have a job during the summer between high school graduation and college, and somehow, I ended up as a clerk at the local Walgreen’s for a couple of months. Incidentally, I’ve never truly forgiven them to this day.

3. If you could have dinner with three people — dead or alive, at any time in history — who would they be? Well, since I’m limited to only three, I guess that rules out the four ladies of “The Golden Girls,” because I am not going to play favorites. So — Queen Elizabeth I, Coco Chanel, and Patrick Schwarzenegger ... only because I have a massive crush on him right now.

4. If you had to pick three musicians for a playlist, who would they be? Madonna, Chappell Roan, and Fleetwood Mac

5. Favorite book and TV show? “The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour, and Greed.” I read this way before they made the story into a movie with Lady Gaga. My favorite TV show is “Twin Peaks.” (Although I’m obsessed with “White Lotus.”)

6. Most powerful movie you have seen. “Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion”

7. Favorite place in Austin? The Four Seasons. Mostly because it’s always beautifully decorated, and there’s a champagne vending machine.

8. Favorite restaurant and watering hole? This is an impossible question! I go to them all. Uchi, Olamaie, III Forks, June’s All Day, Aba ... whatever I feel like that day. My favorite bar is the Stephen F. Bar & Terrace. It has so many years of memories of

Largesse opened at 2800

Creek Blvd, Unit 104 in

Creek in

From left to right: Bobby Jones, Miles Fuquay, Hannah Jones, Lawsin Wilt, Brannon Kroll, Phyllis Kyle, Chris Kardys, Todd Brockwell, Melissa Anderson, Matt R. Richter, Caroline Satel, Mike Sierra, Jessica Drought, Richard Dullnig, Hunt Hord

Sarah Gilbreath

“WBY FORREST PREECE

hat does this mean for his schooling? Will he have friends? How about his adulthood? Will he be able to say our names?” When West Austinite Sarah Gilbreath and her husband Jake received the autism diagnosis for their three-year-old son Parker eight years ago, they asked these questions and a lot more.

On a recent afternoon, I sat down to talk with Sarah in the oﬃces of Walters Gilbreath, PLLC, where she serves as chief executive oﬃcer, and heard about their journey. When you meet her, you quickly understand that this is a woman who looks at a turn of events, decides how to deal with it, and proceeds — full steam ahead.

She says that it was quite a process just to get the diagnosis. Around the time Parker was 18 months, they started him in speech therapy and physical therapy to help his development. When he was three, their medical team ﬁnally told them that he was indeed on the autism spectrum. As Sarah points out, saying “autism is rising,” is a misstatement. That upswing in numbers can be attributed to the broadening of the parameters and diagnostic characteristics, including what used to be a separate diagnosis like Asperger’s.

Their first concerns were obvious: how to find the school that was right for him, and how to seek and plan the therapies and interventions that were needed. As it happened, some of their friends were involved in a non-profit group called Imagine A Way, which is dedicated to providing funds to help parents with neurodivergent children. Serendipitously, before Sarah met Jake, she had attended one of the organization’s fundraisers. Afterwards, she stayed tangentially involved.

After she married Jake, who had Parker from his ﬁrst marriage, they received their son’s autism diagnosis. They had been anticipating this outcome, and now they could begin creating a course of treatment.

Not long after that, Jake had lunch with a friend of his who was on the Imagine A Way board. They decided to support the organization in a larger way and explore ways to cope with their situation.

therapy and to wait while it was happening. As Sarah says, it was a burden for them, and they have better-than-average resources.

“For a family without substantial means and the ﬂexibility to juggle work hours, this set of circumstances would be a calamity.”

Just months before they received the diagnosis for Parker, Sarah and Jake had their annual end-of-year planning meeting to set goals. Soon after that, she decided to apply to The Junior League of Austin, hoping to learn more about how to navigate the non-proﬁt world with fundraising and organizing.

Not long after they had the official finding about their son’s issues, Sarah received a call from a friend who was part of the leadership at IAW. He asked her to join their board. Wondering if “he had called the wrong number,” she hesitated, but said yes. Sarah decided that she would be a silent partner at first, but

fund the therapy their child requires. Developmental therapy can run between $30,000 to $60,000 or more annually, and in many two-earner households, one person must quit working to transport the child to therapy sessions. In some cases, families have had to sell their homes to raise the money needed to continue with the programs.

Sarah says that Joel and Carolyn Price, who founded the group in 2012, made it their mission to fund a child’s therapy through the age of seven. They never wanted to help a child without adequate follow through. Since their inception they have helped 191 children and are on track to serve just under 120 children this year. And yes, they have openings.

IF IT FEELS LIKE YOU NEED ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY, GET ANOTHER OPINION. IT’S IMPORTANT TO START A CONVERSATION AND THERE SHOULD BE NO GUILT ABOUT IT.”

—SARAH GILBREATH

true to her nature, she started speaking up in meetings. Soon, she was chairing a subcommittee and then was asked to be on the executive committee.

Two of IAW’s goals were to clear the wait list of children who needed help and to expand their activities to Houston. With a lot of hard work, both of those tasks were handled.

