WAN 06/23/2022

Gary Clark Jr. Headlines Iconic Paramount Gala

Downtown Austin was flooded with excitement on Saturday, May 14th, for the Paramount Theatre’s 107th Anniversary Gala. The party began at 6 pm under the flashing lights of the Paramount’s iconic marquee; guests were ushered inside for a live auction and an intimate concert with Austin-Native, four-time Grammy winner Gary Clark Jr.

After an unforgettable concert, guests poured out onto the streets, where Congress Avenue was shut down for the festivities. The sold-out crowd dined and danced until early in the morning to the music of one of Texas’ most high-profiled DJs, DJ Mel. The event also featured live music by Eve Monsees & Mike Buck throughout the night. This year’s event was chaired by Kathleen Seiders and

made possible by the efforts of a tireless auction committee and decor team, including Noel Bridges, Debbie Cahoon, Vickie Dunlevy, Lauren Garcia, Ally Maxey, Elena Slaton, Stuart Stahl, Krysta Stauch, and Lauren Warner. Funds from the gala will support the preservation of one of Austin’s oldest theatres and the Paramount’s award-winning education programs.

St. Michael’s Catholic Academy students donate supplies to Joslin Elementary School students

As part of a community Adopt-A-School partnership to encourage summer learning, eight St. Michael’s students from the World Languages Program distributed 250 “Summer Survival Kits” to pre-K through 5th-grade students at Joslin Elementary School containing markers, crayons, colored pencils, watercolor packs, glue sticks, sketch pads, and sidewalk chalk.

Glenn Smith ’24 spearheaded this first donation drive for students and was grateful for the enthusiastic community response.

“Thank you so much for your help and support for schools and families in our

own backyard. It’s my hope that this leads to a long-lasting experience and connection between our schools,” Smith said.

During the coming school year, the volunteers expect to schedule time to read books to Joslin elementary students in English, Spanish, and Mandarin as part of the program and to further develop their own language studies.

Community support also included businesses that donated passes, coupons, and funds: Altitude Trampoline Park, Blazer Tag, Epic Fun Center, Cici’s Pizza, and United Capital Mortgage.

William Talbot, Jack Queralt, Ben Hoang, Richie Morales, Glenn Smith, Maggie Lewis, Ally Packer, Christina Zuniga

Duff Stewart, Robert Ellis, Elizabeth Stewart, Kristin & Alan Berg

Kathleen Seiders (Gala & Auction Chair), Taylor Green, Bryn Williams, Clint & Katie Strait

Atticus

Casey Rowe

Bill & Julianne Brackin

Teri Naiser and Sherrie Colca

Gary Clark Jr.

RACHEL PARKER PHOTOGRAPHY

Grant Schaubhut

Kela

Hunte & Patrick Schramm

PHOTOS BY KEVIN GARNER PHOTOGRAPHY EXCEPT WHERE NOTED

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Gov. Ann Richards

SEPT. 1, 1933 – SEPT. 13, 2006

BY FORREST PREECE

A note about this column: Linda and I took a European trip this month, and I need some time to catch up. For this issue, I decided to run this column I wrote on Ann Richards in 2006.

I interviewed Ann in January and the column ran on Feb. 2.

Shockingly, not long after that, she received her cancer diagnosis. She died in September that year. It was a pleasure to know Ann, from 1977 when she ran for county commissioner, until her final months, and I had an enjoyable time interviewing her.

This column originally ran in West Austin News on Feb. 2, 2006

“Doing good by doing good” is a great saying, and that is the life former Governor Ann Richards is enjoying right now. On a sunny January morning, I’m settling in at a seat in her corner office at Public Strategies, Inc. (PSI) to talk with this outspoken, engaging woman who now serves this firm as a senior advisor.

Ann is stylishly dressed, with a bright silk scarf around her neck. Proud momma that she is, she’s only too willing to say how well her offspring are doing. Daughter Cecile is the incoming national CEO of Planned Parenthood and is moving to New York City to accept that post. “I’m very excited about that,” Ann says. Her daughter Ellen, who is a social worker with an LBJ School degree, works at Travis County and the new Hospital District Board.