Now Sarah is the president of the board, and while she’s a volunteer, it often feels like a part-time job in terms of the hours and work that it requires. On the day we met, she had done two hours of veriﬁcation and interviews for families who were applying. Then she ran the executive board meeting. “This is what I enjoy most outside of being a mom and a wife and spending time with my family.”

When I asked Sarah for advice parents faced with this issue could use, she was forthcoming. First, they should remember that they are the experts on their child. Some doctors will tell you to “wait and see” and that can play out too long. “If it feels like you need attention immediately, get another opinion,” Sarah says. She has seen it happen with too many families — when they ﬁnally start therapy they say, “What if we had done this two years ago — we would be that much further along.” On a positive note, she says that a lot of pediatricians are now doing developmental screenings during routine well checks and starting a dialogue sooner than in years past. “It’s important to start a conversation and there should be no guilt about it.”

which should be customized to the child’s place on the spectrum and progress therapeutically.

Sarah says that the parents need to remain ﬂexible in their thinking. If adjustments need to be made as time goes on, that is advisable. It is easy to say that

“this is the plan,” but keeping an open mind is important. Last, parents should ask for help and look for resources and community. It is perfectly permissible to admit that one’s family is trying to navigate an unknown world. They might not be able

to dine out any longer or visit the neighborhood park to play, because the child sees the world through a different lens and can be triggered in unusual ways. It may seem isolating, because parents don’t know others with neurodivergent children. Sarah says that it is OK to ask for help, even if it’s calling a neighbor to come over and do a puzzle with the child so you can shower or have a moment to reset. Maybe a parent will find a kindred soul sitting in a waiting room, and they can compare notes about how they are coping. Connections and community are important. Sarah says that anyone needing financial support with their child’s treatment should call Imagine A Way. They try to help everyone who applies. “Maybe we’re not a good fit for whatever reason. Maybe a family doesn’t live near an applied behavioral clinic. But perhaps we can connect you with someone who can provide support in a different way. Our goal is to help as many kids as we can.”

Rooted in Christian values, CBS is a place for everyone. No matter their faith or beliefs, every camper feels at

Inclusivity is at our core. We create a safe, welcoming space where every camper is valued and supported.

As a year-round camp, we offer air-conditioned cabins, top-tier facilities, and a dedicated full-time staff— including a culinary team ready for any dietary need.

Suddenly they realized that dealing with this situation was going to be more expensive than they realized — not just in monetary terms, but the many hours of time needed to transport him to

Taking a deeper dive into what IAW does, Sarah says that they strive to ﬁll the gap for families that are above the Medicaid level but don’t make enough money to adequately

Next, get the diagnosis in writing. Until they have this piece of the puzzle, parents will not be able to obtain the therapy that is needed, and insurance will not cover it. Hearing the diagnosis may cause the parents to be unnerved, but it will unlock the tools and interventions required to put things on a path to bettering the situation. After the diagnosis, all the parties need to agree on the therapies. Applied behavioral analysis therapy is the gold standard, but there are also approaches like speech, occupational and physical therapy, as well as more niche treatments like music and equine therapy,

Camp Balcones Springs may be in Texas, but our community spans the country and beyond. With campers from across the U.S. and abroad, friendships here last a lifetime.

16th Annual Champions to CureDuchenne Raises Over

to Fund Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Research

“Vintage Vegas for Duchenne” Gala Featured Casino Games, Cocktails, Gourmet Dining and More to Help Advance Research for the Rare Disease

CureDuchenne, a global nonprofit focused on finding and funding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and the Revell family of Austin hosted its16th annual fundraiser gala, Champions to CureDuchenne: Vintage Vegas for Duchenne, this month. The event raised over $400,000 to benefit CureDuchenne’s scientific research and educational programs for families affected by Duchenne, a progressive, fatal disease affecting 300,000 worldwide.

Philanthropists, business leaders, and local community members gathered at the University of Texas Golf Club for a cocktail reception, live and silent auctions, dinner, and an after-hours casino party. The event was presented by Mighty Fine Burgers, Fries & Shakes.

The Revell family’s personal connection to Duchenne fuels their unwavering commitment to this cause. Tim and Laura Revell’s two boys, Timothy and Andrew, were diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, one of the most common and severe forms of muscular dystrophy, at just two and ﬁve years old.

Duchenne is a fatal disease that aﬀects 1 in 5,000 boys. Children diagnosed with Duchenne often lose their ability to walk in their early teens and face life-threaten-

ing complications in their twenties. When the Revells received this devastating diagnosis, resources and treatment options were extremely limited.

Determined to create change, the Revells partnered with CureDuchenne and began organizing fundraising events to drive research forward. Their annual galas, marathons, and community gatherings have raised more than $8 million to date, bringing hope to families impacted by Duchenne.

“We are so grateful to the Austin community for their support of our family and the thousands facing Duchenne across the country and around the world,” said Tim Revell. “Through events like Champions to CureDuchenne, we will fund groundbreaking research that is moving us closer to a cure. We won’t stop until there is a cure for every family aﬀected by this disease.”

“The dedication of the Revell family and the Austin community has played a vital role in the progress we’ve made on behalf of those facing Duchenne muscular dystrophy,” said CureDuchenne founder and CEO Debra Miller. “While we have made incredible strides in research, many individuals with Duchenne—including the Revell boys and my own son—are still waiting for life-changing treatments. This event will help us continue our momentum to bring a cure within reach.”

WEDNESDAY, MAY 7th • 1:00PM

Wonders & Worries hosted its record-breaking Envision Gala at the JW Marriott raising over $1 million to provide free, professional support for children and teenagers navigating a parent’s serious illness or injury. With Texas Oncology as the Presenting Sponsor, the event welcomed over 700 attendees for an unforgettable evening of philanthropy and impact.

This year’s gala set a new milestone in fundraising, demonstrating the community’s unwavering commitment to Wonders & Worries’ mission. Guests were deeply

moved by powerful testimonials from the Lindstedt Family and Schuelke Family, who shared ﬁrsthand how Wonders & Worries has provided critical support during their most challenging times.

The success of the evening was made possible by the dedication of the Envision Gala Committee, led by Co-Chairs Jessica Wyatt and Karen Norrod, alongside a passionate group of volunteers: Amanda Moore, Amie Smith, Amy Atkins, Chielsey Barber, Courtney Boss, Cynthia Ramirez-McConnell, Elaine and Chris Jensen, Genesis

Mike Frost, and Victoria Bishop

The evening not only celebrated the generosity of the Austin community but also set the stage for Wonders & Worries’ 25th Anniversary in 2026. Those interested in getting involved, supporting the mission, or joining the 2026 Gala Committee can contact Nicole Halder at Nicole@ wondersandworries.org. For more information, visit www. wondersandworries.org.

Zuniga, Gigi Gomel, Kari and Terry French, Katharine Lord, Kynan Dancy, Marwa Gelil, Meaghan Mooney, Meredith Bagan,

The Muny Conservancy Exceeds Fundraising Goal

The Muny Conservancy’s fourth annual fundraising event, the Imagine Muny Gala, delighted a star studded crowd at ACL Live at the Moody Theater, featuring Muny programming, a live auction, live music, and successfully exceeding the organization’s $1 million dollar fundraising goal for the Muny Conservancy. The fundraiser featured GRAMMY® award-winner Wynonna Judd and the golden-age traditional Texas-based country band, Chaparelle. It was a spectacular night of music and fellowship to celebrate Lions Municipal Golf Course and raise funds to protect and preserve Muny.

Muny Conservancy cochair Scotty Sayers and twotime Masters Champion and Muny Co-Chair Ben Crenshaw kicked oﬀ the evening by hosting a red-carpet media event featuring Chaparelle band members Zella Day, Jesse Woods and Beau Bedford, as well as Austin Mayor Kirk Watson. Notable ﬁgures in attendance of the gala include singer-songwriters Jack Ingram and Django Walker, former University of Texas

Head Football Coach Mack Brown and wife Sally Brown, Austin NAACP President Nelson Linder, actor Luke Wilson, local artist Todd Sanders, and Save Muny supporter and champion of 50+ years, Mary Arnold.

Post-performance, headliner Wynonna Judd said, “We were thrilled to be able to come to Austin, one of our favorite places, for the Muny gala. My husband Cactus loves golf and given the history and community support to save the course, we were excited to join the eﬀort.”

The Muny Conservancy was created to help preserve and improve one of Austin’s iconic recreational green spaces, Lions Municipal Golf Course. Their mission is to help ensure that all 141-acres are saved for future generations to enjoy, with aﬀordable golf, public accessibility, the civil rights history of the site and promotion of the game in mind. The wildlife, heritage oaks, and 18-holes of golf have been an important part of Austin’s parkland since 1924. Learn more by visiting themunyconservancy.com

Biohacking Enthusiasts Unite at The Health Optimisation Summit

By Anne DeVries

The Palmer Events Center pulsed with vitality on April 12 and 13th as the Health Optimisation Summit (HOS) was held for the ﬁrst time in the United States. Championed by the UK’s lead biohacker, Tim Gray, the summit in Austin included 2500 registered participants, 35+ world-renowned speakers, and 100+ exhibitors, a testament to Austin’s status as a hub for cutting-edge health innovation.

When asked about choosing Austin as his US debut, Gray shared, “Expanding the Health Optimisation Summit to the United States has been a dream for years, and Austin is the perfect place to make it a reality.”

MC’d by Warren Phillips, known as the Non-Toxic Dad, the summit featured leaders in the biohacking space, including Ben Greenﬁeld, Gary Brecka, Mark Sisson, Max Lugavere, and Dr. Christopher Shade. These titans of biohacking, nutrition, and preventative medicine shared decades of expertise with attendees, providing unique insights and current techniques for health optimization.

A talk by MAHA movement leader Calley Means was a highlight for attendees, as was Chris Williamson, who recently moved to Austin and hosts the number 3 podcast in the world, Modern Wisdom. The event’s movement studio oﬀered attendees breathwork, stretching, and workout classes, with expert guidance on maximizing beneﬁts.