Both her sons are doing well as lawyers. Clark is presently at Texas Wesleyan’s School of Law as a visiting associate professor teaching Contracts. And Dan is a partner with the law firm Hilgers, Bell and Richards.

“I’ve got seven

grandchildren and they are all wonderful,” Ann says. By the way, Lily, who was made famous in a speech to the Democratic National Convention, entered Brandeis this past fall.

On the 25th of January, Ann will have left for India with her friend Karen Kuykendall and some other people from around the country. She took a course on India last summer and now wants to see the country firsthand. “It’s hard to separate India and China as emerging economies, but they are so different in terms of governments and stability.”

DESIGNING THE RIGHT STRATEGIES

As for her professional life, Ann says that she is grateful to Jack Martin for the

experience she has had at PSI. “The people I’ve met are truly fascinating.” For instance, they represent Martha Stewart. Ann has worked on that account for some time. “What a great person she is and what an institution she has built.” She adds that one reason PSI does such a good job for its clients is that almost all of its executives have been in politics, and they know the impact that the public sector has on business.

When she opened the Public Strategies New York branch, it generated a lot of publicity. But now, she’s settled back in Austin. “Trying to live in two different places was just too schizophrenic,” Ann says. She would be there ten days and run around like crazy, then she’d come down here and do the same thing. “I had no roots anymore. But I still go back to New York every other week or so.”

OPENING THE GATES

One project in New York City that Ann was involved with last year was The Gates art event – the Christo concept located in Central Park. The construction interested her the most. To look at them, you would think that the gates were constructed as a unit. But each one had to be assembled individually to make sure that it was level for the terrain. The bases weighed 600-800 pounds each and all told there were 7500 of them. Ann says that the main tools she used were wrenches and levels. She was one of 700 workers. She adds that one of the biggest challenges was the parceling out of parts—since there were different sizes of gates over twenty-three miles, that meant getting the right parts in the right places was crucial. Ann says that the crowning touch was when the saffron-colored fabric sheets were unfurled in a domino effect and the world marveled at it all.

She is still tickled about a woman with a small dog who came up to her while she was working on a unit. The lady asked if the fabric on The Gates would make much noise, because she was afraid that her dog would be bothered. They were, of course, a stone’s throw from Fifth Avenue, where the sidewalks are a sea of people, and the street is full of cabbies and delivery truckers who honk and yell at each other all day long.

Two things about The Gates—as with all Christo projects, after they were gone, there was no evidence that they had been there. And all the materials were recycled. “They had serious offers to buy some of them intact, but those were turned down.”

PRACTICAL IDEAS

Last fall, Ann taught a class called “Leadership, Women and Life” at The University of Texas. She says, “I had twenty-five young women in the class. They were chosen by deans of various schools. Many of them had no idea what their income might be or the benefits they could receive if they progressed in their chosen professions.” Her main assignment for them was to conduct an interview with someone doing a job they thought they wanted to do and learn the practical sides. Then they had to report back to the class.

Ann adds that she asked some of her “smart friends” to give talks. Paul Williams spoke on financial independence and how to get there. Barbara Miller talked about presenting yourself. Jody Conradt talked about team play and how to be a leader. Other outstanding women like Martha Smiley, Cathy Bonner, Betty Sue Flowers, Judith Guthrie, Sarah Weddington and Ellen Temple discussed significant decisions in their lives. And all of them answered a host of questions from the young women.

“I may do that again,” Ann says. This whole thing sprang from a discussion she had about the possibility of an academic chair being endowed in her name. She thought about it and decided that she would rather find out firsthand from some top-flight young women who were attending UT just what it is that they want to learn.

Ann says that she had lunch twice with them and it came through loud and clear—they want to know about true life matters and concerns. “And you know, the media would have you believe that this generation is uncaring. That’s just not so. These young people are smart, energetic, and eager to be good community participants.” In fact, most of the young women in this group had a serious altruistic bent. “I’m trying to keep up my side of the equation by helping them do what they wanted to accomplish.”