Dave Asprey, often referred to as the “father of biohack-

ing” and a new resident of Austin, deﬁnes biohacking as the art and science of altering the environment around you and within you to take full control of your own biology. Biohackers utilize tools such as nutrition, hydration, detoxiﬁcation, supplements, breathing practices, and technology,

as well as lifestyle initiatives like reconnecting with nature, grounding (touching the earth), sleep optimization, and exposure to cold and heat to achieve maximum physical, mental, and emotional performance.

The exhibition ﬂoor at the event featured companies from around the world, as well as some from our very own backyard including; Austin-GO2 BITES (a convenient, nutrient-packed, GF, no-seed-oil snack), Heart and Soul (beef organs, collagen, colostrum souched through regenerative farming), Alive and Well (ozone therapy, infrared sauna, hot/cold immersion therapy, ionic foot baths, IV infusions studio), Yumwolf (personalized superfood for dogs), and Better Way (blood panels from a ﬁnger prick now at HEB). All are based in Austin.

Dr. Christopher Shade, founder of QuickSilver Scientiﬁc, spoke at HOS about

detoxiﬁcation in a toxic world. Shade helped summit host Tim Gray, who overcame mercury toxicity and chronic health issues through biohacking.

As Shade puts it, “The beautiful thing about detox is you don’t realize what you had until it comes back. It’s so easy to understand. It’s like having a shade over a light. You don’t see the whole light. How do you get it out (toxins)? You detox.”

Shade’s patented liposomal supplements aid mercury and toxin removal by mobilizing, binding, and excreting them while minimizing reabsorption. Liposomal delivery enhances bioavailability by bypassing digestive breakdown, allowing for eﬃcient cellular uptake.

Leslie Kenny, founder of Oxford Healthspan and HOS

sponsor, was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus at 39. Through self-research, she found nutritional and alternative treatments that resolved her conditions. This led her to biohacking and founding Oxford Healthspan.

A Harvard graduate and Integrative Nutritionist, Kenny collaborated with Oxford scientists to study spermidine, a natural molecule in plant foods. Spermidine, depleted by aging and antibiotics, cleanses cells, boosts energy, reduces inﬂammation, and strengthens cell walls. A 2020 Nature Reviews Drug Discovery article highlighted spermidine’s

Central Texas Unites to Help Eliminate Heart Disease and Stroke in Women

More than 450 people dressed in bright red to attend the annual Austin Go Red for Women Luncheon & Summit, honoring survivors, celebrating advancements in heart health and charting a new course toward a world free of cardiovascular disease, which claims the lives of one in three women.

Hosted by Kristen Currie and Jennifer Sanders, attendees listened to a fireside chat with Emmy Award-winning actress and heart health advocate, Susan Lucci. Lucci vulnerably shared her experiences with heart health and difficulty acknowledging that she needed medical help. The fit, healthy, and nutrition-conscious Lucci ignored her symptoms for several weeks until crushing chest pain sent her to the hospital, where doctors discovered severe arterial blockages. At the luncheon, Lucci encouraged all women to take charge of their own health, pay attention to their symptoms at the first sign, and put their wellness at the top of their to-do list.

“I was incredibly lucky, and I want to pass that luck on,” said Lucci. She hopes that women can learn to, “give themselves permission to take care of themselves.”

The Luncheon also featured Austin nurse Alex Garza’s survivor story. Garza, who unexpectedly

experienced a stroke at age 24, now advocates for greater stroke and cardiovascular disease awareness for women across all ages. American Heart Association-Austin Board President Virginia Visser highlighted the AHA’s work with community education, support, and advocacy to expand access to care and reduce gender-based health disparities.

This year, Austin Go Red for Women Luncheon guests raised over $480,000 to save and improve women’s lives by advancing equitable research and care, advocating for inclusive health policies and raising awareness of women’s number one health threat, cardiovascular disease.

Since 2004, the Go Red for Women movement has addressed the awareness and clinical care gaps of cardiovascular disease for women. As women change and grow, so does their risk for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined.

Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease. Yet, Gen Z and Millennial women are less likely to be aware of their greatest health threat, including knowing the warning signs of heart attacks and strokes. Learn more at heart.org.

BIOHACKING

anti-aging potential. Oxford Healthspan’s Primeadine®, a plant-derived spermidine supplement, supports global customers in enhancing health and longevity.

Biohackers often enter the space in search of solutions to medical issues that have not been addressed through conventional medicine. Others are seeking methods to maximize their human potential. No matter what initially drives someone to try alternative practices, the beneﬁts of improved health and vitality inspire biohackers to keep exploring new ways to optimize their well-being and feel more alive.

HOS attendee Anna Cokeley, an avid biohacker and Biohacker Technician at Upgrade Labs 5th Street in Austin, shared, “I have found that biohacking enriches my life, helps keep in check a shoulder injury I sustained years ago, and places me in the driver’s seat of how I will enjoy my 50s, 60s, and beyond.”

The HOS made a wise choice in selecting Austin to host its ﬁrst-ever US conference. The vibrant city of high-achieving outdoor enthusiasts will undoubtedly feed the biohacking movement. Businesses oﬀering IV infusions, red-light therapy, cryotherapy, genetic testing, infrared saunas, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy are on the rise, as is the growing presence of functional medicine doctors who utilize blood tests and genetic testing to create personalized supplementation plans. For more information and deeper insight from Tim Gray, listen to the Health Optimisation Podcast with Timbiohacker on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or visit www.healthoptimisation.com.

Mayor’s Book Club selects two for 2025

By Alana Moehring Mallard

Austin Mayor’s Book Club has selected two books for 2025 for all of Austin to read: We Loved It All, a personal memoir by Lydia Millet; and You Are Here: Poetry in the Natural World, edited by U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limon and featuring 50 new poems.

“This year’s Mayor’s Book Club features two books that probe and explore our place in the natural world,” said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson.

Millet, author of We Loved It All, will be featured in an event at Austin Central Library on April 30, when she will be in conversation with Juli Berwald, author of Life on the Rocks: Building a Future for

Coral Reefs. Millet’s appearance is at 7 p.m. And on Wednesday, May 14, two poets featured in You Are Here will read and be in conversation: Carrie Fountain and Cecily Parks. The event is at 7 p.m.

The Mayor’s Book Club in an annual citywide reading campaign presented by the Library Foundation in partnership with Austin Public Library and City of Austin Mayor’s Oﬃce. The program began in 2002 with Bless Me Ultima by Rodolfo Anaya and has included classics such as Of Mice and Men, in 2015, by John Steinbeck and newer books such as 2019’s pick, Amigoland by Oscar Casares, and A friend of Mr. Lincoln’s by Stephen Harrigan in 2017.

New Four-Way Stop Enhances Safety in Tarrytown

On March 24, the City of Austin installed a full four-way stop with crosswalks at the intersection of Hillview and Greenlee in Tarrytown, a significant step toward improving neighborhood safety. This long-awaited change, requested years ago, was fast-tracked following a tragic accident at the intersection in the fall. Thanks to the tireless efforts of a dedicated city traffic engineer and community advocacy, the request gained urgency, culminating in the addition of a four-way stop and crosswalks to the neighborhood.

The new four-way stop aims to protect area residents, Casis Elementary and O. Henry Middle School carpool drivers,

school administrators and staff, tweens on motorized bikes, WAYA participants, preschools off of Exposition, local business owners, and contractors. Furthermore, the crosswalks will provide safer passage for pedestrians, addressing concerns about speeding and visibility in this busy area, which serves as a cut-through to the many activities on Exposition Boulevard. Regarding the safety addition to the neighborhood, Tarrytown resident Debbie Hanna, who has lived with husband Mark at the NW affected corner for 23 years shared, “I respect the pressure our city traffic managers face often from residents seeking relief from speed and traffic intensity inside

what should be quiet neighborhood streets but this intersection has proven to be a cut-through hot spot for several years. A wonderful city engineer made several site visits to collect and analyze data. Each time I visited with her, she was quick to respond that she would do everything possible to provide relief. And she did!”

West Austin News encourages all neighbors to spread the word and stay vigilant as the community adjusts to this change. A special “thank you” to all the community members and the city engineer involved in this laborious undertaking. Let’s work together to keep Tarrytown safe for everyone.

Book Review: “Austin Blues” by Gary A. Keith

By Forrest Preece

Gary A. Keith’s debut novel, Austin Blues, provides a hard-edged, but sometimes humorous, romp through politics, scandals, and memory-inspiring times in Austin. His main character Sandy Eden comes back from Vietnam tortured by mental scars and a knee injury from a Cobra helicopter crash. Summoning up grit, he enrolls at Texas Tech, then earns a degree at UT Law School and opens his legal oﬃce. At ﬁrst, he’s rocking along, handling routine cases and hanging out in the music venues of the Capital City. Suddenly, a personal injury case involving a driver for a local business and a woman who is permanently traumatized by the accident falls into his lap.

The Austin press snags onto the case, making it a cause célèbre. Sandy ratchets up his legal skills, does some dogged investigative work, and creates a reputation for himself.

After resolving that high

profile case, he has more potential clients than he can accept. Suddenly, a whistleblower accusation involving the top levels of the state government comes Sandy’s way when the wronged party asks him for representation. It’s a “case of all cases” and the reader rides along through the dense patch of high intrigue, money shuffled into the wrong pockets, and out-of-control, ethically challenged state office holders.

Plenty of nighttime activities take place as well, with Sandy and his friends gathering in local drinking establishments to hash out politics and explore the intricacies of law. There’s even a bar ﬁght involving the protagonist, which stirs the plot some more.

Besides Sandy, there’s his wife Dr. Bev Denton, a UT professor, who he meets at Antone’s; their pal “Dude” John Dewey, a bass player who

studied music at the University of North Texas; and Dean Keaton, his law ﬁrm’s client who is caught up in political backstabbing and intrigue. All of them ﬁgure in subplots throughout the book, lending a fast pace to the action.

Keith writes with a ﬂair for dialogue, precise scene description, insight into the local music scene, and lots of inner knowledge of academia and state politics. On that score, Keith has been a lecturer, a college professor, and a senior policy analyst, so he knows whereof he speaks. He also wrote a nonﬁction book about Bob Eckhardt-- “Eckhardt: There Once Was a Congressman From Texas.” No spoilers about the ending, but “Austin Blues” weaves the worlds of politics, press, and UT academia into a tale of intrigue with plenty of twists and turns. It’s an entertaining read that will take you back to the days of yesteryear in our town.