She adds, “I’ve had a great life. I feel so fortunate to have had so many amazing experiences. If I had to sum up my philosophy that I tell young people, it would be that the answer is ‘yes.’ You should never turn down an opportunity to learn something new. You have to be in a position to say yes, of course. But all kinds of things open up when you take that stance.”

Former Texas Governor Ann Richards.

The Church at Highland Park turns 70

By Alana Moehring Mallard

The Church at Highland Park celebrated its 70th birthday with a gathering after worship on May 1 with food and friends and reminisces. The event also honored eleven 50-year members who were inducted into Highland Park’s Golden Circle: LaNell Coltharp, Mary Ellen Sullivan, Jeff Brower, Herb and Judy Wilson, Susan Magee, Teresa Nuckols, Edna Nation, Chuck and Marty Roberts, and Dee Dee Wilson.

“We had such a great time,” said pastor Cheryl Hill Kimble. “So many friends came, and we told stories and visited. It was a wonderful time remembering our church history and honoring our newest 50-year members.”

On Easter Sunday in 1952, then Highland Park Baptist Church began meeting at Camp Mabry’s Armory and later at Highland Park Elementary School. The Highland Park Baptist Church building on Balcones was completed in 1956, then almost on the outskirts of Austin. Highland Park Baptist Church became The Church at Highland Park in 2020 to reflect

its interdenominational congregation and community.

Earlier 50-year members include Kathleen Miller (Perry), Joyce Skinner, John and Carolyn Miller, Laura Johnson, Bettie and David Porter, Rick Hidell, Janie

Patterson, Jack Dillard, Debbie Teague, Don and Becky Dillard, Dottie Denton, Lorene Denney, Steve Skinner, Jim Schwertner, Judy Latimer, Robert Miller, Mike Miller, Cindy Brower, Rob Reid, Don Paul, and Dennis Denton.

Travis County Medical Alliance Party With a Purpose: Palm Springs Cool

For the first time in two years, members of the Travis County Medical Alliance, physician spouses, sponsors and guests were able to gather to celebrate the family of medicine and raise money for seven welldeserving non-profits at its annual gala, Party With a Purpose.

The stars aligned on April 2 as COVID pandemic numbers decreased and cool, clear weather prevailed, allowing for an in-person event at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Richard Ruckman. Co-chaired by Julie Cowan and Christina Fenrich, this year’s event, Palm Springs Cool, encouraged guests to dress “Frank Sinatra suave to The Monkees groovy.” Food included a creative menu of “faux international cuisine” by Austin Catering and Fighting 69th Irish Whiskey offered a whiskey tasting and the central ingredient for the

night’s signature cocktail –the whiskey mai tai!

Sponsorships, direct donations and a fabulous raffle raised $53,000 for grants to Austin Black Physicians Association, half Helen, Hope Clinic, NAMI of Central Texas, St. Louise House, TCMS Foundation Physician Wellness Program and Volunteer Healthcare Clinic. The Alliance’s own service projects, along with grants to these welldeserving organizations, support the Alliance’s mission to work for a healthier central Texas.

Several representatives from the medical/hospital community, including David Huffstutler of St. David’s HealthCare, Andy Davis of Ascension Texas, and Jay Fox of Baylor Scott & White Health of the Greater Austin Region, offered videos of gratitude to Travis County physicians who have worked

tirelessly throughout the pandemic to keep our community healthy and safe.

Leading up to the event, Alliance members received throwback reminders of the '60s. Taste of Home website reported that “1960s food reflects the influence of Julia Child, faux-international cuisine and lots of fondue.”