Spring Break Adventure

Greg and I enjoyed our ﬁrst spring break adventure without our adult children, though we missed traveling with them very much. Madeline and William spent their spring breaks in Spain and in Lisbon, respectively.

Madeline spent a week at the IRAM observatory in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Spain doing research for the culmination of her master’s degree in Astrophysics at ENS in Paris. William was in Lisbon with a group of friends from Duke, so we missed seeing him and look forward to a visit with him in Durham in April. We had the good fortune of catching up with Madeline in Paris after a week in Switzerland. If anyone is looking for a fabulous place to stay in Geneva, we can highly recommend The Woodward—it’s now an Auberge Resorts Collection property, as is the Commodore Perry here in Austin. The rooms oﬀer a gorgeous cocoon of comfort, and the 26-room boutique hotel oﬀers a true home away from home experience.

Don’t miss a chance to visit the Guerlain spa at The Woodward and dinner at L’Atelier Robuchon, Geneva’s only 2 Michelin Star restaurant, also inside The Woodward, is an absolute treat. Save room for dessert as the pastry chef, Titouan Claudet, has been recognized as Gault & Millau’s Pastry Chef of the Year 2025 and Pastry Talent of the Year by La Liste, International Selection.

We also visited my favorite house museum in Paris, Musee Jacquemart-Andre, with Madeline’s Parisian roommates. It has undergone a recent renovation. My dear Ballet Austin friend, Ann Downing, told me about the museum over a decade ago and I have visited it at least three times over the years. The current exhibit is Artemisia, Heorine De L’Art.

We also had a fabulous stay at George V in Paris where we hosted an impromptu reunion in their cozy bar for some of Madeline’s Stanford friends who were visiting Paris for spring break. All of this

reinforces my feeling that Paris is always a good idea.

— Mary Sullivan Casas, Educator and Community Leader

2025 Angelina Eberly Luncheon Hits High Notes for Austin History Center Association

The 2025 Angelina Eberly Luncheon was held at the historic Austin Club on Wednesday, April 9. This event is a yearly celebration produced by and beneﬁting the Austin History Center Association (AHCA).

Charles Peveto, President, Austin History Center Association, began the luncheon thanking the 200 guests for their support and announcing to the exciting and recent public/private partnership with the Austin Public Library System (APL) and welcoming those partners: Hannah Terell, Interim APL Director, Cody Scott, Austin History Center Campus Project Manager, and Jennifer Chenoweth, Austin History Center Division Manager.

Peveto then introduced

Michael Marks, Chair of the Millett Opera House Foundation, who gave brief remarks about the signiﬁcance of the 1878 Opera House, which is now the home of The Austin Club.

Adam Powell, the new AHCA Executive Director, talked about the strategic plan for the restructuring of the association. It will become a fundraising board focusing on a capital campaign to ﬁnance the vision for the two-building Austin History Center Campus. The campus will consist of the 1933 library building, which is the current Austin History Center, plus completed expansion in the historic Faulk Building south of it. The result will be a world-class campus for historic research.

Of special note this year

was the $1.1 million Legacy Gift from Roy and Linda Bush. Powell said that this donation would be a transformative gift for the AHCA, which has become a growing permanent endowment with over $2 million, managed by Genesis Wealth Management.

Martha Hartzog, one of the four founders of the AHCA, spoke about The Sue Brandt McBee Living Legacy Award, as did Robert McBee, Sue’s son. Noted architect Sinclair Black accepted the 2025 award for his tireless work in historic preservation and urban planning.

Dee Hall, who served on the luncheon committee, recounted the story of Angelina Eberly.

Honorary Chairs Shuronda Robinson, CEO of Austin Woman Magazine, and Will and Noel Bridges, co-owners of Antone’s Nightclub, Arlyn Studios and Deep Eddy Cabaret, conducted a solicitation of donations to help fund the History Center’s operations. The event ended on a fun-ﬁlled note as Esther’s Follies’ Shannon Sedwick and her lively crew of comedians provided an imaginary look back to when “comedy was outlawed in Austin,” followed by an entertaining question-and-answer session about the Capital City’s history. As the nonproﬁt partner of the Austin History Center, the AHCA preserves and shares the rich and diverse history that has shaped Austin’s impact on Texas, the nation, and the world since 1839.

Mary Ann Benson WOMEN IN BUSINESS

By Anne DeVries

For 21 years, Mary Ann

Benson has been the heart and soul of Kinda Krazy Kids & Kompany, a beloved children’s boutique in Westlake that has served as a joyful haven for families. Now, at 80, Benson is preparing to pass the torch to a new owner on May 1st. Her journey began with a leap of faith and blossomed into a cornerstone of the community.

Benson, a former English teacher at O. Henry Middle School with no prior retail experience, opened the store in 2003 after her husband, Joe, lost his job brieﬂy, prompting her to seek a new path. “I had no business plan, didn’t know what a business plan was,” she shared. Spotting a “for lease” sign in the window of a former restaurant space next to Texas Honey Ham, she felt an instant connection. “I pointed at it and said, ‘This is it.’” What followed was a crash course in entrepreneurship. Benson learned the ropes of retail one day at a time, navigating the Dallas market to select clothing, toys, and books that reﬂected her teaching background and passion for children’s development.

“Everything in the store has educational or developmental value,” she said, a principle that has guided her curated selection of smocked dresses, engaging toys, and carefully chosen children’s books.

Kinda Krazy Kids & Kompany became more than a store — it became a “happy place,” as Benson calls it, where children played with the store’s train set and parents found thoughtful gifts, often wrapped with Benson’s signature care. Her love for children shone through in every interaction. “If you came in with a child, I’d probably speak to the child before the adult,” she said.

The store also fostered deep connections. Benson formed a bond with a family whose daughter took Taekwondo nearby and would frequent the store. Benson and her husband Joe adopted the two young girls in the family as their own grandchildren. The elder, Maddy, now 30 and engaged, even joined Benson at the Dallas market, sharing moments that Benson cherishes. With three sons, nine biological grandchildren, and two adopted granddaughters, Benson’s family extends beyond blood ties, a testament to her warmth. Throughout the years of running the store, her loyal dogs remained a ﬁxture. First came Hershey, followed by McCoy, and in recent years, 12-year-old Charlie, all Labrador Retrievers. Each delighted young visitors. “Kids loved them,” she said, recounting the bittersweet loss of Hershey and the adoption of Charlie, named despite a son sharing the same name. “We didn’t change it; as a rescue dog, he’d been through enough,” she shared.

Benson’s impact on Westlake runs deep. Through her donations to Eanes ISD schools, participation in Junior League’s Christmas Aﬀair, and word-of-mouth loyalty, Kinda Krazy Kids & Kompany became a go-to for christening gowns, baby gifts, and trinkets. Long-

A Woman in Business Tribute

time employees, including one who started as a customer 19 years ago, speak to the store’s familial atmosphere. As she prepares to sell the business, a process that began last August, Benson was resolute about ensuring the right buyer. “I want to know who it’s going to,” she said, having turned down brokers to maintain control. She looks forward to the continued success of Kinda Krazy Kids & Kompany, which is soon to be in the hands of a new owner who approached her organically with a desire to purchase the store.

Benson’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: “Be brave and be willing to listen and learn, but don’t be afraid.”

Her daring nature, rooted in a childhood of climbing trees and a lifelong love of Christmas, led to a legacy that will endure in Westlake.

Married to Joe, a banker, for 57 years, Benson looks forward to learning pickleball and spending time with her family. As she steps into this new chapter, Kinda Krazy Kids & Kompany remains a testament to her courage, heart, and unwavering love for children and community.

to make a move

I’m

A Unique Women-Run Oasis for Summer Fun and Memorable Weddings

Situated in the picturesque Texas Hill Country,Camp Balcones Springs has carved out a niche as both a vibrant summer camp and a charming wedding venue, all under the visionary leadership of founder Christine Baskin. Established over 30 years ago, this unique business model reﬂects Christine’s commitment to creating an environment that champions empowerment and community, particularly through the lens of women in leadership.

From its humble beginnings, Christine has built Camp Balcones Springs into a thriving retreat. The property now boasts 46 cozy cabins, a private 10-acre lake, a welcoming dining hall, two pools, and multiple pavilions. Additional features such as herb and vegetable gardens, diverse event spaces, and extensive recreational facilities ensure that both campers and wedding guests enjoy an unforgettable experience.

What truly sets Camp Balcones Springs apart is its dedicated female leadership and staff, who embody the camp’s values of collaboration, creativity, and compassion. Christine has assembled a team that is as committed to the mission of the camp as she is, fostering a supportive environment for campers and clients alike.

Maggie Pickett

Maggie Pickett’s journey with Camp Balcones Springs spans decades—ﬁrst as a camper, then counselor, leadership team member, and now as the Camp Director. Entering her 23rd summer, Maggie’s familiarity with the camp experience fuels her passion for providing children with transformative moments that resonate for a lifetime. Her heartfelt connection to the camp ensures that every detail is carefully considered, making each summer unique for new and returning campers.

Annabelle Baskin

Annabelle Baskin, Christine’s daughter, serves as the onsite mental health therapist during camp season. Formerly a camper and counselor, Annabelle’s journey from camper to therapist was inspired by her time at Camp Balcones Springs. Her role enhances the camp’s emphasis on emotional well-being, ensuring that campers have the resources they need to navigate both challenges and triumphs.

April Baxter

April Baxter oversees the Camp Balcones Springs Horseback Program as the camp’s full-time Equestrian Director. With a background in both English and Western disciplines and years of experience leading horseback programs at camps across Texas, April brings deep knowledge and a nurturing spirit to the barn. Her own journey with horses began as a form of healing, and today she’s passionate about creating that same sense of connection and conﬁdence for campers in the saddle.

Cate Pal-Freeman

Working alongside Maggie is the Girls Camp Director, Cate Pal-Freeman, whose leadership is grounded in a deep joy for working with children and young women.