In 1967, the “Summer of Love” unofficially began with a “Human Be-In” involving tens of thousands of young people at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. Clothing trends of the ‘60s include shift dresses, mini skirts, patterned tights, knee-high boots, and bell bottoms. And not to be forgotten, it was the ’60s when the iconic Little Debbie desserts were introduced to American lunch boxes in the form of Oatmeal Cream Pies, Nutty Buddy Wafer Bars and Swiss Cake Rolls. Yes, they were the party favors that evening!

Herb and Judy Wilson, Cheryl Kimble

PHOTOS THE CHURCH

HIGHLAND PARK

LaNell Coltharp, Cheryl Kimble Susan Magee, Cheryl Kimble

Mary Ellen Sullivan, Dottie Denton

Deneitra Hutchison, hostess Inga Ruckman, and Renee Stanley pose with members of the RAT PACK!

TCMA & Foundation President Jenny Stern, PWAP Co-chair Julie Cowan, PWAP Co-chair Christina Fenrich

Nima Esfandiari,

Fiona Esfandiari,

Rob Cowan

Cindy

Norris

ARF Gala Raises Over $1 Million for Life-Changing Out of School Programs

On Saturday, April 9th, generous community members from Austin and beyond came together at the Andy Roddick Foundation’s 2022 Gala, helping raise over 1 million dollars to support the Foundation’s life-changing out-of-school programs. Guests enjoyed a fun cocktail reception, elegant dinner, live auction, and an incredible concert by Grammy AwardWinning Soul Singer and Songwriter Leon Bridges.

The star-studded evening was co-chaired by power-couple Tiffany and Leon Chen, Founders of Tiff’s Treats. World-famous tennis player and ARF founder Andy Roddick and his wife Brooklyn Decker Roddick were, of course, also in attendance.

Andy Roddick founded the Andy Roddick Foundation 22 years ago, at the age of 18, with the goal of developing and inspiring underserved

youth through sports-based mentoring. Andy was inspired by his own experience of picking up a tennis racket at the age of 9 and realizing what he was born to do, and he wanted to give more children the opportunity to discover their passions.

Twenty-two years later, ARF has invested more than $30 million across Central Texas to transform students, their families, and their communities.

Brooklyn Decker with Lug Bag and Andy Roddick

Dirk Nowitzki with Leon Bridges Guitar and Alex Davis

Andy Roddick Emceeing

Catherine, Jonathan and Kristii

Heather Sullivan, Andy Roddick, and Sherri West

Dominique Newland

Tiffany and Leon Chen, Brooklyn and Andy Roddick, and Leon Bridges

Kim Smith and Alex Choice

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL CHARLES, THE MILL PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO, COURTESY OF ARF

Co-Chairs Leon and Tiffany Chen

Andy Roddick, Tiffany Chen, Lisa Fritsch, Dirk Nowitzki, Brooklyn Decker, Leon Chen, and Alex Davis

Andy Roddick, Jaime Garcia, and Brooklyn Decker Roddick

ARF President and CEO Jaime Garcia with Joe Garcia

By Forrest Preece

Forgive

Laura Labay if she is frazzled these days. Laura’s parents, Lambert and Kathleen Labay, own Nau’s Enfield Drug, the iconic business at 1115 West Lynn, in operation there since 1951. They do not own the building where it is located. Her parents have health issues, and it has been left to Laura to keep the store running. Many rumors about Nau’s have been floating around West Austin and I decided to interview her and find out the real story.

Just a bit of history — Nau’s was started in 1936 by Hilton and Ladner Nau. Before opening the store on West Lynn, they had several other locations throughout Austin. Laura’s parents purchased the Nau’s business in 1971 and ran it successfully for decades, including the soda fountain/café which served as a neighborhood meeting spot.

Currently, the building is up for sale and Nau’s is stuck in a tenuous situation. In 2019, the air conditioner in the building failed and was beyond repair. The Labays had been replacing parts to keep it going for many decades. “Due to technological changes and environmental requirements, replacing the entire system was the only alternative,”

Laura says.

Because of the enormity of the required repairs, after decades, the owners of the building made the decision to replace the system out of their own pocket versus the Labays doing it, since at that time many factors had started

to affect the viability of Nau’s being able to remain in the space.