Her vision is to cultivate a nurturing space where girls can grow in conﬁdence, resilience, and connection. Through this female-focused approach, Cate helps create a community where strength, independence, and friendship are celebrated.

Katie Shinaberry

Katie Shinaberry, another of Christine s daughters, manages the intricate task of scheduling individualized activity itineraries for every child. As one of the only camps that customizes schedules to meet

Courtney

While the strong female presence is a hallmark of the camp, it’s equally important to note the contributions of their male staff, who share the values of compassion, teamwork, and respect. Together, the team creates a balanced and enriching environment that celebrates individuality and collective achievement.

Camp Balcones Springs is more than just a camp; it is a nurturing space that encourages growth, connection, and empowerment. Under Christine Baskin’s leadership and the care of her dedicated female staff, this family-owned business sets a standard for women-run enterprises, showing how passion, vision, and heart can transform a simple idea into a thriving community. Through its unique offerings and leadership, Camp Balcones Springs continues to inspire countless lives, making it a treasured destination for summers and ceremonies alike.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS : THE CORNERSTONE OF OUR LASTING LEGACY

Heritage Title Company prides itself as an industry leader in title and escrow services in Texas and across the country. We recognize that the women behind Heritage Title Company greatly contribute to the success of the company. Two-thirds of excellence. We are honored to celebrate this team of extraordinary women.

Christine Baskin

TRACI TURNQUIST WILSON

Director of Operations, REALTOR, and License Partner

Traci Turnquist Wilson bio: Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Traci is a 5th-generation Austinite. She attended College at Baylor University and received a Business degree with a double major in Marketing and a minor in Real Estate. Following college, Traci worked in the Telecommunications sector in Dallas, Texas, before moving back home to Austin and starting her Real estate career with her family at Turnquist Partners Realtors®. Since 2013, Traci has run the Marketing Department at Engel & Völkers Austin/San Antonio and now oversees the Finance and Operations. In addition, Traci joined her mother, Michele Turnquist, as part of her luxury real estate team. In addition to running a Real Estate business and being a mother of three children, Traci is involved in the organization PACT (Partners Against Child

local neighborhoods and specializes in Sales and Marketing over all the Engel & Völkers Austin & San Antonio properties. Traci understands that to effectively market a home and staying up to date with the market and trends is a must. It is about understanding her client’s needs and expectations and being able to deliver above and beyond. With a global brand behind us, we can bring a higher level of service and expertise compared to other agencies.

KATHRYN SCARBOROUGH

Austin’s Elite 25 Luxury League of Austin

Kathryn Scarborough bio: Austin’s Premier Luxury Real Estate Advisor. With over 23 years of experience and over $1.25 billion in sales, Kathryn Scarborough is a top Realtor® in Austin’s luxury market. Recognized city-wide by the Austin Business Journal and consistently ranked among the best, Kathryn’s expertise has set industry standards. As President of Engel & Völkers Austin since 2015, Kathryn is in the top 1% of Texas Realtors®, holding the DuPont Registry Top Luxury Real Estate

Specialist designation. She’s a distinguished member of Austin’s Elite 25, Luxury League, and the exclusive Private

provide access to Austin’s most coveted properties, including off-market listings. Specializing in waterfront estates, golf course communities, and downtown high-rises, she offers a global reach with unmatched service. For an exceptional real estate experience in Austin’s luxury market, contact Kathryn Scarborough.

ESTILO BOUTIQUE

2727 Exposition Blvd

~ Owned and Operated by Stephanie Coultress O’Neill ~

Stephanie Coultress O’Neill began her professional journey not in fashion, but as a child and family therapist. Guided by empathy and a deep understanding of people, she was drawn to creating spaces that made others feel seen and inspired. That passion laid the foundation for Estilo, which she opened in 2005 in downtown Austin.

After a decade downtown, Stephanie— now a mom—recognized the importance of convenience for busy parents like herself. She relocated Estilo to Tarrytown’s Casis Village and began opening at 8 a.m., perfectly timed between school drop-off and the start of the workday. It was a thoughtful shift that quickly resonated with the community.

Estilo evolved naturally into a one-stop shop for the entire family. In 2020, Stephanie reintroduced menswear with Estilo Men, followed by Estilo Kids in 2023. Each concept had its own storefront, but managing three separate spaces presented challenges. Inspired by the iconic Fred Segal store in L.A., Stephanie dreamed of bringing all three together while preserving their individual character.

That vision came to life this year with the launch of Estilo’s expanded 4,200-squarefoot space, uniting women’s, men’s, and children’s collections under one thoughtfully designed roof. The result is truly unique in Austin. It’s not a department store. It’s not corporate. It’s not part of a generational retail chain. It’s personal—like shopping with your most stylish, fun-loving friends.

Each corner offers a special touch, from a record player and bourbon bar in the men’s area to a nostalgic play table in the kids’ section, saved from the former Over the Rainbow toy store.

Stephanie’s focus has always been on creating a meaningful experience. She loves

curating community, which she does through hosting regular events at the store - from trunk shows with local designers to sip and shops for various charities she supports.

Follow @estilo_austin on Instagram to see what’s coming up. Stephanie is deeply thankful to the West Austin community for its support, and she encourages you to introduce yourself when you visit the store!