During the installation, old equipment had to be removed. Unfortunately, that process resulted in the compressors and the soda fountain equipment being permanently damaged. Nau’s then tried to make repairs, but hit hurdles beyond their control. Since the Labays did not own the building, their hands were tied, and they could not perform the extensive needed repairs — and the building is still in its original state from 1951. They turned to individual craftsmen, refrigeration technicians, welders, and plumbers for assistance. They even reached out to American Soda Fountain Company in Chicago.

During this time the cafe was shut down and despite all of their efforts, they were not able to re-open it. Nau’s even purchased a newer version of the soda fountain and found a shipper to bring it to Texas, but it is just sitting in storage.

Then came COVID-19, the loss of most of the store’s foot traffic, and crushing supply chain issues. The soda fountain being shuttered resulted in the loss of over 85%

of their business — walk-in traffic has evaporated. Today Nau’s is still going, but monthto-month.

“Nau’s business is vital to the neighborhood, and we would love nothing more than to have the opportunity to rebuild our namesake and have an opportunity to purchase the building,” Laura says. “The pharmacy is still fully operating, and we are trying to keep merchandise on the shelves and make ends meet.

Nau’s is my family life’s work — and one of my faults is that I don’t give up.”

Laura says that at this point she has three choices. She can hang on and hope that whoever buys the building will let them stay and regroup. Or she can try to assemble some investors who would put in a bid to buy the building, then find enough money to make all the repairs and reopen the cafe. Third, she can try and move the pharmacy by itself somewhere else, but in this

market, trying to find a small space for such a purpose is a nightmare. As she points out, she does not have expertise with commercial real estate and there is not much time left to formulate a plan of action, especially since she is virtually

running the store by herself.

(On top of everything else, in order to make rent, Laura has not drawn a paycheck in months now.)

“This store and the relationships with our pharmacy customers represent

my dad’s life work,” Laura says. “I want everyone to know that we would love to stay in this historic space. We would like to work with a group for financing and find someone to assist with the legalities, so we can remain independent.”

St. Michael’s seniors sign for college sports

Family, friends, staff, and students gathered in the Gloria Delgado Theatre to celebrate Spring Signing Day for five St. Michael’s Catholic Academy seniors advancing to collegiate sports.

“This is a proud day for the St. Michael’s athletic community. Only seven percent of high school athletes continue to play in college, and today, you join their ranks,” Athletic Director Jeff Dicus said. “Your hard work and dedication have paid off, and today, we honor your accomplishments as you commit to the next chapter of your athletic journeys.”

These student-athletes join 11 others who were honored in the fall:

▲ Molly Van Ackeren, Track, Trinity University

▲ Kennedy Hill, Soccer, Valparaiso University

▲ Audrey Griffith, Basketball, Rhodes College

▲ Drew Tufto, Football, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

DO NOT FEEL TIED DOWN BY ANY CHOICE YOU MAKE. YOU CAN ALWAYS CHANGE YOUR MIND, AND EVERY DECISION WILL LEAD TO GROWTH, REGARDLESS OF THE OUTCOME.”

—AUDREY GRIFFITH, SENIOR

▲ Nicholas Villela, Football, Whittier College

Senior Audrey Griffith

is grateful to St. Michael’s coaches and staff for their guidance during her four years of high school.

“St. Michaels offered me a lot of great resources during my decision-making process, especially Ms. Hudson and Ms. Gavin. The faculty and staff care about you and your future and will do everything they can to set you up,” Griffith said.

Griffith went on to offer some advice to those who will follow her.

“Do not feel tied down by any choice you make. You can always change your mind, and every decision will lead to growth, regardless of the outcome.”

St. Michael’s competes in the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools and offers 13 men’s and women’s sports to students. In its 38-year history, the school has won 37 state championships and has sent more than 110 athletes to play at the college level.

Drew Tufto, Audrey Griffith, Kennedy Hill, Nicholas Villela, Molly Van Ackeren